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11



In the days following the Brainiacs' Ball, Jimin falls back into her usual mundane routine. It's school, cheer practice, study, and repeat and it seems like everyone just wants it to be Spring Break already. 

Including her mother, Jessica.

"Yes Mom," Jimin sighs for the millionth time. "We'll be coming home for the break, I told you already. Quit stressing."

"Quit stressing? I'll stress all I want, Jimin!"

Another deep sigh escapes Jimin, she knew she should've just sent a text rather than return her mother's phone call. After how long she's been dodging her, she should've known she'd be in for a rough time.

"I know you and your tendency to conveniently forget to book tickets so you don't have to see your family. Especially since you're so excited about coming here," Jessica says sarcastically.

This has been Jimin's life for the past few days too; Jessica constantly reminding her through text and voicemails about booking tickets. She ran into Taecyeon after cheer practice and he gently suggested that Jimin might want to quit ghosting her mom before she pops up at her apartment.

No one wants that again, so here she is. Walking home from cheer practice, a gross sweaty mess, with her mom hounding her about flights yet again.

"I am excited to come home. I won't forget," Jimin assures her. It's only somewhat of a lie.

"I'm serious, Jimin. You need to get them soon. You know your dad isn't a fan of you buying these tickets so late. Just because he allows you to use his frequent flyer miles doesn't mean you can go crazy with them."

"I know...I'll have it sorted. I promise," Jimin groans. "I'm just as ready as you are when it comes to getting out of here. I could definitely use a break from this place for a while."

"What does that mean? Is everything okay, honey?"

There's that motherly tone and it makes Jimin feel weirdly vulnerable. It's that kind of tone that pulls the truth out of her, not that she's hiding much this time.

Since the Ball, Jimin's felt different and she can't quite put her finger on why.

The Ball wasn't someplace she could just get wasted, party, and hook up with a random. Her and Minjeong bonded, like actually opened up to each other in a way she didn't think she ever would, and now – now she feels like she's at a very familiar crossroads.

Stick around or run?

What's different about it this time around though is that she doesn't have an option.

She has to stay.

This isn't a real relationship where she has to talk about feelings and whatever, it's basically just a contract. An informal one, but a contract nonetheless. Minjeong helps Jimin convince Jessica that she can hold down a lasting relationship and in return, Jimin helps Minjeong convince Jake...that he should quit being a dick?

So if that's all it is, contracts and deals, then why are the alarms going off in her head? Why does she feel like she's entering fight or flight mode when it isn't necessary?

"You still there?"

"Sorry. Yes, I'm here," Jimin answers quickly. She hadn't realized she started to stare off into space. She's doing that a lot lately.

"Is everything okay?"

Jimin bites her lip and wonders the same thing. She can feel her head and heart arguing, trying to get one to listen to the other. What they're arguing about, Jimin doesn't know but she hates the way it makes her feel.

Meanwhile Jessica's motherly tone continues to tug at the truth.

"Yeah. I'm fine," Jimin says. "I've just a lot on my plate."

"You always do," Jessica replies. "You're so ambitious. What's going on? Busy week?"

Jimin lets out a laugh, "More like busy month. Coach Heo has ramped up practice in preparation for National's coming up. I feel like I have an assignment due in every class. Results for exams should be coming out this week. It's just one thing after another right now and I feel like I don't have enough time to just...think."

She means think about what's going on with her head lately, but thankfully it doesn't come across that way. The last thing she needs is her mom meddling in her love life again.

Or rather faux love life?

"Well honey, you're doing a good job juggling it all and I'm very proud of you. Just remember to manage your time wisely."

"I know," Jimin sighs. "I'm trying."

"Good. That's a skill you'll continue to use throughout life and in your career so think of this as practice and practice makes perfect."

Jimin hums in reply.

Thinking of her career makes her think of Minjeong and suddenly her head and her heart begin to feud again. She wishes she could just tell them both to shut up; it's all fake, no need to waste time getting so worked up about it.

She supposes they're just worried; old wounds still haven't healed fully yet.

"I'm serious. It's one of those things that really will come in useful after school," Jessica assures her. "Some of my colleagues still struggle with it so if you can perfect it, you'll already be ahead of the curve."

"I got it," Jimin assures her as she reaches her apartment. "By the time I'm out of here, I'll be a pro at time management!"

Jessica chuckles and Jimin's thankful for the way it lightens the conversation. In the meantime, her head and heart quiet down.

"That's what I like to hear," Jessica praises. "I'd also like to hear you're booking flights tonight."

"Mom!" Jimin laughs as she works her key into the door. "I told you, you don't have to worry. I'm not going to forget. I'm just waiting on Minjeong to tell me which day she wants to leave and then I'll book them. Her plate is pretty full too at the moment, we've barely seen each other."

"Oh! Well if it's Minjeong you're waiting on then that's fine," Jessica replies happily. "She's a very hard worker too. So driven and ambitious! You're both so alike in that sense."

Jimin chuckles. A few months ago Jimin would've been set off by that observation, offended even to be compared to the girl, but now she can kind of agree.

"Yo Jimin!" Jaemin greets from the kitchen as Jimin walks in. "Mail's on the table. You've got a fancy-looking package thing. I almost opened it."

Jimin glares playfully at him as she drops her duffle by the door and wedges her phone between her ear and shoulder so she can use both hands.

"Is that Mama Jung?" He whispers. Jimin nods.

"What up, Mama Jung!" He yells out loud enough so the entire floor can probably hear.

"My goodness, that boy!" Jessica chastises. "Ask him when's the last time he cleaned his toilet and if he's using the brush I bought for him."

"She said hi," Jimin smirks while she gets to work opening the package.

"That's not what I said."

"I know, but I don't think that's an answer you want to hear," Jimin jokes.

Once she's able to rid the package of its outer wrapping, a pastel pink box is revealed. Jaemin hovers over her shoulder as she reads the gold cursive handwriting scrawled across the top of it.

"I think I know what this is."

"What is it?" Jaemin and Jessica ask in unison.

Just as Jimin peels open the lid, three giant butterflies flutter out causing her and Jaemin to shriek and jump away from the box. Jimin's phone clatters to the ground while Jaemin and Jimin try to recover from the scare. She can faintly hear Jessica's voice in the background frantically asking what's wrong.

"Quick! Open a window," Jimin instructs Jaemin. "I don't want those things dying in here!"

Jaemin nods and jumps over the couch to quickly get the window open before he's wandering around the living room trying to shoo the butterflies out. Meanwhile, Jimin picks up her phone and goes back to the box.

"Answer me! What's happening? I'll send Taecyeon over if – "

"Chill Mom," Jimin finally replies as she reads over the card insert found in the box. "It's just Yunjin's very obnoxious wedding invitation. Little psycho packed the thing with huge ass butterflies."

"Aw how cute, your cousin is so creative!"

Jimin quirks her brow, "I wouldn't consider this creative. It's basically animal cruelty. I don't know how long they've been in there. How did they even survive?"

"Are butterflies animals? I thought they were insects?" Jaemin asks as he gets the last butterfly out.

"Who the hell knows? It's gross either way," Jimin scrunches her nose. "Anyway, watch out for the attack of the butterflies when your package comes, Mom. Don't want you and Grandma getting startled and breaking a hip or something."

"What a thoughtful daughter I have," Jessica jokes.

"You know me. Always looking out for the fam!"

"I appreciate it," Jessica chuckles. "Well, I'll let you go now that you're home. Send through your flight details as soon as you get them."

"I will," Jimin assures her before they say their goodbyes.

Once she's off the phone, Jimin starts to feel herself relax again but not by much.

Jaemin eyes her warily too, it's not like her to leave her stuff everywhere and it's definitely not like her to not beeline it for the shower after cheer practice. Instead, Jimin just sits at the table staring into the package. It's too pink, too frilly, too over the top, and all completely on-brand for Yunjin.

If she's being honest, she completely forgot about Yunjin's wedding. That's a whole other can of worms on its own but Jimin knows she's going to have to crack open the lid eventually.

"Here," Jaemin says as he pushes a cold beer in front of Jimin. "Looks like you need it."

Jimin chuckles and goes to take a big gulp. It's not her favorite taste in the world, but it's grown on her since living with Jaemin and its iciness numbs her from thinking so much.

Jaemin pulls up a chair across from Jimin and goes to look in the box too. She watches him pull out some of the little candies that must've cost a fortune judging from the label and starts popping them in his mouth.

"Love Yunjin," Jaemin nods approvingly. "She's always got good taste in chocolate."

"Her nickname's Sugar. It'd be a disappointment if she didn't," Jimin quips.

Jaemin chuckles, "So true. Look at all this stuff: tiny champagne bottle, fancy chocolate things, even the paper looks expensive!"

"Yeah," Jimin sighs as she takes one and starts to read about the wedding details. "Another black tie event. I'm going to have to buy something new or Yunjin might burn me at the stake if she catches me recycling."

"At least you just have to buy one dress," Jaemin replies. "Guys have to get the pants and the jacket and the shirt and have it tailored."

"You're forgetting the accessories," Jimin waves him off. "Also hair and make up. This is about to cost a fortune."

"Like you'll be paying for it," Jaemin jokes.

"True," Jimin smirks as she looks over the card. "I still can't believe she's marrying Bruce. The dude is an actual stoner."

"At least you'll get discounted edibles for life," Jaemin reasons. "Which means I get discounted edibles for life."

"Or until they divorce," Jimin quips as she puts the card away.

"That too," Jaemin nods. "Anyway, how was practice? You're home way late. You've just missed Minjeong."

"Did I?" Jimin doesn't know whether to be relieved or disappointed. "I didn't know you guys had a session today."

"Really?" Jaemin frowns as his cheek bulges with chocolate. "I swore I said something this morning. Wait, yeah I did because then you said I might be around if practice lets out on time."

Jimin quirks her brow at the impression he just did, "I don't sound like that."

"Yeah you do," Jaemin jokes. "What's up with you lately? Minjeong too; you're both so spacey."

"Why's everyone asking me that?" Jimin groans. "Can I not feel overwhelmed by literally everything? Can I not feel fucking tired?"

"Woah chill," Jaemin leans back.

"Sorry. I'm just over people asking," Jimin softens. "What do you mean Minjeong's been spacey too?"

"I don't know. She just seemed really out of it. Usually she's super thorough during our sessions, but she was kind of forgetful. The girl didn't even bring her stickers with her. I've been really hanging out for this new pack – she said they're holographic."

Any other time, Jimin would love to tease Jaemin about his excitement over stickers but that's not what catches her attention. She wonders if Minjeong's been acting weird around him for the same reason Jimin's been acting weird too. Although, that wouldn't make much sense. In order for it to be the same reason, Minjeong would need to be struggling to figure out her feelings and that can't be it considering her feelings are taken up by Jake.

"Anyway," Jaemin goes on in Jimin's silence. He reaches into the box again for another piece of candy and tosses one to Jimin. The two nibble on them silently for a moment until Jaemin remembers something. "She told me she won that Super Smarty Pants award."

"Most Brilliant Brainiac."

"Yeah, that," Jaemin replies. "You didn't tell me she won."

"It wasn't for me to tell."

"Well...that's really cool," Jaemin hums. "Aren't you glad you went? She was telling me how much money goes into those parties. Nerds are loaded!"

Jimin chuckles at his enthusiasm and nods, but the memory of the glitz and glam from that night is momentarily overshadowed by a particularly dicky nerd.

Then something dawns on her, Jaemin knew about Jake all this time. Jaemin was the one that brought Minjeong into this arrangement. Jaemin knew Minjeong needed something from her too.

"Speaking of not telling each other things," Jimin mentions as she sits a little straighter. "I found out about Jake."

Jaemin slows his chewing, "She told you?"

"Unfortunately yes," Jimin replies. "No thanks to you."

"It wasn't for me to tell."

Jimin squints her eyes as Jaemin parrots her previous words.

"What? It wasn't! She told me not to tell you. She said if it came to it that she'd tell you herself! She knew you'd judge her. Hell, I judge her a little for it and I've only met the guy like a couple times."

Finally, it's like someone gets her!

"Okay, yes exactly!" Jimin answers eagerly. "I don't get it at all! What does she see in him? I mean, she told me it's because they were friends once and he really looked out for her when she was new and that was like super important to her or whatever but I still don't get it."

"Maybe it's not for you to get?"

Jimin shakes her head although she remembers Minjeong telling her the exact same thing the other night.

"No. There just has to be more to this," Jimin thinks aloud.

"You think so?" Jaemin questions, looking uncertain.

"Totally! Something else has to be driving Minjeong to do this."

"Can't you just take her word for it?" He asks. "Why are you trying to make it bigger than what it is?"

"Because Jake can't be the only reason, he just can't."

Jaemin eyes her curiously, "And why not?"

"You've met him," Jimin replies. "You've met Minjeong. They just don't fit together."

"Opposites attract, I guess."

"Not like that," Jimin dismisses. "Minjeong and I are opposites and we still managed to fool everyone into thinking this is real. Her and Jake? That's not the same as opposites attracting, I don't know what that is."

"What's it matter to you though?" Jaemin wonders. "You're not friends or anything, you've made that clear so many times. Maybe she's just got shit taste in dudes? Maybe he's some kind of lady killer and we don't know it? Hell, maybe his family's loaded, and Minjeong's just trying to get a piece? Who knows? But what I want to know is why does it matter to you?"

Jimin falters because Jaemin's right. Why does it matter? They aren't friends. Or are they? Friends care, right? Is this Jimin caring?

"I don't know," Jimin relents. She takes a long swig from her beer and mulls over Jaemin's words. "Call it curiosity, I guess."

Jaemin rests back in his chair and nods along with her, "Yeah. It is a curious thing."

Jimin nods too, "Like how can you try so hard to be with someone when they clearly don't care about you in return?"

"I don't think we can judge her for that," Jaemin sighs as he looks to Jimin.

Jimin softens, knowing exactly what he's hinting at.

"You and I have had some pretty shitty taste in women too," He jokes sadly. "You remember how stubborn we were in high school? We tried to hang on to her for so long, she really messed us up."

Jimin tenses at the mention. Jaemin doesn't even have to mention a name, they both know who she is.

"You were telling me to let go and I was telling you to do the same and neither one of us listened," Jaemin recounts. "All the signs were there but we still got burned by the same damn girl."

"We did, didn't we?" Jimin frowns.

"We just had to fuck up on our own though," Jaemin guesses. "See what it feels like, I guess. Minjeong's got to do the same now too."

Jimin hums, starting to understand his point of view.

"You and I can see it because we've lived it already," Jaemin adds. "Minjeong can't because she hasn't yet. She's too close, she can't see him for what he is. That's just something she's got to figure out on her own, just like we did."

Jimin nods as she takes another sip of beer, "When the hell did you get so wise?"

"I'm all grown up," Jaemin jokes as he puffs out his chest.

Jimin sputters out a laugh, "Not with that hair you're not!"

"Chicks dig it!"

"Keep telling yourself that," Jimin jokes. "But yeah, I guess you're right about Minjeong. Her reason is her business, not mine. I just have to quit thinking about it and I'll be good."

"You really losing sleep over it?"

"No," Jimin rolls her eyes at him. "Like I said, I've been curious. She's smart as hell – like really freaking smart – but wasting her time on someone like Jake? Not her best moment."

"Huh. That might be the nicest thing I've heard you say about her," Jaemin jokes. "Although the last half of that was kind of an insult..."

Jimin only smirks into her beer.



The following day, Jimin arranges to meet with Minjeong during their lunch break so that they can sort their flight details. Surprisingly though, Jimin is the one that's kept waiting this time. She doesn't mind that much, not when the weather's finally nice.

She keeps an eye out for the blonde as the courtyard starts to fill. Other students happily take space in the sunshine too while Jimin busies herself with scrolling through potential flights to Lima. It's then that she remembers Minjeong's thing with planes and how anxious she got the last time. She wonders if Minjeong might feel more comfortable in first class? Jimin knows she definitely would!

With a devious little smirk on her face, she bookmarks the seats although she knows that's the fastest way to get a disapproving phone call from her dad. A girl can dream though!

After a while, scrolling gets a little boring and she looks around for Minjeong once again. Being late isn't really like her and Jimin considers sending a text in case she might've forgotten.

Just as she's about to reach for her phone though, Jimin sees Minjeong appear. There's a frazzled look on her face as she scans the courtyard, but then Jimin waves her hand and Minjeong's face floods with relief.

"Oh my God, I'm so sorry!" Minjeong apologizes as she meets Jimin. Her hair was a mess and her bag hangs off her shoulder haphazardly. "I was caught up in the lab and time got away from me."

"That's cool," Jimin shrugs as she makes a spot for Minjeong to sit beside her.

"Have you been here long?"

"Uhh..."

"You have," Minjeong sighs as she pinches the bridge of her nose. "I'm sorry to keep you waiting."

Jimin notices how she worries even more than usual, but she tries to assure Minjeong again.

"It's cool, really. I was just getting a jump on the flight hunt," Jimin says casually.

She turns her laptop so that Minjeong can look too and she's just about to go into what their options are when she notices Minjeong isn't eating.

"You going to get something for lunch?" She asks.

"No. No, I'm fine. You've waited long enough."

"Minjeong," Jimin chuckles. "Go eat something. I know today's your busy day. When are you going to get another break?"

Minjeong shakes her head, "I'm fine. Show me what you need to show me."

So on top of the intensified worry, Minjeong's also being stubborn too and it makes Jimin wonder if this is related to the spacey-ness Jaemin mentioned before.

She definitely looks like something's up, that's for sure. Her brown eyes are dull and sunken, as if she's been losing sleep. She's dressing down to something super casual compared to her usual eccentric and bright outfits.

Jimin eyes her almost analytically as if she's trying to figure it out for herself, but Minjeong happens to meet her gaze.

"What?" She asks with a slight bite to her tone.

"Nothing," Jimin replies and quickly looks away. "If you're not going to get something to eat, you can have this." Jimin hands over the other half of her grilled chicken wrap. "I had a salad too so I couldn't finish it."

Minjeong studies her and the offering like it's foreign to her. The hesitance makes Jimin roll her eyes as she pushes the wrap closer.

"Go on, have it. I'm just going to throw it away if you don't want it," Jimin tries again.

Minjeong starts to soften and she accepts it with a meek, "Thanks."

Jimin tries not to make a big deal of it and pushes her water bottle closer, "You can have some of that too if you want."

Minjeong ducks her head in thanks and starts to peel open the wrapper of her lunch while scooting closer to Jimin. Their thighs press flush and all Jimin registers is how soft Minjeong's skin feels against hers.

It makes her swallow dryly, trying to remember the last time she's felt another woman's touch. Though, she figures now is probably not the time to go taking that kind of walk down memory lane. Her head is already filled to the brim, she doubts dirtying it up will help.

So Jimin refocuses and takes Minjeong through the flights she's considering.



The decision doesn't take long, Minjeong's a lot easier to plan around than she thought. Also Jimin's dad will be relieved that she didn't impulse buy anything in the first class. Now with the flight talk out of the way though, there's a weird tension in the air.

It's not really anything she's done, she doesn't think, but there's an unrelenting energy around Minjeong that doesn't feel so inviting.

Jimin tries busying herself with sending through their flight details to her mom – finally – but she can't help glancing over at Minjeong every so often. She's quiet, like too quiet, and she's got this far away look in her eye that's a little unsettling.

It makes Jimin nervous.

Why? She doesn't know, but her head and her heart love any opportunity to try and figure it out for her. Considering Minjeong's right next to her, this isn't the best time for them to start up with their theories again.

Jimin considers finding out for herself what's going on with Minjeong. She considers just asking her right there, plain and simple, but the problem is that she struggles to form the sentence. She tries approaching it as if Minjeong were Jaemin, but if Minjeong were Jaemin then Jimin would attempt beating the truth out of her with a pillow until she caved.

That approach probably wouldn't get her very far.

But it doesn't matter anyway, because Minjeong's suddenly gathering her belongings.

"You're going?" Jimin asks. "Already? You just got here like fifteen minutes ago."

"Yeah, I've got to get back to the lab," Minjeong replies. "I've got this thing due and I'm way behind. I'm behind on a lot of things. Everything's kind of hitting me all at once."

Jimin nods, "I get what you mean. You can't stay for a little while longer though? At least finish your lunch..."

There's a hint of a small smile on Minjeong's lips. It surprises Jimin that it's the first one she's seen in a while, maybe even since the Ball.

"I really should get going," Minjeong tells her.

"Oh. Okay, yeah sure," Jimin dismisses in an attempt to seem casual.

"Thanks again for the wrap though," Minjeong says as she bends down to press a chaste kiss to Jimin's forehead. "It's yummy."

"Sure," Jimin grins out of habit but still notices the ever-watchful eyes of their audience on them. "My leftovers are your leftovers."

"Well when you put it that way..."

Jimin blushes, "You know what I mean."

Minjeong chuckles. It's not her usual full-bellied kind, but it's genuine and Jimin's smile grows because of it. It's the first glimpse of the Minjeong she's actually used to and maybe that's what makes it easier to talk to her.

"So like other than school stuff," Jimin stammers. "You're okay, right?"

Minjeong looks a little taken aback and she's slow to reply. Maybe Jimin should've just minded her business? Kept to herself and let Minjeong do the same?

"My parents stopped by for a visit yesterday," Minjeong admits.

Jimin doesn't know how to react judging by the gloomy look on Minjeong's face. Instead, she just says a quiet, "Oh."

"I hate when they show up unannounced," Minjeong adds.

"I get what you mean..."

"They were just waiting for me on my doorstep when I got home from Robotics and expected me to drop everything and go out with them," Minjeong explains. "I can't just blow off my obligations to do something fun, but I guess I wouldn't expect them to get that."

Jimin bites her lip at the jab. She recalls Minjeong telling her about her parents' tendencies to abandon her growing up, clearly they're still a soft spot for her. But she listens quietly, wondering how long Minjeong will linger and talk.

"They didn't really like how I put my foot down about it. We had a pretty big fight actually," Minjeong mentions.

"Oh shit," Jimin frowns. "Was it bad?"

Minjeong nods. "I mean, I couldn't cancel on my tutoring sessions just to hang out with them. You know, maybe if they would've given me a little notice maybe I could move something around? I just hate how they can make me feel like the bad guy."

"You aren't though," Jimin assures her. "You could never be."

"Try telling them that."

"Maybe I will?"

Minjeong cracks a little smile and Jimin swells with pride.

"We could cut our trip to Lima short and go see them?" Jimin offers. "My mom might be a little pissed that we're skipping out on Easter but she really should learn how to share us."

This time Minjeong laughs and it's like Jimin hit the jackpot. She never realized how satisfying it is to turn Minjeong's frown upside down. It's kind of her new favorite thing, like a personal game of hers.

"It's okay," Minjeong shakes her head. "Easter would be super boring with them anyway. My family isn't into throwing parties for everything like yours is. I'd rather spend it in Lima."

"Are you sure? It's Lima," Jimin jokes. "Come to think of it, I don't actually know where you're from."

"Santa Fe."

"Like in New Mexico?" Jimin's eyes go wide.

"Are there any others?" Minjeong wonders.

Jimin doesn't actually know.

"And your parents dropped by for a visit all the way from there?"

"Oh, no. We moved to Chicago when I was younger but Santa Fe's always felt more like home," Minjeong corrects.

"Okay now that makes more sense," Jimin chuckles. "I was about to say..."

"Yeah, I was just a pit stop this time though," Minjeong replies. "They were actually on their way to see my aunt in Jersey."

"Oh," Jimin softens. "That's a little rude that you weren't their priority."

"Story of my life," Minjeong jokes but neither of them laugh. "But she's conveniently located near Atlantic City so I get it."

"Your parents gamble?" Jimin questions. She wasn't really expecting that.

Minjeong nods, "For people who are so tight on money, they really don't know how to use it wisely. Good thing I'm on scholarships; I'm sure they've already blown through my college fund – if they ever had one for me."

Jimin cringes, "Damn. They don't seem like those kind of people."

Minjeong only shrugs, "It's not like they have a serious gambling problem or anything. They just, they're not serious people. If I solely relied on them, I'd never get to college. I basically did this on my own, I need these scholarships."

"I get that," Jimin replies. "Some people assumed I'd be a shoo-in for Harvard because of my mom's background but like...even she didn't go there. And my dad? He's a photographer and not a famous one either so I rely on my scholarship too."

Minjeong nods, "Yeah, but at least they get it? Mine, it's like they don't understand the kind of pressure I'm under here. Sure, it's different than being at MIT but there are still those same kind of expectations and sometimes it's really freaking hard. I'm just barely keeping my head above water."

Jimin nods along with her. She can definitely relate to having to cope with that kind of pressure. It's a lot, but she can't imagine trying to do it on her own. She at least has her family's support and there's Jaemin too with the comedic relief.

Who does Minjeong have? Jake? How promising...

"Sorry, I didn't mean to unload on you," Minjeong sighs. "You probably have your own stuff to deal with too."

"It's okay," Jimin assures her with a smile. "We always have to listen to my drama. It's only fair that I listen to yours too. Plus, it's kind of cool learning more about you."

"Cool?"

"Okay, maybe interesting is a better word for it."
Minjeong chuckles and Jimin marks it down as another win.

"Well, I should go," Minjeong thumbs in the direction of the exit. "Sorry I couldn't keep you company much longer but at least the sun's out?"

When Minjeong closes her eyes and faces the clear blue sky, Jimin catches herself staring at the way sunlight illuminates the blonde in hues of gold. The girl looks like a damn angel.

"Yeah. At least there's that," Jimin agrees and tears her eyes away as she moves to sit straighter. She grows a little nervous as she tries crafting the right thing to say, a way to fill the void. She's not good at this though, so instead she just says, "Well...don't work too hard."

She wants to facepalm, she wants to hide her face in embarrassment. She knows how to fake it – obviously – but when she actively tries to be genuine it's like rocket science! For someone as smooth as she is, that was shit. That was generic shit. It doesn't touch on the obvious stressed out state Minjeong's in, it doesn't offer any kind of comfort. It's just basic! What the hell was she thinking?

But Minjeong grins and ducks her head. Suddenly Jimin fills with a little hope, hope that she's not a complete dumbass when it comes to being kind to Minjeong.

"I'll try not to," Minjeong tells her. "See you later, Jimin."

"Yeah," Jimin waves. "Later, Minjeong."



Jimin and Minjeong run into each other a few more times that day, but Minjeong acts just as she did during her quick lunch break. She's spaced- out, quiet, and withdrawn. At least Jimin knows why that might be. After Minjeong opened up a little more about her parents, she can see why Minjeong might be distracted. If it's possible though, it seems as though it has gotten worse.

Even during their in-class meeting with Professor Kang, Minjeong had very little to say. That's not like her at all, usually she takes point on those meetings but this time Jimin's left to lead while Minjeong only quietly nods along.

It's almost as if the glimpses of Minjeong from lunch have been washed away and what's left are the dark clouds that hang above her head. Jimin tries to focus on their work rather than the increasing worry she has for Minjeong, and for the most part, she aces that.

Professor Kang eyes them both hesitantly though as he thumbs through the hard copy of their presentation. He's quiet too, but only because they are.

"This is solid work," He praises. "A few clarifications are needed, but it's good."

"Thank you," Jimin answers.

He nods and looks between the both of them again. "You know this is a verbal presentation?"

Jimin bobs her head, "Yes."

"And you'll not only be marked on the content but also the cohesiveness of the team; your ability to work with each other, how you'll both connect with the audience, the authenticity of your efforts?"

Jimin knows what he's poking at although he's not calling it out specifically, but Minjeong continues to sit silently. Again, Jimin has to speak for both of them.

"Of course," She assures him. "We've got that in the bag. You can go ahead and write our names down for that grant because it's ours. Isn't that right, Minjeong?"

Minjeong stiffens at the sound of her name and soon she's plastering on a confident smile.

"That's right," Minjeong assures him too. "We're super charismatic."

"Exactly," Jimin agrees. "We'll charm the money right out of their pockets."

"Alright," Professor Kang seems convinced. "I'll be working on the order of the teams over Spring break so make sure you work on those corrections."

"Sure thing," Jimin smiles as he goes off to check in with another team. Jimin looks to Minjeong though and starts to frown, "What was that? You barely said anything."

"Sorry," Minjeong apologizes. "I'm just – I'm sorry."

"It's fine," Jimin replies. "But this grant, it's really important and we've got to be on our A-game if we really think we're getting it."

"Yeah, I know."

Jimin softens, "Is what you told me earlier still bothering you?"

Minjeong hesitates as if she can't make up her mind.

"I think it adds to it," Minjeong admits. "I'm sorry. I guess I'm just distracted today."

"We can do this tomorrow then if you – "

"No, no. Let's go through the corrections though while we're here," Minjeong urges. "Maybe we can at least get one of them sorted this class?"

Jimin only nods, watching as Minjeong starts to harden and focus back on their work with a steely gaze.



For the rest of the week, there's glimpses of the usual bright and bubbly blonde that's begun to grow on Jimin but those glimpses get smaller and smaller as the clouds dwelling above her darken.

It's not until Jimin crosses paths with Minjeong after the blonde's English Lit class that she realizes what she's been witnessing all week. It's been the build-up of a breakdown and everyone in the hallway has front row seats.

Jimin's just coming around the corner as she chats with a fellow cheerleader that she just shared a class with. They're talking about Nationals as Jimin heads to meet Minjeong so they can walk together to their following joint class as per usual.

It's great publicity for them since it's one of the busiest hallways on campus, but today's walk doesn't go to plan. Jimin knows something's wrong once she finds Minjeong wading through the crowd of students, her face hollow and her eyes red and glassy.

Jimin's gut wrenches and she quickens her pace, not even saying goodbye to her squad member as she goes. She watches as Minjeong bounces off student after student like she's sleepwalking and that worries Jimin even more.

Suddenly Minjeong bounces off another, but this time she goes down and her books clatter to the floor. Everyone else is so focused on getting to class, they don't even stop to give her a hand. But that's fine, Jimin is only a couple steps away.

"Let me help you," She says as she bends down to gather Minjeong's books into a stack. She notes Minjeong's trembling hands and decides to carry the books for her instead as she helps the blonde to stand with her free hand.

"Thanks," Minjeong mumbles and goes to reach for the stack but Jimin shifts away.

"What's going on?" Jimin worries. "Are you okay? You look like you're about to cry."

Minjeong begins to blink as if it would keep the tears from escaping her. Jimin can see her lips move to reply, but nothing comes out. She's choking on her words and Jimin's never felt so sorry for her. It's even worse though when she notices that people have stopped to watch them.

"Seriously? Don't you all have somewhere to be? Nosey ass people!" Jimin barks at them and the people quickly start to move. She's not satisfied though and puts her arm around Minjeong's shoulder so she can lead them elsewhere, "Come on. Let's get out of here. Apparently people don't know how to mind their damn business."

Once they get outside, a sob immediately racks through Minjeong. She's hit so hard, she's nearly brought to her knees again but Jimin keeps her upright.

"Hey," Jimin coos. "How about we sit down before we both fall over, huh?"

Minjeong just nods and they both make their way over to a nearby bench shaded by a tall oak tree. There's still this blank look on Minjeong's face as Jimin sets her books down next to her.

"Alright, what's going on?" Jimin asks softly. "This isn't you."

Minjeong's bottom lip begins to tremble as she tries to find the words.

"I bombed it...my exam."

"What?" Jimin shakes her head because there's no way.

"I-I should've done more," Minjeong says brokenly. "I should've spent more time studying. I should've known that it would happen."

"Alright hold on," Jimin pauses her. "Let me see. What kind of bombed are we talking about?"

She remembers kids in school, the real overachievers who would complain about an A- like it was an F. Maybe Minjeong's like them? Although, she didn't really give off that impression that she'd take a grade like that this hard.

Minjeong hands over her a crumpled paper, her exam results for English Lit, and Jimin takes a moment to scan it.

"Oh," Jimin lets out in surprise. This isn't just an A-. She quickly fixes her face though, trying to look more hopeful, "Okay. It's not so bad."

"Don't lie," Minjeong scolds as she bats away her tears. "I'm a tutor, Jimin. How does it look if I'm getting a grade like this?"

"Believe me, there are some people in that program who do way worse," Jimin tries to assure her.

Minjeong only shakes her head, "They aren't like me though, they aren't under the kind of pressure I am to excel. If my GPA slips then I could lose my scholarships. I could lose my tentative offers after graduation."

"Graduation?" Jimin frowns. "That's a year away."

"Doesn't matter," Minjeong grimaces. "I have to be perfect at all times and a grade like this? That's not perfect."

Jimin softens as she watches the blonde. Minjeong's face hardens and she averts her gaze, but Jimin can still see tears running down her cheeks.

"Don't you think you're being just a little hard on yourself?" Jimin questions lightly.

Minjeong doesn't say a word, just stares out towards the courtyard, so Jimin tries a different approach.

"Look, it's just one grade. It'll be okay," Jimin assures her. "Your GPA isn't going to drop dramatically because of this."

Minjeong lets out a deep sigh, "You don't understand. The programs considering me don't give out second chances. I've already taken a huge risk by leaving MIT, I can't push them away even further. I can't screw this up!"

Jimin's brows rise and she leans back as she watches Minjeong fall apart.

"I don't want to end up like my parents; stuck living paycheck to paycheck just barely making ends meet then blowing what they do have on something ridiculous. I know they didn't want more for me, but I want more for myself," Minjeong says. "I don't want to prove everyone back home that the things they said about me were right. That I'm just this...this stupid girl with her head in the clouds all the time."

"Come on," Jimin bumps Minjeong's shoulder with hers. "You know that isn't true."

"Do I?" Minjeong mumbles. "What if all of this is a fluke? All this crap about being gifted? What if I've just been riding on a wave of luck all this time? What if I'm exactly what everyone thinks – "

Jimin's hands find Minjeong's jaw before she even realizes – she cups Minjeong's face with them ever so delicately, as if she's the glue to this crumbling girl. Her eyes dart between watery browns and although her breath comes out shaky, her hands remain unwavering.

And for a split second – no, even smaller. More like a fraction of a millisecond – Jimin thinks she might know a better way to snap Minjeong out of this.

"Stop," Jimin tells her sternly instead. "Just stop, okay? Enough with the what ifs. They're not going to do you any good, they'll just make you doubt yourself which is what you're already doing."

Minjeong looks down in defeat and Jimin slowly pulls away.

"You're smart, Minjeong. Way more than smart; you're the Most Brilliant Brainiac. You wouldn't have won that award if this was all a fluke," Jimin tells her. "But you're also human and you make mistakes. This grade, it's not the end of the world. Okay?"

Minjeong's hesitant, but she nods.

"Everything's going to be fine," Jimin says. "Ask for a retake. Miss Susan is usually pretty cool when it comes to retakes, especially if it's coming from you of all people. No professor wants to be the one to flunk one of the resident geniuses. No one wants to see you fail, I know I definitely don't."

"No?" Minjeong mutters. "Wouldn't that be a dream come true for you being that we're rivals and all?"
Jimin shrugs, "Rivals doesn't really seem to fit anymore."

Minjeong looks at her curiously, "You don't think so? Mortal enemies a better fit?"

"Not that one either. I mean, would a rival let you kiss them in front of everyone at a nerd convention all because you won the smarty pants award?" Jimin teases.

"Hang on, you kissed me."

"Maybe, but you were the one that slipped in a little tongue."

Minjeong gasps, "I did not...did I?"

Jimin chuckles, "All I'm saying is that I think we might be over the rivals thing. I might even say we're kind of...friends."

Minjeong's smile grows, "Friends?"

"Kind of, but like friends that still challenge each other," Jimin shrugs. She tries to come off all aloof but she loves how the clouds above Minjeong seem to part and beams of sunshine start to break through. "Because like...what fun would it be reaching the top if you're not there fighting me for it every step of the way?"

"I guess you're right," Minjeong beams. "That wouldn't be much fun at all."

"Totally boring," Jimin confirms.

"So we're friends," Minjeong reiterates. A little laugh escapes her, she's so surprised. "I can't believe you're the one who admitted it first."

"Look, although I've inherited my Grandma's stubbornness and pride even I can admit," Jimin replies with a heavy sigh. "You've kind of grown on me."

"I knew it," Minjeong grins. She wipes away the last of her tears, "Who knew a breakdown was all it took?"

"No more of those, please," Jimin groans playfully. "I don't think I could handle another. I completely winged it that time."

"You did good," Minjeong smiles apologetically. "I'm sorry about that. I guess I was stressing about that grade being released. Usually I can keep it together, but I was worried. I wasn't confident when I sat the exam so all week has felt like I was just holding my breath."

"It's fine. You don't have to apologize," Jimin reminds her. "Talk to Miss Susan and get it figured out. The sooner, the better. It'll be okay though."

Minjeong nods, "Thanks, Jimin."

She shrugs nonchalantly, "It's cool. We've all been surprised by a shit grade. I get it."

"No, really – I didn't expect you to be there for me like this," Minjeong says. "I didn't really expect anyone to actually. I could never turn to Jake about this, he'd probably make it even worse knowing how he feels about low grades."

"That's because he's a self-absorbed dickhead and that's coming from me," Jimin rolls her eyes but she quickly throws on a smile. She doesn't want to ruin this little moment they're having with mentions of Jake. So Jimin refocuses, "But whatever. At least you can count on me."

Minjeong returns the smile, "You can count on me too."






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