Love Beyond Expectations

Chapter 16: Tensions and Trains

Suho boarded the subway the next day, his thoughts preoccupied with the upcoming dinner with his family and Zuri. As he scanned the crowded car, his eyes landed on Zuri. Her expression was stormy, a level of anger that went beyond mere annoyance. He watched as she muttered what appeared to be a string of profanities under her breath.

He tried to focus on his own concerns – like how his new dog, Kibo, was adjusting and forcing him to be more active. But his attention kept drifting back to Zuri. He noticed the intensity of her glare, which seemed directed at no one in particular, and he couldn't help but wonder what had her so upset. What made her, a seemingly calm and level-headed person, so mad?

Between pondering the complexities of the world and the possibility of her having a case of Resting Bitch Face, Suho's mind absurdly settled on the idea that maybe she was mentally rehearsing an aggressive rap battle. The thought was so out of left field that he almost chuckled.

Suho's mind wandered further down the rabbit hole as he wondered if Zuri's anger was directed at him. Did she not want to fake date him? Did she hate his guts? Was she plotting his demise?

Before he realized what he was doing, Suho found himself walking over to her. "WTF," he thought to himself. This wasn't like him, but something about her distressed state compelled him to bridge the gap.

He approached cautiously. "Hey, Zuri," he said, trying to catch her attention. She seemed lost in her thoughts, her brow furrowed.

Zuri looked up, her expression softening slightly at the sight of Suho. "Oh, hey," she replied, her voice still tinged with frustration.

"Rough morning?" Suho ventured, hoping not to overstep.

Zuri sighed, a weary sound. "You could say that. Just had to deal with a bunch of bullshit, you know how it goes."

Suho nodded, his curiosity piqued. "I'm sorry. That sucks. Any way I can help?"

Zuri smiled, the first real smile he had seen from her since boarding the train. "Thanks, but I'll be fine. Sometimes you just need to let off some steam, you know?"

Suho felt a sense of relief, grateful that his awkward attempt at comforting her had paid off. He returned her smile. "I get it. Let me know if you ever need to vent."

Zuri nodded, her expression relaxing. "I will. Thanks."

They fell into a comfortable silence, both lost in their thoughts. The rhythmic clatter of the subway and the murmur of conversations around them created a backdrop to their journey, each lost in their own world.

That evening, he would have to introduce Zuri to his family, the charade would be enacted, but Suho couldn't help but wonder how far this fake relationship would go. Would they remain mere acquaintances, or would they find themselves in an unexpected situation, a real connection forming between them?

As the train rumbled on, Suho felt a flicker of anticipation, the uncertainty of the future ahead offering a tantalizing mix of possibilities. Zuri was strong, opinionated, and quick-witted – qualities that he admired and which would undoubtedly help them navigate the dinner--but he forgot to mention that his brother was an asshole.

Joon, the eldest and only boy in the Kim family, had always been the center of attention, both at home and outside. His good looks, impeccable fashion sense, and charm won him many admirers, and Suho could understand why.

"So, what's your family like," Zuri said crossing her legs. Seemingly reading his thoughts.

"My parents are great. They've always been supportive of my interests, even if I was a bit of a weird kid. My older brother, Joon, is the golden child. He's handsome, confident, and charming... everything I'm not," Suho said, a hint of self-deprecation in his tone.

Zuri chuckled. "I'm sure you have your own qualities that your family appreciates. You can't be a perfect son," she said, her tone teasing.

Suho snorted, the sound not quite a laugh. "That's debatable. My family's expectations are high, especially when it comes to me. They want me to be successful and happy, but I don't think I've ever met their expectations."

Zuri placed a hand on his arm, her touch light and reassuring. "That's a lot of pressure. I'm sure your family just wants what's best for you."

Suho shrugged, his expression noncommittal. "Yeah, but it doesn't always feel that way. Sometimes it feels like I'm never good enough."

Zuri, looked at him, her eyes filled with understanding. "I know the feeling. We're not always the people our families want us to be, but that doesn't mean we can't be happy. You have to make peace with that."

Suho gave a small nod, her words striking a chord with him.

"And...I  barely know you but I think you're great" she added, her cheeks slightly reddened through her melanated skin.

Suho, his own cheeks flushed, laughed. "Thanks. You're not so bad yourself."

Zuri shook her head. "I'm not trying to be, I'm just saying that your family's expectations aren't the only ones you need to meet. You have to accept yourself, and then, it'll be easier for your family to accept you too. "

Suho paused, considering her words. He had spent so much time trying to please his family, but he'd never considered that their expectations were weighing him down. "I think you're right," he said, a hint of surprise in his voice.

Zuri, sensing his hesitation, placed a hand on his shoulder. "It's okay to be yourself. And you're family should accept that to."

Suho nodded, a sense of relief washing over him. "Thanks, Zuri. I really appreciate it."

She smiled, and then smacked the back of his head, "Now stop being a Debby Downer it doesn't look good on you." she said.

Suho laughed, a genuine sound. "Yes, ma'am."

He felt a newfound confidence, the weight of his family's expectations lifted by Zuri's words. He knew it would take time, but he was determined to find his own path, even if it meant defying his family's expectations.

Thank you Astrid for the art!