KimCorp. (Kim Taehyung AU)

23

After they arrived at the Kim's manor, she joined Mr. Kim's family in lunch. A devastated look on her face when she saw Mrs. Kim frail as ever, Chaeya learned that Mrs. Kim is indeed suffering cancer and Mrs. Kim's state is the reason behind Mr. Kim's 'urgent and personal' whereabouts.

She met with Nari as well, Nari told her everything.

Now seated on the garden, Mrs. Kim requested to talk with Chaeya in private, Chaeya was nevertheless surprised about the sudden request.

"How's Taehyung?" Mrs. Kim asked, she is seated beside Chaeya on the love seat in the garden.

"Mr. Kim? I think he is doing... less than normal?" Chaeya replied, she herself does not exactly know how her boss is. Physically, he is doing just fine.

"Less than normal?" Mrs. Kim asked in disbelief and chuckled afterwards.

"He's- He has been stressed lately."  Chaeya replied, her eyes focused on the beautiful garden before them.

"Do you like him?" Mrs. Kim asked, Chaeya's heart suddenly hammered at the straightforward question.

"M-Me?" She stuttered.

"Of course he is my boss!" Chaeya replied, to bubbly for her own good. Mrs. Kim only chuckled at her behavior.

"I didn't mean that though." Mrs. Kim stated, smiling while watching Chaeya's form who's intently focused at the garden before them.

"W-well. I don't." Chaeya whispered in reply.

"Too bad, my son is really fond of you." Mrs. Kim shrugged in a playful manner.

Fuck, so he really does like me. Chaeya thought, as worry started to consume her by Mrs. Kim's confirmation.

"Does he know you don't feel the same way? Because by the looks of it, I think he does not." Mrs. Kim gently asks with a hint of worry.

"I-I think he does Ma'am." She replies, sounding unsure as well.

He does right?

"Ma'am? That's ridiculous! I am Nari's mom, your friend's mom. Shouldn't you be calling me Auntie like Sun Hee does?" Mrs. Kim stated then laughs afterwards. Chaeya didn't notice but from the other side of the garden, Mr. Kim is studying their interaction, he smiled.

"Oh yes..." she awkwardly replied but nevertheless laughed at the irony.

"I really do hope you give my son a chance." Mrs. Kim said, getting suddenly serious. Chaeya didn't respond, she remained silent, letting Mrs. Kim's words swim through her mind.

She feels the pressure, although she knows it was more of a suggestion instead of a demand.

"It's not a death wish, I think I'll make it out alive." Mrs. Kim said, trying to make it clear to her that she's not actually guilt tripping her, basically almost reading through her doubts.

"But it would be a relief to carry my grandkids before I take off." Mrs. Kim added in a playful manner as if her condition is nonthreatening.

Grandkids... Chaeya felt her hand go cold at the thought, she internally cringe trying to think about Mr. Kim romantically, it's like flirting with a disgusting friend from high school.

"Mom, I think she has heard enough." Mr. Kim spoke interrupting their rather uncomfortable conversation for Chaeya.

"Alrighty! Live, love, laugh!" Mrs. Kim said while waving goodbye to the pair.

"Take care, Ms. Woo! Hope to see you around with a ring on your finger!" Mrs. Kim added which made Chaeya choke on her saliva, she bows once more towards Mrs. Kim before she left, trying her best to ignore her remark.