Threads of fate

It was a bright morning as Jin and Jungkook entered their third year together. The dorm was buzzing with energy as the members prepared for their day. Their relationship had grown stronger with time, filled with love, laughter, and support from the other members. However, there was still a lingering challenge they had yet to fully overcome—the acceptance of their families.

Jin and Jungkook’s mothers had initially struggled to understand their relationship. While they eventually came around after seeing how deeply happy their sons were, their fathers were more resistant, holding onto traditional values and societal expectations.

During a rare break, Jin invited Jungkook to spend a few days with his family in Seoul. Jungkook was nervous but excited; Jin’s mother had always been warm and kind, but his father remained distant.

As they sat down for dinner, Jin’s mother smiled warmly at Jungkook. “It’s good to see you again, Jungkookie. You’ve been taking care of our Seokjin, haven’t you?”

Jungkook nodded shyly. “I try my best, eomeoni. He takes care of me more than I take care of him.”

Jin’s father, however, remained quiet, occasionally glancing at the two of them but saying nothing. The atmosphere was tense, but Jin, ever the mediator, tried to lighten the mood with his jokes.

Later that evening, as Jin and his father sat in the living room, Jungkook quietly helped Jin’s mother with the dishes. Jin’s father finally broke the silence.

“Seokjin,” he began, his tone firm. “Do you really think this is the right path for you? This… relationship?”

Jin looked at his father, his expression serious. “Appa, I know this isn’t what you expected for me, but this isn’t just a phase or a whim. I love Jungkook. He makes me happy in ways I can’t even describe. Isn’t that what you want for me?”

His father sighed, rubbing his temples. “It’s not about happiness, Seokjin. It’s about what’s right and what’s acceptable. You’re a public figure. Do you understand how difficult this could make things for you? For him? For your group?”

Jin’s heart ached, but he didn’t falter. “I do. And that’s why I’ve thought long and hard about this. We’ve both made sacrifices, but we’ve also found strength in each other. Please, Appa, try to see that.”

The next day, Jungkook’s parents came to visit Jin’s family for dinner. Jungkook’s father was similarly reserved, but his mother was more open, exchanging stories and laughter with Jin’s mother.

As the evening wore on, both fathers observed how naturally Jin and Jungkook interacted—how they supported each other, shared unspoken understanding, and brought out the best in one another.

Toward the end of the night, Jungkook’s father finally spoke. “Jungkook,” he said, his voice heavy with emotion, “are you truly happy with this choice? Have you thought about what this means for your future?”

Jungkook nodded without hesitation. “Yes, Appa. I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. Jin-hyung isn’t just my partner—he’s my best friend, my confidant, and the person who makes me feel like I can conquer anything. I love him, and I’ll do whatever it takes to prove that to you.”

Jin’s father, who had been silently listening, finally spoke. “It’s hard for us, you know. We grew up in a world where things like this weren’t even considered possible. But seeing you two… I can’t deny that you’re happy. And as a father, isn’t that what I should want for my son?”

Jungkook’s father nodded slowly, his expression softening. “It will take time for us to fully understand this, but… if this is what makes you both happy, then we’ll support you.”