Recap:

He lifted his head and looked deep into your concerned eyes because you could tap into his inner distress. His eyes seemed moist, and you knew your soulmate was in severe agony.

"Mia...I need you. Please hold me and never let go 'cause I feel like I'm underwater..."

.....

Your soulmate kissed you as if he was drowning, his hands knotted in your wild raven curly locks, and his flaming hot lips danced like wild flames on yours.

He could not get enough of you, and his desperate kisses revealed his inner struggle.
He lifted his eyes and looked deeply into yours. His deflated demeanour hurts your heart. You raise your hands and gently touch his warm cheeks. There was something in his eyes that just broke your heart. It’s really hard to see your soulmate feeling so lost and not knowing what to do next.

As you look into his eyes, you plant a delicate kiss on his luscious lips.

"Baby, I am by your side. Please do not worry. We shall overcome this obstacle together." You gently smile into his lovely gaze. The atmosphere changes as your loving and energising energy enters his body. Being with him was like receiving a supercharge.

Seokjin smiles softly as he pulls you against himself and sighs deeply, "Mia, I am so tired of fighting my parents. The more I resist, the stronger the current becomes. Mia, I can not lose you." He murmured at your neck. You just wanted to be there for your soulmate and help him through his tough time.

"Just take it easy and focus on your exams, darling. We will tackle the issue together. Alia is going to help us out...she was not too thrilled about me keeping this big secret, but she is cool with it now." You grabbed his hands and guided him over to the futon couch.

Seokjin's eyes were wide. "Wow! I sincerely hope she is okay with it and not just some super obsessed fan." He smiled gently, "Is she still set on meeting Kookie?"

You pressed your lips together, but a little giggle slipped out, "Jinnie, Alia is such a hardcore ARMY. Jungkook is her bias. You won't believe the revenge she paid because I kept you a secret."

Seokjin's eyes filled with renewed joy. "You don't say?"

You nodded," Whenever we betrayed each other with little things, we had this thing called revenge week where the one wronged would execute the most humiliating public embarrassment to regain the wronged one's favor...gosh, Alia went the extra mile."

Seokjin chuckled, "I can imagine. So, what was your punishment?

You gave him a deadpan look. "Well, was it embarrassing? This morning, because she knew we are soulmates, she arranged that our friends bring all BTS merch but with your face...mugs, keychains, etc. But the cherry on top was the life-size cutboard of you---"

Seokjin's eyes widened as he started to laugh loudly. This was too funny for him." Oh gosh! Really, she did this here at Konkuk?"

You nodded, with a smile, "Worse, she told the class I'm starting a new Seokjin fan club!" You looked irritated about that revelation.

"Wow! I like your friend; she is sassy. So what is my fan club's name? World Wide Handsome!" He waggled his eyes teasingly as you flushed.

"No! I'm not so obsessed with exposing my love life. The whole class now acknowledges me as an avid Seokjin stan! How embarrassing. She even arranged your favorite Korean foods based on all your EatJin segments. The whole class, even the lecturer, was in stitches. I was mortified, Jin". You said with exasperation.

Seokjin couldn't help but laugh as he could imagine your face with all that ARMY attention. BTS has a lot of fans at his uni.

You smile reluctantly, "Stop laughing. It's not funny," you pouted.

Seokjin just smirks, "Well baby, it is...my introvert beauty queen couldn't handle ARMY!"

You snorted, "She made me dress up in traditional Indian bridal wear to go to uni. My friends and peers had a field day, and my mom thought I went through a lonely single life phase because my sister got married and was pregnant. And I'm still happily single."

Seokjin's eyes were filled with glee. "Do you have a photo of that day?"

You looked at him incredulously. "Kim Seokjin! Are you kidding me? I want to forget that day...let's just eat some sushi. I'm starving." You said, gesturing to the food displayed on the counter. Two banana and chocolate flavoured bubble teas were next to the two trays filled with assorted sushi.

Seokjin ruffled your curly hair and kissed your forehead as he stood up." Let me serve my queen---I hope you love it. It's from a new restaurant, and the owner knows us---" he smugly stated.

You teasingly rolled your eyes." Of course...pretty privilege!"

Seokjin laughs silently, "Yup my beautiful face and charm won  and...we are still a young group, but we are busy gaining fans everywhere...and in all industries." He smirks as he hands you a tray and chopsticks. You sat and enjoyed your food comfortably. You love the fresh sushi , made with the finest ingredients, and the fact that it was one of the most expensive restaurants in Seoul didn't faze Seokjin.

You briefly forgot your soulmate dilemma, but it lingered in the air. You were enjoying your short time with Seokjin. You're glad that you had an hour for lunch as well as a free period. Because your Korean language lecturer, Mrs. Kim, had a dental appointment. Fate will wire on your behalf, and you could enjoy your soulmate's presence.

You had just finished your lunch. You were cuddling snugly in Seokjin's arms, stretched out on the futon.

With your head lying on his white t-shirt, drawing circles on his chest, you inhaled deeply,"Jin, Alia was confronted by Noodle because Noodle thought she was the girl you kissed. She mistakenly thought it was Alia in the car, but I'd put Alia's pink hoodie on that day... We need Alia to keep Noodle at bay. She's like a hound dog. Even my friends are adamant about investigating and finding your Indian girlfriend. It is so stressful." You softly strangled it out.

You felt how your soulmate's breath became ragged as it hitched, his heart was thumping erratically, and you knew the stress was revisited.

You lift your face as you see his jaw clenched. "Mia...Noodle is desperate to have me as her husband. If she can't get me, her dad has another convenience store CEO in mind. But he is not her type. Mia, I'm so sorry for dragging you through this. I don't want to cause you any harm." He strangled it out.

Your eyes met his as you took his hand in yours and rubbed his knuckles. "Baby, we are in this together. Fate will help us." Your gentle touch did calm his ragged breathing, but then he dropped an unexpected bombshell.

Seokjin's eyes looked wary. "It's more complicated now, baby. My Appa is rigid and adamant about having Noodle as his daughter-in-law. He just isn't concerned about my choices as well as my agency rules. Our families seemed to have already set a date somewhere in November..." His eyes hardened.

Your eyes widen in shock as your lips start to tremble. "Why...why is this happening to us?Seokjin... I wouldn't survive without you, even with the serum, which is still in the testing stage. We are Redgold...we going to die without each other!" Your eyes welled up from the unshed tears.

Jin closed his eyes tightly as he became short of breath,'It feels like our lives are signed away without our input. I'm at my wits end. I am feeling quite overwhelmed right now. Our families belong to the billionaires' legacy club, which has the power to manipulate the system and separate soulmates...how can I confess that I am already married within the system? You are legally my wife, Mia. We are registered on the system, and if my Appa decides to do some rigging, our status will be exposed".

You could see his eyes became more moist. "It will show, but not my full details. Only countries' kings and presidents might get the fullest details of soulmates. You still have a dating ban , don't you?"

Seokjin inhaled deeply. "BTS can date secretly after three years of debut. But management must be informed if I got my soulmate. My appa wants to meet Bangpd to force permission for the engagement. He is a very tough man and is known for his resilience and cutthroat boardroom manner"

You felt the sadness that was so unbearable in your heart. However, you must bravely smile into his eyes, while inwardly experiencing a soul-shattering pain at the mere thought of losing your soulmate—Seokjin, the man who loved and was devoted to you. But because of politics, tradition, and the careless rigging of the system, it felt like a slow death. Without realizing, your eyes started to well up, and some lonely tear started to roll unapologetically down your face.

Seokjin immediately felt the emotional overload in him as he looked down on your downtrodden expression, cupping your face and wiping away your tears softly with his thumbs.

Seokjin whispered with a crack in his voice," Mia, I just don't know how I will breathe without you; you are my life. I love you, Samiya. Never ever forget that."

"I...I love you too, Jin. I don't want to be Vidhan's wife... I'd rather jump off a cliff than live with that narcissist and womanizer." You strangled it out; you just tightened your arms around his waist while your curly mane rested on his chest, breathing deeply.

"Don't cry, baby..." he murmurs into your hair, "I only have one week left of the exams, then...the crazy schedules start again. I will miss you so much, baby! Can we...can we go away for the weekend to Busan or just to a private resort? Just us. Before the world pulls me away again on tour?"

You smiled softly as you lifted yourself up and pressed a kiss against his collarbone," Anywhere you want...of course."

Seokjin chuckled, tiredly, "Are you and Alia attending the Billionaires Luncheon? I heard approximately 500 billionaires from all over Asia will attend the event. My whole family will be there. I need to see you there, or I will not be able to function that weekend. "

You nodded, "Yeah, my brother will be one of the keynote speakers. My parents and Mukhi wouldn't be attending, but Vidhan will accompany Sunju just to come and watch over me." You utter nervously, "How will I keep Vidhan at bay?"

Seokjin felt constricted in his heart, almost possessive as his grip tightened around your small waist. He wasn't saying anything but softly pulling you up so that you could face him.

"Let's just forget a bit about our arrangements and concentrate on us." He smiled in your rich cognac irises.
His lips were tenderly grazing across your lips; you smirked into his kiss and snaked your arm around his neck and kissed him with more vigor.

After your bittersweet time together, you redo your makeup and disheaveld hair after your wild make out sessions, and you rush first out toward your class. Seokjin inhaled deeply as he started to open up his film theory book to get a head start on his studies.

You sprint walk as you watch the time on your wristwatch. There was still time to meet your friends at the lecturer cafeteria.

You quickly text Alia and inform her that you'll be seeing them in a short while.

You were out of breath when you entered the cafeteria as your eyes zoomed into their laughter and giggles. Your eyes roam over the cafeteria and there wasn't any lecturer in sight , maybe they were back to their classes. You have a free period left and after that you will return home.

The girls looked hyped up as you saw how Sabine was explaining something humorously to your amused friends.

Alia noticed your first and her eyes got a teasing glint in them. She gestured with her eyes toward your neck.

You staggered in your steps as your eyes widen. You quickly arranged your curly hair into your neck, as you blushed beetred. Gosh, your heavy goodbye make out session left you with Seokjins possessive markings.

"Hi everyone, I'm back!" You start to feel a little breathless as you take a seat next to Alia, who has an empty seat next to you.

"Oh girl, you're back! You missed the best K-drama a while ago?" Sabine giggles.

You furrowed your brows as you looked at Alia, who smirked.

"How so?" you ask, concern in your voice.

Alia's eyes were glittering as though the news she's about to share will be life-altering.

Daphne snorted as she was nibbling on Korean fried chicken. A whole bowl of fried chicken wings was in the middle of the table with assorted Korean dishes around it. Your eyes widen at the wide selection of food. It seems they decided on Korean cuisine today.

Shruti giggled as she caught your amazed eyes. "We got a 50% discount today, girl. So we decided to buy Korean. I got more points on my card." She smugly waved a card in front of you, but it was a platinum color.

"Wow, Shruti! You got a new card!" You exclaimed, surprised. The girls snicker softly as Shruti waggles her eyebrows as she softly leans in to you and whispers, "My soulmate gave me his card to buy. The professors got 50% off, and we student staff only get 25% on certain days. But my man can get it every day. So, today he went to a conference, so I got his card."

Alia giggles, "Soulmate privileges. Come dig in?" She gave you a small bowl to help yourself.

You smile gratefully,"  Thank you...the black noodles look tasty, and those wings. Are they hot?" You ask casually to no one in particular.

Daphne nodded."  Yeah, only medium hot. You can dip it into the Cajun and sweet chili sauce."

The girls were indulging as you helped yourself to the hot foods.

Shruti gestured to Alia to carry on with her story; she looked at you with wide, excited eyes. It seems something interesting happened while you've been with your soulmate.

Shruti, "You won't believe who came to our table and caused a small scene."

Your eyes widen as you look at Alia. Her knowing eyes already informed you about a possible culprit.

Alia was bouncing excitedly on her chair. "Remember the day BTS-Jin's alleged girlfriend confronted me...well, she was bold enough today to confront me in front of our friends?"

Your eyes widen , clear shock in your eyes. "Excuse me! She actually got the guts to confront you here..."

Your heart started to thump erratically as you heard the new juicy news, "Wow!"

Alia giggled as she took a bite of her spicy Tteokbokki. "You won't believe her name is 'Noodle,' and her friend is Joy. They cornered me here in the cafeteria about me secretly seeing Jin, even trying to intimidate me."

"Oh my word! Alia..." You whispered her name softly. You feel so bad because she had to take the brunt for you and Seokjin.

Alia just waved it off dismissively, "She told me to stop seducing her fiancé, and she threatened me that if I don't stop seeing her fiancé, my scholarship will be in jeopardy. As if..".

Shruti's eyes widened. "She's so delusional... It makes me wonder who the 'real' Indian girlfriend is."
Your heart tightens.

Alia laughed heartily, "That's nothing. She said just because I'm a celebrity in my country doesn't give me the right to seduce their men. What an unpleasant girl. What in the world did Kim Seokjin see in that loser!" She regretfully clicked her tongue.

Daphne smirks, her mischievous blue eyes sparkling. "She's so intimidated by this unknown Indian girl. Shame."

Alia chuckled, "She told me that Seokjin belongs to her and that I will never have him, nor will he ever choose me as a wife. So, I told her that even if she marries him, he loves me, and I'll just make sure I seduce him into sleeping with me, especially after his marriage to her...gosh, you have to see how she breathes out like a furious dragon. Her friend, Joy, was beyond mad, and she told me that Seokjin would only use me as a novelty because that is what the Korean guys do with foreign girls: use them and later marry their own."

You just shook your head. Noodle and Joy were adamant about keeping you away from Seokjin. She must really be in love with the superstar.

Shruti snorts," Please...are they so insecure with foreign girls? Well, the system paired me with a Korean man, so?" She just rolled her eyes.

Alia nodded. "So, I snapped back and told her that even if she is so lucky to marry him, which I don't think his agency will approve because of public backlash on dating scandals, that I'm still going to be around. I told her she will never be able to erase the girl Seokjin actually loves, I'm in his heart, and she's not. She looked like a crazy psycho and wanted to attack me. I held her wrist and told her, If she lays any mark on my flawless face, I'm going to sue even the skinny pants from her body..."

The girls started to laugh as they enjoyed Alias's story and altercations.

You wiped your face tiredly, "Did she believe you?"

Alia smirked, "I told her she can go touch some grass, because I'm going to meet Jin, kiss him senseless, and there is nothing she can do about it."

Sabine clapped her hands gleefully." Oh my goodness, Alia has no fear. What a sassy girl!"

The girls were in awe and shrieking in excitement of Alias's unbothered demeanor. She's not afraid of anyone.

Shruti giggles, "You're so savage!"

Daphne gasped, her eyes wide, "Wait, wait, wait! If Jin dumped the heiress, then who is the real new girl in his life? "

Sabine leaned forward and asked eagerly, "Is she really a Konkuk Uni student?"

You and Alia discreetly exchange secretive looks, and you hide small smiles.

Alia shrugged in a mysterious way. "It could be any Indian girl on campus...or maybe she's not even a real student here. We have a huge Indian community here at Konkuk".

She's not going to reveal anything that might implicate her bestie and her true soulmate status. It was too dangerous. There are a lot of ARMY on campus, and it might jeopardize you and Seokjin's private time.

The girls were so excited because Alia might be on Seokjin's radar. If his fiancé confronts him, he will know about Alia. They might also meet Seokjin if he happened to seek out Alia. This year is becoming so exciting.

The possibilities were thrilling as they thought about the lucky Indian girl who secretly stole kisses with the brightest superstar and, standing next to him, was loved and tenderly embraced by him. They even imagine the stolen rendezvous on some remote island or secret getaway. Oh, how they wish they could have a glimpse of the girl.

You just bit your lip as you stayed silent, reminiscing about the uphill battle for your love.

You and Alia were quiet when you stepped onto the bus back home. She looked tired but content, but you can't say that of yourself. Your heart was heavy as you leaned onto the window, watching the passing scenery with unseeing eyes.

Alia took your hand and squeezed it. "Don't worry, girl. I've got your back! Nobody will find out, okay? You and your soulmate will be safe."

You turned and looked at her with gentle eyes, pressing her hand in gratitude, "Thanks, Ali. I hate confrontation, and my poor soulmate is in such distress. His father can't see reason. He might get engaged in November…" You said with a small voice, and Alia could see your eyes starting to well up.

You sniff and quickly wipe under your eyes not to smudge your mascara. "Noodle is right...he will soon belong to her. Ali, what am I to do? Sujah and Vidhan will be here this coming weekend for the legacy luncheon. I'm so overwhelmed."

Alia clicked her tongue, shaking her head vigorously, "Believe me, there is no way that Bang PD will let Seokjin get married so soon. Gosh, he is 24 years old and in the glory of his fame. He still has a tight dating ban contract until he meets his soulmate. In K-pop you can only date your soulmate but secretly."

You pursed your lips and looked at your friend with deep sadness,"His father is a billionaire, Ali and Noodles dad. They can both rig the system based on their selfish desires and their citizen class. Seokjin said both families will attend. So we will even see their families and the two of them together."

Alia looked deflated, "That will be so heartbreaking, seeing your soulmate together with his 'fiancée.' Will you be able to cope seeing them together, because she will be all smug when she sees me? I believe she'll tell their parents that I'm the villain in their happiness." She snickers a little.

You shook your head sadly. "I don't worry about myself, but Seokjin. I know Vidhan might be all over me. And I'm afraid Seokjin might flip."

Alia chuckled, "Oh, there is going to be a huge drama. But girl, don't worry, we will survive the weekend. At least our hotel rooms are booked, and you and I are in our own executive suites. I just hope Vidhan's room is far away."

You nodded, "Me too... Sujah send me an email with our booking details. On Friday night will be the legacy luncheon to introduce the new billionaire families from Asia. On Saturday morning there will be a breakfast, and the evening will be the formal dinner. Two five-star hotels in the region are fully booked for the whole weekend".

Alias's eyes glow, "A weekend around the superstar. Gosh, it will be so interesting. We missed the previous luncheon, but this takes the flipping cheesecake. And all-paid weekend...maybe there will be hot single CEOs. I can't wait."

You smile softly at your outgoing best friend. She really embraced her stay in Seoul. You truly hope that she will be very happy here.

That evening, you take a hot shower and study in the privacy of your room. You send some text messages to your sisters as you miss them so much. They told you that your parents went out for a date.

You sat cross-legged on your bed with a pen in your mouth as you read over Korean phrases. Just then you received a call from none other than your brother Sujah. You grinned as you looked at his ID and profile pic, which was of his Polish soulmate wife.

You only text or send emails, but hearing his voice almost made you cry. He was your only brother who took over the CEO position at your family company, giving your dad more time to relax and do interesting activities with your mom.

Sujah sounded upbeat, and you wonder what the reason was for such a late call.

"Hi Su, how are things?" You said with a cheery voice.

Your brother sounds more elated than ever. "Wow, little sis, you are still awake at this time."

You snort, "Obviously, it's still 7pm, and you know I'm sleeping at 10pm. So, when will you arrive in Seoul?"

Sujah chuckled, You truly miss your bro. "Well, we will arrive at Incheon Airport on Friday morning. Will you and Alia drive to the city? Or must we come to your place first?"

You replied, "We'll rather meet you at the hotel. I don't want Vidhan knowing my home address."

Sujah inhaled deeply. Samiya... I don't know if you know their info. Vidhan and his parents spend a dinner evening with our parents. They have agreed to move the wedding date earlier, and your engagement celebration with both families will be in two months. That's in December, and Vidhan asked them if he could take you on a trip, only the two of you, to reacquaint yourself".

Where you sat, you froze with wide, shocked eyes. "What? That little creep never asked my permission. Why is everyone controlling my life? Sujah I don't want to bind myself to Vidhan. He is the worst choice"! Your heart was shattered. Why are your parents so adamant about letting Vidhan get his way? He is so cunning and sly.

Sujah sounded confused and didn't know what to say out of shock. "You didn't agree on this engagement. Mukhi and I tried to speak to our parents, but they and the Bhatts are so excited to let you and Vidhan bond".

You started to sob desperately, "Why is it fair that you and Mukhi could accept and marry your destined soulmates, but I'm forced into an arranged marriage with a womanizer that only wants me as a trophy? Your soulmates aren't even Indian. Why should I remain ensnared in a loveless marriage while you and Mukhi experienced a blissful and fulfilling union? I would rather not be in this marriage, Sujah."

Sujah voice was filled with guilt as he answered softly, "Sis, don't fret. I'll try talking to Dad because Mom is adamant and very much for this union. She thinks that Vidhan is best for you and can look after you."

You pursed your lips as you wiped your eyes. "He is not Sujah...believe me. Vidhan is a fake...he will never be satisfied only with me. Do you know he is actually dating a model secretly?"

Sujah sounded perplexed. "What! He told Mom that he is busy planning to build you a huge mansion in Mumbai, where you can live out your fashion career. That is why he was summoned to come with me to Seoul. It was to make sure you live a pure life here in Seoul. "

You groaned, "He is a womanizer. What's so pure about him? I can do with my life as I please. Vidhan is not my guardian... I don't even like him, Sujah. Vidhan is not good husband material. Please talk to Mom so that she can know how unhappy I am right now."

Sujah sounded saddened, "Don't worry, I will sit with our parents. Concentrate on your studies and enjoy your freedom and independence. Our parents just want at least one Indian son-in-law, and you and Priya are their only hope."

Your breath hitched as you inhaled deeply, "Sujah...I...I met my soulmate already." You unceremoniously dropped the bomb.

You could only hear...silence.

.....

A/N : Poor soulmates cannot handle the pressure any longer.

Thank you for all your loyal support. I'm so appreciative towards all of you. Please don't abandon the book.

1. Do you think Seokjin must also come clean?

2. Will Alia be a good decoy?

3. Do you think Noodle will let go of Seokjin now that she met his 'girlfriend'?

4. Do you think Bangpd will give his permission?

5. Both of themselves engagements are near. Do you think the soulmates have a secret plan?

6.Do you think telling Sajuh was a brilliant move or a dumb move?

7.Will he be able to convince your parents to abandon the engagement idea?

8. What do anticipated might happen at the luncheon?

Little eye candy🔥🔥