1950

AROHA

I lean down, grab the last book from the bed, and put it in my tote bag. 

"Moisturizer, ChapStick, wipes, diary, and my book." I hum as I pick up the tote bag filled with my stuff and sling it over my shoulder.

I hear the sound of the door opening behind me, and I tense up. I turn, gripping my tote bag. 

"Are you done packing, sweetheart?" A smile makes its way onto my face as I hear the sound of the instructor.

"Yes, Miss Harper!" I said softly. She hummed and asked. "I see they took your bag?" I nodded and took a careful step forward.

I hear footsteps, and soon a warm hand envelops my wrist. I know it's Miss Harper. 

"Will you miss me, Miss Harper?" I ask, smiling. I feel the surroundings change as distant voices and footsteps echo while we walk together.

"You'll be coming here to visit me, young lady!" she said, her tone scolding yet affectionate. I giggled softly behind her. Miss Harper had been my instructor for the past four years while I stayed here. 

She was a feisty woman; her tone was always strict when talking to others. But I had noticed how she treated me, and I had come to grow fond of Miss Harper.

I had many friends here, but we were often apart, only coming together for classes. Now that I am leaving America for good, I have bid them all goodbye.

I felt the change in environment once again as the soft breeze caressed my face. Miss Harper placed her hand on my lower back, guiding me gently.

After a moment, Miss Harper said. "Be careful, stay here. I'll be right back in a sec." I nod my head and wait there.

I heard the trunk of a car open to my right, and it seemed like Miss Harper was placing my bags inside.

I take a single step forward, and my foot hits something, causing me to trip. My hands shoot out in front of me in defense, but I manage to stay on my feet without falling. Turns out, I had tripped on the car's bonnet

I felt hands grip my arm, followed by Miss Harper's annoyed yet concerned voice. "You never listen to me, even just once!"

"I'm fine." I mutter, smiling sheepishly as she guides me to sit in the car seat and secures the seatbelt around me.

"Remember, never stay alone, do you hear me? Never!" Miss Harper's voice was firm. I nodded in response to her instructions.

"And keep calling me from time to time." I nodded again, and then I felt something touch my forehead. I closed my eyes as she kissed me gently on the forehead.

I felt the door close and heard the ignition start. Resting my head against the window, I stayed still as the car began to move.

"I'm coming, Seoul..." I whisper smiling. 

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

AUTHOR POV

The morning dew had settled as the sun shone brightly above the mansion of the Min. The grand mansion seemed alive and marvelous in the neighborhood.

The mansion sprawled across a vast expanse of land, surrounded by gardens and flowers that radiated the essence of nature.

A servant rushed inside and announced. "Madame Cassie has arrived."

The servants created a buzz of excitement and scattered to take care of the preparation. The head maid quickly rushed upstairs to inform Mr. Min about the guest's arrival.

Upon hearing the news, Mr. Min came downstairs and stood at the entrance as the gates of the mansion opened and three vehicles drove in.

The servants hurried over and opened the doors of the vehicles. Three ladies stepped out of the vehicles, each of them elegantly dressed.

"Cassie, my daughter." Mr. Min said, opening his arms. The young woman, clutching her purse, hurried over and embraced her father.

She pulled away from the hug, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Did she come, Dad? Am I late? I took so much time deciding what to wear and—"

Mr. Min gently cut her off. "Calm down, take a breath. She hasn't arrived yet! You're not late." he said with a chuckle. She takes a sigh of relief.

"If you're done with your chatter, may I greet my dear uncle now?" Jisoo teased as she stepped forward.

Jisoo greeted Mr. Min. "How are you, Uncle? How has your health been lately?" Mr. Min patted her head and nodded. "I'm doing quite well these days. How's your father?"

"He had an important meeting, so I came with Cassie, but he said he'd be coming later in the evening." Jisoo explained. Mr. Min nodded and then glanced toward the third girl, who stood a step behind them.

Seeing the moment, the third girl stepped forward and greeted Mr. Min. "Congratulations Uncle." She handed him the bouquet she had been holding all this time.

"Thank you, Minji daughter" Mr. Min said, accepting the bouquet. "How is Seokjin doing?" Minji smiled warmly. "He's doing well! He went with Dad to the meeting, and they'll be coming together later."

"I see." Mr. Min said with a smile. "Come on in. I assume you all haven't had breakfast yet, because I haven't." They chuckled and followed him into the mansion.

The servant took their coats and guided them to the dining area for breakfast. They all settled down and started eating, the room filled with the sound of the cutlery. 

"Minji, why didn't you bring the kids with you?" Mr. Min asked, and she responded. "Yejin has gone to school, and Misul has flu, so I left him at home."

"You should've brought him along. We could have taken care of him here!" Mr. Min said and Minji just smile sheepishly in return. 

"Dad, where is Yoongi oppa?" Cassie cut in the conversation diverting Mr. Min's attention. 

"Yoongi went to pick up Aroha from the airport." Mr. Min explained. "He even considered going all the way to America to bring her back himself, but Aroha stopped him."

Cassie nodded as she munched on her waffle. Turning to her dad, she said, "She's going to be so different. I can hardly imagine it—it's been four years, and so much has changed."

"Hmm, your mother would have been so happy if she were here." Mr. Min said softly. "I hope Aroha doesn't get too sad; she couldn't even attend the funeral." Cassie pouted and Mr. Min hummed in agreement.

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

YOONGI

I tapped my feet impatiently against the polished airport floor, standing right outside the door where she would be coming out. I had contacted a friend who worked here to let me in.

It had been four years since I last saw her. Even though we talked every day, and I was updated on everything in her life, it was still different from seeing her in front of me.

My little sister would be standing in front of my eyes any moment now. I looked down at my feet as a wave of guilt washed over me. I hadn't been able to protect her. Even after ten years, it still gnawed at me every day.

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps reached my ears, and I whipped my head up. My heart ached, and my lips parted in awe as tears brimmed in my eyes.

It felt like seeing your own child after so long. My sister, Aroha, came into view. She was wearing jean shorts and a beige knitted vest over a white blouse. 

She had grown up, hadn't she?

A lady officer held her hand, gently guiding her.

I took slow steps toward her, unable to believe how quickly she had grown up. I refused to accept it.

Her head turned in my direction, and I bit my trembling lips. I wouldn't look good crying in a public place. 

She was looking directly into my eyes—anyone could tell but unfortunately, she wasn't...

She was blind.

I strode toward her and immediately enveloped her small figure in my arms. I heard her gasp at the suddenness of it.

I tightened my arms around her, not realizing I had lifted her off her feet. She tried to push against my grip, her body language tense with discomfort and a hint of panic.

"My angel... it's me." Her body went rigid for a moment, then she hugged me back with equal force. I couldn't help but chuckle.

"Oppa?" Her voice broke, and I patted her head gently. "Yes, angel, it's me. It's your oppa."

"You've grown up..." I muttered, and she kept her head resting on my shoulder. "I missed you, oppa." she said softly.

"Oppa missed you more." I replied, my voice barely a whisper.

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