The bond between us

Chapter 1

My alarm blares, a jarring intrusion into the remnants of sleep.

"Ugh"

Another Monday. Another relentless day of college. It isn't that I dislike academia; the sun might shine, and people might find joy in their morning routines, but Monday classes at Seoul National University feel like a marathon. My schedule is packed from dawn till dusk. Still, I love what I do, immersing myself in the intricate world of infant psychology. The thought of unraveling the complexities of young minds is genuinely invigorating.

I reluctantly push myself out of bed, a sigh escaping my lips, and begin my familiar morning routine. The cool water splashing on my face, the scent of my toothpaste, the quiet hum of the bathroom fan - small anchors in the rush.

"Haru! I hope you are ready! I'm leaving in 15 minutes! If you're not out, I'm leaving without you!" My brother's voice, more of a shout than a gentle reminder, echoes from the kitchen.

I hurry, throwing on the first decent outfit I can find, and rush out of my room.

He is already at the kitchen counter, calmly eating his breakfast. I sit onto the stool beside him and pick at my own meal.

"Aren't you going to greet your beloved brother?" he prompts, a hint of amusement in his tone.

"Aye, sorry, Captain! Your Highness Min Yoongi, be greeted!" I reply, my voice deliberately saccharine, a playful jab at his usual stoicism.

"Brat," he mutters, but I catch the faint twitch at the corner of his lips.

"I had a great teacher," I retort, earning an inaudible mumble that likely contains some less-than-flattering remarks about my character.

After that, we eat in comfortable silence, the clinking of cutlery the only sound. The breakfast is quick, a necessary fuel before the day truly begins.

In the Car

The engine purrs as we navigate the morning traffic. "What time do your classes start today?" Yoongi asks, his gaze fixed on the road.

"8 AM," I reply, suppressing a yawn.

"When will you finish?"

"Around 7 PM. Why?" I ask, a slight edge of annoyance in my voice. I know where this is going.

"Hmm. I won't be able to pick you up tonight," he states.

"Oh. Okay, no problem," I say, trying to sound nonchalant, though a part of me always enjoys his protective presence.

"Go straight home when you finish class. Don't wander around looking for God knows what," he says, the protective brother already in full swing, instantly grating on my nerves.

"Why are you like this? I'm not a little girl anymore, you know," I shoot back, irritation lacing my tone.

"I can't help it," he sighs, the exasperation clear. "You will forever be my baby little sister. And besides, you've now reached the official age to find your soulmate. I don't want you to bond too early. Please be careful."

I roll my eyes. "You haven't found yours yet. Why do you think I'll find mine, let alone bond? Plus, I'm not even looking for my soulmate, and I'll probably never meet him, so do not worry about that. Our parents aren't soulmates; they didn't bond, but don't you see how much they love each other? Their connection is stronger than any pre-destined fate."

"Just saying so you'll be careful. We don't know how it happens," he insists, his voice softening slightly. "And speaking of parents, they miss you and are wondering when you'll call them. When was the last time you actually talked to them?"

"One or two weeks ago?" I mumble, wincing.

"Gosh, HARU!" he exclaims, pulling up to the university entrance. "I told you to talk to them! They're still alive! Our parents are alive, did you forget?"

"Yeah, but I've been busy, okay?! I promise I'll call them!"

"You better," he says, the car brakes smoothly. "Now get your ass out of my car. I'm running late."

"Love you too," I call out, already half out the door.

"OUT NOW!" he laughs, pushing me gently.

"Bye!" I giggle, stepping onto the pavement.

I wave as his car pulls away, the mundane rhythm of my Monday morning now in full swing. Checking my phone, I see a notification from the class group: the professor postpones the first class due to an emergency.

"Great," I mumble to myself, a sigh escaping my lips. "Woke up early for nothing." I decide to make use of the unexpected free time. "I'll go study a little in the library. And before that, I'll take this opportunity to call my mom."

On the Phone

Ringing... ringing... ringing...

Pick up.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't my beloved daughter," my mom's voice chimes, laced with playful sarcasm. "Wow, she just realizes I'm still alive!"

"I'm sorry," I mumble, genuinely contrite.

"No, you're not," she scoffs lightly. "If it wasn't for Yoongi, I'm sure you wouldn't be talking with me right now! Is it too much to ask for you to talk to your parents? We worry about you, can't you understand?"

"Okay, I get it. I did wrong, and I'm truly, utterly sorry. Will you please forgive your favorite daughter?"

"You're my only daughter," she reminds me, chuckling.

"Exactly! You know I can't breathe normally knowing you're upset. Please, please, please, forgive me!"

"Okay, I forgive you," she concedes, her tone softening. "Anyway, how are you doing? Are you eating well? Are you working too hard? Is your brother treating you well? When will you come see us? Have1 you got a boyfriend? I won't ask if you sleep enough; you love sleeping!"

"Mom! Slow down, please, one question at a time," I laugh. "I'm doing just fine. I'm eating well-Yoongi's a great cook; you raised him well, so yes, he's treating me well too. A little bit overprotective, but nothing I can't handle. You know how school is, so I have to work hard to achieve my goals. Soon, I'll come soon, I promise. No, I don't have time for2 a boyfriend right now. And I sleep enough, thanks for asking. And him? If I'm not wrong, it's still Mina, and I still dislike her. I frankly don't know why they're together; the woman doesn't even love me."

"You know she's not really obliged to love you, right?" Mom asks, chuckling at my dramatic flair.

"Yes, exactly! If she doesn't love me, how can she pretend to love Yoongs? I'm the sweetest and kindest one!" I reply, exasperated.

I am deep in conversation with my mother, her voice a comforting drone in my ear, barely paying attention to my surroundings. Something feels... off. As if I am unconsciously drawn, moving towards a place I need to be. And then, it happens. I bump into somebody. Files scatter, fluttering like startled birds, landing on the floor with soft thuds.

"Mom, sorry, I just bumped into somebody! I'll call you after," I say, hanging up before she can respond.

"Oh my, I'm so, so sorry! I wasn't paying attention. I'm really sorry," I apologize, bowing respectfully.

"No, it's okay. I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings either, and I'm sorry too," a low, resonant voice replies, the person bowing in kind.

"Well, we were both out of it, so I guess it's alright. At least let me help you," I offer, gesturing to the scattered papers. "It's the least I can do."

"Well, hi. I'm Kim Taehyung," he says, a charming, slightly awkward scratch to his neck.

Looking up, my gaze meets his. "Hi, I'm Min Haru."

Then it happens. Just one look. My heart begins to beat faster and faster, a frantic drum against my ribs. I feel it-a second heartbeat, strong and distinct, resonating with my own. A sudden wave of dizziness washes over me, a terrifying sensation of being about to faint. And then, I faint.