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04


note; minjeong doesn't know how to speak or understand korean (let's just say, she was born and lived abroad since birth)



For the third time in the last ten minutes, Jimin checks her phone for the time. With a groan, she throws up her hands and stomps her way around to the driver's side where Jaemin is casually scrolling through his phone while he waits.

"This is ridiculous. She's already fifteen minutes late!" Jimin huffs. "Where is she?"

Jaemin barely looks up, "She said she's coming."

"Well, can she come any faster?"

"That's what she said."

Jimin gives him an unimpressed look, "Call her again."

"You have her number. You call her."

"But you're already on your phone."

"Yeah, and I'm busy."

Jimin rolls her eyes and reaches for her phone. She's just about to hit call when the front door of Minjeong's building finally swings open and the younger comes walking out with her suitcase at her heels.

"About damn time!" Jimin gripes. "You know we have a plane to catch, right?"

"You've only reminded me a billion times," Minjeong replies coolly while Jaemin hops out of the car to pop the trunk. "Hi Jaemin."

"Hey Minjeong," Jaemin greets as he lifts the door. "Don't mind her. She's always cranky before a flight."

"I can see that," Minjeong comments as she stows her suitcase next to Jimin's.

"I'm not cranky," Jimin frowns as she crosses her arms. "I just don't want to get stuck in traffic. You know what it's like this time of year."

Jaemin only shrugs, deciding to stay out of this one, before going back to the driver's seat.

"You worry too much," Minjeong tells her as she shrugs off her bookbag next to pack away.

"I wonder why," Jimin grumbles. "If you knew what time you needed to be ready, why are you still late?"

"What?" Minjeong smirks. "I like to make an entrance."

"Not funny."

Minjeong chuckles as she reaches up to close the trunk. "Watch your head, honeybun."

Jimin only narrows her eyes at Minjeong before going to join Jaemin in the car.



Thankfully, they don't hit much traffic on their way to the airport. When they pull up to the drop-off zone, Jaemin's practically kicking them to the curb. Apparently, he has a hot date later and he needs to be back on campus in time to get ready. Of course, Jimin comments on how getting ready for him only means dousing himself in cologne which really doesn't take that much time.

"Yeah, yeah. I'll miss you too," Jaemin dismisses Jimin with a laugh. He pulls her in for a hug and whispers, "Try to be good."

"No promises," Jimin smirks before pulling away to grab her bag.

Jaemin then goes over to Minjeong, "Good luck, Minjeong. Mama Jung might be a little scary at first, but she's a total softie – just like Jimin."

"Hey!" Jimin huffs.

Minjeong only smiles, "Sure. Thanks for the ride, Jaemin. We'll see you in a few days."

Jaemin takes a step back and waves as Jaemin and Minjeong get settled with their bags.

"Don't kill each other, alright?" He warns them before getting into the car. "I still need Minjeong's help to pass math and Jimin, you need to pay your share of the rent!"



Inside, Jimin and Minjeong hastily walk side by side to the counter to get checked in. Jimin's a pro at the process considering how often she travels home while Minjeong only trails behind looking somewhat lost. Jimin considers asking why that is, but that sounds a little like caring and she doesn't do that. Instead, she just hands Minjeong her boarding pass and a luggage tag.

"Put that sticker on your suitcase," Jimin instructs while she does the same to her own bag. "And don't lose that ticket."

Minjeong nods and quietly does as she's told before following Jimin to hand off their bags to the man behind the counter. Afterward, they make their way to security. Jimin's keeping a watchful eye on the time, making sure that they don't miss the boarding announcement.

Before they know it, they're both sitting in their assigned seats on the plane. It's a smaller plane but all the more crowded considering it's still the holidays. She's surprised her dad didn't opt for an upgrade to business class like he usually does, but the bad seats are probably punishment for not coming home for Christmas.

Then again, he's one to talk considering he's always away for the holidays.

While the flight attendants go through the safety procedures, Jimin shuffles out her phone and earbuds. It's not until she's scrolling to find a playlist to listen to that she notices a shift in Minjeong's demeanor. She's fidgety and tense and refuses to look out the tiny window as the plane reaches cruising altitude.

Minjeong's caginess has Jimin pressing pause on her music, her curiousness getting the better of her. She eyes Minjeong and all the signs are there. Really, she should've known from the moment they checked in but that doesn't keep her from asking the question anyway.

"Is this your first time on a plane?"

Minjeong's white-knuckling the armrests but attempts to look unfazed. "No," She replies. "I've been on a plane before."

Jimin quirks her brow, "Right. So you're afraid of flying then?"

Minjeong's jaw tenses, "I'm not afraid. I just don't like it."

Jimin finds herself softening a little, "Why didn't you say something before?"

"I didn't know it was still a thing," Minjeong replies as she crosses her arms tightly. "The last time I was on a plane, I was like ten years old."

"Oh," Jimin sits back.

Surprisingly, Jimin feels kind of bad for the younger and all she hears is Jaemin's stupid voice in her head telling her to be good. When it comes to Minjeong, that's just something she can't help but struggle with. However, this past week she's gotten a little better reeling in her animosity.

"Well, it helps to keep yourself distracted," Jimin offers. "You could always nap?"

"I don't think I'm in the mood to sleep."

"You're so weird," Jimin jokes lightly. "We're college students. We're always in the mood to sleep."

Minjeong only side-eyes her, but it lacks the usual judgment. Call it a moment of weakness, but Jimin's suddenly invested and moves to take out her earbuds.

"Alright, I know what'll be a good distraction," Jimin says as she unclips her seatbelt and starts taking off her sweater.

Minjeong scoffs, "I'm not joining the mile-high club with you."

"Please. I'm already a member," Jimin quips as she tosses the sweater to Minjeong. "You can borrow that."

"What?"

"Your first mistake was wearing short-sleeves on a plane. It's always freezing," Jimin tells her. "Also your shivering is kind of distracting."

Minjeong looks like she's about to reply, but instead, she puts on the sweater without resistance. "Thanks."

Jimin just shrugs as she bends over to grab her bag from beneath the seat in front of her. She quickly pulls out her laptop and a book she checked out from the library before they left that she was going to use for research for their assignment.

"Pick one," Jimin tells her. "Hard copy or ebook?"

Minjeong looks back and forth between the two with a confused look on her face.

Jimin sighs, "Best way to distract a nerd? Give them homework."

Minjeong rolls her eyes at the jab but reaches for the book.

"I knew that's what you were going to pick," Jimin says as turns on her laptop. "You strike me as the type that's all about saving libraries and book stores."

"Well someone has to," Minjeong quips.

Jimin just chuckles as they fall into their research. It takes about an hour before Jimin notices the tension leave Minjeong and she's consumed by the work of it all. The younger ends up getting out her own laptop too so that she can do some note-taking while Jimin does the same on hers.

After another forty minutes though, they're already back to their usual bickering. It all started with whether or not a certain chapter was relevant to their research and it went downhill from there.

"I don't know why you're even taking this class," Minjeong argues. "It's not like you need it for your major."

Jimin scoffs, "How do you know what I major in?"

"Please. I know a wannabe lawyer when I see one," Minjeong counters. "It would explain why you love arguing so much."

Jimin's brows rise. This girl is really testing her patience, but instead of going completely off on her, she takes a deep breath and lets the comment roll off her back. She's all about taking the high road for the next three days.

"How about we give the assignment a rest?" Jimin suggests. "We should really talk strategy for when we get there."

Minjeong takes a calming breath too, "Okay. Sure. What's the plan?"

"Well, the whole point of this arrangement is to convince my mom that I'm capable of being in a serious relationship," Jimin says. "Apparently that equals to taking my future with her at the firm seriously."

"So you are a wannabe lawyer?"

"Really?" Jimin looks unamused. "We're landing soon. We both need to be on the same page here, so be serious. This is like the main event, it's like make or break. It's – "

"I get it," Minjeong interrupts. "It's all or nothing."

"Exactly," Jimin says. "So for the next three days, we have to really sell being in a relationship together. Not only do you have to act like I'm the best thing that's ever happened to you, but you also have to talk me up too. I'll do the same for you because we need to really make them believe that you'll be sticking around for a while. We can't break character."

"You're the one that breaks character."

"We can't argue either," Jimin urges. "We have to be on our A-game. The first appearance means everything, we're setting the tone here and if we don't convince them with this trip then we might as well end it."

"I got it, Jimin," She says noting the importance. "Don't worry. I won't screw this up."



Once Jimin and Minjeong make their way off of the plane, it's like showtime all over again. Just as they've been practicing back on campus, their hands find each other's almost instinctively.

"My mom should be waiting outside but sometimes she likes surprising me at the baggage claim so be on your toes," Jimin whispers to Minjeong as they walk.

Minjeong just nods as she lets Jimin lead the way. It's a short walk to their assigned baggage claim and the couple stands by and waits for their bags to tumble out onto the belt. Jimin's trying to be subtle as she looks around for her mom, but Minjeong can't help but laugh at her.

"What?" Jimin frowns.

"You look suspicious as hell," Minjeong jokes quietly. She moves her arm around to lie across Jimin's shoulders, "Be cool."

"I am cool," Jimin whispers back before poking at Minjeong's ribs.

Minjeong lets out a laugh, "Don't. That tickles."

"Well move this. I'm not an armrest," Jimin says as she shrugs off her in favor of getting closer to the conveyor belt.

Minjeong only pouts at the loss and trails behind her. After a couple more minutes of waiting, Jimin's bag tumbles out first.

"Oh! There's mine," Jimin points out and quickly goes over.

Suddenly another bag slides out and lands on top of it, pinning it to the belt. Jimin gets her hand on her bag's handle and tugs, but the thing doesn't budge. Now she's doing the awkward jog beside it while trying to avoid running into the others waiting for their bags too.

"What the fuck?" Jimin grumbles as she continues to tug. She looks back at where Minjeong's standing and sure enough there's a cheeky grin on her face. She lets out an annoyed huff but pastes a smile on, "A little help?"

"You've got it, babycakes," Minjeong assures her with a smirk. "Just lift with your knees."

Jimin rolls her eyes but as she goes back to tugging. She's almost got it but ends up nearly twisting her ankle stumbling over a baby stroller in her path.

"Shit!" She shrieks as she tries to evade it. She stares daggers at the couple who quickly move the stroller out of her way, but she still looks like a fool trying to avoid the collision.

"Yeah! Good idea!" Jimin snaps as she takes a threatening step forward. "Don't want some helpless traveler tripping over your newborn child! Great parenting you fu–"

"So sorry about her!" Minjeong quickly steps in with a charming smile on her face and an arm around Jimin's waist, holding her back. She then lifts the suitcase off of the belt easily with her free hand, "Someone's a little hangry, long day of traveling. Cute baby though!"

The couple smiles apologetically before moving to the opposite side of the belt. Meanwhile, Minjeong just passes the suitcase over to Jimin without another word. She doesn't need to say anything though, the look on her face speaks volumes.

"Shut up," Jimin mutters.

Minjeong only giggles as she drops her arm from around Jimin, "You almost tripped over a baby."

"Because someone didn't help me," Jimin complains.

"What were you going to do? Fight them?"

"I don't know, maybe!" Jimin grumbles to which Minjeong laughs even more. "See, everyone thinks I'm the little shit but really it's you. You're the biggest little shit I know."

Despite smiling like it's the nicest thing Jimin's ever said to her, Minjeong softens.

"Don't be mad, I thought you had it. Aren't you cheerleaders meant to be like super strong or something?" Minjeong replies, "Besides...how'd you lift it into the trunk?"

"I didn't," Jimin averts her gaze. "Jaemin did."

Minjeong just shakes her head as they go back to waiting for their last bag.



Once they get outside, it's not long before Jimin spots Jessica. Her mother – dressed in her usual attire of sleek, all black everything – stands prestigiously aside her blacked-out BMW.

Subtly, Jimin alerts Minjeong with a little squeeze to her hand. "Where?" Minjeong whispers.

"Twelve o'clock."

Minjeong scans the area, "Shit. Are you sure she's a lawyer and not in the FBI?"

"I'm sure," Jimin chuckles as she hears the slight edge of fear in Minjeong's tone. "You scared?"

"I don't think so."

Another few steps and Jessica's hardened expression breaks into a bright smile as she pushes back her dark sunglasses. Once they're close enough, Jessica's arms open up for a hug.

"Jiminie!" She coos as she brings Jimin in. There's a kiss pressed to her cheek before she's held out at arms' length, "Look at you!"

Jimin sighs through her smile, "Skin and bones, I know."

"I was going to say you're glowing," Jessica smirks as her eyes drift to the blonde hanging back. "And you must be the reason why."

Minjeong's charming smile is back in full force as she steps up to stand next to Jimin.

"Mom, this is my girlfriend Kim Minjeong," Jimin says like she has practiced countless times.

"Lovely to meet you," Minjeong adds with her hand extended.

Jessica takes it firmly.

Jimin can see her mom is already analyzing Minjeong's every move – but, they've practiced for this too. From manners to how Minjeong carries herself, they've got the act down pat. Although, there wasn't much to fix – surprisingly, Minjeong didn't really need help in charming anyone.

"You as well," Jessica smiles before looking to Jimin. "Let's get home. I'm sure you both want to freshen up before everyone starts arriving."

Jimin's eyes go wide, "Is there something happening tonight?"

"Dinner, remember?"

Jimin pauses, trying to remember a time it was mentioned. Miraculously though, Minjeong steps in at the last second.

"To make up for us missing Christmas," She supplies which earns her an impressed look from Jessica.

"Oh! That's right," Jimin relaxes and gives a subtle look of appreciation to Minjeong. "Sorry, yeah. I remember now."

"Finally someone to help keep you on track!" Jessica jokes as they all hop into the car. "I like you already, Minjeong."

Jimin's hesitant to perk up just yet, she's probably heard Jessica say the same exact thing to at least three other girls before. Nonetheless, all good signs so far.



Back at Jimin's childhood home, Jessica excuses herself to the kitchen while Jimin leads the way upstairs. Minjeong stays put in the foyer though, caught between following Jimin and listening to the various voices mixing in with Jessica's.

"Should I go introduce myself?" Minjeong wonders.

Jimin hesitates before shaking her head, "You'll meet them soon enough. Let's just get settled first."
Minjeong nods and continues up the stairs behind Jimin.

It's crazy how similar everything always is between trips back, even down to the smell of laundry powder and something Jimin can only describe as home. It's always a comforting thing to return to, but this time she struggles to find that familiar comfort because tagging along behind her is someone she'd never thought she'd be here with.

With a glance behind her, Jimin sees Minjeong admiring the various photo frames lining the hallway walls. They're mostly pictures of family gatherings, Jimin and her cousins when they were younger, photos of her grandparents and—

"Is this you?" Minjeong pokes her finger out at a picture of a tubby, naked baby sitting in a stock pot holding a whisk.

Jimin jumps to cover the picture with her hand, "No!"

Minjeong quirks her brow, "Then why are you covering it?"

Jimin stammers for a comeback, but in that time Minjeong's moved on to the next embarrassing baby photo. This time a young Jimin is dressed in a furry onesie complete with an eared beanie.

"Look at this cutie patootie!" Minjeong coos. "Are you wearing kitty footie pajamas?"

Jimin's hesitant to answer, "That's...not me."

"That's just adorable," Minjeong says. "A little kitty Jiminie."

"Dear God, never call me that again."

Minjeong doesn't seem to hear her though, too busy admiring the other baby pictures – and there are a lot of them!

"Okay," Jimin tries to interrupt. "We don't need to look at every single picture here."

"But there's so many!"

Jimin lets out a deep sigh as Minjeong continues her browsing.

"Who knew this precious, little bundle of joy would turn out to be..." Minjeong glances over to Jimin who wears a grimace.

"Go ahead. Finish that sentence."

Minjeong smirks, "You were a cute baby. I don't know what happened."

"I'll have you know many people still think I'm cute."

"Hate to break it to you, but they're lying."

"Yeah well, if people didn't think I was cute then why was I a baby model!" Jimin blurts then quickly cups her mouth as if it'll counter the words Minjeong just heard.

When the blonde's grin widens, Jimin knows she's fucked up.

"You were a what?"

Jimin doesn't answer, but Minjeong just turns back to the many pictures that cover the wall. They're clearly professionally done, but people do that – especially people who only have one kid but now that Minjeong takes a closer look Jimin's statement makes so much sense.

"You really were," Minjeong's jaw drops a little. "Now that is something I didn't expect."

Jimin only rolls her eyes, "Can we move on now?"

"No way!" Minjeong giggles as she follows Jimin down the hall, "I'll never forget this. Were you a Gerber baby too? Appear on any baby food boxes? What about screen time on a diaper ad? Wait, does Jaemin know?"

"He does not and he never will," Jimin warns as she spins on her heels. Her warning loses some of its bite when she realizes Minjeong's got at least two inches closer to her.

Minjeong only smiles at her though, "Your secret's safe with me, Jiminie."

"Don't call me that."

Minjeong only laughs as she goes to pat Jimin on top of the head but Jimin's quick to bat her hand away before continuing the journey to her room.

"That door there is the bathroom. Next to it is a closet full of towels and stuff," Jimin explains before opening the adjacent door, "And this is where the magic will not be happening."

Jimin stands aside as Minjeong takes a step in.

She scans the dark walls covered in more photo frames that contain black and white scenic shots before moving to eye all the dark wood furniture and dark bedding.

"Woah," Minjeong breathes out. "This is not what I pictured your room to look like. Why's it so dark in here?"

Jimin shrugs as she parks their suitcases by the dresser, "I was a moody bitch back in high school."

"Was?" Minjeong jokes before glancing over at her bookcase. One particular series stands out and it makes Minjeong grin, "Wait. Were you into Twilight?"

"No."

"But you have the entire set."

"It was a gift."

Minjeong narrows her eyes, still not convinced.

"What?" Jimin asked.

"Team Edward or Team Jacob?"

Jimin looks back challengingly before admitting, "Obviously Team Rosalie."

"Good answer," Minjeong jokes. "How'd you get away with painting your walls this color? My mom would never. Actually, my mom didn't even let me pick."

"I refused to speak for a week."

"Now that sounds like a dream come true."

Jimin fakes a laugh as she moves to unzip her suitcase while Minjeong continues to look around. The room really is void of color, the only pop in the room is the trophy case containing several awards and the cheerleading uniform in a plastic covering that hangs off of the back of the closet door.

"So you were always a cheerleader?" Minjeong points out.

"Looks that way."

Minjeong nods at Jimin's elusiveness before spotting another small pop of color in the form of a photobooth picture strip. In the small boxes is Jimin along with someone else, another brunette girl, and they both look so young and happy as they giggle away – something Minjeong isn't used to seeing on Jimin.

"Who's she?" Minjeong asks.

Jimin doesn't even look up, "A friend."

"You gonna give me vague answers all weekend?" Minjeong grumbles.

This time Jimin forgoes replying altogether.

Minjeong just shrugs and goes back to admiring the room, but the framed photographs are what keep catching her eye. There's something about them that's alluring and thought-provoking, even if it's only black and white cityscapes.

"These pictures are really cool," She ends up saying aloud.

"My dad took them," Jimin answers. "He's a photographer."

"Ah, so the baby model thing makes sense."

"It's also probably where I get my moodiness from too," Jimin jokes.

Minjeong smiles, "Yeah. I can see that."

Jimin catches herself smiling as well. One thing she's noticed from being around Minjeong for way too long, she unfortunately has a very infectious smile. She kind of hates how it's growing on her the longer they hang around each other.

"Well, dibs on the first shower," Jimin replies as she looks away. She already has a change of clothes under her arm, "I'll be quick so don't go rooting around my stuff."

"Got it," Minjeong chuckles as she goes to unpack her suitcase.



When it finally comes time to introduce Minjeong to whoever might be downstairs, Jimin struggles to keep her cool. Obviously, she puts up a good front with Minjeong around but lying to her mom is a whole other ball game. The woman raised her, she can tell whether or not Jimin's lying before Jimin even knows it!

"You look like you're going to pass out," Minjeong notes with an uneasy look on her face.

Jimin takes a settling breath, "I'm not. You ready?"

"Duh," Minjeong replies confidently. "I told you, I'm great with parents. This'll be a walk in the park."

"Keep telling yourself that," Jimin jokes as she leads the way to the staircase.

In the short walk down, Jimin keeps replaying their well-rehearsed origin story in her head. They've nailed it on campus over the past week, so hopefully, they can keep it up here. She just has to keep her facial expressions in check, because those are always dead giveaways.

As they approach the doorway into the living room, Jimin finds Minjeong's hand. There's a light squeeze from Minjeong and Jimin smiles back in encouragement, a last here we go before they're bombarded by everyone.

"There they are!" Jessica calls out as she rises from the loveseat she shares with Jimin's grandma.

With a quick look around, Jimin's thankful that the everyone Jessica spoke of earlier only includes grandma and her husband who's still in the kitchen from the sounds of it.

"Mom, we just saw you like an hour ago," Jimin chuckles as Jessica wraps her up in a hug.

"I know, but still," Jessica brushes off before moving on to Minjeong. "I hope you're hungry, Minjeong. We've been cooking all day."

"I can definitely eat," Minjeong replies happily. She then looks to the loveseat where Jimin's grandma sits, "But I think I need to introduce myself to someone first."

"Sorry," Jimin perks up as she takes Minjeong over by the hand. "Grandma, this is my girlfriend, Minjeong."

"Nice to meet you," Minjeong says with her hand out to shake.

Grandma glances at it then back up at Minjeong with a look of uncertainty. Minjeong slowly lowers her hand and looks to Jimin for help.

Jimin sighs, "Grandma..."

What Minjeong doesn't expect is for Grandma to start replying...but only in Korean.

What's even more surprising is hearing Jimin answer in the same language. Brown eyes dart back and forth between the two, trying to understand what's happening until Grandma suddenly huffs.

"Okay fine," Jimin replies. "Be that way."

"Jimin," Jessica chastises. "Don't speak that way to your Grandma."

"You heard her," Jimin defends. "Who's being the unreasonable one here?"

Jessica only shakes her head, "Given your history, can you blame her?"

Jimin looks down dejectedly. Of course they couldn't make this easy, of course they bring up her past, of course grandma wants to act stubborn around another girl Jimin's brought home.

But when she looks to Minjeong, she unexpectedly finds a little bit of confidence again. Because, this time things are different. It might all be a lie, but it's still different. Jimin's invested in the relationship now, even if it's fake.

"Maybe I have a history but I'm with Minjeong now," Jimin says earnestly before going to hold the blonde's hand again. "And I know that doesn't sound like anything promising to you but this means something to me. If I have to prove that to you both then so be it."

Jimin eyes Jessica and Grandma, surprised to see somewhat of an impressed look on their faces. Even Minjeong's looking at her in disbelief that's masked in being proud. Honestly, she doesn't know where that little speech came from but it felt good to stick up for herself for once.

Suddenly, Jessica's husband enters the room still wearing his apron.

"Dinner's ready!" He says, clearly not noticing the tension. "Who's hungry?"

"Coach Taecyeon?" Minjeong looks from the Head Football Coach to Jimin. "I thought you said your dad is a photographer?"

"He is," Jimin nods. "Taecyeon's my step-dad."

Minjeong's jaw drops a little at the realization, "No way."

It's not something Jimin likes to advertise, she actually keeps it tightly under wraps considering he's the reason she even got into that school. It wasn't her first choice, it was more so the last resort after her scholarship was basically swiped from her but still – she'd rather not add insult to injury.

"So dinner?" Taecyeon suggests lightly. "Jessica, Grandma Jung?"

"I'm coming," Jessica answers with a smile while Grandma slowly gets up too.

Minjeong and Jimin hang back a little, waiting until everyone's backs are turned before whispering to each other.

"Why didn't you tell me about Coach?" Minjeong says.

"I didn't think it was all that important," Jimin replies. "You'd find out eventually."

"Yeah, but a serious girlfriend should know already."

Jimin sighs, "Okay. I get it. Can we go?"

Minjeong mimics the sigh and nods, "Yeah. I'm starving."

"Don't let them hear you say that."

Minjeong frowns, "Why?"



Jimin watches with a pleased grin on her face as Minjeong tries valiantly to finish her food.

"Have you had enough to eat?" Jessica asks while Grandma passes around another dish.

"Oh, I'm stuffed," Minjeong tries to politely decline for the third time. "I couldn't possibly have anymore."

Jimin only smirks as she continues to pick at her plate. Meanwhile, Jessica and Grandma keep encouraging Minjeong to eat more. At first, she actually put up a good fight – she must have a hollow leg or something because Minjeong could really put it away – but now she's starting to struggle.

Jimin almost feels bad, but she warned her about the consequences. Still though, it is pretty funny to see someone she despises trying to talk her way out of another helping of rice. No one ever succeeds, not even her.

But, the punishment doesn't last too much longer though as Jimin finds herself giving in.

"Okay mom, I think she's full," Jimin reasons. "Anymore and we'll have to roll her away."

There's a subtle thankful smile from Minjeong before she adds, "That was probably the best home-cooked meal I've had in a long time though."

"Your family didn't cook for Christmas?" Jessica asks with a look between Minjeong and Jimin. "Jimin said there was a big spread."

Jimin feels her breath hitch but Minjeong quick to amend her answer considering they didn't actually go home to hers for the holiday. That was actually one thing they didn't cover while rehearsing for this trip. Luckily for them, Minjeong likes to flaunt how well she can improvise.

"Oh yeah, but it was all catered," Minjeong replies nonchalantly. "My mom isn't that great of a cook."

Jessica hums in reply, "I understand. I wasn't very good either but Grandma taught me a few things."

Minjeong glances at Grandma who smiles proudly.

"Grandma's an amazing cook," Taecyeon replies. "I'm still trying to get a couple recipes out of her. She keeps them very close to her heart though."

Grandma winks at him and Taecyeon chuckles.

"She taught Jimin's a couple things too," Taecyeon adds. "Jimin's a much better cook than I am actually."

Minjeong looks to her expectantly – like it's yet another fact that she's surprised by – and Jimin doesn't know why, but her face suddenly feels hot with the attention on her.

"A girl's gotta eat," Jimin replies with a shrug. "I probably don't cook as much as I should back on campus."

"You definitely don't," Minjeong jokes. "I always see you at the food court."

There's a swift kick beneath the table that makes Minjeong cringe, but Jimin keeps her eyes forward.

"Your allowance doesn't include eating out all the time," Jessica scolds.

"I don't do it all the time," Jimin replies with a glance to Minjeong. "Just on my busy days when I can't get home for lunch. You know how hard my schedule is this semester."

"Uh-huh," Jessica nods before her face softens, "Speaking of...Minjeong, Jimin says you transferred to Columbia only last year?"

"That's right," Minjeong answers. "I used to go to MIT before."

Jessica's brows rise, same as Grandma's while Taecyeon just quietly listens along.

"MIT? That's quite impressive," Jessica replies. "What made you decide to leave if it's not too personal?"

Jimin turns to Minjeong too, intrigued. She actually doesn't know the reason why Minjeong transferred, she never gave it too much thought. She just hated that she came in out of nowhere and it was like the rug was pulled out from under her for the second time in her life.

Minjeong pauses, "I guess you can say it wasn't the right fit for me? My creative side wasn't nurtured as much as the intellectual so I didn't feel like I was reaching my full potential there."

Jimin can't tell if Minjeong's telling the truth or not or if this is just another layer to the act, but regardless the vagueness interests her.

Judging by the look on Jessica's face, it interests her too. "I see," Jessica hums. "And what is it that you're majoring in?"

Jimin shifts nervously in her seat. They've already moved on to the qualifications checklist part of the conversation. Usually, Jessica at least waits until dessert, but things seem to be moving a little faster with Minjeong.

"I'm actually Undecided," Minjeong answers.

Jimin tries to keep from gaping because what the fuck? How is being Undecided impressive? While Jimin tries to figure out Minjeong's angle, she watches Jessica's expression begin to shift and not in a good way.

"I thought MIT required all incoming students to declare a major?" Jessica questions.

"They do," Minjeong answers quickly. "I was kind of a special case."

Jimin resists the urge to roll her eyes because of course she was. Although, a little part of her wonders what Minjeong means by that. How can an institution with such a requirement bend the rules just for her?

Jessica on the other hand looks impressed again, so much so that a small smile begins to form.

"Really now?" She says with just the slightest nod of approval. "How come?"

Minjeong bobs her head, "I did a little work for their robotics program during the summer that received a lot of attention so they really wanted me to go in that direction. I guess they figured if they let me stay Undecided that I'd at least be under their thumb instead of somewhere else."

Jimin listens intently, same as Jessica, Grandma, and Taecyeon. This is all brand new information to her and although she wondered if this was all part of Minjeong's act, she doubts it is now. What Minjeong's saying sounds a lot like the truth to her and Jimin finds it all oddly interesting.

"Which I was totally cool with because I've always loved tinkering," Minjeong continues. "But I was mostly used as a numbers girl which isn't really my thing. I mean, it is my thing but I don't want it to be my thing. I want my thing to be whatever I decide, not something everyone else thinks it should be because what kind of life is that? I was basically their math monkey."

Minjeong suddenly pauses as a light blush blooms on her cheeks. It makes Jimin look at her curiously. She's used to Minjeong ranting, but that was a different kind. That was something that probably wasn't meant to reach the surface.

"I'm sorry," Minjeong quickly apologizes. Soon a smile is back on her face, "Anyway... at Columbia, you're allowed to be undecided."

"I see," Jessica answers. "And I hope things are different for you now?"

Minjeong meets Jimin's eye as a smile forms, "I guess you could say that."

Jimin finds herself smiling too; damn how infectious Minjeong can be. Jessica and Grandma notice too and share a look.

"I'm definitely happier," Minjeong adds.

"Oh stop," Jimin giggles, surprised by how easy it was for her to play along.

When Jimin looks to Jessica, she finds that there's a fondness that wasn't there before. They're definitely starting to make some progress which is big considering they've only been in Jessica's presence for a couple hours!

"See, hun? I told you they were a lovely couple," Taecyeon says cheerfully. "Even I've heard a lot of good things about them on campus. They're like the new it couple or something. I know Jaemin won't shut up about them."

"Thanks Taecyeon," Jimin replies. She can always count on him to break up the tension and soften Jessica's edges.

"I see that," Jessica nods as she looks between Jimin and Minjeong. There's a kind smile on her face as she says, "Your chemistry is really something."

Jimin bites back a laugh. Chemistry? Involving her and Minjeong? Yeah, they've nailed this.



After dessert and helping to clean up after dinner, Jimin and Minjeong make their way upstairs to Jimin's bedroom. The door is barely closed before they're both excitedly bouncing around.

"Holy shit, we did it!" Jimin cheers in a whisper.

Minjeong's equally surprised, "I know, right? They totally bought it!"

"And the chemistry comment? Us? Are you kidding me!"

"I think Grandma even smiled at me!"

"No she didn't? That's big!"

"I said I think. It could've also been in relation to the food and not me, but I'll take it!"

Jimin laughs while Minjeong giggles too. As they settle down and fall into silence, they look around almost nervously. It's just the two of them, alone in Jimin's childhood bedroom with a single bed beside them.

"So," Jimin starts. "We should get some sleep. Big day tomorrow."

"Yeah."

"Yep."

"So..." Jimin glances to the bed then back at Minjeong.

Minjeong quirks a brow, "I'm not sharing."

Jimin matches her expression, "Well I'm not sleeping on the floor."

"Where will you be sleeping then?" Minjeong challenges.

"Where I sleep every time  I come here," Jimin says with a hand on her hip. "In my bed."

Minjeong lets out a bitter laugh, "Oh. So that's how you treat the girls you bring home?"

"I treat the girls I bring home to a night they'll never forget," Jimin answers. "However, you are not like the other girls."

"Thank you."

"That wasn't meant to be a compliment," Jimin quips.

"Well I'm not getting into a bed with you," Minjeong replies and starts pulling back the covers.

Jimin grabs the other side of the blanket, "Well I'm not sleeping on the floor."

"So you've said."

"Then what?"

Minjeong then gives the blanket another tug and snatches a pillow – Jimin's pillow to be exact – and heads for the empty space at the front of Jimin's bed. Jimin watches with furrowed brows as Minjeong starts to build a nest of blankets and pillows, leaving Jimin with only a single sheet and pillow.

"You're not serious."

"I said what I said," Minjeong declares.

It's Jimin's turn to let out a bitter laugh, "What? Do you think I'll make a move on you or something? Because don't fucking worry, that's not on my mind at all."

"Good. I'm glad."

Jimin's taken aback by the casual tone, "You're really going to sleep down there?"

"Yup."

"Look, I'm not that much of a bitch. We can just share. You can even have your own blanket and I'll have mine so we don't touch if that's what you're so worried about."

"I'm not worried about anything," Minjeong replies. "I'm just not getting into a bed with you."

Jimin shakes her head, "Suit yourself then but don't complain to me when you wake up with back problems."

Minjeong doesn't say another word and neither does Jimin as they both get ready for bed in silence. Jimin raids the hall closet for another blanket since Minjeong stole hers while Minjeong occupies the bathroom brushing her teeth and getting changed.

As they get into their respective beds though, Jimin can't help but feel a little annoyed.

They had been doing so well tonight, she was actually starting to kind of enjoy the back and forth without so much animosity but as soon as it was just them again they restored to their old ways. She's not in this to make friends, but going at each other constantly can get a little tiring – especially now that she's experienced the less frustrating side to Minjeong.

She just needs to remind herself that this pretend relationship is kind of like a job and once they're alone again – once they're clocked off – they're back to their usual bullshit. She can't let herself get attached to something that isn't real, because at the end of the day – it's still Minjeong, someone she can't stand.

Jimin rolls to her side, struggling to get comfortable on a pillow she isn't used to thanks to the blonde. She can see the glow from Minjeong's phone at the foot of her bed and frowns. She feels the urge to say something to break the silence and tension set earlier, but why? Why should she even care? Minjeong was the one to create an issue, not Jimin. If anyone's going to break the ice, it should be her!

But Jimin doubts that'll happen, so she rolls away to face the wall instead.

She stares at it and thinks about tomorrow's game plan – the real testament to their first trip home as a couple. There's going to be even more family around, even more festivities, and surely even more interrogating.

New Year's Eve is bound to be a long day and Jimin needs all the sleep she can get.





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