Bound by Fate

Chapter 42: Little Jaemin's World

As the days passed, the palace slowly adjusted to the presence of the new baby, Jaemin. At first, Jin's family wasn't entirely pleased about taking in an orphaned child. There were concerns—about the responsibilities, the dangers, and the change it would bring to their household. However, watching how Jaemin clung to Jin softened their hearts in ways they hadn't expected.

At every moment, Jaemin would reach for Jin, his tiny hands stretching out, refusing to be separated for long. Even in the first few days, his cries were always calmed by Jin's embrace, and this bond became impossible for anyone to ignore. Jin's mother, who had initially worried about the impact of this new addition on their lives, found herself quietly accepting it when she saw how naturally Jin took to caring for Jaemin. Her son was not just protecting the boy; he was loving him.

Namjoon, too, found himself completely drawn in by the baby. Despite his strong exterior and his many responsibilities, he couldn't resist the way Jaemin's eyes would light up when he saw him. There was something in the child that called to both him and Jin, something that made it feel as if Jaemin had always been a part of their family.

Jaemin quickly became the center of everyone's attention, his giggles and babbling filling the palace with new energy. The decision to name him "Jaemin" came naturally to Jin and Namjoon, both agreeing that the name fit the baby's bright spirit. But while everyone adored him, Jaemin was particularly attached to Jin. It became a common sight—Jaemin in Jin's arms, his small hand gripping Jin's shirt as though afraid he might disappear.

The few times when Jin had to step away, Jaemin would start fussing almost immediately. Namjoon would scoop him up, trying to calm him down, but Jaemin's tiny face would always turn toward the door, waiting for Jin to return.

One evening, as Namjoon cradled the crying baby, he sighed, shaking his head in amusement. "You're really going to make this hard for me, huh?" he whispered to Jaemin. "It's like you know Jin's the soft one."

Jaemin quieted slightly, his wide eyes staring up at Namjoon as if listening to every word. Namjoon chuckled and kissed the top of Jaemin's head, grateful that at least he could offer some comfort. But as soon as Jin returned, Jaemin's fussing would turn into contented coos, the little one resting against his chest like nothing else mattered.

There were many moments when Jaemin would cry out of nowhere, demanding Jin's attention. One evening, while they were all gathered in the living room, Jaemin started fussing, his tiny fists clenching as his face crumpled into a teary expression. Jin quickly scooped him up, but the baby continued to whimper. Namjoon walked over, offering his hand to the boy. The moment Jaemin's little fingers latched onto Namjoon's, his cries stopped.

"He just needs one of us at all times," Namjoon chuckled, kissing Jaemin's soft forehead.

Jin smiled, a mix of love and amusement in his eyes. "He's already so attached. What will we do when he's older?"

Namjoon smirked. "We'll just have to make sure he never leaves us."

Jaemin's playtime was always an event in the palace. Jin and Namjoon made sure to spend as much time as possible with him, but they weren't alone in doting on the baby. Taehyung and Jimin were Jaemin's biggest fans, always competing for his attention. Taehyung, with his gentle and playful nature, would make funny faces, causing Jaemin to burst into fits of laughter. Jimin, on the other hand, enjoyed showing Jaemin how to dance, holding his tiny hands and swaying with him in the palace courtyard.

"Look at him, he's a natural!" Jimin grinned one day, holding Jaemin's little hands as they spun in a small circle.

Taehyung scoffed playfully, kneeling beside them. "I think it's my jokes that make him happy."