Healing (KTH, featuring KNJ)

Chapter 20

Upon reflection, Taehyung realized that it may not have been the best decision to simply spring Clara on his parents without any warning that she wasn't Korean. If he could do it again, he would definitely take a different approach. But in the blindness caused by his own affection for Clara, he really hadn't even entertained the possibility that they wouldn't immediately feel the same way.

He hadn't seen his parents in the several weeks since that dinner. His mother had called to apologize for her rudeness, but hadn't really seemed to change her position on Clara on the whole. In fact, much to Taehyung's irritation, she sounded relieved when he told her that he hadn't seen Clara since dinner that night.

Taehyung had really been thinking about what Namjoon and Yoongi had said to him. It wasn't enough to simply have his parents tolerate Clara for his sake, she deserves better than that. So he needed to do everything in his power to see that happen.

He started by going to his parents alone, to explain to them that he and Clara were still together, and as far as he was concerned, they were going to stay that way. Over the course of the discussion his parents slowly began to accept this reality, although it was clear that they didn't like it. Particularly his mother, who repeatedly said things like, "we'll still be here when you break up", and "after a while you'll realize that a Korean girl is best for you." By the time he left he'd at least gotten agreement from his parents that they would no longer be openly hostile, which he felt was a start.

He hoped that Namjoon's parents would have better luck shifting his parent's perspective. All of the members' parents knew each other. After all, they were all experiencing this wild ride of BTS's meteoric rise together. But Namjoon, Jin, and Taehyung's parents were the closest. While Namjoon's parents spent most of their time in Ilsan, Namjoon had purchased them an apartment in Seoul where they could stay when they wanted to come to visit. Jin's parents had an apartment on the same floor and the two families had become close friends. Taehyung's parents had also moved to Seoul to be closer to their son, and while they weren't in the same apartment building, the three sets of parents often gathered socially.

By now Taehyung's parents knew exactly who Clara was, which admittedly they found a bit awkward. Obviously Namjoon's parents were not quite as traditional as they were, both allowing Namsoo to study outside of the US and become engaged to a foreigner. But they also weren't from a rural farming area, where traditions were closely observed and those that stepped out of line risked being ostracized from the community. On farms, individuals were dependent on good relationships with their neighbors. Whenever a crisis arose, the community came together to help the family in need. With small financial reserves, families couldn't risk being shunned. Following local traditions was ingrained from an early age, and few dared to even consider stepping out of line.

It was Jin's parents that reached out to Taehyung's, inviting them over for dinner the following week. Before they knew it, they were standing at the doorstep, looking forward to their friends' company and delicious cooking. What they didn't expect was when Namjoon's father, Dohyun, opened the door and welcomed them in.

"Come on in, our hosts for the evening are finishing in the kitchen, but let me get you a drink in the meantime."

The time was filled with awkward small talk until the announcement came that dinner was ready. Everyone felt relieved to move to eating, as it was becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the obvious elephant in the room.

As the meal finished Dohyun looked at Taehyung's father, and opened the topic everyone had been anticipating. "Jisu, I'm glad we could see each other tonight. We've always valued your friendship and your support not only for Taehyung-ah but for all of our boys. I can't count how many times I've heard them talking about your wife's delicious lunch boxes."

"It seems we now have something else tying us together beyond our boys. Taehyung-ah is now seeing Clara, who we consider to be our daughter. We've been watching their relationship grow and bloom and have seen how much they both brighten when they are in each other's company. It is clear what they have is more than simply young love. They truly compliment each other in the ways both need most."

"We understand that Clara is probably not the type of girl you were expecting for Taehyung-ah. We all understand what it is like when you have hopes or expectations for your children that don't come true. And as parents I think all of us become particularly worried if we think our children might be hurt. Our boys have worked so hard and sacrificed so much, our only wish is for peace and happiness for all of them."

"I know it has been very important for your family that Taehyung-ah find and marry a Korean girl. We understand where those expectations and customs come from, and respect how your family has held onto its community ties. But we ask you to think of Clara not as a foreigner, but as our daughter and a part of a Korean family that has a Korean mother, father, brother, and sister. She is very dear to us. She may never be perfect at her Korean pronunciation or cooking. And she may still make awkward mistakes as she continues to learn our customs. But I think you will find that she is humble, kind, and loving. And most importantly, she makes Taehyung-ah very happy."

"My wife and I are committed to shepherding and guiding both of them as their love for each other grows. We are offering to take responsibility for their relationship, ensuring it remains healthy and good for both of them. They will face some unique hardships, particularly because of Taehyung-ah's career. But they care for each other deeply. They are both filled with a unique joy when they are together. And I know Taehyung-ah would like nothing more than to have you embrace Clara so you can share in that joy with him."

After a pause, Taehyung's father Jisu finally responded. "Thank you for your care for Taehyung-ah and your respect for our beliefs. I appreciate what you have shared today. I think we need to take some time to think about all of this."

He continued on, "This has been very difficult for us to really understand, so it may take some time for us to adjust. But in the meantime we will accept your offer of responsibility for their relationship. If they are going to be together, we will feel better knowing that they will be under the guidance of your Korean family."

Finally relaxing, Dohyun leaned back in his chair feeling he had accomplished what was needed to start to transition the relationship. But he had one additional request that he thought might be what was really needed to build the relationship between Clara and the couple who might one day be her in-laws.

"Jisu, I think our wives should invite Clara to spend time with both mothers together so they can collaborate to teach her more about Korean life. I expect that might be most comfortable for everyone. What do you think?"

"Yes, yes I think that is a good idea. Actually a very good idea..."