As Arin prepared to say her goodbyes, Jeon Soojin intercepted her at the doorway, a warm, motherly smile softening her features. She reached out, gently taking Arin's hand in hers.

"Arin, why don’t you stay a little longer?” Soojin's voice was gentle, her tone carrying a hint of eagerness. "We rarely get to see you, and it would mean so much to have you here for dinner."

Arin hesitated, casting a quick glance toward the door. She’d planned to go home and process the day's revelations alone. But Soojin’s hopeful gaze and the warmth in her voice made it hard to refuse.

“Oh… I don’t want to impose, Mother,” Arin replied, smiling politely. “I wasn’t really planning to stay.”

Soojin’s grip on Arin's hand tightened slightly, her eyes twinkling with a reassuring kindness. “Nonsense, dear. You’re family , and besides…” she paused, her expression softening even more, “ Staying a little longer won’t hurt, will it?”

Arin's resolve weakened as she considered her words. Soojin had always treated her with warmth, embracing her with a kindness that made her feel at ease in the Jeon family. The idea of staying suddenly felt less daunting.

“Well… alright then,” Arin said, nodding softly. "I’ll stay."

Soojin’s smile widened with satisfaction. “Wonderful! I’ll call Jungkook and let him know so he can join us as well. He’s always so busy these days.”

Soojin retrieved her phone and dialed Jungkook’s number.

After a few rings, Jungkook’s familiar voice answered. “Hello, Mom.”

“Jungkook!” Soojin greeted warmly, her tone carrying a subtle note of excitement. “ We’re having a family dinner tonight, and you and Arin will be joining us.”

There was a slight pause on the other end, and Arin couldn’t help but wonder if Jungkook was surprised. She imagined him standing there, his usual composed demeanor momentarily slipping as he registered the unexpected invitation.

“Is Arin already there for dinner?” Jungkook finally replied, his tone neutral, though a hint of curiosity crept in.

“Yes,” Soojin replied, glancing over at Arin with a smile. “And it would be great if you  join us too. It’s been too long since we’ve all had a proper family dinner.”

Jungkook sighed lightly, but his reply was calm and agreeable. “Alright. I’ll be there.”

Soojin's smile brightened even further, and she gave Arin an encouraging nod. “Perfect! I’ll see you soon, then.”

“See you soon, Mother,” he replied before the line disconnected.

Soojin placed her phone down, looking back at Arin with warmth. “There, everything is settled. Let’s make this evening special, shall we?”

Arin felt a mixture of anticipation and nerves stirring within her. She hadn’t been expecting this evening to unfold this way, and the thought of sharing pregnancy news with Jungkook’s entire family left her feeling both excited and slightly apprehensive.

But Soojin’s kindness and genuine excitement eased some of her nerves, making her feel, if only for a moment, like she was exactly where she was supposed to be. Perhaps, she thought, tonight was the right time to share the news.

The dining room was filled with the soft clinking of silverware and warm chatter as everyone settled in for dinner. 

As everyone took their seats, Soojin placed a hand on her son’s shoulder, looking over to him with a fond smile. "It’s been a while since we’ve all had a family dinner. Thank you for joining us, Jungkook."

Jungkook nodded, his gaze drifting to Arin, who was seated across from him. She gave him a small, encouraging smile, trying to steady her own nerves. She couldn’t quite read his expression—it was neutral, as usual. Her hand rested lightly on her lap, her fingers fiddling with the hem of her dress, her mind racing over how to bring up the news.

Just then, Taehyung and his father, Kim Minho, arrived, taking their seats and greeting everyone. Miso, ever the warm presence, nudged Taehyung and pulled him aside briefly. She whispered, "Remember, Arin’s going to tell everyone about her news herself. So don’t say anything before she does."

Taehyung nodded, his expression understanding. "Got it. I’ll wait."

After they joined the table again, everyone seemed to relax, laughter and stories being exchanged as the dishes were passed around. But as the meal went on, Kim Minho turned to Arin, his eyes filled with genuine concern.

“Arin, how are you feeling now? you  scare us earlier today,” he said, his tone gentle but curious. “Did the doctor say anything?”

Soojin’s face instantly shifted to worry, her gaze darting to Arin. “Oh my goodness, Arin. What happened? Are you alright?”

Arin forced a small smile, raising her hand to reassure her. “I’m okay, truly,” she replied, her voice soft. “It was just… it was just a bit of dizziness. Nothing too serious.”

She took a deep breath, her eyes flickering to Jungkook for a brief second. He looked relaxed but oblivious, as though the news she was about to share had no idea would concern him directly. Gathering her courage, she lowered her gaze slightly and finally spoke.

“I… I actually found out something today,” she started, her voice barely above a whisper, but loud enough to catch everyone’s attention. “I’m pregnant.”

As Arin softly shared the news of her pregnancy, the room seemed to fall into a stunned silence. Jeon Soojin’s eyes widened, her hand covering her mouth as she took in Arin’s words, a mixture of surprise and joy spreading across her face. Beside her, Kim Minho's expression shifted to one of deep satisfaction, as if everything he had hoped for was finally coming to fruition.

Soojin was the first to react, her silence breaking into a radiant smile. She took a step toward Arin, her hands trembling slightly with excitement as she reached out to gently embrace her.

"Oh, Arin," Soojin breathed, her voice filled with uncontainable warmth. "I can hardly believe it... my heart is so full right now. Another grandchild! You have no idea how happy you've made us."

Arin returned the hug, feeling an unexpected sense of comfort and security in Soojin’s arms. She had always admired Soojin's warmth, but at this moment, it felt even more profound.

Soojin pulled back slightly, still holding Arin’s hands in hers, her gaze shining with pride and excitement. "Now, I have not one but two daughters-in-law to take care of," she said with a playful wink. "Poor Miso will have to share her spotlight with you now. But don’t you worry, Arin—I have more than enough love and attention for both of you."

A light laugh escaped Arin at Soojin’s words, and she felt some of the nervousness she'd been carrying lift. There was something so reassuring about Soojin’s joy, the way she welcomed Arin’s news as if it was the best thing that had ever happened to her.

"From now on, if you need anything—anything at all—you tell me, alright?" Soojin continued, her tone shifting to one of motherly care. "If you feel tired, if you need advice, or even if you just want to talk, I’ll be here. You are no different from Miso, and I want you to know that."

Arin nodded, feeling a warmth spread through her chest at Soojin’s words. She hadn’t realized how much she had needed this acceptance, this sense of belonging. For a moment, the worries she had about Jungkook's reaction softened in the glow of his mother’s affection.

As Soojin continued to smile at her, Minho stepped forward, placing a hand on Arin’s shoulder. His eyes, usually so stern and composed, were now filled with a rare softness.

"Arin," Minho said, his voice gentle but with an undercurrent of satisfaction. "This is wonderful news. Truly." His gaze drifted thoughtfully for a moment.

Minho’s words carried a quiet hope, a belief that this news would bring his son closer, tethering him to the family in a way he had longed for.

"I couldn’t be happier," Minho added, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "You've given us something to look forward to—something that unites us all."

Arin felt a wave of emotion wash over her, humbled by the depth of their reactions. She hadn't anticipated such an outpouring of support and joy. Her gaze flickered toward Soojin, who was now beaming with an almost maternal pride, as if she had been waiting for this moment.

"You know, Arin," Soojin said, a new excitement glimmering in her eyes, "I’ll be doubling up on my pampering duties now." She laughed lightly, glancing over at Minho with a smile before turning back to Arin. "I’ve been doting on Miso nonstop, but now... now I get to spoil you, too! You’ll be on the receiving end of my cooking, my advice, and my care. You’re family, Arin, and I’ll make sure you know it every day."

Arin chuckled, nodding as she felt Soojin’s warmth and enthusiasm wrap around her. It was like a weight lifted from her shoulders, knowing that she had this level of support from her in-laws.

"Thank you," Arin murmured, her voice thick with emotion. "It means a lot... more than you know."

Soojin gave her hand a final squeeze, her smile never faltering. "Anytime, dear. You’re carrying our grandchild. Nothing could make us prouder. Just remember, if you ever need me—day or night—you call, alright? You're not alone in this. I’ll be here, always."

The certainty in Soojin’s words settled a quiet assurance within Arin. The acceptance she felt at this moment, the feeling of belonging within the Jeon family, was something she hadn’t expected to experience so deeply.

As they shared in this newfound joy, Minho looked on, feeling a sense of completion in this moment. This was what he had envisioned for Jungkook—a family, a life grounded in love and stability. With Arin’s pregnancy, he held hope that his son would finally find his place, not only in their family but also in his own heart.

After Arin shared the news of her pregnancy, the room was instantly filled with joy and excitement. Soojin and Minho had embraced her warmly, their happiness evident in their smiles and words. Congratulatory voices echoed around the table, everyone thrilled to welcome a new member into the family. Arin could feel the warmth radiating from Jungkook’s parents, and for a moment, she allowed herself to soak in the joyful energy.

But amid all the happiness, a single figure sat still, his reaction jarringly different from the rest.

Jungkook sat frozen, a statue in the middle of a storm of emotion. His gaze was locked onto some invisible point on the table, his expression unreadable, his body unmoving. The sound of laughter, his mother’s delighted tears, and his father’s proud words of encouragement swirled around him, but none of it seemed to reach him. He was caught in a haze, unable to process the weight of what Arin had just announced.

Arin glanced around at the joyful faces of their family, feeling a bittersweet pang of happiness mixed with an unsettling unease. She had anticipated that Jungkook might be taken aback, but this—his complete silence, the emptiness in his eyes—was something she hadn’t expected. She shifted in her seat, trying to meet his gaze, hoping for a sign, any sign of what he was feeling.

“Jungkook?” Soojin’s voice was full of soft wonder as she reached over, placing a gentle hand on her son’s arm. “Aren’t you happy? You’re going to be a father.”

He blinked, as if coming out of a daze, and looked at his mother with a faint, distant nod. “Uh… yes,” he murmured, though his tone was flat, almost hollow. “It’s… unexpected.”

Arin’s heart sank a little more. She had known their relationship was complicated, but she had held onto a quiet hope that this news might bring him closer, even if just a little. His reaction—or lack thereof—stung. She turned away, trying to mask her disappointment, forcing a faint smile as her family continued to shower her with love and excitement.

“Arin,” Minho’s voice boomed with pride as he clapped his hands together, oblivious to the tension between his son and daughter-in-law. “You’ve made this family so proud. A new generation! This is what I always dreamed of.” He looked pointedly at Jungkook, his eyes shining with meaning. “And you, Jungkook… this is your time to step up. And embrace the fatherhood.”

Jungkook’s jaw tightened slightly, the pressure of his father’s expectations weighing on him. He nodded numbly, but his mind was a whirl of conflicting thoughts. He felt Arin’s gaze flicker over him, sensed her trying to read him, to gauge his reaction. Yet, he couldn’t summon the words or the emotions she seemed to be hoping for. He wasn’t even sure what he was supposed to feel.

Fatherhood? The word echoed in his mind, heavy and foreign. The very idea of it felt distant, almost surreal. It wasn’t that he hadn’t considered a family someday—it was just that everything felt so different from what he’d imagined. He had never pictured it happening this way, at this time, with the complicated dynamics that lay between him and Arin. He had no idea where to start, what to say, or how to react.

Arin tried to steady herself, her hand tightening around her napkin. She had expected that Jungkook might be cautious, perhaps overwhelmed or even quiet, but she had at least hoped for some acknowledgment, some recognition of the magnitude of this moment. Instead, he sat there, seemingly lost, as if he didn’t know how to process the news at all.

In the midst of the celebration around them, Arin felt an ache start to grow. She could sense the excitement from his family, but her husband, the father of her child, was a silent, distant figure.

Taking a quiet breath, Arin tried to rationalize his reaction. Maybe he’s just overwhelmed, she told herself, desperately clinging to the idea. He might need some time to process everything. But even that thought couldn’t shake the disappointment slowly settling in her heart. She had hoped for more—maybe not an outpouring of love, but at least some shared acknowledgment, some sense of partnership in this life-changing moment.

After a moment of silence, "Jungkook," she whispered, her voice barely audible amidst the continued chatter of the family. "Are… are you okay?"

He finally turned to look at her, his expression still unreadable, as if he were struggling to pull himself back to the present. His lips parted slightly, but no words came out, and the silence between them grew more pronounced. Arin’s heart ached with each passing second, each unspoken word from the man who was supposed to be her partner in this journey.

Trying to hide her disappointment, she focused on her family’s excitement, but a knot tightened in her chest, a mixture of confusion, sadness, and something she couldn't quite name. She was sure of one thing, though—this wasn’t the reaction she had hoped for.

In a last, quiet attempt, she mustered a gentle smile, hiding her own sadness. "I know it’s a lot to take in, this is unexpected,," she whispered. "But… I thought… I though...."

He looked up, meeting her eyes for the first time, and for a fleeting moment, there was a flash of something in his gaze. Was it fear? Uncertainty? She couldn’t quite tell, but it vanished as quickly as it had come, replaced once again by that blank, unreadable expression.

“I just need… time to process,” he said finally, his voice a little strained. He offered her a weak smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes, and Arin felt a pang in her heart. She managed a small nod, understanding, but feeling a hollow ache growing inside her.

As the evening wore on, she found herself retreating into her thoughts, feeling the weight of their unspoken distance more heavily than ever. She was surrounded by love and excitement, but Jungkook’s silence hung over her, a stark reminder that the road ahead wasn’t going to be as simple as she had hoped.

************************************

Author’s Note:

Hey lovely readers! Thank you so much for following Arin and Jungkook’s journey. Your support and love mean the world to me, and I hope you’re enjoying every twist and turn in their story. If you’re excited about what’s next, please don’t forget to vote, comment, and share with friends who might love this story as much as you do! Your feedback truly inspires me to keep going, and every single vote and comment helps this story reach more readers. Let me know your thoughts below – I’d love to hear what you think! 💖

Happy reading!