FATE

chapter 16

BTS’s POV

The members lingered at the restaurant after Y/N and Durva left, each of them caught in their own thoughts.

The evening had been lighthearted and filled with laughter, but Y/N’s quiet pain, and Durva’s brave words about their past stayed with them.

Namjoon was the first to break the silence, leaning back in his seat, his brows furrowed with concern.

“Did you see how strong she tried to be, even though it was clear she was hurting?”

Jin nodded slowly, his expression unusually somber.

“It’s not easy to go through something like that alone. I can’t imagine the courage it took to leave her whole life behind, just for Durva’s safety.”

Hoseok, still feeling guilty for his question earlier, spoke up softly. “I wish I hadn’t asked about her past. I just… I didn’t realize she had been through so much.”

“It’s not your fault, Hobi,” Jungkook reassured him, patting his shoulder. “You didn’t know. Besides, it seems like she’s used to keeping things to herself. Sometimes, just having people who care can make a difference.”

Taehyung, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, finally chimed in, his voice laced with empathy.

“She’s incredibly brave. But I could see it in her eyes… That sadness she hides. I just wish we could help somehow.”

Jimin nodded, his gaze distant as he thought about Durva’s story.

“And Durva… he’s just a kid, yet he’s already seen so much. It’s clear he’s so protective of her. That kind of bond… it’s rare.”

They all fell into silence again, each feeling a newfound admiration for Y/N and her resilience.

Her story had touched something deep within them, a reminder of the human strength and pain hidden behind even the brightest smiles.

“We should make sure she knows she’s not alone,” Namjoon said finally, his voice gentle but determined.

“We’ve come across so many people in our lives, but this… this feels different. Y/N and Durva—they’re special.”

The others nodded, a quiet understanding passing between them.

They each resolved, in their own way, to be there for Y/N and Durva, no matter what the future held.

Whether as friends or something more, they knew this was a connection they weren’t willing to let slip away.

Y/N’s POV

As Durvw and I made our way home from dinner, a soft breeze brushed against my face, cooling the warmth still lingering from the evening.

Durva clutched my hand, his eyes bright with excitement as he recounted every little detail of our time with BTS.

"Mom, did you see how they laughed at my dance? I think they really liked it!" he said, his grin contagious.

I smiled, squeezing his hand. “They did, sweetheart. You brought a lot of joy to them tonight.”

I tried to keep my voice steady, pushing down the remnants of the emotions that had surfaced earlier.

Seeing Durva so happy, so carefree, reminded me of the reasons I’d come here—to give him a fresh start, a life where he could be himself without worry.

The guilt from earlier began to fade, replaced by a gentle warmth and gratitude for the kindness BTS had shown us.

As we reached our apartment, I could feel a quiet peace settle over me.

I’d left India with so much fear, so many uncertainties, and while those worries still lingered, tonight had given me something I hadn’t felt in a long time—a sense of hope.

I tucked Durva into bed, watching him fall asleep with a soft smile still lingering on his lips.

Once he was asleep, I went to the living room, sitting down on the sofa as the night’s memories replayed in my mind.

Their kindness had been so genuine, the way they had accepted Durva's innocence and my quiet vulnerability without judgment.

I’d never expected to feel so… welcomed, so understood.

And then, there was the way they looked at me—the subtle glances that held curiosity, compassion, and something more, something I couldn’t quite name.

They made me feel like I belonged, like maybe I wasn’t as alone as I’d thought.

I took a deep breath, savoring that feeling, letting it linger for just a little while longer.

For the first time in a long time, I allowed myself to imagine a life where Durva and I didn’t have to hide, where we could finally be ourselves, surrounded by people who cared.

And maybe, just maybe, these men who had entered our lives in the most unexpected way could become a part of that life too.