JiMina Collection

More Than Gold ~ Part 19

     Mina fiddled with the cylindrical object in her hands and listened to the faint tinkling of coins within it. She ran her fingers wistfully over the rusted tin cup she had placed by her bedside the very night she had first come to the castle. It spoke tales of her struggles. For years, she had tried to save up enough money to fund her travels. She hoped to help the children who were just like she had once been. For the past two weeks, Mina had been surrounded by the greatest wealth in all the kingdom. If she wanted such a thing, a life in a castle like this would be worry free. No more scavenging for scraps and spare change on the streets. No more grovelling for work only to be paid a couple cents at the end of the day. 

      However, there were many more like her who had no choice but to fend for themselves. She could never rest while that continued to happen. After the month was up, she would travel far from here and try to educate the children born without privilege and give strength to those who were shunned by society. Mina would leave all she had ever known to pursue this dream; she had been sure of this all her life. 

     And yet there was now one thing that tugged at her resolve. 

     Jimin.

     The friend she would miss dearly when she left. He had been the first person she had ever opened up to. All her life she had kept to herself for her own safety. Mina remained detached and distant from everyone she met. But with him, she was an open book. She never knew it could feel so nice to just let go. What she did know was that it could never last. He had a kingdom to rule and she had a goal to fulfill. After the month was over, they would never see each other again.

     The very thought filled her with sadness. Mina always had such a wonderful time with him. Her eyes travelled to the ballgown hanging in front of her dresser, bearing record of the previous night. It seemed almost magical to be able to dance in the grandest ballroom she will ever see with the best friend she's ever had. 

     There it was again. Jimin would always be a reminder of the friendship she once had. Mina vaguely wondered if she would be able to visit in the future, years after travelling from kingdom to kingdom. Would he still remember her?

     A sharp knock at her door made her lose her focus. With a sigh, Mina put down the worn cup of coins and answered the door. "Come in!"

     A blur of a person tumbled in and quickly slammed the door shut behind them.

"Jimin?" Mina asked.

"Sorry," He brushed himself off. "I had to make sure no one would see me. Close call."

"No problem." Mina smiled. "So, what brings you here?"

"Nothing, I just-" Jimin froze. "I-I wanted to spend some time with you."

     Mina took his cloak and absent-mindedly hung it over a chair. "I was wondering if I should go to see you, but I suppose this works out just fine, doesn't it?"

"Y-Yeah."

   Mina noticed the nervous pallor of Jimin's face. She reached forward to place her hand on his forehead. "Are you feeling okay?"

     Immediately, his pale face flooded with pink and Jimin backed up. "I-I'm fine."

"You sure?"

"Yeah," he cleared his throat. "So, what have you been up to?"

 "Oh, nothing much." Mina walked to the window and stared off into the distance. "Just thinking about how things are in the village."

"Do you miss it?" Jimin joined her at the window.

"I don't know." Mina sighed. "I suppose I'll never miss the uncleanliness and some of the people there. But I do miss being out in the open."