Pandora Unleashed

The Invisible Red Thread: Iunctus

Trigger warnings:
mentions of abuse, cheating, child neglect, mental health, miscarriage, pregnancy difficulties, sexual content, and trauma.

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"Isn't she beautiful?"
Jimin's eyes crinkled at the edges and the corners of his lips curved, captivatingly mesmerized by his creation when you opened the door. Dressed in green scrubs, he towered over the plastic basket his daughter slept in when you entered the hospital room. Jungkook remained by the door, hesitating to enter and afraid to ruin the moment. You took his hand with encouragement and walked over to your brother. Jimin smiled with sparkles in his eyes.
       "Hey..." He greeted with a soft voice once he looked up from his child. Surprised by Jungkook's presence, the puzzled expression soon turned to an eyebrow raise, "Jungkook, hi." He shot you a quick smirk before he drew his attention to the guy he knew you'd never truly gotten over, "You've been a stranger."

       "I know--" Jungkook sighed as they exchanged a quick handshake.

       "I'm glad you're here."

       "Congratulations on the baby."

       "Thanks, man."
Their conversation grew faint when they hugged each other. You kept your gaze on the infant who had entered the world.

With a gentle caress of your fingertips on the basket, you hesitated to touch the baby. She seemed so fragile. Were they always so small? Cleaned off and wrapped neatly in a white cotton blanket, she looked peaceful. A pure and untouched snowflake that landed in the world and graced everyone with her eternal serenity. Amid the havoc and responsibilities that was Jimin's life, a stroke of serendipity had occurred. You knew the burden he carried, the worry that occupied his heart, and the frightful feeling of an unknown future that lay ahead. The dread of his Father's return and the stain it brought on your family didn't compare to the blissful good that came; a happy occurrence that swept you off your feet.
She poked out her pinkish tongue, wetting her full lips as her chubby cheeks gently wiggled when her restricted body moved. The knitted white hat on her little head slid off and you adjusted it. Don't be cold. Her chubby and tiny fingers peaked through the blanket that acted as a comforting embrace. A light giggle escaped you as if she waved at you. With gentleness, you felt the softness and smoothness of her olive skin; a Mother with Afro-Latino heritage and a Father from South Korea. 'Beautiful baby girl' you sang with a murmur before a smile curved on your lips. She wrapped her small hands around your finger. She must have recognized your voice.
       "That's right, I am your aunt." Jimin caressed your shoulders and agreed with your pride-filled statement with a light hum, "She's beautiful." Jungkook cautiously approached the basket and you studied him with a smile.

Unlike you, he'd seen a newborn before. Judging by the way Taemin interacted with him, Jungkook must have been in his life from the moment he arrived.
The evening you ran into them, you sensed their dynamic and relationship. Taemin's gaze alone was enough to tell you that Jungkook was a great uncle to him. He adored his nephew. Though you might have second-guessed your abilities to be a parent, you were certain Jungkook would excel.

Jimin encouraged you to pick her up when she opened her eyes. Hastily, you reclined, worried you might accidentally hurt the tiny human. However, Jungkook reached down after Jimin permitted him. In awe, you watched him as he cooed at your niece.
The contrast of his huge frame gently bouncing something so small cast a spell on you. As though you'd forgotten, you were reminded of his affection and tenderness. Hours ago anger filled him and now, it was as if someone different stood in front of you; pure serenity poured out of him.
He smiled at you once your eyes met and he stole your heart again. It felt as though, regardless of how many times you'd seen him or been around him, he'd always awaken the butterflies in the pit of your stomach. With Jungkook, it would always be like the first day you realized he was your favorite feeling.