Between The Bars | A Lizkook AU

6.

Jungkook woke up to the sound of the familiar laughter and had basically doubled his speed in cleaning himself up. Once in the kitchen, he was greeted by the two women he adores most – the most heart-warming sight he's ever seen.

Lisa is ready in her very first hanbok – the one his mom made for her - helping to chop some vegetables for japchae, while his mom stirs the noodle as she rambles something about her foot being tired of sitting too long - he can't be sure what's the topic of conversation here!

"Ahh you're finally up! Are you all packed?" His mom asked.

Jungkook ruffles his hair when he caught a smirk on Lisa's face, giving a shy smile while he's at it. 

"Yeah..."

"Are you sure? Did you pack your toiletries? Toothbrush?"

"Mom, of course I packed. I'm not a kid –" This is too embarrassing!

"You always forgot to pack them –"

"We're only going for one night, I don't need to pack so many things –"

"We're visiting your aunt Jin-Joo tomorrow. If it gets late we might stay there for one night so make sure you have extra clothes –"

Jungkook can't help his frown. "But...but she's all the way in Gimhae! It'll be a long drive,"

His mom stares at him impassively, clearly not understanding what Jungkook is implying. It's not that he didn't want to visit...it's just that...he's not comfortable leaving Lisa here alone for 2 days. It's only been a month since her aunt had gone back to Thailand.

Yes, she stays in the house by herself but she was never alone. She'd always hung out here with his family or Jungkook would hang out at her place – aside from when it's night time, of course. He's worried that she'll feel a bit emotional if he's not here for too long. But it's New Year...and Jungkook's family always travel for visits on New Year. There's really no choice in this matter. 

He saunters over to Lisa, leaning over slightly and whispered a quick 'morning, baby' to which she responded with a warm smile. God, Jungkook wanted to kiss her puffy cheeks so bad if it weren't for his mom being there!

"Lisa-ya...make sure you don't mix these two until you're ready to eat them. Otherwise it'll go bad. Re-heat them first –"

"Ahjumma...don't worry! You really don't have to make all these dishes, I can cook myself –" Lisa whined cutely as Jungkook stole a bite-sized carrot and pops it in his mouth.

"Aish...you should just come with us, then I won't worry!"

"Yeah you should! Go pack, there's still time –" Jungkook stopped when Lisa turned to him with a deadpan look. After a second, she softens her gaze back to his mom.

"I'm okay, I really am! It's a family thing, I don't wanna intrude –"

"You're family –" She shot him another. Jungkook wanted to laugh but held it in. It's true! His mom had pretty much treated Lisa like her own daughter – hell, she's more worried about the girl than she does with him!

"They will see you one day regardless, why not start now?" God, his mom is so blunt and Jungkook loves her for it!

It's a good thing that the elder has her back on the two, otherwise she'd be able to see Jungkook snaking an arm across Lisa's tiny waist and earning a smack flat on his stomach. He would definitely get another smack from his mom if she does!