Young, Wild, and In Love

2

Jimin

Busan, 2012

I was sent out to collect the mail that had arrived in the mailbox. I had intentionally left five minutes earlier to check on the mail, instead of after finishing my homework, because the case itself was too exciting. It was the day I would find out if I got excepted to the dance school I had always dreamed of.

I lived with my older brother Yong-sun. He was more "talented" and much more intelligent, he was tall and muscular, and all the girls in the neighborhood adored him. My parents described him as the "perfect son" because he loved his parents and was serious about his work. And then they called me "Dreamer Chim." I was motivated and strive in the only thing I was passionate about. Dance. Every move every step contributed to my life. I felt proud to have registered to the dance school, but that happened after lots of hard work, and also after begging my parents.

"Look at your brother, Jimin, he is so serious about his work. One day he will become a great man." My father said one day as we sat at dinner. The clanging to plates, the muffling sounds, and slurping of the soups became background noise.

"But... papa... I am a good dancer. In fact, one of the best in school! And trust me, when it comes to something I am passionate about, I am very dedicated." I said to my parents, trying to sound as convincing as possible. My father and brother just looked at me and then hesitated.

"Dancing will get you nowhere." Mother said, she brought some noodles from the kitchen, she placed the bowls in front of us, and we began to eat without chopsticks. My brother was hesitant about saying something, but he never came to say it. He only clearly did say something after dinner. We were wiping out mouths with napkins when Yong-sun said:

"I think. We should give Jimin a chance. I mean...it's the only thing he dreams about." Yong-sun seemed pretty serious in what he said. Yong-sun didn't talk much, his forehead was scrunched and he had a sturdy posture. Whatever Yong-sun said was something engraved in stone, something that would leave a mark in your heart. Yong-sun was only 18 years old, but his voice was as deep as my fathers. My mother used to comment on Young-sun's manly features. Mother said that she was lucky to have a son like him, one whom girls die for.

The letter was in my hands, it had a stamp on it and seemed very professional. My eyes were scanning it all about in delight. I ripped it open and pulled out the letter.

"MAMA! PAPA!" My screams echoed through the house, my parents seemed startled. "I got accepted!!!" I screamed loud enough for the entire neighborhood to hear. I hugged my parents tight enough for the air to rush out of them.

"Ok, Ok! I am proud of you, my son." Mother said, hugging me, that grasp meant that she really meant it. I didn't know if I wanted to cry or to scream on top of my lungs.

"Wait... Mama, I'm going right?" I asked, my excitement settling down, to a serious tone.

"I am not sure. Ask your father." Mother answered, as she turned to find my father. I walked up to him, the smile still on my face.

"Papa..."

"You can go Park Jimin," Father said, he turned to me as if he knew I was coming in the first place. I wanted to jump, throw a party, but, I kept calm. "When?" I asked.

"When you need to go," Father replied, he sat down on the sofa and turned on the T.V.

"In a few weeks, I suppose," I said, walking back to my room.