The days following my return from Seokjin’s apartment were marked by a heavy sense of introspection. I had been left with a whirlwind of emotions and revelations that needed time to settle. The realization that the friends I had grown so close to were not just members of BTS but were also bound to me by a deep, mystical connection was overwhelming. It wasn’t just the secrecy that stung; it was the profound nature of what they had revealed and the implications it had for our relationship.

The first few days, I barely left my apartment. I immersed myself in my studies, throwing myself into the criminal psychology assignments that had been piling up.  I was almost done with my graduation, just a few more days and then I would be done. My birthday had passed, I had received birthday wishes from all seven, but I chose to ignore them and focus on my studies.

It was an attempt to create a distraction, to find some semblance of normalcy amid the chaos of my emotions. But no matter how much I tried to focus on my work, my thoughts kept drifting back to the seven men who had become such an integral part of my life.

The apartment felt eerily quiet without their presence. I missed their conversations, their laughter, and even the teasing that had become a staple of our time together. But the revelations about their true identities and the mystical bond we shared had made everything feel different. The connection they had described was profound and complex, and I needed time to understand what it meant for me and for us.

For the fourth time this week, I ignored my phone. The constant buzz of notifications had become a background hum in my life, but now it was a source of irritation. Calls and texts from Namjoon, Jungkook, Yoongi, Hoseok, Taehyung, Jimin, and Seokjin went unanswered. I wasn’t ready to face them, not yet. I wasn’t sure if I even had the words to express what I was feeling.

One afternoon, as I sat by my window, watching the leaves fall from the trees, I decided to take a walk to clear my mind. I wandered through the city streets, the crisp autumn air feeling both invigorating and sobering. The vibrant colors of the changing leaves seemed to reflect my own internal transformation—there was beauty in the change, but also a sense of loss and uncertainty.

I found myself at a park, a quiet space that offered a reprieve from the bustling city. Sitting on a bench, I let my thoughts drift. The concept of soulmates was both intriguing and daunting. The idea that these seven men were linked to me in such a profound way was difficult to grasp. I wondered about the nature of our connection, what it meant for my future, and how it would affect my relationships with them.

I had already noticed that I had seven tattoos, resembling thier natures scattered across my body, a proof that all this was real.

As I sat in contemplation, I received a text notification. It was from Namjoon:

*“Ava, I hope you’re doing okay. We’ve been worried about you. Please let us know if you’re ready to talk.”*

I stared at the message, feeling a pang of guilt. I knew they were reaching out because they cared, but I wasn’t ready to engage. I needed time to process everything on my own, without the pressure of their expectations or concerns.

Over the next few days, the routine continued. I avoided social interactions and focused on my own mental and emotional well-being. I spent hours reading, journaling, and reflecting on the nature of the bond that had been described to me. It was a time of self-discovery and introspection, as I grappled with the idea of a mystical connection and what it meant for my life.

During this period, I also made a conscious effort to reconnect with myself. I visited places that had once brought me joy—museums, parks, and quiet cafés. These moments of solitude were essential for me to regain my sense of self amidst the storm of new information.

Despite the solace I found in my solitary routine, I couldn’t completely shake the feeling of isolation. The absence of the boys’ presence was palpable. I missed their support and the sense of belonging they provided. However, the space I created for myself was necessary for me to understand my feelings and come to terms with the new dynamics of our relationship.

One evening, as I sat by my desk, reflecting on my journal, I found myself considering the future. I had written about the pain of the secrecy, the complexity of the soulmate bond, and my hopes for resolution. I realized that while the process of understanding and acceptance was difficult, it was an essential step in moving forward.

The next morning, I finally decided to reach out. I couldn’t ignore their messages forever, and I knew that if I wanted to maintain the connections that had become so important to me, I needed to face the situation head-on. I drafted a message to the group:

*“Hi everyone. I’ve had some time to think and reflect on everything. I want to talk, but I need to do it in person. Can we meet up sometime this week? I think it’s important for us to discuss everything face-to-face.”*

I sent the message and immediately felt a sense of relief. It was a step towards reconciliation and understanding, and it was a move towards rebuilding the trust and connection that had been strained by the secrecy.

The responses came quickly, filled with a mix of relief and eagerness. They all agreed to meet up at a café that we had frequently visited before. The familiarity of the place, coupled with the opportunity to discuss things openly, felt like a good starting point for healing.

As the day of our meeting approached, I found myself feeling a mix of anticipation and apprehension. I was ready to face the reality of our situation and to seek clarity on the path forward. The time I had taken for myself had been invaluable, but now it was time to re-engage with the people who mattered to me and to address the complexities of our bond.

The journey ahead would undoubtedly be challenging, but I felt prepared to face it with a clearer perspective. I hoped that our conversation would lead to a better understanding of our connections and a renewed sense of trust and friendship.