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Take me with that secret.
When I open my eyes...

That week, you made sure you drank the portion daily to safeguard yourself from accidentally bumping into Yeonjun.

The week went by like a whirlwind. And Thursday was creeping up on you like a thief in the night, barely giving you a moment to breathe.

The leadership group was set to depart from the school gate at 5 p.m. Thursday afternoon to Dolsan Island, and your heart was pounding with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

The previous days had been a frenzy of activity, with each team's leadership working tirelessly to perfect their performances for the camp's final evening.

The teachers had planned a little concert, which was adding more pressure to all the team leaders. Eunwoo, with the help of Chaeyoung, organized your two items that you will perform. Eunwoo and you will collaborate on a classical violin and piano piece. You've been practicing every free period.

Yuna and the two other boys on the team will not go to camp. Yuna had an evaluation pending at her agency. She is in a pre-debut group. Yeji only accepted five of your team members, mostly the leaders of the team.

So it will be Eunwoo, you, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Seulgi. Chaeyoung, Dahyun, and Seulgi will play a rock piece. Dahyun will be on the keyboard, Chaeyoung will play the electric quitar, and Seulgi will play the drums. She plans to debut in a rock band as a drummer and vocalist. They sounded so good.

The teachers plan lots of activities for Friday through Sunday. The school gave the camp group Monday off, as you will return home on Monday. There will be team-building exercises in every spare moment, which will most likely leave everyone exhausted but exhilarated.

You heard there will be rafting, tug-of-war, and even military games, which you dread. The Sunday will be a Sunday with lots of food, and the evening will be the concert. You heard awards will be handed out for the best-performing teams.

Amidst the chaos of the week, you don't believe how you managed to evade Yeonjun, who seemed desperate to find you. Every time you saw him, you slipped away, careful not to draw Yeji or her group's attention.

You and your group of friends spent your lunch breaks on the rooftop with Eunwoo, enjoying the secluded spot and its aerial view of the sports grounds. You couldn't believe how relieved you were when you heard that the TXT idol group, including Yeonjun, would be away for promotions for two days before Thursday.

It gave you time to let the potion fully integrate into your system, hoping it would work as Aunt Ines had promised. Aunt Ines is still enjoying her time with your grandma in Korea. She will only go if everything has been settled.

You wondered why Aunt Ines looked so sad after your return from Mexico. You hope she will find rest and closure.

On Wednesday, during lunch, you sat on the roof, enjoying the heat.

Since Monday, you have made it a point to avoid Yeonjun for the amusement of your friends. They knew you had the hots for the cute idol, but you just want to stay off his and his girlfriend's radar. Jake, the head monitor of the grade 12 (year 3) class, was so charming. When he told you to only wash the glass interior doors of the dance studio, he signed your slip in front of a smug Yeji.

He told Yeji you cleaned the studio also, which you obviously didn't do. You did your punishment during your free periods. It kept you away from Yeonjun.

He seemed to be looking for you with a strange urgency, and you didn't want to risk any encounters and potentially half-bond with him. This experience was supposed to be the most exciting and a rite of passage that you should have eagerly awaited, but now you have to run away from it. You wouldn't experience the awesome wonder of that first sight-the love, emotional rollercoaster feelings, and euphoria when your soulmarks accept each other.

On the roof top.

"This place is so peaceful," you said, sitting down and opening your lunchbox filled with assorted Korean food and snacks. "I love watching everything from up here."

You offer some of the gimbap and Korean fried chicken to your friends. You love to eat from each other's lunchboxes.

Eunwoo nodded, smiling, his eyes squinting from the heat. "It's like our little escape from all the chaos below."

You felt a wave of relief when you heard about the TXT idol group's promotions.

Chaeyoung drank a sip of her chocolate milk and said, "I'm so jealous that TXT had to go for promotions in Busan for two whole days. No school work; when they get back tomorrow, we will be on the bus to the camp. It gave them more time to relax," she said with a regretful click of the tongue.

You just smiled because you loved his absence. You didn't have horrific visions of anybody, but the nightmarish dreams were still there; the only strange vision you got was a clear view of Dahyun crying.

Eunwoo stood up with an apologetic look. "Girl, please excuse me. I almost forgot the meeting with Yeji to finalize our performance. I'll see you girls later."

He grabbed his backpack, threw a huge packet of snacks on your lap, and told you to enjoy. He waved at you and walked to the fire escape exit.

Chaeyoung, looking relieved, because now you can talk girly stuff, "You know, I intercepted Dahyun when she was about to confront Soobin about his new girlfriend. That could have been a disaster."

You both look at Dahyun's pursed lips. She is still not okay with it.

You looked at Dahyun, feeling a pang of concern. "I keep having these 'dreams' of you crying, but I can't tell if they mean anything serious. At least you didn't embarrass yourself. Soobin is cute, but he is strict."

You didn't want to let them know about your visions. It's almost as if the oracle's influence is still lingering. You nodded, trying to console yourself with the thought that at least she wasn't in immediate danger. It seemed the Oracles power truly backed off a little.

Dahyun shrugged, trying to smile. "I'm fine, really. Maybe your dreams don't mean anything. I did cry, though. I haven't felt very physically well since last week. Erm, my mom took me to the doctor, and we are waiting for my blood test. So maybe that was it. I know I might be a delulu about what Soobin is concerned about, but I like him so much, guys. It physically made me sick just seeing him with 'her'." Her eyes were teary, and you just rubbed her back. She sighs deeply.

Everybody was concerned in the class when they saw the very cheerful Dahyun in a melancholic mood. All the teachers were asking her to stay behind to talk to her. They were afraid of the depression signs, and they thought if they didn't address them, it might be too late.

......

You were having a chat with your Aunt Ines on Wednesday evening. A little privacy from your family was granted, but your aunt looked serverly troubled. She discussed with you the best way to avoid your soulmate at all cost.

Aunt Ines inhaled deeply, her worry evident, "Luna, you must try to avoid your soulmate. I'm not sure if we had ample time for the potion to thoroughly work through your system. One accidental eye contact may be catastrophic. The Oracle might resurface and start the tug-of-war fight with the system," she insisted.

"But Aunt Ines, I don't want to kiss him to soulblind him," you protested. "It's too risky, and he's dating someone else. The girl already hates me and tries to make my life at school miserable. I don't want to cause any drama, especially at camp. I just had to worm my way into helping in the kitchen and slip the portion into the food, but there won't be a success guarantee. He is very picky with food; he might not touch the doctored foodstuffs," you say with fear laced in your voice.

Aunt Ines sighed, "You just need to get the potion into his system. Ingesting through food, or you must drink it, and find a way to kiss him. Just one kiss, which he made with the portion on your tongue. It will soulblind him for a year, and you'll be free to live your life, dear. I know the sacrifice is difficult. We dealt with the Oracle's wrath, but when it comes to soulmates, the Oracle will want to get involved, competing fiercely for you against the system."

You bit your lips,a very  worried expression was on your face, "Aunt Ines, what if the portion isn't really settled and I kiss him? We will feel the burning sparks immediately which will surely expose me. Those half-bonding and sparks you have to only experience when you are over 18 years old and when your destined to meet your soulmate . Gosh  I'm  just turned 17. Aunt Ines. This is messed  up so bad. He might if lucky feel the awareness of liking me earlier and he doesn't like me like that. The system prepares for him to actually bond when I'm 18 years old, but right now he doesn't feel only a liking for me, Aunt Ines. He has full bonding awareness and a definite pull to me, and even if I'm far away, his eyes and soul are always searching for my presence. It's like he looked calm and relieved with me in his vicinity. He doesn't understand it, Aunt Ines. He is so confused."

You shook your head sadly. You yearn to be with him, comfort him, and tell him that you love him. But you can't. The moment you confess those words, the Oracles' wrath will be ignited against the system. And you are not ready to choose. Soulbinding will safeguard you for a year not to choose.

After your chat with your aunt, you went to bed.

Later, Aunt Ines revealed the true demand of the oracle to your father and grandmother.

The ominous prophecy of the shaman talks about appeasing the oracle was hard to swallow. Her family was appalled that the Oracle wants a life for a life. Luna needs to be protected at all times.

Poor Luna mustn't know it, became she could easily sacrifice herself for her family.

Aunt Ines assured them she had a plan that wouldn't require anyone to die.

"When Luna got the spiritual attack, the shaman got a prophecy. A life must be exchanged to appease the oracle; remember, blood sacrifices are what this is all about. This family already paid dearly for Jose misstep, and right now, fortunately no one in Luna's generation has died, but until she makes that choice."

The weariness is evident in Aunt Ines tone. Since she came from Mexico,she was plaque with inner turmoil.

"Luna doesn't know this? Oh my goodness," your grandmom said in shock. "She believes the restoration of the relics was the only thing the Oracle demanded.Her visions are minimal, and only the nightmares remain. We can't tell her the truth-she might sacrifice herself to save us all. Poor Luna loves her dear family unconditionally and evil cannot prevail."

Lunas dad was a little concerned and with a little desperation asked," How can the oracle be stopped.It wants the blood sacrifice. I can't let Luna go through the stress and heartache. Her mom died because of this curse. Luna will get a mental breakdown if she had to loose Samuel, her young cousins or worse her soulmate. She will become insane with grief."

Ines's eyes sparkled with sheer determination. "Nobody needs to make that sacrifice. I have an idea, so relax."

Aunt Ines smiled, but when she left the living room, her face turned into a grimace. Unfortunately, there is no other way they can appease the Oracle.

.....

On Thursday- departure day

By 5 p.m., the school gates were buzzing with excitement. Parents chatted animatedly, seeing their children off with warnings to be careful, etc.

You made sure you put your thick black jacket and black turtle neck top on with your denim jeans and converse sneakers, it will be cold at camps sites. You might arrived near 8pm at your destinations. It is a three hour bus ride.

Your brother, Sammy, hugged you tightly, whispering, "Be careful, Luna. I'm going to miss you for these three days. Enjoy your camp and, for goodness sake, socialize!"

Sammy's shoulder got a shove as you just smirk

Your family is seeing you off, hoping you enjoy the weekend away. You gave all your family tight hugs especially when you see your aunt's soft smile when she returned the hug,

  "Be strong and be successful in your mission. It's now or never, Luna. Everything is in your court now." She kissed you on the cheek as you nodded, whispering back.

"Tía, es el chico con el sombrero negro, la chaqueta azul de la marina y los pantalones de suéter negro. La rubia en sus brazos junto a él es su novia.(Auntie, Ines, just check it out. He is the boy standing  with the black cap, navy blue jacket, and black sweater pants. The blonde girl ext to him, in his arms is his girlfriend. 'You strangled it out. He is still affected by the affection he shows to Yeji.

Aunt Ines eyes discreetly looked at the group of boys with three girls surrounding them. She was surprised when she saw his discreet stares directed at their family, but specifically at her beautiful niece.

"Lo veo. (I see,)" Aunt Ines whispered, still having you in her embrace. "Good luck. Your presence made him highly aware."

You inhaled deeply as you nodded and also gave your grandmother a hug. Sammy escaped to talk to Huening Kai, who came to see his group off.

All the luggage, duvets, and pillows were piled up near the big, covered, double-decked luxury coach.

You smile at your family as they are prepared to leave. Your friends were also waving at their parents.

You sigh deeply as you wave at them in the car. A soft voice spoke behind you, startling you out of your reverie.

"We should sit on top," Chaeyoung suggested to you as she linked her arm with yours and pulled you towards your group. You could feel intense eyes on you, but you kept your face downcast. This will be the most difficult weekend of your life.

The boys, standing with their teams, buzzed with excitement. The dance team looked so cool, with some practicing their moves. Soobin, Taehyun, and Yeonjun stood laughing with some girls from their class.

Your heart ached as you discreetly watched Yeonjun and Yeji embrace lovingly.

Yeji looked so radiant and utterly gorgeous and the open affection between your soulmate and her, brought a deep ache in your heart. The yearning to be close to Yeonjun intensified daily. You so grateful that Aunt Ines made sure to rub the portion on your soulmark this whole week. She bandaged it to dull the steering pain if you are in Yeonjuns vicinity. But it did nothing to dull the ache in your heart.

"Luna, can you believe how hectic this week has been?" Chaeyoung asked, adjusting her backpack with all the travel snacks. You stood near the bus, surrounded by luggage and excited students.

You were shaking your head in reply, smiling," True! Gosh those rehearsals were daunting. I'm glad the camp site has all the various instruments, so i don't need to bring my violin. "

A thoughtful expression was etched on Dahyuns face," Yeah, our teachers really planned to kill us off with all the planned activities. At least Chaeyoung and I can enjoy our first time leadership camp. We so hyped up. I know we're going to have an amazing time. And there are prizes also."

Seulgi joined in: "Not to mention all the team-building exercises. I already feel the weariness just of the thought of it."

Eunwoo just grinned,as he throw his arms over your tiny shoulders,"Be glad you all survive to see this day. We all work so hard and now you will see everyone's hardwork will pay off.

You just smirk as you look up in his sparkling eyes.
Both of you were oblivious to the discreet narrowed gazed of 'someone eyes' you unbeknownst receive.

.......

It was a very strange feeling that Yeonjun experienced as he discreetly looked at the soft smiling Luna. Whenever he set his eyes upon her, he could feel the erractically thumping of his heart in his chest. The contricted feeling doesn't want to leave him, like a serpent that coiled around his heart.

Why is he so aware of this 17 year old girl. He just couldn't comprehend it.

He talked to his hyungs at the agency, who had their soulmates already. They were all confused that he was experiencing intense awareness of a girl who was 17 years old. It was not a feeling of being in love, but it was a sure pre-bonding awareness.

They were all confused because this pre-bonding meant Yeonjun was destined to half-bond with the girl. He was constantly thinking about her, even dreaming of her in his arms, which made him feel more hormonal than ever...and guilty as he is dating Yeji till they find their soulmates, but Yeji's eighteenth birthday is a few days after the camp, and then they will know if the awareness kicks in and if they are destined soulmates because they already liked each other.

The only problem that Yeonjun is facing is that he is already feeling the intensity of the soulbound awareness, but with seventeen-year-old Luna, the girl he rejected a few weeks ago.

.....

A/n : The dreaded camp departure arrived!

Thank you to all the readers, voters and commenters. This book, is heading to the final and I hope you've enjoy the journey thus far.

1. What do you think Luna must do?...place portion in food or try to kiss Yeonjun?

2. Any ideas why Dahyun was crying in Lunas vision?

3. If Luna is aware of the Oracles' demand,do you think she will be the blood sacrifice?