As the night grew late, they moved to the sofa, the plates of food forgotten. Jungkook pulled out his phone and began to show them some of his favorite photographs, explaining the stories behind each one with such enthusiasm that it was impossible not to get swept up in his excitement. Taehyung saw his mother lean in closer, her eyes lighting up with interest, and his father nod in approval.
"These are truly amazing," Taehyung's father said, his voice gruff but genuine. "You have a real talent."
Jungkook's cheeks flushed with pleasure. "Thank you," he replied, his eyes never leaving the screen. "It's something that gives me peace, you know?"
Without missing a beat, Jungkook swiped to the next set of images. A collection of candid shots of Taehyung. In one, he was mid-laugh, his eyes sparkling with mirth. In another, he was lost in thought, his gaze focused on something only he could see.
"These are beautiful," Taehyung's mother said, a soft smile playing on her lips. "You've captured him so well."
Jungkook looked up, his eyes meeting Taehyung's. "He's easy to photograph," he said, his voice low and filled with affection. "So much beauty, inside and out."
Taehyung felt his cheeks warm, but he didn't look away. The love in Jungkook's gaze was unmistakable, and he knew his parents had to see it. His mother's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she took in the images, and his father cleared his throat, looking away briefly before returning his gaze to the screen.
"You two seem very happy together," Taehyung's mother said, her voice tentative.
Jungkook looked at Taehyung, his eyes shining with a love so profound it stole Taehyung's breath away. "We are," he replied simply, his thumb brushing over their interlocked hands.
Taehyung felt a rush of emotion, a potent mix of hope and fear. He knew his parents weren't ready to fully accept their relationship, but he could see the crack in the dam of their disapproval, widening with every shared smile and tender touch.
As the night grew later, the conversation turned to the future. Taehyung's mother asked if he had any thoughts of starting a family. Jungkook's eyes flickered to Taehyung, who held his breath, waiting for his answer.
"A family, huh?" Jungkook mused, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "Taehyung and I just started dating, so as of now, we're not thinking about that yet. But I can't say I haven't thought about it. Having kids, raising a family... it's something that's important to me. And I will only do that if it's with your son," he added, giving Taehyung a meaningful look.
Taehyung felt a warmth spread through him at Jungkook's words. It was the first time Jungkook had openly talked about their future in front of his parents. He hoped it was a sign of his growing comfort with the idea of being accepted.
"You know, Tae," his mother began, her voice soft, "We just want you to be happy. And if Jungkook makes you happy..."
Taehyung's heart skipped a beat, his eyes searching hers for any hint of acceptance. "He does," he said, his voice firm. "More than anything."
His mother looked at their joined hands, then back up at Jungkook. "Then we'll do our best to support you both," she said, a tremble in her voice. "As long as you promise to love and take care of each other."
Jungkook nodded solemnly. "I promise," he said, his eyes never leaving hers. "With all my heart."
Taehyung felt a weight lift from his chest, and he knew that tonight was a turning point. They hadn't reached the end of their journey, but they had taken a significant step forward.
The conversation drifted to lighter topics, and the room grew comfortable with the gentle hum of shared stories and laughter. Jungkook spoke about his childhood, his siblings, and the adventures that had led him to photography. His parents listened, their expressions gradually softening as they saw more of the man Taehyung had become.
As the grandfather clock chimed the midnight hour, Taehyung's mother glanced at her watch, a hint of regret in her eyes. "We should be going," she said, standing up. "It's been a lovely evening, but we have to take care of the farm tomorrow."
Jungkook rose to his feet, his hand tightening around Taehyung's. "Thank you for coming," he said, his voice sincere. "It really means a lot to us."
Taehyung's mother nodded, a soft smile playing on her lips as she leaned over to kiss his cheek. "Goodnight," she whispered, and Taehyung felt the warmth of her love in that simple gesture. His father offered a firm handshake, his grip lingering for a moment longer than necessary.
As they gathered their coats and prepared to leave, Taehyung called out to his father. "Daddy," he said, the word slipping out as naturally as if he were a child again. Both Jungkook and his father turned to him, and for a moment, confusion filled the room as they both responded, "Yes, darling?"
Taehyung's mother chuckled at the shared term of endearment, breaking the tension. "You know," she said, turning to Jungkook, "Taehyung used to call his father that when he was younger. It's good to hear it again."
Taehyung felt his cheeks burn with embarrassment, his eyes darting to Jungkook's face for reassurance. Jungkook's eyes crinkled with amusement, and he squeezed Taehyung's hand gently. "It's a term of endearment," he said, his voice warm. "I don't mind."
Taehyung's father looked at them, his expression unreadable. Then, to Taehyung's astonishment, a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "It's been a long time since I heard that," he said, his voice gruff. "But if it's what makes you happy, Tae, then I suppose I can get used to it."
With that, he turned and walked out the door, leaving Taehyung and Jungkook standing in the hallway, their hands still joined. They watched as his parents stepped into the cold night, the light from the streetlamp casting a soft glow over their forms as they disappeared down the sidewalk.
❊
-lxnnie
