Evenstar

2. Determination or Destiny

Mrs Kim sat across Mrs Moon at their drawing room. She was embarrassed to have come but she needed help with Taehyung's assignment. This was a very important matter of life changing consequences and she didn't want to make a mistake. She had tried her best to look for a possible wife for him from among the daughters of the people she knew, but she couldn't find a woman who might fit his personality and would be compatible with him. She didn't want to let her son down, and she truly valued this opportunity to have a hand in making sure he would have a blissful married life.

Mrs Moon poured her some ginseng tea, and she humbly accepted the hospitality of such an illustrious lady. Since her husband worked with JKL occasionally, all the boys' moms had gotten in touch with her and treated her as an esteemed friend.

As they sat quietly sipping the rejuvenating tea, Mrs Moon pondered her predicament.

"I think it's admirable that he asked you. Most boys his age will want to choose their own bride."

"Taehyung has been working hard since his teens and he hasn't had the time at all to socialize with people outside of his work. And knowing how jealous their fandom is also complicates the situation. He has never introduced us to anyone he might romantically be interested in."

"That is just too sad, to be working without the time or freedom to befriend the fairer sex. It's really time for him to meet someone." Mrs Moon was very fond of Taehyung, especially when he was younger. "But he's leaving it to your hands?"

"Yes, he must trust me so much. I really don't want to let him down, but I've explored all possibilities and met with a dead end at each turn. I don't want to go to people outside our circle, for fear that any news of it might leak out or we may all be taken advantage of by some enterprising people."

"I understand what you mean and I'm honoured that you came to me. I'll see what I can do, but I truly believe that these things are a matter of destiny. We can pair him off with someone, but they may not like each other at all."

Mrs Kim was well aware of that possibility, but she was determined to find the best candidate possible. Only then would she leave all for destiny to sort out.

"I want to try and find someone who will make him happy. I guess this is all we want for our children. We will not be with them forever, but we wish that when we depart from this world they would be settled with their own families. And I want to see my grandchildren too."

They both giggled at the thought.

"Yes, grandchildren are our fountain of youth. They've given us a totally different fulfilment." Mrs Moon thought about her own beautiful grandchildren and suddenly felt a strong empathy for Mrs Kim. "Are you worried about Taehyung?"

Mrs Kim paused. Her son had been through a lot in the past years after his accident in 2022. They almost lost him, and they were initially opposed to him going back to performing again, but this was what he wanted. What she and Mr Kim wanted most, however, was for him to finally stop and settle down, to choose another career, a safer one, one away from the adoration of a volatile public.

"I would like Taehyung's life to be stable. I want him to always be surrounded by people who love him, he deserves that after all he has been through."

Mrs Moon was well aware of the events that happened in 2022. She and her husband were shocked and they were glad to have the opportunity to help the boys years later. She would like to help Mrs Kim now too, and she already had a person in mind, but she knew things would not be so easy. She could connect them to each other but she had little faith that the connection would last.

"I will see what I can do for you, Mrs Kim. I cannot promise anything, but let's see where destiny leads us."

"I'm sorry to have to share this burden with you, Mrs Moon, but I don't know who else to turn to."

"It's alright. I'm delighted that you came and included me in this quest. I am thrilled at the prospect of finding the lady that Taehyung may eventually love, but I have to be honest with you, I don't think these things will work with their generation. Not even in mine, but did you say that he wants a farmer's daughter? Why?"

"I guess he was happiest during his childhood. His grandmother raised him in their farm until he was fourteen. Those were special years for him and have not been replaced, even with all the accolades and success he has received."

"I see. Then a farmer's daughter she shall be." Mrs Moon reached across the table and held Mrs Kim's hand. "Let's try to find her."