Family Traditions

➟ pairing(s): JinYoung x Reader (afab)

➟ genre(s): Fluff

➟ word count: 3.8K

➟ warnings: Mentions of implied sex

JinYoung focused on his phone, oblivious to what his friends were talking about. Coincidently, their conversation was about him. They all knew he had a new girlfriend, but he wasn’t sharing any details about you. They didn’t know your name, what you looked like or if they would ever meet you. All they knew is that JinYoung met you at a farmers market when he literally swept you off your feet.

You were at the market looking for fresh local ingredients for your new cookbook. Your arms were full of perfectly ripe fruits when a tall and handsome man bumped into you. Both you and your fruit went toppling to the ground when a pair of strong arms caught you and pulled you close. One look into your eyes and this man was smitten.

JinYoung was absolutely crazy about you. He loved you from your head to your toes and didn’t want to share you. For him, you were his shelter from the storm of GOT7. You always welcomed him into your home with open arms, a kiss, and a home-cooked meal. He was your #1 fan and your favorite critic.

Since he was going to be stuck in the studio for an indefinite amount of time, you took this chance to perfect a few recipes and bring him lunch. Typing a quick message, you let him know that you were at the front desk. His job was important, and just like yours, there was a line the other didn’t want to cross, so you kept a distance.

JinYoung excused himself from the room and hurried down the hall to the lobby. His bandmates were left confused by his rush. As soon as he laid eyes on you, his heart swelled and his smile beamed.

“You didn’t need to come here for me,” he said to you, brushing his lips against yours. You held the bag filled with containers out to him with a smile.

“I know,” you said softly, “but you need to eat to keep your strength up.” He peaked into the bag and his smile grew.

“Is that pizza?” he asked. You nodded and laughed.

“It has BBQ pulled pork, kimchi, and a gochujang tomato sauce,” you told him. You reached into the bag and moved a few items. “There is a kale salad, too.” He smiled and kissed you again.

“You’re spoiling me,” he said against your lips. You quickly pecked his lips again and turned to go.

“There is dasik in there too,” you called over your shoulder, “Don’t eat them first.” He stood there smiling at you as you left.

“Thank you, baobei,” he called to you.

As he returned to the practice room, the guys surrounded him, curious about what he brought back. The room filled with oohs and aahs as JinYoung sat to enjoy his lunch. He bashfully explained to the guys that you were paid by your publisher to write a cookbook, and luckily, he was your test subject.

He shared some of his food, knowing you would appreciate the criticism of more people than himself. As he passed the dasik around, he told them your name was Y/N and how he met you. He still wasn’t ready to share you with them yet.

The following day was the same thing. You texted JinYoung to let him know you had arrived. This time when excused himself from the room, he had to make the others promise not to follow him. He didn’t want to overwhelm you with the circus that would follow.

“Hi handsome,” you greeted him as he came into the lobby. He pulled you in for a hug and kissed your cheek. He took the container from you and peeked inside.

“Bulgogi?” he asked. He smiled and inhaled deeply. “This smells great. Are there any dasik in there by chance?” He looked at you hopefully.

“No, honey,” you apologized. Stepping in closer you whispered, “There is dalgona though.” You tapped his nose with your finger and winked.

“You are so good to me,” he moaned, throwing his head back. You giggled and waved goodbye. “Thank you,” he called after you again.

This was your routine for the next few weeks. You would stop by for a few minutes to bring him lunch, a few quick kisses, and then goodbye. This love and care for JinYoung did not go unnoticed. He always made time to show you how much he appreciated it. He would stop by local shops before going to your apartment to surprise you with something new or bring you your favorite candy or flowers.

His bandmates also noticed how much you cared for JinYoung. It didn’t hurt that on day 3 of delivering lunch, you made sure to pack much more than usual, to feed all 7 of them.

“So when do we get to meet her?” Jackson asked finishing his bibimbap. “She has been here every day for three weeks!” A chorus of agreement came from the guys.

“Are you ashamed of us,” Yugyeom asked, fake hurt in his voice. BamBam leaned into his friend, hardly able to contain his laughter.

“Seriously,” Mark chimed in, “you’re clearly into her. Have you bought a ring?” JinYoung smiled to himself and shakes his head.

“I’m not buying one. But I’ll see if she has time tomorrow. Maybe we can go out together,” he said, “I think you guys will like her.” YoungJae smiled and squeezed his friend’s arm.

“We see how she takes care of you, Hyung, and how happy she makes you,” he assured JinYoung, “We like her already.”

After practice was over, JinYoung called you on his way home. “Jagi, I miss you already. I was thinking,” he said in a way of greeting, “How about you skip lunch for us tomorrow and let me take you out to dinner. My friends are pestering me to meet you.”

“I can’t wait,” you said giddily. You chattered to him about your day and what you were planning for the next section of your book. You were satisfied with the sections on appetizers, soups, meats, and desserts; however, what made your book special was the idea of making the food special for families and creating memories. You planned on traveling to the park and common areas, speaking to people you passed to ask them about what made their meals special. JinYoung agreed wholeheartedly with the idea and had one of his own.

“I’ll call you back in a few minutes,” he cut the call short, “I need to make a quick call.” You made a kissing noise and told him to be careful on the way home, you’d talk to him soon.

He called his mom shortly after. He missed her voice and wanted to catch up with her. “Umma,” he said cheerfully, “how are you?” He filled her in about their comeback and how excited he was about the new album. She told him about all the updates on his sisters and his father.

“Are you taking care of yourself,” she asked softly, “I know you take care of the boys but are you looking after yourself?” He chuckled on the phone, he knew his mom knew something.

“I did meet someone a few months back,” he admitted, “She’s the reason I was calling. I was thinking about bringing her home to meet you and appa.”

“Oh, nae adeul,” she breathed, “Of course. I can’t wait to meet her.”

“Thank you umma,” he said gratefully, “I’ll let you know when we make plans. I love you.” He ended the call and rushed home, he was finally excited to bring you fully into his world.

JinYoung rocked from foot to foot as he waited outside your door the following night. He made reservations at your favorite restaurant for 10 people, you and him, his 6 friends, and 2 of their girlfriends. You greeted him with a smile as he held out a bouquet for you.

“You look amazing,” he complimented you. He kissed your cheek and guided you to his waiting car. His hand never left your knee, so he was able to sense your nervousness. “What’s wrong,” he questioned you.

“Nothing, just nervous,” you said softly, “What if they don’t like me?” He laughed loudly.

“Not like you,” he snorted, “They’re not stupid. There isn’t anything about you to not like!” He rubbed your knee in assurance.

“But what about the girls,” you pushed, “What if they don’t like me?” He rolled his eyes at you.

“They will love you,” he promised. “Trust me, jagi.” You smiled at him and leaned to rest your head on his shoulder. He kissed your head and returned his focus to the road.

Soon you were being led into the restaurant by JinYoung. You recognized a few of the men sitting at a larger table. Silence fell when they noticed you. JinYoung rubbed your back gently as he introduced you to everyone. Polite hellos were exchanged until BamBam stood. He promptly wrapped his arms around your shoulders and welcomed you. The whole evening was perfect and you couldn’t have asked for more. By the end of the night, you had two new girlfriends and the boys were eating out of your hand. They loved you and JinYoung couldn’t have been prouder.

“Are you staying with me tonight?” you asked JinYoung sweetly on the drive back to your apartment. He nodded to the back of his car and smiled.

“I planned on it if that’s ok,” he answered. You leaned over and kissed his cheek.

“I’d like that,” you sighed, “I’ve missed you at night.” His eyes crinkled as he smiled at you. Upon arriving at your apartment, you quickly unlocked the door and kicked your heels off. JinYoung tossed his overnight bag on the floor and quickly wrapped his arms around you. Wrapping your arms around his neck, your fingers played with the hair at the nape of his neck.

“Will you go away with me this weekend?” he asked, looking into your eyes. He pressed his forehead to yours and waited.

“Ok,” you agreed, pressing forward to place your lips on his. He hummed and squeezed you tighter, kissing you passionately. “Where are you taking me?” You could feel a smile on his lips.

“I was thinking Jinhae-gu,” he said against your lips. You pulled away and looked into his eyes.

“Isn’t that where your parents live?” you asked. He nodded innocently and kissed you again, trying to distract you. “You’re not going to skirt past that,” you playfully scolded him. He grinned and kissed you again. “JinYoung, what are you planning?” He pulled you flush against his chest and laughed.

“I figured you needed a break from all your hard work,” he kissed your head, “Plus Gunhangje is soon, and it’s beautiful to see.” He kissed your head again and swayed with you back and forth. “And it’s time you meet my parents,” he confessed bashfully. You slapped his chest and laughed.

“I knew it,” you exclaimed, “You tricky man!” He cupped your face and looked into your eyes, silently pleading with you. “But how can I say ‘No’ to that face?” You kissed him gently. He guided you to the bedroom with his arms around your waist.

It was the day you planned on leaving for your trip with JinYoung. You stopped at the studio and dropped off lunch for the boys and stole a quick kiss before leaving. JinYoung grabbed your hand and pulled you back into him, cupping your face and placing another kiss on your lips.

“Are you packed and ready?” he asked. You nodded and slid your hands around his waist. “I’ll pick you up after we’re finished here.” You hummed and hugged him. “Are you nervous?” he asked you.

“Not one bit,” you lied. He eyed you with raised eyebrows. “Maybe a little,” you admitted. Before he could respond you covered his mouth with your hand. “I know, they will love me. I just need to make a good impression on them.” He nodded. “I need to go, and you need to get back to work.” You blew him a kiss and hurried down the hall. He leaned against the door and watched you leave.

“You’ve got it bad,” Yugyeom laughed, patting JinYoung on the shoulder.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he admitted to Yugyeom.

JinYoung pulled into the driveway of his parent’s home and smiled. It was late, but he knew by the light inside, his dad was still awake and waiting for him. He leaned over and gently rubbed your cheek with his thumb. You swatted his hand away and grumbled about breaking his finger if he did it again. While leaving the car running, he grabbed the luggage and greeted his father waiting at the door. The older man looked over his son’s shoulder and smiled.

“You packed a lot for you alone, son,” he pulled JinYoung in for a hug.

“Y/N is sleeping,” the young man laughed, “She passed out about halfway here.” He looked back and could see you begin to stir. His dad grabbed the luggage from him and disappeared into the house. JinYoung jogged to your side of the car and leaned in. “Hey,” he said softly, “We’re here. Come on, let’s go.” You opened your eyes and looked around at your surroundings.

“Why didn’t you wake me sooner,” you yawned.

“Because I like my fingers,” he laughed. He took your hands and coaxed you out of the car and into his arms. He kissed your temple and guided you to the door, where his dad stood again. You bowed deeply to his father and greeted him. His father smiled and nodded to him.

“Please come inside,” his father said, “I’ll let your mother know you’re here.” He disappeared and JinYoung took your hand, leading you into the house.

“You’re doing great,” he whispered into your ear, “My mom will love you, and luckily my sisters aren’t here.” He got caught placing kisses on your neck when his mom walked in. She cleared her throat and you nearly jumped out of your skin. JinYoung chuckled next to you before wrapping his mother in a hug. “I’ve missed you umma.” She kissed his cheek and checked his appearance. Smiling at him, she peeked around his broad shoulders. You met her eyes with a shy smile and bowed.

“No need for that,” she scolded you, stepping forward and hugging you. You let out a sigh of relief and returned the hug. She took your face in her hands and frowned at JinYoung. “You didn’t say she was this beautiful.”

“I couldn’t ever put how beautiful she is into words,” he leaned down and faux whispered to his mother. He winked at you and caused you to flush pink. Your eyes grew wide and your mouth formed a silent 'oh’. JinYoung seemed to know what entered your mind. “I got it. I’ll be right back,” he said walking past you.

“You must be tired,” his mom said to you sweetly, “I’ve been told you’re busy writing a book.” You smiled knowing that JinYoung spoke to his mother about you.

“I am, it’s a cookbook,” you explained, “I’m collecting recipes and stories from people. For my family, like so so many, food is something that is associated with memories.” You laughed and blushed. You had a habit of rambling when you got on the subject of food. His mother grabbed your hands and squeezed them nodding her head.

“Food is a tradition and something to pass to younger generations,” she agreed.

“Yes! Absolutely,” you said. JinYoung appeared by your side with a ginseng bonsai in his hands. You smiled at him and took the plant, then offering it to his mother. She gasped and accepted the gift.

“You didn’t have to do this,” she said gratefully, “It is beautiful.”

“As much as we’d love to continue this,” JinYoung said, “I think it’s time we get to sleep. We have all day to catch up.” He smiled at his mother and then you.

“Of course,” she said, “Where are my manners? I cleaned your room and made up the girl’s old room for Y/N.”

“Mom, it’s ok we can just,” JinYoung began, but you placed a hand on his arm to stop him from saying any more.

“That sounds wonderful,” you said, cutting him off, “Thank you.” His mom watched the look the two of you shared and pressed her lips together before leading you to your room.

“I think your things are in here already,” she said to you, opening the door. “The restroom is down the hall,” she said pointing to a closed door, “And our room is there if you need anything.” JinYoung laughed behind his mom.

“Goodnight umma,” he said, gently pushing her down the hall, “She will be fine.” His mom glanced at him sideways and walked off. “My room is next door if you need anything,” he said in a low husky tone. You slapped his arm and blushed.

“Not tonight Romeo,” you giggled, pushing him towards his room. He winked and blew you a kiss before entering his room.

The following morning JinYoung found you huddled around the kitchen table with his mother. The sight of the two most important women in his life laughing together made his heart swell. He recognized the book on the table and smiled. It was the book his mother used for holidays or special occasions.

“She was stubborn and didn’t use recipes,” his mother told you, “I was always told that you measure with your heart.”

“I’ve always been told that by my gramma,” you said fondly, “She never wrote anything down either.” You ran your fingers over the pages. “I spent every holiday in the kitchen with her and I was astonished that she knew everything without a recipe.” You chewed the inside of your lip and sighed. “That’s why I’m doing this. She passed a few years ago, and with her so many wonderful things.” JinYoung listened carefully, he never heard you speak about your family like this. “It has taken me years to recreate her recipes. If I can put them together, I think I can preserve memories and inspire people to make their own. It’s something I always promised I would pass down to my children.”

“That is beautiful,” his mom said, “I love that idea. My mother passed traditions down to me, but my children haven’t shown interest. What if they end with me?” She questioned no one in particular.

“What about your grandchildren,” JinYoung chimed in from the other side of the room? You and his mom shared a confused look.

“Is there something I should know,” his mother asked him, and then looked at you? You shook your head with wide eyes.

“I don’t know what he’s talking about,” you confessed. “I’m not… We’re not… No.” You gave your boyfriend a dirty look when he continued to laugh.

“Sorry,” he laughed harder, “I could have handled that better.” You rolled your eyes at him and huffed, his mother did look slightly disappointed. JinYoung took the seat next to you and pulled the book towards him. He flipped through the pages and landed on one. Pointing to the page he smiled at his mom. “Do you remember making this for us on Chuseok?” She looked over the notes and smiled at her son.

“This was your favorite,” she recalled. She read over the ingredients with you, taking care to explain the annotations she made on the sides over the years. “Why don’t we make some tonight,” she said to you, “Do you want to help me?”

“Are you kidding me,” you squealed, “I’d love to!” Just then, your phone rang. You excused yourself from the room. JinYoung took your seat next to his mother and leaned his head on her shoulder.

“What do you think umma?” he said softly. He waited silently for her answer. “Do you like her?”

“She’s great,” she admitted, “I do like her. Do you?”

“Do I like her?” he laughed. “Yeah, umma, I do. A lot.” He held a finger to his lips, “I love her to be honest.”

“Good,” she said, “Wanna talk about those kids?”

“Maybe we can talk about a ring first,” he said bashfully. His mom squeezed his hand and patted his leg.

“Ah, there it is,” she smiled, “I know exactly what you need.”

The rest of your trip with JinYoung was perfect; however, if you ask him, JinYoung was still annoyed he had to sleep in his old room without you. Nonetheless, you wouldn’t have changed a thing about it. With the weekend over, JinYoung carried the luggage back to the car and made sure nothing was left behind. You hugged his mother and said goodbye to his father.

“Thank you so much for having me as a guest in your home,” you said, bowing to them both. His mother handed you a box from behind her back.

“This is for you,” she said. You took the box and unwrapped the ribbon. Lifting the lid of the box, you saw the book she kept her recipes in. Your eyes welled with tears.

“No, no, no,” you said, “I can’t take this.” You tried to hand her the book back. “This is for your family. I just can’t.” She smiled and pushed the book back to you.

From behind you, you heard JinYoung clear his throat. You turned to see him kneeling behind you, his hand outreached with a beautiful ring between his fingers. It was a simple gold band adorned with an oval opal, surrounded by tiny diamonds. His mom placed her hands on your shoulders and gently pushed you closer to the handsome man in front of you.

“It does belong in the family,” she said, “and so do you.” The tears you managed to hold back now fell freely.

“She’s right,” Jinyoung beamed up at you. “I’ve loved you since I first held you in my arms and looked into your eyes. I know it hasn’t been long, but I can’t imagine my life without you.” He stood and took your trembling hands in his. “I didn’t plan on doing this so soon, but I heard you talk about cooking, and passing down traditions…” he trailed off, “I couldn’t imagine anyone else having my children or sharing those memories with.” He took a deep breath and closed the distance between you. “Please say yes,” he pleaded with you, “You have brought so much sunshine into my life, I can’t go back to the dark.” You bounced on your toes and cupped his face in your hands. He leaned down and let you press your lips to his. “Is that a yes?” he asked against your lips.

“Yes,” you laughed, “That is a yes.”