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Upon reaching the hospital, Jimin hurried down the broad hallway, his footsteps echoing sharply against the cold, sterile tiles. His shoulders were hunched, his head dipped slightly as though the weight of his thoughts was too much to bear. Each hurried step made his temples throb harder, the dull ache intensifying as unwelcome memories clawed their way to the surface. It felt as though his mind was a storm, every thought a lightning strike that seared his already fragile composure.

"Jimin, slow down," Taehyung called out, his voice carrying both concern and frustration. He was a few paces behind, his long legs moving quickly to catch up. The sharpness in his tone was softened by the sound of his breath, slightly uneven from trying to keep up with Jimin's relentless pace.

Jimin barely registered his brother's words, his focus singular and unyielding. His chest heaved with shallow breaths, more from the weight of his emotions than the physical exertion.

When Taehyung finally reached him, he caught Jimin by the wrist, his grip firm but not forceful. "Wait for me, too... goddamn," he muttered, his pout visible even as his brows furrowed in concern. His words carried a note of teasing, but his eyes betrayed the worry he tried to mask.

Jimin stopped abruptly, his wrist going slack in Taehyung's grip. He offered a brief nod, but his gaze remained fixed on some invisible point ahead. Words failed him, caught somewhere in the tangle of emotions that churned in his chest.

Together, they approached the counter, the hum of hospital activity buzzing faintly around them. The sharp scent of disinfectant lingered in the air, mingling with the faint aroma of coffee from a vending machine nearby. Taehyung, sensing Jimin's silence would persist, stepped forward to handle the formalities. He leaned slightly over the counter, his tone calm yet firm as he collected their bounty tokens.

With the tokens in hand, they made their way toward room number 616, the sound of their footsteps merging with the rhythmic beeping of distant monitors. As they reached the room, Taehyung approached the compounder stationed at the door. His stance was casual, but his tone carried a quiet urgency.

"How long will it take?" he asked, his voice low enough that only the compounder could hear.

The man glanced at his clipboard, flipping through pages with practiced ease. "Just five minutes," he replied, his tone clipped and impersonal.

Taehyung nodded, offering a polite thanks before turning back to Jimin. He sat down beside his brother, the chair creaking faintly under his weight. Reaching into his bag, he pulled out a water bottle and extended it toward Jimin, who took it without looking up.

"Thanks," Jimin murmured, his voice barely audible. He unscrewed the cap and took a few sips, the cool water sliding down his throat, soothing but not erasing the dull ache in his head. He held the bottle loosely in his hands afterward, his eyes fixed on the floor as though it held answers to questions he couldn't articulate.

To their right, a couple sat close together. The woman, her hands tightly clasped in her lap, occasionally whispered something to the man beside her. The worry etched into her features softened slightly as her gaze shifted to Jimin. She offered him a small, encouraging smile, her eyes kind despite the tension lingering in her posture.

"Pregnant?" she asked gently, her voice warm and friendly.

Jimin froze mid-breath, his fingers tightening around the water bottle. His lips parted, but no sound came out at first. Finally, he forced the words out, his tone shaky and hesitant. "Y-yeah," he stammered, his voice betraying the vulnerability he was trying so hard to suppress.

The woman's smile widened, her eyes lighting up with a genuine warmth that felt foreign in the sterile, impersonal atmosphere of the hospital. She tilted her head slightly, gesturing toward Taehyung with a soft chuckle. "Is he your husband?" she asked, her tone laced with curiosity but devoid of malice.

For a moment, Jimin didn't respond. His throat tightened as he considered how to reply. The truth was too raw, too complicated to share with a stranger. Instead, he gave a small, almost imperceptible nod, the lie tumbling out with less resistance than he expected.

"That's wonderful news," the woman said, her cheerful tone cutting through the heavy silence. Her enthusiasm felt almost misplaced, given the storm raging within Jimin, but he lacked the energy to correct her.

Feeling obligated to keep the conversation flowing, Jimin forced a weak smile. "Are you... pregnant too?" he asked, his voice flat but polite. The words felt like they belonged to someone else, a script he was reading rather than genuine curiosity.

"I-I... unfortunately, I could never get pregnant," she replied quietly, her voice trembling with an emotion she tried to suppress. Her eyes flickered downward, and for a brief moment, the strength she carried in her demeanor faltered.

Jimin's chest tightened as guilt washed over him. He fidgeted with the cap of his water bottle, unsure of what to say. "I'm... really sorry for you," he managed softly, his voice tinged with sincerity and sadness.

The woman shook her head gently, a polite smile tugging at her lips. "It's okay," she said, though her tone betrayed the years of pain hidden beneath her composed exterior. "I knew it was hard for me all along. My husband's family... they threw me out when they found out I couldn't bear children." Her voice wavered slightly, but she pressed on. "They gave him a choice—to leave me or stay. And luckily... he chose me."

Her lips quirked upward into a bittersweet smile as her eyes glistened with unshed tears. "He told them, 'She can't even bear a child, so isn't it only fair that I take care of her?' That's what he said," she added, her voice cracking just enough to reveal the weight of his words.

Jimin's heart ached for her, the rawness of her story cutting through the superficial calm of their earlier exchange. The thought of her being cast aside, deemed unworthy for something beyond her control, sent a pang of sorrow through him. And yet, amidst that pain, there was something deeply moving about the steadfast love her husband had shown.

"I love him so much," she whispered, her gaze distant, as though replaying the moments of their shared struggle and unyielding devotion.

Hearing her story, Jimin's heart softened, a tender warmth blooming alongside his pity. "He really loves you a lot," he remarked, his voice quieter now, filled with genuine admiration.

She nodded, her smile growing just a fraction, though her eyes shimmered with tears she didn't let fall. "He does," she replied, her tone resolute yet tinged with the vulnerability of someone who had endured more than her share of pain.

"He is acting as a surrogate for bearing our kid. We're here for operation and I hope the surrogacy should give a positive result. Fingers crossed."

At that moment, Jimin's gaze finally shifted toward the woman's husband. The man sat stiffly, his face a fragile mask of hope and tension, one hand resting gently on his wife's stomach as though silently willing the universe to grant them their miracle. It was a gesture so tender, so heartbreakingly earnest, that it made Jimin's chest tighten painfully.

For a fleeting moment, Jimin's resolve wavered. He felt his heart crumble beneath the weight of his own guilt. How cruel was fate that he, blessed with something so precious, would squander it? How many others—like this man—ached for the very thing he was about to destroy?

The thought lodged itself in his mind, cold and unyielding. A wave of shame washed over him as he considered the lives of countless others, desperate for a joy he was so carelessly discarding.

A loud, piercing wail shattered his thoughts.

Jimin jolted, his head snapping toward the source of the commotion. A small crowd had gathered near the door, and through the murmur of concerned voices, a woman's anguished sobs rang out, sharp and unrelenting. His eyes darted to Taehyung, who was already on his feet, instinctively moving to help. Jimin scrambled after him, his heart pounding in his chest.

"What happened?" Taehyung asked a man standing nearby, his face pale and streaked with tears.

The man tried to answer, but his voice broke under the weight of his grief. "We l-lost our child," he choked out, his words trembling. "She had a miscarriage... and the doctor c-could not—" His sentence dissolved into uncontrollable sobs, and Taehyung caught him just as his knees buckled.

Jimin stood frozen, his breath caught in his throat.

His gaze drifted to the woman at the center of the chaos, her frail form trembling violently as she cried out. She looked fragile, almost spectral, with stitches on her arm that glared red against her pale skin. Nurses hovered around her, their voices calm but urgent as they pleaded with her to stay still, warning her that the stitches on her stomach could tear.

But the woman couldn't stop. She clawed at her own arms, her cries turning into guttural wails. "M-my baby... I want it b-back," she sobbed, her voice raw and broken.

An older woman, likely her mother-in-law, leaned in to console her. "Jinnie, c-calm down, my child. We'll have a-another one," she murmured shakily, pressing soft kisses to her forehead even as her own tears ran unchecked down her face.

The younger woman shook her head violently, her voice barely audible as she whispered, "My b-baby... my baby." Her eyes fluttered shut, and she slumped forward.

"JINNIE!" her husband screamed, his grief echoing through the hallway as he fell to his knees. Nurses rushed in with a wheelchair, but even with their combined strength, they struggled to lift her convulsing body.

"Let me help," Taehyung offered, stepping forward. His hybrid strength outmatched that of ten men, and he gently yet firmly scooped the woman into his arms. She thrashed wildly, her nails raking across his neck and shoulders, drawing thin lines of blood. Still, he held her tightly, his expression calm yet resolute as he followed the nurses toward the operating room.

Jimin snapped out of his daze when he saw the scratches on Taehyung's skin, bright red and seeping. Without a second thought, he rushed to his brother's side, grabbing the woman's flailing arms to steady her as they lowered her onto the hospital bed.

The nurses moved quickly, administering a sedative. Gradually, her violent thrashing subsided into soft murmurs. "My baby," she whispered one last time before slipping into unconsciousness.

"Thank you so much, sir," one of the nurses said, bowing gratefully.

"It's okay," Taehyung replied, bowing back slightly before turning to Jimin. Taking his younger brother's hand in his own, he led him out of the chaotic scene, his grip firm but gentle.

"Patient number 8, Kim Jimin... be ready. Two minutes more," the compounder announced, his voice cutting through the quiet tension in the room. But Jimin didn't hear it. The world around him felt distant, muffled by the weight pressing against his chest.

A gentle pat on his shoulder drew him back slightly. It was the woman from earlier, her kind smile now tinged with a melancholy understanding.

"You both did amazing," she said softly. "Your husband is quite strong, I must say... and you too. I'm proud of both of you." Her voice faltered as she continued, "I feel so bad for her, though. It reminded me of my first miscarriage... when I lost my ability to be fertile."

Her voice weakened, trembling on the last word. The quiet pain in her tone felt like a knife twisting in Jimin's heart.

He nodded absently, his gaze drifting to where Taehyung had been sitting moments ago. A frown creased his brow when he realized the taller man was nowhere to be seen. Panic surged through him as he scanned the room, his eyes darting to every corner. But Taehyung had disappeared.

Jimin shut his eyes tightly, trying to steady his thoughts. Images of the grieving mother, her wails echoing in his mind, refused to fade. The grandmother's tear-streaked face, etched with sorrow and helplessness, haunted him. The father's broken expression as he mourned the child he would never meet clung to him like a shadow.

He opened his eyes and glanced at the couple beside him. They sat quietly, their hands clasped tightly together, their heads bowed in silent prayer. A prayer for hope, for life, for the miracle they longed to hold in their arms.

Jimin's gaze dropped to his own stomach, his hand trembling as it hovered over the life growing within him. A deep wave of shame washed over him, suffocating and inescapable. How could he? How could he even think of discarding the very blessing others would give anything to have? His trembling hand rested on his abdomen, the weight of his actions pressing down on him like a crushing burden.

Tears pricked at his eyes as the truth settled heavily in his heart. He wasn't just making a decision; he was about to commit a sin.

The mistake was his and Taehyung's fault then who gave him right to snatch the unborn child's right to life. He wasn't a god and he has no right to do it.

Suddenly the doctor whom he met for the first time, his statement came to his mind. How he refused to commit such henious crime.

" Even if your partner doesn't want to be a part of this, you should raise it on your own. It's your own blood. This child is a rare blessing for you."

Jimin clicked his tongue before sighing.

"Doctor, it's my child and I'll decide if I'll keep it or not. And not each child is a blessing." He said.

"Okay then. Didn't you realise you are saying 'my child' ? Doesn't it give you a sense of affection towards the unborn?"

Hearing this, Jimin squinted his eyes close before taking a deep breath and then exhaled.

"Please help me. I really can't keep this child. I'm not a monster. It's just it's impossible for me. Keeping this child could cost a lot for me."

"Are you afraid of money? We've a scheme from the government to help the pregnant ones with food and free medications."

"You don't get it. It's my child and I want to abort it."

Jimin insisted and the doctor nodded before speaking. Jimin relaxed at first but then his face again dropped.

"Fine. If this is what you want, it's your choice. I'm really sorry we can't help you. I won't be a part of this sin of killing an unborn. You can look at other hospitals but I doubt that there won't be anyone helping you there too. Thankyou so much. You may leave."

Jimin's mind was a whirlwind of emotions, each thought battling for dominance, leaving him paralyzed with indecision. His chest tightened painfully as the compounder's sharp voice sliced through the chaotic haze.

"Kim Jimin!" the compounder called out, his tone firm and expectant.

Jimin's eyes snapped to the seat beside him, but it was still empty. Taehyung wasn't back yet. The realization sent a fresh wave of panic surging through him. He clenched his fists, his nails biting into his palms as sweat began to bead on his forehead.

"Kim Jimin," the compounder repeated, this time with an impatient edge.

The elderly lady sitting nearby nudged him gently, her kind eyes filled with encouragement. "They're calling you, dear. It's your turn."

Jimin felt his stomach churn, his throat tightening further. His lips parted to respond, but no words came out.

"Sir, do you not want to meet the doctor?" the compounder asked, stepping closer, his annoyance now evident.

"I-I..." Jimin stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. His heart pounded furiously as he forced himself to his feet, his knees wobbling beneath him. Step by shaky step, he approached the door, his fingers hovering near the handle.

But the closer he got, the more the suffocating weight of his thoughts consumed him. His breathing grew erratic, the air around him suddenly feeling too thick to inhale.

The compounder opened his mouth to issue another warning, but Jimin didn't wait to hear it. Without warning, his legs moved on their own, carrying him away from the door. He bolted down the hallway, his movements frantic and uncoordinated.

"Sir, wait! Are you okay?" the compounder's voice echoed behind him, but Jimin didn't stop. He couldn't.

Tears blurred his vision, hot streams streaking down his face as his chest heaved with every labored breath. He ran blindly, his only instinct to escape the crushing pressure threatening to overwhelm him. His throat ached, the lump forming there growing unbearable with each passing second.

Minutes passed, or maybe it was only seconds—Jimin wasn't sure. When he finally slowed, he found himself in a dimly lit, eerily quiet wing of the hospital. The walls were sterile and cold, the silence almost deafening, save for his ragged breathing.

His tear-filled eyes darted around the unfamiliar space, his mind too fogged to comprehend where he was. He stumbled to a halt, his legs trembling beneath him.

"Jimin?"

The familiar voice was soft yet filled with concern, cutting through the haze like a beacon.

Jimin's head snapped toward the sound, his blurry vision focusing on the figure leaning against the railings just ahead. It was Taehyung.

"T-Tae," Jimin choked out, his voice trembling as fresh tears spilled over.

Without a second thought, he ran toward the taller man, his movements frantic and desperate.

Taehyung turned fully to face him, his brows knitting together in worry as Jimin collided into him. He instinctively wrapped his arms around the smaller man, holding him tightly.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Taehyung asked softly, his deep voice laced with genuine concern.

Jimin buried his face in Taehyung's chest, his sobs muffled against the fabric. His hands clutched at Taehyung's shirt as if letting go would cause him to unravel completely.

"Shh, it's okay. I'm here," Taehyung murmured, his hand moving to gently rub Jimin's back. "You're safe."

And for the first time in what felt like forever, Jimin allowed himself to lean into the comfort Taehyung offered, his walls crumbling as he cried freely.  

Taehyung immediately hugged Jimin who had snuggled himself like a tiny baby, his face shoved onto Taehyung's chest.

"The a-abortion—" Jimin cried harder , not being able to speak properly.

"Jimin, if you won't g-get mad, I have something to tell you," Taehyung began hesitantly, his voice trembling with desperation. His eyes searched Jimin's tear-streaked face as he spoke, his words slow and pleading. "Could you... could you please k-keep the baby? I'll do everything possible to h-help you and the child... I'll turn down the whole world for this child... Even give my n-name to it... Please... After delivering it, you can give it to me... I'll keep the child with me... Please."

Taehyung's voice cracked as he joined his hands together, his gesture raw and earnest. His eyes shone with unshed tears, silently begging for Jimin's agreement.

But instead of the answer he longed for, Jimin shoved him away, the action sharp and jarring.

"N-no... I won't," Jimin muttered, shaking his head vigorously as his chest heaved. The words tumbled out of him, fraught with pain and finality.

Taehyung's shoulders sagged at the rejection, but he refused to give up. He stepped closer again, his voice rising with a mix of anguish and determination. "But didn't you realize the truth yet? Didn't you see how people are dying for a child? Jimin, think about it... Don't b-be so cruel."

His voice broke on the last word, the weight of the situation pressing heavily on his broad shoulders. He reached out and pulled Jimin into his arms once more, holding him tightly as though the closeness alone could convey the depth of his feelings.

Jimin's sobs grew louder, his resistance crumbling against the warmth and strength of Taehyung's embrace. The smaller man's tears soaked into Taehyung's shirt as his trembling hands clung to the taller man's chest.

Taehyung held him closer, his own silent tears slipping down his cheeks. "Please, Jimin... just think about it," he whispered, his words barely audible over the sound of Jimin's cries.

"I d-don't want to a-abort it... I wanna keep i-it too," Jimin mumbled, his voice shaky but filled with a fragile determination.

Taehyung's eyes widened in disbelief, his heart skipping a beat. For a moment, he wasn't sure if he had heard Jimin correctly. "Really?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, as though afraid the fragile hope might shatter.

Jimin nodded, tears streaming down his flushed cheeks. "I s-said no about giving my child to you after giving birth... I w-won't give it to anyone," he cried, his words breaking but resolute.

Taehyung's lips parted in astonishment before a gentle smile spread across his face. Without hesitation, he leaned forward and pressed a tender kiss to Jimin's hair, his heart swelling with joy and relief.

"It's my kid too," Taehyung murmured softly, his voice brimming with warmth. "I'll get to call this child mine too."

Jimin hiccupped through his tears, looking up at Taehyung with wide, watery eyes. "But o-our family... our relationship?" he mumbled, the fear in his voice making his hands clutch tightly at Taehyung's shirt.

Taehyung cupped Jimin's face, his thumbs brushing away the tears on his soft cheeks. His gaze was steady and filled with unwavering resolve. "I'll handle them," he promised firmly. "Either they'll have to try to understand us, or we'll find another way... okay?"

Jimin stared at him for a moment, the weight of Taehyung's words sinking in. Slowly, he nodded, his tears subsiding just enough to let a flicker of hope bloom in his chest. "O-okay," he whispered, leaning into Taehyung's comforting touch as his sobs quieted.

Taehyung smiled softly, pressing another kiss to Jimin's forehead, as though sealing the promise between them.

"And who said that to raise a child together we must love each other romantically? To raise this child, all we need is , our mutual support, care and love for the child and I'm sure that we both will provide this child the best life together, won't we?"

Taehyung's eyes softened as he looked at Jimin, his heart full of warmth. "We will," Jimin mumbled, almost as if reassuring himself.

"Of course, we will," Taehyung repeated, his voice firm and confident, a promise he intended to keep.

Jimin smiled faintly, but it was enough for Taehyung to notice. Taehyung chuckled softly, a playful glint in his eyes. "My cutie Jiminie is pregnant, huh? That explains why you've been craving those sour candies lately. I guess it's time I spoil you more than I already do," he teased, leaning forward to press a quick, loving kiss to Jimin's forehead.

The touch made Jimin's heart flutter, a warm wave of affection rushing through him. Without thinking, he wrapped his arms around Taehyung's waist, pulling him into a tight hug. He giggled when Taehyung began nuzzling his nose gently into Jimin's hair, the familiar gesture both soothing and tender.

"You're so cute," Jimin mumbled through his laughter, feeling safe in Taehyung's arms, as though nothing could ever harm them now.

"I wouldn't dare to be cuter than you though," the younger replied.

As they made their way out of the hospital, a sudden voice stopped them in their tracks. The compounder, looking slightly exasperated, approached them with a frown. "Kim Jimin, your behavior back there—"

Jimin, feeling a bit embarrassed but not quite apologetic, pouted and batted his lashes, giving the compounder his best puppy-dog eyes. Taehyung chuckled at the sight, his heart lightening. With a smile, he turned to the compounder. "We're sorry for the inconvenience," he said, his voice warm and reassuring.

The compounder sighed, though there was a small smile tugging at his lips. "Just make sure to keep it together next time."

Jimin grinned at him cheekily before looking up at Taehyung. "Let's go," Taehyung said, his hand gently clasping Jimin's as they began walking.

For the first time in days, a real smile crept onto Jimin's face. It was full of warmth, a spark of hope he hadn't felt in a long time. He looked up at Taehyung, the world suddenly seeming a little brighter.

As they walked together, Jimin turned to look back one last time at the room where he was supposed to meet the doctor—the one with the number 616 written above the door. That room had held so many uncertain moments, so many questions. But now, he didn't need it anymore.

With a soft sigh, Jimin placed his left hand gently over his stomach, feeling the life inside him, and with his right hand firmly in Taehyung's, they walked forward, toward a future filled with love, hope, and their shared journey ahead.

Angel numbers carry meanings tied to the vibrational energy of the numbers within the sequence, and 616 is a powerful one that blends harmony, unity, and the promise of change. This number encourages you to embrace new beginnings and be open to the shifts on the horizon. It's a reminder to learn from the lessons of the past, as those experiences are guiding you toward a brighter future. The presence of 616 signals that positive transformations are near, urging you to welcome them with an open heart and a clear mind.

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Vote and comments would be appreciated. Tysm for reading... Next update would be in 'FATE'.

Date-18 Nov 2023
Words count- 4.2K+