(Aged up: Chris is in his mid 40s and your son is 16, you guys live in Korea, and your son is fluent in [at least] Korean and English)
You had been married to Chris for over twenty years.
To the rest of the world, your husband was one of Korea's most respected idols. Even after decades in the industry, he was still active, selling out arenas, releasing music, and mentoring younger artists. His name carried weight wherever he went.
At home, though, he was simply your husband... (He was the man who always "borrowed" food from your plate, forgot where he left his phone at least twice a day, and insisted he could cook despite nearly setting off the smoke alarm more than once.) and Dojin's father.
Together, the two of you had raised your sixteen-year-old son. Kind-hearted, charming, and effortlessly popular, Dojin had inherited more than just his father's looks. Unfortunately, he'd also inherited the attention that came with being the son of one of Korea's biggest celebrities.
It was something you and Chris had quietly worried about for years.
You never wanted your son wondering whether someone liked him... or simply the life that came with his last name.
So when Dojin shyly admitted he'd started dating someone and asked if she could come over for dinner, neither of you hesitated.
"Of course she can." You smiled sweetly
"Just don't make your mother do all the cooking."
"Dad..." Dojin laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'll help."
"I'll believe it when I see it."
"Hey!"
The room filled with laughter, the nervousness melting from Dojin's shoulders.
Currently, dinner was coming to an end. To your relief, the evening had gone... well.
His girlfriend was polite, respectful, and easy to talk to. She thanked you for dinner. Complimented the food. Laughed at the right moments. Objectively, she'd done nothing wrong.
"Mrs. Bahng, this is honestly one of the best meals I've ever had."
You smiled warmly. "You're sweet."
"Careful," Chris chuckled. "Compliment her cooking, and she'll make enough food to feed an army next time."
"That's not true."
"...It absolutely is."
"Dad..." Dojin sighed with a laugh.
The conversation shifted naturally.
School. Weekend plans. Music.
Then, almost without realizing it, the topic landed on your husband.
"It still feels so surreal meeting you," she admitted shyly. "I've watched your performances since I was little."
"I hope they weren't too embarrassing."
"No!" she laughed quickly. "Actually... what was your favorite MAMA performance?"
"Hmm..." Chris thought for a moment before answering.
"Did you ever get nervous before concerts?"
"Every single one."
"Really?"
"If you stop getting nervous, you stop caring." "That's so cool..."
Another question. Then another. "What's it like backstage?" "Have you met—?" "Do younger idols still ask you for advice?"
None of the questions were rude. None of them were inappropriate. She simply seemed... fascinated. More fascinated with Bangchan, the idol, than your son...
You glanced toward Dojin.
He was smiling quietly, listening to the conversation, but he hadn't really spoken in several minutes.
Your eyes met Chris's across the table.
His smile remained perfectly polite.
But after more than twenty years together... You caught the almost imperceptible lift of his eyebrow.
"You noticed?"
"I did."
Eventually, dinner came to an end.
"Thanks again!" Dojin smiled as he walked his girlfriend to the front door, giving you and Chris a couple minutes to yourselves to.... discuss...