Aeri looked at the mark on her right arm with shock. This is...Suho's family mark. His mark. Looking at herself in her bathroom mirror, she contemplated on what to do. Wait, so he was there with Sehun? Should I reach out? Uuuggghhhh! 

She took off her clothes in a rush to get some warm shower. Kim Junmyeon. One of the 12 monarchs. Four of them were already married and the other one's wife was already pregnant. 

It's amazing how they're all very well known all throughout the kingdom. And now she's going to be part of that circle. I'm not sure what to do. 

To be honest, Aeri had this long buried crush for Suho. Even though they lived in different districts, went to different schools, and Sehun was her classmate, she always had this soft spot for him. 

They were like celebrities. Famous, appeared on TVs and magazines. Women still sought after them despite the fact that each have destined consorts. Perhaps they were trying to get the slight chance. The chance of getting the coveted mark.

Aeri sighed as she dressed up and went to bed then slowly drifted off to sleep. I'll find out what to do tomorrow. 

"You want me to spy on her?" Luhan repeated in amusement taking in Suho's request.

"Karma bites you right back in the ," Kris continued with a smirk.

Suho chose to ignore Kris' remark while Sehun laughed at the background. 

The guys have gathered in their age-old man cave. Even if some of them have already tied the knot, they still had regular times to meet up and hang out.

"Well, you don't have to read her mind. I just want to know her whereabouts," Suho replied in embarassment. "It's easier than having to search her in the database."

"Hmmm. That's true. With the database, you'd only be getting her basic info and contacts and she'll probably end up blocking your unknown number," Kris mentioned.

The room erupted in laughter as Suho glared at a smug Kris.

"Come to think of it, where's D.O? He's already late." Luhan asked.

"He won't make it today hyung," Kai replied. "He'll explain further but I'm going to tell you what I knew from him."

 

---

 

Meet me at my office.

- D.O

Jilian thought her heart had stopped upon discovering this letter that Mr. Do had left in her journal. The teachers' office? Or so she thought. As if D.O had known she has finished her last subject, a sense of direction came over her. It guided her past corridors and into a wall. 

An urge to touch it had triggered her, which then navigated Jilian into another corridor towards a door. Somehow she felt the longing and excitement as she took sure steps. Mr. Do was waiting at the other side of it.

She was about to knock when it opened, revealing her fated one. He was clearly amused at her surprised reaction. D.O held out his hand for her to take then he led her to a cozy sofa. Jilian couldn't help but survey the huge place in awe. Everything in there was obviously expensive from custom made furniture, leather chairs and vintage porcelain.

"I'm glad you like it," D.O spoke not letting her hand go as they sat comfortably. "No one is allowed here except you and me."

Jilian couldn't help but blush at that. "A lot of effort has been certainly done here, it's beautiful."

"Indeed," he smiled. "How are you doing? How did your day go?"

She couldn't help but smile back. "It was good and...overwhelming at the same time."

"Quite the first day of the school year I might say," he agreed, thoughtfully listening to her every word, encouraging her to talk more.

 "Yes, finding out who my husband was going to be..." Jilian gasped.

D.O was filled with emotion hearing her. No one would understand it better than his brother in arms and friends, but he already loved Jilian the moment he laid his eyes on her. "Your future husband is the happiest man on earth."

She was cherry red now, nevertheless she felt happy too. 

How beautiful it is

Just to be like this

I want to be with you

- Mandy Moore

Jilian glanced at the limousine some yards away on the main road, before entering the gates of her home. She politely declined his offer to walk her further. They both agreed that he would talk to her parents first after letting his know. She'd be engaged with him after a week. Talking about taking their time, eh? 

He wanted the world to know, especially the women that still pester him and his bachelor friends. D.O didn't want any other guy getting all close and friendly with her either thinking that she's still single. Marriage and the kids will come next when she's ready.

"Just call me Kyungsoo," he insisted earlier. 

"I will, after school hours," she replied flustered.

"Alright, Mrs. Do." He was having too much fun teasing her. Jilian couldn't help but smile to herself before she went to proceed with her night routine.

 

---

 

Aeri couldn't believe it, she's finally going to start her dance class today. Perhaps this would help her clear her mind and decide what to do with her Suho dilemma. Scratch that. He wasn't a dilemma, she just wasn't sure what to do with him. 

She had given up hopes of getting married a few years ago. That wound in her heart was healing, but meeting Suho now when she was having a lot of doubts in life wasn't a good timing.

More so when the door she was so invested in pushing swung open. Aeri's face met sturdy chests and warm arms held her to keep her from stumbling. 

"Oh my I'm so sorry!" She exclaimed. Her clumsiness was getting to her. "I wasn't -" her breath got caught in now that she was face to face with the man of her thoughts.

"No it's okay, you're okay," Suho replied trying not to stutter.

"Thank you, I - I'm just going to - place my bag somewhere," Aeri spoke leaving his safe arms just as quickly as she was received by them a few seconds ago.

His eyes followed her direction in admiration. Sehun who was watching nearby just rolled his eyes. Suho felt she was coming and thought it was chivalrous to open the door for Aeri. Thank goodness, Sehun was grateful that it didn't turn out to be a disaster.

"Well done hyung," Sehun murmured to Suho half-heartedly.

"She's tense," Suho spoke in concern.

"I would be if I were her, almost falling to my face like that."

"No, not cause of that. Something else," Suho continued, unbothered by Sehun's remark.

"Hmmm. Come to think of it, she had a highschool sweetheart, but I'm not sure if they're still together," Sehun suddenly recalled.

"I'm going to confirm that. Even if they are, they won't be for long. And don't give me that lewd look! I'm a proper guy. She's not getting pregnant anytime soon, at least not before the wedding."

"That could be a good plan though."

"Shut up Sehun!"

"I'm just saying," Sehun smirked holding his hands up in the air.