The A-Z of Love

Illusion

As she walked out of the arrivals, Zoey looked around and spotted a sign with her name on it. Holding it was one of her soulmates, Yeosang, and standing beside him was a very excited-looking Wooyoung. Both were decked out in masks and hats, and Zoey was a little surprised that they were greeting personally and not waiting in the car.

"Zoey!"

She was a little taken aback when Wooyoung gave her a hug hello. Yeosang glanced around from under the brim of his hat. It was risky coming inside to greet his new soulmate, but she deserved special treatment, especially for her first visit. Also, Wooyoung refused to wait in the car.

"Woo... Be careful. Hello, Zoey."

"Hello."

"Where your... bag?"

Yeosang made a gesture to indicate he meant her suitcase.

"Suitcase? Lost."

"Lost?"

"When they find it they call me."

Zoey had waited until nearly all the bags were gone before going to the information desk. They took her details and said they would give her updates when they had located her suitcase.

"Don't worry. We'll get you some things. I'm sure Hongjoong-Hyung would love to take you shopping."

Yeosang tried to stay positive to cheer her up and Zoey smiled gratefully as he reassured her.

"Okay. Thank you."

Wooyoung linked his arm with hers and started walking towards the exit.

"You and I, best friends. I show you everything, okay? We have so much fun."

Zoey glanced over at Yeosang who was smiling amused at his friend's enthusiasm.

"Seonghwa-Hyung wait in car. Wooyoung needs adult supervision, but too many of us together would bring unwanted attention."

"Yah! I not child! I'm excited to see Zoey."

When they reached the car, the door opened to reveal Seonghwa. He greeted Zoey with a warm smile and made the other two sit in the back so that Zoey could sit next to him.

"But, Hyung, I wanted to sit next to Zoey!"

"Wooyoung, I only saw my soulmate for barely 24 hours nearly two months ago. I let you go and meet her inside the airport, now it's my turn. Sit down."

Wooyoung grumbled as he climbed into the back. Zoey was a little confused as she hadn't caught much of what her soulmate had said since he had spoken so fast. Seonghwa just smiled at her and patted the sit next to him.

"Here, Zoey, sit beside me."

Once she was buckled in, she looked over at Seonghwa who smiled at her again. It was almost hard for him to believe that she was here. After only seeing her through the phone for so long, he had to pinch himself to check that she was really here.

"Did you have good flight?"

"Yes. Long. Very long, but okay."

Yeosang leaned forward.

"Hyung, they lost her luggage, so she doesn't have any clothes and things. I said we'd sort something out, maybe take her shopping?"

"Oh no... Okay, I'll talk to Joon when he gets home. Hongjoong working right now, but Jongho at home waiting for you. Hongjoong say sorry and be home soon."

"It's okay. I understand."

Zoey stared out the window as they drove through Seoul. She had seen it so many times on shows that it was hard to believe she was really there. Seeing how interested she was, the boys started pointing out things and telling her where they were.

When they got to their apartment, Jongho was waiting for them, along with San and Yunho. The two youngest soulmates smiled shyly at each other as they said hello, unsure of how to act now that they were seeing each other in person. 

San stepped in to help.

"Are you excited to be in Korea?"

Zoey nodded.

"Very excited. I can't believe I'm finally here."

They led her to the living room and she sat on the sofa with Seonghwa, while the others spread out on the other chairs or the floor.

"It's a long journey. Are you tired? Hungry?"

"I slept on the plane, but... I'm excited to try authentic Korean food."

Seonghwa turned to her.

"Food? What do you want? I'll order anything you like."

"Oh, umm..."

She glanced around at all of them as she tried to think of something she wanted to try. Yeosang smiled at her knowingly.

"Too much choice?"

Zoey nodded and they started arguing about what they should order for her to try.

Seonghwa turned to her.

"I show you your room?"

Zoey followed her soulmate through the apartment to a very tidy bedroom. Seonghwa had cleaned it in preparation for her arrival. It was Hongjoong's room as he was the only one who didn't share a room. Although, generally, the leader either wasn't home or one of his soulmates' were sharing his bed.

On the bed was a gift basket. The boys had prepared some Korean beauty products and snacks to welcome Zoey.

"Wow! At least I don't have to worry about skincare."

"Oops... You weren't supposed to see this without Wooyoung. Nevermind. You like?"

"Yes. Very much. Thank you."

Seonghwa pointed out a few more things and showed her where the bathroom was and the towels they had got for her. Then he showed her the kitchen.

"You need, you take. Anytime. Okay?"

She nodded and then they heard the front door open.

"Honey, I'm home!"

"Joon's home."

Seonghwa left the kitchen and Zoey followed slowly behind. In the living room, Hongjoong was greeting everyone. The leader gave Seonghwa a kiss and the two had a short whispered conversation before he turned to Zoey.

"Hello, Zoey! Is hug okay?"

She was a little surprised by the question. No one had ever asked her if it was okay to hug her before doing it.

"Oh! Um, okay."

Hongjoong stepped towards her with his arms held out but paused due to Zoey's unconvincing reply.

"Are you sure?"

Zoey nodded shyly before stepping forward into the leader's arms. Hongjoong happily wrapped his arms gently around her back.

"I am so happy you are here, Zoey."