Chapter Text
Zyra never slept properly.
Until now.
She felt oddly relaxed. Since her social life and work-life ratio were in poor balance, she usually slept in odd places like her office chair, in the passenger seat while she was a stake out with Yeongsu, and on her couch if she decided to go through files from her house. She was glad she moved out of her parents' place for the exact reason. They didn't like her job, which she didn't care and she only visited them when her twin brother Hayan and lil sis Zaha called her. And yet she didn't linger any longer than needed or joined them to have meals. So she had a more work life much to Catherine and Yeongsu's dismay. Which meant she never properly rested.
But now she felt like someone wrapped her up in a warm cocoon. A cocoon which had a scent that she found herself liking the more she breathed. She decided that she liked this huge pillow that was hugging her.
Wait a damn minute... since when did pillows hug back!?
Snapping her eyes open, she found herself in an unfamiliar room with someone hugging her. Her first instinct was to kick the person off her. Thankfully, her brain kickstarted at that exact moment and she remembered what happened in the last few hours. She bonded. From the looks of it, Cathy and Yeongsu brought her to her soulmate's place.
Judging by the way the place looked and the faint scent of cologne invading her nose, her mind already confirmed whom she bonded with.
Zyra did bond... With Jung Hoseok, for crying out loud!
Did Jungkook's bonding trigger the universe or something!?
When she peeked at them, Hoseok’s arm, marked with faint bruises, was draped over her shoulder. Her head rested on it as if it were the finest silk pillow. While his good arm was on her hips. Her heart thudded. She squirmed slightly, hoping to create some distance, but the movement only prompted Hoseok to mumble incoherently. Before she could react, he shifted, tightening his hold around her as though she might vanish. His face buried itself against the back of her neck, and the warm puff of his breath sent a shiver racing down her spine.
She resisted the urge to scream. This can’t be happening. First, I bond—something that’s supposed to be impossible for someone like me—and now I’m apparently a human teddy bear for one of the biggest idols in the world?
She waited a little longer, listening to his breathing making sure that he won't wake up, whilst freaking out feeling his breath hot on her neck.
Before she could delve deeper into her thoughts, Hoseok shifted again, his mumbled words faint but discernible.
“Five more minutes,” he whispered groggily, the weight of his words settling on her neck.
She stiffened. Five more minutes of what?! My sanity!?
Taking a slow and deep breath, she decided to get up.
She smoothly took Hoseok's hand from her hips and gently unwrapped the other hand and slowly got up. She noticed that his hand was in the same condition as hers. But he's healing faster than her. If you looked past the black veins, his hand appeared normal. Pain shot across her arm causing her to whimper. Zyra looked at Hoseok and saw that he was asleep, looking entirely too peaceful for someone who'd been through the wringer. He looked so calm and she couldn't help but marvel at how different he looked in real.
Damn, he's a cutie.
Zyra stopped herself from staring at Hoseok. The bond was already doing its job, making her think Hoseok was way cuter than he was.
Her eyes shifted towards her arm in an attempt to think about anything but the guy who was sleeping without a care in the world. Her hand still had the bruise-like color except it got significantly less.
With a resigned sigh, Zyra understood the fact that her body seemed to be healing at a snail's pace compared to Hoseok's. Typical. Leave it to Zyra to break the laws of soulmate physics and end up paying the price.
Zyra didn't care about others' opinions when it came to her soulless title. She knew that bonding did not have to end up in a romantic relationship. It could be a platonic one too. If they were uncomfortable with her she'd just visit Hoseok from time to time just to heal. But the thought of Hoseok not liking her didn't sit well with her.
Her eyes danced around the room to get a feel of the guy she bonded with. As far as she knew, not all idols had the same personality as they showed on the screen. The room had a modern decor and a minimalistic design. The bed was so soft that she could hear it calling her to come back. Not wanting to wait till Hoseok woke up she slowly moved to the end of the bed and found her bag and she silently thanked Catherine for packing it. She knew that there were two other women in this house but she didn't know how they would react when they found out she was soulless.
First, I need a bath and then find either Yeongsu or Catherine.
💫
Hoseok slowly opened his eyes with a small pout on his face. He felt like someone took something special from him. Then he saw a woman on the edge of his bed.
He sat up with a startled look on his face.
That caused her to turn to him with raised eyebrows.
Hoseok just stared at her for a few seconds before recalling what happened after the concert.
He bonded.
She's his soulmate.
The woman was undeniably beautiful. Her black short hair framed her face in such a manner that brought out her striking features. Her light brown eyes sparkled with curiosity and intelligence as she met his eyes.
For a second Jung Hoseok forgot how to breathe.
Damn, she's so pretty.
Hoseok snapped out of his reverie and cleared his throat. He just barely met her and the bond was already making his heart beat faster than the organ should.
Hoseok blinked and shifted his gaze to his arm. His bruises were fading a bit but the black veins were not. Shifting his eyes, they landed on hers and his eyes widened.
The bruises were still there along with the blackened veins. It's healing, slowly. A lot of questions made their way into his head. He wanted answers but he was sure that both of them were completely oblivious. As he dragged his eyes all over her arm, he saw the mark that he had only ever heard about. The soulless mark. He cursed himself for the gasp he let out. He saw her go still but she didn't make any moves to hide the mark. His eyes locked into hers and he saw her face set in an unreadable expression. The words 'You're soulless' died on his lips as he saw something in her eyes. He got a feeling that she knew what he was thinking. Her eyes challenged him to voice what it was, daring him to judge.
Jung Hoseok was someone who knew what it meant to be judged by people. Ever since he debuted, he knew people talked about his looks. He got a feeling that the young woman knew too. He heard countless things about the mark and... and how people reacted. It wasn't an enjoyable reaction.
Hoseok's mind was racing. He had always been sceptical about the soulmate bond, primarily because he was so focused on his career. The last thing he needed was a distraction. But, Zyra's bruises were not healing at the same pace as his and the soulless mark, he felt a pang of concern and confusion. How was it possible for someone with a soulless mark to bond? His eyes must have betrayed his feelings because she raised one brow at him yet spoke nothing.
💫
Zyra knew he didn't mean to let that gasp out. But she couldn't help but feel a bit defensive. She was used to the different reactions her mark provoked in people. Yet a small part of her mind thought Hoseok would be different. Her face, however, remained a mask of unreadable calm as she maintained his gaze.
A look of understanding, concern and confusion crossed his eyes and something along the side of sympathy.
She didn't need anyone's sympathy.
She cleared her throat to introduce herself and then make an escape into the bathroom but, the sound of the door opening made her head turn.
Zyra saw an older woman, in her fifties most likely, standing by the door with Catherine right behind her. Both the women were surprised at seeing the two soulmates had woken up. Seeing the relieved smile on Catherine's face made Zyra let out a small chuckle.
Miss Choi, the private doctor for BTS, entered the room. She was a middle-aged woman with a warm, reassuring presence. She carried a medical bag and moved with the confidence of someone who had seen and handled many situations.
"Good, you're both awake," Miss Choi said with a smile, her voice was soothing. It made Zyra relax from where she sat. She approached them and immediately began her examination. "My dear," she turned to Zyra, "move back onto the bed." Zyra listened to the older woman and slowly moved to the bed. Her arm hurt a bit and she was sure Miss Choi had seen her wince.
"Please hold your bruised hands together," she insisted gently and noticed the hesitation in their eyes. "It will stabilize the bond and heal you both while I check your vitals."
Zyda and Hoseok exchanged a brief look, their hands met with an awkward tentative touch. What shocked Zyra was Hoseok interlacing their fingers together, holding her hand in a firm yet gentle way. The contact sent a warm, tingling sensation through her body, reminding her of the bond that had formed between them.
While Miss Choi went on with her examination, Catherine uncapped two bottles and gave them to the two soulmates. She let out a chuckle seeing them chugging down the water.
"I know this must be overwhelming," Miss Choi began, her tone calm and professional. "But it's important that you both hold hands and stay hydrated and we can gradually reintroduce food in the form of soups and broths. Your bodies have been through a lot, and the bonding process can be quite taxing, especially if there are complications." she glanced at the blackened veins and back at them. The way Miss Choi reacted, made her a bit weird.
She then glanced at Zyra with a reassuring smile. "I understand that you have a unique situation," she said, as she acknowledged the soulless mark without a hint of judgment. "But your bond with Hoseok is just as valid and significant as others. When Jungkook bonded, I took it upon myself to learn more about soul bonds, especially the nuances that come with different circumstances. Every bond is unique, and your healing process might be different, but it's no less important."
Hoseok looked at Zyra, his eyes momentarily overshadowed by concern. "Why aren't her bruises healing like mine?" his voice was filled with scepticism and distrust.
Zyra's usually apathetic face couldn't stop the tiny scowl that made its way to her face. She made no move to hide her vexation either.
Miss Choi glanced between them before explaining, "It could be due to the soulless mark. Typically, healing is mutual and balanced, but this mark might be complicating things. However, holding hands should accelerate the process."
Zyra raises an eyebrow, intrigued. "You don't seem surprised or bothered by the mark," she says, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions within her.
Seeing the confusion written across the doctor's face, Zyra explained, "Not all people I had met had the same reaction as you did." Yes, it was a comment that was meant to jab the man next to her.
Feeling Hoseok's grip on her hand increase just a bit, Zyra knew her words had hit him. She was still annoyed by how he reacted.
Miss Choi smiles softly. "I have seen a lot in my years as a doctor. Marks don't define who you are or what you're capable of. And besides," she shrugged, "bonds are unpredictable. They don't always follow the rules we think they should."
Hoseok saw the way Zyra's shoulders relaxed slightly, the way her eyes softened just a fraction at Miss Choi's words. He couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for his initial reaction.
Zyra found herself liking the doctor. As she finished her examination, the older woman gave them a reassuring nod. "You're both doing well. And keep drinking water bit by bit. Your bodies are not that much dehydrated because of the physical contact for the last three days."
"Huh?"
"I beg your pardon?"
Came the simultaneous reply.
"Yes, it's been almost three days since you both bonded. I have to say I did guess that it would take a bit longer for you both to gain consciousness. But don't worry, just focus on the healing. I'll tell someone to bring some soup for you both. If the soup stays down for the next three days, we can slowly introduce some solid foods." With that, she turned to Catherine, "I'll be back after a while. Till then you're in charge, Miss Catherine."
As the doctor reached the door, she turned around to face the two people reculantly holding hands, "And my dears, communication is crucial in this stage." She gave them a look before heading out.
Zyra recognized the look the doctor gave them. It clearly said 'Stop acting like kids. Start being like two adults.'
A pat on her good shoulder caught Zyra's attention. Zyra had seen Catherine looking like a zombie when she had to do overtime in her lab. Zyra had to bring coffee, food and occasionally an extra pair of clothes. That's how she looked right now.
Like a zombie.
Turning to Hoseok, Catherine nodded to him. "I'm Catherine Williams." her clipped tone indicated that she did not miss the way he sounded about her best friend's mark. She turned to her friend and spoke, "We'll talk after y'all had some soup. 'Kay?," with Catherine smiled at Zyra and left the room.
Hoseok knew he fucked up. He knew better than to react like that when he saw the mark. In all honesty, she was the first soulless person he ever met. And he freaked out. And one thing he then noticed was the different colours he could see. He recalled that when you bond you can see your soulmate's emotions in terms of colours. Flickers of blue and red danced across his vision. It stood for sadness and anger respectively. He caused that. He never wanted to hurt her feelings. He's her soulmate for fucks sake! He should be the last person to hurt her and yet that's the first thing he did. Regret was filling up inside and he knew she would be seeing grey.
It seemed that Hoseok was quite out of it because he didn't even notice that she wore glasses. Hoseok cleared his throat, getting Zyra's attention. He had to make things straight if this bond had to work.
Sitting straight, he gave her a small smile, "I'm Jung Hoseok."
"I know." Zyra's tone was filled with amusement. She had yet to tell him her name.
The flickers of red and green were slowly fading from his vision as Hoseok saw a tiny smile which made her dimples show.
She has dimples! So cute!
Blinking twice he let out a chuckle, "Of course you know me. You're an Army!"
"Dude of course I am. Or else why would I go to your concert?"
"Right." Her sassiness made him smile.
"Um, I'm sorry about earlier," Hoseok finally spoke, his voice hesitant. "I didn't mean to... I just..."
Zyra looked at him, her eyes softening just a bit. "I'm Zyra. Kim Zyra. And it's okay. I'm used to it."
It did sting a bit because it was her soulmate who reacted like that but like she said she's used to it.
Flashes of red glimmerd into Zyra's vision. She saw some grey before while the whole how he reacted scene was going on. And it started dimming the moment she gave him a tiny smile. Red entered her vision the moment the last sentence was uttered. She looked at him getting confused.
"Are you seeing flickers of colours?" she blurted out. "It started as grey and then red and now it's dulling?"
"You'll see colours sometimes when your soulmate's emotions are strong," Hoseok told her. He thought she knew about it, "Like at first you were sad and angry, so I saw glimpses of blue and red respectively. Yoongi Hyung and Kookie explained it to us so we won't freak out." Hoseok explained a bit.
Nodding her head, Zyra looked at him. He was angry just a second ago. Guess the last part she said made him angry.
"And no it's not fine," Hoseok said referring to what she said. "I... I just didn't expect this. I've never met someone with a soulless mark before, and I reacted poorly. And please, call me Hobi" he let out.
Zyra raised an eyebrow, "Well Hobi, you're meeting one now," she said, a hint of challenge still in her voice.
Before Hoseok could respond, there was a knock on the door.
Jin slowly opened the door and her partner, Yeongsu walked in holding two bowls of soup on a tray. Slowly he gave them to the soulmates.
Jin had a mug in his hand. Zyra sniffed as the scrumptious smell of coffee made its way to her. The aroma distracted her from the fact that it was Kim Seokjin standing in the room.
Jin saw her eying his mug with such yearning, and he chuckled. When Zyra looked at his face, Jin victoriously drank it and her a cheeky smile.
Zyra couldn't stop the pout on her face. She loved coffee. She loved it so much that Yeongsu joked about her having coffee in her veins rather than blood.
Yeongsu noticed Zyra's longing look towards the coffee. "Ah, yes. Coffee. You are not getting any," he joked, gesturing to the mug in Jin's hand. "It's like the unofficial rule of our line of work, never skip your morning fix."
Zyra was still a bit stiff but a hint of her usual humour peeked through and she chuckled. "You know, Yeongsu, I thought the rule was more about 'keep your suspects awake', but I suppose 'keep yourself caffeinated' works too."
Yeongsu grinned. "Well, we both know those late-night cases made us rethink our priorities. Besides, I wasn't sure how well we could handle this whole bonding situation without some caffeine."
Jin gave the two detectives a sympathetic look before turning to Zyra. "We've got soup for you two. It's meant to be gentle on your stomach. Miss Choi's order. And coffee is strictly for me-sorry!"
Hoseok watched with awe as Zyra stuck her tongue out towards Jin and how Yeongsu tsked at her.
Yeongsu said detective.
No way.
"You're both detectives?" Hobi's sounded amazed. He looked at Zyra waiting for a reply.
Zyra was getting comfy, so she sipped the soup and answered him. "Yeah, we both work at the Seoul Police Station. It's quite a demanding job, but we make it work."
Jin decided to ease the slightly tense atmosphere. "Well, detectives or not, everyone needs a bit of soup in your case," he motioned to the young woman, "and coffee," towards him and Yeongsu. "And you both deserve it after everything."
Hoseok noticed Yeongsu's tired appearance, he felt a mix of curiosity and confusion. Seeing the two in action was raising questions in his mind. Yet he could he the banter between them was more of a sibling squabble. It made him wonder...
"So what exactly happened on your side?" Hoseok asked the two detectives while having his soup. He was curious about Zyra's side of the story too.
Zyra’s smile was faint but genuine. “Long story, Yeongsu called me right after the concert. We were busy with a 112 case, and I didn't check my phone even after the case. Well, I was stuck at the precinct till the next evening. I have to say I didn't feel any pain until I reached my house. When the pain hit, I called Cathy and coincidentally your staff was there. She told me she was coming and then I called Yeongsu."
"My brain was so fuzzy that I couldn't even think properly until he pointed out that it might be you that I have bonded with." Zyra looked at Hobi who nodded at her. "Then he checked my phone and yeah there were some calls from an unknown number and then Cathy came, and I don't remember what happened next."
Zyra had finished her soup by then and Jin kept hers and Hoseok's aside. She looked at Yeongsu who had a ashamed look. She didn't need to ask him what it was. She already knew what he was thinking.
"No. Don't blame yourself Oppa," her voice was strong and determined. "It's not your fault that I was stuck at the station. The fault is mine as it was me who didn't check my phone."
"But -"
Zyra cut him off as he tried to speak. "I didn't even check if anyone called even after I reached my place. If you think that not calling me over would have saved us the trouble then you're mistaken. I would have not thought about my phone since I had just attended a concert."
Zyra knew it was impossible to win an argument with her. And Yeongsu knew that as he accepted his defeat with a frown on his face.
Glancing at the two idols, she was met with different looks. Jin looked quite concerned yet there was pride in his eyes.
And Hoseok was well... Lost in his thoughts.
Jin looked at his young friend and back to Zyra and nodded his head like something just clicked for him, which made the girl look at him quizzically. A pat from Yeongsu got her eyes darting to him.
"If you do something like that ever again, I swear to God that I'll make sure you won't be doing any reports." If the look on the older detective's face wasn't that of total relief, then Zyra would have been a bit worried. She preferred making the reports. It was weird but she liked hearing the sound of the keyboard being used.
And also the fact that Yeongsu loathed doing reports. The dude was so grateful when she would do his report rather quickly.
"Yeah right, as if I wanted to bond, which I didn't know was possible" Her sarcastic reply made her partner chuckle. As a retaliation, Yeongsu ruffled her hair and took the bowls and was about to leave.
"Hey! You better be going home after this. And take Catherine too."
Pausing by the door, Yeongsu turned to the three people. "About that... There's something that happened. Me and Catherine-ssi didn't wanna talk about it until you woke up." His jaw was clenched trying to control his irritation.
The idols and Zyra looked at him quizzically.
"Freshen up you two. Then we'll talk."
With that, he silently closed the door and left.