Destiny - Vmin

26. Choices

Úrsula observed the young man before her and couldn't help but notice his striking resemblance to the Sung Hoon she had met many years ago. Her brother's confusion was understandable; Jimin's appearance indeed brought painful memories of the past. However, that didn't excuse Yongwang's actions. Jimin was clearly not a man over 40 years old—he was just a boy, likely no older than 20, perhaps even younger than her nephew, Taehyung.

As she mulled over this, Jimin approached her, expressing his gratitude for having restrained the merman. He was respectful as always, but there was also a warmth about him that stood out. The sincerity in his words brought a smile to Úrsula's lips. She had always liked the boy, not only for his kind manners but also because, over the days, through the eyes of her spies, she had seen him care for Taehyung with affection and devotion. And when he was alone, Jimin sketched Taehyung, capturing every detail with a focus that revealed something deeper.

Seeing such dedication touched Úrsula's heart in a way few things did. Perhaps, she thought, Taehyung needed someone like Jimin by his side, and the fates of the two young men seemed intertwined. Determined to learn more, Úrsula offered Jimin some snacks, noticing his curiosity until she finally said:

"Well, go ahead, little one. What do you want to ask me?" The mermaid couldn't resist her own curiosity.

Jimin hesitated for a moment, a flicker of apprehension in his eyes, before blurting out the question that had been gnawing at him:

"Will Taehyung be able to visit me?"

Úrsula smiled, leaning slightly toward him.

"Oh, yes. Soon he'll learn to shift from merman to human form without needing spells because he's a hybrid. He can visit you whenever he wants."

Jimin's eyes widened.

"He's really a hybrid?"

"Yes, the son of my brother and Yuna. And, by the way, you did an excellent job finding his family on the surface. Congratulations."

Confusion clouded Jimin's face as he frowned.

"But... how do you know that? I didn't tell you anything..."

Úrsula chuckled, a low, mysterious sound that echoed through the waters.

"Oh, I wouldn't leave my nephew on land without supervision, would I? I kept an eye on him—and on you."

Jimin was both impressed and a bit unnerved.

"How did you do that?"

Úrsula smiled enigmatically, her eyes gleaming suspiciously.

"Through the eyes of fish, birds, and even horses. They're my spies everywhere, alive or dead."

A shiver ran down Jimin's spine at her response. This mermaid was even more powerful and enigmatic than he had imagined. He was still processing this revelation when the door to Úrsula's house burst open, and Taehyung entered, his face marked by a restrained fury, his shoulders tense.

"Aunt, I know everything now," he signed, his irritation clear in his eyes.

Úrsula's expression turned more serious.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know what else to do that day," she began, her voice firm yet tinged with regret. "I thought that, in time, when you were ready, he'd tell you the truth and take you to meet your family on land. But... he couldn't bear to part with you, not even for a day."

Taehyung let out a bitter laugh, his throat aching, though he was starting to get used to it. Jimin noticed but remained silent.

"I was condemned to live unhappy and alone! That's so selfish. He treats me like I'm a doll!" His hands trembled with frustration, making his signs slightly jumbled. "And now he wants to trap me in a marriage as part of some peace treaty! It's not fair. He's trying to imprison me again, leaving me with no choices!"

Jimin observed in silence as memories of their recent kiss flooded his mind, along with the days they had spent together. The thought of Taehyung being forced into a marriage hurt him deeply, stirring feelings about his own future. He realized what he truly wanted was a happy life by Taehyung's side, though he knew that was impossible.

Unaware of Jimin's internal struggle, Taehyung continued:

"He won't trap me again. I'll return to the surface with Jimin and... I don't know, live with my family," he declared to Úrsula with newfound firmness. "If he wants peace through marriage, let him get married—he's still a healthy merman."

"I... well, I suppose I can't ask you to stay, given my part in all of this. But your father might attack the surface again if you leave," Úrsula said, her voice carrying a mix of worry and resignation.

"You're stronger than he is—and the older sister! Restrain him. The other kingdoms won't accept such reckless actions that could expose our existence," Taehyung responded. He glanced at Jimin and noticed his own agitation, then took a deep breath to calm himself. "And I'll come back to visit you. But if he attacks the surface again, I'll disappear for good."

Jimin stared at Taehyung, feeling a mix of relief and despair. The thought of Taehyung being on land near him was comforting, though not in the way he longed for. Úrsula, silent, pondered her nephew's words, aware that the currents of destiny were more unpredictable than she had anticipated.