Bound by Fate

Chapter 64 : Returning to the Heart

As Jimin stood by the palace gates, uncertainty gnawed at him. It had been a long journey back, both physically and emotionally, and now that he was here, doubt clouded his resolve. Should he enter? What would he say? The weight of seeing everyone again, especially Yoongi, made his feet feel heavy. His heart pounded as he watched the palace walls, a place that once felt like home now distant and unfamiliar.

Inside the palace, Jin, Minji, and Jaemin were playing in the garden, Minji giggling as she ran circles around Jaemin, who sat quietly by Jin's side, watching his sister with wide eyes. Suddenly, Minji's laughter stopped, her eyes focusing on the palace gates. "Chim Chim!" she yelled, her voice carrying across the garden. Before Jin could react, she dashed toward the gate, her little feet barely touching the ground as she raced toward Jimin.

Jimin's hesitation dissolved the moment he saw her. His face broke into a wide smile as he knelt down to catch her. "Minji!" he exclaimed, lifting her into his arms and pressing a kiss to her cheek. "You've grown so much, my little one. Did you miss me?"

Minji nodded vigorously, her tiny hands gripping his shirt. "Why did you take so long to come, Chim? I waited and waited. Didn't you miss me?"

Jimin's heart melted at her innocent words, and he nodded, his eyes growing soft. "I missed you every single day," he replied, his voice thick with emotion as he hugged her tightly.

Hearing Minji's excited shout, Jin turned his attention to the gate, and soon the entire family followed. They emerged from the hall, curious to see who had arrived. As soon as they saw Jimin, the atmosphere shifted. Yoongi, standing among them, froze. His usually calm demeanor shattered as memories of Jimin came rushing back. His chest tightened, and for the first time in a long while, Yoongi felt something stir deep inside—feelings he thought he had buried.

Jin's mother stepped forward, a gentle smile on her face. "Finally, you get time to visit the palace, Jimin. Why did you disappear like Jin, dear? But I'm glad you're back, and it's good to see you both supporting each other."

She walked over to Jimin, pulling him into a soft hug, careful not to disturb Minji, who still clung to him. Jimin smiled awkwardly but felt comforted by her warmth. "I'm sorry for being away so long," he murmured, "but I'm here now."

Jin smiled as he watched them and motioned to Jaemin, gently picking him up to join the others inside. The family moved toward the palace hall, but Yoongi's eyes never left Jimin. He watched him, every step reigniting the feelings he had fought so hard to suppress. When their eyes met, Jimin felt his heart skip a beat. The longing in Yoongi's gaze was unmistakable, and it made Jimin's stomach twist with emotion. But he couldn't dwell on it now—Minji was tugging at his shirt, pulling his attention back to her.

Once inside, they settled down, but the tension between Jimin and Yoongi was palpable. Jimin tried to avoid Yoongi's gaze, but every now and then, their eyes would meet, sending a jolt of emotion through both of them. It was Namjoon who finally broke the silence, asking Jimin, "Are you planning to stay for long?"

Jimin looked down at Minji, her tiny fingers playing with his sleeve, before answering softly, "Yes, I'll stay for a while. I'll just need to let my parents know."

Jin's mother chimed in, her voice full of insistence, "You should stay here with us, Jimin. The palace feels more like home when you're here."

Jimin nodded, agreeing. "I'll stay, just let me visit my parents first."

After a while, Jimin stood up to leave, handing Minji over to Jin. "Hyung, take care of her for a bit. I'll be back by evening," he said, turning to Minji. "Bye for now, Chim will be back soon," he said, kissing her cheek.