Soulmates in Disguise

Quiet Storms

The next day, Ria walked into the office with Kim Taehyung by her side. Their comfortable camaraderie was evident as they exchanged smiles and light conversation.

“Busy day ahead, huh?” Taehyung said, glancing at Ria with a teasing smile.

Ria chuckled, “You could say that. But I think we’ve got it under control.”

They entered the practice room, and Ria began going over the schedules with the members. When she reached Jungkook, she handed him his schedule without elaborating. Their eyes briefly met, and Ria’s smile faltered. She quickly looked away, her heart pounding, and silently scolded herself. *I need to keep my distance.* She resolved to stay focused on her task.

Jungkook noticed the shift in her behavior and felt a pang of confusion. He saw how she was making an effort to avoid him, and it unsettled him. Despite his own internal struggles, he tried to remain professional, though he couldn’t shake the feeling of unease.

As practice begins, Ria tries to focus on Taehyung, admiring his dedication and grace. But Jungkook's playful wink and air kiss shatter her concentration, sending her heart racing in frustration. Why does he have to be so distracting? she thinks, cursing herself for letting him affect her like this. A deep sense of guilt washes over her, and she forces herself to look away, determined to keep her focus on Taehyung, who is performing a new step with infectious enthusiasm.

Ria gives Taehyung a small finger heart, and he responds with a delighted giggle, the lighthearted moment offering her a brief reprieve from her inner turmoil. Yet, the tension in her chest remains, a constant reminder of the distraction Jungkook poses. Jungkook, noticing the exchange, feels a pang of jealousy twist in his gut. The sight of Ria’s easy interaction with her fiancé makes him miss a beat in his routine, torn between maintaining his distance and confronting the growing feelings he struggles to suppress.

During the break, Ria handed out water bottles to everyone. As she approached Jungkook, she carefully avoided his gaze, her hands trembling slightly. She quickly moved to sit next to Yoongi, seeking refuge in his presence.

“You seem a bit distracted today,” Yoongi observed, taking a sip of his water.

Ria sighed, “It’s just a lot to process. But seeing everyone give their best, especially today, is really inspiring.”

Yoongi gave her a reassuring smile. “We’re glad to have you on board. You’re doing an excellent job.”

Ria appreciated his support but couldn’t shake the nagging feeling of Jungkook’s presence nearby. As she glanced over, she noticed Jungkook deliberately avoiding eye contact with her. It was clear he was struggling with his own emotions.

Taehyung, sensing the mood, leaned in closer to Ria with a casual, comforting tone. “How about we grab dinner later? I think we could both use a break.”

Ria smiled, feeling a wave of relief at the suggestion. “That sounds perfect. I could use a change of scenery.”

Taehyung grinned. “Great. I’ll take care of the reservations. It’ll be nice to unwind.”

Ria nodded, grateful for the distraction. She tried to focus on the conversation with Taehyung, though her mind kept drifting back to Jungkook. Despite the distance, she could feel the weight of unspoken words and unresolved feelings.

As the practice resumed, Jungkook continued to struggle with his thoughts, his focus slipping. He glanced at Ria, who was engaged in conversation with Taehyung, and felt a mix of frustration and confusion. *Why can’t I just get a handle on this?* he wondered, trying to push away the feelings that seemed to grow stronger with each passing moment.