Rosie’s POV

The second visit from the shelter was something I had been preparing for ever since the first check-up. I was more confident this time around, having made sure everything was in order and that the boys were all settled in well. The day began with a nervous excitement, knowing this visit would be more comprehensive, covering how everyone was adjusting to our new life together.

When the inspectors arrived, they seemed to carry a more serious air about them. I greeted them with a warm smile, determined to show them how much effort I had put into creating a good home for the hybrids. The boys were scattered around the house, engaged in their usual activities, and I was hopeful that their positive interactions would reflect well on us.

The inspectors began their routine, asking questions about the boys' behavior and how they were adjusting. I answered each question as honestly as I could, making sure to highlight how well everyone was settling in and the efforts I was making to understand their unique needs. It was clear that the inspectors were keeping a keen eye on everything, and their scrutiny made me a little anxious.

As the inspection continued, one of the inspectors made a comment that caught me off guard. He seemed to imply that my involvement with the boys was less about care and more about fulfilling some sort of personal gratification. The suggestion that I might be in this relationship solely for sex struck me deeply. I felt my heart sink at the thought that someone might question my intentions.

Just as I was about to respond, Yoongi, who had been quietly observing from the side, suddenly tensed. His eyes narrowed, and his usual calm demeanor was replaced by a fierce protective glare. He let out a low, growling sound that made the entire room fall silent.

“Do not presume to know why she’s here,” Yoongi said, his voice cold and unwavering. “Rosie is not in this for any such reason. She’s here because she genuinely cares about us, and the idea that she might be here for anything else is utterly ridiculous.”

The inspectors looked taken aback by Yoongi’s sudden outburst. The intensity in his voice was clear, and it was obvious that he was deeply upset by the insinuation. His growl, though fierce, had an underlying tone of protectiveness that left no room for misunderstanding.

Before the inspectors could respond, Yoongi continued, his tone still firm but slightly softer, “In fact, none of us have been involved with her in that way. We’re here because we want to be. It’s about trust and care, not anything more.”

The room was quiet for a moment, and I could feel the tension in the air. The inspectors exchanged uncertain glances, clearly unsure of how to proceed after Yoongi’s outburst. The other boys, who had gathered around in response to the commotion, looked at Yoongi with a mix of admiration and concern.

I stepped forward, trying to alleviate the awkwardness. “Yoongi’s right. My intentions are genuine. I care deeply for all of them, and it’s important to me that they feel safe and happy. This is about building a family, not anything else.”

One of the inspectors, trying to regain composure, cleared his throat. “I apologize if our question seemed inappropriate. We just have to be thorough in our evaluations.”

I nodded, appreciating the apology even though the comment had stung. “I understand. It’s important for the checks to be thorough. But I assure you, my focus is on providing the best care and creating a positive environment for all of them.”

The inspectors seemed to accept this explanation, though their demeanor remained a bit reserved. The rest of the visit went by with a more careful examination of the boys’ behavior and how well they were adjusting. I was relieved to see that the inspectors were more focused on the positive aspects of our life together.

As the visit came to an end, I felt a mixture of relief and lingering frustration. It was challenging to have my intentions questioned, but I was grateful for Yoongi’s support and the way he stood up for me. The boys gathered around me as the inspectors left, their concern for me evident.

“You okay?” Namjoon asked, his eyes showing a mix of worry and support.

I nodded, managing a small smile. “I’m fine. Just a little shaken by the insinuation. But I’m glad Yoongi had my back.”

Jungkook placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. “We all have your back. Don’t let their questions get to you.”

Jin nodded in agreement. “We know you care about us, and that’s what matters.”

I looked at the boys, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for their support. Their reactions and the way they defended me made me realize how much they valued our relationship and how important it was for us to continue building trust and understanding together.

The rest of the day was filled with a renewed sense of determination. Despite the challenges, I was committed to making sure the boys felt loved and cared for. Their presence in my life was something I cherished deeply, and I was more determined than ever to create a home where they could truly thrive.

The day after the shelter’s inspection was dedicated to a much-needed house cleaning. It wasn’t just about tidying up; the entire place needed a thorough scrubbing, and I had resigned myself to the fact that it would be a long day of hard work. I was prepared to tackle the task with determination, but little did I know that the boys had other plans in mind.

When I started to clean, I was pleasantly surprised to find the boys pitching in without any fuss. Namjoon and Jungkook were busy vacuuming the floors, Jin was scrubbing the kitchen counters with a level of enthusiasm that was borderline infectious, and Hobi was dusting off the shelves with a concentration that made me smile.

“Looks like everyone’s in for a big cleaning spree today!” I said, trying to keep the mood light as I dusted the living room.

Jimin, ever the playful one, was flitting between tasks with a grin. “You know, it’s kind of nice to have everyone working together like this.”

As I moved to clean the windows, I felt a familiar sensation—a gentle pat on my behind. I turned around to see Yoongi grinning at me.

“Just making sure you’re not slacking off,” he said, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

I laughed and gave him a playful swat back. “I’m on top of it, Yoongi!”

He smirked and went back to his own task. I was used to his playful smacks by now; they were part of the ongoing banter that characterized our interactions. What I wasn’t expecting, however, was the sudden, unexpected smack on my rear from Namjoon.

I jumped slightly, looking over my shoulder in surprise. There was Namjoon, his face a mix of amusement and embarrassment.

“Sorry, Rosie!” he said, scratching the back of his head. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

I blinked in surprise, my heart skipping a beat at the unexpected gesture. “Uh, it’s okay, Namjoon. Just wasn’t expecting that from you.”

Namjoon chuckled, his cheeks slightly flushed. “I guess I got carried away. It’s just... fun to tease you sometimes.”

I smiled, trying to shake off the surprise. “Well, I guess I’m used to playful smacks from Yoongi, but it’s a new experience coming from you.”

The boys continued their cleaning efforts, and I found myself increasingly impressed by how everyone was pulling their weight. Jin and Hobi were working diligently in the kitchen, with Jin occasionally casting an amused glance at Hobi’s exaggeratedly careful dusting. Jimin, meanwhile, seemed to be the designated “encourager,” providing cheers and playful taunts to keep everyone motivated.

As the day went on, the house slowly began to shine with the effort everyone was putting in. The teamwork made the cleaning process feel less like a chore and more like a shared activity that brought us all closer together. Despite the physical labor, the atmosphere was light-hearted and filled with laughter.

Yoongi, who had taken to cleaning the windows, couldn’t resist making cheeky comments. “Rosie, do you think you could lend me a hand here? Or at least a little more ‘butt’ to keep me motivated?”

I shot him a mock scowl but couldn’t help the laugh that escaped. “You’re incorrigible, Yoongi.”

As we continued, I noticed a shift in the way the boys interacted with me. There was a gentle camaraderie and playfulness in their gestures, and even as they continued to clean, their touches were laced with a warmth that made me feel cherished.

The cleaning day eventually wound down, and the house looked immaculate. We all gathered in the living room, exhausted but satisfied with the day’s work. The boys had an easy camaraderie, and their interactions were marked by the sense of togetherness that had grown since the beginning of our journey together.

Sitting on the couch, I looked around at the boys. “Thank you, everyone. I couldn’t have done this without your help.”

They all responded with smiles and nods. Namjoon, still looking a little sheepish from his earlier action, gave me a reassuring grin. “It was nothing. Just thought it would be nice to help out.”

Yoongi, who was lounging next to me, gave me a sly smile. “And I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for any more of your ‘slacking’ in the future.”

I rolled my eyes with a smile. “I’ll be sure to keep you on your toes.”

The day ended on a high note, with the house sparkling clean and the boys in high spirits. Despite the surprise smacks and playful banter, it was clear that our bonds were growing stronger with each passing day.