Proceed with Caution (jikook/kookmin)

11. the missing piece

TW: mentions of past child abuse.

Jungkook's parents return about thirty minutes later, his mother gasping in shock as he holds the door open for her.

"Jungkook! Your hair!"

She pushes her glasses up like she can't believe it. Jungkook frowns.

"You don't like it?"

She snatches him into a hug. "Oh, I love it!" She pulls him back to inspect it again, her hand reaching up to touch. "And it's still so soft!"

His dad comes hobbling up with their luggage, Jungkook softly pulling his mother inside and out the way. His dad drops the luggage before examining him closely.

Jungkook's not able to see his eyes behind the sunglasses he wears. It makes him feel anxious for he always prides himself on his dad's opinion of him.

Suddenly, his father smiles. It's bright and makes Jungkook smile too. "Finally you get in with the trends son! You look like me back when I was your age."

His mom nods, her doe eyes wide as she smiles in memory. "Appa had long hair too!"

Jungkook chuckles, closing the door behind them. "Really? Do you have any pictures?"

"I'm sure Eomma has one from when I was in school somewhere," his dad says, leaving the luggage there and heading towards the kitchen.

Jungkook follows, his mom still staring at him like she can't get over his new look. It makes him blush and cover his face.

"Eomma stop staring."

She pouts. "But you look so cute," her face suddenly lights up. "Where's the camera? I need a picture!"

Jungkook groans, watching as she leaves to go find a camera, his dad already pulling out the leftover green tea lemonade. "So son, what'd you do this weekend?"

Jungkook tries not to flush any further as he responds calmly. "Oh, nothing much. Just got some rest."

"What made you want a perm?"

Jungkook shrugs. "A friend thought it would look cool."

Jungkook dad down half his glass with a hum, his eyes finding Jungkook's when he nods. "Your friend has good taste."

Jungkook snorts, his dad coming to sit on one of the stools. "This friend? Is it the same one you've been out partying with?"

Jungkook's mouth falls open in surprise. He decides not to lie. "Um... yes. He did the perm himself."

His dad's eyes widen and he nods, impressed. "That's cool."

Jungkook smiles.

"I'm glad you've made a guy friend," his father surprises him by saying and it's Jungkook's turn to be shocked.

"I have two," he nods although he's not sure how his father would react if he knew that they were both queer.

"Really?" His dad questions almost comically and Jungkook snorts but doesn't blame him. Since moving to Everney he hasn't really tried to make any fellow male friends. "Well, ain't that something."