I realize only now, 

so I love me...

You have no idea why you and your sweetheart are so attached all of a sudden. Seojin's fingers were tangled in your wild curls, but you didn't seem to mind because your warm hands were caressing his muscled back as you frantically returned his passionate kisses. You've been kissing like he's joining the military. It seemed as if your love chords were being severed deep within you by the enemies of your love.

You can't imagine parting ways with your soulmate forever. Seokjin clutched you in his arms as though it were his final goodbye. Both of you had a dreadful feeling in your hearts about the impending 'war' on your love.

Seok jin's parents will never accept you, and you're practically engaged to Vidhan. The marriage negotiation is virtually done. Vidhan expects you in front of the marriage altar in two years, turning that engagement ring into a wedding shackle since the marriage negotiations are complete.

He'll be visiting Korea to keep a close eye on you. You believe his parents informed him of Alia's kpop idol addiction and that she may have influenced you to start dating Korean celebrities.

What is allowing this to happen to you?

Seokjin glances down into your bright eyes, filled with a deep happy smile, and he finally pecks your lips "Samiya. I love you beyond crazy. My heart aches for what we have to go through. Sweetheart, I just can't let you go... Without you by my side, I'll die slowly."

"Jinnie...I love you too with all my heart..." you grabbed his face and looked at him with intense affection. "I want to stay by your side for the rest of my life."

Seokjin warmly smiles and pulls you closer to him, saying, "Please spend the weekend with me!" while his thumbs caress your cheek. Every contact sparked a burst of energy.

Your eyes widened in surprise! "Huh! You...you like to spend the weekend with me?  How are we going to pull it off?"

Seokjin smiled as he picked you up and laid you down on the futon, cuddling in each other's arms. With deep tenderness, he looked down at you.

"Yes, we need time to get to know each other," Seokjin chuckles. "I'm curious as to what makes you tick. Everything about you, from where you came: sweetheart, don't be so concerned. In Busan, I have a beach penthouse. It will go undetected. It's on a small, private seaside estate. It's private with your pool and a private beach only a few steps away. Samiya. Now, more than ever, I...need you." His eyes are troubled.

You are desperate to be with your sweetheart. However, your parents...the media... Alia...Noodle-Joo?...his parents...agency...fans.

"Are you sure?" you ask quietly, gazing into his gentle eyes. " Will we be protected from your devoted fans? I don't want you to have any problems with your company... I love you, Seokjin, and I'd gladly cross the deserts with you...as long as we...stay safe from exposure."

You wrap your arms around his waist and rest your head against his broad chest.

"Thank you, baby," he says gleefully as he strokes your curly hair. "We will be careful.  Will you be able to break free of your roommate? My band's cover is that I'm taking the weekend off to study. We can then use Friday to complete your Korean classes. And we'll be able to communicate in Korean over the weekend."

"Fortunately for you..." you chuckle. "My dearest friend is going on a four-day trip. I was alone at home, and I was afraid of being alone. She'll be returning next week on Tuesday. I'll have to go to Uni by bus all by myself..." a slight quiver ran through your body.

"Well, baby," Seokjin grins."  Don't you think FATE was on our side? Why don't you skip class on Monday and I'll take you home Monday evening? On Tuesday, your friend will return."

"You're very cunning...but won't Noodle be curious about your whereabouts? Seokjin...still she's your girlfriend,"  With sad eyes, you look up at him.

"Only in name," he caressed your face and lovingly kissed your lips once again. "Since I met you, you've become the love of my life. I've never been with her as I have with you... Ms. Dholakia, you're mine."

"And you mine...Kim Seokjin," you inhaled deeply and grinned blissfully as you curled back on his chest, deeply satisfied. You've just had a few minutes of blissful silence.

Seokjin smirks as he caresses your delicate curls, "So here's the plan—-"

When you realized that lunch was over, you both felt reluctant to leave each other's presence. Jin felt terrible about you missing lunch and wanted to get you some burgers. However, you declined because it was almost time to return home. Because you're not that hungry, you'll just prepare something at home.

You were almost late for your last class. You didn't want to leave since your soulmate didn't want you to. He'll draw you back into his arms when you go close to the door. He let you go after a few more intense kisses, satisfied that your bond had been revitalized.

Everyone was curious about your tutor, and all you said was that he was a student of the performing arts. That he was charming and friendly. You know they'll pass out if they find out about your secret rendezvous with a BTS member. 

After Alia has left, Seokjin will come and pick you up at your house. It's too early to expose Jin to Alia, so you're grateful for tiny miracles. Your friends will go all out. You can't tell anyone, but when the time comes, you'll tell Alia. Alia will erupt with joy when she discovers that your bias is your intended soulmate. Their maknae would be in serious trouble. Jungkooks' biggest fan is Alia. You're already dreading BTS's upcoming fan meeting. You have no idea how to detonate the bomb. You'll need something fabulous to bribe her first because she'll be furious.

You and Alia rode the bus home after your classes. She was ecstatic about her most recent modeling assignment. She was mad that she had to leave you alone. You felt awful about not telling her things you knew. You can only hope that no one will be exposed.

Alia cooked you some rotis with a curry fish filling as soon as you got home. You nervously anticipated the upcoming weekend at Seokjins' seaside penthouse in Busan.

Sona was frantically cleaning her apartment, and you and Alia were amused by her fresh vigor. It made you feel unsettled. Weird and unusual. She'll be spending time with her soulmate. She is ecstatic to be leaving for a few days.

You assisted Alia with packing her luggage.

Alia was folding some sweaters and looked apologetic to you, where you put her make-up in travel containers.

"I'm sorry for leaving you alone, Sami You'll be safe here, though. Just try to unwind and appreciate your privacy, okay? Tuesday will be here before we know it. When I return, we can spend the next weekend at a resort. Diane and Sabine recommended an all-girls weekend getaway to a beach villa in Busan or Jeju Island. We'll see which one works best for us." As you raised your brows, she grinned.

"Wow! You talked about a lot without me, so don't worry about me. I'm going to be fine." You despise lying to your best friend about such a significant moment. This weekend has the potential to alter your and Jins' bonding relationship. You're nervous and worried because of the swords of both of your arranged marriages. You don't want to watch him marrying Noodle-joo. That knowledge is already causing havoc on both of you.

"Can you tell me why you were gone for almost an hour? Have you already begun with the modules as your tutor?"Alia's brows creased in confusion.

"I'm sorry...he discussed a lot of stuff and his tight schedules," you inhaled deeply as you looked sadly up at her. " He is quite busy and may complete his final year by June of the next year, if not sooner. Our tutoring sessions may have to be rescheduled over the weekend.. " 

"I assume he saw how cute you are and wants to use these sessions to try and date you," Alia teased, grinning. Her brows were wiggled. You had a scowl on your face. If only she had known.

"Stop your nonsense...he is a lovely friend. He also has a girlfriend." He is cheating on... You want to say.

Alia received a call from her Mumbai-based modeling agent to finalize her travel plans.

You excused yourself and retired to your room to unwind on your bed, allowing Alia to do her tasks. She'll be leaving at 5 a.m. tomorrow. Sona offered to drive her to the airport because it was nearby and on her way.

Your phone has received a notification.

Seokjin.

Jin: Hi there, sweetheart. Are you all right?

As you scan the text message, you smile. He could have picked up on your gloomy feelings.

You: Yes, I was just assisting Alia with packing for her trip. I...miss you.

Jin: Oh my goodness, sweetie, I'm looking forward to spending some alone time with you. Before our schedule becomes too crazy, we need the bond to settle.

You: So you'll be on campus for just two weeks? Jinnie, how are we going to make it?

Jin: This weekend has the potential to cement our bond for at least three weeks. We need to spend more time together during the two weeks while I'm still on campus. Bangtan is gearing up for award shows and comeback performances. We have a range of appearances that we must uphold.

You: I'm sorry, sweetie, I understand. For our bond, we'll have to make sacrifices. Then there are the two luncheons honoring the Legacy. Our future fiancées will be in attendance. We can't allow them to know about us, Jin. Our parents are going to be furious. It's pretty challenging...

Because of the futility of the situation, you felt like sobbing. The legacy luncheons will be the most important tests of all time. You and Seokjin will be so aware that you may end up exposing yourself. Vidhan and your, brother, will be present. And that idiot will make sure that no one speaks to you.

Jin: I can sense your feelings, sweetheart. Please don't be frightened. We're going to combat it as a team. My father is a difficult nut to crack. Nothing will be able to persuade him otherwise once he has made up his mind. I'm not sure I'll be able to witness another man with my sweetheart. It'll be a challenging task.

You: Jinnie, my parents and his parents are close. Vidhan is jealous. How will I feel if Noodle follows you around? You'll have to play the lover, which will annoy me.

Jin: Sweetheart, just know that I adore you. No one will ever be able to fill your place in my heart. They may try to keep us apart, but my heart will always beat for you...please know that I love you.

You: "I wouldn't...baby,  I just will not wish to lose you. I'm not sure what we'll do if our parents refuse to let us connect.

Jin: FATE will come to our aid. Ok. I can sense your weariness, so try to get some rest, darling. Listen, I thought that since your roomie leaves tomorrow morning, why don't we skip class and go tomorrow?  We will be able to start our weekend early.

You: Wow, Jinnie, I'm so excited. I'm ready to go. I'm going to call in sick or something like that. Because I won't be able to concentrate on any of my classes, let's start our weekend early.

Jin: That's fantastic. Send a grocery list of foods you want to enjoy or cook. I'll have my housekeeper do all of our grocery shopping.

As you hear that, you smile. There will be no unnecessary exposure. You and your soulmate can go on a romantic getaway together. You're looking forward to peeling back the layers of your soulmate's personality.

You: That's OK. Be ready to put on some weight, my baby. This Indian momma is going to feed you until you pass out. I will prepare all of the famous Indian cuisines exclusively for you. I sincerely hope so. I hope you don't have any spice allergies.

Jin: It's just potatoes. Sweetheart, I enjoy cooking and can't wait to try my soulmate's creations. I will prepare the Korean BBQ meals. Don't forget to include your favorite snacks and fruits as well.

You: Okay, Alia is looking at me suspiciously. Then let me love you. Sleep well, and don't yell too much at those adorable maknaes, especially your baby.

Jin: Don't make me jealous, Kookie. He is not, and I'm your bias.

You: "Jealous Jin, I love you. On the other hand, the youngest three are my little bias wreckers. So watch your steps. Baby, you have my entire heart.

Jin: Sweetheart, I adore you. 😙

You: I adore you as well.

You quickly ended the call as Alia stood and watched you with amused eyes. Luckily, you smiled and just informed her you spoke with Priya about her crush.

Alia grins, "I almost believe you're in a secret relationship because of your smile and the sparkle in your eyes. Who is the luckiest one...Vidhan!" She teased you.

Your eyes widen for a split second before you hurriedly grab your orange cushion and hurl it at her. You chased her to the upstairs room area as she shouted and fled the room. She's well aware that you're a pillow-fighting champion. Those slender arms of yours are capable of delivering a blow. That is something Vidhan can attest to.

You collapsed, laughing and giggling on Alias' bed.

"Okay, please send me some amazing location photos. Alia, I'm going to miss you." You embrace her.

"I'm going to miss you already." She expressed remorse as she remarked, "Enjoy your classes without me."

Your nose was scrunched up."I'm going to sleep in tomorrow instead of going to class. I don't want to be alone on public transportation. So, on Tuesday, I'll join you in class."

"How about your tutoring session?" She inquires, concerned.

"Don't worry, I assured him today, and the two of us went over the modules together. I'm confident in my ability to greet and say, "I love you." You grin. You learned how to use all of the love phrases from Jin. It's on him.

"Oh my my!" she waggles her bows."  It appears that your tutor has developed a taste for "masala."

You jumped to your feet," Oh really, Alia, I'm going to sleep now. Please be safe if I'm still asleep. And don't be concerned about me."

You gave each other one more hug before retiring to your room. You lock your door and begin packing weekend luggage, to hide in your cupboard after sending your grocery selections and goodnight kisses to Jin.

In your stomach, nervous butterflies were racing rampant.

•┈••✦ ❤ ✦••┈••┈••✦ ❤ ✦••┈•

A/n: You and your soulmate are ready for romance.

Thank you to all my superstar readers. Because of your support, Epiphany has reached 15k reads. You are amazing.

A  loud shout out to all the new readers, even shadow readers who came to the light, voters, commenters, and those who add the book to their reader's list.

@-nevermOuse @swasti392 @lamenotyou @ITS_J-Min_YG 

@EnnaN222@pioues@Pavithrachandrakumar @Librarycatten p@aurora_420@912981@XimenaZapataFlores @pandaeyarashi @mariyammali @Besties2000 @mayu809

Question 1: Do you think you will be discreet?

Question 2: Do you think Noodle-joo will find out?

Question 3: Who will be the biggest stumbling block in your life?

Question 4: Will Alia forgive you for being secretive?

Question 5: Must Seokjin tell his parents about your identity?