Blessing

*Kim household*

"What time did Jin say he'd get here?" Mrs. Kim asked Seok-Jung, her eldest son, as she placed a tray of fruit at the center of the kitchen table.

Jin had called his father after the conference, requesting a family meeting the following evening. Mr. Kim was surprised by the sudden need to meet, but agreed to rearranging his schedule to gather together for dinner.

"He should be here in twenty minutes," Jung clarified as he sat next to his girlfriend.

"Dear, did he say what this meeting was about?"

"No. It seemed urgent, though," Mr. Kim replied while assisting his wife.

"It's probably about the dating scandal," Jung pitched in.

Mr. and Mrs. Kim shook their heads, denying that Jin would rush to explain an issue that is a common issue for idols. They brushed off the news, and barely gave the pictures a glance. The rumors that spread were sometimes hard to deal with, and they learned over the years to ignore what the media posted. If it was real, Jin would broach the subject.

"I highly doubt that's what he wants to discuss," Mrs. Kim scoffed.

"I don't know, si-eomoni. We saw the pictures, and it really did look like Jin this time," Ahreum, Jung's wife, suggested.

"Really?" Mrs. Kim tentatively asked.

"For real, mom. We were both shocked." The sound of footsteps drew their attention away from the conversation.

"Jin, we didn't even hear-" Mr. Kim's greeting cut short at the sight of an unknown woman standing next to him.

Seo-yeon shyly bowed in greeting to the family. Their faces registered astonishment, but was quickly masked. She wasn't sure what she was expecting from this spontaneous meeting. The most she hoped for was that Jin would not be harmed in any way through out this reveal.

"Mom, Dad," Jin gently began, reaching over for Seo-yeon's hand, to pull her closer to him, "This is Park Seo-yeon."

His parents stared in amazement at the young woman standing next to their son. She was very beautiful, and respectful in her greeting. Jin had never brought home any girl, nor spoke of interest in any. They realized that the rumors must have some fact this time.

"I apologize having to meet under these circumstances, Mr. and Mrs. Kim," Seo-yeon stressed, "I wished our first meeting would have been planned, and not rushed. I'm so sorry for the trouble I'm causing."

"Jin, what's going on?" Mr. Kim asked concerned for his son.

"Dad, let's all sit first," Jung cut in. He could see how nervous Seo-yeon looked, and remembering his wife becoming a part of his family, he hoped to help his brother's girlfriend ease in.

Once seated, Jin filled the family in the past months. How he met Seo, the reunion upon returning from vacation, the undeniable attraction, secretly dating, and the exposing of their relationship. His family listened to the whole story with a mix of emotions. They were thrilled to see Jin in love, but fearful of what was to come. Regardless of the fear, they would support them.

"Are you sure this is the best way to handle the situation?" Mr. Kim asked one more time.

"Dad, we won't reveal Seo-yeon's identity, but I do want it known that I'm dating. I don't want that constant fear that we're going to be caught doing something as innocent as holding hands. The legal team will handle malicious comments, and media coverage, and BigHit is supporting my decision to go public with our relationship," Jin confidently stated.

"What about your career?" Mrs. Kim worriedly broached, "I support you dating. It's refreshing to see that your chosen partner is a non-celebrity, and that she makes you happy. However, we do need to think about your career. Are you willing to run the risk that your fans will be against this? What if you lose everything?"

"Mom," Jung patiently said, "I think you underestimate the love their fandom has for them. Of course there are going to be millions of fans heartbroken, but I truly do see them only wanting the best for him."

"I still worry," she gently said.

"I won't be the only idol that's ever dated. I will not quit BTS, and BigHit will not terminate my contract. We'll power through. I won't be young forever, and I'll eventually enlist. I want Seo-yeon to be every part of these events in my life. Please give us your blessing as we do this," Jin pleaded.

"Of course you have our blessing," Mr. Kim proudly said, "I expect after the conference to announce your relationship, we will be able to sit down and meet Seo-yeon's family as well."

"Yes," Seo-yeon automatically agreed, a bit to excitedly. The family laughed at her obvious relief at being accepted.

"Let's eat, and get to know each other better," Jung happily suggested to Seo. She nodded gleefully, and Jin felt his shoulders relax a bit. 'Now to meet Seo-yeon's family,' thought to himself.

He gazed at his family as they engaged in friendly conversation with Seo-yeon, who amazed them with her point of view of the past few months. They laughed at the interactions she experienced with the other members of BTS, and the teasing that takes place each time they all hang out. Respect reflected on their faces as they learned that she initially attempted to distance herself from Jin when she was aware of his identity.

Jin could see his family's understanding of why he was willing to fight for their relationship. She was as in love with him as he was her. She proved on more than one occasion how his values, and future meant the most to her. She would sacrifice herself for him, and he for her.

As the evening turned to night, the environment had shifted from a tense greeting to the welcoming of a new daughter. Jin gave a silent thank you to the heavens that this meeting had gone so well. He lovingly watched his family and lover laughingly engage in conversation, and he made a prayer that Seo-yeon's family would accept him as smoothly as his had her.