Map of the Soul 7 Saga Book 3 - Home

Home Chapter 21

6 months: The energy in the stadium is electric. I'm sitting in the VIP section, surrounded by friends and family, watching BTS perform their final show of the world tour. My heart swells with pride and joy as I watch JK on stage, his voice filling the air.

I glance at Holden next to me, his eyes wide with wonder. A wave of gratitude washes over me as I think about how far we've come. Just months ago, I could barely leave the house. Now, here we are, in a crowded stadium, and I feel... okay. Better than okay, actually. I feel alive.

The music pulses through me, and I find myself swaying to the beat, a genuine smile on my face. It's been so long since I've felt this free, this happy.

Tiffany leans close, her excitement obvious. "So, are you coming to my wedding?" she whispers in my ear, her voice barely audible over the music.

I turn to look at her, amused and a little bewildered. Tiffany's been planning this wedding for weeks, even though she and Namjoon are still working things out. She hasn't even asked him yet! I admire her confidence, though part of me wonders if I should be concerned.

As Tiffany waits for my answer, her eyes sparkling with hope, I feel a mix of emotions. "I don't know," I replied, "but I have been so busy at work coming back after months of not working and with JK's new promotions to start his own small tour. It's been crazy. "

Tiffany rolls her eyes. "If JK can make it, so can you? What's your deal?" Tiffany teases.

"Well, a wedding is where other people start to think about marriage, and this would be a big step for JK and me."

Tiffany looks at me funny. "What, you don't want to marry JK?" she questions.

"No, it's not that at all," I hesitate, "I worry. I'm just scared, maybe... well, maybe."

Tiffany interrupts, "Spit it out, girl."

"Well, JK isn't ready for that thing yet."

"What commitment?" Tiffany asked for clarification. I nod my head.

She laughs, "Oh, please. That man fought to find you when you were in trouble. I know he is in love. Come on, girl, don't be so insecure." I look at her, shocked at her blunt words, but simultaneously, I know this is who she is.

"Well," I say. "He is everything to me. He is like home. If I lose him, it would be like losing that safe home. I don't want to scare him off by making him think I want marriage if he isn't ready. That's all."

Tiffany coos at me, "Aww, fuck, that is so cute." She hugs me like a schoolgirl and shrieks in my ear.

I pull away slightly and blush. "Anyways, I just worry he isn't feeling the same way I do."

Tiffany looks at me. "Oh, I'm sure he does, and he'll come to the wedding and so will you. Just come and see. I promise it will be worth it."

I nod. "Okay, I'll come. When is it?" I tease.

She shrieks again and squeezes me. "Yeah, okay. I can't wait. And when I say the wedding is happening, it is just to be ready, okay?"

"Do you have any plans to see Namjoon soon?" I asked Tiffany.

"Oh, yes! I plan to meet him at our first counseling session in a couple of days, and I'm hoping we can finally be together again," Tiffany replied.

"That's great! I hope you two can work it out. I know you are made for each other," I said with a smile.

"Exactly! We are, aren't we? And I will marry him," Tiffany declared. We continued watching the concert and singing all the BTS songs.

Holden grabbed my hands and said, "Look, Mom, this is so much fun! Uncle Yoongi promised me a T-shirt after this. I'm so excited."

I smiled down at him and replied, "I'm glad, my baby boy."

As the concert ends, a buzz of excitement fills the air backstage. We're all waiting to reunite with our loved ones, and I can feel my heart racing with anticipation. Yoongi emerges first, his eyes immediately searching for Rachael. When he spots her, his face lights up with a tender smile. He gently takes her hand, pressing a soft kiss to it, and I can see the love radiating between them. Hudson and Bella rush forward, their little faces beaming with joy as they throw their arms around Yoongi. He scoops up Bella effortlessly while Hudson grabs his mom's free hand, completing their family circle.

The atmosphere is charged with happiness and relief as Tae and Jimin appear next, their laughter echoing in the hallway. They're clearly riding high in their performance, and their energy is infectious as they pass by. Hobi, Jin, and Namjoon follow, engrossed in animated conversation, their faces flushed with the exhilaration of the show.

Namjoon's eyes scan the crowd, and when he spots Tiffany, I notice a subtle change in his demeanor. He stands a little straighter, his smile growing wider as he approaches us. "Hey ladies, did you enjoy the show?" he asks, his voice warm and inviting.

Suddenly, I feel a tug at my shirt, and Holden peeks out from behind me. "I did, uncle," he pipes up, his voice filled with excitement. I feel a surge of pride and love for my brave little boy, who's come so far from the scared child he was just months ago.

Namjoon's face softens as he kneels down to Holden's level. "Oh hey there, kiddo! Didn't see you hiding there," he says with a playful wink in my direction. I can't help but smile, grateful for Namjoon's understanding and kindness. "I'm glad you had a great time, Holden," I say, my voice filled with genuine happiness as I watch Namjoon affectionately muss up Holden's hair.

As Namjoon stands, his gaze shifts to Tiffany, and I catch the shy, almost bashful look he gives her. The wink he sends her way is loaded with unspoken emotions, and I can practically feel Tiffany melting beside me. The air seems to crackle with tension as everyone around us notices the exchange. We've all been rooting for these two to figure things out, and this moment feels like a step in the right direction. I share a knowing glance with Rachael, both of us silently cheering for our friends.

As the bustling activity around us begins to wind down, Namjoon turns his attention to me, his eyes filled with genuine concern. "Ria?" he asks gently, "How are you doing?" I feel a warmth spread through my chest at his kindness. "I'm better," I reply, my voice steady and sure. Namjoon's face lights up with a big smile, his adorable dimples making an appearance. I can't help but return his smile, feeling a sense of accomplishment in my progress.

I watch as Jin and Hobi make their way to their cars, waving goodbye to us. There's a bittersweet feeling in the air as the night comes to a close. Just then, JK emerges from backstage, his hair slightly disheveled and his eyes bright with excitement. "Sorry I took so long," he says, a hint of sheepishness in his voice. "I had to say goodbye to Army." His dedication to his fans never fails to touch my heart. "It's okay," I respond, my voice filled with understanding and love. "I smile at his love for them."

JK's eyes lock with mine, and suddenly, the world around us seems to fade away. He strides towards me purposefully, wrapping his strong arms around my waist. My breath catches as he leans in, pressing his lips against mine in a kiss that's soft, sexy, and achingly slow. I feel myself melting into him, all the stress and worry of the past months dissolving in this moment of connection. "Let's go home," he murmurs, his voice low and intimate.

Our moment is interrupted by a small tug on JK's shirt. "Hey, that's gross," Holden pipes up, his face scrunched in a dramatic pout. I can't help but chuckle at his reaction, feeling a surge of love for our little family.

JK's eyes sparkle with mischief as he bends down to Holden's level. "Is it?" he asks, his bunny smile making an appearance. Before Holden can react, JK's fingers are dancing along his sides, tickling him mercilessly. "Well, too bad," JK teases as Holden's giggles fill the air. In one swift motion, JK scoops Holden up and tosses him over his shoulder, Holden's laughter echoing around us as he wiggles in JK's grip.

As we make our way to the car, JK's free hand finds mine, our fingers intertwining naturally. The simple gesture speaks volumes about how far we've come. It's been six months since that terrifying night, and in that time, JK has moved mountains to help me feel safe again. As we settle into the car, Holden is still giggling in the backseat. I'm overwhelmed with gratitude. The road to healing hasn't been easy, but surrounded by the love of my family and friends, I feel stronger than ever. We're not just surviving anymore; we're thriving, and the future ahead looks brighter than I ever could have imagined.