Common psychological escape
Even I can't swim out of it.

Kensington High Street. Wilson Residence.

You and Byron had a good laugh on the way back home, exchanging jokes and teasing each other.

Byron lives two flats away from yours. His grandparents are off on a week's break, visiting his uncle in Sussex, who happens to be his dad's younger brother.

Byron parked the car outside the penthouse apartments, one of which your families own. You glanced at him, expressing concern, "Are you going to manage on your own for the week?"

Byron looks at you teasingly," Would you like to sleepover, I wouldn't mind that...remember when we accidentally got plastered at graduation. When we found out, we both got accepted at Leicester?"He laughs, recalling the incident.

You regard him with disgust, "That was seriously the most embarrassing day of my life. I don't want to remember. My head was pounding, and my parents disapproved of you for two whole weeks."

Byron grins with glee, "Your parents didn't disapprove of me because we got plastered, but because I gave you all those love bites."

He enjoys teasing you about that celebratory night. You had never dated anyone or kissed a boy before, and you were quite embarrassed when Byron attempted to teach you how to song properly, according to his standards. Unfortunately, you both found it quite enjoyable. Fortunately, his grandfather arrived home before things could escalate.

 Nothing good comes from being plastered.

Your mum was extremely upset, and that's putting it lightly. She believed that Byron had deflowered you. What an embarrassing day it was with the family! The twins were in fits of laughter, and they were only 15 years old. It's unimaginable. You were made to re-read the moral codes on soulmates, and consider the trouble you could have faced with the authorities.

You received a severe reprimand. Byron had to explain to your very angry dad. He promised your dad that he would abstain from instructing you in certain matters. Byron's grandfather wasn't impressed that he had appropriated his very expensive English Scotch, which cost £6500, for a celebration.

He confiscated Byron's new car, and as a result, you had to rely on public transport for a whole three months as a punishment. Imagine being a freshman without a vehicle. You can't go to the places you like to go.

You scrunch up your nose, "It's not funny, Byron...you made me look like a slag in front of my parents. I had to rebuild their trust with them for months. I can only visit you if your grandparents were home...jeez!"

He laughed heartily, "Don't worry, it's hunky-dory...Your parents love me again. So I'll come for dinner...tell my third mum I'll see you at dinner."

You smile fondly at him, "Okay...when are you visiting your Lady? Or will she be at the Queen's Tea party?"

Byron sighed, "The Duchess wants me to attend a sort of Polo event...Kira, I don't know about that...I'll be more exposed than ever, and my face wouldn't be invisible anymore...Imagine the paparazzi at the hospital...Dr Witch Witch Face and Sergio's faces...no thanks, I'm not ready to meet any royal."

You look at his gloomy face, and it isn't easy to date royal families.

You pat his shoulders, "Everything will work out; at least you love her dearly."

Byron chuckled, "We are only waiting for yours to come. The sooner, the better. Remember we said we all going to marry in the same year so our kids can grow up together."

Your eyes turn sombre," I'm scared Byron, I don't think my soulmate's parents will be impressed with a girl without lineage. The Wilson's are good people, but I don't know who I am."

Byron turned and faced you," Come here" you let him embrace you as you felt your eyes tear up.

Byron smiled," He will love you for you, not your lack of parents."

You nod, "Still...I wish I knew where to start looking for any clues. I think my surname was made up on the spot, and they didn't want to be tracked.

Byron furrows his brows," You are a Japanese girl, and your surname is Japanese...Your adoptive parents got a Japanese tutor for you guys to stay connected to your roots...ask your parents for any lead."

You wipe your eyes, "Boy, I can't do that to them, and they'll think I'm unhappy being in the family- okay, I'll see you tonite don't be late", you greet Byron.

You jumped out of the car and took the steps up to the recreation entrance.

You discover your mum in the kitchen, bustling with the dinner preparations.

"Hey, Mum!" you greet her, tossing your bag onto a seat in the hallway.

"Afternoon, love!" Your mum glances up from her tasks. Her blonde hair is tied up, and she appears weary from her demanding role as a chartered accountant.

Surveying the cluttered kitchen, you notice the chaos. Your mum tends to be a bit messy while cooking, but you adore her efforts.

"Need a hand?" you offer, eyeing the counter cluttered with ingredients for a dish she's attempting once more, hoping it's not another flop. You'll have to lend a hand.

Your mum sighed, "I wanted to give my late mum's shepherd's pie recipe a go... but it seems I've missed something," she pondered while tasting the sauce.

You chuckled, "I don't spot the mixed veggies... Just give me a sec. Let me change, and then I'll come and help you, alright?"

After giving your mum a hug, you head upstairs to your bedroom. Your apartment boasts five bedrooms and has a very modern vibe.

Your room provides the privacy you cherish, allowing you to be entirely yourself.

After a quick shower in your private suite,
You decided to change into a plain black top and terracotta-coloured skirt quickly.

Your mum busied herself preparing the salad while you slipped on an apron and set about finishing the rest of the shepherd's pie. Working together in the kitchen is something you and your mum both cherish. You're grateful for your parents and often wonder how you'll ever repay them for adopting you and the twins.

"Fancy a cuppa? I'll whip us up some," your mum offered after stashing the salad in the fridge. You nodded in agreement.

"A watermelon flavoured one, please," you thanked her, your hands busy putting the final touches on the buttered potato mash. After placing the dish in the oven, you settled at the dining area.

"Two sugars," you requested as your mum brought the tray to the table.

"Since when?" She raised an eyebrow, grinning.

"Sarah and I made a bet to see who could cut down on sugar. She failed, obviously, but I've managed to keep the numbers low. Oh, and Byron will be joining us tonight," you casually informed her.

"Great, the twins will be here shortly. Kenichi adores shepherd's pie," your mum smiled fondly, thinking about the mischievous 18-year-old twins. The two of them can be quite a handful.

They've completed high school and are eagerly awaiting acceptance letters from their chosen universities. Kenichi has a musical inclination, while Keitaro leans towards academics, aiming to study as a chiropractor.

Kenichi wants to become a K-pop star and has already sent his dance demo to YG, SM, and Bighit Entertainment. He's a remarkable underground street dancer, passionate about freestyle, hip hop, and break dancing.

It's hard to fathom why he wishes to study or work in South Korea instead of Japan to uncover more about his biological family. Perhaps, seeking closure, you'd like to search and understand more.

Fortunately, your adoptive parents comprehend that you wouldn't trade them for anything in the world. They've provided you with a wonderful life, shaping you into the strong and mature woman you are today.

Your mum was finishing the dessert and cookies. You adore her sweet treats; she's adept at baking, leaving the cooking aspect to you.

Your brothers and father arrived almost simultaneously. You embrace them and plant a kiss on your dad's cheek. Even if you aren't overtly expressive with your emotions, you're his sunshine.

Kenichi nabs you in a headlock like he always does, "How's my physio, sis? I hope Sergio didn't give you grief." Keitaro chuckled and headed up to his room, but Kenichi's a proper chick magnet.

He's been with at least four birds in his life. Keitaro's more reserved, like you, and dead focused on his life goals. He hasn't seriously dated anyone because it's alright to date before hitting 20, but after 21, it's a no-go.

But rules are made to be bent. Your soul mark will pull your actions right back into the System.

You shove Kenichi's mitts away and grumble, "Since when does he not give us grief? Today, he forgot to check on his patients' rehab plans. He's been such a pain since meeting his soulmate. She keeps popping up during our busiest times, and then he doesn't finish his job."

You settled onto the settees in the open-plan lounge. You adore your high-end home because it's contemporary and snug. Everything flows seamlessly – the natural light streaming in through the windows, the interconnected kitchen, lounge, and dining area. Each of you can pursue different activities while still enjoying each other's company. Keitaro descended feeling rejuvenated and took a seat on the settees.

Kenichi smiled affectionately. "Don't worry. Absorb all you can, then seek out a better job at a superior company. Let me go and change quickly."

You protested, "But Kensington is the prime place to work, and it's only a few minutes from town and my workplace."

Your dad went to freshen up as your mum summoned you and Keitaro to set the table today, a task you happily undertook.

Byron arrived punctually. He entered with his trademark boisterousness and embraced your mum. He and Keitaro exchanged a manly greeting, along with the ones they invented when you were younger.

He found your mom busy in the kitchen and giving her a soulful kiss on the lips. There are both over fifty years, but their soulbond is significantly more robust than ever.

You wish you find a love like that, but you are unsure if he will accept you. 

The Wilsons all sat around the table. The menu was Shepherd pie and shepherds salad with Banoffee pie a combo with bananas and toffee with a crunchy cracker crust and whipped cream.

Certainly, here's the text rewritten in British English:

"You might wonder why your surname isn't Wilson. You came with your previous adopted Japanese parents' surname when they adopted you.

However, you discovered they hadn't been entirely truthful. It appeared that your previous adopted parents had been using an alias for their surname, and you were left clueless about their true identity. You're now more in the dark than ever.

The family enjoyed a delightful dinner together around the table. The conversations were light-hearted. Your parents asked Byron about Lady Von Adderley, the youngest daughter of the Duchess, whom he was courting.

Byron smiled and turned to you, saying, 'Kira, you and Sarah have been invited for afternoon tea at the Von Adderley residence as my companions. I'm going to be introduced to all the aristocracy.'

Your family reacted with excitement. Your mother was thrilled, 'Imagine if you find your soulmate among London's elite!'

You groaned, 'Oh no, please! I have no desire to join any royal family. Too many protocols and pretences.'

While Byron helped himself to seconds of Shepherd's pie, he remarked, 'It's quite stressful. Oddly enough, they wouldn't let her marry her fourth cousins.'

Keitaro nodded in agreement, 'Royal dynasties and billionaire families manipulate the soulmate system, much like the Billionaire Legacy club. They keep wealth within the family, safeguarding their bloodline and lineage.'

Byron furrowed his brow, 'I asked them about that when I met the Duke for the first time. They claim to believe in the entire love system. They promised their daughter the choice between an arranged marriage or love if she had the red-gold string. When we bonded, she was the one afraid of losing me because I had the protective blue string.'

You look at Byron and could understand his dilemma," It would've been fine if she decided not to bond with Byron, and he could live without her, but she would not. She loved him at first sight, and Byron told her to go and think about it because he is a commoner. She told her parents she wants him, and if he wants her, he can have her, so romantic."

Byron snickers," "You don't find this fit anywhere, mate." He gestured to his face. You shove his shoulders because of his arrogance, and he will fit in the palaces.

You smile, " Why do you want us to go with you?'

Byron chuckled," "She fancies meeting the women in my life. I chatter a lot about you with them, and she's keen on being mates with you."

Your mum's still amazed. "What's your outfit plan?"

You grin, "I'll deck myself out in Japanese wear. I adore traditional clothing. I'll go for a kimono-style cocktail attire, giving it a modern twist."

Byron enthusiastically nods, "She'll look smashing in those threads. Our clinic lot were gobsmacked when she rocked that look at one of our staff bashes."

Your dad smiles and chimes in, "My lovely Japanese girl... inside and out, we've got to snap lots of photos."

You laugh," I leave it to Sarah."

You help your mom serve the dessert and put more juice on the table Sake tonic with orange and apricot.

You had a very relaxed dinner talking about your work and plans. After a light dinner, you all retreat to the casual lounge area.

A/N Thank you so much for giving Hobi some love. Don't forget to vote, comment or follow. I would like to know more about you.