When the stars align

A heavy homecoming

San's pov

The next day I wake up with a fresh mood, yesterday was like a nightmare to me but the talk with my parents went well. what else I wanted. I smiled to myself, I did dodged the conversation even if it's temporarily .

'' Well san this isn't the end but the very starting.'' I mummered to myself. now that I have met one my parents surely gonna arrange more meetings , if not parents, my relatives, agh!
I sighed and rolled my eyes. I am just 24 and they are making me look I already passed 30. marriage can wait . I got plenty of time to think of it .

I got ready and went to college. rushing to make it on time but guess what . I entered the class, just to see my teacher already there. as she felt my presence, gave me all-too- familiar looks.

'' San, late again. '' as she folded her arms on her chest.

I said '' Am sorry ma'am this won't happen again'' I said in pleading voice, filled my voice as apologetically as I can but she didn't buy it and gave me a shortest reply ''out''
I looked at her with wide eyes and said''sorry '' she said '' out san, the class is already about to end''

I looked at her but found there was no hint of her lying so I just slipped out and sat in an empty class and started to complete my assignments. might as well be productive if I can't join class..

Later that day

during the lunch I sat in the lawn area with my friend Aditi eating our lunch as she said''how was the meeting yesterday ''

I gulped down the bite and said "It went well like they dropped the marriage idea and am happy for now at least. ''

she nodded and said '' great, what's next, Are you going to keep pushing the marriage stuff, or..? ''

I signed and said '' I know I can't push for that long but till I can I will. I don't want to rush things cause they are pressing me. ''

Aditi patted my back and said '' I know.. but keep talking to them about your career, they may probably drop the marriage thing if you gonna focus on your career ''

I nodded and side hugged her. I do feel grateful of having such a supportive friend by my side.. sometimes she do behave like my mom but cares for me.

Taehyung pov.

'' Did she messaged something again '' Jimin asked leaning on me as I switched off the phone. made him look at me with raised eyebrows.
'' what is it Tae? ''

I said '' No, I.. I mean she just said everything is OK now '' he slowly nodded giving me a known grin as he said '' oohk''

''see? I told you, Tae. you got this way to comfort people it's why you need to come live. sometimes, it's not always saying everything perfectly but just letting them know they are not alone" Jimin said with a proud smile.

I leaned back, his words made me thinking about all the messages again. the way she expressed her relief how my words somehow resonated with her,made me smile. it's moments like this that makes everything worth it _ connections with people even when I can't be there physically.

'' Are you zoned out again? '' Jimin snapped out me '' should I go live again tomorrow too ''I asked.

He said '' Don't make it obvious, Tae. go live on your routine or a few more but daily basis. People might catch onto your ' Little secret ' ''

I chucked softly and said '' My little secret ''

he winks and said '' just looking out for you ''

I laughed but the thought lingered in my mind. it's funny how the smallest conversation can make the biggest impact.

few days later.

The day had been long and exhausting, but as I walked home from college. I felt a strange sense of calm. maybe cause there's no conversation regarding marriage or maybe it's the quiet afternoon breeze, either way.
winter has started the days are now abit colder. it feels relieved. I opened the door and stepped in, kicking off my shoes at the entrance.

'' Am home '' I announced. already imagining the comfort of my duvet and a warm cup of tea.

I heard talking sound from living room as I peeked into the living room, my heart sank. sitting there, talking casually with my parents, my uncle and aunt are here. there presence always bought a certain heaviness with it, the weight I can't shake off.

I froze there for a moment, my eyes scanning the room. my mom sitting on a small stool, listening intently. while my dad looking at my uncle with seriousness on his face, nodding his head along with whatever my uncle was saying. the tension in the air and I could already sense what the visit was about.

My eyes met with my uncle as I bited my lips and stepped in, managed a tight smile and greeted him and my aunt. he nodded his head.

My dad said '' you are early today. '' his voice a little light, like he was trying to ease me into something.

I nodded my head slowly and said "classes ended soon '' he nods. looking at my uncle my stomach twisted as the heaviness in my heart made my smile drop .my uncle 's eyes lingered on me.

'' ah, San '' he said, his voice sweet but filled with that familiar implicit power. '' how are you? ''

I said '' am good, how are you uncle? '' my voice barely above whisper as he said '' am good '' my aunt signed me to sit with her as I moved and sat beside her, trying to mentally prepare myself for what's coming next.

As I placed my ass, my father cleared his throat and said '' San.... your uncle came with a good news for us. ''

My heart skipped a beat. there it was_
the moment I'd been dreading. I felt my pulse quicken, my hands became sweaty. I was staring at the floor.

My uncle leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees '' we have arranged another meeting for you. ''