38

"So, you think he's going to propose to you soon?"

"No - I'm certain, he will. I just don't know when."

"Are you sure that the ring you found inside the box is for you, though?" Sooya lowers her tone, "I mean, don't you think it's too early for that? What if it's a present for his mom or something."

"Sooya, that's unlikely," you shake your head, "She's not really into rings. Especially if it's not diamonds." You mention, seeing that the exact ring you found inside the maroon box was a simple, yet timeless gold band with the tiniest carvings that you couldn't make out.

The guilt seething within you is what makes this seem like your fault for discovering what you weren't supposed to discover in the first place. It was your fault for being too nosy, but you also blame Namjoon for sneaking an expensive ring into your shared suitcase! If he truly intended to give it to you during this trip, why would he put it in a little pocket where it could slip out of all places?!

You cannot believe this man!

Ever since this morning, you couldn't stop thinking about it and had to pull your sister to the side as the rest of the family was still getting ready to go out for brunch.

"How would you know that?" Sooya questions.

You can stand here and explain to her as to why, but it would take forever. And you cannot risk exposing yourself.

Having been by Namjoon's side for years, there are things you know more about the family than anyone. It's second nature, now. Their birthdays, anniversaries, daily routines, and schedules, were shared with you, so Namjoon could insert himself anytime for family time, which was a rare occurrence.

"I just know, okay?" You cross your arms and lean against the wall behind the kitchen. Your eyes draw behind Sooya's shoulders as you find Namjoon crouched beside the sofa in the open-space living room plan before Inso jumps excitedly onto his back. Yaji watches on quietly and Namjoon whispers something in her ear before her demeanor eases and she's up on her feet, with her arms raised.

Not even a second later, the room is filled with giggles as Namjoon circles around the couch, Yaji in his arms and Inso on his back, both of their tiny arms looped around his neck like a necklace. He catches your eyes and his eyes glimmer.

He quietly mutters 'These girls have unlimited energy' which earns him a shake of the head.

"To infinity and beyond!"

Yaji wiggles excitedly.

"Faster, Uncle Joon! Faster!"

Uncle. That's got you smiling now. They've established the nickname themselves in no time. You're glad they're getting along fine, unlike someone...

"We haven't even made it out the door yet, girls," the said man chuckles lovingly. "We'll play later. Uncle's running out of energy."

"Look at them shameless girls," Sooya laughs at the sight, holding a hand on her hip like the protective mother that she is - ready to rush over - though you both know Namjoon won't let one of them go with his bulging arms tightly secured around them.

"Girls," she calls with a slight grit in her tone. Sooya, as you know, is a very outspoken person, but you notice her tone softens when she speaks to her kids. It's another reason why you believe she's an amazing parent. "Behave."

You can't help but smile, too. The entire interaction warms your heart and as if he wasn't already the most handsome-looking man in the world - he's even more attractive to you than Namjoon adores children so much. Probably even more than you.

Namjoon is clumsy and childish at times, but he's the most gentle and thoughtful person to ever exist.

"They're not making him work hard at all," Sooya says jokingly. "One piggyback ride and suddenly he's their favorite uncle."

Speaking of uncles, you shift your gaze towards the stairs, where you find a half-annoyed, disinterested Sunho with his eyes locked on his phone screen, not even acknowledging your presence as he walks to the fridge.

He's all dressed up casually, in bright orange shorts and a hoodie, as if he didn't even try to look presentable for a five-star restaurant.

You don't know if he's being hardheaded to spite you.

"Why do we have to go out to eat?" He already sounded annoyed. "We have plenty of food at home."

Sooya snaps her head in his direction, a cold glare in her eyes as she recollects the moments that led to disaster last night over dinner. Sunho had said many things - foul things towards her.

She would be lying if she said that his words didn't hurt her, but she is never one to keep hatred in her heart. Instead, she tries to understand him - tries to understand where the root of his pent-up frustration had come from. Comes up with reasons in her head to justify the younger's actions.

There was no justifying it.

He was being immature and childish and hurt - not only you in the process but disrespected everyone else present at that table.

You admire Sooya's patience and forgiving heart - two things you wish you had.

"Stop complaining and go call Mom and Dad, so we can finally leave," Sooya says, "I'm starving."

"Whatever," Sunho just scoffs under his breath before walking away to sit at the bottom of the stairs, refusing to go into the living room with Namjoon.

You notice your boyfriend attempting to converse with him but failing. Namjoon's sincere smile remains on his face, as it should, and he decides to leave the boy alone in silence.

Sooya turns to you and rolls her eyes, "He's so sassy. What a brat."

"He's in a mood lately," your eyes return to your boyfriend, now sitting with the two girls on his lap, busying themselves with his work iPad. He had downloaded entertaining but informative games on it before the trip with the sole purpose of keeping the twins entertained during the vehicle ride. One thing you appreciated about him.

"Will you talk some sense into him?"

"Let him be for now," you sighed. "It's never a good idea to bother him when he's tired and hungry. Later for sure."

Sooya agrees. "Sunho is still a crybaby."

"A big one," you snort, trying to keep your voice hushed. "The girls like Namjoon... They've been attached to his hip since yesterday."

As you say that, you don't notice how the younger boy is boring holes right through Namjoon's white shirt whilst he sweeps the two girls off their feet - literally - by doing what he's done a million times before he came into your lives.

Life was great before Namjoon came into your life, he's convinced.

He is, however, simply in denial.

Doesn't appreciate how the spotlight has abruptly shifted to Namjoon, who may soon become the favorite uncle. Even a passing stranger can tell how happy and youthful you've become having him in your life. The look of adoration that never leaves your face when you look at him.

"If you say so." Sooya grumbles, "Besides, what are you planning to do now? With this ring."

"Don't know. Might just ask him straight up."

"What?!" Sooya hisses, grabbing your arm by surprise. "Don't do that! You might ruin things."

"Why does it matter-"

"Are you really that clueless?" She shrieks, seconds away from ripping the roots of her dark hair. Doubts you even have plans to take your relationship to the next level. Thinks there's no reason to reject a proposal like this when the man of every woman's dream is quite literally in front of you. It's everyone's dream!

"Do you see that smile on his face?" She nudges her chin over to him and you look at her as if she's a crazy lady you met on the street. "Can you bear to see that gone?"

"No, of course not." You don't know what she's getting at, and maybe you are clueless after all. "I would do anything to make him happy."

"Then you can't tell him you know about his plan."

"Okay?"

"Listen to me, Y/N," she says while placing her hands on your shoulders. "You know Namjoon better than I do, and I could be wrong, but he's probably been planning to propose to you for a while now. If you confront him now, it'll all go to waste."

"Perhaps we're reading too much into this," you said exasperatedly. "I'm most likely just sleep-deprived. The ring could belong to anyone-"

"It is for you!" She emphasizes, overly passionate in persuading you, "This is it. You know it's gonna happen sooner or later."

It's as if your roles have flipped, with you confidently expecting Namjoon would propose to you and Sooya doubting your assumptions.

You glare and cover her mouth with your hand. "Sooya-"

"What are you two whispering about?" Your mother's voice echoes from the top of the stairs, and you both look at her as if you were two deer caught in headlights.

She's wearing a simple white sundress with ruffled long sleeves and white sneakers. Her hair is curled into a low bun, and she is wearing pearl earrings that you gave her years ago.

You remember it since it was one of the first expensive gifts you got for her and you've never seen her wear it until today.

You've never seen her dress this fancy for lunch! She really made an effort.

"Y/N found a r-"

"A restaurant!" You interrupt her in a heartbeat, smiling at the woman in charge. "Everyone ready to go?"

Your mom squints her eyes suspiciously before letting it go. "Yeah... Your dad is on his way down."

You're about to say something when the said man struts down the stairs.

Sooya grumbles, "Finally," before greeting your father.

"Oh, don't be dramatic. I saw you eat earlier." You grab your purse and phone from the kitchen counter before proceeding to the living room. "Let's go."

"We'll go in separate cars," your dad announces.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," Sungo gets up to follow him out the door. "The food better be worth it."

You purse your lips at the tone of his last sentence, but Namjoon rubs your back comfortingly as he guides you to his car in the driveway.

"We'll just go ride with them," Sooya says behind you.

Namjoon opens the door for you and waits for you to enter before turning to your sister. "The car seat is in the back. The kids can ride with us. We don't mind."

"Are you sure?" Sooya asks, but Yaji has already passed her and is in the arms of her uncle. Inso, on the other hand, is skeptical and clings to her mother's leg, but when she notices her sister getting into the car, she trails behind her warily.

She clearly does not want to be away from her mother, but being apart from her sister pains her even more.

"Yeah, he's right," you agree. "It's easier if they ride with us."

"If you say so-"

"Bye, Mommy!" Yaji chirps as she's being strapped in her seat, rolling the window down to wave at her mother.

Sooya frowns playfully at her kids. "No kiss for Mommy?"

You laugh at her antics and look to Namjoon, who has started the car. You notice Inso on the other side of the seat, dipping her head and pouting her thin lips.

"Bye, Mommy..."

"Inso, mommy is not going anywhere," Yaji assures her twin, twisting in her own seat.

"That's right, baby," you say, hoping to cheer her up. "They'll be right there behind our car."

She says nothing else and looks out the window, her small hands in her lap. It breaks your heart, but you decide to leave her be.

"I could never be a mom," you say dramatically in your seat as Namjoon finally pulls out of the driveway, his right hand on your headrest.

"Why?"

"I can't even bear to see my nephew feeling down, imagine if it were our own kids."

"Our kids, huh," Namjoon smugly adds as he pulls away into traffic, twining your hands and resting them on your lap. "You're already planning ahead... I like that."

You're about to respond to him when you recall the talk you had earlier with your sister. Then you remain silent the entire drive to the restaurant.

✧ ✦ ✧

"Goodness, I am so underdressed for this place," Sooya utters beside you as she looks at the place

Namjoon said was only going to be a 'lowkey' one. What you didn't realize was that workers were gathered around the entryway to greet you and your family.

There is also valet parking, so you all got out of your cars and were led via a bridge-like pathway surrounded by a circular garden and water. There are also Koi fish for good luck, which is where the two children focus their attention.

"Come on, babe." He approaches you after surrendering his keys to an attendant, your crossbody bag wrapped around his shoulders and his hand on your hips, unconcerned with his casual attire like the rest of you.

How could he, when he looked like a walking model even in plain light-washed dad jeans, a blue sweater, a crucifix chain around his neck, and sunglasses on his face?

Nothing about his wardrobe screams billionaire, and he's wearing sandals like he's at home, but when you come in, he has everyone's attention. It could simply be because they know him and he is one of the most successful people in the country.

"Good afternoon, Ma'am, and Sir." A young boy at the entrance greets before his eyes pan behind you where your family looked around hesitantly. "We've prepared for your arrival and chef Morimoto is awaiting in the kitchen."

"Perfect. Thank you very much." Namjoon smiles, revealing his dimpled cheeks. "We've all come together."

"This way, please." The boy walks you to a nearly empty hall with natural light streaming in through the floor-length glass that surrounds it. The golden ceilings contrast with the complex decorations on the floors, which draw everyone's attention.

You've gone to five-star restaurants all over the world, but you had no idea such a location existed so close to home. Just looking at the outside of this place, you can tell it's expensive as hell, and you're unlikely to return. But because Namjoon insisted on bringing your family here, you remain silent.

Behind you, you can hear muffled bickering, but it's not loud enough. Sunho and your father are carrying Yaji and Inso because they couldn't resist racing over to the sculptures and fountain wall to play.

You were soon seated in the center of the room, with a 360-degree view of the city.

"Wow, this place is incredible..." As her attention drifts to your man, your mother remarks. "Wonderful find, Namjoon. I already have a feeling the cuisine will be great."

"It has to be if it's going to be worth my monthly allowance." Sunho chucks beside her.

You rests your elbows on the table and have a drink of water.

"I'm glad it's up to your liking, Eomma," Namjoon says as the water down your throat comes back up.

M... Mom?!

Did he just...

"Sweetheart, are you okay?" Your mother asks as Namjoon tries to help you with the mess you've created for yourself. Your white blouse is now damped and some has even got on your jeans. Namjoon takes the clean cloth to help you.

Way to go.

"S-sorry..." You awkwardly say. "Just drank too much."

"Don't drink too much, you haven't got anything in your stomach." Your mom scolds as if you aren't nearly twenty-nine. Goodness, that was embarrassing.

She basically tosses you off like a bothersome toddler and returns her attention to your boyfriend. You didn't need to worry about ordering anything from the menu because Namjoon said that was taken care of by his good friend, the chef in the kitchen. Probably someone he met overseas, you conclude.

You had no idea about any of that, and you were perplexed as to why no one else was at the restaurant when Namjoon had said it was a great place. Perhaps it wasn't normally crowded at this time of day.

"How did you sleep last night on the sofa?" She seemed to be feeling bad. "I really hope it wasn't too horrible. We can try to get you situated in Sunho's room-"

"Mom," your brother begins. It's the first time he's put his phone down ever since you walked in here. "He seems fine to me. The couch is big enough for five people."

"Don't be greedy, Sunho," your mom retorts. "Your room is big enough."

"It's my room."

Namjoon clears his throat, letting out an uneasy laugh to relieve the tension.

"I'm completely fine with the couch. I enjoyed a good night's sleep and it was quite comfy." He rubs his hand over his nape before looking your way, and the flush that climbs across his cheeks makes you jittery as well.

If only they knew where he was sleeping the night before.

When you look across the table, you notice Sooya's expression, which implies she knows something no one else does. You ignore her and sit upright while she covers her smug look behind her white coffee mug.

It didn't take long for the food to arrive at your table and when you see the many staffs rushing out of the kitchen, carrying one or two dishes, your eyes widen along with your family.

Your dad, on the other hand, finds himself crossing his arms as if he were inspecting the cuisines like fucking Gordon Ramsay, causing you to shake your head at him.

"Dad, relax."

You're astonished when he sighs and acknowledges your presence.

He gathers his utensils and rotates the dish in front of him.

The head chef has already assembled the main course dishes from an elaborate menu that includes a main entree and a list of sides and appetizers for the table to share. As part of the fine dining experience, everyone is served the same appetizers, and the meal continues with entrees and deserts.

Because the food was presented in little portions, you weren't surprised that it was devoured with barely any crumbs remaining.

It was expected, and by the time dessert was served, everyone had settled in and begun their own small talk.

The atmosphere was gradually getting more like what you had hoped for, and it was at this point that you spotted Namjoon chatting with your father about something you couldn't hear but it appeared they were beginning to be courteous.

You had to put down another mouthful of your favorite Tiramisu to observe the conversation.

Everyone else was busy doing their own thing, with your mother making sure the two girls were fed, Sooya worrying they were eating too much sweets and she'd have trouble getting them to sleep later in the day, and Sunho leaving for the restroom.

What exactly happened last night that led to this?

Whatever it was, it had a positive impact on them. Namjoon leaned on the table, his navy sweater sleeves pushed up to display a black watch around his wrist, veins running down the side of his reddened neck and arms.

He was having a cold glass of beer, while your father was also drinking one, knowing he was probably on his third or fourth.

He leaned back in his seat, talking Namjoon's ear off.

The smile on your lips was too strong to resist, and as you were ready to sip your water, your gaze was drawn to Namjoon's right hand lying on your knee.

You squeezed his hand and whispered. "I'll drive us back. Don't be too concerned." You tell him that you knew he was apprehensive to drink more since he wanted to drive, but couldn't say no when your father asked him to join out of respect.

It was impolite to decline, and he didn't want to appear as if he didn't appreciate your father's efforts to get along with him.

Namjoon leans closer to your ear. "I'm not drunk, baby. Just had a bit, I'll be fine."

"No, it's alright." You place a gentle kiss on his earlobe and feel his attention go to your mouth. "We still have the rest of the day to ourselves."

"Mhmm." He hums softly while tilting his head. His face is an inch away from yours, and your lips would collide with a single movement. "You have something in mind?"

As you meet his droopy eyes, you rested your right elbow on the table and perch your chin on your hand. They seem so attractive beneath the golden lights above you, it's as if he's glowing from the inside out.

"Somewhere I know you'll love."

Namjoon's eye flicks to the movement of your lips, and he gulps, something igniting behind his eyes, before settling on a brow kiss instead.

"Yeah?" He flirts back, deviously chewing on his inner cheek.

You bring your left hand to skim the side of his neck, trying to keep the shivers at bay with the way he looks at you. "Thank you for the food. It was delicious."

Dimples dig deep into his tanned skin as his cheeks radiate his joy. Even though you had only been in Gyeongju for two days, his skin was already showing hints of golden and you don't think he can get even more handsome. This reminds you of how quickly he tans when you stay in European countries for work travels, even if only for a week.

He doesn't mind either; he plainly enjoys being out here, near the water and in wooded areas. In Seoul, he's never experienced so much fresh air.

"Speaking of, I have someone to introduce to you."

Your brows raise, and not even a second later, a man dressed entirely in white and slightly shorter than Namjoon appears from the kitchen, accompanied by two staffs.

"It's good to see you again, Chef Morimoto." Namjoon rises from his seat and, with a hand on your waist, helps you up, drawing everyone's attention. "The food was as delicious as expected."

The man, who wears glasses on the tip of his nose, taps Namjoon's shoulders.

"It's nice to see you again, Mr. Kim," he responds back in English, "and I'm glad to be back in Seoul after such a long time. I'm delighted to hear you enjoyed your meal."

You hear a slight gasp behind you but don't get to see who it is because Namjoon is already pulling you to his side.

"By the way, this is my girlfriend, Park Y/N. I'm not sure if you remember her from our trip to Napa last year." Namjoon says with a smile, and you quickly bow to the man.

He looks familiar, but you're not sure where you've seen him before. And then when you really get a clear sight of his face, the memories immediately flash in your mind.

"Oh! I sincerely apologize. I didn't recognize you right away, chef," you blush, tipping your head once more.

How could you forget it was Chef Masaharu Morimoto, a world-renowned and well-known chef? He was the same man you met last year at the opening of his Napa restaurant branch. He didn't have long hair this time, though.

Instead, the man simply chuckles and shakes your hand, saying, "It's okay. I recall you being the one who came with Mr. Kim to support my soft-launch."

Your family is confused since they don't understand the language you're suddenly speaking, and Namjoon gestures towards them. "This is my girlfriend's family. We're only visiting for a few days and then we'll be going back to Seoul."

They all exchange a few brief welcomes as your father extends his hand to the man. "I'm a big fan, Chef Morimoto." He speaks slowly in English, causing your eyes to enlarge. When did he start speaking English so fluently? Even the youngest is taken aback by your father's abilities.

"Thank you," Morimoto says genuinely. "Please, call me Masaharu."

"The cuisine was impressive. It gave me inspiration for my restaurant as well."

"Oh, you own a restaurant? Here in the city?"

"I do. I am a co-owner. My daughter is in charge of the operation."

When he mentions your name, you can't help but smile. You look so proud right now as Namjoon pulls you to his chest.

"My flight back to Japan is tomorrow night, I would be honor to check it out."

Your father stiffens in response to the latter's words. He was too stunned to speak.

"S-sure, I would like that." He finally speaks. "Can I give you my business card?"

"Sure! I'll see you then."

They shake hands again before the chef redirects his attention to you both. "Well, it was good to see you both again. Thank you for inviting me."

"No, chef," you say, "We should be the one thanking you."

"I know this was last minute," Namjoon continues for you, "but thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to fly out here."

"What nonsense!" The man chuckles. "Seokjin is one of my closest friends. I'm delighted he phoned me. Please convey my greetings to him."

"Will do," Namjoon uttered, and soon enough you were already making your way out of the restaurant, your dad being chatty about his unexpected encounter with the Japanese chef he'd only seen on television.

"Goodness, if I knew I would be meeting a legend, I would've dressed more appropriately."

Namjoon and you giggle to yourselves as you wait for valet parking, your hands twined as he gently puts his chin on top of your head.

"Don't be too theatrical, Dad. He didn't even bother looking at your clothes." Sooya laughs beside him. "You're thinking about it too much."

"Aish, I should have asked for a photo!" your father grumbles. "Otherwise, my friends won't believe me."

"Yeobo, is he on one of those food network shows you always watch?"

The frustration on your dad's face is evident as you all get into your vehicles. You decide on separate cars, without the kids this time, as the rest of them are already going back home. Your mom decides to drive, seeing that your dad was already incapable, and once the carseats are switched out, you all say your goodbyes.

"You'll see him tomorrow, dad."

As Namjoon waits for you to pull the windows back up so you can finally leave, you remind the man in the other vehicle.

"Don't be home too late," he insists through the window before returning to his rant over the missed opportunity. The twins are already asleep in the backseat.

"Don't listen to your father, and have a good time exploring the city." Namjoon waves to your mother in the passenger seat as she speaks. He's a little tipsy as he moves around, but he's aware enough to keep drinking water to stay hydrated. "We'll see you both later at home."

"Bye, Eomma!" The man beside you sheepishly shouts, and you shake your head before rolling out of the parking lot and into opposite traffic.

"You didn't let me say my goodbyes to Appa." He frowns and purses his lips. His lengthy legs are spread comfortably as he turns to face you as if you've committed a crime.

You laugh stiffly. Talking to a tipsy Namjoon is like talking to a toddler who isn't getting their way.

"Appa?" You repeat, amusingly. "He's your Appa now?"

Namjoon puzzledly rakes his face. "He said I can call him Appa."

"When?" You inquire since now is the only moment you can get information from him about what they discussed last night. "Are you two getting close?"

Namjoon simply nodded, innocently glancing at your side profile as you navigate traffic. He keeps to himself.

"Tell me, love." You scratch him on the back of his head, eliciting a gratifying groan from his throat.

"But... it's a secret."

His persistence causes you to purse your lips. "You can tell me..."

He merely yawns and nudges to your side, bringing your hand down to his lips to kiss your knuckles.

"Later," he drawls.

"Why not now?"

He yawns, again. "I want to sleep."

"You promise you'll tell me later?"

"Hmmm."

"Okay, then. I'll let you know when we get there."

"Thank you," he mumbles lazily.

"Sure."

Woo! We're almost there! Hope you guys liked this chapter! It's been four days since I went to see Yoongi and let me tell you- it was SURREAL.His energy live is incredible and he sounds justas amazing! It's definitely worth it. The experience is out of this world.

The stages, dances, the visuals, and the creative part of it is mind-blowing! The man looked PERFECT. I was losing my mind when he played'Seesaw' acoustic version. And let me just say, he SANGG his heart out lmao

He also played People + People Pt. 2 on the piano! And as someone who just started learning, I was mesmerized. I think 'Burn It' is the new addition to Yoongi stans anthem after Daechwita, because when he performed it, the crowd was the loudest! I was fxckin shookttt. I've listened to 'Burn It' so many times and I didn't know it was THAT lit. I think it was the song that really made me lose my voice. BTS Cypher 3 & 4 were insane! Followed by Ugh! Ddaeng & Agust D.

At the end of it, he didn't really say 'goodbye' and I realized that it's something he doesn't like doing and it was the same for all his shows. He just waved and never looked back and I thought that was a very emotional moment. Yoongi doesn't like saying goodbye!

I got emotional only when I was coming home at 12 a.m. exhausted, and overwhelmed and in disbelief that I actually saw him in real life. I still cannot believe I was able to see him irl, much less be a part of the Army wave. It was so beautiful! It went around like five times, two minutes before Yoongi started with Haegum.

Till now, I still look back to the videos and singing along. I wasn't able to take pictures because I was too immersed in the moment and I was afraid that if I was on my phone, I was going to miss out on something. Even when Yoongi was making a speech, I couldn't take my eyes off the big screen. But I'm glad my sister was able to capture more stuff than me.

Anyways, I hope everyone can experience the thrill and happiness when seeing our fav boys live. It's every armys dream to be able to see the seven of them together, and I'm so blessed to have a once in a lifetime opportunity.