Chapter Text
Kim Minjeong is majoring in arts. She’s been made aware that’s not the best career path by her parents, so there’s no need for a reminder.
She’s 20 years old and has her life figured out as much as a 20-year-old needs. She’s single, has a roommate, and around 2 close friends, that is if you don’t count the roommate and her cousin. People (her roommate) have been telling her to go out and socialise more, at least see the world for what it is.
So she did.
She agreed to go to an art exhibition because she’s already a second-year university student and she’s mature enough to have fun without alcohol.
Her opinion wasn’t taken seriously, but here she is.
In a gallery.
On a Tuesday evening.
Waiting for her company (roommate) to arrive.
Going to a gallery might have been part of an assignment but that doesn’t change anything. She’s been standing right outside the entrance with another gentleman who’s currently on his second cigarette. Either he can’t watch art without being intoxicated or he can’t face someone with a sober mind. Either way, she’s been slipping to the side since the second cigarette.
“It’s been like 20 minutes you know?” Minjeong didn’t try to hide her disappointment in any way. She’s been waiting outside the whole time. It’s not too bad, the weather is still warm, it’s the beginning of autumn. Nonetheless, waiting for 20 minutes is not appealing during any season, especially if a smoker is having the time of his life next to you.
The line goes silent for a bit until Minjeong hears a whine.
“I’m sorry!” The redhead rolled her eyes at the apology, she’s sure kindergarteners lie better than her roommate. “I didn’t try to ghost you or something I promise, it’s just that someone offered me food to try and you know it was sweets and I was craving it, and then..” Ning kept rambling without a single break and Minjeong thought about offering her to join a freediving club or to hold her head underwater until the bubbles stopped.
“...so I ended up getting food poisoning and I have been fighting to get away from the toilet for the past hour. I had no clue someone could throw up that much…” This time instead of rambling Ning said it with confidence as if she’s proud of this discovery. Minjeong had to abandon the anger bubbling in her, instead the emotion turned into worry.
“Are you okay now? Should I go and buy some medicine, you’re at home right?”
“I’m...”
“Ning, I can’t hear you, please speak properly.”
“The girl that gave me the sweets said she would take care of me, she felt really bad you know!” Ning whisper-shouted.
“Okay? It’s good that she feels sorry about it, sounds like you almost died.”
“So how about you stay and take a look at the exhibition instead of me okay? I promise I will treat you to lunch tomorrow!”
“We can still go to a different exhibition, it’s not like there won’t be another one somewhere in the city this week.” Minjeong was getting more frustrated with each passing second.
“But you already waited for so long and it would feel like a waste to go back, wouldn’t it? Also, I might still feel bad so how about you stay there and take all the notes and I treat you to lunch for 2 days?” Ning countered back, not bothering to whisper anymore.
“Are you sure you will be okay there? I kinda feel bad for staying here knowing you’re dying,” Minjeong said with a sigh. When she started rubbing her forehead even the guy, now more than a few metres away, got worried. Then she heard a distant voice coming from the phone.
“Ning?” That for sure wasn’t Ning so who’s in their apartment?
“Do you by chance want me to go alone so you could stay with the culprit of your sickness?” Minjeong ruthlessly called out, in the most monotone voice she could muster.
The pause said wonders.
“Okay, I will stay here and take notes and you make sure to get better.” Minjeong made sure to emphasise the last words since her roommate was probably more interested in the girl than her health.
“Umm, thank you so much, you’re the best!!” The girl didn’t even try to deny anything.
“Alright, see you in a few hours then,” Minjeong said before hanging up.
With a heavy sigh, the redhead turned away and started her walk of shame towards the line. She even bid goodbye to the smoker, who nodded his head in return.
Minjeong caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her roommate was the one to style her, ironic considering she isn’t here. She’s wearing a skirt paired with a cardigan and a beret on top of her head. While the outfit is pretty much all black save for her socks, the different textures make it pop, Ning really did choose a nice look. Don’t get her wrong, Minjeong definitely knows how to dress, she just prefers more casual outfits, fancy ones are not her area of expertise.
She quickly snaps a photo of herself in the mirror and walks towards the shopping clerk. Even though she did technically get stood up, her mood stays light, excited for the exhibition ahead, which somehow balances out the whole roommate fiasco.
“Would it be one ticket?”
“Yes, please.”
“It will be 10.” Said the lady at the desk.
Not twenty?
Minjeong looked at her hand and the 20 bill in it, then glanced behind her. There was already someone in line, a girl in fact, around her age. Probably. She didn’t seem very happy though, she looked as if she was ready to smash her phone into the wall out of frustration caused by whoever was on the other side. Wow.
“Actually, could I get 2 tickets? One for me and another for the person behind me.” Minjeong blurted out while sliding the bill on the counter.
“Buying a ticket for someone else? That’s so sweet of you, youngsters these days are usually so rude.” The lady mumbled, ripping two tickets from the pile.
“Well I don’t mind, I will be getting dinner after.”
Will she? The promise was lunch for 2 days, not dinner.
Minjeong made a mental note not to say such random things and to go eat something before going back home.
As soon as Minjeong was handed the tickets she turned around and extended one of the tickets to the girl behind her before she could change her mind.
“Hey, I don’t know if you heard, but I was buying a ticket for a stranger, so please accept it.” As her gaze went up she properly saw who was standing in front of her. The girl was absolutely gorgeous, the quick glimpse failed to catch the beauty even the slightest. God clearly has favourites because this girl has insane proportions and puts statues of Greek goddesses to shame. Minjeong also noted that she smells like lavender.
Minjeong won’t lie, the girl is really attractive and looks even more cute while looking taken aback to say the least.
She stayed silent for a second before the scowl on her face morphed into one of pure amazement. The girl took the ticket with a smile on her face.
“Umm, thank you.” The goddess’ voice was way lower than she anticipated, it sounded husky, yet carried an undeniable sweetness with it. “I really appreciate it, is there-”
Both girls suddenly turned their eyes toward Minjeong’s pocket, where her phone was.
What’s a better way to cut someone off than a loud ass vibration, accompanied with obnoxious flashing? She looked at the girl apologetically and while bowing down skipped to the bathroom.
“Ning Yizhuo.” Minjeong deadpanned.
“Why so serious, did I call at a bad time?”
Minjeong took a deep breath.
“No, it’s fine actually, I was about to go into the exhibition.”
“Oh cool, can you buy donuts on your way back?”
“You called me now because of donuts?”
“I very much crave them.”
“You couldn’t text?”
“What if you had missed it?”
She let out another sigh.
“Alright, I will get you the donuts,” Minjeong bites her lips to keep another sigh from coming as Ning lets out a victory squeal.
Minjeong hurried out of the bathroom, looking towards where she previously was, in hopes of seeing the model girl. Maybe today just wasn’t meant for her. She evened out her pace and continued walking towards the entrance of the exhibition.
The lavender scent was still left lingering.
Going through the exhibition definitely isn’t boring for Minjeong as it is a way for her to relax and immerse in the works while interpreting them in her own professional opinion. Some are very abstract, yet others are quite straightforward. Nonetheless, Minjeong can find some sort of meaning behind them and take notes on most of the art pieces.
All the effort took quite some energy and the girl was already part-sleeping when walking through the doors outside. The evening had turned chilly, the air leaving a feeling of peace and comfort in its wake. Truly, nothing there was or even sounded comforting, cars were driving, someone was smoking on the other side of the road once again, sirens were heard and a couple was having an argument while walking towards the intersection. Yet all of this brought reassurance and relief. Even the goosebumps on Minjeong’s skin didn’t get in the way of her little ritual to get her thoughts to untangle. Paserbys might think it’s weird and scoff her way, but it didn’t bother her, no one knew her and she didn’t know anyone.
It was a moment for her and just her. Leaning on a wall next to the building, eyes closed, just enjoying the moment and drifting away in her mind.
That was until she felt a presence next to her. Minjeong’s eyes flicked open as she saw the very same woman she nearly started thinking about looking at her sheepishly.
“The exhibition was quite interesting wasn’t it?”
“Um, yes, it was one of the better ones I’ve seen this year,” Minjeong said as she was standing up straight from the wall and dusting off her clothes.
“Thank you so much for buying the ticket, I didn’t get to thank you properly before.” The girl said with a genuine smile plastered on her face.
Minjeong there and then concluded that this smile might bring her trouble at some point.
“Thank you for accepting it.” She ended up saying instead.
Both girls were just standing outside, looking down at the ground in a shy manner.
“Could I get your name maybe?” The question took Minjeong aback, yet she was able to compose her thoughts as quickly as she lost them and answer properly.
“Minjeong. Kim Minjeong. And may I know yours?”
“Jimin. Yu Jimin.” Jimin mimicked playfully making both girls let out a quick giggle.
“Did you come here alone, Minjeong?” The smirk on Jimin’s face while saying her name was evident. Nonetheless, Minjeong found it endearing.
“My friend was supposed to come too, but she couldn't, so here I am.” Minjeong looked around and lifted her hands a bit. It didn’t really look awkward but it wasn't the most confidence oozing move either. Minjeong made a mental note to maybe not do that again.
“Me too, my company also didn’t show up.”
Minjeong nodded in acknowledgment, is that why the girl was angry at her phone?
“Would you maybe like to have dinner with me? For the ticket.” Jimin quickly clarified, while showing the purchase in her hand.
“I was really joking when I said that, please don’t feel obligated,” Minjeong raised her hands in a quick surge of emotions. ”I was just trying to do a random act of kindness to a stranger.” Minjeong couldn’t help but feel a bit embarrassed at the offer.
“Okay, then can I invite Minjeong to dinner? We’re not strangers anymore are we?” The smirk was back on Jimin’s face and the intense eye contact was really making her want to melt right there and then, but she stood her ground.
“Sure, where are we going?”
=.=
They settled in walking to a restaurant a few minutes away from the gallery. During the walk neither spoke a lot, they let themselves be engulfed in silence that was surprisingly comfortable.
“So why art?” Jimin was the first one to talk. They had just ordered and Minjeong went by the other girl’s recommendation. It wasn’t really her usual place to be on a Tuesday evening, in a fancy restaurant with live jazz music playing. Yet she wasn’t complaining, not even a single bit.
“Well, I just like it, expressing myself not by words, but by actions.“ Minjeong was feeling a bit silly under her companion’s gaze. A glass of water suddenly gave her much needed comfort.
“It’s easier to speak with figures or colours. I don’t always understand myself, but somehow art lets me express everything.” Minjeong felt like she was starting to ramble but after catching Jimin’s gaze, sparked with interest, she continued talking.
“Each person feels art differently, it’s a unique experience. Not necessarily abstract art either, just seeing something drawn is so intriguing.” She took a deep breath to slow down her pace. “The same art piece can bring both comfort and sadness.” Finally, taking a sip from her comfort glass of water.
She turned to look Jimin in the eye, only to be met with the girl’s gaze already set on her, chin resting on her hand.
“Is there something on my face?”
Jimin suddenly became more interested in her own glass than the other girl, leaving Minjeong unable to fully catch what she mumbled.
“Sorry?”
“You’re really pretty.” Jimin made eye contact and Minjeong was sure her cheeks were redder than her hair, but she simply couldn’t back down, she had to get the last word out.
“Look who’s talking, don’t you have any mirrors at home? I’m sure people thought you were one of the exhibits in the gallery.” Minjeong mentally high fived herself after seeing a blush spread like wildfire across Jimin’s face. With a smirk plastered onto Minjeong’s, she fixed her bangs in an exaggerated manner.
“Stop wiggling your eyebrows at me!” Jimin threw a napkin towards Minjeong, which in return replied in a witty tone.
“M’lady, is this a proper way to act? Scandalous!” The redhead gasped and covered her mouth with both hands.
“You better stop or I’m telling you’re a witch.”
“Excuse you??”
Minjeong was left with no time to fend for herself as the waiter brought them their respective meals. She glared at her companion.
This isn’t over.
“Is it because my hair is red?”
“Not the only reason.”
“There’s more?? Well, you’re coming down with me, Miss Vampire!”
“Is that supposed to be me?”
“Yes you, in your black hair and pale skin glory.”
“It’s the lighting!”
“It’s my hair dye then!”
“So why did you choose to study literature?” Minjeong asked after a bit when both of them had come back to the 21st century.
“I guess in a way it’s similar to you.” Jimin started while taking a spoonful of her pasta.
“Let’s say the writer creates a story and you read it, it’s like reading a part of that person, you’re taking their worldview and seeing it from how you have lived. If you’re able to live through a book it’s like living a different life. It’s freeing and I like that. That’s why I’m studying literature, to analyse and to write.” Jimin concluded her reasoning with a shy smile before going back to her plate.
Minjeong couldn’t really figure out what to feel towards Jimin at that answer. Truly, it left her amazed to say the least, intrigued even. Not everyday that you meet another person who’s also into some form of art, so much that they specifically chose to study it. Her career options might be broader than Minjeong’s though.
“What did you like the most in the exhibition?” Minjeong had forgotten that she, in fact, went to an art exhibition. Thank you, Jimin, for reminding! And of course, bringing her mind here.
“Hmm. I wouldn’t say I had a favourite.”
“Okay, then what was the work that came to your mind first?”
“Probably the collection ‘life’.”
“The one made from glass bottles?” Jimin asked with a hint of amusement in her tone, even her brow was raised.
“Why, didn’t think I would choose it?” There was no hurt in Minjeong’s tone, she simply wanted to know what was on the raven’s mind.
“Well, I thought you would like the ones with more paint splashing maybe.” Jimin fiddled with her fork.
“Well, I would say both were rather abstract, but that’s not the reason either impressed me,” Minjeong said in quite a teasing tone.
“I didn’t mean that you liked it because it was abstract!”
“Then why?” Minjeong couldn’t help but smirk at now flustered Jimin.
“It just seemed… your style?”
“Really?”
“Yeah.”
Minjeong couldn’t help but let out a chuckle.
“What’s funny?” Jimin’s eyebrows were furrowed and her lips formed a soft pout.
“You’re just very cute.”
Minjeong was surprised by her own boldness, but it seemed to catch Jimin off guard, leaving the girl stunned, red starting to dust her cheeks.
Cute.
Jimin cleared her throat.
“So why did you like that collection in particular?”
“It said so much with so little.”
This left Jimin quite unsatisfied with the answer.
“Could I get a professional review out of Kim Minjeong, please? My simple mind seemed to not see the fascination with this work.” Jimin made sure to bow her head a bit in exaggeration.
“That would be my duty!” Minjeong couldn’t help but giggle.
“I assume you didn’t read about the artist and backstory of the work. It would make more sense then, especially for someone so interested in analysing.”
“Caught me there,” Jimin admitted.
“The collection is made from baby food glass bottles. As for how I see it, it’s about coming to terms with a person close to you changing and moving on.” Minjeong was holding Jimin’s gaze, which was now serious.
“At first there was a lot of glass, almost the whole surface was covered in bright colours. However, later on, there was less glass and more paint, which soon turned dark. The whole time it seemed very unbalanced and rather unpleasant to look at. The last piece had both elements, dark and bright, glass and paint, however, they were in harmony, they weren’t contradicting each other.” Minjeong took a sip of her drink before continuing.
“The artist portrayed their relationship with their child, they grew up and the parent didn’t have full control over them anymore. However, they were able to come to terms with it and accept each other as equals. That’s why the last piece looked so balanced compared to all the previous ones.”
Minjeong peeked over to Jimin who seemed to be deep in thought, taking in what she had just said. So Minejong let her do that, trying to take a bite of her pasta without banging the fork against the table like a civilised person that she is.
“‘Time’. I liked the collection ‘time’.” Jimin said after a few minutes, just coming back from her thoughts.
“Why did it stick with you?”
Jimin looked up to come face to face with the other girl, her eyes were shining and brows slightly raised.
“I guess it made me realise that there is no future if you have no past, you can’t just jump into existence.” Minjeong nodded, urging the girl to go on.
“Sometimes you focus only on the future or on the past, but then you’re not living, just existing. Just like in the collection, you’re not building towards your future from where you are, but just trying to build somewhere hoping you will run into it later or go back and take what you left.”
A moment of silence was shared between the girls, both taking in what each of them had said.
Minjeong looked the raven right in the eyes and smiled.
“I think I should be the one asking for your professional opinion from now on, Yu Jimin.”
“Were my ideas interesting, Kim Minjeong?”
“They certainly were, it would be nice to hear them more,” Minjeong said more to herself.
“I wouldn’t mind buying you dinner again if you buy me a ticket just like today.”
Neither of the girls dared to look up from their plates.
“Well, aren’t you building into the future while we’re still here?”
Both girls couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle.
=.=
“Here, there are like 5 different flavours of donuts,” Minjeong said with a sigh as she put down the purchase.
“Thank you so much!” Ning squealed as she took out a pink donut and took a bite big enough to bring a child out of existence.
“How’s your health, did it get better?”
“It did! Aeri bought medicine and it passed, I think I’m in top condition now,” Ning said as she took another donut.
“So her name is Aeri. What’s her major?” Minjeong joined her roommate near the table and smirked.
“She’s studying business and she’s a 2nd year, just like you. But you probably haven’t seen her since you barely even remember the names of people you share class with.”
“Hey, I remember those who are present, I bet they also don’t know my name!”
“Whatever helps you sleep at night.” Ning waved her off while taking her 3rd donut of the night.
“So how was your hang out with your killer/saviour?” Minjeong stood up and went near the fridge.
“You didn’t solicit the counters did you?” She made sure to get close and ‘inspect’ them.
What followed was a strong slap on the shoulder. More than one.
“Ow, ow, hey! I'm kidding, stop hitting me!”
“Hey, Kim Minjeong, what do you take me for!?”
“As someone who skipped going to the art exhibition with me to stay with a random girl. In our apartment may I add!”
“Oh right, “ Ning stood up, fixed her clothes, and in an exaggerated manner bowed. “I am very sorry for not going with you, please forgive me.”
“Don’t forget, you’re buying me lunch for two days!” Minjeong playfully slapped Ning back.
“Unfortunately for me, I will keep my word! Back to you, what did you even do for that long? You said a few hours but you were gone for the whole four.”
“I was taking notes since someone wasn’t there” Ning raised a brow at that.
“Girl, the gallery was closed two hours ago, what notes were you taking?”
“I also had dinner.” Minjeong knew her friend was about to get every possible detail out of her.
“Alone?”
“With a friend.”
“Really, who?”
“You don’t know her, I met her at the gallery…”
At that statement, Ning got closer and started inspecting Minjeong’s face who furrowed her brows in response.
“What are you doing?”
“Checking if your friend didn’t solicit your face,” Ning said in a monotone.
“Ning Yizhuo!”
“What?”
The girls were sitting in the living room, in their pyjamas watching a rerun of an old show.
“So who’s the friend?”
“Why are you so interested in that?”
“First of all, I don’t remember the last time you willingly left to go outside, let alone make a friend when completely on your own and then be secretive about it.”
“You make it sound like I hate people.”
“You make it seem that way.”
“She’s also 2nd year and studies literature. Yu Jimin.”
“Yu Jimin?” Ning picked up her phone.
“Do you know her?” Minjeong looked up at her friend.
“You mean this Yu Jimin?” Ning passes her phone to Minjeong.
It’s a picture from an instagram account, she’s heard the username a few times but never really put a face to it. Something Katarina or Karina sounded a bit foreign so she didn’t care.
“Did you actually not recognize her, like half the people you talk with are friends with her! Ryujin alone has posted at least 10 pictures with her! Do you even look at what she posts?”
“I do! Just sometimes skim it.”
“Okay, sure…”
“Hey! I’m serious!”
“Okay okay me too. So, how did you make your new friend?” Ning wasn’t even trying to hide her amusement, looking like she’s about to burst out laughing at any second.
“I bought a ticket for the person behind me in line and it was her.”
“You’re kidding right?” She was doing a horrible job at keeping a straight face.
“I’m not! Fine, I won’t tell you anything.”
“C’mon Minjeongie~~.”
“Stop laughing!”
“So you didn’t exchange numbers because you were late for the bus?” Ning was trying to contain her laughter from escaping once again.
“I swear if you laugh again I will hit you!”
“Such a fierce puppy, so how do you plan to text her?” Her roommate finally seemed more serious, she even put her cup down to face Minjeong.
“I’m not planning to text her.”
“ What? ”
“What?” Ning was left with her mouth open in absolute shock.
“Why don’t you want to text her?”
“Why would I? She was being nice and repaid me for the ticket, there wasn’t anything more to that.” At this Ning couldn’t help but slap her forehead in frustration.
“Minjeong do you even use your brain, you know, the thing in your head?”