Ch.28
It's embarrassing how long you've been standing in front of your mirror. Suddenly all the good clothes in your closet weren't good enough. Seokjin told you to dress nice, but what does that even mean? Hoseok's parents were starting to become terrifying creatures from the way everyone talked about them. Smoothening out the current navy-blue dress you wore, you liked that it was modest. It was classy too, but what if it wasn't enough? Or was it too much? For a long time, you wondered if just wearing your uniform would do you good. That was a stupid thought. All you had to do was look like a responsible friend of Hoseok's. That was your job and it was making you panic more than it should.
So far you've only met Namjoon's Mom. Looks like Hoseok's parents will get added to the list of getting to know their families. Namjoon was the only member that didn't seem to have anything against his parents. Well, you knew he loved his Mom. Whatever happened to his Dad, you'll most likely not know any time soon. Now you were actually making efforts not to be nosey. Besides, things seemed to be working out without you trying to fix it. Technically you have to fix this problem, but Hoseok specifically asked you to so it doesn't count! Sighing in frustration, you tossed all the clothes on your bed into the closet. You'll clean that later. The navy-blue dress has finally won after changing so much.
Soft knocks hit the front door. Seokjin is here to pick you up. Opening your bedroom door, you saw your sister run out of her room. Stunned by her speed, you chased after her towards the front door. She so badly wanted to open the front door, but you were clawing at her. How this sounded to Seokjin, it probably didn't make him want to stay. Your fingers were almost entering Unnie's mouth as you pulled her head back. She tried pushing your jaw back while her legs tried making their way to the knob. That's when she bit your finger, making you drop her body onto the floor. So rude! Holding your finger, you watched that insane female crawl to the door and open it wide.
"Aha! I knew it!" Unnie grinned like a crazy person to see Seokjin standing there in a black suit. A light pink spread across your cheeks as he stood there. He looked really good like in a suit. Seokjin was tall, slender, and even had broad shoulders. Then he also had stunning visuals. It always left you shocked that he hasn't been plucked by an agent already. "(F/n)'s been getting ready for an hour and now I can see why. You've confirmed my suspicions."
"It's not a date if that's what you're thinking." You groaned, grabbing your purse as you walk to Seokjin's side. Unnie knitted her brows together as her eyes constantly switched between you and the male.
"Are you sure? Why's he in a suit then? How come you're dressed all nice too?" Unnie eyed the smiling third year suspiciously. Soon her cheeks were pink too when Seokjin chuckled lightly at her protective behavior.
"Don't worry, Noona. (F/n) and I just have business meeting two people that have the potential to change a lot in our lives." Seokjin shrugged, being painfully vague.
"I'm not your noona! Just call me Sunbae-nim." Unnie huffed as you pinched the bridge of your nose. "Two people, huh?...Wait! Oh my god, (F/n) you're meeting his parents! I didn't know it was that serious!" She started to squeal in excitement as you shook your head violently.
"No! I'm not meeting his parents!" You smacked her arm. "But I am meeting parents."
"What?" Unnie was lost before turning to Seokjin. "Are you adopted?"
"I wish." Seokjin scoffed, looking away from your sister. That didn't clear up her confusion and only made you sigh. Too much drama with parents that you couldn't take this anymore. The both of you needed to meet Hoseok's parents before sun down. Having this conversation with your sister has been entertaining, but time consuming. Holding onto Seokjin's arms, you tugged him back.
"I'll see you later!" You yelled. "And you should be getting ready for work!"
"I am! Be back soon!" Unnie stepped out of the apartment to watch you two going down the stairs.
"Don't wait on her. We'll be out late, Sunbae-nim." Seokjin gave your sister a wink. Immediately, your face was on fire to see the smirk on his face. Unnie was red and gritting her teeth. He's way too much of a tease!
"Move!" You pushed him down the stairs.
Seokjin only laughed in amusement. He opened the car door for you like a gentleman which was nice. That earned him some points with Unnie even though you really weren't dating him. Him having a car did make Unnie act crazier since that meant Seokjin really was older than you. Buckling yourself up, you watched Seokjin wave to your sister before getting into the truck. Releasing out a sigh, you just wanted the car to start. Hoseok's parents didn't sound tough to deal with anymore. The sooner you get this over with, the better. Seokjin finally started driving forward as you closed your eyes.
Though you didn't speak a word, that didn't stop Seokjin from laughing. For a second, you were wondering why he had turned on the windshield wipers when it wasn't raining. Then you opened your eyes and felt bad for thinking that. He was still entertained from the new interaction with your older sister. Sometimes Unnie could be a lot to handle. At least the two of you have been getting along a lot better now. Occasionally the two of you butt heads with each other, but that's normal and to be expected. It's not over stupid things anymore and now you guys talk to each other too. It was all thanks to Seokjin's advice. Glancing over to him again, you felt a smile grow on your face. What a good person he was.
The ride was full of prep time. After Seokjin finished laughing, he told you the plan when talking to Hoseok's parents. He told you up front that they'll seem intimidating at first, but they're actually just annoying. You didn't know how to respond to that. Seokjin didn't even like to hear the word 'parents' without scowling. Whatever, you'll trust him since even the first years refused to talk to Hoseok's parents. When they open the door, Seokjin and you were going to introduce yourselves and explain the reason why you're there. That's when Seokjin will take the lead and speak for the both of you. He would be a lot better with his words than you. Hoseok was waiting for you guys to arrive and was trying to get his parents in a good mood. This was getting scary again.
The car started to slow down after driving a bit into a less urban area. All the other members didn't live in a rural place like this. Yoongi was a different story. He lived at the warehouse by choice. It made you worry for him to be honest. He'd probably be pissed to receive your pity. Viewing the scenery out the window, the houses were really far apart with tall grass between them. There was one house that look decent amongst all of them. It wasn't incredibly beautiful, but you could see the effort into making it look nice. It didn't occur to you that this was Hoseok's house until Seokjin pulled into the small drive way. Hoseok lives in this one?
"This house looks nice," You said while getting out of the truck.
"Yeah, on the outside." Seokjin shoved his hands into his pockets.
Holding your hands together, you didn't say anything after that. The both of you mustered up the best fake smile before Seokjin knocked on the door. This was actually happening. Hoseok's future at SuChin relying on you made you feel queasy. Good thing Seokjin was going to do most of the speaking. Eventually the door opened by a certain red head. He was smiling wide to see you guys. A giggle escaped your lips and soon you and the male next to you had genuine smiles.
"You guys made it! Time to party, huh?" Hoseok grinned. Seokjin was going to say something until a deeper voice from inside the house spoke.
"Who's at the door?" A man around Hoseok's height came. He pushed the teen behind him and eyed you two. You assumed this guy was Hoseok's father. His hair was gelled back and he held a stern expression. It felt like the frown lines on this man were etched into his skin.
Hoseok gave you and Seokjin a supportive smile before a manicured hand was put on his shoulder. It pulled him away from your sight. You tried your hardest not to stop smiling as the owner of the manicured hand came into view. She stood with good posture next to the intimidating man. Her hair was in a tight bun and her clothes were nicely put together. Nothing they owned was expensive, but they were still nice. That's the main thing you noticed with Hoseok's house. Their father crossed his arms, scowling at the sight of you two. Was he familiar with Seokjin already? This must be the first time they'll learn of your existence.
"What do you want? Hoseok is busy." The man sighed.
"That's completely okay, we understand." Seokjin bowed politely and so did you. "My name is Kim Seokjin, a friend of Hoseok's at school." The male gave you the signal to speak next by staring at you from the corner of his eye. Both Hoseok's father and mother waited for your introduction.
"My name is Kwon (F/n). I'm also a friend of your son." You did your sweetest smile.
Their faces never changed which was a little disheartening. It was a good thing your job was over. Seokjin could now take the reins and deal with the parents. They were nothing like Hoseok. Hoseok was such a ray of sunshine with a smile always on his face. He knew when to be serious, but he was never terrifying like his parents. It felt like they could be statues since they never moved. Only their eyes would move from you over to Seokjin. Despite being well dressed, it didn't seem to impress the couple. Not even Seokjin's good looks. The suit made him look like he belonged to a well-off family. Still, their patronizing expressions never changed.
The one good thing was that they didn't slam the door in your faces. Mr. Jung listened to Seokjin's words and so did his wife. Seokjin was doing his best to be persuasive. He chose his best words, speaking in a smooth voice that made Mrs. Jung lean closer in his direction. Did that mean she was charmed? That would mean Mr. Jung needed more of a nudge. Seokjin mentioned his concern over Hoseok leaving SuChin. He made sure to mention how much of an impact he's had on his friends since he was a first year. You nodded to everything he had to say. It wasn't just trying to get his parents to keep Hoseok at SuChin, but all of Seokjin's words were genuine. Nothing was made up in the slightest. Jung Hoseok really is important to the gang. He's essential so the gang doesn't fall apart.
"He's the hope of our group," Seokjin said with a lot of passion yet Hoseok's parents didn't react too much to hearing all this praise about their son. Weren't they touched that their son meant this much to his friends? "Hoseok doesn't want to leave us behind and we really want him to stay."
"I see. But do you know why we want to pull Hoseok out from SuChin?" Mr. Jung spoke, making your heart almost stop beating. How could this guy be more frightening than Myon?
"Wellâ"
"He has a couple of hooligan friends. Apparently he got himself in jail, plus SuChin really isn't the best school anyway." Mr. Jung sighed. "It'd be better for him to leave."
"Is it really for the best though?" Seokjin tilted his head.
"What year are you in?" Mr. Jung narrowed his eyes on the black hair.
"Third year, Sir." Seokjin raised his chin up. You figured Mr. Jung would be impressed Hoseok had an older friend to guide him at SuChin. Maybe a positive mentor, but Mr. Jung only scoffed.
"So it's too late for you." He chuckled. "You're going to graduate from that dump?"
"If it's a dump, then why'd you put your son in it in the first place?" Seokjin's voice grew passive aggressive. Your eyes widened to see the oldest losing his patience. It was reasonable since Hoseok's father was aggravating you too, but this wasn't the time to lose your temper.
"I'm a first year! I haven't known Hoseok for long, but he's changed my life in only a couple months," You blurted out. Seokjin turned to face you with a surprised face. His brows jumped and you could see it written all over his face. He was questioning what you were doing and you didn't quite know yourself. "Taking him out of SuChin would be a huge mistake on your part."
What were you saying? They definitely love hearing some child pointing out their flaws. Seokjin stayed silent as you said what was on your mind. Mrs. Jung wasn't as charmed with you and Mr. Jung was getting annoyed. He didn't want to listen to this anymore, but he wasn't telling you to leave. They both were clearly getting fed up. It was strange talking to people who couldn't care less with what you had to say. Still, they tried to hear you out which made you try to think twice about what exactly was coming out of your mouth. You didn't want to tell them how to take care of Hoseok. All you wanted was for him to stay at SuChin with the rest of the gang. This was important to seven people. It might not feel like a lot, but it really would affect everyone. You'd hate to see the warehouse one member short.
"We're still planning to take Hoseok out of SuChin." Mr. Jung narrowed his eyes on your small figure. "We appreciate your comments, but it's our final decision as his parents." He took a step back only to have you step closer.
"And I get that!" You laughed to see the exhaustion on both parents. You were really persistent and nosey so they'll just have to take it. "But have you asked Hoseok about how he feels? This is really something you should talk to him about. It's important since it is his life you're changing."
"Isn't it just school?" Mrs. Jung laughed.
"It's really not." You shook your head to have her raise a brow. "I know how it feels to be left out of important decisions. Talk to Hoseok about this, please. I know you guys probably want what's best for your son, but you also have to take in account his feelings."
"How close are you and my son? You're not even using honorifics..." Mr. Jung bit down on his tongue, refraining from saying hurtful words. Seokjin protectively placed his hand on your back for comfort.
"He's close with a lot of people. He prefers us not to use any honorifics." Seokjin came to your rescue. "Hoseok's just that type of guy."
"It does sound like him." Mrs. Jung looked down at her nails. She didn't look you in the eyes at all. She just rested her head against her husband's shoulder.
Something about what Mrs. Jung had just said ticked Seokjin off. There was a lot of tension in the air that made it almost hard to breathe. The icy stare Mr. Jung stopped you from opening your mouth again. You felt like you've talked enough without getting them too angry. Hopefully Hoseok will be happy with your effort. The situation didn't look like it would end with a positive outcome. His parents were too hard headed. They didn't care about the problem too much but were still stubborn. Seokjin had cooled down slightly and took the wheel back again. You pleaded internally for Seokjin not to start some kind of fight. Hoseok was definitely not going to stay if that happened. There was also the fact that Seokjin's arm was shot a couple weeks ago.
"We'll take your word into consideration if that pleases you." Mr. Jung cleared his throat.
"Thank you for listening." Seokjin and you bowed before walking away. The older member kept his hand wrapped around you as you looked over your shoulder. Mrs. Jung was yelling for Hoseok while Mr. Jung slowly closed the door, still glaring at you two. Seokjin was right. The house did look pretty, but the inside held something not so pleasant. How did Hoseok manage to keep all his positivity in a life sucking household like that? "Stop looking back."
Surprised that he had noticed, you snapped your head forward in an instant. This little meet up soured his mood. You had a feeling he wouldn't be cracking puns on the ride back home. Going around the truck, your eyes didn't leave Seokjin. His face was full of pent up frustration. The nosey side of you wondered what his problem with parents were. Yoongi never mentioned his own parents so you figured his ties with them were gone. Seokjin acted like he was chained to them. Getting into the passenger's seat, you pursed your lips as he slammed his door shut. He let out a groan as he hit his head on his steering wheel. Hoseok's parents really bothered him. Your lips parted to start talking, but Seokjin suddenly yelled.
"I can't!!" Seokjin hit the steering wheel with rage. You flinched at his random actions. This was something you never thought you would see from him. "God...I wish they wouldn't act like they cared about him...they're so f*cking fake."
"Seokjin..." You placed your hand on him. Automatically his flaring nostrils and gritted teeth weren't as intense. The male calmed down once he felt your touch.
"Sorry if I scared you." Seokjin kicked his head back on the head rest. "Parents just get on my nerve easily."
"It's okay," You assured him. Seokjin licked his lips as he took out his phone. "It's hard to believe Hoseok has parents like that."
"Most of our parents are sh*t," Seokjin grumbled as he dialed a number. "I'm calling Yoongi. I doubt we convinced his parents so we might need to use physical force."
"What?" Your jaw dropped.
"Or threats. I don't know, but Yoongi is creative." Seokjin shrugged like what he was saying was nothing strange. Was this really their ordinary? Wouldn't Hoseok mind if they did that kind of stuff to his parents? Or maybe he didn't have a good relationship with them and wouldn't care.
Shrinking into your seat defeated, you watched Seokjin smirk to have his call be answered. He started the car and quickly drove out from Hoseok's drive way. He zoomed out of this side of the neighborhood like he couldn't stand the sight of it anymore. Tightening your seatbelt, you tried listening to the call as best as you could while worrying for your life. Seokjin had his moments when he was a dangerous driver. It mainly happened when he was in a rush or angry. He didn't even notice your stress as he made a sharp turn in a narrow street. If you die right now then you want Mr. Pyo to attend your funeral.
"It didn't go well." Seokjin chuckled. "To be expected, right?" Yoongi's voice was barely audible with the windows down and the air rushing in.
"Need something?" You managed to catch.
"Make sure to nip this problem in the bud. We tried being nice." Seokjin's eyes narrowed on the road as his grip tightened on the wheel. Does he have to sound like some mafia boss? Even Namjoon was never this frightening. "Do what you can. I trust you."
Then the call ended like that. Seokjin shoved his phone back into his back pocket. Now the mean look on his face changed back to his regular happy expression. His dark atmosphere suddenly grew warm and bright. He took a quick glance at you and laughed. Was he going to dump your body off somewhere? Did you hear too much? The suit added to the scary persona he had taken on earlier. He'd now how to handle unwanted witnesses.
"So, are you hungry?" Seokjin asked. "Aah, I'm starving!" He laughed his iconic laugh, giving you less of a reason to stay alert of thug Seokjin. Gosh, you were really panicking back there.
"Yeah, I can go for food." You smiled back.