JiMina Collection

More Than Gold ~ Part 24

     Jimin had to work to draw air into his lungs. A shy smile adorning her soft features, Mina tip-toed into the garden and closed the door behind her. As her eyes fell upon the scene before her, she let out a small gasp. "Jimin, you didn't have to-"

"I wanted to," Jimin finally found his voice, beckoning for her to sit down beside him. "I, uh-" He gestured at the items laid out in front of them. "I made these for you."

     His heart leapt into to his throat as she pored over his gifts. Would she like them? "I know they aren't that great and you could've done a better job, but-"

"No," Mina's supple voice rang out. She placed a hand on his arm. "I lov- like it. I like- I... I-I appreciate it." She grew red.

     In an attempt to break the awkward silence, Jimin tried to show her the bouquet up close. Instead, the ribbon unraveled, accidentally sending flowers falling loosely around the both of them. It only led to even more silence, in which it was too hard to not concentrate on how close they were sitting, yet not exchanging a word like they used to.

     Eventually, Jimin smiled sadly. "We're a disaster, aren't we?"

Mina peeked shyly up at him through her eyelashes. She let out a small, embarrassed giggle. "Yeah, I guess so."

     Jimin leaned backwards, letting his head rest on the mossy stone wall behind him. "I just," he sighed. "I just really wanted this to go right. I'm sorry. I... Really missed you."

     From the small sigh that came from his left, he knew she understood what he meant. Jimin had said it once before, but there was more to it this time. He missed the old her, before he went and messed things up with his confusing emotions. At least that's how Jimin saw it. He missed the happy conversations they shared together, the witty banter, the teasing, the comfortable, confident smile that would grace her lips.

     He was so lost in his reminiscence that his heart leapt out of his chest when an arm slipped underneath his own, reaching to intertwine their hands. Mina softly rested her head upon his shoulder, bringing with her the floral scent of lavender and honeysuckle that tickled his senses. He tensed, cautious of her every movement.

     Mina, who had been so afraid of all this, had curled up against him. He could feel her prevailing nervousness, but for once, she had made a move with the intention to do so. The thought gave him hope. With great hesitation, Jimin tilted his head to rest lightly on top of hers.

"I've... Been thinking... A lot lately." Mina whispered, her voice wavering.

"Hmm?" Jimin was still tense, too afraid to move. He knew that although Mina had placed herself right against him, she too was frightened.

"I... All my life, I knew I wouldn't do any of this. It was never my fate to... To have this leisure. I would never engage in such activities. I would never... Date. Nor marry."

     She was so quiet that Jimin had to strain to hear her, and when he finally did, he didn't know how to react.

     And so Jimin didn't. It was all he could do to continue trying to hear her voice over the loud pumping of blood through his ears. The sunset faded away as the moon began to take its precedence. Crimson and orange gave way to black and blue.

"The world out there... It's where I have always been. That's where I would remain my entire life. It taught me everything I know. It showed me how cruel people can be. How the strong prey on the weak. How the wealthy tread without care on top of those who come from less fortune. How children must bear the weight of a poisoned world. How a girl must suffer relations with a wicked, greedy man she does not love." Mina murmured softly.