be a world of mirages
And it'll be all mine
It'll be exactly how I imagined

Akira pov

The staff went to a well-deserved lunch earlier after the performances at the Fuji TV station.

The two Bangtan Bells were overjoyed to accompany you to lunch. Hanbin's eyes lit up at the sight of you. Fortunately, it was only him, you, the Bells, and Do -Yun who couldn't wait to see you.

You spent an hour eating lunch in one of the hotel's restaurants, which provided a peaceful ambience. Do Yun knew Hanbin wanted to be alone with you, and you were anxious. You knew you had to tell him about your soulmate status. Certain things are above his pay grade as a junior manager, but you felt that to save your valuable friendship, it would be better for him to know from you than to find out accidentally from any crew member.

You're terrified of losing his friendship. He is the best thing that has happened to you during your trying situation with Jhope. Your soulmate is already not thrilled by your friendship with Hanbin. But that is his issue. His reluctance to complete the bond was all his fault. You were expected to complete it on Sunday, but he wants to do it on Wednesday. You're puzzled as to why he's this way.

If you were Dove, he would have sealed the bond right away. FATE made you fall for each other so hard because of his reluctance, and you know he is not immune to your charms. You can entice him at any time, and he will be as soft as putty in your hands, but even if you physically crave each other, you cannot submit to that without solidifying your bonding. It will be even more damaging. If FATE exacts her wrath and gives you a yellow string, all feelings will be converted into platonic feelings.

You're not sure if you could face another night of sleeping next to him.

Following your light lunch. Twinkies remind you that she and Funsize had to go to their rooms and will be waiting for you upstairs. They spoke in such a way that Hanbin couldn't follow the essence. You grin and wave to them, knowing that their soulmates are looking for them.m.

Your adorable kitty-boss sent you a private message advising you that Jhope is hanging out with Namjoon, composing and finalizing lyrics for Pdogg and that he may return to the hotel room late, then don't be concerned. You shrugged. At the very least, you can be alone with your thoughts, but for the time being, you want to hang out with Hanbin.

He appeared to be quite relaxed, and you could just sit and smile at him. Right now, he is your best buddy, and he brings light into your life. You and the twins couldn't be more grateful for his friendship.

Hanbin beams into your bright eyes and asks, "Did you enjoy our boys' performances?"

"Blimey!" you said, nodding. "The group is quite talented. He is a truly gifted singer and dancer. "Blood, Sweat, and Tears" is one of my faves." You blushed as you reminisced on how flustered you had become throughout your soulmate's part.

Hanbin smiled and asked, "Do you enjoy your photo cards?"

"Yes, thank you," you smiled.

"Can I take you out for an early dinner? In buffet restaurants. We'll be able to catch up on Everything. I was missing you. It appears like several of the guys' "friends" is interested in you. They adore you." Hanbin averts his gaze on the drinks menu.

"They are friendly," you inhale deeply. "I'm only waiting for Samiya, the stylist, to arrive on Wednesday. They promised a lot of fun for our Tokyo trip...tell me, Hanbin. Do you know why the three of them are such good friends with the boys?"

"Er...Akira, If I tell you, would you kindly keep it a secret?" Hanbin asked, a little nervously." It's highly classified."

So here we go. You had a feeling Hanbin knew something about the Bells.

"OK, I get it. They are the Bells. Soulmates to Seokjin, Taehyung, and Yoongi. But it's a big one. OK, keep it a secret." He murmurs. You smile and nod.

"Don't be concerned. I already knew. I witnessed it for myself. Yoongi and Taehyung couldn't hide it to save their lives. Their eyes say it all. The soulmates' love looks, hidden smiles, and familiarity. They were emotionally in sync with one other. A love that cannot be denied...a love that everyone craves and...requires."You smirk. Your voice was laden with melancholy.

Hanbin appeared startled. "Oh my goodness! You were well aware."

"Yes," you say, nodding. Nobody will know if you don't tell them," who knows about them?"

"Only top management is authorized. Noonas, the seniors. It's a well held deep secret. They are anonymous to the interns, so they are a part of the staff. YG is aware of Twinkie and Yoongi, and she is recognized among the personnel as Funsize's close friend and the boys' celebrity friend." Hanbin looked relieved that you knew and that they had told you.

"OK, Hanbin, when is our dinner date? So I can notify Ms Cheong that I will not be joining the group tonight...but we will be out for cocktails and a jazz concert with the girls. You grin as you plan a fun night out. You'll attend the late-night show at 10 p.m. The maknae-line accompany us."

"That's cool. I'm too tired; I'm going to bed early. We get up early in the mornings. At the very least, the next performance and interview will take place tomorrow. Then we'll have a few sightseeing days." Hanbin appeared excited.

You agreed on a time to meet him at the restaurant's entrance because no staff member who does not have an access card is permitted to enter the Bangtan Floor.

Hanbin clasped your hand in his and led you out. To the elevators, he is overjoyed to have met you. Inside the elevator, you take a big breath and consider how you would bring up the subject of your soulmate status and Hanbin's reaction. You're terrified of losing him as a friend. This was something you couldn't tell anyone. Not even Do-Yun is aware of it. BangPd wants the soul-bonding ritual footage, but you have to wait until Wednesday, and you're not sure if Hobi will do it. You don't have the slightest doubts about that. He is terrified of Everything about it, which you are clueless about.

On your floor, the hotel rooms are all close together. Jimin and Jungkook can be heard yelling. They're having fun playing games. There was a lot of shouting and screaming. They are incredibly chaotic together... You're glad to be on your own for a change.

The freshness could be smelled within your hotel room. You removed your shoes and strolled to your bedroom to take a shower. When you touch his ribbed chest with your fingers inside the shower, you are reminded of this morning's embarrassing encounter with your soulmate. You've turned blazing red once more.

It's still a touch cool. So you opted to look your best in an elegant check suite designer outfit. You straighten your hair and put on burnt orange lipgloss and long drop earrings. You put on your black pumps and spritz yourself with expensive perfume. You quietly closed the door and walked down the hallway to the elevator. You gently nod to the two security guards at the elevators and make your way to the top floor, where most restaurants are located.

You were seated at a table for two in a private area by the waiter. Hanbin stood calmly at the door, and when he saw you, his jaw dropped an inch, and you could only smirk and link arms with him as he walked you in. You can feel uneasy butterflies in your stomach. You are hoping that the evening will not end unexpectedly.

Hanbin, as a gentleman, drew out the chair and made you sit. He's so charming, and you know he'd be crushed if he found out about your soulmate status.

When he sees your elegance, his eyes gleam," Akira You are taking my breath away...do you know how lovely you are?"

"Hanbin-Oppa, thank you for the compliment." You're blushing, beet-red. And say it with a stammer. You were always making me feel good about myself."

"Don't you deserve to be treated like a lady?"He smiled broadly as a server broad advised you about the day's menu buffet.

While eating your first salad and seafood dish appetizer, you and Hanbin engage in small talk. You didn't want to eat so much tonight? You choose spicy buffalo wings and roasted vegetables. Hanbin treats himself to a piece of steak and fries. You both decided to enjoy a designer Greek dessert.

You had a delightful talk, but you were nervous when you sat with your berry cocktail drink after dinner.

You give him a gentle gaze. You adore him, but you love Jhope. Why couldn't FATE gift you with someone like Hanbin? Attractive, attentive, affectionate, and kind. It would have been far better. Jhope would have been happier and more radiant if the system hadn't intervened.

And because of the system, he was compelled to fall for you, but he never expressed his feelings for you verbally, but there wasn't a single day when Hanbin didn't make you feel like a girl deserving of love.

"Hanbin... I have something to tell you. Please don't hate me...please...promise me" You stare him in the eyes, pleading.

"Why should I hate you, Akira?...I love you." He was taken aback by the ridiculous request.

You appear tense.

"You don't need to be afraid; just tell me."He smiles and asks you to open up.

"It's about my soulmate," you replied, taking a long breath.

Hanbin's eyes widen in astonishment. "You soulmate who couldn't make an informed decision about your bonding. Did he contact you?" You nodded, but your tummy was filled with frightened butterflies. How will you inform him?

"And what about him?" His brow furrows.

"Hanbin Blimey!" You inhaled deeply as you replied in hushed whispers, "you ask me if he is a high-ranking citizen, I will tell you that he is. My soul mate is a...Bangtan boy." You unintentionally drop the bomb.

His voice sounded raspy. It didn't register at first, but his eyes widened as his brain began to catch up, "Did I hear correctly...your soulmate is a Bangtan Boy...who?" You can see the nervous and stunned expression, as well as the wave of terror, form across his face.

You swallow and nervously bite your lower lip.

His eyes widen, "Oh, my Goodness! Please tell me who it's Akira. ..Jimin...Jungkook? "In a panic, he whispered-yelled. The horror on Hanbin's face made your tears well up. The thought of losing you to a tremendously successful global superstar is too much for him to bear.

You looked to be sad, "Because it was a top-secret, I was terrified of telling you. Hanbin...I'm bonded with...Jhope."

"W...what!" He appeared stunned. " You're paired with the one boy who despises the system. Who was adamantly opposed to it? Who denied his love for you? Jhope doesn't want a soulmate or to form a relationship!"

You don't know-how, so you can't regulate your breath. It's entirely correct. Jhope is apprehensive about bonding. Hearing that from Hanbin made you understand how virtually impossible it would be to convince him to trust you in relationships.

Hanbin's jaw dropped practically to the ground, and he collapsed backwards on his chair, hands over his eyes.

You're at a loss for words.

"Hanbin?" you inquire hesitantly. He was silent until he spoke with a detached voice.

"Omg Akira...Jhope has changed in the three weeks since he met you. He was irritable and outright cynical. Oh my goodness, Akira. My job is to ensure that the boys are mentally sound, and I add to his stress by unintentionally pining after and pursuing you. It's no surprise that he looks at me accusingly...oh my word!" Hanbin continues to rant. His eyes were welling up with unseen tears-his heart felt like a million shattered glass shards.

You were so saddened that you said gently, "I'm very sorry, Hanbin...this is causing me so much concern. He doesn't truly desire the bond, but we need to complete it. This week is the only one we have. I'm already feeling the joint pains."

Hanbin put his hands over his eyes, and you can see his shoulders silently heaving. Shock enters your heart. Hanbin was in tears.

You stare at him with a worried expression on your face. You swiftly grab his hands tenderly to remove them from his face and speak in a mournful voice. "Please take my deepest apologies."

He clenches his teeth and asks you an unexpected question: "Are you sharing a room with our sunshine?" He opens his red-rimmed eyes and looks into yours.

"Yes," you say calmly. His face is filled with a variety of emotions.

"Do you sleep with him?" With narrowed eyes, he inquired. Your breath hitched.

"Technically, yes, but in practice, no. We share a bed...but not in this way. We have not yet formed a bond ", you stated calmly.

"So I lost?" He said, his voice depressed. His lips are pressed tightly together."Akira...I don't think it's appropriate to see you like that again. I work for BTS. I can't do my job knowing that you literally belong to Jhope. I must adhere to boundaries."

Fear entered your heart.

"What are you saying, Hanbin?" you questioned, your voice strained.

He sighs and wipes his face. "I can't see you the same way I used to...I love you,Akira, and knowing Jhope has first claim on you... hurts me. I can't do it to him or...You. l... I need to distance myself from you. You are now in their league. It's no surprise that management insisted on you flying with the band."

You vigorously shook your head "Please, no, Hanbin...You were my first best friend. How will I survive in South Korea?. .. J hope hasn't accepted me yet...Hanbin. I doubt it if he will...please."

Hanbin hadn't recovered from the shock yet. "Please accept my apologies, Akira... I can't let my feelings for you get in the way of my job for Bangtan. Going after you has the potential to get me fired, and staying near you will be torture."

Your tears are streaming nonstop.

You take his hand in yours and stare at him pleadingly. "Please, Hanbin, do not do this. I...think you're adorable."

"I need to get out of here...this is too distressing for me. I'm afraid I can't sit in your presence Akira. Please understand that Hobis' mental health comes first. Being with you, openly loving you... would annoy Jhope even if he denies it. You mated nonetheless."He wanted to stand up without looking at you, avoiding your gaze...but you simply pursed your lips and gestured for him to sit.

You stood up slowly, filled with a deep sense of loss and grief. "I'll leave...I'm sorry for causing you pain, Hanbin. It was never my intention to do so. Jhope never accepted me. Our bond is tense, yet I value you being there for me... I...I'm sorry. "You wiped your tears away with your hand. It was a bitter pill to swallow, losing him as a friend.

He was always there for you. You were never lonely with him. Nothing is working out for you in Seoul. Everyone you care about will always leave you. Your new adoptive parents, who will go next week, as well as the twins who adore you but is living their separate lives, even Byron, Sarah, Hanbin and Jhope. Your first foster parents, your birth parents...

You're entirely alone now. The tears begin to fall, but you repress them. Hanbin took the decision not to become involved with the superstar's soulmate. And whether you're bonded or not right now. You should be with Jhope.

You took one further look at him as he sat there with his eyes closed and his lips pursed.

"... bye Hanbin," you said, shaking your head and turning around. It was about time for the crew to arrive for dinner. You hurry out of the restaurant unaware of a pair of calculating eyes that were following you from across the room, eyes that were watching the interaction between the two friends.

You were pleasantly surprised to see Kenichi at the door. He smiled admiringly at you and pushed him aside to talk with him.

"Ken, may I speak with you quickly?"Your brother has no idea about your connection with Jhope.

So you pulled him into the corner and immediately chatted with him.

"What is it, sis?" he said immediately, eager to see his friends. "Are you OK, sis?" his gaze darted over your red-rimmed pupils.

"Yes, "you responded quietly," I just wanted to know if you wanted to join me to the Crystal Creek Home. Mom handed me documents to read about the investigation."

"Wow...I'll send you a text. But I'll accompany you, no problem. "He pats your shoulder and sprints after his dancing group.

You sigh and walk to the elevator, your heart heavy. You don't want to hide the mate string for Jhope right now. You couldn't care less if he taped into your emotional turmoil.

You change your mind within the elevator and decide to check out the amenities and clear your mind. You will ball your eyes out of sadness over Hanbin's distance from now on if you are in your room.

You would have been free to reciprocate Hanbin's feelings if it hadn't been for this torturous connection with Jhope. No, you're bound to a stubborn prat. Who doesn't even let you in on his affections for you?

You shouldn't assume that his kisses indicate that he loves you; they could simply mean that he wants you physically. You hastily open your clutch and put some powder under your eyes and on your shining nose. Fortunately, there are none in the elevator. When you get to the pool floor, you quickly exit the elevator. You mentally convinced yourself that you were going on a date by yourself and that you would enjoy the pool in the week.

Then you went to the gym and wondered when the maknae-line went there.

It was almost six o'clock when you checked the text messages from the Bells chat group. They were all wondering where you were. They saw a very stoic Hanbin but can't locate you. According to them, they're all in the restaurant, and Jhope appears to be concerned. When he came in to change clothes, he didn't even notice you in the room.

You shook your head. You don't want to be in everyone's company. You're too sad and depressed right now.

You: I'm exhausted. I just did a quick tour of the hotel. I'll see you girls at our outing tonight. You replied.

Funsize: We can't wait. Jimin stated that he wishes to perform an elegant dance with you...that Chimmy wants to be killed by Hobi.

Twinkie: OK, now just relax and enjoy your peace. We're going to enjoy a great girls' night out. The jazz performance is scheduled to last two days. The final performance is tomorrow, and it's ladies night, so virgin cocktails are on the house, girl.

Funsize: Have you read Samiya's text? Manager Sade just went to get her at the airport. The Bells will be complete.

You: Wow, I've missed the text. I'm looking forward to joining her. She is now not online. See you tonight, and have a lovely meal.

They all signed off and left the chat.

You went back to your room to take a nap to forget about a broken friendship, or you probably went through your documents to distract yourself.

....Meanwhile, at the restaurant...

Hanbin sat with the crew but just ordered saki, a Japanese rice wine, and ate a salad. He was glum, and the group wondered what was up with him. He was a little more reserved.

Jungwoon observed the older Hyung with concern. His eyes looked weary.

"Are you all right? Hanbin-Hyung? You appear...devastated. Is there something wrong?' He inquired, pretending to be concerned.

Hanbin narrowed his brows at the younger guy... "Everything is fine...except I'm exhausted. Excuse me, and I need to go take a nap." He immediately rose to his feet. Bow to the other managers who were staring at him with raised eyebrows.

"Oh, well, take your rest," he says softly. Hanbin nodded and left the group to finish their meal.

When he couldn't see Akira, he furrowed his brows and looked up at where the bangan group was seated. What happened to her? He brought her so much pain by abandoning friendship that she declined to sit with the band and their soulmates?

Your bond with Jhope was too much for him. once the bond is complete, He knows that Jhope will never let go of his soulmate. This isn't Dove; it's Akira the sweetest female he's ever met. Hanbin finds her to be Everything he wants in a woman.

Jhope is a fierce competitor. He is possessive of what he has, which is why he could not forgive Dove's betrayal and indiscretions. He knew Dove wanted Hobi back, and she had no idea about the connection between Akira and Jhope. He knows she is resentful of Akira...perhaps she noticed Jhope's affections for Akira.

Everyone with eyes can notice how his soulmate affects Hobi. He only needs to realize the importance of Akira...and Hanbin will not wait to see how the two soulmates fall in love while he is there to witness it. It is easier to declare defeat now and cope with the loss and heartache.

Jungwoon took out his phone and texted a familiar number, the girl for whom he nearly left his girlfriend. Big Hit's sexiest girl right now. Dove.

Jungwoon: Hey, Dove?

Dove: Hey, Jung...how is Tokyo treating you?

Jungwoon: It's glorious...we're living in fascinating times.

Dove: Oh, you're serious?

Jungwoon: Yes...juicy news about your favourite couple you absolutely detest?

Dove: Akira and Jhope?

Jungwoon: When did Akira and Jhope become a couple?

Dove: Then tell me!!! I need precise information...does she want Jhope or not?

Jungwoon: Yeah...

Dove: Yeah, what? Jung, don't play dumb with me... I've got your loyal girlfriend on speed dial. If You make a mistake, I'll send her the footage, telling her we did more than a few kisses.

Jungwoon: You're so morally corrupt... Akira broke up with Hanbin today?

Dove: WHAT??? WHY?

Jungwoon: I don't know...but he looks devastated. Maybe Jhope would ask her out?

Dove: No way!!! No, how did that happen?

Jungwoon: She is staying with the tour staff on the Bangtan floor. I believe she is sharing a room with one of the girls, and they share a floor with the boys...she also flew on the charter with them. Dove, I'm sorry... I believe you should cut your losses... Akira got your man...

Jungwoon smirked and closed the phone without reading Dove's following text. He realizes how outraged she is by the news right now. He'll let her figure things out on her own. Her excessive infatuation with Jhope is especially dangerous when management battles with Jhopes stalker. She tried to seduce him and even blackmail him. He will not allow a girl to make a fool of himself and get away with it, despite being physically attracted to this witch.

A/n. Hanbin is devastated and has distanced himself from you. Did you expect such a drastic change?

Thank you for your support, and a special thanks to all of the new readers, voters, commenters, and those who added the book to their reading list. I hope you enjoy reading it. Please feel free to bombard me with comments. I appreciate reading it. It's more enjoyable than the story itself. Lol.

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Question 1: How will you cope with the loss of Hanbins' friendship?

Question 2: Was Hanbin's reaction justified?

Question 3: Will Tokyo be a cause of anguish or happiness for You?"

Question 4: What is your strategy for surviving Tokyo? Do you believe you should give up or wait patiently?

Question 5: Jungwoon provided food for thought for Dove. What do you believe Dove's next plan of action will be?