txt imagines ♡

➳ [I] Yeonjun

The pitter patter of the rain was the only sound audible in the small bookstore where I was currently suppose to be studying and working at. Instead I had chosen to look around for something interesting to read. The smell of books and coffee filled the air with the warmth of the heaters. Out of all the places in the city this was without a doubt my favourite place and it also helped that there weren't that many people.

I slowly paced down the rows of shelves stacked with never ending amounts of books whilst my fingers brushed against the edges as I passed. Until eventually I reached a stop and grabbed one -  'little women'. A classic by none other than Jane Austin. I had heard so much about this novel, mostly good reviews and was eager to check it out.

I was so distracted reading the blurb as I headed back to my little corner that I bumped into someone causing us both to tumble to the ground.
"Oh my gosh I'm so sorry." I blurted out.
"It's ok I wasn't looking where I was going." A male voice replied as he helped me up with an outstretched hand.

~ yeonjun's pov ~

I reached my hand out to help the girl and it was only when we came face to face I noticed how pretty she was. With chocolate brown skin, long curly black hair and warm almond eyes that instantly drew you in. My thoughts were caught short when she cleared her throat.

"You can let go now."
"Oh yeah. I'm sorry by the way." I dropped her hand as I scratched the back of my neck out of embarrassment. Luckily I was wearing a face mask so my flushed cheeks were hidden.
"Don't worry about it and plus we both weren't quite aware of where we were going." She let out a small laugh. Even her laugh was perfect.

I watched as she walked pass me and towards the other end of the bookstore. Picking up my book choice I soon followed. She stood behind the till with a bunch of books and a laptop laid out in front of her.

"Can I help?" Once again her voice interrupted my thoughts.
"Yeah could I get your number?" I asked.
"Wow you're confident." She smirked whilst typing away.
"I guess you could say that but it doesn't help when you're so beautiful." I replied with my own smirk plastered on my face.
"You think I'm beautiful?" she quickly glanced up.
"I think you're more than beautiful.....you're perfect." Muttering the last part to myself but I guess she heard since her smile grew even bigger.

"Well that's definitely a surprise...I've never really been called beautiful so I'm just quite taken aback."
I stared at her questionably, trying to process what she had just said.
"You're not serious. How's that even possible."
"Well when you grow up in a place in the world where people who look like me are the minority, you tend to cause a fuss over your difference." She pointed to her face but I knew she was talking about her skin colour.
"I've never understand that. How people can judge others for their difference in race."
"I don't want to come off as someone who generalises a whole group of people from a few experiences but when you've grown up your whole life being told that you're pretty for a black girl, it caught me off guard to here someone give such a compliment without that reference." She smiled, a sad smile.

"Anyway are you gonna by that book or just hold on to it?" Her smile automatically resurfaced as if she completely forgot about what she had just mentioned.
"Uh yeah."

I paid for the book and as I was leaving the store she handed me a folded piece of paper. I didn't open it till I got home to my shared dorm with my band members but instantly decided to do something that I thought needed to be done first.

Opening up our groups Instagram I posted a picture of the book I had bought but it was the caption that held the importance of the post:

Today I just so happened to meet someone who has inspired me to write this message. No matter how someone looks whether that be race or colour of their skin everyone deserves to be told they're beautiful and in a world where there are many different beauty standards it's understandable that in your own community one level of beauty may be viewed more highly but that doesn't allow you to comment on ones appearance and refer to it as a way to indirectly be disrespectful and rude. I just wanted to come on here and share this as I was disappointed to find out today that many live in shame of accepting their beauty because of other people's views. Understand and educate yourself on what you're commenting on before doing so.

I shared the post before lying face front on the sofa and opening the piece of paper: my name is Y/N btw and this is my number ***. I hope will meet again and thanks for the supportive words today.

I smiled, a genuinely happy smile.

♡

OMG! Hi everyone. I haven't been on here for a hot minute. But I'm back. If you're up to date with what's happening in the world currently you would know that an African American man in Minneapolis tragically got killed by a member of the police force back in May. This isn't the first (and definitely not the last) incident where police brutality against black people not just in America but the rest of the world has occurred. So many other innocent and unarmed civilians have lost their lives due to the racially injustice system installed in our society. This has led to the largest ever civil movement in history with millions across the world protesting against the injustice towards black people and POC (people of colour).

That was my main focus for this chapter and tried to bring a positive light on this issue. As a black person myself and dealing with racism first hand, being black is beautiful and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. You're wanted and I'm sorry for all of you who just like me have suffered physical and verbal abuse just because of the colour of your skin. I know an apology is not enough and that is what through this movement we want to bring about - change for not only ourselves but future generations too.

I know some of you will be thinking and wanting to comment all lives matter but think to yourself, how can all lives matter if certain groups of people are being treated differently because of something they're unable to control. No one is saying only black lives matter we're just trying to be heard and bring awareness and change the ways in which the world we live in works. All lives will matter once black lives matter too. Therefore if you strongly disagree with my opinion and views please stop reading my book as I will not tolerate any ignorance towards myself and the black community.

Lastly if you want to help out and get involved don't think that you only have to go to protests but you can donate, sign petitions and even raise awareness through educating others who are misinformed on this important topic.

#BlackLivesMatter not just today but tomorrow and every other day. ✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿❤️