25. love

22:25, 1 February 2025

25. love

as they gathered around the dining table, the scent of home cooked food filled the air.

"so joshua," yumi's dad started. "yumi tells me you're a member of seventeen. i've seen some of your videos, you guys are good."

joshua chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "yeah, i've been a member of seventeen since 2015. i'm glad you liked our performances, sir."

"how do you make time for yourself?" her father asked. "i know you get really busy because of schedules and tours."

"it is a bit challenging," i answered. "i actually love what i do, but whenever i take a break, i make sure to spend time with my mother. and i try to get into other things, lately, i've been enjoying cooking."

"right." yumi scoffed, making her mother laugh.

"i do cook!" joshua turned to her.

"of course, yes."

her father laughed, clearly enjoying the conversation. "i'm glad we finally got to meet, joshua. i like you, you make yumi happy."

"thank you sir." joshua smiled. "i'm glad i could make her happy."

yumi's father really liked joshua, she could see it in his eyes. they ate their lunch as they talked and laughed about random things. when they were done, yumi and her mother were washing the dishes while joshua was in the living room with yumi's dad.

"your dad really likes him," her mother stated. "i've never seen him smile so much before, he didn't even act this way around hojin."

"i know!" yumi laughed. "i'm really glad he feels this way though. i really like joshua."

"this boy's in love with you!" her mother smiled. "i can see it in his eyes."

after the dishes were done, yumi and her mother walked into the living room, her father and joshua were still chatting, the conversation shifting to lighter topics. yumi kept glancing at them with a smile on her face.

it didn't take long before joshua stood up, stretching his arms.

"i should get going," he said.

"already?" yumi's father stood up. "we had so much fun with you, joshua. you're welcome here anytime."

"thank you sir," joshua replied with a warm smile. "i'll take you up on that."

yumi walked him to the door and they stepped out onto the porch. as they reached his car, joshua turned to face her, his expression soft.

"yumi..." he began, his voice serious. "i need to say something."

yumi nodded, waiting for him to continue.

"i love you," he gently cupped her face. "i love you so much, yumi."

her heart skipped a beat. she felt warmth spread through her chest as she looked into his eyes.

"i love you too joshua," she whispered.

joshua smiled as he pulled her in for a kiss. it was short but sweet. when he pulled away, they both had a huge smile on their faces.

"let me know when you're home, okay?"