Taehyung sought Jung-kook a few more times after that. At first, it was every quarter, then the visits became more frequent. Each time, Taehyung told his family that he had errands to do or business to attend. To Jung-kook, Taehyung gave excuses to bring him pictures of Taemin or to tell him about his progress of finding Jung-kook a mate.

Jung-kook didn't have the heart to refuse Taehyung whenever the latter announced he'd stop by. He knew it was also for purely selfish reasons why he entertained the man who was trying to become his friend. It had been difficult in the beginning to look Taehyung in the eye and pretend that nothing ever happened between them.

But to keep the status quo and make both sides happy, Jung-kook decided it was best to bury their secret within his heart.

Sae-ron too shared that common goal. She understood that to tell Taehyung the truth would bring heartache to more people. She realized it pained her master to see Taehyung's smiling face whenever they talked about their grandson, but Jung-kook's sacrifice was worth it, if it meant everybody else's happiness, including the old Matriarch's.

Although not as often as Mrs. Jeon instructed, Jung-kook would still visit his mother at the nursing home nearby. She moved out of the mansion almost a year ago just before Taehyung's first visitation. Mrs. Jeon said it's because she wanted to be with her socialite friends and not live in a house with a "depressing atmosphere." Besides, the place where she's staying had all the amenities for the elderly.

It was during one of these visits to the matriarch that Jung-kook found out that his mother had other ideas.

"My son," Mrs. Jeon beckoned, patting the seat beside her, "I'm not getting younger anymore, and neither are you. So before the good Lord takes me, why don't you get married and produce an heir, so someone can carry our family name?"

Jung-kook let out a deep sigh. "Mother, I've told you many times, I am not interested in marrying again."

"But you're not happy," Mrs. Jeon stated. "Every time I see you, you seem so lost. Trust me, Jung-kook, having a good wife who can cook and provide you with a son would do wonders to your current disposition."

"Mom, I know you mean well but I'm not successful when it comes to relationships. First with Min-A, then with Eun-hye. I don't think I can take any more of the heartache. Besides, I'm content right now."

"Content how? Have you met someone?"

"No, not really," Jung-kook replied as he averted his eyes. "But instead of having a son, wouldn't a grandson be better?"