Soulmates in Disguise

A Heart Divided

The next morning, the early rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the remnants of the party. Empty glasses and scattered decorations bore silent witness to the joy that had filled the house just hours earlier.

Ria woke up with a heavy heart, the events of the previous night weighing on her mind. Her eyes were still puffy from crying, and her body felt drained, as if she had been running on empty. She knew she had to face the day, but the thought of seeing Jungkook again filled her with anxiety.

As she got ready, she kept replaying their kiss in her mind-the intensity, the passion, and the deep sadness that had accompanied it. She had told herself it was just a moment of weakness, but deep down, she knew it was more than that. It was a moment of truth, a glimpse into a reality they couldn't afford to live.

Downstairs, Taehyung was the first to stir, rubbing his eyes and stretching as he tried to shake off the grogginess. He smiled to himself, the memories of the previous night flooding back. His heart felt full, surrounded by the love of his friends and the woman who had captured his heart.

He made his way to the kitchen, where he found Jin already up, sipping on a cup of coffee and surveying the aftermath of the party. Jin glanced up as Taehyung entered, giving him a knowing smile.

"Morning, Tae. How's the fiancé-to-be feeling?"

Taehyung grinned, his cheeks flushing slightly. "Pretty good, actually. I still can't believe it's happening."

Jin chuckled, handing Taehyung a cup of hot chocolate. "You better start believing it. You've got a wedding to plan."

As the others slowly began to wake up, the house gradually filled with the sounds of clinking dishes and light conversation. Moni and Ria busied themselves with cleaning up the mess, their movements quiet and deliberate.

Jungkook was one of the last to wake up, his head throbbing from the effects of the alcohol and the previous night still lingering in his system. Memories of the kiss with Ria, the emotions it stirred, and the pain it brought washed over him like a cold wave. He knew he couldn't avoid her, or Taehyung, forever, but the thought of facing them so soon felt unbearable.

He skipped breakfast, not wanting to sit through the awkward silence or the concerned glances from his friends. Instead, he quickly showered and got dressed, determined to put some distance between himself and the emotional turmoil swirling around him.

As he walked out of his room, he could hear the faint sounds of laughter and conversation coming from the kitchen. The others were already up, likely trying to shake off the fog of the previous night with some food and banter. Jungkook took a deep breath, steeling himself, before making his way down the hallway.

He found Jimin and Moni in the living room, chatting quietly as they finished their breakfast. They looked up as Jungkook approached, noticing the strained expression on his face.

"Hey, Kook. You alright?" Jimin asked, concern lacing his voice.

Jungkook managed a small smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... tired, I guess."

Moni glanced at him with a knowing look but didn't press further. "We're heading to campus soon for that social activity. Want to join us?"

Jungkook nodded, grateful for the distraction. "Yeah, I'll come with you. I could use the fresh air."

As he turned to leave, Ria walked into the room, holding a glass filled with a hangover remedy she had quickly whipped up. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of Jungkook, and she could see the same turmoil reflected in his eyes. She approached him hesitantly, holding out the drink.