May I Just Say, I Was Pulled In By Seoulmates But I Am Also Super Loving Bangtan Forest. And I Really

May I just say, I was pulled in by Seoulmates but I am also super loving Bangtan Forest. And I really appreciate the Bangtan Forest Encyclopedia because it shows how much effort is placed into the world building 🤧 So so excited for both stories & can’t wait to read more! 💜

Seoulmates has been in my head for a while, and is a fluffy little story that has been just waiting to be told so I’m very pleased with the attention it’s getting!

Bangtan Forest, on the other hand, is like my baby. So much has went into it already as far as planning out the characters and the world within the Forest. I really wanted to bring in folklore and mythology from different cultures, so originally the Encyclopedia was just a list for me of ideas(that I tweaked and took creative license with oops) on which creatures/spirits/etc I thought I could use with the plot line I have in my head so far. If I were more of an artist, I would totally draw out a map of the Forest and its cities and terrain lol. I’m glad you’re enjoying it so far!

Seoulmates

BTS x Reader

Word Count: 3,205

Series Masterlist

Chapter Six: Designer Choice

Mason and BigHit had managed to get it arranged for you to be at the designer label shoot, since the clothing line would launch before the magazine issue. It would be great publicity, they had argued, and the designer had agreed. She’s Korean; new and up-and-coming in the fashion world, but already sought-after and heavily recognizable. Her work is phenomenal.

“You’ll be going on your own, but the company has offered to let you arrive with the boys,” Mason informs you over breakfast in your hotel’s dinning room. “There’s not really anything to ask about concerning the clothing that I can’t ask some other time...” You can tell he’s disappointed, but don’t mention it. “We’ll start doing the individual spreads after this. I just have to figure out who’s available first, and go from there. I have most of my questions already worked out, and I’m sure more will come to me in time—“

“Has anyone ever told you that you’re a workaholic, Mason?” you interrupt, before biting into your breakfast croissant. “Relax. Everything is coming along great. You’re one of the magazine’s top writer’s, and you’re so dedicated to this story it can’t help but be amazing.”

He smiles at you, rubbing at his soulmark. “I guess I’m trying to distract myself...my wife, Avery, is expecting, and I’m not there, so I’m antsy I guess.”

Your eyes widen, and you smile. “Congratulations! I had no idea. How long?”

He smiles, looking down at the star on his wrist. “Three months. We haven’t told many people yet, but I like you. You’re...you’re good, and she wants me to ask about a maternity shoot once she’s further along-“

“Consider it my gift to both of you,” you say, winking at him. “I’d be honored.”

He sighs in relief. “Thank God, because she’s already a nightmare when she doesn’t get what she wants with this baby. I had no idea how I was going to tell her if you had said no.”

You hum. “Maybe I should change my mind, just to see that.”

His eyes widen with fear. “Don’t even joke.” You laugh. “I don’t think there would be anywhere on Earth for me to safely hide. She would blame it on me, you know.”

“Of course.”

~*~

Joon: We’re in the parking garage. Black van, tinted windows.

Yoongi: Don’t keep us waiting, doll

You groan, not quite ready for the agonizingly sweet torture of being around your soulmates all at once. Hell, you could barely handle being around one at a time. Why fate or whoever was in charge decided to give you seven, you’ll never know.

You quickly make your way out of your hotel suite and down the hallway to the elevator, greeting the elderly woman you pass on your way. She smiles at you in return, before going into her own room. You’re pretty sure she lives in the hotel, having seen her bringing in groceries twice now. She had declined your help when you had offered the first time, saying it was good for her old bones, but that she appreciated the thoughtfulness.

You check over your camera bag for the hundredth time as the elevator descends, making sure you have everything you need. You’re nervous, but you’re not entirely sure why. You check your wrist again as well to see that every last dot of black from your soulmark is covered with the concealing cream. It’s a warm day, so you’re wearing a sleeveless cream top and long, fitted black shorts with simple white flats that are comfortable. You’re not trying to impress anyone; in fact, you sincerely hope you’re able to fade to the background and disappear.

The elevator doors open, and you walk over to the black van parked in the same spot Jimin’s car had been a few days prior. The sliding door opens, and you smile at the boys poking there heads through the opening.

“Noona!” Jungkook exclaims from the back row.

“Hey, Kookie,” you greet. “Good morning, guys,” you add to the other pouting faces, chuckling.

“You can sit beside me,” Jimin offers, moving over closer to Taehyung, who has his head laying on Jimin’s shoulder, nodding off. You smile at the image, climbing into the van and taking your seat as the door slides shut behind you.

Namjoon is sat in the passenger’s seat, and he turns to look give you a dimpled smile. “Hey, lovely. It’s good to see you again.” You blush as he turns back around, buckling up as he gives the driver—a manager—the okay to head out.

Jimin wraps his arm around Taehyung’s shoulders, and you smile. Jungkook, seated behind you, begins playing with your hair, and you feel your nerves start fading away the longer he does. He’s careful not to touch your skin, but you wouldn’t mind if he did massage your scalp.

The ride to Choi Haeun’s studio is fairly quick, or either you doze off from the attention to your hair one, for it seems like no time at all before the van is stopping and the door is sliding open once again. Namjoon hurries to disembark, holding his hand out to you as you step down. The gesture has your heart flipping, but you remain calm on the outside, simply thanking him politely. The others follow after you, Taehyung teasingly complaining when no one chivalrously offers him their hand. You almost do, but remember in time that it would result in a new, exposed part of your soulmarks, and wait to the side for Yoongi, the last to exit, to join your group instead.

“Welcome, welcome!” an assistant behind a desk says as the nine of you enter the building. “Right this way, please!” She motions you down a hall, and you follow after her. The walls are decorated with framed sketches of designs you recognize from your research, as well as featured covers of fashion magazines. You pass by the cover of your own company’s fashion magazine, smiling. That could be your photo, one day.

“Miss Choi, they are here,” the assistant announces when she enters the vast studio at the end of the hallway after knocking on the door. The beautiful, statuesque woman in the center of the room, directing everyone, turns, and your breath catches at her beauty. The pictures of her online did not do her any justice. At all.

Choi Haeun is as stunningly beautiful as her designs.

“Welcome, Bangtan Sonyeondan! It is a pleasure to have such significant figures model my creations.” She smiles at each of them, returning their bows. She pauses when her eyes settle on you. “You must be the magazine photographer. Welcome to you, as well.”

“Thank you for allowing me to be here, Miss Choi,” you bow. “I look forward to seeing your new designs, and I can assure you they are safe with me.”

She smiles at you. “I like you; you’re honest and rather blunt.” Her eyes go to your wrist. “Your soulmate will appreciate that, when you find them.”

You return her smile. “Thank you.”

“Now,” she turn back to the guys, and you step aside, “Bong-Cha will show you to the first outfits, as well as the changing rooms. Our photographer is running a little late, so take your time. Hair and makeup is to the right over there,” she motions to the right of the room, where seven lit vanities have been set up, their countertops strewn with products and tools, “and feel free to help yourselves to food and refreshments over here to the left between takes.”

She turns back to you. “You may stow your things next to the vanities, if you like. They will not be touched, or I will personally replace anything that is damaged.”

You nod, smiling. “Thank you.” You glance around the boys as you pass by, making your way over to set your bag down beside the last vanity. You run through all of your settings, snap on your favorite lens, and wait.

The boys finish getting dressed, and you snap a few shots of them at the vanities getting their makeup and hair done, then all of you are waiting for the photographer.

And waiting.

Finally, he shows up, very clearly hungover, and stumbles through setting up the equipment as you inconspicuously watch on, cringing. Hoseok notices, and stands beside you.

“What has you making that face?”

“Nothing, just—his lighting is going to be really harsh with how he has it set up. I don’t think it’s going to showcase the fabrics of these first outfits very well...it’s going to wash you guys out so much, and not in a good way, either. And his camera is placed at the wrong angle to salvage it in editing. He’s going to get glares and flares—“

“Are you saying you could do better than my photographer?” a voice asks from behind you, and you stiffen. You hadn’t noticed Haeun walking up behind the two of you, but she had heard everything you had said. None of it was very flattering of the poor man who was over two hours late, and in obvious pain from a rough night out. “What makes you think so?”

“N-no, I was just making observations—“

“She’s a fantastic photographer,” Hoseok speaks up, defending you. “She knows what she’s talking about.”

“She does,” Yoongi agrees, walking over. “One of the best we’ve ever worked with. Our company can vouch for that.”

Haeun cocks one perfectly manicured brow, crossing her arms. “Is that so?” She looks you over, before glancing over your shoulder at her photographer. “Show me, then. How would you do it?”

Your eyes widen. “I really don’t think—“

“Even I can tell he’s not at his best today,” she cuts in. “So I will get shoddy work. If you can give me better, I will pay you what I promised him for the same job.” She snaps her fingers, and the assistant from earlier, Bong-Cha, hurries forward with a notepad, which Haeun scratches out a number on, before handing you. “What do you say?”

You read the amount, your eyes going even wider. “I—“ You turn back around, pointing out various pieces of equipment. “For the silken material of the first outfits, I would arrange those lights there, there, and there to accentuate them better, as well as not throw too much of a shine on them for editing trouble. I would also move my tripod over there—if I used it. I would want more freedom of movement, so I don’t have to move my models as much to get the shots I want, and so I can get various angles on the same poses and different shots of the same lighting because it has different effects from different angles as well.” You turn back to Haeun. “I would also choose a different backdrop color for the color scheme of these designs. You want them to stand out, but not clash.”

She’s tucked her chin between two fingers, thinking as she envisions the changes you’ve suggested. After a long stretch of silence, she slowly smiles. Her eyes meet yours, and she nods. “Bong-Cha,” her eyes never leave yours, “inform Mr. Lee that he is not needed today, and that if he shows up to my studio inebriated again, I will no longer use him, would you dear?”

“Yes, Miss Choi.” She walks with purpose past you, giving you a smile, towards the male photographer who’s tripping over his own feet.

“Take whoever you need, and tell them where to put the lights. I have a whole room of backdrops; allow me to show you so you may select a better one.” Haeun’s eyes are sparkling as she links her arm with yours, patting it with her other hand. “If you ever tire of working for a magazine, I’ve been in the hunting for a permanent photographer of my own...”

~*~

“If the pose doesn’t feel natural, don’t take it,” you instruct. “It comes across in the pictures.”

“You are phenomenal,” Haeun comments right behind you as Jin and Yoongi adjust, looking at the photos on the preview screen. “These haven’t even went to editing yet...how—how wonderful.” You can feel her eyes on you as you move positions. “My offer will always stand, for talent such as yours.”

You’re on the last change of clothing, on the group shots to showcase this entire set, and have received nothing but praise from the designer. Between takes, a couple of the crew informed you that she has never been so pleased with a photographer before, and your ego can’t take much more bolstering.

“Last one—give me your best ‘Bangtan’ pose!”

The boys smile, arranging themselves with their arms around each other’s shoulders, and you take the shot. This one is for the magazine, as it’s more of the boys than the clothes really, but you find yourself wanting to keep it as a personal memento of today. You just might.

“I should be able to separate the photos for the magazine from the shoot photos tonight and send them to your office immediately,” you say as you turn, reviewing your last several takes.

“Thank you so much, darling. You’ve saved my name, really,” Haeun says. “You can be the best designer in the world, but if the photos are bad, no one will know it.”

You snort. “I doubt anyone would think you’re less than amazing, but thank you for your words.”

“Miss Choi—your dinner appointment is in half an hour,” Bong-Cha reminds her boss.

“Ah, yes. I had almost forgotten,” she turns back to you. “I must go, but I look forward to hearing from you, hopefully?” She leaves without an answer, leaving you flabbergasted.

“Everything okay, angel?” Taehyung asks, coming up beside you. You shake yourself, nodding. He smiles. “Good. I was wondering if you’re busy two days from now? I have a free schedule all day, and I believe it’s my turn to spend a day with you next.”

Your heart beats harder. “Yes, I’m free.” You narrow your eyes. “I don’t suppose you’ll tell me what you have planned, will you?”

He just smiles broader, backing towards the changing rooms. You roll your eyes.

Your soulmates are insufferable.

~*~

You: How should I dress?

Tae: Comfortably, but however you want

Tae: Nicer than roller skating and bowling though

You: I’m telling Jimin you’re dissing our date

Tae: I thought he said it wasn’t a date?

You smile down at you phone as you fix yourself some stir-fry in your suite’s kitchen, already excitedly looking forward to tomorrow’s day with Taehyung. You wonder what the man has planned, but like Jimin he has been decidedly tight-lipped. Your phone chimes again.

Mason: Looked over edited pics you sent. Perfect. Keep it up 👍

You hum satisfactorily to yourself.

You: Should have the ones from the designer shoot done by Tuesday. I’m glad you like them so far

Mason: Don’t work too hard. Remember to take time for yourself. Don’t want you to burn out

Mason was quickly becoming a big brother to you, looking out for you and always concerned you were working too much. He had even encouraged you to seek out your soulmate if you could. If only he knew he had introduced you to them—all seven of them.

Your phone rings, playing the chorus of your favorite BTS song while Skyler’s name lights up the screen. You don’t even get a word in once you’ve accepted the call.

“Girl, I am in a dream. I must be, because no way is real life this fucking amazing,” your roommate rushes out. “You better not wake me up or I’ll find a new roomie.”

You laugh. “Things with Michelle are going well, I take it?”

“She’s everything I never knew I wanted.” She sighs dreamily. “She’s a trauma nurse, you know. Well, she’s still in the last of her training or whatever, but that’s the end goal. She’s on the night shift at the hospital, and I’ve already arranged my schedule for next semester to fit with hers so we have more time together without eating away at her sleep.” You add some sesame oil to the wok, smiling to yourself at the fondness in her voice. “She was going to arrange her schedule, but I’m like ‘babe, it’s your actual job. No. My classes aren’t set yet, let me do the arranging’ and she’s as stubborn as you are but I made so much sense—and bribed her with the good sushi from that place on Kingston—so she agreed!”

Her excitement warms your heart, glad to know your best friend has found her happiness. That you both have, even if she doesn’t know it yet.

“Girl, I’m telling you, just wait until you find your—oh shit!” She lowers her voice. “Weiss is totally giving me the evil eye right now—fuck, he’s coming—no sir, I’m talking to myself-“

The call cuts off, and you break out laughing at her being caught by the ancient librarian as you plate your food and go to the living room. With semester finals coming up, Skyler spends every spare moment not with her soulmate at the campus library, studying her ass off to pass her marine biology courses, lamenting to you whenever she thought it was safe to sneak in a call, whether between classes or during study sessions.

Your heart flutters, wondering if she’ll smile at you the same way when you finally tell her about your own soulmates.

~*~

You arrive at the boys’ dorm the next day, fifteen minutes early, wearing a deep purple blouse with three-quarter sleeves that hangs off one shoulder, as well as black skinny jeans and flats. You’re comfortable, but dressy, with your hair styled in waves that frame your face nicely.

You knock on the door, and after a few moments it opens to reveal a surprised Namjoon.

“What—what are you doing here?”

You frown. “Today is Tae’s day to take me out, and he gave me the address to meet him here...was I not supposed to know where you live?”

His eyes widen more, before he shakes his head quickly. “No, that’s not the issue. It’s just—we told Taehyung to cancel your plans yesterday, and we thought he had. He should have,” he mutters, scratching the back of his neck, glancing over his shoulder into the apartment.

Your heart beats hard. Once. Twice. “Oh.”

“Yah! You’re giving the wrong impression, Namjoon!” Jin exclaims, pushing the leader aside. “No one is rejecting anyone, sweetheart. I promise.”

Namjoon chokes on his breath, eyes searching your face. “Oh God, did I make you think—“

“Shhh, Joon,” Seokjin says, holding a finger up. Namjoon’s mouth snaps shut as he ushers you inside, closing the door behind you. “What my clueless genius failed to say, is Taehyung is sick, and unable to take you out. He’ll have to reschedule.”

You blink.

Taehyung’s sick?

“It’s okay that he’s sick. I’m not upset.” They relax, nodding appreciatively at you, as though they feared you would be mad or something. “It just means I get to stay with him here, instead.”

Hii!! I was wondering if I could be added to the Seoulmates tag list? It’s so good and i don’t wanna miss a chapter!!

I’m so glad you’re enjoying it!

I tried to add you, but for some reason I was unable to tag you. I am so sorry!

HI HOPE YOU’RE DOING BETTER AND IF NOT, I HOPE IT WILL SOON 🥺 huge fan of your writing but your health is so so much more important so take care and don’t worry about us :D

I’m slowly doing better, thank you. I’m taking things slow and easy, and writing only when bursts of energy come. Thanks for the kind words, anon!

Seoulmates

BTS x Reader

Series Masterlist

Chapter Six: Designer Choice

Mason and BigHit had managed to get it arranged for you to be at the designer label shoot, since the clothing line would launch before the magazine issue. It would be great publicity, they had argued, and the designer had agreed. She’s Korean; new and up-and-coming in the fashion world, but already sought-after and heavily recognizable. Her work is phenomenal.

“You’ll be going on your own, but the company has offered to let you arrive with the boys,” Mason informs you over breakfast in your hotel’s dinning room. “There’s not really anything to ask about concerning the clothing that I can’t ask some other time...” You can tell he’s disappointed, but don’t mention it. “We’ll start doing the individual spreads after this. I just have to figure out who’s available first, and go from there. I have most of my questions already worked out, and I’m sure more will come to me in time—“

“Has anyone ever told you that you’re a workaholic, Mason?” you interrupt, before biting into your breakfast croissant. “Relax. Everything is coming along great. You’re one of the magazine’s top writer’s, and you’re so dedicated to this story it can’t help but be amazing.”

He smiles at you, rubbing at his soulmark. “I guess I’m trying to distract myself...my wife, Avery, is expecting, and I’m not there, so I’m antsy I guess.”

Your eyes widen, and you smile. “Congratulations! I had no idea. How long?”

He smiles, looking down at the star on his wrist. “Three months. We haven’t told many people yet, but I like you. You’re...you’re good, and she wants me to ask about a maternity shoot once she’s further along-“

“Consider it my gift to both of you,” you say, winking at him. “I’d be honored.”

He sighs in relief. “Thank God, because she’s already a nightmare when she doesn’t get what she wants with this baby. I had no idea how I was going to tell her if you had said no.”

You hum. “Maybe I should change my mind, just to see that.”

His eyes widen with fear. “Don’t even joke.” You laugh. “I don’t think there would be anywhere on Earth for me to safely hide. She would blame it on me, you know.”

“Of course.”

~*~

Joon: We’re in the parking garage. Black van, tinted windows.

Yoongi: Don’t keep us waiting, doll

You groan, not quite ready for the agonizingly sweet torture of being around your soulmates all at once. Hell, you could barely handle being around one at a time. Why fate or whoever was in charge decided to give you seven, you’ll never know.

You quickly make your way out of your hotel suite and down the hallway to the elevator, greeting the elderly woman you pass on your way. She smiles at you in return, before going into her own room. You’re pretty sure she lives in the hotel, having seen her bringing in groceries twice now. She had declined your help when you had offered the first time, saying it was good for her old bones, but that she appreciated the thoughtfulness.

You check over your camera bag for the hundredth time as the elevator descends, making sure you have everything you need. You’re nervous, but you’re not entirely sure why. You check your wrist again as well to see that every last dot of black from your soulmark is covered with the concealing cream. It’s a warm day, so you’re wearing a sleeveless cream top and long, fitted black shorts with simple white flats that are comfortable. You’re not trying to impress anyone; in fact, you sincerely hope you’re able to fade to the background and disappear.

The elevator doors open, and you walk over to the black van parked in the same spot Jimin’s car had been a few days prior. The sliding door opens, and you smile at the boys poking there heads through the opening.

“Noona!” Jungkook exclaims from the back row.

“Hey, Kookie,” you greet. “Good morning, guys,” you add to the other pouting faces, chuckling.

“You can sit beside me,” Jimin offers, moving over closer to Taehyung, who has his head laying on Jimin’s shoulder, nodding off. You smile at the image, climbing into the van and taking your seat as the door slides shut behind you.

Namjoon is sat in the passenger’s seat, and he turns to look give you a dimpled smile. “Hey, lovely. It’s good to see you again.” You blush as he turns back around, buckling up as he gives the driver—a manager—the okay to head out.

Jimin wraps his arm around Taehyung’s shoulders, and you smile. Jungkook, seated behind you, begins playing with your hair, and you feel your nerves start fading away the longer he does. He’s careful not to touch your skin, but you wouldn’t mind if he did massage your scalp.

The ride to Choi Haeun’s studio is fairly quick, or either you doze off from the attention to your hair one, for it seems like no time at all before the van is stopping and the door is sliding open once again. Namjoon hurries to disembark, holding his hand out to you as you step down. The gesture has your heart flipping, but you remain calm on the outside, simply thanking him politely. The others follow after you, Taehyung teasingly complaining when no one chivalrously offers him their hand. You almost do, but remember in time that it would result in a new, exposed part of your soulmarks, and wait to the side for Yoongi, the last to exit, to join your group instead.

“Welcome, welcome!” an assistant behind a desk says as the nine of you enter the building. “Right this way, please!” She motions you down a hall, and you follow after her. The walls are decorated with framed sketches of designs you recognize from your research, as well as featured covers of fashion magazines. You pass by the cover of your own company’s fashion magazine, smiling. That could be your photo, one day.

“Miss Choi, they are here,” the assistant announces when she enters the vast studio at the end of the hallway after knocking on the door. The beautiful, statuesque woman in the center of the room, directing everyone, turns, and your breath catches at her beauty. The pictures of her online did not do her any justice. At all.

Choi Haeun is as stunningly beautiful as her designs.

“Welcome, Bangtan Sonyeondan! It is a pleasure to have such significant figures model my creations.” She smiles at each of them, returning their bows. She pauses when her eyes settle on you. “You must be the magazine photographer. Welcome to you, as well.”

“Thank you for allowing me to be here, Miss Choi,” you bow. “I look forward to seeing your new designs, and I can assure you they are safe with me.”

She smiles at you. “I like you; you’re honest and rather blunt.” Her eyes go to your wrist. “Your soulmate will appreciate that, when you find them.”

You return her smile. “Thank you.”

“Now,” she turn back to the guys, and you step aside, “Bong-Cha will show you to the first outfits, as well as the changing rooms. Our photographer is running a little late, so take your time. Hair and makeup is to the right over there,” she motions to the right of the room, where seven lit vanities have been set up, their countertops strewn with products and tools, “and feel free to help yourselves to food and refreshments over here to the left between takes.”

She turns back to you. “You may stow your things next to the vanities, if you like. They will not be touched, or I will personally replace anything that is damaged.”

You nod, smiling. “Thank you.” You glance around the boys as you pass by, making your way over to set your bag down beside the last vanity. You run through all of your settings, snap on your favorite lens, and wait.

The boys finish getting dressed, and you snap a few shots of them at the vanities getting their makeup and hair done, then all of you are waiting for the photographer.

And waiting.

Finally, he shows up, very clearly hungover, and stumbles through setting up the equipment as you inconspicuously watch on, cringing. Hoseok notices, and stands beside you.

“What has you making that face?”

“Nothing, just—his lighting is going to be really harsh with how he has it set up. I don’t think it’s going to showcase the fabrics of these first outfits very well...it’s going to wash you guys out so much, and not in a good way, either. And his camera is placed at the wrong angle to salvage it in editing. He’s going to get glares and flares—“

“Are you saying you could do better than my photographer?” a voice asks from behind you, and you stiffen. You hadn’t noticed Haeun walking up behind the two of you, but she had heard everything you had said. None of it was very flattering of the poor man who was over two hours late, and in obvious pain from a rough night out. “What makes you think so?”

“N-no, I was just making observations—“

“She’s a fantastic photographer,” Hoseok speaks up, defending you. “She knows what she’s talking about.”

“She does,” Yoongi agrees, walking over. “One of the best we’ve ever worked with. Our company can vouch for that.”

Haeun cocks one perfectly manicured brow, crossing her arms. “Is that so?” She looks you over, before glancing over your shoulder at her photographer. “Show me, then. How would you do it?”

Your eyes widen. “I really don’t think—“

“Even I can tell he’s not at his best today,” she cuts in. “So I will get shoddy work. If you can give me better, I will pay you what I promised him for the same job.” She snaps her fingers, and the assistant from earlier, Bong-Cha, hurries forward with a notepad, which Haeun scratches out a number on, before handing you. “What do you say?”

You read the amount, your eyes going even wider. “I—“ You turn back around, pointing out various pieces of equipment. “For the silken material of the first outfits, I would arrange those lights there, there, and there to accentuate them better, as well as not throw too much of a shine on them for editing trouble. I would also move my tripod over there—if I used it. I would want more freedom of movement, so I don’t have to move my models as much to get the shots I want, and so I can get various angles on the same poses and different shots of the same lighting because it has different effects from different angles as well.” You turn back to Haeun. “I would also choose a different backdrop color for the color scheme of these designs. You want them to stand out, but not clash.”

She’s tucked her chin between two fingers, thinking as she envisions the changes you’ve suggested. After a long stretch of silence, she slowly smiles. Her eyes meet yours, and she nods. “Bong-Cha,” her eyes never leave yours, “inform Mr. Lee that he is not needed today, and that if he shows up to my studio inebriated again, I will no longer use him, would you dear?”

“Yes, Miss Choi.” She walks with purpose past you, giving you a smile, towards the male photographer who’s tripping over his own feet.

“Take whoever you need, and tell them where to put the lights. I have a whole room of backdrops; allow me to show you so you may select a better one.” Haeun’s eyes are sparkling as she links her arm with yours, patting it with her other hand. “If you ever tire of working for a magazine, I’ve been in the hunting for a permanent photographer of my own...”

~*~

“If the pose doesn’t feel natural, don’t take it,” you instruct. “It comes across in the pictures.”

“You are phenomenal,” Haeun comments right behind you as Jin and Yoongi adjust, looking at the photos on the preview screen. “These haven’t even went to editing yet...how—how wonderful.” You can feel her eyes on you as you move positions. “My offer will always stand, for talent such as yours.”

You’re on the last change of clothing, on the group shots to showcase this entire set, and have received nothing but praise from the designer. Between takes, a couple of the crew informed you that she has never been so pleased with a photographer before, and your ego can’t take much more bolstering.

“Last one—give me your best ‘Bangtan’ pose!”

The boys smile, arranging themselves with their arms around each other’s shoulders, and you take the shot. This one is for the magazine, as it’s more of the boys than the clothes really, but you find yourself wanting to keep it as a personal memento of today. You just might.

“I should be able to separate the photos for the magazine from the shoot photos tonight and send them to your office immediately,” you say as you turn, reviewing your last several takes.

“Thank you so much, darling. You’ve saved my name, really,” Haeun says. “You can be the best designer in the world, but if the photos are bad, no one will know it.”

You snort. “I doubt anyone would think you’re less than amazing, but thank you for your words.”

“Miss Choi—your dinner appointment is in half an hour,” Bong-Cha reminds her boss.

“Ah, yes. I had almost forgotten,” she turns back to you. “I must go, but I look forward to hearing from you, hopefully?” She leaves without an answer, leaving you flabbergasted.

“Everything okay, angel?” Taehyung asks, coming up beside you. You shake yourself, nodding. He smiles. “Good. I was wondering if you’re busy two days from now? I have a free schedule all day, and I believe it’s my turn to spend a day with you next.”

Your heart beats harder. “Yes, I’m free.” You narrow your eyes. “I don’t suppose you’ll tell me what you have planned, will you?”

He just smiles broader, backing towards the changing rooms. You roll your eyes.

Your soulmates are insufferable.

~*~

You: How should I dress?

Tae: Comfortably, but however you want

Tae: Nicer than roller skating and bowling though

You: I’m telling Jimin you’re dissing our date

Tae: I thought he said it wasn’t a date?

You smile down at you phone as you fix yourself some stir-fry in your suite’s kitchen, already excitedly looking forward to tomorrow’s day with Taehyung. You wonder what the man has planned, but like Jimin he has been decidedly tight-lipped. Your phone chimes again.

Mason: Looked over edited pics you sent. Perfect. Keep it up 👍

You hum satisfactorily to yourself.

You: Should have the ones from the designer shoot done by Tuesday. I’m glad you like them so far

Mason: Don’t work too hard. Remember to take time for yourself. Don’t want you to burn out

Mason was quickly becoming a big brother to you, looking out for you and always concerned you were working too much. He had even encouraged you to seek out your soulmate if you could. If only he knew he had introduced you to them—all seven of them.

Your phone rings, playing the chorus of your favorite BTS song while Skyler’s name lights up the screen. You don’t even get a word in once you’ve accepted the call.

“Girl, I am in a dream. I must be, because no way is real life this fucking amazing,” your roommate rushes out. “You better not wake me up or I’ll find a new roomie.”

You laugh. “Things with Michelle are going well, I take it?”

“She’s everything I never knew I wanted.” She sighs dreamily. “She’s a trauma nurse, you know. Well, she’s still in the last of her training or whatever, but that’s the end goal. She’s on the night shift at the hospital, and I’ve already arranged my schedule for next semester to fit with hers so we have more time together without eating away at her sleep.” You add some sesame oil to the wok, smiling to yourself at the fondness in her voice. “She was going to arrange her schedule, but I’m like ‘babe, it’s your actual job. No. My classes aren’t set yet, let me do the arranging’ and she’s as stubborn as you are but I made so much sense—and bribed her with the good sushi from that place on Kingston—so she agreed!”

Her excitement warms your heart, glad to know your best friend has found her happiness. That you both have, even if she doesn’t know it yet.

“Girl, I’m telling you, just wait until you find your—oh shit!” She lowers her voice. “Weiss is totally giving me the evil eye right now—fuck, he’s coming—no sir, I’m talking to myself-“

The call cuts off, and you break out laughing at her being caught by the ancient librarian as you plate your food and go to the living room. With semester finals coming up, Skyler spends every spare moment not with her soulmate at the campus library, studying her ass off to pass her marine biology courses, lamenting to you whenever she thought it was safe to sneak in a call, whether between classes or during study sessions.

Your heart flutters, wondering if she’ll smile at you the same way when you finally tell her about your own soulmates.

~*~

You arrive at the boys’ dorm the next day, fifteen minutes early, wearing a deep purple blouse with three-quarter sleeves and hangs off one shoulder, as well as black skinny jeans and flats. You’re comfortable, but dressy, with your hair styled is wavy that frame your face nicely.

You knock on the door, and after a few moments it opens to reveal a surprised Namjoon.

“What—what are you doing here?”

You frown. “Today is Tae’s day to take me out, and he gave me the address to meet him here...was I not supposed to know where you live?”

His eyes widen more, before he shakes his head quickly. “No, that’s not the issue. It’s just—we told Taehyung to cancel your plans yesterday, and we thought he had. He should have,” he mutters, scratching the back of his neck, glancing over his shoulder into the apartment.

Your heart beats hard. Once. Twice. “Oh.”

“Yah! You’re giving the wrong impression, Namjoon!” Jin exclaims, pushing the leader aside. “No one is rejecting anyone, sweetheart. I promise.”

Namjoon chokes on his breath, eyes searching your face. “Oh God, did I make you think—“

“Shhh, Joon,” Seokjin says, holding a finger up. Namjoon’s mouth snaps shut as he ushers you inside, closing the door behind you. “What my clueless genius failed to say, is Taehyung is sick, and unable to take you out. He’ll have to reschedule.”

You blink.

Taehyung’s sick?

“It’s okay that he’s sick. I’m not upset.” They relax, nodding appreciatively at you, as though they feared you would be mad or something. “It just means I get to stay with him here, instead.”

I really love seoulmates 😁

I’m so glad you do! Thank you so much!