J I M I N

We're about two months in to our tour. Right now we're in the U.S. in LA. We've been here for three days. The concert is tomorrow and then we'll leave again the next morning.

I've been having fun with the guys, don't get me wrong, I love them, but things got old quickly. We're all tired and ready to go home, but we still have one more month and four more concerts left.

We had rehearsals today to prepare for tomorrow's concert, but that was early in the morning.

I took advantage of the rest of the free time to take a nap and catch up on sleep. You couldn't see it under all the makeup, but I had some really bad eye bags.

I'm worried because I've been texting Mina, but she isn't answering. I haven't heard from her in three days. It's been so long since I've seen Mina. It's been so long since I've felt her. I text and call her whenever I can, but that just makes me miss her even more.

I hope nothing bad happened. She missed our good night texts for three nights in a row. I stayed up, waiting for her responses, but they never came.

Please be okay, Mina.

_________________

Hours later, I finally get a call from Mina.

I pick it up right away.

"Minari?"

"Oppaya." Mina's voice. It sounded scratchy, and weak.

"Hey, Mina, how are you?" I ask.

"I'm okay. Sorry I haven't been messaging you or answering your calls. I was really sick and I couldn't get myself to do much."

"Oh...it's okay, and I'm sorry for blowing up your phone. I was just worried."

"Well, I'm okay." She chuckles.

"How are feeling? When did you get sick?" I ask.

"I started feeling sick about five days ago, but it wasn't until recently that I got a fever. I'm feeling alright now. Just trying to get over the sore throat." She explains.

"Ah, well I hope you'll be all better soon." I say.

"One more month."

"Huh?"

"One more month until we can see each other again?"

"Oh! Yeah, yeah. I'm looking forward to it."

Awkward silence.

"So...what have you been doing these past few days?" I ask.

"Mostly resting. I've still been participating in some events, but I can't sing or dance much. I had to sit out on a hi-touch event because I didn't want to get anyone sick."

"Understandable." I say, "When are you gonna be back in Korea?"

"Umm...next week, I think. After that i believe our schedule is a bit slower."

"Ah, lucky. I wish I could go home soon."

"One more month, jagi. You can make it."

I sigh and look at the time.

"Shoot, I better get going. We've got one more dance run-through before the show tomorrow. The guys are probably waiting on me."

"Oh, okay. I'll text you before I go to sleep later tonight."

"Sounds good."

"Love you, oppa."

"I love you too, Minari."

I could only imagine how hard it's been for Mina. To be sick, out of the country and attending all of these events for their fans? That's not easy.

I was exhausted after the dance practice. We practiced for hours with barely any breaks. We went out to dinner afterwards. I ate so much, maybe a little too much even.

When I got back to my hotel room, I hit my bed and immediately fell asleep.

That was around eight o'clock. I woke up, still in my dance clothes, around ten.

I realized I had missed a call from Mina. She left a few texts. She was in the Philippines. It must be around two in the morning over there.

Well, I can't call her back now. She's obviously asleep.

Mina: Good night oppa💜

Mina: I'll try to call you tomorrow

Mina: if you can't get back to me right away, pls call/text me before you leave the U.S.

Mina: Love you ❤

Ah, missed her again. Our timing almost never lines up with schedules like this.

I couldn't sleep that night because of how much I missed my girlfriend. There was an empty spot in my heart, getting deeper each day I go without being with her.

I couldn't stop thinking of all the time we spent together. We loved each other even before we were dating. That's something special. Dating your best friend is even rarer.

I just want to see her smile, in front of me, not through a screen. I want to hear her beautiful, soft voice with my own ears, not through a speaker.

Even though I feel like this, I'll put on a smile for Amrys. This concert tomorrow would be some of their most memorable nights of their lives. I have to do my best for them because we wouldn't be here today without their help and support. I'm sure that's what Mina thought too when she was sick.

All my thoughts keep circling around and somehow always end up relating to Mina.

I'm lovesick.

I'm relieved we're going home soon because I don't know how much longer I can take this.