Aeri sits on her bed while doing her homework. She lives in a biggest and massive mansion within the city, the one who can make anyone in awe looking how luxurious and tremendous it is.

But people know that is all of her. There's an envy between people regarding her luxurious life, but there's also pity and shame from people towards Aeri. Because that's really her all. She has busy parents, no friends, limited freedom due to people's attention, and a lonely life. 

That's what people think of Aeri. But no, that is not all for Aeri. She doesn't mind if she has no close friend at school at all or parents who can be there for her. She never thinks she needs it. 

Because she has Jimin.

"Aeri stops!" Jimin pleads to Aeri while being tortured by laugh, who is tickling her body. 

Aeri stops herself and then laughs at her. "I'm not even tickling you properly and you said you are not ticklish at all"

"I didn't know that I'm this ticklish," answered Jimin wrongly. 

Aeri caresses Jimin's hair who is lying beside her. 

"Aeri, stop bothering me and finish your homework instead"

Aeri rolls her eyes and pouts her lips. She is disappointed, she wants to play more with Jimin. But there's no anything she can do now. She is never able to win against Jimin.

Aeri believes and does everything Jimin say to her.

---- ----




 

Aeri sits on the bench in her backyard garden, alone. Aeri doesn't look happy at all. She looks sad and discouraged.

Jimin who sees everything then comes and approaches her. Jimin sits beside her and deeply stares at Aeri. They don't exchange any words with each other. They know what each other feels. Jimin knows what Aeri is sad about, without her need to say it.

Jimin reaches her hand and holds her tightly. 

"They said you are not real"

Jimin smiles at her warmly. "I'm real if you do think I'm real"

"Is it a good thing?

"of course, I don't have any power and ability to leave you aeri, I will never leave you like the others, as long as you want me to stay"

"you will?"

Jimin nods her head. "and you can always leave whenever you want" she pauses for a moment. "when you grow up"

"I will never leave you"

"But you have to when you are grown up"

"What if I don't want to?"

"You will stuck with me"

"And that's what I always hope"

Jimin goes silent for a moment.

"aren't you afraid of people's talk?"

"about what?"

"they said you are too old for having a friend like me" Jimin puts her stare down, discouraged. "I'm not like your other friend"

"of course you are not like my other friend, you will never leave"

Jimin stares her deep into her eyes. Aeri smiles at her like she is the most precious thing she has. That never fails to make Jimin feel so loved.

"Yes, I won't"

There's no happiness that people can offer to Aeri as much as she gets from Jimin. 

I'm glad that I have you through my childhood and teen years. You give me everything that I never had and offer me laughter, smiles, and warmth that I craved for.

I love you

My imaginary friend, Jimin.