Work For It!

Chapter 5: Coincidence

It's been a week since Jihyo's parents arrived in New York. Jihyo spend the weekend with her parents touring the city, while the other days her parents spend their time by exploring the neighborhood and doing chores just to get familiar with the New York life.

At work, nothing changed much between Jihyo and Taehyung. He annoys Jihyo with his little jokes and carefree nature and Jihyo either gets annoyed or answers savagely which leads them to have little quarrels. Aside from that they were bonding pretty good when it's about work and appreciated each other decisions and commitment towards their work which made them tolearble to each other.

Taehyung was also busy with his shifting, he gets off work early sometimes for the same reason and shopping. Same he was doing today, shopping groceries when he suddenly ran into a familiar middle aged korean lady who was doing the same thing.

Taehyung first didn't recognize her but then the lady spoke herself, "What a good day, didn't know I'll run into you like this". Taehyung was trying to process who she was as she seemed familiar.

"You don't remember, we met at the airport, you helped me and my husband there".

"Ahh, annyeonghaseyo, sorry I forgot but you did seem familiar", Taehyung became a little happy.

"Gwaenchanh-ayo, it happens", Jihyo's mother said and looked at his shopping cart, "You're buying so much canned and instant food looks like you're pretty busy".

"Right, I've been busy with the shifting and shopping for my home and with work, so instant food works good."

"But, if you keep up with this you'll get sick so you should take care."

"Fine, I'll take care", Taehyung with a little laugh agreeing to her.

"Hey, remember last time you promised to join for a meal, why don't you come with me now, I'll make some pretty good korean food?"

"I don't know if it'll be okay?", Taehyung asked being a little shy.

"Oh come on, if you feel shy, think of it as one of the many meals in return for helping us at the airport. Also my home is not too far from here", Jihyo's mother.

Taehyung thought for a second, he does not want to disturb someone at their home as he was a total stranger but also he wanted to eat homemade korean rather than this canned and instant food as wherever and for however long enough he travels anywhere he always get homesick for korean food so he agreed to her invite, "Okay, I'll come, thank you, and if it's okay to say but I can't eat too much spicy food."

"Ah, no problem and don't be shy, we are in different country, so at least here think of me as your family member", Jihyo's mother sweetly said and after some more shopping they both departed for her home.
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Taehyung arrived at her house, he took off his shoes as soon as he entered. The house gave him a familiar korean vibe but also with a busy american adaptation which made him comfortable. He was greeted by Jihyo's dad but this time he immediately recognised who he was.

Taehyung heard a commotion and saw a very excited Milo come running over which stopped as soon as he saw Taehyung.

"He must have thought our daughter came back home from work", Jihyo's dad said.

Taehyung reached Milo who backed off a little as Taehyung was a stranger but he became comfortable with him once he caressed him.

"He became friendly with you very quick", Jihyo's father.

"Actually I have a dog at home, so I know pretty much about petting them, once I get settle I'm thinking of bringing him here."

"Good, then Milo and him can become friends", Jihyo's father with a laugh tring to joke.

"Enough with the jokes, at least let him sit, make yourself comfortable", Jihyo's mother.

Taehyung sat on the couch and started observing the house with a side eye. Jihyo's father accompanied Taehyung for some tea and little chats about him which killed their time while Jihyo's mother was preparing dinner.

"It's very nice of you to invite me, but is it okay with your daughter?", Taehyung asked.

"Of course! Why not? In fact she was meaning to thank you for helping us that day when we told her"—Jihyo's dad.

"Oh really? By the way what does she do? I mean last time you mentioned she lives here in New York only", Taehyung asked out of curiosity thinking of a well settled house in New York.

"She—", Jihyo's father stopped as they heard the main door open to which Milo who was playing with Taehyung from a little while jumped away from him and ran towards the door, "I guess it's her only."

"Stop it Milo, first let me enter", Taehyung's body stiffened as he heard a familiar voice which he recognized in an instant but still waited to see her just to confirm.

Jihyo was carrying Milo who was licking her continuously when she frozed out of confusion for a minute upon seeing the person infront of her, "What...are...you...—?"

"You?", Taehyung in surprise.