JEON JUNGKOOK

38. The weekend dinner

The Jeon mansion was buzzing with activity, the usual quiet air replaced with a subtle hum of anticipation. Mrs. Jeon’s visit was rare, and everyone, from the gang members to the household staff, felt the weight of the occasion. The dining room, with its high ceilings and ornate decor, was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of a meticulously prepared dinner.

Y/N, feeling slightly out of place in the elegant setting, sat beside Jeon Jungkook, her posture slightly stiff. Despite the tension in the room, there was something different in the way Jungkook held himself—less of the cold, hardened exterior she was accustomed to, and something more…calm.

Mrs. Jeon, a woman of refined grace with an air of quiet authority, sat at the head of the table, her eyes sharp as she observed the gathering. As the dinner progressed, she occasionally cast a glance at Y/N, her expression unreadable.

“So, Y/N,” Mrs. Jeon finally spoke, her tone measured, “how are you managing in the household? I understand it’s quite a change from what you were used to.”

Y/N glanced at Jungkook, who was focused on his plate, not offering any assistance. She swallowed her nerves and responded, “It’s…been an adjustment, Mrs. Jeon, but I’m managing.”

Mrs. Jeon gave a slight nod, her gaze lingering on Y/N for a moment before she turned back to her food. “That’s good to hear. I suppose it’s a matter of finding your place.”

The words were innocuous enough, but there was an edge to them that made Y/N shift in her seat. Jungkook, sensing the discomfort, spoke up. “Y/N has been doing well. The transition hasn’t been easy, but she’s stronger than most give her credit for.”

Mrs. Jeon’s eyes flickered with something—surprise, perhaps—before she responded. “I see.”

The gang members, sensing the undercurrent of tension, exchanged glances but said nothing, continuing their own conversations. However, it was clear they had picked up on the slight change in dynamics between Jungkook and Y/N.

As the evening went on, the conversation remained casual, with Mrs. Jeon mostly engaging the gang members in discussions about the business. Y/N mostly listened, her focus shifting between the different voices at the table.

At one point, Jimin, seated to Jungkook’s left, made a passing comment that caught everyone’s attention. “You know, it’s strange. Jungkook’s been around the mansion more lately. Usually, we have to drag him out of his office.”

A few chuckles rippled through the group, but Mrs. Jeon’s eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at her son. “Is that so? I didn’t realize you were spending so much time at home, Jungkook.”

Jungkook gave a nonchalant shrug, his gaze steady. “There’s been no reason to be away. Things are under control, and I prefer to keep a closer watch on things here.”

Mrs. Jeon’s lips curved into a faint smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “I see. It’s good to know where your priorities lie.”

Y/N could feel the shift in the room, the tension thickening as Mrs. Jeon’s words hung in the air. It was clear that, while unspoken, there was a subtle scrutiny in her demeanor, a questioning of what was really going on between her son and Y/N.

Despite this, as the evening progressed, Y/N noticed a change in Jungkook’s behavior. His hand would occasionally rest on the back of her chair, his shoulder brushing against hers when he reached for something, small gestures that, while subtle, didn’t go unnoticed by those around them.

As the dinner came to an end, Mrs. Jeon finally rose from her seat, her gaze settling on Y/N one last time. “I’m sure you’ll find your place here, Y/N. It’s just a matter of time.”