8 An almost accident

"Ahhhh! That was tiring!" Yuri immediately sprawled across the sofa.

"There's more of that coming once we debut maknae." Jin Ju eonnie reminded her. "Are you okay Eunjung? No dizziness or anything?"

Everyone's just been looking out for me the whole day. We had a fan meet and a small showcase as a show of apology for the last incident. Our fans were so understanding and I was so thankful that the oppa I blacked out on was there. He got so worried about me and has been thinking about how I've been doing. We took a selca as thanks for his love and support and it gave me energy to see that big, warm smile on his face.

"No change on your ring, huh?" Hyunju stated, most likely they were also waiting for it to finally turn gold.

"No I'm afraid not." I'm starting to lose hope at this point.

Will I be able to find him? I've been feeling better ever since I started eating again but the food doesn't taste as good as before. My group mates told me the food we've been eating tastes great but it's just all bland for me. I guess it's the effect of the transmutation too. It's bearable but ultimately uncomfortable, swallowing flavourless food. I wonder if my mate's also having a hard time? Is he eating well? Sleeping well? I hope he didn't have any blackout episodes like me.

"Girls, back to the van." Byung Ho oppa announced.

"What? Again? We just got home!" Yuri whined.

"We were able to schedule a meeting with the trainees from the recital. It's okay if you guys don't wanna come. We only need Eunjung to be there anyway." I know it's the truth but I do hear some guilt tripping in his tone. I guess oppa didn't want me to go through this alone.

"Come on Yuri. Get up. We need to be there for Eunjung-ah." Sooyong eonnies tone was serious. The one she uses when she's upset.

"It's okay eonnie. I can go on my own. I know you guys are already tired. You've been through a lot for me already and..."

"No. When I say we're coming, we are all coming. Understood? Now pick yourself up Yuri or do you want me to drag you to the van." It was the first time I heard Sooyong eonnie being terse like that.

Everyone filed in line and followed Byung Ho oppa and Sooyong eonnie back down. The ride was unusually quiet and I hate that everyone's getting stressed because of me.

"I do hope he's in that meeting so I can have a gold ring on my finger. Gold suits me very well. Right, Sooyong eonnie?" And I flashed her my warmest smile.

It broke my heart when she looked at me. Tears welling in her eyes, mouth twitching as she tried her hardest not to cry. She's really a softie. She can't handle it when any of us were sick or in trouble. She caged me in a hug and ran her hand on my hair.

"Everything will be okay Eunjung-ah. I will make sure of it. We will find that man whoever he is."

"I'm fine Eonnie. Don't worry too much. If he's not here today then I think I can be happy. That means one of the sunbaes is my soulmate." I lightly chuckled at that horrible joke I made.

"Oh my God Jung-ah! That is so true!" Hyunju squealed from the back of the van.

"Wow! Now I'm wishing your soulmate is not one of those trainees. Though, hihihi. They were all quite cute too, don't you think?" Jin Ju eonnie added and we all had a good giggle discussing the cutesies we saw at the recital.

We arrived at the venue and I almost threw up at the setup and I heard Jin Ju eonnie cackling her ass off. It was like I'll be on a "Search for Mr. Right" dating game.

"What is this? Is our sweet Eunjung going on a blind date?" She teased.

"Yah! Eonnie!" I can feel my cheeks heating up. I most likely look like a tomato now.

A tall, well built guy stood up and walked straight to me, raising his hand to show me his ring finger.

"Too bad I'm not your soulmate. My ring's still white. I would've loved having you as my mate though. You look so cute."

All of us were too dumb founded at his forwardness. My brain seemed to have stopped working and I just blinked as I digested his features. Almost the same height as Seokjin oppa but definitely more well built maybe like Jungkook? His eyes were fierce and looked at me like there was an actual fire behind them. He has a cute pointy nose and full lips rivaling those of Jimin oppa's. He was attractive and yet my heart didn't beat as fast as it did when I saw BTS. I only realized I was staring when he suddenly bent over, his face mere centimetres away from mine.

"Like what you see?" I'm sure I turned red cause his eyes disappeared as he gave me his cat like smile. "My name's Yunho. Nice to meet you Eunjung-ssi."

"Hold your horses boy. We clearly know our Eunjung's already taken. Don't you think you're hovering too close?" Jin Ju warned.

"It's nice seeing her up close. I was actually quite pissed when my manager pulled us here when we can just rest at home but now, I'm glad I came." Why can't I find my voice?

"Now that we've proved you're not the one. Can all of you raise your right hands please?" Hyunju announced.

The guys all looked at their hands and raised them for us. Not one of them had a red ring. My heart sank. He's not here.

"Noona." Yuri whispered to me.

"Yeah."

"So I guess this means one of the BTS sunbaes is your mate, right?"

I suddenly remembered those black orbs looking at me. His playful smirk. Does this mean he is my mate? Min Yoongi.

That dangerous man, Min Yoongi. The one millions threatened to sue because of his charm. He may seem cold and distant but I've seen his small ways of taking care of his brothers. That sunbae who almost got killed in a car accident while delivering goods but still decided to pursue his dream of being an idol.

Is he everything I thought him to be? Will he also be warm towards me? Will he also smile for me like he does for his brothers?

"Eunjung is everything okay?" Sooyong eonnie's worried voice stopped my trail of thought.

"Yes Eonnie. Yuri just said something."

"What is it maknae?" I can't really understand why Hyunju always sounds disgusted when she's talking to Yuri.

"Just think of it. There's only one more group left." And as Yuri's words settled in, a chorus of squeals came next.

Byung Ho oppa was actually quite surprised that the meeting ended quickly. He wasn't even there when the boys showed us their right hands. Let's just say, he arrived to girls screaming their lungs out.

"What's goin on here? Did you scare all the trainees? Why haven't you started meeting them?" He rapidly asked. Poor oppa. I'm sure he's already stressed out of his wits.

"Oppa, the meeting's done." Jin Ju stated matter of factly.

"What? What do you mean done? I was just out for a few minutes."

"Shhh Oppa." Hyun ju interrupted. "We took care of it. None of them is Jungie's mate."

"What? How?"

"Can you all raise your right hands again for our manager please?" Sooyong eonnie asked and they all did.

"O-ohhh" Maybe it didn't really occur to him that it'll be that easy to check for my mate today given that these trainees were briefed of the situation. He thanked the trainees for their time and led them to the food truck we prepared for them.

As everyone got busy getting acquainted, I quietly slipped out of the room. I allowed my feet to take me to the nearest fire exit. I felt the burn in my legs as I ascended the stairs hoping to reach the rooftop soon. I reached the door and pushed. I silently thanked God it was open.

It led to a rooftop arboretum with small bushes and little grass on the floor. There were benches scattered along a walkway which was shielded by an arch. Just like each time anxiety hits, I put my headphones on and closed my eyes as soon as I sat on a bench. I can feel the light chilly breeze. I welcomed it as all the stress was sure warming me up. I let the music take me away from my thoughts.

After a few moments of peace, I felt someone watching me and I opened my eyes to Yunho's face, the tip of his nose almost touching mine.

"Yaaahhhhh!"

"Hey! Hey! It's just me. Yunho."

"You pervert!" And I flicked my finger right on his forehead.

"Aw! That hurt! You shouldn't be hitting someone older than you!" He complained as he rubbed the sore skin.

I had to stifle a laugh. Looking at him right now, he's adorable and I think he's quite interesting. Why can't it be him? Wouldn't this all be easier if Yunho was my mate?

"Says who?" I threw an eyebrow up.

"Yah! I'm a year older than you so I'm technically your Oppa. C'mon, say it." He ruffled my hair and I have to admit that made my heart do skips.

It took a while to get a grip but I smacked his hand away and he pouted, acting like it hurt.

"Why are you so mean Eunjung-ssi? I just wanna be friends."

"Friends? You don't even know me."

"But I really like you."

I had to blink a few times at that. This guy is really blunt. I wonder what it would be like if him and Jin Ju became mates. They are quite alike.

"You like me? Are you nuts? You have only seen me twice at most and you already like me? Get a grip man. You know I'm taken." And I show him my hand just to prove the point.

His eyes lost the sparkle they had just a few seconds ago. "Yeah. I know. And I can't change that anymore. Fate already chose for you so all I can have is friendship."

"You're serious, aren't you?"

"Not everyone likes playing around Eunjung-ssi. The first time I met you during the recital, I already felt that pull towards you. I wanted to get to know you. Be closer to you. One of my Hyungs actually know one of your groupmates. Uhmm, Sooyong-ssi? I was actually excited when we were called out to meet you today."

"But what you said earlier was different..."

"I just said that so I won't get teased when we get home. You know." He smiled shyly and I get what he wanted to say. I've been a victim of such endless teasing multiple times and I would do anything to avoid that.

"I feel you."

"I've been wanting to ask."

"Hmm?"

"Aren't you afraid?" That's the first time someone actually asked that out loud. Am I afraid? Do I actually fear having a mate? I guess I've been trying to mask my fear these past few days.

"I am. Terrified out of my wits even." It was a no brainer to be honest. Specially with my case. I could die tomorrow for all we know.

"I wish I can make things right. I actually got worried when I looked at your ring earlier. Almost half of it is black now." Yunho kept on looking at his white ring as if he can make it turn red.

"It's okay Yunho-ssi. Our company is doing everything they can to help me. We'll find him soon." It was more of an assurance for me rather than him.

He was about to say something but my phone already started ringing.

"They must be worried looking for you."

"Yeah."

He led the way back to the conference room. We were greeted with awkward smiles and giggles. I think Yunho would still have a hard time back at the dorms.

*************

Our room felt smaller than it used to. Quieter than it used to even when Sooyong eonnie kept on recalling our day with me. And as the minutes passed by, I got more suffocated.

"Uhm Eonnie, I'll step out for a while." That surely took her by surprise.

"Where are you going?"

I opened my mouth to answer but found that I actually don't know what to say.

"I'll just walk around. Just need to clear my mind."

Sooyong eonnie understood what I wanted and needed. She just nodded and gave me a small smile.

"Be safe, okay? Don't stay out too late. I'll tell Jin Ju." She said before I was able to open our door.

"Thank you."

I allowed my feet to take me to the subway. At the end of my journey, I found myself in Apgujeong. There were a couple of stores that caught my attention and I let myself get lost in looking for a piece of clothing I know I wouldn't find.

When my legs started complaining, I went inside a small coffee shop, got myself a matcha latte and sat along the window. Like clockwork, I put on my headphones and took my notebook out as I watched passers by.

A couple sat on the bench across the cafe. They were enjoying cones of ice cream. The girl was obviously quite giddy with her black ice cream and the guy was content watching how cute she was, smiling like a kid while eating her little sweet treat.

I got inspired and my brain naturally spewed out words which I hastily wrote down on paper. As I continued watching them, a streak of black got caught on my peripheral vision and my heart, for a reason I can't understand, started pounding. I suddenly felt a strong desire to follow that black streak.

Quickly, I stashed my things. Leaving an unfinished drink on the table. With my galloping heart, I scourged the vicinity and there it was. A bucket hat on its head walking towards the shopping district.

I followed speedily. Doing my best to dodge bodies going the opposite direction. As it gained more distance away from me, the stronger my desire to get closer.

We will soon be meeting an intersection and the lights were gonna turn soon. I felt panic engulf me. I will lose him. Him? Why do I think its a he?

Ten. He took a step to cross.

Nine. A sea of people are blocking my way.

Eight. I fight to get through.

Seven. But it was futile.

Six. They were too many.

Five. I start using more force.

Four. Finally I took a step to cross.

Three. I push my feet to go faster.

Two. But the street was too wide.

One. I got caught in the middle.

A silent scream can be heard in my head. I was a panting mess, stuck in the island, trying to catch up to a stranger. I tried to follow him with my sight but the lights took too long and he already turned a corner.

My hand clutched my chest as I felt a pang of pain. Like someone actually had my heart in their hand and was squeezing the life out of me. I closed my eyes and controlled my breathing until I heard the signal to cross.

My feet automatically took a step. I started slowly until I was almost running. I turned at the corner where I last saw him and a sea of people greeted me but I didn't lose hope. I walked along the alley peeking inside stores hoping that I'll chance upon him.

I was already at the end of the alley. My head turning left and right, trying to search for him. The panic rising again as I realized that I really lost him. I looked at my ring and a drop of tear landed on my hand. I guess I won't find him. It's the end of the line for me.

"Hey!" I heard a man call before a strong pair of hands grabbed my shoulders.

My thoughts were racing that I didn't notice that I was literally walking to my death to a busy street. If not for these strong hands, I would've been hit by the truck that just passed.

"Miss, are you okay?" He asked. I got disoriented that it took time for me to focus on the man in front of me.

"I..." He was wearing a black bucket hat, most of his face covered with a black face mask. Silver dangling earrings adorning the sides of his face.

"Are you hurt?" He was looking me up and down.

"I'm... I don't" Yeah, I guess my brain's in disarray right now.

"Miss? Are you okay?" He put his hand on my cheek and looked me straight in the eyes. I found myself staring into black orbs as deep as an ocean and suddenly, I was brought back in the now.

"Oh my God! What just happened?" He chuckled a little. Is he laughing at me?

"Well, you were too deep in your thoughts. You almost crossed the street. If I hadn't caught you in time... I think you saw the truck, right?" I know that voice. I know it from the hundreds of videos I watched of him. I snapped my head in his direction.

His face mask was now pulled down as he sipped on his black coffee. I felt as if my world is spinning oh so slowly. Here he is, in front of me. The man in black. The Min Yoongi.

"Sunbae? Yoongi-sunbaenim?" He turned his head slightly and gave me a smile. A hiccup suddenly croaked out of me and he laughed. His eyes disappearing.

"You're clearly startled. If you want, you can walk with me. Until you calm down." He... he seems okay. But.. isn't he... my soulmate? Shouldn't he feel quite weak like me?

"Su...Sunbae." I felt my legs wobble before they finally gave way beneath me. His strong arms were quick to grab hold of me. This time his coffee wasn't too fortunate, the contents now on the pavement.

"Hey. Don't worry, I'm here. Let's go inside the cafe so you can rest a little. You're quite pale." I let him usher me inside but we didn't stop to sit among the tables. He led me to a small entry way which led to a small room with a couch.