█▓▒­░⡷⠂ʟᴀᴛᴇʀ...⠐⢾░▒▓█

Namjoon was energized and elated because his connection with Vicky finally became strong and settled. They were surprised when Hanbin and Hobeom showed up with two system scientists to redo their invirsos. Bang Pd paid for it all, and they were super grateful because now, no one would see their soulmarks. Their soulmark activation and bonding footage was sent to Bang Pd for safety reasons.

The procedure was quick, so Namjoon and Vicky could return to their hotels happily. Namjoon wanted Vicky with him, but he knew they had to be careful since only top management and his Bangtan brothers knew about them.

Namjoon's parents were excited to meet his long-awaited soulmate and hoped his best friend wouldn't cause trouble. Even though Namjoon had a past relationship with Jia, his parents wanted him to be with his true mate.

After saying a heartfelt goodbye privately, Namjoon and Vicky left separately in SUVs.They feel deflated to leave each other's presence, but when their bond has been sealed, they can feel invigorated for a few weeks.

Tala was thrilled when Vicky came into their hotel room, flustered, and jumped on her with evident happiness.

"Oh my gosh, Vicky! I can't believe you and Joonie were meant to be," she said, giving Vicky a tight hug. She was so delighted.

"I know. No wonder we couldn't move on with other people. Tala, I love him so much, but his ex won't let go. He told me he broke up with her. Did you know she tried to trap him with a baby... and guess whose soulmate the father is?" Vicky shook her head, still annoyed at the rude rapper.

She told Tala that Jia had hooked up with Tyrella's soulmate, something Namjoon had told her in confidence.

"Oh my! So, the rigging worked. He wasn't flagged as a daddy. Some girls can be quite delusional. In my situation, I intended to raise Hwannie all by myself, and if we hadn't crossed paths at the internship, no one would have uncovered my secret. I would have kept Jin Goo in the dark. I didn't want our peers to think I trapped him for financial gain," Tala remarked with a disapproving tongue click.

You collapsed onto the sofa, running your hands over your flushed face. You still felt exhausted from the soulmark settling process. It was painful, but you couldn't help but smile inwardly, thinking about your passionate soulmate who couldn't get enough of you. Just that slight annoyance...Park Jia.

You nodded, "I don't want to be a possessive soulmate. But she made me feel insecure by insisting on Joonie being in her life... she's so disrespectful." You recounted the morning's phone call to Tala.

Tala snorted, "He legally belongs to you, my princess. She has no rights to him. My uncle will likely inform the media about Namjoon finding his mate. So, have you told Joonie about your royal status?"

A conflicted expression flashed across your face, "Not yet. Gosh, Tala... this is such a huge revelation. I can't keep it from him. He deserves to know my true identity, but I'm unsure how he'll react. Won't he be angry? He's known me as Choi Victoria for nine years, not as Her Royal Highness Princess Victoria Ronquillo. It's a monumental secret. How would he react to the fact that Jin Goo wasn't just my best friend but also my assigned bodyguard and cousin prince? Our lives in Seoul will change, Tala. I cherish being a commoner and connecting with ordinary people, and I don't want to be treated differently."

Tala grinned, "Joon needs to know, and soon. You don't want him to find out alone, do you? It's best to come clean as soon as possible. I'll be by your side. Your third brother, Prince Miguel, will arrive in New York soon. He'd informed Jin Goo to be prepared because he'll be at the Peninsula Hotel in Manhattan. "

You took a deep breath. "I just have to leap of faith and spill the beans. Won't he be intimidated by my royal status?"

Tala chuckled and rolled her eyes, "Since when has Namjoon been intimidated by anyone? They're friends with the South Korean president and world-renowned celebrities. He'll see you as just another celebrity who happens to be the youngest daughter of Spain's monarch." Tala smirked at your anxious expression.

You hope he'll accept you as his Vicsy. Bangpd knows your status and will keep it a state secret. He was utterly astonished that fate bestowed upon the Bangtan president an actual princess. Namjoon will gain access to places and people no ordinary person would. The King can open massive doors for his famous son-in-law.

Looking at Tala with dread, you say, "My dad will probably push for an earlier marriage, and you know about the kpop ban and the toxic fans who don't want their idols involved in relationships."

Tala smiles softly, but sadness lingers in her eyes. "I understand, best friend. The duchess and duke told Jin-Goo to set a date for our engagement. But I'm not sure if that will ever happen. He might marry me for Hwannie's sake and keep his girlfriend as a mistress. At least Joon has always loved you... I don't think I can handle a loveless marriage, Vicky. I'd rather stay single for life because Jin Goo told me no man will raise his daughter while he's alive..."

Your heart constricts painfully, hoping Namjoon won't sense your anxiety right now. You pray he'll have an open mind and understand your dilemma with external enemies still at work in the Kingdom, even after the young Filipino king Ino's death.

Tala smiles brightly, "Oh my, I heard you met the elusive Bells! You're so lucky to have met the boys. How are they?"

You laugh softly, "They're so funny. I like Jimin. He's become my bias wrecker. Tala, they're hilarious together—the friendship, the synergy, and the way they tease each other. Jimin was flirting with me, and he was so adorable, unfazed by Namjoon's jealousy. It was so exciting. The Bells are super nice and beautiful. They want me to spend time with them at the Ritz spa. They'll be leaving LA in two days. Taehyung's soulmate is just as short as you, and she's very pretty and adorable. Seokjin is a former Miss India from India. She suits him well. He's smitten with her. I couldn't believe we met at the craft market. Remember those two girls in front of us admiring the leather bags?"

Tala furrowed her brows and nodded in recognition, "Oh my word, yes! Wow, what a small world?"

"Yes, those two... I think the other two walked further with bodyguards. They are so pretty. J-Hope's soulmate is British. Her friend is friends with my cousin Lady Beatrice. Then Yoongi's is... mated to a BLACKPINK girl. No... not Jisoo. The twin actress's sister. She's quieter. I liked all of them. They were so friendly and accommodating," you happily recalled meeting with the Bells.

"You're the fifth Bell," Tala exclaimed. "Oh, my word... Vicky, you know there are major plans to reveal the girls to the global media. You're going to be more famous than being a real princess," Tala gushed with beaming eyes.

Your eyes widened, "Oh my word, Tala, I forgot about that issue. I hope my dad intervenes positively. How am I going to be with Joonie without being found out? His ex seems adamant to know about the girl in Joonie's suite."

Tala chuckled, "No worries, my uncle said something about pushing our company. Bang and Choi Associates will have BTS as part of our clientele," she smugly waggled her brows.

"What!" You exclaimed loudly, shock written all over your face. "That will be incredibly huge."

"Oh yes, and you will be the Bangtan representative. Don't you think my uncle is a genius? We will be the firm that files lawsuits against online defamation of our new and first artists' clients. So brace yourself... there was one filed last year when Taehyung's soulmate got trolled online. BigHit protected her as an agency employee. So, to see Joon... you will discreetly meet now and then for consulting at the agency... how's that?" Tala smugly said.

"Oh, my word! That's so cool. My parents will be super happy for us," you happily stated.

Tala grinned, "My uncle was troubled when he heard about my pregnancy and family banishment and wants to be an Appa for me, but super happy that Fate blessed me with Prince Jerk. Hwannie and I will visit him one of these days. Bangpd never liked my abusive Appa and how he treated his family."

You were impressed by how Bangpd would help you and Tala stay closer to the boys. Tala was also your lady-in-waiting. You didn't want another one that would raise eyebrows. Your best friend next to you was enough.

"So, are you still going to move in with me?" you asked her, raising your eyebrows.

"Of course, but I'm not sure. I'm not going to put myself through hell living with Jin-Goo. His protective side is infuriating, and I won't deal with that jerk daily and let him control my personal life. If he takes Seolyuan back, I will seriously date Hyung Sik. That boy likes me and loves Hwannie equally," Tala explained.

You snorted, "Tala, Jin-Goo will not let you out of his sight. I think he's falling for you every day. If you want to date your neighbour, stop hooking up with Jin-Goo. Starting tonight. You'll be sleeping in this hotel room, not with Jin-Goo."

Tala scrunched her nose and bit her lips, "Can I come back tomorrow night? Let me be with my hot soulmate just for tonight. I promise I won't let him touch me again?" She pleaded. You shook your head because Tala could say what she wanted, but she was not over the love of her life, and having the crumbs was enough for her.

You sighed exasperatedly, "Tala!"

Tala winced, "I know I'm pathetic, Vicky. But it's my chance to have him all here in the USA. He might return to his girlfriend when we return, and at least he will be mine for the time being, and my bond will be settled for weeks without unnecessarily invigorating. Please understand. You are different. Joonie loves you deeply... and I... um?" Her voice cracked slightly, and you could see her eyes welling up. She desperately wanted her soulmate to choose her only, not just her body.

You nodded in understanding, "It's okay, Lady Tala. Stay with him for the time being. I won't be scared to be alone. My security detail is also on this floor with Jin-Goo. So, be with your soulmate and enjoy his comfort. But guard your heart, Tala. Jin-Goo is unpredictable when it comes to women."Tala sighed, disheartened, "It's a fact I know so well... come, let's go. Shaniqua and Tyrella want the whole scoop on your vanishing act. We're going to be at the hotel cocktail bar."

You grinned happily, "Those two girls. I love them so much. They were truly my bodyguards. Come, let's go. I'm sure Tyrella will get an aneurysm if her curiosity is not fed."They chuckled, grabbed their keycards, and walked arm-in-arm to the awaiting elevators. The group would be waiting at the cocktail bar downstairs.

...█▓▒­░⡷⠂𝙼𝚎𝚊𝚗𝚠𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝙽𝚊𝚖𝚓𝚘𝚘𝚗𝚜' 𝚛𝚘𝚘𝚖⠐⢾░▒▓█.

After meeting the excited Bangtan in Seokjin's suite, Joonie told them he wanted to go and rest for a while and recoup. The maknae line mercilessly teased him, and he even warned Jimin not to step out of line with his flirtatious manner towards his soulmate.

The hyungs were so amused that Namjoon was a changed man. Love found him and dealt with him severely. He was whipped for his high school sweetheart. They could see that Choi Victoria didn't take any nonsense. She was sassy and calm, but everyone could see she was highly intelligent.

Just as he was about to flip his phone open, a call came through. He switched his phone off but placed it on mute. Now, he looked at all the text messages he received.

A few last night from the Bangtan chat group wishing him well. Some from his friends outside of Kpop. Then he saw some from his management, but that was sorted out. One from his cute soulmate telling him she loves him and he must have a great day. A weariness entered his heart, and he thought about the most beautiful girl in the world, all his to love and care for.

He scoffed a little when he saw several missed calls, almost twenty-five, and twelve text messages since this morning, all from one number... his ex, Jia.

Why was she in such a frenzy? He told her he forgave her, but they couldn't hang out anymore as he was swamped, and management made him stop the relationship. Now that he has found his soulmate, he doesn't need extra stress. He got what he needed.

He sighed deeply as he pressed the answer button after several rings. "Good afternoon, Jia—" he tiredly greeted, but he couldn't even say the next word when he heard her huffing on the other side. Jia could be so dramatic.

"Joon! Jeez, why don't you answer your flipping phone? Why let some random woman pick it up? Who is she?" She ranted exasperatedly on the other side.

He scoffed a little when he saw several miss calls, almost twenty-five, twelve text messages since this morning, all from one number...his ex Jia.

Why is she in such a frenzy? He told her he forgave her, but they could not hang out anymore as he was swamped, and management made him stop the relationship. Now that he has found his soulmate, he doesn't need extra stress. He got what he needed.

Namjoon sighed, "Jia, why are you so agitated? You blew up my phone for the first time. What's gotten into you?"

Silence.

Then, in a more calm tone, a raspy voice answered, "Joon... I feel like you're dismissing and ignoring me. Why didn't you call me back? I miss you so much—"

Namjoon inhaled, "Jia, I told you I have a heavy schedule. I didn't ignore you. I'm tired, and we still have shows running in New York. We're leaving in two days. You know this already. We met and sorted out the baby issue, and I'm not mad anymore."

He heard her inhale sharply, "Did... did you hook up with a girl last night? She answered your phone this morning, Joon. Be real with me, Joon. Are you abandoning me for another girl?"

She sounded agitated but stressed.

Namjoon wiped over his face tiredly. Oh, my goodness. He couldn't tell the very emotionally fragile Jia that he had met his soulmate. She was already in a fragile emotional state, and dealing with mentally unstable girls was something he didn't have time for. Unfortunately, he had to bend the truth.

"Oh, she works with Ms. Cheong. She brought me my notebook, which I had forgotten in the Hyde lounge last night. I was busy and missed your call, sorry. I didn't charge my phone, placed it on charge, and forgot to switch it on. Apologies," he hoped she would buy the lie. Jia could be so extra. He wasn't obligated to tell her anything, but he knew her.

"But she said you were in the shower. Why do personal routines with staff members inside your room?" She sounded suspicious.

Namjoon chuckled, "Jia, I went to open the shower faucet. I told her she could leave while I was still in the bathroom."

Jia sounded irritated, "You're not lying to me, Joon. You didn't spend the night secretly with a fan. Am I still number one before you meet your soulmate?"

Namjoon laughed incredulously, "Jia, you forgot we broke up. You're just a friend now. A dear friend, so please move on. And if you want the truth... yes, I'm reconnecting with someone here in the US—"

He heard a loud yell, forcing him to move the handset away from his ears due to the high-pitched scream.

"OMG, no, Joon! You can't hook up with any girl right now. Are you crazy? Your dating ban... and your ARMY fans. They will be furious. If you have to hook up... I'm here; why look for other stupid entertainment? Does your management know? Why, Joon... why?" she yelled-sobbed at the other end.

Namjoon felt worse for telling her that. Jia wouldn't sleep until she found out who the lucky girl was. He didn't even tell her if it was a girl or one of his rapper friends he befriended here in the US. And his dating ban would be officially lifted on his birthday, but because he was already 24 years old, he could only formally date his soulmate now.

"Who is she?... Is she a celebrity? On a celebrity's Instagram feed, I saw how Olivia Rodrigo looked at you in a picture and how you smiled down at her annoyingly beaming face. Are you seeing her right now?... Was she the one in your hotel room?" she viciously interrogated him. What!

Namjoon inhaled deeply, trying not to lose his temper with Jia's unfounded assumptions. Why the hell did he tell her that unnecessary information?

"Are you listening to yourself right now, Jia? Why would I bring another famous celeb like Olivia to my room? Are you crazy? With paparazzi's camping practically on the Ritz doorstep. Did I tell you I hooked up with any girl here?" he sounded annoyed—the nerve of Jia.

Jia's tone turned apologetic, "I'm sorry, Joonie... I feel a bit insecure now that we are no longer together. I still love you, Joon. Forgive me if I sounded mental, but you must understand that I fell deeply for you, and I'm so sorry for letting you think the baby was yours. I feel like everyone is leaving me."  She started to cry softly.

Namjoon sighed, "Look, Ji, you have to understand that I'm soulmarked, and my soulmark acted out fiercely nowadays. I'm going to be red-gold. It would be best if you accepted that I can find my soulmate anytime... even now in America. I will not abandon my soulmate for you; that is a fact...I told you that already."

He needed to let her prepare herself because, after he met with Vicky's relative, BangPd was going to tell the media. He knew Jia would be devastated, but he had waited too long for Vicky to turn up. She was his world, solace, peace, and eternal love. He cannot and will not lose her, even to her already-engaged friend.

Jia sounded deeply deflated, "Will... will you introduce her to me if you meet her? To ensure she can make you happy and that she's right for you."  She softly asked with a trembling voice.

Namjoon grinned and wanted to laugh aloud, "Jia, nobody is going to meet the Bells until Banged finds it fit to reveal them to the world. Jungkook and Jimin still must find theirs. You know the sasaengs and toxic fans we are dealing with. So, if she's revealed, only my immediate family will meet her. Jia, I'm sorry... but I need to hang up now. Please don't be concerned about my soulmate. Fate can never go wrong... she will be perfect in every area, and she will be the one I will always desire, even if she has flaws."

Jia inhaled loudly, "I see... she just needs to understand that I'm your best friend. I'm going to stay connected in your life. She must defer to you if you want to spend time with me. Soulmate or not... I'm first in your life."

Namjoon shook his head, perplexed. Jia was delusional if she entertained the idea that his soulmate must stand aside. Vicky would be the first in his life. His intimate friendship with Jia had to end now.

Namjoon chuckled humorously, "I hear you, Jia. But you know for a fact it doesn't work like that. Redgold is marriage. She will be a part of me and, thus, the most important woman besides my mom and sister. I'll always have fond memories of us. But we both need to move on and find our paths."

Jia gasped, "No, Joonie! Why do you expect me to do such? I'm Tarnished, and I'm desperately in love with you. I might never find my match or a late whisperer mark. You are 'it' for me. I still have hope. Your  soulmate is not yet here... let me wait for you—"

Namjoon interjected, a little annoyed, "Jia... NO! I'm not your destiny. What we had was memorable, but we must let go. I'm moving on now. It would be best if you did the same. Start dating Tarnished guys, and you never know. Your destiny is around the corner—"

Namjoon heard her sob softly, "I'm not giving up on us, Joon. If you haven't met your destiny in the past four years, it's unlikely that you'll meet her now. After four or five years, soulmarked people move on and marry other people. I know you still love me... Only your agency forced you to give up on love." She paused to let it sink in with Namjoon. She told him she was ready to fight for him. "I'll see you in NYC. I'm shooting a music video with Junaid, but we can meet then, okay... bye, baby." She hastily said her goodbye amid Namjoon's shock.

Namjoon looked at the phone in total awe. What the hell just happened? Jia didn't accept that he moved on from their relationship. They broke up weeks ago. Why did she insist on being romantically involved with him? He already regretted sleeping with her and almost got framed as a father for someone else's mishap.

He needed to talk to Bangpd to inform ARMY that he found his soulmate and soon. Maybe then Jia could back off.

......

Namjoon indulged in a well-deserved nap on his cosy hotel bed for another three hours. He was thoroughly exhausted. Suddenly, he was jolted awake by a frantic knocking on his door.

Namjoon sighed and opened his eyes, feeling disoriented as he glanced around his room. He realized he had slept through dinner; it was nearly 9 pm, and the room was shrouded in darkness, with the window curtain open. Swiftly, he switched on the side lamp, filling the room with a soft, illuminating glow. Throwing the white duvet cover aside, Namjoon slowly rose from his bed, still feeling disoriented from the sudden awakening.

Suddenly, there was that urgent knock on the door again.

"Namjoon... Joonie, please open!...come on!" It was his hyung, Seokjin. What could it be now?

Namjoon sighed, brushed his hair back, and leapt from his bed, rushing to the door. Seokjin burst into his room, looking flustered and slightly annoyed like a mother hen.

"Are you still asleep? Did you go online? Joon, images of us on stage are circulating, and there's speculation that you formed a connection with a girl in the audience, all based on your facial expressions. It's causing quite a stir among the ARMY!" Seokjin exclaimed, breathless. The band had been online for the past hour, trying not to disturb Joonie after his bond activation.

Namjoon's eyes widened in shock. "Oh my goodness?" He looked at his hyung, stunned. Had the fancams captured his bonding moment? He had been completely lost in the gaze of his soulmate; nothing else mattered at that moment.

Seokjin shook his head, pacing back and forth in Joonie's room. "Even those psychologists specializing in body language analysis are trying to decipher your expression. Suppose it was the half-bond in operation. There are countless debates online, and even E-News and Billboard magazines cover it. Korean news outlets are also covering it. Everyone's questioning if you bonded with an American girl in the VIP area, with some suspecting it might be Vicky. Footage shows observant ARMYs noticing when our agency bodyguard carried Vicky backstage. She was the only one who fainted and got a backstage pass. Now, people scrutinise every angle of their fancams to identify Vicky's face. Still, it's too blurry due to the camera flashes on those glittering army stickers on her face. It could be anyone in that VIP section... oh my goodness!" Seokjin looked bewildered as he observed Joon's calculating expression—a deep furrow on his brow.

Seokjin's eyes widened in concern; he hoped Vicky's face hadn't been fully exposed. If so, she'd end up splashed across every tabloid. The global fandom was eagerly awaiting any news about the famed Bells. They want to know about their Bangtan leaders' soulmates. American entertainment agencies online were buzzing, and Bangpd and management were flooded with calls from reporters eager to break the story.

"Bangpd wanted to speak with you, but he instructed us to let you rest. We discussed it as a small group, and all understood you needed time. The decision is yours, Joon. Do you want the media to know you found her here in America? They're incredibly curious," Seokjin said, his excitement palpable.

The boys and the executive crew were ecstatic and genuinely happy that Joon had found his match.

Namjoon sighed heavily. "We don't have much choice. Let Pd-nim handle a press conference or send the usual statement as he did with the previous four Bells."

Seokjin grinned. "I think honesty is the best policy... Mr. Wang will handle the press release. So don't worry. If they connect Vicky with you, she'll be the talk of the town, and the paparazzi are relentless. Be cautious. Every new girl around us will face scrutiny."

Namjoon looked drained. "Thanks, Seokjin-hyung. You can inform Bangpd. I need to talk to Vicky. I've missed her so much, Seokjin. She must be feeling anxious right now. We can't let her be exposed." He reached for his phone to call Vicky, hoping she wasn't asleep, though perhaps it would be better if she was amid the chaos. Yet, he hesitated, overwhelmed by the flood of notifications on his phone. The social media platforms were ablaze with debate. It was the dark side of fame. Among the calls was one from Jia, and he'd had enough of his ex.

Seokjin smirked. "It's surreal that you found her so unexpectedly, in such a dangerous place, and right in the sights of ARMY. We're thrilled for you, Joon. Just stay off the internet for now. Avoid the craziness until BangPd issues a statement tomorrow..." He glanced at his phone notifications and gasped, a low whistle escaping his lips.

Seokjin looked at Namjoon with wide eyes, "Whoa, Joon. Today's not your day, my brother. Photos of you and Jia have been posted online as well. People are speculating if you and Park Jia aren't secretly dating. I wonder who posted those photos of you...it's too personal. Bighit dealt with it few months ago, why now?"

Namjoon's eyes widened as he hurried to see the images on Jin's phone. He slumped onto the sofa, apprehension clear on his face. Vicky wouldn't be pleased, and it might give Jia extra fame, especially with her new album and collab with Junaid. The last time pics were exposed, Jias' debut album sold millions of copies earning her numerous wins and nominations on the Billboard and American Awards.

Who had posted those damning photos amidst the frenzy of ARMY?

A/n. Rumours are rampant.

Thank you so much for all the love and support for Moonchild. All the engagements from comments and votes. All the new shadow readers, please vote or comment so that I can meet new friends.

You are all so appreciated. Thank you for staying with the Soulbound series.

Shout out to all the commenters: jpn0214. himffic MarieKarlsson3. Girlnamjooning.XxAhana22184xX lolapolousa01 @ArmyLovesPurple @Megan29Jayne

1. Do you think Jia is planning something?

2. Will Namjoon be able to cut Jia off?

3. What do you think about the online frenzy?

4. Why is it such a big deal for the media concerning Namjoon?

5. Do you think Vicky must keep a low profile when meeting up with Joon?

6. Do you think BangPd's plan will work to get Namjoon and Vicky legally together?