I was currently sitting in front of a coffee table and trying my best to study.

Key word is trying.

Around me sat the others in various positions, whether it be sprawled out on the floor, resting on the couch, or near me at the table.

Namjoon told me that we should do a 'study date that doesn't count as an actual date' after we left the movie theater. It appears he wasn't that quiet as the others all agreed; however, he only meant for it to be just us.

Now I was getting ticked off as I tried to read over the same English paragraph for the tenth time in a row yet still couldn't register the words in my brain as Jungkook squeezed me from behind and Taehyung kept poking my cheek at random intervals. Hoseok and Jimin's loud laughs resonated around the room at the comedy they were watching.

The only ones who weren't quite so bothersome was Jin who was simply reading on the couch while holding hands with Yoongi who was silently scrolling through his phone. Namjoon was sitting across from me and was definitely ahead of me on the same English packet that we started at the same time an hour ago.

"You're getting annoyed again. Your eye is twitching." Taehyung's voice held a teasing lilt to it as he leaned forward and tried to catch my eye.

"Yes. Yes I am. Great observation skills Sherlock."

"Why thank you. It wasn't the hardest case to crack, but was a good warm-up for those particular skills."

"It seems your skills are lacking if you haven't noticed that you are contributing to the current plans of murder."

Namjoon let out a snort as Taehyung backed off with a gasp.

"How are you not bothered Joon?"

Namjoon glanced up at me before looking back down and letting his peach pink bangs brush over his eyes lightly before he swiftly swiped them away.

"You grow used to their presence."

Jungkook let out a cute chuckle in my ear as he rests his head on my shoulders. Previously he had rested his head on my back while he looked down and scrolled through his phone on his lap.

"Say, haven't you been on the same page for the past couple minutes."

I let out an aggravated sigh as Namjoon finally looked up and over my paper.

"Are you having trouble with it?"

"Yes? No? I don't know! I'm just not used to the loud noises and people around me. It's all irritating and I can't focus."

Jungkook's hold slightly loosened from around me as Namjoon gave me a sympathetic look.

"I'm sorry. I was annoying you huh." Jungkook's voice lowered dramatically and I could practically hear the pout that formed as he further detached himself.

"No, no. I'm sorry. I'm just- I don't know." I turned over my shoulder while grabbing hold of Jungkook's arm before it could unwrap from around my waist.

"I think you are a bit overwhelmed at the moment from the change of atmosphere and us being around you. Add on the addition of stress from the upcoming finals and you've brewed yourself a nice response. C'mere." Jin scooted over and patted the spot between him and Yoongi.

"I'm fine."

"It's only a small break. You've been studying for the past hour and you need to look away for a bit. Jimin lower the volume, why don't we all relax for a bit. That counts for you too, bookworm." Yoongi directed everybody with a calm attitude.

I sighed before resigning and slowly stood up. I turned and ruffled Jungkook's hair as he looked up with doe eyes.

"You didn't annoy me Kook, I'm sorry for saying that. I was just..."

"It's okay. I know." Jungkook smiled up at me as I smiled back and boop his nose before making my way over to the couch. Settling myself against the fluffy seat, I nestle against Jin's chest as Yoongi rubs my shoulders.

The comedy was set at a low volume as everyone seemed to sit back and read the silent subtitles. Taehyung had scooted over to accompany Jungkook and both laid on the floor.

After a minute, I feel Jin slightly shift as he rests his head atop my own.

"Do you feel a bit better?"

My face burns a bit at his actions but nonetheless slightly nod.

"Okay. If you ever feel uncomfortable with anything we are doing, you should let us know. We will respect your boundaries."

"It's not that you guys are making me feel 'uncomfortable' per se. It's more that I'm not used to your presence in such an... intimate way I suppose. I never expected so much interaction at once."

The others seem to nod in understanding as I just close my eyes in thought.

❀♡❀

I mull over the fact that a lot has definitely happened between me and the guys in regards to our 'soulmate bond'.

Bonds in general are like a separate entity from the individuals. In a sense the individuals themselves aren't meant to be, but their souls are.

A kiss is what starts the bond as it recognizes both individuals as soulmates, however after that the bond must be nurtured by physical touch as their hearts grow accustomed to each other's beats. It's why the heart begins to ache if the connection between a pair is neglected or severed. Tingles and fireworks occur every time two soulmates kiss and overtime the feeling doesn't exactly subside, but both individuals rather grow accustomed to it.

Scientists explain that souls recognize one another with lip to lip contact due to it being such an intense interaction that somehow connects two souls to each other and allows both individuals to recognize each other as a pair. Souls don't appear to discriminate against factors such as gender or nationality, it is rather the predestined connection of two beings.

Multiple soulmates are a rare phenomenon because for a soul to be matched with multiple others, it is very challenging for both the individuals and their souls. For multiple soulmates to be together, each must assure they give time for all of the souls to connect and trust which may be difficult if one connection to a soul was less fostered compared to others.

The stage of bonding is where two bonds fully trust each other and accept one another. With this, the connection and link between feelings is intertwined between the individuals and they have the ability to feel phantom feelings of strong emotions.

I don't believe I've felt much from Yoongi's end, but I feel intertwined with him. With the others I feel as though I need their presence because we belong, but with Yoongi I feel like we're stuck together. It's both prominent and subtly different.

❀♡❀

A slight nudge on my shoulder is what spurred me back to consciousness.

"Huh? What?"

I blearily opened my eyes as I looked up at Namjoon's smiling face.

"You took a brief nap, but I'm not sure if you want to continue with the packet. I can help you with it if needed."

"Oh did I? Nice." I leaned off of Jin and briefly stretched my arms.

"By all means, let's continue." I tiredly beamed up at Namjoon as he offered his hand. Taking it, he helped me up and gently guided me back to my seat. This time, he took a seat on the right side of me as he seemed to have moved his supplies over already.

"I can help you. I am here to help."

❀♡❀

Shit. Shit. Shit.

The girls said that they wanted to go to a party on Friday night.

It is currently Friday night. The party will start in two hours and I was hiding in my bed.

The guys definitely knew I was up to something because we always hung out on Fridays. After my shift, I often would go over and hang out with them to play video games.

Today I told them I had to wash my hamster.

I don't have a fucking hamster. They know that I don't have a rodent as a house pet but I definitely raised their suspicions when my dumbass decided to speed to my apartment in a panic after what I randomly blurted out since it was the first random excuse I thought of.

And now I was feeling attacked when I received a call from a very annoyed Sana who knew I was trying to ditch the party.

She simply ended the call with, "You need to get your ass up! Party starts soon. We'll pick you up at 8 sharp. No ands, ifs, or buts."

❀♡❀

It took a lot of effort to actually get me out of the bed and will myself to prepare for a public gathering that I really didn't want to attend.

I sported on a simple velvet maroon bodycon dress. It had a decently deep V-neck with a slightly lowered area on the back. It went half-way down my thigh which unnerved me just a bit. I paired it with simple black wedge combat boots that I thought would bring some edge at least. With my hair down and natural, I put on minimal makeup since I bet it was dark and I definitely wasn't trying to attract too much attention.

With the time ticking, I simply grabbed my phone and stuffed it in my left combat boot since it was small enough to fit. Why bother with a purse when you can be innovative?

Sighing at my reflection for one last time, I resignedly turn and proceed to turn off the lights from each room before finally reaching the living room.

Then I panicked as soon as I opened the door.

❀♡❀

On the other side was Yoongi with his hand poised to knock. Behind him was Hoseok and Jimin.

All three stared at me in shock as I reflected the same expression.

After a couple seconds, Hoseok's the first to recover and splutter a response.

"W-What the- Where do you think you're going looking like that?"

"Like what?" I try to hide my outfit behind the door but it clearly wouldn't work.

"Are you planning on going to a party? Without telling us!" Jimin's voice rose in volume as did his eyebrows.

"Shh. I- well, yes? But the girls really wanted me to go and dragged me with them."

"But of all outfits, that one? No way, that is too revealing."

"Huh? But I think this is fine. I don't have time to change and no one will be looking anyway."

"Oh people will definitely be looking." Yoongi's jaw seemed to clench and I tensed up.

"I don't intend to hook up with somebody. I would just sit in the corner! Promise!"

"Uh-huh. There are still lots of guys there and you'll be a sitting duck in that co-"

My phone dinged with a notification. Reaching down and pulling it out, I glance at it to see Nayeon's impatient response saying they were there.

"They are here. I have to go." I winced as I glanced up to see all their angry stares.

"Who's party?" Yoongi's voice was strained and held a gravelly undertone.

"Uh, I don't know?"

"I said who's party?"

"I seriously don't know! They just said they would take me and bring me back."

I was stuck in a staring contest with him before I couldn't help but look away. I stepped forward and shut the door behind me.

"I'm going to go. I won't do anything bad. I won't even drink. I promise, but it's also not like you can tell me what to do."

"Well you could have given us a heads up." Jimin crossed his arms with a frown.

"Okay? But then you guys would have refused to let me go! And now that I'm about to go, what else could you have done?"

They stayed silent as I glanced at them with a determined look.

"Alright. I'm going now. Please don't tell the others and have them freak out too. I'll be back soon." I turn and stride over to the elevator. I could feel their stares burning into my back, and their actions were confirmed when I entered the elevator and turned to see them still watching me just as the doors shut.

I felt a small seed of guilt because they are my soulmates, but another part of me felt rebellious. This is my first house party and with the girls I really want to at least have this experience. 

Even though I've successfully left, I feel as though I haven't escaped.

❀♡❀

The girls decided to stop by a fast food restaurant and eat dinner before partying. We looked stupid as we were basically a group of dressed up college girls in a crusty restaurant.

It was a really fun time though as we joked around about funny conversation topics and what we would do at the party. They especially teased me about the pranks I actually fell for throughout the week.

They seriously got me good just a couple times.

Let's just say that some noteworthy ones were when all the contacts on my phone changed into random names from Disney characters, I got pied in the face as soon as I stepped into our sleepover, and worst was when my ringtone changed.

That one had to be the most embarrassing time in art as 'Deep Throat' by Cupcakke played at the highest volume setting during a lecture. And Momo was discreetly trying to hide the call button she sported with my contact on it.

In any case, it was not a fun week for me, but would probably remain as great memories. Now my punishment ends.

❀♡❀

We pulled up to a large house in two cars. You could tell this was the party based on the music that could be heard from outside and the colorful lights flashing inside. It was very nerve wracking just stepping up to it.

Dahyun had to literally drag me up the steps to the front door as some random guy opened it and let us in right away.

"Let's get this bread!" Chaeyoung cheered as she led us all straight into the house with no hesitations.

As soon as I stepped in, the atmosphere was definitely more prominent compared to seeing it from outside. The music was reverberating through the walls and I was very tempted to cover my ears. The strobe lights could be seen bouncing against the walls of the dark house with only a few dim lights lit up in various areas. Sweat and mixed fragrances of perfume and cologne bombarded my senses and I instantly stiffened. This was all observed from the doorway and it was a shock to say the least.

I was nonetheless pulled further in and followed the others' lead. I already noticed that we caught the eye of many people in the house as we stayed close to one another and somehow ended up in the kitchen with rows of alcoholic drinks and sodas. There was even a server behind the kitchen counter who asked us what we wanted. I chose only a simple soda while the others drank shots and teased me. The other two who didn't drink were Jihyo and Mina because they were the designated drivers, but they still poked fun at me too.

❀♡❀

It wasn't long before the girls insisted on retiring to the gigantic living room turned makeshift dance floor. Most seemed a bit wasted and giggled away as they joined the crowd of grinding sweaty college students.

Even Jihyo and Mina joined and I couldn't help but grimace at the thought. A flash of all the guys' smiling faces zipped through my brain and I sighed as I knew I really upset them. I glanced around and found a nice cozy spot in the corner of the room.

Ha Yoongi, I can find a spot in the corner of the room and be comfortable.

Reaching my set spot, I glance at the surrounding area and wince at the few guys who were checking me out.

Looking down at my shoes, I feel very judged and definitely uncomfortable. I just hope nobody bothers me and everybody just leaves me alone.

"Hey you here alone?"

Dammit, there goes my whole plan. Why does nothing go my way?

Looking up, I see none other than the grocery store guy.

Oh fuck.

I stare at him with an alarmed expression but his smug expression doesn't seem to lessen.

"E-excuse me?"

"On a scale from 1 to 10, you're a 9 and I'm the 1 you need."

Is this guy kidding. I gave him a blank look with no reaction or response. It appears he doesn't seem to remember me as he started to grow nervous the longer I kept silent.

"Shit, he told me that one would work." He muttered it yet I miraculously heard it over the thundering music.

"Look, I am not alone. I'm waiting for someone right now and I'd appreciate it if you stepped away from me. Also for future reference, if you want to impress a girl... don't try a pick-up line."

"Aww c'mon baby. How about, do you believe in love at first sight? Or should I walk by again."

I snorted before faking a yawn.

"How boring and cliche. Please, walking by would only give me time to leave."

"Don't be so stubborn. I think something is wrong with my eyes because I can't take them off of  you."

"Well did you know that if you close your eyes, you see nothing? Try it out and go report your findings to a doctor."

"Really? Don't be so sarcastic now, I'm really a good guy. What's your name? I may not be a genie but I can make your dreams come true."

"No comment buddy. Go find some other chick who's dumb enough to fall for your cringy and cheesy lines."

"You caught my eye though. And I'm not asking for it back just yet." He winked as I groaned in annoyance.

"I have a partner."

"No you don't."

"I do. Go away."

I brought my cup up to my lips as he seemed to lean down in a haze.

"Trust me, I can make your night more incredible than any other person could make it. You and I both know you're here alone so just ease up."

"That's a funny joke."

I nervously cast my eyes away as I tried to look for an escape.

And as if the time couldn't have been timed better, I choked into the cup I almost sipped as I made eye contact with very familiar eyes that glared a hole into my head.

❀♡❀

A/N: I actually never intended for this book to get this far. We did it. We actually reached chapter 69. You know what that means. I have too much story plot and have to wrap this thing up soon. 

I am sorry I updated so late, but I blame BangBangCon teehee. I hope you enjoyed such a great blessing because I definitely did. I just can't with how elaborate they always are. 

Question Time! Favorite albums?

I admit that I still love the Love Yourself albums. However I also love the Map of the Soul albums. Fuck it, all their albums are my favorite.