Truth Or Love || Taekook

58

The warm, cozy atmosphere of Jin's Café was worlds away from the awkward buzz of anticipation that seemed to have taken over Jungkook.

He kept fiddling with his coffee cup, sneaking glances at Taehyung like he was mentally rehearsing something.

Finally, Jungkook cleared his throat, his voice barely above a nervous mumble.

"Um, Tae baby... so I was thinking... I'm going to Daegu to my parents' place around New Year's. And, well... if you'd like to... come with me?"

Taehyung froze, his coffee cup halfway to his lips as the invitation registered. Holy shit. His mind immediately spiraled into panic.

Jungkook wants me to meet his parents? For New Year's?! His stomach flipped as he processed it, a mix of excitement and sheer terror filling him.

He thought about his own parents-who'd conveniently planned to be out of town during New Year's-and realized he wouldn't have to do any scheduling gymnastics to make it work.

After a pause that felt long enough to be dramatic but short enough to keep Jungkook from actually passing out, Taehyung nodded, and a grin spread across his face. "Okay. I'd love to."

The relief on Jungkook's face was priceless; he broke into a huge, toothy grin. "Thank you, baby. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. And my eomma will probably be more excited than you are, trust me."

Taehyung couldn't resist a playful smirk, leaning in. "Oh, I'm sure she'll be thrilled to meet the handsome guy who's got her son calling her less."

Jungkook laughed, but Taehyung continued, eyebrows raised. "But just so I'm prepared... anything I should know? Should I bring flowers? Bake cookies? Make sure she knows I'm not corrupting her son?"

Jungkook snickered, eyes gleaming with mischief. "Well, you could start by not mentioning all the times you called me an asshole in front of my friends."

"Excuse me," Taehyung said with mock indignation, "that was a compliment compared to what I usually call you."

Jungkook chuckled and shook his head, then leaned in closer, lowering his voice. "Oh, and one more thing... if my dad offers you soju, don't accept it. He'll drink anyone under the table, and the last guy he beat still calls him 'sir.'"

Taehyung held back a snicker, imagining the chaos that was about to ensue in Daegu. "Alright, I'll try not to get my boyfriend's dad to 'sir' me." Then he paused, grinning wider. "And if they show any baby photos?"

Jungkook's face instantly twisted in horror. "If they do, I'm hiding under the table."

Taehyung's laughter echoed through the café, and he reached across the table to give Jungkook's hand a comforting squeeze.

"Well, then. Let's just make sure we get our stories straight-boyfriend meeting the family, New Year's. It'll be... an adventure."

Jungkook shook his head with a smile. "An adventure," he echoed, squeezing Taehyung's hand back.

And despite his nerves, Taehyung couldn't help but feel like it was exactly the right kind of adventure to kick off the New Year.

_____

A few weeks later, Taehyung was in the passenger seat of Jungkook's sleek black Mustang, nervously fidgeting as they drove down to Daegu.

Jungkook was trying to lighten the mood, singing loudly and throwing goofy winks his way. Still, Taehyung's mind kept returning to one thought: I'm meeting his parents.

When they finally arrived, Jungkook's mother, Somi, was waiting at the gate, practically buzzing with excitement.

She ran straight to Jungkook, pulling him into a huge hug before her eyes landed on Taehyung. Her hands flew to her mouth in astonishment.