The Forbidden Love - between a fangirl and idol (Jungkookff)

Chapter 2: The Proposal

The early morning sun filtered through the window, casting a soft, golden light over the kitchen. Y/N stood by the stove, stirring a pot of tea, her mind still lingering on the conversation from the night before. Her mother had dropped the subject of marriage after dinner, but Y/N knew it was only a matter of time before it came up again. They had been hinting at it for months now, and she could feel the weight of their expectations growing heavier with each passing day.

As she poured the tea into two cups, she heard her mother's voice behind her.

"Y/N, come sit," her mother called from the dining table. The tone in her voice was light, but Y/N could sense the underlying seriousness.

She sighed softly, grabbing the cups and walking over to join her mother. The warm, familiar scent of ginger and cardamom filled the air, but Y/N's stomach churned with unease. She sat down across from her mother, who was already eyeing her with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

"How was work yesterday?" her mother asked, taking a sip of her tea. She made small talk first, always easing into the real conversation.

"Busy," Y/N replied, her fingers tracing the rim of her cup. "I had a deadline, so I didn't get much done outside of that. Adhi helped a lot."

Her mother nodded, though Y/N could tell she wasn't really interested in the details. Her work as a graphic designer had always been a bit of a mystery to her parents. They were supportive, in their own way, but she knew they didn't fully understand the value of it. To them, it was a temporary phase until she got married, settled down, and had children.

"I'm glad you have good friends at work," her mother said, setting her cup down. Her eyes softened as she leaned forward slightly, the tone of the conversation shifting. "Speaking of friends... your father and I have been talking."

Y/N's heart sank. She knew where this was going. She nodded but didn't say anything, waiting for her mother to continue.

"There's a family," her mother began, carefully choosing her words. "They've been asking about you for some time now. They seem like good people, well-educated, and their son is working abroad. He's an engineer, doing quite well for himself."

Her mother paused, watching Y/N closely for a reaction. Y/N's mind raced. She had heard these kinds of conversations before, but this felt different. More real. More urgent.

"They're interested in meeting you," her mother added gently. "We think it's a good match, and your father agrees. Of course, we won't force you into anything, but we do think it's worth considering. You're twenty-two now, and it's a good time to start thinking about your future."

Y/N felt her throat tighten. She had been expecting this, but the reality of it still hit her like a wave crashing against the shore. She stared down at her cup, the tea growing cold in her hands.

"I... I don't know, Amma," she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Her mother's expression softened even more, and she reached across the table, placing a gentle hand on Y/N's. "I know it's a lot to think about, dear, but we just want what's best for you. This is a good opportunity."

Y/N nodded, though her heart wasn't in it. She understood where her parents were coming from, but the thought of marrying someone she didn't know, someone chosen for her by her parents, filled her with dread. She had always known this was a possibility, but part of her had hoped—hoped for something different, something more.

"Just meet him," her mother continued, her voice kind but firm. "That's all we're asking. You don't have to decide anything right away. Just meet him and see how you feel."