Fell In Love With Kai

Chapter 25: Midnight Conversations

Amidst the serene atmosphere of Nora's Moroccan home, the fragrance of lamb tagine lingered as everyone savored the culinary masterpiece. The cozy dining room echoed with compliments from EXO, each member expressing their delight.

Suho: "Nora, this is amazing! Your mom's cooking is exceptional."

Chen: "I've never tasted anything like this. Truly a culinary masterpiece."

Nora's mom beamed with pride, savoring the joy of sharing her culture through the art of cooking. As the clock struck midnight, the feast concluded, and the time for heartfelt conversations began.

The members, tired from their journey and the delightful meal, retreated to their rooms. Nora, Minji, and Kai, however, found themselves in the kitchen, ready to help with the post-feast rituals. Nora's mom, with a warm smile, assigned them the task of giving leftovers to the street cats.

Nora's Mom: "It's a tradition. We share our blessings with everyone, even our furry friends."

The streets, now adorned with the soft glow of lamplights, witnessed the trio carrying out this heartwarming tradition. Nora's mom watched proudly as her daughter embraced both her Korean and Moroccan identities, a testament to the harmonious blend of cultures.

With the street cats fed and the kitchen tidied, Nora, her mom, and Kai found themselves on the balcony, overlooking the tranquil night. The moonlight cast a gentle glow, setting the scene for a conversation that would delve into matters of the heart.

Nora's Mom: "Kai, my dear, let's talk about your intentions with Nora."

Kai, though accustomed to the public eye, felt a tinge of nervousness. Nora, sensing his unease, offered a reassuring smile.

Nora: "Mom, Kai is a wonderful person. He respects our traditions and is willing to learn more."

Nora's Mom: "That's good to hear, but you must understand, dating a Muslim comes with certain expectations. No alcohol, no pork, and no tattoos."

Kai, absorbing the weight of Nora's mom's words, nodded with a hint of hesitation.

Kai: "I... I understand. I'm willing to make those adjustments."

Nora's Mom: "Love is a beautiful thing, but it should lead to commitment. Have you considered marrying Nora?"

Kai, taken aback, hesitated. Nora's mom, perceptive and wise, offered her guidance.

Nora's Mom: "Sometimes, hesitation comes from fear. If you truly love her, don't let fear hold you back. Love should find its way to commitment."

Kai, though unsure, voiced his sincerity.

Kai: "I need time to think about it, but I care deeply for Nora."

Nora's mom, satisfied with his honesty, bid them goodnight. As they retreated to their rooms, the midnight conversations lingered in the air, paving the way for introspection and the complexities of love in a world where cultures intertwine.

Nora's Mom: "Nora, my dear, it's not just about adapting to our customs. It's about shared values, shared dreams. Do you see a future with Kai?"

Nora: "Mom, I... I care about Kai a lot. But the future, it's uncertain. We're still figuring things out."

Nora's Mom: "Uncertainty is part of life. What matters is your willingness to navigate it together. Kai, what do you think about all this?"

Kai: "Mrs. Tazi, I truly care for Nora. I can't predict the future, but I want to be a part of her life. And, I'm willing to learn and respect your traditions."

Nora's Mom: "Respect is a good foundation, but it's only the beginning. Marriage is a serious commitment. Are you ready for that, Kai?"

Kai: "I... I need time to think about it. But I want Nora to be happy."

Nora's Mom: "Happiness is crucial, but it requires understanding and compromise. Nora, don't rush into things. Take your time to know each other deeply."

Nora: "Mom, I appreciate your advice. We'll take it slow and figure things out together."

The night unfolded with a blend of uncertainty and hope. As the moon bathed the balcony in its soft glow, the trio shared a moment of reflection, setting the stage for the intricate dance between love, tradition, and the unknown.

Nora's Mom: "Kai, tell me more about your family. What values do they hold dear?"

Kai: "Well, my family is quite traditional too. We value loyalty, respect, and, uh, hard work. Music brought us together, and we've always supported each other's dreams."

Nora's Mom: "That's good to hear. Nora, compatibility in family values is crucial. It eases the path when two families come together. Have you met Kai's family, dear?"

Nora: "Not yet, but I'd love to. Kai, what about your parents? Are they supportive?"

Kai: "Yes, they are. They were a bit concerned when I entered the entertainment industry, but they've been there for me. I think they'd be happy to meet you too."

Nora's Mom: "Family support is a blessing. Kai, when the time is right, I'd like to meet your parents. It's important to understand each other's backgrounds."

Kai: "Absolutely, Mrs. Tazi . I believe understanding each other's families is a significant step toward building a strong foundation."

Nora's Mom: "You know, in our culture, we believe in the importance of family blessings. Before you both decide on anything, I want you to know that you have my blessing."

Kai: "Thank you, Mrs.Tazi. That means a lot to both of us. We're taking things step by step, and your support makes this journey much more meaningful."

Nora: "Mom, I appreciate your understanding. Kai and I are navigating this with care, and your blessing means everything to us."

Nora's Mom: "Love should always be celebrated. May your journey be filled with joy and understanding. If you both are happy, that's all that matters."

Kai: "We'll do our best to honor your trust and make this journey a beautiful one. Thank you for being so welcoming, Mrs. Tazi.