Heart of Winter [Jikook]

Ch. 3

Jungkook was first struck by the . . . diversity of the area.

Half the downstairs was lined with floor-to-ceiling mirrors, anchored by wood panels neatly tiling the floor. Almost a dozen dancers and two videographers moved in unison across the space. Each un-mirrored wall presented a new interest, and when juxtaposed, proved unpredictable and intriguing.

First, just left or beside the crowded dance floor was a large rack filled with shoes – ballet, tap, slippers, boots – likely for any performers welcome. Above the shelves were certificates and small photos which were difficult to discern from this distance. Beginning on the left side of the house, an unmistakable section for awards and honors, but a framed piece of paper under a small spotlight in the middle of the fray seemed the pride and joy. Next, there was well-worn Kendo gear, complete with armor and various swords, some bamboo and others oak. Closest to the foyer where Jungkook now stood, there was a wall of decorative fans, some smaller hand fans in vibrant reds and oranges while others were long, ornate fans with their deep blue silk folds tucked into frames.

To the right, directly opposite the fan wall and farthest away from the flurry of the dance floor was a whole corner of board games, balls and plushies, organized neatly on shelves but for a scattered puzzle half-finished on a small table. Lastly, on each end table was set a small vase of yellow flowers, complementing the larger arrangement at the center of this frenzied home. That was the key word. From the outside, most would see just another mansion - cold, modern and expensive. But for Jungkook, it became clear this was not just a sleek mansion or an expansive property or a show house but a very personalized space. Eccentric, yes, but foremost, a warm, lived-in home whose inhabitants filled it with purpose.

Walking briskly past Jungkook, Manager Ma sped towards a figure pacing intently in front of the now-relaxing dancers.

"Jimin-ah? You have an appoint-"

"One moment. Please send the video to Yongseok-hyung for his feedback," the figure stated to the cameraman.

"Jimin-ah?"

"Ajumma? Do you think the ending could've been stronger?"

"It's terrific. Jeon Jungkook is here."

"Who's here?"

"The bodyguard."

Catching Jungkook's impatient gaze, Manager Ma gestured for him to come forward.

Jimin let out a sigh then turned to greet his visitor. "Why do I need another body-," started Jimin.

The bodyguard was not what Jimin had imagined. At all. Jeon Jungkook stood only a few centimeters taller than him but with decidedly different proportions. Clad in a dark suit and tie - truly the universal uniform of bodyguards - Jungkook was not the towering mass of his current security Jung-hoon. Instead, he had a wide chest balanced by a trim torso and an unmistakably thick pair of thighs and calves. Even beneath that undistinguished suit, one could not ignore a sense of strength, capability, and power exuding from his figure and stance. This made his face even more confounding to Jimin. Jungkook's short dark hair was swooped upward and to the side, revealing tense brows and round chocolate brown eyes. If not for their serious gaze, Jimin would say they looked innocent, even doe-like. And the mouth . . .

"-guard. Jungkook-hyung, I believe you have business with Manager Ma."

No photograph in his intelligence gathering had even sketched Park Jimin. 173 centimeters. Little more than a lightweight but even that was deceiving, Jungkook thought. Dancing for over a decade professionally in addition to the worn Kendo gear on the wall meant Jimin was not a man to be physically underestimated. Despite the chill outside, he was barefoot and wearing loose white pants, leading upward to a warm, sand-colored sweater with one sleeve falling precariously off his shoulder. But his face would be the focal point of any photo or any crowd, wherever he went. Jimin's hair was a soft golden blonde while his eyes were a muted grey. 'How could grey look so . . . alive,' he wondered. However, the pink lips . . .

"Actually, I am younger than you, so no -hyung is necessary. I go by either Mr. Jeon, an American custom. Or JK. And I believe I have business with you . . . Mr. Park."

Glossary –

1. Kendo: Traditional Japanese martial art with focus on swordsmanship (kenjutsu) and martial-arts discipline, utilizing bamboo swords (shinai) and armor (bōgu).

2. [Name]-ah: Honorific used between people who are familiar with one another, usually someone older referring to someone younger. Not gender specific.

3. Ajumma: Term or honorific referring to a middle-aged or married woman, can be translated to "aunt" but does not automatically mean a family relation.

4. Hyung or [Name]-hyung: Honorific used by a younger male to refer to an older male, whether a family relation or not.