█▓▒­░⡷⠂𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚞𝚎𝚍...𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝𝚍𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚝𝚘 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚛𝚝⠐⢾░▒▓█

The atmosphere was incredibly relaxing as everyone ordered their main meals, following a massive starter of a full potion of king prawns and East Coast oysters to share and a glass of expensive champagne, Veuve Clicquot Yellow, a French brand. You are used to the best wines in your kingdom.

Tyrella raised her glass with a smirk, saying, "Let's throw down a toast."

"What are we celebrating? "Tala grinned, already warmed up to your friends. She liked the cheerful girls so much.

"Well, since three of us already found our soulmates, let's toast to Victoria finding hers in the States," Shaniqua laughed, raising her fancy glass higher than anyone else's.

You lifted your eyebrows, "Why here in America? Why not Seoul or Spain? Why would my soulmate appear  here.?"

Tala smirked and teasingly waggled her brows, saying, "Well, anything can happen in the glorious month of September," giving you a knowing look. She was aware of system rigging and Namjoon's current unmated status, even if he was dating that Asian rapper illegally. The system files indicated he would find his soulmate in September, but the year and date were unknown. It could be in 100 years or as soon as the next day, which coincidentally would be the first of September, Jungkook's birthday.

You just nodded, saying, "Okay, but I don't think I'll be as lucky as Shaniqua, finding her soulmate right after getting her soulmark." You clicked your tongue regretfully.

Tyrella, never figuring her soulmate to be a Tarnished with a late whisperer mark, smiled with sadness, saying, "Yeah, my journey was wild. He was on the edge of a relationship if we hadn't run into each other at the music store. I couldn't believe I saw this good-looking and captivating person looking at me like I was the last glass of water in the desert."

Shaniqua laughed, quipping, "Poor Ty was caught off guard. She thought she had time to fool around until fate stepped in."

Tala smiled softly, expressing a wish to be of Tarnished status. Her life would've been much simpler without a soulmate like Prince Jerk.

Shaniqua chimed in, "She's lucky. Most Tarnished folks are with soul-marked partners and don't care about morals or penalties. Tarnished can get their soulmarks after hitting 30, keeping their soulmates waiting for a while. So, Tyrella is pretty fortunate, given the situation."

You furrowed your brows, asking, "What's wrong? Aren't you happy with your soulmate?" not understanding the source of your dear friend's unease.

Tyrella grinned, tightening her lips, and spilt, "Before he hooked up with me, he had a thing with this gorgeous celeb at a party. They hit it off, but she was supposedly already committed to another celeb. They didn't take it further. He wanted to, but the girl was still hung up on her ex. Then he met me, and all those lingering feelings vanished. But I'm still on edge about her feelings for my soulmate. I worry Junaid might still have a soft spot because of our strong blue string. He swears he feels nothing for her." She looked down, examining her fancy manicured nails.

You shook your head, puzzled. "Why feel insecure, Ty? You are gorgeous, like a model and celebrity in your own right. He loves you now, and you are a bonded couple. The more you connect, the more he will be bound to you. Trust your soulmate."

Tyrella took a deep breath, "Yeah, I love Junaid with all my heart, but it's a bit complicated. I'll spill the beans later; I need to get tipsy."

Shaniqua smiled, nudging Tyrella, "Don't be down. We're celebrating Vicky and Tala's vacation with us. We celebrate young, successful lawyers who will make a mark in the judicial world. We celebrate the new company, and we celebrate the upcoming soulmate. Hopefully, a prince for our beautiful princess, so she doesn't have to marry her second choice by rigging the system." She laughed at your shocked expressions, raising her glass and demanding everyone to do the same. Laughter filled the air as you clinked glasses and took your first sips.

Tyrella smirked, "Shaniqua, you better stay sober as our designated driver, 'cause I'm gonna drown my sorrows tonight, and tomorrow I'll be back to my happy self." She raised her glass after topping it off. You and Tala shared knowing smiles.

Your delectable meals arrived, and they were delightful. Tala ordered a flavorful Maine Lobster Pasta with  Lobster Cream, Breadcrumbs, and Grated Parmesan with a chilli tomato sauce. You chose a seared yellowish tuna fish dish; Shaniqua went for grilled king crab legs with togarashi glaze, pickled vegetables crispy chips as a side, and Tyrella for an organic chicken breast with caramelized root vegetables. The atmosphere was warm, and you all enjoyed the light-hearted conversation and the excellent cuisine.

Tyrella and Shaniqua told you about their intern jobs, and you told them about you and Tala. They were utterly shocked when they found out that Jin-Goo had fathered a child with Tala during prom night. Tala was severely teased in a light-hearted manner about snagging a prince unknowingly.

You talked about the BTS craze that took America by storm. Shaniqua was an avid basketball fan, and she loved the Lakers. She told you more about the Staples Centre's history and that you must keep your breath because a big birthday surprise awaits you when the most anticipated shows commence. You and Tala hope it is nothing embarrassing. But they promise that you'll have the best concert experience.

You couldn't resist ordering the most indulgent desserts as you ate and laughed. You and Tala opt for Pistachio "Cheesecake", which consists of coconut sorbet with black cherry jam. Shaniqua chose a baked Snickers Pie comprising salted peanut caramel, almond cake chocolate ganache and torched meringue. Tyrella declined any dessert. Almost three hours passed as you savoured your time together. Eventually, you decide to move inside and sit at the cosy bar with high chairs, opting for some non-alcoholic drinks, but Tyrella chooses something more substantial.

With a smirk, you asked, "So, what's our itinerary?" as you sat between Tyrella and Shaniqua.

Shaniqua smiles," Universal Studios, Venice Beach, a fun helicopter ride over the famous Hollywood sign, etc. You will love it."

Tala was super excited about the upcoming sightseeing spots.

Tyrella, still in a mood, opted for a Watermelon Mojito infused with watermelon, Seedlip "Grove 42," mint, and lime. You chose a 'One Too Many' strawberry-infused absolut elyx, coconut, avocado, lime, and Tala went for an Espresso Martini with Shaniqua, eager to experience new tastes and feel truly free. The drink was infused with Calirosa Añejo, espresso, Kahlua, and Demerara.

Tyrella danced on her high bar stool to the beat of the music, swaying her body to a velvety song from her favourite artist, Luther Vandross. She had always been a fan of the late R&B artist, and luck was on her side as she is now bonded with an up-and-coming artist who could serenade her with her favourite songs.

She ordered another cocktail with alcohol called Pineapple Trainwreck
with Belvedere vodka, pineapple, tarragon, lemon and peychauds. As she was singing, she lifted her glass high.

Tala looked amusedly at Tyrella, who dreamily sang along, gazing upwards during her favourite part. Her hand is on her heart as she belts the song with pure love.

🎵🎶...Here and now

I promise to love faithfully (Faithfully)

You're all I need...🎶

You and Shaniqua began to snicker as the cute, amused bartender turned the music a little louder, ensuring that a tipsy Tyrella could fully enjoy the song. She had a beautiful, sweet voice as she sang along with Luther, utterly oblivious to the amused glances from other patrons in the bar area.

Glancing at your rose gold and diamond Cartier watch, you turned to your friend, "Er, Shan, it's almost 11 p.m. I'm feeling a bit tired," yawning.

Tala smiled, "Me too. Let's call it a day. I've had two drinks now, and my head feels a bit dizzy. Jin-Goo called, and he was furious when he heard we were at a bar. He said I must tell Vicky he's coming with our security. Gosh! What did I do in my past life to get that jerk?" She scowled, and you all sniggered at her imitation of Jin-Goo's annoyed tone. Her cheeks looked flustered.

You grinned, "He'll come. He's still my bodyguard...I wish to meet my soulmate who will take over that role. Jin-Goo will send both of us to an early grave."

Shaniqua looked amused and asked inquiringly, "Did you know Jin-Goo before you became soulmates?"

Tala just pressed her lips together. She doesn't want to talk about her sweet, lousy luck.

You laughed softly, "She was crazy about my cousin since middle school. But my 'guard dog' only had eyes for tall, sexy girls until he fell harder for Tala... We'll tell you the full story... how FATE played Jin-Goo cruelly."

Tyrella suddenly bounced from her high bar stool, "Guys, I'm ready to bounce. Come on, let's roll. Junaid and Amadi are chilling at the hotel lounge. They just swung by from their buddy's spot."

Shaniqua sighed. "Alright, ladies, let's wrap it up. Tomorrow, we're hitting Venice Beach and Universal Studios. I know Tala will dig the sightseeing."

You all squealed as you grabbed your handbags, waved to the bartender, and left the establishment with merry hearts. Tyrella and Tala were fast asleep, getting at least 30 minutes of sleep.

You and Shaniqua sat in the front, looking back at your friends, who were snoring softly. You chuckled at Tala's open mouth and Tyrella, whose head was buried in Tala's lap.

"Shan... Tyrella seemed affected tonight when she talked about her soulmate's woes. Is Junaid still hung up on the other girl?" you peeked back at your soundly sleeping friend.

Shaniqua sighed deeply, "A week back, he spilt the beans to her. The girl he hooked up with is knocked up—"

You gasped, shocked at the revelation, "Oh my gosh!.. did the girl tell him? How did he find out?"

"Remember that she had told you some time ago that he is from the Billionaire dynasty from the Maldives, with his dad owning a huge diesel company, and his parents finding out about his interest in this girl," Shaniqua explained, "They did a system check, you know the drill... rigging the system. They found out that the girl he was apparently with was pregnant. He confronted the girl, and she confessed that it happened because the system triggered their hook-up. He had already met Tyrella, and at first, she didn't want to be with him because she thought, as blue-stringed, he would choose this celeb."

"Does she know who the girl is? I can understand because Junaid and this girl are both celebs?" you suddenly felt sorry for Tyrella. She must be in secret agony, being cheerful and laughing it off. It was clear how much she loved her soulmate, who only wanted to make her happy.

Shaniqua shook her head, "She knows, but she doesn't want to spill the beans about the girl because it's private. If it leaks out, her soulmate will be on every tabloid, and it's eating her up, knowing he has fathered a child and found his soulmate simultaneously. He's doing everything to convince Ty that he genuinely loves her, but Ty thinks he might choose to be with the mother of his child later, and she's terrified he'll break the news that he wants out from this bond."

She looked more saddened now. You furrowed your brows, inwardly wondering what you would've done if your soulmate fathered a child with someone else. You would be devastated and most likely give him up to be a real family with the woman he physically bonded with. But you hoped your soulmate would love you with the red string, ensuring that he belongs to you and nothing will keep you apart.

"I'm so sorry to hear that. I hope he can tell her every day that he loves her. That baby's shadow over their heads is troubling. As long as the girl will not create problems for her," you quietly said, reflecting on your best friend's anxiety.

You reached the hotel in less than 30 minutes. Traffic wasn't heavy, and Shaniqua was not a very slow driver. She owned a sports car as the only child of her parents. She was very spoiled but not a brat, with her weakness being shoes—lots of shoes.

When you arrived at the underground parking, and the friendly valet attendant took the keys, you were relieved that they could walk inside the hotel lobby by themselves when you woke the two back seat snoozers. Shaniqua held up Tyrella as she wobbled in high heels beside a very sober Shaniqua.

Linking arms with a very tired Tala, you met two men at the entrance of the lobby lounge. Their eyes widen, amused at Tyrella, who yawns with a wide mouth. Shaniqua introduced you with open affection to her soulmate, Amadi, a tall, well-built man with a beautiful chocolate complexion and expressive dark onyx eyes. He was so sweet and kind, with a deep, melodious voice. The guy beside him was equally handsome, shorter but a head taller than Tyrella.

You knew he was Tyrella's sweetheart. You and Tala were formally introduced to Junaid. He had the most beautiful hazel-green-brown eyes, embodying the word 'hot.'
However, not following music trends, you didn't recognize him as an artist, mentally reminding yourself to Google Junaid's name. He immediately took his soulmate in his arms, bridal style, because she looked like she was about to fall over. He shook his head and chuckled.

Inside your hotel room, you and Tala quickly refreshed yourselves and got right into your beds, welcoming the best sleep ever in this glorious country.

At 2 a.m. in the early hours, you experienced your first soulmark attack that left you sobbing in pain. It burned like a hundred times hotter furnace, signalling that your soulmate was on his way, rendering you speechless, anxious, yet excited.

█▓▒­░⡷⠂𝚂𝚊𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚍𝚊𝚢 - 𝟺 𝚍𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚋𝚎𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝙱𝚃𝚂 𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚒𝚟𝚊𝚕⠐⢾░▒▓█

The next day was Saturday, and because Tyrella and Tala seemed to have a massive hangover from indulging in decadent cocktails, you decided to sleep in and enjoy a late room-service breakfast while Tala was still sleeping.

You were still reeling from your soulmark attack in the early morning hours. With the severity of the attack, you knew that you would be red gold, and you hoped your soulmate would share the exact string. You trust fate to give you someone who will fit in with your royal status. He must be someone that your parents will accept and not feel like rigging the system so that you can marry Eduardo.

Your body felt so strange after the attack. You felt a bit of nausea in your stomach, but you dismissed it as the overindulgence of your dinner the previous night.

You told Tala about Tyrella's soulmate woes; she felt a kindred spirit with the cheerful girl.

The crew decided to spend the whole afternoon at the hotel's rooftop swimming pool, enjoying a light seafood platter and cold cocktails. Tyrella still looked tired, and Tala was lounging on the chairs. You were surprised that your hotel was next to the five-star Ritz Carlton Hotel. If booked into the executive suites, your hotel guests could also use the Ritz five-star executive lounge and the luxurious spa. Shaniqua booked you for the following week's Sunday high tea.

Tyrella mused that BTS might stay at the Ritz, but the hotel management keeps it under wraps and ensures that no one, especially fans, books themselves in the same hotel. Saesanngs were known to follow the group everywhere and book in the same hotels, which unnerved the management and crew. The boy's safety was a high priority.

You relax and watch news outlets rave about the group's American leg of the tour. The news strangely stirs you. Maybe it's the anticipation of seeing Joon. The boy you never seemed to forget, who holds your heart and is 'lost' to you, maybe forever. Will he even recognize you? Your hair was in your natural reddish

░▒▓█►─═ Monday -2 days before BTS arrival ═─◄█▓▒░

The next few days were busy. On Monday, Shaniqua and Tyrella took you sightseeing to various places, including a whole day at Universal Studios.

You are all dressed in summer shorts, cute t-shirts, comfy shoes, and hats, ready with cameras for the day. The two guys in your group were kind and fun, treating you with extra care despite being the youngest. Luckily, they weren't aware of your royal status.

They were true gentlemen, ensuring you were well taken care of. Seeing them interact with so much love for their soulmates left a little ache in your heart. Amadi booked a luxurious VIP SUV to drive you around, with him as the driver and Junaid in front. The girls felt like celebrities inside. Every moment with your crew was enjoyable, capturing memories with numerous selfies and scenic photos.

You're having lunch at the studios, having had an extensive buffet breakfast at the hotel.

Shaniqua's soulmate splurged on an expensive Universal Express ticket for an enhanced experience at Universal Studios Hollywood. With all-day admission to the parks and one-time express access to each ride, attraction, and show, they made the most of their reserved tickets. After spending the day on rides and indulging in street food, you and Tala relish the daily visits to the studios. Tala even purchased adorable gifts for Hwannie and her loving grandparents.

█▓▒­░⡷⠂𝚃𝚞𝚎𝚜𝚍𝚊𝚢- 𝚊 𝚍𝚊𝚢 𝚋𝚎𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝙱𝚃𝚂 𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚒𝚟𝚊𝚕⠐⢾░▒▓█

The next day, very early, the group bundled up in the SUV for another adventure. You booked a helicopter ride over the Hollywood sign. Nervous about being in a helicopter due to thoughts of your past kidnapping attempt, you, Tyrella, and Junaid shared a ride while Tala joined Shaniqua and her soulmate. Surprisingly, Amadi was very anxious about heights and almost threw up. Later, you had lunch at a trendy coffee shop in Venice Beach, known for its art and food scene, and enjoyed ice cream from one of the best mom-and-pop shops in the area.

Amadi rented bikes, and you all explored the sights around Venice Beach and Santa Monica. You bought fresh-pressed juice, had a picnic, and finished the day with Salt & Straw ice cream.

After exploring the boardwalk, head to the water on Venice City Beach, stretching from the Venice Pier to the border between Venice Beach and Santa Monica. Walk along the water with your friends and take in the scenic beauty of this destination.

Sit on the beach and watch the surfers. Everyone brought their swimwear, and you enjoyed a day in the crystal-clear waters. Tyrella rented beach chairs and umbrellas, and you all relaxed under the umbrella after a refreshing swim. Junaid, Amadi, and Shaniqua joined a team on the beach for a volleyball game while you and Tala just floated along in the warm water. The time in the water was refreshing. You all had a great time at the water. You and Tala were playing, splashing water at each other, and Tala was excitedly shouting.

Tyrella was "tanning" under the umbrella with a novel in her hand, watching her soulmate and friends with a huge smile. 

█▓▒­░⡷⠂𝙱𝚃𝚂 𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚒𝚟𝚎𝚍 𝚒𝚗 𝙻𝙰⠐⢾░▒▓█

Shaniqua nudged Junaid, all decked out in Dior shades, a black snapback, and cool shorts, saying, "In a few years, your name's gonna be all over these walkways," teasing him.

Junaid smirked and playfully winked, "Then you got the legal right to walk all over me," his arms around Tyrella's tiny waist in a loving back hug. They watched as you and Tala posed candidly.

Tyrella looked up into his hazel green eyes, "Baby, you sure you don't wanna join us for the BTS show. It will be lit." She cutely pouted.

He looked a bit bummed, "I wanted to see the boys, but I gotta be in New York. The studio's laying down another track for my first solo album. I'm with this new label that believes in me. This is my breakthrough year, baby. After our 'Bownation' boyband went solo, I'm done being a bad boy rapper." He smirked and kissed her pouty lips sweetly, his eyes filled with love for his beautiful soulmate.

"I love you, Junnie... always remember that," Tyrella softly declared against his mouth.

"I love you too, muffin," he reaffirmed his love and hugged her tightly against his chest.

Seeing that, you smiled inwardly, glad that Tyrella was out of her melancholy mood. You genuinely hope you won't encounter soulmate hardships.

You had Tala take more photos of you, placing your hand on some famous celebs' stars along the strip. As you walked, you visited popular shops for tourists, buying extra clothes, jewellery, and bags.The queen will get an aneurysm if she finds out how you spend money. The Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, California, known for its restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, was bustling with celebrities. No, and then eagle-eyed fans will recognize Junaid as a former boyband member and take a selfie with him. You and Tala looked at each other with a wink. Being a princess and a lady in disguise is so lovely, out of any paparazzi's radar.

Tyrella and Shaniqua indulged in cute designer bags and more shoes. Before leaving Spain, Jin-Goo gave Tala a credit card for use in the USA. Though initially hesitant, Tala eventually enjoyed shopping, thanks to Prince Jerk's generosity.

Unlike Tyrella and Shaniqua, you weren't into the club scene and preferred to avoid places where your face could accidentally be exposed to the paparazzi. Instead, you explored Rodeo Drive, a renowned shopping district in Los Angeles, home to high-end designer stores and expensive real estate.

You also visited Santa Monica Pier & Beach with your friends, enjoying the Southern California sun, strolling on the pier, and taking many selfies.

Later that afternoon, news of BTS's arrival in LA filled the air when you returned to the hotel. The excitement was tangible in the lobby as more Army reserved the last rooms for the five days of the boys' stay. The ARMY was enthusiastic, welcoming the boys with purple ribbons at LAX. The anticipation for the upcoming shows was palpable, especially for Tala, who was eager to see your old friend performing on stage and doing what he was doing best.

Every news outlet and entertainment channel was full of BTS, featuring the star's schedule in LA, photoshoots, their Grammy museum interview, and their performance at the America Got Talent show.

On Thursday afternoon, Amadi and Tyrella went to pick up your security details, your supposed 'parents', who seemed overly happy to see you after several months. They had taken a well-deserved leave while you visited your royal residence. Jin-Goo was set to arrive before the final show, receiving Junaids' ticket for the final performance, which you all planned to attend.

Tyrella already planned all your outfits for the show. Tala was coached about the show's etiquette, the stuff she would need and the type of bags she was allowed to take with her.

Your security detail was delighted to reunite with your middle school best friend and Harvard buddies. You grabbed some food and drinks at Calle Olvera, enjoyed a cultural experience, and purchased cute hats and sandals. You and Tala treated yourselves to cute pouch bags for your cellphones and bought adorable gifts for your friends. Your first week in Los Angeles was undeniably memorable, involving overspending more than a thousand dollars.

You and Tala walk behind the rest, marvelling at the beautiful, colourful Mexican handmade sandals and bags on the outside stands, until you bump into two laughing girls who show each other the handcrafted items.

One girl was a little taller than you and Tala, and the other was just as petite as Tala, maybe a head smaller. They were stunning and smiled friendly at you.

They were lifting cute handmade leather bags adorned with different coloured beads and feathers and colourful summer ponchos.

"That one is lovely. The leather is authentic," you told her in English as you smiled friendlyly in her wide Asian onyx eyes. Her designer shades were on her black, shiny hair. She had a cute printed light blue baby doll mini dress and white flip-flops.

The girl with big, expressive eyes smiled widely and said, "Oh wow! I love this one." She draped it over her shoulder and turned to her equally tall, gorgeous friend, who seemed of Indian descent. She had a shiny and colourful Indian print mini wrap-around skirt with cute brown Indian-styled sandals. You notice her glossy curls adorning her face and shoulders.

"Look, Sami. I found the best gift for our 'dragon eyes' coming birthday. Let's find something for our soulmates also?" She exclaimed cheerfully in Korean. You smirk by yourself because you clearly understand their conversation.

Ah, these girls are already mated. Just then, Tala urged you to follow her before you lost your group.
You waved back at the petite girl, who waved and grinned in your direction.

You were tired as you returned to your hotel for a desired rest. You and your friends will spend some alone time after a dinner buffet.

Shaniqua and Tyrella spent the early evening with you, watching the BTS craze from the top hotel windows. The Staples Center was adorned with neon lights. It was so magical. The queues were remarkably long, and you and your friends even enjoyed listening to the sound check screams from the ARMY. You especially relished listening to the lively performance in the privacy of your hotel room.

You couldn't wait for your turn to attend the final day of the concert, eagerly anticipating seeing the 'love of your life' perform for the last time and finding closure to this chapter of your life.

A/n, I hope you all like the girls spending ample time with their buddies. Thank you for all the engaging comments. I had a blast interacting with you. Kindly don't forget to drop a vote.

A big shout-out to:

jpn0214    Girlnamjooning    MarieKarlsson3  PurbaBiswas496  Megan29Jayne

1. What do you think about the two male soulmates?

2. Do you think Tyrella will get over her soulmate's mishap?

3. Will Vicky hide from Namjoon, thinking about his possible rejection?

4. Do you think Jia might be at the final show?

5. Did you notice an easter egg in the chapter?😏