The Wrong Soulmate (BTS OT7)

Chapter 3.13-Taehyung

Today was Yoona's birthday and I knew there were many surprises in store for the day. Honestly we spoiled Yoona every day, treating her like the center of our universe. So it was hard to imagine what else we could possibly give to her. But each of us had found little things we thought she might like.

As had become the norm we all sat down for dinner together. It was almost three months since Yoona joined us and she still didn't have a proper chair or bed since she was always with one of us. Tonight she was sitting on Kookie's lap while the rest of us were admiring how cute they were snuggled tight together.

We'd asked Yoona several times if there was anything she wanted but she said she'd tell us on her birthday. I knew she had been working on handwritten a note, which remained a slow process with her lack of strength.

After dinner and dessert I went to pick up Yoona from Kookie's lap and carried her to the living room. Over the last few weeks Yoona and I had been working hard to prepare a surprise for everyone else. While the others were finding a seat I nuzzled my forehead against her and flooded her with the knowledge of how proud I was of her and my confidence in her. She gave me a small nod even though I could feel how nervous she was. I stood up, still holding her close and gently allowed her feet to touch the ground.

Then, slowly stepping away from her, I watched carefully as she stood by herself, never going far since I knew her balance wasn't very good still.

She slowly took a wobbly step toward me, watching her feet move. Then she looked up at me to help renew her confidence. I assured her with a big smile and another nod of my head taking a further step back so she could walk a bit further.

I could hear the gasps around me. After three long months Yoona had finally regained enough weight and muscle to begin walking on her own. Kookie and I had worked tirelessly getting tips from a physical therapist that we could implement at home, recognizing Yoona was almost terrified by the idea of seeing any doctor, or really anyone outside of our soul group.

After about five wobbly steps I scooped her back up into my arms and covered her forehead with kisses. "I'm so proud of you princess, you did so well." I whispered to her, hoping she could feel my love and pride in our bond.

We were soon swamped by the others gathering round and covering Yoona with their affection. Being in the middle with Yoona was simply glorious. I loved basking in the radiating joy that was surrounding us from all sides. It was everything a soul bond should be, and for just a brief moment I felt like we were really back together again.

I carried Yoona back to a seat on the couch where we were quickly surrounded by Jin and Jimin on either side. Kookie was trying to use his gorgeous puppy dog eyes to get one of them to move so he could be closer to Yoona, but they both casually avoided noticing him so he eventually sat next to Namjoon who threw an arm around him and whispered a few words in his ear, seeming to brighten his mood again.

Yoona motioned to Yoongi who quickly popped up and left the room, returning shortly after with an envelope with Yoona's shaky penmanship on the outside. He handed it to me and with Yoona's consent I tore the envelope open and pulled out the paper inside. Yoona motioned for me to read it aloud, so after a bit of shuffling I began to read as Yoona curled tight against my chest.

My dearest soulmates,

Thank you for everything you have done for me. You have sacrificed so much for me even though I haven't always been a good soulmate in return. Please accept my apologies for everything I have done to hurt you.

I hugged her closer and kissed her head in reassurance before I continued.

There is nothing I could possibly want for my birthday, you have already given my everything. Instead I want to share a few of my own hopes and dreams with you.

First, I hope to offer more and be less of a burden as I get stronger. I know that in order to become the best I can be I need some help. I think I'm ready to see the right doctors and therapist to help me get better. If it isn't too much to ask I hope you could help me with that.

Again I paused in my reading to assure her. This was what we'd all wanted for Yoona, we were just waiting until she was ready. I could see the smiles as our hopes finally seemed to align.

Second, I hope that someday you will begin to make music together again. I know I won't be able to hear it, but while I was gone from you I often thought of your music and it gave me comfort. More of it should be in the world to strengthen others.

I paused her and looked around. Some of our soulmates looked open to this proposal, while others were less committed. This would be something to discuss later but in the meantime I gave Yoona another tighter squeeze.

And finally, I hope one day we all can trust each other enough to leave our bonds open. I've heard it is wonderful and I want to experience that too. I know I have no right to make this request so instead I will hope that with enough time we can trust each other enough to make that happen.

Your soulmate,

Yoona

Around me I could see some nods of agreement, while others looked deep in thought. At the same time I could slowly feel some of the last closed off bonds begin to crack open until, for the first time in years, I could find everyone in our bond.

I could sense that Yoona felt it too, pulling her face out from my chest to look around with eyes wide in wonder and surprise. I could tell that some were still reluctant while others quickly moved to the center of the bond to be fully together. I could feel Kookie's emotions brush past me as he searched for Yoona, gently prodding her to join us in the center. After everyone was there it was like the sun shining after a long rainy season. It was bright with joy and glowing love. I never wanted to leave.

We stayed like that, quietly enjoying making Yoona's birthday wish come true for almost an hour. Yoona kept her eyes closed basking in our company with a small smile on her face, but when I looked around I could see several soulmates staring at Yoona, watching her small smile with increasing joy. Initially I could feel some of my soulmates' nervousness and reluctance but it faded away the longer we spent together. Finally the magic was eventually broken when Kookie hopped up to come grab Yoona from me so he could have her in his own arms.

His action was met with laughter and some eye rolling. I was surprised he lasted as long as he did, patiently allowing Yoona to be on my lap. But nobody begrudged our baby boy. He always would be spoiled, and of everyone Yoona had been the most important to his own growth as a man. Our two babies would always have a special bond.