Eyes Don't Lie

chapter 22

The Jeons were gathered around the dining table, Mina and her husband were also invited over for a dinner. Seung min didn't leave jungkook from the moment he came pestering him. Mr jeon and dong IL were talking about stocks and shares and the women were busy in discussing about the new arrivals in their favorite brands. Jungkook contemplates whether he should say what's in his mind or not but he don't know when will they gather again so he doesn't want to miss the opportunity. He clears his throat "I want to ask you all something " everyone got quite and focused their attention on him, he shifts uneasily in his chair "what do you guys think about Islam and Muslims?" His heart beat quickening soon he finished his question and gathered the courage to look at their faces. His father shrugs "I've known a few they were nice people" jungkook nods his head and move his gaze toward Dong il who was staring back at him suspiciously, smirking when realization hits him "I haven't come across any, but I'm sure they're just as normal of human beings as we are" he winks at jungkook who blushed " why are you asking us about Muslims jungkook?" His mother inquired her voice unfriendly "I love Muslims I even have a very dear friend who's Muslim" Mina chimes trying to decrease the tension between mother and son. He clears his throat again "How would you feel if I accept Islam?" Most of the reaction were the same just the widening of eyes "you must be kidding jungkook" his mother says monotonous "I'm not mom" the rest of adults exchange concerned looks while seung kept bugging him to feed him another bite so he gave him a spoonful of rice "you must have lost your mind then, you can't show up and announce you want to become Muslim, we do not share same beliefs as them and their religion is full of restrictions and boundaries do you think it's an easy joke" she rants out "I know that and I want to learn about Islam I'll gradually start respecting and practicing its boundaries too" she shakes her head furiously "who is it?" She snarls her hands formed into fists "what do you mean mom" seung min climbed on his lap hugging him then looked back at jungkook's mother "don't talk to him like that " he makes an angry pout trying to come off as intimidating which further aggravates her anger so jungkook make him sit on his lap his hands wrapped around him protectively "who strewed this nonsense in your mind" she fulminated, he covered seung ears bringing him closer to himself as he was startled by her shrill voice "I'd appreciate if you watch your words before uttering them mom" she scoffed "so you'll talk back to me because of what? An illusion " he grits his teeth wetting his lips "Son you're grown up and very mature, I've taught you to follow your own path no matter who oppose. If you've found your light go ahead I'll support you its your decision at the end of the day but don't abandon us my dear boy. Your father will stand with you always" Jongho says smiling encouragingly "so is your Noona" Mina adds followed by Dong il "So Is your hyung" jungkook smiles gratefully " so is seungie " seung min mimicked his parents making everyone laugh except jungkook's mother.
It was weekend the day after dinner, he woke up at dawn and decided to start his research about Islam, according to wafiyah if his heart and mind doesn't approve then no matter if he say the Shahada it wouldn't count so he takes it on his own to find out the truth. He went to itaewon to visit central mosque, he wanted to see if his body or emotions react differently. He drove their and parked his car, looking at the beautiful architectural masterpiece. There was an Arabic word in large font written over the front wall, he kept staring at it not knowing what it meant or how it was pronounced. His gaze shifted from one minaret to other as he stood there taking in the feeling of looking at a sacred place of Muslims. The mosque was busy at this hour because people were entering and leaving for the Morning prayer, he noticed how they would greet each other, shaking hands even hugging exchanging smiles and peace. There were not only men but kids too rushing to get inside wearing caps over their head. It was a serene and tranquil environment even with people bustling here and there, women also came greeting eachother with huge smiles and going to another section of the mosque. Jungkook was  completely loss in the feeling, his mind clear of any thought just living in the moment of calmness and quietude. The hues of reds and golden started to shine on the dome of mosque making it even more spectacular. He was sitting alone outside, his back rested against the wall as he stared at word, a young boy around age 5 or 6 came running toward him and handed him a packet he was confused "uncle accept a gift from my side, it's my birthday today" jungkook smiled wishing him birthday "you look sad uncle did anyone hurt you" the kid sat in front of him concern swarming in his innocent eyes "I'm not sad little one just looking around" the boy nods "I've never seen you here before" he says "it's my first time coming here" the boy makes a sound of realization "Ahh okay okay don't worry Allah loves you the same if you came here for first time or thousandth" he beams smiling wide "but will he still love me if I haven't believed in him all my life?" He knows the question is too mature to be asked from a kid but they have tendency to say the truth even if it stings. The boy thinks for a while, he looks at the sky and immediately looked at him when he found the answer " He loves you even more, once Our prophet Musa(A.S) asked Allah that how do you respond to a believers call, Allah said I say لبيك (here I am) then he asked how do you respond to the call of sinners, Allah replied I respond to them 3 time لبيك لبيك لبيك (I'm here, I'm here, I'm here). So don't hesitate keep calling onto him he always listens" jungkook breathes heavily, it felt as if he couldn't take it anymore. He felt overwhelmed by a kid who was oblivious to his inner turmoil, he blinks his eyes he didn't know why were they stinging. He got up from there gripping the packet in his hand firmly and ran out of there not looking back. He sat in his car and drove from there to get away from the feeling in his chest. He took shower as soon he got back and changed into a new pair of clothes, he laid on his bed looking at the ceiling his mind kept repeating the kid's words, the feeling he never experienced before going there, he grabbed his phone from the nightstand and dialed the only number that'll help him, the phone rang few times and then he heard her soft honeylaced voice "Hello?" "Sir are you there?" She asked as he wasn't responding "I'm not feeling well wafiyah" he says staring at the ceiling "where are you?" He could hear the concern in her voice "at my place" he answered breathily "should I call Noona to check up on you?" He shakes his head as if she could see "No" she contemplates "Jungkook please don't be stubborn, y-you're not well" "just talk to me I'll be okay, it's nothing that require doctor's medicine" he adds his voice tired and unlike usual "you're scaring me" she mumbled "I went to Mosque today" he gulps "I felt so strange, there was this strong and vicious burn in my chest, I couldn't breathe so I ran out of there not looking behind" he tells her about his experience but soon regretted it thinking about her reaction, what if she's disappointed in him, The feeling in him gets worse "it's normal to feel that way, don't stress over it. It's completely fine if you felt overwhelmed and reacted that way don't feel bad about it yeah. Listen to your heart but don't think you have to start liking or following something immediately. Go easy on yourself Jungkook " she  comforts him, giving reassurances that he didn't do anything wrong. She kept her voice as gentle and soothing as she could "you're not disappointed in me ?" He inquired "why would I be disappointed, you did one of the audacious thing. Do you think it's easy to take step? Only courageous people who have valour and willingness can do what you did" he sighs in relief "you bring me so much peace wafiyah" he shifts his position "Bye I'm hanging up " she says and doesn't wait for his reply.
All the three gathered in cafeteria chatting about random things as they devoured the food in front of them. Mingyu was back to his usual self, loud and annoying, he constantly stole her portion of food whenever she wasn't watching. Mingyu was telling them about his new crush "you guys need to see her, she's the hottest baby girl I've ever laid my eyes on" wafiyah choked on her food coughing uncontrollably to the level tears started streaming down on her face "there's a decorum of revealing your secrets mingyu, you used all the filthy words in your vocabulary to say one line sentence " wafiyah said as soon she got ahold of herself "my vocabulary is so vast you're underestimating me, I'm offended" he pouts and takes more from her plate as a revenge "but I swear on you wafiyah, you'll say the same when you see her" she leans forth looking intrigued "Okay show me but she's wearing appropriate clothes right?" She questioned but his confused expression says otherwise "what do you mean she's wearing clothes? Why would bike wear clothes " he asked bewildered until realization hits him, he blurts out a laugh throwing his head back, he held his stomach "what's so funny?" She asked looking at Yuna who was equally baffled. Mingyu wipes his tears "who do you think I was talking about?" He asked them "y-your crush?" He shakes his head "silly girl, I'm talking about the bike I want to buy" her eyebrows shoot up hiding under her hijab she was about to retort back when a girl appeared from behind mingyu covering his eyes and bent down to his level "guess who" he held her wrist and turned back to see Jennie standing there with huge smile on her face, her lean Frame was clad in beautiful summer maxi enhancing her already soft features, her hair were long waves of midnight black, with Two hairpins on each side of perfectly partitioned hair "surprise baby" she instantly wrapped her hands around his neck sitting on his lap. Mingyu made an effort to push her off but she hugged him even tightly "idiot I'm your girlfriend you forgot?" Jennie whispered in his ear so he too wrapped his hands around her waist "baby~what a pleasant surprise " he says voice cracking at the word baby and pushed her off his lap, patting the chair beside him "come join us I'll introduce you to my friends " Jennie sighs at his lack of cooperation but keep her acting going. Wafiyah and Yuna were looking at them with mouth agape "girls meet Jennie, my girlfriend " he blushed and hid his face in her shoulder like a teenager "Hi, nice to meet you I've heard alot about you guys" she greets them politely Yuna too greeted her telling her how pretty she is, then wafiyah extended her hand to do handshake with her "I'm wafiyah it's so nice to see you" she smiles when Jennie accepts her handshake "You never told us before that you have a girlfriend gyu" Yuna asked with a frown "I forgot " Jennie pinched his thigh " I mean I wanted to surprise you guys that's why" he looks at wafiyah and was almost disappointed to see her happy eye smile for a moment he wished she would be jealous but what was he thinking "MashaAllah mingyu she's very pretty how did you two meet?" She asked looking between them "by mistake " another pinch "I mean we met in the gym, she couldn't lift weight so I helped her and she fell head over heals for me and then she started following me around begging me to be her boyfriend " Jennie slapped his arm "I didn't beg, he was constantly staring at my ass in the gym so I thought I'll give him an opportunity" wafiyah eyes widened at too much information being given "Astagfirullah okay okay" she looked at Yuna who was staring at them suspiciously "it's good to finally see him in a relationship Jennie take care of him, he's very kind don't judge him over his staring habit, he has very good heart I'm sure you'll be treated well by him" Wafiyah adds which wipes his smile, he bites his cheeks. She was trying to prove him a nice guy, so Jennie wouldn't have any negative thoughts about him. He breathes sharply "we should get back to work" he announced getting up as he held Jennie's hand and dragged her out of cafeteria, who looked back waving at both girls. "Mingyu are you okay?" She asked as soon both were out of sight "go back and thanks for helping me" she sighs knowing well he was upset and made an attempt to hug him but he refused politely "Bye Jen" he left her there and went to finance department.
Jia and wafiyah were deep in their work and it was zuhr prayer time but she didn't took her break, Jia looked at her "Wafiyah why aren't you praying?" She inquired "Oh because I've got THAT" she emphasized the last word, Jia frown "you've got what?" She asked quizzically "we all get that, you me all girls" she says looking down "wafiyah I'm even more confused " she tuts at jia's lack of understanding, she looked around to make sure no one's in sight "periods" she whispered, Jia looked at her with 'so don't ' face "I thought it's something exciting or exotic only for it to be periods" wafiyah shushed her putting her finger on her lips to tell her to be quiet "don't scream now shh" Jia shakes her head "you're unbelievable wafiyah " jia adds and recieved a wink in return "are you free?" Jia asked her casually "yes, why?" "Could you do me favor " she nods enthusiastically "make Mr jeon coffee " wafiyah tuts "what kind of favor is that" Jia pouts to convince her "won't you help your Eonni?" She bats her eyelashes "you know this doesn't work on me right" their conversation was interrupted by shrill ring of telephone "Sir it's coming up, I'm sorry, okay Mr jeon" she hangs up "wafiyah he scolded me because of you" wafiyah scoffed in disbelief "Take 2 cups of coffee " Jia adds and got back to type something on her computer. Wafiyah was left with no choice so with a heavy heart she got up and made a bee line towards the coffee maker and prepared two cups then assembled them in a tray along with sugar sachet. She knocked on the door and stepped in the room, jungkook eyes widened as he saw it was her who brought coffee and not Jia. She placed the tray on table and greeted the old lady, she was about to walk out but Mrs Jeon stopped her "Hey you, come back here" her voice was cold and almost gave her chills "y-yes mam?" She checked her out from head to toe, making her shift on her position uneasily "don't you know how to greet elders?" Wafiyah gulped nervously her heart was pounding wilderness in her chest "Mom" jungkook says in a warning tone which only increased her anxiety knowing it was his mother "I asked you something are you dumb?
Wafiyah bites her lips "i-im so sorry mam" jungkook stood up as he saw his mother getting closer to wafiyah "greet again with a bow" jungkook stood in front of her "she won't, this is against her religious beliefs" both mother and son stare at eachother "so you'll stand up to me for a mere employee " she seethes but he ignored her turning toward wafiyah who looked at him, her eyes had fear in them and it made his blood boil "you don't have to okay, you may leave thank you" he says softly with eyes full of affection. She nods and walk to the door "stop feeding nonsense in his mind or the consequences won't be in your favor" Mrs jeon warns her and without wasting further time she left the room. Wafiyah took her belongings and walked toward the elevator, after some floors the doors opened to reveal mingyu "where are you going?" He asked as he took in her appearance "I'm leaving early today" she says shortly because rightnow she didn't trust her words and was on verge of crying "who was it?" Mingyu inquired monotonously but the elevator dinged indicating her floor is here. She walked out followed by him "why are you following me out?" He doesn't respond either so she just let her legs take her anywhere. Both of them walked in silence for more than half an hour, in the mean time he didn't question her neither did he asked where they were going just walk behind her letting her lead the way. Wafiyah stopped by a bench there weren't many people around it was quiet and peaceful park, she sat on one end of the bench motioning him to sit on the other side, he obliged. She took her shoes off pulling her knees up to her chest "mingyu" he hums positioning himself to look at her "am I a bad influence on the people around me?" She inquired looking at kids playing without the worry of world "I don't know about others but you're a bad influence on me though " she nods but he doesn't stop there "the time I've to spend without you around me feels like a torment to me" wafiyah snapped her head toward him "you're such a bad influence that I want to become  a better person so you can talk about me with your family and mention me in your conversations with Allah" she was too stuned to speak, her eyes scan all over his face to find nothing but sincerity and truthfulness "I want to have your bad influence on me wafiyah, I wish that even death won't do us apart like you said neighbors in heaven" she didn't knew when tears weld up in her eyes or when did they streamed down her face, her lips wobbled due to the overwhelming emotions. When she opened her mouth to say something it came out as a broken sob "m-mingyu" she covered her eyes as she cried "I'm so sorry for breaking your heart, I'm so bad I will never forgive myself for hurting you, I-i hate myself please forgive me. I'm so grateful and I thank Allah everyday for blessing me with a companion like you, I revere you immensely. No one can ever replace you in my life" he smiles sadly and took out a napkin from his pocket sliding it over to her "I hate to see tears in your eyes, wipe them they're too precious to be shed so easily " she shakes her head "forgive me please " she says again "you haven't done anything, don't go hard on yourself life is already doing that. I cherish the moment you came in my life and every second since then" he sighs "do you want ice cream, let's go eat one" they got up and went to nearby convenience store, both were content and happy to share their thoughts and feeling with eachother and further intensified their bond.