12 11. Kodama

Thursday, 12th. March. 2015

After classes, I had plans to meet with Jin for an evening coffee. So, I changed into a dark green knit and a pair of tight-fitting black jeans and waited for him to come to pick me up from my place. Which he'd so eagerly offered to do.

The sun through the window was setting, the light of the day is replaced with a musky blue of night. As soon as I got a text from him saying that he was outside, I headed down to the Main Street. At first, I looked around at passers-by on the walkway to spot him. But Jin's head popped out of a window to a parked black Sudan.

I returned his enthusiastic wave and hurried over to hop in the car with him. The smile he gave was bright as we exchanged a hello. There was a feeling of shared excitement as we drove to the café he'd planned to take me to.

On arrival, I couldn't help but feel like I'd seen this café somewhere before. But, as Jin escorted me in and ordered for us, I didn't mention it. Instead, I looked around at the cosy, modern, yet cute interior. The name Kodama was on top of the black overhead menu above the counter.

After Jin collected our Iced Coffees, I followed him out onto a patio. The overhead bubble lights reflected speckles across the surrounding emerald green of the trees and quaint seating. It was like floating through the scene of a fairytale, one that I'd seen in a dream, and Jin was my Prince Charming.

His voice pulls me back into the moment, causing me to refocus on him as we sat across from each other at the table.

"First, let me just formally congratulate you on the scholarship. You must be a talented cookie." He smiled cheekily, relaxing back into the chair.

"I am not sure about that, but thanks anyway," I giggled.

"Oh? Don't be so quick to discredit yourself. They wouldn't have offered otherwise, right?" Jin hummed, plumping out his bottom lip cutely.

"Yeah, you have a point," I agreed timidly.

"Anyway, how have you been settling in? Has anything interesting happened?" he inquired.

"It's been okay. Classes have all been smooth sailing. I even made a few new friends." I told him. And even though the bullying incident came to mind, I left that part out.

"Great. Sounds like things are moving along well. I can relax now that I know you're alright." He leaned back comfortably with a delighted sigh.

"You were worried?" I questioned.

"Of course! As if a big brother wouldn't worry about his little sister." I felt shy at his words but appreciated he felt that way about me. This put me at ease. My thoughts drifted. I remembered his job. And, that he didn't know that I knew, "So.. How are things for you? Have you been busy with work?"

"Yes, busy with work, as usual." He pouted slightly. I couldn't help but wonder if he would tell me. Or, if he was like me and selectively shared. Should I press it?

"You never told me what you do?" I hummed, curiously.

"Oh right, I work at an entertainment agency." He smiled softly.

"What do you mean, with idols and stuff?" I asked, curious to see if he would actually deny being an idol. This was just too saucy to pass up.

"Yeah, that kind of agency. It's interesting, but tiring too." He said. I let it go and accepted his answer. There must have been reasons behind his choices. I could empathize with that. Maybe he just didn't want me to treat him differently?

"Jin Oppa fighting ~" I hummed a small cheer, hoping it'd provide some encouragement.

"Cute. Thankyouuu," Jin smiled, tilting his head to the side fondly. He placed his hand down on mine, gently tickling the back of my hand.

Suddenly, I felt a strange swirling in my mind. But it spun into a panic. A sharp throb shot through my head like an acute migraine. I pulled away, clutching my head.

"Are you okay?" Jin asked, his voice urgent with worry. The phantom pain disappeared. I looked up, his eyes were fully blown out.

"I'm fine, just a small headache. Maybe I didn't drink enough water today." I tried to make it seem less intense than it was. I didn't want to worry him.

"Oh.. here" he was quick to pour me a glass of water and slide it over. I slowly took a few sips. He still appeared worried, so I gave him a smile as I set down the glass.

"I feel better, thanks."

Not long after, Jin insisted on taking me home to rest, still fretting over my headache. I didn't think it was a big deal, but seeing as he did, I let him take me home. Before I got out of the car, he made me promise to tell him if I was ever hurt or in trouble. He referred to himself as my big brother, as he did. My heart swayed, so I made the promise to him.

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Memories - Jin's Piece:

Present day

As I watch Jia disappear into the alleyway from across the road in the car, I can't shake the anxiety I feel. Everything seemed fine until the point when she started feeling that pain in her head. My heart nearly stopped. I was so shocked.

I wonder if it's happened before to her? I should've asked.

My mind drifts to a memory of a fight I'd had with Tae-Hyung. It was still early days post her accident. Around that time, there were dark days for all of us, dealing with the hurt in different ways.

I'd found out Tae-Hyungie had been to visit Jia at the hospital secretly. Even though we'd agreed as a group, it was better for her to recover without the added stress of trying to remember painful memories.

We fought. I yelled at him, told him he needed to consider what was best for Jia. He cried, yelling back that he couldn't just let her go. Back and forth, we went. Still unable to come to an agreement. But, eventually, Tae-Hyungie gave in, agreeing not to visit her anymore, but not agreeing to let her go.

It hurt. I felt the same way. But, with everything going on, it was what was best for the group. It nearly tore us apart. It took everything we had to work through it, not let it ruin us.

Now she's back. Is it a chance at a fresh start? Or are we doomed to walk a similar path?