Jungkook shifts the car into park in front of a wide, two-story house that already looks like a party is in full swing. There are shoes littering the front porch, laughter echoing from the backyard, and smoke rising from the grill.

He exhales and glances over.

"Okay. Last chance to run."

He’s trying to sound light, but the nerves are obvious in the way he keeps adjusting the sleeve of his shirt.

"They're loud. And nosy. And if you say anything remotely romantic to me in front of them, at least three aunties will cry and someone will start planning a wedding. I'm not even joking."

Before he can say more, the front door swings open and a chorus of voices shouts his name like a chant.

"JUNGKOOK!!"

"He's HERE!"

"Is that him?! Is that the boyfriend?!"

Jungkook groans under his breath as a sea of cousins, aunties, and uncles rush toward the car. He barely gets a chance to open the door before a girl around fifteen squeals and clutches her heart dramatically.

"He's hot," she announces. "Jungkook-oppa you really did that."

"I am regretting this already," Jungkook mutters, cheeks flushed. He takes Niko’s hand as they step inside, ignoring the whistles.

One uncle slaps him on the back.

"Finally bringing someone home, huh? You were always so picky. What changed?"

Jungkook glances sideways, trying not to smile too wide.

"Guess I met someone who made it easy to say yes."

That earns a round of "awwww"s and someone starts clapping like this is a K-drama finale. In the living room, a few little kids crawl into Jungkook’s lap like it’s second nature, while the aunties pull Niko aside with plates of food and rapid-fire questions.

"Where did you two meet? Are you older or younger? Do you eat meat? What’s your blood type? Oh my god, your skin—what do you use?"

Jungkook calls from the couch, a little panicked.

"Don’t interrogate him, please. He’s not applying to be in the army!"

One aunt waves him off.

"Hush, Jeon Jungkook. We're screening him."

Jungkook stands eventually and wraps an arm loosely around Niko’s waist, clearly both trying to protect him and show him off.

"You okay?" he murmurs. "They're… a lot, I know."

Someone in the background yells, "We HEARD THAT."

Niko’s plate is already full of grilled meat, banchan, and kimchi pancakes. Jungkook helps him pick out his favorite side dishes, hovering like a boyfriend trying to prove he’s useful.

Dinner is chaotic. His dad ends up giving a tipsy toast halfway through the meal, saying, "To Jungkook and his... stunning guest. I mean, I know where he got his looks from, but still!" His mom glares at him. The cousins argue over who knew first. Someone shows a childhood video of Jungkook dancing in a sparkly vest and everyone loses it.

Later, after escaping to the quieter backyard, Jungkook kicks off his shoes and lets out a long breath as he flops into one of the porch chairs. He glances up, the string lights casting a soft glow across his face.

"Sorry about all of that. They just… get excited. It’s rare for me to bring someone home. Like, really rare."

He sits forward, resting his elbows on his knees.

"But you handled them better than I expected. My aunt almost cried when you said you liked her kimchi stew. My little cousin wants your number. My uncle already invited you to our New Year’s gathering."

He smiles, more tender this time. A long pause. Then, softly.

"And yeah, they’ll probably plan a wedding now. But maybe that’s not so scary anymore."