Love Beyond Expectations

Chapter 17: A Tense Inquiry

Suho entered his parents' dining room, immediately greeted by the rich and inviting aromas of a lavish Korean feast. His mother had outdone herself, arraying the table with an array of dishes: Glass Noodle Stir Fry, Bibim Mandu, Korean Fish Cake Balls (Eomuk), Korean Radish Wraps (Mussammari), Yubuchobap, Spicy Korean Coleslaw, and, to Suho's delight, his favorite – Korean Cheese Ribs (Cheese Deung Galbi). The last time she had prepared such a grand meal was when Joon, his older brother, had received a job promotion. Suho's mouth watered at the sight.

"Well, are you just going to stand there like an idiot or do something useful?" his mother chastised, snapping him out of his culinary reverie.

"Yes, ma'am," Suho quickly responded, helping her carry the dishes from the kitchen.

His mother, a formidable figure with her dark hair pulled back in a tight bun, gave him a disapproving look. "Hurry up. The food is getting cold, and she could be arriving at any minute."

As Suho hurried to help set the table, his thoughts drifted to Zuri. She had insisted on taking an Uber, despite his numerous offers to pick her up. He hoped she would feel comfortable in this family setting.

His mother, her eagle eyes ever vigilant, caught him daydreaming and let out a huff. "Suho, what's wrong with you? Are you even listening to me?"

Suho snapped to attention, his face flushing. "Sorry, what?"

His mother glared at him, her irritation evident. "I said, are you ready for your dinner tonight?"

"Yes, I am. My girlfriend will be here any minute," Suho responded, trying to sound confident.

His mother gave him a skeptical look, her expression clearly dubious. "We'll see about that," she retorted.

Joon strolled into the room, yawning loudly. "Where's your girlfriend?" he asked, leaning against the wall with a casual nonchalance.

"She'll be here," Suho replied, trying hard not to scratch his scalp, a nervous habit he had developed over the years.

Joon raised an eyebrow. "What time did you say she was coming again?" he prodded.

"Any minute now," Suho said, glancing at the clock. It was a quarter to eight, and the meal was scheduled to start at eight sharp. He hoped Zuri would be punctual.

Joon smirked. "Let's wait and see," he said, his tone laced with sarcasm.

"Hmm," his mother murmured skeptically, as if to imply this was another of Suho's fabrications.

Their conversation was interrupted by a knock at the door. "I got it!" shouted Hana, Suho's young niece, as she ran towards the door with Kyung-soo, Joon's son, following her and calling out, "아니 알았어요!" (No, I got it!)

"Let's just hope she's normal," Joon muttered under his breath, sipping his Yuzu jelly tea.

As Hana opened the door, a brief hush fell over the room. Zuri stepped in with a radiant smile, immediately complimenting the children. "Hi! You guys are SO cute," she said warmly.

Joon choked on his drink, caught off guard, while their mother's mouth hung open in astonishment. Hana and Kyung-soo simply stared, taken aback by Zuri's presence.

"Well, guys, this is Zuri," Suho announced, walking over to her. He embraced her in a somewhat awkward hug, conscious of his family's eyes on them.

"It's so good to finally meet you all," Zuri said, her voice cheerful and friendly.

Suho's mother, seemingly shaken out of her initial shock, greeted Zuri with a hug. "It's so nice to meet you," she said, a strained smile on her face.

Suho introduced her to Joon, who gave a half-hearted greeting.