Bound by Fate

Chapter 62: Rekindled Bonds

Jin had been away from the palace for two long years, and every day felt like a lifetime. But now, standing at the gates with Namjoon's mother by his side, something shifted in his heart. It was time. Time to face the past and time to see Jaemin, his son, whom he had left behind. His heart felt both heavy and ready. He had spent many nights wrestling with anger, sadness, and the aching desire to forgive Namjoon. Slowly, that desire had grown, and now, it was strong enough to take that first step back.

But there was a catch. Jimin didn't know about any of this. 

Namjoon's mother, full of joy, practically floated beside Jin as they approached the palace. Her steps were light, her face glowing. "Thank you for coming, Jin," she said softly, squeezing his hand. "You have no idea how much this means to us. To Jaemin. To Namjoon."

Jin gave her a small, hesitant smile. He wasn't sure he could express everything that was brewing inside him, but he nodded, feeling her warmth as they walked through the palace gates.

The palace felt like a different world. The grandeur of the towering walls, the intricate stonework, and the sprawling gardens—they all seemed foreign to him now. Everything had changed since he left, and as he timidly crossed the threshold, Jin felt a swirl of emotions. Memories rushed back, but before he could even catch his breath, a figure appeared in front of him.

It was his mother.

The moment her eyes landed on Jin, tears instantly filled them. She stood frozen for a second, as if she couldn't believe what she was seeing. And then, without a word, she rushed forward, enveloping Jin in a soft, tear-filled embrace. "My son," she whispered, her voice trembling. "You're finally home."

Jin, still holding Minji in his arms, felt his throat tighten. His mother's familiar warmth, her comforting scent—it was all too much. "I'm sorry, mother," he murmured, his voice cracking. "I'm so sorry I left for so long."

His mother pulled back slightly, her eyes swollen with emotion as she cupped his face. "There's nothing to apologize for," she said, brushing her fingers across his cheek. "You're here now, and that's all that matters."

As they stood there, Minji watched the exchange curiously. She had never seen her "ma" like this—so vulnerable, so emotional. Jin's mother gently took Minji from his arms, holding her close. "Who is this little one?" she asked, her voice tender as she examined Minji's face with a smile.

"She's Minji," Jin replied, his eyes softening as he watched them together. "She's been with me. I've been taking care of her."

Just then, a flurry of footsteps echoed down the hall. The commotion had spread throughout the palace. Jin's father and grandfather emerged from the study room nearby, their faces lighting up the moment they spotted him. Without hesitation, they ran toward him.

"Jin!" his father cried, his voice thick with emotion as he pulled Jin into a tight embrace. "We thought... we didn't know if we'd see you again."

His grandfather, though more composed, wasn't any less emotional. He wrapped his arms around them both, his voice low and gruff. "You've been gone far too long, boy. It's about time you returned."

Jin, feeling overwhelmed, handed Minji back to his mother as his father and grandfather hugged him fiercely. He felt a wave of emotion crash over him. The guilt, the longing, the regret—everything was bubbling up inside him, but he held it together, grateful to be back in their arms.

As the family reunion unfolded, Taehyung entered the hall. He had just returned from his healer chamber in the village, where he spent most of his days treating villagers. When he spotted Jin, his heart skipped a beat, and without thinking, he ran toward him.