Recap

You almost choke in your saliva when you saw the caller ID.

...Lisa, Jungkooks now ex-girlfriend.

......

Your eyes were tired as you surveyed the number, contemplating whether to answer it or not. Your heart sank as you wondered how you would explain yourself to Jungkook's alleged former girlfriend.

"Seriously!" you mumble, angry, "What did I do in my previous life to be this famous right now.Don't these idols have sleep schedules? Gosh!"

Three celebrity calls in one day are enough for you.You groaned heavily as you hit the response button.

"Hello, Daya speaking ,"  You politely answer, already knowing who the caller was. She calls you by the name of Zen just like Jungkook.

The slow breathing on the other side made you think Lisa wasn't ready to confront you or she was a little intimidated to talk to you.

"Hello, Zendaya. Is Lisa," she exhaled.

You breathed deeply." Oh, I see...hey Lisa. What's up girl? "

Lisa's voice appeared rushed, and she replied, "I'm sorry for just calling you Zen. I understand you've faced a lot of online scrutiny as a result of our actions. I'm very sorry, Zen. Kookie and I were reckless, and I'd want to apologise for putting you together with us. "

You let off some breath," Man, you and Kookie were obviously too careless. You seemed to want to get caught by your paparazzi. Why didn't you pick a really low key spot  away from the media's radar? They kept trailing you for months---" You could feel your frustration bubbling inside you again.

Lisa was struggling to protect herself, and she began to cry at the other side," Zen I sincerely apologise. His agency forced him to split up and apologise to the fans for dating me. I didn't have it any easier. As a result, our fan base is divided. I'm getting a lot of hate right now, and I don't know what to do. The toxic-BP fans even sent trucks to our agency, demanding that I be removed from the group. It's quite difficult here---"

You felt your irritations go away as you heard her anguish. You've heard about the scandal culture and how k-idol received a lot of unfair criticism even for dating. When did it become illegal? Nobody has the right to interfere with celebrities personal lives.

You've received enough of scrutiny about the men you've dated. Jacob, Nial, and Jimmy. Your break up misery was documented in multiple tabloids, and you were the focus of numerous debates on entertainment networks.

You wanted to retire from the public spotlight forever. You're not sure whether you would be alive today if it hadn't been for your devoted support system. You may relate to Lisa. You genuinely do, but she and Kookie brought up an unnecessary pack of worms.

Your past mistakes dating history, career, and brief affair with BTS's maknae are now all public knowledge. That is what frustrates you, and your February Busan travel schedule has been exposed.

You let out a long sigh. "Man, Lisa, I am sorry about you and Jungkook. Whatever you two have going on, it is none of my business. But I hate that you were caught up in all of this and dragged me into this drama. To be clear, Jungkook and I are just friends. We've known each other since we were kids, and while we care and respect one other, that's all."

Lisa seems dismayed. "Zen, I know Kookie still loves me, but he was forced to break up. He is still not over us, and I am confident that after the dust settles, he will return to me. Zen, I love him, and he loves me."

Your heart began to drop as the anguish intensified. Hearing Lisa's confession about their love for each other left you feeling oddly melancholy and...hurt.

You don't understand why the sheer fact of their making up makes you feel this way. You already know you love him, and after your 'night under the stars', your feelings have soared to new heights. Lisa makes you feel small and envious even if you are a more successful star due to your years in the entertainment industry.

Why are you annoyed by their relationship? It's not because Kookie withheld information about his feelings for the Blackpink girl. He told you numerous times that he likes Lisa too. You and Lisa are becoming friends, and you really like the girl, but with Kookie in the middle it became more complicated.

You inhale lightly." Lisa, I am sorry. What exactly do you want me to do? Talk about getting back together with you. Lisa, I cannot become involved in his personal life . Jungkook is currently a free agent, as you are aware. He has a soul mark, whether we like it or not. Someone is somewhere waiting for him. He is not even yours,  just accept it."

Lisa huffed from the opposite side. But she has to acknowledge that Jungkook is destined for someone else, and his possessive personality will never allow him to walk away from his true love. Even Lisa, Asia's most beautiful girl, is not immune. You've previously tried to accept that one of these days, Kookie will reveal it to the world.

Lisa sounded firm and determined, "I'm sorry Zen, but I'm not giving up on him.He does love me. He will reject his mate for me because desires a future with me, Zen. Why can't the media see it? "

You bit your lip because you didn't want to start an argument. You can't reason with Lisa now, since she seems to be the obsessive one in their relationship. All you know is that  Kookie will never leave his sweetheart for any of you. Lisa is now a Tarnished, although she will always harbour love affections for Kookie. You, on the other hand, have been soulmarked. Hopefully, you'll meet your soulmate with a redgold string that will remove any lingering feelings of previous love.

You attempted to get through to her by speaking with a gentle tone," Lisa- girl. I understand your feelings, but reasoning in this manner will not help you. You will just get hurt because it's foolish thinking like this. Your agencies have rules that you must comply with. It is different for us. We can date out in the open in the US without losing fans or celebrity, but your k-pop society is quite different ball game and complicated. Just allow yourself some time to bounce back from all of this mess".

Lisa groaned, "You're right, Zen. I'm a complete moron in love. But do you realise how attractive he is and how many annoying females want him so desperately? Even Nancy, his high school ex-girlfriend, can't quit texting him. She is a desperate fool still thinking that he is into her, and I don't want them to connect. Zen can I ask you a personal question?"

Apprehension gripped you as you hoped it wasn't about you and Kookie's past.

You cleared your throat and replied, "Shoot-"

There was a moment of doubt on her part, as you could hear her inhale deeply, "Do...do you still like Kookie?"

Your eyes widen, and with a firm voice, you declare, "Lisa, I like him since he's my good friend, but as you know, we do have some type of past, but we were kids, Lisa. We are grownups, and we have both moved on from the puppy love phase. I'm dating Jimmy, a football quarterback, until I find my true love." 

She seemed relieved, saying, "Oh, I know...he's so handsome. You seem to be delighted with him in all the  newspapers. So,  both you and Kookie must still find your mates---"

You could sense a subtle element of fear in her delicate tone, "---what if you two meet personally...do you think you could be---"

You immediately interrupt her, avoiding giving in to wishful thinking: "--- no... no, Lisa, stop torturing yourself like this. My soulmark isn't acting up around Kookie, which you'd think we'd noticed by now. Kookie indicated that he enjoys a range of ladies, so the system might take his preferences into consideration. You'll be astonished, and he may meet her like RM at a concert in any location or country."

Lisa sounded sorrowful."I'm so scared to lose him forever."

You said quietly, "That is an awful fact that you must accept and live with.  No wonder there is a reason why you can't date a soulmark person. Did you get a moral summons?"

Lisa was silent for a moment before responding gently, "Yes, we were undetected because we did not trigger the intimacy bond, but because it became public knowledge, I had to pop up at least $250,000 in your currency.He paid half of the fee since as a Tarnished, I violated the system laws," You furrowed your brow, still pondering how you got away with activating the intimacy ritual and not receiving a moral summons.

You were both fortunate in that you had not yet received your soulmark and left no trace. You sighed, relieved. Even if your soulmate finds you, your name is morally clear in the system even if your soulmate happens to search you up. Nothing of your soulmarkless past will be revealed.

You felt sad for Lisa, but she was aware of the risks associated with dating Jungkook. You are in the same situation, but Jimmy is not Tarnished, and you did not initiate any ritual, thus you are safe.

Lisa said with gratitute, "Zen, thank you for listening. If you arrive next month, we can meet for the scheduled coffee date. We can meet in Busan, and if my schedule allows, I could spend a few days there. How's that?"

You closed your eyes for a second. Gosh! Your schedule fills up without you doing anything. How in the world will you meet Jungkook in Busan with Lisa nearby and  with eagle-eyed Jimmy following you? This is getting more complicated right now.

You'll both schedule a meeting when you get to your hotel," I'll give you further details when I've settled in."

After a while you hang up. The conversation left you strangely affected. Talking to Lisa brought more pressure to your life. She is such a beautiful and highy successful girl but so insecure when it comes to Jungkook.

You shook your head and strolled to your bedroom. You not even hungry...

.....

You and your family had a good time at the New Year's celebration in Times Square. You spent the first few weeks of January with your twin stepsisters before they returned to their boarding school in Scotland.

You had some lunch alone with your step-mom whom you really got to like more. She wasn't malicious and she even embraced your time with your dad. She even had a lunch date with your mom which surprising plenty of people.

Jungkook texts you once or twice a week, and you haven't told him about you and Lisa's growing friendship since it would be weird. She text you also and informed you about her upcoming performances, even sent you some videos of their new songs, asking for your support.

She was even telling you about her girl group that might visit the USA for more promotions. Lisa truly wants to be friends with you and sometimes you wonder if you are actually a threat based on your connection with BTS.

You became extremely busy preparing for your visit to Busan. Your stylist and managers were on the clock, getting everything ready, all your travel arrangements ready. 

You merely texted Jimmy since he was also very busy with football training in Las Vegas. You hope he'd just decide not to join you to Busan. But he previously informed you that your management had given him all of your flight details, and he had purchased a ticket for the same flight. 

The relationship appears to place extra strain on you. You wish you could just end it, but you can only do so once you find your soulmate. Jimmy seemed to be thrilled since you still have plenty of time to meet your other half, and he believes he still has a chance to win your heart. Jimmy is completely unaware that you are already in love with another guy.

The model squad also met once a week, as everyone seemed to be busier than normal. You had lunch with your new squad member, Kaia Gerber, with whom you seem to get along fairly well. She loved the fact that you have a past with her new obsession, BTS. She wanted to know everything about the boys. Kendell and Bella sent her lots of online videos. 

Your squad was really supportive of you, especially amid the internet crisis with online haters, BTS ARMY, Blinks, and your Z-swagger. Your agency scheduled a televised interview for you on the popular Jimmy Fallon talk show at the end of January, just before your two-week working getaway to Busan.

You were relaxed during your chat on the show, and Jimmy was a very lively, engaging, and enjoyable host who was always looking for ways to entertain his audience.

He questioned you about your most recent endeavor, your role in Tom Holland's Spiderman movie. The audience was ecstatic when Jimmy asked you about working with the actor, and you told him about the great atmosphere on set, the friendly casts, and how strange it felt to be back on the acting side after putting your acting career on hold. You haven't been acting full-time after your child acting gigs with your Aussie best friend.

Jimmy even inquired about your being awarded Top Fashion Icon of Your Generation. It was amazing that he celebrated you on your gorgeous and distinctive red carpet style.

He even asks you directly about online frenzy around you and Jungkook with Lisa of Blackpink. It was eye-opening to put the rumors to rest. You told him about how you met the young maknae, your childhood connection, and how wonderful it was to see each other after so many years. You even told him about how difficult it was to obtain tickets to their NYC concert.

You were fairly pleasant since you knew the audience was watching every expression on your face as you talked about your relationships. You simply laugh it off and tell them you're great friends with Jungkook and Jimin, and, surprise, you and Lisa are now pals thanks to your Bulgari ambassador status.

Jimmy was charming and did not make outlandish statements to embarrassed you. You discussed your Korean model project and your future endeavours in producing music. You even told him you were a part of the production team and had credits on an album at your father's record company, Rhimes Records, which features top rapper Park Jia.

The interview end with you doing a cute game challenge.

.....

A week later, you were en route to South Korea. It was your second time shooting a commercial in South Korea. You're shooting a Louis Vuitton x Capucine handbag commercial for both television and print.

Some of the magazines with exclusive publishing rights to the photographs include Allure Korea and Korea Dazed. As the House Ambassador for LV, you felt quite fortunate. Your agency is also involved in an upcoming ambassadorship for you with the Lancome cosmetics company.

Your personal stylist, Law will be there, but not throughout the shoot. He'll just style you for the interviews. You and Law had fantastic chemistry, and he always made you look amazing on the red carpet. But he also had a lot to say about your street fashion. You love to banter and bicker over silly fashion items. 

Your manager and your mom informed you that the shoot will be done at a huge mansion on the beach in Busan. You can't wait to visit the beach area. At least it will be a little warmer. You are even booked in a five-star hotel near the mansion.

Your management booked first-class tickets. You and Jimmy were walking together at the airport with your entourage tailing you. Two massive bodyguards were flanking you and Jimmy. 

Paparazzi were snapping pictures, and your management allowed you and Jimmy to sign autographs for football fans and Z-Swaggers. Your fans were chanting your name and yelling how much they loved you.You didn't understand why you were so excited. It seemed as if something magnificent awaited you.

Your mother mentioned that the shoot could just take two days, and you'll have some days off to conduct magazine interviews. You were grateful to your mother for ensuring you received adequate rest.

The second week will be a small vacation, and you can't wait to see Lisa and, if Kookie is still in Seoul, possibly meet him.  You sure he just wants to see if the two of you won't bond? 

Jimmy was securely grasping your hand, ensuring that the male admirers knew you were his. You simply shook your head at his antics. Even if you were little frustrated, you enjoyed spending time with him.

Jimmy smirks as you are led to the first-class lounge, "Do you feel hungry, Daya?" His eyes beamed joyously into your honey-brown ones.

You nodded softly, "A little, but I'll just see what's on offer from the Korean Air lounge."

Jimmy grinned, giving you a mischievous side eye. "You seem very excited for this trip."

You snort a bit and nudge his side, "I'm always honored and thankful for the opportunity to model. My crew is among the most hardworking and I love going to exotic places with my mom."

Jimmy grinned and embraced you in an affectionate side hug, "I just love your passion, Daya... I love you," he whispered softly into your ear.

You nod gently, unable to respond. You know Jimmy wants you to express your feelings, but you can't pretend you love him. You like him a lot because he treats you well and respects your boundaries.

When you entered the lounge, your mother quickly took a seat near the large windows. You and Jimmy proceed to the food buffet section, where a variety of foods are exhibited.

You just sampled a little bucket of Korean kimchi, while Jimmy prepared himself some hot foods and a Korean drink.

When it was time to board, you and your colleagues were led through the first-class terminal. You felt your emotions intensify, which baffled you at the time. Jimmy seemed to be really relaxed just being at your side.

You know the photographs of your JFK airport departure will be all over the media outlets by midnight. You let out a long breath, reflecting on how your renowned status had cost you some of your solitude.

As you sat next to Jimmy, you noticed him conversing with the professional and effective Korean attendant. Her eyes widen when she notices you, as if she recognizes the face linked with one of Korea's national treasure.

You just smiled politely when she explained to you that dinner will be served shortly and offered you some warm nuts and a gin and tonic. You quickly declined because you'll love to drink something with your dinner.

Your mom was seated next to Law. They were talking excitedly about this shoot that will take place in two days, giving you a day's rest from jetlag.

You and Jimmy were enjoying your starter of lobster with arugula lettuce, which was very tasty, served with warm bread rolls in a basket.

You both chose the same main meal, noodles with beef and red wine. You saw your mom order black sesame seed noodle soup with small, interesting side veggie stir-fry dishes. For dessert you just opt for fresh fruit.

Jimmy looked very exhausted due to the heavy training he underwent a few days ago. 

You look at him softly. "I won't mind if you pull up your partition if you want to sleep without distractions. You do look very tired, Jimmy."

You caressed his muscled arm as he looked at your caring face. The love in his eyes made you feel guilty because you know your soulmate might be near because of the subtle aching in your neck.

"Will you be okay with it, darling?" He looked at you as you smiled gently, stroking his rough cheek. He holds your hand on his cheeks with a faint smile on his lips. 

"I'm okay; I might just read or watch some Korean shows or some movies." You gestured to your entertainment system.

Jimmy lay backwards as the partition rolled up, hiding him from view. You smirk as you took out your phone and texted all your friends on the squad chat group. Kendall was super excited and asked you to send pics of Busan and all the food you've eaten. Kylie even asked about Jimmy, the hound dog. You just giggle at that name. Bella and Gigi weren't online yet. 

The flight attendant came and checked on you. She was shocked when you smirked and quietly spoke in Korean. Her eyes widen at your language skill. When you spoke to her in front of Jimmy, you kept it in English.

She was super friendly and even gestured to her colleagues that you were a very friendly American model who can converse in their native tongue. They even politely asked in a discreet manner for an autograph, and when their supervisor was out of sight, you quickly took a selfie with both of the young flight attendants. They even offered you Korean magazines, which you didn't mind reading. 

One of them asked you if you know any K-pop idols, and when you said you're a fan of BTS, Twice, and Blackpink, they couldn't help but squeal. You had a great time meeting the two girls, who both helped you to set up your sky bed.

You saw your mom already in dreamland. Law was reading a book with deep concentration. You already refreshed for bed and put on your complimentary Pj's and slippers. You slid inside your bed, covering yourself with a soft blanket. 

In the peace and quiet of your cubicle, you scanned the magazine and were shocked to discover an article about BTS attending the Grammy Awards, where they were also presenters in the R&B category.

When you saw Jungkook's picture, it was impossible not to feel your heart race. The unexpected effect he had on you was unsettling, maybe due to the talk you had with Lisa a few weeks earlier.

Jungkook and his bandmates look stunning in their black attire. You smirk as you see Taehyung's turquoise hair and Jimin's pink hair. These guys take genuine risks with their appearance. RM's specs make him appear like a CEO; how hot can they be?

When your gaze wandered across Jungkook's face, a stinging pain was felt on your neck area. The burning began gently before progressing to burning frostbite sensation.

It was awful, and all you could do was lock your eyes tight and massage your neck frantically. With a painful grimace on your face, you hastily reach for your little carry bag and some ice plasters.

You immediately felt comfort after attaching one to the affected spot. That was severe as you realized, with amazement and a little delight, that you are destined for the red-gold string.

If you are lucky enough to find your soulmate, you may be assured that your bond will forever remove all of your smothering feelings for Jeon Jungkook.

A/N: Daya is on her way to destiny.

Thank you to all the voters and commenters. Your support is much appreciated.

I hope you all had a very blessed New Year. May 2025 be a fruitful and prosperous new year.

1. Do you think Daya and Lisa can truly be friends?

2. Will Jimmy be a stumbling block in Busan?

3. Do you think it is wise to meet up with Lisa?

4. Why do you think Daya is so oblivious to her soulmark acting out near Jungkook ' images?

5. Why is Daya hiding her Korean proficiency for Jimmy?

Enjoy some Jk-love⭐️😏