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Seokjin pov.

When Seokjin arrived at the front entrance of the opulent Lotte Hotel, he pulled his dark sunglasses and white mask high up on his face. Luckily there were no openly gawking fans around. He took his black Gucci weekend bag and his small luggage trolley bag and walked to the entrance, where a porter intercepted him with a golden bellhop trolley for his luggage.

He was dressed in white slacks, a pink beanie, and a pale pink knitted sweater. If ARMY must see him now, they will definitely call him their pink princess.

He gave a friendly nod to the porter and guided him to the guest lounge, where he would be seated and await his family's arrival. What his mother had told him clouded his mind.

His heart was racing as he scrolled back on his phone and gave Bangpd a text message. He informed his Bangtan father and CEO that whatever his appa is trying to do, not to succumb.

He is the author of his life. He is with Bangtan until they all decide together whether to disband or renew their contracts. He told BangPd-nim not to be concerned, and he is not altering his future; if he is ready to get engaged, he will contact the agency himself and not use a spokesperson who twists his voice.

Seokjin's jaw clenched where he sat alone watching the numerous legacy guests standing at the reservation desk getting their keycards. Their family was booked into the main tower of the hotel.

Just then he saw his parents and the Baes enter. As he watched them from afar, he could see the camaraderie and the joyful chatter, and even Noodle was linking her arm with his mom, as if she were already his wife. Her red lips were wide, and she was clothed in her signature designer dress with silver high-heeled sandals.

He sighed deeply and stood up as a huge smile spread across his mom's face when she spotted him. His Appa and Mr. Bae were handling the booking. The ladies saw him and quickly walked past, while Seokjin just stood up. He was glad there was no army in sight, and he could feel normal.

Noodle's eyes were sparkling as she came and stood before a cool Seokjin, "Jinnie...omg! You're here. I thought you would not come." She looked at his mom, who just smirked.

"I told you, Noodle, he will be here. Seokjin-son. I'm glad you drove safely." She was searching his face for anything that could bring comfort to her, but Jin just nodded and bowed to the remaining ladies.

Noodle's mom's eyes were more starstruck for her friend's son, and Noodle felt triumphant. She found out that Alia and her friend are Legacy club members, so they will be here.

She told her mom confidentially that Alia was a foreign language and culture student who seduced Seokjin and became his girlfriend. He was apparently her peer tutor, which will help him to graduate early so he can complete the rest of his graduate studies. Due to his peer tutoring credits, he is now able to complete his graduate studies in just one year. Her mom told her that she doesn't need to be concerned. She's got Seokjin's parents on her side. They will never accept another girl or soulmate as Seokjin's wife.

That thought reassures her, but now she needs to make amends with Jin, especially for what she did to Ali.

"Hi Jin, it's so good to see you." She smiled brightly as if they were still devoted friends.

Seokjin bows slightly. "Hi Noodle." That's all he said. He doesn't even want to engage in any conversation with him; inwardly, he was still fuming and trying so hard to control his emotions. He already learned that sometimes you have to choose your battles. But his father's situation is a war of its own. He wants to maintain peace this weekend and hopefully come out alive.

Mrs. Bae's eyes sparkle with happiness. "Seokjin, hon. You look so handsome today. Are you well after the rigorous study break?"

Seokjin just nodded. "Thank you, Ms. Bae. Yes, I'm done with exams."

She smiled widely. "So any plans for the coming holidays?"

Seokjin just shook his head. "I don't have any, except the group schedules," he answered politely. He is not really in the mood to chit-chat with the women. Just then their father walked cordially to where they were seated.

They greet and Mr Bae looked at him. "You good?"

Seokjin nodded and bowed respectfully. "I'm good, sir."

His Appa's eyes were scanning his own, but he said, "It will be an awesome weekend of rest; we will meet the new billionaires and their families."

His Appa smirked when he handed one gold keycard to him. "Seokjin...here's your room key...you and Noodle will share a room. It's on the 34th floor, room 3410."

Noodle's eyes widen, but a quick glance at her mom made it seem it was already schemed.

Seokjin's breath hitched. "Sharing...why? Are there any suites still available? Appa told us you'd book three months in advance."

He looked flabbergasted at his smug, unbothered dad.

His Appa smiled with that condescending look on his face. "It's time you and Noodle acquainted yourselves with each other. It's a weekend of bonding. In two months, things will definitely look up for the two of you."

Seokjin's eyes were flashing as he looked at Noodle, who just smiled like an obedient daughter. Her heart was fluttering. This was the weekend she would make Seokjin see her as a future wife. He is just a man with needs, and this weekend he's going to be jello in her hands. She knows his weakness.

Seokjin was shocked to find out his dad had arranged for him and Noodle to share a suite on level 34. Seokjin's parents were staying in a presidential suite alongside Noodle’s parents.

He was furious but too polite to cause a scene. He hoped there were single beds. The manager led them up to their rooms. His family ensured that he and Noodle were comfortable in their rooms.

They entered the opulent hallways with thick carpets. Seokjin slid the keycard in, and it was open. They were shocked when they entered. Noodle entered first, then his eomma and her mom.

"Oh my gosh!" Noodle gasped. Her eyes landed on the open door that led to one bedroom.

Seokjin looked at his parents with betrayal, but they just smirked. Noodle looked shocked at Seokjin.

Seokjin just shook his head as he placed his luggage near the sofa.

His mom clapped her hands and exclaimed, "Oh wow! What a wonderful view of the city. Jinnie, you and Noodle will be able to relax well...the suite is so comfortable and well equipped."

Sepkjin looks at his mom incredulously. "Eomma, can you hear yourself? The bedroom has a king-size bed. Noodle and I are not soulmates?"

His Appa looked at him with furrowed brows. "So what? You and Noodle will get married soon. You are a young man, and Noodle is over 22 years old...is there a concern?"

Seokjin inhaled deeply with a frustrated growl, "It's improper...we can't. The system will give us a moral summons. Noodle is already bonded. She's not even supposed to share a room with a soulmark guy. Did we miss the rules?"

His dad looked at him incredulously. "Improper? So it was proper when you slept with a strange girl in your Busan penthouse. Noodle is your official fiancé, and she doesn't even know what your private apartment looks like."

Seokjin just pursed his lips, and before he could fire back, Noodle gently touched his dad's arm to get his attention. His dad's face looked like a thunderstorm, and Seokjin seemed to lose his composure.

Noodle looked concerned. "Uncle, can't we get rooms with twin beds? We can still share."

"Nonsense, child. You're betrothed, and this weekend everyone should know. Seokjin is taken...and the date will be set. No nonsense from Seokjin this weekend," his dad retorted back.

"This is preposterous," Seokjin murmured unhappily. When did he return to his childhood phase where everyone wants to decide for or control him?

His mom just gave him a soft side hug and whispered, "Just survive the weekend, Seokjin. Don't cause stress for your Appa." Her eyes were warning as they darted to her husband, who was talking to his friend.

Seokjin wiped over his face. This is ridiculous. He is sharing a bed with Noodle. Hell will freeze over before he sleeps next to her. The conniving, entitled brat. As he looked at her bright eyes, he instantly knew she was not against the sharing. She welcomes it. Her family supported her decision to share a room. What type of family are they?

He still has his morals, and he is already married and settled with Mia. Even if Noodle parades naked before him, he won't find her a turn-on. His heart and body belong to his red-gold soulmate. Samiya will flip if she hears about his room arrangement. She'll be so hurt because she's already feeling insecure about this whole engagement crap. His father thinks he has won...let the games begin.

His dad smiled. "Come, family...let's leave the kids alone to settle in, and let's go to our suite."

Mr. Bae added with a laugh, "Don't be late. We'll have an early dinner. Meet us downstairs at the guest lounge in the foyer."

Noodle smiles widely, her face beaming. "We will...I need to refresh first." She giggles.

When Noodke's mom hugged her tightly and whispered something in her ear, they left the room, giddily, as if they had left a honeymoon couple.

Noodle smirked when the door closed; behind her, Seokjin stood with a hardened face. "Did you know about this?"

Noodle turns around and looks at him with wide eyes. "Know how? My parents never told me. I thought I'd have my suite. I begged my parents to get me one, and they said they'll see."

Seokjin searches her innocent eyes for deception. "Why does it sound so suspicious? They knew my stand on the engagement."

Noodle sighed as she walked wordlessly to their shared bedroom. Seokjin follows her in, throwing his beanie and sunglasses on the long wooden desk. His eyes roam around the luxurious bedroom. It spells elegance and a calm luxury. The walls were warm, neutral beige and cream. The bed was covered with white linen and adorned with mustard and gold decorative cushions.

Behind the bed was a huge mural, adding an artistic touch to the room. Sleek lamps stood on the bedside tables. A flat TV screen was in front of the bed. A huge panoramic window revealed breathtaking views of the cityscape. By each type of window there is a cozy chaise lounge with a golden-patterned cushion...the perfect spot for relaxing.

The whole atmosphere was tranquil and romantic—the perfect scene for a couple bonding. But this whole suite doesn't make Seokjin calm because Mia wasn't with him. He suddenly missed his soulmate so much, and he wondered which wing of the hotel they were booked in. Maybe they might see each other during today's dinner. Tomorrow the legacy club events will start. Today all the families are just settling in and can use the amenities of this magnificent hotel.

Noodle turned to him as she caught him standing at the window. "Seokjin, we all know where we stand, but can't you just ease up? Do you hate me this much?" She asked with a strangled voice; her hands stopped midway as she was folding her jeans.

Seokjin's eyes are clouded as he sighs, "You know I don't hate you, Noodle. But this is not right." He gestured around the room.

Noodle inhaled deeply, and she looked at him with narrowed eyes. "A few months ago you would've married me easily, no questions asked. But since you met that Alia girl, you...you've changed. We had each other's backs then. But now you made me out to be the villain. Are...are you bonded with Alia?" She asked, her eyes moist.

Seokjin shook his head. "You know I'm not. I simply just like her and want to be a little free before I meet my soulmate."

Noodle's eyes widen incredulously. "What the heck, Seokjin...why not settle with me then? Why date a girl when we're supposed to date?"

Seokjin looks at her and laughs humorlessly. "Noodle-Joo...you promised we'd date only two weeks to fool our parents, but you broke your word. I told you I want to meet my soulmate also before thinking about getting engaged to another girl who, mind you...isn't my destined soulmate. You bonded. You experience that euphoric feeling of the bond. Why can't I experience it?"

Noodle started to cry. "But Jin, I genuinely love you...I can give you everything—"

"NO, not everything. You can give me physical pleasure, but not intimacy, which I can only experience with my soulmate. I'm sorry, Noodle, but we're not going to work out. I understand your dilemma with that other CEO in the wings. But marriage is out of the question. Bangpd will never allow me to get married. My contract is tight on these issues."

Noodle wiped her eyes. "Why are you so cruel?"

Seokjin sighed, "I'm not Noodle. You and my family are busy creating me as a villain. Villains are not born; they are made. And Alia...she is my safe place right now...don't worry, I'll take the sofa in the lounge." He walked out and went and explored their room.

There was an honesty bar with drinks and snacks. He took the box of chocolate-coated almonds and started eating from it.

He threw off his sneakers and lay barefoot on the sofa while scrolling through his messages.

"Hi Mia...how's my eternal love doing?"

An hour had passed. He and Noodle, newly refreshed with elegant semi-formal attire, went down the elevator to the ground floor.

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Their parents and the Baes were seated, waiting for them, but when they saw them, they immediately stood up. They looked out of a Dior catalogue.

Despite the succulent early dinner at the upscale hotel restaurant and the display of his favorite food at the buffet, Seokjin lost his appetite. His mom was a little worried about his despondency. He looked detached from the conversation. His dad and Mr. Bae talked about conquering the European market with the packaging industry and the exports. He only listens with half an ear. When his mom notices his lack of appetite, she gently nudges him.

"Son, they have your favorite black noodles, roast veggies, and I saw strawberry cheesecake in their cake collection...why don't you help yourself to it?" She asked with a soft smile while cutting her steak into small pieces.

Seokjin just nodded with a flat expression. "I'm not hungry. Bangtan went out for Korean BBQ for brunch. I'll just eat a piece of cake maybe..." he said, fiddling with his phone.

Instead, he was spending the entire evening glued to his phone, texting Mia, giving her love affirmations. His texts were filled with longing, but his expression was unreadable while ignoring Noodle’s attempts at conversation.

His dad looked at Seokjin with furrowed brows and said, "Seokjin, you know the rules: when family is together, no phones at the table."

Seokjin sighed, without meeting his appa's accusing eyes. "Apologies, Appa...it was Namjoon sending me the schedule. We have an early interview...sort of a meeting with a new brand. Some representatives of Louis Vuitton want Bangtan as a brand ambassador."

His father nodded. "It's okay...but if you're done, put it away now. Namjoon knows he mustn't disturb you when you're with your family. Noodle can't talk to herself."

Seokjin inwardly rolled his eyes and wondered why she couldn't talk to herself. He sighed and followed his Eomma to the cake buffet table and got himself a chocolate and vanilla mousse cake with lots of cream on top and a small slice of strawberry cheesecake. If he is hungry, he'll order room service for him.

Noodle sat with an irate expression on her face. Her makeup was flawless, and she looked extremely pretty with a white cocktail evening dress, silver Jimmy Choo pumps, and diamond accessories, probably to impress him, but his attention wasn't even fixed on her. His mom reminded him to compliment Noodle.

When he got back, Noodle turned to him and said softly through gritted teeth, “You could at least pretend to care. Jin. Can't you be civil at least? We're here to enjoy the weekend. Make friends with the new billionaire family."

Seokjin raised an eyebrow and smiled mockingly. “I’m pretending. So, why don't you go make friends with those three guys that look so entranced by you? Just maybe they'll be okay being forced into an engagement.” He placed a piece of mousse in his mouth, moaning at the smooth taste as he saw Noodles's frustrated face. She wanted this.

Noodle shook her head. "You can be such a jerk." She softly snapped at him.

Seokjin smirks, leans into her, and whispers, "Oh really...then why do you want to be with this famous jerk? You can pick and choose anyone... Daddy has enough money to help you find a suitable husband with the right pedigree. But this one right here is definitely not interested."

Their interaction looked like low-key flirting because both their parents were smiling. Noodle just pretended that Seokjin had asked her to kiss him. Seokjin just snorted and concentrated on his dessert while Noodle's silver chopsticks clinked against her crockery. She was enraged as hell at him. She knew he was texting Alia. She saw the girl's name flashing across his phone like an annoying mosquito you can't get rid of.

Seokjin grinned because he purposely had his phone face up next to him; when Alias's number appeared, he smirked and let it flash a few seconds before he picked it up. Noodle's eyes were full of indignation and a tad of jealousy. Especially when she saw the wide, joyful smile on Seokjin. She knows he lied to his dad about Namjoon calling him.

He has been texting Alia since they entered the elevator. The whole time he was with Mia online, but he just didn't care. He and Alia schemed at the time when she was expected to call him. He wanted Noodle to notice. He added her name to his personal contacts as "Alia—my lollipop 🍭." Mia gave him this corny contact name. Mia's name is Tiara-uni. It was a perfect disguise, as he told his bros that it was the uni friend who worked with him on assignments.

At that moment, Noodle was adamant about informing the Kims about Alia Bhatt, the girl who might be present at the Legacy Luncheon tomorrow. She needs Alia gone as soon as you get the chance.

That cocky, rude model will be the death of her. She can't stand that girl.

She was the girl that seduced her boyfriend, and she can't have that.

Seokjin is her ticket to a lucrative, famous, prestigious, and wealthy life.

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A/N: Seokjin and Noodles weekend started on a dramatic note.

Thank you for all the support, the reads, comments and votes. If you're a silent reader kindly vote or comment once so that I can 'see' you.

1. What do you think Seokjin really wanted to say but couldn't?

2. What scene showed Seokjin's vulnerability the most?

3. Who was the scene stealer in this chapter?

4. Do you think Noodle will give up due to his coldness?

5. What was your favorite scene?

6. Who do you think was the villain here?

7. Do you think the chapter was heartbreaking or hopeful for you?