What was I so afraid of?

I had to hide my true self.

You decided to wear something very colourful due to the heat to lift your melancholy mood. You wore a bright yellow top, a purple flowery print mini skirt, and brown leather flats. You decided to try something new with your hair and straighten it. You couldn't believe how long your hair grew for these weeks. But you love your luscious curls.

While Alia was getting ready, you waited for her in the lounge, texting your sweetheart.

Your heart constricted painfully again when he informed you that he and his family would have dinner with Noodle-Joo's family. You felt your eyes starting to well up, but you knew your happiness with your soulmate would not last.

Noodle will confront Seokjin about her talk with "Alia." You wonder if you should tell Alia about meeting your soulmate, but you are so fearful. The stress of losing your soulmate is getting the best of you. How will you even broach the topic of your soulmate? She will be in army mode, and it is challenging to reason when in that mode. Aliah can become genuinely distressed.

When Alia emerged from her room, she looked effortlessly cool in a short denim minidress and Converse sneakers. Her hair was loose on her shoulders, blowing out very straight. She looked gorgeous.

"Wow, girl, you look so cute today. I've called Uber, and it will be here in a few minutes. I'm so excited to be home, you know. I'm just a little angry about those two girls' confrontation, and it still baffled me that they think I'm seeing the idol. Gosh, I wish." She shook her head, still perplexed by the absurdity of those girls' accusations.

You inhaled deeply, worried that your friend would be furious if you had to come clean. But you know it's right, even if the timing is unfavourable. You've kept it a secret for almost two weeks. Gosh, Alia will scold you. You've never kept such vital secrets from her; not even your family knows.

Just then, you heard a honking outside. It was your Uber driver. You were so excited to leave the house and enjoy time with your lively friends.

Alia always looks stunning in whatever she wears. You smirk because you've been enjoying life so much; you even gained some weight from all the succulent food your soulmate was sending or buying for your time together.

You feel a little weary about going to university the next day, but the language and culture tests are coming up, and Seokjin needs you for invigoration. They must resume a complete tour schedule, and their RunBts shows must wrap up before they leave Seoul for their international fan meets.

You both rush out with your purses and settle into the Uber.

Alia was conversing candidly in Korean with the driver, who was super friendly, and he even corrected her grammar.

You just shook your head because you could clearly understand phrases. Seokjin even gave you more worksheets to help you master the local dialects. You are so grateful for fate giving you a caring soul mate like him who loves you unconditionally, but you both need fate to step in to save you from arranged marriages.

Vidhan and Sanju will be here in a few days. Luckily, they will stay in the hotel where the event will occur.

Sanju will then stay with you for another week. Even Vidhan told you he would also be staying after his photo shoots. Gosh, you won't concentrate with that loser around you.

It would be best to double-check that you and Alia's phones are locked, even your pics of Seokjin, whom Alia hasn't seen yet. Luckily, it's password-protected.

When you reached the small shopping centre, you were surprised to see your friends waiting for you outside, looking giddy.

Alia had already settled the bill with the driver, and you walked towards your enthusiastic girlfriends with broad smiles. They playfully teased Shruti, who stood there with a slightly flustered expression. Shruti looked charming in a short, bright yellow doll summer dress, while Daphne wore denim shorts that complemented her figure, paired with sneakers and a cute crop top topped with a black midriff crop jacket. Her long, dirty blonde hair cascaded loosely over her shoulders, and her bright blue eyes sparkled.

Sabine looked exceptionally cute in a mini dress, her hair styled in a messy bun, exuding her usual cheerful self. They all appeared happy and excited as you exchanged quick hugs while making your way to the entrance, receiving admiring glances from onlookers.

"Hey girls," exclaimed Daphne excitedly, "I can't wait to try out their Japanese cuisine."

Shruti smiled, "Yes, I heard the food is excellent. It's a pity it's not in the central mall and tucked away in this unassuming shopping complex." She seemed content, possibly dealing with her soulmate's matters.

Sabine grinned, "I hope you came with empty stomachs because I'm starved, and Uni was hectic with the exam season."

"Hi, guys...wow! You look excited!" You teased as you and Alia followed Shruti through the vast glass doors. The complex wasn't trendy, but it housed all the convenience stores for the local community.

Though not hungry, you and Alia had pre-ordered a sushi platter for two and desserts.

Daphne was ecstatic, and her eyes sparkled, "You know why we're dining out today. It's on me. Also, we got our project marks today. When Ms Kim handed out our worksheets and practical marks, Alia wasn't in class. Alia aced the practical, and you... Samiya also aced your worksheets. Ms. Kim was thrilled."

You and Alia were taken aback, exchanging a high-five with pleased expressions. You made a mental note to inform Seokjin; he was an excellent tutor.

"Wow! I'm so shocked," you grinned.

Daphne chuckled, "I told Ms. Kim I wanted to be in your group. You and Alia's tutors are geniuses." She clicked her tongue playfully. You smirked at her.

Upon reaching the restaurant, you were pleasantly surprised by its warmth and cosiness. The friendly waiter led you to a beautiful, gleaming wooden table near a corner. He smiled widely, particularly when Daphne and Shruti greeted him warmly in Korean.

As he handed out the menus, you couldn't help but smirk as his eyes widened while all of you attempted to read the menu and place your orders.

You all decided to order a sushi platter as a starter. For your main meal, you only ordered Curried prawn and ramen stirfry. Daphne ordered chicken yakisoba noodles. Shruti and  Alia ordered the sticky honey glazed miso salmon, and Sabine got herself Japanese creamy chicken curry. The group ordered soju and other sodas that you wanted to try out.

The atmosphere was light-hearted, and you relished your meal. Opting out of dessert at the restaurant, you and Alia decided to grab a cheesecake. You chose to confide in your friend, prepared to face her potential anger.

Sabine leaned back with a satisfied expression after wiping her mouth, casually patting her stomach. "Oh, my word, this was divine... this matcha crepe cake is fantastic."

The girls chuckled at her pleased demeanour, acknowledging the excellently prepared food.

Daphne grinned, taking a sip from her soju drink. "So, Shruti, where did you and our handsome substitute vanish during our most important culture period--" she raised her eyebrows as all eyes turned to Shruti. You also wished to catch up on the missed tea since you were absent from Uni.

"Well... I didn't collect my history schedule and course info for next semester. As you know, I was trying to avoid him, but then he dared to call me from the intercom to finalize my registration, or I might lose the spot in his class... gosh! So I went to his office, and our soulmarks started to react. So we talked, and he told me he wasn't in a relationship and that the blonde girl was his adoptive sister. Canadians adopted him and lived and studied in Canada for a few years. His biological parents were best friends with his foster parents, and when they died in a car accident when he was fifteen, they decided to adopt him. So we worked it out, and he was elated to have met me... so we went to his apartment and completed the bond..." She was flustered, but everyone was thrilled that she looked delighted.

In a dreamy tone, Sabine asked, "So you two are now an official couple?"

"Yes, he will meet my parents during the Christmas holidays. He is willing to go to India with me, and then we will meet his Canadian family with my parents. His grandparents are still alive in Busan. So this weekend, we will go to Busan," Shruti explained candidly, her eyes sparkling.

Alia clapped her hands. "I'm so happy for you, Shruti. You are the only one who met her soulmate. I wish I could have a late-whisperer mark. Then, I don't have to be forced into an arranged marriage."

She looked suddenly saddened as Daphne furrowed her brows, "So you are part of the infamous legacy clubs who rigged the system for their pleasure. I feel sorry for you guys..." She looked regretfully at the two of you as Alia told them about your unfortunate engagement.

Alia snorted, "But my parents have another thing coming if they think I'll be an obedient daughter. Just accept marriage to a loser. I'm going to date a cute Korean guy. I didn't have time to source out because of our hectic study schedules. But watch me, ladies, and learn," she said smugly.

You snickered as you looked at your giggling friends. "She will do it. She is more courageous than I am. My parents are very, very strict, and I never went against their wishes---"

Shruti looked concerned, "You deserve to be with the one destined for you. Don't settle for second best. If you are red-gold, even with successful rigging... you can still die or live half a life. That is so cruel. I have a friend in Bombay who was also part of the Legacy Club. Her family are a billionaire, and she was forced into an arranged marriage. Her husband met his red-gold soulmate, but he is still cheating on her and even made two kids with his real soulmate. My friend is living a very lonely and loveless marriage. She is Tarnished, and she's 24 years without a kid. I heard from my mom that she tried to take her life multiple times."

The friends looked gloomy at the news. You inhaled profoundly, knowing that would be your fate if Seokjin married Noodle-Joo. You know you will throw away your moral values and have an affair with your soulmate. You both will not be able to stay faithful to your forced spouses. Seokjin adamantly told you that he wants a baby with you because there is no way that he will share his body and love with a forced wife. Noodle must make up her mind. No wonder Noddle was so aggressive with Alia. She knows Seokjin has already cheated with another girl. It is your right to be with Seokjin. You are system married to him, but both your parents are forceful. Vidhan made up his mind to be with you.

Alia grinned, "Well, you have to do everything to make yourself happy. They must divorce. Gosh, I will not be that stupid."

She shook her head in a sassy way.

Daphne looked at Alia with raised eyebrows, "I saw you with two Korean girls. They looked very fierce when they talked to you this afternoon. What happened? You didn't look thrilled."

Everyone looked inquiringly at Alia, who had a deep scowl. "You wouldn't believe the fantastical tale if I told you--. That girl  is Seokjin's 'girlfriend.' She came and accused me of having a secret fling with the idol. Gosh, I wish!"

The room erupted with shock as Alia recounted the day's events, leaving you with wide eyes. Shruti and Sabine were beside themselves, eager to uncover the juicy details of the girl who Seokjin indeed was.

A shiver ran down your spine as you quietly listened, knowing you couldn't keep the secret. Alia was determined to confront those girls and demand an explanation for their absurd accusations.

"Oh my gosh!" Alia's eyes blazed with intensity. "Seokjin is beyond my league... but now we know he sees someone behind his agencies and the paparazzi back... Oh, I want to know so desperately. How is ARMY in the dark? We are usually the first to see and notice things."

Daphne laughed, "We know he is seeing an Indian girl. Gosh, I wish I was her---"

Sabine squealed loudly, her dark green eyes sparkling with inner joy. "This is so juicy... guys. We need to investigate every possible angle. From the clothing to her hairstyle when she was with Seokjin."

All your friends nodded with enthusiasm. You inwardly groaned at the inner ARMY police that was emerging. The fear of exposure gnawed at you; you feared the most that day. Their relentless scrutiny was trailing you.

Shruti's eyes widened. "I know someone who can get us the parking footage of that day, but it will be tricky to find the exact date and time. And what car did Seokjin drive, or was he with the bodyguards or his managers? This is so exciting, guys."

Sabine clapped her hands enthusiastically, "Oh gosh, we can do an investigation after our final tests. Because if we do it now, I will not concentrate on studying. I need my certificate to enrol in next semester's courses."

Alia looked concerned at your pale face, "Sami, you seem a little too quiet. Are you okay, or did the soju start to work on you?"

You nervously giggled, "No... I still have a headache. I need water and the restroom." You smiled widely at their chuckles, abruptly jumped up, grabbed your phone, and rushed to the restaurant's restroom with bated breath.

Entering the empty restroom, you quickly scanned the cubicles to ensure no one was present. Opening your phone, you call your soulmate. The phone rang, and the nerves gnawed at your facade. You were in a big dilemma.

"Jinnie, please pick up," you muttered anxiously, pacing the restroom and nervously fidgeting with your hair strands.

After a few moments, you heard a soft greeting, "Hey, sweetheart. Gosh, I missed you so much today. How do you feel?"

A sigh of relief escaped you. "Hi darling... gosh, it was a stressful day for me. But thank you for the food; we enjoyed it so much. I love you even more each moment of the day."

"I love you, sweetheart... you won't believe where we are right now. We are dining at Noddles' estate. I had to lie and tell them that Namjoon was calling me. I'm outside at the poolside right now. You know how long it takes to hear your voice. My day was greyer than a stormy day. Without you," he huskily uttered, his longing evident in his tone.

Tears welled up in your eyes. "Oh, Jinnie... I think Noodle got the hunch that you were seeing an Indian girl. She and her friend confronted Alia today. ---" You recounted what Alia told you about the altercation, hearing the sharp intake of breath on the other end.

"What! No wonder she looked at me so strangely during dinner; she was dying to ask me something," he murmured, shocked.

You sighed, "I think I need to come clean to Alia. She wants to confront Noodle tomorrow. My friends are avid ARMY and are trying to find your girl. They want to go to the university surveillance room and check for camera angles around the entrance and parking lot. Jinnie, they are going to see me getting out of your car. Alia can recognize my style anywhere. Noodle's friend even saw us kissing in the car. This is so bad, Jinnie. We will be exposed if she finds out. Next weekend is the Legacy luncheon, and Vidhan and my brother will be in Seoul. If my so-called fiancé got wind of Alia in a compromising situation, our parents would make me marry Vidhan earlier..."

There was a slight sob in your voice, and the shift in your emotions made Seokjin wince.

You could hear some soft profanities coming from his mouth. Seokjin was more nervous than ever. If his father saw the girl he took to Busan, he would flip and make a scene with Alia.

Seokjin breathed, "Don't worry, darling, I'll deal with it myself. Don't fret anymore, okay? You can tell your friend if you trust her to keep the secret, but nobody else must know."

You inhaled deeply. "She will want to meet you desperately, and she will want to meet your maknae."

Seokjin chuckled a little, "She can meet only me. I want to meet your best friend. We need someone on our side who will not judge us. Talk to her, and I'll arrange a discreet meeting time."

"Oh, my gosh! Are you sure, darling?" You were amazed that he genuinely wanted you to tell Alia and meet her.

Seokjin grinned, "But I cannot guarantee that I'll bring my baby boy for her to drool over. Kookie is still in high school and very awkward when meeting girls face-to-face. And, like you said, you guys are already celebrities. We need to be discreet."

You inhaled deeply like a weight had fallen from your shoulders. "Thank you. I feel very relieved right now. I'm with my friends at a restaurant right now. They will be concerned if I'm too long in the restroom."

Seokjin grinned, "Yeah, we need to get back to our dinners. I genuinely don't want to be here. Mia, I miss you. Can we meet during lunch tomorrow? I'll organize some of your favourite dishes—please."

You chuckled softly, "Only for lunch?" You coyly tried to seduce him with your tone.

Seokjin's breath hitched audibly, and you started to giggle. "Did I say something terrible?"

Seokjin laughed breathily, "Gosh, Mia, how do you get it right to make me lose my train of thought like that? Now, I will have a goofy smile the whole time, thinking about you in my arms. Gosh, why did you do that now? You're a little seductress."

You giggled as you both said your goodbyes.

You sighed deeply as you quickly got into a cubicle and freshened up. Just as you were about to come out, Sabine and Alia rushed into the restroom.

They looked relieved when they saw you drying your hands.

"Oh my gosh, I thought aliens abducted you," Alia looked flustered.

Sabine grinned. "Gosh, are you okay? You look a little pale." her eyes scan your face with concern.

You smirked and said with a nervous laugh, "Er yeah... I had a little tummy ache... I guess I had too much food today. Are we done?"

Alia gave you a back hug. "I'm sorry. I forgot you were still ill, and I almost forced you to come with us." She looked at you in the mirror's reflection, and Sabine went into a cubicle.

"It's okay... I'm a little tired, and I have a slight headache. It would be great if we could call it a night. But don't fret; being with the girls was so lovely." You smile at her softly.

When you returned to the table, Daphne had already paid the bills and called the Ubers.

You sighed with relief as you and Alia's Uber arrived first. You waved at your friends and got into the vehicle, still reeling from the coming confession about your soulmate status.

You needed all the courage to face Alia's wrath.

a/n: There you have it Jin-stans.  Samiya is about to come clean.

Thank you for all the reads, votes and comments. I genuinely appreciate your support. Please don't forget to vote if you like the chapter. 

Shout out to ArmyLovesPurple  MarieKarlsson3  lolapolousa01 himffic Hooky99

1. What are your thoughts on this chapter?

2. Do you think Alia will be furious ?

3. Is it wise to let Alia meet Seokjin?

4. Do you think Alia must confront Noodle again?

5. Will Noodle let Seokjin go now that she knows he is seeing someone else secretly?