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

Chapter 4: Seoul Calling

Days passed, and Y/N found herself walking on eggshells around the house. The conversation with her parents hadn't gone as badly as she feared, but the air was thick with unresolved tension. Her father barely spoke to her except for pleasantries, and her mother had been distant, busying herself with household chores to avoid any more discussions. It felt like a standstill-a frustrating limbo where her dreams were dangling on the edge of approval or dismissal.

Work, on the other hand, had taken on a surreal quality. Y/N couldn't focus. The thought of the opportunity in Seoul consumed her every moment, especially after she had received another email from Yerin, detailing the exact responsibilities of the new position. Everything about the job screamed 'dream come true.' It was more than just a step up in her career; it was a chance to create something meaningful, to stretch her wings in ways she never thought possible back home.

She found herself constantly daydreaming about what life in Seoul could be like-the bustling streets, the different culture, and yes, the proximity to BTS. She had always wanted to live in a city that felt alive, and Seoul, with its neon lights and endless energy, seemed like it could be the place where she finally felt like she belonged.

One evening, she sat in her room, reviewing Yerin's job details again. Her phone buzzed with a message from Adhi.

Adhi: "Any updates? How did the talk with your parents go?"

Y/N stared at the screen for a few seconds before typing back.

Y/N: "It's... complicated. They're not against it, but they're not exactly supportive either. It's like they're just waiting for me to give up and go along with the whole marriage thing."

Adhi: "They won't get it until you push for it, Y/N. You've always been the obedient daughter, but maybe it's time you stand your ground. This is your future."

His words hit her hard. He was right. She had spent so much of her life following the path her parents had laid out for her, never really asking what she wanted for herself. And now, for the first time, she had a chance to break free and carve out her own destiny. The fear of disappointing her parents still gnawed at her, but Adhi's words ignited something inside her-a spark of rebellion.

The next morning, she made a decision. She wasn't going to let fear or guilt hold her back any longer. She was going to apply for the job.

Later that day, after work, she found her parents sitting in the living room, watching TV. Her father was sipping tea, her mother knitting, but their focus was distant, preoccupied with thoughts that neither of them had voiced.

"Amma, Acha, can we talk?" Y/N asked, her voice firmer than it had been in days.

Her father turned the TV off and gestured for her to sit down. She sat opposite them, feeling the weight of their stares.

"I've made up my mind," she began, her heart pounding in her chest. "I'm going to apply for the job in Seoul."

Her mother's knitting needles stopped mid-stitch. Her father's expression hardened, but he didn't interrupt.

"I know this is a big decision," she continued, "and I know you're worried. But this is something I need to do for myself. I've spent my entire life doing what's expected of me, and I've always been grateful for everything you've given me. But I need this chance. I need to know what I'm capable of, outside of this house, outside of India."

Her mother opened her mouth to speak, but Y/N cut her off gently. "I'm not rejecting you or the values you've taught me. I love you both, and I will always respect your guidance. But I have to do this for my career, for my future. This job is everything I've worked for."

Her father sighed deeply, rubbing his temples. "Y/N, we've never denied that you're talented. We know you're capable. But we're worried. You'll be alone in a foreign country. What if something happens to you? What about your marriage? You know we've been talking to that family..."

Y/N nodded. "I understand. But marriage can wait. Right now, my career can't. This opportunity won't come around again. And as for being alone, I'm not as fragile as you think. I've worked hard to get here, and I'll continue to work hard, no matter where I am."

Her mother finally spoke, her voice soft but laden with concern. "It's not that we don't believe in you, Y/N. We just... worry. You're our only daughter. You've always been close to us, and the thought of you being so far away..."

Y/N reached out and took her mother's hand. "I know, Amma. But you raised me to be strong, to follow my dreams. Please, trust me on this."

There was a long, heavy silence as her parents exchanged a glance. Finally, her father spoke, his voice resigned but understanding.

"If this is what you really want, Y/N, then we won't stand in your way. Just promise us you'll be careful. And that you'll come back if things don't work out."

Tears welled up in Y/N's eyes. "I promise, Acha. Thank you."

The following days were a whirlwind of preparations. Y/N updated her resume, crafted the perfect cover letter, and sent off her application with a mixture of excitement and terror. She hadn't felt this nervous in years. It was as if her entire future now hung in the balance of a single email.

Meanwhile, the news about her potential move to Seoul spread quickly through her workplace. Her colleagues were thrilled for her, though there were a few who seemed jealous. Even her boss, who rarely gave compliments, told her that she had the talent to succeed anywhere.

Then, one afternoon, her phone rang. It was Yerin.

"Hey, Y/N! Great news! I spoke to the hiring manager, and they're really impressed with your application. They want to schedule an interview with you next week. Are you free?"

Y/N's heart soared. "Yes! I'm free, absolutely."

"Perfect. I'll email you the details. You've got this, Y/N. Just be yourself. I know they're going to love you."

After hanging up, Y/N couldn't contain her excitement. It was happening. This wasn't just a dream anymore-it was real.

The night before her interview, Y/N barely slept. She stayed up, rehearsing answers to potential questions and researching the company even further. Every 'what if' played through her mind, but underneath the nerves, there was a sense of calm determination. She knew she was ready for this.

The next day, she logged into the video call ten minutes early, her hands trembling slightly as she adjusted her camera. The interview panel appeared on screen, their faces warm and welcoming. They asked her about her experiences, her vision for the role, and how she handled creative challenges. Y/N answered each question with confidence, her passion for graphic design shining through.

As the interview wrapped up, the hiring manager smiled at her. "Thank you for your time, Y/N. We'll be in touch soon."

She closed her laptop, exhaling a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. It was over. Now, all she could do was wait.

A week later, as Y/N sat at her desk at work, her phone buzzed. She picked it up, her heart skipping a beat when she saw it was an email from Yerin.

With trembling fingers, she opened the email.

Yerin's Email:

"Congratulations, Y/N!

You got the job! Welcome to Seoul! We can't wait to have you here!"

For a moment, Y/N couldn't believe it. She reread the email three times, just to make sure she wasn't imagining it.

She had done it. She was moving to Seoul.

She leaned back in her chair, a wide smile spreading across her face. This was it-the beginning of a new chapter in her life. And though the road ahead was filled with uncertainties, for the first time in a long time, she felt like she was exactly where she was meant to be.