Not, a reality refusal
Discontent, misfitting

Akira pov

It was so nerve-wracking when you boarded the private Boeing. The crew welcomed you and laid out the red carpet. Then you were given a pair of comfy slippers and led into a long hallway. One more flight attendant was waiting for you there. Their eyes sparkled with excitement at the prospect of serving BTS and their staff. At the left was the VIP entrance, which the boys would occupy.

The aircraft's interior was so luxurious. The flight crew was extremely friendly and welcoming. A long hallway accesses the VIP area of the plane. Then you follow Ms Cheong and a flight attendant to the correct entrance to the area where the Bangtan Bodyguards and managers are seated. It's like first class.

The aircraft has three compartments: the cockpit, crew working area, first-class seating for management, bodyguards, and a restroom. The middle and back sections will be reserved exclusively for boys and soulmates, and the back section has a restroom/bedroom).

Me Cheong explained to the two soulmates that you would be occupied in the first class lounge with her for nearly an hour, and they will hang out with you later on. Other flight attendants already knew the two "secret "soulmates and took them directly to the VIP lounge, where they would be reunited with them. You grin broadly at them and give them a wink and wave.

Funsize pouted in the VIP lounge when they entered. "Why can't Ms Cheong see her after we land?" She fell face down on the white sofas and groaned. Twinkies laughed and sat down on the leather couch to check the technology onboard.

"Don't worry, and we'll get her with us. I've got a good plan in mind." Twinkies shook her head at Funsize's antics.

"Akira is so clever these days; she'll see through our plans," Funsize scrunched up her cute nose.

"Well, listen-"the plan has been conveyed to her by Twinkies. Funsize smiled happily.

...........

Akira Pov

You feel so pleased when you thank God for little miracles. You won't be surrounded by chaos, nor will you feel uncomfortable with your Soulmate's presence. You will thoroughly enjoy the flight with Ms Cheong, and you can stay entertained with your technology. In addition, you will have your TV monitor so you can watch movies. You are separated from your Soulmate.

The relief you felt was tangible.

"Akira, please take a seat next to me so that we can work on our contracts. BangPD needs your approval, and there are certain clauses for all staff members...don't be scared. Ji-ho, Yunru, and Samiya had theirs as well."Ms Cheong smile reassuredly.

She gestured for you to sit at the window, which relieved you from sitting in the middle section. The bodyguards, however, are still near the centre area, where they can walk around the small hallway through the opening. At least you will be concealed from your Soulmate.

Two soulmates-friends will be so preoccupied with their soulmates that they won't miss you and demand to spend time with you. Yoongi should not get any ideas about shoulder massages, and Twinkies can do it for him. End of story.

As you sat in a window seat, you said, "Ok, Ms Cheong- Unnie. Just let me get my laptop out.".

She took out a folder with documents and said, "No need, dear. I have your copy of the document you sent me. Let's just read through every clause.". You sign.
At the appropriate places. Bighit has offered you more money than Bumin Clinic, and Yoongi put together.

You will come in four times a week until 2 pm. You have one free day, sick leave, vacation leave, and you can pick either Monday or Friday. You grin with delight.  At least you can relax at home with a good book or do chores or visit the mall or the beach. You can also make new friends in Busan.

Do-Yun told you she's off certain Fridays, and you can schedule a hangout day with her and her daughter. Hanbin told you he would come and see you, perhaps go to the beach or have lunch with you. The thought of Hanbin constricts your heart painfully. How will he react if he discovers that Hobi is your Soulmate? Will He still be a friend outside of the office?

As you sense the presence of your Soulmate, you feel the nervous shivers run through your body. It was a bantering and laughing moment when the Bangtan boys entered, and you can hear Yoongi's dry tone and Jungkook and Jimin's laughter.

The group sat down. Yoongi was looking around for you and frowned when he couldn't see you in the VIP lounge. With raised eyebrows, he questioned this Soulmate.

"Where is  Akira?" He whispered, kissing her before taking a seat on a creme beige chair opposite her. Taehyung was lying next to Funsize on the sofa beds, and the two loved watching movies together.

Despite her sadness, Twinkies smiled and stated, "Ms Cheong is with her; they are in the managers' compartment. She seemed relieved to be seated there, rather than here.".

As he looked at the chairs far to the back, he whispered, "Don't worry...She likes you guys...it's just her nervousness being around Hobi."

Jimin and Jungkook sit on the long sofa at the far end where the flight attendants have already set up their lunch tables. They were playing games on their smartphones.  Across from each other are NamJoon and Jin in the same section as him and Twinkies.

At the entrance, Jhope sat on a dark leather seat near Jimin and Jungkook. He talked on his phone to both Jiwoo and his Dad. His Dad got a job at the university. He also chose this seat because he senses his Soulmate a few meters away in another section outside the VIP lounge, and he unconsciously wants to be near her. However, he quickly disregarded that. He just told himself that it was a comfortable place.

Additionally, he wants to be near one of the bedrooms to nap for an hour because he didn't sleep well the night before and feels physically and emotionally drained.

The group was enjoying themselves or relaxing in the VIP lounge when Sejin and Hobeom entered. As Sejin tries to hide his frown, Hobeom looks openly concerned. A disturbing call has just come in from BangPD.

Jhope was seated comfortably at the entrance when Sejin entered. Their eyes moved from Jhope to Taehyung. The boys looked so relaxed, but hopefully, the news wouldn't devastate them. It's been two years since it all happened.

When Jhope felt Sejin-Hyung's demeanour, Jhope frowned, "Hey Sejin-Hyung...what's up?...You look stressed out, and we haven't even landed yet.".

A wry smile spread across Sejin's face, "Get Tae fast, we need to talk to you as soon as possible...let's talk in the private bedroom.".

He looked a little nervous. "O-okay, nothing major?" Hobi asked.

"It depends," Sejin replied.

Jhope put his phone on the charger and called Taehyung, who was sharing pecks with his giggling Soulmate. Taehyung looked up, not amused by the invasion.

"What is it?" Taehuyng gave Funsize another peck on the lips, stood up, and moved down a few seats to the back where the managers and Hobi are. Jhope had already left his seat and was chatting with Sejin.

"Anything the matter?" Taehyung frowned.

"Don't worry; we have something to discuss. Come."Hobeom motioned for him to follow Sejin and Jhope.

Taking their seats in the bedroom, the two superstars watched Sejin and Hobeom, who looked a little uncomfortable.

Taehyung furrowed his brows as he took a seat on the edge of the bed, looking at his managers. Jhope waited for his manager's response with folded arms.

As Sejin sighed, "Oh, we just got a call from BangPd telling us that "Hotel Saseang" had been released!"

In shock, Jhope's eyes widen. Has he heard correctly?  He felt the cold shivers run down his spine as the fear'  re reappeared. As he sat down next to Taehyung, his legs felt paralyzed with trembling. He whispers in his mind, "Please, no, God, no... " 

Taehyung looks at the older Hyungs with dropped jaws.

Both Taehyung and him were traumatized by the crazy saseang. He perhaps more than Taehyung. She was literally inside his hotel cupboard, watching him sleep, kissing him, and even snipping a little piece of his hair. The thought of the scariest night of his life gave him cold shivers. He was afraid to sleep alone in hotels for months afterwards. His band had to check the cupboards every hour. It was as if he were a child traumatized by a chilling past.

Jhope was starting to tremble as the colour from his face drained. Those frightening memories flooded back to him. His mouth felt too dry to swallow.

There is no way they could have released that saseang from the psychiatric clinic. She was deranged and pathological. Thinking he was her long lost husband and Taehyung her baby boy that she longed to hold.

Sejin's face was a bit pale as he remembered the scary incident Jhope went through. She stalked Taehyung at the airport.

"She wasn't released...she just staged her escape for years. Her roommate said that she was adamant about reuniting with you. They took away her posters and magazine articles featuring BTS. She made her shrine to you under the floor, and she removed some floorboards and stored everything about you there." Sejin explained with a worried look. Jhope felt like vomiting at the knowledge. Jhope heard horror stories of kpop idols and Saseangs kidnapping and even killing their idols.

Taehyung looked more frightened than a speechless Jhope. "Sejin-Hyung...Please tell me she isn't coming to Tokyo?" he was spooked.

Hobeom shook his head, "We are taking extra precautions. The security at the hotel has been strengthened, and nobody knows where you will be staying this week."

"She will find out. That girl got a job as a maid at that hotel. She had access to my room, Hobeom!. I...I don't want to sleep alone in a hotel room." Jhope said in a voice filled with alarm... His heart pounded wildly. He can't handle a seasang and a soulmate in the making. Could she find out about their soulmates? Both of them will be in grave danger.

These Saseangs have uncanny ways of getting information from unsuspecting sources.

Seijin smiled and reassured him, "Don't worry, Jhope, it's all taken care of. You won't be alone."

"Thank God," Jhope said. He hoped he could stay with Namjoon, and the two were writing a new song for the next comeback.

Taehuyng looked more worried, "as long as our soulmates are safe.".

"Don't worry...we have their bodyguards on high alert. In addition, the hotel employs another security service in civilian clothing. You can rest assured." Hobeom replied.

Hobeom patted Hobi's shoulder as they left the private bedroom. Taehyung was the first to rush out to be with his Soulmate, and it could be his last time with her. Jhope lay back on the bed, eyes closed and with his arm covering his pale face. Trying to regulate his breathing, he could not comprehend the new information.

-Meanwhile in first class-

You were sitting and texting Hanbin. It made him so sad that you were with the stars and not with him. You smile inside. You told him you had completed the contracts with Ms Cheong, and she emailed them to BangPd a while back.

While you were about to text Do-Yun, you suddenly felt fear, apprehension, and panic. You instinctively know it is your Soulmate's mirror emotions. What is causing him such anxiety? These feelings are odd to you. You want to be there for him, but Jhope might not welcome you.

As the minutes' pass, you become more agitated. You can sense your soul mark calling for his match. It's fate that wants you there for him, but you promise yourself never to invade his private space, and that's his call.

Me Cheong sensed your discomfort beside her. Drinks and tasty finger lunches have been served to you. However, you weren't really hungry, and you're just too worried about the "prat". You just shook your head and hoped whatever it was, his band members would support him.

"Are you alright, Akira? We will be in Tokyo in two hours." She reassured you, assuming that you were nervous about flying. You nod, smiling a little.

.........

The Bangtan boys were shocked at what Sejin told them about the psycho that is after Hobi. After hearing what Sejin said, Yoongi stormed to the bedroom, and Hobi was lying on his tummy with his head on his folded arms.

As he peers through the door, he softly calls, "Hobi?".

Hobi turned his head to the voice," Yeah" a strangled sound came from his throat.

Yoongi entered the room thoroughly and sat on the bed, staring at his distressed brother.

"You'll be protected. Our bodyguards will take extra precautions." Yoongi reassured him.

"I'm scared Yoongi...her type is not just saseangs...they are deluded...idols in the past were kidnapped, their family threatened and looked what happened to some idols soulmates...Yoongi."His eyes appeared moist.

"Hobi...We are here for you. You have your Soulmate...imagine how she feels right now, not understanding what you are going through." Yoongi said. Hobi's eyes widen as he realizes that his Soulmate might be experiencing all kinds of feelings, and she must certainly be worried.

"Oh, my gosh! Yoongi!" he exclaimed as he sat up straight.

Yoongi looked at Hobi and nodded, "I think she's dying to be with you. She'd like to comfort you...but she might be afraid even to ask how you're doing." Hobi looked up at Yoongi as he stood up from the bed. That's true. His Soulmate will never intrude on his privacy. She respects him like that. He knows he gave her such a hard time with the reluctance to complete the bond.

"I know Yoongi, and I don't want her to know about the reemerging of that Saseang. Ignorance is bliss" Hobi sighed profoundly and brushed his hair backwards with his fingers.

"Isn't it better to spend half an hour with her just to help you calm down? Her presence alone can be soothing to you. You need her now! Look at your hands. They're shaking". Yoongi replied, sounding a little frustrated. "You need to focus on your performance.".

Akira and Hobi must be together on this flight. Hobi must accept that he loves his soul mate, and running away from love will only harm his mental health.

As Hobi fell backwards on the bed, he groaned, "It's so complicated, Yoongi!".

With a determined look, Yoongi approached the door. "Hobi...I'm getting your Soulmate right now, only for half an hour. Stop being so difficult. Fate gave you someone to share the burden of life with."

In one swift movement, Jhope leapt from the bed, and before Yoongi could get to the door, he grabbed him at the wrist.

He begged in a pleading tone, "No, no, please Yoongi...not now...please not now!".

"Hobi, you need her, don't deny your feelings for her. We all know you're in love with each other, and accept that." Yoongi said to Jhope.

That being said, Yoongi slipped out of the door. Hobi just grabbed his head in frustration and slumped down on the bed. The proximity with his Soulmate will be too much for him. Although he is tired and needs to sleep, this news makes him doubt if he could even rest.

.......

Yoongi grinned, pat himself on his back. Hopefully, his stubborn brother will loosen up more in your presence. He went to great lengths to play matchmaker, which is worth far more than all of Jhopes' fortune.

Akira is the only problem. She won't be so easily persuaded, and he needs to be convincing.  These days, Akira doesn't trust him. But he needs them to be on friendly terms.

Yoongi walked to the first-class section with a new expression on his face. He opened the curtain as his gaze fell on Akira, who was sitting with furrowed eyebrows.

Ms Cheong was not sitting next to her.

You look up when you sense a presence beside you. It's Yoongi's cologne, and your nervous demeanour made him look worried.

As you turn your head, you sigh, "Yes, Yoongi."

He looked at you with pleading eyes, "Kira are you busy...I need a quick massage. My shoulder feels stiff, and Twinkies wants to see how you massage so she can do it when the pain is too heavy at night."

You gave him a deadpan look, "Are you sure it's not one of your elaborate schemes?". However, he seemed uncomfortable. Perhaps he needed a massage.

"Ok, where are we going to go?" you sigh.

"In the VIP bedroom. Twinkies will already be there." He pointed to the bedroom, and you already know due to the early tour.

Yoongi still looks like an adorable cat. As you stood up, you took your phone and followed Yoongi out of the compartment. Having no idea what Yoongi's intentions were, you followed him out.

As he grinned in relief, he grimaced a little by rubbing his shoulder. You seem concerned at his expression of pain.

You smile as you say, "Ok, Yoongi-Oppa, let's get that shoulder comfortable.".

He opened the door for you to enter. You saw your Soulmate lying, and you quickly turned to Yoongi with a betrayed expression and your mouth open, wanting to escape out of the door. But Yoongi grabbed your forearm to stop you.

As you look warily at your Soulmate laying on his stomach, Yoongi whispers, "Please support him. He is so exhausted...please, and he needs you."

Immediately, he closed the door. As you stare blankly at the closed door, you don't know what to do.

You heard a voice say, "Are you going to stare  a hole in the door?" He asked. Your face went pale. Argh, Mr Min! You thought he was already asleep.

Turning slowly around, you surveyed Hobi, who had a calculating look on his face.

Exasperated, you said, "That Yoongi tricked me again!". His expression grew grim.

"I'm sorry...Jhope...let me leave you to nap. I...I hope you're feeling better." You stammer out, wanting to leave as soon as possible.

Just as you turned around, you heard his voice, which sounded detached.

His expression is slightly pleading. "If you don't mind... I... I need you... to stay," he says, looking at you. You slowly move toward him. Even though he looked tired, you couldn't explain the strange emotions emanating from him.

'Are you sure?' You look at him inquiringly. His lips pressed tightly together until the cute dimples appeared as he nodded. You look fondly at him as you both stare into each other's eyes until you both become more flustered.

"I'm going through a lot right now...and...I don't want to burden you Akira...but I just need to sleep - but my emotions are completely haywire at the moment...and -" he sighs deeply.

"So you need me to settle those strange emotions so that you can sleep a bit...what do you need from me, Jhope?" You want him to need you, feeling so pleased that he shares something about himself with you.

"Akira", he gestured for you to come to join him on the bed as he said, "I want you to cuddle in my arms...till I go to sleep." He looks like a young boy fearing something. You won't ask him but just be there for him.

Your heart skipped a beat. Imagine what will happen if FATE uses this against each other. Then again, perhaps you won't ever be able to lay in his arms.

You shook your head as if you didn't care. As you nodded and slipped on the bed next to Hobi, he encircled you with his arms and pulled you closer towards his toned chest. It doesn't matter. All you want is to cuddle with your Soulmate. You wrap your arms around his waist and rest your head on his chest. His arm tightly embraced your waist. Your hearts were beating rhythmically in sync as electricity flowed through you. The look on his face was relaxed. His eyes were closed, and his breathing had become more regular. Your presence is energizing him.

'Thank you, Kira.' he murmured as he slowly drifted off to sleep. The position that you found yourself in makes you smirk inwardly.

Basking in the knowledge that you're in his strong arms again...

...............

-Inside the VIP lounge-

Hyungs looked stunned as Yoongi talked secretly to them. The Maknae-line played an online game on the big screen while Taehyung was sitting on the sofa, embracing his Soulmate. He tried to look calm, but she knew him, so he just reassured her that he would inform her later.

Jimin cheated, and he and Jungkook argued, while baby-Maknae complained and whined in front of everyone. Twinkies were chosen as the referee. And keep score, keep the flight peaceful.

It was fortunate that all the Hyungs were seated on the long sofas after eating lunch.

Yoongi told the Huyng about Jhope and his Soulmate together, but the Huyng could not believe it. 

"I left him no choice," Yoongi laughed.

With a hearty laugh, Jin proclaimed, "Did Jhope let her close to him? It's unbelievable, and he was so irritable this morning."

"And he was so tired, and he woke up so early this morning. We had a great talk." Namjoon grinned.

Yoongi smirked wide," His emotions were haywire, and he knew without a doubt that he needed her so badly. We have to have tough love with them, and Jhope needs to settle with his Soulmate."

"Jhope hasn't grasped what he is missing. She is a well-raised girl with all the attributes he mentioned about women, and FATE has all provided them for him." Jin shakes his head sadly.

Namjoon has a far off look on his face," If my Soulmate comes my way, I won't reject her... but up until now, she hasn't shown any signs of being near. She's far away. You guys and Hobi should be so happy that you had the chance to meet your halves, yet Hobi is so apprehensive. We need to understand his phobia."

Yoongi frowned, "What phobia?"?

Namjoon sighed, "He has philophobia...a fear of falling in love...he is afraid to enter another relationship for the fear it will end in disaster."

Jin looks saddened." Poor Hobi, and we were so hard on him these past couple of years. Not knowing why he behaves this way around dating and relationships, and the half-bonding will steer him in the right direction."

Yoongi nods, "Let's hope so...I don't want him to screw up as I did. I was a fool, and FATE gave me hell for four months. I love Hobi, and I want him to be together with Kira...they are destined to be red gold."

Jin grinned with a mischievous glint in his eyes," Let's check on them?'

Namjoon looks sternly at the eldest Hyung. " No, let's give them privacy. "

Jin scrunched up his nose," Spoilsport."

Yoongi smiled and took out his phone," But I took a photo for blackmail."

Namjoon groan." Uh, no, Yoongi...when will you stop interfering?

Yoongi scowl. with a deadpan look," When I'm dead!"

Jin pat Yoongi on the back as he gazed at a very adorable pic of Hobi, who embraced his Soulmate on his chest with his head on her head and her arm around his waist, both of them fast asleep. It's been an hour, and they will reach Tokyo in half an hour.

"When did you manage to steal this pic? "Jin asks with admiration.

"When I went to the managers to inform Ms Cheong about Kira absence. She also knows about their status." Yoongi smirk slyly.

...............

Jhope pov

-Meanwhile in the private bedroom.

Hobi eyes were fluttering open, and he tried to look around a little disoriented. But he feels so relaxed, re-energized and serene. He felt a little weight on his chest and looked down on the mahogany coloured hair that was like a waterfall over his upper body. His breath caught as he looked down on the sleeping face of his Soulmate.

He was gazing calmly at her face, so adorable. Her eyebrows are naturally strong. Rosy cheeks and her cute cupid bow lips that he kissed so passionately on Friday. Thinking about it made his body react treacherously. She is so effortlessly beautiful, and he felt how his fragile heart started to race. He is unable to deny the fact when he realizes that he hopelessly fell in love with her...and there is no way he could confess to her right now...

Hobi closed his eyes with the painful fact ...

...that he loves her with all his heart.

A/n another update for my Hobi-stans. I hope you liked the roller coaster ride with Hobi.

Thank you for staying with the Soulbound series so long. Your support warmed my heart. A big shout out to all the new readers, shadow readers, voters, commentors and those who even add the book to their readers' list and follow my account. You are awesome.

@RitchelleC  @Briightblade @Dragon-Kitara  @Wolfy9123  @SUN_SHINING_SANA  @Nature_loves   @galaxtea_writes   

issoboring

Question 1: What do you think about saseang fans...especially Hobi's?

Question 2: Will Hobi get over the bad experience?

Question 3:  Hobi finally realizes that he loves you. Will he be able to protect you?

Question 4; Why do you think Hobi is so scared to confess to you?