SOUL BONDS ( Under revision )

Chapter 34

Nae woke slowly, her body heavy, limbs tangled with warmth on every side. Jin was sprawled across her stomach, his breathing deep and even, while Jimin's arms were wrapped tightly around her waist like he was afraid she'd disappear if he let go. The rest of them were scattered across the bed, limbs overlapping, soft snores filling the quiet room.

For a moment, she just stayed there—still, listening. Letting the calm settle in her chest.

Her fingers slid gently into Jimin's hair, brushing through the soft strands. He stirred slightly, pressing closer without waking. He looked so different like this... peaceful. Innocent.

Nothing like last night.

She exhaled slowly.

Jin shifted against her, and she instinctively ran her hand through his hair too, soothing him before he could fully wake. It worked—his body relaxed again, sinking back into sleep.

But her bladder had other plans.

"Okay... I really can't wait anymore," she whispered to herself.

Carefully—very carefully—she tried to untangle herself from the pile of bodies. It was like escaping a trap. Every small movement made someone shift or mumble. Finally, she slid free—

Only for her legs to completely give out the second her feet hit the floor.

"Ah—!"

Thump.

"What happened?!" Jin shot up instantly, eyes wide, scanning the room like something had attacked.

Everyone else groaned.

"It's just me!" Nae called, half embarrassed, half annoyed. "I can't walk!"

There was a pause.

Then Jin blinked.

And laughed.

"Oh... wow," he said, clearly amused as he got out of bed. "That's what we're doing now?"

"Jin!" she snapped, heat rising to her face.

He crouched in front of her, smirking. "You good, princess?"

"No," she deadpanned. "I need the bathroom."

"Yeah, I can see that."

Without another word, he lifted her effortlessly, carrying her into the bathroom like it was nothing. His expression softened as he helped her, all teasing gone for a moment.

"Better?" he asked after a second.

She let out a long breath. "So much better."

Jin leaned against the counter, watching her with a knowing look. "You do realize..."

She narrowed her eyes. "Don't."

"...we have plans today."

Her stomach dropped.

"...what?"

He raised a brow. "Jackson. The café."

Her eyes widened. "Oh my God."

Right. Jackson.

The mood shifted instantly.

The warmth from earlier faded, replaced with something tighter. Heavier.

"Guess I'm not walking anywhere," she muttered.

"I'll carry you!"

Kook's voice echoed from the bedroom, loud and immediate.

Nae couldn't help but laugh. "Of course you will."

The ride to the café felt... different.

Quieter.