Author's pov:

In the extravagant halls of the Serenity Estate, the maids and servants scurried about with their tasks. Dusting off the furnishings, polishing the wooden surfaces until they glimmered under the soft glow of chandeliers. Every task was supposed to be handled meticulously, making sure the manor looked as elegant as ever.

Meanwhile, in the expansive kitchen, the hands of the skilled chefs were busy preparing a sumptuous feast for Grandma Park's guests, who she invited for dinner soon after her arrival from the business trip. Ever since Jimin told her about the Kim family, Grandma was way too excited to reunite with her late son's friend's family. She was eager to meet the young man, who was once the little baby she used to sing lullabies for.

“Mr. Kim, I shall not see anything lacking in the preparations! I'm meeting them after a long time, ensure that everything goes smoothly.” She ordered.

She moved around the long mahogany table that was draped with grand table linen. The fabric, rich and unblemished, cascaded over the edges. At the heart of the table was a majestic gold candelabra, its polished crystal arms holding tall, ivory candles. Fine china sets were being placed before each chair, their delicate designs adding to the elegance. Grandma's expression turned impressive at the sight before her.

“Don't worry, ma'am. Everything shall be perfect!” Mr. Kim assured, as he trailed behind her.

Grandma Park stopped by the living room where the usual brown carpet was being replaced with a cream lavish carpet. She gasped evidently, “Are you still not done here? What are you all doing? The guests will be here in half an hour and you are still changing carpets?” She yelled, her gaze averted to the everyday paintings hung on the wall and she instructed for their removal and asked it to be replaced with something more fancy.

Mr. Kim sighed, he moved forward and calmed her down, “Ma'am, I will ensure that everything will be done in a few minutes. I apologize for their leisure actions. I advise you to leave it all on me.” He gave a reassuring nod to her with a sweet smile.

She stared at each one of the workers and sighed as her eyes landed on her secretary, “Fine. Let everyone know that all the work should be done in fifteen minutes otherwise, they know the consequences.” She warned.

Mr. Kim bowed at her and watched her walk away to her room upstairs, he heaved out a sigh and turned towards the workers, “You heard the lady, people. Get back to working or pack your bags!” He shouted loud enough for everyone to hear.

Time passed by and as per Grandma's orders, everything was done within the deadline with no breaks whatsoever. Now that was the life of a person working under the formidable old woman.

Grandma Park walked downstairs, wearing one of her favorite dresses, a tailored deep navy evening gown featuring intricate beadwork, adding a touch of grace without overwhelming the look.

Her gray hair pulled back into a sleek bun, highlighting her neck that was adorned with a delicate diamond necklace with matching earrings dangling off her ears. A pair of classic heels completed her elegant look. If it wasn't for the wrinkles and the old gray hair, one would find her as young as ever.

“Wow, you look beautiful!” Jimin giggled as he slouched on the couch sporting a Sacramento green polo knit T-shirt with black denim pants.

“I know!” She exclaimed, happily twirling around in her favorite dress.

“But you exaggerated it, granny.” He stated, shaking his head slightly making her frown as she approached him.

“What do you mean?”

“The decorations, the food. This manor looks over organized today, as if it's someone's wedding. And you.” He began, pointing out everything that she overdid and added in a gentle tone after receiving the deadly glares from the woman, “Gran, you could have kept it simple yet elegant, that's all I'm saying.” He shrugged.

She rolled her eyes, “Park Jimin. You don't know what the Kim family was like to us. And I'm meeting them after many years. All these decorations, the food and everything else contains my excitement to see them. You will never understand.” She sighed and then eyed him from head to toe and gave him a judgemental look.

Jimin nodded at her words and turned his gaze back to the television but her raised voice made him flinch, “What the hell is this? We are not having a friend's sleepover tonight! Go get changed!”

He frowned and examined his outfit, he looked fine to himself. But her nagging wasn't going to stop until he went to his room and got changed, he sighed and got up from the couch. He gave her a lazy smile and sauntered upstairs.

She puffed out a breath as she softly patted her hair and sat on the couch, waiting for the guest's arrival.

✧

“Noona, that lipstick shade doesn't suit you,” Taehyung commented, staring at how she had dressed up for the dinner. He loved that she was wearing the chic, floor-length silver gown with an off-shoulder neckline that he had gifted her a few months ago in London, on her birthday.

“Shut up! Red suits me.” Yumin sent a glare in his direction as she resumed styling her hair that got tangled with her statement earrings, “Look at yourself, you look like you are going back to your past, to be precise, your highschool farewell. Just the blazer is missing.” She eyed his black shirt with folded sleeves, tucked into black trousers and winked at him with a grin.

He stuck out his tongue and puffed out his cheeks, making a silly face at her mockery. “I look way better than you and at least my hair listens to me.” He smirked, very proud of his red hair that was styled into a side-parted quiff, he was hoping it would stay that way throughout their journey to the Serenity Estate in the taxi.

“You–”

“God! Enough, you two. Stop bickering like kids!” Mrs. Kim yelled at them, sitting by the window side. She regretted not sitting in between, how could she forget their behavior when in a taxi?

“Mom, he started it.” Yumin whined, pointing her mobile at him.

“Hey, it's not my fault if you don't look as pretty as mom.” He defended himself, an invisible smirk plastered on his lips.

She narrowed her eyes at him, “Stop buttering her up.” He ignored her and smiled at his mom, who pinched his cheeks.

“Aw, do I look that pretty?” She asked, giggling.

“Come on, Mom. You are the prettiest, not even the moon can outshine you!” He smiled at her.

This wasn't a part of flattering her, this was a fact. His mother was the prettiest woman in the whole world, and in that exquisite knee-length dress in the hue of rich emerald green, with delicate lace detailing adorning the neckline and sleeves, added a touch of refinement to the ensemble. Her hair styled in an intricate updo and a string of pearls gracing her neck, his mother radiated timeless charm.

“Aww, get out.” She let out a laugh, blushing at the compliment.

Yumin's mouth dropped as she stared at her younger brother, who spat a cringey compliment. If there was an award for this, he would definitely win it. But everything aside, she agreed with him.

“Mom, are you excited to meet Grandma Park?” Yumin asked, curiously. After getting the dinner invitation, the two had heard a lot of shared memories of Mrs. Kim and Grandma, how the old lady always treated them as a family.

“No, dear. You don't call her like that, just call her Grandma. That's what you two used to call her.” Mrs. Kim corrected and received a nod from them, “And yes, I'm more than excited to meet her. I missed her so much…” she trailed off and stared into a distance as she got lost in her thoughts, making her kids look at each other in confusion.

“I wish Jina and Seyoon oppa were alive…” and they heard her sniffling, Yumin quickly rushed to her side, placing her hand on top of that of her mother's, and caressing them gently.

“Mom, please don't cry.” Taehyung said in a soft tone, he didn't like that his mother was crying. The last time he had seen her crying was when his Dad had passed away, that phase made him vulnerable. It was hard to escape that phase.

Mrs. Kim wiped off her tears and flashed a smile at them, “Look at me ruining the mood.” She shook her head at herself, disappointedly.

Yumin hugged her and muttered, “I love you.”

Mrs. Kim smiled and looked at Taehyung, who reciprocated her smile and placed his hand on his chest, right where his heart was thumping and then pointed at her with a shy smile. Mrs. Kim laughed at his cuteness, that was his way of saying that he too loved her.

✧

Grandma Park rushed to get the door when the doorbell rang, Jimin followed her shortly, now wearing a black half turtleneck with well-fitted trousers and a silver chain encircling the neckline of the sweater. His black hair was a bit damp and swept back with a front strand.

Sexy.

He had to look sexy, after all his sweet darling was going to be here. He smirked at the ideas that kept swarming into his mind, blurring the usual fear of his grandmother that would haunt him.

Grandma opened the large double doors with a bright smile plastered on her lips, her eyes crinkling immediately at the sight of Mrs. Kim, whom she considered as one of her children.

“Misoo!” She squealed, instantly embracing her. Mrs. Kim hugged back, her eyes tearing up at the feeling of the old familiar warmth that she yearned for. The motherly love, that she missed a lot.

“Mother…” She murmured, closing her eyes, letting the tears free. The young ones watching them felt their heart swell, it was as if a mother was meeting her long lost daughter after many years.

Grandma's secretary escorted Yumin and Taehyung in as he knew the ladies won't part any soon and it's not good to have the guests wait outside for a long time. The siblings bowed at him, wishing him gratitude and walked up to Jimin. While the ladies parted and Grandma began telling her how happy she was to see her.

Jimin grinned at them, he sent a wink at Taehyung's direction while he hugged his old best friend, Yumin. He eyed her making her giggle at him, “Oh my, my! You look pretty.” He muttered, chuckling. She slapped his arm jokingly, thanking him after.

“Hey, Tae.” He greeted the boy, who shyly stood in front of him. His cheeks turned rosy as he bit his lips hard, scrutinizing Jimin.

The man was dangerously sexy, from head to toe, he looked like a feast. Taehyung would rather have him for dinner than anything that the chef had prepared for them. At this moment, he didn't care about their hard work, all he could think about was how Jimin’s chest would feel under his hands as Jimin pressed him against the wall and kissed the fuck out of—

‘Kim. Taehyung. Behave. Yourself.’

Meanwhile, Jimin smirked knowing very well that the way he had presented himself tonight was driving Taehyung crazy. All he had to do was stare at him intently and the younger one would melt completely right away.

“Yumin, Taehyung!” Mrs. Kim called, breaking Taehyung's chain of naughty thoughts.

“Mother, you remember them right? Yumin, and Taehyung.” Mrs. Kim introduced, smiling. Grandma nodded, looking at them with her eyes welled up.

The siblings smiled widely at her and bowed respectfully, “Hello, Grandma.” The two greeted in unison, the old lady approached them and with a soft smile, engulfed them into a hug, surprising them. Taehyung and Yumin didn't remember much about their childhood moments spent with her, it was a huge puzzle that was yet to be completed.

The past flashed in front of Grandma's eyes: Yumin, the cute and naughty kid that loved to eat all the chocolates she would bring for the three of them, she was the loudest among them and would often run around in Grandma's office, regardless of whether she was busy or not. Little Yumin loved to get on Grandma's nerves.

On the other hand, little Taehyung was quiet. He never troubled anyone, he would mind his own business. She remembered bathing him, tying his long black hair with Yumin's hair bands because Taehyung would find those colorful bands attractive. She would feed him as he was a slow eater and would often show him dumb magic tricks just to see him laugh.

The kids she loved dearly were now grown ups, their appearance had changed but their personality definitely still stayed in them.

Jimin wiped off Mrs. Kim's tears and hugged from the side, “Grann, I'm very hungry. If you are done crying, can we go in?” He asked, making her pull away and glare at him. The siblings laughed while Mrs. Kim nudged his arm, “Shh.”

Grandma looked at them and patted Taehyung's cheeks, making him smile widely at her, “Let's go in.” She said and ushered them inside.

✧

“How's London, Misoo?” Grandma asked, as they were all seated on the couch.

The living room looked utterly beautiful, the white curved sectional sofas with embroidered cushions were set on a lavish cream carpet. Elegant paintings lining the wall, added a touch of sophistication. In the center of the couch was a polished mahogany coffee table holding a vase containing fresh lilies, its delicate fragrance filled the room. Tall windows were draped with velvet curtains that offered a beautiful view of their small garden outside. The soft light from the grand chandelier radiated a warm, inviting glow throughout the space.

Yumin upon looking at the beauty was mesmerized and instantly gasped, she was gushing to Grandma about how perfectly the living room was set up. Grandma loved being praised, especially from the young people, it made her feel like she was on cloud nine.

She glanced at her grandson, who thought all these were too much. Jimin slightly bowed at her, silently apologizing to her and watched her smirk.

“London, initially, was amazing, mother. I and Hyun missed you so much. London made our lives very busy but the people there were very kind to us as I just knew the basics of English, adding to that is their accent which I couldn't handle, it was the most difficult one. It was all too much pressure for me. I was so jealous of my kids who quickly caught up with the language and the accent.” She pouted, making Grandma rub her arm.

She added, “But thanks to them, for teaching me and not giving up on me when I wanted to give up so badly. Now, I'm very fluent in British English.” She chuckled.

“Aww, that's fine. It was all new to you, so initially you struggled a lot. And I'm proud of you, you should learn a few languages in your free time, it will all come in handy one day.” Grandma suggested, smiling and turned her gaze to the young ones.

“Yumin dear, tell me about you.”

A smile crept up her lips as she replied, “I'm a graphic designer at TechNova, Grandma.”

“Oh! That's good!” Grandma flashed a bright smile at her and asked, “How's work there? Is everyone treating you well?”

Yumin nodded, “Yes, everyone is friendly and we have an ongoing project so my schedule is a bit packed from tomorrow onwards.”

“I see, dear. I wish you good luck with this project!” She uttered, melting Yumin's heart.

“Taehyung?” Grandma called him softly, tilting her head in his direction, who sat in between his mother and Jimin.

He looked up at her, “Yes, Grandma?”

“Are you comfortable, dear?”

“Yes, Grandma.”

“You still haven't changed, yes? You were quiet as a child, and still you are.” She said, giggling.

Taehyung shyly smiled at her, “I just don't know what to say…I don't remember much like Noona does about our childhood but I do remember how you used to sing me to sleep…” He muttered in a gentle tone with a pretty smile decorating his lips.

Grandma's heart swelled up, she was happy to learn that he at least remembered something as he was too young back then, “That's sweet, dear. And we will make many memories from now on, okay?” She chuckled with them.

Amidst the sweet conversation between the guests and Grandma, an evil plan was being prepared in the mind of Jimin as he stared at the red-haired guy with luscious eyes.

“Gran?” He called, grabbing her attention, “I would like to give Yumin and Taehyung a tour of our mansion.” He said, smiling at them.

Grandma nodded, “Sure, Jimin. Please, go ahead.” She agreed and continued her conversation with Mrs. Kim.

✦✧✦✧

Okay, y'all this chapter had a timeskip, after the last chapter, granny arrived and then this dinner was conducted.

Anyway, next chap will be up soon. I went on writing so much that i didn't realised I had crossed 5k words, so I just divided them.

Thanks for reading!