Chapter Text
After the revelation about Jungkook, Seokjin spent a few more days at his uncle's house, finishing the remaining chores and spending time together. Throughout this period, Seokjin kept the pendant close to his side, often finding himself tracing the faint engraving of Jungkook's name absentmindedly.
Seokjin learned from his uncle that the pendant had been discovered a few days after his last emotional encounter with Jungkook. This revelation sparked a profound realization within Seokjin that the pendant was not a mere coincidence. He became convinced that Jungkook had intentionally left it as a final chance, a silent beacon to provide a path for Seokjin to find him again.
On their last evening together, Seokjin and his uncle decided to visit the exact spot where the pendant had been discovered. They walked and sat on the secluded beach, the sun beginning to set and casting a warm, golden glow over the gently rolling waves. The air was filled with the salty scent of the ocean, and the rhythmic sound of the waves provided a serene backdrop as they sat on the sand, gazing out at the horizon.
They discussed their plans and strategies, meticulously detailing their schedules and assigning tasks to continue their research. Seokjin would delve into historical records and maritime journals with every available moment he had, which was mostly after work in the evenings and on weekends. Meanwhile, his uncle would explore merfolk legends and talk to fishermen and elders in various coastal towns, gathering oral histories and local lore.
As they sat there, absorbed in their conversation, Seokjin's uncle turned to him with a thoughtful expression. "Seokjin-ah, when you find Jungkook, what will you do?" His voice was gentle but laden with the weight of the question.
Seokjin became pensive, staring at the waves as they lapped the shore. "If and when I find him," he began slowly, "I will finally tell him how much he means to me. I'll tell him that not a day goes by without me thinking of him, our time together...that bond...my heart belongs to him. But if he has moved on, if he has found happiness elsewhere, I will accept it. I just want him to know how much he mattered to me, how much he still does."
His uncle listened intently, his eyes reflecting the empathy and understanding he felt for his nephew. After a moment of silence, he replied, "Seokjin-ah, I think you have a place in Jungkook's heart too. The pendant... it wasn’t..I don't think it was just a random discovery. It was a sign. A memento left behind for you, a part of him reaching out to you. He wanted you to find it, to hold on to it. I believe he hasn't moved on. I believe he’s waiting for you, just as you’ve been waiting for him."
Seokjin felt a lump form in his throat, his uncle's words resonating deeply within him. He looked down at the pendant, clutched tightly in his hand, and felt a renewed surge of hope and determination. The belief that Jungkook might still care, might still be waiting, gave him the strength he needed.
The next morning, Seokjin packed his bags, feeling the weight of the journey ahead. As he walked to the car, his uncle silently joined him, each step resonating with unspoken words. Without warning, his uncle pulled him into a warm, tight embrace. They stood there quietly for what felt like a long, silent minute, with only the sound of oceans in the distant background.
Finally, his uncle spoke softly, his voice filled with emotion. "Seokjin-ah...if this doesn't turn out the way you want it to... or if it comes to a point where it's too much, we can stop. I just want you to know that I, your appa and eomma, your family, and friends are still here for you. We love you and we've really missed you... and remember, this journey is just as much about finding yourself as it is about finding Jungkook.
Seokjin felt tears prick at the corners of his eyes as he tightened his hold on his uncle. "Thank you, samchon. That means a lot to me," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
They pulled away, and Seokjin gave his uncle a grateful smile. "I'll keep that in mind. I'll keep you updated on everything, and I'll be back soon."
His uncle nodded, his eyes shining with pride and support. "Take care, Seokjin-ah. I'll be here, waiting for you."
With a final wave, Seokjin got into the car and drove away, the coastal town gradually fading in his rearview mirror. As the familiar city skyline came into view, he returned to his modest luxury apartment in the city, feeling a mix of determination and anticipation. The first thing he did was compose an email to his boss, explaining that he needed to rearrange his workload and schedule, asking for assistance to manage his time more effectively.
To his relief, his boss responded promptly, agreeing that it was a good idea. "I'm glad you’re finally willing to delegate some of your workload," the email read. "I'll assign a few assistants to help you with your current projects." The support from his boss was encouraging, and Seokjin felt a weight lift off his shoulders.
The second thing Seokjin did was call his parents to apologize for his recent behavior and avoidance. The phone call began with a few awkward moments of silence before his parents launched into a rather expected scolding. His father's voice carried a mix of concern and frustration, while his mother added her own worried reprimands.
"Jin-ah, we've been so worried about you," his father started, his tone stern but caring. "Your Eomma and I didn't know what was going on. We felt like we were losing you..."
"I'm sorry, Appa, Eomma," Seokjin replied earnestly. "I’ve been so caught up in work and...dealing with other things..."
"We know you always have a hard time asking for help and like to always avoid burdening others," said his father, "but this time we can see you spiraling as you shut us out."
His mother added, "Jinnie-ah, we love you...I know we can't always expect you to tell us all your worries. But I want you to know we'll always be here for you at your toughest moments."
Seokjin took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his parents' concern. "I know, and I'm really sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you. I’ve been dealing with a lot, and I promise I'll be better at communicating."
His father’s voice softened, "Your uncle called and told us about your recent visit. He said you helped out a lot, and we’re glad you went to see him. It seems like the time you guys spent together helped bring a little sense back into you. Not saying that I'm not grateful to my brother but your eomma and I are bit jealous. Maybe I should sprain my shoulder too for you to come pamper us too?"
Seokjin chuckled, feeling a warm sense of relief that his uncle hadn't mentioned their secret project. "No need for that, Appa. I promise I'll come visit soon, without any injuries required."
"Just promise you'll come for dinner soon, Jinnie. We miss you," said his mother.
"I promise, Eomma. I'll make time to have dinner with you guys soon," Seokjin replied, his voice filled with sincerity.
After hanging up with his parents, the final thing Seokjin did was call Taehyung.
He wasn't expecting him to pick up, knowing how busy Taehyung always was with his art showings and it's been more than six months since they last spoke. But to his surprise, Taehyung picked up on the third ring.
"Hello, my beautiful muse," Taehyung purred in a low voice on the other end. "Are you calling because you've seen my recent work?"
Surprised and intrigued, Seokjin replied, "Hello, sweet Tae. No, I haven't had the chance. I was recently out of town visiting my uncle. Is it still being showcased?"
"I'm actually holding an exhibit today at the Whalien52 Art Gallery in downtown near the Central Grand Station."
"Oh, that's only 20 minutes away from me! What time does the exhibit end?"
"At 7:30 pm. If you're planning to come, then I'll put your name in the reception in the front for them to let you in."
Seokjin looked at his watch; it was currently 6:15 pm. He had just enough time to make it before the exhibit was over. "Sounds great, I'll be there in about 30 minutes."
"See you soon, hyung," Taehyung responded warmly.
Seokjin quickly freshened up and changed into something more suitable for an art gallery visit.
The drive to the gallery was smooth, and he arrived just as the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the city. He parked his car and hurried into the gallery, where a sleek, modern reception area greeted him. The receptionist, a young woman with stylish glasses, looked up as he approached.
"Good evening, how can I help you?" she asked with a professional smile.
"Hi, I believe my name should be on the list. I'm here to see Vante's exhibit," Seokjin said.
She checked the list and nodded. "Ah, yes, Mr. Kim Seokjin. You're all set. The exhibit is just down the hall to the left."
Seokjin thanked her and made his way to the exhibit area. As he entered the gallery, he noticed that there were still quite a number of people in attendance. He internally beamed with pride at how Taehyung's work was becoming more sought after and how he was growing in success day by day.
The gallery was filled with the soft hum of conversations and the occasional exclamation of admiration. Seokjin marveled at the diverse crowd, ranging from art enthusiasts and collectors to casual visitors who had been drawn in by the allure of Taehyung's creations.
As always, the artworks were displayed with meticulous care, each piece illuminated to highlight its unique textures and vibrant colors. Seokjin walked slowly, taking in the details of each painting. He always admired the passion and dedication in every brushstroke, the deep emotions that Taehyung poured into his work.
As he moved through the gallery, Seokjin spotted Taehyung across the room, engaged in conversation with a group of admirers. Taehyung looked up and saw Seokjin, a bright smile spreading across his face. Excusing himself from the group, he made his way over to Seokjin.
"Hyung, you made it!" Taehyung exclaimed, pulling him into a quick hug.
"I'm so glad I didn't miss it," Seokjin replied, returning the hug warmly. "Your work is incredible, as always."
"I was so surprised when you called! I know you've been so busy with work lately. You don't know how excited I am that you're here." Taehyung said, his eyes sparkling with gratitude. "Come, let me show you around and explain some of the pieces."
They walked through the gallery together, Taehyung enthusiastically explaining the inspiration and stories behind each artwork. Seokjin listened intently, appreciating not only the beauty of the pieces but also the depth of emotion and creativity that went into them.
As they reached the final piece, an ethereal painting of a merman figure submerged in water swimming downwards with the moon reflecting on the surface, Taehyung turned to Seokjin. "This one is special to me. It’s called 'Longing.' It’s about the feeling of waiting and hoping for something or someone, even when you’re not sure if you’ll ever find it."
Seokjin stared at the painting, and then a jolt of realization hit him. The face of the merman was his own. His expression was filled with a mixture of hope and melancholy, his arms stretched downward as if trying to reach or hold something.
"Taehyung, is that...?" Seokjin's voice trailed off, his eyes wide with surprise and emotion.
Taehyung nodded, a soft smile playing on his lips. "Yes, it's you, hyung. When I was painting it, I thought about you, us, the pains we shared, the void we were trying to fill. I wanted to capture that sense of longing, that deep, almost painful hope."
Seokjin felt a lump form in his throat as he continued to study the painting. The details, the emotions, everything was so vividly portrayed. "It's beautiful, Tae."
"Thank you," Taehyung said, placing a comforting hand on Seokjin's shoulder. "Though I think the real muse is more beautiful."
Seokjin ears turn red at the comment and he playfully slaps Taehyung's hand off his shoulder, "Yah! Y-you! You never change! Always the sweet talker!"
Taehyung boxy grins as he laughs at his flustered hyung.
Slightly scoffing and clearing his throat, Seokjin begins, "Ahem...actually...,the reason I called you earlier today was because I wanted to ask you about something.."
"What is it hyung?"
Seokjin looks around the gallery for a moment and responded, "I know you told me your artworks were inspirations from a mixture of real life encounters and dreams that you have. But amongst all the works that you've created...the first merman work -"
Taehyung raised his hands to stop him." Hyung, I can't help but feel that there's something more to your question than just a casual interest in my art. I distinctly recall sharing with you over a cup of coffee that the inspiration for that particular piece stemmed from a story that captivated me when I was a child. It strikes me as odd that you're bringing it up again a whole year later..."
Taehyung tilted his head, fixing a contemplative gaze upon Seokjin. "Hyung, why are you so interested in that piece? Or perhaps the real question is, could your actual interest be about Mer?"
As Seokjin was preparing a response, suddenly the two were interrupted by an apologetic gallery employee, "I'm so sorry to interrupt Mr. Vante, I just want to let you know that the exhibit is wrapping up and your manager is requesting your assistance in going over the list of clients interested in buying your pieces."
Taehyung nods and turns to Seokjin, "Hyung, let's continue this later. I'll call you later once I'm done with the everything."
Seokjin felt a wave of guilt wash over him. He realized he was imposing. He was about to tell Taehyung it was okay and apologize for bothering him, but before he could get the words out, Taehyung spoke again.
"...I'll tell you the real inspiration behind that merman painting, and I think you might not believe me."
Seokjin's eyes widened in surprise, his guilt momentarily forgotten. He stammered, "Tae, I didn't mean to... I mean, I know you're busy and I shouldn't have—"
Taehyung shook his head, cutting him off gently. "Hyung, I have a feeling this important to you, and I want to help. Just give me a little time to wrap things up here, and we'll talk."
Seokjin nodded grateful, "Alright, We'll talk later."
Taehyung gave him a reassuring smile before turning to the gallery employee. "Thank you, I'll be right there." He turned back to Seokjin for a moment. "Oh and I forgot to mention...the person who bought that first merman piece was your Namjoon."
Seokjin's jaw dropped as he watched Taehyung walk away to attend to his responsibilities. This sudden new information left him baffled. Why would Namjoon buy a piece like that? He had no interest nor belief in fantasies or merfolk lore. Seokjin knew Namjoon as a strict academic, interested in logic and scientific proof. That’s what drew Seokjin to Namjoon in the first place—his smarts and analytical brain, ok fine, his dimples too.
Namjoon was the kind of person who lived by facts and evidence, someone who thrived in the realm of logic and reason. He often dismissed anything that couldn’t be scientifically proven, so the idea of him purchasing an artwork depicting a mythical creature seemed out of character. Seokjin found himself questioning what could have prompted Namjoon to make such an uncharacteristic choice.
Seokjin looked up Namjoon's number on his phone, his thumb hovering over the dial button. His mind raced with questions. Is Namjoon now interested in Mer? Or had he bought the painting because Seokjin had told him about his meeting with Jungkook? Did Namjoon finally believe him after all this time? The curiosity gnawed at him, urging him to call and find out.
But then Seokjin stopped himself. No, he thought, not right now. He needed to take things one step at a time and piece them together as he went. There was already so much to process, and he didn’t want to overwhelm himself. Taehyung’s last cryptic comment had given him hope, and he wanted to explore that first.
As he exited the gallery, Seokjin's phone buzzed with an email notification from his uncle. He opens it and finds that his uncle had sent him scans of old sailor logs and various translated versions of the story of the mermaid and the sea witch.
Seokjin's heart raced as he quickly scanned through the email. His uncle had meticulously scanned each page, ensuring the details were clear. The sailor logs were filled with handwritten accounts of mysterious encounters at sea, sightings of strange creatures, and legends passed down through generations. Excitement and anticipation surged through him. He closed the email and headed to his car to drive home.
Returning to his apartment, Seokjin settled into his favorite chair, the pendant still in his pocket. He took it out to look at it, feeling its weight and significance. He thumbed over the engraved name gently and brought it to his lips, closing his eyes for a moment to bring back a memory of Jungkook.
In his mind's eye, Seokjin could see Jungkook's face vividly. The memory transported Seokjin back to when they first met. Jungkook's doe-like eyes looking at him with warmth and curiosity, his outstretched lean and muscular arm holding a large tuna. Water dripped from the curls of his hair, each droplet catching the light as it fell. The iridescent shimmer from the scales of his gradient purple tail glistened in the sunlight. Jungkook's face holding a slight blush and a soft smile, a mix of shyness and hope. Each detail of that moment was etched into Seokjin's memory.
With a deep breath, Seokjin opened his eyes, heading to his desk where his laptop was and placing the pendant gently on the table next to it. He opened his laptop to review the scans his uncle had sent. The sailor logs spanned several centuries back, with detailed descriptions and tellings of their encounters. The translated stories of the mermaid and the sea witch were equally intriguing. Each version varied slightly, but the core elements remained the same: a mermaid who fell in love with a human and sought the help of a sea witch to be with him.
As slowly Seokjin immersed himself in the ancient texts, his phone lit up and rang. It was Taehyung.
"Hey Tae," says Seokjin as he picked up the call.
"Good evening, hyung," came the voice from the other end. "Sorry it's so late, I just finished the meeting with my manager and I was wondering if you had dinner yet?"
Seokjin glanced at the clock and realized it was nearly 9:30 pm and he had lost track of time. "Not yet. I got caught up in some research. Why, what's up?"
"I thought we could grab a bite together and talk about that merman painting," Taehyung suggested. "I know a place nearby that opens late and has great samgyeopsal and drinks."
Seokjin smiled, appreciating Taehyung's suggestion. "That sounds perfect. I'll meet you there in about twenty minutes?"
"Great! See you soon, hyung," Taehyung replied, sounding genuinely excited.
After ending the call, Seokjin quickly gathered his things, taking a moment to tuck the pendant safely back into his pocket.
As he arrived at the restaurant, he quickly realized it was a popular spot as it was quite crowded. He scanned the restaurant for Taehyung but didn't see him. Just then, his phone buzzed with a text from Taehyung.
"Let the hostess know you're with V's party."
Seokjin approached the hostess stand, smiling politely. "Hi, I'm here for V's party."
The hostess checked her list and nodded, returning his smile. "Right this way, please."
She led Seokjin through the bustling restaurant to a cozy, private room where Taehyung was already seated. Taehyung looked up, as the door opened, his face lighting up with a warm smile as he saw Seokjin entering.
"Hyung, have a seat!" Taehyung called out, pulling out a chair for him. Seokjin quickly sat down, and Taehyung placed a glass in front of him, proceeding to pour some red wine. "I got this bottle of Bordeaux from one of my clients today," he said. "It's from one of my favorite vineyards in France."
Seokjin glanced at the bottle and almost choked on his drink as he looked at the label. "Holy crap, Tae," he exclaimed. "That's a $40,000 bottle you have there! Are you sure you don't want to save it for a special occasion? And to pair it with grilled samgyeopsal?"
"Hyung, seeing you again today has been pretty special," smiles Taehyung, "And we're ordering a few cuts of steak to grill with the samgyeopsal."
They place their orders with the server who nodded and left them alone in the private room. The ambiance was perfect for a quiet, intimate dinner, and Seokjin felt the warmth of Taehyung's company. Something that he used to draw comfort and solace from before.
"So, about that merman painting," Taehyung began, taking a sip of his wine. "You wanted to know the real inspiration behind it."
Seokjin nodded, "Yes, I wanted to ask you about the story you read. I want to know more details about the version you had read and where it derived from."
Taehyung sips his wine as he looked at Seokjin for a few moments. "First let me say I didn't lie to you when I told you it was inspired from a story I read as child." He paused for a few more minutes and took a deep breath before speaking. "But it wasn't a story from a children's or fairytale book. That story I read was from my great-great-grandmother's diary."
Seokjin's confusion was evident as he frowned and asked, "Your great-great-grandmother's diary?"
Taehyung nodded, setting his glass down. "Yes. My great-great-grandmother, Haeun, lived in a small coastal village, and her diary detailed the time she spent by the sea. She wrote about a day in her youth when she swam a bit too far out and encountered a shark. The shark tried to attack her, and she did her best to fight it off and swim away, but it was quicker and stronger. Just as she was about to be bitten and dragged down, she wrote about how she was saved by a handsome merman named Ha-joon."
Taehyung paused, looking intently at Seokjin to gauge his reaction. Seeing none, he continued, "According to her writings, Ha-joon and she were captivated by each other, and he often came to see her. Before long, they were completely smitten with each other. She also mentioned an inexplicable bond with the merman that she believed was formed through his courtship rituals."
"Bond?" asked Seokjin, intrigued.
"Yes," said Taehyung, leaning forward. "Apparently, merfolk have abilities that are quite unexplainable to humans. Kind of like magic? In Haeun's diary, she described how Ha-joon would swim in these intricate patterns and create mesmerizing light displays using bioluminescent creatures to spell out messages. He would also bring her gifts from the sea. It was his way of courting her and showing her the wonders of his world."
Seokjin listened, fascinated. "That sounds incredible. What else did she write about their bond?"
Taehyung continued, "Haeun wrote about how Ha-joon would sing to her, his voice having a calming, almost hypnotic effect. It wasn't just a beautiful sound; it felt like he was speaking directly to her soul. She believed that his songs created a deep, emotional connection between them. Ha-joon also had the ability to heal minor injuries with a touch. Haeun mentioned how he once healed a cut on her leg by placing his hand over it and singing softly. The wound closed up as if it had never been there."
Seokjin felt a chill as he absorbed the details. "It really does sound like magic..." He paused before asking carefully, "Did they end up being together?"
Taehyung took a deep breath. "Yes, but it came with a cost. Ha-joon sought the help of a sea witch and had to give up his voice in exchange for a pair of legs so he could live on land with Haeun. Haeun was heartbroken that she could no longer hear Ha-joon sing or call her name, but they did end up together, settling down and having children. However, Haeun wrote about how Ha-joon always missed the sea. Even though he was happy with her, she could see the longing in his eyes every time he looked at the ocean."
"How did they communicate after he lost his voice?" asked Seokjin curiously.
Taehyung smiled. "They found ways to understand each other without words. Haeun described it as a form of empathy. She could feel his emotions, and he could sense hers. They also used gestures and expressions. Sometimes, Ha-joon would draw pictures in the sand to explain things to her. The magical bond they shared was so strong that they could understand each other without needing to speak."
Seokjin picked up his glass of wine and took a long sip, letting the rich flavor linger as he contemplated everything Taehyung had shared. A mix of emotions washed over him—apprehension, determination, and hope. After a few moments, he finally spoke, his voice tinged with emotion.
"Your great-great-grandmother's story is so bittersweet. Thank you for sharing it with me, Tae."
Taehyung stared at him intensely while sipping his wine, his eyes searching Seokjin's face as if waiting for something. When Seokjin just stared back blankly, Taehyung bit his lip in contemplation and then leaned forward slightly.
"Now it's my turn with some questions for you, hyung," he began, his voice serious and probing. "And I want you to answer me truthfully, just as I have with yours."
"Um... okay, I believe that's fair."
"Are you... Are you looking for one? A Mer. Are you looking for a Mer?"
Seokjin shifted his eyes away and bit his lip. He hesitated for a moment before nodding, "Yes...Yes, I am, Tae."
"You are..." Taehyung then pauses and closes his eyes. "I...I can sense it... You've met one before, haven't you, hyung? A Mer."
Seokjin felt a lump in his throat, the weight of the admission pressing heavily on him. Instead of responding, he slowly took out the pendant from his pocket, the cool blue-green gem warm in his hand, and placed it on the table between them.
Taehyung opened his eyes and looked at the pendant. He gently reached over and picked it up, his fingers tracing the intricate details and the materials of the pendant. He slowly turned it over and read the engraving aloud, "Jungkook." He then placed it back on the table in front of Seokjin, his eyes now filled with a mysterious glint.
"This Jungkook," he began, "I'm guessing he's a Mer...and I'm guessing he also broke your heart?"
Seokjin shook his head, "No, Tae, I was the one who was the idiot." He then proceeded to fill Taehyung in on his encounter with Jungkook, from their first meeting to their eventual separation. Taehyung listened intently, shifting from curiosity to empathy. When Seokjin finished, Taehyung let out a dramatic groan and smiled, "That's not very fair, hyung. How could I, or anyone, compete for your affections against a mythical creature!"
Seokjin then breaks into laughter, "Aish, to be fair, with the way you talk about Jimin, I felt like I was competing with a mythical being too!"
To which Taehyung nodded, a playful glint in his eyes as he winked at Seokjin, "Yep, Jimin was an angel. And he will always be my angel."
Taehyung clears his throat. "Speaking of mythical beings, there's something else I need to tell you."
Seokjin looked at him expectantly.
"So, technically speaking, I'm Ha-joon's descendant, right? I haven't told anyone except Jimin about this, but I think being his descendant has given me an 'inherited' ability. I sometimes have these... visions when I dream. And to tell you the truth, I had a feeling you were going to call soon. Recently, I've had a recurring vision of you. You were in a dark ocean, swimming downwards like in my painting. But I could also see an obscured silhouette and a pair of arms reaching upwards towards you... I heard it call out your name."
"Was... it... do you think it was Jungkook?" Seokjin asked, his voice trembling with hope.
Taehyung shook his head slowly. "I'm not completely sure as I couldn't make out the silhouette, but my visions are never wrong."
Seokjin nodded, his voice tinged with urgency. "Do you think it's possible for me to borrow your great-great-grandmother's diary?"
"Of course, hyung," said Taehyung, his brow furrowing in concern. "But what do you think it can help you with?"
"From the leads I've got so far, everything seems to be pointing me in that direction," Seokjin replied, his eyes fixed on Taehyung's, searching for understanding.
"Which direction?" Taehyung asked, leaning forward.
"I have to find this sea witch," Seokjin said, his voice resolute.
Taehyung sputtered, nearly spilling his wine. "Hyung! Are you serious? That's dangerous! Sea witches are known for their unpredictable and often malevolent nature. What if she asks for something you can't give? What if she puts you in danger?"
Seokjin took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. "I know, Tae, I really do. But think about it—Ha-joon found a way to be with Haeun through the sea witch. There has to be something in Haeun's diary that can help me find her. I need to understand what Ha-joon went through, what the witch required of him, and how he managed to survive the encounter. If there's even the slightest chance that the sea witch can help me find Jungkook or give me answers, I have to take it."
Taehyung looked deeply into Seokjin's eyes, his concern evident. "But hyung, the price Ha-joon paid was his voice. What if the price you have to pay is something equally precious or even more? Are you prepared for that?"
Seokjin's expression softened, and he placed a hand on Taehyung's arm. "Tae, the past year and a half I became a person that I couldn't even recognize. And look where it has got me. I've come full circle back to this. Finding this pendant, hearing your great-great-grandmother's story... You said so yourself, your visions are never wrong, which means I can't ignore this. I have to at least try. Jungkook means everything to me, and I can't live with myself if I don't do everything in my power to find him. I'll be cautious, and I'm not doing this alone. I have your support and my uncle's support. I'll make sure to have a plan and take every possible precaution."
Taehyung sighed deeply, wrestling with his worry and his desire to support his friend. "Alright, hyung. But please promise me you won't rush into anything and I will lend you as much help as I can. We can figure this out together."
Seokjin nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude for Taehyung's unwavering support. "I promise, Tae. I won't do anything reckless. We'll go through the diary together and make sure we have all the information we need before taking any steps. Thank you for standing by me."
As their food arrived, the two friends realized how much of an appetite they had built up over their discussion. Seokjin also sheepishly noticed that they had finished the entire bottle of wine and had to order more drinks—non-alcoholic now, as both had work tomorrow. Over the course of their meal, they discussed their next steps in detail, planning how they would combine their efforts to unravel the mystery and bring Seokjin closer to reuniting with Jungkook.
"I'll head over to my family's place as soon as I'm off work and get the diary," Taehyung said between bites of grilled samgyeopsal. "I'll scan the pages and send them to you, but I'll also bring the diary itself so we can go through it together."
"That sounds good," Seokjin agreed, nodding as he chewed. "In the meantime, I'll go through the scans my uncle sent me. There might be something in the sailor logs or the mermaid and sea witch stories that can give us more context."
Taehyung took a sip of his water, his eyes thoughtful. "Do you think we should talk to your uncle again? He might have more insights or know of other sources we can look into."
"Definitely," Seokjin replied. "I'll give him a call tomorrow and update him on what we've discussed. He might even remember some details he didn't mention before."
As they continued their meal, the conversation flowed easily between them, they brainstormed various angles to pursue: contacting maritime historians, visiting libraries with rare book collections, and reaching out to folklorists specializing in mer.
"Also, hyung," Taehyung said, pausing to savor a piece of steak, "you might want to reach out to that Namjoon of yours that bought my merman piece. The last interaction I had with him makes me think he's also looking into this too."
Seokjin paused, his fork hovering over his plate. "Namjoon? Really? Why would he be looking into this? He's always been so focused on science and logic."
Taehyung shrugged. "I don't know, but when he bought the painting, he asked me a lot of questions almost like he was interrogating me. I think he actually thinks I might've painted with a live merman in front of me. Maybe he knows something that could help us, or maybe he's stumbled upon some new information."
Seokjin nodded slowly, considering this new angle. "You're right. Namjoon is thorough and methodical. If he's looking into this, that means he might know something. I'll reach out to him tomorrow and see what he knows."
They finished their meal, settled the bill, thanked the staff for their hospitality, and made their way out of the restaurant. As they stood outside, Taehyung turned and smiled fondly at Seokjin. "Welcome back, hyung."
Seokjin smiles back, a genuine, heartfelt smile that reached his eyes. "Thanks, Tae. It feels good to be back."
With a final wave, they parted ways, each promising to text when they got home safely. As Seokjin entered his apartment, he decided to quickly shower and head to bed. The meeting with Taehyung had gone longer than he anticipated, but he was grateful for the wealth of information and the new ally he had gained for his research.
He grabbed a soft, fluffy towel from the linen closet and his softest set of pajamas from his drawers. Walking into the bathroom, he took out the pendant and placed it gently on the counter. Stripping off his clothes, he stepped into the shower, letting the warm water cascade over him.
As the water flowed over him, Seokjin's mind replayed the day's events. Leaving his uncle's house, delving into Taehyung's family diary, and the unexpected revelation about Namjoon—all of it swirled together. He stood under the shower for a few extra minutes, letting the steam envelop him, the warmth soothing his muscles. The rhythmic sound of the water was calming, providing a temporary escape from his swirling thoughts. After rinsing off, he reluctantly turned off the water, stepping out into the cool air of the bathroom.
He blow-dried his hair, patted himself dry with a towel, and brushed his teeth. Slipping into his soft pajamas, he felt his exhaustion slowly creeping in. He then picked up the pendant, turning it over in his hands before deciding to put it around his neck. It felt cool against his skin.
As he walked into his bedroom, he plugged his phone into the charger, ensuring it was ready for the next day. He slipped into bed, the sheets cool and inviting. As soon as his head hit the pillow, Seokjin fell into a deep sleep.
And that night he dreamt.
Seokjin was running. But then he realized he was surrounded by water, so maybe he was actually swimming. He was swimming downward really fast, but he couldn't see where he was going. The pathway in front of him grew darker and darker. Despite the encroaching darkness, he knew he couldn't stop swimming—something was chasing him. But what or who was it?
He didn't dare turn around to check, but he could hear whatever it was closing in on him. His heart pounded as he tried to swim harder, diving deeper into the darkness. Maybe he could hide there, in the inky blackness, and escape whatever was pursuing him.
He found himself swimming into an enclosed area, realizing too late that he was now trapped. The walls surrounding him and panic surged through his veins. Whatever was chasing him had now caught up to him. He didn't turn around, but he heard its voice shout, echoing ominously through the water.
"Thief. Return what you stole! You thief!"