Bound by Blood

Chapter 47- good things come as a three

JIMIN POV:

I wait eagerly for Kookie and (Y/N) to appear from their lessons, bouncing lightly on the balls of my feet as I wait. The other students bustle past, the hive of chatter and noise loud and incessant to my eardrums. But alongside it come snippets of conversation, of gossip. And I huff at the eager hushed words, unimpressed but then my ears catch onto a familiar name. (Y/N). Why are they talking about my mate? And then I heard Kookie's name being thrown into the mix- and a mixture of curiosity and displeasure wells up in me, to hear my mates being the subject of mere gossip for the sake of satiating the students' curiosity.

And when the two of them navigate their way through the horde, they both sport varying expressions but the tightness to their faces are the same. They know they're being talked about and whether Jungkookie has been more exposed to it, it doesn't mean I miss the vulnerability in his eyes, mingling with the concern and protectiveness for (Y/N) who's curling into him unconsciously.

I glare at the few that hover to watch the two of them approach me, their faces loosening a bit as they smile and I turn to place an arm around the both of them; eyes beginning to redden in anger and protectiveness for them. The hushes quieten down slightly, abate at the fury rolling off me but the stares continue to follow us out. But I hadn't missed that some of those stares- especially the ones that had come from the human students had been apprehensive, concerned, and nervous to disgusted and enraged.

And I realise that (Y/N) is bearing the brunt of attention- for being associated with us. Because of the image we hold in their eyes. 

But if that means we have to change their perception of us then so be it. Because there's no way I'm willingly parting from her.

And the grateful smile she shoots me makes up for it- a smile that tells me it's fine and that she's thankful that I'd been there, thankful and pleased by the way my arm continues to remain around her as I take the two of them to a nearby bistro. Because she's not shying away, and I don't think I'm mistaken by the way she doesn't tense up- after our time together, being near her, some sort of physical contact happening reassures me, is natural for me.

And I'm glad it seems to be the case for her too.

----

It's incredibly gratifying seeing two of my younger mates order with an excitement, see the two of them lean towards each other- as if the other's presence lures them in, enjoy seeing the way the smile comes to (Y/N)'s naturally- isn't forced, strained or a pained grimace. I relish and silently celebrate the way Jungkookie has become so comfortable around her- even though a few months back I would've dismissed the idea that one day he would be so at ease with a human. If Jungkook can do it- someone who suffered the most recently by humans, his history the one that remains alive in our minds, then we can too. He becomes a hopeful symbol for me that one day I can share that casualness with her too.

But what surprises me is that when the food arrives, not only does she proffer her plate to Jungkookie but to me too, nudging it in my direction and telling me to try and taste it- in her honeyed warm tone.

I am more than eager to comply, trying her food with gusto- soul leaping in elation and only soaring higher when she giggles when I nod my head excitedly to her question of whether it tastes good.

It's a sound I realise I had inadvertently silenced for some time, and one that I didn't know I'd yearn for but did. 

Looking at the way her eyes sparkle or the way her cheeks often sport a rosy flush, the way her hair tumbles over her shoulders in thick silky waves and she talks- I realise that I'm captivated, have been for a long time and will be for eternity. Because I see her and find myself at peace- I see her slotting in so easily, it's a wonder I didn't notice the (Y/N)-shaped hole in our lives before. We were all waiting for this moment.