♫ : jamais vu - bts

The drive to your parents' house felt shorter than usual, although you suspected that had more to do with the person sitting next to you. Jake was unusually quiet after the kiss, his hands steady on the steering wheel and his lips in a soft smile.

"They're going to be so happy to see you," you said, unbuckling your seatbelt as you arrived at your parents' house, glancing over at Jake.

He gave you a boyish grin that made your heart do a little flip, the same one it has done the first time you saw him. "Happy to see us, you mean."

You rolled your eyes. "Yeah. Just don't let them make too much of a fuss over you, okay? They already seem to like you more than they like me."

Jake snorted. "Can't help it if your parents have good taste."

You groaned, pushing the car door open. "Just grab the gifts and come on."

Jake chuckled but still stepped out and retrieved the packages from the backseat. You glanced at the bags he carried, knowing he did way too much. One look at the luxurious wrapping paper and you knew these weren't simple 'thoughtful' gifts, they were Jake gifts.

The front door swung open before you could knock, and your mom's excited voice filled the air. "Oh, you're finally here!"

Your dad appeared a moment later, his face lighting up when he saw Jake stepping out from behind you. "Jake! It's been too long, son."

"Good evening," Jake said, bowing slightly.

Your mom's eyes flicked between the two of you as you stood side by side. "You came in the same car?"

"Yes, Mom. Same car," you replied, already sensing where this was going.

She exchanged a quick glance with your dad, her expression suspiciously pleased. "You two must've had a lot to catch up on, then."

You opened your mouth to brush it off, but Jake, in true Jake fashion, cut in smoothly. "We did. It was a nice drive."

Your dad patted him on the shoulder as he stepped aside to let you both in. "Good to see you, Jake. You're looking sharp, as always. Makes me wonder why my daughter can't pick up a few pointers from you."

"Dad!" you protested, although you couldn't help but laugh.

Jake, however, looked completely unbothered as he set the gifts down on the coffee table.

"Actually, these are from both of us," he said, straightening up and flashing your parents that easy smile. "We're together now."

Your mom's jaw dropped, her eyes darting to you for confirmation. "What?!"

Jake turned to you with a casual shrug, as if he hadn't just dropped the biggest bombshell of your life. "We're officially dating now, right?"

You stared at him, completely unprepared for this kind of announcement, especially to your parents. But his expression was so calm, so steady.

You managed a small nod, your cheeks burning. "Y-Yeah... we are."

Your mom clapped her hands together, a gasp escaping her. "Oh, finally! I always knew you two would end up together!"

Your dad grinned. "Well, it's about time. Welcome to the family, Jake. Officially, I mean."

Jake bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, sir. That means a lot."

Your dad glanced between the two of you, his smile turning mischievous. "I guess we don't need that extra guest room anymore. The two of you can just squeeze into her room-"

"Dad, what the hell?" you said, deadpanning.

Jake laughed, raising a hand as if to defend you. "It's okay, I'll still stay in the guest room. Gotta give her some time to adjust."

Your mom chuckled. "Such a gentleman."

The rest of the evening went smoothly. Jake handed over the gifts he'd picked out - an elegant necklace he designed for your mom and a high-end watch for your dad. Your parents were touched, practically glowing with pride and affection as they gushed over him.

"This is too much," your mom said, her delighted smile betraying her.

Jake waved it off, his tone light. "Not at all. You've both done so much for me growing up, and it's just a small way of saying thank you."

Later that night, your mom worked on the dumplings while your dad handled the side dishes. Jake, the golden retriever, had already rolled up his sleeves and was helping your mom with the manduguk broth like he was part of the family for years.

"Wow, Jake," your mom said, clearly impressed. "You're so good at this! You're putting your girlfriend to shame."

Jake grinned, shooting you a teasing look. "She's making the japchae, though," he said. "Apparently, she's a better cook than I thought. I always thought she could only bake."

You glared at him from your spot by the stove. "Watch it, Sim," you said, pointing the spatula at him threateningly. "Or I'll make sure you don't get any."

"Oh no, not that," he said, his grin still there, and you had to fight to keep from smiling back.

By the time dinner was ready, the table was full with dishes - the steaming manduguk, a platter of japchae shining with sesame oil, bowls of kimchi and pickled radish, and, of course, a mountain of freshly fried dumplings.

Jake kept things light, throwing in his usual playful comments, being careful at the same time to not cross any lines in front of your parents.

Even your dad, who wasn't one for open affection, looked genuinely happy as he poured Jake another shot of soju. "To the new year, and to Jake joining the family."

"Cheers," Jake said, clinking glasses with him. You didn't drink much, knowing your limits, but Jake handled his alcohol well, still perfectly fine even after a few shots.

It wasn't until after dinner, when the dishes were washed and your parents retreated to their room for the evening, that you found yourself alone with him in the living room.

Jake was on the couch, looking way too comfortable, when you finally decided to deal with the thought that had nagged at you all evening.

"You were not drunk," you said, narrowing your eyes at him.

He blinked up at you. "What are you talking about?"

"That night," you pressed, sitting down beside him. "When you kissed me. You remember that. You weren't drunk, were you?"

Jake froze, a flicker of panic crossing his face. "Uh... well..."

"Jake," you said, leaning in slightly. "Whose name did you call that time?"

His face flushed, and he looked away, rubbing the back of his neck. "No one's! I wasn't calling anyone's name, okay? I was calling you 'Dumpling'. I've been calling you that in my head way before I started saying it out loud."

Your eyebrows shot up. "Oh. I actually thought it was a girl you liked."

Jake groaned, burying his face in his hands. "No, I've always liked you!"

You blinked, surprised by his sudden confession. "You've always liked me?"

Realizing what he just said, Jake sighed, his shoulders slumping. "Yeah. I guess I have. Your mom kind of overshared during those family reunions you stopped coming to, and... I don't know. I fell in love with you through those photos and stories. It sounds crazy, I know."

You stared at him. "Wait... so you liked me even before you came back to Korea?"

Jake nodded, his ears turning red. "Yeah. Kind of."

A smile tugged at your lips and you leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips.

The rest of the evening passed quietly. The two of you sat on the floor by the large living room window, the dark countryside stretching out outside. Jake's arms were wrapped around you, his head in the crook of your neck as the minutes ticked closer to midnight.

"You're being awfully touchy for the first day of our relationship," you teased, although you made no move to pull away.

Jake's breath was warm as it hit your skin, chuckling softly. "Can't help it. I've got fifteen years to make up for."

When the clock struck midnight, there were no fireworks, no loud celebrations.

"Happy New Year, Dumpling," Jake whispered against your neck, the words muffled.

Happy New Year, Jake.