Chapter 30

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Author's Point of View

The evening sun cast a golden glow over the vast Kim estate, painting the garden in soft hues of orange and pink. Lush greenery surrounded the backyard, where Aera’s giggles echoed through the air. She was playing with her grandpa, Namjoon, running around barefoot on the soft grass, her tiny hands clutching a flower she had picked moments ago.

Namjoon, dressed in a comfortable sweater and slacks, chuckled as he watched her excitement. He crouched down, holding his arms open. “Aera, come to Grandpa!” he called.

Aera turned on her heel, her dark curls bouncing as she rushed toward him, crashing into his embrace with a happy squeal. “Grandpa! I win!” she declared, clapping her hands.

“You always win, my little princess,” Namjoon said, lifting her effortlessly and spinning her around. Aera’s laughter rang out like music in the peaceful evening.

Meanwhile, inside the mansion, the warmth of the kitchen was filled with the comforting scent of freshly prepared dishes. Jin and Jungkook stood side by side, working in harmony. The spacious kitchen had an elegant yet homely feel, with polished cabinets, marble countertops, and a grand chandelier hanging above the dining area. Despite the presence of numerous house staff, Jin preferred to cook himself—something he found both relaxing and fulfilling.

However, Jungkook was an exception. He was the first person Jin had allowed to assist him in the kitchen, a silent gesture of trust and acceptance.

Jungkook, dressed in a simple yet neat sweater and jeans, stirred the dish he was preparing, his brows furrowed in concentration. His movements were careful, precise—he wanted to make everything perfect.

Sana, a 46-year-old woman with warm eyes and a gentle demeanor, entered the kitchen with Jin’s mobile in her hand. She had been working in the Kim household since Taehyung was a toddler, making her one of the most trusted employees.

“Sir, your mobile… Someone is calling,” Sana informed Jin, handing him the phone.

Jin wiped his hands on a towel and took the device. “Thank you, Sana,” he said with a small smile.

Sana gave a respectful nod before leaving.

Jin glanced at the caller ID, and instantly, his smile faded. His fingers tightened around the phone as a wave of unease passed over him. Taking a deep breath, he quickly composed himself and glanced at Jungkook, who was still focused on cooking.

“I’ll be back, Kook,” Jin mumbled, his voice slightly tense.

Jungkook looked up at the elder, immediately noticing the change in his tone. His brows drew together in concern. “Eomma—” he started, but Jin was already walking away, his pace quicker than usual.

Something was wrong.

Jungkook turned off the stove, ensuring the dish was ready, and wiped his hands before following Jin. He wasn’t the type to ignore when someone he cared about was troubled.

As he walked through the hallway, he caught sight of Jin standing by the large window, phone pressed to his ear. Jungkook was about to call out to him when he accidentally overheard the conversation.

“I will talk with him, Eomma Don’t worry… I’m just waiting for the right time,” Jin’s voice was laced with concern. “I know I have to do it as soon as possible.”

A moment of silence passed.

“Yes, Eomma… Please take your medicines on time. Take care of yourself,” Jin said before ending the call.

Jungkook watched as the elder turned around, only to freeze in place when he saw Jungkook standing there.

“Sorry, Eomma. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop,” Jungkook said quickly. “But you seemed worried, and I just wanted to check if everything was okay.” His voice was sincere, filled with concern.

Jin let out a soft sigh, shaking his head. “It’s okay, baby. I know you didn’t mean to.” He forced a small smile, but it disappeared just as quickly.

Jungkook stepped forward, gently taking one of Jin’s hands in his own. “Eomma, you always tell me I’m like your son, right?” he asked softly.

Jin looked at him with gentle eyes. “You are my son, Kook,” he confirmed, patting Jungkook’s head affectionately.

Jungkook smiled a little but didn’t let go of his hand. “Then tell me what’s bothering you,” he urged.

Jin averted his gaze, shaking his head. “It’s nothing, Kook…” He tried to sound convincing, but his eyes betrayed him.

Jungkook’s expression turned serious. “Now you’re lying to your son?” he asked, his voice firm yet gentle.

Jin sighed, defeated. He looked at Jungkook for a long moment before nodding. “Okay… I think I should tell you.”

He called Sana into the kitchen, instructing her to complete the remaining work, which just to clean the counter. Once she nodded and left, Jin took Jungkook’s hand and led him upstairs to his room.

Inside, the room was warm and filled with personal touches—family pictures on the wall, books neatly arranged on the shelves, and a soft, comforting atmosphere. Jin gestured for Jungkook to sit on the sofa while he sat across from him.

Jungkook waited patiently, but his heart was already uneasy.

After a deep breath, Jin finally spoke. “The person who called earlier… was Taehyung’s grandmother. My mother-in-law.” He paused, as if gathering strength to continue. “She lives in Daegu. You might wonder why not here…” He smiled faintly, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “We all used to live together, including my father-in-law. But five years ago… he passed away. After that, she decided to return to her birthplace, saying she wants to stay where she has lived her all life. We opposed her decision specially Taehyung, but just like Taehyung she was stubborn.”

Jungkook listened intently, nodding as Jin continued.

“Three months ago, Namjoon and I visited her… an—and we found out she has a serious medical condition. The only cure is an operation, but... But the chances of success are low... And Because of that, she refused to go through with it…"

“Unless— Unless she sees Taehyung get married first.”

Jin’s voice wavered, and tears welled up in his eyes. “She wants to see her grandson settle down before she… leaves us.”

Jungkook swallowed, absorbing everything. He gently wiped the elder’s tears. “Please, Eomma… don’t cry,” he whispered, kneeling in front of Jin.

Jin sniffled, nodding.

“Does Hyung know?” Jungkook asked softly.

Jin shook his head. “No… I didn’t know how to tell him. He  —He loves his grandma so much—it will break his heart.”

“But he deserves to know, Eomma,” Jungkook said firmly. “And… if this will make her happy, then we should do something about it.”

Jin hesitated before asking, “Will you marry him if he asks you now?”

Jungkook looked down, suddenly feeling shy. His heart raced, but the answer wasn’t difficult. Not after everything Taehyung had done for him.

Jin watched him, waiting patiently. “I asked you something, baby. Will you accept him, even at this stage of your relationship?”

Slowly, Jungkook nodded.

Jin smiled, his heart swelling with warmth. My son got the right one.

Jungkook then looked up at Jin and smiled softly. “It’s not just because of Grandma… I love him, and I trust him more than anyone.”

Jin cupped Jungkook’s face, kissing his temple. “Your parents were blessed to have a gem like you.”

Jungkook smiled but pouted. “I miss them, Eomma.”

Jin stroked his hair gently. “I know, baby.”

After a while, Jungkook sat up. “Eomma, you have to tell Hyung about Grandma’s condition.”

Jin sighed. “I know… Maybe she should talk to him herself.”

Jungkook nodded. “That might be best.”

Jin stood. “Let’s go. Taehyung will be home soon.”

And with that, they went downstairs, preparing for the night ahead.

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Preview ~

Next morning