SOUL BONDS ( Under revision )

Chapter 31

They stepped out of the limousine one by one, the cool evening air brushing against their dressed-up forms. The city lights reflected softly off the sleek black vehicle behind them as they gathered together, adjusting jackets and fixing small details before taking a few quick pictures. Even with masks and hats, there was still an effortless presence about them—something that drew attention without trying.

Just as they began to move forward, Jin suddenly stopped.

"Princess... you didn't," he breathed, eyes widening as realization hit him.

Nae turned toward him slowly, a knowing smirk spreading across her lips. She didn't even have to say anything—her expression said it all.

"Yes," she replied softly, clearly pleased with herself. "Yes, I did, baby. Only the best for my men."

Taehyung stepped in behind her, wrapping his arms loosely around her shoulders as he leaned his chin against her head, clearly impressed. Namjoon let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head.

"He's been trying to get a reservation here for months," Namjoon said, looking at her with admiration. "How did you even manage this?"

Nae shrugged lightly, though her eyes sparkled with pride. "I pulled a few strings... rented the whole place out for two hours."

That earned a chorus of reactions.

"You never fail to amaze us, princess," Hoseok said, his smile bright and genuine.

"She really doesn't," Yoongi added quietly, his gaze lingering on her in a way that said more than his words ever could. "Keeps us on our toes."

Nae laughed, nudging Taehyung's arm as she stepped forward. "Y'all are just getting old, that's all."

Hoseok burst out laughing beside her, while Jimin rolled his eyes dramatically. "We are not old," he muttered.

The shift in her expression was immediate—playful, but with an edge that made Jimin pause.

"Baby boy," she said, stepping closer to him, her voice lower now. "What did I tell you about that attitude?"

Jimin's confidence faltered almost instantly, his cheeks flushing as he avoided her gaze. "I'm sorry... it won't happen again," he said quickly.

Her expression softened just enough as she reached up, gently holding his face and pressing a quick kiss to his lips. "Good," she murmured. "Let's keep it that way, yeah?"

"Yes, ma'am," he replied quietly, a small smile tugging at his lips despite himself.

Nae stepped back, clapping her hands once. "Alright, enough of that—y'all are staring like you've never seen me before."

"Because you look like that," Jungkook mumbled under his breath, earning a laugh from Jin.

"Come on," she said, gesturing toward the entrance. "Let's go."

Inside, the atmosphere shifted completely. The restaurant was quiet—intentionally so—soft lighting casting a warm glow over everything. The view from their private section overlooked the city skyline, glittering and endless.

As the host led them to their table, the group fell into a rare silence, taking it all in.

"You like it?" Nae asked, turning to face them, suddenly a little unsure.

She hadn't realized she'd lowered her gaze until a hand gently tilted her chin upward. Namjoon stood in front of her, the others just behind him.

"It's beautiful," he said softly. "You didn't have to do all this... but we're really grateful you did."

Before she could respond, he leaned down and pressed a warm kiss to her lips—soft, appreciative, grounding.

When he pulled back, he gave her one last look before pulling out her chair for her.

The others settled in around the table, picking up menus and scanning through them. Almost immediately, Hoseok's eyes widened.

Nae noticed instantly.

"Don't even start," she said, pointing at him before he could speak. "Order what you want. No arguing."

Hoseok hesitated, glancing between her and the menu. "But—"

"Nope," she cut him off, leaning forward slightly. "And if you try to order something cheap, I will order for you."

The table erupted in quiet laughter as Hoseok sighed dramatically. "Alright, alright... I get it."

They placed their orders, the conversation flowing easily as they waited. Everyone shared bits of their day, small stories, teasing each other, the tension from earlier completely gone.

When the food finally arrived, Nae practically lit up.

"Ahhh, here it comes!" she said, bouncing slightly in her seat.

Jin watched her with a soft smile, clearly entertained, while Jungkook chuckled beside him.

They all dug in, the table quickly filling with conversation, laughter, and the occasional playful argument over whose dish was better. Time seemed to move faster there—two hours passing almost too quickly.

By the time they stepped back outside, the night had fully settled in.

"Thank you, princess," Jin said quietly as they walked toward the car, his hand finding hers again.

She just smiled, squeezing his hand lightly.

They all climbed back into the limousine, still talking, still laughing—completely unaware that the night wasn't over yet.

Because Nae had one more surprise waiting for them at home.