But I had already reached the shore
Guess we were ships in the night,
night, night

Manila, Philippines

After a successful concert in Jakarta, the boys were ready for their two-day show in Manila. At least the flight will be 4h05 min long. They won't get bored quickly. They'll be travelling with Philippine Airlines.

The management decided to leave a little earlier in the morning before 5 am so that the boys can relax and have breakfast in the first-class lounge. They went to the airport in two shuttles.

Yoongi was still sleepy. He worked till 1 am and had to wake up by 4 am. Taehyung is again very quiet. He couldn't sleep. His soul mark was acting up also, but this time the pain made him unable to sleep. He was crying because of the severe pain.

Jhope had to order pills from room service. When it became too severe, they had to get Sejin in who called a Soulmate specialist. Everything had to be done discreetly with the manager of the hotel.

The doctor had to give Taehuyng a unique injection that cooled off the mark. Sejin called Bang Pd, and they placed orders for the medicine. It's a new trial.

Taehuyng didn't care as long as he could sleep. Yoongi was a little peeved that Hobi and Namjoon forced him to take the injection for the burning chest pain.

Although he hates to admit it, he felt a lot better, and he just hopes the new medicine packages will arrive soon at home. At least he and Teahyung will survive this Manila tour.

In the shuttle, Jhope was sitting with Taehyung and Yoongi.

Jhope looks at a very tired Taehuyng." How do you feel now?"

Taehuyng smile with gratitude," I slept like a baby...thanks huyng. You helped me..." he gave Hobi a side hug.

Sometimes his bossiness can be helpful. Yoongi just mumbles a thank you and closes his eyes and returns to his nap.

They arrived at the airport with lots of exciting airport stuff, taking photos of them.

https://youtu.be/D6ARlJC1YOw

They walked briskly through the terminal to the first-class lounge escorted by their bodyguards and management staff. Jungkook walked arms entwined with Taehuyng who looked more refreshed now.

The escalator took them to the top floor where the first-class lounge was. Jin and Namjoon wondered what will be on the menu cause the night before they ate just a little. Jin lost his appetite after his soulmates departure. He couldn't sleep so he crawled into Namjoons'bed.

The boys were pleasantly surprised by the luxury of the lounge. Yoongi and Taehuyng went to the bathroom /restroom to refresh their sleepy faces.
Jin, Namjoon and Jungkook immediately helped themselves at the breakfast buffet.

Jin with delight," Whoa I love the fruit. Look at the watermelon fruit. Have you tasted it before Kookie?" he looks at the golden maknae. Who is looking at the cheese platters?

Jungkook nod, " yes...but it's too sweet and waterly for me...I like the green flesh, and it looks better for me, I'll have some pineapple though."

All the boys and their stuff enjoyed a light breakfast. The boys sat around the tables that were specially prepared for their team and have light conversations. Jimin is again in his element, walking around with his camera in everyone's faces and doing a Vlive segment for ARMY.

Yoongi sat with Taehuyng cause they would like to discuss the soul marks without any interruptions.

Yoongi looked around glad no one occupied the table next to them," how do you feel Tea...any side effects?"

Taehuyng sips from his green tea?" Nothing...it felt so cool on my wrist... I love the feeling. I'm just scared it reappears on stage. That is my greatest fear."

Yoongi nod in understanding and scoff," it's ironic how Fate works ..the ones who don't want to meet their soulmates will meet them first anyhow..."

Taehuyng furrow his brows," you don't want a soulmate,huyng?"

Yoongi sign audibly," Tae...I'll tell you a secret ...but please don't disclose it to the maknaes. You know Jimin has loose lips and he might accidentally spill the tea."

Taehuyng with wide eyes. Yoongi was never so open with him, but this must bother him.

Taehuyng nod", ok my lips are sealed.."

Yoongi with raised eyebrows," not even kookie.."

Taehuyng smiled," not even kookie..."

Yoongi glanced around with conspiring voice," it's not that I hate the system of soul-bonding, but I already fell in love with someone ...and I still love this girl...and I'm terrified that she might not be my soulmate ...but on the other hand I want to know if she is mine."

Taehuyng looked shocked. He never knew that Yoongi was capable of such deep emotions," when did this happen. I never knew you dated a girl?"

-Yoongi smiled at Taehuyngs genuine confusion. Everyone thinks he is just the aloof, stoic, emotionless rapper, but he is also a hot-blooded male capable of loving.

" before we debut...but that is a story for another time, and it's already complicated" he states

Taehuyng brushes his fingers through his hair," I know how you feel. There s too much on my plate right now Yoongi-huyng, my grandma death...my grandpa is weak, he can't get over my grandma's death, two of my close friends committed suicide without reason. I wasn't there for them. It shooked me...I can't handle a Soulmate's responsibility right now, and my dating ban is still intact. And this intense pain leads me to believe that fate will give me the red gold string...I'm scared Yoongi-huyng."

Yoongi nod in understanding," it is scary...I had the pull for this girl for four freaking years, and it just doesn't want to wane anytime. At the moment she confuses me much she's like a Cameleon sometimes hate her to love her at the same time it's messy for me."

Taehuyng mumbles" both of us are now little cowards..because we want to run away cause we know our lives will irrevocably change with soulmates. I don't want to always worry about her...Look how mess- up Jin can be..it's like they can't function without each other..."

Yoongi with a far off look, "I don't want to be involved with a girl now in the heights of my career...it's going to distract me greatly."

Taehuyng with apologetically," I've made up my mind, no matter what, I'm not going to entertain the bond. I'll convince her to go our separate ways... I pray for a friendship string...or protective string. I'll look after her welfare, but that's all I'm willing to give her..."

Yoongi shook his head. In his case, if he is honest with himself, he really wants this girl to be his soulmate, but she confuse him too much, there's just too much conflicting emotions with her.

Jhope and Namjoon were sitting at the boots watching current news coverages.

They laugh at all the news about them. Bangtan featured on all the breakfast shows of last night success full concert.

Jin decided to take a quick nap and asked Jimin to wake him up before they leave for boarding. He took a private cubicle and called his soulmate first. They arrived safely at the hotel.

She informed him that she missed him and can't wait to see him. He sent her selfcas of his handsome self for her to indulge. She laughs heartedly at the funny selcas. He felt much better and could take a little nap.

Jimin and Jungkook decided to check out the Reflexology station where they could get a foot massaged. They loved it so much and just decided to sit and relax the whole time while playing games on their phones.

Jungkook looked at Jimin socks and chuckled "whoa, where did you get those strange socks...it's cool?"

Jimin laughs and wiggles his toes" it was a gift from a fan during a fan meet last year. I found my lost gift bag in one of my cupboards."

Jungkook nod"The number of gifts we get from fans is alarming. I hope they don't steal their parent's cards to get our merch and buy us gifts with it."
They hope the parents watch over their minor ARMYs.

Sejin called Namjoon and Hobi that was near him to quickly discussed the schedule. Hobi will be responsible for the dance rehearsals as Sungdeuk had to head home earlier for an emergency.

Namjoon groan cause he knows how severe Hobi is when it comes to their dances. He hopes it will not be a ten-hour rehearsal.
Hobi smiled smugly at Namjoons sad face and shoved his shoulder.

Jhope chuckled," be thankful... I'm not Sungdeuk."

Namjoon mumble," as if you much better... you're worse."

Hobi just pouts cutely. Sejin just laughs at the bickering huyngs.

It was time for them to board the plane. Jin is awake, and they all took their carry on luggage and followed their managers with the bodyguards beside them. They had a great time relaxing and having a light conversation with each other...

.........

It was an understatement, and the Philippine stewardesses were beautiful and well-groomed. There were five beautiful air hostesses, who were visibly excited to serve the Bangtan Boys. One of them beamed a dimpled smile at Namjoon. He just shyly greeted her.

She couldn't contain her emotions, and one of the senior male stewards pushed her discreetly backwards before she embarrassed the whole crew. Her friends were snickering, cause they know she is a very devoted ARMY and Rapmonster Stan.

Jhope and Yoongi just kept straight faces, but all the boys could sense they couldn't wait to tease Namjoon.

The crew led the boys to their seats and this time Yoongi and Taehuyng shared middle aisle seats. Jungkook was in a single seat. Namjoon and Jimin, Jin and Jhope together.

The management and staff were all seated in business class. The dancers and stylist went a day earlier also booked in business class.

The cabin crew offered welcoming drinks and hot wet towel to refresh themselves to them. Jimin loves the towel treatment. He was so flirty with the senior stewardess that she just good-naturedly laughs and because of that, she offered him another hot towel. The huyngs just shook their heads at Jimins antics.

Jungkook declined and decided to take a one hour nap. He will have his lunch later after he ordered his best dishes.

Taehuyng and Yoongi were closer because of the similarities they've experienced with the Soulmarks. They quietly have their conversations before Yoongi took a nap. Taehuyng promised to wake him and Jungkook who is laying next to him.

Jin was a little moody and Jhope was trying his best to cheer him up. The short time he had with his soulmate left him discontent. He told Sejin to please book her for his flight back home with her bodyguard and maybe another female manager.

He promised they would behave and have no PDA. Jhope and Namjoon just smirked because Sejin doesn't know half of the things Jin does without his knowledge.

He doesn't care less. They wonder if he, Jin would be able to keep himself calm, not with his soulmate next to him.

Taehuyng, on the other hand, cannot imagine himself with a soulmate. He doesn't even have any real dating experience. Will he become clingy like Jin, oh gosh he hopes not?

Will she accept him the way he is with all his mood swings? His career, his busy lifestyle, the travelling, his adoring female fans. Will she endure the hate she might get? He wouldn't even have enough time for her most of the time. It would kill him if he had to lose her because of his demanding career.

J -hopes ex-girlfriend still receives a lot of hate when the fandom and tabloids found out that she was the elusive one who played with his heart in school. She believes he still loves her, and they might be soulmates. She just made a mistake by hooking up with his best friend when he was gone for training. How delusional can you get? ARMY warned her to stay away from Hobi if she wants to enjoy a peaceful life.

Although they broke up way before debut day, it still left scars on Jhopes heart and mind. He loved her cause they dated through middle and high school. Everyone thought they'd be soulmates. Jhope is not against the soulmate system, his just afraid if she will love him for him and not the fame and money. So love can wait. He cannot and will not share his heart.

Jimin is the one who is the most flirtatious. He secretly hooked up with a girl during their training days and management had to cover it up when the dating scandal came out years after debut.

Whenever they are in another country, Jimin always has extra eyes to watch him for the boys' amusement.

Namjoon had some dating experience when he was at school, but it wasn't serious. Jungkook liked a girl in middle school, but after debut, he got girl phobia because of the hundreds of girls that stalked him, send love notes on their Twitter accounts or even declares their affection openly. But strangely he is becoming the sexiest member who made girls everywhere gone crazy for him.

He admits that he most probably would bond with an American girl. He openly confessed that he wouldn't mind dating a mixed-race girl. He told one interviewer that a young American actress admitted having a crush him, but nobody could get the name out of him, and the American girls went berserk when they found out and tried to ship him with a lot of actresses and pop stars.

This Philippino airlines food was superb. Two very beamed up hostesses served Namjoon and Jhope. They set the tables nervously, especially the Namjoon fan, was extra anxious.

Namjoon gave her his signature dimpled smile. He looked into her nervous eyes and patted her lightly on the hand when she put the serviette down. Luckily for him, no soul-bonding happened.

" it's ok, you don't have to be so nervous.", Namjoon kindly told her.

She blushes deep red and whispered an inaudible" -thanks, Namjoon-Oppa."

He and Jimin received their appetiser a Laswa soup and, shrimp flavoured consomme with local veggies.

Jhope and Jin also received their appetisers.
Jin looked at the strange soup with confusion.
"What the heck is this green wrapping in the soup?" He tastes the watery substance with pouty lips.

-Jhope chuckled," unwrap it and see."

Jin pulled a face, "No thanks ... I'll pass... 'cuse me, ma'am!" He called the stewardess and asked her politely to remove the soup.

Namjoon just shakes his head. It seems like the soup will not make it on EatJin segment.

Namjoon and Jhope ordered Filipino pork adobo sapula with cabbage, grilled eggplants in roasted cocoa cream, green mango and streamed mountain purple rice.

Taehuyng opts for the coco cream prawns in fresh turmeric sauce with sauteed kaolin and crab fat fried rice.

He loved the taste. Yoongi woke and chose slow-cooked beef in sweet anise flavoured soy sauce, served with egg, pickled carrots and onion fried rice. He loves a lot of meat dishes.

Jungkook ordered the same as Yoongi with an Apple crumble tart as a dessert.

After the tasty lunch, the boys kept themselves busy. Jhope enjoyed the noise-cancelling headphones listening to his favourite playlist that he could download from his mobile to the screen in front of him. Namjoon was enjoying a drink and reading his famous novel.

Jimin was walking around, talking to all the managers and took selcas with them. Yoongi went back to nap, and Taehuyng was using the free WiFi playing games with Jungkook.

Jin just decided to close his eyes and lay back. He doesn't feel so good, but he ate all his food, but there's still an emptiness within him. He felt a little light-headed and little nausea.

He doesn't understand why he feels so temperamental on this day. He is not a girl to be so hormonal. Maybe his soulmate is going through something.

He tried to text her, but her phone was off. He felt more anxious as time goes by. Jhope was putting headphones on him to distract him from overthinking.

It wasn't long when they arrived in Manila. The boys sigh in relief as they followed their managers surrounded by their bodyguards. The Filipino ARMY was full at the airport screaming and fan chanting their names. They received welcoming necklaces. They will be staying for an entire week.

When they landed, Jin found out that his girl is in the hospital because of a stomach bug. The head stylist and one of the make-up artist called the ambulance and are with her. He almost got a heart attack.

Sejin and Namjoon had to calm him down in the shuttle back to the hotel. Jhope and Yoongi are also with them. Jin was laying backwards with his wet eyes closed.

Sejin sat next to him and softly consoled him," Soekjin...she's going to be ok. Were going to be here for a week."

Jin opens his eyes and says with a hoarse voice," Sejin, I knew something was off, I could feel her discomfort. Whenever I text her, she always replied. Before we took off, I tried to contact her also. I wasn't there for her. I'm supposed to be with her."

Namjoon stroke his shoulder, "Huyng...even if you wanted to be with her...it was impossible. You share a string which connects you irrevocably together as one. I believe she felt you with her. She knows, and she loves you and didn't want to worry you."

Jin gave them a little smile and inhaled deeply," I want to go to her...she's scared of hospitals. I want her to know that I love her."

Sejin nod, "Ok, we'll check into our hotel quickly, I'll call security and arrange a visit to the hospital. Will that be ok, Jin?" Jim only nods, but his mind is with his soulmate. Sejin knows they need Jin in an excellent mental place for him to perform well.

Yoongi frown," Sejin can't we quickly take time to go to the hospital. Jin needs to see her now. Please call security. Find out what hospital she's in." Jim look hopefully to Sejins conflicting expression.

Jhope nodded," Jin will be happy to know from the doctor's mouth about her condition. Before the press gets hold of it, let's do it now."

Namjoon grin," if the press gets wind about our visitation to the hospital. One of the managers can make a casual statement that one of BTS key stylist got unexpectedly I'll and everyone knows we are a family and support each other"

Jim smile relieves as he sees Sejin nod and starts to make calls.

Jhope laugh," Let Taehuyng, Jimin and Jungkook buy flowers and little gifts at the hospital. They are her cute little biases. It will show the nurses and doctors we are a real family."

Yoongi smiles his gummy smile, "Genius thinking, Let me put the maknaes on the line. Maybe the bodyguards can pull off by the nearest florist and buy the gifts."

Jim was online and also send texts to his soulmates family in New Delhi. Her eldest sister will come to the Philippines. Her parents are in Belarus on business.

Sejin looked at the huyng line," Ok because it is unexpected the hospital will let us in. Remember Jin; nobody must reveal your soulmate status. Fortunately, it's already visiting hours."

Jhope chuckle," Don't worry Sejin, If we can go in like three or four. I'll go in with Jin-huyng. Noona will be too ill for PDA." The boy's snickers as Jin is too stressed out to respond with a witty remark.

The two black shuttle buses and two black SUV with management drove to the private "St. Luke Medical Centre".
Bighit already settles the hospital bill in full. Soulmates are the Companies second highest priority. If they are happy, their artists are happy.

Two female bodyguards bought the flowers and little gifts for the boys to take to the hospital room. Taehuyng, Jungkook and Jimin carried the gifts.

When they reach the hospital, Jin was restless, and he could feel his soulmates pain and fear and Namjoon was continually supporting him.

The hospital staff on duty were beside themselves with excitement when they learn that BTS is coming to visit their beloved stylist in hospital. They contacted family and friends to inform them.

Within minutes the fans were flocking to the hospital. The hospital security has to regulate the doors. Management was talking to the fans, and they were respectful waiting outside information.

The boys were already in the hospital. Sejin and Jin were quickly in a private consultation with the doctor. He told them that she had a type of stomach flu called Gastroenteritis caused by food poisoning.

Her system must rest for a ten-day recovery, and hers was severe. The doctor informed them about her condition and recovery time limit.

The maknaes-line already saw their Noona, and she was still weak but very delighted to see her favourite trio. She desperately wants Jin. The boys greeted her and gave the huyng- line time to see her.

Luckily the nurse already attends to her when the maknae -the line was visiting. The nurse was very flustered with the handsome trio that was entertaining their noona.

Taehuyng felt out of his depth. If he meets his girl, will he survive any ordeal that happens with his soulmate? What if he's in another country busy with shows and she falls sick.

If he can't get to her, will she hate him, will he forgive himself. O gosh looking at Jin's distress is stressing him out. Even Yoongi-huyng looked and felt the same because they both are well aware that their soulmates are on the way.

Jin and Sejin went it. When the door closed and she sensed her soulmate presence, she immediately perks up even in her pain.

Jin rushed to her and embraced her lovely in his arms. She was crying in his arms. Sejin smile and quickly left the couple to reunite as he decided to sit outside in the lounge with the rest of the group.

Nobody was allowed around her room. Bodyguards stood around. The bangtan boys were bantering while sitting on the sofas in the private lounge. The hospital staff served them with ice-cold welcoming drinks. They humbly thank the team.
.....
Jin sat next to her while she sits up in his arms, he looks down into her tired bright brown eyes caressing her curly mane" How's my girl doing? What happened?"

She looks up weakly at him," When we landed at the hotel. I mentioned that I crave for tandoori chicken, and my colleague ordered from a restaurant from town. I had the chicken, and they chose the mutton. I think mine was a little off so this morning at 3 pm I suddenly had terrible abdominal pains. I had constant diarrhoea, stomach cramps and nausea. I vomited so much, so our head stylist called the ambulance when the fever worsens" her arms tightly hold on to him scared he will disappear.

Jin just caressing her face," Don't worry, you'll be in good hands. Just listen to your doctor. Drink your fluids, supplements and antibiotic. Ok. Don't ever scare me like that, darling. I love you" he kisses her hot forehead softly...

She smiled tiredly, "Ok, I love you too...thank you for the gift. It came in 5 min ago" Jin look around and saw a giant pink teddy bear holding a small baby teddy with a pink heart that says "I love you" with five big helium-filled "get well soon" balloons. Her room filled with flowers and sweet treat gifts from management and staff. They smirk because Jin loves pink.

Visiting hours are over. The rest of the management came in to greet their stylist while she's in Jins'arms. They love this couple. Their love conquered all after they've denied the bond for so long.

The Bangtan boys gave their final goodbye and promised to see her when she is discharged. She told them they must concentrate on the shows. They must send her video messages. She doesn't want to hear that the hospital staff are all hospitalised because of The Bangtan Effect.

Her illness already made breaking news even in her own country.

When all the Bighit group went out the door, Jin cupped her face lovingly and gave her a sweet lingering kiss filled with promises.

The doctors that attended to her inform the crew that she just needs rest and can be discharged in a day. So she'll be strong soon.

Jin was so anxious, but after checking on her, he could rest at the hotel. He felt so relieved and ask Sejin to please transfer her to his hotel suite when she's home. He wants her near him. They hired a private doctor and nurse to come and check on her when they're at the concert to keep her comfortable.

Fortunately, he got a hotel room suite with interlinked rooms. He felt relief his girl was settled and comfortable. The pain in her stomach was now bearable. But with lots of medication from the doctor, she could heal. She's so thankful that Jin was with her. She indeed was his queen, and he was her king.

A/N. Another update for you. Don't fret our main leads will meet soon. They are not eager to meet so quickly.😁
Just a little insight on the effects of the Soulbound. Poor Jin.

Question: Could you find any little spoiler "easter eggs "or clues about "Seesaw and Epiphany " In the Soulbound series?"

Thank you to all my superstar readers for voting, commenting and following. 💜 You support genuinely amaze me. 3k reads. Wow. Thank you...thank you.

And as an incentive expect a double update!!!