The Uber ride was pleasant, as Alia chatted easily with each driver. Surprised by the beautiful girls in his car, one driver eagerly responded to Alia's questions in Korean.

You sigh deeply, gazing at the passing scenery outside. Anxiety clouds your thoughts, and you dread telling Alia about the secret you kept hidden for weeks.

How will she react to the news that the world-famous BTS member, Armys' Worldwide Handsome, found his soulmate, bonded with her, and secretly married her while still entangled in a secret relationship with his ex-girlfriend and future wife? Now that's messed up.

Your heart aches at the thought of the challenging months ahead, knowing they'll be heartbreaking for you and your soulmate. You're unsure how you'll manage with Vidhan on your own while Jin focuses on his exams and eventually returns to the BTS schedule. The sting behind your eyelids intensifies, and though the urge to cry is strong, you push back the pain.

Imagining Seokjin standing at the altar with Noodle brings you a familiar ache. Children are expected to follow their parents' wishes in this legacy system, especially within elite circles. Disobeying could mean being legally cut off from your family's legacy. You love your family profoundly and understand they want what's best, securing a prosperous future with a man they deem suitable.

The serum, though still in testing, is no longer a concern to them, even if it promises to protect fragile red gold hearts from losing the vital invigoration of soulbonds. But without Seokjin, your heart feels doomed, you know that as an undeniable truth.

Alia turns, noting your solemn expression as you gaze out the window, "Sami, are you alright? You seem lost in thought. What's got you so preoccupied?"

Startled, you turn to her, chuckling nervously. "O-Oh, nothing. I'm just thinking about life here in Korea ...university, upcoming tests..." your voice quietly trails off.

Your hands fidget on your lap until Alia takes one, giving it a comforting squeeze.

She smiles, her gaze softening,  "I know it's a shift from the chaotic celebrity life. Aren't you glad we can finally live without worrying about Ravi or those annoying paparazzi, always tailing us to get dirt on us? I'm thrilled we're here and have made great friends, even if some students secretly post about us on Instagram. The Indian media didn't hound us down. Your agency is protecting you from them."

You snort, eyes darkening slightly, "Yeah, that was life back in Mumbai and Delhi. I don't mind living here; it's just... I don't know... a bit stressful. I miss Priya and Mukhi, but I'm lucky to have you, the girl's squad and our nosy neighbour, Sona."

Alia laughs but then frowns slightly. "Sami-girl, after the language exams, we'll be ready to apply for our Master's degrees next semester. Then we can finally live our dreams and make our own money, I've even started adding more to my financial freedom, and you still have those ambassador duties. So we are free to live life. Before we go home, we can plan for a little vacation."

Though your heart feels heavy, you nod, "I just hope nothing bad happens when we're ready to apply. I don't want to lose my scholarship. And honestly, I'm still recovering from the flu and these migraines. I'm also worried about Vidhan—he won't leave me alone here in Seoul. It's like he's becoming more obsessed with making me his wife. And then there's the Legacy luncheon... My brother already booked our hotel rooms. You and I will share one."

Alia sighs, "At least he's got a shoot in Japan first, so we'll have a week without Vidhan. I'm just glad we passed our assignments. Gosh, it was a journey... Oh, look, we're home. Thank goodness! I'm going to jump in the shower, and maybe we can catch that new Bollywood drama on cable—Kumkum Bhagya. The lead characters' lives feel like ours!"

As you leave the vehicle, the Uber driver politely says goodbye. He parks on the backside of the apartment block as you both head inside. You chatted quietly as you stepped inside through the glass patio door, your mind drifting to thoughts of Sona. She looked lost after her trusty car broke down; you hoped she'd sorted it out.

Sighing, you entered the lounge and sank onto the white leather sofa. Alia tossed her handbag down and dashed up the stairs to shower and change into her pyjamas.

Rubbing your eyes, you sat in a daze, your mind clouded with ways to tell Alia about your soulmate. Would she feel betrayed by your silence? You could already imagine her disappointment,and wonder if she'd declare a "revenge week" on you, a tradition you two had when you kept something important from the other. You'd much rather deal with frustration head-on than face her cold shoulder. You need Alia on your and Jin's side, no matter what.

You leapt up and headed to the kitchen, grabbing the four small tubs of vanilla-based ' Baskin Robbins' ice cream—Snickers, chocolate chip, Belgian waffle, and Oreo cheesecake, all of Seokjin's picks. You hoped this peace offering would soften the revelation blow before you got what felt like a "murder sentence." Alia could be savage, and you already felt shivers down your spine.

You placed the ice cream on a tray with wooden spoons, some candy snacks, and two bottles of grapefruit-flavoured soju while listening to the shower running upstairs.

Alia's voice sounded loud as she belted the famous BTS song "I Need You." Smiling, you carefully carried the tray up the stairs, trying not to lose your balance.

You placed the tray on the side table and closed the Alias curtains. Your heart was racing when she got out of the bathroom. Her hair was damp, and she looked surprised at you where you were sitting on her bed with a strange expression.

Alia laughed a little."Oh, hi, bestie. Do you feel a little lonely? Wow, what did I do to deserve such a cute and loving best friend? You missed me when I was away, hey."

You grinned and gestured to the snacks and her laptop that you placed on the bed, "Er, yeah... I thought we could have a snuggly date, eat ice cream, and watch the soap opera from back home. You know, just bonding and talking. We have been so busy with assignments and university stress that we haven't talked like we used to."

Alia smirked as she put on her loungewear. She tied her hair in a messy bun and plopped down next to you. You looked super nervous as you opened the soju can for Alia and handed it to her. She smiled and thanked you softly.

Alia took a huge sip of her soju drink and rolled her eyes with pleasure as she gulped another big sip,"Oh wow! This tastes so good—ice cold! So, Sami, I'm getting a little concerned about your weird demeanour. Are you okay? I sense a bit of stress in your voice. Please don't tell me you are miserable here. Please...please... I love Korea and want us to stay for at least three years." She pleaded, her hands clasped together in a fist.

You laugh as she hugs you and speaks in a whiny voice. You just shake your head and breathily chuckle," No, it's not that. I'm happy to be with you on this journey. You always dreamt of being here. I would never leave you alone in a strange country. Rest assured---but.--" Your tone grows serious, and you inhale deeply as you shakily look at Alia's narrowed eyes.

"I need to tell you something... or show you something, but promise first that you will not get bat crazily mad or kill me in the process," you asked pleadingly.

Alia widened her eyes and looked at you suspiciously. "Sami? Did you do something illegal?"

You shook your head, bit your lip, and yelled loudly, "NO! OF COURSE NOT! I think it's better if I show you." Alia still looked puzzled at your strange request as she saw you open your hand and stretch your fingers, which were covered with coolant plasters. She knows the struggle you had with the soulmarks.

Alia scrunched up her face as she saw you fiddling with the plasters to take it off. "Wait! Are you still getting frostbite sensations on your soulmarks? Did it give you a lot of trouble? I saw your painful expression a few weeks ago. Bestie, are you okay? Are you going to amputate your fingers? Oh, I'm so sorry, bestie." She looked more concerned, thinking your hand was infected in the area. 

You smirk a little at her theatrical behaviour as you shove her shoulder. "No, but I wanted to tell you a few weeks ago, but I was so scared and afraid of your reaction—I didn't want you to know because I couldn't believe it happened." Your eyes keenly watch her expression as you take off the rest of the plasters. 

Alia narrowed her eyes as she scanned your two fingers, waiting with bated breath, and then realisation struck in her mind.

She shook her head as her eyes searched yours for confirmation. You winced as you saw her deep, calculating look. Your soulmark with the queen crown and the words "queen" looked strangely enhanced. The light purple was now almost a dark purple, nearly black, against her honey-toned skin, proving that soul bonding was already established.

Alia's jaw dropped almost to the ground, and a shocked expression edged her face. Her hand flew to her mouth. "OMG! OMG! OMG...don't tell me...did you... no, you didn't...Sami!" She leapt from the bed, hyperventilating.

You looked worried as you finally answered," I wanted to tell you... but I was so afraid, and it's so complicated!"

Alia shook her head in disbelief. "Samiya Dholakia, did you meet and bond with your soulmate? Why the hell didn't you tell me?" She was stunned at the revelation, and an emotion of betrayal and a little fury entered her voice.

Your eyes started to tear up as you threw your arms in the air." Ali, believe me, I wanted to tell you... but it is so complicated... I don't know how to bring that up that I finally met my soulmate...but he...he,---" you said, then burst out in uncontrollable sobs. The stress of keeping this secret finally overtook you.

Alia's eyes widened in shock when she saw you break down this way. "Sami...did something happen?"

Her tone became softer and lost most of its fury. She couldn't believe you met your soulmate; she was the last to know about it. She came and sat next to you as tears streamed from your eyes.

You wiped your tear-streaked eyes and whispered, "I'm so sorry, Alia. I wanted to tell you, but he is not what you would expect my soulmate to be...he is in the same boat as us...he has a future fiance, and I might not be free from Vidhan as I thought."

Alia looked flabbergasted. "Omg, that is so messed up. He is also stuck in an arranged marriage. Oh, my bestie... I'm so sorry to hear that. Your soulmate...where and when did you meet him, and why did you complete the bond if he was going to marry someone else? Did he accept or reject you? Tell me everything." She looked super intrigued, excited that you finally met your destiny, even if he wasn't yours yet.

Her eyes were sparkling with excitement, even if you scrunched up your nose at her change of demeanour:" Alia, it's not funny. I'm practically in the same position. Meeting my soulmate should've been my ticket out of the forced marriage, but Alia, I'm going to lose him."

Alia hugged you sideways, handing you a tissue from her side dresser. "He is not married yet, Sami. You are beautiful. You are one of the most alluring girls in New Delhi. Now tell me everything."

You inhaled deeply as you looked into her bright, excited eyes. She couldn't believe you met your destiny in Seoul.

"He is a student at Konkuk University," you quietly started, watching her beaming eyes.

"No way...is he in our year? Or, omg! You not going to be a cougar girl...you're not way older than him?" She laughed in disbelief. You shove her almost off the bed.

"Oh my goodness, Ali...he is a postgraduate student. He is going to graduate early due to his external job," you replied, a little peeved.

Alia chuckled and raised her hands in a mock defensive stance. "I'm sorry, girl. I can't see you with a younger boy. Vidhan will have a field day. Gosh, a student on the verge of marrying. Is he... is he local?" She suddenly looked concerned as she noticed your downcast eyes.

"Oh my goodness, Sami! Your soulmate... is he a Korean? No way. You know, our parents will not truly accept someone who doesn't have the same culture. You and Priya are your parents' only hope to bring home a boy from our midst. You must marry Vidhan because your contract with your parents is already in place. I feel you, girl." She looked as if she wanted to throw up. She hoped that you would meet at least an Indian guy, and there are plenty at your university. 

She jumped up, and her whole demeanour looked sad." It's no wonder you have looked pathetic and unsettled for the past few days, although there were days when you looked happy and content."

You nodded,"Yes, Ali...he is Korean...but that is not all. He is part of the Billionaire Legacy Club and will be with his future fiance at the luncheon. He wanted us to bond to see our strings, and we are unfortunately redgold, Alia. We were going to die without each other. I'm going to lose him forever, Ali. How will I live without him, knowing that he loves me but can't be with me—"Your tears were streaming afresh down your cheeks.

Alia bit her lip at your deep anguish. "But...why don't you fight for him? He is legally yours. Show his fiance he is yours. Walk hand in hand publically; do some PDA. Samiya, you need to declare war openly. Luckily, he is a student at our university. You can enjoy life at uni by being by your soulmate's side. If I were not tarnished, I would have given his fiance a fight for her life. I'll never let anyone have the satisfaction of enjoying the love of my soulmate, and I'm his. Not in this lifetime." She grabbed a spoon and ate her Snicker-flavoured ice cream with vigour, a little annoyed at the unfortunate situation. She wants you to stand up for your rights and fight for your soulmate.

You sigh deeply as you take the chocolate chip-flavoured ice cream. "Ali, it's not that simple. He is a little above my league status."

Alia huffed," Who cares, Sami? He has the same status as you in the Legacy. Is he a Joseon prince here in Korea? He is a student like you, with a stinking rich family legacy just like you. You have a high citizen status in India based on your family legacy and celebrity status. Who is the guy? How in the world did you meet? We were always together every day. Why didn't I notice your half-bonding? Did it happen while I was away on my shoot? How?" She looked puzzled.

You bit your lip as you nervously bit on the wooden ice spoon. How in the world would you come clean? You stood up from the bed, placed your ice cream tub back on the tray, and looked with apprehension at your best friend's inquiring eyes, which were fixed on your nervous facial expression.

"Alia...there is a reason why I couldn't tell you when I revealed my soulmate...promise you will not overreact or kill me." You looked at her thoughtfully.

Alia grinned, "Oh my goodness, Sami...of course I will understand."

You shook your head adamantly and said, "No, promise you will not get mad at me...please sit down first."

Alia chuckled, "Why so dramatic, Sami? I promise I won't get mad. You already told me he is practically engaged, and why would I get bat crazy if you told me his name? I won't judge or make fun of you, not get mad. So rest assured, your heartbreaking secret is safe with me...so spill the tea." She sat on the edge of the bed while you paced up and down in front of her. She was just watching you quietly with amused eyes. 

Alia sighed, "Oh, come on. Sami! What is so difficult is just telling me how you met... Oh, my goodness. Please don't tell me. You didn't just complete the bond, but you settled the bond as well when I was away. Is that it?" When she saw your flustered and guilty face, she looked flabbergasted and laughed in disbelief, clapping her hand in shock.

You were red in the face. "Okay, don't laugh, Alia. You know how passionate the red-gold string is, and my soulmate is well, passionate, sexy and hot. At least we could love each other for the last time before we entered prison."

Alia chuckled, her eyes sparkled with unshed tears of laughter, "Okay, sorry... I want to know every detail of that side of the bond. OMG! The system already registered you as married. How cunning of the two of you. How will they exchange rings if the system has registered you as married? They will never be able to place the rings on the ring fingers. Gosh, that is so dope. His fiance doesn't know you've been with each other. My friend, you successfully sabotaged his future wife's happiness. I'm so proud of you. I trained you well. So, spill the beans. Start from the beginning." Alia looked beyond giddy. She can't wait to slip that little detail on her narcissistic cousin Vidhan with smugness. Samiya already belongs to someone else physically.

You looked more nervous again, "Well, it happened on our first day. Remember the day that guy bumped into us, and the collision made us land on the ground, and you broke your new phone? I'd lost my notebook."

Alia squealed, "Oh my gosh, the day we met Hobeom without knowing. Oh, I remember, and you got hurt on your butt. I remember your sadness when you thought you had lost your designs, media card, and expensive notebook. So, how did it happen?" She was excited—more of her remembering the BTS Manager, talking to him, and seeing Seokjin in the cafeteria.

You nodded,"Yeah, remember the black SUV that stood near the stairs when the collision happened at that exact moment when you helped me up? Well, my soulmate just opened that door, and there is where our eyes met, and we half bonded unexpectedly. "

You waited for a moment as Alia furrowed her brows in deep thought, trying to remember the extra details of that day. She was beyond mad about her phone. You were waiting for realisation to kick in. 

"Wait, what! A black SUV...you bonded with a guy coming out of the vehicle. There was only one SUV parked in front of the stairs. I do remember. Wait! Hobeom runs down the stairs and... I saw a girl run up to a guy and hug him, I didn't see his face, but I... I recognised the girl the next day... Oh my goodness! Samiya...er no, it can't be...that girl was Seokjin's girlfriend. Did...did you... wait, I will sound stupid, and it's truly too fantastical... Did you half bond with... Seokjin?" She waited for you to deny the possibility that you were the visual king of BTS...your ultimate bias and dream guy soulmate. How surreal will that be?

She jumped up with renewed shock when she saw you bite your lip and winced, giving her exactly what she wanted to know.

The bedroom was hurled in a weird silence, almost like waiting for the thunder to strike.

"No flipping way! Samiya, please don't tell me you bonded with BTS Seokjin. No flipping way! Kim Seokjin was the only guy standing in front of the stairs with his rude girlfriend. Please tell me it's not true, or I'm hallucinating this whole conversation," she started to hyperventilate, fanning her face with the shocking revelation as she saw you standing there quietly, observing her as thousands of emotions simultaneously played on her beautiful face.

She was speechless in shock when she realised, from your serious expression, that it might be true. It is your reality and her dream.

You sighed with bated breath, "I'm sorry, Alia, yes. I...I bonded with BTS Kim Seokjin ... ARMY' Mr Worldwide handsome. He...he is my destined soulmate---"

You watch, as if in slow motion, as Alia leaps from her position on the bed and launches at you.

.....

A/n: At last, the truth is known.

Thank you for your patience. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please vote and comment on your thoughts.

1. Do you think it was a good idea to tell Alia?

2. Do you think Alia is mad about the news?

3. Do you think the advice was practical?

4. Do you think Sami will be at peace now?

Here's our RockJin's new release. Keep on streaming, guys🍬