Hello Rigel
The school yard was quiet, except for the gentle rustling of leaves and the occasional chirp of crickets. The autumn breeze was cool, carrying the scent of earth and fallen leaves.
Under the largest tree in the yard, Kim Minjeong lay sprawled out on the grass, her arms folded behind her head, eyes closed.
She wasn’t asleep—just listening. The wind, the distant laughter of students, the soft crunch of leaves when they fell to the ground.
This was so Minjeong.
Peaceful. Completely in her own world.
Until a shadow loomed over her.
Minjeong didn’t even bother opening her eyes. "Don’t disturb me. I’m photosynthesizing."
A familiar chuckle followed. "Photosynthesizing?"
"Mhm." Minjeong remained perfectly still. "Absorbing sunlight. Generating energy. You wouldn’t understand."
Jimin laughed again, crouching beside her. "You’re not a plant, Minjeong."
"And yet, here I am. Thriving under the sun."
Jimin grinned, eyes twinkling. She could so mess with her right now.
Slowly, she leaned down, blocking the sunlight with her body.
Minjeong’s face scrunched up instantly. "Hey."
Jimin rested her chin on her palm, smirking. "What? If you’re photosynthesizing, then I’m the eclipse."
Minjeong cracked one eye open, glaring up at Jimin. "Move."
"Make me."
Minjeong sighed dramatically. "Fine. I guess I’ll just wither away."
Jimin burst out laughing, flopping down beside her. She lay on her side, propping her head up with her hand as she watched Minjeong stubbornly keep her eyes shut.
After a moment, Jimin reached out, plucking a stray leaf from Minjeong’s hair.
Minjeong peeked at her. "What are you doing?"
Jimin twirled the leaf between her fingers, grinning. "Making sure my favorite plant doesn’t look messy."
Minjeong groaned, turning onto her side—away from Jimin. But Jimin saw the way her ears turned pink.
Jimin smirked. "You’re blushing."
"I will bite you."
Jimin laughed, lying back against the grass.
For the next few minutes, they stayed like that—side by side, listening to the wind, feeling the warmth of the sun, completely comfortable in their little world.
-
The gymnasium was filled with noise—cheers, shouts, and the rhythmic sound of feet hitting the mat.
Jimin stood near the edge of the ring, tightening the straps of her gear. Her opponent was on the other side, surrounded by teammates and supporters who called out encouragements.
Jimin swallowed hard.
She was confident in her skills—she had trained for this. But something about standing alone in the middle of all that noise made her feel... small.
She exhaled, shaking out her limbs. Focus, Jimin. You’ve got this.
Then—
A familiar presence appeared from a far.
Jimin turned her head and froze.
Kim Minjeong stood there, dressed in her usual oversized hoodie, her hands in her pockets.
She was here.
For her.
Jimin blinked, mouth opening slightly, but before she could say anything, Minjeong pulled out her phone.
She typed something quickly, then turned the screen towards Jimin.
“Win this. I’ll treat you to tteokbokki.”
Then she deleted and typed again “Go go Yu Jimin.”
Jimin stared at the message, then at Minjeong.
Minjeong just raised an eyebrow, as if daring her to react.
Jimin bit her lip, trying—failing—to stop the grin from forming on her face.
The noise in the gym faded. The pressure, the nerves, the feeling of being small—all of it disappeared.
Minjeong came. Minjeong chose to be here.
Jimin straightened up, rolling her shoulders.
"You better not run away after this," she murmured, eyes glinting with newfound confidence.
Jimin exhaled, stepping towards the ring.
With Minjeong watching—just for her—there was no way she was losing this.
As expected,
Jimin won.
She stood in the middle of the ring, slightly out of breath, sweat trickling down her forehead—but she was grinning.
She did it.
And the first thing she did after bowing was turn her head—searching.
Minjeong was still there, standing near the crowd, hands in her hoodie pockets. When their eyes met, The brunette simply nodded, lips curling into the smallest, proudest smirk.
Jimin beamed.
Now, they were sitting at a street-side tteokbokki stall.
Minjeong kept her promise, treating Jimin to the spicy rice cakes. But Jimin, still high on her victory, kept nudging Minjeong with her elbow.
“You’re seriously the best, you know that?” Jimin said between bites, her eyes practically sparkling.
Minjeong rolled her eyes. “Yeah, yeah. Just eat.”
Jimin laughed, happily munching. Then—Minjeong did something unexpected.
She pulled out her wallet again.
Jimin blinked. “Huh?”
“Let’s get pizza too.” Minjeong said, standing up.
Jimin gasped dramatically. “You’re spoiling me today!”
Minjeong gave her a flat look. “You act like you don’t deserve it.”
Jimin opened her mouth, ready to tease, but the words got stuck in her throat. Something about the way Minjeong said it—so casual, so certain—made her heart stutter.
She coughed, covering her flustered expression with a forced grin. “O-Of course I do! I totally deserve it!”
Minjeong just shook her head and let Jimin pull her toward the pizza place.
As they walked, Jimin smirked and swung their joined hands slightly. “You know,” she started, her voice dripping with mischief, “if you keep treating me like this, I might start thinking you have a crush on me.”
Minjeong hummed. “And?”
Jimin faltered. “And… wait, what?”
Minjeong stopped walking and turned to face Jimin, stepping just a little closer—close enough that Jimin could feel the warmth of her body. Jimin immediately tensed up.
Minjeong reached up, fingers gently brushing against Jimin’s jaw as she tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
Jimin froze.
Minjeong’s touch was light, deliberate, and way too smooth for Jimin’s sanity.
Minjeong tilted her head slightly. “Something wrong?”
Jimin blinked rapidly, suddenly feeling her face heat up. “N-Nope! Nothing at all!” She took a step back, laughing nervously. “Wow, it sure is warm tonight, huh?”
Minjeong smirked. “It wasn’t a second ago.”
Jimin groaned, covering her face. “I take it back. You’re evil.”
Minjeong chuckled, grabbing Jimin’s wrist again and pulling her into the pizza shop. “Hurry up and order before I decide you don’t deserve it after all.”
Jimin huffed but didn’t argue. She was too busy trying to calm the ridiculous fluttering in her chest.
After devouring a whole plate of spicy tteokbokki, they ended up at a cozy pizza shop, sitting across from each other in a booth.
Jimin took a big bite, humming in satisfaction. “This tastes even better because you’re paying.”
Minjeong raised an eyebrow. “Should’ve let you lose, then.”
Jimin gasped dramatically. “You wouldn’t.”
Minjeong just smirked, taking a sip of her drink.
Somehow, they ended up at a karaoke place next.
Jimin, as expected, was all energy—belting out songs, dancing around the small room, completely in her element. She grabbed the mic with dramatic flair, pointing at Minjeong every now and then as if serenading her.
Minjeong? She just sat back, sipping her drink and watching with amusement, occasionally clapping when Jimin hit a high note.
Until—
"Your turn!" Jimin shoved the mic into Minjeong’s hands.
Minjeong frowned. "No."
Jimin pouted instantly. "Come on, just one song! Please?" She even clasped her hands together for extra effect.
Minjeong sighed, staring at the mic like it was some sort of punishment. "Fine."
Jimin cheered, flopping onto the couch and kicking her feet in excitement. "Yes! Okay, okay, let me pick—"
"Don't." Minjeong cut her off, scrolling through the song list herself.
Jimin huffed but let her be.
Then—Minjeong started singing.
The moment her voice filled the room, Jimin froze.
It was soft, mellow, yet so clear. Each note was smooth, effortlessly carrying the emotion of the song. It wasn’t flashy or loud like Jimin’s performances—it was something else entirely.
Something that made Jimin’s heart feel… weirdly warm.
She didn’t even realize she was smiling until Minjeong finished, lowering the mic.
Minjeong turned to her with a suspicious look. "What?"
Jimin just kept staring, a slow grin spreading across her face. "Nothing. Just—sing for me again sometime, okay?"
Minjeong scoffed, looking away. "As if."
Jimin laughed, but she wasn’t going to let this go.
So, without thinking, she scooted closer—way too close—until their knees bumped.
Minjeong blinked at her, but before she could move away, Jimin leaned in, resting her chin on Minjeong’s shoulder. "Please?" she whined softly.
Minjeong stiffened. "Jimin."
Jimin grinned, clearly enjoying how Minjeong's usual composure cracked just a little. "Minjeong," she mimicked, voice teasing. "Just one more? For me?"
Minjeong clicked her tongue, turning her head—only to realize just how close Jimin’s face was.
Too close.
Jimin was still grinning, but there was something else in her eyes now. Something warm. Something fond.
Minjeong looked away first, exhaling in defeat. "Fine. Just one more."
Jimin cheered, throwing her arms around Minjeong in victory.
Minjeong groaned, but even as she complained, she didn’t push Jimin away.
And when she started singing again, Jimin listened—this time, completely quiet, completely enchanted.
-
After karaoke, they walked home together. The wind had picked up, sending leaves dancing along the sidewalk.
Minjeong pulled her hoodie tighter around her. "It got cold."
Jimin, in her usual overconfidence, had only brought her thin jacket. Now, she was shivering.
Minjeong sighed, shaking her head. Then—without a word—she unzipped her hoodie and pulled it over Jimin’s head.
Jimin blinked, surprised. “Minjeong—”
“Shut up and wear it.”
Jimin chuckled, stuffing her hands into the oversized sleeves. The hoodie smelled like Minjeong—warm, familiar, nice.
She grinned. “You’re so sweet, Minjeong-ah.”
Minjeong scoffed. “I’ll take it back if you keep talking.”
Jimin just laughed, nudging Minjeong’s shoulder as they continued walking—warm, full, and happier than she’d been in a long time.
Wrapped in the shared warmth of Minjeong’s hoodie, a faint whimper caught their attention.
Jimin stopped mid-step, tilting her head. “Did you hear that?”
Minjeong sighed. “Probably just the wind—”
Another tiny whimper.
Jimin's eyes widened. "That is not the wind."
Curious, she followed the sound, Minjeong reluctantly trailing behind.
And there, near the base of a lamppost, was a small black puppy—shivering, looking up at them with big, round eyes.
“Oh my god.” Jimin crouched down, scooping the puppy up instantly. “He’s so tiny!”
The puppy let out a little yawn before snuggling into Jimin’s arms.
Minjeong crossed her arms. “You do realize you can’t keep him, right?”
Jimin’s excited expression froze.
“…What?”
Minjeong sighed. “Your dad’s allergic, remember?”
Jimin blinked. Then slowly looked down at the tiny creature in her arms. "Oh. Right."
A moment of silence.
Then—Jimin turned to Minjeong with a very suspicious smile.
Minjeong instantly stepped back. "No. Absolutely not."
Jimin pouted, hugging the puppy closer. “But I won today…”
Minjeong groaned. “Jimin, that was for tteokbokki and pizza, not for me adopting a whole dog.”
Jimin batted her eyelashes dramatically. "Come on, Minjeong-ah, he needs a home! And you’re good with animals! And you love being alone, right? Now you have a little friend!"
Minjeong rubbed her temples. “Why do I feel like you planned this?”
Jimin gasped. “So you’re saying yes?!”
Minjeong sighed in defeat, rubbing her forehead. "I can't believe I'm doing this."
Jimin grinned and suddenly turned to the puppy. “Okay, little guy, you need a name. Hmm… How about…”
She paused, looking up at the sky.
Then, her face lit up.
“Rigel!”
Minjeong blinked. “…Like the star?”
Jimin nodded eagerly. “Yeah! It’s bright and strong, just like him. And—” she turned to Minjeong, “that was my favorite”
She looked away, mumbling, “…Do whatever you want.”
Jimin laughed, hugging both Rigel and Minjeong’s arm.
“I knew you were soft.”
Jimin grinned, still hugging Minjeong’s arm while cradling the tiny black puppy in her other hand.
“So, since you’re taking him home… that means we’re both his moms now.”
Minjeong choked on air. “Excuse me?”
Jimin nodded seriously, gently booping Rigel’s tiny nose. “Right, baby? You have two moms now.”
Minjeong yanked her arm free. “I am not—” she groaned, running a hand down her face. “Jimin, I am not co-parenting a dog with you.”
Jimin pouted. “Why not? We found him together. He loves both of us. Look, he’s literally snuggling into my hoodie!”
True enough, Rigel had buried his little face into the oversized hoodie Jimin was still wearing—Minjeong’s hoodie.
Minjeong sighed. “That’s just because you’re warm.”
Jimin gasped dramatically. “Are you saying our son only loves me for my body?!”
Minjeong stared at her. “…I’m leaving.”
Jimin laughed, grabbing Minjeong’s sleeve before she could escape. “Hey, come on, just admit it! You like him, don’t you?”
Minjeong sighed, looking at the tiny bundle of fur again. Rigel yawned, stretching his little paws before curling up closer to Jimin’s chest.
Minjeong’s heart melted.
She grumbled, “…Maybe.”
Jimin beamed. “See? Now say it—‘We’re his moms now.’”
Minjeong gave her the flattest look. “I’d rather eat my homework.”
Jimin snickered, gently placing Rigel into Minjeong’s arms.
“Too late. You’re already holding our son.”
Minjeong sighed, but there was a tiny smile on her lips as she looked down at Rigel—who was now her responsibility.
Jimin was annoying.
But… maybe having a little Rigel in her life wouldn’t be so bad.
-
The moment Minjeong stepped into the apartment, cradling a tiny black puppy in her arms, her father, Doohyeon, nearly dropped the pan he was holding.
“YAH, KIM MINJEONG—WHAT IS THAT?!”
Sejeong, who was sitting on the couch practicing her script, turned her head at the commotion. “What’s with the yelli—OH MY GOD, IS THAT A PUPPY?!”
Minjeong sighed, already regretting her life choices. “Can you both not yell? You’re scaring him.”
The puppy, as if on cue, let out a tiny whimper, making Minjeong hold him closer.
Doohyeon pointed his spatula at her. “I—Minjeong, why are you bringing a whole dog into my house?”
Minjeong hesitated. “…Because he was outside. Alone. And Jimin—”
Sejeong smirked. “Ah, I knew Jimin was involved.”
Minjeong shot her a glare. “Shut up.”
Doohyeon sighed, rubbing his temples. “Minjeong, a puppy is a huge responsibility. Did you even think about—”
“Jimin and I are his moms now.”
Silence.
Sejeong dropped her script. “…You’re what?”
Doohyeon choked on air. “You’re whose mom?!”
Minjeong closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. “Not like that—Jimin just said that since we found him together, it’s like we’re co-parenting.”
Sejeong burst out laughing. “Oh, wow.”
Doohyeon shook his head, muttering under his breath. “I raised two daughters and somehow ended up with a granddaughter.”
Minjeong rolled her eyes. “First of all, he’s a boy. Second, we named him Rigel.”
Doohyeon stared at her. “You already named him?”
Sejeong snickered. “Not even a full hour, and she’s already attached.”
Minjeong ignored her. She gently placed Rigel on the floor, and the puppy, still a little wobbly, took a few steps before letting out a tiny bark.
Doohyeon exhaled, rubbing his face. “…Fine.”
Minjeong blinked. “Wait. Really?”
Sejeong gasped. “Whoa, Dad, that was fast. Are you sick?”
Doohyeon glared. “Don’t push your luck. I’m letting him stay for now. But you’re taking care of him, Minjeong.”
Minjeong immediately nodded. “Of course.”
Sejeong crouched down, scratching Rigel’s tiny head. “Well, I guess we have a new family member.”
Doohyeon sighed in defeat. “God help me.”
Minjeong, meanwhile, glanced at Rigel, who wagged his little tail before plopping onto the floor.
-
Jimin kicked her legs excitedly on her bed, giggling like an absolute fool as she replayed everything that happened today.
Minjeong bringing Rigel home.
Minjeong grumbling but still agreeing to take care of him.
Minjeong technically being a mom with her now.
Jimin squealed into her pillow.
She rolled over, grabbing her phone to text Minjeong something teasing—maybe another “Goodnight, co-parent” just to annoy her.
But before she could type anything, a notification popped up.
It was from her dad, Hakjun
Dad [22:59 PM] : I heard you won. Congratulations, Jimin. Sorry I can't watch your tournament today
Jimin blinked. “…Huh?”
She sat up, rereading the message.
Heard?
Her fingers hesitated before typing.
Jimin [23:01 PM] : You heard? From who?
It took a moment, but then another message came.
Dad [23:15 PM] : Minjeong told me.
Jimin stared at her screen.
Minjeong… told him?
That means Minjeong called or messaged her dad about it.
Jimin felt warmth bloom in her chest—until she looked around her empty room and realized…
It was just her.
No one was home.
The house was quiet, as always.
Her Dad wasn’t here to congratulate her in person. No warm hug. No pat on the head. No dinner together.
Just a text message.
Jimin sighed, falling back onto her bed.
The excitement from earlier slowly faded into something else—something lonely.
She rolled onto her side, staring at her phone again.
Her fingers hovered over the screen before she typed:
Jimin [23:20 PM] : Thanks, Dad.
She stared at the message for a few seconds before locking her phone.
Jimin pulled Minjeong’s hoodie tighter around herself and closed her eyes.