jangmi (장미) ● taejoon

s e v e n .

  Jangmi walked into school the next day with a woman holding her hand, a woman in a sleek black suit and had the expression of a solid rock. The little girl sighed, walking into class only to notice her teacher rubbing his eyes.

"We'll be outside the school premises, and escort you to the chauffeur when school ends, okay?"

Jangmi quietly nodded at the woman, putting her backpack in the cubby and sliding on her classroom shoes. Watching as the woman walked out, so she can waddle over to Mr. Kim.

Namjoon struggled to keep his eyes open, rubbing his whole face before drinking crappy coffee from the teacher's lounge to keep him awake.

Jangmi taps his elbow to get his attention. "You look sleepy, daddy," she says.

"Don't worry about me sweetheart," Namjoon hums softly, looking at the little girl. "Good morning Jangmi."

Jangmi rested her chin on his desk and looked back at him. "Nap time?"

Namjoon smiles softly, placing a palm gently on her head. His thumb brushing over the familiar clip. "It's too early for nap time. Did you do your homework?"

Jangmi nods. "I know all my english ABCs!" She exclaims.

Namjoon laughs. "That's good, you better keep it up."

"... Parent teacher meetings are coming soon," he says, "... You know what that means?"

Jangmi frowned. "... You're gonna see my papa," she pouts. "... You can't see him!"

"I have to, Mi-Mi," Namjoon pats her head, "You're a good kid, you won't be in trouble. Your papa might be mad because of you calling me daddy, you know? When I meet your papa you should call me Mr. Kim."

Namjoon flinched as he moved his hand away from Jangmi, curling over and placing a hand on his stomach. His expression morphed into slight discomfort.

Jangmi looked over frowning, worryingly. "... Daddy?"

"It's okay, I'm okay," Namjoon lifted his head to give Jangmi a reassuring smile. "I just haven't eaten lately. Did you eat, Jangmi? I cant have you being hungry in class."

Jangmi nodded. "I ate cereal and strawberries!" She says. "... Does your tummy hurt?"

Namjoon pursed his lips before shaking his head. "Don't worry about it," he hums. "Make sure you always eat your meals, okay? Three meals everyday, so your brain can get stronger. Promise me you'll eat well."

Jangmi intertwines their pinkies as soon as Namjoon lifts up his, her hand so small compared to his. "Promise!" She says.

Namjoon's head soon rested on the desk, his forehead pressed against the wood as he dryly gulped. Hearing Jangmi walk away quietly, he clutches his angry stomach.

Sighing to himself, he sits up. Grabbing his coffee mug and downing the last amount of coffee, pursing his lips at the bitterness.

Jangmi comes back, placing something on Namjoon's desk. The man moves his gaze from the cup to the little girl, looking down to see a bright pink bento box in front of him.

She slides it across. "... For you," she says softly.

Namjoon smiles, but shakes his head. "That's your lunch, you won't have anything to eat," he pushes it back to Jangmi, "Thank you though."

Jangmi frowned, sliding it back. "I made it with Nana unnie! Daddy should eat too."

"Really, Jangmi. Thank you, but-"

"... B-But I made it..." Her cheeks puffed out, her hands fidgeting. Her eyes lowered. "I want you to eat it! I don't care if I'm hungry. I tried my best..."

Namjoon could see the disappointment in her eyes, and he hesitantly took the bento box in his hands. "... Well if you tried your best, I guess I'll have to eat this till it's all gone!"

Jangmi looked up, clapping her hands and smiling brightly. "Yay!" She says.

Namjoon pats her head with a warm smile.

"I bet it tastes amazing."

[unedited]