Story Summary: You know what happens when soulmates first meet. But when it happens to you one day at work, you are less than thrilled. Things only get worse when your new soulmate introduces you to his six friends.
Pairing: ot7 x f!reader
Rating: Mature/Explicit (later chapters)
General Tags: soulmates!AU, slow burn, angst, hurt and comfort, long-distance relationships, canonical therapy, eventual smut, an eventual HEA
Fic Warnings: low self esteem, self-harm, past abuse (physical, mental, emotional), lots of talk about food (both in positive and negative ways).
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Prologue "Overture"
Chapter 1 "I'm Doing Everything All Wrong"
Chapter 2 "Best Laid Plans..."
Chapter 3 "...Often Go Awry"
Chapter 4 "Agony, Misery, Woe"
Chapter 5 "Telephone Hour"
Chapter 6 "Just the Boys Now"
Chapter 7 "The Anxiety Song"
Chapter 8 "Bit By Bit"
Chapter 9 "Nothing's Gonna Harm You"
Chapter 10 "Head Over Feet"
Chapter 11 "Tell Me More, Tell Me More"
Chapter 12 "On the Steps of the Palace"
Chapter 13 "What is This Feeling?"
Chapter 14 "Blow Out The Candles, Taehyung, And Make a Wish"
Story Summary: You know what happens when soulmates first meet. But when it happens to you one day at work, you are less than thrilled. Things only get worse when your new soulmate introduces you to his six friends.
Pairing: ot7 x f!reader
Rating: Mature/Explicit (later chapters)
General Tags: soulmates!AU, slow burn, angst, hurt and comfort, long-distance relationships, canonical therapy, eventual smut, an eventual HEA
Fic Warnings: low self esteem, self-harm, past abuse (physical, mental, emotional), lots of talk about food (both in positive and negative ways).
Chapter 36: I'll Die Day After Day After Day After Day
Things don't break, they shatter into a million pieces.
Hoseok woke to the sound of screaming. He jumped out of bed and ran through the hallway towards Jimin's room, where the screams of terror had turned into a desperate shouting match. The door was already open when he arrived, and he was shocked at the sight inside the room. Taehyung, sobbing into his hands as Jimin and Namjoon tried to calm him. Jimin reached for his soulmate, but Taehyung swatted his hand away.
“Don’t touch me,” he cried, moving further away.
Jimin started to tear up now. Jin pulled the younger man into a hug because it was all he could think of to do. Namjoon inched closer to Taehyung, his voice low as he tried to get information out of the distraught young man. Hoseok couldn’t tell how it was going though, turning his attention to Jungkook as he finally made it into the room.
Hoseok’s worry grew. Taehyung was affectionate and him denying the comfort of a hug, let alone his soulmate's touch, was unusual. Jungkook didn’t know what to do, watching his hyungs with wide, concerned eyes as things only seemed to get worse.
“Tae, please tell me what’s wrong,” Jimin begged.
“I don’t want to hurt you,” Taehyung sobbed.
With his arms wrapped tightly around himself, Taehyung pushed past his five friends and ran to his own bedroom. Hoseok followed, knocking on the door that was slammed in his face.
“Please let me in,” Hoseok said, gently knocking on the door. Taehyung didn’t answer, but Hoseok could hear him crying through the door. He tried the door knob, and was shocked to find it locked. “Talk to me, Tae. What’s going on?”
“Leave me alone,” Taehyung finally answered. “Please just leave.”
“I’ll be here when you want to talk, okay? All of us will be.”
With a sigh, Hoseok turned and went back to the others, still gathered in Jimin’s room as he wiped his eyes and stared at the bed.
“What happened, Jimin?” Jin asked.
“I don’t know,” he answered. “I really don’t. I woke up to Tae screaming in his sleep. And when I woke him up, he shoved me away from him and started shouting at me to get away.”
“Did it hurt?” Namjoon asked and everyone looked at him. “He said he didn’t want to hurt you. Did you get hurt when he pushed you?”
“No,” Jimin insisted. “I’m fine. I don’t know what happened.”
Jungkook moved next to Jimin, pulling his friend into a hug as the elder man sighed deeply, worried about his soulmate.
“He wouldn’t talk to me either,” Hoseok spoke up. “He locked his door and everything.”
Namjoon groaned, running his fingers through his hair. Maybe, he hoped, Taehyung would sleep through the rest of the night calmly, then explain what happened in the morning. He felt useless at the moment, but there wasn’t much that he could do at 3 in the morning. So, with a final, supportive squeeze to Jimin’s shoulder, he left and headed back to his room. If his friends were going to fall apart, Namjoon would need as much sleep as he could get to hold them all together.
Taehyung didn’t fall back to sleep that night. He laid in his bed alone, only in his boxers now as he’d thrown the shirt his soulmate had left far out of sight. In his mind, he didn’t deserve to wear it right now. It was a bad dream, it was a nightmare. That’s what he tried to convince himself of as fresh tears flowed down his cheeks and soaked his pillow. He tightened his grip on the sheet, pulling it tighter around him as he tried to block out the images in his head of what he imagined, of how it felt to push Jimin away, of how sad his first soulmate looked when he screamed at him to get away. Taehyung sobbed alone, convinced that he was the worst soulmate ever, to hurt both of his soulmates in such quick succession.
But it was just a nightmare. Taehyung actually hadn’t hurt his soulmate, who was safely six thousand miles away, probably finishing her lunch or just getting home from her shift at the cafe. When he was very young and suffered frequent nightmares, Taehyung’s father told him that dreams weren’t real and that they couldn’t hurt him. This nightmare tore at his heart though. Even though he knew it was just his imagination – random neurons firing off, as Namjoon would probably tell him – Taehyung swore he’d felt his Noona’s hair in the dream. He knew the way her hair felt between his fingers, and so it’d felt sickeningly real when, in his nightmare, he’d grabbed at it aggressively and used it to yank his soulmate to the ground. He loved her soft torso, the way it felt to hold onto the curves of her waist and stomach as they kissed and cuddled. But he wanted to vomit when he remembered, in his dream, how he’d kicked at her when she was laying on the floor. He knew it was a dream, but he couldn’t erase the way, in his nightmare, his soulmate cried in pain and begged him to stop.
Instead, he rolled over in an empty bed, knowing that Jimin was in his own room but not comforted by it. While he’d dreamed of hurting his Noona, Taehyung had actually shoved Jimin. While he doubted that it hurt Jimin physically, Taehyung never wanted to touch his soulmates with anything else than love. He’d failed in that tonight, and failed in the way he had panicked, only able to scream and shout at the man who’d been by his side through so much. Jimin didn’t deserve that. Noona didn't deserve that. And Taehyung didn’t deserve either of his soulmates.
“Morning.”
Jin looked up from the lunchboxes he was packing to see Namjoon, already dressed for Hybe and his backpack slung over his shoulder. He nodded at the younger man before turning back to his work.
“What’d you cook?”
“Kimchi-jjigae,” Jin answered. He sealed one thermos and packed it away before looking at Namjoon. “Grab a bowl, there's plenty.”
“Is there another thermos?” Namjoon asked. “I want to be ready when the car arrives.”
“You going to Hybe?” Jin asked and Namjoon nodded. “If you wait ten more minutes, I'll just drive you myself.”
“Thanks, hyung.”
Silence surrounded the two men as they worked, Jin portioning out the rest of the stew for his band mates, and Namjoon making travel mugs of coffee. He was tired after last night, and he was sure Jin was tired too. Finally in the car, with the two lunch boxes packed with food and Jin’s love, Namjoon broke the silence.
“Do you know when Tae left this morning?” He asked.
“No clue,” Jin answered. “I woke up a little after 5:30, and he was already gone.”
Namjoon just sighed and laid his head against the window. He wasn't sure how to keep everyone sane, as the extended time they had til they saw their soulmate again seemed to be breaking everyone.
“I'll take one to Yoongi,” Jin said, “you take the other to Tae.”
“Sure,” Namjoon agreed. He wasn't sure if either Yoongi or Taehyung would listen to them, but they had to try. “How are you holding up?”
“I'm fine.”
Namjoon looked at Jin, truly looked at him. His broad shoulders were slumped, his posture unusually bad. Jin’s grip on the steering wheel seemed painfully tight, as if he was using the vehicle to ground himself. And Namjoon saw a few gray hairs that hadn't been there at the start of the summer.
“That's a lie,” Namjoon said, “and both of us know that.”
“Why'd you ask if you already knew the answer?”
“Because I want to know how bad of a leader I've been recently.”
“Oh, Namjoon,” Jin sighed. As he pulled into the garage and parked his car, Jin looked at his leader and, leaning over the center console, pulled the man into an awkward hug. “You're not a bad leader, this is just a terrible situation.” Namjoon didn't say anything in response, but he leaned a little closer into Jin’s hug. “Of course I'm not fine, just like you're not fine. None of us are doing well. It's just that, right now, Yoongi and Taehyung are the most not fine, so we've got to do what we can for them.”
“Yeah, I get that,” Namjoon said, pulling away and grabbing the lunch boxes. “But will you promise to talk to us if things become too much?”
“I will,” Jin nodded. “Will you?”
Namjoon agreed. Once in Hybe, the two men parted ways, each off to find their respective target. After checking several places and sending several ignored texts, Namjoon found Taehyung in a spare studio. All the equipment was off though, and Taehyung seemed to be focused on the piece of paper in front of him, covered in small doodles.
“I brought you breakfast,” Namjoon said. “Well, Jin made it, I'm just the delivery boy,” he laughed, hoping that the self-deprecating joke would get a reaction from Taehyung.
It didn't though. Taehyung didn't acknowledge Namjoon's presence, his shoulders and head still hunched over the paper. Namjoon took a deep breath, and placed the food by his bandmate. He couldn't force Taehyung to talk, but he would try everything in his power to get him to talk.
“Jimin's really worried about you,” he said. “He's okay, he's just confused and concerned. I know you were worried about him, but he's okay.”
“I don't want to talk, Namjoon,” Taehyung finally answered.
“You don't have to talk to me. But talk to someone. Jimin would run here if you asked him to. Or call Noona –”
“Just go away!” Taehyung snapped, finally looking up to glare at Namjoon.
Taehyung’s eyes were red and puffy, as if he hadn't stopped crying since the night. New, fresh tears threatened to fall though, something Namjoon said having struck a nerve. So he relented, pushing the lunchbox closer to his friend as a soft reminder to eat, and he left. Namjoon could only hope that Jin’s talk with Yoongi went better.
Jin steeled his nerves as he looked at the door to the Genius Lab. He wasn't sure how this conversation was going to go, but he tried to prepare himself for all the possibilities. While he knew Yoongi would never be intentionally cruel, he was sharp-tongued and Jin wasn't sure if he'd be able to handle a verbal spar today. He was feeling much too fragile for that. So, as he knocked on the door, he wished that this conversation would go smoothly.
When Yoongi opened the door, Jin tried to hide his shock. Yoongi looked terrible, his hair greasy and messy, the bags under his eyes deep and dark. He was wearing a shirt their soulmate had left, another piece of her clothing laying over the back of his desk chair. As he let Jin into the room, Yoongi avoided his hyung’s eyes, focusing on the floor as he went back to his chair. The air in the room smelled a little stale.
“I brought some kimchi-jjigae,” Jin started. “I wasn't sure if you'd eaten anything healthy recently.”
“Thanks,” Yoongi mumbled. “I've been eating though.”
Jin looked towards the trash can, seeing several plastic containers for takeout food squished in. That was good, but Jin knew his friend needed more than takeout to survive.
“And when was the last time you slept?”
This time, Yoongi didn't answer immediately. Jin took the time to sit down on Yoongi's couch, letting the younger man think. Yoongi glanced at his watch and sighed.
“Two nights ago,” Yoongi finally said. He started to say something, then paused, and Jin noticed the way Yoongi’s lip trembled. “I called her. She stayed on the phone with me, made me go to sleep and talked to me.”
“You look like shit, Yoongi,” Jin said, honoring Yoongi's honesty with his own.
“That’s because I feel like shit.”
“When are you going to come home?”
“When does she come back?”
“Her plane lands on October 2.”
“Then I'll be back on October 2.”
“So that's your plan?” Jin asked, starting to get frustrated. “Hide in your studio until she comes back? Sleeping on your sofa and living off of convenience store food? That's a stupid plan, Yoongi, and you know it!” Yoongi didn't answer, scowl set on his face. “What’s your plan for when we go on tour?”
“I'll be fine on tour,” Yoongi said.
“Really?” Jin pressed. “You haven't been home in weeks but you'll magically be better on tour?”
“Yes.”
“That doesn't make sense!” Jin shouted. “Do you hear how ridiculous you sound?”
“I can't go home, hyung,” Yoongi said, his voice suddenly soft and wavering. “I can't go back and sleep in that bed alone. Not after she slept there with me. I kept waking up and reaching for her, but she was never there.” He paused, covering his face with his hands. “I went looking for her one night. I felt like I was crazy, peaking into everyone's rooms while they slept. I needed to see that she wasn't here, even when I knew she'd left. Just hoping that she snuck back in without me noticing.”
Jin felt all his frustrations dissolve as his friend bared his soul. They were all hurting, they just showed it in different ways. Yoongi hid at work. Taehyung had been quieter than normal for weeks, but was now ignoring everyone. Hoseok had become an absolute nightmare of perfectionism, demanding take after take at dance rehearsal, even after their choreographer fought him on it. Any spare moment he had at the apartment was spent cleaning until their place reeked of disinfectant. Jimin had become clingier than ever, not wanting to be left alone for more than an hour at a time. This morning, when Jin went to check in on him, he found Jimin curled up in Jungkook's bed. Namjoon just distracted himself, never stopping for long enough to let his mind wander. If he wasn't at Hybe, buried in his studio, he was out hiking or biking, at a museum with friends, at the gym. And always with his headphones in, blasting away any errant thought that might make its way through. Jungkook was a ball of anxiety, all quick, jittery movements. Jin knew his beloved maknae both needed his hyungs' reassurance and wanted to reassure them, but the poor young man didn't know how. So he flitted and hovered between them, not knowing what to do, but trying to help. Cleaning, cooking, exercising, sitting in silence and staring at a wall, Jungkook couldn't do much else than just be there.
And Jin just cried. He hadn't cried this much in years. On the nights when he wasn't on the phone with his soulmate, he cried himself to sleep, the loneliness eating away at his heart in the quiet night. He was so tightly wound that any small inconvenience brought him to tears. He'd taken to making his coffee himself, after, a few weeks ago, he started crying in front of an intern when the coffee given to him was made wrong. Jin didn't actually care about the coffee, but it reminded him of how hard his soulmate worked the day she went for their coffee order. Of how she looked, bent over her scrap of paper, carefully writing out the Hangul for their orders, slowly pronouncing each word so she could order on her own. Though they assured her that the baristas there understood enough English if she struggled to communicate, she wanted to speak Korean. He cried just yesterday, when he went to wear one of the shirts he'd taken from the most recent box of clothes their soulmate had sent over, only to find that Hoseok roped Jungkook into helping wash all the laundry in the apartment. Yes, Jin had other clothes from his soulmate, but the shirt he wanted was the one she’d been wearing when he first kissed her. And he wanted that shirt. So he cried.
And now, sitting in Yoongi's studio, watching the younger man fight back tears, Jin didn't fight his. He just wrapped his friend in his arms and decided they could cry together.
Hoseok wanted to scream. He'd been in the dance studio for the last hour and the moves still didn't look right. His bandmates left a while ago, as did their choreographer, who insisted that Hoseok's moves were perfect and to go home for the night. But it didn't feel perfect to Hoseok. His body felt awkward and his movements seemed stiff. So he started the choreography again as the song looped. But this time, as he took his next step, he slid, falling to the floor and bumping his head.
“Fuck,” he mumbled as he laid on the floor. Swearing actually made him feel a little better, so he tried again. “Shit! Fuck!”
“Hobi!”
Hoseok didn't move as he heard Namjoon enter the room and walk over, he just remained face down on the floor.
“Are you hurt?” Namjoon asked, putting a hand gently on his friend’s shoulder. Hoseok shook his head silently. “What happened?”
Realizing that Namjoon wouldn’t leave him alone until they talked, Hoseok pushed himself off the floor and stared at his leader. Normally, Hoseok would welcome the feeling of a friend’s touch, but today he wanted to wallow in his own feelings.
“I can’t do this,” Hoseok mumbled, shaking Namjoon’s hand off him.
“Can’t do what?”
Hoseok didn’t answer immediately, and hugged his knees to his chest. “I can’t stay apart any longer. I can’t wait until October. I feel like I’m going to break.”
Now Namjoon wanted to scream. He’d spent the past few days so focused on Taehyung’s continued isolation after his breakdown, and on Jimin as he struggled to cope, that he’d missed Hoseok slowly falling apart. He didn’t know what to say, how to comfort any of his struggling friends, and it was starting to weigh on him. So, floundering, he just tried to reassure Hoseok that his feelings were valid.
“It’s going to –”
“Do not tell me it’s going to be okay,” Hoseok snapped. Namjoon’s face fell and Hoseok felt immediately guilty. He was so on edge and he didn’t want to displace his anger at Namjoon. But Hoseok feared that, if Namjoon hung around much longer, he’d say things he couldn’t take back. “Please just leave me alone.”
Namjoon was getting sick of hearing that.
“No. You’re hurting and you shouldn’t just deal with it alone,” Namjoon said, harsher than he intended. Hoseok got up from the floor and walked across the room, but Namjoon followed. “Feel your feelings but don’t isolate yourself. That’s not working for anyone else! Call her and talk. If you don’t want to do that, then talk to me. Just let it out. We understand – we’re all going through the same thing.”
“You and I are not going through the same thing!” The words left Hoseok’s mouth and he knew the floodgates had opened. “How can you even compare our relationships? What have you done, Namjoon? Have you even kissed her?” The thought of how his soulmate looked underneath him, of how her skin felt under his lips and hands, flooded his mind. Hoseok felt his relationship with his soulmate was being trivialized, and it made him livid. So he continued, not giving Namjoon a chance to defend himself or his relationship. “No, you’ve just hugged her a few times! You’re no closer to her than you were in December. So don’t you dare compare how we’re feeling!”
In a few hours, when he calmed down, Hoseok would feel ashamed over the spiteful, selfish things he shouted. He would feel embarrassed about throwing Namjoon’s relationship with their soulmate – something he knew the man was insecure about – into his face as an attack. The way Namjoon’s face transformed from worry to annoyance to hurt, because of Hoseok’s own words, would eat at him. But, at this moment, Hoseok just wanted to make someone else feel as terrible as he did.
And he succeeded.
Namjoon didn’t say anything else, just threw up his hands to signal his defeat and turned to leave one of his oldest friends alone. Namjoon knew that Hoseok didn’t mean what he said, that he was hurt and angry, and simply displacing those emotions. He also knew that Hoseok was wrong. They’d agreed long ago to not compare relationships, and he knew that his difficulties with the separation were not any less than Hoseok’s, or any of his other friends’, simply because his relationship was not as developed. Namjoon also knew that his relationship with his soulmate had progressed since December. Between the three visits, phone calls, and the constant letters back and forth, Namjoon felt more confident in his bond with his soulmate than he ever thought he would. And, while he wanted the relationship to go further – to hold her tightly, to kiss her, to fall asleep with her in his arms as he knew the others did – he didn’t want to rush it. It’d taken a while to get this comfortable together, and Namjoon was not willing to sacrifice the progress by pushing boundaries. His soulmate seemed happy with how the relationship was, and Namjoon knew he could be patient while it progressed naturally. But, while Namjoon knew that Hoseok’s accusations were false, he couldn’t help but feel hurt by them.
Jimin watched from his spot at the kitchen table, looking down the hallway and waiting for Jungkook to emerge from the bathroom. The maknae returned late to their apartment from the gym, and Jimin was waiting for him to go to bed. Since Taehyung’s panic attack over a week ago, Jimin had been bouncing around his friends’ beds in an attempt to sleep through the night. He was struggling, one of his soulmates thousands of miles across the world, the other just as far away emotionally. Despite seeing Taehyung almost daily at work, Jimin’s first love had blocked him, and their other bandmates, completely out of his life. He left early in the morning only to come back late at night and lock himself in his room. Taehyung spoke when addressed at work, but otherwise ignored everyone. Jimin included. And it tore at the sensitive man.
The others accepted him willingly into their beds, knowing that their nearness was the only comfort Jimin had. Except for Yoongi, who didn’t come home any more. And, more recently, Hoseok, who’d returned from Hybe a few days ago in such a putrid mood that was now lingering, and Jimin didn’t want to bother him. Namjoon’s schedule was becoming increasingly erratic, and Jimin never knew how late he’d arrive home or how early he’d leave in the morning, so Jimin skipped when Namjoon offered to share tonight. Jin was visiting his brother across the city and was spending the night there. So now, exhausted from several days of restless sleep, Jimin waited for Jungkook so that he could go to bed.
When Jungkook finally emerged, wearing a shirt from their soulmate, Jimin immediately went to him. Before he could speak though, Jungkook hugged his hyung tightly.
“Let’s go to bed,” Jungkook said, not needing Jimin to verbalize his needs.
While the situation wasn’t ideal, sharing a bed with Jungkook was as close to good as it could get. He enjoyed physical affection, so Jimin was free to get close and cuddle as much as he needed. And, as if trying to mimic Taehyung’s sleeping habits, Jungkook wrapped his arms around Jimin and pulled him into a tight hug. Jimin sighed, as comfortable as he knew he was going to get.
“Thanks, Kook,” Jimin mumbled.
“Don’t worry about it,” Jungkook whispered, hoping his friend would soon fall asleep.
Jungkook struggled to fall asleep though. He cuddled with Jimin silently, not commenting when he heard the older man sniffle softly, settling on just holding him tighter. There was nothing Jungkook could say or do to get Jimin to stop crying, so he just stayed with him.
Jungkook was too worried to sleep, anxious thoughts cycling through his head when Jimin finally dozed off. In all their years together, Jungkook had never seen his hyungs as tormented and unsettled as they were now. Throughout their difficult years as trainees and in their early debut, to the times they considered quitting and parting ways, things had never been this bad. And Jungkook didn’t know what to do. His friends were falling apart, and there was nothing he could do to help them. While he struggled to do what he could for Yoongi, Jimin, and Taehyung, Jungkook felt like he began to drown in the others’ sorrow now that Hoseok and Namjoon weren’t talking. He didn’t know what happened between the two, he only knew how sharply their moods had changed, and how sad Namjoon looked in particular.
Concerts and tours were stressful to begin with, but Jungkook didn’t know how, or if, the seven of them would be able to make it through their touring schedule. It was, all things considered, an easy tour: two nights in Seoul, then Daegu and Busan, then around Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Bangkok, and back to Seoul. The addition of several cities in Japan, along with Taiwan and Bangkok, were the reason their tour was extended and why they wouldn’t see their soulmate until October. If the seven of them lasted that long. It was several weeks until his beloved Noona would be flying out to visit, and Jungkook worried about the state she would find them in when she finally arrived.
Jungkook wondered if his Noona knew what was going on. Video chats and phone calls had become infrequent, but they’d warned her about that with their hectic schedules. Regardless, though, Jungkook hadn’t mentioned any of the recent difficulties to you, and he doubted the others had. Reaching for his phone, he pulled up his calendar and looked at his soulmate’s schedule. She had scheduled lunch with her best friend, followed by tutoring til the early evening. Jungkook quickly did the math, figuring out when he needed to be up in order to call his soulmate. Rising early didn’t matter, because Jungkook hoped that his soulmate would be able to help.
Story Summary: You know what happens when soulmates first meet. But when it happens to you one day at work, you are less than thrilled. Things only get worse when your new soulmate introduces you to his six friends.
Pairing: ot7 x f!reader
Rating: Mature/Explicit (later chapters)
General Tags: soulmates!AU, slow burn, angst, hurt and comfort, long-distance relationships, canonical therapy, eventual smut, an eventual HEA
Fic Warnings: low self esteem, self-harm, past abuse (physical, mental, emotional), lots of talk about food (both in positive and negative ways).
Chapter 35: I'm Coming, Wait For Me
No matter how much you want to speed up time, you can't.
Nine weeks was not a long time. Just over two months. You all would be so busy. It would pass quickly.
That was what you told yourself and what you tried to assure your soulmates of. You repeated it to Jungkook as he clung to you, and to Taehyung as you kissed his tear-streaked cheeks. Between that consolation and focusing on getting through Incheon Airport, you didn't start to cry until the plane was already in the air. Realistically, you knew that two months was a long time to be separated, the longest since your first contacts in August and the first trip last December. But, between the paperwork that you needed to be home to complete and submit, and their short concert series, there was no viable way for you to all meet up until after they finished their shows. The plan was for you to arrive back in Seoul during the last week of August, see their final concert of the tour, and then stay through Namjoon's birthday. Depending on how your tasks went, maybe stay longer.
But, in order to do that, you needed to finish your to-do list: complete and submit the stack of paperwork Seijin had given you, finish moving your tutoring business completely online, start packing to move out of the new apartment, and quit the cafe.
Which was why you were still lingering in the back of the cafe after your shift had ended, waiting for Josie to end her conversation with some supplier. When she finally hung up, she turned to you.
“How was the trip?” She asked.
“It was really nice,” you said. “But I wanted to talk to you about something.”
“You're quitting.”
It wasn't a question.
“How'd you guess?” You asked.
“I would be quitting and moving, too,” Josie smiled. “Especially if my soulmates were BTS.”
“You saw that?”
“Everyone saw that,” she laughed. But she patted your hand in an attempt to calm your nerves. “How long until you leave?”
“A little while. I'm getting my stuff in order and want to be there by the end of the year. I can still work here for a little longer. I plan to go back at the end of August. I'd like my last day to be before I leave.”
Josie nodded, quickly adding your last day on her calendar before looking back at you. “I'm glad for you. You seem happy.”
“I am.”
And you’d be a lot happier once you were back in Seoul.
“You sound tired, Jin.”
“I am,” he sighed and took another long drink from his coffee. It was late morning for him as you two video chatted while you cleaned up after dinner. “It's going to be crazy until the tour ends.”
“Are you getting any sleep?”
“A few hours a night.” You made a soft sound, knowing that a few hours wasn't enough for any of your soulmates with how much they worked. “It's okay, jagiya . The sleep is good, though. I've been sleeping better during this separation than the others.” He smiled at you, six thousand miles away. “Having some of your clothes here definitely helps.”
“You've been using them?” You asked. When you left them, you were unsure if the clothes would be used.
“Using them?” Jin laughed. “Everyone was grabbing at stuff as soon as you walked out the door. Jimin practically lives in the sweatpants you left.”
You smiled, happy to know that you'd done something to help them. If you could make their lives easier in some way, you wanted to.
“I can ship more over, if you want?”
“You don't have to,” Jin said. “Everyone has grabbed a few pieces, so we're okay.”
But, despite his reassurance, you started packing as soon as you hung up. You could ship it to Seijin tomorrow after work.
“Where are you right now?” Taehyung asked as soon as you picked up the phone.
“I'm getting ready for bed.”
“So you're alone?” Jimin's voice popped onto the call.
“No, I'm with my other secret soulmates,” you teased and both of the men groaned. “Yes, I'm alone. What's up?”
“We want to show you what the costume noonas made for us for the next concerts,” Tae said.
“They altered some of our old costumes and they look great,” Jimin added. “Can we show you a picture?’
“Of course.”
Your phone buzzed, a picture sent to the group chat the three of you had. When you opened it, you understood why they asked if you were alone. Though they were fully dressed, the picture was sensual, your soulmates posed in their Blood, Sweat and Tears outfits. Jimin’s lips were pressed against Tae’s neck, but both their eyes were focused on the camera. And the costume department had altered their outfits. Jimin’s black vest seemed to be cut lower, showing off more of his defined chest, and Taehyung’s shirt was practically painted onto him, clinging tightly to his lean body. You’d have to find whoever was responsible and buy them a thank you present.
“What do you think?” Tae asked.
“The costumes look really nice,” you said. You weren’t willing to admit how flustered the photo made you feel.
“And how do we look?” Jimin prompted.
“Of course you both look handsome,” you said. “But neither of you need me to tell you that.”
“We still like to hear it,” Jimin answered, and you knew he was smiling from your compliment.
“Are we just handsome?” Taehyung pressed, his voice a little lower than normal.
“You’re very handsome,” you said. “Or are you implying something else, Tae?” You had a good guess at what he wanted you to say, but you enjoyed being coy. If he wanted to flirt across an ocean, then you’d flirt across an ocean.
“Uh-uh,” Jimin chuckled. “We want to hear what you think.”
“I think that you’re ganging up on me,” you teased. “Two against one isn’t fair.”
“It could be fair,” Tae purred. “You could enjoy it.”
Six thousand miles away and they were still able to make you blush. As you tried to think about how to respond, the memory of kissing Taehyung while Jimin’s hands ran over your body played in your mind. While the three of you were each others’ soulmates, what Taehyung hinted at seemed taboo. But you couldn’t stop your brain from running away with the possibilities.
“What do you think about that – about the three of us together?” Jimin asked, his voice a sultry lilt.
Luckily, you didn’t have to respond, someone calling out their names.
“Crap, we’ve gotta go,” Jimin said, his voice back to his normal cadence and tone.
“We’ll talk later,” Tae said quickly.
They hung up before you could say goodbye, your mind still reeling from their flirtations. For the first time, you were grateful that you had several weeks left until you saw them again. Maybe, by then, you would find a clever answer to their proposition.
“No, no,” you mumbled as the beautiful female lead walked away, inching towards the border and away from her love forever. “Kiss her you dumb–yes!” You shouted as male lead followed and grabbed her into a searing kiss.
Hoseok was laughing hysterically. He had recommended Crash Landing on You a while ago, but was enjoying watching this episode with you while he ate lunch, his video stream in the corner of your laptop.
“I'm glad you're so invested in this,” he laughed.
“If they don't end up together, Hoseokie, I'm not going to forgive you.”
“I promise that the ending is good,” he said.
“That doesn't sound promising,” you said cautiously.
“I promise! I'm not going to spoil the ending, though,” your soulmate laughed as you sighed at his cryptic answer. “Will it make anything better if I tell you that they're married in real life?”
“Really?”
“Yup. They have a kid together too.”
“That's so nice,” you sighed. Settling a little more into your bed, you yawned. It was getting late and you had to be up early to work tomorrow, but you wanted to stay on with Hoseok. “It's a cute love story.”
“I think ours is cuter,” he said softly.
“I miss you,” you whispered.
You had on the baggiest shirt he left, and were clinging to a sweatshirt Tae left. The clothes were a comfort, but nothing compared to laying next to one of your soulmates. But you'd be with them soon.
“I miss you, too,” Hoseok answered. You yawned again and he chuckled. “Why don't you turn off your lights? I'll stay on til you fall asleep.”
Your phone was buzzing non-stop. It started ringing during your last tutoring session of the night, and the mix of texts and phone calls became so distracting that you turned it on Do Not Disturb and shoved it in your bag. When you were done work, it took you the entire bus ride home to sort through the messages and voicemails. All were from your soulmates, all said roughly the same: call us. You were starting to panic as you listened to the last voicemail, left by a clearly crying Jin.
“Please call us as soon as you get out, jagiya . We've gotta talk. Everything is okay, everyone is safe but just, shit, please just call us.”
You had barely made it through your front door when you called Jin back. It rang through and went to voicemail. You called Yoongi's phone, but it went to voicemail as well. You started to panic – Jin’s message said that they were okay, but they'd gone from blowing up your phone to ignoring you. Halfway through typing out a text to the group chat, your phone started to ring.
“Hoseok, what's going on?” You asked as soon as the call connected.
“It's me, not Hobi,” Jimin said.
“Where's Hoseok?”
“He's with Jungkook.”
“Is Jungkook okay?” You tried to remain calm, but Jimin sounded like he was about to cry and you just wanted answers. “Jimin, please talk to me.”
Jimin tried, but before he could get any words out, he started to cry. Your heart broke as you listened, the phone rustling as it switched hands. Yoongi, sounding exhausted, greeted you.
“What's going on? Is someone hurt?”
“No, we're okay,” he sighed. “I'm sorry we freaked you out. They just changed our fucking schedule all around. We're touring through September and it's bullshit!”
“That's okay, Yoongi. We can figure it out. Can you put me on speaker?” You waited as you heard Yoongi gather the others closer to him. It took a few minutes, and you heard him softly talking to the others, but you needed the time to process yourself. Suddenly, your separation had gone from nine weeks to at least fifteen. Three and a half months. You didn't want to go that long, but this seemed out of everyone's control. And, while your soulmates seemed to be taking this news terribly, you wanted to keep it together for them.
“We miss you,” Taehyung's voice wavered over the phone.
“I miss you guys too,” you said. “I miss you all so much.” You paused, trying to calm yourself. You knew what Tae looked like when he cried, and you wanted to hug him to you. “But we'll get through this.”
“You won't be able to come here til October,” Jin said.
“I'll come in October then,” you told them. “As soon as I can, I'll get the first flight there.”
“We're starting in Korea, going to Japan and a few other places in Asia, then back to Korea. Our last concert is in Seoul on the third,” Hoseok said, his voice raspy. “Will you be there for it?”
“Yes. And then I'll stay. I won't leave Seoul until we come back together to pack up the apartment.”
You'd been doing a lot of work recently to figure out what would happen to your stuff during the move. What to sell, what to save, what could come to Korea. Whether or not you could get out of your lease early. And, while most of your plans were just that right now, plans , you'd start moving on them immediately if it meant helping your soulmates the way they helped you.
“That's a plan,” Namjoon spoke up. His voice sounded a little far away, as if he was still partially in his head thinking. “First thing in October, you'll come here?”
“Yes. No more delays.”
“We'll be together then, Noona?” Jungkook whispered.
“We'll be all together then,” you agreed, and your heart pulled at just how much you wanted that.
“So what made you want to seek out therapy?” Your new therapist asked, looking at you through the video call, her face polite and calm.
“That's kind of a long story,” you said.
It was your first appointment and, after so many years without therapy, you weren't sure where to start.
“Why don't you tell me what you think is important?” She suggested. “I'll listen, take my notes, and ask questions as I need. But I want to hear things from your perspective first.”
That seemed fair. You started at the beginning, giving her a summary of your parents, their soulmate bonds, and the ensuing abuse. You let her know that you'd attended therapy throughout college, but had stopped going at graduation.
“I thought I was fine,” you explained. “But then I had my own first contacts and I've been a mess since meeting my soulmates.”
“Plural?” She asked. There was no judgment, no surprise, just a question for clarification.
“Yes, seven of them,” you answered. You knew this would come up, so you plowed ahead. “Actually, do you know the K-pop group BTS?”
“I've heard a few songs on the radio,” she said, her confusion now showing.
“They're my soulmates.”
“Okay,” she said evenly. Whatever she actually felt, you couldn't tell, her face back to the calm, professional mask. “And what are their names?
So you told her. It struck you that this was the first time you admitted this to a stranger. Almost a year after your first contacts, you had never gotten to declare to a stranger that they were your soulmates. The seven men had, very publicly. But you reveled in this small moment.
After writing down their names, your therapist just nodded, encouraging you to continue your story. You tried to summarize the past months with your soulmates, the slow transition from strangers to friends to soulmates. It was impossible to cover everything in one, forty-five minute session, but you made sure to highlight the struggles you still had – trouble accepting their help, self doubt, low self-esteem. You told her about the leaked photographs, and the way you hurt yourself.
“I realized that day that I needed outside help,” you said. “One of my soulmates – Yoongi – had brought it up previously, going back to therapy to sort everything out. I liked the idea when he first brought it up, but the picture leak was really the final push.”
“You accepted his influence,” she said.
“What do you mean?”
“Accepting influence,” she repeated. “It's a relationship therapy term. It means that you listen to and respect your partner’s thoughts and feelings. Then, you use that to make decisions that impact both you and your relationship. Or relationships.”
“And that's good?”
“Yes, it's very healthy,” she smiled.
You smiled back.
As you sat down on the bus back home after your shift, you pulled out your phone. The first text caught your attention.
Jungkook [11:28am]: I screwed up, I'm sorry. Will you call me whenever you get home?
Jungkook [11:30am]: Doesn't matter how late.
You did as the maknae asked, and he answered immediately, even though it was well past 2am for him.
“I'm so sorry, Noona,” he said when he picked up.
“Why, Kook? What's going on?”
“I was ready for bed, but I couldn't sleep, so I went on Live to talk to ARMY. But I forgot that I had on one of your shirts. They saw it and saw the logo.”
While Jungkook talked, you pulled up Twitter. And, as he predicted, captures of Jungkook's VLive were everywhere, him clearly wearing one of the shirts you'd left for them, the name of your undergraduate university printed boldly on it. The school's name was trending.
“Don't be sorry,” you said. “You did nothing wrong, Kookie.”
“But everyone's talking about you again,” he said softly.
He was right. But this time, the discourse surrounding you was much different. ARMY was researching the school, debating what major they thought you took, wondering if you were in any clubs. Some were trying to find proof of you there – a photograph or your name – but no one had luck yet. And you didn't anticipate that they would find anything.
“The school is so big,” you said, trying to reassure him. “I'm not worried about it.” Maybe you worried a little, but the school was so large that finding one person’s information with nothing more than a few photographs to work with, would be nearly impossible. Even for ARMY. “I’d rather you wear my stuff and be comfortable, Jungkook. If people find out a little bit more about me, that's okay. I’ll sacrifice some privacy for your comfort.”
You wished you could see Jungkook right now, face most likely blushing as he mumbled thanks.
“You should go to sleep now,” you said, eyes watching the clock as the night slipped by for your soulmate.
“I don't want to,” Jungkook whined. “I want to stay up and talk.”
But, as he said that, he yawned loudly. You giggled softly, knowing that he had likely fought off sleep to stay up and apologize.
“I’ll stay on until you fall asleep,” you offered.
It'd become a common occurrence during these past weeks, staying on the phone until the other fell asleep. Sometimes for you to sleep, sometimes for them.
“That's my second favorite way to fall asleep,” Jungkook murmured, and you could hear him shifting to get comfortable.
“What's your favorite?”
“Next to you, obviously.”
You weren't sure how Namjoon functioned on so little sleep. You knew he enjoyed waking up early, taking the early morning hours as his own to relax in nature. But you also knew he never called you during normal waking hours for him in Seoul, always reaching out somewhere between midnight and dawn. Which was how you found yourself on a video chat with him, watching the sunrise over a hiking trail you didn't recognize.
“It's beautiful, isn't it?” Namjoon asked as he panned the camera so you could see what he saw.
“It is,” you agreed.
But what really moved you was how handsome Namjoon looked. His hair pushed back from his forehead, his face flushed and a little sweaty from the exercise. When he moved the camera, you caught an occasional glimpse of how his sweat-soaked shirt clung to his chest. As you both sat in silence, enjoying the moment, you wondered what your soulmate would say if he knew how focused you were on him.
“Do you know what Chuseok is?” Namjoon asked after a few moments in silence.
“It's a holiday in the fall, right?”
“Yeah. It's a mid-autumn harvest festival. It's a major holiday here, people actually get three days off for it. It's September 20th, 21st, and 22nd this year.”
You just hummed and nodded, waiting for Namjoon to continue. This was leading somewhere, and you just needed to let him get there himself.
“Normally I'd spend it with my family, but my parents will actually be on vacation this year. And we have a concert on the 19th.” He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. “Do you have anything planned on those days?”
“Just whatever tutoring schedule I have for the fall,” you said. “I'm leaving the cafe in August still, so I won't have to worry about those shifts.”
“Cool, cool,” he mumbled.
“What are you thinking, Namjoon?”
The man met your eyes over the camera for a moment before glancing away again. He seemed flustered.
“There’s a flight after our concert on the 19th. If I catch it, I can arrive in the late morning on the 20th. I could get the 12:05 pm flight back to Seoul on the 21st, be back by dinner time on the 22nd and then perform on the 23rd.” He rushed through the dates and times, as if nervous that you'd cut him off or shut him down. You didn’t, though, you had no intention to, wanting him to finish whatever was on his mind. But Namjoon interpreted your silence as disapproval, and raced to retract his earlier offer. “I don’t have to. It was just an idea. And if you don’t want me to come, that’s fine. It’s totally okay. It was just an idea and I –”
“Namjoon,” you finally cut him off as his mind spiraled. “I would really enjoy having you visit.” As your words sank in, you saw him relax. “But that’s so much travel. You’d be on a plane for basically a day and a half, just to be here for a day. And to do that in the middle of a tour? I can’t ask you for that.”
“You didn’t ask. I asked,” he said. He looked back at you, saying your name softly. “I miss you.”
The soft longing in his voice pulled at your heart. Namjoon had barely asked anything from you during your months as soulmates. He gave you space when you wanted it, but had never stopped being open and caring despite your early indifference. And you did want to see him. If he was okay with the travel, then you’d welcome him with open arms.
“I miss you, too,” you said finally. “But you don’t have to ask to come here. I told you, this is your home too.” Namjoon was quiet though, his eyes closed as he listened to you. “So please come visit me.”
You had just returned home from your cafe shift when you felt your phone ring. And, while you were happy to see Yoongi's name on the caller ID, you were also worried. It was almost 3am in Seoul.
“Yoongi, what's the matter?”
“Nothing, everything's okay,” he said, his voice slow and low.
“Then why are you up?”
“Workin’ on a song,” he said.
Your soulmate seemed only half there, somewhere between awake and asleep, and not entirely real. You knew his schedule, knew he had to be up in just a few hours for a rehearsal.
“You should go to bed,” you whispered.
“Gotta finish this,” Yoongi groaned. “Just needed to hear your voice.”
“Oh Yoongi.” You weren't sure what to say. Your soulmate was clearly exhausted, but you could do nothing for him other than stay on the phone. “I wish I was there with you. We could hold hands while you worked. I'd drag you to bed after you finish and we could go to sleep.”
“I'd really fucking like that.” He sounded like he was about to cry.
“It'll be okay, I'm here. Do you have any of my stuff right now?”
“Your gray t-shirt and the sweatshirt with the ripped cuff.”
“That shirt is so soft.” Yoongi made a soft sound in agreement. “What else can I do to help, Yoongi?”
“Will you stay on the call?” His voice wavered and you were sure he was crying. You would've done anything to help him at that point. You would've hopped a plane to Seoul for him, consequences be damned. “I just don't wanna be alone right now.”
“You're not alone, I'm right here with you. And I'm sure any of the others will come stay with you. You're so loved, Yoongi.”
He hummed quietly, just an acknowledgement that you spoke. He didn't say anything else though.
“Do you want me to keep talking? Just stay on the line?”
“Just stay, please?”
So you did. You were mostly quiet as Yoongi went back to work, turning the phone on speaker as you went about your afternoon. You started a load of laundry as you listened to the soft clicking in the background. Every so often you would speak up, letting Yoongi know you were still there, seeing if he needed anything from you. He started yawning more frequently and you glanced at the clock – it was well past 4am for him.
“You should go to bed, Yoongi,” you said softly.
“I don't wanna hang up,” he mumbled, but you could hear how exhausted he was.
“Put the phone on speaker and go lay down,” you told him, stern this time. “I'll stay on and keep talking until you fall asleep.”. Luckily, you heard Yoongi start moving. After a few moments, you heard him sigh. “All settled now?” Your soulmate just grunted. You picked up your phone again, clutching it close to your ear as you heard Yoongi's breaths already start to even out. Then, as had become the routine, you whispered to Yoongi until he was asleep.
A/N: You know this is fiction because therapy appointments are easily accessible!
Also, this is going to be a THREE UPDATE WEEKEND! Partially to make up for my unannounced disappearance, partly because I'll be seeing BTS next weekend (and fear I won't be able to update), and partly (mostly?) because I feel like I'll get murdered if I leave some of these cliffs just hanging...
hiiii i’m literally obsessed with your story like i found it a month ago and it’s been my fav to always go back too thank you for writing her and putting her out into the world 🥹🥹
I am so glad that you're enjoying my story!! I had such a great time writing it and I promise there's lots more fun to come! 💜💜
I really love your work, I’m a baby army since a few months now, and your stories really make me feel happy. Thank you for making such good stories (sorry if something isn’t well written, english isn’t my first language.)
Hey friend and welcome to BTS Army! I was once told that a person finds BTS when they need BTS.
I'm sorry it's taken me so long to write back. I'm glad my story makes you happy! I want my writing to make people feel good.
Also, you never have to apologize about your English on my blog! I understood you perfectly. Thank you for being here 💜💜
Story Summary: You know what happens when soulmates first meet. But when it happens to you one day at work, you are less than thrilled. Things only get worse when your new soulmate introduces you to his six friends.
Pairing: ot7 x f!reader
Rating: Mature/Explicit (later chapters)
General Tags: soulmates!AU, slow burn, angst, hurt and comfort, long-distance relationships, canonical therapy, eventual smut, an eventual HEA
Fic Warnings: low self esteem, self-harm, past abuse (physical, mental, emotional), lots of talk about food (both in positive and negative ways).
Chapter 34: People Will Say We're In Love
Will Yoongi get cockblocked by every member of his band?
Taehyung seemed to grow extra limbs when he slept, the man’s arms and legs so tightly wrapped around you that you struggled to move when you woke up. The more you fidgeted, the stronger his grip became, his arms pulling you closer into his chest and the leg he’d swung over yours weighing you down further. He buried his face into your hair, groaning softly as he woke up.
“Stay with me,” he mumbled.
“I’m not going anywhere.”
He became quiet again and, if it wasn’t for the way his hands began to wander, you’d have assumed he fell back asleep. When he shifted, you took the opportunity to flip over, now facing the handsome man directly as he pulled you closer, chest to chest. Taehyung’s hair was a mess of curls, and you reached up to smooth them out. He grabbed your arm, gently pressing a kiss to the inside of your wrist, then to your palm, then the back of your hand, where the skin was scabbed over.
“Good morning, Tae,” you said softly, leaning in to kiss him.
“Morning,” he smiled and twisted his fingers with yours.
Neither one of you spoke for a few moments, simply enjoying being near each other and gently touching each other. A few more kisses, short and sweet.
“How do you feel about handcuffs?” Taehyung asked suddenly.
“Handcuffs?” You repeated slowly, confusion apparent on your face and in your voice. You weren’t sure what he was thinking, and were a little hesitant to ask.
“If we handcuffed ourselves together, then you wouldn’t be able to leave.”
You couldn’t help but laugh, enjoying your soulmate’s comical solution to the upcoming separation . But, when you looked at him, Tae’s face was serious, with no humor in his handsome features.
“I don’t think that would work,” you said.
“Why not? It’s not like Seijin would just let me leave if we were stuck together,” he insisted.
“The handcuffs can be cut off, Tae.”
Taehyung pouted, unable to argue his plan any longer. You didn’t want him to be sad though, so you cupped his cheek and brought him closer for a kiss. He pulled you closer to him, tucking your head under his chin and holding you tight.
“I love being with you,” he mumbled.
“It won’t be that long,” you said, handing smoothing over his back. “Not even three full months. I’ll be here again at the end of August. And you’ll be so busy with the comeback and the tour that you won’t have time to miss me.”
“I’ll always have time to miss you.”
You knew what you were saying wouldn’t help. At this point, the thought of spending more than a few days away from your soulmates hurt your heart, but you needed to be strong. They’d done so much for you this trip and you wanted to put on a brave face.
“We’ll text all the time,” you whispered, “and talk whenever you’re able. Even if it’s 2 in the morning for me, I’ll get on a call.”
Taehyung just sighed. You pulled away and kissed him one more time.
“I want to make everyone breakfast,” you told him. “Will you get dressed and help me?”
This made him smile and he released you from his grasp.
“You trust me this time?” He asked, sitting up.
“I'll be there to assist,” you joked, “so you won't be completely on your own. Now come on.”
A little bit later, you were in the kitchen already, frying up bacon, when Taehyung walked in. You heard him enter, but he didn't approach you immediately and you assumed he went to get something to drink, wanting none of the coffee you'd brewed.
“Is that my skirt?”
You glanced over your shoulder. Taehyung stood by the fridge, empty glass in his hand as he stared at you. He beamed at you, a boxy grin set on his face because, despite his question, he knew this was the skirt he bought you, and his eyes twinkled as he looked you over. You nodded and looked back to the bacon, face flushing from his attention. If this was the reaction you got when wearing one of their gifts, maybe you should let Hoseok and Taehyung buy you a few items. Turning off the stove, you moved the slices of bacon to a plate to drain and, once you put the frying pan back down, Taehyung grabbed you. One arm around your waist and the other hand cupping your chin, he pulled you into a searing kiss. Your hands moved automatically, holding onto his lean shoulders to steady yourself.
“You're beautiful,” he said quietly. “Never think that we believe differently.” He pressed a few kisses down your neck. “And when the things people say start to get to you, come find me and I'll remind you how great you are. Find any of us.”
Maybe that would work. Jimin had been right – a few pep talks and compliments weren't going to erase years of trauma. Perhaps, though, Yoongi, Namjoon and Taehyung were also right. With therapy, unconditional love, and soulmates who were willing to support you when you needed it, maybe it would be possible to finish healing. The thought made your heart soar. You raised on your toes and kissed him again, hungry for physical reassurance of his beautiful words. And you kissed, food forgotten, tongues sweeping against each other as you stroked the nape of his neck and he gripped your hips.
“Are we having kisses for breakfast?”
Yoongi glanced at the two of you as he walked towards the coffee pot, smirk on his sleepy face.
“I don't think that's food safe,” Jin teased, following the younger man.
“I'm making breakfast sandwiches,” you said, trying to defend yourself.
“Really?” Yoongi laughed. “I see a lot of kissing and not a lot of breakfast sandwich making.”
“Min Yoongi,” you said, turning towards him. You tried to make your voice serious, but couldn't hide the smirk from your face as you teased him. “Did you seriously just tell me to go make you a sandwich?”
Chocking a little on his coffee, Yoongi shook his head, wildly disagreeing with your joking accusation. Jin cackled, enjoying watching you fluster the normally calm man.
“No,” Yoongi said finally. “I was telling you to come kiss me.”
So you did, not caring that breakfast sat half made and the others were starting to wake up. You just kissed Yoongi and were content to know that, soon, this would be your life.
Despite being the rainy season, the weather throughout your trip had been beautiful. Warm and sunny enough to make the hours you'd spent at Hybe seem like a waste of good weather. And now, on your final day in Seoul and the only day your seven soulmates had free from commitments, it was downpouring. You stared out of the large windows that lined their living room, watching rain soak the city.
“So much for going our plans,” Jimin sighed, coming to stand next to you.
“We'll go next time,” you told him. You squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. “We'll have lots of time in September.”
Several days ago, you'd become fascinated with Bukchon Hanok Village when Jin and Jimin showed you pictures. The narrow streets and historic homes were picturesque, and you wanted a chance to explore with your soulmates. But this was hardly the time to go wandering around outside.
“I feel bad,” Hoseok said. “All you've done this trip is hide with us in the apartment and go to Hybe.”
“I went to your show,” you said. “I had a lot of fun there! And I went shopping with Jimin.”
Hoseok didn't like your answer, though, narrowing his eyes at you. Your shopping trip with Jimin was his idea, and he admitted to feeling partially responsible for the events that it spurned – both your hurt feelings and the public make out session with Jimin.
“There's got to be someplace we can go?” Taehyung asked. “This is Seoul. There's so many things to do.”
“It's not so much finding something to do as it is finding something we can do safely and in secret,” Yoongi said.
“We've had a little too much publicity recently,” Jin agreed. “It's a good idea to lay low for a little.”
“I don't mind just hanging out here,” you said. It was the truth, the only thing you wanted right now was to spend your last day together.
“That's not fair to you,” Jungkook said. “You traveled all this way just to follow us around.”
“It doesn't seem unfair to me,” you said. “I've had fun watching you guys work. Plus, this is probably what us living together will be like. It's not always going to be sightseeing and exciting trips. It'll probably get a little mundane.” You smiled to yourself. “I would be okay with that.”
The seven men got silent, each seeming trapped in their own thoughts as you talked so easily about being together.
“Who ever thought,” Jin chuckled, “we would describe our lives as mundane.”
“Tae’s right though,” Jungkook said. “There's so much to do just in Seoul. We could probably do a new activity every weekend and it'd take at least your first year here to get through it.”
“Are you already planning our next year's schedule, Kookie?” You asked, teasing him the way he had teased you months ago.
“I am,” he said proudly, making you laugh.
“We could try the National Museum?” Namjoon suggested. “It's the middle of the week, so a lot of tourists have probably gone home. It's close enough to exam season that schools wouldn't be taking trips there either. Probably won't be too crowded.”
“This is why you're the genius, Joon,” Hobi laughed, then looked at you. “How's that sound?”
“Sounds great.”
The seven of you finished getting ready. It was a little hectic, eight people in two bathrooms, but you enjoyed the chaos. This would be what normal mornings would become for you. Though you knew your face would mostly be covered by a face mask and hat, you took the time to swipe some mascara over your lashes. You hadn't bothered to close the door, with everyone rushing in and out, and you looked up to see Yoongi leaning against the door frame, staring at you.
“Almost done,” you told him.
“No rush.”
He continued to watch you, eyes soft. When you tucked the little bit of makeup you had back into a bag, Yoongi moved closer. He took both of your hands in his, thumbs slowly tracing your scabbed cuts.
“Are you nervous?” He asked.
You didn't have to ask him to clarify. Today would be your first time in public with all of your soulmates since your existence was leaked. And, even though you all wore disguises, the eight of you knew they only worked so well. You tightened your grip on his hands
“A little,” you admitted. “But I have to get used to it. I want to be able to go out with you all when I'm here. I don't just want to stay in the apartment, like some princess locked in a tower.”
Yoongi chuckled and pulled you into his arms. You went freely, loving how it felt to rest your head on his shoulder.
“We don't want that either,” he said. “You're independent, and I love that.” Since Jungkook had first blurted it out, they'd been using the word love a lot more. Never those three, direct, little words, but casually tossed into a conversation. It made your heart flutter. Yoongi pressed a kiss to your forehead, not to far from your cut. “But we won't let anything happen to you out there.”
“Thank you, but I think you should be more worried about yourselves and not me. It's your career and popularity that matters. People can hate me all they want. I don't matter.”
“Don't ever say that,” Yoongi said, his voice rough with emotion.
“I didn't mean – I meant to your careers.”
“Doesn't matter. Don't say it. Don't believe it. Please.”
Tilting your face upwards, Yoongi kissed you. It was slow and steady, no rush as he attempted to convince you of his feelings. You moved your head and deepened the kiss, tongue sweeping over his bottom lip. Yoongi opened his mouth, letting your tongues meet, and moved his hands down to grasp at your hips. You moved your hands too, one clutching to his good shoulder and the other stroking the nape of his neck. Yoongi groaned at the sensation, and you moved your fingers again, soft over the hairs at the base of his neck. In one smooth movement, your soulmate twisted your bodies, pushing you up against the wall. You gasped, liking the way his body pressed against yours. Yoongi pulled back from the kiss though, eyes worried.
“Is this okay?” He asked. “Did I hurt you?”
It took your brain a moment to catch up, to realize what he meant: had pushing you against the wall, regardless of how gently and carefully he'd done it, triggered you? Did you feel anything other than perfectly safe and cared for in his arms? You wanted to cry from how damned good Yoongi was, but you figured tears, even happy tears, would upset him at this point.
“I never want to –”
“Please kiss me, Yoongi.”
He didn't have to be asked twice. He leaned down to slot his mouth against yours. Somewhere, in the back of your mind, you knew you had something to do today, some place to be, but you didn't care. All you wanted was to stay pressed against Yoongi and have his fingers massage your plush hips. You pressed closer to him, feeling the bulge that was starting to form in his pants. A mix of lust and adoration swept through you. His room wasn't far from the bathroom.
“Doesn't look like you're getting ready to me,” a teasing voice interrupted.
Yoongi groaned as you pulled away from him, looking over his shoulder to see a very amused Jin standing in the doorway. Then you remembered: you were going to the museum. The others were waiting.
“Go away, hyung,” Yoongi muttered, shooting the older man a murderous look.
“Nope,” Jin laughed. “The others are waiting. And you know how Namjoon gets about his museum visits.”
Yoongi groaned, burying his face in your hair in an attempt to avoid Jin.
“Five more minutes?” You asked Jin, who just chuckled and left. You pulled Yoongi’s hands off your hips, reluctantly. “We need to sort ourselves out, Yoongi.”
With a sign and a final, sweet peck to your lips, Yoongi pulled away. As he splashed cold water on his face, you fixed your skirt that had become twisted and bunched up. You reached up to help smooth his hair out, messy from the way your hands played with it. He watched you in the mirror as you worked, eyes tinged with sadness. You understood though, you were sad to leave, too.
“Can I stay with you tonight?” You asked him as you finished.
He grinned the gummy smile that made your heart flip and took your hand.
“I thought you'd never ask.”
When you gathered in the front hall with the others, you reached for the final part of your disguise, your baseball hat. Jungkook reached out, though, and stole it from your grasp. Instead, he pulled his bucket hat off his head and placed it on you. Then, wordlessly, he put your hat on and smiled his bunny smile.
“Told you that was hot,” Jimin mumbled.
With a groan, Jin shoved him out the door and you all left.
The National Museum of Korea was not what you were expecting. The building was beautiful from the outside, larger than you expected with countless glass windows throughout it. Hoseok wandered off as you walked through the main entrance, only to come back with his hands full of maps to give to the rest of the group.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been here,” Hoseok said, standing near you as you looked over the English-language map he got you. “Maybe a few years ago when my family visited, but I’m not sure what’s changed since then.”
The map showed the extensive collection the museum had, from its history sprawled across the entire first floor, to the various art galleries on the upper two levels. You weren’t sure where you wanted to go first, and you knew the guys were waiting for you to speak up. But you couldn’t decide, so you folded up your map and looked over to Namjoon, who was whispering with Jungkook.
“Where should we go first?” You asked Namjoon.
His eyes widened a little before he smiled and got closer, unfolding your map again.
“I think we should start with the first floor,” he said, leaning over your shoulder to point out a path. “It’s huge, but I think you’ll like all the artifacts.”
You let him lead the way, following as Hoseok and Jin flanked you, Yoongi and the maknaes trailing behind you. Your group moved slowly at first, your soulmates waiting as you read each and every sign for the artifacts on display. Eventually, the seven men started to wander, each looking at certain artifacts with you before leaving to go look elsewhere. You were never alone though, at least one of them always by your side. You continued to wander in the intended order, slowly working your way through the prehistoric and ancient sections and into another room. Jin carefully explained some Korean history to you as you looked at what was labeled as a twelfth-century incense burner. He watched you as you stared at it, eyes wide at just how old the item in front of you was.
“And I thought the history trail I took Tae on during our date was cool,” you said softly. “This is probably five hundred years older than anything I showed him.”
“I still liked the tour,” Taehyung said, coming back to your side.
He moved closer to you as you walked to the next display case, arm bumping your shoulder as you moved. You bumped him back playfully, immediately knowing what he was aiming at. While the museum wasn’t crowded, there were still too many people for you all to show affection as you wanted. The seven of them hugging you or holding your hand would draw too much attention to the group, and everybody wanted a quiet day. So you all wandered, together as a large group or in smaller pairs. Eventually, you followed Hoseok out into an open atrium. In the center stood a giant pagoda, and your eyes widened as you stared at it, whatever sentence you were in the middle of trailing off. Hoseok laughed softly as you wandered towards it, amazed at its beauty. You stared at it, craning your neck to see how it rose past the open walkways of the two upper floors and towards the ceiling.
“The Gyeongcheonsa Pagoda,” a deep voice said. You looked over to see Namjoon by your side, glancing up at the building. “It was built in 1348 and, unlike most of the pagodas built at the time, this one is made from marble.”
You nodded and slowly walked around the structure. Namjoon walked with you, pointing out the smaller carvings and some of the inscriptions, and answering the questions you asked. But, by your third lap around the pagoda, you both became quiet.
“Hyung, Noona,” Jungkook said, getting closer to you. “We want to go up to the Donation Gallery. Are you coming?”
“I want to stay here for a little longer,” you said. “I'll catch up in a few?”
“I'll stay too,” Namjoon said, then glanced at you. “If that's okay with you?”
You nodded, and regretted that the mask hid the way you smiled at Namjoon. The others went off on their own, Namjoon and you watching them scurry up a stairwell, before he gestured to a nearby bench. You sat with him, probably closer than appropriate, but you appreciated the feeling of his body next to yours.
“What are you thinking?” He asked.
“I'm just in awe,” you said. “I know that people have built beautiful things throughout history. The Sistine Chapel, the Pyramids, the Taj Mahal, but I've never seen them. Seeing something like this in person, it blows my mind. I just can't comprehend making something like this by hand.”
You paused and looked up at Namjoon. He was staring back at you, his eyes with the same warm and affectionate look they'd had so often this trip. He didn't say anything, just continued to watch you. As you had that day in his studio, you wondered what it would be like to kiss Namjoon. Would he pull you close to him immediately or would he let his hands wander? What would his lips feel like? How would his shoulders feel under your hands? But you couldn't kiss him now.
“Am I Namjoon-ing properly?” You asked, trying to joke your desire away.
Namjoon threw his head back, laughing loudly.
“How do you know that term?” He asked.
“I might not have millions of followers, but I am on the internet,” you told him. “I know all the ARMY slang now. Namjoon-ing. Borahae. BT21. Photo card. Tata mic face.” Namjoon was still laughing, and you loved the sound, so you kept going. “I know what aegyo means now. I know what a cypher is and that I want another one.”
“Noted,” Namjoon said, and bumped his shoulder against yours playfully. “What else have you learned?”
“I know that Jimin is called Mochi. And that Yoongi is a cat. I know what bias means.”
“And who is yours?”
You paused, and looked back at Namjoon. The affection from a few minutes ago was gone, your soulmate's face blank as he waited for your answer. As you stared at him, your heart broke. He wasn't explicitly asking it, but you knew what he meant: Do you rank us? If you could only choose one of us, who would it be? Am I your least favorite soulmate? Would you leave me if you could?
“I'm OT7,” you whispered, leaning in a little closer to him. “I can't imagine not having all of you. Not being with you all.”
“Even me?”
Namjoon’s voice was soft and wavered with emotion. He stared at the base of the pagoda and not looking at you. You could see the doubt and fear in his eyes, and you promised yourself that you would never do anything to make him doubt you again. Suddenly, you didn't care that you were in public, or that anyone could look over and notice you with the one of the most famous men in Korea, or that Korea was significantly more conservative about public displays of affection. All you cared about was Namjoon.
So you turned to him and pulled him tightly into your arms. He melted immediately at your touch, burying his head into the crook between your neck and shoulder, taking slow, steadying breaths. His arms moved around your waist and he clung to you. Your hand went to cup the back of his head, fingers smoothing over the hair that escaped his beanie. You heard someone nearby make a disapproving noise, but neither of you moved.
“I need you too, Namjoon.”
After a dinner of takeout fried chicken, you were in your room quietly packing. You heard your soulmates in the living room, arguing over what movie to watch. Jin and Hoseok were calling out Jungkook for choosing a horror movie he knew they wouldn't enjoy. You smiled to yourself, happy that this would soon be your everyday life. As you zipped your suitcase, you glanced at the pile of folded clothes on the bed. Mostly t-shirts, but a few sweaters and sweatshirt, and a singular pair of joggers that you loved despite being far too long on you. It was a collection you'd gathered with the intent of leaving here for your soulmates, so they could use them if and when they needed, as you relied on wearing their clothes. The thought of handing the pile over, though, made you shy. You fought that timidness down, though, and gathered the pile into your arms. You wanted them to have the same options for comfort as they'd given you.
When you got to the living room, Hoseok and Jungkook were playing rock-paper-scissors. The others split their attent between watching the game and their phones, and no one noticed you come in. You leaned against the back of the loveseat where Yoongi and Namjoon were sitting.
“What's going on?” You asked.
“Noona!” Jungkook shouted, turning towards you. “Tell Hobi you want to watch Train to Busan !”
“That's the zombie movie?”
“Yeah! He'll watch it if you ask to see it.”
Jimin and Taehyung laughed at Jungkook's pleading. Hoseok stared at you wordlessly, his eyes begging you not to force the horror movie on him. You knew he had a low tolerance for anything frightening, and didn't want to subject him to the movie.
“I think we should watch something everyone will enjoy, Kookie,” you said, and the maknae immediately pouted. “How about we watch it together when I come in September? It's my last night here. I want to be with everyone.”
Understanding your reasons and pleased with your solution, Jungkook smiled and surrendered. Hoseok shot you a grateful look as he collapsed onto a couch.
“What do you have in your hands?” Jimin asked.
“Clothes,” you said, feeling your cheeks already start heating up. “I want to leave some stuff here for you guys.” Your seven soulmates were quiet, so you continued. “I'm not sure where I should put them. Do you just want me to put them in Jimin's room? Or leave them some place you all can get to? Or if you want to take what you want to your rooms.”
“You're leaving them for us to use?” Hoseok asked slowly.
“Having your clothes to borrow really helped me the last few weeks. I want you guys to have my stuff in case you want to use them.”
You felt incredibly vulnerable like this. Rather than a pile of clothes, it felt as though you'd ripped out your heart and were offering it to them. You knew they wouldn't reject it, but you still felt a little raw and sensitive from the week. They watched you silently and you looked down, blushing as you fiddled with the string on a sweatshirt.
“You don't have to though,” you mumbled. “I can take them back with me.”
“Thank you for bringing these, jagiya ,” Jin said. He walked over and tilted your chin up so you had to look at him. He stared down at you with affection so deep you wanted to drown in it. “I know we'll be using them soon.”
You raised onto your toes and kissed him, grateful that he always seemed to know what you needed. The kiss was quick and sweet, each of you pulling away before things got too passionate in front of the others. You noticed Jungkook standing nearby, holding a small basket.
“We could put them in this?” He suggested. “Then maybe just keep them in the living room?”
“Yeah, if they stay in Jiminie’s room, he'll just hoard them all,” Yoongi teased.
“Like you wouldn't, hyung?” Jimin shot back, trying to defend himself.
“No,” Namjoon laughed. “Yoongi only steals hands to hold.”
“ Hajima ,” Yoongi groaned, blushing now that he was the subject of the teasing. He folded his hands under his arms, trying to hide the offending appendages.
Eventually, the eight of you settled down and put on some Will Ferrell movie that you weren't really watching. Instead of focusing on the screen, you kept glancing around at your seven soulmates. You knew that it was only a matter of time til you were here permanently, til the paperwork was done and the eight of you could always be together. Life would eventually settle into a rhythm, and you looked forward to that. Meals could be cooked and eaten together. You could study as they worked. Maybe Jungkook could teach you some more boxing moves. Or you could dance again with Taehyung.
You'd been moving every so often, making sure you got time to sit by each of your soulmates as the movie played and, as you sat down near Hoseok, he quickly pulled you into a cuddle.
“What are you thinking about?” He whispered in your ear.
“Just daydreaming,” you whispered back, turning your head to kiss his cheek.
Hoseok didn't accept that though, and slotted his mouth against yours. When he pulled back, he pressed kisses up your face until his lips were by your ear.
“Good daydreams?”
“Yes, but it'll be better when they're real.”
Hoseok smiled and dived for your mouth again. You kissed him back eagerly and twisted to get closer. You wrapped your arms around his neck. His hands pulled you closer as he swept his tongue into your mouth and you tried to soften a moan that escaped.
“Hyung, if you weren't going to watch the movie, we could've watched Train to Busan .”
You pulled away from Hoseok. Jungkook was looking at the two of you, a playfully accusatory look in his wide eyes. The others were all looking at you, movie playing forgotten in the background. You murmured an apology as you separated from Hoseok.
“You don't have to apologize,” Taehyung said, smiling.
“We're just jealous,” Jimin started, but the rest of his sentence was cut off as his hyungs scolded him.
He didn't seem to mind though, winking playfully as he settled back on the couch between Jungkook and Tae. You left Hoseok's side, though, and sat down next to Jin, the only one you hadn't sat next to yet, and the one you knew would be most likely to keep his affections polite. By the time the movie ended, you were yawning.
“What time are Jiho and Seojun picking you up in the morning?” Namjoon asked.
“They'll be here at seven,” you said, pulling away from Jin and stretching.
“Is there something special you want for breakfast tomorrow?” Jungkook asked.
“I can just eat at the airport,” you said. “You don't have to cook so early.”
“We'll be up anyways,” Jin said. “We're not going to miss seeing you off.”
“I know! I want to say goodbye tomorrow morning. But it'll be so early compared to when you have to go into the office, I don't want you to wake up even earlier.” Your seven soulmates mumbled and you yawned again. “But if I don't go to bed soon, I'll sleep through my alarm and miss my flight.”
“I wouldn't complain,” Tae said.
You laughed softly and said your goodnights. When you exited the bathroom, nightly routine finished, you went straight to Yoongi's room. His back was turned to you when you entered, head down and looking at something on his desk. You approached him quietly, and slid your arms around his waist, his hand immediately moving to cover one of yours and interlock your fingers.
“You really do like holding hands,” you said softly. It wasn't a tease or a question, just an observation.
“I love holding your hand,” Yoongi replied.
He took the hand he held and pulled it up until he could kiss it. You squeezed his hand a little tighter and pressed your lips to his bad shoulder.
“I love holding your hand, too.”
Yoongi twisted so that you were facing each other, one arm wrapped around your waist and the other still holding your hand. He looked down at you, no attempt to hide the unrestrained devotion in his eyes. It made you feel a little dizzy, to be the object of that much affection, so you grabbed his bicep to steady yourself. That was a mistake. Yoongi was definitely among the leaner of your soulmates, but you could feel the gentle definition in his arm that hadn't been there a few months ago when you'd last shared a bed with him. His clothes were so loose that you weren't able to notice the additional bulk until you touched him. And, unable to stop yourself, you ran your hand up and down his arm.
“I've been going to the gym with Kook and Joon,” he said softly.
You just nodded. As his fingers drew circles over your waist, you realized you hadn't kissed Yoongi since that morning and that seemed very unfair. So you leaned up and kissed him. He kissed you back immediately, soft lips moving against yours. The arm around your waist tightened as Yoongi tried to get closer. You liked that idea, wanting to be as close to him as possible, so you gripped his good shoulder and pulled him tightly to you. As Yoongi swept his tongue into your mouth, his fingers dug more into your soft waist. You met his tongue with yours, and let your fingers play at the base of his neck. Like he had earlier in the morning, Yoongi moaned at the sensation, and he gently rolled his hips against yours. You repeated the movement.
Your soulmate dragged you backwards, breaking the kiss as he led you towards the bed. He sat down first, tugging your hand to pull you onto his lap. You hesitated for a moment, before seeing that the look in his eyes hadn't changed, then went to him, carefully straddling his lap. Yoongi didn't like the careful way you moved though, and dragged you closer to him.
“Can I take this off?” He asked, fingers playing with the hem of your shirt.
You nodded, feeling a little shy under his gaze.
“Will you take yours off too?”
Yoongi didn't answer, just pulled away and yanked his shirt over his head. But that was Yoongi, a man of action. So you took your shirt off and tossed it in the direction Yoongi threw his. As soon as you looked back at him, Yoongi kissed you, his lips desperate against yours as he immediately grabbed at you, hands splayed across your back as he pulled your chest against his. You let your hands wander down his torso. He had been working out, your fingers tracing over his toned muscles until you found the waistband of his sweatpants. You brushed your fingers underneath the elastic, and Yoongi shuddered at your touch.
“Do you have a condom?” You asked as he kissed down your neck. Yoongi shook his head, lips still pressed against your skin. You tried to pull back, but Yoongi's arms were solid around your waist. “Let me grab one from Jimin's drawer.”
“No,” he said. “I don't want to have sex.”
Oh. Yoongi was free to make that choice, but a nervous voice rose in the back of your mind: now that you were half naked, did he realize that he wasn't attracted to you? You tried to calm your insecurities though. Yoongi's hands were still on your body, and he leaned up to kiss you. You pulled back though, out of reach of his lips.
“I don't want to pressure you,” you told him.
“Pressure me?” He asked, but, when he looked at you and his eyes widened. “No, shit. There's no pressure.” He groaned slightly and pulled at his hair. “I want to have sex with you,” he said, looking in your eyes. “I want us to have sex, very badly. But I don't want it to happen like this, with you leaving in a few hours. I want us to be able to take our time together.” His voice was soft and his eyes warm. You leaned down and kissed him. “I don't want our first time to be a goodbye. I want it to be a beginning.”
You didn't know what to say to that. Time and time again, from the moment he called to see if you felt up for meeting to now as he stared up at you, Yoongi proved to be nothing less than a beautiful, loving soul. He could've asked anything of you and you would've given it to him without reservation. So you cupped his face and pulled him towards you for a slow, deep kiss. When you pulled away, you smiled down at him.
“We'll wait then,” you said softly. “We'll wait for our beginning together.”
A/N: Double update weekend! I hope everyone affected by that heatwave has stayed safe and hydrated.
Story Summary: You know what happens when soulmates first meet. But when it happens to you one day at work, you are less than thrilled. Things only get worse when your new soulmate introduces you to his six friends.
Pairing: ot7 x f!reader
Rating: Mature/Explicit (later chapters)
General Tags: soulmates!AU, slow burn, angst, hurt and comfort, long-distance relationships, canonical therapy, eventual smut, an eventual HEA
Fic Warnings: low self esteem, self-harm, past abuse (physical, mental, emotional), lots of talk about food (both in positive and negative ways).
A/N: If it's not abundantly clear, I don't speak Korean. I try my best to understand how honorifics and titles work within my own research, but I'm not an expert
Chapter 33: Whatcha Gonna Do When He Talks That Way?
Turns out, you're a very intimidating person.
When you woke up the next morning, the first thing you realized was that you were being held down, something heavy placed over you. You shifted, trying to move, but couldn’t get out. Then, finally opening your eyes to the morning sun, you saw Jungkook splayed over your chest, head against your sternum and arms tight around your waist. Smiling to yourself, you smoothed your hand through his hair before you traced them over his bare shoulders and back. Hesitating, you tried to remember what Jungkook had on for pajamas last night. He definitely had something on. You shifted again, catching sight of the large T-shirt tossed onto his nightstand and, on the floor nearby, his shorts. You moved again, trying to grab the sheet and cover Jungkook up. Not that you didn't want to see him, to let your eyes and hands wander across his torso, but he'd been so shy on your couch, so nervous about you unbuttoning his shirt and touching him, and you weren't sure if that boundary had moved. So you grabbed the sheet and repositioned it, covering your soulmate.
“Hajima ,” he groaned, gripping you tighter and trying to snuggle closer to you.
“Sorry, Kookie,” you whispered and kissed his head. He made a soft sound and you sighed, disappointed that you'd woken him up.
“Don't go,” he mumbled.
“I'm not going anywhere. Just wanted to cover you up.”
“Don't need it.”
You giggled softly at his sleepy insistence. Jungkook made a quiet, disgruntled noise and clung tighter to you, frustrated that your laughter loosened his hold on you. So you placed your hands over his sheet-covered waist and held him tightly, giving him the snuggles that he craved and that warmed your soul.
“You did need it,” you said finally. “You're only in your underwear.”
“Crap!”
Jungkook jolted away from you. You rolled over to your side, focusing on one of the paintings on his opposite wall as he jumped off the bed. He rushed around the room, cursing quietly in Korean.
“Noona?”
“Yeah?”
“Why are you staring at my wall?”
“I don't want to make you uncomfortable,” you said, eyes still fixed on the picture.
“Huh?”
“You were uncomfortable the last time I tried to take your shirt off,” you reminded him. “I don't know where your boundary is now.” Jungkook was silent, and you wished you could see his face, read his soulful eyes and know what he was feeling. You weren't sure if he wanted you to look now, though. “You're in control, Jungkook,” you said, trying to reassure him. “We go as fast or as slow as you want to.”
“Oh,” Jungkook whispered. You waited patiently, back still turned to him. “You…you can look.”
“It's not a race, Jungkook,” you said, wanting to make sure that he didn't feel pressured. “We don't –”
“I want you to look.” His voice was clearer this time, more confident.
You sat up and turned to him, your breath immediately stolen from your lungs. You knew Jungkook was handsome and fit, but seeing him in just his underwear was a holy sight. While he didn't seem as broad as Jin or Namjoon, he was ridiculously well sculpted, muscles showcasing his dedicated hours at the gym. The taut lines of his abs leading down to the waist band of his boxer briefs. You tried to swallow, your throat suddenly dry.
“Can I see you too?”
This time, his voice was barely a whisper as he glanced at you. Rather than answering, you got off the bed and stripped down to your underwear. You were deeply regretting not having bought cuter underwear for this trip, the pair you had on a practical, pale pink cotton. But Jungkook didn't seem to mind. Jungkook's eyes went wide as you dropped your shorts and tank top dropping to the floor. You took a deep breath, trying to calm nerves ravaged by the last few days. This was Jungkook, your sweet, sensitive Jungkook. He wouldn't hurt you, wouldn't laugh at you. You sat back down on the bed and beckoned Jungkook to join you. He did, silent as his eyes raked over your nearly-naked form.
“What are you thinking?” You asked.
“You are so pretty,” he said, his voice laced with wonder.
You wanted to protest. You'd felt anything but pretty recently. And, compared to Jungkook's muscled physique, you felt a little bit like a melted candle. But if Jungkook believed you were pretty, then you could be pretty.
“Can I touch you?” He asked.
“I'd like that.”
Jungkook's next move surprised you. Rather than any of your newly exposed skin, he cupped your cheek and pulled you into a kiss. It was slow and a little timid, but as your lips moved in sync, Jungkook's confidence grew. You cupped the back of his head, fingers playing with the hairs at the nape of his neck. His hands stayed where they were – one stroking your cheek and the other twisted in the sheet. You didn't mind though. If all Jungkook wanted was to make out naked on his bed, then you were okay with that. Softly, with barely any pressure, Jungkook nipped your bottom lip. Your fingers tightened in his hair and he slowly dipped his tongue into your mouth.
“Can I move my hands?” He asked again. Hs lips brushed over yours as he spoke, the kiss barely broken.
Your heart tightened with the sweetness behind his request. You had willingly stripped for him but he was still asking permission, so worried about hurting you.
“You can touch me wherever you want,” you said. Pulling further back from him, you cupped his cheek abd looked into his eyes. “Explore however you want to. I promise I'll speak up if I'm uncomfortable.” You didn't think Jungkook was capable of that, but you figured he'd benefit from the reassurance and the guidelines. “Can I touch you too?”
He nodded, blushing a little bit, but he leaned back in for another kiss. Then, very slowly, he inched one of his hands to your hip, running his fingers over your skin and up to your stomach. He stayed there for a few moments as your kiss deepened, then started moving again, over the curves of your waist until they gently stroked the undersides of your breasts.
“It's okay,” you murmured, hoping to reassure him.
Jungkook didn't move though, seemingly happy to trace your lower torso and barely skim your breasts. Your hands ached to touch him further, still looped around his neck. So you let them wander. As you pressed kisses along his jaw and down his neck, you ran your hands over his chest, enjoying the way his breathing sped up as you explored. He jumped a little as your finger grazed his nipple and you pulled back.
“Ticklish, sorry,” he said.
“It's okay,” you giggled. “Some people like that.”
“Do you like it?” He asked, wide eyes focused on your face.
Something in your brain broke at his question. You weren't sure how you'd gotten here, naked on a bed with one of the biggest, hottest musicians in the world asking how to make you feel good. The thought made you dizzy.
“I do.”
That was enough for Jungkook. He kissed your lips quickly, before tracing his lips down your jaw and neck, copying your move from earlier. Then, he cupped your breasts, gently squeezing them before tracing his thumbs over your nipples. You let out a soft sigh, arching into his touch. He repeated the motion, pressing hot kisses across your collarbone.
“Feels good,” you mumbled, hands gripping his biceps.
“Can-can,” he struggled to get the words out.
You cupped his cheeks and pulled him away so you could look at him, his pupils wide with desire and his cheeks flushed. You'd give him anything he wanted.
“What do you need?” You asked, voice hoarser than you expected. “What do you want?’
“I need,” he started before squeezing his eyes shut and shifting awkwardly. “I want you on top of me.” He opened his eyes and met your gaze steadily. “I want to keep our underwear on, but I want you to sit on my lap.”
It took you a moment to process his request. When your brain caught up, you smiled and kissed him soundly on the mouth.
“Lean against the headboard,” you said. “You'll be able to relax more like that.”
Jungkook seemed hesitant to leave your grasp, hands lingering on your skin before finally moving back as you suggested. As he settled against the headboard, your eyes dragged over his body, stopping when you noticed the prominent bulge in his underwear. You wondered how far this would go. Once he was situated, you moved towards him, Jungkook's arms open and waiting to hold you. You tried to quiet the bad thoughts in your head as you straddled his hips – Jungkook asked for this, he thought you were pretty. But what ultimately silenced the thoughts was the way he yanked you closer to him, bare chest against bare chest, and kissed you passionately. You groaned softly, enjoying the way he swept his tongue into your mouth, and let your hands wander the muscles planes of his stomach. Jungkook's breath hitched as you touched him and his hips bucked up, pressing his erection against your clothed crotch. He gripped you tighter and pressed towards you again. While he didn't say a word, it was clear what he wanted, so you slowly started to grind against him, pressing open mouthed kisses down his neck. Jungkook moaned, low and long, fingers digging into your fleshy hips as he met your movements.
“How do you feel?” You whispered in his ear, hands playing with his hair as you continued to move.
Even though he seemed to be enjoying himself, you knew this was new territory for your soulmate, and you didn't want to press his boundaries. Jungkook made a soft noise, bordering on a whine, and buried his head into your neck.
“Good, so good,” he rasped against your skin. “Want more.”
But, before you could ask him what he wanted, Jungkook bent down and started kissing your breasts, hands coming up to touch and stoke them as well. His touch felt good, a little hesitant and inexperienced, but good. You sighed with pleasure and pressed harder against erection. Your head started to cloud with pleasure, and you wanted to make sure your soulmate knew how turned on you were.
“You're making me feel so good, Jungkook,” you murmured.
Something then snapped in him, his hips bucking frantically against you. His arms were tight around your waist, pulling your chest flush against his as he ground into you. You clung to his shoulders as his eyes screwed tightly closed. He thrust one more time against you, then let out a soft whimper and buried his head into the crook of your neck.
You shifted, getting off of Jungkook and laying on your back, arms open in an offer to cuddle. He did, quickly moving into your embrace and laying his head against your chest. His arms settled around you sides and he sighed. Wanting to soothe your soulmate down from his high, you let your hands wander, softly stroking his hair, his shoulders, his back, all sense of frantic passion gone from your touch.
“That was so much better than my hand,” Jungkook said finally, wonder lacing his voice.
You couldn't help but laugh. That was not what you expected him to say.
“I'm glad,” you said, smiling. “And, luckily, there's plenty of other activities that I'm sure you'll enjoy just as much, if not more.” Jungkook didn't say anything, just leaned up and sweetly pecked your lips. “We should get up though. I'm sure breakfast is almost ready and Namjoon will get frustrated if we're late to Hybe.” You kissed him again quickly. “Plus, you should probably go shower.”
“But – but,” Jungkook started, sitting up and letting his hands flit down your sides and against your thighs. “I can't – You haven't – I don't want to leave you hanging.”
Oh.
“It's okay,” you tried to tell him, but Jungkook shook his head in disagreement.
“It's not. I want to make you cum.”
Though Jungkook had never been selfish around you, his blunt statement surprised you a little. It also made you want to giggle, the vulgarity of it coming from your sweet soulmate. But you tempered those feelings, sitting up and clasping his hands in yours.
“Sex isn't just about cumming,” you said. “It's about intimacy and making your partner feel good. That doesn't necessarily mean orgasm.” He was silent as you talked, wide eyes focused on your face. “I very much enjoyed what we just did. I loved feeling that close to you, and making you feel good. And trust me, Kook, you made me feel good, even if I haven't cum. Did you enjoy yourself?” He nodded enthusiastically, but you weren't expecting a different response. “I'm glad. We have all the time in the world to do this again, to try more. It's not that I don't want to, but someone is going to come banging on that door in a few minutes and it's no fun being interrupted.”
Jungkook nodded and got off the bed. His shyness took over, hands moving to cover himself as he collected clean clothes for the day.
“Your stuff is in the bathroom near Jimin’s room?” He asked, and you nodded. “Cool. I'll use the other.”
He kissed you quickly, one last time, before leaving to get ready. You sighed, grabbing your clothes to head toward the bathroom. Though you'd taken a shower before bed last night, you headed towards the bathroom. You were in desperate need of a cold shower.
When you turned the shower off, you could clearly hear your soulmates' raised voices coming from the kitchen. Your heart started to speed up, but you willed yourself to calm down. Three deep breaths later, you listened closer to the conversation. Jin was laughing and nicknames were being thrown around. You smiled to yourself – it wasn't a serious argument. Finishing up as quickly, you headed out to the common area, surprised to find six of your soulmates all on their laptops. Their voices were still loud, and they called out in what sounded like complaints as they stole looks at each other's screens. Jin was the only one not on a computer, wandering around the table, glancing at the others’ screens, and smiling smugly as he watched the chaos unfold. When he saw you, he smiled, grabbed a mug off the counter and came over to you. He handed it to you with a kiss.
“What are they doing?” You asked after your first sip. The coffee made just to your liking
“ I liked that one! ” Hoseok shouted. Jimin just giggled, his hand covering the now closed laptop.
“Same thing they were arguing about yesterday,” he said, rolling his eye. “Couples rings.” He nudged you gently with his elbow. “Don't forget to eat.”
You smiled but left his side. You walked slowly around the table, trying to get a glance at what they had pulled up, but they each closed their tabs before you walked by.
“No peeking,” Yoongi grumbled.
“It'll spoil the surprise,” Taehyung said, glaring at you playfully as you tried to catch another peak.
“I'm going to look like a jewelry advertisement at the end of this,” you said. They paused, each looking at you. “I'll have a ring on almost every finger.”
“That's not practical,” Namjoon said slowly.
“Shit,” Yoongi sighed, closing his own laptop.
“That'd look ridiculous,” Jimin said, blushing a little. “I hadn't thought of that.”
You hadn't either before this moment. Seven soulmates, seven rings. It was a lot.
“But I still want to give you a ring,” Taehyung said, his comment somewhere between begging and complaining.
“And I want them,” you said. “I like the gesture.” You paused, thumb tracing the lip of your mug. “I like having something that shows the world that I'm your soulmate. That you’re my soulmates.”
“I think the entire world knows we're soulmates at this point,” Hoseok said.
His tone was light, but it didn't hide the adoration in his eyes. You glanced around the table, the other six having similar expressions, filled with dedication and affection you weren't used to yet.
“What if we just got one ring?” Jungkook asked.
“One ring would be nice,” you agreed. “I don't need seven rings.”
“Are we going to find a ring that all seven of us like?” Jimin asked.
“We could design one.” Everyone stared at Jungkook. “My piercer has some business contacts who make custom jewelry. I could talk to him.”
“And I'm sure, if we went to a regular jewelry store, we could convince someone to make a design,” Tae said, nodding along with Jungkook's plan.
“We could definitely pull some sway for that,” Jin agreed, smiling.
“Are you all forgetting that we're ambassadors for a literal jewelry company?” Hoseok asked. “And several clothing brands? We can definitely get a custom ring made, and made well.”
“Don't make your lives difficult just for me,” you said. “I don't need anything designer.”
“Hajima ,” Yoongi said, smirking at you as he rinsed his plate and put it in the dishwasher. “You said it yourself – you like the idea and you want a ring. So let us be nice.”
And, with a final peck to your lips, he left to finish getting ready for the day. The others scattered too, content with the idea to design a ring for the group.
Your soulmates' schedule was fairly busy that day, having crammed it full so that they could spend the next day, your final day on this trip, together. With your Hybe ID card, you were able to go where you wanted, as you pleased, without having Jiho or Seojun accompanying you. And, while you enjoyed their presence, the alone time helped you relax, feeling more comfortable to use your time as you pleased. You kept a careful eye of your shared calendar, noting events you wanted to join your soulmates for. Their first block of time was a dance rehearsal, though, and, as the memory of Hoseok's body pressed against yours flashed through your mind, you decided to skip it. You had things you wanted to accomplish too, hunkering down in their break room with your laptop to review your Korean lessons and work on the website for your soon-to-be remote tutoring business.
“Hyung, I need – ”
You looked up, startled to see a thin young man with shaggy pastel hair standing in the break room, laptop under his arm.
“Hello ,” you said with a polite bow.
“Hello ,” he greeted, bowing back. His face was bright red, embarrassed that you clearly weren't who he was looking for, but he kept staring at you. He was young, even younger than Jungkook, and probably would be in college if he wasn't an idol.
“Do you need help? ” You asked, slowly piecing the words together. It wasn't exactly what you meant, but you didn't know how to ask Who are you looking for? , so you did your best.
“No ,” he said, shaking his head. He continued, but you couldn't catch most of the words. Stopping, he tried in English. “This is the wrong room. I'm sorry to bother you.” He bowed quickly. “Good-bye.” And, with a final bow, he scooted out of the room and closed the door.
The entire exchange was odd, but you knew that this break room was essentially only used by your soulmates. So, assuming he was looking for one of your soulmates, you shot the group chat a text trying to give them a vague heads up that someone was looking for one of them.
A little later, you left the break room intending to meet up with Yoongi, Hoseok, and Namjoon as they went to a recording session. But, as you walked through the hallways, you felt like you were being watched. Other people were around, all with lanyards like yours around their necks. Besides a passing glance or two, they tended to either ignore you or politely smile your way. You looked over your shoulder and saw five young men, including the pastel-haired boy from earlier, following behind you. When they saw you looking at them, they quickly turned around and hurried away. It was weird, but you tried not to think about it too much.
Then it kept happening. Once you left the recording studio in an attempt to go find Taehyung and Jungkook at a fitting, the five boys were there. They tried to look casual, leaning against a wall with notebooks and laptops in their hands. But they looked away, faces bright when you waved at them. When you left the costume department, they were there, faces peaking around a corner at you. Later in the afternoon, when you convinced your soulmates that you could go from the Hybe building to the cafe across the street without getting lost or needing help communicating, the five were there. They weren't as sneaky as they intended to be, following you downstairs as you left and waiting in the lobby as you returned. You weren't afraid or worried about them, but you were confused about who they were and why their only job today seemed to be shadowing you. So, as you pushed into the break room where your soulmates waited, you decided to ask about them.
“Good news is that drinks are here,” you said as your soulmates grabbed their cups, most planting kisses on your face as thanks. “Bad news is that I think I'm being stalked.”
It was too soon for that joke. The seven men all started talking at once, Korean and English overlapping into a cacophony of panic. Yoongi, coffee no longer in his hands, pulled you into his arms, tightly tucking you against his chest.
“Don't worry, we're here,” he said in your ear. “Nothing's going to happen to you.”
You pushed Yoongi away gently, trying to face the others.
“That was a bad joke,” you said. The room went quiet as they all looked at you. “Shit, I'm sorry.”
“It was a joke?” Jungkook clarified.
“Kinda,” you shrugged. It was based on truth, but nowhere near as dire as they suspected. “It's just that the kid from earlier and his friends have been following me around all day.”
A mixture of laughter and sighs of relief rose from your soulmates. Jin wandered over to you, face relaxed and smiling, and kissed your forehead.
“Too soon,” he sighed, then went to open the break room door.
You assumed the five boys were waiting outside, Jin's face a mixture of frustration and amusement as he looked outside. He said something and gestured for the group to come inside. The five followed Jin’s instructions, sheepishly lining up in front of you like children about to be scolded.
“Are these your stalkers?” Jin asked, a teasing glint in his eyes. You nodded. He went to stand next to stand behind the pastel-haired boy, long limbs stiff as Jin placed his hands on his shoulders. “And is this the one who wandered in earlier?”
“Yes,” you said. The five boys seemed nervous, eyes flitting from the floor to your soulmates. You felt bad, they didn't need to be scared. “Be nice to them, Jin,” you said, your voice taking on a harder tone than they were used to. “They didn't actually bother me. I was just confused. They even had ID badges, so they're supposed to be here.”
Several of your soulmates started to laugh. Jin did too, and wrapped his arms around two of the boys, saying something to them you couldn't understand. They relaxed though.
“Of course they're supposed to be here,” Jin chuckled. “They're TXT. They're our hubaes .” With a gentle prodding from Jin, the five boys introduced themselves – Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Kai.
“We're sorry for bothering you,” Beomgyu said, bowing again. “I didn't recognize you when I first walked into the break room looking for Yoongi-hyung. When I told the others that there was a strange woman in our hyungs’ break room, Soobin assumed it was you.”
“And we really wanted to meet you,” Kai said, eyes a little wide as he stared at you. “We just didn't know how to say hi.”
“So you stalked her instead?” Jimin asked, laughing a little.
“We were nervous, ” Soobin said, blushing.
“We never intended to be rude,” Taehyun said. The others nodded in agreement. “I'm sorry we made you uncomfortable.” The group bowed in apology.
“I wasn't uncomfortable,” you said, trying to ease their guilt. “I was just confused. It's so nice to meet you all.”
“It's a honor to meet our hyungs’ soulmate,” Yeonjun said.
You were about to say something, but Yoongi approached and wrapped an arm around your waist. You leaned into his side automatically.
“Now that you met her, don't you have some place to be? Something to work on?” He asked the five boys.
“That's how this started,” Beomgyu said. “I came to find you, hyung. I need help with a new track.”
“Okay, okay, ” Yoongi nodded. He grabbed his coffee from the table and softly kissed your lips. His five hubaes watched the interaction with wide eyes, surprised to see their normally stoic seonbae so affectionate. Yoongi didn't like the attention, scowling through his blush as he waved them towards the door. “Let's go. ”
You sank into a chair, finally grabbing for your coffee. The six remaining men watched you carefully as you took a drink.
“I can't believe that they followed you all day,” Namjoon chuckled. “Their manager is going to be pissed that they didn't get anything done.”
“I don't understand why they just didn't say hi,” you said. “I know my Korean isn't great, but I was polite when Beomgyu wandered in.”
“I think they're just intimidated by you,” Hoseok shrugged.
Jin and Jimin nodded in agreement, but you looked at them, confused.
“Intimidated by me ?” You asked. You'd never been considered intimidating.
“Not really by you,” Jimin said. “They're still intimidated by us, so that feeling probably extended to you.”
“They were probably worried that, if they approached you on their own, they might do something rude or accidentally offend you,” Taehyung said.
“And if they upset you,” Jungkook started, “then we'd be upset.”
“A kind of intimidation by proxy,” Namjoon smiled.
“They shouldn't be scared of me,” you sighed. “Will you guys explain that they don't need to be nervous if they see me again? They can just say hi.”
The others nodded, promising to pass along the message.
“Did you like meeting them?” Jin asked.
“Yes, they seemed very sweet. And they’re adorable,” you smiled, taking a long sip of your coffee. They honestly reminded you of how shy Jungkook was around you during the early days together – the blushing, broken eye contact, and excessive politeness having made you warm up to him even before you considered him being your soulmate. “Will I get to meet more of your friends?”
“You want to?” Jungkook asked and you nodded. His face brightened and he grabbed his phone on the table. “I can text my group chat and see if they want to meet up?”
“Hold up, Kook,” Hoseok laughed, placing a hand on the maknae’s back. “Maybe it’s best to do meet-and-greets later? We only have today and tomorrow left. Let’s enjoy them together?”
“And we’ve got to do family introductions,” Namjoon said.
Jin groaned lightly, hand pulling at his hair as he stared at you, eyes begging. “If you meet Jungkook’s friends before my parents, they will kill me.”
“Parents first,” you said, rubbing Jin’s shoulder, “then friends?”
“Maybe when you come in September?” Jimin suggested.
“We’ll try,” Namjoon agreed. “But we’ll have to see how our schedule is. Plus everyone’s families getting here, or us having time to travel to them. It could take some time.”
You turned towards Taehyung, who’d become quiet and was staring at his phone. You knew how close he was with his family, how much he loved them and admired his father. He seemed like he wasn’t paying attention to the conversation, when you figured he’d be arguing with his hyungs to introduce you to his family as soon as possible.
“What do you think about that, Tae?” You asked, unsure of why he’d gone so quiet.
“It’s fine,” he said, shrugging. Then, he grabbed his cup from the table and stood up. “Gotta go work,” he mumbled and, without another look at your group, left the breakroom.
Taehyung stayed upset for the rest of the day, ignoring both Jimin and your texts to check in on him. You weren’t sure what caused his shift in mood, but he wasn’t giving you the opportunity to talk with him. He turned the other way when you saw him in the hallway at Hybe, and actively chose to ride in the car you weren’t in on the way back to the apartment. At dinner he was sullen and silent, glaring at his food and ignoring the conversation. After silently helping wash dishes, he left for his room. You shot Hoseok a quick look as he put a dish away and then hurried after Taehyung down the hall. Luckily, you caught up with him as he was closing his door, placing your hand on it and stopping him from blocking you out.
“What’s going on, Tae?” You asked.
“I’m fine,” he muttered, sitting down at his desk and starting up his computer.
“But you’re not,” you insisted. “You’ve been upset since the afternoon. What happened?”
“Nothing happened.”
“Something must’ve. Please talk to me,” you pleaded. He ignored you though, clicking through a game. “Something must’ve happened. Because we were having a good day. We were having fun, and laughing. But suddenly you’re mad at me and I don’t know why.” Your voice wavered as you begged. You had his attention now, though, his eyes wide as he looked at you. “Please don’t be mad at me, Tae. We don’t have enough time together to be mad at each other.”
“I’m not mad,” Taehyung finally said. “I’m jealous.”
“Jealous?” Taehyung nodded. “Why?”
“Because you were excited to meet them!” He cried, standing up from his chair. “I’m jealous that you were so happy to meet them but you just wanted to throw us away! It’s not fair,” he shouted, his voice breaking and tears pricking his eyes. “We had to work so hard to persuade you to let us be a part of your life – we are still trying to convince you to let us love you. And they just get to walk in and you suddenly like them? That’s not fair!”
Taehyung turned away from you, tears streaming down his face. Your heart ached, knowing that you were the direct cause of his pain right now. You weren’t sure exactly how to soothe him, how to make things better, but you knew you needed to try.
“You’re right, it’s not fair.” You approached him slowly, not sure how close he was willing to let you get, or if he was okay with you touching him. You held out your hands though, an invitation for when, if, he wanted to take it. “It’s not fair that I immediately judged you guys, just because you were my soulmates. And it’s definitely not fair that I still am afraid and insecure about our bonds. But I’m working on it. I’m going to find a therapist too, to help me get better.”
Taehyung was silent, but he took your hands. You led him to the bed, hoping he’d sit with you. He laid down instead, placing his head on your lap. Softly, you ran a hand through his hair and another stroked his arm. Taehyung reached up, weaving his fingers through the hand on his arm.
“I’m sorry for everything I’ve put you through,” you said. “From our first contact to now, I’m sorry. You never deserved any of the problems I’ve caused.”
“I know you’re sorry,” he answered. “And I know you’re trying to get better. I appreciate how hard you’re working at this, I know it’s not easy.” He pulled your hand down and gently kissed it. “I’m sorry for yelling. Seeing how easily you interacted with them was just really upsetting.”
“You’re allowed to feel your feelings.”
The two of you were quiet for a little bit, your hands still clasped as you twirled his curls around your free fingers. Eventually, Taehyung shifted, rolling onto his back so he could look up at you.
“Will you stay with me tonight?” He asked.
“I’d love to,” you said, and leaned down to kiss your soulmate.
Taehyung seemed unwilling to move from your lap, even once you pulled away from the kiss. He stayed laying, grabbing one of your hands to hold. With his other, he stroked your cheek sweetly, his eyes staring up at you with unabashed adoration. It felt oddly intimate, and Namjoon's statement about unconditional affection repeated in your mind. You looked away from him, feeling shy, and glanced around the room. Your eyes settled on his nightstand, where the picture you'd given him for his birthday sat. In it, the photograph of Jimin, Tae, and you at the palace.
A/N: Congratulations to anyone who had "Dry humping JK to completion" on their fanfic bingo card. Because I originally didn't.
Story Summary: You know what happens when soulmates first meet. But when it happens to you one day at work, you are less than thrilled. Things only get worse when your new soulmate introduces you to his six friends.
Pairing: ot7 x f!reader
Rating: Mature/Explicit (later chapters)
General Tags: soulmates!AU, slow burn, angst, hurt and comfort, long-distance relationships, canonical therapy, eventual smut, an eventual HEA
Fic Warnings: low self esteem, self-harm, past abuse (physical, mental, emotional), lots of talk about food (both in positive and negative ways).
Chapter 32: I'd Rather Be Seven People's Favorite Thing
Secrets get spilled.
You woke up to the sound of your stomach growling and Jimin laying across you, head resting over your heart. After quickly cleaning up yesterday, you both had returned to bed and quickly fell asleep, missing dinner. And, though you wanted to stay curled up with Jimin, you didn't want your rumbling stomach to wake him. So, as gently as you could, you wiggled out from underneath him, pressed a gentle kiss to his temple, and got dressed.
Jin, Yoongi, Tae and Jungkook were already in the kitchen, a slow morning conversation held over half empty plates. Jungkook was the first to greet you, jumping up from his seat to kiss you good morning before the others even realized you were up.
“How was your night?” Taehyung asked, the teasing gleam in his eye making you blush.
“Don't be crass,” Jin hissed at the younger man.
“We did miss you at dinner though,” Yoongi said. His eyes followed you with an intense look. While Tae assumed what happened between Jimin and you last night, Yoongi had seen you both scurrying through the hallway, mostly naked. His stare made you squirm, as though he was imagining you back in your towel as his eyes dragged slowly over your body.
“Sorry,” you said quickly. “I was really tired.”
“I bet you were – ow!” Taehyung rubbed at his arm where Jin had pinched him.
You ducked your head, feeling a little too embarrassed and far too hungry to continue this conversation. As you grabbed a plate and started getting your food, you felt a hand rub at your back. Taehyung was next to you, looking down at you sheepishly.
“I'm sorry for teasing you,” he said softly.
“It's okay. I can handle a little teasing,” you told him, stretching to peck his lips. “It still just feels weird to me, having everyone either know or be able to imply what's going on with each other.”
Before Taehyung could answer you, another set of arms wrapped around your waist. Jimin was up and had come to find you. He nuzzled against your neck, pressing sleepy kisses as he seemed barely awake. He mumbled something that you couldn't quite understand, but you giggled and stroked his arm, trying to wake him up more. It didn't work.
“ I love my soulmates ,” he mumbled, which you were shocked to understand.
And then, before either of you could stop him, Jimin leaned over and kissed Taehyung soundly on the mouth. Neither Taehyung nor you moved, looking from each other to Jimin, who was clinging contentedly to you both, in shock.
“Well, that makes sense,” Yoongi sighed, taking a sip from his coffee.
“You know?” Taehyung asked, his voice wavering with nerves.
You remembered how anxious he was when you found out. So you gripped his hand, hoping he'd understand that you were with him and that everything would be okay.
Jin looked at everyone, from a calm Yoongi, to a partially interested Jungkook, to your trio.
“Yoongi knows what?”
“That Jimin – Jimin and I,” Tae was a ball of nerves, stuttering as he tightened his grip on Jimin and you.
If you'd learned anything about your soulmates in the last ten months, it was that they dealt better with shocking news than you gave them credit for. They wouldn't care about this, but you couldn't tell Tae that. Just as Jimin had let you take your time to tell the others about your parents, Tae needed to work through this on his own.
“We-we’re –”
“Your soulmates,” Hoseok said, standing at the entrance of the kitchen.
“You knew too?” Jin asked.
Hoseok nodded, and grabbed himself a cup of coffee as you all watched in silence. Jin looked frustrated that he hadn't picked up on what seemed to be somewhat common knowledge. He looked at Jungkook, who was shoving food into his mouth
“What about you? Did you know too?”
“Not for certain, but I guessed,” Jungkook shrugged.
“How?” Taehyung asked, his grip looser as it seemed that several of his friends didn't just know, but were very okay with his long held secret.
“Do you remember Jimin's birthday party three years ago?” Yoongi asked.
“I remember the hangover,” Tae said, making Jungkook chuckle.
“Well, after Jimin and you got drunk at the club,” Yoongi said, “Kookie and I put you into my car to take you home.”
“We were barely out of the parking lot before you two started making out in the back seat,” Jungkook continued. “We didn't know what was going on – if you two had kissed before, if it was just the alcohol, if you would even remember anything in the morning. But we didn't want either of you to have any regrets when you woke up. So we pulled over, I got in the back with Jimin and we put Tae in the passenger seat.”
“And then you two spent the rest of the ride declaring your love for each other,” Yoongi said. He smiled a bit at the memory. “I think Jimin was the one who said that we couldn't tear your love apart. We put you to bed in your own rooms, but when I came in the next morning to check on you, Tae had made his way into Jimin's room and was passed out on top of the covers.”
“And how do you know, Hobi?” Jin asked.
“The walls are thinner than expected,” Hoseok said.
You blushed. Hoseok and Jimin’s beds shared a wall, meaning he probably heard whatever Jimin and Tae – or subsequently, Jimin and you – did. By this point though, Jimin was fully awake, fingers twisted into your shirt and Taehyung's as he kept his soulmates close.
“So does everyone know and we just pointlessly kept quiet about it for years?” Jimin asked.
“I didn't know,” Jin clarified.
“I don't think Joon knows either,” Hoseok said. “He definitely wouldn't have been able to keep this quiet.”
“He doesn't,” you agreed. “He said you all joked about them being soulmates, and even speculated that Jimin and Tae had a first contact and kept it secret, but he wasn't really suspicious. He didn't seem to care either way.” Looking around, you noticed Namjoon still wasn't in the kitchen. You knew your soulmates didn't have to go to work until later today, but it was past when Namjoon typically got up. “Where is Namjoon?”
“Still asleep,” Jungkook said. “He went out after the concert with some old friends. He hadn't come home by the time I went to bed.”
“When did you go to bed?” Yoongi asked.
“About 2,” the maknae confessed.
Your five elder soulmates complained loudly, scolding their maknae for his bad sleep habits, but Jungkook seemed unphased, eating slowly as they chided him. He glanced at you quickly and shrugged.
“Maybe I'd go to bed sooner if I had a reason to be there,” he mumbled.
You had to bite your tongue to keep from laughing. Your sweet Kookie was becoming so flirtatious and his boldness made you smile. The others didn't hold back though, laughing and cheering at his confidence. Smirking, you decided to flirt back.
“Are you saying you want me in your bed tonight, Jungkook?”
He froze, staring at you as you leaned comfortably against the counter. His face turned red and you saw his Adam's apple bob as he swallowed. He nodded before staring back at his plate. You felt a little guilty at how easy it was to fluster him, so you wrapped your arms around his shoulders and squeezed him tightly.
“Of course I'll stay with you,” you said softly, denying your urge to kiss his cheek, as it would probably only make him more embarrassed.
Then, your phone alarm went off.
“I need to get ready before Jiho arrives,” you told them, pulling away from Jungkook and retreating back towards your room.
A little while later, you checked yourself over in the mirror. Jiho and Seojun would arrive shortly to bring you to the school for your tour and meeting with Cathy Han. Your clothes were neat and professional, your freshly washed hair carefully styled. Because, while you knew this wasn't a formal job interview, you wanted to come across as professional as possible as you did hope to at least be able to apply for work in the future. The cut on your forehead was healed enough to not need a bandage, but the various wounds on your hands were still covered. You hoped that wouldn't be a point of discussion.
A knock pulled you from your thoughts, and you opened your bedroom door to see Namjoon. He must've just woken up, his hair messy, baggy pajamas rumpled, and his glasses on. He looked ridiculously soft right now, and you wanted to sink into his arms. But you held back, telling yourself not to wrinkle your clothes or be distracted before your meeting. It was hard though, especially when Namjoon flashed his dimples at you.
“Morning,” you said. “I didn't know you were up.”
“I set my alarm,” he said. “I wanted to see you before you left.” Your heart swelled, knowing how late he got home yet still waking up to see you off. “Are you nervous?”
“Not really,” you said, and grabbed your purse before joining him in the hall. “This isn't really an interview. And even if it was, job interviews don't make me nervous.”
“They don't?”
“Nope. I'm a good worker, and I'll make a good teacher.” For all your faults, you were confident in your professional skills and abilities.
“Good. They're going to love you,” he said.
His already deep voice was a little deeper from sleep, and it made your heart flutter. While you weren't nervous about your meeting, you were starting to get nervous around Namjoon. You weren't sure how to respond to his comment, so you smiled at the floor. You both stood in awkward silence for a moment, neither one of you sure how to proceed. The doorbell rang.
“That'll be Jiho,” you said softly. “See you later, Namjoon.”
You turned to leave, but you were only a few steps away when you heard Namjoon speak softly, almost as though he was afraid you'd hear him.
“Go show them how great you are.”
You turned and rushed back to him, flinging your arms around his shoulders and pulling yourself close to him. Namjoon matched your movements, tightly holding onto you. Somewhere in the apartment, Taehyung called out for you, so you pulled away slowly from Namjoon.
“I'll see you later,” you said, and hurried out of the apartment.
You were a few minutes early for your appointment at the international school, and you waited in the main office, exchanging small talk with the polite secretary from Germany, who looked old enough to be your mom. Unsure of whether it was polite to keep your mask on in this situation, you held it in your lap. A tall woman with short blonde hair eventually emerged from an office, greeting you and introducing herself as Cathy Han. Her eyes widened as she looked you over, and it was clear that she'd see the recent tabloids.
“It might be best if you keep your mask on today,” she told you.
“Of course,” you agreed, and quickly went to put it on. “I'm sorry that –”
“No reason to apologize,” she said, waving you off with a smile.
As you followed her through the school, you felt eased by her relaxed manner. Despite her position at the school, she held no pretenses, allowing you to call her by her first name and ask any assortment of questions you wanted. Between her own blocks of information about lesson plans, certification, and other school organization, she asked about your schooling and your plans to move to Korea. The school itself was beautiful, clean and organized in a way you couldn't remember your high school being. She brought you to sit in on a class and introduced you to a few of the teachers who had prep periods.
“If you don't mind me asking,” you said as you walked back to the main office, “where are you from? I can't figure out your accent.”
“That's complicated,” she laughed. She led you into her office and offered you a bottled water. “I was born in Colorado, but I moved around a lot. My father was in the Army. By the time I went to college I’d lived all over – Colorado, Texas, South Korea, Alabama, Germany, Wisconsin, back to South Korea – I honestly lose track. I met my husband in college, and his parents are from Busan.” She laughed lightly at the coincidence, and you smiled. “Have you thought at all about how you'll be doing your student teaching?”
“Some thought,” you said. “I'll probably end up going back to the US for it. My school has a lot of connections around my home state, so it would be pretty easy just to go back there for those few months.”
Cathy hummed and tapped her hands on her desk, thinking.
“Like I said in our first emails, I don't know if it's possible, but reach out when it comes time to find a student teaching position,” she said, smiling. “It may not be here, but I have friends and colleagues at other international schools around Seoul. If your school will allow it, we can try to get you a position here.”
“That would be amazing,” you said, beaming back at her. “Thank you.”
By the time you arrived back at Hybe that afternoon, your soulmates were scheduled to be finishing up some studio time. Jiho led you to the break room they used before she planned to go back to her own job. But, as you approached the door, you heard their voices, loudly arguing in Korean. You couldn't understand what they were saying, and looked over at Jiho for help. She was trying to conceal her laughter behind a hand.
“What are they arguing about?” You asked
“Nothing bad,” she giggled. “But you should ask them yourself “
She knocked on the door. The room went silent and the door inched open. Hoseok poked his head out and smiled brightly upon seeing you. You wished Jiho a nice day as your soulmate pulled you into the room.
“How did everything go?” Hoseok asked once you'd settled on a couch next between him and Jin.
“Really well,” you told them. “We’re going to keep in touch. When it comes time to set up my student teaching, she's going to put me in contact with some other international schools as well. That way I can try to do my student here.”
“Is that allowed?” Namjoon asked. “Can you do your student teaching here?”
“I'm not sure,” you said. “I'll have to talk with people at the school. But it's worth asking. That way I don't have to spend that much time away again.”
“Then you'll never have to leave Korea again!” Taehyung shouted, his eyes sparkling at the idea.
“Hey,” Yoongi said, leaning over to swat at Taehyung, “she can leave whenever she wants.”
“But I want to be here,” you said. “I want us to all live together.”
“You're not our prisoner though,” Yoongi insisted.
“I don't intend to be,” you laughed. “And I'll definitely want to leave Korea at times. I know I'll want to go back home to visit Ally and Jay. But I want this to be home.”
Your soulmates were quiet for a few moments, each soaking in your admission. Jimin sighed contentedly and leaned back against Taehyung, who pressed a kiss to his soulmate’s temple. You looked cautiously at Namjoon, who had been absent during the morning’s revelation.
“I know,” he chuckled, catching your glance. “Why do you think I said what I did at the cafe?”
“How long have you known?” You asked.
“Since we moved into this apartment.”
“That was six years ago!” Jin groaned. “I can't believe I'm the last one to know.”
“I can't believe you finally kept a secret, hyung,” Jungkook said, smiling at Namjoon.
“My secret-keeping skills are limited to major secrets only,” Namjoon laughed.
As the others laughed with him, you took a look around, enjoying that the eight of you were together and having fun. But something nagged at you.
“What were you guys arguing about when I came in?”
“Nothing,” Jimin said quickly.
“We weren't arguing,” Hoseok insisted.
“It's not important,” Taehyung said.
“So which is it?” You asked, laughing at the suspicious behavior.
They ignored your question though, choosing to all get up and attend to whoever was knocking at the door. Jin stayed on the couch with you though, placing an arm around your shoulders and kissing your cheek sweetly.
“I'll tell you later,” he whispered, making you smile.
To your surprise, Seijin entered the break room, a large folder and notepad tucked under his arm. He greeted you with a polite smile before sitting down.
“How was your meeting?” He asked you.
“It went well,” you answered. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes. The guys told me back in March that you're ready to move to Seoul?” You nodded, smiling. “We've been looking into the process and I want to go over it with all of you.”
Out of his folder, he pulled out several packets of papers, handing them out. With a soft squeeze of your shoulder, Hoseok moved, letting Seijin take a seat next to you on the couch and Namjoon scooted his chair closer so he could better participate. Seijin went through the packet slowly, explaining the immigration process. There was a list of documents that were necessary, papers that would be helpful but not needed if you couldn't find them, and some that would just be for your reference. There were several forms that you would need to fill out, each contained in the folder. Seijin gave you a list of contact information, including the American embassy in Seoul and an English-speaking lawyer from Hybe’s legal department who could assist you with any questions. The last page was duplicated several times, each with your name and one of your soulmates’ names, in English and Hangul, written at the top..
“I don't know if you have these in America,” Seijin said, pulling out his version of the form. He only had one copy though. “We register soulmates in Korea. This is the form to get onto the official registry. Our legal department says you need one form per soulmate.” Which explained why you had so many papers. “Each pair needs to fill one out, then it needs to be signed by at least one person who witnessed the first contact.”
You shot a quick glance towards Taehyung and Jimin, both looking concerned.
“Why?” Jin asked, carefully taking the form that had his name and reading it over. “What's the purpose of the registry?”
“It has something to do with immigration status,” Seijin said. “It started back in the 1990s. Soulmates trying to move here don't fall under the normal immigration statuses – they're not a work visa, they're not students, they're not refugees. So the quotas are a little different.” He laughed a little. “At least that's how I understood it. I'm not a lawyer though. I know that there were two members of the legal team in the room when you had most of the first contacts, but were there any witnesses when Namjoon had your first contact?”
“A coworker,” you said.
“You'll have to take that one to them, then. See if they're willing to sign.”
“What if there were no witnesses?” Jimin asked. You weren't sure how or where Jimin and Taehyung had their first contact, but you knew it was long ago.
“If there were no witnesses, or no witnesses who can attest to the first contact, like a minor child, then there's just an extra form.”
Jimin nodded silently, but you saw Taehyung tap on Namjoon's shoulder and whisper something in the older man’s ear. Namjoon nodded and patted his shoulder soothingly.
“When is the official announcement coming out?” Yoongi asked.
“Tomorrow,” Seijin sighed, rolling his eyes. “Though it doesn't particularly matter since you all decided to announce it on your own.”
Your seven soulmates had the decency to look embarrassed. You hung your head too, knowing you had created more than enough troubles to last Seijin a lifetime.
“Can we see what it says?” Jungkook asked.
Seijin withdrew a stack of papers from his folder and handed them around.
Hello.
This is BIGHIT MUSIC.
We would like to inform you that BTS members Jin, SUGA, j-hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook have experienced their first contacts. The artists have had first contacts with the same woman.
We ask that you respect their privacy. Our company will spare no expense in supporting the artists throughout this time.
Thank you.
You read over it a few times before looking up at Seijin.
“It took two days to write this ?” You asked.
“I'm sorry, but I agree,” Jin said, shaking his head. “This lacks strength.”
“What do you want us to say?” Seijin asked.
“Leave them alone or we'll sue you into oblivion.” Taehyung said, completely serious.
“We can't threaten people,” Yoongi sighed, “no matter how much we want to.”
“Yoongi’s right,” Seijin said. “But that's what the last statement is for. Support includes legal action, if necessary.”
“And what’s being done about the photos already posted?” Namjoon asked, rubbing his hand over his face.
“We're pursuing a few leads,” Seijin said cryptically. “It'll get taken care of.”
Suddenly, you felt overwhelmed, the events of the day washing over you. The school tour, immigration paperwork, legal action. You put your folder of papers down and leaned closer to Jin's side. He tightened his arm around your shoulders and the group remained quiet in thought.
“Can I schedule a meeting with you in the next week or so?” Namjoon asked, looking at his manager.
“Of course, just email me.” Seijin stood up and grabbed his stuff. “But I need to get going and you,” he said, pointing at Jin, Jimin, Taehyung, and Jungkook, “all have to do some recordings. So get moving.”
Seijin bid your group goodbye and, after several quick kisses, the four singers headed towards the door. But before they left, they rushed back to you, pulling something from Jin’s bag hurriedly. They shoved a small box into your hands.
“This is for you,” Jimin said.
They each stole another kiss, then ran out of the room, giggling with glee. You glanced at your last three soulmates, but they seemed to know what this was about. Hoseok was smiling as he watched your confused expression, Namjoon was blushing slightly. Yoongi's eyes flitted between your face and what you held.
“Do any of you want to explain?” You asked, laughing slightly at the whirlwind the others had created.
“You should just open it,” Yoongi smirked.
You inspected the box in your hands. It was small and flat, not much bigger than the palm of your hand. As you unwrapped it slowly, you could hear something rattling inside. You didn't know what they had time to get you. But, when you slid the lid off, you were confused. It was a small, credit card sized piece of plastic. Your stomach twisted in worry as you picked it up to inspect it, praying that it wasn't a credit card. There was Hangul on it, but, luckily, you didn't see anything on it that would imply it was a credit card.
“What is it?” You asked slowly.
“It's the key to our building,” Yoongi said.
“And this,” Hoseok sat next to you and pulled out a small piece of paper, barely larger than a sticky note, “this is the passcode to our apartment.”
“These are for me?”
“It's your home too,” Namjoon said.
Your heart felt like it was about to explode. They were giving you access to their home, an open and free invitation to be with them whenever you wanted. While you knew the eight of you were working towards your permanent move to Seoul, and had just had a meeting regarding that, having a physical invitation made your heart race with affection.
“There's more though,” Hoseok smiled and gestured towards the box.
You pulled out a simple black lanyard with a card attached bearing Hybe’s logo. On it was a picture of you that you didn't remember being taken, but looked as though it was from Tae’s birthday party, and your name. You looked at the three men, confused.
“What is it?"
“It's your Hybe ID,” Namjoon explained. “You'll be able to go around as you wish and, if anyone asks, that proves that you're allowed to be here. Officially.”
“And it gets you into any room we frequently use – this break room, dance studios, gym, recording areas, our personal studios,” Yoongi said.
“Even though yours is the only one we can't enter,” Hoseok teased.
“It's called the Genius Lab,” Yoongi scowled, “not the Annoyance Lab.” Namjoon, Hoseok and you all laughed, knowing Yoongi didn't mean the insult. He stood up and made his way over to you, smiling. “Speaking of which, I'm meeting the kids to go over a track.”
He leaned down and gently kissed your forehead. It wasn't enough for you though, so you followed him to the door. Pulling him closer, you kissed his lips
“Thank you for my gift,” you whispered.
“I can't wait to have you with us permanently,” Yoongi sighed, and kissed you one last time before leaving.
“I actually have to go too,” Hoseok said, gathering his stuff as it was scattered across the room. “I have a meeting with Producer Bang to go over a song.”
He swung his bag over his head and met you at the door. Hoseok looked at you, affection shining in his eyes. You hugged him tightly and kissed his cheek.
“The keys are better than any piece of clothing you could've bought,” you said softly.
You felt him laugh as he hugged you tighter.
“I'm still going to buy you something,” he said.
Then, with a chaste kiss, he left. As the door clicked shut behind Hoseok, you realized that you were alone with Namjoon, and you shifted shyly. He watched you as you returned to the couch and grabbed the cards, carefully putting the lanyard on and placing the key card in your wallet.
“Thank you,” you said again. “I really do love them.”
“They're nothing, really,” he shrugged.
“Not to me,” you said. “You guys have seen all the terrible sides of me and have been so patient. You still want me despite everything. I'm not really used to unconditional,” you paused, caught on the word you almost said. “I'm not used to people caring about me so unconditionally.”
“You better get used to it now,” he smiled and patted your shoulder. You smiled back at him. “I have to go to my studio and work on some songs. If you want, I can show you where Jin and the maknaes went and you can watch them record? Or you can go to Yoongi's studio? I know he wouldn't mind you visiting. The TXT kids have already asked to meet you. Or you can just hang out here.”
“Can I hang out in your studio?”
“Um, yeah, sure,” he answered, his eyes a little wide with shock. “It might be boring, though. I’ll mostly be mixing on my computer. It’s repetitive and kind of slow, so you can definitely do something else.” His voice ticked a bit higher, and he started speaking faster. “I know the others would love to show off while recording. And the kids are so nice – they'll be excited to meet you. I think – I think…”
“Namjoon,” you said, placing your hand on his arm in hopes to slow the anxious thoughts in his head. Luckily, he stopped and took a deep breath. “I want to spend time with you. But if you would rather me go elsewhere then –”
“No,” he said softly. “I want to hang out.”
With that agreement, you collected your stuff and went with Namjoon to his studio. He sat down to work immediately, booting his computer up and clicking a few things as you slowly walked around, examining the dozens of figurines he had displayed. You felt his eyes following you as you explored his space. Finally you looked at him, and your breath caught in your chest. Namjoon was relaxed in his chair, a soft smile on his lips and a dreamy look in his eyes as he stared at you. His gaze was so loving it made your heart tighten and ache. Namjoon had never looked at you like this before, as though you held his world in your hands. Unsure of what to say, you simply stared back, fingers twisting nervously in the hem of your shirt.
“Do you,” he asked, his voice a little hoarse, “do you want to see what I’m working on?”
“I’d love that.”
You pulled the spare chair over to his desk so that you could sit next to him and look at his screen. Silently, Namjoon navigated his computer screen until he pulled up a program you didn’t recognize.
“This is what we use to produce the songs,” he said.
Namjoon went into a brief explanation of what the program could do, of how the different buttons worked. He loaded a track and started playing it over his speakers. It was an upbeat pop song with a catchy guitar riff, but none of your soulmates sang or rapped over it.
“This is the back track,” he explained, letting it continue playing. He clicked to another section, pulling up a folder filled with hundreds of files.
“Why are they labeled with everyone’s names?” You asked, proud that you could read part of the labels.
“Those are the vocal tracks,” Namjoon said, smiling at you. “We put the names on them so they’re easier to sort through.”
“There’s so many tracks.”
“There are. But I know which ones I need. Can you hand me the green notebook near you?”
You handed it over, and looked over Namjoon’s shoulder as he flipped it open to a tabbed page, carefully marked with Hangul and numbers. Your heart started to beat a little faster, the sight of his handwriting reminding you of all the beautiful words you two had exchanged, thousands of miles apart.
“I took notes on the clips I need,” he said. He paused then, looking at you nervously. “Do you want to help me finish the song?”
“I don’t know anything about music production.”
“You don’t need to. Just read my notes to me and I’ll be able to find what I need.”
You worked like that for a little bit, Namjoon asking for a label, and you reading it, slowly pronouncing the Hangul on the page for him. You watched as he lined up the audio, listened through each bit, and then asked for another line. As you stumbled over a word you didn’t know, you sighed and looked at your soulmate.
“Wouldn’t it just be faster for you to read the paper?” You asked.
“Probably,” Namjoon shrugged. “But I like having your help.”
“Oh,” was the only thing you could say in response, face flushing. You pushed the notebook closer to him, pointing at the word you stumbled over. “What’s this say?”
Namjoon glanced and said the word slowly, repeating himself so that you could try to form the sounds accurately. As Namjoon warned back in the break room, the work was slow and meticulous, but you enjoyed watching Namjoon in his element. Like watching Hoseok in the dance studio, or seeing them all on stage, Namjoon in his studio was a special kind of magic, and you were grateful to share the space with him. You shifted a little bit, your knee bumping Namjoon’s as you got more comfortable in your chair. Despite how close you’d been on the mountain together, you were still unsure of whether it was okay to touch Namjoon so casually. You mumbled an apology as you pulled your leg back. Namjoon didn’t say anything, but he shifted his leg so it was back to being pressed against yours.
“Is this one of the secret songs?” You asked after a few more minutes of work.
“No, this is for the upcoming album.”
“Am I ever going to get to hear those songs?” You laughed.
“You will, I promise!” Namjoon said, dimples gracing his face. “I just need to make them perfect for you.”
Namjoon immediately blushed and looked back at his screen. You weren’t sure what he meant by that, but he already seemed embarrassed and you didn’t want to press him. Instead, you watched the way he chewed his bottom lip as he tried to get this section of music to line up perfectly. His hair was a little messy from the way he rann his fingers through it when he was frustrated.
A thought raced through your mind – what would it be like to kiss Namjoon? Would he even want to kiss you? How would it feel to have his arms wrapped around you, not because either of you were upset or in need of comfort, but simply because you wanted to be closer? He looked so solid, broad-chest and thick arms. What would it be like to run your fingers over his skin?
“Are we okay?”
Namjoon’s question yanked you out of your thoughts.
“Huh?”
“Are we okay?” He repeated, turning to look at you directly. Though you weren’t sure what he meant, his eyes were sincere. “I know we got off to a rough start, but I want to make sure we’re good.”
“I think this is the best we’ve ever been,” you said. “Do you…do you think we’re not okay?”
You weren’t sure where his mind was, or what he was trying to say. For someone as intelligent and verbose as Namjoon, he, as previously admitted, tended to become cryptic with nerves around you. So, while he stewed over his next sentence, you were left to wonder what he was aiming at. Did he think you were angry at him for something? Or was he trying to say that he wanted more?
“No, we’re okay,” he said finally. “But Jin told me about everything that happened when I was at Hybe. How upset you were that I saw your phone. That you thought we were going to make you leave. That you believed that I thought you,” Namjoon didn’t finish the sentence, his jaw tense and fingers tight on the arm of his chair as he remembered what Jin relayed of your breakdown. “That you believed all those terrible things posted about you. That I believed them. I didn’t know leaving was going to upset you that much. I’m so sorry I hurt you.”
“Please don’t apologize, you just did what you thought was best at the time,” you said, your voice gentle, trying to soothe the pain that he still felt. You placed your hand over his. “I wish everyone found out about me in a different way, but I don’t regret this. I’m glad we met.” You paused, your voice hitching with emotion. “I’m glad you’re my soulmate, Namjoon.”
Your soulmate twisted his hand until he was able to link his fingers with yours, grasping you securely as if he was afraid you’d run away from him. When you squeezed his hand in return, he smiled.
“I’m glad you’re my soulmate, too,” he said.
Soothed and content, Namjoon looked back at his computer screen and asked you to read the next line in his notebook. Hands still entwined, you did as he asked. As he focused on his work, you inched your chair as close as you could to his. While you were happy to have his large hand linked with yours and your legs pressed together, you wanted more. So, after stealing a glance to notice that Namjoon was still smiling, you leaned your head down against his shoulder. And Namjoon, as if it was the most natural thing in the world, tilted his head until his cheek rested against your hair. Yes, you were very glad Namjoon was your soulmate.
A/N: Don't cry because it's a slow burn, smile because these two idiots (affectionate) are finally sharing their feelings 🤦♀️
I've got 3 tickets all together. A different person in my group got closer seats so I'm hoping to sell these to an ARMY in need. I'm asking face value for them and can provide further proof. Transfer would be through the Ticketmaster website
Back when u posted this story on ao3 I was a active reader of ur story, cause honestly it's so cute and comforting - I have lost the amount of time I have read the story.
I wanted to thank u for this story, I'm very thankful how this story is always there for me, a source of comfort at the end of hard days, on days I'm feeling lonely, on days I just need to read some comfort healing.
I also wanted to ask, when jungkook visits, is he visiting the states for the seven or 3d collab? I really want to see her reaction to those songs lol
I really liked the snippet u posted of jungkook, jimin and tae so funny lol
Do u have more of these? If u do, please share them!! We would love to read more of such blurbs, no pressure or anything thoo
Also, I really hope i get the chance to read more of ur works 💜
Hey there!!
I hope you're doing well too 💜 Thank you so much for reading and interacting on AO3! I definitely put you all through some rough times with unexpected breaks 😂.
I'm glad you enjoyed WYTM so much. I have stories I re-read when I need comfort, so I know what you mean. The fact that WYTM does that for anyone is a wild concept, but makes me feel incredible.
Re Jungkook's visit: he's technically not coming for the 3D/Seven collabs. My AU timeline is weird: COVID happens, but the BTS break in 2022 and military service doesn't. I mostly knew that I wanted Chapter 24 to exist, and needed a reason to get Jungkook to the USA. If I had to appoint a song to the trip, it would be Left and Right, where Jungkook was the guest (rather than 3D/Seven, where it's Jungkook as a solo artist).
I loved that snippet and am so glad I finally got to share it!! I have some snippets and blurbs that I've played around with, but I want to post them as they come up, so not to spoil anything. I also have some epilogue chapters I want to post once they're finished and polished!
Story Summary: You know what happens when soulmates first meet. But when it happens to you one day at work, you are less than thrilled. Things only get worse when your new soulmate introduces you to his six friends.
Pairing: ot7 x f!reader
Rating: Mature/Explicit (later chapters)
General Tags: soulmates!AU, slow burn, angst, hurt and comfort, long-distance relationships, canonical therapy, eventual smut, an eventual HEA
Fic Warnings: low self esteem, self-harm, past abuse (physical, mental, emotional), lots of talk about food (both in positive and negative ways).
A/N: I'd like to dedicate this chapter to my deeply religious friend who got me into BTS. May she never find this.
Chapter 31: We Bloom Painfully, Beautifully
As promised, Jimin and you get dirty after your shower.
You shouldn’t tease him like that,” you scolded him halfheartedly.
“Would you rather me tease you?” He asked, fingers dancing at the edge of your towel that barely covered your ass and skimmed the tops of your thighs.
“I’d rather you be nice.”
“I’m about to be very nice,” he said, his voice low as tugged at your towel until it fell onto the floor.
You grabbed at his towel too, letting your fingers trace the hard lines of lower stomach and hips as it dropped to the floor. He was already hard, had been since the shower and you let your hand wander to his cock. Jimin shuddered as you took him into your hand, lazily stroking him. He ran his hands up your body, hands cupping your breasts as he kissed you hungrily. It was needy, bordering on sloppy, but you didn’t care. Jimin was touching you, you were touching him and that was all that mattered at the moment. You moved, though, kissing down his chest as his hands continued to knead your breasts. You didn’t want that though; you wanted to spoil your soulmate thoroughly.
So you pulled back and sank to your knees, gently kissing his hip bone before tracing your lips lower and closer to his dick. When you pressed a cautious kiss at the base of his shaft, Jimin pulled away with a gasp.
“You don’t have to do that,” Jimin sputtered, his face brightly flushed.
“If I want to,” you asked, looking up at him from your position on the floor, “would you like it?”
“Fuck yes,” he blurted out, excitement taking over him.
You smiled, taking him in your hand before slowly licking his length. You ran your hand over him, pumping him a few times before slowly taking the tip into your mouth. Jimin moaned, something in Korean that you didn’t understand. You gently worked your mouth down his shaft – you were out of practice at this and didn’t want to press your luck. As you licked him from head to base, you glanced up at him. Jimin was staring at you like you hung the stars, his hands clenched at his sides.
“Can I touch you?” He begged.
“Please do,” you murmured as you peppered kisses across his pelvis.
Jimin’s hand twisted into your hair, neither pulling nor pushing, but just resting in the tendrils. You ran your hands up his thighs, using them to help balance you a little as your feet began to fall asleep. You swirled your tongue around the head of his cock and Jimin moaned loudly, fingers scratching against your scalp as you pleasured him. You wrapped one of your hands around him, using it to stroke the parts of his cock you couldn’t confidently fit into your mouth. He groaned as you hollowed your cheeks, but pulled himself out of your mouth and helped you off the floor.
“I don’t want to cum yet,” he said, his voice husky with passion.
He kissed you, not seeming to mind that your mouth likely tasted of him. You wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling your naked chests together as you deepened the kiss. Your tongues twisted around each other as Jimin’s hands traced all of your body. You could feel his erection against your stomach. Knowing that he wanted you as much as you wanted him made your stomach tighten with desire. You moved together towards the bed, not breaking the kiss until you were sitting on sheets. Jimin reached for his nightstand, digging through the drawer until he pulled out a box of condoms and tossed them on top. When he looked back towards you, though, you noticed a bit of nervousness that hadn’t shown before.
“What’s the matter?” You asked, taking his hand in yours.
“I think I’m nervous too,” he admitted. “I’ve only been with Tae. I’ve never had sex with a woman before.”
It made sense – Taehyung and Jimin had found out that they were soulmates in school, so they probably refrained from the dating and sexual experimentation that most teenagers and young adults would’ve done. Still, you didn’t want him to be nervous about this. Cupping his face, you pulled Jimin towards you for a gentle kiss.
“There’s no need to be nervous,” you reassured him. “We can go as far as you want. We can even stop now and just cuddle.”
Jimin shook his head though, tightening his grip on your hand. “I don’t want to stop. Just, please don’t laugh at me if I’m awkward?”
“I would never,” you said, looking deeply into his eyes.
This seemed to placate Jimin. He pushed you back into the mattress, mouth slotting against yours in a loving kiss. You let his hands explore your body more, tracing the curves of your breasts and stomach as he pressed kisses down your neck and sternum. Cautiously, Jimin pressed his lips to the top of one of your breasts, then placed a few more before timidly swiping his tongue over your nipple. You hummed softly, enjoying the feelings as Jimin explored your body. With that encouragement, Jimin became bolder, taking your other breast in his hand and squeezing softly before letting his fingers linger on your nipple. He kissed that one too, his mouth wet and hot against your skin.
“I love your tits,” he mumbled, both hands now groping at them as he glanced at you. “Can I touch you in other places, too?”
“I’d really like that.”
But, before he moved away, you cupped Jimin’s face and pulled him into a kiss. Jimin wasn’t frequently nervous, but his current timidness was clear. As you kissed him passionately, you hoped you could assure him of your feelings, of how you were ready to give him whatever he wanted or needed. Jimin was the first to pull away from the kiss, his eyes tracing your body as he sat back on his heels. He ran his hand down from your chest, over the curves of your stomach and hips til it rested on your thigh. He looked at you, a quirked eyebrow asking permission, and you parted your legs. Softly, he traced the inside of your leg up to the apex of your thigh. He seemed hesitant again as his thumb rubbed circles into your skin.
After another moment or two, he softly traced his fingers over your folds. Once, twice, slowly gathering some of your wetness on his fingers before he started circling your clit. The pressure was so light, and you weren’t sure if Jimin was trying to be gentle or if he was teasing you.
“How’s that feel?” He whispered.
“It’s nice,” you whispered, your eyes staring into his, “You could even use some more pressure. I like having your hands on me.”
Jimin smiled a little, and followed your suggestion, adding a touch more strength as he circled your clit. You keened, enjoying the feeling and trying to get closer to his hand. After a few more touches, he lowered his hand, teasing at your entrance slightly until he slid a finger into you. You sighed at the sensation as Jimin slowly pumped his finger into you. He leaned down to kiss you as he added another finger, and you wound your fingers through his hair, keeping his mouth attached to yours. Your heart was pounding and you bucked a little onto his fingers.
“Does this feel good?”
“Yes,” you panted. “Keep going.”
With a smirk, Jimin kissed his way down your neck, settling his mouth back against your breasts as he curled his fingers inside of you. You moaned, louder than intended, but you weren't expecting the intense wave of pleasure as the rhythm of his fingers matched the way he kissed and sucked on your breasts.
“More.” Your voice was raspy with pleasure. “Please keep going, Jimin.”
Your soulmate continued his ministrations, hands and mouth working you in tandem until you came with a soft cry. Jimin groaned, his fingers still buried in you as you clenched around his fingers. He looked at you, adoration clear on his face as he watched you come down from your high. You didn’t rest long, though, blindly grabbing for the condom box on the nightstand.
“Please. I need you, Jimin.”
He groaned, taking the condom from you and putting it on while barely breaking eye contact. But, before he took anything further, he leaned over you and kissed you, slowly and lovingly. You relaxed into the kiss, content to be here, like this, with Jimin. He pulled away eventually, situating himself between your legs as his hands roamed your body. Luckily, it seemed Jimin enjoyed touching you as much as you enjoyed touching him. With a final glance to ensure you were okay, Jimin slid his cock into you, his breath catching as he pushed himself flush against you. He stayed still for a moment, eyes closed tightly as he took deep, steadying breaths.
“Are you okay?” You asked, worried by your soulmate’s stillness.
Jimin’s eyes snapped open at your question, and he took several slow thrusts, his cock dragging through you at an excruciatingly slow pace. He leaned down, his chest hovering yours as he kissed you. He started moving again, and one of his hands grabbed yours tightly.
“You feel so good,” he groaned.
You pressed kisses down his neck as he continued moving, a strong, steady pace as his hips pounded into yours. You moaned at the feeling, soaking in the joy of being with Jimin like this. Letting your free hand wander, you dragged your fingers down Jimin’s back, feeling him shiver at the sensation. He started to press sloppy, wet kisses across your collarbones as he sped up. The new speed, faster and harder, drove you wild, and you arched your back with pleasure. Jimin took the opportunity to wrap his arms around your waist, drawing you closer than you thought possible. The new position made you gasp, Jimin able to grind against your clit as he thrusted. You clung to him, desperate to keep the new position as your body tensed with pleasure.
“So good,” he panted in your ear. “So fucking good.”
“Close,” you gasped. You wanted him to know how good he was making you feel, pleasure curling in your stomach. “Fucking close, ‘Min.”
This spurred him on, as he thrust frantically into you. You moaned in Jimin’s ear as your second orgasm washed over you and, after a few more thrusts, he came, cock pulsing. You kissed him softly before he pulled out of you. With a smile, Jimin tossed the condom and grabbed a pack of wet wipes from a drawer, silently wiping himself off. He pulled another and moved to clean you up.
“You don’t –”
Jimin kissed you though, silencing your protests. After a few gentle wipes, Jimin tossed the trash and returned to bed. Laying on his back, he drew you into his arms and you settled, tired but content, against his chest. He kissed your forehead softly, and ran his fingers over your bare back. You relaxed into him, noticing that his breathing was evening out and wondering if he’d already fallen asleep. He wasn't though, his voice a final, soft whisper.
Story Summary: You know what happens when soulmates first meet. But when it happens to you one day at work, you are less than thrilled. Things only get worse when your new soulmate introduces you to his six friends.
Pairing: ot7 x f!reader
Rating: Mature/Explicit (later chapters)
General Tags: soulmates!AU, slow burn, angst, hurt and comfort, long-distance relationships, canonical therapy, eventual smut, an eventual HEA
Fic Warnings: low self esteem, self-harm, past abuse (physical, mental, emotional), lots of talk about food (both in positive and negative ways).
Chapter 30: Let There Be One More Beautiful Song
Once you Jim-in, you can't Jim-out.
Jimin was playing with your hair when you woke up. You laid on top of his chest, arms tight around his stomach.
“Good morning,” you mumbled, stretching to kiss him.
Judging by the way he returned the kiss, Jimin had been up for a while. There was no sleepiness as he kissed you deeply, pulling you tighter against him. The kiss dragged you from your sleep, and you moved your lips against his hungrily. Jimin’s kisses were warm and passionate, and you wanted to kiss him forever. You pulled away with a moan though, when he kneaded his hands into a particularly tense spot on your back.
“I was thinking all night,” he said, then paused to kiss down your neck, “that we've been going about this the wrong way.”
You didn't want to talk, though. You pulled him back up so you could kiss him, lips desperate for his. After he kissed you though, his hands continued to massage your back. You couldn’t help but sigh into the feeling.
“We’ve been trying to find out how to give you gifts. How to get you to accept our love” Jimin continued. You started kissing across his jaw and down his neck. “But all I needed to do was wash your hair and you melted for me.” Jimin gripped your waist and in one, smooth move, he flipped you over. He stared down at you, eyes hooded with passion as he traced your body. “Apparently, we should be spoiling you with touch, not presents.” He dove in to kiss you again. As your mouths moved together, Jimin grabbed your thigh and hooked your leg around his waist, slowly grinding his pelvis against yours. You pulled him down closer to you as his hand slipped under your shirt and up your body. Jimin’s words set your body alight, and you were torn between wanting him to continue with his seductive words or kiss you until you couldn’t breathe. He ultimately made the decision, staring into your eyes. “And I plan on thoroughly spoiling you.”
You had no complaints. Pulling his shirt over his head and tossing it aside, you ran your hands down Jimin’s chest, pecking kisses across his naked skin. Jimin hiked your shirt up higher, one hand grasping your breast as the other dug into your hip. He rolled his hips against your again, a low groan escaping his lips.
“As much as I don't want this to stop, Jin and Hobi are trying to get everyone up for breakfast.”
You pulled away from Jimin to see Taehyung leaning against Jimin’s nightstand. You hadn't heard him enter, but you had been very distracted by Jimin. Tae's eyes swept over Jimin's half-naked form and lingered on the bits of skin you had exposed.
“Though I guess you two are already up,” he teased.
Jimin glared at his other soulmate before kissing you again. What few coherent thoughts you had died, the mixture of Jimin's ministrations and Taehyung's longing look turning your brain into mush. As Jimin kissed the top of your breasts, you ran your fingers through his hair, not wanting him to stop. But the bed shifted, Taehyung now sitting next to you. He smoothed down your tangled hair, then pulled you in for a searing kiss. Your heart was racing faster than it ever had but, if you were going to die with Jimin and Tae touching and kissing you, then you were okay with that. When Tae pulled his lips away, a soft whine that you couldn't control escaped. You felt Jimin smirk against your skin.
“I've figured you out,” he mumbled against you.
Jimin jerked away from you suddenly, Taehyung pulling him back.
“If you don't eat now,” Taehyung warned him, “you won't have time to eat until after the concert.”
Jimin started to protest, leaning back down towards you, but you stopped him.
“You need to eat,” you said, your brain finally taking control. You untangled your leg from around his waist and pulled away from him. “You need energy for the day. And I don't want you going hungry because of me.”
Jimin grumbled something that you didn't quite understand, something probably flirtatious and lustful and you blushed despite not knowing it. With two final, quick pecks to your cheeks, one from each soulmate, they left the room. You sat on the bed, tank top still hiked up, feeling warm despite the air conditioning. Groaning, you left the bed and headed towards the nearest bathroom, desperately needing a cold shower.
Jimin was a menace.
“Put the eyeliner down,” Ally said slowly, “and take a breath.”
After your soulmates left, you had a few hours on your own to laze about and get ready before Jiho and Seojun arrived to take you to the concert. You'd spent the time primping as best you could with the bandages still on your hands. You video called Ally shortly after the guys left, wanting to talk to her after the mess that evolved yesterday. She'd seen the posts on Instagram and Twitter, and very carefully explained to Jay the truth about your soulmates and that they were not actually from Seattle. Now, with less than 30 minutes before Jiho and Seojun were scheduled to show up, you were panicking. Though you loved your concert outfit when you first tried it on, you were now unsure if you wanted to wear it. The last two days had done a number on your shaky self-esteem and the thought of wearing leggings and a bulky sweatshirt, despite the heat, was tempting.
“Don't look at the mirror, look at me!” Ally scolded you. You followed her instructions though, grabbing your phone and walking out of the bathroom. “You look amazing! Now go enjoy the concert.”
You smiled, thanked her for spending the time with you and hung up. While the time difference was large, you knew that Ally and you would make the distance work once you completely moved. You would be able to travel back and forth once the technicalities of moving were sorted out, and you were sure the guys would be willing to help Ally and Jay plan trips to Seoul.
The doorbell rang. Jiho and Seojun were early. Traffic on the way to the concert was apparently terrible, and Seojun wanted all the extra time he could get. You were quiet on the drive, nervous to be around so many people after your photos were leaked. Though Namjoon told everyone that Hybe was working on an official statement about their soulmate bonds, nothing had been released yet. Until that statement was released, everyone thought you were simply sleeping your way through the biggest boy band in the world.
As Seojun lowered his window at a gate and showed his credentials to a man dressed all in black. You ducked your head, quickly putting your face mask on. Staring out the window, you were confused. Instead of a stadium or arena, you were in a large park. In the distance, you could see an empty stage, lights already on, and some of your soulmates' music already playing to the sea of people who sang along as they waited.
“This is the venue?” You asked.
“For today, yes,” Jiho said.
“It’s so big,” you said. “I thought there'd be a stadium or something? Not outside.”
“The tour they're doing after the comeback will be a stadium tour. Consider this prep for their full concert,” Jiho laughed. “That will be big.”
She started walking towards the entrance to the backstage area, pulling lanyards from her purse for the two of you. Seojun, already wearing his, followed. You hesitated though, not sure what awaited you behind the guardrails and curtains. Your face was plastered all across the internet yesterday and, despite your mask, someone was bound to recognize you.
“We're here,” Seojun said, giving you a soft smile. “We'll stay with you.”
You nodded, gripped your purse tighter, and steeled your nerves. You were an adult who had dealt with significantly worse things than gossip and rude stares in your life. Besides, your soulmates were somewhere backstage, and you needed to see them perform. So you followed them, letting Jiho lead the way as Seojun walked by your side. People did stare, but you ducked your head and tried to focus on Jiho rather than the dozens of stray stares. You focused on the music that was still playing for the crowd instead of the whispers that you knew trailed you. Jiho stopped at three folding chairs, with a clear view of the stage.
“You'll be able to them from here,” Jiho explained, “but the crowd won't be able to see you.”
You nodded, looking out of the empty stage. Not too far away, you saw Seijin talking with a group of people you didn't recognize. You couldn't see your soulmates through the mass of people backstage, but that didn't bother you. You'd see them perform and you didn't want to distract them before they went onstage.
Someone shouted your name through the crowd, though. You glanced around to see Taehyung racing towards you, a flustered looking man chasing after him with a few gadgets in his hands. He looked amazing, his natural beauty enhanced beyond belief by the makeup team. His eyelashes thicker, his jaw more defined, his flawless skin glowing. The button down shirt he wore flapped as he rushed over, the white undershirt clinging to his lean body. You wanted to reach out and touch him, to confirm that he was real, but you didn't want to ruin his look.
“I'm so glad you're here,” he said, his boxy smile wide on his face as he stopped in front of you.
“I wouldn't miss this,” you said.
Taehyung quickly apologized to the technician as he approached and continued working on Tae’s microphone. Your soulmate looked you over, eyes raking over the bare skin of your shoulders and the way your jeans clung to you.
“You look beautiful,” he said, “but why are you wearing your mask?”
“I was hoping it'd minimize the staring,” you shrugged.
“Too late,” he laughed. With Taehyung so close to you, anyone who wasn't actively working was staring at you. “Please don't hide away.” He reached forward, gesturing to your mask. You nodded, and he gently took it off. “I want to see you smiling when I look over during the show.”
You went to respond, but Jin shouted for Taehyung and waved him over to where the six others stood.
“Go,” you shooed him away. “Break a leg!”
He looked at you, confused as he walked away.
“It means good luck!” You shouted, watching him circle up with the others.
Heading back to your seat, you stared out at the stage, waiting for them to enter. The music playing over the speakers switched, and they ran out to a roar of cheers. The opening beats of Boy With Luv started to play, the crowd chanting their names in unison. You were in awe. Your soulmates danced and sang their hearts out, pulling the crowd into the beautiful world they created. Though you couldn’t understand what they were saying, your seven soulmates laughed as they spoke to the crowd and joked with each other. They transitioned from song to song, some with their full choreography, others were spent goofing around on stage with each other or interacting with the crowd. For the next concert, you wanted to be in the crowd, watching them without any of the weird angles and blindspots your backstage seats created. You knew them personally, but now you wanted to see them as their fans did, you wanted to be a part of that community. Now, though, all you could do was stay backstage, enraptured by your soulmates. You wanted to be closer though, so you slowly walked over to where Seijin stood, cognizant of the line of tape that no one seemed to cross.
“What do you think?” Seijin asked, sensing your presence.
“They’re incredible,” you answered, but your eyes never left the stage. Idol was starting.
“This and one more song,” Seijin said. “Then the show’s over.”
You didn’t respond, enraptured with the men on stage. Jimin turned with the choreography to face you, winking boldly as he rolled his body to the music. You weren’t sure what had happened these last few days, but Jimin’s flirtations had gone into overdrive. He’d always been affectionate and flirtatious with you, but it seemed different recently. The bridge began and Jimin sang his solo. You were familiar with this choreography, you knew that, at this point, he should’ve been looking at the audience as he strode through the poses the six others struck. He didn’t though, his eyes focused on you. He’d probably be scolded for it later, but you didn’t think Jimin would care.
They all twisted down into their seated finish, the crowd cheering loudly. The seven didn’t seem to notice the crowd at this moment, though, each of them staring at Namjoon. He nodded at them, and they nodded back, a silent conversation happening in front of thousands of people. Finally, they rose from their seats on the stage, each of them grabbing at the various water bottles scattered along the edges of the stage for them. After a quick drink, Namjoon motioned for the crowd to settle, and they listened, the crowd quieting for the man you’d seen affectionately referred to as their president. Namjoon started talking, his voice serious as the others watched him carefully. Their body language seemed nervous. Namjoon said something that caused shock to ripple through the crowd.
“ Ssi bal ,” Seijin cursed.
You learned that word from Yoongi.
“Seijin?” You asked, worried as you heard your other soulmates join Namjoon in speaking to their fans.
“Hybe was working on a statement to put out about you. We were going to release it tomorrow.” He gestured to the stage, where one of the biggest acts in the world was seemingly having a heart-to-heart with their fans. “But these assholes took it upon themselves to address it now.”
That must have been what their shared look was about. You didn’t know when they’d discussed this plan, but you knew that you never wanted to be fluent in Korean so desperately. They were serious as each spoke their turn, all of the lightheartedness of their earlier performance gone. You ached to know what they were saying to their fans, how they explained the secret that they held for almost a year. But as Jin said one last thing, the crowd started to cheer. And, unlike all the things you read yesterday, they sounded happy. Joyful, even. Your seven soulmates smiled at each other, each sparing a glance off stage where they knew you were. Then, as if the last few minutes hadn’t happened, Tae started the opening verse of Magic Shop.
You glanced at Seijin, who looked as though he would either laugh or cry from frustration.
“What did they say?” You whispered.
“The truth,” he answered. You stared at him, wanting more information. “The last thing Jin said – She’s a part of us now, so please love her like you love us.”
Your heart fluttered at your soulmates and their boundless devotion. You weren’t sure what you’d done during your life to deserve these men, but you had them and you promised yourself that you would spend the rest of your life making sure you loved them as they deserved.
After Magic Shop ended, they bowed to the crowd and ran off stage. Jungkook was the first to reach you, pulling you into his arms and spinning you around. When he put you down, someone approached and motioned to Jungkook before working to get off the maknae’s microphone and pack.
“What did you think?” Jungkook asked.
“You were wonderful,” you told him, smiling brightly. The other six came over, each grinning and panting from the last hour of work. “You all were amazing. Thank you for letting me come watch.”
“Of course we’d want you to come,” Yoongi said.
“You can come to every concert if it makes you happy,” Jin told you, smiling widely at you.
“I hope you didn’t mind that we told them,” Namjoon said. He fiddled with the water bottle in his hands and looked at you bashfully. “We couldn’t wait until Hybe made their statement. It was an opportunity we wanted to take.”
“I’m sorry we didn’t tell you about it first,” Hoseok added. “We finalized the idea not long before the concert started.”
“It’s okay, I understand,” you told them. “But you should apologize to Seijin.”
Someone approached your group and spoke to the guys quickly in Korean.
“The cars are waiting for us,” Jin explained. “We’ll go grab our stuff from the dressing rooms, then we can all head home?”
Before you could answer, though, Jimin grabbed your hand and pulled you away from the group. You followed him silently, not sure where he was taking you but trusting him to lead. He pulled you into a small trailer and locked the door behind you, and was on you the next moment, mouth pressed feverishly to yours. You could feel the dried sweat on his skin and shirt as he pressed against you, but wound your fingers through his hair regardless. He pulled back, eyes raking over you.
“You look wonderful,” he said, eyes settling on the bit of cleavage your shirt teased. You just shrugged. “I promise, you look hot.”
“Ally chose the outfit,” you said.
“I’ll have to thank her.”
Jimin dove for your lips again and you kissed him with reckless abandon. You didn’t know if Jimin was sharing this trailer with anyone else, or when they would possibly come back, but you didn’t care. Right now, you only cared about the way Jimin ran his hands over your hips and towards your ass.
“Unlock the door, Jimin!” Taehyung shouted, banging against the door.
Grumbling, Jimin pulled away and you unlocked the door yourself. Taehyung and Jungkook entered the trailer and joined Jimin in packing the duffle bags they’d brought with them. But, while Tae and Jungkook talked to each other and you as they worked, Jimin was silent, quickly shoving items into the bag. Jungkook was halfway through asking a question when Jimin zipped his bag and threw it over his shoulder.
“We’ll see you later,” Jimin said bluntly, slinging his arm around your shoulders and leading you out of the trailer.
“Where are we going?” You asked him as you walked towards the gates you entered.
“There’s a car waiting for us,” Jimin said, his arm moving down until it sat around your waist, “my goal is for us to beat the others home.”
“What about Jiho and Seojun? They’ll be looking for me.”
“Text them once we’re driving,” Jimin said, his voice bordering on begging.
He opened the door of the black SUV and motioned for you to get in. You did, politely greeting the driver as you buckled your seatbelt. Jimin jumped in the other side, and spoke to the driver in Korean while you texted Jiho an update. You noticed the partition raise, leaving Jimin and you in semi-privacy. Jimin inched closer to you, settling in the middle seat before moving to touch you again..
“What is going on with you today?” You giggled as he pressed kisses over your face.
“We never got to finish what we started this morning,” he said. “You have no clue how hard it was for me to go on stage knowing you were waiting and dressed like this.”
“It’s just a shirt and jeans,” you said, but your voice faltered as Jimin ran his fingers along your shirt’s neckline, softly brushing the top of your breasts.
“And they look damn sexy on you,” he said softly.
He kissed you, tongue quickly sweeping into your mouth. Jimin’s touch, you were learning, had a magical effect on you – whenever his hands were on you, you lost all sense of decency and decorum, desperate to have him touch you more. So you leaned into him, hands lowering to his waist to help keep you steady as the car moved. Jimin’s hands traced your bare shoulders and he shifted, trying to get closer to you.
“You don’t understand how badly I want you right now,” he said as he kissed down your neck.
“What about the rose petals and candles?” You teased.
The last, logical part of your brain was screaming at you to slow things down, or else the two of you would end up stripping in the back of this car. Jimin pulled away.
“There are six convenience stores between the venue and home,” he said, his voice completely serious. “Say the word and we’ll pull over for them.”
“You’re the one who wanted all that stuff.”
“You’re the only thing I want,” Jimin scoffed, his hands wandering down to trace your thighs.
Damn it. It took all your control to keep from going farther with Jimin as the car raced across Seoul. You weren’t sure if the traffic was less, if your sense of time was distorted due to the feel of Jimin’s mouth against yours, or if whoever was driving broke several traffic laws, but you arrived at the apartment much sooner than anticipated. Which was good, because both Jimin and you were getting impatient. You both left the car with a polite thank you, and raced towards the elevator, hands tightly gripped as you rode up to the apartment in silence.
Once Jimin pulled you through the front door, though, the flood gates opened. You’d barely gotten your shoes off when Jimin pushed you against the wall and kissed you desperately. One hand tangled in your hair, the other latched to your waist. You pulled him closer to you, quickly kissing down his neck. He tasted of sweat and makeup, and you realized that he still hadn’t changed out of his clothes from the concert.
“You should shower,” you said, pulling away from him. Jimin didn’t answer, but dug his fingers deeper into your plush waist. “You’ll be more comfortable if you clean up first.”
Jimin pulled away, looking you up and down. Then he smirked.
“Only if you join me,” he said.
“Jimin,” you sighed.
“I’m serious. I’m not letting go of you right now. So if you want me to clean up, you’re going to have to join me.”
You groaned out of frustration, but led Jimin toward the bathroom nearest your room. He smiled brightly at you, proud to be getting what he wanted. You moved towards the bedroom to gather a change of clothes, but Jimin pulled you away.
“We need clean clothes,” you complained, letting him put his arms around you and tug you with him.
“No we won’t,” Jimin smirked, closing the bathroom door behind you. He kissed you quickly. “We’re going to get clean, then we’re gonna get dirty.”
You rolled your eyes at his joke, and grabbed a spare elastic on the counter to tie your hair into a quick topknot. You knew what this shower was ushering in, and you didn’t want to deal with detangling your hair afterwards. After grabbing towels from the closet, you watched Jimin fiddle with the water, trying to get a comfortable temperature. He already had stripped down just to his boxers, the beautiful moons on his spine on full display. You wanted to reach out and touch him, but you felt nervous. You waited silently as he stuck his hand under the showerhead again, testing the water, and adjusting the knob. Maybe, if you stalled, he’d get in the shower alone and you could slip away.
“I’m okay with you staring,” Jimin said finally, “but I’d like to look at you too.”
You dropped the towels on the counter and approached him, sliding your arms around his stomach and gently kissing his shoulder.
“I’m nervous,” you admitted.
“About what?”
“You’ve always been so sure about this, Jimin. From the very beginning, you never faltered about being my soulmate or pursuing me like this.” You paused, and Jimin ran his hands over your arms. “But what if I disappoint you? What if we go through with this and it’s not what you imagined? What if you regret this?”
Jimin twisted in your arms.
“I will never regret being with you,” he said. “And if our first time together isn’t perfect, then we’ll just have to practice til it is.” He kissed you quickly, then pulled his boxer briefs off and stepped into the shower. “Now get naked and come in before I spray you with water!”
You laughed, but followed his instructions, stripping out of your clothes and tossing the bandages from your hands into the trash can. When you stepped into the shower, the first thing you noticed was that Jimin was already washing his hair.
“I figured you’d want me doing that,” you said.
“It would be nice,” he said, head tilted back and eyes closed as he rinsed the shampoo, “but you struggled with it yesterday. I don’t want you hurting yourself.”
Your heart tightened. As you waited for him to finish his hair, you hugged yourself, trying both to keep warm and hide yourself. It didn’t work though, Jimin’s eyes dragging over your naked form as he pushed his now clean hair off of his forehead. He held out a hand.
“Don’t hide from me,” he begged, his voice so gentle it hurt your heart.
You took his offered hand, letting him pull you under the showerhead. He kissed you, but both of you pulled back quickly, laughing and sputtering as the water got into your noses and mouths.
“I imagined this would be sexier,” Jimin laughed, trying to push water out of his eyes.
“Just relax and I’ll help wash you,” you offered with a giggle. “Sooner you’re clean, sooner we stop drowning.”
“Now it’s becoming sexy,” he smirked, handing you his bottle of body wash.
You rolled your eyes, but poured some of the orange-scented wash into your hands. Suddenly feeling in over your head, you motioned for Jimin to turn around so you could start with his back. This way, he couldn’t see how brightly you were blushing. As you worked your hands over his shoulders and the planes of his back, you heard him groan.
“You okay?” You asked, not wanting to hurt him.
“Mhmm,” he sighed. “Just feels really good.”
Jimin started scrubbing his face, legs, and arms as you continued working on his back. You stayed quiet, hands rubbing a little harder in a spot that seemed especially tense. When you were finished, you tapped his shoulder and motioned for him to turn around. That was a mistake. You stared at his chest, taking in the way the water ran over his defined pectorals and abdominals. Though you knew you could touch him, knew that he wanted you to touch him, you froze, simply staring at the gorgeous man in front of you.
“Like what you see?” He teased. You swallowed, not sure how to politely explain that you wanted to trace his chest with your mouth. “I like what I see too.”
He grabbed your waist and pushed you back against the wall of the shower. You cupped the back of his head and pulled him down into a kiss. Your soulmate didn’t hold back, and you shivered with the passion of his kiss. As you wound your hands through his wet hair, his hands traced down your sides and cupped your ass. He pulled you closer to him, slowly grinding against you and you could feel him growing harder by the moment. Though you wanted to continue, you pushed him back.
“We cannot have sex in here,” you told him. “I’ll slip and fall and crack my skull open.”
Jimin groaned, but stepped back. You quickly grabbed the body wash and lathered his chest, trying not to get too caught up in the way his muscles felt under your fingers. You wanted to spoil Jimin the way he deserved, but you were too focused on what would happen once you left the shower. Feeling like you’d done a decent enough job, you kissed Jimin quickly and he rinsed himself off. Jimin turned off the shower and the two of you dried off in silence, exchanging heated looks. You wrapped the towel around you, frustrated that Jimin didn’t let you grab clothes, even if they would only be taken off again. Jimin saw your frown, and kissed you, lips moving quickly from your mouth, down your neck and shoulder.
“Jimin!” Yoongi shouted, pounding on the bathroom door. “You can’t hog all the hot water after a concert!”
Jimin smiled mischievously, before grabbing your clothes off the floor and bringing you towards the door.
“Sorry” Jimin said, opening the door. He pulled you out, both of you only clad in towels, before calling out to Yoongi. “It’s all yours, hyung!”
You could practically hear Yoongi’s mind going into overdrive as you hurried with Jimin toward the room that realistically was both of yours. Jimin was laughing as he pulled you into the room and locked the door.
“You shouldn’t tease him like that,” you scolded him halfheartedly.
“Would you rather me tease you?” He asked, fingers dancing at the edge of your towel that barely covered your ass and skimmed the tops of your thighs.
“I’d rather you be nice.”
“I’m about to be very nice,” he said, his voice low as tugged at your towel until it fell onto the floor.
A/N: Jimin would absolutely and 100% be a tease. Flirting is in his 🎶DNA🎶
Story Summary: You know what happens when soulmates first meet. But when it happens to you one day at work, you are less than thrilled. Things only get worse when your new soulmate introduces you to his six friends.
Pairing: ot7 x f!reader
Rating: Mature/Explicit (later chapters)
General Tags: soulmates!AU, slow burn, angst, hurt and comfort, long-distance relationships, canonical therapy, eventual smut, an eventual HEA
Fic Warnings: low self esteem, self-harm, past abuse (physical, mental, emotional), lots of talk about food (both in positive and negative ways).
A/N: Hold on to your hats, friends, this one's a wild ride!
Chapter 29: It Must Be Great to be Called the It Girl
And, with three words, everything shatters.
Jin’s arm was wrapped tightly around your stomach when you woke up the next morning. His fingers were twisted in the tank top you slept in, one leg thrown over yours. You shifted a little bit, trying to find your phone to look at the time without waking your soulmate. It didn’t work though, Jin moving closer to you.
“Stay,” he mumbled, clinging to you.
Giving up your efforts, you relaxed back against him. You could tell that the sun was up, but you didn’t hear anyone else moving in the house, so you assumed it was still relatively early.
“I’m not going anywhere,” you told him, hand running over his arm.
You sighed happily, enjoying how you could feel Jin’s chest moving as he breathed deeply. He nestled closer to you again, pressing half-asleep kisses against your head. Wanting to have your arms around him as well, you moved onto your other side until you could press against him and sling your arm over his waist. Jin seemed more awake now, pressing his forehead against yours.
“I want to wake up like this every day,” he said softly.
“We will soon,” you said. “At least, as much as we can with eight of us.”
Jin smiled a little and leaned down to kiss you. It was a lovely way to wake up, with his lips slow and lazy against yours. His hand was soft as it skimmed against your side. You rolled onto your back and pulled Jin with you, relishing in the way his body felt as it pressed over yours.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” Jin murmured as he kissed your jawline. “So grateful you’re with us.” His lips moved down your neck. “With me.”
You pulled his face back to yours and kissed him deeply. One hand clung to his wide shoulders, the other traced down his back. As he swept his tongue into your mouth, you realized you wanted more. Jin’s hands were resting sweetly on your waist, barely moving except for the soft patterns his thumbs traced. You pressed your chest closer to his, hoping he would get your wishes. But Jin, always your chivalrous prince, didn’t take the bait.
“I want you to touch me,” you whispered against his lips. Jin pulled further back, looking into your eyes for confirmation that he understood you. “Please?”
His eyes never left yours as one of his large hands moved up from your waist until it skimmed your breast. You kissed him again, hoping your affection would encourage him. It worked, his hand grasping you as his other moved down to cup your ass. You pulled him closer to you, one of your own hands wandering down past his hips until it rested against his own butt. Jin moaned into the kiss, hands groping needily.
Then Jin’s cell phone started to ring.
“Do you want to –”
“Ignore it,” Jin said before crushing his mouth against your hungrily.
You followed his lead, kissing him as the phone continued to ring. You swept your tongue over his bottom lip. As you kissed your way down his neck, the phone silenced and Jin sighed, hands gripping your body harder.
His phone started to ring again.
Frustrated, Jin pulled back from the kiss with a groan and grabbed his phone.
“ Annyeonghaseyo, hyung ,” Jin said and you wondered if he was speaking to his actual brother.
Jin pulled away from you suddenly. His grip on his phone tightened and his face seemed scared. You touched his shoulder, worried. This brought his attention back to you. He said something, short and curt, into the phone before addressing you.
“I need you to get dressed,” he said, his voice tense. “Go across the hall to Namjoon’s room and tell him to make sure all the curtains and blinds are closed in the apartment. Once he’s done that, go get everyone else up and into the living room.”
“Jin, what’s going on?” You asked, growing more nervous after his instructions.
“Please trust me,” he begged, his eyes looking more panicked than you’d ever seen.
You nodded and got out of bed, pulling on the first items of clothes you pulled from your suitcase. With a final look at Jin, who was still sitting on the bed, raking his free hand through his hair as he talked, you left the room. You weren’t sure what was going on, but you would do what Jin asked. Not thinking that now was the time for politeness or subtlety, you banged loudly against Namjoon’s door. He yanked it open a few moments later, eyes already worried behind his askew glasses.
“Something’s wrong,” you said. “Jin wants you to close all the curtains and blinds so I can get everyone in the living room.”
“What’s the matter?” He asked.
“I don’t know. He got a call and this was the only thing he asked.”
“We'll figure it out,” Namjoon said, reaching out to grip your shoulder reassuringly. He seemed concerned but calm. You were sure that he would look more worried if he’d seen Jin’s reaction. “I’ll come back once –”
Namjoon didn’t get to finish his sentence though, as Hoseok called your name from the start of the hallway and raced towards you. When he got to you, he pulled you tightly into his grasp and tucked your head close to his chest, as if he was trying to hide you.
"It'll be okay," he told you. "Everything will be okay."
"Hoseok, what's going on?" Namjoon asked, now panicking.
"My sister just called," he said, his voice stained. "Someone found out."
A little over an hour later, the eight of you finished a painful phone call with Seijin, which essentially boiled down to him telling you all to stay inside until the cars came to pick the guys up this evening for soundcheck, to keep the windows covered as Jin had first advised, and to stay off social media for the time being. You could tell on the phone call that the older man was stressed, and you felt bad for him. Hybe had been very careful to hide the soulmate bonds and you, but maybe that was backfiring on them now.
You'd briefly seen the pictures that were posted by some Korean tabloid. It would've been bad enough to have your picture out there, but this website had managed to get pictures of you with almost all of your soulmates. From your first day in Seoul, someone knew about you and made it their personal job to get every incriminating photograph of you with the guys. Taehyung and you on the mountain path, his arms wrapped around you and your hand cupping his face. Namjoon and you sitting on the bench, your pinky fingers locked together as you talked. None of you had worn masks that day. And later, when you went with Jin for a walk, hands clasped tightly together. You'd both worn masks, but it was easy to recognize Jin once you knew it was him. A picture of all of you in their building's parking garage. By the way you were bundled up, you could tell it was the day they took you to tour Hybe and, while you were covered, nothing could hide the fact that it was the seven of them with you. Couldn't hide how Yoongi had wrapped his arm around your shoulder. Jimin, Taehyung and you, maskless and smiling at Tae's phone, crowded close together as you took the selfie at the palace. Jungkook and you in his car as you both pressed shy kisses to the other's cheek. And, the most incriminating of them all, Jimin pressed against you yesterday as you made out in the parking lot, his hand very clearly on your breast. You couldn't read what the articles said, but you knew it wasn't nice.
"I'm so sorry," Jimin said.
It was the first thing he said when he saw you in the kitchen, and he kept repeating the apology. You reached out to pat his hand, knowing that action would help him more than any verbal reassurance.
"You should be," Hoseok said. He glared at Jimin, his words harsh. "I can't believe you were that fucking stupid, Jimin!"
"I'm not the only one they got photos of!" Jimin shouted.
"You're the only one pictured groping her in public!" You'd never seen Hoseok this angry. He was practically shaking as he paced back and forth across the living room. Maybe, weeks into the future, Hoseok and you would laugh that, despite having already slept together, you two were the only ones not photographed together. "Do you know what it was like to hear my sister start joking that you took your flirting too far and then have to explain that the woman in the photo – the woman you have pinned to a car – is our soulmate? Is my soulmate?!"
"Take a breath," Yoongi said, hands gripping Hoseok's shoulders.
"I think we all need to go call our families," Jin said. Turns out the call he received was from his older brother, informing Jin about the photos just as Hoseok's sister had. "We need to explain. Apologize." He sighed and ran his hand through his hair again.
The others mumbled in agreement before rising from the couch. A few pressed gentle kisses to your temple before grabbing their phones. Taehyung, Jimin, Namjoon, and Hoseok headed to the privacy of their rooms. Yoongi, Jin, and Jungkook loitered in the common areas. Your mind went blank as you listened to them talk, Korean filling the apartment.
You had no one to call. Ally and Jay already knew your seven soulmates. You hadn't spoken to your parents in nearly a decade. Everyone who cared about you was either in this apartment or already knew. Still, you felt alone. Not sure if Ally was asleep yet, you quickly texted her, hoping that she would answer. She didn't.
You watched from your spot on the couch as three of your soulmates talked with their families. Yoongi was sitting at the kitchen table, blank look in his eyes as he shook his head at a comment you couldn't hear. Jin was all anxious energy as he talked with his parents, walking through the kitchen slightly rearranging or cleaning everything in reach. The tea bags reorganized, a quick wipe over the kitchen sink, a loose cabinet handle fiddled with. Jungkook kept moving too, pacing all across the living room and kitchen while he talked. Each time he passed by you though, his hand reached out to gently touch you.
Seijin had said to stay off social media – no Instagram, no WeVerse, no Twitter, no VLives, no TikTok – for the time being. But you figured that didn't extend to you. All your accounts were private, and you never posted anyway. So, grabbing your phone, you opened your Twitter and started scrolling. Over the last few months, you'd looked up your soulmates' social media pages enough to have your algorithms show you posts about them. It didn't help that you – or rather, your photos – were trending.
You should've listened to Seijin. The posts were terrible. From pictures highlighting your stomach and chubby limbs, to a close up showing the bags under your eyes after a long flight and a few gray hairs. Their words, if possible, were worse.
Who does she think she is?
If they wanted a whore, why didn't they choose a pretty one?
Yuck.
Maybe, if your shopping trip with Jimin had gone differently, the words across your screen wouldn't have hurt as much. But the sound of those girls laughing at you was still fresh in your mind. Unable to look away, you kept scrolling. Insults and hate were spewed at you by people you would never meet. By people who didn't know that you were their soulmate.
How could Jimin want that?
It was getting harder to breathe. Everything the seven men had told you was thrust from your mind. You wondered if this would be the last straw. If they would see the posts so clearly highlighting your deficiencies and finally believe them. You didn't want them to leave you.
Clutching your phone, you walked past Jungkook and into the nearest bathroom. When the door clicked shut behind you, you started to sob. Your father's voice mixed with the words on your phone.
Of all the girls who want him, she gets Jungkook?
You're disgusting.
How did World Wide Handsome end up with World Wide Ugly?
How could you think that anyone would love you?
You looked at yourself in the mirror. Your eyes puffy from crying, your round cheeks red. They were right: you were disgusting. Somehow, the last few months of secrecy had convinced you that things would be okay with your soulmates, that they cared for you. But, as you stood watching yourself sob in the bathroom mirror, you realized that you were delusional. The seven men would realize that they could do so much better than you. You would be alone. You deserved to be alone.
You hated the voices running through your mind. Hated that you couldn't stop looking at yourself in the mirror. You wanted everything to stop. And, before you realized what you were doing, you slammed your fist into the bathroom mirror.
"Noona?"
Jungkook's voice pulled you back to earth.
"It's been a while, are you okay?"
You wanted to tell him that no, you were not okay. Your hands were bloody. There were mirror shards all over the bathroom counter. Your cheeks were wet. You couldn't stop crying. But you couldn't find your voice.
"Noona?" Jungkook was louder this time, knocking on the door.
Part of you knew that you should answer him, that you realistically needed help. But it was silenced by the terror that everyone else was right: that you were unlovable and undeserving of your soulmates' attention.
"I'm coming in!"
If you knew where your voice was, you would've stopped him. You didn't want Jungkook to see you like this. You didn't want any of them to see you right now. But the door started to open.
"Hey, Noona, what – Shit!" Jungkook rushed to your side. He yanked your hands away from the shards covering the counter and pulled you several steps back. "Help! Hyung!" He shouted. "Somebody help!"
You realized you were shaking as he held you tightly against his chest. He talked to you, low hurried questions, but you weren't listening. You were trying to figure out how to tell him to just leave you be.
"What the fuck?" Yoongi cried.
You shook your head. You didn't want them here, seeing the mess you made and the mess you were.
"It's okay, we're going to help," Jin said softly.
He stood right in front of you, his eyes wild with fear. You shook your head again, but Jin didn't listen. He started barking orders at the others in Korean. You could hear their footsteps as they hurried around you. Behind him, Namjoon and Hoseok moved to the counter. Namjoon grabbed your phone. He knew your passcode. You wanted to scream at him to stop, to put your phone down and leave it alone. If he opened it, then he'd see what everyone was saying. Then he'd tell the others and they would hate you and you'd be alone.
"No, stop," you whispered, your voice so quiet you were surprised Jin heard you.
"We've got you," Jin said, trying to reassure you. "We're here."
You shook your head again. You needed to get Namjoon to put your phone down. But you couldn't find the energy to shout at him and demand he stop. Jungkook and Jin carefully led you out of the bathroom. You stared behind you, watching Hoseok and Jimin gathering the broken pieces of mirror and placing them in a box Taehyung held. Namjoon just scrolled through your phone, mouth set in a hard frown. You started to cry harder, panic rising from numbness as you knew that Namjoon saw everything.
Jin and Jungkook brought you to the other bathroom, each whispering soft words and trying to calm you as you sobbed. Yoongi was waiting for the three of you, a first aid kit already opened on the counter. His face was unreadable.
"I want you to sit with Jungkook," Jin said, trying to wipe some tears from your face. His voice was calm, but it couldn't hide the panic in his eyes. You stared at him through your tears, trying to memorize his face and hoping that this wouldn't be the last time you saw him. You nodded. "Good, good. Everything will be okay," he lied.
You did what you were told, though, letting Jungkook pull you onto his lap as he sat on the toilet seat. His arms hadn't left your waist since he first saw you, as if he was afraid of what would happen if he let you go. Maybe that fear was justified. Jin and Yoongi spoke to each other in hushed and rushed Korean. Jin pressed a wet washcloth to your forehead and you winced. It came back with a bloodstain. You didn't know you had a cut there.
Somewhere across the apartment, a door slammed shut. You weren't certain, but your gut told you it was Namjoon, probably unable to stay in the apartment after realizing they all had been duped by some stupid first contacts. You didn't want to think about that though. You didn't want to see the distressed look on Jin's face, or try to figure out what Yoongi was thinking. You didn't want to think about packing your bags and finding a new flight back to America, or how you'd pay for the apartment. So you closed your eyes and tried to go numb.
By the time Jin and Yoongi were finished cleaning and bandaging your wounds, you'd cried yourself out. Jungkook got up to go wash his own hands, which had some of your blood on them. As soon as his arms left you, Jin's took their place. You leaned into his embrace, wanting to remember how he felt when they dumped you. Jin had stopped his gentle reassurances, realizing at some point that they weren't helping. He led you out of the bathroom, leaving a stoic Yoongi mumbling with Jungkook. In the corner of the kitchen, Hoseok, Jimin, and Taehyung were gathered around the table, cleaning supplies abandoned as they whispered among themselves. They all turned to look at you as Jin guided you towards the living room. Jin and Hoseok shared a long look, before Hoseok gave the younger two a short nod. The two soulmates hurried to you, arms wrapping around your waist and shoulders as they took over for Jin, herding you towards the couch. Tae sat down with you, trying to encourage you to relax against his side. Jimin laid a thin blanket over your lap and sat down next to you, hand rubbing against your back in an attempt to calm you.
"Just take a few breaths," Taehyung told you. "Breathe and sit and relax."
"I can't," you said softly.
"We'll help," Jimin said, clearly thinking that you had meant that you couldn't relax. "Breathe with me?"
"No, I need," you struggled to find the words. Your anxiety started to rise again. "I need to pack." Jimin and Taehyung watched in confusion as you moved off the couch. "I need to find a flight."
"Wait, why?" Tae asked, inching towards you.
"What do you mean?" Jimin asked.
They looked at you with such affection in their eyes that, had you been able to think rationally, you would have known your conclusions were wrong. Known how much your next statement was going to hurt them. But you were too deep into your worries, so far beyond logic that it didn't matter.
"This is over," you said. "We're done now?"
Your voice wasn't that loud, but apparently everyone heard what you said. A loud chorus of denials rang out over the apartment. Hoseok, Yoongi, Jungkook and Jin abandoned their places in the kitchen, gathering closer to you in the living room.
"Why do you think that?" Hoseok asked.
"Because - Because," you started, but struggled. You didn't want to cry again, but the tears were already pricking your eyes.
" Jagiya , talk to us. Please." Jin's voice was soft as he tried to catch your gaze.
"Because of the photos," you finally said, "everyone knows now."
"We know that," Yoongi said slowly.
"But they know about me and that's bad!" You cried, the words finally pouring out of you. "Everyone says that I'm wrong for you guys. And Namjoon looked at my phone so he saw it all! He knows that I'm fat and ugly and I don't deserve you! And you're all going to dump me and I deserve it but I don't want to be alone!"
Tears were flowing freely. You wanted to wipe them away, but your hands were covered in bandages and you didn't want to ruin Jin's work. The six men stood quietly, watching you cry. You took their silence as acknowledgement that you were right, that they wanted you gone. Turning to head towards your room, you tried to stop crying. You had stuff to do. Jin grabbed your arm, though, gently pulling you back and cupping your face til you met his gaze.
"No one," he said slowly, not breaking eye contact, "is breaking up with anyone. No one is going to be left alone."
"We're soulmates," Hoseok said, getting closer to Jin and you. "No paparazzi, no gossip blog will change that. We belong together."
For the first time since you left Jin's bed that morning, you felt like you could breathe. You collapsed into Hoseok and Jin's arms, exhausted. Jin held you tightly as you clung to them, and Hoseok moved to wipe your tears away.
"Guys, where is Namjoon?" Jimin asked after a few moments.
"I thought he was with you cleaning up," Yoongi said.
"No, he left after a few minutes," Tae explained. "I thought he went to help you guys?"
"No," Jungkook said. He was sitting on the couch by himself, staring hard at the floor. "He never came to us."
"He left," you told them. They all turned to you, confused. "I heard a door slam when you guys were cleaning my cuts. He left." Despite Jin and Hoseok's reassurances, you were scared. While your relationship with Namjoon was far behind the others, you didn't want him to leave. You needed him too. "He must've seen and – He probably–"
"He probably has a reasonable answer for where he went," Yoongi said. He opened his arms for you, and you went to him, wanting the feel of his skin against you while he calmed you. "His family still lives in Seoul. Maybe he thought it would be easier to explain things in person?"
"But Seijin said to stay here," you countered.
"You also ignored Seijin," Jimin pointed out.
It was a fair critique. Though you thought Seijin's advice was only to prevent your soulmates from posting something to social media and making the already difficult to explain situation worse. But maybe Seijin had predicted – or already known – what was going to be said about you, and had hoped to prevent more problems. Though, you honestly couldn't have predicted your response to everything you saw.
As you leaned against Yoongi, you felt your energy running out. It'd been a long morning, waking up earlier than planned and then exhausting yourself from crying and panicking. You wanted to sleep.
"I'm tired," you mumbled against Yoongi's chest.
"Then go rest," he said, hands smoothing over your back one last time before letting you go and heading towards the kitchen.
Taehyung and Jimin hovered near the couch they'd initially pulled you onto. They smiled at you, waiting for you to come join them. You saw Jungkook though, still perched on the other end of the couch alone. His mouth was set into a harsh frown, his eyebrows furrowed. Sitting down next to him, you took his hands in yours.
"What are you thinking about?" You asked him softly. He didn't say anything, just shook his head and avoided looking at you. "Everything will be okay." You weren't completely convinced of that yourself, but he needed to be comforted as well. Jungkook stayed silent though. "Will you come take a nap with me?"
"I need to help Yoongi-hyung," he finally answered.
You recognized his behavior from before: getting quiet and avoiding the conversation in favor of distractions. Unfortunately, you had no energy left to press him further, but you trusted the way your eldest soulmates watched him. He wouldn't be left on his own to spiral. So you leaned in to gently kiss his cheek, hoping that would add to the comfort his hyungs would provide. Then, before you collapsed from exhaustion, you went to Jimin and Taehyung. They let you fidget and get comfortable, but made sure they were both able to touch you, hands smoothing over your hair, arms, and calves as you curled up next to them. You were grateful for the quiet comfort, for being able to tell that they were right there. Taehyung started to hum, Jimin stroked your hair, and you quickly fell asleep.
You woke up to the sound of Yoongi's voice gently calling your name and a hand stroking your cheek. Blinking your eyes open, you saw him kneeling on the floor in front of you, an affectionate look on his face. You somehow ended up laying on the couch, your head resting on Jimin's lap as he played with your hair. Taehyung held your feet on his lap.
"Food is ready," Yoongi said. "You should all come eat something."
"But we're comfy," Tae said, hand tracing your calf. "Can you bring it here for us to eat?"
"No way," Yoongi answered, smiling a little. "Hobi would be pissed if the couch got dirty."
"You'll eat at the table like a civilized adult, Kim Taehyung," Hoseok called out as he placed bowls on the table.
"How long was I asleep for?" You asked as you got up slowly, feeling a little dizzy after your nap.
"Little bit over an hour," Jimin said, walking close to you.
When you got to the table, you noticed Jungkook's phone near one setting. You sat next to him, wanting to be close to your youngest soulmate and wondering if the time had helped settle his emotions. You were relieved when he sat down next to you, remembering how far out of his way he'd gone to avoid you when upset during your first visit. You looked around the table and noticed that there were only seven plates as your soulmates sat down.
"Is Namjoon still gone?" You asked.
They all nodded. Not sure what else to say, you shoved a bit of kimchi in your mouth.
"He's probably still with his family," Jin explained "Unless he called for a car, he probably took the subway."
"Taking the subway wouldn't be the smartest move right now," Taehyung sighed.
"Joon is good at blending in," Hoseok said.
A few minutes passed in silence, just the sounds of chopsticks and spoons against plates. Your soulmates were so rarely quiet. The silence that enveloped you now reminded you of the day you told them about your parents. As you glanced around them, they just looked as defeated as they had back in December, unsure of how to act or how to help you. It broke your heart that you'd done this to them again.
"How did your families take the news?"
"They're frustrated with how it turned out," Yoongi sighed. "My parents think Hybe should've let us tell our immediate families."
"My dad said the same," Jin said. "He said that management was stupid to think this wouldn't leak and that things would happen on their timeline."
You nodded, silently pushing rice around your bowl. Those pictures of you weren't the first impression you wanted to give their families.
"My parents are just glad to know now," Hoseok said. "And my sister is psyched. She wants to do a spa day and get to know you."
"Oh, my sister would love that," Tae added. "Do you think she could join?"
"Jiwoo wouldn't mind," Hoseok said, smiling for the first time that day. He turned to you. "What do you think…"
Hoseok's question trailed off as you all heard the front door open and close. The seven of you turned in silence to watch Namjoon take off his hat, face mask, and sunglasses. He glanced at you wordlessly as he put his shoes on the rack by the door.
"Where were you?" Jimin asked.
"Hybe." Namjoon's voice was tired and curt.
"Why did you go there?" Jin asked, frustrated. "Seijin told us to stay here. What were you thinking?"
Namjoon didn't answer though. He approached you slowly, glancing you over and taking in the sight of the bandage on your forehead and the ones covering your hands. His eyes seemed to grow sadder the longer he looked at you. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out your phone and offered it to you. You hadn't realized it was gone, and took it from his hand. You had so many questions you wanted to ask him, but Namjoon looked as though he might fall asleep standing.
"How are you doing?" Namjoon asked.
It was a loaded question. Your soulmate looked too tired to truly have that discussion, to cover what you were feeling and why. And you weren't looking forward to going over it all again, either. Namjoon likely hadn't eaten yet either, everyone having skipped breakfast in the chaos of the morning and you doubted that he ate while at Hybe. You wanted everyone to eat first. Then maybe take a nap. Then you could discuss everything.
But you didn't get to answer.
"Why?" Jungkook asked, his voice dripping with malice. "Do you suddenly care?"
"Jungkook!" Yoongi hissed.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Namjoon shot back, quickly shifting from tired to annoyed.
"It means you left." Jungkook rose from his seat to stare at Namjoon. "It means you ran when shit hit the fan."
"I didn't run," Namjoon defended himself, voice rising. "I had to go talk with Seijin about –"
You were starting to panic as they argued around you. Though you knew they'd never hurt you, today had been too much and you were scared. Yoongi noticed though, taking your hand and tugging softly on it. You moved closer to him, feeling a little safer as he wrapped his arm around your shoulders
"Guys, take a breath," Hoseok said, going over and putting a hand on Jungkook's back.
"No, hyung," Jungkook said, shaking off Hoseok's hand. "We needed Namjoon and he left! Noona was hurt and scared and crying and he just left!"
"I had to –"
"Work!" Jungkook was furious, not letting Namjoon get a word in. Your other soulmates tried to speak up, to calm the raging maknae, but Jungkook just shouted over them. "You went to the office and abandoned her! So go, run to your work, Namjoon! You don't care!"
"Of course I care!" Namjoon shouted back, temper finally breaking.
"If you cared you would've stayed!"
"I went –"
"You went because you don't love her!"
The room went silent. You glanced quickly between Jungkook and Namjoon. The maknae's eyes were wide as he realized what he said, of how angry he had gotten. Namjoon, though, was livid. His eyes glaring at Jungkook and his jaw tensing.
"Fuck you, Jungkook," Namjoon spat before turning on his heel, grabbing his stuff and slamming the door.
Jimin started to chase after him, but Jin grabbed his arm.
"Let him blow off some steam," Jin said.
"But shouldn't he stay here?" Jimin asked, glancing back at the door.
"Does it really matter at this point?" Taehyung sighed, sitting back down at the table.
The others grumbled, heading back to their food. Jungkook stood awkwardly though, glancing from where you sat at the table to the apartment door Namjoon slammed. Now that he’d shouted his way through his feelings, your youngest soulmate seemed to be crashing emotionally, his eyes watering and his lip quivering. The others watched, waiting to see if he’d come back to the table. He didn’t. Leaving your seat and the comfort of Yoongi’s arms, you approached Jungkook. In just the last few minutes, he’d visibly changed from furious to distraught.
“Why don’t we go talk?” You offered, placing a hand on his back.
Jungkook nodded and you led him towards his bedroom. The walk was silent save for an occasional sniffle from your crying soulmate. You weren’t sure what you were going to say once you got to his room, but you knew you needed to say something. As you closed the door to Jungkook’s bedroom, you steeled your nerves for whatever this conversation would hold.
“What’s going on, Jungkook?” It was a stupid question, but it was a start. “Will you talk to me?”
He didn’t answer immediately. He left your side to pace around the room, bed to desk and back, occasionally picking up something only to put it down wordlessly. He ran his hands through his hair a few times, tugging at the strands. After minute or two of watching him pace, you approached him and took his hands in yours.
“I’m here,” you begged him. “Let me help.”
“I was so scared,” he said finally, his voice cracking. “When I walked in and saw you hurt, I was so scared. I kept talking to you, but it was like you didn’t even know I was there. I was terrified about what could’ve happened if I hadn’t come to check on you.” He leaned down and hugged you tightly, clutching you to him as he cried. “I was so angry at myself for letting you go off and not checking on you sooner. I didn’t know what to do or how to help, but when I realized that Namjoon left, I just got angrier.” His body was shaking as he cried, hiccupping as he gasped for breath while letting all of the day’s emotions loose. You held him close, a hand cupping the back of his head and your other arm anchored around his waist. “All I wanted was for everyone to be here to help you and make you feel better. But Namjoon was gone and that just seemed to make you feel worse. I didn’t mean to yell at him, I didn’t mean to yell.”
He continued to cry. Silently, you guided him to his bed, sitting down with him and letting him collapse against your body. You kept smoothing your hands over him, through his hair, over his back, trying to calm him down. You weren’t going to bring up his final accusation, the way he so easily threw around the possibility of loving you. Now wasn’t the time for that.
“I’m sorry that I put you through that,” you told him, pressing a soft kiss to his hair. “I didn’t mean to. I didn’t know that I would react so…so badly to everything.”
“You don’t have to apologize.”
“But I should,” you insisted. “I put all of you through hell today.”
“I should apologize to Namjoon,” Jungkook sighed and you nodded. He pulled away from your embrace, wiping the tears from his eyes before looking you over. Then he kissed you, his lips slow and firm against yours. It wasn’t passionate or flirtatious, just comfort that you both needed, a reassurance of your feelings.
“We should probably go back to the others,” you said and Jungkook nodded.
Back in the living room, Jin, Yoongi, Hoseok, Jimin and Tae were sitting quietly, some show on the television that they watched halfheartedly. When Jungkook and you entered, they all looked your way.
“Has Namjoon come back?” Jungkook asked his hyungs.
“Not yet,” Tae said, stretched out on the floor..
Jungkook nodded, sitting down between Jin and Jimin. You squeezed yourself between Hoseok and Yoongi, carefully taking hold of their hands. Hoseok pressed a soft kiss to your wrist, where there were no bandages. Yoongi watched you cautiously as you ran your thumb across his palm. No one spoke and the show continued in the background.
“Yoongi?” You whispered. He looked at you, eyebrows raised in concern. “I think I want to go back to therapy.”
He smiled at you softly, and leaned over to gently kiss your forehead.
“I think that’s a good idea.”
It was the early afternoon when everyone started getting restless. Namjoon still hadn't returned, and it was getting closer and closer to when the cars would come to pick your soulmates up. Everyone had tried to get to contact him, texts going unanswered and phone calls missed.
“Yeonjun says he's not at Hybe,” Jimin said, looking up from his texts.
In an attempt to not add more stress to Seijin’s life, the seven of you were trying to find Namjoon on your own and get him back to the apartment on time for pickup. But so far, you had no luck.
“His parents haven't heard from him since he called this morning,” Jin said, hanging up his phone.
“Nothing from his sister,” Yoongi added.
“His friends don't know anything either,” Hoseok said. “They're going to see if they can reach him though and get back to me.”
“I've got nothing,” Tae sighed. He had reached out to a few of his close friends in the industry to see if they happened to run into Namjoon at any of the popular spots, but apparently not.
Jungkook groaned on the couch, laying his head against Jimin's shoulder.
“This is all my fault,” he said softly.
“It doesn't matter whose fault it is,” Hoseok said. “Namjoon knows when we're getting picked up and it's his responsibility to be here for it.”
A few moments passed, everyone staring at their phones, hoping to get news of their absent leader. Then it hit you.
“I know where he is,” you said, abruptly getting off the couch. You ran to grab your facemask and baseball hat. “I need someone to take me to the mountain where we went hiking in December.”
“What are you thinking?” Jin asked.
“Trust me, I know where he is,” you said, slipping on your sneakers.
“I'll drive,” Jungkook announced before grabbing his things and following you out of the apartment. You were on the road before Jungkook took your hand and spoke again. “Where exactly on the mountain do you think he is?”
“There's a spot he likes,” you said.
“I like to come here when I need some peace and quiet, ” he'd said to you on the bench, “ or when I need to think. ”
“How do you know about it?”
“He showed me when we first went there. We sat and talked together.”
“Where was it on the path? More than halfway up the mountain?” You nodded. “We'll take the trolley up. It'll save us time.”
The trolley did save time, pulling you up the mountain much faster than you'd be able to walk. If you weren't so worried about Namjoon, you would've enjoyed the ride and the views of Seoul and the mountain it offered. You couldn't focus on that though, anxious about finding your last soulmate. It had been clear how exhausted he was when you last saw him, and that was before his screaming match with Jungkook. You chewed your lip silently as you got off the trolley, hoping that you were right and Namjoon was safe at his bench. If he wasn't there, you didn't know what else to do. Jungkook and you walked in silence, letting you keep a sharp eye on the trail for the split Namjoon had taken you down months ago.
“Wait here for me, okay?” You told Jungkook when you found the path.
“Where are you going?” He asked, voice concerned.
“He should be down this trail,” you explained. “If he's not, I'll be back in a few minutes. But if he is, I'll stay there until he comes back with us.”
You squeezed his hand tightly, knowing he still felt guilty about the part he played in this situation. Once all eight of you were all back in the apartment, safe, sound, and together, you'd figure out a way to make things up to them. A way to calm their worries and soothe their emotional wounds. To apologize for the agony you caused on an already terrible day. But right now, you needed to find Namjoon.
Luckily, your instinct was right. You sighed when you saw him, hunched over on the bench. You called his name as you approached him, not wanting to startle him when he thought he was alone. He glanced at you quickly before turning back around to stare at the city skyline. You took off your mask and hat before sitting next to him, but he wouldn't look at you.
“Everyone is worried about you,” you said, placing a hand on his arm. “I'm worried about you.”
“I would've quit for you,” he said. You waited, confused on how he was starting. “The week between our first contact and meeting again, I ran through a thousand scenarios. And I would've quit if you asked me to.”
“I would never ask that.”
“But maybe I should've,” he shouted. “Maybe then everyone would just let you be!”
“You quitting wouldn't have prevented this, Namjoon,” you said slowly. “I still would've met the others and had the first contacts. I still would be BTS’s soulmate.”
“But I know how cruel people can be,” he said, fresh tears falling down his face. “I read the comments for years. I should've done something different. I should've protected you!”
You slid closer to him, till your legs were pressed against each other and you placed an arm around his shoulders. Namjoon followed your lead, shifting so that he could lean his head down on your shoulder and wrapped his arms around your stomach. He seemed so small now, curling up against you.
“I don't need to be protected,” you said. “I just need you to be there with me.”
“Instead I ran like a fucking coward,” he said, angry at himself.
“You didn't run,” you said, trying to soothe him. As you ran your fingers through his hair, you realized you still didn't know why he left the apartment. “But what did you go to Hybe for.”
“I saw what you were looking at on your phone. I needed to talk to Seijin and the other managers, to beg them to put out a statement announcing you as our soulmate. That way, we can defend you publicly against any hate or disrespect.”
“You don't need to do that.”
“But we do.” Namjoon pulled away from you and wiped his eyes. “We're soulmates.” The way Namjoon said the word – as if it were some monumental, sacred thing – made you shiver. “If we won't stand up for you, stand by you, who will?”
You weren't used to hearing Namjoon speak like this to you, so free with his emotions. His letters gave you hints at how he truly felt, but when you were actually talking, he tended to be more guarded. It was overwhelming to hear him say these things, after all the messes you made. You leaned towards him, wanting to feel closer, and slipped your arms around his broad shoulders. Namjoon responded, hugging you tightly to him. Both of you were silent for a few moments, sinking into the feeling of each other and how your breaths synced up. After the horror of the day, having him in your arms was comforting, his thumbs tracing soothing patterns against your back.
“What Jungkook said,” Namjoon started, “it's not true.”
Your heart started to race. You weren't expecting any kind of confession from Namjoon, your nascent relationship finally getting it's footing. It had been a shock to hear the word from Jungkook, but you couldn't deny that your feelings for the others were much further along. Maybe they teetered on love, but you didn't have the energy to think that through right now.
“I care for you, so deeply,” Namjoon said. He cupped your face, angling it up until you met his eyes. They were undeniably warm and tender. You weren't sure if he'd ever looked at you this way before, and you wondered if your eyes held the same affection for him. “I need you to understand that.”
“I do, Namjoon. I – “ You were cut off as your phone started to ring in your pocket. Seeing Jungkook's name flash across your screen, you answered
“Have you found him?” Jungkook asked immediately, his voice loud in your ear.
“I'm here with him,” you told your youngest soulmate.
“Thank you,” he sighed. “We need to get going though if we're going to be at the apartment in.” He paused, before continuing. “Is he…is hyung mad?”
“You two can talk it out on the way to the car,” you said, then hung up. Namjoon watched you patiently, unsure of who was on the other line. “That was Jungkook. We need to be heading back.”
“He came with you?” Namjoon asked, standing up with you.
“He drove me here,” you said. You both affixed your disguises before setting off to meet up with Jungkook. “He feels terrible about what he said.”
“I'm sure he does,” Namjoon sighed. “We've never fought before. That reaction was something I'd expect from Tae or Jimin, maybe even Yoongi. But I've never seen Kook that mad.”
“You should explain what you talked about with Seijin to the others,” you said, and Namjoon nodded. You reached over and offered him your hand. Namjoon didn't hesitate, reaching out to weave his fingers through yours. He squeezed a little bit, as if testing that the touch was real. You squeezed back. “Let's go home, Namjoon?”
The two of you walked hand in hand back towards the main path. Neither of you spoke, letting the sounds of the forest surround you. Every few moments, Namjoon would run his thumb over the back of your hand, tracing the bandages Jin had placed. He kept glancing at them, eyes sad. When you got to the main trail, Jungkook was pacing nervously. He ran towards you both, embracing Namjoon tightly.
“ I'm so sorry, hyung ,” he cried.
He continued to talk, but you couldn't catch anything other than a spare word here or there. You started down the mountain, letting Namjoon and Jungkook follow behind you as they continued to talk. When you got to Jungkook's car, you climbed into the back seat, letting Namjoon sit up front. You closed your eyes, their voices washing over you as they kept talking. Between waking up early, the emotions of the day, and your unexpected hike, you were exhausted. All you wanted was to curl up on the couch with your soulmates and fall asleep.
“You okay?” Namjoon asked.
You looked to see him turned around in his seat, looking at you. Jungkook glanced at you in his rearview mirror.
“Just tired, Joonie,” you said.
“We'll be home soon,” he said, reaching back and parting your knee. “You can nap when we go to soundcheck.”
You never got your nap. As the guys were putting on their shoes, Jiho arrived, dressed in casual clothes and carrying a bulky bag. Your soulmates ran out the door with quick goodbye kisses and hugs, leaving you alone with her.
“It's nice to see you,” you started, watching her take off her sneakers, “but why are you here?”
“Jin called,” she said. “He asked me to come over while they went to work. He didn't want you to be by yourself right now.” Jiho tried to be subtle, but you caught her looking at your forehead and hands. “So I brought games!”
She went to the kitchen table and pulled several board games out of her bag. You recognized a few as games you played with Ally, Jay, and their families. Feeling a bit coddled, but appreciating Jin's care, you worked with your highly-paid babysitter to set up a game you knew.
“Does this mean you'll be coming with me to the concert tomorrow?” You asked after a few rounds of your game.
“Yes,” she said, placing her tiles down. “Seojun will be coming too.”
“Does he need to?” You asked. “Seojun’s nice, don't get me wrong. But he must have better things to do? Plus, I can just get a ride with the guys.”
“I think you could've swung that before,” Jiho said slowly, “but not after today. Yoongi wouldn't want you around so many fans without some security so –”
“Security?” You cut in.
“Yeah, Seojun is a security guard.”
“I thought he was a driver?”
“He does that too, but he's worked on the security team for years now.” She paused, watching your reaction. “You didn't know that?”
“No, I thought he was just a driver. Why do I have security?”
“For protection,” Jiho shrugged. “When you first came here, you were a secret. But your soulmates always knew there was a possibility of people finding out. Yoongi requested Seojun be with you on your visits in case something happened. He'll definitely want Seojun to be around now that your face is known. I'm sure the others will agree with him. The risk with sasaengs is too great right now.”
“What does that mean? Sasaengs? People have brought it up before, but I don't know what it means?”
“They're obsessive fans. They'll stalk idols, invade their privacy, take photos without the idol’s knowledge or permission. Some track information about an idol’s travel and whereabouts. Some even try to track their financial information.”
“Do you think a sasaeng is who leaked the photos of us?” You asked softly.
“It's a possibility, but I don't think it's likely. The photos were high quality. Plus, whoever took them waited from your first trip in December til now to share them. Most sasaengs would've posted the photos immediately, not waited until they had several and could make a story out of it. I think it was paparazzi.”
You paused, staring blankly at your tiles. You didn't know enough about the situation – sasaengs, paparazzi, tabloids – to dispute what Jiho said. And you trusted Yoongi, trusted all your soulmates, to take the steps they saw necessary. They were the ones with international fame, having been in the public life for almost a decade.
“So, if Seojun normally works security, what is your actual job?” You asked after a few moments. “I doubt that you're a professional babysitter, despite what you're doing now?”
Jiho laughed. As you continued your game, she explained that she worked in Hybe’s marketing department. She was born in Korea, but moved to California with her family when she was in middle school, where she stayed through college. Her family eventually moved back to Korea, and she proudly showed off photos of her niece and nephew who lived nearby. Her flawless English skills was one of the reasons she was chosen to be your babysitter, along with the fact that she was born the same year as you.
“They wanted to try and make you as comfortable as possible,” she explained.
You nodded, heart warmed by the care the guys took without your knowledge. You grew quieter as the time went on, sharing a quick meal of fried chicken (which Jiho was scandalized that the guys hadn't made you try yet) and settling in to watch some television. She didn't force conversation, just relaxing on the other end of the couch. While you enjoyed Jiho’s company, you were anxious for your soulmates to return. You wanted nothing more than to shower and climb into bed with at least one of your soulmates.
Somehow, you fell asleep on the couch. By the time you woke up, your soulmates had returned and Jin gently shook you awake. After greeting the others, you retreated to the bathroom to shower. Though the hot water soothed your drained emotions, it stung as it got into the open gashes on your forehead and hands, making washing your hair impossible. A few frustrated curses later, you gave up, settling for just washing your body as best you could. The damage was done though, your hair a tangled, soaked mess by the time you got out of the shower. Holding the comb hurt just as much, and some of your cuts had reopened as you strained your hands.
Giving up, you grabbed your comb and went in search of help. You didn't have to go far though, Jimin sitting on the floor outside the bathroom door.
“I'm sorry,” you said. “I didn't know you were waiting.”
“I'm not,” he answered, and you noticed that his hair was wet. “I wanted to be here just in case.”
The words he didn't say rang loudly in your head. In case you hurt yourself again. In case you doubt us again. In case you need me.
“Oh. Since you're here, could you help me out?” You pointed to your messy hair.
“Yeah!” Jimin jumped up from his spot on the floor and raced to you. He inspected you for a moment. “You're bleeding again.”
“I didn't fully think the shower through,” you said, laughing a little.
Jimin followed you into the bathroom, pulling the first aid kit Jin used hours ago out from a cabinet. Jimin was silent as he focused on cleaning and applying new bandages. This time, the process hurt more as you were fully aware of the stinging anti-septic. Your soulmate was gentle though, pressing a kiss to each bandage after it was applied, as if he could take the pain away. After fixing the bandage you had messily applied to your forehead, he kissed you sweetly.
“Now let's work on your hair,” he said. He started working a brush through it, slowly from the ends of your strands to your scalp.
“I didn't even get to wash it,” you told him. “The shampoo stung.”
“Do you want me to?”
“You don't have to,” you shrugged.
“That's not what I asked,” he said, meeting your stare in the mirror.
“I'd appreciate it,” you mumbled. “I want it to look nice for tomorrow.”
Jimin smiled, pleased that you were letting him help. You sat on the floor, head tilted back over the bathtub as Jimin knelt near you and started to wet your hair with the detachable shower head.
“I'm sorry,” Jimin said finally.
“Why?”
“For being so reckless yesterday. I should've thought before I kissed you out in the open like that. I just wanted to make sure you understood that we're not that shallow. That I think you're beautiful.”
Despite the risk of water falling into your eyes, you opened them and looked at Jimin. His eyes were solemn, a look you hadn't seen since he calmed you as you told them all about your childhood.
“You don't need to be sorry. I don't blame you at all, Jimin.” You wanted to touch him somehow, and awkwardly reached out, patting his leg in what you hoped came across as reassurance. “They already had the pictures. The ones of us kissing were just the most recent. Whoever posted them probably would've shared them with or without the ones of us. Honestly, the more I learn about everything the more I'm surprised I stayed a secret for this long.”
“Soon, everyone will know you're our soulmate,” he said, his voice low and thick with emotion.
“Say it again?” You asked.
“You’re our soulmate.”
You sat up, not caring about your dripping wet hair, and kissed Jimin. He pulled you to him immediately, hands splayed against your back. This wasn't like the kiss at his car, hot with passion and urgency. Instead, you kissed like the other was a lifeline, the feeling of Jimin's plush lips keeping you grounded and safe after hours of trouble. The voices in your head quieted as he slipped his tongue into your mouth and you sighed against him. You reached up, wanting to cling to him, but gasped as pain shot through your hands when you tried to move them. Jimin pulled away, concerned.
“I'm okay,” you tried to reassure him.
He smiled, a bit more shyly than you expected. Then glancing to the floor, his eyes went wide. The shower head was still running, and your hair had dripped a puddle onto the bathroom floor.
“Maybe we should finish up?” He laughed.
You sat back, laughing as well. It felt good to be laughing after everything that happened. Hopefully tomorrow would bring a better day, the fear and resentment soothed after a good sleep.
Jimin continued washing your hair, gently working the shampoo into a lather. You sighed, relaxing into the feeling as Jimin massaged your scalp. If it wasn't for the hard bathroom tile and the weird backwards bend you sat in, the feeling may have lulled you to sleep.
“Are you enjoying this?” Jimin asked playfully as he rinsed your hair. If you opened your eyes, you were sure you'd see him smirking.
“I am,” you admitted. You sighed as his fingers worked through the hair at the base of your head.
After he was satisfied with his work, Jimin helped you sit up, patting your hair dry with a towel. Wordlessly, he found your comb and began working out the tangles. He inched closer as he worked, legs spreading around your body as he pressed close. You watched him in the mirror as he smiled throughout his work. When he finished, he pressed a kiss to your cheek
“Will you stay with me tonight?” You asked. You weren't ready to separate from Jimin.
“I'll stay with you every night,” he said, wrapping his arms around you. “Just ask and I'll never leave your side.”
A/N: I've got a hectic weekend, so here's an early update! How do we feel now that everything is leaked?
Story Summary: You know what happens when soulmates first meet. But when it happens to you one day at work, you are less than thrilled. Things only get worse when your new soulmate introduces you to his six friends.
Pairing: ot7 x f!reader
Rating: Mature/Explicit (later chapters)
General Tags: soulmates!AU, slow burn, angst, hurt and comfort, long-distance relationships, canonical therapy, eventual smut, an eventual HEA
Fic Warnings: low self esteem, self-harm, past abuse (physical, mental, emotional), lots of talk about food (both in positive and negative ways).
A/N: Have y'all enjoyed the happy fluff of the last few chapters? Great, I did too! Now tell the happy fluff bye-bye.
Chapter 28: I Wasn't Born for the Rose and Pearl
Your soulmates try to spoil you, but you spoil it for them.
You woke to the feeling of Hoseok tracing your side. Exhausted from the time difference and the exciting turn of events in his studio, you wanted to stay in bed as long as possible. You shifted, trying to sink further into his hold. He peppered kisses across your bare shoulders and his hands wandered over the bare skin of your torso. After bidding the others good night, Hoseok and you had taken the time to further explore each other's bodies, touching and kissing lazily as you hadn't been able to in his studio. You'd finally fallen asleep with each other, enjoying the skinship of laying together naked.
The bed shifted. You were confused because Hoseok had only tightened his arms around you, and you certainly hadn't moved.
"Good morning, love birds."
Blinking your eyes open, you looked up to see Jimin sitting on the edge of the bed, smirking. You gasped and grabbed at the sheet and secured it over your nakedness. This didn't dissuade Jimin though, his eyes taking in the bits of skin he could see and the way the sheet laid close to your body.
"What the hell, Jimin?" Hoseok shouted, now fully awake. He took one of the pillows and placed it in front of you, letting you hug it to your chest in a further attempt to hide. "Does a closed door mean nothing to you?"
"I've been trying to wake you up for over half an hour," Jimin said. "I've been knocking on the door, texting. You guys overslept and it's late." He held up his phone, showing off the time. "Jin says that if you don't get up now, hyung, you won't have time to eat. Besides," he rolled his eyes, "you're the one who asked me to take her out today."
"We're going out?" You asked. "I thought you were all busy today?"
"I moved some stuff around, so I'm free until this afternoon," Jimin explained. He leaned over and quickly pecked your lips. "So hurry up and get dressed!"
When you finally made it into the kitchen, you noticed that Hoseok and your other soulmates were gathered around Jimin. They talked quietly in Korean, not noticing your approach. There was one plate left untouched and, assuming it was meant for you, you took a few bites from it. Eating quietly, you watched as your soulmates continued their huddle. After a minute or two of being left alone, you decided to speak up.
"Secrets, secrets are no fun, unless they're shared with everyone," you joked, using the old line Ally's mother used to scold the two of you with.
The seven jolted and turned to you quickly. You noticed Jimin shove something in his pocket with a mischievous smile on his face.
"There's no secrets," Jungkook insisted, despite his pink-tinged ears.
"It's just – ow!" Namjoon whined, rubbing at the spot on his arm that Jin had pinched.
"Hush!" Jin told Namjoon. He approached you then, putting his arm around your shoulder and kissing your cheek sweetly. "There's no secrets, jagiya."
"I'm having a hard time believing that," you said, then pointed at Jimin, Hoseok, and Taehyung, still conspiring by the counter. "Those three look suspicious."
"It's going to be fine," Yoongi chuckled. He handed you a cup of coffee, letting his fingers linger on yours when you grasped the cup. "They're being brats, but it's nothing malicious."
Your eyes widened as you looked from Yoongi to the trio, all three now smiling happily.
"At least it's not intended to be malicious," Namjoon shrugged.
"Please stop," Taehyung groaned, "before you ruin the surprise."
"But –"
Hoseok placed his hand over Namjoon's mouth, silencing whatever secrets he was about to spill. You were now very suspicious. Malicious or not, they definitely had a plan and were preventing Namjoon, their weakest link, from saying anything else.
"C'mon," Jimin said, leaving his place near the counter to come closer to you. "The sooner you finish breakfast the sooner we get on the road and I tell you what's happening."
This worked. You ate as quickly as you could, your chopstick skills decent but not good enough for speed eating. Rushing to brush your teeth and grab your purse, the guys chuckled at your haste. You were dying to know what they were planning, and excited to spend some quality time with Jimin. With your baseball hat and facemask in hand, you dragged Jimin to the door and wished the others a good day.
"So what's the plan?" You asked Jimin as soon as you were both in the car.
"Wait another minute," Jimin laughed, starting his car. You started to protest, but he cut you off. "I want to be on the road before I explain, so you can't run away."
"Are you kidnapping me?" You asked, only half joking.
"Depends on how you feel about my plan," Jimin laughed. You watched him in silence as he turned onto a new street, waiting for an explanation. "We’re going shopping,” he said finally, smiling widely.
“Okay, but why?” You asked. “I brought more than enough clothes for the trip. I even brought stuff to leave here.”
“It just started with Hobi and Tae,” he said, taking another turn. “They both love giving gifts, and I’m a little surprised they’ve waited this long to get you something.”
“Tae already bought me a skirt,” you said. He’d given it to your last night before dinner. It was sitting on your suitcase at the apartment. You were waiting for a day you’d be around Tae more to wear it for him.
“That’s not enough for him,” Jimin chuckled. “Between the two of them, they’d probably buy you a whole new wardrobe if you let them, but they know you’d resist, so they just wanted to buy a few things for you.” You groaned a little, not wanting them to waste their money when you were okay. “But then you showed up wearing Jin’s ring and all hell kinda broke loose.”
“I thought we figured that out? If any of you gets me a ring, I’ll wear it.”
“We know that,” Jimin said, pulling into a parking space at a luxurious looking shopping center. “But finding rings is going to take time and right now, I think everyone is desperate to give you something. Myself included.”
“Did I screw everything up again?” You asked as you followed him away from the parking lot and towards the stores. “Is everyone jealous?”
“I don’t think jealous is the right word,” Jimin pulled his hat a little lower on his head and kept his voice low. There were a lot of people walking around and neither of you wanted to get caught. “We’re not mad at you or Jin. It’s more that our brains are going a little crazy. Now that we know you’ll wear something we give you, that you’ll accept gifts from us and use them, we’re scrambling to get you something.”
You paused outside the first store, staring at your soulmate. You wished you were able to touch him right now, to hold his hand and be close, but you didn’t want to risk it.
“I don’t need gifts,” you told him. “Being here, being with you guys, that’s all I want.”
“I know that. I know you’re not asking for anything. But this is something we want to do.” He whispered your name and you looked into his eyes. They shone with affection and honesty. “You gave us gifts in December. I love the sweater you gave me. When I feel lonely, I wear it and it reminds me that I’m yours. Now, we want to give you something as a reminder that you're ours.”
You nodded, walking with Jimin into the store. The sentiment made sense to you, but there was one caveat.
“I do, though. I already have the clothes you left at the apartment,” you told him. “I’m constantly pulling from your drawers and wearing your stuff.”
“That is so hot,” Jimin blurted out. He stared at you with wide eyes. “You never sent a photo of it?”
“Shhh!” You hissed.
You wanted to hide from his gaze. Wearing their clothes had been purely for comfort, feeling like they were nearby, not something sexual. But Jimin was nothing if not a flirt. He followed you as you walked aimlessly through the store, not actually looking at the items, but just trying to avoid his gaze.
“Please promise to send a photo the next time you wear something of ours?” He whispered, walking closer to you than was probably appropriate.
“Please forget I said anything,” you groaned. “Let’s just go shopping.”
The first store you visited was unsuccessful. The clothes were nice, but conservative, mostly in neutral tones and expensive fabrics. You let Jimin lead you around, happy to watch him. At one point, he was looking through a rack of sweaters and you wandered off, a pair of sunglasses catching your eyes. You picked them up, looking at them casually until you saw the price. Six figures printed clearly on the tag. Carefully placing them back down, you calculated the exchange between Korean won and dollars, balking at the absurd price. You went back to Jimin, who was holding up a tan sweater. You could only imagine how much it cost.
“We should go somewhere else,” you whispered, tugging on his sleeve.
“You don’t like it?” Jimin asked, glancing between the sweater and you. “I think it’s pretty cute.”
Careful, so you wouldn’t damage it, you twisted the tag til you saw the price.
“Cute or not, this sweater is almost half the cost of my rent portion. The stuff here is too expensive.”
“If we find a more reasonable store, will you let us buy you stuff?” He asked. You nodded, feeling the compromise was fair.
The next store was worse. Though the clothing was more reasonably priced, none of it was suited to your style. Every piece of clothing seemed to be a boldly printed pattern, brightly colored, or both. Some of the styles were more adventurous than even Taehyung wore. But Jimin and you had fun, pulling out the most outlandish pieces and showing each other. The two of you laughed as you went, but decided to move on when an older woman at the cash register glared in disapproval.
You convinced Jimin to stop at a boba shop you passed. With a few months of Korean lessons under your belt, you awkwardly tried to order your two drinks. Though Jimin was at your side, he didn’t speak up, letting you communicate with the young girl behind the counter as best you could. When she handed you the drinks, you were happily surprised that you ordered correctly.
“Is the drink that good?” Jimin teased, picking up on your newfound cheer.
“It is,” you said, not able to stop grinning despite your smile being hidden behind your mask. “But I’m also just really happy right now. I’m here in Seoul, and I just had my first conversation in Korean with a stranger. And I get to spend the day with you.”
Despite his mask and hat, you knew Jimin was blushing.
“I’m glad you’re happy,” he said softly. “I want to make you happy for the rest of your life.”
You paused, staring at him. If you weren’t in the middle of a crowded mall, you would’ve thrown yourself at Jimin and kissed him senseless. Jimin never ceased to amaze you with how freely he felt, how open about his intentions and wishes he was. But unable to hold and kiss him as you wanted to, you settled for taking his hand and letting him pull you towards the next store.
It was there that your good mood ended. The clothes here were more your style than the others you'd seen today. But, as you started looking through the piles of folded clothes and racks of hangers, you realized a problem: all of the clothes were comically tiny. Confused, you shifted through options until you found what was your normal size. Turning away from Jimin, who was inspecting a pair of shorts, you carefully held a shirt up to your torso. Regardless of what the label said, this wasn't going to fit you. Not ready to be deterred, you started towards the counter where a woman a little older than you stood, flipping through a magazine.
"Did you find something you like already?" Jimin asked.
"Sorta," you answered, hugging the tiny shirt closer to you. You glanced at the shorts Jimin was holding and knew from sight that they wouldn't fit you. "I just want to ask the clerk a question."
"Do you want me to come help?"
You shook your head. You were already practicing the question you wanted to ask in your head, and you knew that the answer could be as simple as yes or no. Besides, you didn't want Jimin to hear your question. You could see Jimin's mask shift as he smiled at you, seemingly happy that you were trying to practice Korean so much.
"Hello," you said as you approached the counter. Your voice was a little shaky, but you weren't sure if that was because you were nervous to have another conversation or afraid of her answer.
"Hello," she said, smiling at you politely. She said something else, too quick for you to pick up on. Then, seeing your eyes widen, she repeated herself, slower. "Do you need help?"
"Yes, please." You showed her the shirt. "Do you have a bigger…a bigger," you stumbled, forgetting the word for size. "A bigger shirt?" You handed the shirt to her, pointing out the tag, hoping that'd be enough for her to understand you.
The woman glanced at the tag quickly before shaking her head.
"No." She then explained something else, but, despite her slow cadence, you couldn't recognize the words. Noticing that you weren't understanding, she started a new sentence. "I'm sorry, there's nothing bigger."
You nodded and, with a polite bow, thanked her. You hung the shirt back up without a second glance, then went to find Jimin. He had several pieces of clothing in his arms, taking his job today as your personal shopper very seriously.
"Hey, were you able to get your question answered?" Jimin asked as you came closer.
"Yeah, she was very nice." It was the truth: she'd been polite and patient with your beginner Korean. It wasn't her fault that you were fat.
"Then where's the shirt?"
"I decided against it," you shrugged, hoping to seem indifferent. "Can we try a different store?"
You had a feeling that going to a different store wouldn't help. You knew how brutal South Korean beauty standards were and you, frankly, didn't measure up. But you wanted to distract Jimin, not wanting your sour mood to distract from your date.
"I found some cute stuff, though," he said, holding up his selections. "Will you try them on first and see if you like any? Then we'll go somewhere different."
You didn't want to have this conversation with Jimin. Though you knew he wouldn't judge, you didn't want to explain that nothing in this store – possibly in any store here – would fit you. He looked so happy, spending the day together with the hope of being able to spoil you.
"Okay," you said finally.
Taking the clothes from him, you made your way into a dressing stall. You glanced through the pieces Jimin selected and your heart sank. The clothes were adorable and, in other circumstances, you would have been glad to try them on. Jimin had picked things that you might not have picked yourself, but were close enough to your style that you understood why he grabbed them. You wished you could try them on. Sitting down on the small bench provided in the changing stall, you closed your eyes and tried to take a deep breath. It wasn't Jimin's fault that the clothes ran so small. He probably didn't realize the size difference between your body and the clothes he handed you. You knew this wasn't his intention – Jimin didn't have a malicious bone in his body – but you felt ashamed as you hid in the room, just staring at the clothes he chose. In your mind, you heard your father's voice echoing, insults and taunts reminding you that you were disgusting and useless. That no one would ever love you.
Realizing that you would start crying if you stayed alone much longer, you grabbed the clothes and left. Jimin looked up from his phone, surprised to see you in your regular outfit.
"Are you already done?" He asked. You nodded, trying to collect yourself as you returned the clothes. "Why didn't you show me how things looked?"
"I didn't like the style," you lied. "Can we go somewhere else now?"
Jimin furrowed his eyebrows as he looked closer at you. Of all your soulmates, he was one of the best at reading your emotions and dealing with them. He took another look at you, worry in his eyes.
"What's the matter?" He asked.
"Nothing."
You didn't want to lie to Jimin, but it was easier than explaining how you felt now. As you looked at him, you realized he didn't believe you and hoped he wouldn't press the issue. You felt guilty. He was so excited to spend the day with you, and now you were ruining it. You forced a smile, hoping to lighten the mood, and took his hand.
"Where should we go next?" You asked, faking excitement as you left the store.
"There's a store nearby that Tae's sister loves," he said softly. "Let's see if they have something you'll like there."
You followed him in silence, clutching his hand as he wove through the crowd. You weren't hopeful about the next store, but as you approached it's entrance, you felt your disappointment grow. The store was filled with trendy clothes and several groups of college-aged girls wandered around. Jimin pulled his hat farther down, trying to hide from eyes that you knew would recognize him. It worked, no one approached or paid him much attention. You, though, they noticed. As you followed Jimin around the store, you could feel their eyes on you, inspecting the fat foreigner. You were sure that Jimin was talking to you, but you weren't paying attention, eyes focused on your feet as you tried to shrivel up and disappear. A pair of girls whispered as you walked past them. You snuck a peak, just quick enough to see one smirk as she looked you over. You wrapped your arms around your stomach, fingernails digging into the skin on your arm.
"How about this?" Jimin asked. You knew he was holding up something for you to see, but your eyes remained focused on the floor. If you looked at him, you knew you would cry. Jimin whispered your name and touched your arm. "Talk to me," he pleaded quietly. "What's going on?"
It was then that some of the girls burst out laughing. One pointed at the shirt Jimin still held, before making a comment. You couldn't understand the words, but you didn't need to be fluent in Korean to understand her tone. She was laughing at you. This set Jimin off. He turned to them and shouted something back, his voice furious. Their eyes went wide, not thinking they'd be rebuked. Jimin said something else, but you tugged on his arm. The more he interacted with them, the more he spoke, the more the chances of him being recognized rose. And you'd rather be made fun of by a couple of children than have your cover blown.
"I want to go home," you whispered, "please."
Jimin nodded, noticing that you were barely holding back tears. He wrapped his arm around your shoulders and pulled you closer to him, as if he could shield you from their stares and from the intrusive thoughts flying through your mind. He couldn't, but it felt nice that he was trying. As you walked back to the car, you were sure the two of you attracted attention, Jimin's grasp on you too forward and affectionate for polite eyes. And, glancing up at him, you saw how furious he was. If you sorted through your thoughts and reasoned things through, you knew that Jimin was angry for you, pissed at whatever the girls had said. Livid that something made you upset, but not at you for being upset. But you struggled to listen to that logic, convinced that he was mad at you for ruining another date together, for being too large to fit in any of the pretty clothes he picked out.
"I'm sorry," you said when you reached the parking lot. Tears were falling down your cheeks, wetting your face mask. "I'm sorry, Jimin."
"Why are you sorry?"
"Because I'm too fat. Because I can't fit in anything here," you cried. "Because me standing next to you is a joke."
"No, no no no," Jimin said.
"Is this going to be what it's like for us? Every time we go out, people pointing and laughing at us? People wondering why you're wasting your time with me? You shouldn't have to deal with that."
Luckily, by the time you finished your rant, you were at the car. After quickly looking around, Jimin took of his mask and carefully removed yours. He cupped your cheeks, thumbs wiping away your tears.
"You shouldn't have to deal with that either," he said gently, trying to pull you out of your spiral. "People don't get to judge what we have."
You shook your head, disagreeing.
"But it's true! You, all of you, are perfect. And I am fat and ugly and –"
Jimin didn't let you finish. Pushing you back against the car, he kissed you passionately. With every movement of his mouth against yours, he tried to silence the doubt inside your head, using his plump lips to assure you of his affections.
"The standard here is impossible," he said. He rested a hand on your rounded hip, gently squeezing it. "I know that. I've struggled a lot with it myself. Hell, I still do."
"But you're perfect," you said, eyebrows raised in shock. You cupped his cheek, noticing the old hurt that was drawn across his face.
"I'm not though. I have a lot of bad qualities, a lot of things I'm insecure about," Jimin took a deep breath, as if trying to calm his own mind. He kissed you quickly before continuing. You weren't sure who this kiss was meant to help. "But the people who matter, the people who love me, don't care about that stuff. Please don't think that I care about it. That any of us care about it."
You were quiet and Jimin let you think. He was still close to you.
"I know that one conversation isn't going to fix years of hurt," he continued. "But you are smart and strong. You try to be a better person every day. And that's what's important. Not some number on a scale."
Though you didn't think Jimin rehearsed this conversation, something about it seemed a little practiced. As if, during his tough times, someone had told him the same things and Jimin repeated it to himself frequently. Though your thoughts had barely calmed down, you didn't want to force Jimin to relive his own troubles.
"I trust you," you said finally. Things weren't fixed, you weren't magically healed, but you wanted to believe everything he said.
"Thank you," he said. Then, he smirked playfully. "One of my bad qualities is that I'm an insatiable flirt."
Before you could respond, he leaned down and kissed you again. Forgetting where you were, pressed against a car in the middle of a parking lot, you looped your arms around his neck and pulled Jimin closer to you. He came willingly, pressing you further back into the side of his car and parting your lips so he could swipe his tongue into mouth. You carded your fingers through his hair and Jimin pulled away, sighing at the sensation.
"I'm not sure if that's a bad quality," you teased.
You slotted your mouth against his again, wanting to feel him. He met your energy, lips steady against yours. Jimin's hands started to wander, moving up to cup your breasts as he grinded into you. You were starting to feel lightheaded from his attention.
Somewhere nearby, a car alarm started to blare. The sound snapped you back into reality. You were in a public parking lot, making out with Park Jimin as he groped and grinded against you. You were an idiot.
"We've gotta stop," you gasped, pulling away from your soulmate.
"Why?" He mumbled, starting to press kisses down your neck and towards the v-neck of your shirt.
"Someone could see, Jimin!"
"I don't care."
"But I do."
This made Jimin stop. He dropped his hands from your body and took a step back. His cheeks were flushed and you could see the start of a bulge in his pants.
"Shit. I'm sorry." He looked around and fidgeted with the facemask in his hand. As if that mattered now. "Fuck, that was stupid. I'm so sorry."
"It's okay," you said, trying to reassure him as you both got into his car. "I got caught up in the moment too." It was the truth. Had the car alarm not gone off, you worried about how far you two would've gone. That thought scared you a little, though, so you decided to make a joke. "Besides, we couldn't go much farther."
"We couldn't?" He teased, eyebrow piqued with interest.
"We couldn't. We are not having sex in the back of your car like horny teenagers."
"Sex was not going to happen back there."
"Really?" You laughed. "Because you weren't exactly cooling things off."
Jimin was quiet for a moment, slowing to a stop at the red light. He turned and looked at you, his eyes serious but warm.
"The first time we make love, it will be on a bed covered in rose petals, not in a car. There will be champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. I'll light candles."
The emotion in his voice gripped your heart. Jimin had chosen his words carefully. He'd given this thought.
"I don't need any of that," you said softly. "I just want you."
"I know you don't, but I still want to give it to you."
You nodded, taking his free hand that rested on the center console as he drove back to Hybe. The rest of the drive was quiet, both of you trying to cool off and process the events of the morning. Though Jimin's reassurances played through your head, they only mixed with the negative thoughts you had, unable to completely replace them. You walked with Jimin, disguises back on, through the Hybe hallways, until you got to the door that you recognized led to their break room. According to your soulmates' shopping plan, you weren't due back at Hybe for almost another 2 hours, and you knew the others had things on their schedule, so you were shocked to see Jin in the room when you entered. He was on the phone, pacing back and forth as he talked with someone. He turned around, hearing Jimin and you plop down on the couch, and looked you both over. His eyes narrowed a little, eyebrow raised in question. His stare made you shift uncomfortably, feeling as if your shirt was a little too tight, and you grabbed a throw pillow to hold on your lap and cover yourself. Jimin put an arm over your shoulder.
"Why are you back so early?" Jin asked when he finally hung up his phone. "Where are your bags?"
"I just didn't find anything I liked," you said, quickly answering before Jimin could speak up. You didn't want your meltdown to become a concern when they were so busy. Maybe after their concert in two days, you'd bring up what happened, but not before. "So I just asked Jimin if we could come back and hang out."
Jin knew you were lying. He glanced at Jimin, who just shrugged. The two shared a look that you knew meant they were going to talk later.
"Hobi and Tae are going to be sad that you didn't let them buy you anything," Jin said, trying to get more information from you.
"Maybe we can go shopping another time," you offered halfheartedly. "Where's everybody else?" You asked, hoping to distract them both, and they both knew what you were doing. The eight of you shared a schedule and you could've easily looked at that to see where your other soulmates were.
"Yoongi and Taehyung are still at their final fitting for the concert. I came here after my fitting ended to call my parents and Namjoon went back to his studio after he was done. He said that inspiration struck last night," Jin explained, deepening his voice to mimic Namjoon's, "and he wanted to go work on something quick. Jungkook is on a live. Hobi is editing that track he was supposed to finish yesterday."
You blushed at the last comment. The memory of how you'd spend yesterday afternoon, naked and laid out on Hoseok's studio couch, washed over you. The way you felt right now, so self-conscious and ready to hide, felt completely removed from the way you let Hoseok touch and stare at you barely twenty-four hours ago. While you were in your thoughts, Jimin and Jin continued to talk.
"Jin, do you have an extra sweatshirt?" You asked when there was a lull in the conversation.
"No, are you cold? I can adjust the a/c for the room?"
"It's okay!" You insisted. "Just a little chill."
You saw Jimin out of the corner of your eye, though, his expressive eyes filled with sadness. He noticed the pillow you clung to, and undoubtedly understood that you wanted the sweatshirt to hide in, not because you were cold. Jin glanced between the two of you, knowing he missed something but not what. He pulled out his phone though, quickly typing before tossing it down on the couch and sitting down next to you and Jimin.
The three of you started talking about plans for later that week. Potential tourist sites that they wanted to take you to, an observation tower, an historical village. They were showing you pictures on their phones, trying to gauge your interest when the door opened. Namjoon strolled in, a sweatshirt in his hands and one earbud in, clearly talking to somebody. He smiled in greeting to the three of you and offered the sweatshirt to you wordlessly. You looked up at him, confused. Namjoon said something quickly into his phone, before placing the garment in your lap.
"Jin said you were cold," he said softly, then turned to leave.
You watched him walk out in silence, then looked at Jin and Jimin. They were smiling at each other, amused at their leader’s actions.
“What just happened?” You asked, fingers running over the soft fabric on your lap.
“I texted the group chat for a sweatshirt,” Jin said, shrugging. “Guess Namjoon was the first to answer the call.”
“Hyung left his work for you,” Jimin teased.
You shot Jimin a glare, but slid Namjoon’s sweatshirt over your head. It smelled lightly of soap and cologne, and you tilted your head down to get a better smell. Jimin watched you with wide eyes, taking in the sight of you in his friend’s clothes.
“That is hot,” Jimin murmured, a flirty grin on his face.
“Hey!” Jin scolded. “Don’t be a pervert.”
Jimin just laughed and got up to grab a drink from the fridge against the wall. You took the opportunity to inch closer to Jin, who wrapped his arm around you with a smile. Leaning further against him, you softly kissed his cheek.
“Can we stay together tonight?” You asked him. “I’ve missed you.”
“Of course we can, jagiya,” Jin said, tightening his arm around you. “You never have to ask.
You NEEEEEEEEED to write new stories. Your writing is perfect, just finished the story and I’m speechless at how good you create a world. We need more of your writing Im obsessed with your story!!!!!!!!!!
Hey there!
I'm so glad you're enjoying When You Touch Me! And that you've caught up (or have come over to say hi from AO3)!
WYTM was a long term labor of love. I wrote it over the course of two years. I was lucky when I first started writing it and got to sit alone and write on a train for 2 hours each day during my commute, but that didn't last. Life got messy and there were sometimes unexpected, long-term breaks. I went completely awol for 4 months once.
I love writing. I've wanted to write and tell stories since I was a little kid. But it doesn't always come easily to me -- my job can be pretty high stress and my health problems take a lot out of my day to day energy.
I have started a new story -- it's a poly!ot7 story, but I decided to completely dive in with an OC. It's a mobster AU and will have multiple POVs. I made a (shitty) Microsoft Paint cover image for it. It even has a title and I hate creating titles. (WYTM's first AO3 posting was actually delayed because I couldn't come up with a name for the fic 😂.)
I just, unfortunately, seem to have made this new story a bit too ambitious for my own good. I've been stuck on a specific chapter since late January and every time I open up the document, it's a slog. The best singular day of writing I've had with this chapter was about 200 words. This Monster Chapter just haunts me. Sometimes, on slow days I work, I throw up the Monster Chapter and just stare at it, hoping something will come.
So I hope you'll all stick around while I marinate in my writing troubles. There's so much more of WYTM to get through and I love this story so much. I'll make sure to post here as soon as I get a new story reader-ready.
Story Summary: You know what happens when soulmates first meet. But when it happens to you one day at work, you are less than thrilled. Things only get worse when your new soulmate introduces you to his six friends.
Pairing: ot7 x f!reader
Rating: Mature/Explicit (later chapters)
General Tags: soulmates!AU, slow burn, angst, hurt and comfort, long-distance relationships, canonical therapy, eventual smut, an eventual HEA
Fic Warnings: low self esteem, self-harm, past abuse (physical, mental, emotional), lots of talk about food (both in positive and negative ways).
A/N: You didn't think I was just gonna leave you hanging, right? This time we're gonna get spicy.
Chapter 27: I Like the Feeling of Being Together, With You
What exactly happens after Hoseok explains why he has a box of condoms in his studio?
"You keep condoms in your studio?" You asked as he walked back to you, trying to keep your nerves at bay.
"Not normally, no." Hoseok knelt back on the couch, his eyes concerned as he picked up on your uncertainty. He kissed you deeply, letting your tongue swipe into his mouth as you craved validation. He gave it to you, his hands squeezing your thick thighs before pulling away. "Right before you came in December, we all got pulled into a meeting. Seijin said he didn't care about whatever was really going on, but that he didn't want any surprises and gave us each a box. I put it in my drawer and just kinda forgot about them."
That's when you noticed that the box was still in its cellophane wrap, completely unopened. You blushed, embarrassed by your previous self-doubts. You pulled your soulmate down for another kiss, letting the box fall onto the floor nearby. Your hands ran along his narrow waist, carefully unbuttoning his jeans. As you let your fingers dip under the waistband of his underwear, Hoseok sighed at the sensation. Your soulmate rolled his hips against yours again and you let yourself relax into the feeling of him.
As you ran your fingers over his hip bones, Hoseok let his hands wander up your torso til they rested on your breasts. He cupped them, thumbs tracing soft patterns against the skin until one swiped boldly over your nipple. You gasped at the sensation, and Hoseok pressed open-mouthed kisses down your neck and collarbone. You let your hands grab at his ass, and your soulmate leaned back with a smirk.
“I like it when you’re handsy with me,” Hoseok teased.
You leaned up for a kiss, distracting him as you hand moved to grasp his hardened cock through his underwear. Hoseok pulled away with a deep moan.
“Handsy enough for you?” You teased.
“Fuck yes,” he groaned, pressing you back down into the couch with a heated kiss.
His lips didn’t stay against yours for long, though. He brushed his lips down to your chest, kissing and gently nipping at the skin of your breasts. As his tongue swept over a nipple, you arched your back, wanting more of the wet sensation against you. Hoseok followed your wordless plea, swirling his tongue over your nipple again as his fingers toyed with the other.
Over his boxer briefs, you rubbed again at his dick. Somewhere, in a very primal part of your mind, you were proud of yourself. Despite all your flaws, you’d managed to get Hoseok turned on and sucking on your tits. But you’d dive into that feeling later.
Hoseok finally pulled away from your chest. Sitting back on his heels, he looked down at you with hooded eyes. His hands went down to your jeans and he unbuttoned them quickly.
“I need to get these off of you. Now,” he said, voice lower than you’d ever heard it.
“Hoseok, wait,” you needed him to slow down, just for a minute.
Your soulmate froze.
“Do you want to stop?”
“No,” you said. “It’s just that I haven’t done this in a while. I might be a little rusty.”
Hoseok chuckled, but kissed you quickly.
“It’s been a while for me too,” he said. He rolled his hips, pressing his bulge against you while looking down at you with hooded eyes. “But I want to do this together. Do you want this?”
“I do,” you whispered.
You went to finish what Hoseok had started and began to pull at your pants, but he swatted your hands away.
“I want to do this part,” he said.
He pulled your pants and underwear down in one pull, which you were grateful for. Had you anticipated having sex this trip, you would have invested in cute underwear, but that was a moot point now. Hoseok stared down at your naked form, hands running over your thick thighs and reaching towards your ass. He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to your hip. You didn’t want to be the only one naked though, so you pulled at his boxer briefs, tossing them aside.
For a moment, neither of you moved. You stared at each other, breaths heavy as you let your eyes hungrily take in his form. Hoseok’s body was glorious, all lean toned muscle, lines from his narrow hips leading towards his erection. Gathering your courage, you reached for him, wrapping your hand around his leaking cock and stroking it slowly. Swiping your thumb over the head, you spread the precum around, using it to help ease your pumps. Hoseok rolled his head back, moaning loudly at your movements. You sat up to kiss him.
“Shh,” you whispered, hand still pumping his cock. “Don’t forget we’re at your office.”
“My studio is soundproof,” Hoseok purred. “We can be as loud as we want.”
As if to emphasize his point, he moaned again as you squeezed him. Hoseok kissed you hungrily, pushing you back down onto the couch. His hands couldn’t stay still, moving over your ass and thighs, kneading as he went.
“I’ve wanted to touch you like this for so long,” he murmured against your neck before placing a wet kiss there.
“More, please.” You needed him to keep touching you and you weren’t afraid to beg.
Hoseok slid his hand between your legs, his fingers softly tracing through your folds. You felt a finger circle your clit and you couldn’t hold back your moan. This encouraged him. He repeated the motion again, creating a steady motion over your clit and lips as your breathing grew harsher. You wrapped your arms around his neck, kissing him desperately as he kept tracing you. He nipped at your lip as he slid a finger inside you. You whined at the sensation, already wanting more of him.
“You like that?” He asked, pupils blown as he stared down.
Unable to find your voice, you nodded. Wanting more, you yanked on his hair, trying to bring him back to your mouth. Hoseok didn’t follow, though.
“I want to hear you,” he rasped.
“Yes,” you pleaded. “More, please, Hoseok. More.”
This time, he listened, pushing another finger into you. You cried out at the sensation. Clinging to him, Hoseok kept moving his hand, two fingers inside you and his thumb back against your clit. For a few minutes, the only sounds were your ragged breaths and the squelching of the wetness between your thighs as Hoseok continued to work you towards your orgasm.
“I’m close,” you whispered, fingers digging into his shoulders, the thought of his concert so far from your hazy mind that you didn’t hold back.
“Good,” he said, his voice low as he stared into your eyes. “I want you to feel good.”
And, with a final twitch of his hand, the tightness in your stomach unfurled and you let out a soft cry. He kept moving his fingers slowly, helping you ride out your high. Hoseok beamed down at you, clearly happy with himself and getting you off. He leaned down to kiss you, lips moving against your, desirous. As you kissed and his hands went back to your ass, you wrapped your hand around his dick again, pumping him. Hoseok’s hips twitched, shoving his cock harder into your hand. But, after a few thrusts, he stilled and grabbed your hand.
“I won’t last long,” he groaned. His eyes were closed tight, eyebrows twisted as if he was trying to will his body to obey him. “I need – I want to be inside you. Can we?”
“I want you, Hoseok.” You told him.
You didn’t think it was possible to put a condom on that quickly. But, before you knew it, Hoseok was gripping your hips, cock hovering just before your entrance. You cupped his face, staring at him lovingly. He pushed inside you slowly, both of you moaning at the sensation. After a few shallow thrusts, Hoseok leaned down, kissing you passionately. While one hand remained on your hip, the other roamed up your side, caressing you as your tongues met. He started to thrust. Slowly, steadily setting a pace as his hips met with yours. He seemed too focused, too controlled, so you ran your fingers through his hair.
“Don’t hold back,” you told him.
“I want to last,” he mumbled. “Want this to be good.”
“Being with you is good.”
You hooked a leg around his waist, pulling him deeper into you. Breaking with his pace, you rocked your hips quickly against him. This broke his restraint. He moved harshly, slamming his cock into you faster and harder than before. You clung to his shoulders, gasping as the new sensations rocked you.
“You’re so wet,” he moaned, hips still meeting yours desperately. “So fucking warm.”
You let your mind get hazier as Hoseok continued his thrusting. As his pace grew erratic, he pressed hot, needy kisses over your neck and face. With a final thrust, he stilled and groaned as his cock twitched inside you. He pulled out of you slowly, kissing you sweetly as he withdrew. He tied up the condom, wrapped it in a few tissues and tossed it in his trash can before returning to the couch. He got back on the couch and he kissed you again.
“We should clean up,” you whispered, smoothing your hands over his hair.
“A few more minutes,” he asked, laying down near you. “Just a few more minutes like this first.”
"Remind me to thank Seijin later," you murmured, your face buried in the gentle curve between Hoseok's neck and shoulder.
"Please don't," he begged.
He laughed though and you smiled, enjoying the sound. You were draped over him, your bare chests still pressed together and your legs tangled. Both of you were only in your underwear, having stripped back down after visiting the bathroom to clean up, and now enjoying a post-sex cuddle session. He stroked your back with one hand, the other woven together with one of yours. You shifted and kissed him sweetly.
"Can we stay together tonight?" He asked. "I know we've spent a lot of time together today, but I just want to stay close. I'll be busy all tomorrow and won't have much time to hang out. And the next day we have a sound check and then the concert…"
"It's okay," you said, one hand soothing over his arm. "Of course we can stay together. I want to be close with you too."
Your soulmate smiled and squeezed you tightly. You shivered, the air conditioning in the room up too high. Hoseok pulled down a blanket from the back of the couch and draped it over your bodies. Sighing contentedly, you snuggled deeper into him.
"I want to stay just like this," you admitted.
"I do too, but we have to leave soon."
And, as if it'd heard him, Hoseok's phone started to buzz. You grabbed it off the floor and handed it to him.
"I know, I know," he groaned as he answered the call. "We're coming." You weren't sure who he was talking to, but you watched your soulmate roll his eyes dramatically. "Just let me save what I'm working on and we'll be down, okay eomma ?"
"Your mom?" You asked after he hung up.
"No, Jin."
You laughed. He motioned for you to sit up, and the two of you started sorting through the pile of clothes on the floor. As you tried to smooth your hair to make it look less tousled, you stole a few more glances at your soulmate.
"Hey, Hoseokie?"
"Yeah?"
"You said in the car that you all had stuff to work on today. Was this what you had scheduled?"
Hoseok threw his head back, laughing. "No, I was supposed to be editing a song. But I have time tomorrow to work on it."
"I didn't mean to distract you."
"Trust me," he smiled and hugged you, "this was far more enjoyable. But, in the future, I'll put it on the schedule if you'd prefer."
"It's cute that you assume there will be a future," you smirked, feeling bold.
Again, he laughed, knowing there was no truth behind your words. You leaned up and pressed a final kiss to his lips, knowing that you wouldn't be able to cling to him in the halls as you wanted to. Hoseok handed you your mask and baseball hat, and the two of you left to join the others.
A/N: Despite reading smut for longer than some of you have been able to read, and potentially longer than some have been alive, this was my first time writing smut. It was intimidating to post it to AO3 for the first time, and it's just as intimidating to post it here. But I hope you enjoyed.
