𝐌𝐫. 𝐊𝐢𝐦

36

"What took you guys so long?" Your mom asks as she greets both your dad and your brother.

"You know how traffic is around this time of the evening." Your dad responds with a gruff voice while he removes his jacket and shoes. "Everyone's trying to make it home for dinner."

"Hey, mom." Sunho pulls her into a hug, earning a soft giggle from her as he takes in his appearance, and apparently, his new hair.

"I missed you, Son. I hope you're not too exhausted from the trip."

"I missed you too," he says, pulling away and rubbing the back of his neck. "I had a short nap on the train, so I'm fine."

It hasn't been that long since you've seen Sunho, but his hair has gotten longer and has hints of brown highlights in its tips. Despite his disregard for your presence, you smile from finally seeing him.

This family reunion is long overdue, with many times of planning and canceling due to busy schedules, but it has finally happened, and you are here to see it. It feels even better to have another presence in your household.

"I'm glad to hear that, honey. I'll take your things." Your mother motions to his two duffle bags. "I'll go put them in your old room so we can finally have dinner."

"No, I'll do it." Sunho insists, and your mother doesn't have time to object as he walks away. "I need to change anyway." The boy doesn't even look at you as he hastily removes his shoes in the entryway before heading upstairs.

Your eyes are drawn away from his retreating figure by the sound of your dad clearing his throat.

"Hey, Dad," you greet as his gaze moves to you and then to the man beside you. His gruff appearance resembles what a retired military soldier should look like after living half of their years serving, tough and dubious, with his fading greyish hair and trimmed sides, round glasses lying above the natural scowl on his structured face.

You are, indeed, nervous.

There's no doubt about that, especially when he has his hands on his hips, displaying his full height of about six and three feet. The way he carries himself and stands like he owns the place may easily intimidate anyone. His white shirt is tucked into his dad jeans, and a brown belt completes the look. His wristwatch is comparable to those used by military personnel. It makes you look like a teen trying to introduce her first boyfriend, but you're twenty-eight.

Namjoon observes the shift in your manner and the way your shoulders appear to slump right away. He's never seen you like this before, not even when you've met his parents several times, and he feels compelled to soothe your anxiety by caressing your lower back.

You approach your father and surround him in an awkward side embrace, not wanting to welcome him like a stranger. All of your concerns appear to vanish in an instant. Your need for your parents' presence was gradually being replaced by contentment.

"I missed you, Dad," you whisper. He tenses under your hug, but then relaxes and lets his hands rest on your back. "I have someone for you to meet."

Eyeing Namjoon in your peripheral, he quickly gathers himself, but not before wiping both palms on his trousers and moving beside you, hoping to welcome the man.

"Good evening, Sir. It's an honor to see you again. Thank you for having me—"

"I'm hungry," is all your stern father says before pulling away and walking past your mom, who is left with her jaw on the floor. "This can wait. The food will get cold." Your mom passes you a frown before she follows him into the dining room.

After leaving you two alone in the living room, you hear Namjoon slowly come up behind. When he notices you frowning, nose red, and eyes slightly glossy, his frustration is swiftly replaced with a consoling smile.