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Word count: 3228
POV: Jin
"SHE REALLY DOESN'T believe what we're saying, hyung," Jungkook muttered under his breath softly. A sorrowful expression danced on his face, highlighting his nervousness.
Jin patted his back gently. He didn't want to admit his thoughts to the others. He didn't want to scare them.
But the truth was, he was absolutely terrified. Their soul mate genuinely believed they were tricking her. Madeline wanted to be as far away from them as possible. She even believed they'd leave her once she got better.
What was supposed to be the happiest moments of their lives, had turned dark. Their soul mate was too afraid to be with them and so, she had resorted to blocking off any feelings she had for them. It was so bad that she had abused using soul suppressants and wound up in the hospital.
When Jin was a small child, he dreamed of being with his soul mate. It was the one thing he wanted more than anything.
Whilst he loved his job and ARMY, he wouldn't be anything if he didn't have that hope of being with his soul mate.
Madeline.
He finally knew her name and what she looked like. She was gorgeous but not in a traditional way. His initial impression of her was that she was quite reserved. She appeared to not be the type of person that trusted easily. He could understand that—after becoming famous, it was hard for him to trust people as easily. Unfortunately, he had come across many people who only wanted to use him.
Internally, he shuddered as a mental image of Mi-Rae popped up. She didn't want him. She thrived and adored being the girlfriend of THE Kim Seokjin.
"It feels so...cruel," Jungkook admitted, reluctantly. Jin could tell Jungkook didn't want to think of his soul mate as someone cruel or bad but after what had happened earlier, he could see why Jungkook was conflicted.
"I think our soul mate has been through a lot of pain. What you're seeing is her defense mechanisms. Did you see her face earlier, when we explained why she was turned away in Seoul?"
Jungkook shook his head and furrowed his brows together. "No?"
Jin readjusted his position so he could fully face Jungkook. "She looked hopeful, Kookie."
"Hopeful that we were telling the truth?"
"And that there could be a future with us," Jin added, causing a spark to ignite inside of him.
"So...what do we do?" Jungkook asked whilst nibbling on his bottom lip.
"We slowly ease our presence into her life and earn her trust," Yoongi's deep voice answered, making himself known. Jin had assumed he was still napping.
Jungkook pouted, showing how impatient he was. Like the other two maknae's, Jungkook often hated waiting. He was the type of person to dive right in when it came to something he truly wanted.
"It might take a while, but it's the only way she will open up and even consider being with us," Jin told him in a soothing voice. "She will try and push us away. She might even try to break the bond again. But we have to be strong. We have to prove to her that we want this and we're not going anywhere."
"She thinks we won't stick around," Yoongi muttered, bitterly. "But we'll show her that she's wrong."
Jin was shocked to hear Yoongi declare such a statement. For the first few years after they all started receiving their soul tattoos, they had spoken about their soul mate, how their dynamic would work, and so on. Yoongi had been the least vocal. Originally, he had expressed his want for MS but he had never said it with such conviction.
Meeting Madeline and seeing who she was as a person, had obviously changed that.
Jin had felt changes in himself too. He felt fiercely protective of her. He wanted to face her problems together and fight for their bond.
It astounded him that despite how little he knew about her, he had such intense feelings. His parents had once warned him that the bond between soul mates was very strong, even if you haven't touched it yet.
Jin had felt an itch for a long time. He was the oldest and so, he was desperate to initiate the bond. But he didn't want to accidentally do it. He wanted Madeline to want the bond to be kickstarted. Jin vowed after seeing her reaction earlier that he would wait. He knew it would be agonizing but he wanted that moment to be special and memorable.
Jungkook shifted in his seat and glanced at his smartwatch. A small crease formed in between his brows, "It's been roughly an hour since she left. Should we go and find her?"
Jin didn't even realize time had gone so quickly. After Madeline left the hospital room, claiming she needed some alone time, Jin ventured to the nurse's desk. A familiar nurse with electric blue eyes greeted him, partially overwhelmed by his presence. As usual, he ignored it and politely asked where his soul mate had gone. The nurse had informed him she was given an hour to sit in the cafe or visit the gardens.
He had smiled gratefully, pretending he wasn't worried about her being alone. She had not long woken up and her body was still weak. If Jin had it his way, he'd make sure she was stuck beside him or his friends. However, he knew that would only push her further away from him.
They had to tread lightly and give her space. If they didn't, they'd never get anywhere.
"I'll go and find out where she is," Jin informed them, rising to his feet. Yoongi nodded his head tiredly and fluttered his eyes shut. Jungkook looked eager to join him since the others were either showering in the hospital's private bathrooms or getting some fresh air.
"Can I come? I'm just as worried," Jungkook asked, pleading with Jin.
Jin could never say no to Jungkook when he plastered an innocent, begging look on his face. Unfortunately, Jungkook knew this. "Fine," He relented, shaking his head in mild amusement.
Leaping to his feet, Jungkook grabbed a mask and threw it on his face. Jin did the same, used to wearing one now.
Together, they both left the room and followed the signs to the main cafeteria. It was busy, filled with patients and visitors talking and eating. Some looked deathly pale, on the verge of death. Jin's eyes were situated on one young woman who slightly resembled Madeline. He couldn't help but feel sick thinking that Madeline looked so close to death. It terrified him.
Jungkook steered Jin through the cafe, trying to blend in. Thankfully, most people were in their own world, oblivious to the two famous singers.
"She's not in here," Jungkook said in a muffled voice, scanning the room once again.
Jin's shoulders deflated, "She must be outside then."
Jungkook's eyes shut for a brief moment. When they opened, Jin spotted a flicker of dread inside of his brown orbs. "Unless she..."
Already knowing where her train of thought was going, Jin placed a reassuring hand on Jungkook's shoulders, "Don't think like that, Kookie. She's too ill to leave." He hated saying that last sentence. Madeline shouldn't be ill.
Jungkook also looked pained by his words. "Yeah, you're right, hyung. Let's head outside."
Jin smiled with his eyes, being brave for his close friend.
They turned around quickly, unaware that somebody was walking towards them, whilst staring at their phone. Jin collided with a hard body and blinked, momentarily shocked.
His eyes lifted up to meet golden brown eyes.
"Sorry, mate," The man said in English. Jin just about understood what he said.
"It's...fine," Jin managed to say in English. He wondered what it would feel like to be able to fully understand English. He had seen many changes in Jimin, Taehyung, and Hobi in such a short time. It was like they had been speaking the language all their lives.
The man left wordlessly, casting his gaze back to his phone. Thinking nothing more of it, he caught up to Jungkook who had been watching the interaction with concern.
"You okay, hyung?" He asked in a low voice.
"Fine, he didn't recognize me," Jin replied, glancing over his shoulder at the man. He found him embracing a woman with dark skin and a lean figure. The conversation they had seemed to be intense.
The two of them both continued to the exit. Jin let out a long breath once he stepped outside, relieved to get outside.
The hospital garden wasn't big or magnificent but it was a breath of fresh air. His throat was beginning to sting with the taste of disinfectant.
Benches were dotted around the area, leading to a circular path. In the middle of the path was a beautiful memorial. Vividly colored flowers had been planted in a concise and passionate manner. They looked beautiful and melancholic.
Jin examined the area, searching for his beautiful soul mate.
His eyes nearly danced over three figures sitting in an open area. The backs of two men slightly blocked his view of the third person. He did a double-take and leaned to the side to get a better view.
His soul mate's long and ethereal face came into his view. She didn't seem to notice them. Instead, she was solely focused on the two men she was talking to. Jin didn't know whether he should feel jealous or not.
"Do you see her?" Jungkook asked, looking in the wrong direction.
"She's ten o'clock," He responded, not wanting to make it too obvious by pointing. Jungkook immediately snapped his head in that direction. Sure enough, he spotted Madeline and smiled broadly.
"Let's go," He said, gleefully, already moving in that direction.
"Wait—"
Jin's protest went through one ear and out the other. Jungkook was determined.
Sighing, he caught up to the maknae, worried that Madeline would be mad about interrupting her time with the two guys.
It didn't take her long to feel their eyes on her. She snapped her eyes up and nearly choked on her own spit. The two guys she was with noticed and asked her what was wrong. He saw her mouth open and close as she said something to them and wondered if the two guys knew who they were.
The two men whipped their heads around to look at them. They both looked young and similar, with dark blonde hair, grey eyes, and tall frames. Jin knew they had to be siblings.
The older-looking guy stood up and shyly smiled at him. He approached them hesitantly but determined.
"Hi," He greeted in English, looking nervous. "You're Jin and Jungkook, right?"
Jin wasn't the best at English but he knew enough to understand what this guy was saying.
They both nodded their heads and bowed respectfully. Jin could feel Madeline's gaze on them, trying to gauge their intentions.
"We're Madeline's brothers," The guy continued, sticking his hand out. Jin took it and shook his hand. He knew Madeline had three brothers in total but Freya and Creed hadn't mentioned them. "I'm Dash and that's Lemar." He pointed at the other man who was expressionless. Lemar reminded Jin of Madeline. "It's nice to meet you."
Dash looked genuinely interested in meeting them.
An awkward silence passed between them. Jin turned to Madeline, knowing she would understand what he said in Korean.
"Are you okay? The nurses said you had an hour of free time. We didn't want to disturb you but we're going to have to take you back now." He said, unsure of how to articulate his words or worries. Jin had never felt so nervous around somebody before.
Madeline pinched her lips together, "I'm fine." She replied in English, distantly.
"There you are!" A new voice startled all five of them. Jin twirled around to find Creed and Namjoon walking towards them. Namjoon cast Jin and Jungkook a look, silently asking if they were okay. Subtly, they nodded their heads.
Jin turned back to watch the family scene unfold. He was curious to see how Madeline's relationships with her family worked. They had all barely seen her speak to them.
Namjoon came to stand in between Jungkook and Jin, prepared to quietly translate what transpired between the Smiths.
"Mads, why didn't you tell us you were heading out? Something could have happened," Creed scolded in a light tone, eyeing her form. Jin couldn't help but notice Madeline looked extremely tired and pale.
"I wanted some fresh air. Is that not allowed?" She retorted, rubbing her eyes adorably.
Creed's posture softened. "Still..."
Jin liked the fact Creed was so protective of his older sister. He could clearly see the care he had.
"I'm not going to collapse again," Madeline said to them, firmly.
Creed loosened a tense breath, "Let's get you back. I think we should get a nurse to check your vitals."
"Creed's right," Lemar chipped in, speaking for the first time. Jin assumed he was the youngest. "Maybe we could order some food?"
"Food sounds good," Dash piped in, smiling excitedly.
Jin watched in fascination as Madeline's eyes brightened and her lips twitched. She was so close to smiling. He wished she would have. He was desperate to see her look happy, even if it was for a brief moment.
"Okay," Madeline relented, sounding vaguely amused.
"She looks more relaxed around them," Jungkook whispered to Namjoon and Jin in jealousy, longing for her to act that way around them.
"They're her family, Kookie. It's good to know she's close with them," Namjoon murmured back, keeping his eyes trained on Madeline.
All three of her brothers helped her up, fretting over the tiniest things. Jin had to curl his fingers into a fist to prevent himself from dashing over and lending a hand. He wanted to be the one she leaned on for any kind of support, no matter how small.
Dash and Lemar flanked her sides, watching her closely. Creed followed closely behind her, talking animatedly about the best food they could order. Hesitantly, Jin, Namjoon, and Jungkook trailed after them, wanting to remain close to her.
At one point, Creed shot them all a grateful and encouraging look. Jin was relieved to know that Creed was supportive of them, even if it was only slightly.
"Chinese food is better by far," Dash commented, placing a hand over his heart dramatically. "It's the best way to my heart."
Lemar snorted whilst Creed rolled his eyes. "Lemar is supposed to be the dramatic one, Dash. You're not the theatre kid in the family."
Lemar shrugged his shoulders, "He's always been like that. I'm the quiet one until I'm on stage."
"Oh, do you remember when Aunt Gwen came and saw you perform as the butler in Clue? She genuinely thought somebody else was playing him." Creed recalled, chuckling. For a split second, Madeline smiled. But it was gone in an instant, making Jin doubt whether he actually saw it.
"I swear you have an alter ego on stage or something," Dash added, smirking.
"I think the next play Grangewood does should be Jekyll and Hyde. You'd be great." Creed said to Lemar, who looked embarrassed.
Jin assumed Grangewood was the high school they went to.
He found himself enjoying the brother's talk, even though he was only understanding it from Namjoon. They were quite entertaining and very different. Creed was the most outgoing whilst Dash seemed to be the funniest. Lemar was probably the most similar to Madeline. He was more closed off and shy.
Madeline's family seemed wholesome and reminded Jin of his interactions with the other members of BTS. They were extremely close. No, they were family.
The three IDOLs followed the Smiths back to Madeline's room. They lingered further back whilst Madeline spoke to her brothers in a hushed tone. Even though he couldn't hear or understand what she was saying, he could sense that she needed their support and guidance.
They all embraced each other in a tight hug. At one point, Jin thought he spotted Creed crying.
In a loud tone so that Namjoon could hear and translate it, Creed announced, "We'll see you tomorrow, Madi. Dad said he'll come and visit with Mom."
Madeline managed a small smile, eager to see them.
From the brief family description Freya had given them, Jin knew that the three Smith boys didn't share the same mother with Madeline. It made him wonder when he'd meet Madeline's mom.
With that, Madeline hobbled back into her hospital room whilst the three brothers approached them. Namjoon straightened his posture whilst Jungkook regarded them nervously.
"You better take good care of our sister," Creed said simply in a hard, serious tone. Jin knew he wasn't to be messed around when it came to his sister's well-being. Creed wanted his sister to be happy and believed they could do that, as long as they did nothing to harm her.
Lamar and Dash also nodded their heads, maintaining their stoic expressions.
"We will," Namjoon replied, honestly.
Creed evaluated all three of them quietly. Jungkook shifted on the balls of his feet anxiously but kept a determined look on his face.
"We'll see you tomorrow. Try to make sure she eats something. She loves a grilled cheese sandwich." Dash informed them, slipping a small smile on his face.
They all nodded their heads and said their goodbyes. Jin watched the three tall brothers turn a corner and disappear from sight. He had to admit, he liked them. They were young but also had an air of maturity around them. Especially Creed.
"Why did they feel so scary?" Jungkook mumbled to himself, pulling down the sleeve of his shirt.
Jin let out a small chuckle, "They're a few years younger than you, Kookie. You have nothing to be scared of."
In reality, Jin knew that was not the case. They had a lot to be scared of. Madeline's brothers could easily help prevent them from seeing her.
"I think we should agree to disagree there," Jungkook muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.
Jungkook was right in a way, Jin realized. They all had a lot of sway with Madeline, based on what he had observed of their relationship. That meant they would all have to stay in their good graces. It was a terrifying thought.
"Why don't we grab a hot drink?" Namjoon suggested, knowing that Yoongi was in the hospital room with Madeline. The others would also probably return soon, eager to spend time with her.
Jin liked that idea. They could talk to their leader about his thoughts and plans for when they left the hospital. "That sounds good. Hobi said the coffee is surprisingly delicious here."
And so, all three of them headed to the cafeteria, to get an idea of the plan moving forward.
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