A warm tone of coral beams peeked through the glass window, as the soft sheer curtains fluttered with the gentle zephyr.

The psychiatrist and the singer, with a session on cue, were settled in a comfortable hush. One of the little exercises that the psychiatrist would enact on every patient, in the mental gym of his quarters. Just a simple practice of easy breathing; unimpeded and free from all constraints.

Growing an easement with the space, in a relaxed stance, Jimin finally forms his words in a gentle flow.

JM : I think, I found my summer.

The doctor faintly smiled, learning the fact that the singer cared enough, to pick up the conversation in the same line of analogy-where they left off.

Dr.Ban : Already? Wow, you do your homework well, I see. That's really impressive.

Upon his warm compliment, Jimin had a self-effacing smile to himself.

Dr.Ban : So, let me hear it. What is your summer?

JM : The love I receive from my fans.

Dr.Ban, showing no signs of rush, patiently waited for him-to impel the words in his heart through his vocals.

JM : Not long ago, I found this handwritten letter from a fan. Well, people send us so many that sometimes we don't get to read them all.

The doctor exhibited his full attention and interest, as he nodded along.

JM : But, because I was reminded of your catchphrase. I didn't want to stay in bed and do nothing before I drifted to sleep. So, I went up to the gift room and picked a few letters I haven't yet read.

Dr.Ban : And how did they help you?

JM : I wondered that for a while too. The letters were very simple and sentenced their raw sentiments. It was so innocent of them. I felt it directly reach me. (-scoffs-) I cried too.

Dr.Ban : Because you were moved by the letters?

JM : More so, I ended up in tears with a sorry heart. They say, we bring them hope and comfort. They say, we saved them. They love us, boundlessly. And I tried to run away- ... I tried to hide from them... from everything. Simply because it was a little hard for me.

There was a slight crack in his voice as he admitted to his unfair actions with a certain remorse for himself.

JM : It was very selfish of me, Doc. I couldn't-

Jimin, recalling the apologetic heart, once again had wet eyes. To the point, he didn't try to hold it in. Letting the guards loose before his doctor. The latter, being the good listener he professionalizes in, quietly let the air around the two absorb the moisture of guilt and liberated confessions.

JM : Just like those people who wrote the letters, I realized there might be someone else, who would look up to us and wish for a similar comfort.

Dr.Ban raised up from his revolving chair and restfully walked across the room-to pour a glass of water from the RO. Meanwhile, Jimin snuffled quietly and continued to walk him down the sombre lane of his deepest thoughts.

JM : But, if I run away like this, I feel I wouldn't be able to bear the loss of those angels-who actually saved us.

The psychiatrist, alert to each word he delivered out, now advanced towards the lounge where Jimin was rested.

JM : So, I figured to stay out. No more hibernating. No more hiding.

Dr.Ban placed the glass of water before the singer, and seated himself across him on the couch.

Seeing the water, Jimin's senses spurred him on a thrist and he picked up the transparent glass to quench it. His doctor, taking careful notes on every scene he acted out, quietly moulded his conceit of speech for the very conclave.

JM : Thank you for the water.

Jimin's voice sounded a little clear and lively after a quick hydration. He sniffled once, avoiding any eye contacts and helped himself with some tissues to dry the wets.

Observing his patient regain his composure, the doctor stirred the silence in the right time.

Dr.Ban : Do you have a favorite season?

JM : Ye?

Dr.Ban : Im, among the four seasons of the year. Do you specifically like any?

JM : Well, I like a sunny weather with a cool breeze. Wouldn't group that in any particular season.

Dr.Ban : Interesting.

Dr.Ban, beneath a soft smile, perceived a peculiar satisfaction from the winsome response of the singer. And slowly as the ambience fused down lighter, he slipped in his well revised parable.

Dr.Ban : Spending the summer in a fun vacation or doing so in a AC-less room. Which do you think one would enjoy more?

JM : I don't know if this is supposed to be a tricky question, but I choose the former.

Dr.Ban : (-chuckles-) Well, all my questions seek to find your true needs. No complications, no tricks. Now, speaking of the 'former' choice, it is a luxury, only you can gift yourself.

As the speaker shifted, now it was the doctor walking Jimin down a lane of epiphanies and enlightenment.

Dr.Ban : People who find a situation troublesome and taxing, want it to end sooner. Spring symbolizes fresh and new beginnings and a blooming season for love. But, some people prefer the cold winters over the inconvenient rain. And likewise, want the former to pass on quickly.

Jimin was captivated into his words, as Dr.Ban planted them in a rhetorical manner. As if it was rather a storytelling session, the narrator giving the solo audience a peel on the wax and wane of the fable.

Dr.Ban : So, if you want to sustain your summer and don't want it to feel a burden on you. You must be treating yourself with the best luxury of this season.

JM : Your metaphors. As much as I appreciate the literature, I am not very sure if I am following you here.

Dr.Ban : Well, I expected that. I was taking it too far.

They were both teased to a light grin, before the doctor carried his words further in an explicit direction.

Dr.Ban : To put it in simple words, your current state is a little deceptive. You want to be flexible to your surroundings, but you are subconsciously rigid about the same.

Jimin's fingers in a heedless fidget, promptly stopped the repetitive movements-by the second the words reached him.

Dr.Ban : That lack of flexibility, is nothing but obligation.

At the simple break down of his situation, Jimin experienced a divulgence to the front-he didn't realize he had been blinded to.

Dr.Ban : You are refraining from hiding again, because you feel obligated to do so for your fans-who look up to you. Not because you want to. 'Hypocrisy'-to be quintessential.

JM : It does feel like what I am doing. Didn't appear so before you pointed it out. I can't believe I-

His indecisive sentiments lost their aim, not able to figure out what he could possibly do. To turn that obligation, into a desirble resource for himself.

The singer, finally landed on the runaway, that his psychiatrist was trying to direct him to. In order to escape being trapped in a frustration of commitment and stick around competently. He learned, that one must first find a rejoice in this place and season.

Dr.Ban : It's all right. We often fail to see the broader picture. And that is why I am here for you. To give you my vision into things, so that you can make better decisions.

Jimin slightly nodded to the doctor, feeling wronged to himself and owning up to a deceitful mentality. Before he caught at it, a tear drop quickly slid down the side of his nose while he moistened his lips habitually.

Dr.Ban : Therefore, instead of suppressing the symptoms with superficial treatments. It is best to find the source of it, so we can deduce a permanent cure.

Unable to speak, Jimin hesitantly nodded his head again, to show his partial participation. Although, he also wanted to reach the source desperately, the singer was scared to face up to his fears yet.

Dr.Ban : The motivation you feel right now, is good. But, the hypocrite mask will fall off, once you hit the same vulnerability again. So, let's try to flip the pressed pages.

He let the singer take his time and think about it. But, also assisted the process with verbal aids.

Dr.Ban : Something that is disturbing your stability in thoughts and emotions, lately? If nothing comes to you right away, it's alright too. There is no need to force it out.

Seemed like Jimin was looking for a narrow abscond, he readily grabbed the opportunity and avoided to answer him.

JM : Okay.

Dr.Ban with his long years of experience, was well acquainted of his needs to circumvent from a confrontation. And he let it be, until Jimin was comfortable talking about it willingly.

A shirlly alarm squeaked up in the room, focusing their attention towards the source-kept on the centering table.

The psychiatrist leaned forward, shutting it down and rested back again.

Dr.Ban : 'Guess, that's about today's session then. I appreciated your last surprise visit. And would do so, in future as well. So, drop by any time you want.

JM : Thank you, Doc. And I do realize and understand your point today. As I try to find my fun vacation. I will try making this phase-my summer, last the longest.

As he reviewed his words carefully, Dr.Ban bothered to take a moment and correct his lines.

Dr.Ban : More than it is about lasting your summer longer. It is about ending your winter sooner.

Jimin displayed a flat expression, trying to measure the depth of his phrase.

Dr.Ban : It is not bad or selfish to have a sad day or feeling tired. Blues are a part of the colors of life.

Lips parted, as the singer looked back at his hands in a strange but comfortable realization.

JM : Never thought of it like that.

Dr.Ban : Therefore, rather than being conscious about it and holding onto the "light phase", it is better to let go of the "dark". With your best consciousness and all strengths.

While his words came around as bonus from the spellbinder, the designated time limit of the session was breached without any hesitation.

Dr.Ban : A rain in the summer, makes the weather cool. But the same in the winters, doesn't make much of a difference.

The celebrity this time, was clearly seeing his point and could visualize it taking an artistic form. He chose to keep silence as he waited for the paint to brush through his art piece.

Dr.Ban : Summers are delicate and easily susceptible. It's hard to protect them forever. Winters shall come every now and then. But, you can use this effort to fight the cold. Because, they are used to a tough tussle and might even surrender to you. You see, the dark fears a strong will.

Jimin, totally beguiled into his words, evinced a blankness in his verbs and expressions. Until, the doctor's concern nudged him from his astray thoughts.

Dr.Ban : Am I getting my point across?

JM : Oh, yes. Infact, I feel a little more at ease. It is somehow more liberating to know that. Since, holding on is much harder than letting go.

The psychiatrist felt a relief, having him speak the words he wanted to make the whole point on. It is not about holding on that was bound to slip, it is about letting go that should be bound to leave.

JM : Thanks for telling me that, Doc. You really prove your credibility. Sometimes.

Dr.Ban ended in an amused chuckle at his words. He enjoyed his partial appreciation. As if he didn't want the doctor over flattered, keeping his feet on the ground. So that, he continues to sharpen his end and provide Jimin with the counseling, without any room for negligence.

Dr.Ban : Glad, I do it. Sometimes.

Jimin giggled lightly at his doctor's mimick as the session was at long last, over. He had reserved the last outpatient slot for the entire time, he was to receive the treatment.

One, to avoid an undesirable attention outside the cabin. With the second, to avoid any kind of anxiety that he was taking up other people's time.

Just how, he was now relieved as he walked out of the room with the assurance-that he didn't hold any other patient on the line.

While on the ride back to the BigHit building, all Jimin could think was about the words that were freshly set in his mind.

A new mission, to find the joy in his summer. So he could buy the luxury of a fun vacation, with his content and fulfillment as the currency of expenditure.

The sky now had a faint shade of navy, telling that the sun had set a while ago. And was toning down to a darker hue of blue.

His gaze focused outside the car window, as he rested his head. The vehicle on a red light halt, Jimin's focus went to a blue butterfly, fluterring near a flower pot on the pavement. How little things, at times, hold the big power to enchant you towards it, fascinated him. His absent mindedness further played a helping role.

His eyes restfully followed its flight very keenly as a faint smile spread across his lips. Only for it to gradually fade out, now having his attention captivated by a lady- speeding out of a restuarant. As if the butterfly, like a little messenger, dropped his sight on that crying face.

Her head hung down, hair covering most of her lowered face, she plopped down to a squat in the middle of the street.

Passersbys whipping their unconcerned gazes as they casually walk past her. She cared for none and palmed her face, wailing her heart.

Witnessing the scene, Jimin felt a certain empathy towards the stranger. As if he was familiar with this lament. This numbness, that makes one careless about anyone watching the tears and judge them for it.

However, reminded by his restricted boundaries, the forts he cannot breach out of. And knowing that, those wouldn't let him approach her and give a hand of comfort, the celebrity tightened his fist. He quietly watched her from the distance of a fame.

The car was on move again and he drew his sight to the front, consequently.

"You got this," he faintly voiced to the rearview, that presented him a slowly diminishing figure of the stranger.

Meanwhile, inside the same restaurant, that the lady was seen storming out of, Chan Heo was thwarted by Mr.Baek. From following Dan Hwa out, the few long moments ago.

"...Chan Heo : BAEK DAN HWA!"

Mr.Baek : Let her be. It's okay.

The young actor shifted his eyes from the door to his Uncle, seated by the reserved table.

Chan Heo : Samchun! You always let her slide. That just gives her a further audacity to be like that.

Mr.Baek : It's really fine. I am more than happy to have a nice dinner with my nephew after a long time. Come on, sit down.

Chan Heo : But, Samch-

Mr.Baek : Tsk. Are you sitting? Or shall I leave?

Chan Heo sighed, shaking his head in defeat and settled down across Mr.Baek.

"Might as well use that attitude over Dan-ie once," he mumbled to himself in a light disconcert over Dan Hwa's immoral reaction.

Mr.Baek smiled, feigning an oblivion on Chan Heo's comment and spoke in his usual tone.

Mr.Baek : But, don't you have schedules though? Making time for dinner with me. What are you doing lately?

Chan Heo : Ye, I am off schedule right now. So, it's fine.

Although, it was a little early for a dinner. But, to the hectic schedules they run on, food settings never had the right time on their tables.

They restfully placed their orders as they carried out casual updates on each other.

Mr.Baek : Oh right, about the Hello Counselor episode though. Did you talk to your agency first?

Chan Heo : Well, I did have a good talk over it. I wanted to put a clear cut to the rumor, so I had asked the show staff to bring up about our relation.

Mr.Baek nodded understandingly, over the news that prevailed around the interent as one of the hot topics. About, the older actor-Baek In Ho, being Chan Heo's blood related Uncle.

All sorts of reactions, some positive-that acting genes ran in the Baek family. While, some detrimental-doubting the young actor's eminence and reliability in the field.

Mr.Baek : I am still not getting you any recommendation. It's all you.

The Uncle revised him over the condition he had placed before Chan Heo, when he received the full approval and support of his family to pursue his dream, years ago.

And so far so good, Chan Heo proved his potential to climb up the ladder all by himself. Without any privileges from his actor Uncle, whatsoever.

Chan Heo : Ye ye. Not asking for one. I actually got a new drama. Today was the first script reading.

Mr.Baek : Co-congratulations! What is it about?

Mr.Baek, just being himself, always took interest in Chan Heo's works. There was not a single one, out of his knowledge. He was well tuned with his nephew's entire six years of career and had been a proud witness of his progress.

Chan Heo : My character is an Idol singer, who is suffering from imposter syndrome. His self esteem is way on the ground but he never shows it on his face. It's about how he fought his suicidal thoughts and overcame his condition with the help of his doctor, the female lead.

Mr.Baek : That's amazing! Love the message. Infact, it's such an important topic to manifest and bring awareness to. I really look forward to it. Which production house is it? TR? GM?

Chan Heo : GM, it is. Yeah.

Mr.Baek : I knew it. The vibe just told it's her. Director Gyul never disappoints.

Chan Heo : Cannot agree less. And Dan-ie's team is on the set productions for this drama. Hence, we came in together.

Mr.Baek : For real? Wow, now I doubly look forward to this project.

Upon a familiar recollection, flushing the genuine glee in his mien, Mr.Baek sapped down to a certain glum. Chan Heo happened to notice the change in his expressions and grew a little concerned.

Chan Heo : Samchun?

Mr.Baek : (-snapped out-) Onh, yes?

Chan Heo : What are you thinking about?

Mr.Baek : (-sighs-) Onh... Just. . .

______

This update took longer than I estimated.
Anyways, hope you liked it.♡

And do not worry about Dan Hwa, not having much screentime today. Let's give her a little space. ;)

P.s. Yes, no Hybe sorcery is going to happen here.😏
I am stingy about it.
Besides, it's my parallel universe anyways.