Chapter 18: A New Bond

                                    

                                          
The air around the cozy vacation house was calm, the soft breeze of early morning rustling the trees as Namjoon, Jin, and Jungkook stepped inside. The warmth of the place seemed to welcome them, though a lingering sense of mystery surrounded the boy they had brought with them. They hadn't had much time to talk, but now that they were settled, Namjoon and Jin exchanged a glance. It was time to know more about the stranger in their home.
Jin, ever the warm soul, broke the silence first. "Are you feeling better now?" he asked, his voice gentle as he approached Jungkook, who was standing awkwardly near the door.
Jungkook nodded, though there was still a vulnerability in his eyes. He wasn't sure how much to say, but these two had shown him kindness when he needed it most. "Yes... thank you for helping me," he murmured.
Namjoon crossed his arms, his eyes studying Jungkook carefully. He wasn't one to trust strangers easily, especially those with mysterious powers. But something about this boy seemed familiar, though he couldn't quite place it. "What's your name?" Namjoon asked, his tone more cautious than Jin's.
The boy hesitated, then finally spoke. "Jungkook. My name is Jungkook."
Jin smiled warmly, offering him a seat at the table. "It's nice to meet you, Jungkook. You don't have to be afraid with us."
Jungkook sat down, feeling slightly more at ease. "I... I have powers," he admitted quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. "I can... transform into different forms, like animals or creatures. And my soul-it's tied to shadows." His eyes darted toward Namjoon, unsure of how much to reveal. "I don't have full control over it yet. When I get emotional, like last night, it overwhelms me."
Jin's eyes softened as he listened, his heart aching for the boy. "You must have gone through a lot," he said gently. "But you're safe here with us. We'll help you, won't we, Namjoon?"
Namjoon, though still cautious, nodded slowly. "We'll help," he agreed, though his mind was still full of questions. He kept a close eye on Jungkook, sensing the raw power within him. There was something dangerous about it, but at the same time, something pure. "But why were you out there alone?"
Jungkook glanced away, a hint of sadness clouding his face. "I live in a palace, but... it doesn't feel like home. My father is... distant, and I never knew my mother." His voice cracked slightly as he spoke. "Last night was my birthday, and he promised to be there. But he never came."
Jin's heart tightened at those words, and something maternal stirred within him. This boy, who had such immense power, was still just a child yearning for love and care. Without thinking, Jin reached across the table and placed his hand over Jungkook's. "I'm so sorry, Jungkook. No one should feel alone on their birthday."
A quiet moment passed between them, and then Jungkook, with hesitant hope in his eyes, asked softly, "Can I... can I call you mæ?"
Jin's breath caught in his throat. He knew what that word meant in Thai-mother. The boy was looking at him with such vulnerability, yearning for the motherly love he had been deprived of all his life. Jin didn't hesitate. He smiled gently and nodded. "Of course you can, Jungkook," he whispered, his heart swelling with affection for the boy. "I'll be here for you, always."
Jungkook's lips trembled as he smiled back, his heart warming for the first time in what felt like forever. "Thank you, mæ," he whispered, his voice filled with gratitude.
Namjoon watched the exchange in silence, feeling a mixture of emotions. He wasn't one to question Jin's judgment, especially when it came to his nurturing nature. Seeing Jin so happy, so protective of Jungkook, made Namjoon's heart soften, though his instinct to protect Jin from potential danger remained. He couldn't shake the feeling that Jungkook was connected to something bigger, something more dangerous. But for now, seeing Jin smile was enough for him to let down his guard-just a little.