Into the Flames

CHAPTER TWENTY

"I can't believe she's back hyung, " Yoongi sobs into Jin's already drenched shoulder.

But, like the steadfast friend that he is, Jin doesn't mind in the slightest.

There are no complaints in Jin's demeanour, every inch of Jin's being exuding comfort and peace. It doesn't matter that the hospital chairs are uncomfortable. How could it matter? Emmy and the baby are going to be okay.

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"The doctor told you to take it easy Emmy, do I really need to scold you again?" Jin lectures.

I know that he means well, but I'm iritable already and ready for all of this to be over. I'm seriously more than ready to evict my little bundle of joy. I have some serious doubts as to whether or not I am capable of being the kind of mother that I want to be, but everyone assures me that I'll do fine. Yoongi included.

It's amazing, the places that life takes you. I was so sure that there was no way that Yoongi and I could ever be together after that scandal, and yet, here we are. He rubs my swollen belly quietly, affectionately as Jin continues to lecture me.

"You're not on your own anymore Emmy-ah. So let us help you. After all, we all want our niece to be healthy. You too, of course."

The day that I was released from the hospital Yoongi'd gone public with the knowledge of our baby. And Sarah, just before taking her last breath, had openly started for the world that she had been the one to take those photos. She'd recanted the whole article, stating that she'd intentionally tried to defame me for the sake of her own jealousy.

She'd apologized to me too.

And despite the fact that she is no longer with us, I am not sure if I will ever forgive her betrayal. But it was nice to have my Sarah back again, even if only for a moment. Jimin, on the other hand, took Sarah's death the hardest. For obvious reasons.

No matter the bad blood between Sarah and I, it had been clear in Sarah's final moments that the two had truly loved each other.

"I'm so happy right now, " I cry, ruffling Yoongi's once more gray hair.

He places a chaste kiss against my belly in response. "I'm so happy that you're here, with me." He tells me, eyes shining with pure and unadulterated love.

Everything has been so perfect for the last month that I am almost afraid. Even my nightmares have almost entirely disappeared. And maybe that's due in large part to the fact that the star of my feverish dreams has been locked away. For good this time. His murdering of Daehyun landed him a permanent place in prison. There isn't even a snowball's chance in hell that he'll ever be able to receive parole.

SoonMi has receiver her just desserts as well. The inescapable arm of the law came down on her harshly as a result of her having been involved with Daehyun and the human trafficking ring. And of course, the moment that Sarah died, she too received a life sentence.

It'd been her hands that had put Sarah in the hospital in the first place after all. A fact that Sarah had been only too happy to testify about.

I'd even finally met Yoongi's parents. And while I can't say that they like me precisely, they do seem enamored with their unborn grandchild. And Yoongi's brother had been happier for him than anyone else in the world.

Suddenly, my abdomen is wracked with the most debilitating pain I've ever felt in my life. I cry out, and Yoongi graps my hand worriedly. When a surge of liquid gushes out from within my body, I know.

"It's time!" I gasp, grinding my teeth and pushing the words out through all the pain. "The baby is coming!"

The next few hours are a blur consisting of many screams, even more tears, and a constant stream of death threats and curses. But bless Yoongi, he's there beside me through it all.

And when we welcome our nine pounds and six ounces bundle of joy into the world, he is the first to cry. My heart swells as I watch him cradle our baby girl, all swaddled in pink, as if she were the most delicate of china. The sheer awe and admiration upon his face leaves me a sobbing mess. I've never been more grateful in my life.

"She's beautiful, " he sobs, his tear-streaked face glowing from within. "She's so beautiful Emmy."

Before long, the rest of the boys are clamoring to be let in. Surprisingly, even Bang PD himself has come to see our tiny wonder.

"Yah! Let me hold my niece! I've waited months for this day!" Jin exclaims, arms out and at the ready.

I laugh as Yoongi side steps him, whisking the baby away entirely.

"You can wait a little longer. I've waited too long to be interrupted by the likes of you!" Yoongi remarks.

"Awww! Don't be like that! I wanna hold the baby too!" Pouts Hobi.

"Get out of here! All of you! Who asked you to be here anyway?" Yoongi retorts.

Though he is trying to act as if he is displeased no one in the room is buying it. He's smiling from ear to ear after all.

"Emmy asked us to come, " Jin retorts. "So hand her over!"

The face that Yoongi makes is the kind of face one might make after eating something sour, but he finally relents nonetheless.

"Fine, " he says grumpily, still smiling like a madman. "Say hello to uncle Jin."

He hands our precious bundle off to Jin, who begins to coo endlessly over her tiny features and copper hair, before coming to sit beside me. His smile is brighter than the sun, and blinding in it's intensity as Jin speaks.

"Welcome to the world, Min Yoonji."