Just A Few Numbers Away

Chapter 70

The Uncle Line's Initiation

The following evening, the sleek, high-tech halls of the HYBE building felt a little less corporate and a little more like a playground.

Yoongi had finally caved.

The group chat had been a relentless barrage of messages-mostly along the lines of "Hyung, when are you letting us see her?" and "We know she's been here for two days, hyung, don't be stingy!"

They had been pestering him since the moment they landed to finally meet the little girl they had come to know through Aen's social media archives.

Once Yoongi and Aen became official almost a year ago, the members had spent hours scrolling back through Aen's profile, "catching up" on the years they had missed of the little girl's life.

​While Yoongi's own posts remained protective-showing only a silhouette against a Philippine sunset or a small hand tucked into his during her winter birthday-Aen's candid, proud-mom updates had given them a full window into her world.

To the members, she wasn't just a child their Yoongi had accepted as his own; the moment he claimed her, they had claimed her too.

In their hearts, she had been their niece from day one.

​Yoongi led Aen and a wide-eyed Carly toward one of the massive, soundproof dance studios.

Carly was clinging to Yoongi's hand, her small sneakers squeaking against the polished floors, but her curiosity was winning over her shyness.

​"Remember what we talked about, Carly-ah?" Yoongi murmured in English, squeezing her hand.

"They're a little loud, but they're family."

​As the heavy door slid open, a wall of energy hit them.

​"SHE'S HERE!" Jimin's voice rang out first.

​The scene was a beautiful sort of chaos.

Namjoon stood by the wall, trying (and failing) to look like the composed leader, while Taehyung, Jimin, and Jungkook were practically vibrating with excitement.

​Carly tucked herself behind Yoongi's leg, peeking out with one eye.

​"Hi, Carly!" Jimin chirped, immediately dropping to his knees so he was at her eye level.

He spoke in careful, melodic English, holding out a small, plush Chimmy doll.

"I'm Uncle Jimin. I heard you like pretty things?"

​Taehyung wasn't far behind, holding a professional-looking camera.

"Can I take a photo? Just one?" he asked Aen, his eyes flickering to her for permission first.

To her, it was a gesture of deep respect-he wasn't just a global star taking a snap; he was a friend honoring a mother's protection.

​Aen nodded with a warm smile, and Taehyung immediately beamed at the little girl.

"You really do look like Yoongi-hyung! Especially that smile!"

​Namjoon walked over slowly, offering a warm, dimpled smile that instantly made Carly relax.

"Welcome to Korea, Carly. Your Dadhie talks about you every single day."

​Jungkook, didn't come empty-handed.

He produced a crinkling bag of the chocolate corn cream bread just for her.

"I'm the cool Uncle," he whispered in his best English, sliding the snack toward her like a secret peace offering.