Chapter 17

"It is alright, don't mind me."

Hoseok nodded in thanks, stood up and pressed to answer.

"Hello"

"Hobi!" Jimin's voice was remorseful. "We have been caught, Joonie is furious you better get back."

Hoseok let out a sigh. "I am on my way." He ended the call, he looked at Aya who was playing with the puppies with a smile on her face.

It warmed his heart. "I am sorry Aya, I have to go."

Aya looked up at him. "That is alright." She placed the puppies no the ground, she stood. "Thank you for the date, I really enjoyed spending time with you."

A smile tugged his lips. "You have made my day in more ways than one." He took her hand giving it a squeeze. "I'll see my self out. The pups seem to have missed you."

Aya chuckled. "Alright, thank you again."

He let go of her hand and walked to the front, only to find Carl waiting for him.

"Carl..."

Carl had a solemn expression on his face.

"I guess she told you what happened to her?"

"Yes, she has."

Carl nodded in understanding. "So, you don't need me to tell you, that if you hurt her you have me to answer to?"

Hoseok looked Carl in the eye. "I am not planning to hurt her."

"Did you tell her who you are?"

"No, I haven't. But before you tell me your opinion on the matter let me explain. I want to protect her from this life as long as I can."

Carl's eyes widened. "You know that it's not going to work the way you are planning it to go? Fine, I am not going to tell her either, that is your responsibility."

"I promise, I will."

Carl moved out of Hoseok's way.

Hoseok turned around. "Thank you." Then he left.

Carl went to Aya. Of all the people she fell for J-Hope.

Hoseok opened the practice studio door, only Namjoon was still there. Namjoon had an angry expression on his face.

"Before you go off on me Namjoon, only know Jimin had nothing to do with this, I forced him."

"I've sent them home, we can't practice if we are not all present. Did you really think you could get away with this?"

"I only wanted to see her Namjoon, is that a crime?"

"It is if you are putting the rest of the group in jeopardy, you are being selfish Hobi."

"How can it be selfish to trust your gut when you've met someone that could be your soulmate?"

"Do you really believe that? I think this girl is only after you because of who you are."

"You are wrong, Namjoon!" Hoseok felt his anger rising, his hands were balled into fists.

"I don't think I am, Hobi. From here on out you are confined to the dorm and studio. It is only two days before we are leaving for Los Angeles. Don't screw this up."

Namjoon picked up his bag. "Let's go home."

Hoseok stood rooted to the spot.

"I said let's go home, Hobi."

Hoseok unclenched his fists, he walked to his bag to pick it up. He didn't answer Namjoon.

They left the studio. Hoseok didn't speak one word on their way back to the dorm, he was so angry not only at Namjoon but at himself.

Would it have been easier if he did tell Aya?