Archive of Our Own

If you know, you know.

A simple phrase with many meanings. For some it's an inside joke amongst friends. Other times it can refer to something in pop culture that becomes bigger than itself.

When it comes to love and soulmates?
If you know, the other person may or may not know.

It can show itself at any time, or not at all. But, if you have a soulmate, you will see what they write to you. Or should at least. You can find a potion maker or jeweler to help improve your chances of making sure soulmates find and maintain their lifelong connection. Unfortunately, the practice fell into a legal gray zone when many obvious illegal acts stopped being punished. It got pushed underground, making soulmate discovery difficult and, more and more often, not worth pursuing. There was more pressure than ever to find a partner and have children without the help older generations had.

Sounds frustrating, right?
Not for Jisung!

As a child with full cheeks and hair short enough that he didn't outgrow his bowl cut until high school, he knew he'd find his soulmate someday. He didn't know how or when, but his confidence in this fact was astounding. Every 14th of the month after he started freshman year, he took his right index finger and wrote “hi :)” on his left arm. He stared at it, rubbed it in for good luck, and waited for a reply. Month after month, year after year, without fail, it would be his first task on the 14th of every month.

h i : )

His friends told him to give up. That it was ridiculous in the modern era to think that finding love would be that simple. Whomever your soulmate was had to believe in soulmates too! What is the likelihood that of the billions of people in the world that it would work out? Lots of people found happy and fulfilling relationships without it being the one. No matter how much he was teased, Jisung refused to give up his belief in romance and happy endings.

And one day, it finally paid off.
Kind of.

________

“Holy shit!”

Jisung was trying to read his biology textbook when he got distracted. It was his second week of university, and he wanted to make sure he kept up on all his reading. A piece of paper was taped to the wall next to his bed, color coded with the schedule of all the classes he was taking that semester.

He had a habit of (obsessively) checking his left arm to make sure he never missed his soulmate reaching out. In winter, he adjusted to wearing t-shirts, even if it was below 0. That was how he spotted the water droplets roll down his arm, perfect spheres shining like diamonds. When one disappeared, another showed up. They didn’t seem to end. Jisung’s heart felt heavy. He couldn't have imagined his first communication from his soulmate would be because they were sad.

“R U O K ?” He wrote with as much love as he's been sending for years now. Maybe they would see it. Maybe not. But he had to try.

He curled up underneath his covers, the unbearable heat of summer raring its head one last time before autumn could overtake it. He deserved to be overheating and sweaty and gross. His parents were fighting again. Yelling and throwing things at each other.

Because of him.

He was at university now. Starting his third year. And yet he wasn't living on his own. He was accused of being a freeloader, despite having a job and helping with rent and buying his own groceries and carrying a full-time class schedule.

Why not find someone who will tolerate you, they asked. Go broke on that magic bullshit trying to find your soulmate, they said. Break the law and go to jail. Then at least we'll be rid of you. But of course you don't have a soulmate. You'll never be worthy or lucky enough for that.

Usually he'd be strong enough to take these comments and tell them to fuck off in his head. For whatever reason today, he couldn't. He felt like he was finally at a breaking point. Hit the wall of living a double life for so long that he couldn’t keep his inner heartache and outward mischievous persona apart. At least he could cry alone. He could get used to being alone forever if he had to. Seeing the other couples walk around campus by choice or by fate was punishment enough. It would keep him in his place from getting his hopes up.

Until he felt a tickle, and letters slowly appeared on his arm.

The feeling wasn’t new. He had felt it before. He just wrote it off as an itch or a hoodie rubbing against his skin the wrong way. There are many ways to know you have a soulmate, and skin-to-skin communication was most common. Maybe he should have suspected that the tickles and itches meant something earlier, but having a soulmate was always out of the question. Maybe his broken spirit finally cried out loudly enough that the universe had to intervene.

R
U
O
K
?

The remainder of his tears cleared from his eyes. Maybe his vision was blurred and he was making it up. Except he wasn't. It was clearly handwritten with care. Deliberately. Intentionally. For him.

For him?

Should he respond? It would be rude not to. Should he be honest? His gut said he should. There was someone out there made for him. If he couldn’t be honest with them, then who could he be honest with?

Wow! Okay! Umm…

The young man closed his eyes as he positioned his index finger on his left arm.

n
o
=(

He waited a moment, worried that his soulmate wouldn’t respond. That maybe someone wouldn’t want to deal with someone so sad. That maybe his parents were right all this time…

And then he felt a brush of fingers on his left forearm. Up and down where he wrote the letters that had sunk into his skin and transferred in the mysterious way soulmate magic does. Then the fingers moved towards his wrist and brushed the back of his hand. He watched his hand in awe as his fingers became glued together, overlapping with one another, and his thumb wrapped itself around an invisible thumb.

its
ok

The handwriting was rushed and messy compared to the first letters he saw. The grip on his hand was unwavering.

im
here
4u
<3

He held his hand against his heart while his parents’ yelling faded into the background. His soulmate didn’t let go of his hand, even after he fell asleep.

Biology book long forgotten, Jisung laid on his side, the warmth of his soulmate radiating around his clasped hands. His soulmate exists. After so long, he felt whole. He waited his entire life to hear from them, and now he knew. Whether they were only sad today or were sad in their soul, Jisung would be there for him or her.

He just has to figure out who, and where, that person is.

____________

Staring at a dead end of a back alley, Jisung cursed older generations for making it so freaking hard to meet your soulmate.

He wrote to his soulmate almost every day after they officially became connected. He drew them little drawings and smiley faces to cheer them up. Text didn’t disappear as quickly now, so he would jot down little things he needed to remember or do simple math equations for college algebra instead of scratch paper. Sometimes what he wrote would disappear on its own without being acknowledged. Other times he felt a quick brush on his arm, and the smiles and kind words would absorb into his skin and leave warm tingles in its place.

After weeks of no response, Jisung felt a nudge of knuckles on his left palm. He sprouted goosebumps instantly, since he was ecstatic his soulmate finally reached out, but was left puzzled. It wasn’t until his thumb got squeezed so hard that he screamed in the middle of his biology lab that he understood. The class, incorrectly, thought he was grossed out by the live cultures in their yogurt sample underneath the microscope.

Although that was kind of true, Jisung’s best theory was it was his soulmate’s way of asking him to hold their hand like when they first connected. Jisung ducked underneath the lab table and scribbled “after class” with an arrow pointing towards their hand, hoping they understood. A tiny drawing of a smile popped up on the back of his hand in response. He walked back to the dorm, right hand holding his left, tucked inside the overlapping sleeves of the jacket he saved for windy days.

Which is how he was inspired to board several subway cars and walk down many sketchy streets to arrive here.

An unassuming steel door that looked more like a fire escape door than an entrance loomed before him. With no window, he had to hope that someone heard his knock. Jisung took a confident step forward, knocked the rhythmic and deliberate knock he was told to, and took a less confident step back. He waited, pretending his soulmate was holding his hand instead. His emotions, usually grounded and easy to manage, were all over the place.

The door pushed open and a pair of eyes studied him with a suspicious squint that might be considered cute under different circumstances. “Appointment?”

Jisung hummed and nodded. “Han Jisung.”

“What for?” He grunted back.

“Soulmate jewelry.”

The shopkeeper opened the door wide enough to pull Jisung through and slam it shut behind him. Dim overhead lighting cast eerie shadows on the various shelves and glass cases protecting expensive jewelry from the few who found their way here. It was not easy to find, and for good reason, as nearly everything he could identify barely passed as legal.

And expensive.
But hopefully worth it.

“I’m good at what I do, but I can’t let people linger too long.” The young man looked intimidating, but his trusting aura calmed Jisung down. He knew he came to the right place. “Where is most of your contact?”

“Left arm and hand.” Jisung walked cautiously and admired the glittering silver and gold necklaces. He tried not to gawk at the price tags labeled in small yellow tickets beneath each piece. “I want them to have a more subtle way to contact me.”

“I’m I.N. Or that’s what I go by.” His dark blue robe flowed behind him as he took his rightful place behind the counter. “How does he contact you now?”

“He either paws at my palm or pulls my thumb.”

“Like a cat or a baby. Cute.” He expertly scanned the cases. “Usually I would recommend rings, but pulling means you’re more likely to lose it. A bracelet would be better. Maybe with a charm?” He tapped on a pane of glass to get Jisung’s attention. “Like these?”

“Yeah.”

Walking towards the bracelets, he was tempted to look at the cheapest option and buy it. But this was for his soulmate. The person he had been trying to find for years. They had to like it once they saw it in person, but it also had to match Jisung’s current style so it didn't stand out. He closed his eyes and tried to picture the smaller hand exploring the area through the soulmate connection and how much it's probably going to tickle. With that image in mind, he looked down and opened his eyes.

“That one.” The silver bracelet, made of tiny connecting circular chains and a matte silver heart charm, called to him. “The one with the heart.”

“Good choice.” I.N opened the sliding glass door to the case, unhooking the security tie keeping it in place before displaying it in his hand close enough for Jisung to touch. “Do you want it magically enchanted?”

‘Expensive but worth it,’ Jisung reminded himself in his head. “Yes please.”

“Got it. Give me a few minutes. What's your soulmate's name?”

Jisung’s cheeks flushed before he could stop them. “I don't know. Or their gender, actually.”

“Can you ask?” I.N thankfully used a nonjudgmental tone. “The magic is stronger if you know one or both of those.”

“I can try.”

His soulmate was incredible.

It was him who was a selfish coward.

They sent him smiles and math and cute little drawings. He replaced his baggy hoodies with baggy t-shirts so he could see the flood of soulmate communication. This caught the attention of his mom one afternoon when he came downstairs after studying to grab some food.

“What's with the t-shirt?” She stood with her arms crossed, blocking the refrigerator and where he kept his food on the counter in a back corner.

“I have a soulmate now!” He let himself smile even though she hated it.

“What's her name?”
“It doesn't matter.”
“Bull shit it doesn’t matter!”

“Let me prove it!” He cried out, aggressively pushing the knuckles of his right hand into his left and tugging his thumb hard enough to make a popping sound.

“Keep dreaming!” His mom shouted at him. “Or at least move in with her so you can finally leave us alone.”

“Look!”

The messy writing appeared on his forearm.

after class :) —->

She scoffed and tutted loudly. “You see, she doesn't want to talk to you.”

“Mom, please, just…”
“You should leave her alone.”
“I do leave them a…”
“You're a useless soulmate and a useless person.”

He looked at her stunned, on the verge of crying. He paused for a moment. “Do you really think that?”

“Of course, why would I say it if I didn't mean it?”

He didn't bother to respond to her. No need to eat either. He drew a smile on his hand to let his soulmate know he saw their response. At least when he went to hide in his room, his fingers squished together like the first time. The consistent hold brought him comfort while he turned away to hide his tears.

After that day, he knew hand holding was okay with his soulmate, and he took advantage of it. A lot. As much as he wanted to write them back, there was never pressure to do so. Or he hoped he wasn't being a bother. And one day, he saw a question.

whats ur name?
mine is jisung
male

Oh. Jisung. They have a name. HE has a name. Of course he has a name. Everyone has a name. So he should share his name too.

Minho
male
y?

There. It's real. Holy shit, it's real. Minho has a soulmate. And his name is Jisung.

a present

Present? For him? But he's a stranger! They still haven't met. They have no idea if they're even close by. So why would a stranger spend money…on him?

y?

bc i want to help
let me show u

Show him?

Before Minho had a chance to be more overwhelmed, a white flash overtook his vision. Once his eyes adjusted, a faint shadow of a bracelet appeared with a small heart charm dangling from it. He tried to touch the chain with his finger, and a tiny puff of smoke curled around it. The charm rested on his wrist when he turned his palm face up. Small monochrome hearts traced down his skin by a centimeter or two before fading away whenever he pushed it back and forth.

‘magic?’ He wrote to Jisung. Isn’t that illegal?

yep! :)
for when u need me
to hold ur hand
just touch it
and i’ll know

What?
What the fuck?
Holy shit, Jisung is perfect.

Minho needs to save up money so he can use a service that helps people find their soulmates and then fly to wherever Jisung lives and propose to him.

Yesterday.

The last final before winter break brought a great sense of relief. Walking back to the dorm, the below-zero chill bit against Jisung’s skin, and especially beneath his bracelet. The magic enchantments I.N. used on his newest prized possession worked better than intended. If nothing else, it saved his thumb and palm from a painful existence of pulling, pawing and pummeling. Minho (his soulmate's name!) used it often, and even started writing back to Jisung on occasion. The communication, written or unwritten, warmed his soul every time.

The looming question in Jisung’s mind was simple, though the answer was anything but…where is he?

“Jisung? Is that you?”

Jisung literally jumped from being startled. He subtly tapped the back of his hand twice, his code to let Minho know he got interrupted, and turned towards the panicked voice. It was Changbin, a sophomore with a soft heart and a loud and jovial spirit. He was breathing heavily and refused to move from where he stood. They met earlier in the school year, and quickly became friends when they found out they had a soulmate connection in common, which was rare among young adults. His hand clutched his chest while tears ran down his face. Jisung immediately rushed to his side, knowing that his chest and shoulders were where he and his soulmate were bound together.

“Yes! It’s me!” Jisung rested a hand on his bicep, trying to block curious onlookers from being nosy. “What is it?”

“Channie.” Changbin pinched the ‘C’ charm on his necklace so tight that his hand was quivering. “Something happened to him. They took him, I think? I don’t know, he’s not answering me.”

“Took him?” Jisung whispered. Chan’s necklace was enchanted like Jisung’s bracelet was, so he didn’t want others turning them in. “Lots of people wear necklaces, Bin. It doesn't mean there's random people getting taken off the streets.”

“I felt someone grab his shoulders. Hard.” Changbin was quickly losing color in his face despite the red flooding his fingertips.

“Can I help at all?”

“Walk with me until I calm down?”

Jisung nodded emphatically. Changbin wiped his eyes with the hand that wasn’t holding onto his necklace before they walked around the quad together. He hoped Changbin was wrong about what he thought might have happened. Strong soulmate bonds feel as real as if a person was right next to you. Interpreting them was different, especially if the soulmates in question never met. Changbin was lucky enough to have Chan nearby, but Minho could be anywhere. It was foolish of Jisung to not ask what happens if his bracelet gets removed, either by accident or force. He could feel Minho fiddling with the charm, and he couldn’t help draw hearts back in response.

“Be careful, Sungie.” Changbin leaned in and whispered after he watched the heart absorb into Jisung’s skin. “Who knows if they’ll take you too.”

Jisung was annoyed by the comment, but tried to hide it. “We don’t know what happened yet.”

Changbin snatched Jisung’s right hand from where he was doodling on his arm and squeezed it in frustration. “I almost fell over! That’s how strong it was! What else would it be?”

“Don't you and Chan have lots of gym bro friends?” Changbin gave him a side eye, and Jisung sighed. “Okay, maybe you have a point. But try not to panic. I'm here if you need me.”

“Thanks, noodle arms.”

Jisung was about to fake rage at him, but when he felt Changbin’s bury his face into Jisung’s shoulder and started sniffling instead of laughing, he didn't have the heart. If something serious happened to Minho, Jisung was sure he'd feel the same way. He let Changbin lead the way, winding up and down paths found on campus and off, eventually ending their journey in front of Changbin’s dorm.

On the walk back to his dorm, Jisung tucked his right hand under his left. He hoped to find comfort in Minho’s hold. To know he was still there. It was rare for Jisung to switch the pattern they had established, but Minho was willing to work with him. To be partners together. Jisung could only hope the connection between them was real. The doubt never stayed long, but it was dormant, ready to pounce in moments like these.

Jisung felt the squeeze of his hand. The cute tiny hand that never properly covered all his fingers. Then a double tap. Then a ghost of a grip on his arm, twisting the skin of his soulmate like a snake burn. Scribbled letters appeared on his arm.

helpmeji

Jisung anchored his hand on his shoulder. The pain burned and seethed through his entire arm even though no one was close to him on the sidewalks or streets.

Then nothing.

Minho became conscious and noticed several things about his new surroundings.

A bright light forced him to keep his eyes shut. His head was throbbing from the headache of whatever got shoved in his face. His left arm was stretched out uncomfortably, a handcuff keeping it in place. And he was sitting back to back with the muscular man that, he's pretty sure, is the reason he ended up here.

All Minho wanted to do was sit by the river and sketch a romantic scene on the beach with him and Jisung sitting across from one another. Though he wasn't an expert at drawing, he knew where the light source came from mattered. His goal was to have it shine on Jisung's bracelet (and Minho’s shadowed version) so strongly that it would create an aura to protect both of them from the world. He hovered his hand over his shoulder to try and picture where the sun would be where he heard a ruckus to his right.

Two tall men in all black with their faces covered were arguing with a person around his age. They accused him of having a magic necklace to connect with his soulmate. After some choice words back and forth, one of them shoved a knife into his side and dragged him away. He screamed painfully, deep from his soul, but no one else was on the path to help him. Minho followed them for over a kilometer before he felt a tap on his shoulder. Foolishly, he turned around to face a masked person dressed in black. Their cat-like green eyes pierced through him.

“Can I help you?” Minho asked.

“Do you, umm, believe?”

Minho gave them a bewildered look. He couldn't unhear the lover’s scream. “Excuse me?”

“You know, in soulmate connections?”

“I dunno. They exist, I guess?”

Jisung picked that exact moment to contact him with a set of knuckles nudging his palm. As naturally as he could, he put his hands behind his back, covering his left with his right. It was one of the rare times Jisung wanted comfort from him. Normally, Minho was happy to oblige, it just happened to be inconvenient timing.

“What are you doing?” The person took a diagonal step to see what Minho’s hands and arms were up to. “Are you trying to hide something?”

Minho gave a quick double tap before putting his hands in front of him, waving his open palms around like a magician. “Nope! Nothing to hide here!”

“We know about the magic.” The person hissed at him, and swiftly stepped into Minho’s personal space to grab both his wrists. “It's illegal.” He slowly squeezed and twisted his skin. “You know that, right?”

“I don't have any jewelry on!”

“Oh, so you know about the magic too?” The large hands cut off the blood flow, and a faint trail of the shadow bracelet appeared. “Liar!”

“Fuck you!”

Minho spat in their eyes, forcing them to loosen their grip long enough for him to break away. His secret exposed, Minho scribbled a help message to Jisung in the hopes that he wouldn't disappear alone. He got distracted and tripped on the stairs that led away from the river. The person chasing him trapped him to the ground, and a cloth covering his nose and mouth made him pass out with thoughts of a brokenhearted Jisung swirling through his mind.

“You’re finally awake.” A male voice with a subtle accent whispered behind him. “I was getting worried.”

Minho tried to move his right hand, but quickly discovered that wrists were tied together. “Yeah. Thanks.” He tried to focus. “What's your name?”

“Chan. You?”

“Minho.” He couldn't help but ask the question he's been wondering since eavesdropping on Chan’s confrontation with their kidnappers. “Do you have a magic necklace?”

“Of course.” Chan sat up straight, his voice overflowing with pride. “Why wouldn’t I? I have to protect my princess.”

Minho grinned at how adorable that sounded. “Have you met her?”

“Yep! He’s amazing.”

“I haven’t met mine. He bought a bracelet so I can let him know when I get sad or lonely.” Minho barely opened his left eye to attempt to see what was trapping his wrist. “They have something tight around where the bracelet is. Or would be if it was real.”

Chan hummed in agreement. “They have something sharp pointing at my chest.”

“Glad you noticed!” A voice boomed through speakers set up in the room, heavily modulated and distorted. “Your magic doesn’t work here.”

“Were you eavesdropping on us?” Chan yelled out. “That’s fuckin’ weird.”

“It doesn’t matter!” There was a small click between sentences. “Your suffering is what matters!”

Minho couldn’t help but raise his eyebrows. “That is pretty fucking weird though.”

“It doesn't matter!”

An awkward beat of silence happened before Chan’s guffaw echoed harshly against the cement walls. “You’re a pretty shit villain, you know that?”

Whoever was behind the microphone didn’t bother to respond. Minho had faith that Jisung wouldn’t forget about him. After all these months, Jisung never pushed Minho any further than he was willing to go. It was crazy to Minho. The idea of unconditionally loving a stranger just because of a soulmate connection was beyond comprehension. To know that Chan and his soulmate knew each other, and that Chan was so fond of him, gave Minho hope that maybe he and Jisung will meet one day. Just like Chan and…

“What’s your soulmate’s name?” Minho asked.

“Changbin.”

Just like Chan and Changbin. “Mine is Jisung.” Minho sighed, feeling an odd mix of optimism and hopelessness. “I hope I meet him someday.”

“Sungie?!?!”

“Sungie?”

“No way!” Minho could feel Chan shake his head. “Bin has a friend named Jisung who found his soulmate this year.”

Minho felt a flutter in his chest. “Maybe that’s him.”

“I think he has a bracelet.” Chan’s speech was getting faster with each realization. “A silver one. Binnie tells me he doodles on his arm all the time and sends hearts. And he constantly holds his own hand. And when he gets distracted he taps the back of it…”

“To let me know he’s busy?” Minho whispered in awe.

Chan squealed cutely and intertwined his fingers with Minho’s. “Oh my gosh! If that’s the same Jisung, he’s going to do whatever he can to find you.”

A pearl of hope shone through the doubt in Minho’s heart. “How do you know?”

“He loves you, Minho.”

“I love him, Bin.”

Jisung and Changbin had been inseparable, and honestly emotional wrecks, for the past three days. It helped that finals were over, winter break had started, and campus technically didn’t close since it was open to the public. The two heartbroken men, lost without their other halves, sat together, cuddled together, and even drank whole bottles of soju through their tears and sorrows. Their current position was Jisung curled into Changbin’s side so his bracelet could touch Changbin’s necklace. His secret hope was that there would be some psychic anime fusion energy that could send out a SOS call better than if they worked alone.

“I know I haven’t met him, but I’ve waited all my life for this.”

“I know, Sungie.” Changbin ran a hand through Jisung’s hair. “We’ll find him and Channie. I promise.”

“We should research what’s happening.” Jisung fiddled with the gold ‘C’ on Changbin’s necklace. “We’re college students. We should be good at that!”

“Where are we going to research without getting caught?”

And that’s where the research conversation usually started and stopped. Having a soulmate was rare. Soulmate magic was mostly illegal. So researching soulmate and anti-soulmate magic and technology on the internet could get you in trouble because they’re always watching. Or at least it felt like it.

In Changbin and Jisung’s eyes, there was clearly something stopping Chan and Minho from contacting them. Both couples talked every day. Or, in Jisung’s case, he sent the universe hearts and smiles through drawings on his arms and Minho saw them. So what could it be?

“Why don’t we read books on soulmates? Like we’re supposed to do for class.”

Changbin laughed boisterously. Jisung’s hand literally moved up and down where it rested on his chest. “Speak for yourself!” Once his laugh had exhausted itself, Changbin hummed in contemplation. “Although, understanding the history of soulmate connections could give us insight on what's going on…”

“Knowledge is power!” Jisung waved his hand in the air and wiggled his fingers. “And won't get us arrested!”

“Hopefully…”

“Knowledge is power, huh?” Changbin grumbled as he brought an armful of books to the back corner of the library.

“And it won't get us arrested!”

“Shh!” He glared at Jisung as he sat down. “How about we stay quiet so we don't give someone a reason to arrest us!”

Jisung glared back, but it wasn't serious. “I guess you're right.”

They decided to split up and pick books they thought might be relevant to their situation. Some were academic journals, some were memoirs and biographies, and others were books that laid out the history of how soulmates were discovered and its evolution over the decades. They probably chose too many books, but checking them out would be too suspicious, so they needed to make the most of their time. Skimming through indexes would be their best bet to be efficient, and then just let the soulmate intuition guide them from there.

After a few days, their captors let Minho and Chan walk around the concrete box they were trapped in. No bright lights shone in their face, but it was difficult to tell how long they had been there with no windows or clocks. It was easier to see how the soulmate connections were being blocked, but neither of them were technologically savvy enough to figure out how they worked.

A cylindrical steel structure hovered over Minho’s forearm tightened by two cuffs, one near his elbow and the other by his wrist. Four strips connected the two cuffs, connected by curved glass panes, and each of them had tiny spikes spaced equidistant from one another. Electricity vibrated around each spike, speeding up and down each vertical bar. Minho could tell when Jisung was fiddling with his bracelet, because blue zaps would make the familiar smoke chains disappear. Chan had a similar steel device hovering over his necklace, shaped similarly to chest and shoulder pads underneath an American football jersey.

Their (very shitty) kidnappers talked to them on occasion. Between their arrogance and lack of knowledge of anything outside of their devices, they were quite boring to listen to, and definitely not intimidating. Minho and Chan got to talking, and learned that their soulmates did in fact know each other. Chan had only met Jisung a few times, but they didn't stop Minho from prying every detail out of Chan that he could. He also asked Chan about the history of his soulmate connection with Changbin and his story about buying magic jewelry.

“We went together actually.” Chan reminisced. “The shop was in a back alley with an adorable jeweler with big dimples. We got matching chains and charms, but only my necklace is enchanted.”

“Because you wanted to protect your princess?” Minho asked, assuming the same reason from their earlier conversation.

“That and we couldn’t afford two enchantments.” His giggle echoed through the room. “If one of us got caught, I wanted it to be me. I didn’t actually think it would happen, though.”

“The person who chased me down said he knew I was using soulmate magic too, but look.” Minho rotated his arm as much as he could so Chan could see underneath the clouded glass. “I don’t wear a bracelet.”

“You’ve never met Jisung?”

Minho shook his head, desperately trying to avoid Chan’s pout. “I barely write back to him. He mostly holds my hand.” Minho stared at the floor and tried not to cry. “It feels so selfish now that I can’t contact him at all.”

Chan instinctively put his hand over his necklace, but was blocked from touching it. “If you need a hand to hold, I’m here for you, mate.”

“Thanks.”

Minho saw more zaps torch the touches and drawings on his arm. He knew Jisung and Changbin were looking for them, he just hoped they’d figure something out soon.

“This is exhausting.”

“Fuck you.” Jisung snapped, poking Changbin’s head that was face down on the table. “There has to be something here.”

Changbin sighed and swatted Jisung’s hand off his head. “Can you calm down?”

“Can you freak out more?” Jisung grabbed the second to last book from their unread stack. “I waited my whole life to find Minho. I'm not giving up because a bunch of boomers decided to write ten gazillion books that only talk about unhelpful things.”

“Sungie,” Changbin sat up enough to give Jisung a frustrated smile. “We're not cramming for a test. We have time to think it through.”

“Okay, fine.” Jisung threw his right hand over his left fist, hoping Minho could feel it wherever he was. “Well, the books say we’ll know when they're dead, so they're still alive.”

That got Changbin to pay more attention. He covered his mouth to block his laughter. “True.” He took a deep breath and put his hand on his chest in solidarity with Jisung. “We’ve also learned that enchantments strengthen a soulmate connection the more the pair uses them.”

“What if Minho’s side isn't strong enough because I communicate with him more than he does with me?” Jisung flipped through the index to see if there was any insight he could find.

“I think using the bracelet is the important part, even if he doesn't write to you as often.” Changbin grabbed the last book, a memoir of an influential magical enchanter, and stopped to think. “I can't read or write messages to Chan that easily.”

“So if the enchantment is strong, why aren't they responding? Wait.” Jisung’s eyes narrowed on a certain word. He used his notebook to save his spot in the index and flipped the remaining pages from left to right in large chunks. “What do the enhancements actually enhance?”

Changbin rested his hands on the book in front of him. “What do you mean?”

“Like,” He flipped the pages one by one, keeping an eye out on whatever key word he found. “Why did you and Chan decide to get jewelry instead of using your natural connection?”

“To make it stronger? Maybe easier to stay connected?” Changbin watched Jisung trace his finger over the page.

“RIght, but…” He shook his head and started to read. “‘The history of enchanted jewelry comes from couples wanting to have more control over their natural connection, particularly if the connection was rooted in emotions or thoughts. The most common jewelry bought were bracelets and rings, though the collection expanded to necklaces and earrings.’ But listen to this.”

Jisung's sleepy grin was infectious as he scanned the next few lines.

“‘The materials that were found to be most effective were those that could interact with elements found in the environment, primarily nitrogen and oxygen.’ That makes sense! ‘Scientists began with experiments working with magnetism and electrical conductivity of common metals found in jewelry, like silver and gold, but also substitutes such as copper, titanium, and aluminum. Initially, magic casters and scientists worked together to create jewelry affordable for soulmate couples of all economic backgrounds. However, when magic became more regulated by international governments, the practice, and the enchantments that came with it, were forced underground.’ Of course, out-of-touch and lonely ass boomers would think helpful shit was useless. Where was I? Oh, here. ‘The enchantments that came with it were forced underground. This allowed sellers to not only engage in price gouging, an equally illegal practice, but deceive potential buyers, desperate for additional contact when soulmates were becoming harder to find, with promises of silver and gold chains and charms when instead they used metals cheaper to acquire, but equally as effective in their magnetic and conductive properties.’”

“Hmm…” Changbin stared at the cover of the book in his hands. The straight black hair, big brown eyes and dimples of the man were a combination of kind and mischievous that sparked pleasant feelings. He peeled back the cover to see the dedication. “‘To my wife,” He read aloud before he could stop himself. “‘My soulmate who inspired me to pursue my work, and my son, who is inspired to continue my work and spread joy to others despite the danger it puts him in.’” He closed the book, where it made a small thud on the table when he turned it vertically, and showed it to Jisung. “Am I going crazy? That he looks familiar?”

“Yang Jeongil?” Jisung read the name on the lower third, printed in dark blue letters. He leaned forward and squinted, tilting his head at different angles. “The soulmate jeweler?”

“I think this is his father.” Changbin nodded, convinced he'd find the answer in this story. “I'm going to check this out after we put all the books back, and then we’ll make an appointment to see I.N again. Got it?”

“Wait, we still need…”

“Good!” He picked up half the books and started walking back towards the shelves. “Help out, Sungie!” He called over his shoulder to Jisung. “We don't have flying book magic.”

Jisung put the book he was reading at the bottom of the pile, and rushed cautiously after Changbin. At least they had an idea and a plan. He drew multiple crooked smiles and hearts on whatever arm and hand real estate he could reach. Whatever magic and science was out there, Jisung wished upon it. All he could hope was that Minho knew he was loved, and that Jisung was trying his best to find him.

Minho and Chan were bored out of their minds. Whatever technology that was blocking their soulmate connections was still working. Their captors essentially ignored them, looking at them through the two-sided mirror or “taunting” them through the microphone on the other side.

“Why keep us here?” Chan yelled one day out of frustration after watching Changbin's handprint on his chest appear and disappear without being able to return the gesture. “Just let us live our lives!”

No answer came.

The familiar door barely opened. “Appointment?”

“Han Jisung and Seo Changbin.” Jisung responded confidently.

“What for?”

Changbin took a quick breath, ready to accept whatever outcome might happen. “Information about how soulmate magic works.”

“Huh?” His tough exterior showed a tiny crack.

“We want to ask you about your dad’s work.” Jisung pleaded in an intense whisper. “Our soulmates have been kidnapped, and we want to know why they aren't responding. Please help us!”

Slightly annoyed, I.N waved the two young men in, and they followed him back into the shop. It was as mysterious and magical as the first time Jisung and Changbin visited it. In the time it took them to acclimate, I.N had returned with three chairs, making a small circle between the shelves and display cases. He gestured for the two visitors to sit, and tucked his robe underneath him so it wouldn’t get caught on feet or chair legs. The resemblance to his dad on the cover of his memoir was striking, even in the dimly lit space, once you knew to look for it.

“Okay.” He leaned back in his chair skeptically, folding his arms and studying the two men in front of him. “How do you know my dad?”

“We found his memoir and read the dedication.” Changbin told him.

Jisung nodded and half hid behind his hands, the heart charm from his bracelet dangling freely from his wrist. “The dimples gave it away.”

“Makes sense.” I.N relaxed a tiny bit, his dimples showing through his half smile. “How do you think I can help?”

“We thought you might be able to explain to us how enchantments work with different metals and magnetic and conductive properties.” Changbin, the more science minded of the two, decided to take the lead during the conversation. “We researched a little on our own, but we thought we’d talk to an expert.”

“We think the kidnappers are canceling out whatever makes the enchantment work.” Jisung added eagerly.

“Wait,” His facial expression was somewhere between confused and impressed. “How do you know they got kidnapped?”

“It felt like my soul was being torn out of my chest.”

“And Minho literally wrote ‘help me’ on his arm the last time I heard from him.”

“Give me a sec.”

I.N left and came back with a journal of some kind. When he sat back down, he crossed his legs to prop the book up in his lap. Handwritten records shone in an extra concentrated light that was hovering over his head. “So you probably know from your research that not all silver and gold jewelry is actually silver and gold.” He made the tiniest folded corner on one page, then continued to flip deeper. “I don’t tell people that their jewelry isn’t made with expensive metals, but I’m honest if someone asks and I price them accordingly.” He quickly glanced at Changbin and Jisung. “It’s my moral compromise.”

“That’s reasonable enough.” Jisung said, encouraged by I.N’s integrity, but not completely surprised after reading his dad’s memoir.

“That's why I keep records. Well, for business reasons, but also to see if I can save money if people pick less expensive metals based on looks. Your two necklaces were gold,” he gestured to Changbin, “and so were the charms. The bracelet,” He flipped back to the first page he earmarked and glanced up at Jisung, “is 100% zinc, which is the best silver replacement for conductivity and easier on the skin for fidgeting.” Jisung looked down at his hand anxiously playing with said bracelet. “And I made sure the charm would be silver since you said your soulmate wanted your attention often and you had never met. I try to set those buyers up with the best chance of contacting each other using my dad's research.”

Jisung wanted to burst out crying, but had to stay focused on finding the best way to contact Minho. “So maybe my theory was right?”

“I think so.” I.N nodded the more he thought about it. “It’s harder to find the research now than when my dad ran the business, but if you know what you’re trying to accomplish, you could create a device to decrease the natural conductivity of the jewelry. Which essentially makes the enchantment useless.”

“Would one be easier to contact?” Changbin asked, mind whirring with thoughts of what device Chan would be wearing and how dangerous it might be. “Like, because Chan has an enchanted piece of jewelry and Minho doesn’t?”

“Hmm…” I.N leaned towards the cash register to toss his record book next to it, where it almost slid off the counter. “Enchantments are fickle in how strong they are. Sure, magnetism and conductive metals help, but it’s about other things too. Have the soulmates met? Do they believe in having a soulmate? Do they even want a soulmate?” He shrugged. “Clearly you care about your soulmates, so the bond will be stronger without the enchantment. Though…”

“What?” Jisung asked eagerly. “Do you think you have an idea?”

“I do. But I can’t help you right now.” I.N had a spark in his eye when he looked at Jisung and Changbin. They could tell he truly loved his craft and bringing soulmates together. It was serious work for him, not just a monetary endeavour. “Could you come back tomorrow? I want to look up some, um, nerdy number things that might help.”

“Yes!” Jisung flung himself into I.N’s arms. “Thank you so much for helping us. It means so much.”

“Sure.” He playfully rolled his eyes at Changbin when Jisung wouldn’t let go. “I wanted to go into research when I was a kid, so this might be fun.”

Minho stared at his arm, fondly watching Jisung draw hearts and stars and smiles and them getting evaporated or zapped away. It never got old. After a lifetime of feeling unloved, just the thought of someone thinking about him long enough to want to make him happy was healing. It didn't fix everything, nothing does, but it was enough to get through being in a cold concrete room for days on end.

Their captors were nowhere to be found, as usual. At least they brought him and Chan small portions of water and food. Which made the whole situation even more strange. Minho wondered if perhaps they would be let go if they weren’t so docile. Maybe they were part of some experiment related to the machines surrounding the connection with their soulmates, and their physical and mental well-being didn't matter. An isolating factor maybe? Who knows.

Chan watched Jisung aimlessly draw on Minho’s arm. “I wish I could see Binnie connect with me more often.”

Minho hummed sadly. “Don't you feel him?”

“All the time.” Chan smiled and looked longingly at his chest and shoulders, or what he could see of it. “Sometimes we look in the mirror to see better. But this makes it impossible!”

They sat in silence, as they often did, waiting for some communication or escape from their captors that never came.

*zzzzzzzzzbzzzzzzzzbzzzztttttbbbbzzzz*

“Huh?”

Minho stared at his arm. This wasn't the usual signals and signs of affection he was used to. The lines were clustered and vivid, to the point where there was no separation. He couldn't feel the movement from his elbow to his wrist, but he could see it. Whatever technology was keeping away the occasional communication was starting to get overwhelmed.

“Chan?” Minho called out in a panic, watching his skin grow taut the further the connection moved. “Chan? Look!”

Already alerted by the noise, Chan instantly crawled to his side. “What the fuck?”

The zaps were getting louder, crackling against the glass walls harshly that weren't built to handle this much pressure. Minho could feel the cuffs by his elbow and wrist vibrating. Black ink was slowly rolling towards his wrist cuff, contrasting with white and red streaks on the skin behind it.

And then he felt two hard taps on the back of his hand of a finger that definitely wasn't Jisung’s.

“Look! They broke through!” Minho twisted his torso to position his hand within reach of Chan’s. “Tap it! My hand!”

Chan and Minho used their index fingers to bang on Minho’s hand. He felt multiple fingers tapping back, and hoped Jisung was excited that they were reconnected. Minho shooed Chan’s hand away, partially because his wrist hurt from all the pressure, but also because they needed to talk quickly before anyone noticed. He scribbled a quick ‘<3’ on his hand and waited for it to disappear the typical way. A response appeared quicker than he had ever seen Jisung respond.

RUOK?

‘yah’ He quickly scribbled back.
‘were trapped’
‘somewhere’

He paused for a moment, wondering if a news article or report came out about their kidnapping. It might help them to know something about their disappearance.

‘we were taken
'by the river’

we?

Oh right, Minho remembered. Just because he spent who knows how long with Chan doesn't mean Jisung knows that.

‘im w/ someone’
‘he thinks’
‘u know his soulmate’

“What's Changbin’s last name?”
“Seo!” Chan screamed directly into Minho’s ear. “Seo Changbin!”

‘seo changbin?’

There was a pause from the other side of the connection. An unfamiliar touch ghosted across his hand. A set of tiny letters appeared, as carefully and deliberately written as the first time Jisung wrote to him.

channie<3

“Holy shit!” Chan’s nose was almost touching Minho’s hand in disbelief. “Can I write back?”

Minho chuckled, a smile hiding the pain he was feeling. This was the most they ever communicated before at once, not to mention whatever literal black magic they used to make it possible. “You kiss my hand and I kill you before we even see them again.”

“Got it!” Chan grinned like an idiot in love, and not one with a sketchy electrical device around his chest. He traced ‘hibinnie<3’ on the back of Minho’s hand, tapping it a few times for emphasis before the text swelled up and disappeared. “That's so cool!”

“I agree.” Minho squeezed his eyes shut to focus on another surging wave of pain. “As cool as it is, how do we help them find us?”

“Yeahhhh…that’s a good question.”

“I can’t believe it worked!” Changbin squealed.

They watched Chan’s greeting of hibinnie<3 appear and disappear on Jisung’s hand. The soulmate connection was reconnected, and the most painful part of I.N.’s plan was done.

Jisung focused on his breathing to get through the pain. He had mentally prepared himself for it, but he didn't expect it to be so exhausting with the more sensitive connection I.N. told him to expect. The bruising was starting to show up on his left arm, which rested on a table so it would stay steady. He was ecstatic to hear from Minho and know he was safe, and even with Changbin’s soulmate. All they have to do now is save them.

“How can we find them if they don't know where they are?” Jisung grimaced when his arm twitched from the leftover shocks. He rested his head next to it, letting out a frustrated grumble. “What do we do?”

“I had an idea for that.” I.N spoke and hesitantly locked eyes with Changbin, knowing what he was about to ask. “But I need to strengthen your connection with Chan.”

Jisung asked Changbin for moral support once he heard I.N’s plan, which he agreed to easily. Now knowing their soulmates were in the same spot, and seeing the pain Jisung just endured, he questioned if he would be strong enough physically and emotionally. Sure, he was ‘the gym guy,’ but no amount of muscle could keep him from feeling the pain he knew would come. But Chan was the one who decided to risk his future to protect him. If he had to hide bruises for a while to ensure Chan’s safe return, so be it.

“Okay.” Changbin nodded, determined and unwilling to change his mind. “Where should I go?”

I.N’s signature dimples disappeared. “I have a mattress in the back.”

“Good.” He turned to Jisung, eyes blazing with a passion only a soulmate could have. “Tell Chan to lie down.”

Before Jisung could object to their insane plan, they left the main area of the store. I.N swept up the metal device he used on Jisung to activate the electrical stimulation typically amplified by the enchantments. He supported his weak left arm with his right, holding it to his body like a sling, so he could be there for Changbin.

“Is Chan ready?” Changbin asked so suddenly that Jisung almost fell over.

“I haven't asked yet.”

“What are you waiting for?” His friend yelled. “We need to find them!”

“Okay!”

Jisung prepared to relay the message while I.N was doing his best to force Changbin to relax. Tense muscles would make the experience more painful.

have chan lie down
He wrote to Minho.

y?

Jisung wasn't completely sure himself. He could only conjecture from his own experience.
so he doesnt fall
from the pressure
let me know
when youre ready

Jisung still hadn't met Minho, but he imagined that his soulmate was relatively unfazed by his kidnapping. He could picture Minho giving Chan a shrug, but being supportive of whatever the unknown would bring.

ok
hope we dont get caught

Jisung looked at the two close by on the mattress. “They're ready.”

“Okay.” I.N pushed the gold bar into a softer section of Changbin’s bare shoulder. “Just like Jisung, I'm going to push towards your sternum. That’s where the enchantment is for Chan. Section by section. Maybe fast? I’ll try to be fast about it. If it hurts and you need a break, let me…”

“STOP RAMBLING AND DO IT ALREADY!”

”What’s happening?”

Chan’s head hovered awkwardly off the floor. Minho sat next to him, lending a knee to rest his head on. “I think they’re going to do to you what they did to me.”

“Umm…” Chan felt Changbin’s hand on his chest. He could barely feel it, but it brought him comfort. “All the black stuff? On your arm?”

“Yep.”
“Did it hurt?”
“Yep.”
“It did?” Chan’s voice cracked.

“Yep.” Minho offered his left hand to Chan. It’s the strongest way they had to communicate between the soulless concrete room and wherever their soulmates were. “Maybe Jisung will get the idea and let Changbin hold his hand. You two can connect through us.”

“Oh wow.” Chan felt something dig into his right shoulder. “Thanks.” He could feel the pressure build beneath his collar bone, a light layer of ink covering his tanned skin out of the corner of his eye. “Umm, how does it work? The hand holding thing?”

Minho gave a tiny shrug. “Hold my hand however you would hold Changbin’s.” Chan hissed when his collar bone got bumped. “And then Jisung can feel it on the other end.”

Changbin screamed at the top of his lungs. Even though I.N was being as gentle as he could, he wasn’t expecting the pain to be worse for the person without the enchantment. Either that or Changbin’s tolerance to pain was lower than Minho’s. Either way, pushing all the energy towards the necklace was working like he thought it would, and exactly how it worked with Minho and Jisung’s bracelets.

“Bin?” Jisung sat next to Changbin for moral support, doing his best to not plug his ears. “I think Chan wants to hold your hand.”

“THEN GIVE ME YOUR HAND!”

“The way it works is…”

Changbin snatched Jisung’s left hand out of the air and intertwined their fingers. He slammed their joined hands on his lightly defined six-pack and squeezed the life out of it. He could feel Chan squeeze back, and tilted their hands in his line of sight so he didn’t miss a message.

ruok? Minho most likely wrote on Chan’s behalf.

“NO!” I.N was working on Changbin’s left side. He could feel the resistance of energy fighting against him, but all he could do was gather it around the ‘C’ charm in Changbin’s necklace. “Tell him no!”

NO! Jisung wrote on the back of his hand, emphasized with a strong push of letters Minho wouldn't have felt before. He felt a brush on his thumb and light arhythmic finger taps on his knuckles the instant the writing was absorbed. “I think Chan is amused?”

“Sounds right, that bastard.” Changbin grumbled, rolling his eyes. “I love him, but he’s very serious about taking care of his princess.”

“I’m almost done, Changbin.” I.N rotated the bar, gathering the energy into a large pile around Changbin’s necklace like sand or dirt. “Can you ask if it's working, Jisung?”

“Got it!” Jisung readjusted his arm so his elbow wouldn't dig into Changbin further.

how does it look?

black
lot of black
i think
it might explode

“Explode?” Jisung glared at I.N. “They think it's going to explode!”

“Hmm, that makes sense.” His eyes flitted back and forth, as if trying to remember a fact from an old book or research paper. “Actually, that might work.”

“MIGHT WORK?!?!” Changbin went back to screaming, leaving Jisung with no way to protect his ears. I.N flicked the chain out of the way and flattened the gold bar against his chest to create as much friction as he could. “You're doing this ON PURPOSE?”

“One full connection with an enchanted piece of jewelry will be way easier to track.” I.N’s voice became more giddy with each word. “If we break whatever device they're using, I know exactly how to find them. Oh my gosh! We’re gonna find them!”

let it explode
then stay there
well be there soon
stay strong <3

“Of course it’s an abandoned building.” Jisung whisper-yelled, hoping someone didn’t hear him. “Don’t kidnappings always happen in an abandoned building?”

“Sounds like you watch too many movies.”

Changbin, Jisung and I.N took the day off of work and classes as soon as they found out Chan’s device broke. Between firsthand accounts and I.N’s knowledge of enchantment magic, their best guess was that whatever device covered the jewelry was there to neutralize any natural electrical and chemical properties that helped soulmate magic work. By keeping Minho’s arm and Chan’s chest contained, the ability to send messages couldn’t happen because they were sealed off, and receiving messages was severely weakened. I.N’s plan of overwhelming the negative magnetic field by positively charging the area where he cast the magic made the screws pop out of Chan’s chest plate. A back and forth frenzy of discussion, planning and declarations of love took place until Changbin and Chan were overstimulated because of their sensitive skin and a prolonged period of no soulmate contact.

“I think we’re close.” I.N looked at the small globe Changbin held against his chest. A cluster of tiny lightning bolts gathered at the edge like an arrow, pointing in front of them and to their left to a wall with no window. “Let’s see if we can find a door to get in.”

“Or see if there’s people standing around with knives and guns?” Jisung had been horrified when that detail came up of how Chan and Minho were taken to begin with. He held his hand more for his comfort than trying to communicate with Minho. “Who knows if they might shoot us?”

“Good point.” Changbin deliberately lowered his head towards Jisung. “Maybe we shouldn't be screaming either.”

With nowhere obvious to hide, they stayed alert and hurried towards the right corner of the building. Whatever magic I.N cast on the see-through globe (free of charge) was otherworldly. The arrow pointed to the same wall, parallel to the ground and thrumming with energy. His necklace was a vibrant source of conductivity despite it not being enchanted, which I.N considered a good sign. It was helping now, as they were sure they had the right building.

Taking Changbin’s not-so-subtle hint, Jisung leaned in and lowered his voice. “We can't just walk in. This all seems too easy. Feels like a trap.”

I.N shrugged as they idled in front of the door. His broad shoulders were more pronounced without his signature cape covering them. “They did say these were bad kidnappers.”

“This bad though?” Changbin sounded skeptical, but made no effort to open the door even though he was antsy to see Chan again.

“It's just…” Jisung shook his head vigorously. “My soulmate is behind this door.” He brought the back of his hand to his lips and rested his nose there. “I've been waiting my entire life for this moment. And if something happens to him, I'll never forgive myself.”

Whether it was their proximity to one another, or just the love of two soulmates who were about to meet for the first time, a surge of calm flooded Jisung’s soul when Minho pawed at his heart charm. He held his hand tighter than ever before. Shaky letters showed up on his wrist.

ruhere?

Jisung blinked the tears out of his eyes. He scribbled on his arm quickly before squeezing his hand so hard it hurt. ithinkso?

“Hey!” A gruff voice called in the distance, followed by a loud bang and a chunk of dirt near their feet spray up.

“In.” I.N pulled open the door and shoved the two stunned soulmates inside. “IN!”

The door slammed shut behind them and echoed ominously, as if the building knew it had been breached. They scrambled to find a lock on the door and breathed a sigh of relief once they did. Looking around, it was gray. Thick gray walls enveloped them. Painted gray doors with a skinny vertical window that only showed more gray walls. There was no way of knowing who was waiting on the other side, or if anyone had been alerted to their presence. Or what room Chan and Minho were in.

But it was clear that they were definitely here.

“Wow.” Changbin lowered the globe in his left hand so Jisung and I.N could see. The arrow, which was a steady presence on their trip here, was now pointing towards the door to their right and shifting rapidly between different directions. “How illegal is this magic?”

I.N studied his creation, pleased at how well it was working. “It's old magic my dad taught me, so very?”

Jisung followed the arrow directions the next time it looped towards the door. He had an idea. “Bin, try to connect with Chan.” When Changbin pressed his hand hard to his chest, the arrows slowed down. “No wonder this is illegal.” Jisung mumbled, locked into the order now that he could track it. “That door,” he spoke aloud as it switched directions, “left, straight, left, heart?”

Changbin hovered directly above his left hand, and the volts stayed in a heart shape with his necklace in the middle. “Yep, that's it. Let’s go!”

“What if there are people guarding them?” Jisung’s hands were clasped together, quivering with fear and excitement.

“I came prepared.”

I.N pulled what looked like a flashlight out of his pocket and flipped it open. It extended in front of him, bright electrical charges flickering from its tip. Before Jisung or Changbin could object, he pushed the door open and charged through it. They followed the magical instructions, turning left and going straight for several rooms until they came to one with a glass panel on their left. Beneath it was a table that housed a small sound board and a laptop connected to it. An internet window was left open, minimized and centered on the screen. It was a text-to-speech website that proudly proclaimed it has the best AI technology for sounding human. A scroll bar showed that the captors chose “generic male 2” to talk to Chan and Minho. The cursor blinked at the end of the last sentence that said “You’re lying!”

“Why is the screen on already?”
“Channie!”

Jisung was so distracted by the computer not being in sleep mode that he didn’t notice the two men sitting on the other side of the glass. There were two chairs on the right side of the room, a twine of rope coiled on one. They sat on the floor back-to-back, one with his hand pressed against his chest, and the other with his fingers curled together with one hand and swatting his wrist with the other.

Looking down, Jisung found his hands in the position they subconsciously found themselves in ever since he made contact with Minho. Right hand over left. Right thumb tucked underneath his palm. Right pinky holding his fingers tight. His remaining fingers moving back and forth over the back of his hand, trying his best to comfort the soulmate he always knew he’d find. He studied the bracelet he bought with the zinc chain and the silver heart sat loosely on his thin wrist. The one Minho could use any time he wanted to remind himself that someone out there loved him.

The sound of Changbin banging on the glass to get their attention worked, and Jisung saw Minho for the first time. The corners of his mouth pulled taut, making a smile mixed with emotions. Jisung prepared for the tears that he expected to fall when this moment finally became reality. Minho had straight brown hair parted down the middle, bangs swept out of his face. His brown eyes were wide with shock, but held despair behind them. The left sleeve of his off-white sweater was pulled up to his elbow, the odd cylindrical contraption still trapping proper communication back to Jisung.

hi :)

He saw Minho look through the glass as the letters appeared. Whatever active electricity that stopped their soulmate communication was no longer working after the pain Jisung went through. His smile was the most beautiful sight Jisung had ever witnessed. He rested his fingers above Jisung’s greeting briefly before writing something on his hand.

ruhere?

Minho stared through the glass, squinting hard to see Jisung even though they both knew it was pointless. Changbin had put his necklace on the table to cause a ruckus, but it was trying to tell them something.

“Left, right, right, heart.” Jisung interpreted I.N’s magic out loud, but he was drowned out by Changbin’s panicked screaming.

Jisung sprinted towards the door they had entered to get here, almost falling from the slippery floor with no traction. He looked right, flung that door open, looked right again, and stared at the door that was the last barrier between him and his soulmate. He jiggled the doorknob to find it was locked. Of course it’s not that easy, he thought to himself, frustrated Minho was so close and he couldn’t kick the door down like a superhero saving the day. He took the heart charm between his fingers and hoped it would give him the wisdom to solve this last obstacle.

On the off chance that I.N’s magic was strong enough to open a whole ass door, he used his thumb to push his bracelet against the door’s lock. He was pretty sure that wasn’t working, but it did cause Jisung to look down and spot a carpet in the corner of the room. He lunged at it and found a rusty key underneath, which he used to impatiently unlock the door. His frantic movements caused him to slip as he entered the room, where he literally fell into Minho’s lap. Startled, he used Minho’s shoulders to steady himself, and quickly got lost in his eyes.

“Hi.” Jisung whispered, trying to catch his breath, no longer able to hold back his tears. He wanted to cradle Minho’s face, or place little kisses all over it to see his smile up close. Despite the odd circumstances, the moment he dreamed of for so long exceeded his expectations. “I’m here. I’m here, Minho.”

“Jisung?” Minho spoke in disbelief. “You came for me?”

“Of course I did.” Jisung felt the gravity of the moment, but also knew how much danger they might be in. “I’ve been waiting for this moment since high school, but we need to get out of here. There were some men shooting at us outside, and…”

“Run!” The AI voice yelled from over the speakers. “Get out now!”

“Who’s that?” Chan asked, pulling the soulmates out of their daze.

“A genius with an electric shock stick thing.” As much as Jisung wanted to curl up in Minho’s lap and never leave, there was no time. “We’ll talk later. Let’s get out of here!”

The three of them followed the path back to where they initially entered the building. The tension in Changbin’s body dissipated upon seeing Chan, but he too knew it wasn’t a good time to catch up. The four of them sprinted away from the building, veering right and hoping I.N would make it out okay. They ran until they were on the verge of collapsing, hearing footsteps and screams slowly fade as they found protection from a nearby forest.

They walked off the dirt pathway and found a place to catch their breath. The most recent snow had finally thawed, leaving the ground damp and the bare trees one day closer to a new bloom. Jisung looked to his right to see Changbin tucked underneath Chan in a tight bear hug. The whispers and murmurs of love between them, pecks and kisses on Changbin’s forehead that were neverending, stirred up emotions in Jisung’s heart that themselves were heightened because of finally having his soulmate nearby. He turned towards Minho, and the unsightly glass chamber around his arm glared in the overcast sunlight trickling through the clouds.

“I’m surprised it didn’t break.” Jisung hovered his hand over the dead device, not sure if touching it would hurt Minho more.

Minho kept looking between the ground and his arm. “Me too. We didn’t want to break the glass because we didn’t know if I would get shocked or cut.” Their eyes met, and Jisung was left breathless. “You’re real.”

“Yeah.” Jisung offered him a comforting smile. “I finally found you.”

“Can I see?”

Minho clunkily pointed towards Jisung’s bracelet, which he happily moved into Minho’s hands. He stared at it in awe, running a finger over each chain link before making the heart dangle with a gentle push. Jisung saw the tiny ink hearts intertwine with the veins on Minho's wrist just beneath the cuff that kept the wretched, useless device on his arm.

“How can we get this off?” Jisung yelled over his shoulder and Changbin and Chan. They had been watching the couple silently. Changbin was tucked firmly in Chan’s embrace and not leaving anytime soon. “Should we break the glass or what?”

“We should ask I.N.” Changbin’s muffled voice shouted through Chan’s bicep.

“The enchantment jeweler?” Chan raised his eyebrows, chin planted firmly on Changbin’s head as it rotated to look at Jisung. “Is that how you found us?”

Jisung nodded. “He enchanted Binnie’s necklace and it pointed us to where you were.”

“Literally.” Changbin agreed emphatically. “I left it with him so he could find us.”

Chan slipped his hand to Changbin's neck, fingers searching for the familiar chain. “Are you sure?”

“Of course I’ll find you.” A huffing, puffing young magic wizard slowed and put his hands on his knees briefly before straightening up and towering over the four of them. He held out the globe with Changbin’s necklace in it, a three-dimensional heart made of electricity at full strength protecting it. “How dare you doubt me?”

“Glad you found us.”

“What do we do about Minho’s arm?” Jisung spoke over Changbin.

“We’ll take it apart at the shop.” I.N stepped closer to take a look at it before looking at Minho. “If you can wait a little longer.”

“I'm good.”

“Yang Jeongin, by the way.” He introduced himself formally to Minho and the group with a slight bow, knowing he had been exposed by Jisung and Changbin anyway. “Son of Yang Jeongil, known for his groundbreaking research in soulmate magic using man-made enchantments. Now,” He closed his eyes and held the globe at eye level, and the heart turned back into a flat arrow pointing northeast. “Let's get back to the shop.”

Jisung lagged behind I.N and the other couple to look at Minho nervously. “Can I hold your hand? For real?”

Minho offered his right hand freely, finally pawing at the actual heart with his index finger as he had in his mind so many times before. The fingers on Jisung’s left hand flew apart as far as they could, making Minho chuckle, before maneuvering them around Minho’s hand instead of his own. He held four fingers firmly between his thumb and pinky, though it was more knuckles than fingers, his palm easily covering the smaller one underneath. There was an explosion of ink covering both of their wrists as Jisung’s bracelet made contact with his soulmate’s skin, heart and tiny chain links intertwining their hands, tying a metaphorical knot to lock them together.

Jisung tugged Minho’s hand ever so gently to shake him out of his daze. “C’mon, they’re leaving.”

“I just…” His eyes were fixated on their joined hands as they quickened their pace. “I never thought I would have a soulmate. And,” Minho checked how far ahead the others were, then tore Jisung’s soul apart with a look of sorrow and disbelief. “You’re here.”

“Of course I am.” Jisung gave his hand an extra tight squeeze. He hoped soon enough his overflowing joy could be expressed with a hug or a kiss on the cheek. “I knew I'd find you someday.” Jisung couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of the circumstances. “I didn’t think I would have to save you though.”

“You did save me.” Minho responded in earnest. “The day you asked if I was okay.”

They left it at that for now, traversing the forest hand in hand. Even their side-by-side footprints were evenly spaced meter after meter. Loose dirt formed tiny twisters in their wake, the universe approving their new bond. Chan, Changbin, and I.N noticed their calm but powerful connection, and were in awe of the sharp dark-grey designs on their wrists that were visible through the fading light. Once Minho was free from the broken machine tethered to his arm, they could truly begin their lives together as soulmates.

Jisung felt the vibrations of his bracelet before Minho knocked, but he waited for the gentle sound against his door like a lovestruck school girl waiting for their crush anyway. It wasn’t the first time Minho had visited his dorm, but the intrinsic joy Jisung felt was just as intense as the first time they met. He opened the door to admire Minho, studying the details of his dorm’s door frame, anxiously fidgeting with the heart charm of the identical bracelet I.N made for him. Every angle of his profile was stunning.

“Hey, Min.”

“Oh.” Minho sheepishly grinned. He let out a startled yelp when Jisung pulled Minho forcefully into the room and kicked the door closed behind him. “Why do you do that?”

Jisung’s laugh was muffled by the soft blue sweater where he buried his head. “Because I can!”

“Okay, okay!” He pulled Jisung close with his right arm and curled his fist, moving their left hands together to rest between their chests, bracelets stacked atop one another. “Hey, Jisungie.”

“Hey, soulmate.”

Of Jisung’s many nicknames for Minho, 'soulmate' was easily his favorite. He leaned his cheek into Jisung’s hair, clutching his shirt so he wouldn’t leave. “Thanks for seeing me again.”

Jisung pulled away just enough to cup Minho’s cheek with his free hand. The brown eyes that mesmerized him every time he got lost in them never stopped moving. A boop on his nose forced Minho to focus. “Of course I want to see you.”

“Yeah.” He looked over Jisung’s head and nodded. “I know.”

Jisung sighed and rested his forehead just below Minho’s lips, wishing Minho would just kiss it and make him feel better. After a lifetime of waiting for a soulmate, the opportunity was finally here. His soulmate was finally in front of him. Holding him with their connection, magical and man-made, held over both their hearts, beating as fast as a heart does when it’s truly in love.

His new knowledge of how soulmate magic works made being with Minho even sweeter. Using the elements in the atmosphere and the elements buried in the Earth and something bigger than themselves; All of it came together for Minho to be rescued from a life of believing he’d be alone forever.

It had been a few weeks since Minho and Chan escaped. The semester started back up. The kidnappers were captured and jailed. Yet Jisung couldn’t convince Minho that he was worth being saved. Even still, every time Minho allowed himself to see Jisung, even if it was awkward for him, it gave Jisung hope. Every step they walked side by side through the quad, or every time he stumbled into Jisung’s arms in his dorm, Jisung felt more sure that they would be together forever. Maybe he needed to make himself perfectly clear.

“Min, look at me.”

“Why?” The skeptical tone forced a breathy laugh out of Jisung, but still Minho refused to look. His eyes were stuck on their joined hands.

Understandably so. It truly was a miracle. But Jisung didn’t want that.

He broke through his last shred of insecurity, deciding to speak from his heart no matter what it might say. “Because I love you.” Jisung kept his hand firm and unwavering on Minho’s cheek, forcing him to stare at Jisung and absorb his words. “Listen to my heart.” His voice grew impatient, thumping their held hands lightly against Minho’s chest with every new sentence. “Or listen to this. What brought us together. What keeps us here. The reason I will never leave you.”

“Never?” Now he had Minho’s attention.

“Never.” Jisung gasped for air and bit his lip in exasperation. “I will wait for you. For kisses. For cuddles. For fooling around.” His attempt to lighten the mood kind of worked. He saw a spark in his future lover’s eyes at the thought. Jisung exposed the back of Minho’s hand and brought it to his lips, needing to ghost a kiss there to settle his yearning and restless soul. “You are everything I could have asked for. Even if you don’t believe me. Try to trust me, okay?”

A beautiful, genuine, goofy smile overtook Minho’s features. He could relax for now knowing how Jisung felt. “Okay.”

“Now, enough of this serious talk.” Jisung pulled his phone out of his back pocket, juggling it with his right hand as his thumb scrolled through the many apps he had for movies and TV. “What do you want to watch?”

Minho replaced his left hand with his right, so they could stay physically connected, and held Jisung’s phone steady in his hand so he didn’t drop it. “You pick something.”

Jisung rolled his eyes. “What’s the point of having an older soulmate if I have to pick?”

“Because I don’t have time to watch movies or TV.”

Minho leaned forward to peck Jisung’s forehead before he could stop himself. The light grey hearts that usually showed up when Jisung was happy (or content and fully in love, Minho realized now) turned dark silver, swirling down his forearm like vines on the side of a building. Minho noticed silver hearts raining from his own bracelet in response.

The tickles and itches of old showed themselves strongly now that they were seen and acknowledged. And loved.

R U O K ? Jisung wrote to him months ago, worried about a boy whose soul hadn’t realized his mate was waiting to love him unconditionally.

Minho looked at the bracelet on his wrist.

Yeah, he’s okay now.