Winter In My Heart (Jikook/Kookmin)

15

Weirdo:
Cutie, my friend needs your help. He wants to charge his camera battery.

Jimin read the text sent by Mingyu, a slight frown crossing his face. He was no longer working as Mingyu's secretary; he had returned to his original job as a receptionist. Still, when Mingyu called, it was hard for him to refuse.

“What time will he get here?” Jimin typed back, glancing at the clock. His shift was technically over, and he was eager to go back to the dorm and rest.

“Go home, Jimin. I’ll wait for Mr. Kim’s friend,” Seulgi offered, sensing Jimin’s fatigue. She had seen him yawn multiple times during their shift.

“Thank you, Seulgi. You’re really the best!” Jimin exclaimed, throwing his arms around his best friend in a grateful hug. Seulgi had always been there to support him, especially when he was in trouble.

As Jimin stepped out of the hotel lobby, Mingyu's friend arrived at the counter.

“Good morning, sir! How can I help you today?” Seulgi greeted the guest with a warm smile.

“I’m looking for Mr. Kim’s cutie,” he said, his tone light but curious.

Yes, Mr. Kim’s cutie. That was the nickname Jimin had received from Mingyu, and by now, most of the hotel staff were familiar with it. Reactions varied; some found it amusing, while others thought it was strange.

“You’re Mr. Kim’s friend?” Seulgi asked, trying to gauge the man’s demeanor.

“Aaah, yes... and you’re Mr. Kim’s cutie?” he replied, a slight cringe evident in his expression as he repeated the nickname. Mingyu had neglected to tell him the real name of the person he needed to meet, saying only to look for Mr. Kim’s cutie—everyone would know.

“Oh, no, no, no. I’m Seulgi, Mr. Kim’s cutie’s best friend. His shift is over. He’s been waiting for you for an hour,” she explained, gesturing toward the lobby door.

“I have things to do,” the man replied, a hint of impatience creeping into his voice.

“It’s okay. What can I help you with?” Seulgi asked, her smile unwavering.

Mingyu's friend handed over the battery for charging. “Can I get Mr. Kim’s cutie’s number?”

Seulgi raised an eyebrow, intrigued. Why did this handsome man want Jimin's phone number?

“Don’t get me wrong. I just want to apologize. I made him wait for me,” he clarified, his tone earnest.

Seulgi quickly scribbled Jimin’s number on a piece of paper and handed it to the man in front of her. “If possible, don’t contact him right now. I think he’s sleeping. After all, he wouldn’t hear the phone ring; he sleeps like a dead man.”

The man laughed at Seulgi’s playful jab at her friend. He could relate to the struggle of waking someone who had a hard time getting out of bed.

“Okay. I’ll make sure to call him tomorrow,” he said, tucking the paper into his pocket before turning to leave.

As he stepped out of the hotel, he took in the familiar surroundings, feeling a mix of nostalgia and anticipation as he headed toward his old mansion for the first time in years.