....

It was very calm in your cabin. The only sound was the soft humming of the plane's engine. You looked at Melissa, who was  sleeping so soundly. You couldn’t believe you were heading to a country you've never expected to visit.

It's not useful to stay angry at Melissa for taking you to Seoul. You would have been really happy to see your best friend after almost two months. Zen, your famous US model friend was looking forward to accommadate you with her ,she thought you would do an internship at Netmarble's office in the US, but now you have to go to Seoul where there are many sasaeng fans and a lot of attention from the K-pop world.

With your bright orange-red hair, you really won't be able to hide. Zen told you she had something important to share with you. You wondered if she and Jimmy will tie the knot.

Melissa's mom has already found her a new apartment close to work, and you don't want to take the bus or train. You talked about ways to hide your identity but with your red hair and freckles, you will stand out for sure. Plus, your face is already in an Aussie tabloid, so you knew it would be really hard to keep a low profile.

Korean magazine also plastered your face everywhere linking you to the famous idol. You just hope that your face will not bring recognition to the eagle eyed ARMY. You read all the negative social posts on social media about your alleged involvement with the star.

The toxic jealousy was too much to bear and you made sure you stayed away from those platforms. It's better for your mental health.

How will you do well at your new job when interns from all over the world are also trying to get hired? Thinking about Melissa made you pout your lips again; she made things really confusing and unnecessary tough for you.

Everyone who knows the world famous BTS  will try to hunt you down. You were thinking about dying your hair a honey blonde color and getting blue or green contact lenses instead of your warm amber eyes. Maybe you'll feel calmer and at peace in Seoul and at work.

That said, with the country's scandal culture, your time in Seoul might lead to the speculation that you and the K-pop star are certainly connected in some way.You could be in so trouble because no one is good enough for the maknae members of BTS. You saw the viciousness of the toxic fans.

You looked at your diamond watch and frowned. The flight had been going for five hours, and it was ten minutes before midnight. Although you enjoyed an amazing birthday party you had with your friends prior to your flight, you ended up spending the majority of your real birthday on the plane.

Your boyfriend is back resuming their tour schedule in America. As you speak, they are busy preparing a show in Chicago.You felt mixed emotions because you know your time with your kind and wonderful boyfriend is limited. With his quiet charm and effect, he might find his perfect match when he least expects it. You know you'll be devastated and might have trouble to let go.

Even Melissa, who really loves BTS, said that the leader of BTS, Namjoon found his soulmate in the sea of  fans during their concert in Los Angeles the previous year. Which was super cool yet dangerous.

Melissa and Janice said it was a big issue because ARMY wanted Bighit to reveal who the Belles were as promised, but the boys were not ready to tell everyone about their soulmates yet. 

You could remember two months ago when there was another dating rumor about the youngest member, JK. But it was quickly shut down, and Bighit told the media it was just a friend of the band. However, Dispatch kept chasing and stalking the band for news updates. Jungkook was staying out of the spotlight after his dating scandal with Lisa from Blackpink in December. At the award shows, many people were watching how the two ex-lovers acted around each other to see if the breakup rumors were true.

But the so called Lizkook fans were very disappointed when Jungkook completely ignored the beautiful Thai girl not to give food for more unfound rumors. Everyone saw that Lisa looked sad at the Seoul Awards because Jungkook didn’t even look at her. Even haters were having a field day. Your poor friend Zen was also implicated and you were still waiting with bated breath for the in depth story about her and her childhood friend.

You took a deep breath as you turned off the movie screen in front of you. Business class was really great. Every skybed was equipped with the latest entertainment features, offering a wide selection of pre-loaded movies and familiar games that you've enjoyed before. You could even charge your phone and listen to numerous songs on sportify

The dinner was delicious and made from the best ingredients. You and Melissa ordered different meals so you could try each other's food. An unusual sensation arose from your fingers and flowed upward along your arm. As you extend your arm forward, your eyes widen with curiosity as you observe with calculating eyes. Your fingers appeared quite red, yet they felt as if they were experiencing frost bite.

You inhaled deeply as the pain intensified.You leap out of the reclined bed, swiftly drape your blanket on the chair, and head towards the restroom at the back. You placed a forced smile when you notice a flight attendant looking concerned at your wincing facial expression. It's a good thing your seats were located in the middle sections, as you were in the business class.Offered by your new intern company. It helped you not to disturb Melissa.

When you closed the restroom  door, you felt your breath hitched painfully , and the feeling in your fingers and arms started to ache more. Your eyes  widen in sheer astonishment as a sudden, intense pain, like to a thousand needles, begins piercing  your skin.

You embraced your burning arm as you try to massage the burning pain away, but it doesn't help. You pressed your lips together to keep from sobbing out loud as you watched in surprise a beautiful invisible pen begin to write the word '사랑' on an unusual spot in light purple ink

You glanced at your arm in confusion, struggling to grasp that you had just received a late whisperer mark on your 23rd birthday. The surprise made you jump up from the closed toilet seat.

"Oh holy dooley!!" you whispered, still sounding like you couldn't believe it. You just couldn't quite believe it. Wow You and Jimin are meant to find your destined soulmates.

You took a deep breath and wiped your face with trembling hands.

Oh wow! What if we're both destined to be with other soul mates? Jimin will never accept this, so no one will have any claim over you anymore.He told you he will fight for you with everything.You've already harden your own delicate heart to give up on him when he's meet his destiny.

How can you possibly make him choose you when the system assigns him a better half, even if it's too a late soulmate? Because no matter what, you've heard firsthand from your old man and his wife that it's virtually impossible for a late whisperer reject a mate. Who would want to reject the one who is meant for you? Late Whisperers are even rarer, being 99% blue thread and less than 1% red gold.

The protective nature of the blue string makes rejection impossible, because it is easy to fall in love after being in each other's presence for so long. Your heart sank as you felt your eyes begin to burn. A few tears welled up in your eyes as you realized there was no hope for a happy ending.

What was even more severe was that your soulmark was written in Korean or it looked like Korean Hangul but you weren't sure. What if your soulmate is here in Korea but it turns out it's not Jimin?

You love Jimin with all your heart, so how could you both ever let go of each other? Jimin has promised to do whatever it takes to be with you, even if it means rejecting his true mate.

But fear creeps into your mind—how can you send him a picture of your soulmark beforehand? What if it doesn’t match? The thought alone could shatter both of you and lead to even deeper sadness and depression. You rather wait till you are lucky to meet face to face.

You dab your eyes with a soft tissue, deciding to wash away the lone tears and not dwell on the troubling "what ifs."

Back in your seat, you struggle to drift off to sleep. The cabin is dimly lit, with most passengers lost in their dreams. Your gaze wanders to those across from you. Some are peacefully sleeping, while a businesswoman is engrossed in a financial book, jotting down notes without a hint of drowsiness. Nearby, a couple cuddles together, the woman resting her head on her husband’s shoulder, radiating happiness and contentment.
11
You check your phone and see messages from your mom, Jimin, and Samantha. A wide smile graze your face. You miss the people you love already.

Your mom: Merida, I hope you had a wonderful birthday on the flight! We'll celebrate when you land.  We’ll be at Incheon International Airport to pick you and Melissa up. Becky already miss you and it's not even a week in Seoul.She insist to  come with us and Hyun. His son will also be joining us. He is very eager to meet his new sister. We can’t wait to show you our new home. You’re going to love it!

Jimin: How was your birthday? I miss you so much, baby. It’s tough to keep my cool. Seokjin and Suga-hyung can already tell something’s off since Sydney. You know I can't hide my happiness. So,I couldn’t hide it even from Kookie and Taetae; they’re already curious about you. They even tried to find you on social media but couldn’t locate your account. Just let me know when you land in my homeland. Love you, Rubyred.

Samantha: Hey Rubs! I’m already missing you. I wish I could be there with you and Melissa; you two are so lucky to be in BTS land. Just be careful, though—Melissa will want to take you everywhere! Anything exciting happening?

You snort as you quickly send text messages. Then you took your soft blanket and cover yourself as you drift slowly to sleep.

.....
The Next Morning.

Melissa was already up and ready, dressed casually. You blinked in surprise as you felt a light touch on your skin. Swatting it away, you sat up, looking around in confusion.

"Good morning, Princess Merida," Melissa chuckled, her face amused as she applied her makeup, "Welcome back to the land of the living!"

You scrunched up your nose, "Why do you always have to do that with your makeup brush?" you asked, wiping away any leftover blush.

Melissa laughed heartily, "Ah, the trials of being 23," she said. "You've lost your sense of humor. Get up and freshen up before the others wake up. We'll be landing in an hour, and I still want a light breakfast. Hurry now!"

You furrowed your brows, wondering why Melissa was putting on her dark plum colored lipgloss when she was about to eat. Seems like a waste, you inwardly thought.

"Thanks...what's on the menu? My mother might take us out for breakfast. So let us not overeat, "She wants me to meet my new brother." You yawned.

Melissa smirked as she turned to you, "Hmm a new brother; is he hot?" She inquires teasingly.

You gave her a deadpan expression, "How would I know? With all of the antics that have happened to me, we haven't even had a chance to become acquainted. His father seems OK, but he is past fifty, so I'm not sure. Melissa, please don't flirt with him. He could have a soulmate. " You cautioned her as you gathered your clothing and toiletries bag.

Melissa informed you that she would find suitable dates in Seoul, but the light in her eyes suggests otherwise. She wants her Korean oppa. You already have one that may not even be yours, so who are you to complain?

When you notice other people in the cabin getting their bearings together, you get up and head straight to the restroom. You walked back with fresh apprehension after swiftly refreshing. You wondered what Seoul have in store for you? As you arrived at your seat, the aroma of food filled your senses.

Melissa flashed you a grin when she handed your orders to the flight attendant.

.....

The moment has come to disembark. After 10 hours, you have arrived at your destination.

You and Melissa walked to customs and then to the luggage area with your passports in hand. Incheon was enormous.

Your red hair was pulled back in a tight ballerina bun beneath a snapback, with a few strands falling loose around your ears, and you wore sunglasses. I want to see you in cognito.

You may be startled when you discover that you must deal with the same intrusive paparazzi as when you were a child star. Everyone will be interested in remembering you now. The era of time you want to forget.

Melissa uttered a shock whisper, "Holy dooley! Ruby. Seeing hundreds of people of the same race at once is rather odd. The next two months will be fascinating. She observed the bustling airport with curiosity. Her eyes sparkled with glee as if she can't believe she's in kpop country.

The Koreans were swift, and their impeccable fashion made your eyes pop. Even young people were decked up in high-end labels. According to what you've heard, this age was highly materialistic and focused on beauty. Melissa, at least, was in control of your work-related fashion visuals.

After completing every requirement and making your way to the arrival terminal, you were thrilled. The sight of two  familiar redheads that caught your attention made your eyes widen.

As Melissa pulled your baggage trolley, you linked arms with her and cracked a grin when your mother first saw you, she smiled broadly, dropped her doctor fiancé's hand, and gave you a tight embrace while Becky was behind her with a wide smile, giving you also their famous family group hug.

"Oh my beautiful Merida, welcome to Seoul. I'm so glad you safe..." She embraced you with tears in her eyes.

" Hi mom...it's so good to see you."You breathed it out against her chest. It was good to see your mom after a two weeks. It must've not easy for her to see you going through that ordeal. She was also so happy that you made up with your dad and his wife.

Becky chuckled when she greeted you, your mom was hugging Melissa also who stood there with a huge grin watching the reunion. Your mom's fiancé, Dr Hyun stood with a beaming face next to a guy you realized was his youngest son  who is also studying for a doctor.

Dr Hyun gave you a friendly bow and light side hug and you introduced your friend Melissa formally to them who they only heard about. Melissa was totally mesmerized with the Korean additions to your family.

Melissa and you exchanged amused sidelong glances at his son's attractive features when your new "brother" gracefully bowed.

"Girls, this is my younger son Taemin,"  Dr. Hyun smiled proudly as he introduced the guy," He speaks English rather well, so don't worry. He desired to see you girls and take you out.

Taemin's deep dimple -smile played hide-and-seek in his pale cheeks, "It's so great to finally meet my new sister...hey Ruby."

Out of the blue, he offered you a quick side hug.

" Good to meet you, Taemin-oppa! "You greeted him warmly.

He was much taller than you, over 1.8 metres. Dr. Hyun and your mother appeared delighted that the meeting went well.

Melissa and you both seemed surprised by the attractive guy. When he grabbed Melissa's hand gently and introduced himself, you smirked as his gaze shifted to a smiling Melissa who was openly admiring him. Melissa appeared helpless to speak, and you and Becky began to giggle at her adoring glances.

Becky whispered at your side, chuckling quietly, "Melissa looked enthralled... she nearly forgot her own name."

You snicker a little as you agree, "Oh indeed, she's going for the kill. But it seems that he like what he sees as well." You could see Taemin's amusement as his gaze swept across Melissa's stunning face. Her chocolate beauty captivated him just as much.

You were all following your mother and Dr. Hyun as they strolled in front of you. Taemin questioned both of you on your internship.  Some individuals at the airport stared at your family with curiosity, assuming you were summer tourists.

You all liked Taemin as you strolled through the massive terminal. Becky's laugh as she gestures to BTS Airport advertising banners. Your breathe hitched.

Your mum chuckled as she pointed at BTS poster, saying, "Aren't they cute? I love this one---" Your mother beamed at Dr Hyun's delighted expression as her finger caressed Jimins' face.

You inhaled deeply, your gaze drawn to the large banner with sheer affection. The group were Seoul ambassadors.Melissa squeals loudly as she takes out her cellphone, presses it into Taemin's hands, and rushes to stand in front of the massive advertisement.

"Oh, holy dooley.Taemin, snap me a lovely picture here---" She tossed her long black hair over her shoulders and pouted.

Taemin remained transfixed as he cautiously shot Melissa a couple times. Becky approached Melissa and requested that Taemin snap a photo of her near Jungkook's face.

Becky yelled at you to come closer to Jimins' face. You flushed bright red at her excitement. Without waiting, you rush up to them and pose, blowing small hearts and kisses. You will send a picture to Jimin later to let him know you arrived safely.

Dr Hyun laughs next to your mother," I see Shelley. You weren't exaggerating when you stated that your children like these guys. They are immensely popular here, even though we have more than 500 kpop idol groups."

Taemin stood with crossed arms and shook his head, saying, "They will faint if they see those boys up front.

You and Melissa simply smirk, hoping that your mother will keep your secret from her fiancé. You all walked in a relaxed manner to the parking lot.

You and Melissa were surprised by the expensive vehicles in front of you.

Dr. Hyun nodded to the black sports Mustang next to his silver grey SUV, saying, "Girls, your mum and I will go back to the hospital now...we have work until 12 p.m. Taemin will take care of you girls by offering you sightseeing around and treating you to a lovely lunch. Do you want Taemin to accompany you to your apartment afterwards? I can give Ruby my credit card so that Taemin can help you buy your groceries. Than you don't have to stress with food."

You and Melissa exchanged gleeful looks. "That will be fantastic, Dr. Hyun. But thank you, we've already set aside money for groceries---"

Taemin murmured besides you, "Take it...we might need it for extras." He grinned at you before taking his father's credit card.

You and Melissa both bow in thanks. Taemin grinned, opened the doors, and let you seat in front. He offered you a mischievous wink as you all greeted your mother and her fiancée.

Becky giggled throughout the back of the car, "Oh Ruby, shopping in Korea is a dream. You will like all of the street food. Taemin took me to the movies, and everything is quite different. I hope you brought lots of cash for all the beauty products and fashion clothes."

Melissa's eyes widened as Taemin pulled out of the airport parking lot. The sights and noises were beyond your comprehension.

Taemin smiling, "Let's go to the COEX mall and you can get all your household needs...er Melissa do you have your new home address so that I can put it into my GPS.?"

She agreed and sent him the address from her phone. Taemin smiles, "Oh, it's in Guro-gu district...I know where it is. It's around 10 minutes from Seoul. At the very least, it is not far from my father's new home in Yongsan-gu. My father wants us to return later for a home cooked supper."

You were extremely fascinated, "Oh wow! Melissa, we can easily visit my mother,"  You turn to face your radiant friend.

She was clearly at ease in BTS land. You hope she enjoys every minute of it; you can't say the same for yourself because you have to wander around in some sort of disguise.

You even purchased yourself some black-rimmed reading glasses to assist you stay incognito.

Taemin looked at Melissa and said, "Your apartment  block is close to your internship company. Fortunately, everything is within walking distance, so you only need transportation if you want to go shopping
outside of the district. Melissa, your mum did extensive research on the most amazing apartment towers for you." You pursed your lips, trying not to chuckle at Melissa's flush as her name rolled off his lips.

Your poor friend was whipped for your new brother. You couldn't dispute how attractive he was and Melissa even wondered if he hadn't been scouted for acting or singing. He told you he had offers from seven companies, but he wasn't interested in being a trainee for years since he wanted to be a specialist, despite the fact that the university and hospitals loved using him for their magazines.

You had an excellent day with Taemin as he drove you around and showed you some that surround locations He led you to a stylish coffee shop in Isadong, where you had a small breakfast.

The area was bustling with tourists, and the atmosphere made you and Melissa feel right at home. After that, he brought you to the mall, where you got all of your daily food and  necessities for your apartment. Melissa told you if you are in need for more groceries you'll just order online.

Equipped with several shopping bags the four of your strolled through the mall to the exit.

You and Melissa linked arms as you all reached the underground parkade.

Now, you off to Guro to go settle in your new living space.

.....

A/n : Ruby  landed in Seoul. What lies ahead for her and Jimin.

Thank you so much for all your loyal support. Shout out to all the commenters, votes and even the shadow readers.
MarieKarlsson3. AllaboutBTS23.

1. Do you think a disguise will keep Ruby safe?

2. Do you think Ruby must give up on Jimin?

3.Will Jimin truly reject his soulmate for Ruby?

4. Do you think Melissa found her korean-oppa?

5. Do you know what Rubys' soulmark mean?

Some eye candy for you🫠