The Lee Estate was a vast piece of real estate. There was a small lake, a beautiful garden that needed to be maintained by ten permanent groundsmen and it housed three different households on the grounds. There was a home for his grandparents, which was the main and largest of the houses on the estate. There was a separate home for Soo-hyuk’s parents and sister, and a home for his parents.

Jungkook hated coming here because he felt that he would never be able to leave.  Every time he was forced to visit his parents he thought that they might close the gates and stop him from leaving.  But his mother insisted that they have lunch that week and it couldn’t have come at a worse time. Jungkook didn’t want to answer questions about Soo-hyuk and Gaelin’s relationship. He knew that there was a worry that the Golden Quill competition would cause problems between the Lee and Song Households, but Jungkook didn’t want to get involved. He trusted Soo-hyuk and Gaelin; he knew that they were stronger than the Competition and the rumours. Their marriage would survive.

“You are looking ill.” Lee Hyewon took in her son’s narrow face, he had circles under his eyes and there was a strain in those usually bright brown eyes. “Are you sure you want to continue staying with your cousin?” Jungkook didn’t answer and continued to pick at his food. “I hear that Song Gaelin has been gone for a week now. Maybe you want to also return home, while the competition is on anyway.”

“Mother,” Jungkook finally set his fork aside and looked up, “I will always be your son but I love living with hyung and nuna. I hope you understand that it is nothing personal, but I cannot live with you forever.”

Hyewon took a sip of her wine and considered what her son said, “But surely now that Song Gaelin is no longer there and she has taken Tanaka away as well…”

“We are doing just fine.” Jungkook lied, “Even though nuna is away now, she will be back as soon as the competition is over.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure,” Hyewon saw the surprise on her son’s face, “You do remember what happened with Gaelin’s parents?”

“It’s not the same,” Jungkook defended Soo-hyuk and Gaelin

“Song women are different, believe me I know. Song Minah is one of my closest friends, but because we are so close, I can tell you how difficult it is to get on the good side of a Song and how easy it is to get on the bad side of one.”

“Omma, please don’t talk about a family like this.” Jungkook felt a pressure setting in on his neck; it sat heavy on his nape and made him want to curl up on his bed and just sleep for days and days.

“You are no longer a child, I do not have to hide these things from you and besides if you choose to live with Lee Soo-hyuk and Song Gaelin then you might as well know what you’re in for.”

“I already know everything and hyung and nuna are different.”

Hyewon sighed, “I am not happy with this situation. I don’t like people thinking that you chose to live with that woman over me. What do you think the other families say about it?”

“Just tell them I am spying on hyung and nuna for you.” Jungkook snapped.

“Watch your tongue,” his moth