Our Love (J.JK x M.MN)

New Side

J U N G K O O K

I had school first thing in the morning and I was exhausted. That's what I get for staying up all night. I got back from university in the afternoon. I was looking forward to some food and a nice nap.

I took the elevator to my floor. I had my earphones in, listening to music, thinking about what else I had to do today.

I'm still looking for a part time job to help pay for my school. My parents have been doing the heavy-lifting, but I think I should at least lend a hand at this point. I'd do some more job-searching, make some lunch, do my homework, take a nap. Yeah, that sounds nice.

I was approaching my door when I saw something in the distance. It looked like my neighbor, Mina. She was coming from the other end of the hall carrying a bunch of stuff. She got to her door before I got to mine. It looked like she was having trouble opening her door.

"Need some help?" I offer.

I finally got close enough to see all the stuff she was holding. She had a bunch of grocery bags and...a baby..?

"Oh, yes, please. Could you just open the door for me? It's already unlocked." She says, out of breath.

I open the door for her and she goes in, dropping the bags on the floor and putting the baby in its carrier on the carpet.

For some reason, I couldn't take my eyes off of that baby. I figured Mina was just babysitting or something. Still, I couldn't help but ask.

"Whose baby is that?" I ask from outside.

"I don't know, it's a long story. Well not really, but still." She says.

"How do you not know?"

"I just don't! I only know his name! Somebody abandoned him in front of my door last night. I couldn't just leave him there!" She was frustrated.

The baby starts fussing and crying.

"Ah...I'm sorry, don't cry please." Mina goes over to soothe the baby.

I've never seen her like this before. She seemed like an entirely different person.

"Jungkook, I need your help." She says.

"What?? What am I gonna do?"

"Please, Jungkook, I can't do this on my own."

"Why would I help you?"

"Look, I know we're not close, but I'm desperate. Please."

I considered her situation, and I gave in.

"Okay, okay." I sigh, "I'll help, but I can't make any promises. I don't know anything about kids."

"Thank you. Really. I'm sure it won't be for long. I talked to the police and they're trying to get answers right now." She explains.

She told me the rest of what happened before I ran into her in the hallway. Mina and I aren't exactly close, but we've know each other for a while. She's been living in this apartment complex for about four years now. I moved in three years ago. We've been neighbors ever since.

We've had our moments when we're annoying each other and stuff like that. The walls here aren't that thick. We usually argue about noise or something else that's disturbing the peace. Those were pretty much our only interactions. It felt strange just talking to her like this.

I felt kind of useless at first. She let me in her home for the first time and I just sort of stood there watching her.

"Ah...I don't know where he's going to sleep. I don't think it's good to just leave him in the carrier all of the time." She sighs, "Got any ideas?"

"Uh..." My eyes scanned the room trying to come up with something. I spotted the pillows on her couch and got an idea, "I might have something that will work. Be right back."

I ran next door to my apartment to grab a basket, a blanket, and a few of my kind of firm pillows. I set the pillows in the basket and wrapped the blanket around them, tucking the edges underneath. I pressed my hand into it to see if it was sturdy before picking it up and bringing it back to Mina's place.

"Will this work?" I ask, walking through the door.

"Oh, that's a good idea. Yeah, that should work."

"Alright, hopefully he's comfy." I paused, "Wait...what's his name?"

I realize she hasn't told me yet.

"Oh, right. His name is Junsu, according to the letter I found with him."

"Junsu..." I mumble to myself.

"I'm exhausted." Mina says, "I think I can handle him for the night if you want to go home. Thank you so much for your help today."

"Are you sure?"

She nods.

"Okay, well, I'm right next door so just give me a call if you need help."

"Will do."

"Oh, and I won't be home tomorrow morning until the afternoon. I have school."

"Got it, no problem. Thanks for letting me know."

M I N A

I told Jungkook it would probably be temporary, but I was basically lying to him. I had no idea how long this would last.

I felt bad for dragging him into this, but I really did need the help. If he'll be willing to help me out some more, I would be extremely grateful.

Junsu slept good for the most part, besides waking up twice during the night.

In the morning, Junsu was my priority. I didn't have work today, so I could look after him. I was busy taking care of him, I didn't even notice the notifications on my phone.

It was the police department. They found some information about Junsu.

They said his name was Jeong Junsu.

They explained that since his mother left him specifically with me, I have the option to become his legal guardian or they can take him in to one of their child care programs.

I texted them back, asking about the child care programs.

While I waited for a response, I thought about the big decision.

Would I be able to take care of Junsu full-time? Or would he be better off in one of the child care programs? I thought about him first. I didn't even consider how much my life would change if I took him in.

That was my first mistake.