SOUL BONDS ( Under revision )

Chapter 21

They pulled up to the hospital, the building tall and sterile against the morning sky, and the mood shifted almost instantly. Without needing to say much, all of them reached for their masks, pulling them securely over their faces. Fame came with rules, and even something as routine as a medical appointment had to be handled carefully. Namjoon stepped out first, glancing around before nodding. "Stay close," he said quietly. Jimin adjusted himself on his crutches, determination clear despite the slight discomfort. "I've been waiting six weeks for this. Nothing's ruining today." Naomi stayed at his side, her hand hovering near him in case he needed support, while Jungkook walked on her other side, eyes scanning everything like he always did.

Inside, the hospital felt cold and clinical, the faint smell of antiseptic lingering in the air. A few people glanced up as they entered, curiosity flickering, but the masks helped keep attention low. They approached the front desk as a group, naturally positioning themselves around Jimin without making it obvious. Naomi stepped forward, her entire demeanor shifting into something calm and professional. "Good morning," she said politely. "We're here for Park Jimin's appointment." The receptionist barely looked up at first, typing lazily, but when she did, her eyes landed on Naomi—and immediately hardened. Naomi caught it instantly. Then the woman's gaze flicked past her to the men behind her, and her entire expression changed, posture straightening, tone softening unnaturally. "Oh—yes, he's a bit early. It'll be about twenty minutes before he's called back." Naomi smiled politely, though something in her eyes sharpened. "Thank you."

As they stepped away, Jungkook leaned slightly toward her. "You saw that too, right?" he muttered. "Oh, I saw it," Naomi whispered back. Namjoon exhaled softly. "Let it go for now. We're in public." Naomi hummed, but before fully walking off, she paused and glanced back. "Excuse me," she said sweetly. The receptionist looked up again. "You've got something on your cheek." The woman immediately brought her hand up, flustered, wiping at her face. Naomi gave a polite nod. "Yeah... it's gone now." Then she turned and walked away, shoulders shaking slightly as she held in her laughter. "What did you say to her?" Namjoon asked. "Nothing crazy," Naomi said, grinning. "Just helped her out." Namjoon shook his head, amused.

They found seats tucked away in the waiting area. Jungkook sat down and immediately patted his lap. "Come here, princess." Naomi raised a brow, glancing at the empty chairs around them. "There are plenty of seats, you know." Jungkook tilted his head, gaze soft but stubborn. "I know. I still want you here." Namjoon snorted quietly. "He's not even trying to hide it anymore." Naomi laughed lightly, shaking her head. "Nope. Not today. I'm going to grab drinks." Before he could protest, she slipped away.

As she walked down the hallway, her thoughts drifted for just a second too long. She turned a corner and collided straight into someone, stumbling back and landing on the floor. "Oh my God, I'm so sorry," a voice said quickly. She looked up to see a man crouching in front of her, hand extended. "I wasn't paying attention," she admitted, taking his hand. "Are you okay?" he asked. "I'm fine," she nodded, brushing herself off. He smiled warmly. "Let me make it up to you." Naomi immediately shook her head. "No, that's not necessary, really." "At least let me buy you coffee," he insisted gently. She hesitated, her expression shifting into something more guarded. "I don't really meet up with strangers like that," she said honestly. He nodded, not pushing too hard. "That's fair. We can just... keep it public. There's a café nearby. If you're comfortable." She studied him for a moment, weighing it carefully. "I'll think about it," she said finally. He smiled. "That's all I'm asking." After a brief pause, she added, "What's your name?" "Jackson. Jackson Wang." She gave a small nod. "Naomi." She didn't fully agree—but she didn't shut it down either.

When she returned with drinks, Jungkook was already on his feet. "What took so long? Are you okay?" he asked quickly. "I'm fine," she reassured. "I just ran into someone." "Who?" Namjoon asked immediately. Naomi handed them their drinks. "A guy. Jackson. He asked to get coffee, but I told him I'd think about it." The air shifted slightly. "You didn't say yes?" Jungkook asked. "No," she said firmly. "I'm not just going out with some random person." Namjoon relaxed just a fraction. "Good." She crossed her arms lightly. "Relax. I know my boundaries." He leaned closer, voice low. "It's not about trust. It's about keeping you safe." She softened, wrapping her arms around his waist briefly. "I know. I've got you guys."

Jimin, watching all of this, chuckled. "You two look like a drama scene." Naomi laughed, and right then a nurse called, "Park Jimin?" Jimin straightened immediately. "That's me." Naomi smiled at him. "Let's go."

After the appointment, Jimin walked out lighter, relief written all over him. "It's finally off," he said, almost in disbelief. "About time," Jungkook grinned. Namjoon checked his phone. "Jin says we need groceries." Naomi groaned. "Can we at least change first?" "Definitely," Namjoon agreed.

Back at the house, Naomi headed straight for the shower, letting the warm water relax her. A few minutes in, she heard the door open. She turned—and froze slightly as Jin stepped in. She blinked, clearly caught off guard. "Jin—what are you doing?" she asked, half laughing, half embarrassed. He smiled softly, stepping closer but keeping his movements gentle, non-threatening. "Just checking on you," he said. "You disappeared." She looked away for a second, trying to regain composure. "I was fine... just needed a shower." He reached out, lightly brushing her cheek. "You always rush off," he murmured.

Before the moment could settle, the door opened again. "Tsk... starting without us?" Taehyung's voice teased. Naomi turned quickly, eyes widening as more of them filtered in. "Oh my God, y'all have no boundaries," she said, laughing but clearly flustered. Hoseok laughed. "We live here too!" Jungkook leaned against the wall, smirking. "You act surprised every time." Namjoon crossed his arms, amused. "We should probably hurry if we want to leave today."

Then Yoongi stepped in last, quiet as always, leaning casually against the wall with a small smirk. His eyes flicked over the scene before settling on Naomi. "You look overwhelmed," he said calmly. She let out a breathy laugh. "Because I am." Yoongi shrugged slightly. "You'll survive." His tone was dry, but there was something grounding in it.

Jimin, now moving more freely, leaned against the doorway. "Worth it though," he said with a grin. Naomi shook her head, laughing softly as she covered her face. "All of you are insane."

"And you love it," Jungkook added.

She peeked through her fingers, smiling despite herself.

"Yeah," she admitted quietly. "I really do."