Chapter 39 - Illegirl
Jimin took a brief moment to reflect. Rose. Rose. Rose wasn't so bad; a bit cheeky yes, a bit Western yes, but all Jungkook. Now of course he had no plans to admit to his husband that he actually liked the name, but in a moment of quiet reflection, he could see Jungkook and Rose sitting on the couch watching Elmo and Jungkook beaming every time he said her name. Jimin had to make sure that Jungkook didn't think he came to this decision just because of mind blowing washing machine sex. He thought carefully about how he was going to relent.
Despite being on hiatus, each of the members of OT7 still had ongoing individual projects. Jimin and Jungkook were filming season 3 of their reality series. Soujin was now in full bloom and little Rose was due to be delivered any week now. She was due on February 28thst.
Jimin was in the Nursery hanging new dresses that Jungkook had purchased for Rose. Her room was decorated lavishly in Rose gold and cream. Jungkook had purchased every stuffed animal he could find. She had soft silk drapes adorning her large picture window. Her crib was round and sat in the middle of the room with a large silk canopy hanging over head. She had a fluffy bear skin rug on the ground. Her south wall opposite the window was completely filled with books that rested on a book shelf that spanned the entire height and length of the wall. Her closets, all four of them, were filled with dresses, overalls, onesies, jeans, and fancy coats. Diapers galore were tucked in the cabinets of her exquisite diaper changing station. A Mural of her name had been painted on the wall. Puffy clouds amidst the entire galaxy was painted on the ceiling. Jimin wanted to make sure that she studied the constellations while falling asleep. The door handles to her room were Swarovski crystal and chandeliers were all designed by Tiffany and Co.
Jimin sputtered around in Rose's room, making sure that every detail was perfect. It was just a matter of weeks before she finally came home. Jimin's cell phone rang.
He pulled the phone out of his pocket and saw that it was the production assistant, Myong, calling.
"Hello," Jimin answered.
"Hi Jiminie, just checking in to make sure you got your flight information." Myong asked.
"I'm sorry, what flight information?" Jimin had no idea what Myong was referring to.
"You have an appearance tomorrow in Japan. 2-step dual promotion performance. Remember, you booked it two years ago. It's a major hit for the boys and we're using it to kick off their comeback tour." Myong explained.
"Myong, we can't leave. We can't go out of town, especially now. The baby is due any day now." Jimin rubbed his hands through his hair. "Myong, we can't go."
Myong reminded Jimin that this was a contractual agreement. Jimin and Jungkook committed to this over two years ago. Long before the thought of having Rose. Failure to attend would directly affect the duration of the comeback for 2-step since it was a dual promotion. Jimin and Jungkook were part of the package deal.
"Ok, Myong, uum, we didn't get the ticket information, please send it. Go ahead and check us in for the flight. We'll be there." Jimin disconnected and immediately called Jungkook who was at the practice studio. Jungkook answered,
"Thank you for calling Horny Industries, where we're always horny, this is Sparkle how may I help you?"
Jimin began, "Babe, we have a problem…Horny Industries? Sparkle?" Jimin let out a loud adorable laugh at Jungkook's silliness. "I love you, your dork, this is serious. Myong just called. Apparently, we signed up to do a dual promotion with 2-step tomorrow – in Japan." Jimin explained their dilemma.
"We can't leave. Rose will be here any day now. Can we cancel or reschedule?" Jungkook said.
"No Jungkookie, it's contractual. If we do, it'll kill the comeback for 2-step. They won't be allowed to perform unless we show up. Plus, it's our biggest promoter. We can't burn bridges," Jimin explained
Jungkook sighed heavily, "We can't leave her Jimin. Can we bring her with us?"
"She can't fly. Not this close to her due date." Jimin explained again.
Jungkook paused for a few seconds, "Let's just call in the reinforcements. Our parents?" Jungkook suggested.
"Oh hell no. I'm thinking that would be a disaster. Our mothers stuck in the same room with Soujin and her crankiness and foul mouth. Not a good idea." Jimin said.
"Namjoon?" Jungkook asked.
"No, for obvious reasons," Jimin answered.
"Yoongi, no, never mind, no way in the world Huwana would let that happen." Jungkook rebuffed his own suggestion. "Tae?"
"Away with KJ, remember?" Jimin said
"Hoseok?" Jungkook uttered.
"Hawaii for his birthday, with Kwang visiting his dad." Jimin said sadly.
"What about HER parents?" Jungkook offered as a last desperate solution.
"Let's not touch that with a ten-foot pole. Things are still weird between them." Jimin said.
"Jin-Hyung! He's available. He's close by. It's perfect." Jungkook smiled.
"Not perfect but definitely available." Jimin laughed. "Good news is that the baby isn't due until the 28th. It's only the 16th, we'll be gone for one night and back the following day. Surely, he can handle her for 32 hours. Right?" Jimin said reassuringly. "We leave tomorrow and we'll be back the next day. Nothing to worry about."
"Well there is one thing to worry about. Somebody's got to call him and ask. NOT IT!" Jungkook yelled at the end of his sentence.
Jimin laughed, "Thanks for leaving me hanging babe. Don't worry. I'll call him. Talk to you after ok?"
Jungkook kissed Jimin through the phone, "ok. Love you."
"Love you too – Sparkle." They both laughed and disconnected. **
"Guys, you're freaking out for no reason. This kid is perfectly happy to lay on my bladder through the end of February. I don't need a baby sitter just for one day." Soujin complained.
"We know you will be ok. We have every confidence in you. But, we all know how often you call me at 3am to make a run to the overnight market for chocolate ice cream. Jin is coming solely for that purpose." Jungkook said confidently.
Soujin surprisingly accepted Jungkook's reasoning without any further objection. "Well, that makes sense, I guess," She said.
"He's going to stay here, in Anderson's bedroom. Is that ok?" Jimin asked timidly.
"Yeah, it's fine I guess." Soujin responded.
The doorbell rang. "That would be Jin-hyung," Jungkook said happily as he trotted over to open the door.
"Alright, I'm here. Point me to the liquor." Jin laughed. He walked in and immediately punched Jungkook hard in his healed shoulder. He politely hugged Jimin.
"This is not a liquor visit," Jungkook said angrily.
"He's just joking babe. Lighten up." Jimin walked Jin inside to greet Soujin. He pulled him close and said, 'I keep a bottle of wine in the cabinet above the refrigerator. IF you need some hard liquor, go to our place. I'll leave you a key. Trust me. After a few hours with this fire cracker you're going to need it." Jimin teased.
"Aww, worldwide handsome. You're my baby sitter?" Soujin said. "Those lips are juicy, maybe we can put them to good use before you leave tomorrow."
Jin furrowed his brow and looked at Jimin, "What happening here?"
"I warned you where the liquor was located." Jimin said laughing.
"Well we better go. We need to get home and grab our luggage and then head to the airport." Jungkook pulled Jimin lightly by the arm. The two kissed Soujin goodbye and gave Jin a grateful hug.
They hurried through the door. They immediately broke into laughter as soon as the door closed behind them.
"What a pair that is. We owe him for this one," Jungkook said.
"We really do," Jimin agreed.
Soujin and Jin sat in awkward silence.
"It's really good to see you again. You look beautiful" Jin complimented Soujin. "Pregnancy agrees with you," he continued politely.
"Thank you," Soujin responded.
Silence.
"Let's see what's on television. Do you mind if we turn it on?" Jin found the remote and flipped on the television.
"Can we watch some porn? My pregnancy hormones are raging." Soujin said seriously.
"I'm sure porn isn't good for the baby. How about a game show?" Jin suggested.
"I like game shows. That could work." Soujin said disinterested.
Jin flipped through the channels and stopped at a show they both found palatable.
"This looks like a good one," Jin said.
Silence.
They watched in silence for about two hours before Soujin finally spoke.
"I'm hungry. Do we really have to just sit here? Did Mommy Jungkook and Daddy Jimin say that I had to just sit here? Am I actually allowed to leave the house? Let's go out and have dinner. Don't you own a restaurant or something?" Soujin looked at Jin. She waited patiently for answers.
"Well actually I own five of them, a couple of them are close by. And no, they did not give any instructions to keep you institutionalized while they are away." Jin laughed. "I think going out to dinner is a great idea. I can pretty much guarantee great food and VIP treatment. I'll call an Uber," Jin smiled and took out his phone.
"Uber? Where's your car?" Soujin asked.
"I don't drive. I can drive, but I just prefer not to. Not in this city." Jin simply smiled and continued dialing up his Uber request.
"So, they left with me with someone who's going to have to Uber me to the hospital in case of emergency?" Soujin said sarcastically.
"I'm really fast with my Uber calls though. So, give me credit." Jin laughed.
"I'll drive. Don't tell Mommy Jungkook and Daddy Jimin. My car is in the garage below. I don't drive much since everything is within walking distance, so it will be nice to go for a spin. Let's go." Soujin said
Jin helped Soujin into her coat. They walked quickly down to her car, well as quickly as she could for being nine months pregnant.
When they arrived at the restaurant, Jin guided Soujin to a reserved parking garage. The valet greeted her at the entrance and opened her door. He held her hand as be helped her exit the car.
"Nice." Soujin said impressed.
Jin came around and linked her arm escorting her into the building.
"How about I show you a really good time?" Jin offered.
"I like the sound of that," Soujin said.
Every bit of Soujin's beauty was accentuated by her pregnancy, she was drop dead gorgeous. She was impeccably dressed wearing one of the designer outfits that Jimin and Jungkook bought for her. She turned every head in the restaurant when she walked in on Jin's arm. Jin noticed the attention as well.
"Sir, nice to see you. We didn't expect that you would be dining with us tonight." The host said as he escorted Jin and Soujin to their table.
"Surprise. I trust that you're doing well, Lee? How's your wife? And your son? Third grade, now right?" Jin said politely as he scooted Soujin up to the table in her chair.
"Yes sir. They are both great . Thanks for asking. My wife just received a great promotion at work. My son is already testing for his black belt. Not the best student academically, but definitely going to be an athletic type. Now, what can I get for you two to start?" Lee, the waiter gushed over Jin taking interest in his family.
"Well let's ask my lovely date. Soujin what are your taste preferences for tonight?" Jin said in his mostly flirty tone.
"Everything. " Soujin smiled but she was serious.
"Well you heard the lady. We'll have everything." Jin said smiling at Soujin.
"Everything Sir?" Lee asked.
"Everything. Start with all of the appetizers, then entrée, then desserts. We'll have a great selection to chose from." Jin smiled at Soujin again.
Lee smiled excitedly, " You're keeping us on our toes tonight sir."
"Yes. But you can handle it." Jin said
Soujin giggled, "Thanks Jin. But I didn't literally mean everything, that was just Rose talking."
"Don't worry, I like to eat. This is a great way for me to test the quality and condition of the food. Plus, we'll have leftovers to eat while we watch our game shows tonight." Jin laughed at the thought of sitting on the couch watching game shows with his very attractive, very pregnant companion.
"Good thinking," Soujin smiled as she leaned in towards Jin.
Jin desperately wanted to avoid more awkward silence. His solution was to tell a joke.
"Do you know why elephants aren't allowed on the beach?" Jin asked
"What? How would I know? They're too big I guess?" Soujin answered Jin's question to the best of her ability, not quite realizing it was a joke.
"Because they won't keep their trunks up." Jin laughed a loud high-pitched laugh that captured the attention of his fellow diners.
Soujin stared at him curiously but found herself laughing. Her laugh made Jin laugh harder which in turn made her laugh harder.
Soujin continued to laugh, "That's horrible you know that, right?"
"Oh I can do worse," Jin said as he proceeded to tell another joke, "did you hear about the restaurants on the moon? Great food, no atmosphere."
Soujin tried hard not to laugh. She didn't want to. She really didn't but Jin was just so adorable. His delivery was funny and his laugh was infectious.
Jin was batting a-thousand. He kept going, "How many apples grow on a tree?"
"I don't know," Soujin was laughing already.
"All of them! Of course." Jin said. He laughed until he was leaning out of his chair.
The waiter arrived with their first course. He dropped off eight different plates all containing a different decadent dish.
"Thank God, no more jokes. Saved by the food," Soujin said.
Not exactly," Jin rattled off one more, "Want to hear a joke about construction?��
"NO," Soujin tried to stop Jin from telling a new joke.
"I'm still working on it." Jin interrupted and answered anyway.
Soujin burst into laughter. Jin laughed harder. They grabbed their chopsticks and began surveying their beautiful variety of food before them.
Soujin wasn't familiar with all of the different dishes. She listened contently as Jin explained each dish that arrived, its origin, how it was prepared and how it would taste. It didn't take them long to realize they had the same taste in foods. The foods that Jin liked, Soujin loved. The foods that Jin didn't care for, Soujin hated. He became her trusted guide as he navigated her through all of the different choices being placed on the table.
"Ok, you're going to love this. It's a grilled squid with a reduced black ink sauce." Jin said with excitement
"YUCK! I won't like that." Soujin said.
"Trust me?" Jin asked?
"No, you just spent 30 min telling me the worst jokes ever. Why would I know trust you on this?" Soujin said very seriously.
"Because I am a food connoisseur and I know what you like." Jin smiled. He used his chopsticks to pick up a small bite of the squid. He dipped it heavily in the black ink sauce and held it front of Soujin's a mouth.
"No Rose. Rose. Jeeez. Rose wants it." Soujin said as she opened her mouth and allowed him to place the bite on her tongue. "I swear Rose, if you throw this up!" She said as she started to chew. Her eyes smiled before her mouth.
"This is fucking delicious!" She said a little too loudly. Her eyes were bright as she grabbed the entire bowl and pulled it in front of her. She dug her chopsticks into it and began to eat with joy.
Jin noticed her eyes. "What type of contacts are those? They are amazing, they look so real. There's almost no color in them. So, beautiful," Jin said.
Soujin, who at one point in her life would have broken the gaze to hide her grey eyes, looked at Jin exposing her full eyes so he could get a good look.
"Beautiful is right. These are my real eyes. No contacts. I was born with grey eyes." Soujin said proudly.
"Ah the eyes of the curse." Jin said knowingly.
"You know of that tale?" Soujin was impressed. Not many knew that story.
"Of course I do. It's just another one of those cockamamie stories they tell kids who are different. I've heard the legend but never met a real ancestor of the cursed one. You don't believe that crap, right? I mean it's all about recessive genes. There's no curse," Jin said.
"There were times when I believed it. Did you know I killed my brother?" Soujin continued to look at Jin.
"I'm very sorry. I had a front row seat to that unfortunate episode." Jin said. "And Way to make the conversation awkward by the way."
"Sorry. But, anyway, when that happened, I was convinced the curse was real. And then...Jimin…" Soujin looked down into her plate of squid. She said no more.
"Yes? What does Jimin have to do with anything?" Jin asked. "Let's just say that he bought me back from a very dark place."
"Tell me." Jin said simply.
Soujin liked talking to Jin. There was no history there. She felt comfortable with him almost immediately. She felt safe sharing her thoughts, even this one.
"The day of my brother's funeral, the day that Jimin and Jungkook came to see me, I was planning my suicide." Soujin looked at Jin to gauge his reaction. There was none.
"Glad you didn't do that. I would have had to eat all of this food alone." Jin said seriously. "How was Jimin involved?"
"Not just Jimin, Jungkook too. They came to see me. They spoke to me and they touched me. They gave me new hope. They told me about the wedding and how they almost died after Jackon shot them. They told me that I literally saved their lives. I saw how hard they fought to live while I was contemplating death and I felt ashamed. They made me see everything differently. Jimin even got me professional help. Now here I am. I haven't had a moment like that since. They saved me. Both of them but especially Jimin."
"Do they know about this?" Jin asked.
"My goodness no. I believe Kookles would have revoked my surrogate duties," Soujin laughed.
Ahh Chimmy. He has that effect on people. I'm glad he was able to get to you. Looks like he saved two lives, not just one." Jin gestured towards Soujin's stomach. Now I understand so much better about why you agreed to do this."
"Yep." Soujin dabbed her chopsticks back onto the squid again. "This is fucking awesome. I'll never question you again."
"I'm so happy that you like it. But don't fill up on that. We still have much more food coming Princess." Jin said.
And as easy as that they had a bond. A close secret just between the two. Jin and Soujin continued talking. The conversation was easy and fresh. Soujin felt that she may be developing a crush.
"So how does feel knowing you're like THE WORST dancer in the group?" Soujin asked seriously
"How does it feel to be cursed?" Jin snapped back.
They both laughed again. Jin continued feeding Soujin and Rose. The two of them had personalities that complimented each other very well. It was quite fortuitous that he was the one chosen to babysit.
Soujin drove she and Jin home with very full bellies. Rose slept quietly and contently making no fuss.
The two fell upon the couch and complained about over-eating. Soujin thanked Jin for showing her a VIP evening.
It was game show time. Jin flipped through the channels looking for game shows that the two could both enjoy. He finally settled upon something and looked to Soujin for approval. She was sound asleep.
"Aww, I guess you two are pretty exhausted huh?," Jin wasn't sure what to do. He knew it wasn't a good idea for Soujin to spend the night on the couch. He picked her up and carried her to her bedroom. He laid her down on her bed, removed her shoes and covered her with a spare blanket he found on her chair. Soujin never stirred. He could see Rose leaning awkwardly against the side of Soujin's stomach as she also slept peacefully.
Jin was relieved. He successfully survived the evening without any further awkwardness. He really liked Soujin and was proud to get to know her better. After all, she was carrying his niece so it was important to learn at least a little more about her. He was also extremely impressed by her bravery and strength and her ability to overcome circumstances that would have destroyed the average person. He watched her sleep for a couple of minutes and then headed back to the couch to watch a few more game shows. Despite Jin being given free rein to sleep in Anderson's bedroom, he ended falling asleep on Soujin's couch.**
Jimin and Jungkook returned to their hotel room. They could feel the soreness and fatigue already starting to creep into their bodies.
"Baby, are we getting old? I feel like I've been hit by a train," Jimin complained.
"Old, no. A bit out of shape, definitely. I mean we're keeping up with a bunch of 16- 18 year olds. 2-step is a bunch of babies. But we killed it though." Jungkook laughed and gave Jimin a high five.
"Should we call and check in?" Jimin asked.
"Ya, we need to make sure she didn't kill him and eat him for dinner." Jungkook laughed at the thought of Soujin aggressively handling Jin.
Jungkook called Jin's phone directly.
"Did you survive your comeback stage?" Jin answered
"Barely!" Jungkook inflected, "Keeping up with these kids is definitely challenging. But we did our best and everyone seemed pleased. It's good to see you're still there. We were worried that she would eaten you alive by now. How are things?" Jungkook settled on the bed. Jimin laid across the bed with his head in Jungkook's lap as he spoke on the phone.
"Things are very good. She and Rose are sleeping quietly. She went to bed early with a very full stomach. I took her out to dinner at one of my restaurants. She loved it," Jin said proudly.
"What a great idea. She's a bit of a Foodie, so I can imagine she really enjoyed that. Does she seem ok? I mean how is she feeling?" Jungkook asked anxiously.
"No baby, and no sign of a baby, if that's what you mean. All is clear. You two will be back early tomorrow and I can escape this situation unscathed." Jin said happily.
"I'm relieved to hear that. Not too many people escape a run-in with Soujin unscathed. Yep, we'll be home around 12pmKST. Our flight leaves here at 9:00amKST." Jungkook said. He looked down at Jimin laying in his lap. Jimin had begun to kiss Jungkook's bare stomach under his shirt. Jungkook smiled down at him and pushed Jimin's face further into his stomach.
Jin continued on, he wanted to expound upon the fact that Soujin had a profound effect on him and he wanted Jungkook to know how much he liked her, "I don't think I've ever met anyone like Soujin. I knew she was "peculiar" just based on stories and brief interactions over the years but I didn't know she had substance beneath all of that fluff."
"Yes. She's extraordinary really..." Jungkook began running his hands through Jimin's dark brown hair. Jimin repositioned himself. Within a matter of moments, he was sucking Jungkook's dick hard. "I thought we agreed we were tired," Jungkook said to Jimin.
"What?" Jin asked. Jungkook didn't answer so Jin continued, "she's got a great sense of humor. I really, really enjoyed spending time and getting to know her better."
"Why are you seeking attention?" Jungkook said to Jimin while he rested his palm on the back of Jimin's head. His head bobbed up and down as he sucked. "You can't wait for five minutes until I'm off the phone?" Jungkook whispered to Jimin with a slight moan.
"Seeking attention, no. It's not like that. I was just explaining how much I like her. She's pretty exceptional. I totally get why you chose her." Jin waited for a response from Jimin. "You still there Kookie?"
"I'm here. But Jimin is misbehaving. We'll see you tomorrow Hyung. Ok?" Jungkook said stably.
"Sure. Goodnight," Jin disconnected quickly before he received any further unwanted insight into how Jimin was misbehaving.
Jungkook released his orgasm into Jimin's mouth. Jimin took Jungkook's load and kissed it back into Jungkook's mouth. Jungkook swallowed and began sucking Jimin's tongue. He spoke between sucks and kisses.
"Why can't you stay away from me?" Jungkook pseudo complained.
"Because you don't want me to," Jimin said as he removed his clothes.
Jimin and Jungkook drove each other to screaming orgasms several times that evening. To their surprise, they still woke up horny the next morning.
Jimin climbed on top of sleeping Jungkook and kissed him awake.
"What time is it? Our flight's at nine sharp, is it time to go?" Jungkook said groggily.
"It's 7:30. We have plenty of time. The airport is across the street, I packed our stuff last night. You can relax." Jimin kissed him. He had everything under control.
"Then why are you waking me up?" Jungkook didn't even try to hide his pleasure.
"The baby will be here in a couple of weeks. We need to take advantage of every single moment like this," Jimin explained.
"That's a very good point. So, the plan is to fuck until our dicks fall off?" Jungkook said.
Jimin frowned, "I love your dick very much. If it falls off, I will divorce you. I hope you're clear on that." Jimin looked intimidatingly at Jungkook with no sign of humor.
Despite their tight schedules, Jimin and Jungkook launched into another marathon love making session. They were so engrossed in each other that they lost all track of time. It was 9:30amKST by the time they rolled off of each other.
"Let's take a quick shower and get over to the airport," Jungkook said as he kissed Jimin's soft cheeks.
"Babe, that time can't be right. Right? Jimin was staring at the time flashing across the hotel clock. He grabbed his phone to verify the time. "OH shit! We missed our flight!"
"That's impossible. You said we had plenty of time. Did we fuck away all of our time?" Jungkook was smiling.
Jimin was agitated, "Jungkook this isn't funny. We need to get back to Soujin so poor Jin can leave. There's no telling when the next flight is available." Jimin said as he lifted out of bed and headed for the shower.
"Calm. I'll call the airline and book us on the next flight. If all else fails, we can charter a private flight home. Don't get upset." Jungkook walked his naked body over to Jimin. His dick was dangly freely with cum still dripping from the tip. He reached Jimin and pulled him into an embrace. Their sweaty naked bodies mashed against each other creating a warm comfortable suction.
Jin awoke to the smell of bacon sizzling on the stovetop. He sat up and looked around to find Soujin happily singing to Rose. She was making a large breakfast which included: Bagels, waffles, eggs, fried pork belly, cereal, orange juice and bacon.
"That's ...a lot of food." Jin said from behind Soujin.
Soujin jumped.
"You startled me," she said with a happy smile. "From what I saw last night, you are capable of eating a large amount of food despite being so thin. I thought that I better prepare properly." Soujin laughed. She spoke to Rose by looking down at her belly, "Uncle Jin eats like a pig doesn't he Rosie?" She and Rose both giggled.
"I appreciate food, so sue me." Jin Agreed.
"Well dig in. Help yourself. I have a bit of heartburn this morning. Nothing to worry about, it's quite common. But I do need to take care with what I eat so as not to aggravate it." Soujin said as she handed Jin a plate.
"Wow, it's after ten. I didn't mean to sleep so late. That's quite rude. Why didn't you wake me?" Jin asked.
"Just woke up myself. You needed the rest anyway. You OT7 lot don't seem to ever sleep. I know four of you intimately and sleep doesn't seem to be high on your lists of priorities." Soujin laughed as she made a loose reference to the fact that she had slept with both Yoongi, Namjoon. And spent most of her days with Jimin and Jungkook.
"Jimin and Jungkook should be here any minute now. I think they expected to be here around noon. I'm going to eat breakfast but if you don't mind, I may need to leave a little early before they get here. Today is Hobi's birthday and Kwang has asked for my help with pulling together a spa surprise for him while they are in Hawaii."
"I think I can survive an hour by myself." Soujin was highly offended that the men thought she needed constant supervision. She was a grown woman. Being pregnant didn't negate that.
Jin stayed on track with his plans. He ate, showered quickly and called his Uber. By about 11:00am KST, he was on his way. He said a meaningful goodbye to Soujin and kissed her innocently on the cheek. She thanked him for his kindness and the two parted ways. Soujin heartburn wasn't getting better. She was also tired. Her legs were achy and back was hurting from the constant pressure of Rose laying on her spine. She took a shower and then laid on the couch for a nap.**
Jimin wasn't happy with the news. "What do you mean there's no other flights until 4:00pm? That's the entire day?"
"I know. I tried calling the pilot to see if he's free to charter a private flight back to Seoul. I'm waiting for him to call me back. Don't let it stress you, please. We'll get home. Jin is with Soujin so we can keep our focus on getting home as quickly as possible." Jungkook kissed Jimin.**
Meanwhile back in Seoul:
"Owwww FUCK!!! Rosie stop it! Whatever you're doing STOP.IT!" Soujin was bolted awake from her peaceful nap by Rose. She seemed to settle down which allowed Soujin to fall back asleep.
Meanwhile back in Japan:
"Pilot just called. He can be at the airport at 2:00KST to fly us back to Seoul. Still a little late I know BUT better than nothing. The plane is in Seoul so he's going to fuel up, file an emergency flight plan and fly here to pick us up immediately. It's a two hour flight. That's why 2:00pm is the best he can do." Jungkook said, satisfied.
"I'll take it. I love you. You know that?" Jimin said to Jungkook.
"I know." Jungkook said boastfully.
Meanwhile Back in Seoul:
"Ouch. Ouch. What's up Rose? What do you want? Please calm down." Soujin pleaded with Rose to go back to sleep. Rose was kicking fiercely. Soujin felt intense pressure around her legs and back. She got up to try to walk off the discomfort. As quickly as the pain started, it went away. She glanced at the clock. It was already 1:30KST and she had not heard from Jimin and Jungkook. She didn't worry. She figured they were just stuck in traffic. Soujin thanked Rose for being cooperative and she drifted back off to sleep again.
Meanwhile Back in Japan:
"Hyung, it's Jimin. We missed our plane this morning. Hope you can stay a few more hours. We chartered a private flight. We're boarding the jet now. We should be there Around 4:30pm KST. Sorry for the inconvenience. Call me when you get this message. If I don't answer it's because we're in the air. Thanks, Hyung." Jimin ended the call. He stared blankly at his phone with an uneasiness. "He didn't answer. Strange huh?"
Meanwhile Back in Seoul:
The time was 3:00pm KST. Soujin was awake again. This time, there would be no more naps. The pain that began as just a mild irritation was now a full-on severity ten. She paced around the apartment begging Rose to stop. The pressure in her legs and lower abdomen was severe. Soujin panicked when she realized that the pain... was coming in intervals. She thought back to her Lamaze classes. She could hear the voice of her lamaze partner, Jungkook, in her head, "Pain in intervals means its GO TIME. We should remember that." Jungkook said in her memory. Soujin froze.
"Ohh FUCK Rose. You can't. You can't do this. Not now. Rose not now!" Soujin began to tear up.
Rose answered, "YES NOW!" by pressing down so hard on Soujin cervix that she screamed in pain, dropping her phone from her hand. Soujin panicked. Without Jungkook, she had no idea how to time her contractions.
"Why didn't I pay more attention? I have to count. I have to count my contractions. I need help. Jimin should be home by now." Soujin cried silently to herself as she took advantage of the interval between the pain to retrieve her phone and call Jimin. No answer. She dialed again. No answer. She called Jungkook. No answer. She dialed again. No answer. As she tried to dial Jimin again, the pain returned,
"Fuck, you fucking fuckers answer the fucking phoooooone!" Soujin screamed as she tried to breathe through her contraction like she was thought in Lamaze.
"Who-ha, who-ha, Who-ha." Soujin breathed. "Ok, you're on your own. You have to get control of this. You're a nurse. You can do this. Who-ha, who-ha." Soujin continued to breathe. The pain subsided.
"Ok. That was at least fifteen minutes between contractions. I'm fine. I have plenty of time to get to the hospital. I'm fine," Soujin nervously reassured herself.
She stood up and walked to her bedroom to grab her labor bag and emergency kit that Jimin had packed for her.
"The hospital is right around the corner. I can drive myself if these fuckers don't pick up the phone! It's ok Soujin. It's ok. You've got this." She yelled to herself.
Soujin didn't have this. The contractions returned. This one seemed bigger and more intense than the last.
"FUCK. NO. Ouch! Rose you're hurting me. This can't be. How am I having another contraction so soon? I don't know how to fucking count these things!" Soujin was in full-on panic mode. Even her most experienced training couldn't have prepared her for this level of pain. Jimin and Jungkook were right, she did need someone with her because the only thing greater than the fear of this unknown was the fear of going through it alone.
She breathed through her contraction again. As soon as it subsided, she tried calling Jimin and Jungkook again. Still no answer. "Please daddy. Please. I need you, answer the phone." Soujin begged Jimin to pick up. No answer. She remembered this time to leave a voice message, "Where the fuck are you? Your plane landed hours ago. I think the Demon is coming. I know it's two weeks early. I'm scared. Jin had to leave a few hours ago and I'm alone. Come over as soon as you get this message. Daddy please."
Soujin relaxed. This time, the contraction was slow to return. In fact, so much time passed between her last contraction and the next one that she began to think it was all just a false alarm.
Over 30 minutes passed. Soujin made herself a sandwich and sat down to eat. She felt so silly for getting worked up over what amounted to nothing more than Braxton Hicks contractions. It was a false alarm.
Jin finished with his errand for Hobi's birthday. While he was in the boutique, he noticed a sweet pink baby sweater with pearls embroidered around the sleeve. He immediately thought of Rose and Soujin. He decided to buy it but when he reached the counter, he realized that his wallet was missing. He sighed heavily when he realized he'd left it in the restroom at Soujin's House. He grabbed an Uber and headed back over immediately. He tried calling Jimin and Jungkook to let them know he was coming back. When he checked his phone, he saw that Jimin had left a message about missing their flight. Jin thought it was fortuitous that he had to go back to Soujin's because he could spend more time with her while he waited for the guys to arrive.
Soujin was feeling quite good. She sat with her feet inclined while watching television and eating seaweed chips. Rose shifted. And with her displacement came the most intense, gut twisting, blood chilling pain that Soujin had ever felt in her life. She screamed as loudly as she could. Her screams were so loud that she stirred her neighbor. The gentleman who lived next door to her left came rushing over. He pounded on the door loudly,
"Jinny! Jinny are you ok? Open the door." He yelled.
Jin exited his Uber and walked up the front porch to Soujin's apartment. He was startled to see her neighbor so frantic at her front door.
"What's going on?" Jin asked startled.
"Something's wrong. I heard screaming." The neighbor said.
Jin joined the neighbor in pounding on the door.
"Soujin. It's Jin, open the door baby. What's wrong?" Jin said.
The two of them could hear Soujin scream out again. Jin's knocks became more frantic.
"Soujin, open the door." Jin pleaded.
The door finally creaked open. Soujin was doubled over in pain trying to catch her breathe.
"Jin. Thank God." She cried, "I think I'm in labor. Jimin won't answer the phone. I was about to drive myself to the hospital but the contractions are coming too fast and lasting a really long time. Rose is coming Jin." Soujin was wiping her tears. Seeing Jin's face was exactly what she needed to find her courage. She stood tall again during the respite from the pain. She grabbed her GO TIME check list that Jungkook had attached to her refrigerator and she methodically walked through each item on the list. She flipped through her Lamaze book to get a refresher on how to time her contractions. Based on how they were coming, this baby was less than two hours away.
Jin dismissed Soujin's neighbor. "I've got it from here. Don't worry."
He snapped to order as Soujin barked orders at him.
"Turn off all the lights. Grab my laptop and place it in my Lamaze bag. Make sure the router is turned off. My neighbor steals my Wi-Fi. Place the breast pump in my bag please, I'll need to have some milk ready for her since I won't be breast feeding her directly. My insurance cards are on the table. Grab them and put them in my purse. Please carry my bag. You with me Jin? These contractions are going to come back any minute now. I can't promise you I will be this nice once they start again." Soujin warmed Jin.
Jin followed every order. He moved quickly with the seriousness that the situation warranted.
"I need to call Jimin and Jungkook and tell them what's happening." Jin said.
"The fuckers won't answer!" Soujin cursed at them with venomous anger as her contraction slowly built.
Jin dialed quickly. He called Jimin first. "She's in labor. When you land, come straight to the hospital." Jin hung up and then called Jungkoook leaving the same message.
"Soujin, they missed their flight. They're in the air. That's why they aren't getting your phone calls. You ready?" Jin asked.
"How the fuck are we going to get to the hospital? I can't ride in an Uber. And I can't drive with these contractions being unpredictable." Soujin said. The next contraction was big. She screamed as a tear fell down her cheek.
Jin went ballistic. He couldn't ground himself enough to coach Soujin through this.
"She's pushing against me Jin. I think she's close to crowning. We have to get to the hospital NOW! Uuuuuuuuu-shiiiiiiit. OWwwwwwww!!!" Soujin cried.
"Oh God. What should I do Soujin? How can I help?" Jin was terrified. Soujin was no longer standing. She had fallen down to the floor and was in semi-delivery position. "Ohh no. Ohh no. I will not be a part of this!" Jin yelled.
He dialed 9-1-1. "There's a lady in labor and she wants to deliver this baby and I don't know how to do this. Please help me. I've hardly even been in this story. Oh, sure I've made some appearances and had some witty lines but now they expect me to deliver this baby? They wait 39 chapters to give me a storyline and this is what they give me? I mean who wrote this? Someone needs to get here now because I will not do this." Jin poured out his heart to the 9-1-1 operator.
Soujin could be heard screaming in the background.
"Sir, we are less that 5 minutes away. Just keep her on the ground and keep her comfortable. We promise the story won't end with you delivering the baby." The operator promised.
Jin dropped down to Soujin's side. He did the only thing he knew to do which was to hold her hand. He pulled a towel from her bag and wiped her forehead where she had begun to sweat profusely.
"Ambulance is on the way." Jin said calmly.
"Ambulance." Soujin breathed trying to catch her breath again. "Why....didn't...I think ...of that?"
Soujin began her breathing exercises again to prepare for the next contraction. Before too long, it arrived. This time she tried to focus on less screaming, more breathing. She breathed and breathed. Jin couldn't help but imitate her breathing techniques. He held her hand tightly and watched her face. He did everything he could to encourage her. Suddenly Soujin began to scream again. Jin screamed right along with her. In fact, Jin's screams drowned out Soujin's. This did nothing to improve her mood. She boosted her leg up and kicked him hard in the knee.
"Shut up you fool!" She spat at him.
Jin grabbed at his knee. He wanted to cry. The pain in his knee and the fear of being forced to deliver this baby were pushing tears to the forefront. All he wanted to do was pick up his wallet. He did NOT ever imagine being stuck with this!
Soujin stopped screaming as the contraction moved on.
"Where's the fucking ambulance? I swear...this...kid...is not playing... around. She's...pushing...hard. I've got to get an epidural before it's too late or else I'm going to have to deliver this demon without any drugs." Soujin lifted her legs into full delivery position.
Jin began to cry; not full sobbing, just tears of fear and concern. He picked up his phone and called Jimin and Jungkook again. He left another message, this one much more frantic. Soujin could once again be heard screaming in the background. Jin's voice was shaky as well.
Snow was falling outside and temperatures had dropped to 20 degrees. The ambulance was coming from across the street but the streets were slick and icy so they had to be careful. The road conditions caused a delay. By the time the ambulance got to Soujin, her contractions were coming at regular intervals and the baby was close. Jin rode with her in the back of the ambulance. He held her hand and kept her as calm as he could. Once the burden of delivering the baby was relieved , he was able to remain much calmer and be much more supportive for Soujin. **
Jimin and Jungkook landed. The landing was rough. There was snow on the ground and the runways were staring to freeze. The captain came over the loud speaker to give them the bad news that they would be stuck on the tarmac for a couple of hours while the runways were de-iced.
"Well. At least we're here." Jimin said optimistically.
"Yep, that's all that matters." Jungkook Agreed.
"What do you think we could do for the next two hours on this tight stuffy airplane?" Jimin removed his seatbelt and walked over to sit in Jungkook's lap.
Jungkook was only half listening to Jimin. He was looking at his phone. "Why do I have so many messages?" Jimin, still sitting in Jungkook's lap, glanced over at Jungkook's phone. "You do have a lot. I hope everything is ok."
Jimin jumped up to look at his phone. He had more messages than Jungkook. They both played the first message from Jin. Then the message from Soujin. Then the message from Jin and then another message from Jin. Both of them turned a pale shade as the blood rushed from their faces.
"Soujin's in labor?" Jungkook said dryly.
"But how? She's three weeks early. There's no way." Jimin stared at his phone in disbelief.
Jimin knocked on the cockpit door. The captain answered. "How much longer Captain? We have an emergency and we need to get to the hospital right away." Jimin said frantically.
"We're moving now but we won't be pulling up to the private entrance gate for at least another hour and a half," said the Captain.
Jungkook was already on the phone calling Jin.
Jin answered. "Where the hell have you two been? You leave me here to deliver a baby? What the fuck you two assholes!"
"Jin calm down. We just landed. We're stuck on the tarmac but we're coming." Jungkook reassured him.
"How long? You don't have much time." Soujin screamed in the background. "This baby is coming. They are about to give her the epidural now." Jin explained.
"How much time do we have? We are stuck here for at least another hour or two," Jungkook said.
"Well looks like I'll be meeting your new baby before you do. Because you don't have that long. How did you miss your damn flight anyway?" Jin scolded them.
"That's not important. Jungkook turned red." Jimin grabbed the phone from him and placed it on speaker. "Jin, what's happening? Is Soujin ok? Is the baby ok?"
"Yes. Other than being extremely cranky and pissed that you're not here, Soujin is fine. The baby appears to be a little distressed because she wants to come out. But the doctors say it's all normal." Jin said calmly. "Get here please. I'm trying with Soujin, but she needs you Jimin." Soujin screamed again in the background. "I better go." Jin disconnected.
Jungkook was beside himself. He rubbed his fingers through his hair several times as he paced back and forth in the airplane cabin. Jimin stood there for about two minutes replaying Jin's words in his head, "She needs you Jimin, she needs you Jimin."
Jimin snapped and began fidgeting with the exit door to the airplane. He pulled the lever back and unlocked it. Jungkook caught him and pulled him away.
"Babe, are you crazy? What are you doing? We can't just jump out on the tarmac." Jungkook reasoned. "We'll break both of our legs."
"We have to go. We have to get to them. She's my baby Jungkook. She can't come into this world without her daddy," Jimin corrected himself , "Daddy's, both of us, not there." Jimin was close to hysterics.
"We can't jump from a moving plane Jimin..." Jungkook started.
"MOVING! " Jimin yelled, "we haven't moved in days. If we were moving I might be able to tolerate this but we haven't moved since we landed!" Jimin was barely holding it together.
Jungkook grabbed Jimin and held his face in his hands, "listen to me. What you're trying to do is crazy. We're in the middle of an active runway with planes all around us. The runway is iced over and we're miles away from the gate." Jungkook attempted to hug Jimin but he pulled away.
"I'm not crazy. Look. This entire section of runway has been de-iced. All plane landings have been suspended until they get the entire runway cleared. And I can see the lights of the main gate from here. We're less than 2000 feet away." Jimin yelled desperately trying to get Jungkook to agree with his plan. He shuffled upon his feet nervously waiting for Jungkook to respond.
Jungkook looked out the window to verify what Jimin was saying. He closed his eyes and beat himself in the forehead with his fists. "I can't believe I'm doing this. Don't move. Ok? Hold on a second. Jungkook disappeared into the cockpit. He came out about three minutes later.
"What were you doing? Did you talk to the captain? Did he say we were going to start moving soon?" Jimin asked anxiously.
"No. I talked him into lowering the steps." Jungkook said as he pulled Jimin towards him and helped him put on his coat, hat and scarf.
"What?" Jimin laughed, "How did you get him to agree to that? He could get into all kinds of trouble if the aviation authority ever found out that he let two passengers out on the runway in a snow storm." Jimin looked into Jungkook's large brown eyes, highly anticipating an answer.
Jungkook wrapped himself in his coat and gloves and hat and began pulling the unlocked cabin exit door. "I told him we were having the baby now. I may or may not have promised him that we would name the kid after him." Jungkook popped the lever on the heavy door and pulled it open with all his strength.
"Jimin buttoned his coat as the freezing night air wafted into the cabin. "Don't tell me he fell for that?" Jimin laughed again.
"I don't think so but he was so impressed with the desperation of my lie, that I think he pitied me. NOW!" Jungkook yelled to the Captain. "He's going to send our luggage home with a carrier." He and Jimin moved towards the open airplane door as they watched the stairs descend down on to the runway.
"I love you so fucking much!" Jimin said.
"I love you more," Jungkook said as he and Jimin clasped hands and ran down the stairs into the darkness of the icy runway. **
Dr. Matsufuji entered Soujin's delivery room.
"Well how are we feeling today young lady? Are we ready to do this?" He said.
Soujin's epidural and pain meds had kicked in. She was feeling quite comfortable and was in a much more pleasant mood. She sat up in her bed trash talking Jin as they played a game of Super Mario Bros.
"I hate to interrupt your game but I think your baby is crowning." Dr. Matsufuji said to Soujin.
"Oh. Oh dear. Let's do this. I want the demon out. Exorcise me Doc." Soujin said in gist."
"Oh- hello." Dr. Matsufuji said as he noticed Jin. "I thought you were Jungkook. Uh, where are the dads?" The doctor said concerned. "We need to get this going. Our little Rose is ready to flee her current habitat." He laughed like Santa Clause.
"This is what you got to work with Doc. Soujin smiled and curled her lip slightly. He's got my permission to be here. The dads are stuck on an airplane at the airport. They won't make it in time." Soujin looked down sadly. "But I trust this guy. He can catch."
"Catch? What do you mean catch? I can't be in here. I don't even know you!" Jin panicked.
"You know more about me than my own parents." Soujin looked at Jin with a deep gaze. "I need you. I CAN do this alone. But I don't WANT to do this alone."
Jin met her gaze and calmed. He knew that she was referring to the confidential information she had given him the day prior. Soujin was right. They did have a bond, no matter how brief, the bond existed.
"What do I need to do?" The Nurse touched Jin's arm and led him to the washing station. He washed his hands and dressed in gloves, scrubs a surgical mask and a head cover. She led him back into the room where Soujin's legs were fully spread apart. Jin heaved and looked away.
"Come on worldwide handsome. You can't catch if you don't look." Soujin took sick pleasure in watching Jim squirm.
"I hate you Jikook. I hate you. I hate you." Jin whispered angrily.
Dr. Matsufuji rolled a chair over next to Soujin's outstretched leg. "Best seat in the House." He tapped the top of the chair and beckoned Jin over.
Jin wanted to cry. Tears were literally queuing up within his tear ducts prepared to fall away. He pushed them back like the strong man he was. He accepted his fate and took a seat next to Soujin's vagina.
Jimin burst through the door.
"Oh God you love me. You really love me. Jin jumped up and ran quickly out of the room never looking back."
"Daddy you made it." Soujin's tears began falling rapidly. "Where's Jungkook? You two stop fucking around? This Demon is ready to download." Soujin yelled.
"He's right behind me. He had to sign some stuff up front." Just as soon as his name was spoken Jungkook too came barreling through the door. "Am I too late? Eeewww. Yuck. Is that what that's supposed to look like?" Jungkook exclaimed as he ran directly into the sight of Soujin's open vagina.
He put his hands over his eyes and ran to Soujin's side. He covered her face in kisses. "I'm so sorry we're late. Please forgive us." Jungkook said as he apologized emphatically to Soujin.
Jimin was so engrossed with getting into the room, he never noticed the goodies that Soujin was flashing. He tried to look without blinking or appearing dejected. But his attempts were in vain. His facial expression said it all.
"Jeez, Jin handled this better than you two. Sit down and let's do this!" Soujin teased both of them.
The nurse stopped them, "We have to wash up first. Come with me." The nurse led them through the same routine that she designated for Jin.
"Jimin." Jungkook said quietly.
"Yeah." Jimin answered.
"I don't think I like vaginas." Jungkook said sweetly.
"Me neither baby. I'm so glad we figured it out sooner rather than after we had to meet one in person." Jimin smiled.
"I'm so fucking gay." Jungkook laughed
"Yes. You are my love. Good luck dad." Jimin tip toed up to kiss Jungkook.
"Good luck daddy," Jungkook reciprocated.
"Come on, you damn dorks, I've already started pushing!" Soujin yelled profanities at them from the delivery room.
It took less than 20 minutes for Rose Nari Jeon Park to make her debut. Jungkook cut her umbilical cord and Jimin caught her when she emerged. The first cry belonged to Jungkook. The second cry belonged to Rose. The nurse immediately laid her on Soujin's chest.
Soujin took a deep breath and spoke to her new baby, "Hello Rose. I'm so happy that you're out of my guts. Now please go to your daddy's and let's never speak of this again."
Rose seemed to recognize Soujin's voice. She turned slightly towards her speaking.
The nurse placed a blanket over Jimin and laid Rose on his shoulder. Jimin removed the gloves from his hand and held his new baby girl.
Jungkook was inconsolable. He wept loudly as he watched Jimin with their new baby.
"Sir," the nurse said, "I'm going to need you to stop crying so you can hold your new baby." Jungkook sniffled his way through and held his baby girl in his arms for the first time. The three of them had a few more seconds together before the pediatric nurse swept Rose away for an exam, weigh in, quick bath and change of clothes.
Jimin and Jungkook gave Soujin one final kiss. "Thank you." Jimin said.
They left the room to allow the Doctor and nurse to treat Soujin in private.
Rose was a healthy 7lbs. 20oz. Born under this sign of Aquarius, February 18th, 2023. She shared a birthday with her famous Uncle Hoseok. She had soft black hair and large brown eyes. Embedded within each of her chubby cheeks were two perfectly round dimples that were exact duplicates of Jimin's. The next time Jimin and Jungkook visited with her, she was all clean and dressed in the rose pink Chanel dress that Jimin had packed in Soujin's bag. She was swaddled in her embroidered Jeon Park blanket.
Soujin had pumped breast milk for them to feed her. Jimin insisted that Jungkook give her the first bottle. Jimin filmed on his cell phone as Jungkook lifted her with steady loving hands. He held her against his chest and lifted the bottle gently to her lips. Rose found the nipple and drank her first meal outside of the womb.
"Hi Rose. I'm your dad." He looked at Jimin. Jimin stepped forward and sat on a stool in front of them. He leaned over her and introduced himself.
"Hi, my Rosie, I'm your daddy." He placed his finger near her face and Rose instinctively grabbed it. She held it tight. Of course, Jungkook cried again. This time, Jimin joined him.
They waited until Rose fell asleep. They left her peacefully sleeping in the Nursery.
"I think we need to go back and check on Soujin." Jungkook said
"Should we bring Rose with us?" Jimin asked as he smiled at his sleeping little girl.
"Definitely not. I think we need to talk to her first." Jungkook said, looking concerned.
Jimin wasn't quite sure why Jungkook objected but he was on cloud nine and really wasn't concerned. They walked back down the hallway of the maternity ward and approached Soujin's recovery room.
They knocked on her door. "Hi. Feel like having visitors?" Jungkook asked sweetly.
Soujin was sitting in her room alone. She had no television on and no radio. She sat in virtual darkness staring straight ahead. Her hand sat clenched over her empty belly.
She looked up towards the door and saw Jimin and Jungkook. She smiled fully and welcomed them both in.
"How's Rose?" Were the first words that Soujin uttered.
"She's fine. A beautiful little lady. She baked very well in your little oven." Jimin smiled. Jimin began with a litany of stories about Rose. She was less than four hours old and he already had story upon story to share.
In reality, Rose was quite boring. But to Jimin, her every breathe was a spectacle and legend worth relating. Soujin listened with feigned enthusiasm.
Jungkook was more reserved. There was definite worry on his heart. He worried that maybe it was too soon to focus so much on Rose. He worried that Soujin might still be adjusting to giving up Rose so quickly. He tried to slow Jimin down, but his excitement over his baby girl could not be contained. In a way, his excitement over Rose was muting his empathy for Soujin. Always so quick to read people, Jimin seemed almost uncharacteristically oblivious to the fact that Soujin was suffering.
"Soujin, how are you doing? Are you feeling ok? Do you need anything?" Jungkook sat beside her bed and held her right hand. He noticed that her left hand still remained clenched over her stomach where her baby bump had been just hours previous.
Jimin started up again. "Soujin, do you think you could pump again. I can already tell that our little Angel gets her appetite from her dad. She's going to be hungry again soon. Did I mention she's got the sweetest little dimples? She really is perfect." Jimin went on.
"Uh I need to use the restroom. If you'll excuse me." Soujin sat up and lifted herself from her bed.
"Let me help you. Are you supposed to be walking yet?" Jungkook asked.
"I'm a nurse. I know what I'm doing. Most new mothers don't walk soon enough." She paused immediately after saying the words new mothers. She back tracked to correct herself, "I mean most women who give birth." She smiled awkwardly and worked her way to the restroom. Jungkook followed closely behind her.
"Would you leave me alone! I said I don't need your help. Stop fucking hovering over me. In fact, can you just leave? Both of you. You fawned all over me while I was pregnant but now that I've given birth, I'm nothing but a milk factory." Soujin snapped. She spoke to Jungkook but her anger was directed at Jimin.
"Soujin please don't be upset." Jimin tried to calm her. ���No one called you a damn milk factory. You agreed to pump so you can't get mad when we ask..."
Jungkook cut Jimin off. "Jimin, Soujin asked us to leave. We should respect her wishes." Jungkook walked behind Soujin and kissed her again. "If you need us, we're down the hall." Jungkook reminded her.
Jimin looked confused. He didn't understand what was going on with either Soujin or Jungkook. They stepped out of Soujin's room into the hall.
"Ok, what?" Jimin crossed his arms and tapped his foot impatiently.
"Jimin. What's wrong with you? Don't you see she's going through it right now?" Jungkook said softly.
"Going through what?" Jimin said obtusely.
"She just had a baby taken from her. A child that she loved and was bonded to. That's devastating." Jungkook looked imploringly at Jimin.
"She's fine, she said she was fine." Jimin argued.
"She said a lot of things. You, of all people, know that what we say and what we feel don't always jive." Jungkook said wisely.
Jimin unfolded his arms as he thought about Jungkook's words.
Soujin cursed violently at both Jimin and Jungkook under her breath. She stumbled to make her way to the restroom. Her entire body was sore from the feat of pushing seven-pound Rose through her cervix. She felt pain and knew instantly the she shouldn't be walking without assistance. But Soujin didn't want assistance. She didn't want anybody or anything except...Rose. Her once insistent urge to pee was replaced by pain and discomfort in her lower region. She leaned her back against the wall and closed her eyes. She saw Rose's brown half opened eyes peer at her as she laid upon her chest. She smelled Rose's fresh hair. She could see the small dents in her face that Jimin identified as dimples. She could feel the touch of her baby skin as it rested against hers. Soujin wept. Tears fell from her face as she slid down the wall into a ball on the floor. She grasped at her empty belly and screamed, "Rose! Rose! Rose!"
Jimin was about to speak when he and Jungkook heard Soujin's wales coming from within her room. They looked at each other. Jungkook knew the origin of her pain and thanks to Jungkook, Jimin was now enlightened too.
"We need to talk to her." Jungkook said.
"You're right. After you." Jimin followed Jungkook back into Soujin's room.
Soujin lay on the floor still grasping at her empty stomach, pining for her missing baby.
Jungkook picked her up in his arms and carried her back to the bed. He held her hand and kissed it and he kissed her again on the forehead.
"I'm here for you. You don't have to be brave. Let it out." Jungkook whispered to her as he hugged her gently in her bed.
Jimin felt a tinge of unease watching Jungkook cafe for Soujin so lovingly, intimately. He had never seen this side of Jungkook directed towards anyone but himself. He really didn't want to watch this. His desire was to leave them and go visit Rose. Jungkook then, could be free to pamper his precious Soujin all he wanted.
Jimin was immediately ashamed of his himself for his selfish, petty and jealous thoughts. He refreshed his brain and attempted to join Jungkook in caring for a distraught Soujin.
"Do you want me to leave so you can speak to her alone?" Jimin offered. The role reversal of the century.
Jungkook smiled at Jimin and said, "No. I need you."
They locked eyes for a brief second and then they both sat down on either side of Soujin's bed. For the first time, Jungkook had the stage. It was all in him.
"Anderson's back tomorrow. He's got several weeks free as they continue to prepare for the comeback. I called him and told him how brave you were. He's so proud of you Soujin.
Soujin. Would you believe me if I told you, I understand how you're feeling? I know it almost feels like losing someone again. But Soujin, it's not the same. You haven't lost anything this time. Instead you gained, we've gained, a wonderful new member of our family. Rose is ours and she's here to stay. In fact, me and Jimin were talking and we were kind of hoping that you would consider being Rose's Godmother."
Jungkook looked at Jimin for back up.
Jimin snapped to it, "We certainly were wondering that." He looked at Jungkook and shrugged.
"Ya, so that way you can babysit and take her to the park and all the stuff that a proper God mother would do." Jungkook said kindly.
Soujin smiled. "You mean you're not kicking me out of her life?" Soujin asked.
"Why would we ever do that? " Jimin said, slightly offended, "You're like family."
"You are family." Jungkook corrected. "Soujin, I know this baby made you feel closer to Jimin. But just because you're no longer carrying her doesn't mean that bond is any less strong." Jungkook said as he continued to hold Soujin's hand.
Jimin was all confused. He stared at Jungkook with his head tilted waiting for the punchline of what obviously had to be a joke.
Soujin's response was even more surprising. "You know I never meant to be disrespectful to you. I never expected anything from it. It was just a feeling I couldn't control. I'm so embarrassed. Forgive me Jungkook."
"There's nothing to forgive. I would, however, like an answer. Will you be Rose's God Mother?"
"Of course I will, you dork." Soujin said softly.
"What do you say we bring Rose for a visit? I think she'd be pretty happy to see you again."
Soujin released a few more tears. "I would love that."
Jimin followed Jungkook down the hall still confused about what he had just witnessed.
"What was that about?" Jimin asked dazed.
"Which part? There was quite a bit we unpacked there." Jungkook laughed confidently.
"For starters, what do you mean she used Rose to feel closer to me?" Jimin grabbed Jungkook by the arm to make him stop walking.
"She's...got a unique connection to you Jimin. I noticed it from the very first day you two met when we went looking for Yoongi. She needs you in her life.
"You're taking this very lightly. Why didn't you talk to me about it?" Jimin said angrily.
"I'm taking it lightly because I knew she was never a threat. She never meant us any harm. In fact, the only thing she loves more than the idea of you is the idea of us. She loves us as a couple and always has. She carried our baby because she loves us. But the added benefit was that she got to bond with you in a way that was special to her. Especially when she found out that you were the Bio dad. She truly had a piece of you inside of her." Jungkook said simply.
"How do you know all of this?" Jimin stood astonished.
"Well first, only a blind man couldn't see her infatuation with you. Secondly, I've been speaking with her therapist. She gave me some very good advice on what to look for and how to help her once this baby was born. She had all of the signs that the Doctor warned me about. So, she said the best way to counter them was to make sure that Soujin knew that she would not be cut from the baby's life. And that's what I did. That's what WE did, thanks to your help." Jungkook laughed again and held Jimin's hand. "Let's go get our baby."
Jimin didn't know what to say. He just decided to not say anything. He held Jungkook's hand tightly and followed him to the nursery to pick up Rose.**
Jin peeped his head into Soujin's recovery room.
She looked up at the door and smiled. "World wide handsome. Come in. I thought you had fled the scene."
"I sure as hell did flee. But I didn't go far. I wanted to give you a little breathing room before I came back to check on you. You sure were brave tonight Soujin. If it hadn't been for you, I might have freaked out." Jin said, very seriously.
"Might have freaked out? You lost your mind for about three hours, Jin. You went beyond freaked out!" Soujin teased Jin.
"I wasn't that bad." Jin argued.
"Yes, you were." Soujin argued back. "But...I was so happy that you were there. I couldn't have done this alone Jin." Soujin held Jin's hand.
"Probably an awkward time to ask, but, I was wondering if you would consider going on a proper date with me? You know, no pregnancies, no babysitting, no labor." Jin said shyly.
"Ohh one of those? I think I would like that very much." Soujin stared at Jin with her clear grey eyes.
Jin felt slight goose bumps as he looked back at her.
"So, I'll let you heal up from these shenanigans and then I'll give you a call. Deal?" Jin smiled.
"Deal." Soujin smiled back.
Jimin came into the room holding Rose. He walked over to Soujin and laid Rose in her arms. Soujin smiled at Rose. Rose began to cry. Then she spit up and pooed her diaper. Soujin frowned and wiped the drool off of her hand. She handed Rose off to Jin since he was the closest.
"God now I remember why I hate kids." Soujin complained.
Jimin and Jungkook and Jin all laughed.
Soujin and Rose were released from the hospital two days later. At Jimin's insistence, Soujin continued her therapy to help her cope with the end of her surrogacy.
Little Rose was all the joy that Jimin and Jungkook could have wished for. She wasn't a very good sleeper but Jimin and Jungkook worked through it as true partners do. Over the next month, one by one the other members arrived to meet little Rose. Each time, they arrived with more and more gifts.
It was May 17th, 2023. Little Rose was three months old. Jimin had been up since 3:00amKST recording a new single with Yoongi. He did the best he could to care for Rose when he returned home but he was just too tired. Rose was having a restless night. Jungkook had put her to bed three times but each time she woke up crankier than the last.
Jungkook wanted to make sure Jimin was able to sleep so he decided to take Rose for a ride. She always fell asleep in the car as it was a soothing sensation for her.
As Jungkook drove out of the garage he noticed there was a full moon. Rose noticed it too. She laid in her car seat staring at the bright light overhead. Instead of falling asleep which was her usual practice, she sat completely awake staring at the moon. Jungkook decided that taking her for a walk in the fresh spring air may be just what the two of them needed.
He drove to the park. He transitioned her car seat into the stroller and headed out for a stroll around the lake. It was an unusually warm night and Jungkook realized that both he and Rose were over dressed for such warm conditions. He removed his coat and he removed Rose's blankets. He picked her up out of the stroller.
Rose, so much like her father was wide awake listening for ducks, cats and other animal noises that would bring her joy.
Jungkook walked her over to the bench. They both stared up at the moonlight. He spoke to his baby Rose.
"There's some things I've been meaning to say to you. Mind if we talk? I should have done this sooner, but I felt as if you needed to be more mature." Jungkook laughed at his own joke.
Rose stared up at her dad. Her dimples caught the moonlight like little crescents. She was so beautiful. Jungkook couldn't get over how much she looked like Jimin.
Jungkook looked up again at the moon. It lit his face in a cool glow. Once again, he found his courage in the light of the moon.
"If I had my way, you would never be burdened with knowing the truth about how you came to be, but as it stands, I know you will eventually have questions and want to know your rich history and I'll be there with daddy to tell you all about it.
But listen my little Princess, my blood may not be running through your veins, but you are mine in every way. I couldn't love you any more deeply than I do. I want you to always remember that. I'm the meantime, I hope you'll feel deep within your tiny little heart how much dad loves you. You're my special little moon and I am forever in your debt. The happiness that you have given me can never be repayed."
Rose opened her eyes wide and stared straight up at the moon. Jungkook followed her gaze. The bright moonlight shone on both their faces lighting them brightly. Energy from the moons rays passed between rose and her dad. Jungkook knew at that moment that the bond between them was complete. The unbreakable connection between him and his daughter had been forged. Their love would be forever. He knew that she would never find fault with not having his blood because thier souls were bound and it was greater than any blood link could ever be. Rose closed her eyes and fell asleep with the moon's light bouncing brightly off of her face.
Jungkook heard footsteps in the distance. He looked up and saw Jimin.
"I knew you two would be there. As soon as I saw the full moon, I knew exactly where to find you." Jimin smiled lovingly.
"You should be sleeping. We didn't want to wake you, so we thought we would gaze at the moon." Jungkook said.
"Do you mind if I gaze with you?" Jimin asked.
"I would love nothing more. You can tell me more about Orion and his situation." Jungkook smiled.
Jimin walked over to the bench where Rose and Jungkook were sitting. He sat down next to them and moved as close to Jungkook as he possibly could. He reached up and kissed him on the lips, "I love you Jeon Jungkook."
Jungkook kissed him back, "I love you Park Jimin." They both looked down at their sleeping baby, "We love you Rose." They whispered in unison.
The End…
Almost. Stay Tuned for the Epilogue