You inhaled deeply at the backseat of Jungkooks driver. The driver gave you a small smile as he drove you silently to the dock where the ultra-rich jet-setters dock their million-dollar yachts.

When you reached the Bay Area, your heart was thumping erratically in your chest. It was as if you were anticipating or expecting something amazing.

'We are here, ma'am," the voice of the driver snapped you out of your train of thought as you've been daydreaming about your weekend ahead with Jungkook.

The whole Bangtan family came back briefly to attend two awards shows, and now you're getting some alone time with him. You felt anxious and nervous tremors up your spine as a cold stinging started to creep up your shoulder to your neck area.

You muttered softly, "Gosh, not again." You really hoped that you wouldn't get these little soulmark attacks during your little getaway. The fact that your soulmate will be appearing soon fills you with apprehension and dread.

What if you weren't his type? What if he wanted to envision someone better? Sure, you are famous and beautiful, but you might not be what your future soulmate wants or needs. You quickly and with inner resolve dimmed all those negative feelings.

The system never goes wrong unless you're blue or yellow string; it will still give the soulmates a choice to leave or choose to be with each other. If they duel, they still can be with each other.

The docks were quiet, and you could still feel the tranquility of the ocean surrounding the luxurious yachts. To think Yoongi decided to invest in something so cool. All his members are free to use his yacht anytime they wish to spend time alone or with their soulmates.

When they park at the designated slot. Your driver got out and opened the door for you. He grabbed your stylized, high-end LV weekend luggage and carried it for you. You glanced cautiously around , hoping you're not being followed or tailed by hidden paparazzi.

But it's unlikely. You looked like any wealthy foreigner going on a yacht trip. Still you nervously adjust your huge Dior sunglasses on your nose. Your hair was in a wild curls , and you were elegantly dressed in a turquoise halterneck and tight black skinny jeans. You don't understand why your heart was beating so erratically and crazily in your chest.

Your neck was starting to sting, and you let out a quiet groan as you rubbed the affected. Thankfully you packed lots of the coolant patches at your mom's request.

You wonder if Jungkook has arrived yet. You can't imagine that after a few months you and Jungkook are meeting in such a discreet manner. The deep excitement started to warm your body; you smiled softly as you stepped onto the boardwalk to the yacht.

You passed a few very ridiculously gorgeous yachts before your driver stopped and gave you a soft, polite smile.

"Miss...we arrived. This is the yacht. I'm just going to help you on board with your luggage. Someone will meet you on board, so don't fear..." He... He informed you warmly as he bowed politely. You trailed behind him as he reached out his hand to help you over to the deck.

You bowed back and thanked him for his kindness. You tried to hand him a few dollar bills as a tip, but he gently declined, stating that he was just doing his job. You just smile widely and wave him goodbye.

You inhaled deeply as you stood on the deck railing and gazed over the deep blue sea. Suddenly you heard a roar of an engine that got your attention at the other side of the yacht; you hurriedly moved down the side, running your hand over the gleaming metal chrome railing as your eyes widened at the sight before you.

A figure in a black safety vest and swim shorts was docking a jet ski near underneath the yacht's side entrance. He was on the jet ski that came with the yacht.

You smirk as you furrow your brows. It was Jungkook. Your breath hitched in your throat as you gazed down where he was busy securing the jet ski. Your eyes traveled shamelessly over his toned physique. His bulging muscles and his strong thighs made you blush. Oh my word.

What's happening to you? Why are you suddenly so drawn to this insanely attractive hot specimen of a man? Jungkook has grown up in the last few months. His damp hair glistens under the sun. And oh my word! He was smoking hot. His glasses were still on his face as he mounted the side stairs, still unaware of your presence on the deck quietly watching him.

"Hmm, hello stranger... love your ride," you teased as you startled him with your soft, deep American accent.

He paused as he turned his head and looked up through his dark lenses. He was still 5m away from where you were standing. You slide off your sunglasses and mount them on your head.

A bright smile spread across his lips. "Oh my word! Zen! You're here. I thought my driver would be here a little later. He texted me saying he got lost trying to find the back entrance to the hotel; there were roadworks and stuff. Wow"! He started climbing the stairs toward you.

You laugh , the adrenaline rushing inside of you. You weren't sure if it was just nerves, excitement, or something else, but you knew you wanted to be here. With him.

"Your driver found it eventually. This yacht of Yoongi is just wow!" You gazed around the luxurious deck. Even the dark glass table got a bottle of champagne and crystal glasses ready.

Jungkook chuckled as he stepped onto the deck area where you stood, just a little flustered in his presence. He taller than you.

He pulled off his designer glasses as he walked towards

you...

"Zen, I'm so glad you----" he froze mid-sentence.

Your eyes locked that moment.

It seemed everything stopped as both were breathless. Shivers ran up your spine as you intensely looked into his sparkling doe eyes, which made your heart almost stop. His jaw dropped open; he was stunned.

It seemed time slowed down as they stood across from each other, neither of them breathing. They couldn't dare to move. Everything shifted inside them; that was the moment the inevitable happened. Their souls half bonded.

Your heart thumps erratically in her chest, but it wasn't adrenaline anymore. It was something deeper. It was as if the ache on her chest turned into something unfamiliar. Their souls and marks recognized each other as their destiny. Every lingering romantic , feelings you both must have for your previous love for Jimmy vanished , like smoke in smoke.

In front of you was only him.

Jungkook felt it too. His whole body suddenly felt as if it was rewired. The heavy weight he carried for months just evaporated. The lingering feelings he thought he had for Lisa were gone. His heart felt light, free for the first time. As he gazed into Zen's soft eyes, he felt he could finally breathe.

Jungkook's breath became ragged at how breathtaking she looked. Her honey-glow skin shone in the sunlight with radiance. Her eyes looked wide in wonder, as if she couldn't comprehend that they just half-bonded. He just stood frozen in one place.

Her lips with a cherry gloss shine; it was ajar. Her tall, lean figure looked like she belonged in a painting; she was graceful, elegant, and strong. She wasn't just beautiful; she was his.

He felt how his heart constricted, like your beauty caught the breath out of him. Both their soulmarks started to sting, like ice crawling over her skin; it felt cold, biting, and demanding to be activated. Your hearts were beating in sync. Neither of you could look away. You didn't want to.

Your lips started to tremble as your eyes started to well up with unshed tears, and in a whispering voice you uttered, "It's you...it was always you...Kookie."

Jungkook's voice was a little overwhelmed with emotion, and with a strangled voice, "I've always known you were mine," he murmured, his eyes locked on hers. "You truly are mine."

You gasped as a soft sob entered your throat; tears were sliding down your flushed cheeks. They still didn't touch each other, a little afraid to break the magic in the air.

They just looked at each other, standing in each other's personal space; you could feel the intensity between them was electrifying.

"I never stopped," Jungkook whispered. "Even if I was with Lisa, my heart was never free; it was fixed on you, Zen. I thought about you...dreamt about you...everyday...night"

You shook your head, still overwhelmed with. "I wanted to believe so bad. I really did. The night 'under the stars,' we both promise to forget and move on. Not to revisit our connection," then a little crack entered her voice, "I really tried, Kookie. But I couldn't stop thinking about you. I felt so guilty in wanting you for myself while you were with Lisa and I with Jimmy."

Jungkook's expression became filled with emotions. "I didn't want to forget. I just couldn't, sweetheart; after that night I gave myself to you, something forever changed. Every time I heard your voice on the phone, I'd felt a cold sting right here," he said, touching the side of his neck where his soulmark was hidden under invirso, "when I saw you on the runway, in magazines, your latest LV campaign. My soulmark started to react. That's why I called you here. I told you it was to get closure, but I just needed you..."

Jungkook stepped a little closer, his voice softer, "I love you, Zen. I never stopped. Lisa was just a distraction. She was never you. You've owned my heart since we were teens."

You pursed your lips as you started to cry,"I loved you too, Kookie. Always did. But then you went back to her, and I thought I didn't matter anymore. Our love was pushed back to a puppy love era. So, I started to date Jimmy again. But it was never the same. I was with a man physically but had another man in my heart."

Your soulmarks were now screaming for activation, as you stood too close , peering deeply into each other's eyes.

Jungkook's big doe eyes sparkle into yours. "Right now I just desire to take you into my arms, passionately loving you. But I want you to settle in. Eat...relax, catch up. We're sailing to Jeju Island tonight. I want us to activate the bond tonight, peacefully and so much more... You deserve that."

You wiped your tears, and your face lit up as you nodded, saying, "Okay...thank you. I'm a little too emotional right now to activate the painful bond."

He instinctively reached out to touch you but stopped himself just short of touching you. The tension on the deck was palpable, even unbearable.

The urge to bond , to activate, settle, and complete what destiny had given you was suffocating. But you both resisted even if your bodies craved each other's.

You smiled as you looked around the luxurious yacht; the spaces were opulent and beautiful in hues of beige, brown, white, ivory, gold, and silver. It was serene and modern.

Jungkook smiled at you and gestured for you to follow him inside,"Yoongis crew is preparing dinner for us before they leave. He's a master planner ," he led you through the opulent lounge area, an open plan with the dining area. "We're getting the best seafood dishes, everything you loved: lobster, king crab, abalone, sea scallops, oysters, and grilled snapper. Yoongi-hyung made sure that the kitchen was fully stocked with every snack, meat dishes for two, desserts, imported snacks, and lots of candy. Yoongi said we must enjoy our weekend. Get reacquainted and enjoy the magic of the ocean."

Your heart fluttered at your soulmate's kindness and caring nature. You can't believe that your favorite 'Kookie in a Jar' was yours. No more heartache , no more Lisa or Jimmy's claims. Jungkook loves you, and he always has, even when he was with thel K-op starlet.

You trailed behind through the corridors when he gave you a tour of the yacht. The rooms were beautiful, with ambient lighting and the subtle luxury that surrounded them. All you could feel was him, his nearness, the soulmark bond whispering between you, begging to be activated.

They were careful not to brush hands or linger too close. Every second was a test to their will.

Jungkook turned and looked at you with intensity. "Zen-baby...I want you so bad. I missed you." He bit his lip as his eyes darted over your blushing face.

You smirk gently, "I feel the same way, Kooks. Tonight we'll complete our bond when we're finally alone."

Jungkook inhaled deeply." My willpower is getting tested."

The yacht crew finally disembarked; the buffet area was filled with different platters of seafood. You and Kookie just smirk because both of you could eat up a storm. No one could understad how you could eat so much, but your body was very thin.

Only the captain and his friend were left, but they gave the couple privacy. They gave Jungkook a respectful nod before retreating to their private sleeping compartment below deck. The yacht was a little further from the shore, almost deeper in the ocean.

They knew the youngest member of Bangtan wasn't just on a celebrity cruise, but this was different. He was alone with a girl who apparently was his closest US teen friend. Thi was sacred time, and he needed privacy just to relax.

By the time you and Jungkook return from the tour through the yacht. The crew already placed your bags in a very comfortable room where the huge sunset could be witnessed.

You and Kookie walked barefoot on the polished wooden floors that felt so comfortable under your skin.

You and Jungkook stepped into the guestroom, and Jungkook looked at you with an undefined emotion flashing through his doe eyes. That intensity made you blush beetred.

His eyes held a naughty, mischievous glint. "You do know that you won't be staying here," he whispered warmly.

You blinked, your heart racing, "I'm not?"

He just shook his hand gently. "You're my soulmate. I've waited too long to keep pretending otherwise," he smirked as he reached up and touched your curly mane, careful not to touch your skin. "You're staying with me in the master suite. I'm not sleeping alone, Zen. I desire to be with you all night."

Your eyes widen as she starts to blush. Jungkook starts to chuckle at her flustered look. You just smirk,"I can't wait to be with you, top, Kookie. I'm eager t
o spend quality time with you. I missed you so bad."

Jungkook smirked, "I'm so glad you're mine. Gosh, the system truly loves me." He said teasingly while you both walked out to the deck to drink some of the ice-cold champagne, toasting to your new adventure with each other. You sat at the bar chairs enjoying the breeze that ruffled through your hair.

Enjoy the tranquility and serene atmosphere.

....

You smile as your eyes linger on the vast ocean; the sun was busy setting on the horizon.

"It's so beautiful here," you quietly state, sipping on your champagne, "almost like the world disappeared."

Jungkook grinned, leaning back on his chair. His clothing seemed dry now. "That is right. I wanted this weekend to be peaceful ...just for the two of us." He watched her more than the ocean.

They were so relaxed and calm in each other's presence, finding solace with each other. They talked about their hectic careers, the rigorous tour schedules, the burden of their fame, and the scrutiny from the public eye.

You nodded, "My modeling campaign for LV is done, so my mom and I will have another week in Busan. But we also want to go sightseeing in Jeju Island."

Jungkook's eyes widen,"Wow! I'd love to meet her. Can I invite your mom to Jeju Island? I have a property there, where I'm taking you. You can enjoy a week in my condo. What do you say? My parents will also come! I want them to see how much you mean to me."

You looked at him withn. I love to meet your parents also. My mom always liked the adorable Korean boy with the big eyes. Even when we were just friends."

Jungkook,said," She was always suspicious about us. I think she didn't buy it that we were just friends."

You giggle, "Remember how we almost triggered the intimacy ritual in my mom's office?" She immediately knew something was up when she saw the hickeys. It was so embarrassing. My dad teased me for ages."

Jungkook snorts, "Gosh, we were so hormonal. Puppy love can be lethal."

Then his eyes tense up a bit. "Zen... I don't like the idea of you going back to him pretending you're still dating," he pouted with his bunny lips.

You giggle, "Don't worry, I don't plan to prolong this suffocating relationship. I'll end it. Properl"y

Jungkook exhaled , relieved, "Good, you are mine." He cleared his throat awkwardly. "Lisa texted me last night. She found out I'm back in Busan with my family. She wants me to meet her discreetly".

You furrowed your brows as your expression darkened. You know Lisa is madly in love with your soulmate, and she wants him. You hope she will not be a stumbling block to your love. Did you answer her back?

He shook his head," No, I won't see her. I already told her it's over. I now understand that you legally belong to me.e. I won't mess this up. You're my dream girl, Zen Fabulous." His gaze intensified in your relieved eyes. "I won't lie to myself anymore, Zen. It's always been you, even when I was out there with her."

Your heart melts at his emotion-filled words. You reach out instinctively to touch his hands, but you pause suddenly. The tension in the air was getting too heavy.

You both sat quietly for a while, enjoying the serenity of the ocean. The waves were dancing against the yacht as the stars started to glimmer in the night sky.

You whispered, "We'll keep our bonding a secret, for now. No press, no cameras, no pressure. At least until I'm back in the states."

"I understand, but I desperately want you with me. Come on tour with me. I want you to meet the famous Belles. They're going to love you so much." He pleaded.

Your eyes lit up," Oh my goodness! The Belles remain elusive. Your agency successfully hid them for almost three years. Didn't Seokjin meet him in 2015? You wa t me to come?"

Gosh, your friends would kill just to have a glimpse of the Belles. No one knows who they are, their looks and careers.

Jungkook grinned, "You do realize that you just becaome part of their exclusive group. I've promised you, remember? You're my soulmate. Of course I would love to have you on tour. Seokjin is going to get married in Dubai".

Oh my goodness! You are a Belle. And you might attend Seokjins secret wedding. Hidden scoop of the year!

You gasped, "Wait! What? Jin? The most anti-love soul on earth?"

Jungkook laughed, "Yep...and let me give you a foretaste. Seokjin is mated to an Indian girl. She is disguised as a stylist. She's been traveling with us for years. Like our mother hen. Her name is Samiya...and she was a former Miss India!"

Your jaws dropped, "Oh my word! India has gorgeous women. They always do well in beauty pageants. I must look her up. I'm so excited... and Taehyung? J-Hope? Yoongi...will they like me?"

You are so excited now. Jungkook grinned and said, "I'll leave the mystery and introduce a new Belle each day. Of cause they will love you. You're officially the maknae of the family. Jhopes girl was the maknae and be aware, Taehyungs girl will not led it slide. She will force you to say Unnie everything." He laughed at your widen eyes.

Jungkook smirk,". But right now...I think it's time for our biggest step."

You looked a little nervous."Will it be torturous'?"

Jungkook nodded. "It might...my soulmark pain was intense. So we might be red gold".

You bit your lip. "Where are we going to activate our bond? I'm nervous and excited."

Jungkook smirked, "In our room...because I'm planning to do more than activate our bond. Tonight I'm marrying you so that you will have my seal and scent around you."

You inhaled deeply, ready for the inevitable. Making your connection permanent.

Jungkook winked teasingly at your flustered face as you followed him into the chambers.

......

A/n: Kookie and his Zen half-bonded.Finally.

Only one soulmate to go before the big reveal.

Thank you so much for your loyalty since 2021. Gosh it's been a long time. Don't forget to vote, comment and enjoy.

1. What are your thoughts about this chapter?

2. Do you think Jimmy will let her go easily?

3. Will Lisa move on?

4. Do you think Jungkook must tell Lisa his taken?

5. Do you think Jungkook will tell his Bangtan bro, seeing that he loves keeping his secrets?

6. Will Jimmy sense the shift in her?

7. Do you think she must tell Jimmy when they back home or at the hotel?

Enjoy the 🔥🔥🔥 Ness!