(Even if I'm shaking and afraid, 

I walk on forward)

Samiya and her buddies had a slow day. They decided to eat lunch at the restaurant where Shruti also worked.

Daphne and Sabine were waiting for you at the top of the steps. You have to complete all of your worksheet assignments. You couldn't be more grateful for Seokjin's assistance. You sensed weird emotions radiating from your soulmate during the Korean cultural class. He appeared anxious and frustrated. You could tell immediately that his encounter with his father wasn't going to be pleasant.

Sabine and Daphne were chattering happily since they had also turned in their worksheets and assignments. These three months of language classes will fly by, and you'll begin your graduate degree studies the following semester in the new year.

You picked up your bag and exited the lecture classroom, where you greeted your professor and two group members, and strolled slowly toward the exit. A swarm of students was buzzing around campus. Several students waited on the steps of revising exam papers, while others went to the library to study or do research.

Yet you had a hole in your stomach as hunger began to take hold. You flash a dazzling smile to your two friends. You're curious about Shruti's whereabouts.

"Hey, girls!" When you rushed down the concrete stairs toward them, you greeted them.

"We're still waiting for Shruti, Sami. She texted me to say we won't be dining at the lecturers' cafeteria but instead going to Restio for fast food. That's terrific "Daphne's blue eyes gleamed.

Sabine grins, "I'm craving a juicy burger. I'll start dieting tomorrow!"

You inquire gently, "Now, where is Shruti?"

You were suddenly aware of a whirlwind of a presence surrounding you. It was Shruti.  You were all taken aback by her bewildered manner.

"And now, girl. Did you run a marathon!"Daphney chuckled.

Shruti giggles nervously "... no, let's just leave quickly. I've already wasted your time."

You were perplexed as to why Shruti seemed so out of place today. Her entire manner appeared to be preoccupied. She had a calm and serene look this morning, but you can see her eyes darting back and forth to the large glass entryway.

"Are you all OK, Shruti?" You inquire as she links her arm with yours. Her big, expressive smile doesn't reach her eyes.

"I'll tell you at the restaurant. That's why I wanted us to leave campus for a while." She murmured and pulled you behind the other two buddies.

When you all walked along the unis' pathways towards the coffee shop, Daphne and Sabine were giggling over some amusing social media posts.

You just nod and press your palm on hers to reassure her that you are there for her.

Her eyes were troubled, but she was still beaming and acting like herself with the girls.

Daphne's eyes widen as she takes her first glance at your outfit. Her jaw dropped open as she grabbed your arm, bringing you to a standstill. The quick gasp causes you to look up.

"Oh my goodness! Sami. I was simply admiring your amazing BTs hoodie. It's adorable, "When she gazed at the 'Army logo,' she gasped in amazement.

For the first time, everyone spotted the Midriff hoodie. Sabine whimpered that she, too, wished for one like that.

You just chuckle and shrug it off, saying, "I didn't have time this morning, so I got one of Alias's merch.  She owns about eight BTS hoodies and t-shirts. Most of it was about  Jungkook.   So I was happy with this one."

"No surprise. I once saw Alia wearing this hoodie. With your frizzy disheveled hairdo, you nearly look like her." Shruti grinned as she touched your curly hair. You just chuckle. They won't even realize you stole one of Alia's favorite hoodies. Oh right, she gave you one, so you'll grab one.

"I know right," you grin as you walked into the coffee shop. Shruti will not be on duty at the shop.

When you grabbed a seat near the counters, the manager greeted you all with a wide smile. He casually hugged Shruti. He seemed to be enchanted by her.

"I could devour a horse. What happened to the waitress?" Sabine inquired as she took a glance around. A few students were seated at tables near you.

Shruti scoffed at Sabine's pouty lips, then hopped up and grabbed all of your menus from the counter while the waitress assigned to your table was taking orders at a table near a doorway window.

Shruti cocked her brow and observed, "Heesuyng appears to be understaffed today. The majority of the waiters are on test breaks." Her gaze wandered across the coffee shop or restaurant.

You all put your orders and you decide on a fillet and roast vegetables. You don't feel like eating chicken burgers today, but the seafood looks luscious and fresh, so you add additional shrimp and prawns to your lunch. The other girls had selected a heavy meal with soju, but you chose a Pepsi.

You gazed at Shruti while you waited for your orders.

"Well, Shruti," you ask, seeing her eyes darken.

As Shruti let out a great breathy sigh, the other two glanced at her curiously. What's up with Shruti today?

Shruti chewed her bottom lip as she toyed with the salt container, not looking you in the eyes at first.

Then she glanced up with a painful grimace.

"I...er...met my soulmate!" she said hesitantly.

Everyone at the table's eyes widen in amazement, then squeals erupt, and you all begin to congratulate her.

"Omg! It is fantastic! " Sabine breaks out, screaming.

Shruti only nodded, and everyone could tell she wasn't feeling the same way. You could feel her grief as she drew her face away and wiped it, appearing apprehensive.

When Daphne noticed Shruti's moistening eyes, she became concerned. "What makes you not so joyful, Shruti?"

She took a deep breath and exhaled loudly, "He... he's a lecturer."

Oh, my goodness. Everyone gasped with surprise.

You blink your eyes. "A lecturer! Does he look much older than you?" Your mouth nearly dropped to the floor.

You find yourself suddenly feeling sorry for your friend.

"Most of our male lecturers are Koreans, and two are Chinese...and much older than us," Daphne muttered. Her eyes are filled with both sympathy and amazement.

Sabine was concerned when she observed Shruti's reaction; this was massive. Shruti's age is barely 23.

Shruti gave a shrug, nervously playing with her wavy hair. "He is actually quite young, maybe in his late twenties. This term, he is the new substitute history lecturer. He started teaching on Friday. Omg! He could take over from that old Mr. Han next term." She appeared flustered and anxious.

Daphne and Sabine both squealed. You give them a frown. Do they recognize him because you don't?

"How come I don't know him?" Your eyes were baffled.

Shruti replied with a nod. "He arrived on Friday. You were not here."

Daphne smiled and stated, "Oh my goodness, Sami. He's really hot. sultry Korean. All of the female students in that faculty were excited.  His name is Er, she tried to recall.

"Mr. Choi Minho! He's really charming. Shruti, you're very fortunate. Why are you so depressed?" Sabine's eyes were bright with excitement.

Shruti gave a shake of her head. "Girls, he's already in a relationship. He had waited too long for me, so he carried on with his life. We were caught off guard when we half-bonded in his office. I went there to consult Mr. Han and hand in my law graduate courses, and I ran into him there this morning. . I noticed on his desk romantic photo frames of a beautiful girl. A stunning platinum blonde photographed in several countries. I believe he's already married." She strangled it out.  They'd never seen her look so despondent. She is constantly cheerful, and she'd been always enthusiastic about meeting her soulmate.

You are the one who guards the most important secret. Nobody knows you've met your soulmate, and you're too nervous to tell them. People will either faint or wish to meet the idol.

Shrutis' eyes welled up as you rubbed her shoulder and soothed her. Friends attempted to comfort her, but Shruti was skilled at suppressing her emotions.

The excellent lunch arrived, and you began to dive in. Shruti only requested a chicken salad and a bottle of water. She was merely messing about with the food on her plate.

"Did he reject you?" Daphne whispered gently, her face strained.

You certainly hope not.

"I didn't wait to find out," Shruti laments."We just stared at one another, stunned, and when I realized I was going to bond with him, I sprinted away. Guys, he's already happy."

Sabine was horrified. "He's yours, Shruti. He needs to break up with his girlfriend. You must complete the bond. It is crucial."

"Shruti, at least you have six months left. You can yet win back your sweetheart. You gently informed her.

"If he is already in a committed relationship and has paid fines for being with maybe a soulmarked girlfriend, then I don't know..."Sabine looked concerned.

"Maybe he was tarnished, and his girlfriend was also.  The system will allow her to pay significant fines for being with him. He has a half-bond with you and will seek your touch." Daphne chuckles.

Shruti snorted, "I'm not looking forward to fighting for a guy. I can't interfere with what he's doing if he's satisfied with his girlfriend. Perhaps I must transfer." A dejected expression passed over her lovely face.

It's no surprise that Shruti refused to eat at the lecturer's cafeteria.

"We should go out tomorrow. We leave early from university to see a movie and have lunch. Alia will be present. Just to make you smile, Shruti. Are we going to class again now?" Daphne wondered.

"My classes are over. I'm calling an Uber. I'm not going to take the bus or the subway by myself "You shudder.

You all rose up after lunch, Shruti paid the bill, and you silently exited the restaurant. You all hugged Shruti and soothed her, assuring her that everything would be fine.

You'll be just in time for your Uber when you arrive at your university's front steps. You waved to your friends, and they went back to Daphne's room with their arms linked to Shruti.

.....

Later, at home.

When you've opted to take a relaxing bath in the top-floor bathroom, You're then dressed in white shorts and an enormous grey uni hoodie.

Because of the small lunch you had at university, you opted not to have a full dinner. You double-checked that all the doors were closed, then sat in the TV lounge and watched some K-dramas to practice the language. Your phone began to light up where it had been charging the entire time.

As you saw the ID caller, you cracked a huge, delighted smile. It was your adorable soulmate.

You instantly open your phone and answer it.

"Hello baby,... Gosh, I missed you so much today!" he exclaimed.

"Hello, sweetie. I missed you as well. Every period, we were overloaded. The professors are getting us ready for exam week." You greeted him with a small laugh. "How was your day?"

You could hear him sigh loudly "Trying. I had lunch with the family and Noodles' parents. My father wanted us to talk about the engagement, but things didn't go as planned."

You furrowed your brows. "How so? Your feelings washed over me like tidal waves. Was it really that bad?"

"My dad was a hothead himself. He frankly asked me what I did  I fell in love with the strange girl. Noodle was unimpressed, so I informed her what kind of marriage she'd have if she married me."

"Poor Jinnie, she must've been so miserable," you thought, putting yourself in Noodle's position.

"I had no choice, sweetheart. She needs to know what is in store for her. I just can't be with her. We agreed to split up if we both found our soulmates, but hers finally rejected her, and now she wants me as a husband —-"Jin was releasing breaths.

"Jinnie, what are we going to do? Your father refuses to see the logic. Because of your dating ban, you can't become clean right now. Nobody knows. Not even our parents." You stated that with a slight melancholy in your tone.

"Sami, I'm not going to be pushed into anything, but my father is a bulldozer. The billionaire luncheon is next week. Three new families have joined, and this is their inauguration day. Will you be there? "He was anxious.

' "My brother and Vidhan will both be present...I'm not looking forward to this luncheon. My family will be represented by my brother. Alia's parents will attend the following luncheon." Your tone is tinged with fear. A chill rushes up your spine as you sense something ominous.

"My dad desires for Noodle and me to be unofficially engaged before I resume my schedule. He is now adamant about starting marriage discussions after learning about the strange girl I'm apparently "sleeping" with... I overheard him telling the Bae family that we will be engaged by November "He says quietly, his voice tinged with anguish. He saw right away that this news would be upsetting to you.

Your breathing became heavy, and you felt a cold go down your spine. That is now official. Seokjin will be lost to you. You couldn't even breathe because the lump in your throat felt like a giant rock jammed in your airways. When you grabbed the phone tighter, tears started pouring from your eyes. You sank back onto your sofa pillow and wept loudly. When your fists squeezed against your eyes, your smartphone slipped from your grasp next to you.

Oh, my goodness! You moaned inside your pillow. Your soulmate will not be able to back out of this engagement.

Your feelings were so intense that Seokjin felt a wave of despair wash over him. He couldn't breathe as the emotional overload intensified.

"Sami...Sami. Please, Sami, don't be depressed. We will fight back. I swear." He urgently attempted to console you, but all he heard were little cries.

"Please, Sami...I love you...don't cry. You are now breaking my spirit. Sami...please!" He tried everything, but all he could hear was your weeping.

Your phone was nearby, but you couldn't stop bawling. It's not an option to lose Seokjin; you can't survive without your soulmate, knowing he'll be with another girl.

"Sami...sweetheart. What the hell? I'm coming over to you... at the back gate," he yelled. Suddenly he sprang out of bed, grabbed his keys, put his jacket over his arm, and dashed down the hallway, almost colliding with Namjoon, a member of the Hyung-line.

Seokjin's demeanor startled Namjoon. "Hyung, what's the rush? What exactly is the problem?"

Seokjin let out a big breath. "Well, I accidentally misplaced my cell phone at my library study office. I'm going back right now to get it before crucial calls come in and I can't respond." His eye was bewildered, and he couldn't stand there and argue while his soulmate was in agony.

"See you later, Joonie. Tell Yoongs to order supper... I'll be back before 8 p.m., but I'm worried that the university library will close at 5 p.m. "He nodded and raced out the door, without waiting for Namjoon, who was bewildered by Seokjin's unusual actions.

"Where is Hyung going?" Hobi inquired as he exited his room, his face is concerned. "I just saw him racing down to his car like a thousand demons were after him," he snorted.

Namjoon shook his head, "He forgot his cell phone at the university, so he's going to see if he can get it."

Hobi's mouth fell. "Huh! That's odd. I saw him conversing on his phone not long ago. Are you certain he forgot his phone?" Hobi looked genuinely puzzled.

Namjoon pinched his brow, "Something strange is going on with Hyung these days..."

Hobi's face was worried. "He was in an odd mood since he returned from seeing his parents this afternoon. I assumed it was the stress of completing all of his assignments before our schedule started."

Namjoon didn't seem convinced. "I don't believe so, Hobi. Something is very wrong here."

.........

Seokjin attempted to call Samiya, but her phone was turned off. He is left with the impression that Samiya is near her breaking point. She had only recently understood how near she was to lose him. He put on his Ray Bans and raced out of the Hannams parking lot. His girl needs him; he cannot leave her wallowing in her misery.

It took only a few minutes and a few turns until he arrived at his girl's apartment complex. As he parked outside her small backyard's main gate, he peered around warily. The streets were deserted and empty. The gate was not yet unlocked. He hastily turned off his car and searched the back seat for his tracksuit jacket. He quickly slips it on over his hair, and with his glasses, he'll appear like any other guy.

He dashed down the little garden path till he reached her private apartment gate. Fortunately, it was closed with the latch in place, but it was not locked. He looked around cautiously, hoping no one saw a strange man wandering around the apartment complex. His surroundings appear normal and peaceful. When he reached Samiya's glass door, he breathed heavily. He gently tapped, and when the sliding door opened, he was taken aback by Samiya's red-rimmed, tearful eyes. She threw her arms over his neck when she saw him.

"Oh, Jinnie! You came to me," she wailed gently into his broad shoulders.

Seokjin hugged her firmly as he drew her inside and closed the slider behind him.

"Ah, my darling... I can't bear watching you suffer. I'm here with you now," he said quietly into her ears. When his arms embraced her,  his hands caressed her curly hair...

A/n. Thank you so much for all your support throughout the series. I hope you enjoy this chapter. Kindly comment and tell me what you think of the girls' interaction.

Samiya couldn't handle the thought of losing Soekjin. Shruti met her soulmate.

1. What are your thoughts on this chapter?