House of Flowers

Chapter 05

Jimin watched her braided pigtails swinging from side to side as she skipped along happily, twirling the branch on her hand as if it was a magic wand.

Her boots colliding with the cobbled ground and would occasionally change with the sound of wild grasses, while Jimin on the other hand, did a good job at keeping his footsteps almost inaudible—out of habit, perhaps.

This girl definitely looked like a five-year-old at some points—specifically her style. at the city, Jimin could hardly find a girl his age who would style her hair into braided pigtails, and oversized sweater with a night dress beneath made her look petite. But when it came to height, the difference between them weren't too significant.

"We're here!" said the girl, finally stopped her steps, causing Jimin to abruptly halt as well, almost bumping into her.

The girl threw her branch away and pointed at a building before them. A big flower shop banner was hung above the now closed shop. Jimin prayed to the sky or to whoever above, showing his gratitude for being able to arrive safely.

"The shop is already closed, so we have to go in via the back door. It's actually the door to aunt aeri's house!" she explained. Jimin was mesmerized by it, he honestly didn't remember and couldn't recall any memory from his last visit. Seeing a stranger knowing more information about his blood related family proved how ignorant he was.

They went to the back door and she kindly did a favor and knocked on the door for Jimin. He's completely worn out due to the walking exercise he had; didn't want to check his phone to see how many steps had he ventured today. As a matter of fact, he could collapse any moment if the ground was supporting him to do so.

Thankfully, it didn't take too long until his aunt opened the door. "Oh, Eunrae? What brings you here?" she asked and looked to the railway girl whose name Jimin had just learnt; Eunrae, still not noticing Jimin's existence.

Eunrae jerked a thumb towards him. "Auntie, I brought your guest here since he was sort of lost." She chuckled and Aeri shot her head up towards Jimin's direction. At this, Jimin couldn't help but flush for a bit.

Jimin lifted a hand and waved at her slowly. "Hello, auntie."

A wide smile spread on aeri's lips as she walked pass through eunrae, examining Jimin from head to toe. "Oh my, if it isn't my cute nephew Jimin! You've grown into a one fine man. The last time I saw you, you were just this tall." She pressed a palm against her waist, measuring his height from years ago.

Aeri grabbed Jimin's luggage and spun her body. "Come in! You must be really exhausted from your long journey. Oh, and Eunrae, thank you for bringing him here. How about staying for a cup of warm tea before going home?"

Eunrae shook her head. "No it's fine. I'm sorry, auntie, but I'll have to refuse your offer. I just want to go home and plop on my bed." She stretched her arms as a yawn slipped from her parted lips.

Aeri smiled. "Alright then. Do come again tomorrow as per usual." She winked before finally going in, leaving the door open so at least the lights could make the situation a little bit safer.

Eunrae made a sharp turn and walked towards Jimin's back.

His eyes kept following her until eventually has to turn around just to see her.

"Well, I will be taking my leave now, Park Jimin. It's nice meeting you, but I’ll meet you again tomorrow anyway," she chirped, standing on her heels, hands folded behind her waist.

Jimin smiled. "Thank you for helping me out, what-Eunrae."

The girl chuckled hearing his response.

"Yoon Eunrae," she corrected. "Well good night and sweet dreams! Don't let the mosquito bites!" She said before running to the darkness.

Jimin just laughed to himself while waving at her until the small figure completely gone.

What a weird girl.