The next morning you woke up with an incredible feeling of revitalisation; a sudden calmness fell over you as you slowly blinked awake. You felt weightless. No gory nightmares of strange phantoms had disturbed your sleep this time; what a rare gift.

The weird events of the previous night were replayed in your mind like a quiet dream; a sudden thrill rushed through you as you remembered the stolen kiss with Yeonjun when your senses came back. It was like a dream, almost unbelievably.

You had administered the portion perfectly—it was subtle, so gentle, that Yeonjun hadn’t even noticed. It was the most exhilarating feeling, knowing you had passionately kissed your soulmate without him being fully by his senses. The soul bond between you thrived in the darkness.

The bond is unfortunately activated, but the sweet magical portion had done its job—Yeonjun was now soulblinded. He didn’t even recognise you as his soulmate, and that gave you the freedom you hadn’t expected. You could live your life without the Oracle breathing down your neck, at least for a year.

The memory of being so gently wrapped in his arms, feeling the warmth of his lean body pressed against yours, even though you were both only half-aware of your surroundings, filled you with so much bliss. You will treasure it for ever knowing that you'll never have the chance to be so close to your soulmate.

His 18th birthday and his girlfriends' Yejis are coming up soon. You wonder what his reaction will be if he finds out that his so-called girlfriend is not his soulmate. There was something almost too surreal about it—this deep connection, the way your heart had pounded against your ribs as if it wanted to burst free.

You wondered, conflicted, if the Oracle had set this up or if it was the system's doing. No wonder you felt so weightless, freed from the burden of uncertainty, at least for now. 

Whoever or whatever worked in your favour was not important; what was vital is that you are now free, maybe from the nightmares, the deaths in your family, or the evil visions of people dying. Since your return from Mexico and the restoration of the relic, it seems your life will only get better.

You came to sleep late last night, leaving your soulmate perplexed on the lounge chair where you both laid making out with each other. You wonder if he will also start remembering his trancelike state. You hope not because the whole mission failed.

When you finally stirred to get up, you saw the sun was already high in the sky, already indicating that breakfast time was almost here.ŵ You peek at the twin bed next to you, but it was made up and empty. Dahyun was already out. You furrowed your brows as you stretched with a little yawn and got up, strolling tiredly to the bathroom. Your muscles were aching pleasantly from all the tension they had held the day before.

You let the hot water run and checked out the assorted scents and bath salts that were adorning the sides of the bath. Dahyun brought a lot of bath products for all of you to indulge in. As you sank with bliss into the warm, aromatic bath, the scent of lavender and eucalyptus filled the air, and you could feel the stress just melting away. It was perfect as you lean back and close your eyes—a rare moment of serenity to gather your thoughts and prepare for the day.

After a blissful time in the bath, you wrapped a soft white towel around yourself and walked to the mirror. With a smile, you glanced in the mirror, but then your heart nearly stopped. Your eyes widen in sheer shock. There, on your  upper chest area, were small hickeys—marks left by Yeonjun. In that trace-like state, the poor boy was whipped for you. Gosh, you started to blush beetroot red, wondering what made you came back to reality; maybe it must've been the 'intimacy activation.'

You inhaled deeply, hoping that you didn't leave any evidence—that would be disastrous. You were the only one in his presence at that time of the morning hours. It could jeopardise your alibi. But he at least forgot you. Your heart skipped a beat as you frantically grabbed your printed makeup bag, choosing the right shades of concealers and carefully covering this threatening evidence up.

With a satisfied sigh of relief that the evidence was completely hidden, you quickly slipped on a lightblue sweater top and a black sweatpants and your white sneakers, letting your nut brown hair fall over your neck to shield any lingering traces. You couldn’t comprehend it—Yeonjun was legally bonded to you, but he was utterly oblivious to the activation.

The potion had successfully stopped his awareness, but how long would it last? Luckily his soulmark is still intact, but seeing yours will be the most complicated situation. You hope he didn't notice your mark on your bare arms.
You hoped the soulblinding would last at least a year, just enough time for you to remain anonymous.

This must be a state secret. And hopefully, he wouldn’t feel any side effects from not completing the bond. You have, if it were a natural bond, you would only have less than two-three weeks to complete the bond.

You just have to test if the mission was truly successful if there's no physical pain ,side effects—in your limbs and weakness. Or nothing dangerous from the incomplete bond. You have to pray like never before that it will hold for at least a year, long enough for you to stay under the radar.

You can't wait to go back home because you didn't sign up for so much stress. After dressing yourself, you quickly went to her room and found Dahyun looking unusually calm in the lounge area. There was something different about your friend today—a quiet determination in her eyes, even though her beautiful eyes were still swollen and red-rimmed from crying.

Dahyun had treated her eyes with light make-up and wore her reading glasses—almost studious; her makeup was cute and whimsical, giving her an extra glow. She didn’t seem to be hiding anymore, but although she looked outwardly serene, you know she is still trying to keep a courageous face. Though she looked so calm, there was still some lingering pain in her eyes.

"Are you really ready to face our peers?" Chaeyoung asked gently, her eyes filled with concern as she looked at Dahyun, who just shrugged.

Dahyun nodded calmly, "Yeah, I’m done running or hiding away from people. I don’t care if they talk behind my back. I have nothing to hide. My only crime is loving a boy who doesn't love me back."

She gave a watery smile as you just rubbed her shoulder.

Seulgi crossed her arms defiantly and just snorted, "Well, if the pretentious Yeji or Lia start anything with you, I’ll roll up my sleeves and make them taste the dirty floor. They won’t know what hit them." She made a severe face, and face, and you and Chaeyoung just shook your heads.

Seulgi can be so extra. Dahyun just shrugged nonchalantly, "Let them try. I don't care. I think I'm going to apologise to Soobin and Eunbin. I was out of line and stupid. I owe them that. Next time, if you guys see I'm demon-possessed, please kill me. I'm never going to confess to a boy ever again. I'm done."

She inhaled deeply as she uttered with a serious look in her eyes. You just furrowed your brows. Seulgi starts chuckling.

Chaeyoung frowned, shaking her head,  "Apologise to that rude Soobin and smug Eunbin? Oh hell no! Dahyun, please don’t go and embarrass yourself again. Their friends might give you more backlash. Do you really want to risk that? They would gossip even more."

"I have to clear the air, guys." Dahyun replied firmly, in a quiet tone, "I don’t want to end the year as a loser. We are all in the same class, remember? I have to see them every day, unless I choose homeschool. I’ll need to learn to move on asap. I can’t keep obsessing over an idol; gosh, I need to let it go. I don’t hate him, and I don’t want revenge either. I'm hurt, yes, but it's because of my own doing.” She bit her lip with a conflicting expression on her face.

The girls were stunned by Dahyun’s decision to put herself out there, more flabbergasted that she was willing to face the inevitable gossip and judgement from their peers. They will look at her with smugness and gossipy eyes. You could see how much she had thought it through. Dahyun wasn’t going to do it for anyone but for herself. She even looked tired, but you could sense also a new strength in her.

“We all heard about Dahyun’s plan,” Seulgi said, looking between you, Chaeyoung, and her. “What do you think? She wouldn't look desperate?" She said it with lifted eyebrows and folded arms.

You smiled softly at Dahyun and shook your head. “I think she is very brave. If Dahyun feels ready, I'll support her.”

When Chaeyoung finally spoke, it was with cheery admiration, "I wish you well, girl. I know it’s not easy, but the fact that you’re not hiding anymore... I'm still proud of you." She gave her friend a tight hug.

Dahyun grinned, but a little of the pain was still visible in her eyes, but there was hope. You just hope she will get through this mentally. You know she was too in love with Soobin, and as you heard from Chaeyoung, Dahyun liked him before they came to high school even.

Eunwoo left the cabin very early to be with his peers. He wants you to have your girl time. The golf carts just came dropping some of the students off at the main restaurant, and they are now outside waiting. You all grabbed your handbags and rushed to the nearest one. You and Seulgi sat in the middle seats, and Chaeyoung and Dahyun were behind you. You were chatting till you reached the restaurant.

Breakfast time was from 9:00 to 11:00. You at least were still in time to grab your breakfast. You could hear the laughter and chatter of the students enjoying their wholesome breakfast. The tables were all occupied, except for a few near the back exit. You just choose a table for four, place your bags down, bow at the teachers and your seniors in a polite greeting, and wave at some of your classmates that noticed you.

Later, as you all made your way to the breakfast buffet table, you could sense the eyes of the other students discreetly following you around. Some of them were whispering behind their hands, and some look sympathetic in your direction, but others don't really care and just enjoy their breakfast and mind their own business.

Dahyun trailed quietly just behind Chaeyoung, but her posture was straight, her poker face super calm. You linked your arms and walked besides her, feeling both protective and proud of your strong friend. You made a conscious decision not to search for the 'dreaded table'.

At the buffet area, some nosy students whispered, no doubt gossiping about Dahyun’s so-called fall from grace, but Dahyun didn’t flinch. She smiled softly, ignoring all the judgemental glances and whispers, which took real strength. Yeji and Lia smugly smirked in your direction, but you chose to remain composed. Hopefully, which is wishful thinking, Yeonjun’s girlfriend would back off soon enough.

Dahyun just calmly filled her plate with bacon, eggs, kimchi pancakes, and pork sausages, her focus primarily on what was ahead. You just followed suit, even if you are not that hungry. Your own thoughts were divided. Your mind kept returning to your soulmate, Yeonjun.

Everything in you wants to run up to him and just confess that you are so sorry for delaying his happiness.

He was somewhere in the restaurant, but he didn’t even know you. He wouldn’t feel the intense pull of their bond today, just as you couldn’t feel the usual tug of your soulmark. The potion had worked successfully, leaving him blissfully unaware of the connection you both had formed. At least, for now.

When you were all seated and enjoying your food, you found the group across the room. You noticed with surprise how Soobin was discreetly watching Dahyun; concern was evident in his eyes. He then lowered his gaze, drinking his Berry juice. You wonder what was reeling through his mind. Did he regret hurting Dahyun so much? Dahyun just kept her composure, ignoring the looks from the students.

You couldn't help but notice how Yeonjun pulled Yeji under his arm and gave her a chaste kiss; your heart was constricted for a brief moment. But surprisingly, there was no searing sting on your soulmark, and for that, you were eternally grateful. Yeonjun didn’t know or react to the bond—and that meant you were free.

You sigh a deep sigh of relief, mentally reminding yourself to give your aunt Ines a call. You miss your family and Sammy. Eunwoo sat with his excited senior friends, having left early that morning. He looked up and saw your gaze; he gave you a quick wink. You blushed a bit and looked shyly diwn on your plate as you heard Chaeyoung and Seulgi's snickers.

You couldn’t help but discreetly glance at Yeonjun. He seemed so normal, nothing out of place, maybe a little pale, but there was no fidgeting—no sign that he could sense the bond between you.

A genuine and joyful smile crept onto your lips as a deep excitement bubbled inside you. No more visions, no more pain—you were totally free. You don't know how you will be able to thank your aunt, Ines. The Oracle apparently left.

Seulgi looked amused, "And why does our Luna look so happy all of a sudden?"

Your eyes widen, and you just shrugged, "Er, I'm just glad it's the last day, and after the dreaded concert tonight, we are heading back home tomorrow."

Chaeyoung smiled as she bit into a piece of pancake, "Well, I'm just happy we could experience this first-class leadership camp."

Dahyun just pressed her lips together, "Yeah," you could see she finds it distressing sitting there acting as if she was okay, especially with Soobin and Eunbin in the same room.

Despite all the stares and discreet whispers surrounding Dahyun and Soobin’s saga, you all remained poised, choosing not to let it affect your time in the restaurant, but Soobin kept stealing glances at Dahyun, who continued to smile and enjoy her breakfast, ignoring the judgements around her with class.

Lia and Yeji’s smug smirks didn’t bother you, either. They can just go and touch some grass. She needs to leave you alone now. Yeonjun wouldn't seek you out now, which is a great relief. You can enjoy life to the fullest.

Seulgi smiles. "We have the whole day off; some groups are going to rehearse for tonight's concert. I hope we rock."

Dahyun pulled her face," I don't feel like performing, guys."

Chaeyoung shook her head, "You'll be in the back. Show these gossipers that you are not broken. Life goes on."

You nodded, "It will be an experience to see the idols and the trainees perform tonight.".

Seulgi smirked,"Hmm...does someone want to see her crush dancing and singing?"

You just blush," Maybe...but I want us to do well tonight. It will lift up Dahyuns spirit."

After breakfast, you walked to the pool area. Dahyun discreetly pulled out her cellphone and texted Soobin, asking if he and Eunbin would be willing to meet her at a certain spot. Soobin, who was still relaxing at the table, glanced at his phone; his expression looked wary but different. He replied with a simple word, “Sure.”

You and your friends ordered fruit cocktails, still filled from the big breakfast. Ms. Shim had told everyone that you had a free day to enjoy the amenities of the resort or practice for your performance. You had already rehearsed the previous day, so you all will manage
It was your time to relax and enjoy the freedom of the day.

Dahyun told you that she will go meet Soobin and Eunbin at the boma area. You all looked warily when she walked down the stairs, hoping for a good outcome. Later, you all found yourselves at the bottom pool area, stretched out on lounge chairs, soaking in the sun and enjoying the quiet area.

Some of the students are at the entertainment areas; some were swimming at the main pool area, where there were a lot of interesting activities like snooker, darts, and other games. 

.....

Yeonjun was still flabbergasted when he walked back to his chalet in total disbelief; the early morning air was still a little chilly. His mind was reeling as he tried to make sense of what had just happened. He had just woken up at the pool deck; he still felt the shivers on his bare arms in the early dawn air, but how is it possible? Why would he have been there on the deck in the first place?

He couldn’t recall even falling asleep in one of those comfortable lounge chairs, yet that’s exactly where he just woke up. It just didn’t add up. Nothing does. He was sure he had gone straight to bed right after the boma night, which made him feel more conflicted. He had no memory of walking there; as he entered the quiet chalet, he could feel the chilly air that had stuck to his bare arms and bare feet.

He only remembered the cold air that was brushing against his bare arms and the cold feel of the stone pathways on his feet, then that strange awareness as if he were awake but not fully in control of his surroundings. And that girl—who was she? What was she doing so early before daybreak at the pool area? How long did he fall asleep alone at that place?

Yeonjun sneaked into his room, quietly fall his bedcovers as he lay on his back, looking at the half-dark ceiling, and reminisced about his strange behaviour. This girl's face was like a mystery, shielded behind a curtain of brown wavy hair. She looked cold with her light pj shorts and top, even barefeet like him. Which was so odd. He always were his sneakers or sandals.

He couldn't get a good look at her face. She’d practically fallen onto him, and all he could remember was the floral, spicy scent that lingered on his clothing and the strange tingling sensation on his swollen lips as if he kissed for a long period of time.

He touched his lips softly, furrowing his brows in confusion. There was still a slight sting, like something unfamiliar had touched him. And the aftertaste in his mouth—sweet and fruity—was definitely not something he drank last night. The perfume that clung unto his vest—spicy, floral, smelling so alluring. But it definitely wasn’t Yeji’s usual scent, and it wasn’t familiar to him.

Could it have been those mysterious girls? He just couldn’t shake the memory of her distinct scent. She had smelled so divine, and for a brief moment—when her body had collided on top with his—there had been a rush of excitement inside of him, a warmth that made him wonder—was  it just his teenage hormones acting up?

But there was something more, something gnawing at him on his mind. Something so profound that he couldn't forget even if he wanted to. Her soulmark. He was sure he’d noticed it—a very clear outline, beautiful, unique, vivid, and bright on her arm, and it matched his own mark.

His soulmate inner eyes recognised it immediately. Nothing can make him unsee it. He needed to find that girl. He needed to make sure. But how? He couldn’t even recognise her face. He didn't imagine it. He knows he saw it on her forearm. Was she his...soulmate? Did fate somehow lead her to him? He rubbed his temples as he felt a slight headache emerging and just decided to doze in for an hour or so. His brain felt fried.

.....

Later... The glare of sun rays was seeping through his curtains, making his tired face glow. Yeonjun squinted as he tried to open up his weary eyes. His head still feels a little hazy.

A movement at the bathroom door caught his attention. San, his friend, stood at the doorpost; his dark hair was still wet from the shower he just had.

Suddenly, San interrupted his jumbled-up thoughts. “Where did you sneak off to last night, Yeon?”

Yeonjun eyes blinked, more confused. “What do you mean by sneak off?”

San crossed his arms with a deadpan expression and leant against the doorframe, amused, “I was getting up to go to the toilet almost at midnight, and there I saw you casually strolling past me, heading out the front door. I even called out your name, but you just kept walking as if I wasn't there.”

Yeonjun’s brows furrowed; that's strange, “What? I don’t recall any of that at all. I know I went to bed after we all got back from the boma story night.”

San raised an eyebrow and baffled, “So, you’re just telling me that I've imagined you sleepwalking out the door. Like someone who looked exactly like you, same clothes, barefoot opened the door and walked out into the night air like it was no big deal.”

“What are you talking about? Sleepwalking?" Yeonjun repeated, more perplexed than ever. The foggy fragments in his mind were only making things worse. “I really don’t remember anything like that, San."

Yeonjun rubbed his temples vigorously as if he were trying to make sense of it. Did he truly sleepwalk? His memories were so blurry—he could vaguely recall the events between midnight and dawn. How did he end up at the deck?

He can't come clean that he actually slept outside on the pool deck and met a girl on her morning stroll.

.....

At breakfast, Yeonjun scanned the full restaurant for any sign of the strange girl. His heart raced each time a new face entered, but none matched the shadowy memory in his mind. Frustration built as he failed to find her. But none of the girls there looked even like her, and the only thing on his mind was finding her.

The image of the mysterious girl was still vague; her face was lost in shadows and brown dishevelled hair. He was too distracted to even notice a group of four cute girls walked in later, and the boys immediately started teasing him, their voices filled with mischief.

“Oh, just look who decided to show up,” Taehyun snorted with a toothy grin, nodding towards the group of girls that just entered, "There’s 'your' Luna.”

“Luna? What? Who are you talking about?” Yeonjun gave Taehyun a weird, confused look.

"Ugh, come on, man. Are you really pretending that you don’t know her?" Woojin snickers, "How could you forget the quiet girl who’s been causing so much drama between you and Yeji for, like, forever?”

Yeonjun Coukd just blinks confused, “What are you talking about, Woobin?”

Taehyun nearly choked on his orange juice. “Yeon, what do you mean you don’t know Luna? You have been literally the talk of the school tabloids because of her."

San looked flabbergasted as he leant back in his chair, folding his arms. "Yeah, the whole school’s been talking about you and cute Luna since forever, especially after that time you, like, saved her when she fell from the stairs, the time she was blasted by a ball in the gym, and you've carried her again to the sick bay. You were her knight in shining armor. Does it ring any bells, hmm?”

Yeonjun stared at them with wide eyes, his confusion deepening. "What? I seriously don’t remember any of that. What you guys are talking about? You kidding right?”

Woojins' aw dropped as he looked flabbergasted at the rest of the boys. “You... don’t recognise Luna? You’re joking, right now, Yeonjun?”

Soobin, who had been quiet the whole time, especially after the altercation with his 'fan', finally spoke up, shaking his head in disbelief. “You seriously don’t know Luna? Like, at all?”

Soobin's jaws were dropped. Is Yeonjun trying to mess with them?

"Wait, what? You honestly don’t know who Luna is...did you drink or eat something illegal?” San interjected.

Yeonjun rubbed his temples again in frustration, “No, I don’t. Did something happen that I'm not aware of?"

The boys exchanged discreet glances, completely ticked off now by Yeonjun's joke. “Bro, this isn’t funny,” San said, narrowing his eyes with annoyance, “You’re telling us you don’t know Luna, who’s got Yeji all freaked out? The one you always save?”

“Why would I make that up?” Yeonjun whispered-yelled, his frustration rising, “I honestly don’t know her.”

He looked at where this Luna was standing, dishing up food at the buffet. Lots of attention was given to that group. She was very pretty, but no he doesn't know her.

“Something’s way off with you, man,” Woojin muttered, narrowing his eyes. “Are you sure Yeji didn't get to you? Did she say something weird? Did she threaten to dump you or whatever?”

The whole group around the table fell in total silence for a moment, everyone exchanging bewildered glances at each other. Yeonjun definitely was not the type to forget people, especially not this beautiful new student, who had apparently played a major part of his confusing days at school.

“You’re not pranking us, aren’t you?” Taehyun said, with a suspicious look at Yeonjun, who just shrugged, perplexed.

“I’m really not Taehyun,” Yeonjun insisted, genuinely confused!" I really don’t know her. Why should I?"

The whole day turned out way strange for him.The guys exchanged more looks, clearly unsettled by Yeonjun’s sudden loss of memory. What's wrong with Yeonjun?

“I think it might be it’s Yeji’s fault,” San muttered under his breath, “She must've threatened to dump him if he even looked at Luna. That junior makes her feel jittery when shes around.”

Soobin, who was discreetly watching his “worshipper,” shook his head, “This is really weird, though. I mean, how could you forget about her? Everyone knows about you two.”

Yeonjun shook his head, furrowing his brows. "No it’s not. Yeji didn't threaten me. Please change the subject."

But even as he denied it, his mind was spinning out of control. It is so strange. How could he forget this Luna-girl if everyone else knew her? Could he have somehow blocked memories of her out? Or was there something sinister going on?

At that moment, Yeji walked over to their table, her blond hair shiny and sleek, and slid into the seat next to him, her eyes beaming with delight.

She seemed almost too giddy and joyous as she took his hand and rubbed it. His friends started to snicker softly, and Yeonjun didn’t miss the way her gaze flickered towards this Luna, the object of their discussion, who was sitting quietly at the far end of the restaurant, minding her own business.

Yeonjun didn’t look at Luna once with Yeji near, and for Yeji, it was like a dream come true.Today she was pleasantly surprised that her boyfriend wasn’t distracted by her nemesis—the girl she secretly despised. She leant in closer to Yeonjun's shoulder, her smile radiant as she looked up at his smirking face. “Hey, sweet hunk, you’re so quiet this morning,” she said sweetly.

Greeting the rest of the group who was enjoying their breakfast. They just assume that Yeonjun was just messing with them, pretending not to know Luna.

"So, what’s everyone talking about?" she asked, looking at the amused eyes of his friends.

"Er... nothing,” Yeonjun muttered, suddenly feeling a strange tension settle in his chest. His friends, who were all too aware of Yeji’s unfounded jealousy towards Luna, snickered quietly to themselves, not daring to bring up the topic of Luna again in front of her. She will blow a gasket.

“Life is just so good, huh. Definitely k-drama worthy?” San whispered to a smirking Woojin, who could just stifle a laugh.

Without thinking, Yeonjun just grinned, pulled Yeji against him with his arms tightly around her small waist, and pressed a tender kiss to her lips; the act was sudden and strangely out of character. As if he wanted to prove to his friends that he doesn't care about that Luna-girl.

His friends hollered in sheer surprise, teasing and cheering, but as Yeji melted into his kiss, her arm around his neck felt wrong. She didn't care about the looks they got from teachers and their peers around them. She just wants Luna to be aware that she lost. Yeji was visibly shocked at his affection in front of their peers, but her surprise quickly melted into pure joy. She looked over the moon, especially with the way Yeonjun’s attention was now solely on her.

"Whoa cool it! What’s gotten into you two with this sudden PDA?” Taehyun chuckled, nudging Soobin, who just smirked quietly.

Yeonjun just smiled softly, but the kiss didn’t feel right. Yeji’s lips were soft and glossy, and her perfume was somewhat familiar, but they didn’t taste or smell the way he expected it. It felt so wrong in a way- absolutely indescribable.

Slight feeling of unease hit him when he pulled away, his mind swirling with dread as if he was busy cheating. What!! Was he losing his mind now? Why did everything suddenly feel so... off?

As the boys continued to snicker, teasing them and Yeji, who just beamed in happiness. She smugly looked at Luna who saw them kissing. Yeonjun felt that strange awareness settle over him again.

Something was definitely not right. Something felt very wrong.

Was he going crazy? 

......

A/n: Poor Yeonjuns' mind is in a fix.

Thank you to all the loyal readers. 🥰 I hope you like this long chapter especially for you. Apologies for the late update,but life happens.

1. Do you think Yeonjun will recall?

2. Do you think Luna can at least enjoy her freedom now?

3. Who do you think of the soulmates has it worse off? Luna or Yeonjun?

4. Do you think Soobin felt bad about Dahyun?

5. Will Dahyun be able to move on from Soobin?

6. How would you handle the gossip train if you were in Dahyuns shoes?

7. What do you think about about the teasing of his friends?