Purple Soul Sapphire

Baby’s POV

Casually leaning against the counter, Baby slowly sipped his coffee as if he hadn’t a care in the world. Inside, he was torn. Should he tear her apart for making his beloved cry? Or should he let her live? Knowing whether he did hurt her would upset you, stopped any further action on his part. 

Bet I could convince Mystery to give her nightmares, he thought, smirking behind his coffee mug. 

“What has you smirking?” Amelia demanded, pouring coffee into her travel mug. 

“Considering what I should do with you, after you made Angel cry,” Baby answered, feeling no need to lie.

“I made her cry?” Amelia asked, astounded. “I am not the one going out of my way to kiss her, take her on dates, or give her flowers. I’m not looking to hurt her. I’m actually looking out for her.”

“Why shouldn’t we go out of our way for her?” Baby asked, still casually sipping his coffee. 

“So, it’s not normal for five guys to ‘date’ one person at the same time,” Amelia stood her ground. “The only way it makes sense is if she was a bet. Who beds her first wins.”

“Again, I come to the question, why did you not just call?” Baby asked. “If you were so concerned about your friend? Why ruin her night? Why make her cry?”

“I didn’t make her cry. I was looking out for her,” Amelia insisted. 

“Do you make it a habit to jump to conclusions instead of seeking out facts?” Baby asked, seeing her grow frustrated with him. Good, he inwardly smirked.

“No,” she shook her head. “Again, I was looking out for her.” 

“Let me give you a hint, Amelia. Looking out for a friend involves gathering all the facts, then giving advice,” he said, going to wash his empty coffee mug. “You missed a crucial step there.”

“I am not the bad guy here,” Amelia half-yelled.

“When did I say you were?” Baby asked, casually drying his mug before putting it away. 

“You’re insinuating it,” she pointed furiously at him. 

“See, you’re doing it again,” Baby smiled, leaning against the kitchen counter. 

“What?” she demanded, hands slapping her sides. 

“Jumping to conclusions,” Baby repeated, crossing his arms over his chest. 

“Okay, so what are your intentions with my best friend?” Amelia demanded, breathing hard and hands on her hips. 

Forcing himself not to gloat over the ease it took to piss Amelia off so nicely, Baby answered. “I won’t speak for everyone. It’s your job to ask them. But I want to get to know her. I want to take her on dates. I want to take care of her. Is that so horrible?”

“You …” she stabbed her finger towards him, before stomping towards the door. “I’m going to be late for work.”

“I can take you,” Baby offered, knowing her response would be a door slam. Laughing, Baby loves messing with humans and their petty emotions; it’s always so easy to work them up. 

Your POV

Ten minutes later, you walk out of your bedroom, hair in a ponytail and ready for work. Looking around, you notice Amelia is gone. “Where’d Amelia go?”

“She decided to take the bus,” Baby answered, taking your bags for her. 

“Did you offer to drive her?” You ask, handing your things over without realizing it. 

“Yeah, and she just walked out,” Baby said, opening the front door. 

“Why do I have the feeling there’s more to this story?” You playfully narrow your eyes at the mint-haired boy.

Kissing your cheek, he chuckles. “You’re adorable, Angel.” 

“Don’t think I didn’t notice you didn’t answer my question,” you say, taking his hand in yours. 

“What can I say? After we talked, she didn’t feel like driving with me,” Baby shrugged. “She seems a hit high strung that one.”

“I mean, you’re not wrong,” you realize. You loved your best friend, but she can be a bit much sometimes, and easily worked herself up into many emotions. “Still, I want you to get along.”

“For you, I will try,” Baby consented. 

“Thank you,” you smile, kissing his cheek. 

After a long day at work, you were looking forward to taking off your shoes and calling one of your boys. ‘One of your boys’, now that’s a phrase you never thought you’d say in your life. When Baby first dropped you off, and you were left alone with your thoughts, you started to doubt everything. Did you trust, Baby? Yes. Did you believe, Baby? Yes. Was all this too good to be true? Also, yes. About when your anxiety was reaching a fever pitch, the texts started coming in. 

“Good morning, Princess. Baby told us what happened. We want you to know he was right. You were never a bet to any of us. Hope you have a wonderful day. Xoxo.” - Jinu 

“Hey there, Gorgeous! It’s driving me crazy to have to wait until Tuesday to see you. You should come over, and I can show you my gym setup. You’ll love it!” - Abby

“Hello, Sweetheart 😍 Hope your day is as amazing as you are!” - Romance

“Things I want right now: 1. You 2. I forget. Oh ya, you.” - Baby

“Any plans tonight? I was hoping to take you out on a late-night picnic.” - Mystery. 

Giggling after each one, you make sure to text each one back. 

“Seeing your name on my phone is the best feeling. Have an awesome day! Xoxo” - to Jinu

“Hey Studly, can’t wait for Tuesday either. Maybe we can do a movie night this weekend sometime?” - to Abby.

“I smile whenever I get a message from you 😊” - to Romance

“I like you a lot. Like, a lot a lot.” - to Baby

“Free as a bird. I get off at eight. ” to Mystery

After making plans with Mystery, you focus on your job so as not to cause grief to your boss anymore. After clocking out, you run a quick brush through your hair and touch up your makeup, ensuring you don’t smell, and you make your way out of the restaurant. A sleek black Porsche was parked in a spot right in front, with Mystery casually leaning against it, holding at least two dozen red-orange azaleas. 

“For you, Starshine,” Mystery held out the flowers.

“These are beautiful, thank you,” you gush. “I love them.”

“Jinu may have told us your favorite flower,” Mystery admitted, opening your car door.

“Oh, I just assume at this point, you all share details,” you playfully tease, taking your seat. 

Mystery only smiled and shrugged, closing your door. Inhaling the sweet yet spicy notes of your azaleas, you could not stop smiling. Two boys have gotten your flowers. Two of your boys have gotten flowers. Something tells you your apartment might soon be filled with a variety of azaleas. 

As Mystery slides into the front seat, you turn to him. “Where are we going on our picnic?” 

“Naksan Park,” Mystery answers, taking your hand in his. “The stars go on forever there.”

“Sounds wonderful,” you admit. 

You find that with Mystery, you don’t need to fill the silence; it’s comfortable, easy. Almost like you’ve known each other for years. Looking at the lavender-haired boy, you realize his hair is pulled back, and you can see his soft amethyst eyes. 

“You have purple eyes,” you say, realizing something important about this man. “You don’t like to show your face to the world.” 

Shaking his head, Mystery confirmed your thought. 

“Thank you for showing me,” you say, squeezing his hand. 

“I want you to see all of me,” he said, softly kissing your hand. 

Blushing, you bury your face in your flowers, trying to hide your reaction to something so simple. Still, you knew seeing all of Mystery’s face meant a lot. 

A few minutes later, Mystery parked the car. “I’ve always wanted to come here, especially at night.”

“Never been here?” Mystery asked, turning off the car.

“Haven’t made the time,” you shake your head. 

Smiling softly, Mystery steps out of the car before walking around to open your door. “M’Lady.”

Taking his offered hand, you carefully leave your flowers on the seat. “Thank you.” 

After taking out a picnic basket, along with two blankets, you walk with Mystery along the wall, eyes perpetually glancing up at the blinking stars. Once settled onto a spot on the grass, you two sit close together.    

“So what are we having?” you ask, as Mystery opens the basket. 

“I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I got more commonly liked foods,” Mystery said, taking out some Kimbap, Yubu Chobap, Mandu, seasoned vegetables, and fruits. 

“This all looks amazing,” you say, already taking a bit of Kimbap. “And delicious,” you add, holding your hand in front of your full mouth. 

Smiling, Mystery ensures all the food is in reach before settling next to you, and taking a bit for himself. Again, the easy, comfortable silence fell between the two of you as you ate dinner. On a first date, you’re usually constantly asking questions, trying to fill any silence. With him? It’s completely different. You didn’t need or want to fill all the silences. That feeling that you’ve known him for years settled over you, and, craziest part, it didn’t scare you. 

Unable to stop a shiver on the cold night, Mystery grabbed the extra blanket he brought. Settling behind you, he tucked the blanket around the pair of you before wrapping his arms around you. Leaning back against the man, you watch the stars shine above you. Warmth now settled back in your bones, you wanted to know more about this man. 

“What takes your breath away?” you ask, softly

“Moments like this,” Mystery whispers, as if speaking loudly would scare the stars away. 

“How so?” you ask. 

“Moments when the world is quiet, and I have the company of a beautiful woman,” Mystery answers, kissing your temple. “When do you feel most free?” 

“Most free?” You repeat, taking a moment to think. “When I’ve lost myself in my violin. The world fades away, and it’s just me and the music. But this?” You twist a little to look him in the eyes. “This is really close second.” 

One hand cupping your cheek, you let out a soft hum as his lips press to yours. The kiss felt like every part of you that came from the stars is alive again. Hand on the back of his neck, you open your mouth, allowing the two of you to explore each other for the first time. The longer you kissed, the stronger the feeling of flying in space consumed the pair of you. When you pulled back, you found yourself on your back, Mystery lying half on you, and both of you firmly on the ground. 

“Wow,” you whisper, smiling up at him. 

“You are ya ruh al-ruh,” Mystery whispered, stroking your side. 

“What does that mean?” you ask, not recognizing the language. 

“Ya ruh al-ruh is an Arabic phrase that means ‘soul of my soul,” Mystery answers. 

Chapter 3 - Perfect Timing

The Saja Boys

“She’s asleep,” Mystery says from his position outside your window. 

“How can you tell?” Abby asks, head against his forearm, unable to tear his gaze from your still form. 

“Her breathing has deepened and evened,” Mystery answers. “She was thinking of us.”

“I could feel the tug on the bond,” Romance says to Mystery’s left. “It’s deepening.”

“It hurt her today,” Baby says, from the back of the group. “You saw that.”

“Only when she was denying it,” Jinu explains. “Give her time, the bond will solidify and soon she’ll be ours.”

“I’ve waited centuries to find her, and she’s perfect.” Abby grins. “Did you hear the way she played today?”

“The most beautiful sound I think I’ve ever heard,” Romance dreamily sighed..

“She calmed the voices,” Mystery said, watching as you turned over in your sleep, tugging the blanket down so your breasts were barely hidden. 

The group collectively took a breath. “She’s breathtaking,” Jinu says. “But we can’t stay here watching her all night.”

“Why not?” Abby asks. “She needs us close. You said it yourself, the bond could hurt her if we’re not close.”

“No, I said it hurts her when she denies it,” Jinu clarifies. “As long as she doesn’t deny it, it’ll be a thrum beneath her skin pulling her towards us.”

“And we’re sure she’s the one?” Baby asks, even as their own bond pulls towards you.

“I am,” Mystery says. “She’s our other half.”

As the moon moves across the sky no one makes a move to leave from your window until the sky begins to lighten for a new day. 

You 

I’m Gonna show you how it’s Done Done Done, Huntrix don’t quit, plays over your phone, telling you it’s time to wake up. Turning off the song, you stretch, waking up your muscles. You catch the time as you sit up; you have just enough for your morning run before you have to head to work. 

Running has always been cathartic for you, a repetitive routine easy to get lost in. Today something felt off though. That tugging sensation in your chest never quite settled down after waking up; more of a silent constant thrum pulling you this way and that. You took an antacid before going on your run, but something in the back of your mind is really starting to worry it might be something more. Just as you hit mile three, you turn around to head home. The noise of the streets, people bustling this way and that is a pleasant buzz to your mind until you pass a billboard with the Saja Boys smiling faces looking down at you. 

Catching your breath, you can’t help but look at it for a while, taking time to trace every feature on high display. How have these boys gotten so huge in only a matter of days? You think. Why can’t I get away from them? And why don’t I want to?

 Forcing yourself to run past the billboard, you quicken your pace back home. 

Upon arrival you realize you took a bit too long. Nearly late for work, you shower quickly and tie up your hair as you rush out the door.

“Shit shit shit,” you say, grabbing your purse before hurrying downstairs; maybe if you run you can make it on time. 

In your hurry you nearly miss him. Luckily you don’t. 

“Need a ride, sweetheart?” Romance asks, leaning against a black sleek BMW. 

“Yes,” You breathe, so relieved you don’t even think to question how and why he’s alone waiting outside your building. 

“Hop in,” he smiles, opening your door. 

“You are a life-saver, Romance. Thank you so much,” you slide into the front seat. 

“To Baek Ri Hyang, I assume?” Romance asks, starting the car. 

“Yeah.” You breathe out another sigh of relief. “Seriously, thank you for this. I lost track of time this morning, and without you I’d be really cutting it close.”

”You should take my number,” he casually offers, “In case this ever happens again. I’d be happy to lend a hand.”

”I’m good," you decline. Suddenly something in your chest rends painfully, leaving you breathless. You double over in your seat, hissing through your teeth. 

“(Y/N) are you okay?” Romance voice is laced with concern, placing a hand on your back. 

“I’m fine,” you take a few deep breaths, willing the pain to subside.

”Are you sure you should be working today?” Romance asks. 

“Yes,” You nod. You can’t afford to lose a day's wage. 

Out of the corner of your eye you notice him chancing looks over you even as he drives, or maybe you’re hoping he’s chancing looks at you. 

“Take my number, and if something happens call me and I can come get you,” Romance says. Glancing up again, you can see a gentle frown on his expressive face, the concern you heard before plain as day. 

“I should be fine really,” you insist, even as the pain starts returning. “Okay okay,” you breathe. 

What the hell is going on? You think, realizing Romance might be right. But you need to work, and surely you’ve worked through worse before. In a compromise, you finally nod.”I'll take your number and call if I need.” 

After putting his number in your phone, you pause a moment before raising the device to face him. “Smile.”

”What are you doing?” He concedes, sparing a moment to glance over at you before putting his eyes back on the road. 

“I need a picture of you for my phone,” you say, completing his contact card. “Thank you for this. I mean to say that I’m usually really good at being on time. This is just a one off thing.” You notice his free hand on the stick-shift, and suddenly you have to fight the urge to reach out and hold it.  Get a grip, he’s just being nice. 

“Thanks again for taking me to work. I hope it wasn’t an inconvenience or anything,” you say, unable to keep your eyes to yourself. 

“Happy to do it, Sweetheart. What made you so late this morning then?” Romance asks, mercifully allowing you both to move on from your strange fit.  

“I took a bit too long on my run,” you answer, not admitting to the five or so minutes you spent staring at their billboard. “Oh, I did see your billboard while I was out. Congrats, you guys are really blowing up.” 

“Thank you,” he smiles, sending your stomach flip-flopping. After a moment you realize the car has pulled to a stop. “Here we are, sweetheart, Baek Ri Hyang.”

”Thanks again, Ro,” you use a nickname without really thinking about it. “I’ll find a way to repay you. Promise.”

”I’m sure you’ll think of something, (Y/N),” he says. “Have a good day at work.”

”Bye,” you step out of the car, giving him one last wave before heading inside. 

In the employee area, you take a second to send Romance a quick text. “This is (Y/N) <3.” Should I have said more? Should I not have included the heart emoji? 

Before you have time to overthink the text, the lunch rush pulls you in, making thoughts of a pop idol acting as your personal taxi service fall to the back of your mind. 

Hours later, you’re wrapping silverware when your coworker comes over, grinning. “Was that Romance from the Saja Boys who dropped you off?”

”Um,” you start, unsure how to answer. This feels personal. You aren’t ashamed of Romance, or of knowing any of the boys, but this feels different. A part of you wants to keep whatever relationship is building with them private for as long as possible. 

”Yes it was.” You say, deciding lying would only lead to more problems. 

“And how do you know him?” She asks, grabbing your arm. “I can’t get their song out of my head, My Little Soda Pop! Oh, and did you see his cheek bones?” She swoons next to you. “He is gorgeous.”

”I suppose so,” you allow, feeling a growing distaste for this coworker. 

“‘Suppose so?’” She proclaims. “Have you not seen them? My personal favorite is Jinu. Those eyes! That smile. I could drown. Do you know him? Jinu?”

”Uh…” You start, completely blanking on what to say. Thankfully a large group walks through the door at that moment. Saved, you breathe, putting on your customer service persona. “Welcome to Baek Ri Hyang, how many will be dining with us today?” 

One eight hour shift later, you wave goodbye to your coworkers, before heading out the back door. Taking in the cool spring evening air, you begin walking home. Putting on your headphones, you notice you have a new text message from Romance. 

“Hello sweetheart, do you need that ride home from work?” 

Grinning, you feel your heart swoon. You consider taking him up on his offer. The desire to see him again washes over you, but the night is perfect for a walk home. Maybe with a long stroll you might be able to figure out what is going with your life. “Thank you, but I’m going to walk home. The night air is too beautiful not to enjoy.” 

Putting on your favorite playlist, you begin the walk home. You’ve made this same walk countless times, even during this time of night, and you’ve never been frightened. Tonight though, as you take your usual shortcut down a familiar alley, something changes. The night seems to get darker, and you swear the alley got longer.  

Trusting your instincts, you take out your headphones. 

“Hello? Is anyone there?” 

Nothing, but you cannot shake the feeling that someone, or something, is following you. 

A deep voice, almost growl, speaks from around you, nearly making you stumble. “Now what do we have here?”. 

Looking around for whomever spoke, you cannot find anyone. Picking up the pace, you reach into your bag for your mace. Great, this is what I get for not accepting a ride. You think, trying to calm your rushing heart. 

You look around, spinning in place. Despite not seeing anyone, you can tell there’s someone here. “I have mace.” You call, heart in your throat. 

Hands suddenly grab your shoulders, slamming you into the wall. Fear threatens to overwhelm you as you take precious seconds to catch your breath. You can’t panic, panicking will not help.  

“You don’t look like much to me,” the same voice taunts in your ear, too close for you to get a good look at the speaker. “I wonder what they see in you?” 

“Why don’t you let go and find out,” you whisper, using the momentary pause to knee your attacker in the groin, following it up with a spray of the mace to the eyes. Taking off down the alley, it didn’t take long for heavier footsteps to follow.

“Fucking bitch!” 

Refusing to look back, you run as fast as your legs can go. When did this alley get so long? You think, finally running out into the street lights. Pausing to breathe, you notice you've reached the strip mall from yesterday. 

“Ma’am are you okay?” A nearby security guard approaches from their post. 

“I’m fine,” you let out a shaky breath. “But a-a-a guy, was,” you point back down the alley. “He wanted- He nearly.” Air, you needed air. 

“Ma’am have a seat,” the security guard says in an effort to calm you, while leading you to a nearby bench. “Breath into your hands like this.” He said, holding his hands together. 

Not being able to breathe, you take his advice. Tears threaten to fall at the thought of what could have happened to you back there. He was bigger than you, and nearly faster than you. What if you didn’t have your pepper spray? What if he was faster than you? What if you kept your headphones in? 

A familiar deep voice, steady, like an anchor in turbulent waters.”Y/N)?”

“Baby?” 

You look up to see the mint-haired boy standing over you. 

“Oh thank god.” You immediately wrap your arms around his neck, letting yourself fall into his arms. 

“I got you,” his grounding voice spoke softly in your ear. “You’re safe.” 

In this moment, you didn’t care how or why he got there. At this moment, you need him. You need to feel his strong arms holding you together, telling you that you were in fact safe. 

“Angel, I need you to breathe,” Baby said, pulling back to press your foreheads together. “Breathe with me.” He takes a deep breath, and you attempt to repeat it. “And out,” he whispers, watching you try to follow. It takes a number of tries but you finally begin to feel the panic subside. 

“There we go,” he praises, wiping your tears away.   

“Thank you,” you whisper, swallowing. 

“Ma’am,” the security guard gently cuts in. “We checked the alleyway, but couldn’t find anyone.”

”Thank you for checking,” Baby says, keeping one arm around you, the other reaching to shake the guard's hand. 

“Take care of her,” the guard says with a nod. 

“I will,” Baby assures, turning back to you. “I’m going to drive you home.”

”Okay,” you agree. “I think I dropped my mace.”

Chapter 2 - Hearts all a flutter

“Wait, wait wait,” you hold back a laugh, raising your free hand. “Your names are Romance, Baby, Abby, Mystery, and Jinu?” 

“What’s wrong with them?” Romance asks. 

“Well they sound more like monikers than real names. Except for Jinu,” you say through a laugh. After a moment, you straighten, seeing their downturned faces. You open and close your mouth, flustered. “I mean…Sorry that was insensitive.”

“It’s okay,” Jinu says, although you can still feel the hurt behind the words. 

God I’m always sticking my foot in my mouth, you think. “No it’s not. That was rude of me. I am sorry,” you insist.

“All forgiven,” Abby says with a content smile, although you don’t feel content about it.

 “So how long have you been playing the violin?” he asks again, drawing you out of your discomfort. 

“Well,” you think for a moment. “Since middle school. I joined the orchestra, and from the moment I picked it up, I fell in love.” It doesn’t dawn on you how close that sounded to what Amelia and you were talking about earlier. 

“Love at first sight, huh?” Romance asks with a dreamy sigh, one hand pressed over his heart. 

“Something like that I guess,” you admit, unable to hold back a smile. At least they understand how you can fall in love with music. 

“What about you guys, do you play any instruments?” 

“I play the bipa,” Jinu says. 

“That’s so cool,” you smile, surprised anyone these days knows how to play such an older instrument. “I’ve heard it played over YouTube, but never live. You should play for me one day.”

Jinu smiles. “Anytime.” 

“Awesome.” You look deep into his eyes, his captivating gaze catching all your attention, as that tugging sensation pulls you closer to the raven haired boy. Only when you take a step forward do you catch yourself, rubbing that spot on your chest. Mentally shaking yourself, you continue walking. “How long have you played?”

“Since I was little,” Jinu answers as if nothing happened. “It belonged to my mother.”

“Family heirloom, take care of that,” you say wistfully, wishing you had something like that, besides a family history of drug use and abandonment. Without you even noticing, the tugging aching sensation lessens to a soft thrum the more time you spend with the boys.  

“Oh,how did your tv show go? ‘Play Games with Us,’ right?” You ask. 

“We had to drink hot sauce,” Romance made a face. “I lost.”

“I won,” Baby smirked. 

“Good for you?” You question whether that is really a win. “Sounds painful either way.”

“It was,” Mystery said, with a pout. 

Looking around you realize you’ve reached your apartment. 

“Well this is me,” you say, realizing you didn’t want to leave them just yet. When did that happen?

“That offer for dinner still stands,” Abby smiled, perhaps hopefully. 

“Well,” you stammer, looking at your phone. You don’t have work until noon tomorrow anyways and it is just one dinner. What harm could that do? “Okay.” 

“Great,” Romance smiles. “We know the perfect place.”

Turning to leave, you can’t help but wonder how you’ve ended up agreeing to go to dinner with people you’ve just met, let alone rising pop idols.What is it about these boys that draws you in so much? You’ve been called cold, unfeeling by former lovers and even friends. Only Amelia seems to be able to handle your mix of realism and sarcasm, and she still takes breaks now and then. You don’t mind it, at least you tell yourself that. It’s better to be alone than live alone then in false promises. So why does your heart flutter a little as your shoulder brushes Baby’s? Why are you looking forward to getting to know them more? Why is a part of you dreaming of them wanting something more? You are being ridiculous! You chastise yourself. One, they all do not want to date you at once. That is ludicrous. Two, they are just being nice. That’s all. You are going to stop looking at them like some tweenage girl. So why are you wondering how soft Mystery’s hair is, and what his eyes look like underneath his bangs?  

Half an hour later you find yourself seated at a round table, each giving you suggestions of what to eat. 

“You should try the bibimbap, it’s the best here,” Baby said, his deep voice catching you a little off guard. 

“Nah, the bulgogi has the most delicious sauce,” Abby cut in confidently. 

“I like the galbi.” Mystery’s soft voice felt like a balm to whatever pressure has been in your chest since this afternoon. 

“I think I’ll get the galbi,” you say, setting your menu down, decision made. “So tell me everything.”

They all look at each other confused. “What do you want to know?” Jinu asked.

“How’d you all meet?” you ask, noticing all boys turned to look at Jinu before anyone answered. 

“Well,” Jinu started, taking a drink of water. “We all sort of met in the army.”

“Sort of?” 

“We’ve crossed paths before, but the army was the place we all became friends,” Romance says, his head resting on his hands in the cutest way. “Tell us about you. We know you play the violin. What else?”

“I work at the restaurant Baek Ri Hyang full time,” you answer. “Which doesn't leave much time for anything else.”

“Do you enjoy your work there?” Jinu asks. 

“‘Enjoy’ is a strong word,” you answer honestly. “It’s necessary, and my bosses are pretty cool, so overall it’s a good job.”

How and why and I'm telling these boys about my life? You ask yourself, taking a drink of water. Usually closed off, for some reason you want them to know everything about you, and you want to know everything about them. 

“You must have some funny stories,” Baby asks, his deep voice soothing something deep in your chest. 

“I have a few,” You nod. They all look at you expectantly, and once again you ask yourself how you ended up here, at this moment, having dinner with a boy band. Why does it feel like the perfect place to be? “Well there was this one time a food fight broke out.”

“At Baek Ri Hyang?” Romance asks. 

“Yeah.” You laugh at the memory. “There was this one table, full of girls, that was being quite loud, but whatever, I didn’t care. Apparently it was one of their birthday’s. However, a nearby table did not like the noise at all. Instead of complaining to me, the host, they take matters into their own hands.” You smile .”One second table one was enjoying food and drinks, singing whatever song was on the radio, and the next table two threw their water on table one.”

“What did you do?” Abby asks with a chuckle. 

“Nothing,” You shake your head with a grin. “I let them throw their food at each other until both sides calmed down and an additional cleanup bill.” 

“So you stood there and let it happen?” Baby asks, with a smirk. 

“Basically.”

“I like this one,” Baby says decisively, squeezing your knee under the table. Your heart skips a beat at the contact. What is wrong with you? Get it together. 

“I like her too,” Abby says, making you flush, as they all agree. 

Okay, what is happening? You ask yourself, wondering why your heart is fluttering, and cheeks blushing under the attention. 

Violin in hand, you quietly unlock your door, careful not to wake Amelia. It wasn’t until you were way home you even thought about having invited her to dinner. Already a fan, she would have been over the moon to have dinner with her new idols. But something about the idea of her flirting and swooning over any of them made you nauseous and furious at the same time. Still, a part of you felt bad for not even thinking about it. 

Looking around the dark apartment, you let out a relieved sigh. Great, I won’t have to explain how I ended up having dinner with the Saja Boys, and didn’t invite her. 

The Saja Boys? What is even happening right now? Not only did they seemingly find you busking, (granted you were at the mall they played at, you mind tries to rationalize) but they took you out to dinner. Why did you go to dinner with them? Never in your life have you met a person one minute, and the next thought, “You know what, I want to go on a date with that person.” What few dates you’ve been on have always been with people you’ve known for a while. Today though, you meet these rising pop stars, and agree to go to dinner with them the same day. You didn’t even pay for dinner. When you tried to pay for yourself, all of them were adamant you would not. 

“We got this,” Baby said, voice firm. 

“Yes, we invited you out afterall,” Romance said with those gorgeous dark brown eyes leaving no room to argue. 

Setting down your violin in your room, you make your way to the bathroom, pausing to look at yourself in the mirror. So was that a date?  You ask yourself after a moment, clipping your hair back. Did I just go on a date with the Saja Boys? All five of them? You begin washing your face. No, you visibly shake your head. They were just being nice. What could they possibly see in you to warrant all this attention? It’s not like you’re Rumi from Huntrix. You’re normal, nothing special. (You are special and beautiful in every way I know it, Bestie). They were just being really nice, that's all. You tell yourself finishing your face routine and brushing your teeth before heading to bed. 

Chapter One - Soul-Mates?

“Do you believe in soul-mates?” Amelia asked, eating her ice-cream. 

“No,” you answer, laughing. “Why do you ask?”

Amelia shrugs, “The book I'm reading. The main characters are soul-mates. One soul cleaved in two, always searching for its other half.” 

“You need to stop reading those romance novels from the market,” you say, laughing as your friend swooned over fictional characters.

“I can’t help it,” Amelia declared, arms stretching out wide. “My heart, my soul, craves that type of romance.”

“Two-star crossed lovers?” you ask, laughing at your friend’s antics. 

“That would be dreamy,” she admits, arms dropping to her side. “But right now the soul-mate kind. The kind that with a single look you know you can’t live without that person and would go through hell just to be with them.”

Rolling your eyes, you take a bite of ice cream. “You know those stories almost always end in tragedy.”

“Not true,” Amelia said. “I can give you a list of books that have happy endings.”

“Can you name one that doesn’t have a girl half naked on the cover?” 

“That’s not the point,” Amelia proclaimed. “My mother says she knew she loved my dad the moment she saw him. They married two weeks into knowing each other, and they just celebrated their 30 year anniversary.”

“Every rule has an exception,” you shrug. 

“Why are you like this?” Amelia asked, finishing her ice cream. 

“Like what?” you ask.

“A party pooper of romance,” Amelia sighs. “Everytime I bring up one of my books I can hear your looks of scorn.”

“You hear my looks of scorn?” you drawl. 

“I heard that one,” she said, causing both of you to laugh. 

“Okay I’m sorry,” you concede. “I just don’t get the whole romance thing.”

“What don’t you get?” Amelia asked, hands covering her heart. “Poeple falling in love, conquering everything to be together. It’s beautiful. You just haven’t read the right book.”

“No thank you,” you say, finishing your ice cream. “I’m fine with my music.”

“That’s just it,” Amelia bounced in her seat. “Whenever you play, I see the way you fall in love with each song. You lose yourself in each note, adding emotions to what is simply notes on the page.”

“So,” you shrug.

“That’s what love feels like.”

Rolling your eyes, you move to stand up. “Then I’ve already found my soul-mate in my violin.”

“Not the same and you know it,” Amelia says, following you out of the ice cream parlor. 

“Amelia,” You stop and look at your best friend. “I love that you love love. It’s one of the best things about you, but it’s just not my thing. Soul-mates, love at first sight I just don’t get.”

“Okay,” Amelia conceded, taking your arm in hers. “But one of these days, I’m gonna create a powerpoint and help you understand.”

“Of that I have no doubt,” you chuckle, rolling your eyes. How you, an orphan with trust issues, ended up best friends with a bubbly family is everything Amelia you  will never know. 

The two of you spend an hour walking around the strip mall, window shopping more than actual shopping,when music begins to play in the courtyard. 

“Who is this?” Amelia asks, making her way towards the gathering crowd. 

Catching a glimpse at a nearby poster, you read. “The Saja Boys. Must be a new band.”

The pop sugary sweet music played louder as five boys appeared out of a puff of pink smoke. Okay that was cool, you admit even though the song is not your favorite. You prefer classical music, even those orchestra covers from Bridgerton, but this kind of sugary pop, no. Amelia on the other hand is having a ball, quickly catching onto the lyrics. You’re all I can think of, every drop I drink up. You’re my soda pop, my little soda pop. Watching your friend dance to the music, you can’t help but laugh a little. That was until your eyes caught the mint haired boy’s. 

The world seemed to slow down for a split second as the two of you simply stared at each other. Tugging your gaze away at the unfamiliar sensation, your gaze catches the pastel- pink haired boy; the tugging sensation something else free. Eyes lingering on each boy, the sensation builds until you swear you’re choking on it. Overwhelmed, you rub your chest in a vain attempt to release the strange pressure, to no avail. Finally the song ends, and the group disappears as they appeared, in a puff of pink smoke. 

“That was awesome,” Amelia bounced, singing the song as the crowd dispersed.

“Yeah,” you agree, not really paying attention. That tugging in your chest eased a bit as the group left, but despite your efforts it’s still there.

“We’re gonna watch them tonight,” Amelia all but sang. 

“We are?” you ask, as that tugging seemed to yank you towards that idea. 

“Hell yes we are,” Amelia grinned. “The Saja Boys, I think I found a new obsession.”

“Oh good,”  You drawl, deciding whatever was going on must be heartburn from lunch.

Back at your apartment, you take some tums before looking at your violin. It’s been a few weeks since you’ve had the time to play. You don’t mean too, but between working long hours at the restaurant, chores, and life, days go by without picking it up. You used to love going to the same strip mall and busking for some extra cash; you just haven’t had the time. 

“I’m going out, Amelia,” you call to your roommate. 

“But Saja Boys,” She pouted, already seated on the couch. 

“Save it for me,” you say, grabbing your violin. “I’ll be back in a few hours.” 

Looking at the time, you see you have more than enough time to play, and maybe get some extra cash for your efforts. 

 Finding a spot on a corner, away from too many store fronts, but close enough to be seen, you set up shop, so to speak. 

Stretching your fingers, you begin to play a Billie Elish song “I Love You,” slow and steady, perfect for those people stopping by for dinner. Closing your eyes, you lose yourself in every note, meter, and chord. Song over, you move to another ballad, “Falling” by Harry Styles. Time becomes a distant memory as the music just flows through you and out to the crowd. Only when your hands get too cold to move across the instrument, do you stop. 

Letting out a long breath, you feel the ability to breathe return, and that tugging feeling from earlier is gone. 

“That was beautiful,” someone says from your right. 

“Thank you.” You turn around then freeze, unexpectedly, facing the Saja Boys, all five of them. “Uh…what are you…”

”We were walking by and heard the most beautiful music being played,” the pastel pink haired one spoke. 

“Right, thank you,” you say again, blushing. “Don’t you have a tv engagement?"

“Done and over with,” The black haired boy says. 

I should really learn their names, you think squatting to gather the money and coins from your case. Doing a quick count you see you made a decent amount, not the most you’ve made busking, but good enough for a few hours work. 

“Good for you,” you say, stuffing the money in your bag. 

“Are you free for a late dinner?” The pink haired boy asked.

”I really should get home,” you say, clipping your case closed. “But thank you for the invite.” 

“It can be a quick dinner,” he tried again. That’s when you looked into his eyes, and that same tugging sensation returned with a vengeance. It almost felt like some supernatural force wanted you to see these boys, to spend time with them, get to know them. A part of you wanted all that, wanted to go out to dinner with them, learn their names, birthdays, likes, and dislikes. That same part thought about how warm it must be snuggled deep in their arms on a chilly night like this. Just when you were about to give in, the rational side of your brain began working again. 

“I’m okay, really,” you say again, turning to leave before stopping. “Great show today by the way. I mean the one from earlier, the song's catchy.”

”You liked it?” 

“Sure,” you smile, turning to leave. “Goodnight”

”Night,” they all call out to you. 

Shaking your head, you felt the tugging sensation shift to something fierce, as though angry at you for walking away. Doubling over, your vision swims and you try to breathe through the pain.

“Are you alright?” A hand touches your back, sending an electric shock down your spine. 

“I d-d-don’t know,” you answer honestly, looking up to see the boys have come to your rescue. Each face is carved with concern. “I’m sure it’s just something I ate earlier.” 

That excuse might be losing its validity. 

”We should walk you home,” the light pink haired one said, making it more of a statement than a suggestion. 

“Really I’m fine,” you argue, as the burning sensation calmed an inch with every word they spoke. 

“We insist,” the pink haired boy spoke. 

“Okay,” you concede, “On one condition.”

The nod in waiting.