/My Secret Crush / Jikook~

55

After entering the apartment, Mrs. Park headed to the kitchen to tidy up, while Jimin's father, took a shower in his bedroom. Jimin wanted to assist Mrs. Park, but as he entered the kitchen, she gently waved him away.

"Take a shower and get some rest," she said.

Jimin felt a pang of disappointment, realizing he wasn't needed. He retreated to his room, the conversation with Mrs. Park replaying in his mind, leaving him feeling uneasy. He worried that his parents would soon notice the change in him.

As he took a shower, Jimin's thoughts swirled with anxiety, weighing the pros and cons about sharing his secret. He hesitated, unsure if he should seize the opportunity to broach the subject during their time together. The water cascaded down, but Jimin's mind was elsewhere, lost in thought.

Time slipped away, and before he knew it, the living room lights had been turned off, except for the soft glow in front of the bathroom.

Jimin headed to the living room for a glass of water, passing by the master bedroom where his parents were engaged in a hushed conversation. He couldn't quite make out their words, But he had guessed what they were talking about.

Returning to his bedroom, Jimin sat on his bed, retrieving his phone to send a message to Jungkook.

He typed: "I'm home, And just finished my shower. My Mom seems to notice that we're dating."

Just as he hesitated over sending the message, a gentle knock at the door broke the silence. Jimin swiftly turned off his phone and sat up straight, trying to appear normal.

"What is it? Come in."

The door creaked open, and Mrs. Park entered, her expression serious. She sat beside Jimin on the bed, her eyes locked onto his.

"Jiminie, I wants to ask you something."

Jimin's heart skipped a beat as he placed his phone aside, his voice barely above a whisper. "Hm?"

Mrs. Park's voice was gentle yet direct. "Tell me the truth, are you and Jungkook dating?"

Jimin's lips trembled slightly as he met Mrs. Park's gaze. His response was a hesitant "Ah?"

"Why are you hesitating? I knows what's on your mind. I have already guessed it, when You brought out your old memories box, spent the day glued to your phone. And when You suddenly wanted to go out with your hyung for barbecue?"

Jimin remained silent, unsure how to respond.

Mrs. Park pressed on, her voice gentle. "How long have you been dating?"

Jimin straightened up, his voice barely above a whisper. "Not long."

Mrs. Park's eyes narrowed slightly. "So, this is why you didn't come home this summer?"

Jimin shook his head. "No, I heard from my roommate that finding an internship is more interesting than staying home. I thought about it and agreed."

Mrs. Park's warm smile faded, replaced by a look of concern. "During your summer break, did you stay at his place or dorm?"

Jimin's nerves heightened, his words stumbling out. "Dorm... Hyung also knows about this... And I didn't stay at his place. Last time hyung came to Busan, he saw us."

Mrs. Park let out a soft sigh, her voice tinged with worry. "I don't want to intrude, Jimin. but your safety and well-being are my priorities. You're still young, and I want to make sure you're in a healthy relationship."

Jimin nodded, a mix of emotions swirling within him. "I understand, Mom."

Mrs. Park's gaze bore into Jimin. "What's the current situation between you two?"