"Flight 217 from Seoul has now arrived at Gate 9. Please make way and do not block the exit. We thank you for your cooperation."
The suitcase clicked over the ridge on the ground, signaling that he indeed was here.
Jungkook brought his gaze up from his sneaker clad feet. His eyes panned across the waiting faces. They greeted their relatives, their children, their spouses, and their friends. Some were not as welcomed and shoved their way through the crowd to get to baggage a floor below.
Once the people had cleared out, Jungkook stood out in the open. He could feel gazes catching onto his tall form as he didn't move.
Jungkook clenched his jaw and fought to hold back tears. At the exact same time he dropped his suitcase and started running, his dad also set off. They met halfway and Jungkook buried his face into his father's medal-decorated uniform.
His dad chuckled. "You've gotten so tall, Jungkook." Jungkook was nearly as tall as his father now, whereas when he had left Jungkook only came up to his shoulder. It had been six years since he had last seen his dad.
"Father..." He finally pulled away, grinning at him. He couldn't believe what was happening. This was real.
Jungkook's dad felt the same way, smiling at his son proudly. He had heard the reluctant tone to his son's voice when talking to him about drafting a week ago over the phone. However, Jungkook showed no signs of wariness when he confidently said yes.
Now here he was. Happily reunited with the most important figure in his life. He was right there in front of him, and Jungkook still couldn't believe his eyes.
He didn't notice when his father brushed past him and grabbed his bag. "Let's head out to the car, eh?" Jungkook blinked, shaking himself out of his daze. He nodded and followed his father out of the airport. The Vietnam air was hot at night, but Jungkook loved it has he breathed in the humidity.
He was finally with his dad, and that was all he cared about.
As Jungkook watched the lights of the airport get farther and farther away he finally turned to his dad. A car shot past them and illuminated the inside of the cab for a second. A glimmer of light rolled down his father's cheek, but was quickly enveloped in darkness.
Jungkook had never seen his dad cry before. Ever. He had thought about catching up with his father, but it seemed like too emotional of a moment and Jungkook decided to welcome the comfortable silence.
"I..." Jungkook turned his head towards his previously silent dad. "I missed you son." Jungkook lightly punched him on the shoulder and grinned, returning the words.
After talking for what seemed like hours, Jungkook finally sunk into the oblivion that was sleep. His dad grinned at his son's face. Even though the boy was eighteen now, he couldn't help but marvel at how childlike he looked when he slept.
Jungkook's father smiled at him and turned his gaze back to the road.
"We're here." Jungkook felt a light tap on his thigh and groaned, rubbing his eyes as he sat up. The car sat idle, facing a small complex that looked like it hadn't been used much.
As if reading his son's mind Jungkook's dad spoke suddenly. "It's a friend's. Tomorrow we'll wake up bright and early and head to the base." Jungkook nodded and his father let out a breath. He seemed so okay with it.
He knew that Jungkook had always wanted to be a musician. He almost felt guilty for making his son stray from his desired path. No. A music career is not a good way to go. It won't put food on the table or pay the bills.
Jungkook hopped out of the car, grabbing his suitcase from the backseat and heading to the front door. He twisted the knob, thinking it was worth a try since his dad was taking especially long. Surprisingly, the handle turned and the interior of the house was revealed.
Jungkook squinted, trying to make out anything of the pitch darkness. He gave up and set down his suitcase, shuffling along and feeling around the wall until he touched the light switch.
The overhead light turned on, illuminating the house. He was standing in the living room and could see the kitchen just around the corner. Jungkook picked up his bag again as his father entered the house.
He trudged across the living room, dragging his suitcase the whole way. Jungkook flicked on another light switch and suddenly the staircase next to him was lit. He continued to drag his suitcase up the stairs, earning a scolding from his father as the wheels hit the steps when he walked.
Jungkook turned to the room immediately on his left, throwing open the door to reveal a bed with a window above it, a closet, and a dresser. He dropped his suitcase to the floor, flinging himself on the bed and sighing when he realized how badly he wanted to sleep.
Jungkook's father poked his head in the door. "You can sleep now. I assume you've had supper?" Jungkook nodded tiredly. His father was as kind as he remembered and for all he cared they could talk until dawn, but Jungkook was just too tired.
"Goodnight, Kookie." His father closed the door, leaving the room in darkness lest for the window above the bed.
Jungkook didn't bother to take his shoes off as his eyes fluttered shut and he fell unconscious to the world.
YOU ARE READING
Underneath The Surface (JiKook)
Fanfiction"I feel like I am gasping for air. Screaming for help. But everyone just looks at me with confused faces. Wondering what I'm struggling over when they're all doing just fine. It makes me feel crazy." ------------------------------------------ Jeon J...
