Bound by Fate

Chapter 60: Quiet Bonds

Life in the village settled into a calm rhythm for Jin and Jimin, both finding solace in each other's company. The warmth of the village and the simplicity of their daily routines became a balm for their wounded hearts. Jimin's pregnancy was progressing smoothly, and with each passing day, the bond between the two grew stronger. They both understood the deep emotional wounds they carried, but neither pushed the other to share more than they were ready to.

Jimin's pregnancy journey truly began to reveal itself after the three-month mark when he started to feel the faintest signs of the baby's energy. It was subtle at first, like a soft hum inside of him, but there was no denying it. "Hyung," Jimin said one morning as they sat on the porch of their small home, "I can feel it. The baby... it has power."

Jin looked up from the basket of vegetables he was sorting, eyes wide with excitement. "Really? That's amazing, Jimin-ah." He grinned, setting the basket aside to sit closer to Jimin. "I knew the baby would be special."

Jimin nodded, his hand instinctively resting on his belly. "I just... I didn't expect to feel it so soon."

As the days passed, the pregnancy hormones began to affect Jimin more noticeably. His moods swung unpredictably, and his cravings were intense. One evening, as they sat together for dinner, Jimin suddenly slammed his chopsticks down. "I want lamb skewers. Right now."

Jin raised an eyebrow, half-amused. "We don't have any lamb, Jimin-ah."

Jimin huffed in frustration, his eyes welling up with sudden tears. "But I want it!" he whined, crossing his arms over his chest. "And samgyeopsal. And jjajangmyeon. And... tangerines!" His emotions flipped from frustration to sadness in seconds, and he began to cry softly. "I don't even know why I'm crying. These stupid hormones..."

Jin chuckled softly, patting Jimin's shoulder. "It's okay, Jimin. I'll make you something you'll love, just wait here." He gently teased, standing up to prepare something that would calm Jimin's cravings.

As Jin cooked, he thought about the food Jimin had been asking for. Lamb skewers, samgyeopsal, jjajangmyeon—these were all Yoongi's favorite foods. Jin couldn't help but notice the pattern. It seemed like the baby, even from inside Jimin's womb, had inherited its father's preferences. The thought made Jin smile, though there was a bittersweet undertone to it.

In another scene, Jimin had just finished eating a large meal Jin had prepared, and the two sat together on the floor of their small home. Jimin leaned back, rubbing his belly. "I feel like I've eaten enough for three people."

Jin laughed, handing Jimin a glass of water. "That's what happens when you're growing a baby."

As they sat in comfortable silence, Jimin suddenly gasped, his hand shooting to his belly. "Hyung... the baby kicked."

Jin's eyes widened with excitement, and he moved closer. "Really? Can I feel it?"

Jimin took Jin's hand and placed it on his belly. They waited in anticipation, and after a few moments, a soft thump could be felt under Jin's palm. Jin's eyes filled with joy as he looked at Jimin. "That's amazing. The baby's strong."

Jimin smiled, but his expression quickly turned thoughtful. "Do you think... the baby will be like Yoongi?"

Jin sighed softly, brushing a strand of hair from Jimin's face. "I think the baby will have a lot of Yoongi in them. But they'll be their own person too, Jimin-ah. You'll see."

As the months passed, Jimin's cravings and mood swings became more frequent. Jin did his best to accommodate him, cooking meals that Jimin craved and comforting him when the emotions became overwhelming. There were days when Jimin would burst into tears over something as simple as the soup being too salty, and other days when he would laugh uncontrollably for no reason at all. Jin took it all in stride, supporting his friend with unwavering patience and love.