Path Of Thorns| Vmin Historical AU

T h i r t y S e v e n

Jimin woke up in the middle of the night, his mind restless and his heart heavy. Taehyung was sleeping peacefully beside him, his face calm and serene. Jimin looked at him for a moment, feeling a surge of love and gratitude. He gently slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb Taehyung, and quietly made his way outside.

The cool night air embraced him as he stepped out of the house. He took a deep breath, feeling the fresh air clear his thoughts.

Everything around him was quiet and still, the stars above shining brightly in the dark sky. Jimin felt a strange mix of emotions—relief, confusion, and a lingering sense of unease he couldn't quite shake off.

He wandered a little way from the house, letting his feet carry him to the edge of the valley. As he stood there, taking in the peaceful surroundings, he suddenly sensed a familiar presence nearby. He turned around and saw Tiara, her figure glowing softly under the moonlight. Her long, dark hair flowed around her, and her eyes, filled with kindness and warmth, were fixed on him, she looked bright and glad.

"Tiara!" Jimin exclaimed, his voice breaking the silence of the night. He felt a wave of joy at seeing her, and a smile spread across his face. "I didn’t expect to see you here."

Tiara smiled gently, her presence as calm and comforting as always. "I’ve been watching over you, Jimin. It’s good to see you awake and well."

Jimin nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. "I’ve missed you," he said honestly. "So much has happened, and I didn’t know if I’d ever get to talk to you again."

Tiara’s smile softened, and she looked at him with a mix of pride and sadness. "You’ve been through so much, Jimin, but you’ve come out stronger. I’m so proud of you."

Jimin felt a lump form in his throat at her words. He had always felt a special connection to Tiara, the spirit of the valley who had been a constant presence in his life. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I wouldn’t have made it without your guidance and support."

Tiara’s eyes sparkled with warmth. "You’ve always had the strength inside you, Jimin. I was just there to remind you of it." She paused, her gaze turning more serious. "There’s something I need to tell you."

Jimin looked at her, curiosity and concern mingling in his expression. "What is it?" he asked softly.

Tiara took a deep breath, as if gathering her thoughts. "Your mother, Roohyang... she did something extraordinary, Jimin. She helped the spirits of this valley, including me, to find peace."

Jimin’s eyes widened in surprise. “My mother?” he repeated, disbelief clear in his voice. “I don’t understand. How did she help you?”

Tiara nodded, her expression gentle but firm. “Your mother was a powerful witch, Jimin. She used her abilities to cleanse the valley of the darkness that had trapped us here. She guided us, helped us confront the things that were holding us back, and led us to the peace we had long sought.”

Jimin felt a surge of emotions—shock, pride, and a deep, aching sadness. “I had no idea,” he murmured, his voice barely a whisper. “I didn’t know she could do that. I didn’t know she did that.”

Tiara’s eyes were filled with sympathy. “She did it out of love, Jimin. For you, for everyone. She wanted to ensure that the spirits here wouldn’t suffer anymore. And because of her, we’re finally free.”

Jimin blinked back tears, his heart heavy yet filled with admiration for his mother. “I wish I could have thanked her,” he said quietly. “I wish I could have told her how much she means to me.”

Tiara’s expression softened. “She knows, Jimin. She knew how much you loved her. And she was so proud of you, of the person you’ve become.”

Jimin swallowed hard, trying to process everything. “So... what happens now?” he asked, his voice trembling slightly. “What happens to you?”

Tiara smiled gently, a serene, peaceful smile. “Because of your mother’s help, I will finally be able to move on, to rest. I won’t be tied to this place any longer.”

Jimin’s heart ached at the thought of losing her, but he forced himself to smile. “I’m happy for you,” he said, his voice breaking slightly. “You deserve peace, Tiara. You’ve done so much for everyone.”

Tiara nodded, her eyes glistening. “Thank you, Jimin. And before I go, I want to congratulate you.”

Jimin blinked, confused. “Congratulate me? For what?”

Tiara laughed softly, a sound like the gentle rustling of leaves. “For your upcoming marriage, of course.”

Jimin stared at her, stunned. “Marriage? I’m not... I mean, Taehyung and I... we’re not married.”

Tiara’s smile widened, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Not yet, perhaps. But you will be. Your bond is special, Jimin. It’s a love that transcends everything else. You two are meant to be together.”

Jimin felt his face flush, his heart pounding in his chest. “I don’t know what to say,” he stammered, glancing back towards the house where Taehyung was still sleeping. “It’s... I never thought...”

Tiara’s voice was gentle, filled with reassurance. “Just follow your heart, Jimin. It will lead you where you’re meant to be. Trust in your love for each other. It will guide you.”

Jimin took a deep breath, feeling a strange sense of calm settle over him. “Thank you, Tiara,” he said softly, his voice filled with gratitude. “For everything. I’ll never forget you.”

Tiara’s smile was radiant, filled with love and peace. “And I’ll never forget you, Jimin. You’ve been a true friend to me. I’ll always cherish the time we’ve spent together.”

Jimin watched, his heart aching but filled with hope, as Tiara’s form began to fade, her light gradually dimming until she disappeared completely into the night. He stood there for a long moment, gazing at the spot where she had been, his mind swirling with emotions.

Finally, he took a deep breath, turning back towards the house. He knew he had a lot to think about, a lot to process. But for the first time in a long time, he felt a sense of peace, a sense of clarity. He would face whatever came next, with Taehyung by his side. And he would honor the legacy of his mother and Tiara, living his life fully and fearlessly.