(JIKOOK) Texting Story Snippets

Unsteady

She sighs, looking away from the other members of the table and tapping her fingers against its wooden leg. "If you already know what I'm going to say, what do you have to say for yourself?"

Jimin closes his eyes at the question, opting for this rather than an eye roll, because he's heard this a million times before. His parents are predictable, stuck in their methods of parenting and what they deem constructive 'discussion' tools. But, how can she treat him like a child that's done something wrong, implying that he knows what he's done and is now being given the opportunity to defend himself or apologize for his actions? All that he's done is make a choice to get married to a man that he plans on committing to for the rest of his life. "I'm happy with my decision. Don't treat me like a child." Jimin says mildly, biting back the bitterness he feels.

"You are a child." Jimin's mother retorts, without missing a beat. Seeing it coming, playing the only cards left she has to play. "My child."

"We're graduating soon. I won't be a child." Jimin huffs, leaning back in his chair and surveying the man who sits silently next to him. Jungkooks entire demeanor screams 'I'm uncomfortable'. Jimin crosses his arms over his chest, throwing one leg over the other in a watered down, seated stand off. He's not afraid of rebelling against his parents decisions or opinions, especially not when it comes to Jungkook. This is nothing. He can handle this without getting angry. Jimin isn't worried about his parents, he's anxious over the tight lipped taller beside him and the way the color is draining from his complexion. His chest tightens.

"What's the hurry to get married when you're so young?"

Of course his mother doesn't give them a chance. Of course her questions are every bit the bother he anticipated them to be. "We want to." Jimin answers her simply. He knows how it sounds, but she'll think of him in whatever way that she wants to in the moment, regardless of the words that leave his lips.

She scoffs, sounding disappointed and at the end of her luck. "Sounds like insecurities to me." And the words might not mean to sound offensive, but they do. She might not have meant to sound as bitter as she feels, but there isn't an option to turn it around anymore.

"Insecurities about what?" Jimin challenges, his tone lowering. His father stays silent beside his mother, calculating his thoughts and supporting her side of the argument with gentle hands on her back, maybe the only reason she's remaining calm despite the pink of her cheeks. She only turns colors when she's angry or frustrated and Jimin almost feels bad for making her feel anything but content with his decision. "Mom, we're happy."

"Happiness is much different than feeling confident in each other." Jimin's father says with a melancholy undertone.

"But, we are confident in each other."

The discussion pauses for everyone at the table, eyes watching but not really seeing the way this disagreement could become the make it or break it of a relationship still experiencing new things. Even if everything seems fine and confidence comes easy, love is the foundation and the reason they want to be together for the rest of their lives, can they be confident that the love will remain throughout any obstacle they may face in the future?

They would die for each other. Isn't that enough of a reason to get married? What could be more promising than a love like theirs?

"Jungkook," Jimin's mother calls to the taller boy, watching as he peers up from his lap and looks at her from underneath his fringe. He looks small and meek rather than confident, something she latches onto and asks him with a knowing smile dressing her lips. "Are you confident enough to marry my son?"

Jungkook nods to her question, without hesitation, without a thought really. He's confident that he loves Jimin, confident that he's happy to be in love with him, and confident of their abilities to hurdle obstacles from their past. The future is a little scary, though, but Jungkook doesn't want to let that show. "I'm confident enough." He announces and reaches to take Jimin's hand under the table, giving it a squeeze. He can't stand the way his heart feels so unsteady, but peace washes over him when Jimin's fingers interlock with his own. He felt so completely sure of himself on the way here, so untouchable as long as Jimin is by his side, but something about the way Jimin's parents watch him as if they can see every decision he's ever made in his life, as if his every emotion is transparent, it makes him feel shaky. Suddenly his head is spinning and he looks to Jimin with tears almost forming in his eyes. He won't show them to anybody but Jimin, but he whispers to him quietly, hoping he is the only one that can hear him in the silence of the room. "I think I need to lay down."

Worry lines form again on Jimin's forehead as his hands come up immediately to cup the tallers cheeks. There aren't any tears to wipe away, but he finds them in Jungkook's desperate stare. He doesn't understand, but nods, standing up from the table.

"The guest bedroom is at the end of the hallway, on the right." Jimin's mother mumbles, tone almost triumphant as she watches the scene unraveling before her. She stands up from the table and watches the boys leave, arm in arm, calling after them, "I'll tell you when I've made dinner. Rest up."

And she shares a look of victory with her husband. There's only a point to be made, and for the first time in a while she feels as if she's parented effectively. Jimin might hate her for intervening in his decision, for getting under Jungkook's skin, but she wants him to live without any regrets. Getting married straight out of high school, without even understanding what the real world is like, doesn't have very good odds.

-///-

A/N: oh man it's been too long. I'm so sorryyyyy :((

I genuinely have been suffering mentally so much and it's made it very hard. To write, to function, but I'm doing alright~ it feels so good to write. I'm going to see a therapist soon you guys so hopefully I'll sort this head mess out soon! :')

But guess who's got motivation back?! That's been missing for so long.. maybe I can update once a week. That's my goal..

But anyway, I love you so so much and thank you for reading this and continuing to support this story. You don't know how much it means to me, really. I love you! ❤️