Next Door to Them

Chapter Nine

Aila's mind had been too loud recently.

Having to learn to live with the fact she was a void took a long time. She constructed walls around herself. She kept away from love. Many years she kept herself from happiness.

She accepted the fact she was going to be alone. Her mind kept repeating there must be something wrong for her not to have a soulmate.

Then came Erick. He managed to break her walls and showed her she deserves love and happiness. She deserves a chance at living.

The back of her mind always gave her warnings. Erick didn't belong to her. He never would. But she decided to grab the chance at being happy. She wanted to know how it feels to love. She wanted to be loved and to love.

She was forever grateful to Erick. He's mark would forever be in her heart and in the depths of her soul.

But recently her mind had been loud. Dark thoughts she couldn't quiet down had her going crazy.

There was something.

Erick didn't feel the same. His kisses didn't make her stomach drop with want.

But maybe it was just her.

Erick would never hurt her. She knew he would always keep her save no matter what.

******

It was Saturday.

Erick finally done with the huge project his company had to take care of.

Which meant no more long work hours.

No more leaving his Aila alone.

He woke up and made her breakfast. He learned how to make French toast just for her. He had a whole day planned with her.

He truly missed her.

******

"Can we please go out for some ice cream?" Aila looked at Erick like he lost his mind.

Just how obsessed was he with ice cream. It's December.

"Yeah let's go, I don't see why not. It's just snowing out side but we can go." Erick sighed deep at her.

"No, nevermind. We don't have to go and get ice cream." He pouted.

Why is he such a big baby?

"Come on overgrown child, let's go."

The weather had been cold as December had just began. Aila was annoyed on having to wear so many layers of clothing, but she quite enjoy winter.

As they stepped out, Jimin and Hoseok were parking their car. Both soulmates got out and rushed over to them.

"Yes! We got to see you! So Seokjin-huyng's birthday is this Friday and we are cutting a cake for him! It's a surprise so don't say anything. Come by around seven. Namjoon is going to take him out so we can decorate!" A blind person could probably see Jimin's smile.

"'Awww that's nice Minie."

"Yeah thank you for letting us know. I forgot it was his birthday this Friday."

"It's fine huyng, just be there."

"Wait... where are you getting the cake from?"

"We are going to buy—"

"Did you just say buy Hobi? What am I? A sack of potatoes." Aila saw Jimin open his mouth so she punched his side.

"Don't answer. Im making the cake."

"Are you sure? We don't want to trouble you."

"It's fine Hobi. It'll be his gift from me."

Hoseok could feel Aila's smile seem lighter? Better? He didn't know. She just looked happy.

"Ok then! I guess we'll see you around!" Both pairs parted ways, Aila happy that she's finally getting time with Erick.

The two soulmates watched as they got in the car and left.

"Is it just me? Or does the house feel heavy resently?"

"Minie, it's not just me? First, Namjoon, Seokjin and Taehyung. Now Yoongi? What are they hiding?"

"Let's not worry about huyng. They're probably stressed with work." Jimin leaned over and gave his Hobi a kiss. They felt their marks burn with satisfaction at their touches.

"Let's go baby, we need to get out the cold."

They walked hand in hand into the house, moods happy but as soon as they stepped inside, it felt suffocating.

Jungkook sat by himself in the living room waiting for his soulmates.

"Hey Kookie! What are you doing in the dark babe?" Jimin went up to him and moved his hair off his face. His dark hair had gotten so long recently.

"Everyones mad at each other and in separate rooms. They left me." Ok whatever it was that had the other four sour needed to stop. It was clearly affecting their bond. Their baby.

"We'll have a talk tomorrow baby, don't worry. Let's go to my room and cuddle." Jungkook took Hoseok's hand and follow the two to their shared room.

****

Dinner was quiet. No one talked. Just the sounds of their mouths as they chewed.

"Can someone please tell me what is going on?"

"I don't know what you mean Ho—"

"Jin! Just stop! What the hell is the problem! Yesterday when we came back we found Kookie by himself in the dark waiting for us because you four were locked up."

Taehyung looked annoyed at this older mates. He was tired. He didn't want to fight anymore.

"It's nothing, we—"

"No! You don't make excuses Namjoon! Don't you feel the bond? Don't you see what's going on?" Taehyung couldn't take it and he got up the table.

"Taehyung! Don't walk away!"

"No Jin! I'm tired! I can't lie anymore!"

"It doesn't concern you!"

"Namjoon, how can you say that. Does it not break your heart, he doesn't deserve her!"

Of course Namjoon knew this. Aila was an angel, the most precious soul that needed taken care of.

"Tae, it's upsetting, trust me I know, but we can't get in between their relationship. Things will get uncovered at the right time. I promise."

Taehyung looked over at his Yoongi-huyng. He always trusted him. He always followed his advice. But he just couldn't keep the secret in any more.

"Ok! Just what the fuck is going on?"

"Language Kookie!" Jungkook wanted to roll his eyes at Seokjin, but for the sake of the discussion, he refrained himself.

"Taehyung, come back and sit. We are going to talk about this." Namjoon extended his hand out to Taehyung. He hesitated but went back to the table and sat on his lap. Namjoon always wondered how this man could make himself fit in.

"Ok so talk, what's going on."

Seokjin took a deep breath at Jimin's question.

"When we went to the mountain trip, Namjoon, Taehyung and I found out Erick's cheating on Aila."