16

You smile at the thought of your mom's concern as you walk down the aisle, picking up the noodles you were eyeing. "Yeah, I'm good, Mom. Just getting some groceries," you say, laughing softly as you browse the shelves.

She responds with a relieved tone, "That's good to hear. Remember to take care of yourself, okay?"

"Always do, don't worry," you reply, tossing the noodles into your cart and grabbing a few more items, your attention still half on the phone conversation and half on the shopping.

Your mom continues, "You know, I was thinking of coming over soon. How about a visit next weekend?"

You feel a warmth in your chest, the idea of seeing family after everything you've experienced lately sounding nice. "I'd love that," you say. "I'll make sure everything's ready for you."

You pause, realizing that your schedule for the upcoming week is about to get hectic with work, and you quickly check the calendar on your phone.

"Mom, I just realized, I have work next week, so maybe we should move our meeting to tomorrow instead," you suggest. You grab a pack of noodles from the shelf as you multitask.

"Oh, I hadn't thought about that. You're right," she responds, a slight laugh in her voice. "But tomorrow works. We can get everything sorted then. How about we have a family barbecue at your place instead? That way, we can make a day of it—catch up, eat, and relax together. How does that sound?"

You smile, hearing the excitement in her voice. You've always loved how much your mom values family time.

"That actually sounds perfect, Mom. A barbecue sounds like a great way to hang out and not worry too much. Plus, I can make sure everything's ready tomorrow," you reply, feeling the stress of the week already lifting.

"I'm so glad you agree! I'll start organizing things on my end, and we can figure out the details when we talk tomorrow," she says, a sense of relief in her voice. "It'll be nice to have some time together. You've been so busy lately."

"Yeah, I know. It'll be nice to take a break for a bit and just enjoy being with everyone," you add, grabbing a few more items off the shelf.

Your mom chuckles softly, "I'll make sure to bring all the essentials, and we'll have plenty of food, don't you worry. It's been too long since we've all sat down like that."

"I'm looking forward to it," you say as you start heading towards the checkout line. "Thanks for being flexible. I'll talk to you tomorrow, okay?"

"Of course, sweetie. I'll see you then. Love you!" she says warmly, and you can almost hear the smile in her voice.

"Love you too, Mom," you reply before hanging up, feeling a bit lighter after the call. You can't wait for the barbecue tomorrow. It's just what you need right now.

As you continue walking down the aisles, your mind drifts to the fact that your family will be over tomorrow. You start adding more food to the cart, mentally calculating the cost as you go. You really don't want to go over your budget, but the thought of making sure everyone has enough to eat nags at you.

"Ugh," you mutter under your breath, glancing at the price tags. "Why does family food always cost so much?"

You pick up a few more packs of drinks, some snacks, and more vegetables, sighing as you think about how you'd been trying to keep things low-key lately, and now you're scrambling to prepare for a whole barbecue. As much as you love your family, this whole last-minute planning feels stressful.

"Alright, just don't look at the total," you tell yourself as you push the cart forward. "It'll be worth it once everyone's here. They won't care how much it costs... just as long as there's enough food."

You throw in a few more items, trying not to focus on how much the cart is filling up. You didn't expect to spend this much, but family time is important, and you want to make sure everyone feels comfortable. Still, the thought of stretching your budget a little too far nags at you.

By the time you reach the checkout, your mind is spinning with the calculations, but you push them aside and smile at the cashier, determined to get through the day with a positive attitude.

Getting home, you kick off your shoes and stretch, feeling the weight of the grocery bags still in your hands. Setting them down in the kitchen, you take a deep breath before deciding to check on your garden. The moment you step outside, a loud groan escapes you.

The grass has grown way too fast. It's uneven, wild, and definitely not presentable for a family barbecue. You rub your temples, already dreading the work ahead. "Did it grow overnight or something?" you mumble to yourself, stepping further into the yard.

You sigh, placing your hands on your hips as you scan the space. The hedges need trimming, the flower beds are a mess, and the patio furniture is still covered from when you left for the trip. A wave of regret washes over you for not handling this sooner.

Grumbling, you roll up your sleeves. "Might as well get started now," you mutter, knowing there's no way you can let your family see your garden like this. You head back inside to grab the lawnmower, already mentally preparing yourself for a long afternoon of yard work.

Just as you're about to drag the lawnmower out, you pause, a memory flashing through your mind.

Jungkook.

More specifically, the deal you made with him about helping you with house chores. A slow smirk creeps onto your lips as you wipe your hands on your jeans and head straight to his front door. If there's one thing you're not about to do, it's break your back alone when you have an easy way out.

Reaching his doorstep, you knock twice, then lean against the frame, waiting. It takes a few seconds before you hear movement inside, followed by the sound of the lock clicking open.

Jungkook stands there, shirtless, his sweatpants hanging low on his hips. His hair is messy like he just got out of bed, and he blinks at you sleepily. "You missed me already?" he teases, his voice raspy.

You roll your eyes but don't miss the way your stomach flips at the sight of him. "No, but I do remember a certain deal we made," you say, crossing your arms.

Jungkook leans against the doorframe, tilting his head. "Deal?"

"The one where you help me with house chores?" you remind him. "And since my family is coming over tomorrow, I need my garden to look decent. So, you're coming with me."

He groans dramatically, running a hand through his hair. "Y/n, I just woke up."

"You'll survive," you say, grabbing his wrist and tugging him forward. "Now, put on a shirt and let's go."

Jungkook huffs but doesn't argue, instead giving you a lopsided grin before stepping back inside. "Fine, but you owe me for this."

You raise a brow. "Oh? And what exactly do I owe you?"

He smirks. "I'll think of something."

You narrow your eyes, but before you can respond, he disappears into his house, leaving you standing.

A few minutes later, Jungkook steps out of his house, now wearing a loose white t-shirt and some black shorts. He stretches his arms over his head, yawning as he follows you to your garden.

"You really weren't kidding about the grass," he mutters, running a hand through his hair as he surveys the overgrown mess. "Did you even touch this since you moved in?"

You scoff, settling into a garden chair with a satisfied sigh. "I have, actually. I just didn't expect it to grow this fast."

Jungkook shakes his head with a chuckle before walking over to the lawnmower. He fiddles with it for a second before looking at you with an unimpressed expression. "So you're really just gonna sit there?"

You give him an innocent smile. "That was the deal, wasn't it? You help, I supervise."

He scoffs, rolling his eyes. "Unbelievable."

You watch as he starts up the lawnmower, the sound roaring to life as he begins pushing it across the yard. He moves with ease, his arms flexing slightly with the effort, and you can't help but appreciate the view.

"You're staring," Jungkook calls out over the noise, glancing at you with a smirk.

You quickly look away, pretending to be fascinated by the sky. "Just making sure you're doing a good job."

He chuckles. "Right. I'm sure that's all it is."

You don't respond, instead just watching as he works, occasionally stealing glances at his focused expression. Maybe having him help out wasn't such a bad idea after all.

You watch as Jungkook pauses, glancing up at the sky before sighing. Without hesitation, he grabs the back of his shirt and pulls it over his head, tossing it onto the garden chair next to you.

Your eyes widen slightly as you take in the sight—his toned muscles flexing under the sunlight, tattoos stretching beautifully over his skin as he concentrates on maneuvering the lawnmower through the overgrown grass.

You swallow hard, suddenly feeling warmer than before.

"You good over there?" Jungkook calls out, not even looking at you as he continues his work.

You blink, quickly averting your gaze. "Huh? Yeah. Just... supervising."

He chuckles under his breath, shaking his head. "Sure. Just supervising."

You shift in your seat, pretending to check your phone as a distraction, but your eyes can't help but flicker back to him. The way his jaw clenches in concentration, the slight sheen of sweat on his skin, the way his tattoos move with every motion—it's unfair, really.

Jungkook glances at you briefly, catching your staring before smirking. "At least offer me a drink if you're gonna stare like that."

You roll your eyes, standing up with exaggerated annoyance. "Fine. But only because I'm a great host."

He hums in amusement as you walk inside, but you can still feel his smirk lingering on your skin.

Leaning against the kitchen counter, you pour a cold glass of water, but your mind is elsewhere. Through the window, your eyes drift back to Jungkook. The way his muscles flex as he pushes the lawnmower, the way his tattoos shift with every movement—it's like something out of a daydream.

You press the cool glass against your face, hoping it will calm the warmth creeping up your skin. How did a man like that—so effortlessly attractive, so unfairly captivating—end up in your garden, shirtless, mowing your lawn like it's the most normal thing in the world?

It wasn't normal. Not for you.

Taking a deep breath, you shake yourself out of it and head back outside, holding the glass out to him. "Here."

Jungkook stops, taking the drink from your hand, his fingers brushing against yours. "Thanks," he says, his voice slightly deeper from the exertion. He tilts his head back, drinking in slow gulps, a bead of water escaping down his neck and disappearing onto his chest.

You force yourself to look away.

He exhales, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand before smirking at you. "Enjoying the view?"

You scoff, crossing your arms. "Don't flatter yourself."

He grins, setting the glass down. "Too late." Then, he goes right back to mowing, leaving you standing there, fighting the heat rising to your cheeks.

Jungkook leans back into the garden chair, sighing as he stretches his arms over his head, allowing the sun to hit his skin. His breathing is steady, chest rising and falling in a rhythm that you somehow find yourself matching.

You try to focus on the sky, the trees—literally anything else—but your eyes betray you, flickering back to him. The way the sweat glistens on his skin, trailing down the lines of his abs, disappearing beneath the waistband of his shorts.

You swallow, forcing yourself to look away.

"Caught you," Jungkook suddenly mutters, eyes still closed but a knowing smirk tugging at his lips.

Your breath hitches. "What?"

His head tilts slightly toward you, one eye cracking open. "You were staring."

"I was not," you lie quickly, shifting in your seat, hoping the warmth on your face isn't as obvious as it feels.

Jungkook chuckles, sitting up and leaning forward, resting his arms on his thighs. "It's fine. I'd stare at me too."

You scoff, shoving his shoulder. "You're so annoying."

"And yet," he drawls, turning his head fully toward you now, eyes glinting with mischief, "you still enjoy my company."

You roll your eyes, standing up before he can say anything else. "I'm going inside."

Jungkook watches you walk off, and just as you reach the door, he calls out, "You didn't say no, though."

You don't turn around, but you don't need to—his smug chuckle tells you he knows he's right.

After taking a few deep breaths inside, you step back out onto the patio, now fully composed—or at least trying to be. Jungkook is still lounging in the garden chair, eyes closed as if he doesn't have a single care in the world. His shirt is still off, of course, because why wouldn't he continue being a menace to your sanity?

Clearing your throat, you cross your arms. "Hey, since you're so full of energy, wanna help me set up the barbecue I bought today?"

Jungkook cracks an eye open, smirking. "Oh, so now you need me?"

You groan, already regretting asking. "Forget it."

Before you can turn away, he chuckles, pushing himself up from the chair. "Relax, I'll help. Where is it?"

You gesture toward the box sitting near the back door. It's bigger than you expected when you bought it, and truthfully, you have no idea where to even begin with assembling it.

Jungkook whistles when he sees the size. "Damn, you planning on feeding the whole neighborhood?"

"No, just my family."

He raises a brow. "They eat a lot?"

You shrug. "They're just loud."

Jungkook chuckles, lifting the box with ease and carrying it over to the patio. "Alright, let's get this thing built before the sun goes down."

You grab the instruction manual, sitting beside him as you both begin unpacking the parts. Watching him work—his hands effortlessly handling each piece, veins prominent with every movement—you realize that having Jungkook around might not be so bad after all. Even if he does drive you crazy.

You had tried—really, you did—but after struggling to understand the confusing instructions, you sighed in defeat and sat back, letting Jungkook take over. He worked with ease, screwing parts together and adjusting everything without even needing to double-check the manual.

"I swear they make these instructions impossible on purpose," you grumble, sipping on a cold drink as you watch him work.

Jungkook chuckles, not even looking up. "Or maybe you're just bad at assembling things."

You shoot him a glare. "I'd like to see you try reading those tiny diagrams and not get confused."

"I am trying," he teases, tightening the last screw before stepping back to admire his work. "And look—I actually finished."

You roll your eyes but secretly appreciate the fact that he did it so effortlessly. Getting up from your chair, you step closer, inspecting the fully assembled barbecue grill. "Well, it looks... stable."

Jungkook smirks. "That's the bare minimum, but I'll take the compliment."

You huff, crossing your arms. "I wasn't complimenting you."

"Sure you weren't," he says smugly, wiping his hands on a rag before tossing it over his shoulder. "So, when's this big family barbecue happening?"

"Tomorrow."

He raises a brow. "And you decided to set this up the day before?"

"I didn't think I'd have to build the whole thing from scratch!" You groan, leaning against the patio railing.

Jungkook just laughs, shaking his head. "Well, at least you have a working grill now. You're welcome."

You sigh dramatically. "Yeah, yeah. Thanks, I guess."

Jungkook nudges you lightly. "You 'guess'?"

"Alright, fine. Thank you." You roll your eyes but can't hide the small smile tugging at your lips.

Jungkook grins. "That's better."

Back inside, you plop onto the couch, grabbing the remote and flipping through channels. Jungkook follows, sitting beside you, stretching his arms across the back of the couch as if he owns the place.

"You always have the TV on, but never actually watch anything," he teases, glancing at the screen as you absentmindedly scroll past show after show.

You shrug. "It's just background noise most of the time."

He smirks. "So what, you just invite me in to be your real entertainment?"

You scoff. "Please, I'd rather watch a documentary about paint drying."

Jungkook laughs, tilting his head toward you. "Liar."

You ignore him and finally settle on some random sitcom. The two of you fall into an easy conversation, jumping from one topic to another. He tells you about a dumb prank Hobi played on Namjoon a few weeks ago, and you tell him about your failed attempt at grocery shopping today.

"At one point, I just stood in the noodle aisle, questioning my life choices," you admit, making Jungkook chuckle.

"Sounds dramatic."

"It was a crisis. Do you know how many types of ramen there are?"

"Yeah, and the correct answer is to get all of them."

You roll your eyes but smile. The conversation shifts to random memories, embarrassing childhood stories, and Jungkook's ridiculous theory that pigeons are government spies.

"Think about it," he insists, leaning in. "Have you ever seen a baby pigeon?"

You stare at him, unimpressed. "Yes."

He freezes. "Wait, really?"

You smirk. "No, but I refuse to believe your conspiracy."

Jungkook groans, flopping back onto the couch. "You're no fun."

"On the contrary," you say, nudging his leg with your foot. "I'm plenty of fun. You're just insane."

He laughs, shaking his head. The warmth of the moment settles in, the kind where you don't have to think too hard or try too much—it's just comfortable. You catch yourself sneaking a glance at him, wondering how things with him always feel this easy.

You sigh, turning your head slightly to look at Jungkook. He's still lounging on the couch, legs stretched out, arms draped over the backrest, completely at ease. You hesitate for a moment before speaking.

"Hey... thanks," you say softly.

Jungkook raises a brow, looking at you with mild curiosity. "For what?"

You gesture vaguely. "For everything. Helping with the garden, setting up the barbecue, keeping me sane—kind of. I don't know what I'd do without you."

A slow smirk tugs at his lips. "Probably suffer."

You roll your eyes but can't help the small smile forming. "I'm being serious."

Jungkook leans his head back against the couch, studying you for a second before his expression softens. "I know. And you don't have to thank me, Y/n. I don't mind helping you."

Your chest tightens at his sincerity, and for a second, you don't know what to say. Instead, you nudge his leg with your foot again, a silent acknowledgment.

He grins. "That's it? No grand gesture of appreciation? No dramatic speech?"

"Don't push your luck."

Jungkook laughs, shaking his head. "Alright, alright. But if you ever wanna repay me... just let me win in the next game we play."

You scoff. "As if I'd ever let you win."

He smirks, eyes glinting with amusement. "We'll see about that."

You look at Jungkook, feeling a bit disappointed but understanding. "Do you want to come tomorrow? You know, for the barbecue?" You ask, giving him a friendly smile.

He glances at you, and there's a brief hesitation before he shakes his head. "I appreciate the invite, but I've got training tomorrow. My trainer's been on my case lately," he says with a small shrug.

You nod, trying not to sound too disappointed. "I get it. Training's important."

Jungkook smirks. "Maybe next time, yeah?"

"Yeah, for sure," you say, offering him a small smile. "Well, I guess it'll be a family thing tomorrow."

"Sounds fun," he says, his expression softening a little. "Just don't let them make you do too much work."

You laugh lightly. "Don't worry, I'll keep it low-key. You know how my family can be."

Jungkook grins, his eyes twinkling. "Good. Enjoy it, Y/n. I'll be here when you get back."

"Thanks, Jungkook. I'll see you soon." You give him a friendly wave as you move to grab a drink from the fridge, feeling a bit more relaxed knowing that everything is coming together, even if he won't be there tomorrow.

The next day came by faster than you expected. You were in your living room, making sure everything was in order for your parents' visit. You dusted off the shelves, arranged the cushions neatly on the couch, and vacuumed the carpet one last time. The house felt cozy and fresh, just the way you wanted it to be for the family barbecue.

You couldn't help but feel a little bit of nervous excitement as you checked the time. Your mom had mentioned they'd be arriving around noon, and it was getting close. You adjusted a few more things, made sure the backyard was ready, and set up some music for when the family would start arriving.

As you were preparing, you thought about how different this time felt compared to when you used to live at home. You were the one hosting now, in your own space, and while it felt rewarding, it also brought a little bit of pressure. But you were ready to make this day a good one.

Just as you finished folding the last throw blanket, the doorbell rang. You took a deep breath and made your way to the door, feeling a mix of anticipation and excitement.

You opened the door to see your parents standing there, carrying bags of groceries and a couple of large cooler bags.

"Y/n! It looks great in here!" your mom said, grinning as she stepped inside with a hug. "Are you all set for the barbecue?"

You chuckled and gave her a hug back. "Almost. Just finishing up the little details."

Your dad walked in behind her, already scanning the space and nodding in approval. "I see you've got everything ready. I'll set up the grill outside," he said, giving you a reassuring smile.

"Thanks, Dad. That's perfect." You stepped aside to let them in fully.

As they started unpacking the groceries, you couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. Everything was falling into place, and soon, the backyard would be filled with food, laughter, and family.

Now that your parents were here, the day could officially begin. You could already hear the sounds of everyone arriving outside, the grill heating up, and the faint hum of conversations as your parents set to work. The family barbecue was starting, and you were excited to share this special time with the people you loved.

Just as you were picking up drinks from the fridge, you heard the doorbell ring. You placed the drinks down and made your way to the door, curious to see who had arrived. As soon as you opened it, your aunt and nieces stormed in, greeting you with big smiles and tight hugs.

"Y/n! It's so good to see you!" your aunt said, pulling you into a warm embrace. "Look at you, all grown up and hosting your own barbecue!"

You laughed, hugging her back. "Auntie, it's been too long! I'm so glad you could make it today."

One of your nieces, who was always a ball of energy, bounced over to you, wrapping her arms around your legs. "Auntie, look! I brought my coloring book!" she announced excitedly, holding up a book full of doodles.

"That's awesome!" you grinned, bending down to give her a high five. "Maybe you can show me your artwork later."

Your other niece, a little quieter but just as sweet, gave you a soft smile and shyly handed you a small gift bag. "This is for you, Auntie," she said in a soft voice.

You took the bag with a smile. "Thank you so much!" You opened it carefully, finding a handmade bracelet and a little note inside. "This is so sweet, I love it!"

As your aunt and nieces started settling in, you felt the warmth of family filling your home. The barbecue was starting to feel even more special with everyone gathered together. You could hear the sound of laughter and chatter as more people arrived, and soon, the house was buzzing with life.

Everything felt perfect, and you couldn't help but feel grateful for the people in your life who always made moments like this so memorable.

You made your way outside where the smell of sizzling burgers filled the air. Your dad was standing by the grill, flipping burgers with precision, looking completely in his element. The sight made you smile as you walked up to him.

You slipped your arms around him in a warm hug. "I missed you, Dad," you said, squeezing him tightly. He paused for a moment, his hands still on the grill, but then he grinned and turned to give you a big hug in return.

"I missed you too, kiddo," he said, ruffling your hair playfully. "It's been too long since we've had one of these family get-togethers. How's everything been? You doing okay?"

You pulled back slightly, smiling up at him. "Yeah, everything's been good. Work's been busy, but nothing I can't handle." You glanced at the grill. "And it smells amazing, as always."

"Well, I aim to please," he chuckled, flipping another burger. "Your mom was telling me how much you've been helping out with all this. I'm glad to see you're keeping things in order around here."

You laughed softly. "Yeah, I guess I'm finally becoming a little more responsible." You nudged his side playfully. "But really, I'm just glad to have everyone over. It's been nice having some family time."

He smiled, his eyes softening. "I'm proud of you, kid. You're doing great." He then winked, adding, "Now, go grab a drink. These burgers are about ready."

You grinned, "I'll get right on that," before heading over to the cooler to grab a drink, feeling grateful for the moment and the warmth of being surrounded by family.

As everyone began digging into their plates, you leaned back in your chair, enjoying the lively chatter that filled the air. Your aunt, who was sitting next to you, took a bite of her burger before looking around curiously.

"So, who are your neighbors around here? It's such a nice area," she asked, her eyes scanning you.

You chuckled, taking a sip of your drink before beginning to explain. "Well, across the street, there's this older couple, the Kims. They're super nice, always bringing over extra vegetables from their garden. And then next to them, we've got the Lee family—really quiet, but they've got two little kids who love to play outside." You gestured toward the other side of the street. "The Chos live there, they're super friendly too."

Your aunt nodded, clearly interested, but then raised an eyebrow. "And what about the one next door?" she asked. "You've never mentioned them much."

You smiled, knowing exactly where this conversation was headed. "Oh, right. Next door, there's Jungkook. He's actually a boxer—like, an actual professional one. He trains a lot, but he's super nice. He always helps me out with stuff, like when my garden gets overgrown or when I need a hand with something heavy. He's also really good at cooking, actually."

Your aunt's eyes widened in surprise. "A boxer? That's interesting! Sounds like you've got quite the neighbor." She looked at you with a teasing smile. "So, is he, uh, nice to you?"

You rolled your eyes playfully, trying to avoid her teasing. "Yeah, he's great. He's just been really helpful, and we hang out sometimes. He's a cool guy."

"Uh-huh," she said, raising an eyebrow as she took another bite of her burger. "Sounds like you two are pretty close."

You laughed, shaking your head. "We're just friends, Auntie. I promise."

She gave you a sly grin. "Well, just don't let him slip through your fingers then."

You couldn't help but smile at her playful suggestion but quickly changed the topic to avoid the conversation heading in a direction you weren't ready to discuss. "Anyway, how's your work been lately?" you asked, diving into a new topic to steer the conversation elsewhere.

Your aunt just chuckled, shaking her head, clearly not fooled by your attempt to change the subject.

The atmosphere shifted suddenly when your mum, who had been chatting happily with your aunts, turned to you with a more serious expression. "So, how's Mino? You two still doing alright?" she asked, her voice softer than before, as though she could sense a change in the air.

The question hung there, and for a moment, you felt a lump form in your throat. You hadn't really discussed Mino with your parents since things ended, and now that they were asking, the weight of it all hit you. You hesitated before answering, not wanting to dive too deep into the details, but also not wanting to completely lie.

You sighed, putting on a bit of a strained smile. "Well... Mino and I, uh, broke up," you said slowly, trying to sound casual about it. "It was for... mature reasons." You shrugged, hoping the phrasing would be vague enough to not invite too many questions.

Your mum, sensing the shift in your tone, seemed to hesitate for a moment before nodding. "I see," she said, her voice soft, but you could tell she was waiting for more. "You sure you're alright, though?" Her eyes softened with concern.

You forced another smile, not wanting to dive deeper into the emotions you weren't ready to deal with. "Yeah, I'm fine. It was just one of those things, you know? We just... grew apart."

Your mum didn't press further, but the change in the mood was noticeable. Your aunt looked between you and your mum before leaning back, as if giving you space to handle it on your own.

The conversation moved forward, but it was clear your mum was still processing what you'd said. You hoped that would be the end of it for now, but you couldn't help but feel the weight of the situation in the back of your mind. You didn't want to dwell on it, though—today was about being with family, and you didn't want anything to spoil that.

Your aunt's comment broke the tension almost immediately. She leaned back in her chair with a mischievous grin, then shook her head dramatically. "Honestly, I never liked Mino," she said, a playful tone in her voice that immediately caught everyone's attention. "From the first time I met him, he was so... self-centered! I remember thinking, 'This guy has no idea how to hold a conversation!'"

Everyone looked at her, intrigued, as she continued, her voice getting animated. "It was at that dinner, you know? The one where we all went out to that fancy restaurant? He just spent the whole time talking about himself—his job, his car, his latest accomplishments. Not once did he ask anyone else how they were or about anything other than him. I could barely get a word in edgewise!"

The group erupted into laughter, the mood lightening once more. Your mum even let out a little laugh, shaking her head in mock disbelief. "Well, that certainly sounds like him," she said, glancing at you with a knowing smile. "But it's good to know you're both better off now, right?"

You couldn't help but chuckle along, despite the awkwardness you had been feeling earlier. It felt comforting to hear your aunt's funny perspective on Mino, especially since it added a bit of humor to the situation. The stories kept coming as your aunt recalled more instances where Mino had unintentionally made everything about him, much to the amusement of the family.

The mood lightened, and soon, everyone was laughing about it—everyone except you, who was now feeling a little more at ease with the topic. You didn't mind your aunt's humor about Mino; after all, it helped to not take things too seriously. It was clear she just wanted to make you feel better.

Your aunt's sudden question caught you off guard. She leaned in with a teasing smile, her eyes twinkling as she asked, "So, is your neighbor single?"

You nearly choked on your drink, taken aback by the unexpected question. Coughing a little, you quickly cleared your throat and muttered, "Y-Yeah, he is."

Your aunt raised an eyebrow, her expression playful but knowing. "Hmm, interesting. Why? You asking for a friend?" she teased, clearly enjoying the reaction she was getting from you.

You blinked, still feeling a little flustered. "Why are you so curious about Jungkook?" you asked, trying to sound casual, though your voice had a hint of amusement mixed with the slight embarrassment you were feeling.

Your aunt smirked, clearly enjoying your reaction. "Oh, no reason," she said with a wink. "Just curious about your handsome neighbor. I mean, if he's single, that's definitely a plus. Who knows? Maybe he's got some fans around here."

The whole table burst into laughter at her playful remarks. Your mum even chimed in with a chuckle, "Looks like you're not the only one who's been noticing him!"

You rolled your eyes but couldn't help but laugh along, trying to brush off the awkwardness. Your aunt's teasing was just harmless fun, but the thought of Jungkook being the topic of conversation made your cheeks warm.

Your older niece, who had been quietly eating her food, suddenly looked up, her eyes widening in recognition. "Wait a minute," she said, tapping her phone screen as she pulled it out of her pocket. "I know that name. Jungkook, right?"

You froze for a moment, unsure where this was going. Your niece continued scrolling through her phone, eyes glued to the screen as she said, "Yeah! I remember now, he's a boxer, isn't he?"

She found a picture of Jungkook from one of his recent matches, his muscular frame and focused expression unmistakable. She passed the phone around to everyone at the table, showing the image of him in the ring.

"Is this him?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "I think I've seen him on a sports channel or something. Is he really your neighbor?"

You felt your heart skip a beat, not expecting your niece to make the connection. Everyone gathered around, passing the phone, while your parents exchanged surprised looks.

Your aunt, who was still in the teasing mood, looked at you with a mischievous grin. "Looks like your neighbor is famous. You didn't tell us he was a pro boxer! No wonder he's got such a strong, handsome presence."

The room erupted in laughter again, but this time you couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed. Jungkook's fame was something you hadn't really thought about until now, and the sudden attention was a little more than you were prepared for.

You let out a nervous laugh and raised your hands, trying to shift the attention away. "Auntie, calm down," you said, feeling a little flustered. "I just told you he's my neighbor, that's it. We're just friends."

Your aunt, however, wasn't ready to drop it. "Oh, come on," she teased, her voice full of excitement. "He's a boxer, good-looking, and so talented. Why not? You should definitely try to date him! He seems like the perfect catch."

You felt your face flush a little at her words, but you tried to play it cool. "Auntie, seriously. We're just neighbors. And besides, he's busy with his training and stuff. No time for that."

Your mom, who had been quietly listening, joined in with a smile. "You never know, sweetheart. Maybe something will happen. I mean, you did say he's very caring."

You groaned inwardly, knowing this conversation wasn't going anywhere. "I really don't think—"

But your aunt interrupted, laughing as she nudged your shoulder. "I'm just saying, you could do worse. Think about it! Jungkook and you... it has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?"

You sighed, trying to change the topic before it went any further. "Okay, okay. Let's just enjoy the barbecue, alright? No matchmaking today."

But your aunt only winked at you playfully, making the whole conversation feel lighter as everyone went back to eating and chatting, leaving you feeling a bit embarrassed, but secretly amused.

You quickly shake your head, trying to play it cool. "No, he's not home," you say, though your voice falters just slightly.

Your mom looks at you curiously, raising an eyebrow. "Oh, okay. But you seemed so sure just a second ago." She smirks, clearly sensing something is off, but doesn't press further.

Just then, you hear the unmistakable sound of a car pulling into the driveway. Your heart skips a beat as you look at your mom, who gives you a knowing look.

You quickly try to diffuse the situation, trying to steer the focus away from Jungkook. "Either way, he's going into his house now, so you don't need to bother him," you say, flashing a quick smile, hoping to ease the tension. "He just got back from work, so he probably wants to relax."

Your mom chuckles softly, clearly amused by the whole situation, but she nods in understanding. "Alright, alright," she says, not pushing further, though you can tell she's still curious.

As if on cue, there's a knock on the door, making your heart skip a beat. You freeze for a moment, hoping it's not who you think it is. But, before you can even get up, your aunt excitedly stands up with a grin.

"I'll get it, don't worry," she says, practically bouncing to the door.

You sigh and look around, feeling the tension rise. The last thing you wanted was for Jungkook to be dragged into this family chaos, but it seems like the universe had other plans. You hear the door open, and your aunt greets someone, her voice bright and warm.

"Well, well, look who it is!" she says, and you know exactly who's on the other side.

Jungkook steps into the house, smiling as he greets everyone with a friendly, "Hey, everyone!"

Your stomach twists in knots as your aunt eagerly ushers him in, completely oblivious to your growing discomfort. Your family starts whispering among themselves, and you can already feel the eyes of everyone shifting toward the two of you.

Your aunt's smirk is hard to miss as she eyes Jungkook up and down, clearly admiring his physique and face. You can feel the heat rising in your cheeks, a mix of embarrassment and frustration bubbling up.

"Well, don't just stand there, come on in," your aunt says, motioning for Jungkook to sit down.

Jungkook, ever the gentleman, smiles and steps further into the living room, casually glancing around. "Thanks for inviting me in," he says, though you can sense the awkwardness of the situation.

You wish you could disappear right now. Your aunt, clearly enjoying this, leans closer to you and whispers, "He's even more handsome up close. Is he single, or are you two... something?" Her teasing tone only adds to your discomfort, and you find yourself fighting to keep a straight face.

Jungkook, unaware of the conversation happening behind him, settles down on the couch and greets the rest of your family. You want to crawl under the table as your aunt continues her silent interrogation, glancing at you and back to Jungkook.

Jungkook chuckles softly as you lead him to the garage, "Your family's pretty lively, huh?"

You groan, feeling a bit embarrassed, and run a hand through your hair. "You have no idea. They just found out who you are, and now they won't stop asking about you." You can't help but laugh a little at how absurd the situation feels, but it's also slightly nerve-wracking.

Jungkook grins, clearly amused. "I bet they're already trying to figure out if I'm single or not," he teases, giving you a playful look.

"Don't remind me," you say, shaking your head. "My aunt was practically asking if you'd want to date me. It's so embarrassing."

Jungkook laughs even more, shaking his head in disbelief. "I guess I better get used to the attention then, huh?" He grabs the screwdriver from the workbench, turning back to you with a grin. "Well, I won't keep you too long. I'm sure your family's got more questions for me."

You roll your eyes, the thought of having to go back inside to face them a little too overwhelming. "Yeah, I'm sure they do. But, uh... thanks for handling all of this. You're a lifesaver."

Jungkook pauses for a moment, looking at you as you stand in the garage. He smirks slightly, his gaze drifting over your outfit. "By the way, you look good today," he says, his voice soft but full of appreciation.

You blush slightly, feeling the heat rise to your cheeks, but you quickly remind him, "Jungkook, my family is just outside. Please don't embarrass me more than they already have."

He chuckles, stepping closer as he hands you the screwdriver. "I can't help it. You look great," he teases, giving you a wink.

You roll your eyes, trying to keep the embarrassment from showing. "Just be careful what you say. They'll take it too seriously," you warn, feeling more self-conscious with each passing second.

Jungkook's playful demeanor softens as he steps closer, his hands moving to your waist. He pulls you gently toward him, his warmth radiating against your body. "I miss you," he says quietly, his voice carrying a tenderness you hadn't expected.

Your heart skips a beat at his words, and for a moment, you forget about the bustling noise from outside. The proximity, the way his hands feel against your waist, makes everything else fade away. You feel a rush of warmth and a flutter of emotions that you hadn't quite been prepared for.

You look up at him, unsure of what to say, your words caught in your throat. You try to pull away, the sudden surge of embarrassment hitting you as you realize how close you are to him. "Jungkook, we'll get caught," you warn, trying to wriggle out of his grip, but his hold tightens just slightly, keeping you against him.

He looks down at you with a teasing smile, the playful glint in his eyes not helping your nerves. "Who's going to catch us?" he asks softly, his voice almost a whisper, his face only inches from yours. The way he's holding you makes it hard to think straight, and his proximity sends a flutter through your chest.

You sigh, glancing toward the door to the garage, knowing your family is just on the other side. "This isn't funny," you say, but there's a hint of a smile on your lips despite your efforts to keep it serious

.Your heart skips a beat at his words, and you feel your cheeks heat up instantly. "Jungkook," you say, voice quieter than you intended, a mix of surprise and hesitation in your tone. "We can't just—"

He interrupts you, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. "Why not? It's just a kiss," he says, stepping closer again, his presence sending a wave of nervous excitement through you.

You try to keep your cool, glancing toward the door again, making sure no one is about to come in. "But my family is right outside," you say, almost pleading, yet the words feel like they're coming from someone else entirely—someone who isn't sure if she wants to pull away or give in.

Jungkook laughs softly, his hand gently cupping your cheek, his thumb brushing over your skin. "They'll never know," he says, his voice low and reassuring. "Unless you want them to."

You look into his eyes, the teasing in his expression softening into something more genuine, and for a moment, the world outside the garage fades away.

With a deep breath, you meet his gaze, and despite the nerves bubbling in your stomach, you nod slightly. "Okay," you whisper.

And without another word, he leans in, his lips brushing softly against yours. It's warm, gentle, and everything feels like it slows down in that moment. The pressure of the situation, the thoughts about your family outside—all of it melts away as you get lost in the simplicity of the kiss.

You pull back abruptly, your chest heaving as you try to catch your breath. The reality of the situation hits you like a wave—your family is just a few meters away, and you can't believe what just happened.

You look at Jungkook, both of you trying to regain some sense of composure. His breathing is a little heavier too, but there's a soft, playful smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Guess that was a little too much, huh?" he teases, his hand still resting on your waist, not quite letting go.

You shake your head, running a hand through your hair, feeling a bit flustered. "Jungkook, my family is right outside," you remind him, still processing the whirlwind of emotions racing through you. You're torn between the thrill of what just happened and the anxiety of getting caught.

He chuckles softly, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "They won't bite, will they?" he asks, a grin playing on his face. "Besides, they know we're neighbors... they'll just think we're close friends, right?"

You roll your eyes, feeling your heart still racing. "I don't know about that..." you mumble, glancing toward the door once more. "We should probably get back out there before they start wondering why we're taking so long."

Jungkook leans in just enough to kiss your forehead quickly, his hand dropping from your waist, though he's still close. "Yeah, you're probably right," he agrees, his tone still playful. "But you're impossible to resist, you know that?"

You laugh nervously, shaking your head. "Let's just go before my aunt starts asking more questions."

With one last lingering look, you both step away from the garage, the weight of what just happened still buzzing in the air between you. As you open the door, you hear your family chatting, completely unaware of what had just taken place.

Jungkook stands by the door, offering a polite smile as he nods at your family. "Thank you for the hospitality, but I should get going," he says, his voice respectful and calm. His eyes briefly flicker to you, a silent acknowledgment passing between you before he turns to leave.

"Goodbye, everyone. It was nice meeting you," he adds, giving a small wave to your aunt, who still watches him a little too eagerly. You can feel the tension rising in your chest as you try to keep your face neutral, hoping they don't read too much into his sudden exit.

Your aunt, still smirking, gives him a sweet, if not overly enthusiastic, wave. "Take care, Jungkook!" she calls out, her tone playful, clearly not letting go of her curiosity about him.

You watch him leave, walking toward his house. As the door closes behind him, you let out a quiet sigh of relief, glad that everything hadn't gone further. But at the same time, a sense of unease lingers in your chest. You couldn't help but wonder what your family might be thinking now.

Turning back to the kitchen, you hear your aunt chuckling softly. "I think your neighbor likes you," she teases, making sure you hear it loud enough.

You force a smile, trying to brush it off. "He's just being friendly," you say, though your words feel more like an attempt to convince yourself than anyone else.

Your mother, still sitting nearby, raises an eyebrow. "Mhm. Just be careful. You don't want to start anything too complicated."

Your aunt adds, "He seems like a good guy, but don't let him sweep you off your feet too quickly, alright?" Her tone is light but there's a certain knowing edge to it.

You nod, a little too quickly, hoping the conversation shifts. "I know, Mom, Auntie. Don't worry." You stand up, walking toward the living room to get away from the questioning looks, trying to focus on the family barbecue rather than Jungkook and all the confusion that just came with him.

The afternoon carries on, but you can't shake the thoughts of Jungkook, his smile, and that kiss—especially the way everything seemed to blur together in the heat of the moment.

Your niece, still sitting at the table, groans dramatically as she buries her face in her hands. "Ugh, I can't believe I forgot to ask for a picture with him!" she exclaims, her voice full of frustration. "How did I miss that opportunity?"

You can't help but laugh at her over-the-top reaction, shaking your head. "He was just here for a minute, and you were too busy talking about... well, everything," you tease, giving her a playful nudge.

She sighs dramatically, looking up at you with a pout. "But he's a boxer! And he's, like, super hot! I can't believe I missed my chance!" she says, her tone filled with regret. "I'm definitely going to need to catch him next time."

Your aunt, still grinning from earlier, raises an eyebrow. "Careful, sweetie, don't get too caught up in him," she warns lightly, though there's no real seriousness in her tone. "You don't want to fall for someone who's got a million fans."

You roll your eyes, already knowing the conversation is going to circle back to Jungkook and his charm. "It's not like that," you mutter, trying to change the topic. But deep down, you can't help but wonder what it would be like if it were like that.

Your aunt and niece both look at you expectantly as they take a seat, eager to catch up. "So, how have you been?" your aunt asks, her tone light and friendly.

You smile, feeling comfortable around them, and begin to tell them about your recent trip. "I've been good. Actually, I went camping for a few days with some friends," you explain, looking between them. "It was pretty spontaneous, but we had an amazing time."

Your niece perks up, her eyes wide with interest. "Camping? That sounds fun! Were you out in the middle of nowhere, like in the woods?"

You nod, remembering how peaceful the trip was. "Not exactly in the woods, but it was near the beach, so we did a lot of swimming, yoga, and just relaxed. It was a good break from everything, honestly."

Your aunt raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Who did you go with? Just friends, or did you take anyone else along?"

You pause for a moment, deciding how much to share. "It was just me and my friends. It was mostly about catching up and having fun, you know? No one else came with us."

Your niece leans forward, her curiosity piqued. "Did you do anything crazy while you were there? Or just chill and take pictures?"

You laugh, thinking back to all the funny moments during the trip. "A little bit of both, actually. We did some yoga challenges, played games, had a barbecue—nothing too crazy, but it was really fun. We were just being ourselves."

Your aunt smiles knowingly, leaning back in her chair. "Sounds like you had a good time. I'm glad you got to take a break and have some fun with your friends."

You nod, feeling the same way. "Yeah, it was exactly what I needed."

As your mum looks at you with a soft, misty-eyed expression, you can feel the warmth in the air shift. "You've grown up so much, darling," she says, her voice cracking slightly with emotion. "I still remember when you were just a baby, how you'd always cling to me. You were such a little ball of energy back then."

Your cheeks flush a bright red as she continues, and you try to hide your face behind your hands in embarrassment. Your aunt and niece exchange amused glances, clearly enjoying this unexpected trip down memory lane.

Your mum's voice grows more nostalgic. "And do you remember that time you climbed out of your crib? I turned my back for just a second, and the next thing I knew, you were halfway across the room!"

You groan, feeling the weight of everyone's attention. "Mum, please," you try to interrupt, hoping to steer the conversation away. "I don't need to hear this now."

But your mum is lost in her memories, too caught up in her storytelling. "And let me tell you about the time you tried to walk—oh, it was so funny! You were so determined, but you kept tripping over your little feet."

Your niece giggles at your discomfort, and your aunt smirks as she watches you squirm. "Sounds like you were quite the handful!" your aunt teases, nudging your mum as she continues her stories.

"Okay, okay!" you finally exclaim, feeling your face turn even more red. "I get it! Can we talk about something else now?" You try to steer the conversation in a different direction, but your mum is having too much fun reliving your childhood to stop.

Your mum just laughs softly, still wiping away a few happy tears. "Oh, I can't help it! You were just so cute, and now look at you—grown up and doing so well for yourself."

You shake your head in exasperation but can't help but smile at her affection. Despite how embarrassing it was, there's something comforting about her pride in you.

Your mum, still glowing with that tender look in her eyes, grins and says, "I can't wait for you to have kids of your own and watch them grow up. I'd love to see how they turn out!"

You almost choke on your drink at the sudden shift in conversation. You quickly wipe your mouth and sputter, "Mum! Not yet! I'm not even thinking about that right now."

Your aunt chuckles, raising an eyebrow. "Oh? You sure? You seem like you're all grown up now, and it's only a matter of time."

You laugh awkwardly, trying to dodge the topic. "Yeah, well... uh, let's not get ahead of ourselves, alright? I've still got a lot of things to do before I'm thinking about all that."

Your mum just smiles knowingly, clearly excited about the idea, while your aunt leans back in her chair, clearly enjoying the teasing. "You never know, it could happen sooner than you think," your aunt teases, and you roll your eyes, shaking your head.

"Please, let's just enjoy the barbecue," you say, hoping to change the subject as you take another sip of your drink, still trying to recover from the embarrassment. Your mum chuckles softly, clearly not backing down, but at least the conversation starts shifting away from the "kids" talk for now.

As much as you love your family, you can't help but wish they'd stop putting you in these awkward situations. You glance at your mum, who's beaming with excitement, and smile despite yourself, appreciating how much she cares.

Your mum, with a soft sigh, smiles at you and says, "Alright, I promise, it's the last time... But tell me, when do you want to have kids?"

You take a moment to think, glancing at her with a small laugh. "I'd say... maybe in my 30s. I want to enjoy my twenties first, you know?"

Your mum's face lights up with understanding, and she nods. "That's fair. You've got your whole life ahead of you. Enjoy your time, but remember, you can never plan these things too perfectly."

You smile, relieved she's not pushing you further on it. "Exactly, Mum. I've still got a lot to figure out. One step at a time."

She laughs, wiping away a tear that she'd been holding back from the earlier conversation. "Of course, my dear. Just remember, time moves faster than we think."

"Yeah, I know," you reply, sipping your drink. "But for now, I'm happy just focusing on what's in front of me."

Your aunt chimes in, raising her glass. "That's the spirit! Enjoy the ride while it lasts!"

You chuckle, feeling the warmth of the family surrounding you, and for the first time in a while, you realize just how important these moments are.

Your dad, with a teasing grin, steps in and says, "You're not having kids until you're forty, alright? You're still a baby to me. I can't let you go just yet."

You laugh, rolling your eyes at his overprotectiveness, but deep down, it feels nice to hear. "Dad, I'm definitely not waiting until forty to have kids!" you tease, but there's warmth in your voice.

He shakes his head, smirking. "Oh, I know. You'll grow up fast enough. But, for now, enjoy it while you can. You're still my little one."

Your mum joins in with a soft laugh, nodding. "He's right. We both just want to keep you close for as long as possible."

You smile, feeling a sense of comfort and reassurance, even if it does feel a little overbearing at times. "Alright, alright," you say, giving them both a playful look. "I guess I'm stuck with you two for a while longer."

Your dad pats you on the back. "You've got no choice. You're our kid forever."

As the conversation moves on, you feel a wave of love and gratitude for the family that's always been there for you, no matter what stage of life you're in.

The evening falls quickly, and the house is filled with the soft sounds of your family settling in. Your cousins and aunts are glued to their phones or absorbed in the TV, while your mum and you are in the kitchen, washing the plates from the barbecue.

As the warm water runs over your hands, your mum chuckles softly. "It's nice to see you so grown up," she says, her voice warm with affection. "But I still miss when you were little, running around all the time. Now you're out there, living your own life."

You glance at her, offering a small smile. "I'm still here, though," you assure her. "I'll always make time for you, no matter how old I get."

She smiles, handing you another plate to wash. "I know. I just can't help it. It's like you've grown into this amazing person right before my eyes. It's a little bittersweet, but I'm proud of you."

You continue washing the dishes, feeling the love in her words. "Thanks, Mum. I feel the same way about you."

She pats your hand affectionately before heading to the cupboard for a drying cloth. "You know, no matter how busy you get, we'll always have moments like this. I'm happy when we can just talk."

You nod, enjoying the simplicity of the moment. It's comforting, knowing your family is always there, even as things change and life moves forward. "I'm glad we can talk too," you say quietly, appreciating the closeness.

Your mum pauses for a moment, glancing over at you with a knowing look as she dries off a plate. "So, how close are you and Jungkook really?" she asks, her voice a bit too casual, but you can sense the curiosity behind it.

You almost choke on your drink, quickly laughing it off. "Oh, we're just good neighbours, Mum," you reply, trying to sound casual, but feeling the heat creep up your neck. You definitely don't want to get into the details of your relationship with Jungkook, especially not now.

Your mum raises an eyebrow, clearly not buying your response. "Just neighbours, huh? He seems to be around quite a bit."

You shrug, trying to play it off. "Yeah, he's a good guy. Helped me out with some things, that's all. We're just friends, really."

She nods slowly, clearly unconvinced, but decides not to press further. "Alright, I'll take your word for it," she says with a smile, though you can tell she's still thinking about it. "Just make sure you're being careful and not rushing into anything, okay?"

"Of course, Mum," you say, a bit awkwardly, hoping she drops it. The last thing you want to do is explain your feelings for Jungkook, or anything more personal.

Your mum gives you a soft smile before turning back to the plates. "I'm just looking out for you, that's all. You've always been independent, but I still worry."

You give her a reassuring smile, grateful for her concern but also relieved the conversation is over. "I know, and I appreciate it."

The topic shifts back to lighter matters, but you can't shake the feeling that your mum might have caught onto something more than just the surface of your relationship with Jungkook. You silently hope that's the last time she brings it up. As you especially don't want her knowing your sexual life with Jungkook.

The goodbyes feel a bit more emotional than usual, especially with your mum tearing up as she hugs you tightly. You try to hold it together, feeling the weight of her affection as she whispers, "I'm so proud of you, you know that, right?"

You nod, hugging her back just as tightly. "I know, Mum. I love you."

"I love you too," she says, pulling away, her eyes a little watery as she wipes her cheek. She turns to the car and waves one last time, smiling through the tears. "Take care of yourself, okay? Don't forget to call."

"I won't. I promise," you reply, your voice a little thick as you wave them off. As they drive away, you watch your mum's car disappear down the street, the emotions from the day still lingering in your chest.

You step back inside, a mix of relief and bittersweetness hanging in the air. You're glad to have spent the day with your family, but a part of you feels strange now that they're gone.

With everything quieting down, you start to clean up the last few things from the barbecue, your mind drifting a bit. It's moments like these—filled with family, laughter, and the underlying feeling of love—that remind you of what really matters.