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All my footsteps and 

my fantasy

Jhope pov

Right now, Jhope wasn't sure how he felt. How could Yoongi do such a thing to him? He forcefully made them activate their bond.
When she landed on top of him, he almost died. Electric shocks ran through his body when he touched the soft skin on her exposed back. It felt like he was out of breath. It was too intense for him.

After getting out of the elevator, his heart still beat erratically in his ribcage as he walked to Pdogg's studio. A choice was given to him by his soulmate. With all the pain she was going through, she handed him his freedom. The thought of her pain made him lean against the wall with closed eyes.

The hurt in her eyes, fighting to be suppressed, re-emerged, making his eyes moisten. He hurt her so badly. How could he do that? Despite their feelings, he knew they were compelled by FATE to complete the bond. To be bonded to someone, he must adjust gradually.

There is no doubt in his mind that he is very attracted to her. All he can think or dream about these days is her, but he is too scared to trust another girl with his fragile heart. He wiped his face with his hands, not knowing what to do.

Soulmates come with losses. Losing his sanity, worrying every day about her well-being, longing for her constantly, sleepless nights, his body craving for her. Oh no! The situation is terrible. He saw how the power of the red-gold strings affected Jin-Hyung. If Samiya is gone out of his sight for a week, he won't function without her. Yoongi becomes so tender with his soulmate. Being the most savage member, it's a strange phenomenon. In her presence, he changes his whole persona. He is smitten with her. Taehyung seems to be in a dream world. When his little Funsize is around, he even forgets menial chores. His hands are always reaching out to touch her.

They are constantly jealous of their Mates. Yoongi can handle it, but Taehyung and Jin will fight you physically if anyone looks at their girls too long.

A soft voice answers the knock at Pdogg's office.

"It's open!" He opened the door and peeked inside, but his eyes widened as he saw the one he least expected. Dove. Her attention was focused on a computer screen while she edited a video in an episode of Runbts. Turning around, she looked at him with a look of excitement in her eyes. The object of her affection was so hot that her heart almost stopped. He really was a very attractive man.

Jhopes's throat is constricting as he thinks about the rumours. His brow furrows as he cannot see Pdogg in the studio.

"Hello, Dove...er just tell Pdogg I was looking for him." He just wanted to shut the door and leave when she jumped up quickly.

"Please don't leave, Seoki. I haven't seen you since Friday...are you still upset with me, or are you avoiding me?" She looks at his stoic demeanour and knows she has screwed up badly. She pressed her lips tightly and thought about the British girl who drove her to do and say things she hadn't thought through.

Seoki is fed up; how will she save herself now? He seems to be trying to distance himself from her. Despite his colder attitude, he is still friendly. He treats her warmly, just like any other member of staff.

The door to the studio was left open when Jhope entered. With furrowed eyes, he turned to look at her.

"My gosh, Dove! I'm not mad at all: I'm furious! Why did I hear some untrue rumours about us being engaged? Did you or  your parents spread those rumours?" He looked at her nervous eyes. Biting her lip, she began to stutter.

"My....p... parents only told your parents...so please Seoki...I don't know about that the spreading of the rumours. W...we planned our engagement a long time ago, remember, and when you turned 25, my parents decided it was finally time for our engagement. Y...you proposed to me on my 17th birthday." Jhope doesn't have it. He is sick and tired of this whole engagement issue.

Jhope sighed in frustration, " Dove...Dove, we are not getting engaged. In the end, the rumour almost got me in big trouble with my band and management. Dove, when we broke up...everything we planned went out the window with that so-called bucket list. You cheated with Chung Hee. You ruined everything. So, what makes you think I would trust you enough to marry you? "He looked at her with a lifted eyebrow.

She whispers with deep distress,"b..but Seoki...I've  asked for your forgiveness, and you said you forgave me...and I know for a fact that you still love me?!" Her eyes widen in shock as she watched as the coldness entered his narrow eyes. Jhope is tired of all the lies and deceit.

"I don't think this so-called friendship will work out between us. You being here is only an unwelcome distraction as I need to think and focus on my career. You promise me you will not interfere with my personal and professional life. But look at what's going on in your family, forcing me to honour a promise I stupidly made, knowing the system already decided our fates. Please just do your job as a video editor and don't bother me anymore. I'm done a...and I still love you, but I'm not in love with you anymore. " he harshly concluded.

Her eyes began to water as she tried to run to him, so he stretched out his arms to stop her in her tracks. He is so done with these mixed feelings. He has made up his mind. He wants to focus on his career and deal with this soulmate crap!

"Oh no...Seoki...please! I am so sorry. Please, I ...I love you so very much. I just can't - " she was wiping her eyes, but the tears were falling non-stop. It's bad! There is no way she can lose him...not ever. To get here, she worked so hard.

"-Lose me? Dove, you lost me the day you've cheated on me with Chung Hee and dated him behind my back. I forgave you both...but you are not what FATE intended for me. The hell! I'm not even ready for a soulmate. Whether it's yellow or not, you mated already. I can't even be with you...I'm soul marked!"Jhope exclaimed frustratedly. 

Trying to speak with trembling lips, she said, "Seoki. Please let me prove this once and for all...give me the chance to make it up to you ...to love you more than a soulmate...We are meant to be together!"

Jhope pursed his lips tightly, and Doves' breath caught when she saw the two dimples above his upper lips. She finds him to be everything she desires in life. No, she can't lose him. Not!!!

She wiped her eyes and looked him straight in the eye as a lightbulb went off in her mind," Seoki ...is it because of "her"? I know you're attracted to her...even Hanbin loves her...why her?...is she prettier than me?...you'll always love me alone. She doesn't have what it takes to be with you..."

Trying to hide the shock, he asks, "Who is "her?" although he had a definite idea who she was talking about.

Dove stared at him with her narrowed red-rimmed eyes, "Don't play dumb, Hoseok...I'm talking about that British Akira...everyone seemed to like...even Sejin and Yoongi seemed to care about her...she's dating Hanbin now...we saw them walking hand-in-hand this afternoon," She smugly exclaimed, trying to let him know that the girl is already taken.

He furrows  his brows as he look at her in curiosity,  eyes narrowing." Why are you so obsessed with this girl? She can date whoever she chooses to date. You seem to be more obsessed with her than everyone else."

He was feeling on edge after hearing about Hanbin and Akira. He hates feeling jealous of his soulmate. It's time to put an end to this crap.

"She's a pain in the butt!" Dove growled, "all high and mighty. She thinks she is all that! With her great accent and great background, she thinks she can have you...deserve you!" Her tone is filled with disdain, bitterness and jealousy. As Jhope stared at Dove, his eyes narrowed. Oh my gosh. When did Dove become so hateful towards an innocent girl? It's just because guys like her, Akira Does Dove have such insecurities?

Has his open interest in Akira placed Dove in doubt about her worth, about his love for her which is currently waning. Behind those innocent looks, he didn't realise how savage she really was. He may have seen her through rose-coloured glasses of love, or she was always like that. Wow! 

He can't help it. Since his half-bonding with Akira, his feelings for Dove have changed, and she could sense it from the way he kissed her before. He kissed her like a ten year -old who had his first kiss, not at all passionate and fiery. Dove no longer attracted him physically or romantically.

Although he still has feelings of love for her, thinking about her doesn't make him breathless with desire. That's why she and her parents are becoming desperate to hook him before he meets his soulmate. Unfortunately for them, he already has a soulmate.

The decision is up to him. He will not be forced to do anything. The ball is in his court at the end. He will decide.

He shook his head, "I'm sorry, Dove. Whatever this was between us is over...please let me concentrate on myself, my career and please continue with your life...goodbye!" He abruptly turned away, leaving a shell-shocked Dove behind. What just happened didn't register with her. Has Jhope cut her out of his life? OH MY GOODNESS! She stood planted in one place like a Greek statue until she realised he is already out the door.

"Seoki... Seoki... no no no no!". She ran to the door just in time to see him disappear into the elevator. As she shut the studio door, she slumped down on her leather seat in front of the monitor, crying heartbroken. This is not happening, and she chanted over and over again.

She wiped her eyes vigorously and grimace. She wouldn't lose him. She knows he loves her. Nothing will make her give up on him. She'll fight for him. For his love.No no girl or soulmate will come between them...NEVER!!!!

.........

Akira pov.

You and Hanbin laughed in his car as you sang BTS's " Blood, Sweat, and Tears and DNA " together.

Even though it was your soulmate's part, you gigglingly sang,"...La la la la la...".

Hanbin belted out the Korean part of the song "우연이 아니니까 DNA."

"Oh! my word...I never laughed so hard before..thank you...oh my," your eyes were watering from laughter. FATE should have gifted Hanbin to you. It is fun to be with him. He makes you laugh and is caring. Even if Hanbin is six years older than you, you will want to be with him if you complete the bond and your yellow/blue string. If not, FATE must give him a late whisperer mark to someone who will like him.

Hanbin looked at you with mire and said, "You'll look fantastic in a girl band...if you become a kpop idol." He spoke in Japanese.

You scrunched up your nose in disgust. "Oh please, I'd rather massage broken bones to health than shaking my booty on stage and wearing short skirts...no thanks...I don't want to sign up for "starving.".

He laughed loudly. That's true. To stay fit and toned, the kpop girls follow a strict diet and exercise regime.

The way Hanbin was driving you in his own Hyundai Tuscan, he told you how much he liked working at Bighit. Everyone is like family there. Pay is excellent. As a young manager, Sejins already promoted him to an assistant manager whose responsibilities include concert scheduling and making sure the band remains safe at hotels.

"Wow, you're only 27 years old," you look at him with amazement. It made him smile.

"The pay and perks are great. I've been travelling around the world, staying in five-star hotels, eating the best cuisine and meeting stars from all over the world. It's been a delightful experience." He looks happy.

"Yeah, I hope my job at Bumin clinic will be exciting, but it won't be like the job you have. I just want to be happy." You answered softly. When the strings are completed, you just hope that he will choose you as his soulmate, marry you and be a good wife to him and mother to his children.

"Don't mind what Dove said...she just wants us to be together. She has her reasons." Hanbin glances at you with concern.

As you shook your head, you said, "I don't worry about her, but what's your beef with her...you seem very savage with her."

"She wanted to seduce me so I would vote for her during the selection process," Hanbin grinned. The girl assumed I would let her touch me in such a disgraceful manner. She's not my type of girl. In addition, she attempted to sabotage two other candidates. We do not have any proof. Even though two outstanding people mysteriously lost their spots, she made it to the top five. Another student broke his leg...and Yonsei student Shen was taken off the list as a no-go. RM was her obsession. When I found her crying when she wasn't selected, I asked her what had happened to her. "

"What a codswallop! Did Dove try that, but I heard she is in love with Jhope?" You asked cautiously.

"Many ARMYs felt that way about Hobi as well. I always enjoyed watching her whenever he was around. She is glistening with love. He told me they dated until he turned 17 or 18, and when he started training with Bighit, she cheated with his best friend, who had been interested in her first, but she decided to date Hobi. He heard a lot of cheating rumours while he was gone. During the underground street dancing, he gained a lot of popularity. His sunny personality makes him a favourite with girls. She stalked him for years after he broke up with her...he changed his numbers several times until an app blocked her, but she was always able to charm his family or friends for his new numbers until she got the internship, mainly to get back with him." he frowns.

 "Blimey Hanbin! What did BIGHIT do about it? Is Hobi safe around her?" you look shocked. You don't want your soulmate surrounded by obsessed exes. Dove seems more delusional and smitten, and she appears to dislike you without explanation. You have no idea what you did to her. You saw through the overly friendly veneer.

"Hobi explained to management that they were once childhood sweethearts; however, they are not soulmates, and she already has a partner". Hanbin looks saddened by that fact. "Jhope deserved to be loved sincerely. We do not want our female interns to distract or seduce our boys."

"I can understand now." You nod sadly at your fate. "She made it harder for his soulmate to win his heart. He wouldn't accept her easily."

Your heart broke at that knowledge. How long will it take for his heart to heal before you can enter? Maybe you could show him your love without saying it verbally or openly telling him.

You will never hurt or deceive him. You genuinely want to be with him because you know that he is your destined mate. Can't he just take a step of faith and walk on water. You also have trust issues, but you are willing to work on them.

Hanbin drove to the palace of Deoksugung.  It was fun to see the sights with him. He described some of the histories of the palace. You ate street food and watched the guards.

Hanbin made your little trip enjoyable. You even took pictures with the kpop bears on Kstar Road. Send more pictures to the Musketeers. Sarah is already in Taiwan, and Byron and Beatrice will be moving to China this weekend.

Despite your longing to be with your best friends, you are glad to have found a true friend in Hanbin.

Keitaro will accompany you to your new workplace in Busan this weekend. Sadly, Kenichi has to train, and on Thursday, you had to say goodbye to him as he is moving into his new upmarket dorm apartment in Hannam Hill. They will stay in a four-bedroom apartment. He received an enSuite bedroom exclusively to himself because another Hyung shared one with his best friend. The pair were gaming buddies, and they loved playing online gaming tournaments until after hours, especially when they had free time after a dance rehearsal. It was he who made the experience of living in Seoul such a meaningful one.

As long as they have no rehearsals, Kenichi will let Keitaro visit him on weekends, but he doesn't want his sister to hang out with all these testosterone-filled boys. It irked him too much that some of them already wanted her number. He cannot find anyone good enough for his beautiful, calm, but boring sister.

They even visited the Coex Mall. Hanbin bought you ice cream and a sweet treat for home. You can't wait just to go and relax at home. It was already 4 pm when he took you home. 

When he dropped you off in front of your Airbnb, you were pleasantly surprised by the most welcome sight...when you open the front door.

"Blimey...Mom ...Dad !!!"

Another update for our Hobi -fans. I hope you enjoyed the chapter. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the new readers and our shadow readers. 

@hi213321

  -Teshina_@Ashfordiangirl @DimpleSynary @Caprisunfitz

All of you are amazing. Thank you to everyone who voted, commented, and added the books to their reading lists. 

Question 1:  Did Dove see the final break-up coming?

Question 2: Is it possible that Hobi will give you a chance after you complete the bond?

Question 3:  Will you really go out with Hanbin?