Chapter 104: The Eight Heartbeat

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The madness.
The warmth.
Us.

“Sorry for the chaos,” I say finally, voice cracking like a middle schooler.

“We’re just... excited.”

Jimin’s eyes find mine again.

That pull.
That gravity.

And he smiles—soft and private, just for me

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And he smiles—soft and private, just for me.

“I’m glad,” he says.

Dead. I’m dead. I’ve ascended. Goodbye.

“We were told to be chill,” Yoongi hyung mutters under his breath, coming up to stand next to me, arms crossed like he’s pretending he’s not vibrating internally.

“Clearly we’re killing it,” Joon hyung deadpans.

Kook just beams at Jimin like a golden retriever who just found his favorite ball.

“Hi! I’m Jungkook!” he chirps, offering a hand.

Jimin takes it, and something clicks in the air.

A subtle, almost invisible tremor that makes the hairs on my arms stand up.

Like the universe just said, Yes.

“I know,” Jimin smiles, shaking his hand firmly. “You’re the esports champion. I saw your highlight reel last month.”

Kook practically combusts.

“YOU DID?!”

“Uh-huh. You’re insane,” Jimin says casually.

Kook makes a strangled noise and hides behind Hobi hyung, who steps forward with his signature sunshine grin.

“I’m Hobi. Hobi hyung to some,” he says, winking. “Resident hype man, tour guide, and unofficial snack hoarder.”

Jimin chuckles, shaking his hand too.
And again—that little click.

It’s small.
But it’s there.

I watch Jimin’s eyes flicker slightly every time he touches one of us.

Recognition. Shock. Longing.

Like his body remembers before his mind can catch up.

Next is Joon hyung, who gives Jimin a soft, grounding smile and shakes his hand with both of his.

“I’m Namjoon. It’s really good to finally meet you,” he says warmly.

Jimin’s shoulders visibly loosen under Joon hyung’s calmness.

Then comes Yoongi hyung—who of course just gives Jimin a silent nod and a handshake so brief it’s practically a secret.

But Jimin beams at him anyway.

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