Threads of fate

Chapter 25

“You see the same thing I do,” Minji had said, turning to Namjoon with a smile.
“Balance in imperfection?” he replied, grinning back.

Their conversations flowed effortlessly, revealing their mutual love for exploring the world. Over time, their friendship blossomed into something deeper. Namjoon found comfort in Minji’s free spirit, and Minji adored Namjoon’s thoughtful nature.

Minji often spoke about her best friend, Jin, but she referred to him simply as “J.” It was a nickname she had always used, and Jin himself preferred it in professional circles. He valued his privacy deeply, and even Minji knew better than to divulge too much about his personal life. She respected his boundaries.

“J has been my rock,” Minji would tell Namjoon during their late-night talks. “He’s the kind of person who carries the weight of the world but still manages to smile through it.”
Namjoon would smile softly. “Sounds like someone special.”
“He is,” Minji admitted. “But he’s also incredibly private. Even his company employees know him as J, and most have never even seen him in person.”

Namjoon, too, kept his own secrets. He never revealed his connection to BTS, choosing to let their relationship grow without the weight of his fame. For both Namjoon and Minji, their bond felt untouched by external expectations—a pure connection between two people who valued authenticity.

They had an unspoken agreement to introduce their families only when the time was right and in person. “I want you to meet J someday,” Minji had said during one of their travels.
“And I want you to meet my brothers,” Namjoon replied, his eyes twinkling with affection.

Little did they know, their worlds were already intertwined in ways they couldn’t yet imagine. While Minji painted her vibrant landscapes and Namjoon wrote lyrics inspired by their adventures, the truth about J and BTS lingered just beneath the surface.

Minji had always been someone who appreciated simplicity and respected boundaries. While her curiosity often fueled her artistic endeavors, she rarely pried into the personal lives of those she cared about. Her best friend, Jin—whom she affectionately called “J”—was no exception. Jin, in turn, never pressed her for details about her romantic life, trusting that Minji would share what she wished in her own time.

For years, Minji spoke fondly of her boyfriend, Joon, in passing conversations with Jin. She often shared snippets about their shared travels, his thoughtful gestures, and how he was always supportive of her art. Jin, who had grown used to Minji’s lighthearted updates, never asked for more details about Joon, focusing instead on their own friendship.

“Joon is a great listener,” Minji would say with a soft smile during their coffee chats. “He has this way of making me feel understood without even trying.”

Jin would nod, sipping his coffee. “Sounds like a keeper. As long as he treats you right, I’m happy.”

On the other hand, Minji knew little about Jin’s professional life. While she was aware he worked in the entertainment industry, she never pressed for specifics, and Jin was grateful for it. He cherished the anonymity he shared with Minji, finding solace in their unfiltered conversations.

Minji’s disinterest in pop culture played a significant role in her ignorance of BTS. She was an artist who spent more time in galleries and museums than scrolling through social media or listening to popular music. When Namjoon revealed, two years into their relationship, that he was part of a globally famous K-pop group, she reacted with surprising nonchalance.

“You’re in a boy band?” Minji had asked one evening, painting a landscape as Namjoon worked on lyrics beside her.
Namjoon chuckled. “Not just any boy band. BTS. We’re kind of a big deal.”
She looked at him, her brush pausing mid-stroke. “Is that why you’re always scribbling lyrics?”
“Something like that,” he admitted, smiling.