Bound by Fate

Chapter 43: Nightfall Worries

As the days passed, Jaemin, now nearing seven months old, began to settle into his surroundings more comfortably. His fussiness gradually lessened, even when he wasn't with Jin or Namjoon. The baby had slowly become accustomed to the palace life and the people around him, and his attachment to the rest of the family deepened.

It was a delight to witness Jaemin's growth. The once-clingy baby, who couldn't bear to be apart from Jin for more than a few moments, now enjoyed crawling across the palace halls, exploring on his own and playing with the other members of the household. He still had his moments of fussiness, especially when he was tired or hungry, but the family had found ways to keep him entertained.

Jin watched fondly as Jaemin became more vocal. He'd started with "ma," then added "pa," much to Namjoon's delight. Lately, Jaemin had taken to calling Jungkook "Kookie," which brought a wide, shy smile to Jungkook's face every time. The whole family found immense joy in these small yet significant milestones.

One afternoon, Jaemin was crawling at an impressive speed across the living room floor, making everyone laugh as he raced toward his favorite toy. "He's getting faster every day," Namjoon said, his eyes twinkling with pride.

"Look at him go!" Jungkook cheered, clapping his hands to encourage the baby.

Jaemin, determined to stand on his own, would often try to pull himself up using furniture, though he frequently tumbled back down with a soft thud. Every time he fell, someone would rush over, not to coddle him, but to encourage him to try again.

"You're doing great, Jaemin!" Taehyung exclaimed, scooping him up after one particularly enthusiastic fall. "You'll be running around here in no time."

Jaemin giggled in response, his eyes bright as Taehyung lifted him high into the air. The room was filled with laughter as everyone took turns playing with Jaemin, making silly faces and cooing at him.

As Jaemin turned seven months old, he was spoiled beyond measure by his grandparents. Jin's parents and Namjoon's parents frequently showered the baby with new clothes and toys. The palace was filled with colorful, soft toys and tiny, beautifully crafted outfits.

"This child is going to grow up thinking the world revolves around him," Jin joked one day, holding up yet another new outfit for Jaemin, who was too busy playing with a wooden rattle to care.

Namjoon laughed, standing beside Jin. "He's already the favorite, and honestly, I can't blame anyone. He's too cute."

One of Jaemin's favorite parts of the day was when Taehyung returned from the academy. Every day, without fail, Taehyung would spend time with Jaemin, making it a regular part of his routine. It had become a comforting ritual, one that both Taehyung and Jaemin looked forward to. Taehyung would sit on the floor, surrounded by Jaemin's toys, while the baby babbled happily, crawling over to him and tugging on his clothes.

"There's my little buddy," Taehyung would say, his face lighting up as soon as Jaemin spotted him. "Did you miss me today?"

Jaemin, as if understanding, would respond with a happy squeal, reaching up for Taehyung to lift him.

Jungkook, on the other hand, had become Jaemin's unofficial babysitter. Whenever he wasn't with Taehyung, Jungkook could be found carrying Jaemin around the palace, moving from room to room with the baby happily in his arms. At first, Jungkook had been hesitant, worried that his strength might hurt the baby, but Jin had gently encouraged him to bond with Jaemin. Over time, Jungkook's confidence grew, and he became one of Jaemin's favorite people to be around.

"Looks like you've got a shadow now," Taehyung teased one day as he found Jungkook pacing around with Jaemin snuggled against his chest.

Jungkook chuckled, brushing Jaemin's soft hair with his fingers. "Yeah, I guess so. He's just so peaceful when he's with me."