SOUL BONDS ( Under revision )

Chapter 15

The car ride home was filled with laughter. Not the polite kind, not the kind you force to fill silence—but real, effortless laughter that came from somewhere deep. It surprised me how easily it slipped out, how natural it felt being around them. And that was the problem. I was falling for them. Fast. Each of them carried this warmth, this quiet, comforting energy that wrapped around me without permission. It felt safe... addictive, even. Being around them made me forget the parts of myself I usually kept guarded.

By the time we made it back to the house, I was already too far gone. The boys told me to go change into something comfortable and that we'd be heading back out once everyone was ready. I nodded and made my way upstairs, my mind still replaying moments from the car ride. Inside my room, I stood in front of my closet for a moment before settling on something simple—an orange jumpsuit, a white crop top, and matching orange-and-white sneakers. Comfortable. Easy. I changed quickly, then pulled my hair into a high ponytail, braiding it neatly before laying my edges down. The routine grounded me, giving me a moment to breathe.

When I stepped out, I found myself wandering toward Yoongi's room. His door was slightly open, so I pushed it gently and stepped inside. He stood near the bed in grey joggers and a soft pink hoodie, his hair slightly messy. He looked up the moment he noticed me. "You okay, baby?" he asked, walking toward me. I realized I'd been staring and smiled softly. "Yeah... I'm okay. Just admiring." The words slipped out before I could stop them, and warmth rushed to my cheeks. He chuckled and pulled me into a firm, grounding hug, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead before pulling back with that rare, gummy smile. My chest tightened. These were the moments I loved the most. Yoongi wasn't overly expressive, but when he showed affection, it felt real—beautiful in a quiet, honest way.

I left his room and made my way to Jin's. "Daddy?" I called as I stepped inside. "I'm in here, princess," he answered from his walk-in closet. I followed his voice and immediately froze. His closet was massive—bigger than my entire apartment. Of course it was. "Come here," he said, patting his lap. I walked over and let him pull me down, his face nuzzling into my neck while my arms wrapped around his shoulders. "Where are we going?" I asked softly. "Sightseeing," he murmured, standing up with me still in his arms. He carried me into the bathroom and set me on the counter while he fixed his hair. Even dressed casually in joggers, a hoodie, and a black headband, he looked perfect. "Take a picture," he teased through the mirror. "It'll last longer." I smirked. "Why would I need a picture when I have the real thing?" That caught him off guard, and he laughed. "You got me with that one." He picked me up again and carried me downstairs, settling onto the couch with me still in his arms.

We sat there in comfortable silence for a few minutes, his hand moving slowly along my back, his lips brushing my forehead every so often. One by one, the others came downstairs, dressed just as casually, and soon we were heading out again. They had waited until it was fully dark, saying the city looked better that way—and they were right. After a short drive, the car stopped, and we got out, deciding to walk the rest of the way.

The moment I stepped onto the street, I paused. It was beautiful. Lights stretched across the city, glowing against the night sky, reflecting off windows and pavement like something out of a dream. The air felt cooler, quieter—almost magical. "I see why you waited," I said softly, looking around in awe. They walked with me, pointing things out, showing me places, explaining little details I never would've noticed on my own. "So, how do you like it?" Jin asked. "I love it," I smiled, my eyes still wandering. "It's really beautiful here."

And then—without thinking—I love you guys too.

The thought slipped through my mind so naturally that I didn't even question it. Until everything went quiet. I stopped walking and slowly turned my head. All of them had stopped. Every single one of them was looking at me. My heart dropped.

"...Y-you love us?" Jungkook asked softly, his eyes wide.

Oh no. I said it out loud.

Panic flickered through me, but I forced myself to breathe. Fuck it. I met his eyes, then the others. "Yes," I said quietly but firmly. "I love you... all of you."

The words barely settled before I was pulled into them. Arms wrapped around me from every direction, warm and tight and overwhelming in the best way. I laughed breathlessly as they held me close. "We love you too, kitten," Jimin murmured, his voice soft and full of emotion.

They pulled back just enough for me to see their faces. Yoongi gave me that soft, gummy smile. Jin looked at me like I was something precious. Taehyung was practically bouncing with excitement, talking too fast for anyone to understand until Jungkook calmed him down. Namjoon smiled warmly, dimples deep, while Hobi's entire face lit up with happiness. And Jungkook... he looked at me like I was everything.

My chest tightened.

This—this right here—was why I loved them.

And somewhere deep inside, where fear still lingered, I knew... if I ever lost them, it would hurt more than anything I had ever felt.