Threads of fate

Chapter 39

Seokjoon, who had been silently observing, finally spoke up. “That’s discrimination! What’s wrong with the boys joining?”

Jiho immediately nodded, turning to his father for support. “Appa! Tell her it’s not fair!”

Jin chuckled but shook his head. “Sorry, Jiho-yah, but it’s Minji’s rule. You have to respect it.”

But before Jiho could argue more, Minjae, Sanghyun, and even Seokjoon joined in. “We want in too!” Seokjoon insisted, crossing his arms like a stubborn child.

Minji sighed dramatically, pretending to think. “Hmm… okay, fine! It’s a pajama party for everyone!”

Cheers erupted from the kids and Seokjoon, making everyone laugh. Even Jin, who had been quiet most of the evening, had a small smile on his face.

After changing into their pajamas, everyone gathered in the spacious living room, spreading blankets and cushions on the floor. Popcorn, cookies, and juice were set up on the table as they debated what movie to watch.

“Something funny!” Jiho declared.

“Something with princesses!” Jiwon countered.

“No, an action movie!” Sanghyun argued.

After a long debate, they settled on an animated adventure movie that had a mix of everything. The kids snuggled between the adults, eyes glued to the screen, their giggles filling the room.

Jin, who was seated between Jiho and Jiwon, found himself lost in thought multiple times. Seeing his children this happy, surrounded by people who loved them, made him feel grateful yet painfully aware of the emotions he had been trying to suppress. His gaze occasionally drifted to Minji, who was effortlessly bringing warmth and joy into their home.

As the movie ended, one by one, the kids started dozing off. Jiwon leaned against Jin’s side, already deep in sleep, while Jiho curled up on the floor, clutching a small pillow.

Minji stretched her arms, yawning. “That was fun. We should do this again after the wedding.”

Mrs. Kim smiled warmly. “Of course. The kids had so much fun.”

One by one, the family members began retreating to their rooms. Jin carefully carried Jiwon to her bed, tucking her in gently, while Seokjoon helped move Jiho. The house gradually grew quiet as everyone settled in for the night.

Minji, now alone in the guest room, lay awake for a while, She tossed and turned in bed, but no matter how hard she tried, sleep refused to come. Her mind kept circling back to Jin and Namjoon.

She had noticed it earlier —how Jin’s expression had shifted ever so slightly when he met Namjoon during the engagement ceremony. It was brief, but she had caught it. There was something there, something heavy, like unspoken words lingering between them.

At first, she thought she was imagining things, but then she remembered what happened this morning.

When she casually asked Namjoon where he had been last night, he had answered quickly. "I was with the members." A simple answer, too smooth, too perfect. But Minji knew him too well. She had seen the flicker of hesitation in his eyes before he said it. Namjoon never lied to her—not unless he was protecting someone.

And now, as she lay there staring at the ceiling, the pieces started falling into place. Something had happened last night, something involving Jin, Namjoon, and the rest of the BTS members.

Minji was not the type to ignore things when the people she cared about were hurting.

With determination, she sat up, threw on a cardigan, and quietly stepped out of her room. The hallway of the Kim mansion was dimly lit, the soft glow of moonlight seeping through the windows. She walked carefully, making sure not to wake anyone as she made her way toward Jin’s room.