Chapter 31

"A surprise"

With the four people seated around the small dining table, not a single word was spoken and only the sound of eating could be heard. If it was out of courtesy to Ha Na, that the Cha family never spoke during dinner Ha Na didn't know, but it was always like this. Bo Ra only knew a few sentences in sign language and Jung Hwa's father, Cha Joo Woon, didn't know a single sign. But he never treated Ha Na like anything other than an equal and he always smiled brightly while talking to her.

After dinner, Jung Hwa was helping her mom do the dishes while Ha Na walked around the living room, a bit restless, until Joo Woon interrupted her.

"How are you these days? Do you like your new job?" said he with a cheeky smile that reminded her so much of Jung Hwa. Ha Na answered him with a simple nod and a smile in return.

"And..." Joo Woon's facial expression suddenly changed as he continued, "how are things with you and Hakyeon?" Ha Na's eyes widened and she froze on the spot, not knowing how to respond.

"Don't you think I know you only came by tonight because Hakyeon isn't home? We haven't seen you in weeks, so of course I would be suspicious that something was going on." Ha Na looked at Joo Woon while she nervously moved her feet from side to side and kept fidgeting with her fingers.

"We have missed you," said Joo Woon with a loving expression on his face and it seemed to force tears to Ha Na's eyes.

Thank you for being so kind to me. I am sorry if I have worried you and I hope that things will resolve between me and Hakyeon soon.

Joo Woon smiled as he read the text on Ha Na's phone and he nodded along to her but didn't get to say anymore before Jung Hwa suddenly came running to Ha Na's side and hugged her tight.

"Alright dad," said Jung Hwa, "now I am going to have some girl-time with Ha Na so bye!"

"What did I do to get such a cheeky daughter?" said Joo Woon with a crooked smile while looking at Jung Hwa.

"I got that from you, dad," said Jung Hwa before running off with Ha Na.

Once they had retrieved safely to Jung Hwa's room, the girls started discussing everything that had happened lately and without knowing it, they had both talked for hours. But Jung Hwa did notice that Ha Na would change the subject every time she spoke about Jimin or asked about something regarding him.

"Is everything alright with you and Jimin?" asked Jung Hwa, well knowing that it wouldn't be easy to get the truth out of Ha Na.

"It is fine, Unnie," signed Ha Na with a forced smile.

"Come on Ha Na, you can tell me," signed Jung Hwa, "I know when something is up with you."

"It is nothing." Ha Na tried to dodge again but Jung Hwa didn't let her.

"Just tell me! I might be able to help." Ha Na looked at the floor and took in a deep breath before looking up at Jung Hwa again.

"Things aren't going so well these days," started Ha Na and she already had trouble containing her sadness and holding back her tears, "we had a small fight about a week ago and since then he rarely texts me back. We haven't been able to make plans for a while either. He always says he is too busy." Jung Hwa looked at Ha Na while she explained the situation and she started thinking hard.

"I see why that must be hard for you, you must miss him," signed Jung Hwa and Ha Na nodded, "but he must miss you too, don't you think?" Ha Na nodded again.

"I know things are tough on you two right now, but that doesn't mean you should give up." Ha Na looked at Jung Hwa with deep concentration as she took in all the advice she had.

"Now is the time to show Jimin that you are the supportive girlfriend he needs. If he is busy right now, try to be understanding. If he can't come to you, then you must come to him. OH! I have an idea!".

"What?" asked Ha Na excitedly, "what is it?"

"How about you make him a lunchbox, we can just make one extra tomorrow morning and you can go deliver it to him at the entertainment company before you go to work." Jung Hwa looked at Ha Na who hadn't replied and she just waited for some sort of reaction until Ha Na's eyes lit up in utter joy.

"I love that idea! I am in!"

The next morning, Ha Na was happily walking towards Jimin's company while smiling ever so brightly. It wasn't particularly warm and the sun wasn't particularly bright, to be honest it really was starting to feel like autumn, but still, Ha Na felt as bright and happy as ever and her good mood only became better, the closer she came to the company. The evening before she had texted Hoseok to ask for the address of the company and he gladly gave it, expression his happiness that Ha Na wanted to give Jimin a little surprise.

When Ha Na entered the huge building she seemed to find her way around almost without any help. After visiting Hakyeon so many times at his company, she seemed to know how the structure worked at this types of buildings. Only when she came to the trainee's floor, did she need to ask for help in finding Jimin. She looked around and noticed a few young boys standing in a circle while chatting with one another. After gathering enough courage she walked with firm steps over and approached the boy who looked the oldest with a little poke on his shoulder.

All three boys turned around and looked at Ha Na with a confused look.

"Hello," said the boy Ha Na had approached, "how may we help you, Noona?" Ha Na grabbed her phone while the boys all watched even more confused as she typed in her message.

Can you tell me where I can find Park Jimin? I have something for him.

"Jimin Hyung?" said the boy after reading her message, "I don't think he arrived yet, do you want to wait for him?" Ha Na looked at her phone to check the time and she gulped when she realized what time it was. Even if it was early in the morning, she had to get a move on if she didn't want to be late for work. She definitely didn't have time to wait for him.

"If you want, we can deliver it to him," said one of the other boys and Ha Na shifted her eyes entirely to him, "it looks like you were going to give him something. We will tell him you stopped by, that way you don't have to wait for him, Noona."

I don't want to be of trouble to all of you.

"It is not troubling at all," said the eldest again, "just hand over the bag and we will give it to Jimin Hyung." Ha Na hesitated for a moment, but then gave it up and said her thanks to the boys before she ran off, hoping she would make it to work on time.

"Who do you think she was, Ji Hoon Hyung," asked the youngest, Min Su.

"I think it was Jimin Hyung's boyfriend," said the other trainee before Ji Hoon had time to answer.

"I think Hyeon Jeong is right," said Ji Hoon as he held the bag tight, "want to see what she got for our Hyung?"

"Of course we want to!" shouted Min Su and Hyeon Jeong nodded in agreement. All three boys walked a bit away from the hall and then secretly peeked into the bag.

"It is a lunchbox," said Ji Hoon, "Oh my, Jimin Hyung has got such a sweet girlfriend."

"Look, it seems like there is a note taped onto it," said Min Su and reached down to grab it.

"Should we really look at that?" asked Hyeon Jeong, but Ji Hoon brushed him off.

"Who cares, I want to read what Jimin's girlfriend wrote for him."

Jimin walked down the hallway of his entertainment company, or more like dragged his feet down the hallway. He wasn't in a good mood, just like he hadn't been for a while now, and the constant messages from Ha Na didn't help reduce his stress. Before entering the practice room, he took in a deep breath and prayed for a quiet day that would go by as fast as possible.

Jimin grabbed the handle and slowly opened the door, only to be met by whispers and silent laughter coming from a corner where he saw three of his fellow trainee's standing. Not wanting to be involved in anything those three were doing, he calmly walked to the other side of the practice room and sat down on the floor, starting to stretch out his body.

"Jimin hyung!" Ji Hoon approached and Jimin sighed before he forced a smile and looked up at the younger trainee.

"Yes, what is it Ji Hoon?" asked Jimin.

"Your girlfriend stopped by," said Ji Hoon and Jimin immediately heard how the silent laughter started again, coming from the two other trainees standing behind Ji Hoon.

"Okay, what did she want?" asked Jimin, feeling a slight discomfort form in his stomach.

"Nothing much," said Ji Hoon with a smirk on his face, "she came by to deliver a lunchbox to you." Min Su stepped forward and handed the bag to Jimin while he tried his best to contain his laughter.

"She even left the sweetest little message for you," continued Ji Hoon.

Feeling his insides twist and turn, Jimin hurried and looked inside the bag where he saw the small note.

I am sorry about last time, I should have been more understanding. 

I made you this lunchbox in hope that you will have a happy day and keep being healthy so you can work hard and become the number one dancer in Korea.

Your Ha Na <3

Jimin looked up after reading the note and saw the three boys grabbing their stomach from laughing. Feeling his anger grow, Jimin put the note back inside the bag and pushed it away, an action that made Ji Hoon stop laughing.

"Why did you do that, Hyung?" said Ji Hoon in a mocking voice, "your girlfriend worked hard on that lunchbox."

"You should eat it, Jimin Hyung," said Min Su, "how else would you become the number one dancer in Korea?" The three all started laughing hard again after Min Su's remark and the blood in Jimin's veins felt like it was boiling hot.

"And who cares how many calories are in that lunchbox. I bet your girlfriend likes your chubby cheeks," said Ji Hoon and made a mocking expression.

Not being able to contain his anger any longer, Jimin got up and walked away to find a place where he could calm down, but before he even reached the door, Ji Hoon spoke up again.

"But hey, what is wrong with her? Your girlfriend I mean." Jimin turned around and looked at Ji Hoon, waiting for him to explain his spiteful remark.

"Is she mute or something? Why didn't she speak a word? Or deaf maybe?" Jimin clenched his fist as Ji Hoon continued, "really, was that the only girl you could get? One with such a handicap. I guess a girl like her would be satisfied with anyone, even someone like you."

With those words, Jimin's patience had run out completely. He walked with firm steps, eyes glaring at Ji Hoon who was starting to look slightly nervous, only until the door slammed open and the rest of the trainees and the dance instructor entered the room, making Jimin draw back.

"Make a remark like that again, and you will be dead," whispered Jimin while the instructor was talking to the trainees.

"Really? I wonder how you will become the number one dancer in Korea after you are thrown out of the company."

***

Ha Na sat at the desk and rested her chin in her hand while she continued looking at the door that never opened. The lack of costumers and no tasks to do, made the day go by slower which made her feel lazy and unmotivated to do anything.

When Sang Hoo suddenly walked by her, just coming down from upstairs, Ha Na quickly sat up straight, trying to look less unmotivated than she was.

"It seems to be a little quiet today," said Sang Hoo and Ha Na nodded. Sang Hoo then looked at the clock behind Ha Na and sighed. It was early afternoon and still a few hours until they were going to close up the shop.

"Why don't you go home for the day?" said Sang Hoo, "I don't think we will have much more to do today, so you can go home."

No, I will stay even if we don't have a lot to do. Maybe I can clean up a bit or do something else?

Sang Hoo looked at Ha Na's message on her phone and smiled, but then shook his head.

"No, there is no reason for you to stay," said he, "I would rather you go home and get a good rest so you are ready and energized for a new day tomorrow."

If you say so, I will do that and I will come back tomorrow with newfound energy.

"Yes, that is the spirit!" said Sang Hoo and Ha Na laughed a little at his enthusiasm. 

After packing up her things, Ha Na started walking towards the bus stop and sat down at the empty bench next to it. She looked at her phone for the thirtieth time this day, sighing in disappointment that there was still no message from Jimin. Did he eat the lunchbox? Did he like her cooking? Did he have a good day? Did he miss her? Did the surprise make him happy? As she continuously asked herself all those question, a bus neared the stop and when she read the destination, she realized that it was the bus that went in the direction of Jimin's company. Without thinking, Ha Na got up from the bench and got on the bus. She was going to see Jimin. And if she needed an excuse she would just say it was to pick up the empty lunchbox.

Quietly walking through the company which seemed much more lively than it had been this early morning, Ha Na walked to the same floor she had met the three trainees on and started going from door to door, quietly peaking inside to see if Jimin was anywhere to be found. 

It was when she slowly opened the fifth door down this hall, she noticed Jimin's small figure sitting on the floor while sipping some water. There were a few other trainees in the room, but it seemed like they were all taking a break, so knowing she probably wasn't disturbing or interrupting a class, Ha Na walked inside with a happy smile on her face.

Jimin didn't notice Ha Na walking towards him until he felt a pair of arms wrap around him and he almost fell backwards from the surprise.

"Noona, what are you doing here?" said Jimin.

"I came to see you," signed Ha Na, "and to pick up the empty lunchbox."

"About that," said Jimin, but Ha Na wasn't listening as she noticed the lunchbox lying on the ground behind him and she quickly went to grab it, but when she did, she got a perplexed look on her face.

"You didn't eat it?" asked Ha Na when she felt the heavy weight after lifting up the lunchbox.

"I.... I didn't get time to eat it," lied Jimin and noticed how some of the trainees, including Ji Hoon, were watching from the other side of the room.

"Are you sure?" asked Ha Na, "it is not because you didn't like it?"

"No, that is not it," said Jimin.

"Tell her, Jimin Hyung," yelled Ji Hoon from behind, Ha Na unable to hear it, "tell your handicapped girlfriend why you didn't want to eat the lunchbox she made for you."

"Jimin, is something wrong?" signed Ha Na as she noticed his diverted eyes.

"No, nothing is wrong," signed Jimin.

"You even learned sign language for her, aren't you two a cute couple?" yelled Ji Hoon yelled again, making Jimin stand up.

"Noona, please just leave," signed Jimin and Ha Na felt her chest tighten.

"But why? What is wrong? Did I do something I shouldn't have?"

"I don't have time for this right now," said Jimin while feeling several eyes glaring at him.

"You never have time anymore," signed Ha Na, losing her patience and at the same time feeling a little scared, "I want to support you but you wont let me."

"If you want to support me then just leave me alone!" said Jimin while signing, "I don't have time to baby you and be there for you all the time."

"No but that is not what I am asking you to do," started Ha Na, "I just want to be there-"

"Just leave me alone!" yelled Jimin out, shocking both Ha Na, the trainees and even himself, but he couldn't stop now that he had finally spoken up. He grabbed the lunchbox out of Ha Na's hand and walked to the garbage can where he aggressively threw it in.

"Just... ugh... just leave me alone for heaven's sake! I can't handle an attention seeking girlfriend like you right now. I need to focus and you are being a nuisance, you are in my way! Just... just give me some peace and quiet for once." 

Ha Na looked at Jimin and couldn't believe the words that had just left his mouth, but the tears that silently fell down her cheek were proof enough that it really happened. She looked at the lunchbox that was scattered in the garbage can, the untouched food ruined. Wanting to run away and at the same time wanting to run into Jimin's arms, making him tell her that he didn't mean any of the things he just said, Ha Na just stood frozen on the spot while Jimin glared at her, his chest moving fast as he was breathing heavily. When Ha Na tried to move just one step closer, Jimin grabbed his things and walked past her, out of the room and left her alone while everyone else just watched in utter shock.

With small, delicate steps, Ha Na walked down he hallway of the entertainment company and without sparing anyone a look or taking notice of her surroundings, she left the building and began her journey home. Without thinking about distance, about busses or other ways of transport, she simply walked, not giving anything a single thought. She didn't think about her tears either, or about how other people were looking at her, whispering about her or pointing at her, she just continued to walk. 

Until she reached her house. 

Standing behind the tall bushes, still hidden from the windows of the house, she felt her cry growing bigger and felt unable to contain her sadness any longer. Her hands were shaking, her legs were stiff and her vision was blurry from all the tears. She didn't take another step forward, she couldn't. If she walked up to her house and through the door, she knew she would have to face her family. And if she did that, she would have to talk about what happened. And if she talked about what happened, it would become real. She didn't want to believe it. She wanted to believe it was all just a dream and she wanted to wake up from this dream right now.

Feeling a hand on her shoulder, Ha Na jumped half a meter up in the air and turned around, only to face the worried look of her former best friend. His worry only turned bigger when he saw the puffy red eyes and the runny nose, all indicating that something had happened and without saying our asking anything, without thinking about their ongoing fight and awkward behavior towards each other, Hakyeon reached out to Ha Na and pulled her into a tight, warm embrace.

Feeling the warmth of Hakyeon spread through her entire body, Ha Na suddenly felt relaxed, felt safe, and this feeling resulted in her silent cry turning into a loud sorrowful cry. Hakyeon held her even tighter while he carefully stroked her back, trying to calm her down. He loosened his grip a little and moved a bit away.

"Come on Ha Na, let us go inside," signed Hakyeon and pointed at his house, "you don't have to talk about it if you don't want to, but just... just stay with me until you feel better, okay?" Ha Na nodded and took Hakyeon's hand whereafter she followed him inside the house.

Hello everyone!

The drama is finally starting (like it wasn't there already) and I hope you are excited to see what happens next. If you are, please leave a comment down below and let me know what you think! It really means a lot to me.

Remember to stay safe and take good care of yourself!

Love, Annalise~