Chapter Text
"She's my mate."
Jin's body shakes in anguish as he pulls you to him, trying to comfort you with his warmth, repeating himself over and over again.
"She's my mate!" He howled and screamed in pain. He sobs harder, trying to warm you and caressing your cheek to wake you up somehow.
"Lo-love, wake up," He cries harder, tears falling over your skin. "Please, wake up."
Hoseok stands behind Jin, stunned for a few good seconds before reaching out to his brothers through his mind link.
The boys on the other side are in a state of utter panic at not being able to reach the two.
"We can't reach Jin-Hyung! Is he okay?"
"What happened?"
"Are you alright?
"Did you get attacked?"
"Why can't we reach Jin-Hyung?"
"Is Jin-Hyung okay? Are you okay?"
His brothers were yelling through the link. He's almost sure some have already entered the building, trying to reach them.
"What happened to him?! His scent and heart are going crazy!" Jimin sounded anxious, "I'm coming in."
"Jin-Hyung," Hoseok takes a breath, "—he-he found his mate." Hoseok relays through the mind link, "We need you here, Yoongi-Hyung. She—" He pauses before continuing again, "She looks dead." He winced, the thought sending his mind on a wild negative drive.
"I'm already inside, stay exactly where you are!" Yoongi demands, led inside by Jimin, following Jin's distressed scent and throwing quick orders for the boys outside.
"What?!" Hoseok recognized Jungkook's voice, "Is she—" The youngest wolf stopped himself from continuing the question.
"She looks dead," Hoseok sighs, throat heavy and dry, eyes running over his brother and you, "—and I can't pinpoint anything more."
"Hyung!" Jimin burst into the room, screaming to the two, "Are you okay?" He kneels beside Jin, throwing an arm around his shoulder, concerned at how Jin's scent was seeping distress.
"She-she won't wake up, Jimin-ah." Jin sobs, face red, and tears down his face. "She-she won't respond," He continues, still cradling your body to his chest, he turns to Yoongi, the only trained medical professional among them. "Why won't she open her eyes? Why won't she respond?"
Jimin looks at you and his stomach drops. You didn't look like you'd make it out of this and he felt his eyes tear up, heart clenching in pain for you two.
What would happen to his Hyung if you passed away?
"Is-" Jin sobs harder, more tears falling, "Is she okay?" He looks at Yoongi, pulling him down to you.
"Let me see, yeah, Hyung?" Yoongi assures him softly; afraid any harsh action would set him off. He carefully crouches down next to your limp body, taking note of your shackled limbs and the vicious bite marks all over your body.
Yoongi already feels his heart clench in pain, eyes unusually tearing up as he sees your lifeless frame. You didn't look and smell alive. Yoongi's hands are clammy and shaky as he takes your hand to check your pulse and takes a whiff of your bitten wrist.
Your scent was clouded by the stench of the place you were held in and many other unpleasant scents. Your pulse was weak and you barely smelled human. Your breath was shallow, lips cracked, your skin dry, and your hair matted. Your body was struggling to keep you alive at this point.
From what he can see, you were severely starved and abused. You were bitten and fed to the brink of death. There were no large, gaping wounds which should mean all your organs were intact.
He prays all your organs are intact because that could be a whole new problem to solve. As he checks on you, he takes glances at Jin who was vibrating holding you, his canines now having grown longer, peeking out. His eyes are completely golden, the flickering is gone.
Yoongi needs to think and act fast. If he wasted any more time, Jin would go on a rage-hunt.
"She's barely holding on," He mind-links his brothers, careful not to let Jin in, "We need to hurry the fuck up."
"What happened?" Jin breathes, shaking and trembling. His voice is deep, rounding on growls and animalistic. "Will she be okay?"
The chances honestly were low, but he couldn't let Jin know. Jin and the distress of his mate bond could cost lives at this point.
"Let's get her out of here, yeah?" Yoongi strokes his arm, trying to calm him down. "We need to get her out of here," He tells Jin again, "Can you lift her?" Jin nods, lifting you with no words, completely forgetting the shackles in your limbs.
"Wait-wait," Yoongi and Jimin stopped him from running out and unintentionally hurting you more, "Let's get this away," Jimin said, using all his strength to break them, Hoseok and Yoongi joined in and took the last ones off.
"Let's get her to the pack infirmary," Yoongi told Jin and as Jin ran out, careful not to hurt you, he mind-linked the boys.
"Keep the van ready and the Head Salutary on call," Yoongi barks at the other boys. "Tell them to have anti-venoms and other supplies at the pack infirmary —we can't treat her with the rest if things go wrong..." Yoongi took a pause, "Hyung can massacre them all." He continued gravely, giving more instructions to everyone.
Everyone in the conversation understood the implications of the instructions Suga was giving them. Jin was in a very dangerous mindset, if anything happened to you —Jin could and would kill everyone regardless of who they were. Jin was probably already in his wolf's mind, the animal overtaking his body, and unable to think straight.
They could only imagine the kind of emotions coursing through him —finding the love of your life in a near-dead state, having been through severe abuse, and the fear of losing someone so dear to you without a word to them.
Why was Moon Goddess so cruel to their Hyung? Why was this happening to him, when he was probably the one who believed in her abilities and loved them the most?
When they saw Jin carry you out, they all got into the vehicle, Jungkook helping Jin place you on the stretcher in the van. Jin growls at his brothers as they close the door and it hits the stretcher, making it hit the seat ahead.
All of them noticed how his eyes were golden, his canines and nails were long and pointy, and his skin was taut and sweaty —like he was minutes away from shifting into a wolf. The growls and pulsing of his veins alone were proof that if they didn't do something, Jin was going to go crazy before they even reached the pack house.
As they drive out, Yoongi sends one last message to Namjoon.
"Tell them to keep a heavy dose of sedation ready just in case," Yoongi said, "—for Jin-Hyung."
At the pack infirmary, the healers were doing their best to follow their Alphas' instructions. All the drugs and medical supplies were set in the medical unit, the Head Salutary, Chaewon was sending away wolves that didn't need to be there and instructing only few of the strongest warriors and healers on your treatment and the course of action in case Jin needed to be sedated.
According to the Yoongi, it was better to ambush him and sedate him as soon as he arrives because if they waited for him to listen to them —they'd never get the job done. The Healers agreed with the Alpha. Jin was too strong for them on a normal day when he was determined and with his disturbing emotions, the alpha will be physically impossible for them to hold back.
Chaewon was not okay with that at all; she wanted to have Jin conscious and present while they worked on you, because she feared trauma on him and the bond. The days following the bonding was so fragile, special and very important for the newly bonded pair. The bond really depended on these initial days to blossom, to settle in, to prosper for the pair to have a happy life ahead.
Finding you the way he did itself was going to cause so much harm to Jin and his wolf’s mental health, Chaewon couldn’t fathom the wreck his wolf would be in case Jin was unconscious right after finding you, without any consolation that you were doing better at least. Chaewon wanted Jin to see that his mate was safe now, she was being treated and that she would heal. And in the case that things went south, sedation would be considered.
She prayed that you weren't in a very bad shape and that whatever happens next, happens smoothly without many problems. The wolves stood at the entrance of the pack compound, praying to the Moon Goddess for your health and safety. They needed you to be strong and safe for Jin to be the same. If you didn't make it out today, Jin wouldn't too and they didn't want to lose their pack member to the pain of losing their mate.
The loud honks of the vehicle pulled them out of their prayer and they ran straight to the stretcher being pulled out and wheeled in, ignoring Jin's loud growls and whimpers. Their hair stood straight, bodies shaking in fear as their usually chirpy, happy alpha growled viciously at the wolves who opened the door.
“Let him take her inside,” Yoongi mind-linked them to stay away, “Let’s wait –stay away till I give you any instruction.”
He ran straight to the bed inside the unit, placing you gently on the bed, kneeling right next to it –whimpering and begging the Head Salutary, “Ajhumma, Ajhumma, please- She-She’s not waking up,” He held your cold hand in his warm ones, tugging the older lady’s scrubs, “Please help her, please heal her,” He sobbed, whimpering more. “Please, she’s my mate—” He cried, tears choking him, “I can’t lose her, please-”
“Jin-ah,” Chaewon kneeled next to him, “Sweetie, you need to believe in her, yeah?” She caressed his hair, “She’ll get through this, but for that I need you to be strong, okay?” Jin only sobbed, his golden eyes on your frail body. “I need you to let us handle this, I swear by the Moon Goddess we won’t let her go, okay? Let us help, trust us— ”
“Please, save her— ” Jin was beyond consolable, but somehow found the strength to cry and nod his agreement, “I’ll do as you say, please— ” Chaewon gave him a small smile, getting up to see that the healers were at work already.
Yoongi who had followed Jin right behind, had already instructed the healers to check for your blood type and to begin transfusing blood, asking to have your injuries cleaned and medicated —and adding more treatments and tests that needed to be run.
The next 24 hours were very crucial for you and in a way, for Jin as well.
Jin had stuck to his word to not cause distress and by your side, eyes never leaving you as the tests were being done, as the wounds were cleaned and medicated, as the blood was transfused, as the anti-venoms were injected, and as you were oxygenated. He even stayed by your side as Chaewon cut out your filthy clothes, cleaned you and put you into hospital gown. Chaewon smiled gently as she saw Jin close his eyes and she changed your clothes, her heart tugging at the sweet gesture of the Alpha.
Jin had a few minor wounds too, which Chaewon tried to dress but was dismissed because you needed help more than him. It was evening the next day when Chaewon and Yoongi sighed a breath of relief at how things went. Jin had been an angel throughout, though an anxious and cautious one. You had stayed stronger than anyone could expect you to be, your vitals very stable for someone who was at the brink of death last night. Your multiple wounds were medicated, doses of anti-venom, blood and electrolytes already in your system plus the ongoing IV and the oxygen mask only adding strength to your bettering health.
“Jin-Hyung,” Yoongi called him, hand on his shoulder, “We’ll be back yeah? The boys are waiting outside since last night, they wanna see you and your mate, we’ll also need to give them an update,” Jin nodded at Yoongi, murmuring an okay.
Yoongi and Chaewon had stepped out, only to be ambushed by the Alphas.
“Is Jin-Hyung okay?”
“Is she okay?”
“She’ll live right? Jin-Hyung will live right?”
“There’s no lasting health concern for both of them, right?”
Many such questions were thrown their way, and Chaewon shushed them, taking them away from the room. She didn’t want Jin’s heightened hearing to pick up anything and to trigger him.
“Jin-Hyung is stable, and her condition is stable –miraculous for someone who was in the state she was.” Yoongi said, sighing in relief, “I wouldn’t say she is all okay, but she is definitely healing at a much faster pace than I ever anticipated.”
“What has happened with her exactly?” Hoseok asked, “She was a mess when I first saw her –It’s a miracle Jin-Hyung found her natural scent when she’s covered in all the vampire filth and dirt.”
“Yeah, she smells more vampire than human,” Jimin piqued, “She… is human, right?”
“She is human,” Yoongi said, “She’s been fed on and has been captive among them in such horrendous conditions for long enough that it masked her scent, that’s all.”
“She’s all in one piece, right?” Taehyung asked hearing ‘fed on’, remembering finding some bodies with missing organs.
“Yeah,” Chaewon gave a small smile, “Her organs are intact,”
“But that just raises more questions—” Hoseok started, “What was she doing there? If she was kidnapped as a feed, why was she held captive for so long? All the captives we found alive were kidnapped in the last few days, she looks like she was there for weeks minimum.”
“We can’t actually conclude much on the circumstances of her capture without her telling us, but—” Chaewon said, “But in my opinion, I think she was kept alive to make sure she produced enough blood to keep the supply going.” The boys collectively winced, feeling their stomach drop at the words, “She was definitely physically abused, seen by the multiple wounds all over her body, fed on multiple times, seen by the bite marks on her neck, wrists and calves and ankles, starved and made to live in horrible conditions by those monsters.”
“They didn’t keep her around because they liked her,” Yoongi continued, “They kept her around to harm her. Rest assured, Jin-Hyung isn’t bonded to a perpetrator, but a victim.” The boys nodded, even looking a little embarrassed and guilty.
“When can we expect her to wake up?” Namjoon asked.
“In a week or two maybe,” Chaewon said, “But then again, this is assuming she’ll heal at a very stable and quick pace. I wouldn’t be surprised if it took longer than that.”
“Will she be kept here till she wakes up?” Hoseok asked, “Jin Hyung needs rest, I don’t think he’ll get any if he’s here.”
“We’ll be keeping track of how well she’s faring with the treatment, I think we should be able to move her to your packhouse, preferably to Jin’s room, once she’s stable enough to not need breath support.” Chaewon smiled, “It’ll calm down Jin too, I think –to have his mate, in his den. It’ll do well for both of them.”
“I know there’s a lot of questions and uncertainties around this,” Chaewon sighed continuing, “But I think you need to trust in the Moon Goddess that she’ll not put any of us in harm’s way. For now, she’s Jin’s mate, a human and in desperate need of our help. Treat her with the same kindness you’ll treat Jin with.”
“We will,” Namjoon smiled at her, “We wouldn’t treat her bad—”
“I know, let her heal and wake up, I think all your questions will vanish when that happens.” Chaewon smiled, “Go and meet your Hyung now and then, get some food and rest.” She told the boys, “I have assigned some healers to her, they’ll be here overnight. I’m always a call away, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
The boys bid the lady bye and stood in silence thinking about what they heard.
“Let’s get in and meet Jin-Hyung,” Yoongi told his brothers. He knew how restless their wolves were, from all the fear and uncertainty drowning their oldest brother. Seeing him, talking to him and making sure he’s okay would definitely settle their nerves after all that’s happened.
Yoongi led his brothers in, mind-linking them to not hover over Jin, but give him space and let him choose to respond or ignore. Bangtan chorused an agreement, cautiously stepping inside the room. Their eyes first fell on you, attached to medical equipment and their eldest Hyung, holding your hand in his, elbows on the bed, sitting on a chair. He looked tired, eyes swollen, face still red and his scent drenched in gloom and permeating the room. He didn’t look at them, only making a sound when they called for him.
“Are you okay?” Jungkook asked voice on the brink of tears. Jin made a sound, suspiciously sounding like yeah. “Is your mate okay?” He continued and was met with silence.
“Her condition is stable,” Yoongi told Jungkook –more like to Jin to reassure him, “I am going to freshen up, I think we all should,” He glanced at the rest, still in their bloodied and soiled clothes.
Namjoon sighed, “We should also inform the pack leaders about everything that has happened and ask them to intimate the necessary details to the WSO.”
“Can’t we stay with Hyung instead?” Taehyung asked, Jimin adding, “He looks so broken, I don’t wanna leave him alone.”
“We can come back in,” Hoseok consoled the younger ones, “Let’s give them some alone time.”
It was truly a tough day for Bangtan –Jin might be the one who found his mate in a near-dead condition and going through the traumatic situation, but as his brother, their wolves were linked and while they didn’t feel all the pain he was feeling, they still were burdened with the pain he was feeling. And, truth be told, that burdening feeling was suffocating.
But they also knew, they couldn’t let themselves be crushed. They had to be strong for their Hyung, and for you. You were a pack member now; your healing and health was their responsibility. They had a hundred questions for you, but that could wait till you were all okay to answer them.
You were moved to the Bangtan packhouse a few days into your treatment. You were off breath support and a little colour had returned your skin and your vitals were strong and stable.
Jin was elated to have you home, in his den. He had rushed to the packhouse after never leaving your side since finding you –to clean up his room to make it comfortable for you. He changed his usual sheets to the softest linens he could find; he cleaned his room he hadn’t returned to in days, he set everything up so that when you wake up, you’d be the most comfortable.
He had made all his brothers stay with you while he came to the packhouse, telling them to call him and the healers if they felt anything was off. The boys had assured him they would, and that they’d even have Chaewon in the room with them, if it made Jin feel safe enough to drive home and get things done. Jin had given them a grateful smile, the first one in days.
“Hyung~” The youngest suddenly bawled, and threw himself on Jin, startling the older boy. Before Jin could say anything, Jimin and V had thrown themselves on Jin as well, in a weird hug situation.
“Yah! Yah! Yah!” Jin exclaimed, “What is wrong with you three?” He shouted, but holding them in a hug nevertheless, somehow feeling that they probably needed it.
“We are so glad you are okay!” Jungkook sobbed, eyes full of tears and voice choking, “and-and your mate.”
Jin softened, suddenly realising what this was about. He did know he wasn’t acting himself the past few days, but it must’ve been on a different level if his younger brothers are so shaken.
“I’m okay,” He reassured them, hugging them tighter, “I’m sure my mate will be okay as well.” The three nodded, and Jin let them go, wiping their tears, as if they are still little kids and ruffling their hair like he always did when they were kids.
Just as he moved away, Hoseok shouted, “Group hug!” and Jin finds himself crushed in a hug again.
Finding Jin cooking breakfast had become a rare sight these days. Mornings, for him, were usually reserved for attending to your needs—giving you sponge baths, untangling your hair, and whispering gentle reassurances as you lay unconscious. His absence from the kitchen had certainly not gone unnoticed.
"Good morning," Yoongi greeted as he stepped into the kitchen, stopping abruptly in his tracks. His eyebrow quirked at the sight of Jin, who stood with his back to the room, entirely focused on the stove. "What are you cooking?"
"Good morning, everyone~" Hoseok’s voice rang out as he entered the kitchen and stopped short. His eyes widened in surprise. "What’s this? Back to being the chef of the house?"
Jin didn’t even look up, his attention solely on the pot in front of him. "Good morning," he replied nonchalantly. "Love can’t handle heavy meals first thing in the morning, right? So, I’m making juk." He added with a hint of excitement, "She’s going to wake up today!"
Yoongi raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And how do you know that?"
"Because I just do," Jin answered with unshakable certainty. His tone left no room for argument. "She’ll be hungry, but heavy food isn’t an option. Juk is gentle on her stomach, yet nourishing. Once I know what she likes, I’ll make meals to help her recover faster."
"Did the guys bring the groceries yet?" Jin asked, his eyes scanning the kitchen for the younger members. "I asked the farmers to drop off some dongchimi and white kimchi."
On seeing the puzzled expressions on the others’ faces, Jin explained, as though it were the most obvious thing in the world, "Side dishes for Love. She can’t handle spice; you all know that!"
Living on the outskirts meant their groceries came fresh daily from local farms. The delivery—earthy vegetables, fragrant herbs, fresh cuts of meat, and a mix of side dishes—was part of their commitment to supporting the nearby farming community. The responsibility of handling and storing everything fell to the younger three, a task they shared.
Just then, Jungkook, Taehyung, and Jimin’s voices echoed through the back door, the sound of boxes being carried signalling their arrival.
“Your grocery delivery is here~” they chorused, laughter in their voices over an inside joke only they shared.
"Jimin-ah," Jin called, looking over at the younger member. "Serve the dongchimi and white kimchi in the side dish plates, please."
"Yes, sir!" Jimin saluted with a grin. "One serving of dongchimi and white kimchi coming right up!"
"And pass me the eggs," Jin requested from Taehyung, who was carrying the carton of eggs.
"Are you making gyeran-jjim?" Taehyung asked, watching intently as Jin set a stone bowl on the stove.
"Yes," Jin replied, adding casually, "Protein for muscle growth. She’s lost so much weight already." His focus on you was unwavering.
Jungkook, who was carefully organizing vegetables in the crisper, couldn’t help but overhear as Jin spoke so fondly of you. His curiosity had been bubbling ever since you were brought back, and hearing Jin speak with such certainty about you only deepened his intrigue.
Jimin, unloading other side dishes, raised an eyebrow at Jungkook's sudden stillness. "Eavesdropping again, Kookie?" he teased, placing lids onto containers before putting them away.
Taehyung, wiping fruit gently with a cloth, chuckled softly. "Can you blame him? It’s not every day we see Jin-hyung this smitten. It’s kind of adorable."
Jungkook shrugged, feigning indifference, though his eyes betrayed his interest. "I mean… He’s been walking on air since she woke up. You’d think she invented soup the way he’s been raving about her."
Taehyung let out a rich, warm laugh. "To be fair, it’s been a while since we’ve seen him this happy. If his mate’s the reason for that, I say let him have his moment."
Jimin nodded in agreement, his smile softening. "It’s nice, isn’t it? After everything that’s happened, seeing him like this feels... hopeful." The kitchen fell into a companionable silence, the rhythmic sounds of unpacking groceries filling the space.
“Hyung,” Jungkook began hesitantly, his voice tinged with curiosity, “this isn’t the first time you’ve just… known something about her.”
"Hyung’s gone full psychic mode since meeting his mate," Jimin teased with a grin, entering the kitchen with a fresh batch of washed cabbage.
Yoongi nodded thoughtfully. "Like when you insisted the healers move her to a quieter room because you said she couldn’t rest properly with all the noise."
"And when you said the IV was too uncomfortable for her," Jimin added as he placed rice in a washbowl.
"Or when you noticed she was getting joint stiffness," Taehyung continued, a mix of awe and exasperation in his voice. "How do you even know that through a bond?!"
Jin didn’t stop stirring, but he glanced up with a shrug. "I feel it," he said simply. "Her discomfort, her unease—it’s like it runs through me too."
"Hyung’s definitely more tuned in," Namjoon said, walking into the kitchen with a book tucked under his arm. He gestured toward the pile of freshly laundered blankets on the table. "You changed her sheets again yesterday, didn’t you?"
"She needed them changed," Jin replied matter-of-factly. "Her skin is sensitive, and the old ones were beginning to irritate her."
Namjoon exchanged a look with Yoongi, both curious. "It’s fascinating, honestly. There’s so little research about human-wolf bonds. What you’re describing feels like an extreme extension of the mate bond."
"Maybe it’s enhanced by her condition," Yoongi suggested, his gaze lingering on Jin.
"Or," Jimin said with a teasing grin, "Maybe it’s just Hyung being hopelessly smitten." He pulled out a chair and sat, a mischievous glint in his eye.
"Hopelessly devoted," Taehyung corrected. His voice was warm, his tone teasing yet fond. "It’s kind of sweet, though. Seeing Hyung all flustered for once."
Jungkook smirked, "I mean, he did demand the healers bring in a softer IV, custom-made, just for her. That’s next-level dedication."
Jin shot them a pointed look, though there was no heat in it. "Laugh all you want, but she deserves the best care. I’d do it all again."
"Of course you would," Hoseok said with a small smile. "It’s what makes you, you, Hyung. But seriously, is this… heightened connection going to fade when she wakes up? Or will it stay like this?"
Jin set the spoon down and leaned against the counter, his expression softening.
"I don’t know," he admitted. "Maybe it’ll change, maybe it won’t. But what matters is that she’s comfortable, happy, and healthy. That’s all I care about."
Namjoon leaned against the counter, deep in thought. "The mate bond is supposed to connect emotions, maybe intentions, but this…" He gestured toward Jin. "This feels like more than that. You’re reading her like an open book."
Jin finally turned to face them; his features softer than they’d ever seen. "Maybe it’s because she’s human," he suggested quietly. "Or maybe it’s because she’s in this state. I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. I’ll do whatever she needs, whether it’s adjusting her room’s temperature, helping with her muscles, or cooking for her."
Jimin crossed his arms, his curiosity piqued. "Do you think this connection will change once she wakes up? Will it fade to the usual mate bond we’re used to seeing?"
"I don’t know," Jin admitted, but his tone was firm, resolute. "And I don’t care. As long as she’s comfortable, I’ll adapt."
Yoongi exchanged a glance with Jimin, unspoken questions lingering between them. While human-wolf bonds had been rare, they’d existed before. But what Jin was experiencing felt unprecedented.
A sudden, subtle shift in Jin’s demeanour caught everyone’s attention. He straightened, his eyes widening ever so slightly.
"She’s up." His voice was barely a whisper, but the certainty in it was undeniable.
"What?" Yoongi asked, startled. Jin didn’t answer, but the excitement and happiness wafted off him. Without another word, he brushed past them, heading toward the stairs with purpose. The boys watched him go, a quiet understanding passing between them.
“Well," Namjoon said after a beat, breaking the silence, "I guess that confirms it."
"Confirms what?" Taehyung asked, raising an eyebrow.
"That the bond really is something else," Namjoon said in awe. "He’s connected to her in ways we don’t fully understand."
"Either that," Jimin teased with a grin, "Or he’s officially lost it."
Taehyung smiled warmly, his voice full of affection as he murmured, "I think it’s kind of beautiful."
The clean smell of the place you were in is the first thing you notice when you regain consciousness. Your eyes sting a bit at the sudden bright light streaming inside, and you squint them shut, whimpering a little as the pain begins to engulf your body. The soft sheets rubbing against your skin are only a little overwhelming, adding to the sensation of discomfort. Your heart begins to race, and despite your best efforts to calm yourself, the feeling of helplessness tightens around your chest.
You take deep breaths, trying to ease the pain away, but the pressure in your chest grows stronger with each passing second. Slowly, you begin to move your fingers, toes, and limbs, testing them one by one. A dull ache lingers in your joints, but it's manageable. That is, until you try to sit up. That's when you notice the IV attached to your hand, and a sharp pain shoots up your arm. The sudden sensation causes panic to spike within you, making you sit upright and your breath hitches, becoming shallow and erratic. Your heartbeat quickens, and your vision begins to blur.
You can’t control the rising tide of panic. It spreads through your body like wildfire, and your chest tightens painfully, making it hard to breathe. Every muscle seems to seize with tension, and a quiet whimper escapes your throat. You desperately try to pull away from the IV, but your hands feel too weak, your body too uncooperative.
The room spins, and the soft sheets suddenly feel suffocating, too heavy against your skin. You try to blink away the tears welling in your eyes, but they come anyway, and soon, you're trembling uncontrollably. The panic is taking hold, and you don’t know how to stop it. You just want to get away, to run, to escape the tight grip of fear wrapping around you. You shut your eyes hard and try to hold in the whimpers coming out of you when a voice—calm, gentle—cuts through the noise in your head.
“Hey. Hey, it’s okay. You’re okay. I’m here.” Your mind struggles to process the words, your body still trembling with anxiety. But that voice, warm and steady, helps anchor you, even if only a little. "I'm not one of them; I'm not going to hurt you. You are okay now. You are away from those monsters now."
“Everything is alright,” The voice said again, “You are gonna be okay,” The gentle voice then coaxed you into breathing in a patter, “Take a breath, yeah and exhale –calm and steady,” The voice even peppering you with compliments as you felt yourself calm down.
“You can open your eyes, if you feel better.” The voice, which now you recognise as a man, said “I promise, nothing is gonna hurt you again.” And you open your eyes, letting the last of the tears fall down.
You see a man crouching at the edge of your bed, a hard grip on the sheets. His posture seems tense, but he has a comforting smile on his face, eyes warm enough to burn you down.
“Are you feeling better?” His voice is gentle and kind, nothing like the people who kept you all those days. You take in his appearance, eyes tracing his features —he was broad-shouldered, lean, and too handsome with pretty lips and eyes that radiate warmth and affection. He seemed kind and human, so you nod.
“Do you want water?” Now that he mentions it, your throat burns, and you realize just how thirsty you are. You nod again, watching warily as he pours water into a glass and approaches slowly, holding it out to you.
“Here,” he says. “Take your time.”
Your hand trembles as you reach for the glass. He doesn’t comment, just holds steady until you’ve taken it. The cool liquid soothes your throat, and you finish it quickly.
“Do you want more?” You hesitate. Asking for anything feels strange, wrong even. But the look in his eyes breaks something in you, a flicker of trust forming despite your fear.
“Can I?” you whisper. “Please?”
“Of course, love.” His voice softens further at the term, heart breaking a little and he moves to refill the glass. You sip this one more slowly, your heart rate beginning to calm. When you set the glass down, he crouches to meet your eyes.
“How are you feeling?” You think about it for a moment. Your head and body ache, but compared to before, there’s a strange lightness in you. You’re tired but awake, alive.
“Better,” you say finally, your voice raspy from disuse. He smiles—a warm, breathtaking smile that makes your chest tighten.
“That’s good. Does your head hurt?" Jin asks gently, his voice filled with concern. You nod slightly, wincing as the motion aggravates the pain.
"Yoongi said it’s a side effect of the anti-venom," You nod, but you don’t press the about Yoongi or the venom. Instead, you focus on the immediate pain.
"A little bit," You admit, feeling the throb in your skull with every beat of your heart. “A lot bit.”
Jin nods sympathetically. "Are you hungry? We can’t give you solid foods just yet, but I made a warm juk for you. I'll get it for you and ask Yoongi to check on you, too."
You try to nod, but before you can, Jin notices something and looks at you with a soft expression. "Wait—are you comfortable like this?"
"Hm?" You blink, confused.
"Let me help you," He says, leaning forward to adjust your pillows for you. The scent of his cologne –warm and musky, overwhelms you for a second, and it’s enough to send your heart rate spiking. You can’t stop the flutter of anxiety that bubbles up in your chest.
"I’m sorry," he says quickly, sensing your unease. "I didn’t mean to startle you. "You breathe a little easier, offering him a small smile.
"It’s okay," You reply, your voice hoarse but steady.
“I’ll be right back,” Jin grins and leaves you alone once again with your thoughts. A few minutes passes by and a soft knock on the door break the moment.
"Hi!” Another good-looking man was peeking into your room now, “I’m Dr. Min Yoongi. Can I come in?" The voice is calm and he offers a polite smile. You nod and he comes in, sitting on the side edge of your bed.
"Before I explain your condition, Ms..."
"Ahmi," You croak, your throat still dry, the sound of your name feeling foreign on your lips. "Yoo Ahmi."
"That’s a beautiful name," Jin says, nodding approvingly. He was standing at the door with a tray of food, smiles warmly at you. You catch his eyes, and for the first time since waking, you feel a strange sense of comfort.
“Yes it is,” Yoongi agrees. "How old are you?" Yoongi asks, his gaze soft but clinical.
"Twenty-one," You answer, your mind still foggy.
"What are you feeling right now?" He presses gently, though you can hear the care in his voice.
"Everything hurts," you answer honestly, your voice shaking with the weight of it.
Yoongi nods. "That’s actually a good sign," he says, his voice reassuring. "It means the anti-venom is working. Did you drink water?”
You nod, “Good. Are you hungry?” You nod again.
“For now, you’ll be on a soft food diet since you were severely starved." He places a small cup of pills on the bedside table. "I’ve prescribed some medication for you. Take these, get plenty of rest, and if you feel anything strange, let me know. I’ll leave you to eat and rest then."
“Breakfast is served~” Jin sings, his voice a cheerful melody as he sets a bed table over your lap. His smile is warm and inviting, and the aroma of the food makes your stomach rumble in anticipation.
On the tray is a comforting bowl of juk, steaming and fragrant, accompanied by a small dish of dongchimi and white kimchi. Your mouth waters, and you don’t realize how ravenous you are until you pick up the spoon. The first bite of the juk is like heaven—it’s creamy, savoury, and perfectly seasoned. The tangy crunch of the kimchi complements the soft porridge beautifully, and you can’t help but let out a small, satisfied sigh.
“This is delicious,” you murmur between bites, eating almost hungrily. “Did you make this?”
Jin grins, his chest puffing out slightly in pride. “Of course! A masterpiece by me.”
You chuckle softly, the sound unfamiliar to your own ears after so long. “It really is,” You say, your voice genuine. “Thank you. I can’t remember the last time I had something this good.”
He beams at your compliment, watching you finish the meal with a satisfied expression. “I’m glad you like it. You need to eat well to recover.”
You clear the tray quickly, your hunger overpowering your self-consciousness. When the bowl is empty, Jin takes the tray away, setting it on the side table. He hands you a small glass of water and some pills. “Here,” he says softly. “These will help with the pain and keep your recovery on track.”
You take the pills without hesitation, the water cools and refreshing as it soothes your throat. Jin lingers for a moment, then steps back, clearing his throat. “If you feel up to it, you can take a shower,” he says. “Everything you need is in the bathroom—towels, soap, shampoo, even a toothbrush. And I brought you some clean clothes, too.”
He motions toward a neatly folded set of clothing on a nearby chair. “They might be a little big, but they’ll be comfortable.”
You look at him, a little overwhelmed by his kindness. “Thank you,” you say softly, your gratitude evident in your voice.
Jin’s smile softens, and he waves a hand as if to brush off your thanks. “It’s no trouble, really. You deserve to feel a little better.” He glances toward the door. “I’ll give you some privacy, but I’ll be right outside if you need anything.”
As he steps out, you feel a warmth in your chest—not just from the food but from the kindness of the man who has been nothing but patient and caring. The thought of a hot shower and fresh clothes fills you with a sense of normalcy, a small but comforting step forward.
"Thank you," you whisper, grateful for the calm, the space, the kindness.
"No problem," Jin replies softly, his eyes kind. "Rest now."
The door closes softly behind him, and you find yourself sinking back into the pillows, exhaustion pulling at you. You try to close your eyes, but then you pause.
"Wait," You scramble, your voice shaky, and a hint of embarrassment creeps up on you. "Your name... I don’t know your name."
Jin pauses, looking mildly embarrassed himself. He chuckles lightly, turning red. "Oops! I didn’t tell you?" He smiles sheepishly. "My name is Kim Seokjin."
"Jin," You say, the word like a breath of fresh air. Your heart flutters at finally having a name for the man who had been nothing but kind to you. "Thank you, Seokjin. Thank you... very much."
His smile is soft and full of warmth, and for the first time since you woke up, you feel a small sense of peace. "No need to thank me, Ahmi," he says, his voice filled with affection. "I’m just happy you’re okay."
The boys watched with warm smiles as Jin hummed softly around the kitchen, his movements fluid and almost dance-like as he prepared dinner with care. It wasn’t just any meal—it was a meticulously crafted recipe he had spent the whole day researching, ensuring it would nourish both your body and your heart. His joy was palpable, radiating from him in waves, and the others couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment just by being in his presence. After everything that had happened, after the panic of finding you, they were all grateful to see their oldest brother so happy.
Jin's delight only grew as he served the meal, taking great pride in presenting the braised chicken soup—rich and healthy, just as he had planned. First, though, he made sure to serve you, his hands gentle as he placed the steaming bowl before you. When you tasted it, your eyes lit up, and you practically licked the bowl clean, a blush creeping up Jin’s neck at your praise. It was a moment of sweet simplicity that filled him with warmth, the love he felt for you shining in his gaze.
Hoseok, unable to keep his curiosity in check, asked, "How is your mate, Hyung?"
Taehyung, ever the observant one, leaned in. "Is she doing better?"
Jin’s face lit up like a beacon. "Yeah, she woke up," he said, a soft grin tugging at his lips. "Yoongi said she's doing better than anyone expected. She’s so strong, so sweet, so beautiful—my mate." He nearly trembled with excitement as he rambled, his heart full. The boys couldn't help but smile, their gazes softening as they watched their older brother's joy unfold before them.
"What's her name?" Jimin asked, even though they all knew. Yoongi had already filled them in, knowing they needed to track down your family.
Jin sighed dramatically, his eyes sparkling with the same adoration they had seen him shower on you since the moment they learned of the bond. "Ahmi," he murmured, as if the name itself was a treasure. "A beautiful name for a beautiful person."
The boys nodded in agreement; their smiles affectionate as they watched Jin speak of you with such warmth. They had no reason to argue—how could they, when the love in his voice was so evident?
It had only been a week since the bond had formed, but already, Jin had been swept up in the whirlwind of emotions that came with it. The connection between him and you were still new, still being tested and explored, and Jin hadn’t fully adjusted to the effects of the bond. He had been so preoccupied with your chaotic recovery—ensuring you were safe, that you woke up—that he hadn’t yet allowed himself to truly settle into the changes that came with having a mate.
"But she’s so sweet," he continued, his voice barely above a whisper, as though speaking too loudly might break the magic of the moment. "She said my name... I nearly fainted." He sighed dreamily, a soft chuckle escaping him. "And those eyes of hers—gorgeous. I’m so lucky... so incredibly lucky to be bonded to her."
The boys watched him fondly, understanding the whirlwind of emotions Jin was experiencing. It was a bond unlike anything they could have expected for their older brother—a love that had taken hold of him completely, sweeping him off his feet in the most beautiful, tender way. And, despite the chaos of the past week, they were happy for him—happy that he had found someone who made him feel this way.
“Jin, do you—” You hesitate, your fingers fidgeting with the edge of the blanket. “Do you mind staying back for a bit?”
His brow furrows in concern. “Is anything wrong, Ahmi-yah?”
“No-no,” You rush to say, shaking your head. “I just… I feel a little bored.” The admission feels small, almost selfish. You’re certain Jin has better things to do than entertain a heartbroken, injured girl who’s desperate for distraction.
Jin laughs softly, the sound warm and comforting. “Of course, I’ll stay. What do you want to do? Though,” he adds with mock seriousness, “I’m not sure screentime is advisable for you right now.”
“I mean, anything is fine.” You shrug. “You could just… talk. About yourself, about the people outside this room, about your world.”
His lips quirk into a small smile. “My world, huh? Well, I live here with my six younger brothers.” As if summoned, a loud crash echoes from somewhere down the hall, followed by a cacophony of shouts—half in agony, half in laughter. Jin rolls his eyes so exaggeratedly you can’t help but grin. “That’s them, by the way. The rascals causing the chaos.”
“Tell me about them?” you ask, your curiosity piqued.
“Let’s start with Yoongi,” he begins. “He’s the second oldest.”
“Dr. Min?” you ask, eyes widening in recognition. “I didn’t know you were brothers.”
“Yep,” Jin confirms with a wink. “Though it’s hard to connect my worldwide handsome face to his old-man energy.”
You laugh, shaking your head at his antics. “He doesn’t seem like an old man to me.”
“That’s because you haven’t seen him groaning about his back after sitting at the piano for two hours,” Jin retorts. “Speaking of which, he’s incredible at playing. You should hear him sometime.”
“I’ve always wanted to learn the piano,” you admit wistfully.
Jin brightens. “Once you’re better, I’ll ask Yoongi to teach you.”
“Really? You’d do that for me?” You look at him, startled by the consistent kindness he’s shown you since you arrived.
“Of course. Anything for you.” His gaze softens, and you feel warmth bloom in your chest.
He continues. “Then there’s Hoseok. You’ve probably heard him—he’s loud. Very loud.” As if on cue, another booming cheer erupts from the hallway, and you hear someone yell, “Dance-off time!”
Jin sighs dramatically. “That’s him being quiet, mind you.”
You giggle at his expression, and Jin gives you a playful grin before moving on. “Namjoon is the one recommending books to you.” He gestures toward the stack on your bedside table. “He says you have great taste and even invited you to his book club.”
Your eyes light up. “Oh, I’d love to join!”
“He’ll be thrilled,” Jin chuckles. “It’s just him for now, so he’s been looking for new members.”
“What about the others?” You ask, eager to hear more.
“Ah, let’s see. There’s Jimin. He’s sweet but also loves teasing everyone. If you ever need someone to cheer you up, he’s your guy. He’s great at dancing, too.”
“And Taehyung?” you ask.
“Taehyung,” Jin says fondly, “Taehyung is an artist at heart. He’s a bit eccentric but in the best way. Loves photography and collecting random things that somehow make sense to him.”
“Sounds like fun,” You muse.
“Definitely. And lastly, Jungkook—the youngest. He’s insanely talented but also a bit of a troublemaker. Always trying to outdo himself and everyone else.”
You smile, imagining the lively household Jin is describing.
“How about this?” Jin suggests. “Join us for breakfast tomorrow. I’ll make all your favourites.”
“You don’t have to—” You start, but Jin cuts you off with a wave of his hand.
“Nonsense. It’s settled. I’ll see you at breakfast.”