soulmates connections book 2

9

Ali pov.

The second i stepped through the door, it felt like i could finally breathe again. Seoul was exciting, chaotic, and alive in a way I hadn't quite adjusted to yet, but being back here, with them, felt like coming home.

Maddie was already squealing with joy, throwing herself into hobis arms, and I couldn't help but laugh. She always did that, made herself at home in their arms as though she'd been born into this family.

But my heart, it went straight to jin and taehyung.

They stood side by side, their cheeks flushed in a way that told me more than words ever could.

When I pressed kisses to both of their lips, I felt the lingering buzz of something new, something alive and sparking between them.

"Im so proud of you, my loves." I whispered against their skin, kissing them again, softer this time. "Proud for taking that step."

They both ducked their heads, bashful, taehyung leaning into jins side while jin rubbed his thumb comfortingly over taes knuckles.

The others were watching with quiet smiles, their energy more protective than teasing. I knew how much restraint that took. They loved to poke fun at one another, but this was different. Sacred.

Namjoon pulled me into his arms before I could say anything else. That familiar warmth, steady and grounding, wrapped around me as his lips brushed mine.

"Hi, love." He murmured.

"Hi." I smiled, melting into him for a moment longer than necessary. His embrace was the kind that reminded me i wasn't alone in this whirlwind of bonds and connections.

"Ali," taehyungs voice broke through, softer than usual. He was watching me like he wasn't sure how much I knew. "So... what changed?" He asked.

Instead of answering. I tugged off my jumper and lifted the hem of my t-shirt. Their names simmered faintly across my skin, but now, just below jin and taehyungs name were two tiny stars.

The room quieted.

Yoongi leaned closer, eyes narrowing in a way he did when he was trying to solve a puzzle. "See? I told you she noticed. Even if we couldn't, she did."

Jin reached out tentatively, his fingers brushing just above the stars without touching. His voice was barely above a whisper. "That's... us?"

I nodded. "It's you. Both of you."

The relief that washed over his face was so pure. It almost made me cry. And taehyung - oh tae - his eyes were shining like he might burst in tears right there, his lips parted in wonder.

I reached for them both, tugging them into my arms. "I felt it. Even before I saw it. You're mine, and im yours. That doesn't change because the bond is new."

Taehyung let out a shaky laugh, muffled against my shoulder. "I was scared you'd be upset."

"Upset?" I pulled back to look at him properly. "Baby, why would I be upset?"

"Because..." he trailed off, glancing at jin, "because it happened so fast."

Jin nodded in a quiet agreement.

I cupped both their faces, forcing them to meet my eyes. "Listen to me, there's no such thing as 'to fast' or 'to slow' when it comes to soulmates. There's just real. And this?" I smiled, pressing kisses to their temples, "this is as real as it gets."

Namjoons arms wrapped around me from behind, resting his chin on my shoulder, grounding me in the circle of warmth. "She's right," he said softly. "This is what we're all building together. One step at a time."