Time ➳ BTS

25 | Down memory lane

Your mind raced with conflicting thoughts as you processed Guk's words. "What?" you repeated in disbelief, the weight of his revelation settling in. Silence enveloped the room, neither of you knowing what to say next.

"I... I'm not sure, but... I feel a connection to this journal," Guk said, his voice laced with uncertainty.

"A connection?" you echoed, eyebrows shooting up in surprise.

He sighed again. "I feel drawn to it. There's something about it that I can't resist. That's why I want to read it." He paused, the silence thick with anticipation. "What if... what if it's something from my past?"

Your eyes drifted to the leather journal on the coffee table where Jimin had placed it earlier. The promise you made to him lingered in your mind as you reached for the journal, your fingers trembling slightly. You turned it over in your hands, feeling the weight of the decision.

You were keen on opening it, but you knew your boundaries. Curiosity killed the cat, as they say, and you didn't want to betray the trust placed in you. Taking a deep breath, you held the journal tightly.

Your fingers twitched with the urge to open the journal, but before you could act on it, the sound of a door opening down the hallway startled you. You quickly placed the journal back on the table, your heart pounding in your chest.

Disappointment radiated from Guk, but you didn't have time to dwell on it. Jimin entered the living room, a small grin on his face. "Has she finished cooking?"

You shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "Don't know. Should we see and ask if we should help her?"

As if on cue, Miss Jeon's voice boomed from the kitchen. "Food is ready! Come here and eat!" You and Jimin exchanged surprised looks before bursting into laughter. He led the way to the kitchen, and you followed close behind.

The aroma of various dishes filled your nose as you entered the kitchen. Your mouth watered at the sight of the delicious spread on the table. Miss Jeon had prepared rice, kimchi, fried spicy chicken, grilled pork, cooked eggs, fried tofu, and spicy rice cakes. The sight was both heartwarming and mouthwatering.

Miss Jeon smiled warmly as you both took your seats. "I hope you're hungry," she said, setting down the last dish.

"Everything looks amazing, Miss Jeon," you said sincerely, feeling a pang of longing for your own family gatherings.

Jimin nodded in agreement. "You really outdid yourself, thank you."

"Thank you," you said gratefully, bowing your head with a smile. Jimin bowed as well, expressing his gratitude for the meal.

After enjoying a delicious lunch at Miss Jeon's house, you and Jimin spent some time chatting with Jungkook's mother before heading back to the car.

"So," you began hesitantly, "how did Jungkook's father die?" You caught a glimpse of Jimin biting his bottom lip from the corner of your eye, and you immediately worried that you had overstepped.

"I'm sorry," he said after a pause, "but I think I'm not the right person to tell you that."

You frowned slightly, feeling a pang of regret. "I understand. I shouldn't have pried. I'm sorry."

He shook his head, still gazing out the car window. "It's okay," he mumbled.

Not wanting things to get awkward, you quickly changed the topic. "I think I'll go to my house tomorrow."

Jimin turned his head so swiftly that you wondered how he didn't strain his neck. "Really? Why?"

You puffed out your cheeks before speaking. "I want to check on my house, pick up some clothes and other things for myself. Maybe even see if I can meet my dad again."