The Hidden Romance

Chapter 19

                      DUNK

I was trying my hardest to not laugh out loud. Joong was very nervous as it was. I swear I saw some sweats rolling down his temple.

My dad was being a menace. My cousin as well. I was very clear that he was not to be teased. Did they heed my warnings? No, they did not.

I was hoping my mom and grandma would put him at ease. They were trying but my boyfriend was too nervous to hear that.

We were sitting around our round dinner table. I thought, it would only be my parents and grandparents, not the whole family.

We sat between my parents, my mom to my right. My dad to Joong's left. I should've sat near my dad. I don't think Joong even taste any of the food he ate.

"So, how long have this been going on?" said my dad out of the blue.

Joong was swallowing nervously and replied "Two years"

"Two years? And we only heard about it from the gossip columns and channels and not from you guys" my dad questioned

"Dad!" I said, my tone full of displeasure

"I'm just saying, you know. You have all those time to introduce him but you didn't. Is he lacking or something?" he taunted

"Dad, it is not him but I, that did not want to publish us dating. It's not because he lacking or I tried to hide him. It's just that the nature of our situation was not quite suitable yet" I reasoned.

I was getting irritated and he knew it. When I looked at him over Joong's head, I saw him hide a smile. He caught my eye and winked. Like I said before, my dad is a menace.

"Honey, stop making the boy sweat" my mom said while eating.

"Sir, with all due respect, I love your son and I would do anything for him. I was willing to announce to the world that he is my man many times. But I understand that if I want to be with him in a relationship for the long run. I have to learn to respect his wishes and choose my battles wisely." Joong said with reverence.

My heart just did a somersault and skipped a beat and I felt so happy.

"Ooh, you're a wise one,Joong. Dunk is like his mom. I had to learn the tips and tricks over the years of our marriage. Let me tell you, it was not easy" my dad patted him on Joong's head and laughed.

Now that, my dad stopped being a menace. The tension around the table was lessen and conversations were flowing freely.

After dinner, we moved to the sitting room for coffee and drinks for those who preferred it.

"Were you full?" I whispered to Joong

"To an extent" he replied

"Aww, my poor baby" I  said and patted his head.

"We'll have some late night snacks, okay, my love" I told him as I smoothed out his collars.

"Ehem, as much as I loathe to witness this affection that Dunk bestowed upon you, Joong. How do you do it?" My damn cousin asked.

"Do what?" Joong asked, dumbfounded.

"How do you tolerate, his stubbornness, his high and mighty persona, his higher than thou characteristics?" that damned cousin of mine

"I love his stubbornness, he is kind, loving and very down to earth to the people that we encountered. I love all of him" Joong answered while looking at me.

How to not have a hard on for your boyfriend while your family is present should be an adequate article and one I need right now. I wanted to go home and fucked this guy already. But I told my  grandparents that we would stay the night.

"Uncle, I think Dunk tricked him and brainwashed him" my cousin muttered.

"Looks like it" my dad said while laughing.

I narrowed my eyes to the both of them.

My grandparents questioned Joong about his family and work.
I think he felt at ease with them.

As we have an early drive back to the city, we retired early to my room. I told Joong to wash up while I fetched us some snacks for the night from the kitchen.

My parents were in the kitchen when I entered. My mom was drying the cutlery and dad was putting away what she already dried.

"Need help, Mom?" I enquired

"No need, Honey but thank you for asking" she replied

"Why didn't you thank me for helping?" My dad whined

"Ssshh, you. Don't think I don't know what you're doing back at dinner?"

"What did I do?"

"You were grilling and trying to intimidate that poor boy"

"That was not intimidation. I was just asking questions. He is choosing our son and decided to stay with him. Knowing Dunk, the boy must live in fear everyday"

"Hey" my mom and I shouted the same time.

"I like him alot, honey. He is good natured, loving, kind. Most of all, he loves you and I need no further confirmation" my mom said.

"True, he is a good boy. Better hold on to him tight, Dunk" my dad advised.

"Thank you, Mom. Dad." I told them.

I grabbed what I need and went up to my room. Joong was falling asleep while sitting up in bed waiting for me.

What I realised today is that I love this wonderful human being so much and deeply.

"I love you, Joong Archen" I whispered, kissing his lips.

He stirred and opened his eyes.
"You're back" he whispered.

"Let's sleep" I said and sleep beside him.

"Goodnight, Thirak" he whispered.

"Goodnight"

A/n: And that's it for tonight. Sorry, for the long wait. Hope you enjoy. Please like and share if you must. Thank you for taking the time to read this fanfic