"Mom...I-I...actually Jungkook..." I stammered, desperately searching for an excuse.

"Jungkook, you have committed a crime and you will be punished," she cut me off, her voice dripping with mock seriousness.

I watched as the color drained from Jungkook's face. He gulped nervously.

"Your punishment is that you are going to have dinner with us," she announced, bursting into laughter. "Y/n-ah grew up so fast!" We both exchanged awkward looks. Jungkook looked particularly shaken.

"Come down, the food is already served," she said, still laughing at our embarrassment.

He finally spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. "She is a cool mother, isn't she?"

I was still processing what had just happened. Did she really just see me kissing an idol in my room?

"I almost passed out in fear," he admitted, his lips curving into a relieved smile.

"She is the best mother," I replied, my voice devoid of emotion.

"And the most unpredictable," Jungkook added, a hint of amusement in his voice.

* * * * * *

The atmosphere at the dining table was thick with tension. My parents sat across from us, my mother wearing a bright, knowing smile while my father maintained his usual stoic expression. Jungkook fidgeted in his seat, beads of sweat forming on his brow as he bit his lip nervously.

Every clink of cutlery seemed magnified in the silence that enveloped us. My mother occasionally shot Jungkook playful glances, clearly enjoying the situation, but my father's serious demeanor added to the unease hanging in the air. I could feel Jungkook's anxiety radiating off him; his fingers drummed lightly on the table, and he shifted in his chair as if ready to bolt at any moment.

"Y/n," my mother said, breaking the silence. "Why don't you tell us how you two met?" Her eyes sparkled with mischief, clearly relishing the moment.

Jungkook's eyes widened, and he quickly glanced at me, his expression a mix of panic and hope. I took a deep breath, realizing I had to save him from the impending interrogation. "Uh, well, we met at a music event," I began, hoping to keep it vague yet convincing.

"Really? A music event? What was it like?" My mother leaned in, intrigued.

"Yeah, it was... really fun," Jungkook chimed in, his voice slightly shaky but earnest. "I was just really excited to see her there."

I couldn't help but smile at his attempt to ease the tension, even though I knew he was still sweating bullets. My father finally broke his silence, his voice low and steady. "So, Jungkook, what do you do for fun outside of music?"

Jungkook's eyes darted to mine for reassurance. "Um, I enjoy gaming and hanging out with friends," he replied, his voice gaining a bit of confidence. "But nothing beats making music."

"Right," my father said, his tone still serious but with a spark of curiosity. Everyone in our country knew who Jungkook was; his name was synonymous with global fame, success, and undeniable talent. But none of that mattered in this moment. Here, at this dinner table, my father was more concerned about Jungkook the person, not the superstar.

I could sense my father's curiosity wasn't about the fame, but about the character behind the success. He wanted to know if the man sitting in front of him, dating his daughter, was grounded despite being one of the most successful global icons..

As the conversation flowed, I watched Jungkook relax a little, though I could see him still wrestling with the nerves. It felt like a high-stakes game, but somehow, we were making it through together.

My father started again, his tone a bit softer, "how do you handle it all? The fame, the pressure—everything that comes with being in the spotlight?"

Jungkook paused for a second, clearly caught off guard by the depth of the question. He glanced at me briefly, his eyes seeking reassurance before he turned back to my father. "It's not easy," he admitted, his voice steady but sincere. "There are times when it feels overwhelming, but I have a great support system. My members, my family, and..." his voice faltered for a moment as his gaze shifted toward me, "...people I care about keep me grounded."

My father's eyes softened, but he wasn't done yet. "And what about Y/n? How do you plan to manage a relationship with her when your life is... well, not exactly normal?"

Jungkook smiled, more relaxed now. "I know my life is different, and it comes with challenges, but I care deeply for Y/n. I'll do everything I can to make sure she feels supported and valued, no matter what. I'm serious about us."

A silence fell over the table. My father leaned back, still observing, but I could tell he was impressed with Jungkook's honesty. My mother, who had been quietly listening, broke into a wide grin. "Well, as long as you take good care of our daughter, you're welcome anytime," she said, her tone playful but heartfelt.

Jungkook's pov

I was so nervous that I stuttered through my words. For the first time, Y/n was quiet. Even she seemed afraid of her father.

"Anyone can speak in poetic lines. Besides, you're an artist—it's probably the easiest thing for you. I need actions." It felt like someone had stabbed my heart. Even Y/n's mouth parted in astonishment.

"I want to have a personal talk with you after dinner." Her father stood up after finishing his plate.

I fidgeted with my fingers. Was he going to tell me to break up with her and kick me out of the house? Or worse, would he throw me off the balcony? My shirt was soaked in sweat. I felt Y/n's hand on mine. Her face was expressionless, but her touch gave me comfort.

"He's not what you're thinking," Mrs. Y/L/N reassured me. "He's a much more charming man, but when it comes to his daughter, he gets overprotective." She patted my shoulder. "Fighting, child!" she said before disappearing into the kitchen.

Y/n sat beside me, holding my hand without saying a word. After a few minutes, Mrs. Y/L/N called for her again. "Y/n, help me with the dishes!"

Y/n glanced at me with glossy eyes. She hugged me tightly. "Fight for me, Kookie. I want you in my life." Her words were like a booster shot of confidence. I tightened my arms around her. I had to win her father's approval, no matter what.

.......

I slid open the door to the balcony, stepping out into the cool night air. Mr. Y/L/N was sitting with a drink in hand, the dim light from inside casting a soft glow on his face. As soon as he saw me, he gestured toward the chair across from him.

"Sit, Jungkook. And here, take a drink." He held out a glass.

I hesitated, unsure of whether to accept. "Thank you, but I'm better off without drinks."

He raised an eyebrow, his smile hinting at something more playful. "Don't be so naïve. We're men, aren't we? And I called you out here for a man-to-man conversation." I smiled awkwardly and took a sip, the burn of the alcohol hiting me.

He leaned back in his chair, studying me for a moment before speaking again. "You know, my daughter is stubborn. She's got her quirks, her group of guy friends. But I promise you, she's loyal. She'll never break your trust."

I smiled, already knowing this well. "I believe that," I replied softly.

He nodded, but his expression didn't soften. "But let me finish. Sometimes, she can be just as irritating as her mother," he said with a laugh, "but teasing them—well, that's part of the fun."

"I don't mind," I said earnestly. "I'll be with her through everything, no matter what. I'll accept all her faults." The words came from my heart, but I was still unsure where this conversation was leading.

His eyes flickered with something serious. "That's good, but listen—don't mess up your career for love. You've worked hard to be where you are. That's important."

The gravity of his words made me sit up straighter. He wasn't wrong. "Of course, sir. I'll balance both."

Then, out of nowhere, his tone shifted. "Did I scare you at dinner?"

I let out a nervous chuckle, my palms sweating. "A-Aniya," I stammered, clearly flustered.

He grinned, satisfied. "I knew I did. I'm sorry about that. I wanted to see if you were the real deal. I saw it in your eyes tonight—the honesty. You care for her. No one could ask for a better son-in-law."

His words hit me in a way I wasn't expecting. My chest warmed, and I fought back the urge to hug him right then and there. Instead, I bowed deeply. "Thank you, sir. I promise, I'll never give you a reason to regret trusting me."

He patted my back, a hearty chuckle escaping him. "Jungkook, you're alright. You remind me of myself when I was your age. Maybe next time, I'll share my love story with you," he teased, a twinkle of nostalgia in his eyes.

Just as I was about to respond, the door creaked open, and Y/n stepped out. "Dad, it's getting late. I think it's time for Jungkook to head home," she said, casting a glance at me, her eyes questioning if everything was okay.

Her father nodded. "She's right. Do you need a ride home?" he asked, ever the gentleman.

"No need, sir. Suga Hyung is picking me up on his way from the studio," I replied.

"Aappa. Call me Appa or Dad like Y/n." He corrected.

I screamed inwardly at his warm acceptence. "Sure, A-appa!" I couldn't cointain my smile.

He stood up, extending his hand. "Good. I'll be heading in first, then. All the best, champ."

As he walked back inside, Y/n gave me a relieved smile, her eyes filled with curiosity. I flashed her a thumbs up, and just then, I heard the familiar honk of Suga's car outside.

________________________________________________________________________________

Finally the story is about to end.
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SARANGHAE 💜💜
--Jeongsri