Early the next morning, Seokjin called you just after you just finished your morning routine. Your heart thumped erratically every time you heard your soulmate's voice.

Seokjin sounded cheerily, "Hey, gorgeous. Gosh, I missed you so much. I'm writing tomorrow for my last subject, so I have time this afternoon to come and meet Alia. I got her a present from Kookie, and don't cook, okay? I'm bringing dinner for both of you. I love you."

You chuckle softly, "You're too nice. I love you too, baby."

Seokjin chuckles, "I'm not too sweet, just making a smart move. I believe it's time for us to get Alia on our side. The luncheon is this weekend."

You sighed deeply. "I'm dreading this coming weekend. Next week I'll be all alone at uni and you'll be touring. My brother Sunju and that loser are coming on Friday. When will you go to Seoul?"

"On Friday evening, but how in the world will I sit there without being with you? I'm going to die of longing." Seokjin whined.

"Don't worry. We need to stay discreet. We cannot let Noodle and Vidhan become suspicious. It will mess up everything." You told him with a concerned voice.

Seokjin chuckles, "I have a plan..."

🕌🕌🕌🕌

You and your best friends decided to eat with Shruti in the lecturer's cafeteria at university the next day. They already completed all their modules and tests. Today was the last day to complete another module of Korean Etiquette...a practical class.

You were paired up with Daphne, and they had a lot of laughs in the class. Alia was with another Japanese girl, who was so relieved to be with the overconfident Alia.

It was already a day later. Seokjin only has one module of Film Theory to write, and then he will be done with his physical graduate studies at Konkuk. He was in his private library office studying. The two of you stayed in contact during the day. You just want him to be calm, and you send happy emotions to him so that he can feel secure.

You love your soulmate so much and wish Fate could intervene so that you could be together, but with their relentless family, they won't even see happiness if it can't be helped.

When the group entered, they chose the Korean dishes.

Shruti laughs smugly as she smirks and shows them the platinum card, "Today we can eat a lot of the local menu. It's 50% off for the lecturers. My soulmate made sure I have one of his secondary cards. So girls, I hope you're hungry lions today."

Daphne's eyes widen, "Oh my goodness! That is so cool. Can we eat Tteokbokki?"

Shruti smiled happily, "Anything. Let's sit nearer to the Korean restaurant booth."

Mia and the rest got themselves seats. Sabine and Shruti were running before them to the Korean buffet. Shruti paid, and they were all helping themselves to all the assorted banchan, Korean fried chicken and dips, grilled pork belly, kimchi stew, potato noodles, and spicy ramyeon. They each took a cold Chilsung soda drink. And walk chatting to their seats.

There was a lot of laughing, dishes clattering, and the aroma of kimchi stew and tteokbokki in the air. You, Alia, Shruti, Daphne, and Sabine had just gotten comfortable with your food when the mood shifted all of a sudden.

At the side door, Noodle and her ever-loyal laptop were entering. They look very stunning in designer denim jeans, cute floral flower tops, and designer sandals. Their hair was loose on their shoulders with impeccable makeup. Around them was an aura of affluence and confidence.

You just sighed, knowing that one day you have to accept that Noodle might become your soulmate's wife, and that thought upset you so much that you just started picking on your chicken wing.

Noodle and her closest friend, Joy, were glaring at them from across the room, like two angry peacocks. They've decided to eat burgers, and their eyes were just on their table.

"Why are they looking like that?" Daphne murmured as she stabbed her rice with her chopsticks.

"Because they're allergic to peace," Shruti replied dryly, barely even looking up from her phone. She was texting her soulmate about a date in the evening.

The food was succulent, and they were chatting about everything from K-pop news to campus news. Then they saw a movement at Noodles' table.

Joy stood up, flipping her glossy, dark brown hair over her shoulder, and walked over in your direction, her hips swaying seductively with a confident smugness. Her glossy red lips were in a fake smile. "Well, well."

The atmosphere at the table already shifts as all of you look warily at her smug pose in front of Alia, who looks up from her food with an unbothered look.

She tapped the yellow envelope against Alia's plate and then laid it down in a dramatic way, "How's the scholarship squad doing today?" she asked with a sneer. "Special delivery for Ms. Alia," she said, her voice dripping with fake politeness.

You raised one eyebrow, "What is that supposed to be?"

Joy smiled and pouted, "Just... university business." She turned around and headed back to Noodle, who was smiling with inner pride. You wondered why she didn't confront Alia on her own but sent her loyal lap poodle.

Alia placed her chopsticks down with a deep frown and opened the letter with hands that trembled a little. She opened her eyes wide as she read, "Oh no...what the hell?"

"What?" Daphne asked, flabbergasted at Alia's incredulous expression.

"What went wrong?" Sabine asked, leaning in.

Alia's voice shook as she read aloud, "Your application for the MBA program is on hold for now because of unforeseen matters on your application....This...this is crazy!" You all looked shocked. Your applications were done weeks ago; only Daphne will not study further because her company sent her for language and culture classes for the three months.

The table became quiet. The sound of chopsticks clinking around became soundless.

"What?" Shruti blew up and almost choked on her dumpling.

"That's crazy!" You uttered, strangled, "You sent in everything! You even got an email confirming your placement for next year's program. Why now?" Your eyes shift to the two culprits and you

Alia said, "I did," then went into panic mode, "Weeks ago, my papers were approved!"

Daphne's jaw clenched, "You know exactly who did this. That sneaky serpent." They all turned and looked at the two smug girls, who mockingly lifted their drinks in a mock toast.

Shruti said, "Her name starts with Noodle and ends with pure evil. I hate that girl; I don't know what Seokjin saw in that python."

You just rubbed Ali's hand because you knew it was all because of you, "I'm sorry, Ali," you softly whispered.

Alia shook her head, concern still etched on her flawless face, "It's okay, Samiya, I'll handle it. I think it's because of my so-called involvement with her dear 'boyfriend.'

Sabine made a stinky face, "She must have used her connections. Her dad is on the academic board, right?"

Alia sat down, and her eyes were misty, "Why is she doing this to me? Gosh, just because she thinks I have a thing with the superstar...but going so far because of jealousy?"

You stretched out and held Alias's hand, "Because she's bored and insecure. Don't worry; we'll take care of things."

Your cryptic answer is wholly understood. Alia knew you were going to talk to your soulmate.

Shruti hit the table with her hand, "We should tell someone about this! This is harassment...against foreigners."

Daphne let out a deep sigh and leaned back, "You can't fight someone who lives in her father's shadow.... She'll throw a fit, and the university will probably give her another award for being a snake."

"Don't say that," You remarked in a calm voice. "There's always a way."

Shruti looked mad, "Alia, come with me... I'm going to ask my soulmate about this. Maybe he could talk to the registrar, and we can sort it out today."

Alia stood up, sighing deeply as she looked at the far table, who were now laughing as if they hadn't caused a little storm. She looked at you. "Sami, please don't worry, okay? I'll sort this out. Just keep your emotions in check. We have the two periods off, so I'll see you. Just wait for me at the library or the front stairs. I don't know how long this nonsense will take."

She and Shruti quickly greeted and left through the side doors towards the foreign administration office.

You just nodded and took out your phone and hastily typed a message to Seokjin: "Sweety, Noodle is trying to stop Alia from signing up for her MBA...she's busy threatening Alia, and this is becoming way too personal."

His answer came up in a matter of seconds: "Oh, baby! No wonder I felt your conflicted emotions. Come to my office. You need a break, anyway. I'll order your favorite bubble tea and sushi."

You let out a deep breath as you typed back. "I'm sorry if I distracted your studies; we're all so shocked at Noodles's pettiness." Your soulmate was adamant for you to spend time with him, especially when he found out you're having the rest of the day free after your practical test.

The girls were discussing Noodles' threat.

Daphne looked more mad, "I'm too upset now...luckily we're free. I'm going to my dorm now."

Sabine nodde, "Sami, will you be okay in the library? I'm going to go to the dorm and do laundry."

You smile as you all stand up, "I'm going to wait for Alia in the library." You all grab your bags and clear up your table with all the containers and throw it out at the nearest trashcan. You all don't look at the smug looks of Joy and Noodle, and

Finally, the tension broke, and everyone walked up chatting. But inside, your heart was full of quiet determination. Not this time, you aren't going to let Noodle ruin your best friend's future.

🕌🕌🕌🕌

At Seokjin’s Office

When you arrived discreetly at the small office, Seokjin, who immediately sensed your presence, opened the door, and when he saw your misty eyes, he swiftly pulled you against his chest, holding you tightly. You could feel the weight of the weeks' stress disappear and roll off your shoulders.

"Oh Jinnie, things are getting so complicated... Alia's registration is in jeopardy because of me." You cried against his chest.

Seokjin gently stroked your curly hair as he leaned gently on your head, “Hey, no crying. I'm here, and we'll work something out. She won't lose her placement. Noodle is just petty."

You look up at him with teary eyes, "She's protecting me. You should've seen her face. She tried to be strong, but I could see the devastation, and it's all my fault, Jinie."

"Baby, I know you're a bit upset. When your emotions tapped into mine, I couldn't concentrate. I was so concerned about your well-being. Mia I'm so sorry for all the stress this Noodle engagement has caused you. Remember, I love you only. You're mine."

He picked her up and made her sit on his desk, brushing a strand of hair off her face. Her eyes locked into his as he planted a soft kiss on her lips.

"You're here now; let's energize our bond and just forget about everything for a while... I got you some strawberry bubble tea and a big slab of chocolate for you. To remind you how sweet you are."

You giggle as he starts to kiss your neck fold; you snake your arms around his broad shoulders and kiss him softly and slowly, which makes him breathless.

Seokjin looked dazed at the sweet seduction, and as he pulled you closer, his hand in your hair, kissing you deeply, you clung to him as if you were saying your final goodbye. Later on, Seokjin picked you up from his desk and laid you on his sofa, kissing you senseless.

You don't know how long you've been making out. You just couldn't get enough of your soulmate; the invigorating was on a higher level because you could feel highly energized.

A few moments later, you were just relaxing and snuggled up in each other's arms. Seokjin handed you the bubble tea, and you love the sweet taste in your mouth. You told him about your brother coming and your 'fiancé.' Seokjin does like the sound of it, because he knows this weekend will be trying for her, seeing him with Noodle as his unofficial fiancé.

You informed him, “My brother Sanju’s going to talk to our parents about Vidhan. He’ll be in Seoul for the luncheon this weekend...part of the keynote speakers. He wants me to speak as Miss India about youth empowerment...but my head is so clouded.”

Seokjin: “Hmm, are you still thinking of saying no to the Legacy Club invitation?”

You nodded: “Jinnie. They want me to represent the youth as Miss India and give a speech on entrepreneurship. But I’m not sure…”

Seokjin: “Mia. Stand tall...you can do it. You spoke well at the World pageant a few months ago, and you came 2nd. Don’t let my messed-up family drama hold you back. You’re brilliant. Own it...show them what you're made of.”

You smile, "Thank you, baby. I feel much better."

His words felt like sunlight in your soul.

🕌🕌🕌🕌

When you and Alia got home an hour later, you couldn't wait to let Seokjin meet her in secret. She told you the registrar was looking into the matter, all your applications were valid, and even the forms were perfect.

Alia looked more calm now, but there was a hardness in her demeanor.

When you sat in the lounge relaxing, she told you that the history professor, Shruti's soulmate, spoke to the registration and told him to deal with the matter. She'll get her answer soon on Monday. He gave her new forms to fill in, which was quite an inconvenience because she has to reapply again. Luckily she still had time before the end of the semester.

You wish you could slap the daylights out of those two snakes.

As you sat with a glass of soda, Alia said with narrowed eyes and clenched lips, "That fake lash stick has another thing coming. She wants a fight; I'll give her the cold war. She messed with the wrong Indian. I'll give her something to cry about."

You looked wide-eyed at her, "What are you planning?"

Alia chuckles, "Don't worry, nothing deadly, but it will sting."

You looked a little wary at your friend; the glint in her eyes spelled trouble, "Just don't get yourself expelled."

Alia smirks, "Don't worry, you sit back and see the upcoming actress in full mode."

You both were clothed in loungewear. Your hair is up in a messy bun. You had a light tan loose top on and beige sweater pants that sat snugly on your form, your makeupwas natural, and your eyes were adorned with gold sleeper earrings. Alia got a cute light blue sweatpant on and a light blue short-sleeve tank top. Her hair is in a side plait.

You just chat about everything. Alia wanted to start cooking, but you told her you were not hungry due to the huge buffet you had at uni. She can eat ramyeon noodles later.

You talked about how scarce Sona was; she acted so strange the last two weeks. She was seldom at home, but you didn't want to pry into your neighbors' private affairs. Luckily you could see her car was repaired.

At 5pm, after you and Alia watched your favorite crime series, 'Agent Raghav,' on an Indian channel, there was a soft knock on your front door. You smirk because your soulmate sent a quick text telling you he was here.

"Who could that be?" Alia murmured.

You giggle as you tease, "Maybe it's that cult that wanted to reach out to you. They told you the end is at hand...Repent!" She dramatically states. As she stood up to go and open the door.

She will faint from shock when she sees who it is. Alia just chuckles as she slowly walks up to their private sliding door.

When Alia saw who it was through the keyhole, her eyes widened in shock. A guy was standing with a bu and sunglasses.

She looked back wide-eyed, "Did we order something online?. There's a guy outside."

You just smirk, "Yes... a special gift for you because you're such an awesome friend."

"Oh my gosh! Really. Is it that new blue and crystal Dior bag we saw online? That will be so awesome." She looked extra giddy as she opened the door.

You stood behind her, grinning from ear to ear.

She squealed loudly when she saw him...no way! When Seokjin lifts up his head. The shock in Alias's eyes was a sight to behold as she stumbled back in pure shock.

You were laughing amused at her nervous energy. You have to remind her that Seokjin was still standing with a big box, a soft smile on his lips. Alia was speechless as she met a bemused Jin at the door.

You shook your head and let your guest enter. Alia could die right there when Seokjin took you in his arms and kissed you tenderly on the lips.

She suddenly got her bearings back as she started squealing loudly, “Oh my goodness, you’re Seokjin! Like—actual, breathing Seokjin! Don’t mind me; I’m totally normal right now.” She was hyperventilating trying to be mature, but she was fangirling so much.

You giggle, "Breathe, Ali. And shush, Sona will think BTS moved in next door!”

Seokjin wore a cup and sportswear; he looked so hot in his black Fila wear. Alia was speechless to actually see the star at her house and so up close. Not in magazines, not far away at uni or concerts. He was right in front of her. In all his superstar glory. He was so tall with wide shoulders. He was hot!

You just shook your head at Alias's antics, took the box and placed it on the dinner table, and turned to face a starstruck friend.

"Seokjin, please meet my best friend, Alia Bhatt... Ali met my soulmate, Seokjin, and you know him as BTS's Jin." You dramatically introduce him with pride.

Seokjin smiled brightly as he bowed towards Alia, who still stood with her hand on her mouth. Still in disbelief.

Ali inhaled deeply, "Omg...omg...this is so surreal. Seokjin and Mia...I'm dreaming."

You just laugh at her silliness, "Seriously, Alia!"

Alia looked incredulously at you, "You won't understand...you don't have ARMY blood. Welcome, Seokjin, to our humble abode." She couldn't believe she was actually meeting Seokjin.

You and Seokjin just smile as he bows, "Thank you, Alia...it is so good to finally meet my girls' best friend. She talks a lot about you."

Alia giggles and gives you a side-eye, "I hope only good things, or I'll have to kill her."

They all burst out laughing as they move to the lounge area.

Alia was super giddy.

Seokjin grinned. "Thank you for being there for Mia. I know Noodke was giving you guys a hard time.

Alia smirks, "Ooh , its Mia now. I'll do anything for my Samiya." You just rolled your eyes. Seokjin called you that after he saw your name on your notebook.

Seokjin smiled genuinely, almost making Alia faint. You could just sit there in Jin's arms, amused at your friend's shyness.

Seokjin smiles. "For your help in keeping Noodle off my girls' backs, I've brought you a gift. I hope you like it."

Alias's eyes widen. "Oh wow! A gift from a Bangtan; I'm so blessed."

You look at her tenderly. 'Seokjin and I wanted to thank you for distracting the attention away from us. I'm eternally grateful."

Seoking smirked. "I heard you have my little maknae as a bias, so...I've asked him to personally autograph you some of his personalized merch."

Alia was screaming in delight; she jumped up. "You mean…Jungkook...Jk?"

Seokjin nodded. "And he let you have his black designer hoodie, which was his favorite. It still has his essence...you can wash it if you like."

Seokjin jumped up and brought the box in front of her.

Alia snorts, "What!..wash Kookies essence off? I must be crazy!"

You helped open the box, and every item made her scream in delight. Just then the doorbell rang again. It was their dinner: chicken burgers and chips, with salads and sodas from Mama's Touch. Alia was gobsmacked. While Alia offered to prepare the table, you and Seokjin sat and cuddled in each other's arms, so pleased that Alia handled herself 'normally.'

The three of them shared dinner around the dinner table, and Alia could barely focus—she just kept asking about BTS’s next album, their tour schedule, and ARMY gossip. And Seokjin told her little inside stories about Bangtan. They all laughed and had a great time with Seokjin, who was funny and sassy as always. He even let Alia take a few pics with him.

Seokjin was playfully teasing Alia, “You’re worse than Jungkook when he found out about limited edition ramen.”

Alia grinned. "That's my baby...gosh, he is so cute. Those big doe eyes make my knees so lame."

You could see the heart eyes shining. Seokjin starts chuckling. He can imagine how the hyungs would tease little Kookie.

You giggle, "Seriously, Alia...Kookie is underage...a minor, Alia."

Alia pulls a face. "Well, he's a muscled bunny. It's not our fault that his hyungs raised him as Mr. Sexy."

Seokjin laughed that windshield laughter, "Oh my, Alia, Kookie is so shy...but give him time to adjust."

Alia smirks. "Does he have a girlfriend?"

Seokjin chuckled, "Hmm...maybe or maybe not." He gave her a cute smirk. You just shook your head for your friends' adorable inquisitiveness.

Alia whined, "Just tell me...I won't tell anyone, please." She pouts cutely.

You gave Alia a look as Seokjin gave her an amused look.

Seokjin smiles, "Well, he likes someone at school, but we're not sure if they're dating. Kookie is a little closed book."

You nudge her shoulde, "Don't go tell the girls about what Jin told you. Most newspapers don't even know those random facts you get for free."

"Don't worry, my lips are sealed, " She made a zipper sound, wiggling her brows.

Soon, the mood grew softer. Alia and Seokjin talked about arranged marriages and family pressure. You and Seokjin asked Alia to still cover for you at the luncheon weekend. Alia was all for that; luckily, Vidhan will also be a distraction from you dating Seokjin. She will make sure everyone knows Seokjin is there with her. They discussed strategies and how to see each other discreetly.

Alia smiled at Jin. “You should fight for Sami. She’s worth it. We can't let our family pressure us into unwanted marriage.”

You sighed deeply, still holding Seokjin's hand. "I don't know what I'll do if I lose my soulmate, and marrying Vidhan is not an option. I can't stand that narcissist."

Seokjin smiling genuinely, “We will conquer Mia. I already started, but my Appa is a nightmare. He is one metalhead that doesn't seem to understand the system."

At 7pm Alia wink at you and excuse herself to her room upstairs.

Alia gave them space to enjoy each other's presence. She had to redo all her application from the start, but luckily the registrar gave her time to resubmit it. They couldn't find her undergraduate degree or her credits from the fashion academy, so now she needed to prepare her forms again. What a hassle! At least the professor, Shruti's soulmate, pleaded for her and asked the registrar to extend the due dates, especially for her.

You dimmed the lights in the lounge while cuddling with Seokjin, who had his arm wrapped around your torso and was caressing your hair. You were lying flat on the sofa seat. Alia knows your need to be alone with the idol. She took her merch upstairs to go and fangirl again in the privacy of her room.

"I like her...she's a true friend!" Seokjin whispered in your ear.

You chuckle softly. "She is...we met at school, and we have been inseparable for years. When I won Miss India last year. She gave up a year of her studies to support me during my reign. She moved with me into the official Miss India penthouse in Mumbai. She is a true ARMY."

Seokjin grinned. "Well, I'm forever grateful to her; she brought you to me." And with that said, he tenderly lifted up your chin as your eyes locked into each other's; your love and affection couldn't be doubted as he leaned down and kissed you with all the pent-up passion. Your arms snake around his shoulders, and you don't hold back but kiss him with more fervor. It was as if you knew that it could be the last time you could be together.

Seokjin left at almost 8pm.Seokjin promised you to see you the next day for the last time, as he's almost done with his last subject. He'll write his last subject early tomorrow.

🕌🕌🕌🕌

The next day,

Seokjin’s exams ended, and he could finally graduate early. He told Mia he had secretly redone his Invirso binding, a procedure that connected soulmates, and offered to have his trusted specialist do hers too.

The next morning, you decided to stay home because you were done with all your tests, while Alia was at uni fixing her registration issues.

Seokjin called Noodle and confronted her about her underhand tactics. She told him she's a woman with a mission, and she won't let any girl who's not his soulmate steal him away. If he wants to see Alia happy and content in South Korea, he will break up with the Indian girl, or she'll target all of Alia's friends. Especially Miss India.

Seokjin was speechless at Noodles' pettiness. He couldn't fathom why she was so jealous, and he's not even her soulmate. Her soulmate wants nothing to do with her or her family.

Seokjin arrived at Mia’s apartment with the specialist. The procedure was discreet, quick, and private. No questions asked. Seokjin paid discreetly for the procedure.

When it was done, Seokjin held your hand when it became a little too uncomfortable. But luckily you have small soup marks on two fingers.

Seokjin chuckled softly, “Now no one will ever know we met our mates. But I will...you will constantly be in my heart and mind."

You spent the rest of the midmorning quietly together, just the two of you, having some kind of secret intimacy to invigorate your bond for the coming weeks.

Seokjin had to return home by 12 noon; his parents want him to prepare for the luncheon weekend that will be in Seoul. This weekend he already worked on his mentality.

He just wishes he was done and back on tour, but being away from Mia for the first time will be tough. He needs extra courage to come clean, but right now secrecy is the best.

Jungkook had only one subject left before graduation, so then the band was finally getting some rest from academics.

🕌🕌🕌🕌

A/n: At last another soulmate update in the Fate series.

Thank you so must for all your support thus far.

1.What was you favourite scene?

2.Who is your favourite character in this chapter?

3. Who do you think was the scene stealer?

4. Do you think Noodle will win getting Mia away from Seokjin?

5. Do you think Seokjin can stall the engagement?

6.  If you were in Mias shoes, what would you have done?

7. What do you think can happened?

Some sweet candy floss🌸