Hi Dad! ✔️

Chapter - 14

In the lavish ambiance of the upscale restaurant, Jungkook finds himself feeling out of place, his shoulders weighed down by the opulence surrounding him. The bustling activity of waiters moving around them, delivering dishes to various tables, only adds to his sense of intimidation. Seated beside Vante, he tries to maintain composure, but it's clear that he feels uneasy in this luxurious setting.

Vante, sensing Jungkook's discomfort, looks at him with a mixture of concern and nervousness. They hadn't anticipated finding themselves in such a situation so soon after acknowledging their feelings for each other. The rapid progression of events leaves them both feeling unprepared for the scrutiny of Vante's mother.

As they sit at the table, Vante's mother casts a curious gaze over Jungkook, her eyes assessing him with a keen interest. Her scrutiny adds to the tension in the air, and Jungkook can't help but feel the weight of her expectations bearing down on him. Despite his unease, he tries to maintain a composed demeanor, steeling himself for the conversation that lies ahead.

The waiter approaches and Jungkook receives his dish with a tight-lipped smile and a murmured thank you, his discomfort palpable. Vante's mother nods at the waiter, her demeanor composed yet expectant as she instructs, "Get the check."

Jungkook and Vante exchange a glance, their smiles reflecting a mixture of conflicting emotions. Vante's mother observes them with a smile, though there's a hint of mockery in her eyes as she turns her attention to Jungkook. "Jungkook, what do you do?" she inquires, her tone polite but curious.

Jungkook responds with a smile, albeit tinged with nervousness. "I'm a photographer," he answers simply, hoping to steer the conversation away from any potential discomfort.

Vante's mother's interest is piqued by Jungkook's profession, and she leans in slightly, her gaze focused. "And how much do you earn?" she asks, her tone casual yet probing. Vante shoots Jungkook a nervous look, silently urging him to respond cautiously. His mother clarifies, "I mean, on average. How much do they pay you per photo? Or per month?"

Jungkook shifts uncomfortably under the scrutiny, feeling the weight of Vante's mother's expectations. He exchanges a glance with Vante, silently conveying his uncertainty. It's clear he's not sure how to navigate this conversation, especially given his status as a novice photographer with little to boast about.

Vante, on the other hand, seems resigned to his mother's probing questions, his expression a mixture of frustration and familiarity with her tactics. He sighs softly, a silent acknowledgment of the situation.

Vante's mother's frown deepens at the lack of response to her previous question, her tone bordering on impatience. "What? Is that disgraceful?" she queries, her disappointment evident. Vante shoots his mother a pleading look, silently urging her to drop the subject.

After a moment of tense silence, Vante's mother relents with a resigned sigh. "Forget it," she mutters, though her frown remains. With a shift in focus, she directs her question back to Jungkook, her tone softer yet still probing. "Where do you stay?" she inquires, her gaze fixed on him expectantly.

Jungkook clears his throat nervously before responding, "Nearby Gangbuk-gu." Vante's mother's expression shifts to one of subtle pride as she casually remarks, "We live in Seocho district."

Vante's disappointment is palpable as he shoots his mother a disapproving look. She presses on, her tone laced with condescension as she inquires, "How far is Gangbuk from Seocho?"

Jungkook, oblivious to the underlying implications of her question, answers naively, "Roughly 35 to 40 kilometers. I assume."

Vante's mother's smirk grows as she glances down at her hands, seemingly satisfied with Jungkook's response. Vante's eyes betray his frustration as he watches his mother's interrogation unfold, a mix of emotions swirling within him.