⚠️ Trigger: Some non-graphic intimate fade-to-black scenes

The morning.

The glow of the morning sunlight was seeping through the half-closed tan blinds; the rays of the sun cast a golden light over the beige tousled bedsheets. You could hear the soft sound of the waves that wrapped peacefully around the yacht.

The master cabin still carried the faint, lingering scent of spiced cherry candle wax. Wrapped in warmth, your lashes fluttered open. You squinted at the soft sunbeams that kissed your skin, the light pulling you back into fragments of memory...flashes of the wild, passionate night you had shared.

Being with the man you loved with all your heart had fulfilled all your dreams. Last night was an epiphany, a revelation. You couldn't get enough of each other. Although both of you are introverts, the depth of your love leaves no room for inhibition. You both gave yourselves fully, lured by the red-gold string that sealed your bond eternally.

You belonged to him, just as he belonged to you.

Your cheeks heated at the realization of how bare and vulnerable you were, resting against his firm chest. You still couldn't believe the intensity...the fire...that lived inside the both of you. The layers of your soulmate's passion astounded you, thrilling you with how much was still left to uncover.

Shy, your fingers lingered on his warm skin before you instinctively tucked your face into the crook of his neck, hiding beneath the unruly curtain of your wild waves. You knew exactly what was coming...he would relentlessly tease you.

And then, just as you expected, you heard his voice, husky with sleep, mumbling softly against the top of your head.

"Why are you hiding, baby? Are you staring at me again?"

His doe eyes were heavy with fatigue, but amusement flickered in them.

You bit your lip, peeking through your strands at the smirk tugging at his mouth.

"Maybe, you look kind of cute..." You whispered shyly.

Groaning, you buried yourself deeper into his neck, muffling your face against his skin. Jungkook's chest vibrates beneath you as his gentle laughter seeps through your body.

"Cute?" He grinned dramatically, and as he tightened his arms around you, flipping you flat against his chest, he raised his eyebrows, enlarging those big doe eyes filled with mischief.

"Well, let me tell you, princess, I'll show you how manly, sexy, and irresistible I am...not cute."

You laughed as you gently pressed a soft kiss against his collarbone. "Fine, Mr. Jeon Kookie...I mean Jungkook." You're manly and so very sexy. Happy now?"

.......

Suddenly, in one moment, he flipped you over, and as you softly landed on your back, a squeal escaped as the blankets slipped down. He was hovering securely on top of you, his hair making a curtain around your face. A huge smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth.

Your eyes widen. "Kookie!!!" You quickly pulled the cover over your bodies, hiding his manly details swiftly.

Jungkook snorts out in laughter as it vibrates throughout the quiet cabin, "What, you shy now, after last night's wild passion? You didn't hold back, as I've remembered." He teased.

Your light honey eyes looked at him with slight amusement. "Don't you dare tease me...Jungkook!" You seductively move under him, which makes his eyes widen.

Jungkook smiled softly at your honey-glowed, flustered face as he leaned down to kiss your nose, and when he found your soft, inviting lips again, the kiss was slow and filled with purpose, tender and full of yearning. It wasn't fierce, rushed, and wild like the night before. It was as if your souls were exchanged in a quiet symphony. Another way your bond was surrendered.

As your bodies ignite once more, your arms tenderly wrap around his disheveled black strands. Jungkook grinned breathlessly as he flipped you over, and with a small shriek and soft giggles that escaped your lips, you surrendered fully to the onslaught of passion. Your bodies moved in perfect sync and soft rhythm, rediscovering yourself again.

Afterward, you both lay between the tangled sheets, spent and filled with love. Your legs were entertained as you just lay there with closed eyes, caressing each other's bodies with your fingertips in a tender way. Time stood still. It was only the sound of the soft waves against the yacht and the smooth movement of the luxury boat underneath. The air outside the chrome windows was crystal blue as the sun took its rightful place, welcoming a glorious day.

You stirred against him as his bare body pressed around your back. You giggled softly as you felt his breath tickle your neck. Jungkook chuckled softly as he heard your delighted giggles; kissing your neck, shoulders, and nape made you shiver at his soft, featherlight touch.

You turned softly as you both stared with deep affection in each other's eyes.

"I love you so much, Zenfabulous!" He whispered, truthfully.

You smile as you caress his bunny lips. "I love you too, my favorite cookie in a jar."

He then abruptly threw off the blankets; the cool breeze tickled your skin as Jungkook scooped you up in one move into his strong arms.

You yell as you cling to him, "Kookie...put me down. Seriously!"

"Nope," he uttered mischievously as he carried you bridal style toward the opulent bathroom. You kicked your long legs as you laughed uncontrollably, but he held on to you tighter.

"Our first shower will be together, princess. So, no arguments!"

Your laughter echoed as he sat you down under the warm spray of the water. The hot water was so relaxing as it cascaded like a waterfall over both of you. You squeal as Jungkook playfully shakes his wet hair at you. You quickly, in retaliation, grab the shampoo, put it onto his head, and lather his hair with exaggerated swirls.

"Zen! You're going to blind me with the soap!" He protested through chuckles. He squeezed his almond eyes shut.

You giggled as you massaged his scalp. "That's what you get for first kidnapping me into the hot shower."

"Okay," he chuckled. He grabbed a handful of the thick bubbles in his palm, and to retaliate, he plopped it down on your head like a crown.

Soon, your teasing changed into something deeper as Jungkook's fingers slipped behind your wet hair, pulling you tightly against him, and your mouths found each other under the steam. As he anchored you against him, your giggles turned into soft, tender sighs, and slowly yet again you were lured into the seduction of the red-gold string.

......

It was already after 11 am when you both got dressed. Jungkook was in a pinkish t-shirt, a gift from his hyung, which made you smirk. He had a white striped shirt over his t-shirt, sleeves rolled up, and dark shorts, which showcased his well-shaped legs and thighs. Just the sight of him made your body react traitorously. The air was still crispy, but you felt hot and bothered after the lovemaking session, and you were dressed in a powder pink slip mini dress that showcased your glowing tan arms.

Your hair was parted into soft curls, which you kept moist. You stood in front of the mirror, applying some pink stayfast lip gloss on your lips.

Jungkook's eyes linger on your fresh beauty. "Zen, you're the most beautiful girl I've ever met. No one can compare to you. Always remember that." He wrapped his arms around you, his face nestled in your neck.

You smirked at him through the mirror reflection. "I'm still reeling at the fact that we are actually mated. We were destined from the start."

Jungkook smiled as his eyes met yours. "We got so distracted with useless crushes and wasted so much time. But this was the right timing for us to meet."

You nodded, your hands caressing his cheek. "I think I've been into you...since we were kids." You turned and embraced him around the waist.

You then walked hand in hand towards the deck where the chef's staff discreetly prepared breakfast. You sat and were in awe of the breakfast menu: steaming abalone porridge, freshly grilled mackerel, a stack of kimchi, some blueberry pancakes, honeyed croissants that were still warm, fruit salad, and fragrant Brazilian coffee served in black porcelain mugs with gold rims.

The food was divine, and you quietly finished your food, your toes playing footsie under the black glass table; now and then you sneak kisses between bites of pancakes and sips of coffee.

Then Jungkook leaned over, brushed some crumbs from your mouth, and then kissed you softly.

You grinned with flushed cheeks. "Stop distracting me."

"You love it," he teased, but then kissed you again.

It was sunny, and the fresh air filled your lungs as you moved to the railing. Jungkook and you took numerous photos of each other. You both took selfies while kissing each other.

Then went inside and lay sprawled out on the soft leather couch, with the cushions around you. Your head was tucked under his chin, his arms around you. The yacht was swaying gently, while classical music played faintly in the background.

"I don't want you to leave, Zen," Jungkook murmured as he pressed his lips against your hair. "We'll be apart too soon. Bangtan still has our rigorous 'Love Yourself, Speak Yourself' tour schedule ahead, along with an upcoming award show. We're also confirmed to attend the Edaily Culture Awards next week, and we're also working between the Run BTS shoots and the Persona comeback."

You tilt your head as you look up at him, "Wow, you guys are really very busy. I'm done with my LV shoot, and it seems my management got me another GQ and Cosmo cover shoot. The process is currently underway. How are we going to manage our invigorating process?

Jungkook sighed while gently cupping your cheek and said, "Next week is the award show, but we cannot reveal this to the public yet. You are now an official Bell and Bangpd, and our executive management needed to be informed, even us. I don't want the tabloids to leak the information."

You nodded as your fingers traced over his dark lotus soulmark. "We need to keep it on the down low, and our soulmarks need to be invirso bound. We can't bounce with our visible marks on display."

You look a little worried. Your and Jungkook's phones were switched off to enjoy the maximum privacy. You know that your phone was bombarded with messages from the model squad and another unwelcome annoyance, Jimmy.

Jungkook nodded. "We need to find a way to be together. Will you be able to stay for an additional week or two? All the Bells are at President's Hill right now. I'm sure the Bells will be desperate to meet you. Gosh, I had to tell the hyungs."

You giggled, "Why do you sound so exasperated?"

Jungkook gave you a deadpan look. "Zen, do you realize about whom we are talking? Jimin and Taehyung might have slipped to Seokjin-hyung that I've already kept a giant secret from them. He's going to kill me. His headlocks are lethal."

You furrowed your brows. "And why is that?"

Jungkook snorted, "The night under the stars...that Jimin and Taehyung forced or blackmailed me to confess after they had to literally save my butt in America. Nobody knows I didn't sleep at the hotel. That was the most stressful morning when I had to slip in undetected from hotel staff."

You laughed, "No joke, that's wild! And the paparazzi were all up in your business in the States. But hey, no sweat, things will sort themselves out for us. You can let your bosses know in the meantime.Can you hook me up with some info about the Bells?"

Jungkook kissed your forehead softly. "Soon, I'll first inform my parents. Gosh, my eomma will be over the top. I bet she'll scream so loud our neighbors will be alarmed. You can tell your family."

You smirk, ""I think my folks are starting to get it.They always figured there was something weird about our connection when we were kids. "

Jungkook inhaled deeply. "How are you going to handle your footballer?" He said it sourly.

You smirk because Jungkook can't take Jimmy around you.

You raised your eyebrows, but your voice tone revealed your apprehension: "I'm kinda worried about that.  Jimmy aren't about to let me go.  He seriously wanted me to ditch my soulmate for him.  He's a total softie, but how can I say no to you, Jungkook?  I was into you way before I thought about going out with Jimmy.  He's kinda needy right now and all up in my business."

Jungkook pulls you tightly against his chest. "Just tell him we're best friends. Don't confirm or deny. That's not a lie. Fortunately, Lisa knows where we stand.

You snicker softly, "Kookie... Lisa doesn't comprehend. I suppose she is suspicious of us. In her opinion, our friendship is far too close. We have to be cautious."

Jungkook nodded. "Well, I'm choosing you, and I'm marrying you in less than three years. I'm not going to wait forever."

He pouted cutely. You smile softly. "It seems that sleeping next to me has already spoiled you."

Jungkook grinned. "I want to sleep next to you every day, baby, kissing you and loving you every night."

"So you want me seven days a week?" you teased.

"Exactly!" He whispered, kissing your lips softly....

The rest of the day felt truly like your system honeymoon, which it was. It was like a dream. Relaxing, without paparazzi, schedules, managers, or constant media wanting something from you.

You dressed in diving gear and went scuba diving near the coral reefs; you enjoyed the undersea fantasy and colorful fish that passed next to you. You and Jungkook floated hand in hand underwater.

Later you raced each other on jet skis, your laughter echoing across the waves. He splashed you deliberately, and you laughed in response you've chased him playfully. You enjoy the ocean like kids.

Later, both of you dried off and curled up in the yacht's theater while munching on a savory meat platter and drinking fruit juices. The fatigue was getting to you. As you and Jungkook watched your favorite movies, you snuggled under a blanket against him and ate some popcorn.

Late afternoon, you and Jungkook opt to relax in the lukewarm aromatic water of the jacuzzi on the deck. Enjoy your fruity mojito cocktails that Jungkook made and a huge seafood platter for an early dinner. You were seated together, his arm around your shoulders, his lips brushing your temple now and then.

When the darkness engulfed the blackened ocean, you found yourself back snuggled together in bed. During this intimacy time, Jungkook loved you more playfully but deeply and intensely. You laugh and giggle a lot, exploring more layers of yourself. You relish every moment in each other's tender embraces.

You both fell asleep after midnight, exhausted and wrapped in each other's arms.

Next to you on your bedside...your notifications were spiraling out of control.

...Jimmy.

....

It was a quiet Sunday morning when you both woke up, enjoying the feel of each other's arms. You kept your promises: no social media, no phones. It was just the two of you. Jungkook told you that you will visit for a few days in Jeju Island.

He bought a beach property there. In 2017, Bang PD started to advise Bangtan about their financial future. He and Taehyung invested in Jeju Island. There is another investing opportunity in an African game reserve with Yoongi and J-Hope.

You were flabbergasted and told him to look into South Africa, where your maternal grandparents own a very famous wine farm. You told him that your mom bought a costly beachside villa in Clifton, and you would like him to come meet your Dutch grandparents and enjoy their warm hospitality.

The yacht docked quietly in Jeju Island a few hours ago. You were so excited, and I hope you can bring your mom back as planned. You stepped off the yacht disguised in oversized hoodies, masks, and caps. Your hair was in a low curly bun. With you, your expensive sunglasses on. Jungkook's private driver greeted you and led you through the winding coastal roads.

The scenery was breathtaking. The vast greenery, the stone walls, and the tangerine trees were glowing in the sunlight. The waves crashed against the black rocks. It was a beautiful scenic experience.

The air was crisp, breezy, and fresh, so unlike the buzz of Seoul. When you reached the beachside condo, it was luxury that awaited you. It stood on a cliff overlooking the ocean. The glass walls revealed the endless blue sea; the interior was very modern and high-end, yet it held a welcoming warmth.

The interior design is an open-plan living and dining room. The lounge was cozy, featuring a large cream-colored sectional sofa adorned with soft assorted patterned pillows and two matching armchairs positioned around a small coffee table. It was bright in neutral colors with blue and green accents; beautiful big abstract art pieces adorned the walls above the sofas.

On the opposite side of the wall was a built-in entertainment unit with a large flat-screen TV and some cute decoration. There was a huge dining table with white chairs under a chandelier, and behind it a kitchen with sleek glossy cabinets and marble counters in the kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances.

Your eyes widen. "Wow...this is so cool. The space is reminiscent of a penthouse in Miami. The space feels so open, with the sound of the ocean waking you up each morning."

Jungkook grinned as he placed your light luggage bags in the giant lounge.

"I love the ocean. This is the place I usually escape to after tour schedules are complete and we are on breaks. My family usually enjoyed the time with me here or the maknaes. We usually swap places for vacations. We recently spent time at Jimin's beach condo in Busan. Seokjin hyung and Samiya love this place. It's secluded, very private, and safe."

You smile as your eyes dart to the huge screen. "Wicked..."

Jungkook chuckled, "My brother loves games, so we usually spend quality time on the PlayStation. But the two of us will stay for another two days before I need to be back in Seoul."

He took your hand and led you out to the balcony. Your breath hitched. It was breathtakingly beautiful.

"It is so beautiful and scenic out here. A cool place just to relax and be enraptured inside a book." Your eyes glowed in his.

He looked at you with affection. "I'll give you a key to the condo. It's ours now. Whenever you come to Seoul, you and your mom can break away and come stay here. Even if I'm away on tours and you can't be with me."

You turn to him, your eyes intensely in his. "Jungkook, this is all so surreal, being with you here, together, bonded."

He smiled and took you in his arms, embracing you tightly against him. "You were always my dream girl. Our first night under the stars ruined me, because I couldn't stop thinking about you. My mind was so clouded, and I just wish you were truly mine."

'I'm yours, Kookie...until death parts us. I will always just love you.' You murmur against his chest.

Jungkook grinned. "Forever mine."

After you settled in by placing your bags in the airy bedroom and your clothing in the cupboards, Jungkook kissed your cheek and asked you to do it for him. You just rolled your eyes and pushed him out of the room, telling him to go write down the menu for the two days.

While you were busy unpacking, Jungkook checked the cupboards. His parents were staying there for the weekend, and he was back in Busan. They left a list on the fridge of what he still needs to buy, as he told them that he might visit Jeju.

You softly laughed as you reminisced. Jimin told you that Jungkook was very spoiled by his hyungs; even the noona bell, who was Seokjin's soulmate, spoiled him rotten. She and J-Hope usually packed his travel bags. But, this chicken comes from another coop.

After you've both checked out the cupboards and decided on a menu, you've decided to just buy fresh produce at the market and order the rest of the groceries, snacks, and other necessities online.

Then Jungkook decided that it's better to get it at the famous markets of Jeju Island. Jungkook will get you fresh veggies and fish. You decided that you're going to cook for your soulmate during the two idyllic days in Jeju. Both you and Jungkook have a strong passion for food and enjoy eating large quantities of it.

Jungkook was waiting for you after he changed into his 'outing' clothes.

He knew girls needed extra beauty time, but you wanted your hair to be loose and wavy, partly to make your soulmark invisible. Jungkook didn't care because everyone knows idols have invirso bindings.

A big smile was etched on his lips when he saw you, looking at your form appreciatively, "Er...Zen. You look so enticing with that mini dress...maybe we should just relax at home." He doesn't want guys to drool over his hot 'wife.'

The thought that the red-gold string married him off was still too shocking to grasp. He is totally whipped for his Zen.

You gave him a playful slap on the chest. "Silly boy..I'm looking' fly to get your attention, but you'll have to chill till we get back." You giggle at his groaning face.

Jungkook was truly an energetic bunny, and you wonder how you'll keep up with him. You already feel the devastation of their fans when they realize there will come a time when they will have to accept it when they find love. All but Jimin found love, and the time is near for ARMY to meet the girls in their idols' lives.

You both went out disguised, and the air was breezy and crisp, but you wore your floral black mini dress, and you styled your hair into wavy curls, making sure your signature curly hair was disguised. You put on your Converse shoes and giant LV sunglasses with a pink mask embellished with diamond rhinestones. You had your huge pink tote bag with all your essentials. You felt a bit apprehensive because you had only read the text displayed on your home screen.

There was only one damning sentence.

Where the flipping hell are you?

Jimmy.

He was back from his visitation with friends in Seoul. He wondered about your whereabouts. Your mom made sure that nobody knew where you had gone. You said to Jimmy that you've decided not to go see your friends, but you're now in Jeju Island. Not even in Busan, where he originally thought of it.

You were a little nervous to inform Jungkook about Jimmy's text because now that Kookie has a legal claim on you, he can make Jimmy's life a living hell. Bangtan's influence is noteworthy.

Jungkook looks like a hot supermodel in a white t-shirt, a caramel leather jacket, black chino shorts, black combat boots, huge tinted glasses, a black bucket hat, and a black mask. This ensemble perfectly embodies Jungkook's signature style. You had to remind him to change his signature looks because ARMY knows their style anywhere. So he opts for black open Calvin Klein sandals.

He laughs because you already sound like a wife, and you remind him that after the sealing of the bond, you're married. So, he better watch out. Jungkook just loved the possessiveness in you. It makes him feel safe and at home.

Your driver, who stayed close by, came and fetched you to take you to the fishing market near the shore.So, the two of you ventured out, strolling through Jeju's famous markets, and you sampled some grilled squid kebabs, waving at vendors calling out their specials. Jungkook bought fish; at some stalls you both tried out spicy seafood stew, sweet jeon pancakes, candied tangerine slices, and soft mochi filled with bean paste.

You and Jungkook were in fits of laughter as you ate the soft, sweet mochi, thinking about Jimin, whom the ARMY called affectionately as their 'mochi.'

Jungkook fed you every bite from every street food stall. You chuckled, holding hands and stealing kisses now and then.

"Yo, I'm stuffed already... I can't even handle another bite of dessert". You playfully complain, holding onto his arm. He was carrying all your fresh purchases and souvenirs you got for your mom and staff who came with you. He just grinned and kissed your lips tenderly, his eyes glinting with an unspoken promise. Being with you felt like a farfetched dream, but it's not.

The elders just smirked at the young bonded couple. Those who have already been bonded for years could sense the newly sealed couple. They assumed you'd be on your honeymoon. Jungkook took numerous pics of you at a street food stall and at a candy kiosk where you both bought some sweets.

His mask was pulled down as he ate from his pecan and pistachio sorbet. He was just smiling as you walked hand in hand, enjoying the buzz. The place was filled with old tourists and elderly couples. School kids were still caught up in school, so you and Jungkook were strolling, not caring about curious eyes that think they know you.

It was almost 4pm when you decided you had had enough of the market, but when you exited the market square, unbeknownst to you both, someone had noticed.

Even with a cap and mask, gosh, even with the tinted glasses, that fraction of a second when Jungkook took off his glasses to wipe his eyes after you ate something spicy. A camera clicked. Jungkook's signature doe eyes were unmistakable.

A shadow slipped between the crowd after discreetly snapping damning pictures of Jungkook with a very beautiful foreign girl by his side. The pictures showed him feeding the girl, kissing her cheek, holding her hands, and back-hugging her while they waited for their street food to be prepared. At one point, she wiped his mouth with a napkin, and he laughed into her eyes, his signature doe eyes filled with happiness and joy.

This was not just a scoop...he just found another secret. Bangtan Belle

Dispatch got their story...and it could earn him a few million won.

.....

A/n: Jungkook and his Zen finally sealed the bond. They are now married.

Thank you for all the Kookie bias, for all your reads, votes, comments, and the love you still show for this soulmate fanfic.

If you love Kookie, you can indulge yourself in the following series, featuring your 'fav cookie in a jar.' 😉

🍪Echo in the Wind—short story, paranormal
Our Kookie experiences depression but has also found solace in Jeju.

🍪 Voice in the Dreamscape—Oneshot
(Where he lights up the stage at the FIFA World Cup)

🍪 Lost in the Maze - CEO

In this place, Kookie was burned by love, leaving only hate behind.

1. What's your take on this chapter?

2. Do you think Daya must stay longer in Korea?

3. What do you think might happen with the exposure?

4. What was your favorite scene?

5. Will BangPd be forced to reveal the belles or wait for Jimin's soulmate?

6. What do you think of Jimmy's reaction?

7. Do you think Lisa will feel betrayed by Daya?

https://youtu.be/IbAv1Qn0xk8