#hajimakitten

author's notes: hey, guys! it's been a long time since i wrote something on here, so i'm super excited to get a full story going. i have to say that i'm ready to see what happens between ryley and bts. who do you think is going to try their hardest to make things work first?

Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

The Return of Bangtan | Chapter One

Under the neon glow of Seoul's cityscape, the air was buzzing with an electric anticipation that could only mean one thing: BTS was back. After the members had dutifully served their time in the military, the city was ripe with chatter and speculation about their grand return to the stage. In a sprawling dance studio tucked away in the great HYBE building, seven silhouettes moved with a kinetic energy that belied their time away from the spotlight. Beads of sweat glistened on their foreheads as they ran through the choreography for what must have been the hundredth time that evening. The mirrored walls reflected their precise movements, a symphony of popping joints and sharp intakes of breath; they were the epitome of synchrony. "Okay, let's take five," Namjoon called out, his voice a mixture of authority and warmth. The leader of the group always knew just how to tread the line between discipline and comfort. The members collapsed onto the floor, a tangle of limbs and laughter. Jin, ever the oldest and self-proclaimed 'Worldwide Handsome', sprawled out dramatically, claiming he was too old for such intense practice sessions. Taehyung laughed, nudging Jin with his foot, while Jimin playfully mimicked Jin's dramatics, causing a ripple of laughter to pass through the group. Yoongi, eyes closed, was lost in the music playing in his earbuds, tapping out a beat on his knee that was probably meant for their next hit song. Hoseok, the group's sunshine, handed out bottles of water with a bright smile, while Jungkook flexed his muscles and complained about how the military had made him too buff for some of his older clothes. In the midst of all this, their fearless leader stood by the windows, peering out into the city. "We've got to make this comeback concert the best one yet," he mused. "It's not just about the music; it's about the message. It's about the connection." They all knew the weight of his words. This wasn't just another concert; it was a reunion with their ARMY, a testament to their growth, and a declaration that they were still here, still strong. As the evening waned, the group rehearsed their vocals, their voices harmonizing in a way that felt like coming home. The new single was a bold mix of genres, a testament to their evolution as artists and individuals. It was a track that promised to get their fans' hearts racing. The days flew by, a blur of rehearsals, wardrobe fittings, and press interviews. Before they knew it, the night of the comeback concert had arrived. The air backstage was a cocktail of nerves and excitement. The group huddled together, their hands stacked in the middle of the circle. "Bangtan! Bangtan! Bang-bang-tan!" they chanted, their rallying cry since their debut days, a reminder of the journey they had embarked on together.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Ryley could hardly contain her excitement as she rifled through her closet, searching for the perfect outfit to wear to the BTS concert. Samantha, her best friend and partner in all things Bangtan, sat on the bed behind her, giggling at Ryley's frenzied energy. "Ryley, calm down! You're going to have a blast no matter what you wear," Samantha teased, tossing a pillow at her friend. "I know, I know," Ryley said, trying to rein in her enthusiasm. "But this is BTS we're talking about! I have to look perfect!" After what felt like hours of deliberation and outfit changes, Ryley finally settled on a trendy ensemble that she hoped would catch the eye of her bias, Namjoon. She twirled in front of the mirror, admiring her reflection. As they made their way to the concert venue, Ryley couldn't stop jokingly talking about how she and BTS were soulmates. Samantha rolled her eyes but couldn't help but smile at her friend's infectious excitement. "You know, Ry, I think you might be taking things a bit too far," Samantha joked. Ryley shrugged, undeterred. "I just really feel like I'm meant to be here. Y'know?" Samantha chuckled. "Sure, sure. Just don't faint when you lock eyes with Namjoon, okay?" Ryley playfully nudged her friend as they joined the throngs of fans streaming into the concert venue. The energy was electric, and Ryley felt her heart race with anticipation. As the night progressed and BTS took the stage, Ryley got lucky with a space close to the stage and managed to lock eyes with Namjoon, and she felt a jolt of electricity shoot through her. She could see the intensity in his gaze, the passion in his performance, and she found herself captivated by the depth of his presence. But as much as she felt drawn to him, she couldn't quite grasp the meaning of it all. Was this what soulmates were supposed to feel like? Or was it just the magic of being in the presence of her favorite idol? Lost in a whirlwind of emotions and music, Ryley danced and sang along with the rest of the crowd, feeling like she was part of something bigger than herself. And as the concert came to a close, she couldn't help but wonder if maybe, just maybe, there was something more to this connection with Namjoon than she had ever imagined.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The concert was a whirlwind of pyrotechnics, heart-stopping dance breaks, and soulful ballads that left the crowd screaming for more. The energy in the stadium was palpable, a living, breathing entity that fed the members' performance. It was during their encore, the stage awash with soft purple light, that Namjoon's gaze drifted over the sea of Army Bombs. And there, in the crowd, his eyes landed on Ryley. She wasn't particularly different from the rest at first glance, her hair a cascade of waves, her hands up in the air, moving to the rhythm of the music. But there was something about her, an inexplicable pull that had him pausing mid-verse. Jin, noticing the hiccup, followed Namjoon's gaze and nudged Yoongi, pointing subtly. One by one, each member's attention was drawn to Ryley, and with each pair of eyes that found her, the same unspoken thought reverberated through their minds: 'Soulmate.' The music swelled around them, but in that moment, the world seemed to narrow down to the connection that crackled like static in the space between the stage and the crowd. She was just another face in a sea of thousands, but to BTS, she was a beacon, shining with a light that seemed to whisper of destiny. There was something about her, a feeling that she was meant to be part of their journey, a piece of a puzzle they didn't know was missing.

As the final notes of the song rang out and the stadium erupted in applause, they exchanged looks, each member's expression a mix of awe and confusion. "Did you all—" Jin began backstage, only to be met with a collective nod. "Yeah, we did," Yoongi confirmed, the ever-stoic rapper showing a rare flicker of curiosity. "Guys, we can't just all have a soulmate in the crowd," Hoseok laughed, trying to dispel the tension, even as his heart raced with the same bewildering emotion. Jimin simply smiled, a quiet acknowledgment of the shared experience, while Taehyung mused aloud, "But what if we do?" Jungkook, ever the pragmatic one, chimed in, "We'll probably never see her again, so let's not get carried away." Yet, as they left the stage, the image of Ryley lingered, a mysterious beacon in the night that refused to fade away. The members of BTS were no strangers to strange occurrences—after all, their entire career had been a series of serendipitous events—but this felt different.

author's notes: so what did you think?! i kinda don't really fault ryley for her way of thinking because it's bts. but, at the same time, you really have to remember that they're just humans like us. humans that are insanely talented and beautiful. but, humans nonetheless. ;D

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

A Serendipitous Encounter | Chapter Three

The following night, as BTS took in their last night in America, anticipation mingled with disappointment in the air. Despite their best efforts, they hadn't been able to find any trace of Ryley the night of their concert. Yet, as fate would have it, their journey was about to take an unexpected turn.

Back in their hotel room, the atmosphere was tense with anticipation as BTS regrouped after their encounter with Ryley. Jin's heart raced with excitement and a touch of apprehension as he recounted his brief eye contact with their soulmate while he had been on stage.

"She was right there," he breathed, his voice filled with wonder. "We have to find her."

Namjoon nodded in agreement; his expression determined. "We can't let her slip through our fingers again."

Meanwhile, Taehyung sat on the edge of the bed, his brow furrowed in thought as he scrolled through his phone, searching for any trace of Ryley online. Doubt still lingered in the back of his mind, but with each passing moment, his curiosity grew stronger.

"I just don't understand," Hoseok mused, pacing back and forth across the room. "How could she be our soulmate? It doesn't make sense."

Jungkook placed a comforting hand on Hoseok's shoulder. "Sometimes, things happen for reasons we can't explain. We just have to trust in the universe."

Jimin snuggled up beside Yoongi on the bed, his eyes glued to his phone as he scrolled through social media feeds in search of any clues about Ryley's whereabouts with little to no information on her. But despite his efforts, there was no sign of her.

"It's like she's vanished into thin air," he sighed, frustration lacing his words.

As the hours passed, the tension in the room reached a fever pitch, each member of BTS consumed by their own thoughts and emotions. Taehyung's long fingers hovered over his phone, his mind racing with doubts and uncertainties. Was Ryley really their soulmate, or was it all just a figment of their imagination?

But as he glanced around the room at his bandmates, their faces alight with hope and determination, Taehyung felt a flicker of something stir within him. Maybe, just maybe, there was a chance that Ryley was meant to be a part of their lives after all.

With a newfound sense of resolve, Taehyung set aside his doubts and joined the others in their search for Ryley, his heart pounding with excitement at the prospect of finally finding their elusive soulmate.

Namjoon sighed deeply with a hand sliding down his face while the other went through his phone. "I'm getting hungry and found a Korean restaurant nearby."

"I'll go and tell security that we're going out then," The second eldest mumbled, unwillingly peeling himself away from Jimin to leave the room. Maybe leaving the hotel and getting some fresh air could give them a new perspective on how to get their girl back.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Yoongi stepped out of the elevator; his mind preoccupied with thoughts of Ryley filling his head as he made his way to the entrance of the hotel for food. He was lost in contemplation when, out of nowhere, he bumped into a small figure and suddenly felt a shock course through his body that was unexpected. They both apologized before turning to one another and...

Ryley stood frozen in her spot, her eyes widening in surprise as she met Yoongi's gaze. For a moment, time seemed to stand still as they stared at each other, that palpable energy crackling between them. She had only gone down to the lobby to check out the gift shop before she left back home, leaving Samantha up in the hotel room waiting for her.

Without a word, Yoongi turned his body toward her fully, his heart pounding in his chest. Ryley's breath caught in her throat as he drew nearer, a mixture of fear and longing swirling within her.

"I-It's you," Yoongi breathed, his voice barely above a whisper.

She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could form the words, panic seized her heart, and she turned to flee. But Yoongi's instincts were fast enough to kick into overdrive as he chased after her. Shit, his bodyguards were going to hate him for this later, but he couldn't risk losing her again.

Meanwhile, the rest of the guys emerged from the elevator, their curiosity piqued by Yoongi's sudden departure. Jin's eyes widened in surprise as he spotted Yoongi and Ryley disappearing into the crowd.

"Is that who I think it is?" Namjoon asked, his brow furrowing in confusion.

Jungkook stared with big eyes, his gaze fixed on Yoongi's retreating figure before speaking to the group. "We need to follow them."

With that, they set off in pursuit with their bodyguards now close behind, weaving through the bustling lobby in search of their wayward bandmate and their soulmate. How was she here? Was this fate?

Yoongi chased after Ryley, his heart pounding in his chest as he fought to keep up with her. But she was fast, her fear lending her speed as she darted through the crowded lobby.

"Wait!" Yoongi called out, desperation creeping into his voice. His English may have been terrible, but he could at least remember some sentences of importance that Namjoon and his English teacher had taught him.

But Ryley didn't stop, her mind consumed by a whirlwind of doubts and insecurities. How could she possibly belong with BTS? It was all a cruel joke, it had to be.

As she reached the exit, Ryley glanced over her shoulder, her eyes widening in surprise as she saw Yoongi hot on her heels. But before she could react, she collided with someone, sending both of them tumbling to the ground in a heap.

Ryley looked up to see the rest of BTS standing before her, their expressions a mixture of concern and confusion. She scrambled to her feet, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she tried to compose herself.

"I'm sorry," she stammered, her voice trembling with emotion. "I didn't mean to—"

But Namjoon held up a hand, cutting her off with a gentle smile. "It's okay. We just want to talk."

Ryley hesitated, her heart racing as she met their gaze. For a moment, she was lost in the depths of their eyes, each one shining with warmth and sincerity.

"We just want to get to know you," Yoongi added, his voice soft and reassuring as he began to stand up now while dusting off the front of his clothes to stand next to her.

Tears welled up in Ryley's eyes as she looked at them, overwhelmed by the outpouring of kindness and acceptance. Most of them didn't say a word, but they really didn't need to because everything was conveyed to her by a single glance. What was she getting herself into?

Security stood back a bit, ready to jump on Ryley or anyone else that could possibly cause harm to the guys, but they made sure to block the gathering crowd from viewing what was going on between the eight of them. They needed to get out of the spotlight and quickly.

"Will you... Come to our hotel room? To talk?" Jin spoke to her gently, trying his hardest to remember all the English words that he could muster without sounding like a complete imbecile in front of his soulmate. Their soulmate.

As she thought about it for a moment, she swallowed hard and then played with the front of her shirt before nodding slowly. "O-Okay."

It was going to be a nerve-wrecking night.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

As they made it back to the room, thoughts of dinner completely gone from their mind, the members found themselves sitting across from the one who invaded their every thought, their hearts still racing from their encounter with her. To their delight, Ryley had agreed to join them, a sense of anticipation hanging in the air.

Ryley perched nervously on the edge of the bed, her eyes flickering between all seven of them as they gathered around her, their faces filled with curiosity and excitement. And after she had introduced herself to them, it was time to figure out a little more about her to get a conversation going (with the help of Namjoon's translating, of course).

"Ryley," Yoongi began, his voice gentle yet filled with determination and pleased to finally taste her name on the tip of his tongue. "We're so glad you're here. We have a lot of questions."

Ryley nodded, her heart pounding in her chest as she braced herself for the barrage of inquiries she knew were coming. But to her surprise, they were more interested in getting to know her than interrogating her about her life.

"So, tell us about yourself," Namjoon prompted, his gaze warm and inviting.

Ryley took a deep breath, her mind racing as she tried to think of where to begin. "Well, I live in Los Angeles with my friend Samantha. We met in college and have been inseparable ever since."

Jimin's eyes sparkled with mischief as he leaned in closer, a playful grin tugging at his lips. "I hope Samantha is okay with letting us steal you from her..."

She blushed at his flirtatious nature despite knowing that it was just who he was, feeling a flutter of butterflies in her stomach as she met Jimin's gaze. "Um, I'm sure she'd have something to say to that."

Jimin's grin widened, his gaze lingering on Ryley as he leaned back, clearly enjoying the playful banter. "Good to know."

As the night wore on, Jimin's flirtatious antics continued, much to the amusement of the rest of BTS. Ryley found herself laughing along with them, feeling more at ease with each passing moment as they shared stories and jokes.

But as the conversation turned to more serious matters, the members of BTS began to discuss how they would make their long-distance relationship work.

"Ryley," Jungkook began, his voice filled with sincerity and his adorably large eyes staring at her with stars in them. "We've been thinking about how we can make this work. Since you live in America and we live in South Korea, it's going to be challenging, but we're willing to do whatever it takes."

Ryley nodded, a sense of warmth spreading through her as she looked around at the members of BTS. "I appreciate that. I want to make this work too, but I'm not sure how feasible it is for me to move to South Korea."

Taehyung's heart sank at Ryley's words, his mind swirling with uncertainty. "Do you think you'd be willing to at least visit us in South Korea?"

Ryley hesitated, her mind racing as she considered the idea. "I don't know. It's a big decision to make, and I have a lot of responsibilities back home."

Jimin leaned in closer, his eyes pleading as he spoke. "Please, Ryley. We really want to make this work, but we need you to meet us halfway."

Ryley felt a pang of guilt at the earnestness in Jimin's voice, his words tugging at her heartstrings. "I'll think about it, okay? I just need some time to process everything."

Yoongi placed a reassuring hand on Ryley's shoulder, his gaze filled with understanding. "Take all the time you need. We're not going anywhere."

But, they were going somewhere. Home. They would be gone by this time tomorrow and there'd be many hurdles to try and get into contact with them again if she came to a decision. Unless...

author's notes: obviously, we knew that ryley was going to choose bts over anything else. i mean, it's bts. wouldn't you?! let's just hope that things stay good with them and nothing bad happens...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Decisions | Chapter Four

*~ A few weeks later...~*

The next morning, sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over Ryley's cozy kitchen. She sat at the table, a steaming cup of coffee in hand, her laptop open before her as she scrolled through pictures of BTS online.

Each image captured moments of joy, camaraderie, and boundless energy, and Ryley couldn't help but smile as she looked at them. But beneath the surface, that same sense of uncertainty from before gnawed at her, casting a shadow over her thoughts.

Samantha emerged from her bedroom, rubbing the sleep from her eyes as she joined Ryley at the table. "Morning," she greeted, her voice still groggy with sleep. It had been a while since she had been intercepted by the guys in their hotel and brought to their room to have that very important conversation regarding their future. When she had returned back to her own room, she made sure to tell Samantha every little thing and they spent their whole trip back home discussing it. Now, everything was starting to settle in her mind.

Ryley looked up from her laptop, her gaze distant as she struggled to articulate the turmoil within her. "Hey, Sam. I've been thinking..."

Samantha sat down opposite her, concern etched across her features. "About what?"

Ryley hesitated, her fingers tracing absentminded patterns on the surface of her coffee mug. "About BTS, about moving to South Korea... about everything."

Samantha reached out to squeeze Ryley's hand, her expression soft and understanding. "It's a big decision, Ryley. Take your time."

Ryley nodded, a sense of gratitude washing over her at Samantha's words. She turned back to her laptop, the images of BTS smiling back at her from the screen. They seemed so happy, so full of life, and Ryley couldn't help but wonder if she could find a similar sense of belonging with them.

As she looked over their handsome faces, more and more darkness crept into every corner of her mind. What if she wasn't ready for such a drastic change? What if she couldn't handle the pressure of being in the spotlight?

Lost in her thoughts, Ryley barely noticed when her phone buzzed with new messages from the members in their group chat. She opened it, her heart skipping a beat as she read their words of encouragement and support.

J-Hope: Good morning, Ryley! Taehyung: Hope you slept well after listening to that jazz playlist I sent you last night. Jimin: Of course, you did something like that, Tae. Morning Ryley! Namjoon: Hey, Ryley. Sorry to spam you so early. The kids were just really wanting to talk to you. J-Hope: I'm not a kid... Jin: Neither am I, but I'm still going to talk to our soulmate. Morning, pretty girl! Yoongi: Jin, please. Don't scare her off before she makes a decision. Good morning, Ryley. Jungkook: Ryley! Hurry up and come to South Korea! There's so many things that I want to do with you. We'll have so much fun! Namjoon: Jungkook, you can't pressure her... She has to make that decision on her own. Remember, Ryley, no rush. This is a big decision.

"They really want me to be with them," she murmured, a deep sigh leaving her mouth, but a large smile on her features.

Samantha smiled at the sight, her eyes soft with understanding. "Then maybe you should go for it. You'll never know unless you try."

Ryley nodded, a sense of determination swelling within her as she made up her mind. With newfound resolve, she closed her laptop and set aside her doubts, knowing that no matter what challenges lay ahead, she would face them head-on, hand in hand with BTS by her side.

And as she finished her breakfast, her heart light with possibility, Ryley knew that her decision to move to South Korea with BTS was the right one. With a smile on her face and a sense of excitement building within her, she began to make preparations for the journey ahead, eager to embark on this new chapter of her life. Packing up her entire life in America may have been a huge undertaking, but they would help her every step of the way and it had already been offered for them to do so.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Within the cozy living room of BTS' apartment where the members sat gathered around the coffee table, takeout boxes were scattered before them. Excitement buzzed in the air as they ate their dinner and eagerly awaited news from Ryley, each one lost in their own thoughts about the possibility of her joining them in South Korea.

They finally had some downtime from their tour to be able to stay at home and unwind from how hard they had been working in the States. This meant that it also gave them a lot of time to think and that was never a good thing when it came to the possibility of their soulmate rejecting them.

Taehyung used his chopsticks to play with his noodles in silence, knowing that the others were no better off than he was in that moment. It was the quietest that the guys had been in a long time.

Suddenly, the door swung open, and their head bodyguard, Mr. Lee, stepped into the room, an emotionless expression on his face just like he normally had.

"I've been informed of some news," he announced, his voice remaining calm and steady as he looked over each of the guys with his hands clasped together behind himself as if standing at attention.

BTS exchanged confused glances, their hearts pounding with anticipation and slight fear as they leaned in closer, waiting for him to continue.

Namjoon was gripping the end of the table so hard that his knuckles had begun to turn white. "What is it?"

"Ms. Ryley has made her decision," he continued, his eyes trying to give away his seriousness with something else. "She's decided to move here to be with you all."

A collective cheer erupted from the members of BTS, their faces breaking into wide smiles as they exchanged high-fives and hugs, their joy palpable in the air.

"That's amazing!" Jin exclaimed, pulling Jungkook into a tight hug, his infamous windshield wiper laughter filling the room. "We have to start preparing for her arrival!"

The other members nodded in agreement, their minds buzzing with excitement as they began to brainstorm ideas for welcoming Ryley into their home.

"We'll need to set up the guest bedroom for her," Namjoon suggested, already envisioning the perfect space for their new housemate.

"And we should make sure she has everything she needs when she gets here," Hoseok added, his mind already racing with plans for taking Ryley to all the best shopping spots.

Jimin grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "And we can't forget to give her a proper welcome, with flowers and balloons and—"

"Wait, hold on," Taehyung interjected, giving his best friend and soulmate a look that told him to slow things down. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves, Jiminie. We have to make sure she feels comfortable first."

The other members chuckled at Taehyung's words, their hearts swelling with love for their thoughtful bandmate.

"You're right," Yoongi agreed, his voice soft with affection. "We'll take things one step at a time."

With renewed determination, the members of BTS set to work, their excitement bubbling over as they began to run around the apartment to gather things together for Ryley like chickens with their heads cut off. They spent the whole rest of their night cleaning and organizing, setting up the guest bedroom with fresh linens and cozy blankets, and making sure that she would feel right at home from the moment she walked through the door.

As they worked together, laughter and camaraderie filling the air, BTS couldn't help but let their playful side shine through. Jin and Namjoon stole kisses between little chores that they had decided to work on together, while Jimin and Taehyung playfully bickered over the best way to arrange the pillows on the bed. Hoseok and Yoongi couldn't resist sneaking up behind each other, wrapping their arms around their boyfriends' waists as they laughed and joked about all of the fun times they would have in the coming weeks. Jungkook took it upon himself to order some gadgets for his newest soulmate so that she'd be set and connected to them without worry, even buying another controller so was customized specifically for her so that she could play games with him in the future.

author's notes: this story is really getting me pumped up! i'm trying to make this a bit of a slow burn in regard to bts not being able to find ryley right away, but i don't know how much longer i can take! lol. hope you guys are enjoying so far!

Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

The Search Begins | Chapter Two

As the lights dimmed in the arena, signaling the end of the electrifying concert, BTS stood backstage, adrenaline still coursing through their veins. But amidst the euphoria of their performance, one thought lingered in their minds: Ryley.

"Guys, we need to find her," Yoongi declared, his voice laced with determination as he gathered the group together.

Namjoon nodded in agreement. "She might have already left, but we have to try. We can't let our soulmate slip away."

Jimin's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Let's split up and search the venue. She can't have gone too far!"

The members dispersed, each taking a different direction in the maze of corridors backstage. Meanwhile, Ryley and her friend Samantha were making their way out of the arena, their hearts still pounding from the breathtaking performance they had just witnessed.

"That was incredible!" Samantha exclaimed, her eyes shining with awe. "I can't believe we were so close to them!"

Ryley smiled, but her thoughts were elsewhere. She couldn't shake the feeling of connection she had felt with the guys during their brief encounter earlier. Was it just her imagination, or was there something more?

Lost in her thoughts, Ryley barely noticed when Samantha grabbed her hand suddenly, her gaze fixed on the exit so they could leave.

Ryley looked up and turned last minute to see someone familiar emerging from one of the corridors from backstage, his expression determined as he scanned the crowd. Her heart skipped a beat as she locked onto Taehyung's form, who was looking around frantically.

"He can't be looking for me," Ryley whispered to herself, her eyes widening in disbelief.

Ryley's mind raced. What should she do? Should she approach him? But before she could make a decision, she felt a gentle tug on her arm.

"Come on, let's go," Samantha urged, looking tired and ready to head back to their hotel for the night.

Ryley hesitated for a moment, torn between the desire to meet BTS and the fear of what might happen if they found her. But in the end, curiosity lost, and she followed Samantha as they disappeared into the crowd.

Meanwhile, Taehyung's heart sank as he scanned the sea of faces, searching for any sign of Ryley. But she was nowhere to be found.

"She's not here," he sighed, his shoulders slumping in disappointment.

"Don't worry, Tae," Jimin reassured him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder after walking up behind him shortly after. "We'll find her. We have to."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

As Ryley and Samantha melted into the crowd, her pulse quickened at the thought of being sought after by the global superstars, but a voice in the back of her mind whispered doubts. What could she possibly offer them? They were untouchable, adored by millions of fans worldwide. How could she, a mere mortal, ever hope to compare?

Samantha nudged her, breaking through her reverie. "Come on, let's go."

Ryley followed Samantha through the exit, her steps faltering as doubt gnawed at her insides. With every passing moment, the weight of her perceived inadequacy grew heavier, suffocating her with its relentless grip.

As they slipped out of the arena and into the cool night air, she couldn't shake the feeling of unworthiness that hung over her like a dark cloud. She stole a glance over her shoulder, half expecting to see BTS hot on their trail, but they were nowhere in sight.

"They're gone," Ryley mumbled to herself, her voice tinged with disappointment.

Inside her heart ached with a longing she couldn't name. How could she ever hope to belong with BTS when she felt so out of place in their world?

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Back at the hotel, BTS settled into their rooms, but Taehyung couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at him from within. Despite the excitement of their search, a nagging doubt lingered in the back of his mind.

"What if she doesn't want to be found?" he mused aloud, his voice barely above a whisper.

Jin glanced at him and tried not to feel hurt by the thought alone. "We'll find her, Tae. We just need to keep looking."

But as Taehyung lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling, he couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty that clouded his thoughts. Was this woman really their soulmate, or were they just grasping at straws?

It didn't seem as though any of them would be getting much sleep tonight as none of the guys had gone back to their respective rooms to sleep, only wanting to be in the company of one another after the trying night they had. Sure, their concert was amazing and it was so wonderful to finally be back in the same room as ARMY, but they never had expected to find another soulmate. Wasn't seven enough? Everything was frustrating and complicated, but they knew that they had to try. And as Jungkook laid down with his arms wrapped around his Hobi-hyung's waist, cuddling into his side with a deep sigh, he made it his own personal mission to find her. Not just for himself, but for his hyungs too.

They needed her more than they had initially realized.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Meanwhile, Ryley lay in her own bed, the weight of her insecurities pressing down on her like a leaden blanket. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she wrestled with her inner demons, wondering if she would ever be worthy of the love and adoration BTS inspired in their legions of fans.

What was she thinking? Why would she even let herself believe that they were looking for her? Just because she had locked eyes with Namjoon for a short moment? It probably happened during every single concert they had, so she shouldn't even bother considering herself lucky for something so ridiculous. But... That feeling returns - akin to something tugging on her heart. What was that and why did it bother her so much?

Author's notes: it's been a hot second, but i was trying to see how the poll was going... i have to say that it's honestly been neck-to-neck for the majority of the time. we're at 38 votes now, so i might just start doing more oc / y/n based writings now. but, i'll definitely keep up the ot7, since so many of you still want them! i'm also in the process of trying to get an ao7 set up, so i'd love to have you join me on there, when it happens! THANK YOU FOR THE PARTICIPATION! p.s. i might also make this specific story multiple parts. they have to find kookie!

The neon lights of the city flickered in the night as Jungkook, the epitome of a motorcyclist bad boy, parked his sleek black bike outside the bar. With his leather jacket hugging his broad shoulders and his raven hair tousled, he exuded an aura of danger and raw appeal. His piercing gaze scanned the room, searching for a thrill to chase.

Inside the bar, Jimin, a charming bartender with a smile that could melt hearts, moved with grace and purpose. His dark eyes sparkled as he expertly mixed drinks, his slender fingers dancing across the glasses. He was captivated by the energy of the night, but a longing for something more simmered beneath his surface.

Their paths collided as Jungkook sauntered up to the bar, a confident smirk playing on his lips. Jimin's heart skipped a beat as he took in the sight of this alluring stranger. There was something magnetic about Jungkook, something that made Jimin's pulse quicken.

"What can I get you?" Jimin asked, his voice laced with a mixture of curiosity and anticipation.

Jungkook leaned in, his voice low and seductive. "Surprise me, bartender."

Jimin couldn't help but blush at the subtle innuendo in Jungkook's words. He concocted a special cocktail, a blend of sweetness and a hint of fire, perfectly mirroring the dynamic between them.

As Jungkook tasted the drink, his eyes locked with Jimin's, a silent understanding passing between them. The air crackled with electricity, and a game of seduction began to unfold.

Hours melted away as they engaged in playful banter, their laughter mingling with the clinking of glasses. Jimin found himself drawn to Jungkook's magnetic presence, his heart racing with each lingering touch. But the night was fleeting, and as the bar closed its doors, they were forced to part ways.

Jimin returned to his cozy apartment, where he was greeted by his boyfriends Namjoon, Seokjin, Yoongi, Taehyung, and Hoseok. Namjoon, engrossed in a book, looked up as Jimin entered the room, a soft smile on his lips. Seokjin was busy in the kitchen, skillfully cooking up a storm with Yoongi by his side, their love evident in the way they moved in sync. Taehyung sat on Namjoon's lap, twirling his hair absentmindedly, while Hoseok sat on the floor, assembling a toy airplane.

Jimin's heart swelled with love as he gazed upon his partners, his family. They were his pillars of strength, his safe haven. But tonight, he had something else to share with them, something that had stirred his soul.

"Guys," Jimin began, his voice laced with excitement, "I met someone tonight. His name is Jungkook, and he's… breathtaking."

Namjoon looked up from his book, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. "Tell us more, Jimin. What makes him so special?"

Jimin's face lit up as he described Jungkook's rugged charm, his piercing gaze, and the way his touch made him weak in the knees. The room buzzed with anticipation as his partners listened intently, their interest piqued.

Seokjin set down his cooking utensils, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Well, well. It seems like this Jungkook has caught your attention, Jimin. Perhaps he might just belong with us."

Yoongi smirked, his voice dripping with playful seduction. "I can't deny that I'm intrigued, Jiminie. If he's as captivating as you say, he might just fit right into our little family."

Taehyung, twirling a strand of hair around his finger, chimed in. "I love meeting new people, especially when they have the potential to bring more love and joy into our lives. I can't wait to meet him."

Hoseok, his eyes filled with warmth, spoke up. "Jimin, you've always had an eye for beauty. It's clear that Jungkook has sparked something within you. I'm excited to see where this leads."

As they shared their thoughts and excitement, Jimin felt his heart swell with gratitude. Their love was boundless, and now, they were open to welcoming someone new into their embrace. The possibilities were endless, and as they discussed dreams and desires, they knew that whatever came next, they would face it together.

Author's notes: listen... when jungkook mentioned that he would've been a professional gamer in that one interview, i just wanted to imagine him that way in written form for a little bit. i lowkey love these two together now!

Jungkook sat in his dimly lit gaming room, fingers dancing across the keyboard, his eyes fixed on the screen. He was the epitome of a professional gamer, his skill unmatched, his reflexes lightning-fast. The virtual battlefield was his domain, and he ruled it with an iron fist.

As the game loaded, Jungkook adjusted his headset, his voice resonating through the microphone. "Alright, boys, let's show them what we're made of."

The chatter of his teammates filled his ears, their banter a constant symphony of camaraderie. But amidst the familiar voices, a new one emerged, soft and melodic, a breath of fresh air. It was a girl, a player who had caught his attention.

"Hey, Jungkook, ready to get your ass handed to you?" the girl's voice rang out, laced with a playful challenge.

Jungkook's lips curled into a cocky smile, his voice tinged with amusement. "Oh, sweetheart, you have no idea who you're messing with. Prepare to be dazzled."

The game started, the intensity palpable. Jungkook's fingers moved with precision, his instincts taking over. He was a force to be reckoned with, his name synonymous with victory. But this girl, this mystery player, proved to be a formidable opponent.

Round after round, they clashed, their skills evenly matched. Jungkook couldn't deny the thrill that coursed through his veins, the excitement of a worthy adversary. He found himself laughing, genuinely enjoying the challenge.

"You've got some serious skills," Jungkook admitted, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "Not many can keep up with me."

The girl's laughter filled the headset, a playful melody that stirred something within him. "Maybe I'm just lucky, or maybe you're not as invincible as you think."

Jungkook's competitive spirit flared, his determination renewed. He couldn't let her beat him, not after all his victories. He had a reputation to uphold, a legacy to protect.

But as the game reached its climax, Jungkook found himself at a disadvantage. The girl's moves were flawless, her strategy impeccable. And with a final blow, she emerged victorious, her name shining brightly on the screen.

Jungkook's eyes widened in surprise, his voice filled with genuine awe. "You did it! You beat me!"

The girl's laughter, sweet and infectious, filled the headset once more. "Looks like I'm not just lucky, huh?"

Jungkook's heart raced, a peculiar warmth spreading through his chest. In that moment, he knew there was something special about this girl, something that went beyond the game they played. He couldn't help but wonder if she could be his soulmate, his perfect match.

"You've got my attention, sweetheart," Jungkook confessed, his voice filled with a newfound vulnerability. "Let's keep playing, and maybe we'll find out just how far this connection goes."

And so, they continued their virtual battles, their banter a constant backdrop to their newfound connection. Through victories and defeats, they discovered the depths of their compatibility, their laughter and shared moments transcending the confines of the game. Jungkook had met his match, and he wouldn't let her go without a fight.