Lost and Found (Jirose)

The Return

1 month later

He stood in front of the door, his mind running all over the rehearsed sentences he was supposed to say once he knocked and announced his return.

Maybe things like 'Hello, I've returned, sorry I made you all worry' or 'I'm going to fix everything'.

They sounded too flippant and nonchalant, truth be told, however, it was a start. But his mind kept stuttering and stumbling, blanking out as soon as he imagined the shock and revulsion he would be greeted with.

Once he knocked, his road to redemption would have truly started and there was no backing out, no matter how painful, no matter the storm of insults he was expecting, no matter the rejection.

Jimin took a deep breath, glancing back at the people waiting behind him in silence. He gave them a reassuring nod before turning again to the door and raising a fist.

No turning back, no more running.

You want to set things right? Rip off the band-aid in one go.

Jimin knocked three times, firmly, sternly-as though a reprimand for his wavering conscience.

For one moment of weakness, he prayed that nobody was home but it was wishful thinking-he had prepared meticulously for today, made sure that the players were all available.

Footsteps sounded behind the door, pausing. Jimin closed his eyes, assuming that the owner was peeking from the peep-hole.

He heard a gasp, and then the door flung open to reveal a flabbergasted Jennie Kim.

"Ji-Jimin?!"

He raised his hand. "Hello," he said weakly.

SLAP!

He reeled, holding his face and blinking, dazed.

"HOW DARE YOU!" Jennie screamed. "You disappear for MONTHS and then you show up and say hello? Go to EFFING hell Park Jimin!"

"Honey? What's going on?" Yoongi appeared in the doorway, his normally squinting eyes widening upon seeing Jimin. "Chim?"

"You have no idea the torture you put Chaeyoung through!" Jennie shouted as Jimin threw his arms up to shield himself from the angry woman's assault.

"You're so selfish! You broke her heart, and you don't effing care! Get out of my sight I don't want to...ever...see you.... again...."

Jimin straightened up and lowered his arms, realising Jennie had finally spotted the two nervous people standing to the side, waiting to be noticed.

Jennie had turned into a statue, her eyes wide and her mouth hanging open.

Jimin grabbed the opportunity to explain himself while she was still under shock.

"Jen, I have my reasons and I know it wasn't the best timing to just take off. But I'm going to fix everything now, I promise."

He turned to introduce the man and woman behind him. "I uh.... your parents. They're alive Jen, they had been in hiding and I-"

"No," Jennie whimpered, covering her mouth. She shook her head and blinked furiously, her eyes filling. "You're dead. The police found poison in the office. You're dead, you're gone.....you..."

"I know it's a lot to take in but we're here now," said the woman gently. She had Jennie's cat-like features but her hair was shot with silver. Her eyes were swimming in tears. "Me and Daddy missed you so so so much, baby girl."

"Your mother's right," put in her husband, standing close to his wife. "No more running or hiding. We're back for good. Everything's going to be okay." He nodded at Jimin. "Mr Park told us a bit about the hardships you suffered, but you were so brave...we're incredibly proud of you Jennie..."