Upon reaching their destination, to their surprise, Taehyung's mother unexpectedly discovered them. While Taehyung appeared unfazed, Jungkook displayed genuine surprise at the encounter because he was meeting her for the first time in his life.

"Eomma?" Taehyung asked, his grip from Jungkook's arm loosening gradually to find her approaching them.

"What are you doing here?" She asked with amazement, which was so obvious from her to come. Observing Taehyung's entrance into the grand villa with an unfamiliar companion was undoubtedly surprising for her. Despite having warned him against coming, he didn't oblige her.

"Eomma, I told you I wanted to see Granny." Taehyung said quickly, defending himself before she could bombard him with more questions for his sudden arrival.

"But how are you here? Like this? And he-"

"Since you couldn't bring me here, I came on my own," Taehyung sulked, observing as his mother approached him. He seemed really upset which was definitely shown through his devastated eyes which prevented her from asking him questions further.

"Tae, my darling. I told you that she's sick and she can't meet many people at once." She tried to convince, gently holding his cheek with her hand as she approached him.

"But I wanted to see her. Just once." Taehyung pleaded, activating his convincing bright eyes, leaving her helpless. With him already there, she realised she had no other choice but to relent.

"Appa strictly warned you but how did you come here?" She interrogated and Taehyung looked down, trying to collect words to explain himself. She observed Jungkook with a hint of confusion, attempting to recognize him by glancing at him and her son back and forth. Jungkook, sensing her uncertainty, decided to bow respectfully. This gesture made her step back, a slight panic evident in her reaction.

"Eomma, he's Jeon Jungkook-nim. My art teacher." Taehyung finally introduced and her eyes widened, fingers covering her parted mouth, she seemed beyond surprised.

"He was just coming to this town for some work and I insisted him to take me here. Now please don't let appa know or else he'll scold me." Taehyung explained to her before she would ask him more questions and held her hand with his in a pleading way.

"Wait, what? You bothered your teacher for this? I can't believe this. Just once let me be alone with you." She warned, showing her threatening eyes to him as a sign of warning.

"I'm genuinely sorry Mr. Jeon from my child's side. I'll make sure he doesn't repeat this again." She bowed slightly after apologising and this time Jungkook panicked, shaking his hands in denial and bowing more this time.

"Ah no that's not a bother to me mam, please don't apologise." Jungkook tried to convince her but she seemed so disappointed with her son.

"I hope you didn't have any inconveniences because of him. I'll try to be more responsible next time." She concluded her sentence, rolling her eyes in the direction of Taehyung, who stood awkwardly, avoiding eye contact.

"No it's okay. Actually I insisted on taking him here because I was coming here too but it's okay don't take him as a bother for me." Jungkook tried his best to convince her.

"Now can I see Granny?" Taehyung spoke up after a while, being the stubborn child he is and she sighed defeatedly.

"You left me no choice. Yes you can meet her but after lunch, she's sleeping for now." And with this Taehyung smiled victoriously.

He always knew ways to convince people with his mastery. Blame it on his innocent eyes that held the power to even melt a stone and to him convincing his mother and Jungkook was like melting wax, very easy.

"Since you're here, Mr. Yeon, please join us for lunch. It's my first time meeting you in person. Please don't deny." The mother requested and Jungkook simply glanced at Taehyung, who blinked in encouragement and then he couldn't bring himself to disagree. He quickly nodded in agreement.

~✿~

Jungkook hadn't experienced a lunch like this in a while. To his surprise, the dining table was set in the backyard of the villa, surrounded by beautiful blossoming flowers and greenery—something he was highly fond of. The round table, not too big but sufficient, showcased a magnificent spread of various meals. With only the three of them at the table, Granny was too sick to even join and Taehyung's uncle and aunt were absent as they had their work to manage, it was a moment for just the trio. Jungkook was having Taehyung on his left and Mrs. Kim on his right.

Jungkook subtly observed their mannerisms, recognising the various traits Taehyung had inherited from his mother. Her beauty was undeniable, and he couldn't help but notice how her way of sitting mirrored Taehyung's. Stunned by the power of genetics, Jungkook found himself admiring her as the artist who sculpted Taehyung.

"I'm very glad you joined us for lunch, Mr. Jeon but this is not how I expected it to be." She started the conversation after a while of just simply enjoying the meals together.

"It's my pleasure, mam. I'm glad to join you too." Jungkook replied, showing her a genuine smile of gratitude.

"I hope you are enjoying the meal." She responded in an enchanted tone, serving him more of the various items on the table and Jungkook respectfully gave her the space to do so.

"When can I see Granny, mom?" Taehyung questioned with utter desperation, not being interested in the meal at all.

"Once you eat this and when she wakes up." She informed and Taehyung looked down, sighing, there's no way he has to wait for more minutes. Jungkook was quietly observing everything, not focusing on his meal.

"Please have your meal, Mr. Yeon." She then noticed Jungkook who after her suggestion started having his meal quietly.

"Eomma, please don't tell appa anything about this, especially that I was here. I'll leave right after meeting granny and reach home timely before he would realise." Taehyung let her know, as if he was pleading her to not put him in any trouble because his father is certainly not him when angry.

"No you'll go home with me." She said sternly, seeming disappointed.

"But this way he'll find out." Taehyung whined, making her squeeze her eyes in sheer annoyance.

"Sometimes you really get high on my nerves. Now eat your food, we'll talk about that later."

"Please eomma…"

And she was defeated again.

During lunch, they delved into discussions about the art school. Mrs. Kim inquired about her son's performance, and Jungkook, being his teacher, honestly praised Taehyung. As Taehyung attempted to highlight Jungkook's own artistic prowess by beating about the bush, Jungkook denied them all.

They enjoyed an engaging conversation, and Jungkook found himself remarkably at ease around Taehyung's mother. Her welcoming and friendly demeanour, inherited by her son, made the lunch a pleasant experience for Jungkook. He felt genuinely glad to be part of the meal with her.

After lunch, a servant informed them that Granny had awakened, and Taehyung eagerly prepared to meet her. Respectful of the situation, Jungkook chose to wait in the corridor outside, understanding that Granny needed her time with her grandson and not wanting to be a bother for them.

Taehyung's excitement to see Granny was palpable, he held his breath in pure joy. Mrs. Kim opened the doors to Granny's room, revealing her frail and weakened state, connected to multiple machines keeping her alive. Despite the impact of time showing on her faded hair and wrinkled face, Granny managed to spread a toothless smile as she watched her beloved grandson slowly approaching her with longing.

"My baby…" In a frail, groaning tone, Granny whispered, her shivering hands reaching towards Taehyung. He swiftly sat beside her, allowing her shaky hands to gently hold his cheek. Tears welled up in Taehyung's eyes at the tender touch, moved by the connection with his beloved grandmother.

"My sunshine… my boy." She whispered, looking at him with her weak teary eyes.

"Granny…" Taehyung whispered, sniffling and smiling at her. He put his own hand on hers, holding it tenderly.

"My baby is a big boy huh…" she whispered weakly, trying her best to smile wide, that's how much of an impact Taehyung always had on her. Taehyung could only nod in reply to hear her words of endearment, a warm smile spreading across his lips with tears in his eyes.

"...and handsome too." She added later, making him chuckle. Taehyung's mother couldn't hold back her emotions as she witnessed the tender moment between Taehyung and Granny. Aware of her mother's frailty, she had to lie to her about Taehyung despite his name being the only word in her mouth. Mrs. Kim had to lie because Granny was too weak to muster excitement that would eventually not be good for her heart.

"I was sad… Jinnie didn't come to see me but my Tae baby did." She then confronted her misery, seeming devastated by the absence of her elder grandson.

"Don't worry granny. Hyung sent you a lot of good wishes and love. He wanted to be here but couldn't." Taehyung had to lie to keep her heart enlightened.

"Aww… give my love to my Jinnie too. I miss him a lot."

Taehyung knew his brother was busy, but his granny’s sadness was obvious. She must have missed him, so Taehyung decided to introduce someone else he brought with him.

"I brought someone else with me, Granny. Would you mind meeting him once?" Taehyung asked after a while, and she was always ready to meet anyone as long as her favourite grandson was asking her to.

"Sure, my sunshine." Taehyung then looked back at his mother, as if asking her for permission, and the mother could only sigh.

In a while, Taehyung was already dragging the hesitant Jungkook inside, who kept bowing respectfully for the granny, who showed her toothless smile to the young man.

"Nice to meet you, Granny." Jungkook bowed again as Taehyung almost brought him near her bed, and the granny tried to look at him through her blurred eyes by focusing them.

"He is Jeon Jungkook, my art teacher, my mentor, and my-" Taehyung shut his mouth as he looked at hesitant Jungkook, who was holding both his hands in front of him shyly.

"Aww, welcome, young man. You are so tall and handsome." The granny complimented, extending her hand to Jungkook, who politely took and kissed the top of it.

"I was told about you joining an art academy and that you take private tuition," the granny managed to say with her frail voice, and Taehyung nodded.

"And he is the one who teaches me. He is an amazing and great artist, you must be so proud of him once you see his creations—" And Taehyung was at it again, embarrassing Jungkook with never-ending compliments, and the granny, being obsessed with her grandson, listened with so much attention.

Unfortunately, Jungkook's meeting didn't last for a long while as he decided to let Taehyung have some time alone with her and left them to wait outside. The granny seemed so fond of this young man who her grandson was so fascinated with, she couldn't help but praise him and give him blessings even in Jungkook's absence from the room. Taehyung always wanted her to meet Jungkook, the reason he couldn't let this go. After seeing her response, he knew Jungkook is naturally fascinating and captivating in every way, to the extent that even his experienced Grandma approved of him.

As Taehyung and Granny stayed in the room for a while and shared their moment, Jungkook found himself waiting outside and appreciating the wall designs in the villa's gallery, more like the corridor consisting of antique pieces and family pictures. Moving deeper, he explored a wall adorned with photo frames, his gaze landing on an old family picture. His eyes were quick enough to find and recognise baby Taehyung on his mother's lap, looking adorably round and undeniably cute, the cuteness which was expanded into an untouchable amount of beauty as he grew up. What remained unchanged by time were Taehyung's eyes—still round, beautiful, dripping with pure innocence and curiosity. Jungkook found himself spellbound by Taehyung's enduring childish charm as he gazed at more pictures, progressing to a slightly older, toddler Taehyung and the innocence still radiated from him. He hadn't changed much. He was just modified by time, bombarded with looks of God and blessed with features that were no less than a wonder of nature. As an artist, Jungkook couldn't help but wonder about the creation that was Taehyung. Despite his artistic prowess, he realised he couldn't match the living masterpiece that stood before him. His eyes, filled with daze and admiration while looking at the pictures, conveyed a gratitude beyond words for being able to witness the reality of this living masterpiece.

He was so indulged in admiring them for a while until he was broken out of his daze. Interrupted from his admiration by approaching footsteps, Jungkook turned around to see Taehyung and his mother walking towards him. Taehyung appeared a bit down, wiping away tears. Everytime he has to part ways from her is difficult for him, so difficult.

Jungkook attentively stared at the brunet, concerned about his tears.

"She's not in a condition to meet anyone for a long while, even talking makes her exhausted but I knew she was happy to see you, Tae and your teacher. Now I hope you can finally understand why we didn't bring you here." Mrs. Kim tried to make her son understand who was finally aware of his fault because the granny grew incredibly exhausted by mere conversation, the reason he had to let go early. She was too weak for everything.

"Mr. Yeon. I'm very thankful for your consideration and time. I wouldn't let him leave like this but I can't let my husband know, I hope you can understand-" as she started speaking apologetically, Jungkook interrupted her.

"No, Mrs. Kim. I'm totally aware of this and I'll make sure everything goes well. I should be thankful to you for having me. Don't worry, I'll take him back safely and will inform you right away." Jungkook informed and she smiled at him, happy to hear his genuine concern.

"Thank you so much again." She said one last time and Jungkook showed her a genuine smile. Jungkook then turned himself to find Taehyung in utter silence.

"She'll be alright, don't worry, Tae." The mother spoke up again and hugged her son tightly before sending him off, not forgetting to smooch his cheek gently before letting go of him who reciprocated by just quietly acknowledging.

"I won't tell appa but promise me you won't do anything like this before letting me know, okay?" She asked and Taehyung nodded his head in agreement. She then spared her attention to Jungkook who gave her a bow out of respect.

"It was nice to meet you mam, thanks for having me."

"Thanks for coming, Mr. Yeon."

"I'll pray for Granny's well being."

"Thank you so much again."

With this Jungkook and Taehyung turned to walk away, heading towards the exit of the villa. Taehyung walked towards the car with Jungkook following him until they both sat inside. The mother stood at the gate, waving to them as Jungkook started the engine, driving away from the villa, carrying a new set of memories with him. But soon an uncomfortable silence filled the car, something Jungkook wanted to avoid. Taehyung fell into utter silence, staring out of the window as Jungkook drove them back to the city. The artist would turn his head to the brunet from time to time, wanting to embrace him so badly but he had to refrain from his urge before they safely got back home. In addition to that, he had promised his mother to take him back safely.

"Tae…" The artist decided to speak up after a while but Taehyung seemed unfazed, lost in his thoughts. He was too devastated to realise that she had grown so old that she might never be able to stand, walk, talk or be like before. It was all devastating.

"Baby look at me…" Jungkook demanded and Taehyung finally turned his head to face him, his face seeming dull and gloomy.

Jungkook extended his free hand to reach Taehyung's, holding it firmly before bringing it closer to his lips and kissing it gently. Their hands stayed connected while he continued driving. Taehyung, staring at him with a different gaze that day as he found solace in Jungkook's endearing actions.

"She'll be alright." Jungkook whispered in an encouraging way, passing a smile to him and Taehyung's half of the miseries were gone. Jungkook is just so impactful and his smile is undeniably healing, weakening Taehyung more and more for him. Taehyung leaned back in the seat, letting his hand remain in Jungkook's hold. He turned his head towards Jungkook, gazing at him intently as they continued the journey. The brunet swore he was falling more and more for him every passing second. The artist’s caring and selfless attitude was too rare for this unfair world. Taehyung acknowledged that without Jungkook, he wouldn't have been able to see her at all. Despite feeling sadness, he didn't want to show it and make Jungkook feel down. Just as Jungkook was willing to compromise for his happiness, Taehyung decided to hide his sorrow for the sake of their shared moments.

"Kookie…"

"Baby…"

"That field of dandelions in our way. Can you stop by it once we get there?" Taehyung requested and who was Jungkook to deny.

"As you wish, baby."

Jungkook eagerly waited to reach their destination, knowing that his pocket held a surprise—a special and beautiful something, much like the person beside him.