April 22
Nuri and Ibuki were sitting at finally managed to make it to his room after the meeting was over. it had been a long day of meetinga with various clan elders who were demanding answers about Jimin's prolonged absence. He hadn't told them about the phone call. It was a moot point that wouldn't help their case. Nuri hadn't been officially named heir of the clan so there was no way for him to overrule the council in any Decision that they made. All he could do is to try and minimize the damage they did while they waited for Jimin to return
But now most days, his chest felt tight and he felt like he was dying.
As he lay on his bed with Ibuki in his arms he thought back to what was discussed.
He wasn't alone, nor was he lonely, but he was certainly tired of hearing that he would spend his life being so if he didn't get married soon. This was something the council members liked to bring up often when they were able to corner him without Jimin by his side.
While the council looked for some sort of trauma to explain his "fear" of commitment, he found love and fulfillment in his clan, his soulmates, his job, and his son.
He thought that he was perfectly content, and, before meeting Ibuki, had no intention of proving that to others anymore. But meeting Jimin and Ibuki made him rethink a lot of things.
Nuri didn't get why Ibuki thought they weren't good enough for him and Jimin. Granted they were different but different wasnt a bad thing.
"What do you need?" They asked as they lay next to him and carded their hands through his hair.
"Nothing more than you are willing to give me." He was content with having them beside him. "I just need-"
They were interrupted by a rapid knocking on the door. Ibuki got up and went to open the door while Nuri sat up in the bed. A minute later they returned with Kale at their side. The older man seemed pale and out of breath.
"Kale, what is going on? Nuri got on his feet and approached the pair.
"Kin is back," Kale said trying hard to catch his breath. "He is badly hurt."
"And Jimin?"
No sooner than he asked the question, both Nuri and Ibuki felt something snap in their soul bonds. Nuri screamed in pain as he fell to the floor. Ibuki fell to their knees as pain coursed through the bond. Ibuki took a moment to reorient themselves before rushing to Nuri's side. In a feat of strength no one knew they possessed, They pulled him onto their lap and both sobbed.
Kale looked at the two of them, sorrow filling his eyes. He knew exactly what it meant. It was why he came to deliver the news to the Omega Prime.
Out of all the clan members, he was the least likely to be attacked by the grieving omega and his soulmate. Everyone knew that Nuri had a soft spot for Kale.
He watched as Ibuki helped Nuri off the floor and onto the bed. Nuri let his head drop on Ibuki's shoulder
With a heavy heart, Kale approached the pair and kneeling in front of them, spoke gently, "Nuri-yah, They found Jimin. It looks like he died from self-inflicted injuries."
Nuri's face contorted in disbelief, his eyes wide open in shock. "No! No, that can't be true!" he said. "You must be mistaken, Kale. He would never do that."
"I am sorry, Nuri."
"Mini Heyong will come back. He promised to never leave me." Nuri found it impossible to accept that Jimin would willingly end his own life. He couldn't fathom why their story had ended so abruptly and tragically.
Kale, trying to maintain composure despite his own grief, replied softly, "I understand your pain, Nuri, but Jimin's soul has departed from this world. We must face the truth and find solace in our memories."
Kale always sounded like he was speaking in formal settings. Most days Nuri finds it funny. But today it just made him angry.
Nuri jumped to his feet, anger and desperation gripping him. He wouldn't accept that his Alpha soulmate had willingly left them.
Kale and Ibuki stood up as well. Ibuki wiped the tears from their eyes and reached out for their soulmate but Nuri brushed her away.
"I won't believe it!" he shouted, tears streaming down his face. "You're lying to me, Kale! Jimin Heyong wouldn't leave me like this. We had plans and dreams. We were supposed to raise Daeshim together. We were supposed to grow old together!"
Ibuki reached out, attempting to console Nuri. "Nuri, I love Jimin-San too. But denial won't bring him back."
Nuri turned away, his voice trembling with emotion. "No! I won't listen to you. I won't let him go. I won't accept his death."
"I just can't believe that Jimin took his own life," Nuri exclaimed after a moment, his voice filled with anguish and determination. "He was strong, full of life, and had so much to live for. There must be more to this story. We were soulmates. I would have known if he was suicidal."
Kale watched quietly, his eyes filled with compassion. "Nuri, I understand your pain, and I've asked myself those same questions countless times since we found Kin," he responded gently. "But sometimes, even those who appear strong on the outside can battle unimaginable demons within. Jimin had his own struggles hidden from the world. He didn't want to worry you. But a lot of things were happening that were getting out of control."
Nuri shook his head, tears streaming down his face. "I know him better than anyone else. There has to be another explanation, something we're missing."
Kale sighed, her voice soft but firm. "Nuri, I believe your love for Jimin blinds you to the possibility that he suffered in silence. Accepting the truth doesn't diminish your love for him; it allows you to honor his memory and find peace within yourself. You are our omega prime. All eyes are on you right now."
Kale sighed heavily, gazing at the floor. "I need to tell you something, Nuri. Something Jimin wanted to protect you from."
Nuri's heart skipped a beat. He leaned forward, anticipation and apprehension mingling in his voice. "I was right then. Someone did this to Jimin?"
Kale took a deep breath before continuing, his voice trembling slightly. "No. I think Jimin killed himself. But the reason he took his own life is because she threatened you, his soul group, and your child. She blamed him for tarnishing their family's reputation with his love for you and your soul group."
Nuri's eyes widened in disbelief. He clenched his fists, struggling to process the revelation. "I... I had no idea. How could Jimin keep such a secret from us?"
Kale's eyes welled up with tears, his voice heavy with regret. " Jimin loved you all deeply, Nuri. He wanted to shield you all from his family's pain and turmoil. He thought he could handle it alone."
Nuri's grief morphed into anguish and anger. "Why would she threaten us? How could she be so cruel?"
Ibuki shook their head, bitter in their voice. "Their family is bound by tradition and societal expectations. She couldn't bear the thought of her son breaking those chains just like his father did. She believed that by eliminating the source of his happiness, she could restore their tarnished reputation."
Kale took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "It appears that Jimin was disowned by his mother and kept away from his siblings when she found out he was part of a Soul group."
Nuri's heart sank. The revelation hit him like a tidal wave. "Disowned? Why? How could a mother turn her back on her own child?"
Kale shook his head, his face reflecting the sadness. "I don't know all the details, Nuri. But from what I've gathered, this has happened every life cycle Jimin has had to live through. She kills his soul group and then makes him go through a rebirth hoping he forgets. But he hasn't forgotten. It is a part of the curse that made him immortal."
Nuri felt anger and sorrow coursing through his veins. "That's not fair! Jimin doesnt deserves that and his family should have loved and accepted him for who he was."
"I couldn't agree more," Kale replied, his voice filled with empathy. "But sometimes, prejudice and fear can cloud one's judgment, even within their own family. And from what I understand Jimin's mother was the only one who knew."
Nuri's eyes welled up with tears as he struggled to comprehend Jimin's pain.
"I think Jimin carried a deep sense of hurt and betrayal. He made peace knowing that his mother would never accept him especially after she divorced his dad for having a male soulmate. He chose to build his family with his fathers, you, and your Soul group.."
Nuri's hands trembled as he wiped away his tears. A mix of sorrow and determination was etched on his face. "That doesn't mean he killed himself. There could be foul play."
Kale placed a comforting hand on Nuri's shoulder. "Just remember, Nuri, You need to accept that Jimin is gone and there are a lot of people depending on you. Seeking the truth is imperative, but accepting reality is equally crucial. Take the time to grieve and find solace. We'll be waiting for you."