Bound by Fate

Chapter 44: The Shift

As Jaemin grew, nearing the end of his eighth month, his presence in the palace became a source of light and joy for everyone. The baby's once-frequent fussiness had lessened, and now he was often found giggling, crawling swiftly around the palace halls or babbling new words that melted the hearts of those around him.

Namjoon's birthday was just a month away, and though the thought of celebration was in the back of everyone's mind, something else had taken precedence. Since Jaemin had been come to palace, something unusual had occurred: neither Namjoon's powerful RM soul nor Jin's celestial soul, Lunara, had manifested. Both Namjoon and Jin had quietly noted the absence of their souls, wondering if Jaemin's presence had somehow brought balance to their lives.

One evening, as they sat in the family hall, Jin's mother was the first to voice what many of them had been thinking. "I've never seen anything like it. Since Jaemin came into the palace, both of your souls have been quiet."

Namjoon nodded thoughtfully. "I've noticed that too. It's been months, and neither RM nor Lunara have surfaced. It's... odd."

Jin, who was sitting on the floor with Jaemin on his lap, gently bouncing him, added, "It almost feels like... Jaemin brought some sort of peace. Like he's calmed them."

Namjoon's mother, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke. "It's because Jaemin is no ordinary child. He's a gift, a divine one." She looked at her grandson with a soft smile. "He's truly a god's child. And because of him, you've been freed from the turmoil that your souls once caused."

The idea began to make sense to everyone. Jaemin, with his innocent eyes and joyful laughter, had somehow soothed the powerful forces within both Namjoon and Jin. The struggles they had faced—Namjoon with RM's uncontrollable strength and Jin with Lunara's overwhelming emotions—had faded into the background, replaced by the harmonious life they were now living.

Jaemin's vocabulary had expanded impressively for his age, and each new word he learned brought laughter and joy to the family. Now, he was saying words like "halma" for grandma, calling Namjoon's mother, and "chim chim" for Jimin, who beamed with pride every time he heard it. "Tae" was how Jaemin affectionately referred to Taehyung, and "wu wu" was his adorable way of calling Yoongi.

Jaemin, being as expressive as he was, had everyone in the family wrapped around his tiny fingers. Namjoon's parents and Jin's parents continued to spoil him, showering him with new clothes and toys almost every week. He was rarely fussy anymore, but there were still moments when he would only calm down if Jin was with him. Even as Jaemin grew more independent, it was clear that he had a special bond with Jin that no one else could replace.

One day, while playing in the courtyard, Jaemin crawled towards Jimin, who was watching him with a wide smile. "Chim chim!" Jaemin called out, reaching his little arms toward Jimin.

Jimin's heart melted instantly. He scooped the baby up, twirling him around as Jaemin giggled, his laughter filling the air. "That's right, Jaemin-ah, Chim Chim is here!" Jimin said, playfully booping Jaemin's nose.

Nearby, Taehyung watched with a grin. "Looks like you've got a new fan, Jimin."

Jaemin turned toward Taehyung and squealed, "Tae!"

Taehyung laughed and joined in, making silly faces at the baby, who responded with delighted giggles. Jin, sitting under a tree with Namjoon, watched the scene with a smile. Jaemin was growing so quickly, and it was heartwarming to see how much he had become a part of everyone's lives.

Even Yoongi, who had once kept his distance, had warmed up to Jaemin. Though he wasn't one for loud, boisterous play, Yoongi had found his own way to bond with the child. He often sat with Jaemin quietly, playing soft melodies on his flute or telling him stories in a low, soothing voice. Jaemin, surprisingly calm in Yoongi's presence, would sit on his lap or lie beside him, content to just listen.