SOUL BONDS ( Under revision )

Chapter 9

After the meeting with Chairman Bang, the boys didn't even get a second to relax. Everything moved so fast it almost made my head spin. One staff member handed Namjoon a schedule, another was asking Jin questions about something later in the day, and someone else was already calling for Jungkook to hurry to the practice room. It was like BigHit never slowed down, like the whole building was always running on a clock I couldn't understand. I stood there quietly, hands clasped together, feeling awkward and out of place, like I didn't belong in a world that operated this smoothly.

Before I could even think about stepping away, Jimin's hand slipped into mine, warm and grounding. "You're staying with us," he said softly, and the way he said it made it sound like a promise, not a suggestion. I blinked at him, still processing. "During practice too?" I asked, my voice small. Taehyung smiled like it was obvious. "Of course." Hobi nodded excitedly, his eyes bright. "We want you there!" Yoongi glanced at me from under his hood, his voice lazy but firm. "Besides, you'll get lost in this building." Jungkook grinned. "Or kidnapped." Namjoon gave him a look that shut him up immediately, but the teasing still made me feel a little lighter. Jin patted my head gently. "Just stay close, okay?" The warmth in my chest tightened at that, and I nodded quietly, letting them guide me forward.

The practice room was huge—bigger than I expected. The floors were polished, the mirrors stretched across the walls, and the speakers looked like they could shake the entire building. It smelled clean, but there was also the faint scent of sweat and cologne lingering in the air, like hard work had soaked into the walls. The boys dropped their bags and stretched like it was second nature. Jungkook bounced on his feet like he had endless energy, Hobi rolled his shoulders while humming a beat under his breath, and Namjoon spoke quietly with one of the trainers like he was already back in leader mode. Yoongi sat down for a moment, tying his shoelaces slowly, looking like he didn't want to be there but still showing up anyway. Jin complained dramatically about being tired but still stretched like he was the most responsible one in the room.

Taehyung walked over to me first and pointed toward a couch near the wall. "You can sit there," he said, his voice soft. "And don't be shy. Watch us." Jimin stepped closer behind him, his tone quieter. "If you need anything, tell me." The soulmate bond pulsed warmly in my chest, like it approved of his words, and I nodded. I sat down, folding my hands in my lap, and tried to steady myself as the music started.

The moment they began dancing, my breath caught. It wasn't just choreography. It was like their bodies moved as one, perfectly synchronized, sharp and powerful, like they spoke the same language without saying a word. Every step was precise. Every movement was clean. Every glance between them was full of trust. Watching them felt like watching art come alive, and I couldn't stop the smile that crept onto my face. I didn't even realize I was staring until I blinked and realized my cheeks hurt from smiling too long. I felt something strange in my chest—something close to pride. Not because they were famous, but because I could see how hard they worked. How much effort they poured into every single detail. It made my heart ache in a way that felt warm instead of painful.

After about an hour, my legs started to feel stiff and uncomfortable. I shifted on the couch, trying to ignore it, but the pressure in my bladder was getting impossible to ignore. I glanced toward the door, hesitating. They looked so focused that I didn't want to interrupt them, but when I stood up, Jimin's eyes flicked toward me instantly even though he didn't stop moving. That alone made my chest tighten. He noticed everything. I mouthed the word bathroom and gestured awkwardly. Jimin nodded quickly, then mouthed back, Be careful. I gave him a small smile and slipped out quietly.

The hallway outside the practice room felt cooler and quieter. There were still people moving around, but it wasn't loud like the practice room. The farther I walked, the more alone I felt, and it reminded me too much of my old life. One minute I was surrounded by warmth, and the next it felt like I was back to being the girl who didn't belong anywhere. I found the bathroom sign and pushed the door open, stepping into a space that looked spotless and expensive. The sinks were polished, the lights were bright, and the air smelled like floral soap. I headed toward the stalls, trying not to overthink.