Enthralled || Liskook

Chapter 45

"This person is very nice, is that his child?" 

Lisa, already flustered, shook her head, "He just graduated and hasn't married yet." 

The little girl's sobs gradually faded. Lisa, seizing the opportunity, escaped upstairs and sent a message, her phone clutched tightly. 

Fruit in the Forest: What did you say to the child? Why is she crying so hard? 

Jeon: Saying that the little aunt doesn't like her, (teasing emoji) 

Fruit in the Forest: ... (speechless emoji) 

When Lisa and her aunt returned, the only empty seats were next to Sehun. A silent agreement passed between them, maneuvering them into an uncomfortable proximity. 

Ever since Jungkook's arrival, a knot of unease had tightened in Lisa's stomach. The fear of her mother meeting Jungkook was a constant weight. 

As if fate had a cruel sense of humor, the very thing Lisa dreaded came to pass. The waiter ushered in a group, and the first to appear was Jungkook, a little girl clinging to him. 

From their vantage point, Lisa and Sehun were the first to see him. Jungkook, too, spotted them instantly. 

Before stepping upstairs, he'd self-consciously pulled on a coat, hiding the colorful array of temporary tattoos on his arms. 

The moment their eyes met, Sehun froze, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. 

"Do you know him Sehun?" someone piped up. 

"Yes..." Sehun's voice was a strained whisper. "He and Yoongi hyung are very familiar and have met." 

"So it's not Lili's classmate?” Auntie interjected with a knowing smile. "He also talked to Lisa downstairs, you know." 

Yin Guo felt her mother's gaze burning into her. 

Taking a deep breath, she stammered, "We met in New York. He was just watching a game,” Honesty was paramount, she decided, hoping to avoid a future avalanche of questions. 

Fortunately, there's no domestic broadcast of the game, and no one from home sees it. 

Lisa watched with growing apprehension as Jungkook reached for the teapot, pouring himself a cup of tea. His every move seemed deliberate, each step leading him closer to Lisa's table. 

Reaching their table, Jungkook bypassed Lisa entirely, his gaze fixed on his mother. He raised his teacup in a polite salute, a hint of smile playing on his lips. 

"Mrs. Manoban," Jungkook addressed Lisa's mother, "I saw you were here, and with all due respect, I felt compelled to greet you.” 

A tense silence descended upon the table. 

Lisa’s mother met Jungkook's gaze, a flicker of something unreadable crossing her features. Finally, a smile curved her lips. "This is a family gathering, Mr. Jeon. There's no need for such formalities." 

Undeterred, Jungkook maintained his position, his eyes holding a depth of emotion that resonated with Lisa's mother. It was a look that spoke of past events on the field, a mixture of respect and something more. 

"I apologize," Jungkook's voice was low, sincere. "My actions on the field were inexcusable. I'm here to express my gratitude, Mrs. Manoban, for your open-mindedness and the opportunity you granted me to return." 

Lisa's mother sighed, a hint of sadness tinging her voice. 

"Your thanks shouldn't be directed at me, Jungkook. Your coach deserves the most credit. He's nearing seventy, yet he pleaded with the association on your behalf," Lisa’s mother said, "It was heartbreaking to see. Mr. Kang, a man who's never stooped to emotional displays at work, even had red-rimmed eyes backstage that day, advocating for you. His forced retirement is a true shame."