"coincidence-love"

V asked Jimin and Jungkook, "How was your day?"

Jungkook replied, "There was a lot of work at the office today."

Jimin, with a proud smile, added, "V, you know Jungkook is really good at his job. Despite all the work, he finished everything on time."

V nodded, "Well, everyone knows Jungkook always handles his work with care and precision."

Jungkook smiled, and V said, "Alright, go freshen up, and then we'll have dinner together."

Jimin nodded, "Okay." They got up and went to their rooms to freshen up. A little while later, they came downstairs.

Jungkook, arriving first, said, "Let's head to the dining table."

V responded, "Alright," and they all sat down. Dua and Irha were still preparing the food. V remarked, "Looks like we're in for a feast tonight."

Jimin chuckled, "Yeah, it sure seems like it." They continued chatting.

Soon, Irha announced, "Everything's ready. Let's start bringing the food out."

Dua agreed, "Yes, let's go."

Dua came out with a plate of French fries, while Irha carried noodles. They placed the dishes on the table and went back to the kitchen. Moments later, they returned, this time with Irha holding momos and Dua bringing kheer. After setting the plates down, they headed back to the kitchen once more.

Jimin asked, "Is there still more?"

Irha smiled, "The most important thing is still left."

They went inside again and came out, with Irha holding a platter of biryani and Dua with roasted chicken. They set everything on the table. V, Jimin, and Jungkook stared at the feast before them.

Irha apologized, "Sorry, this is all I could make with what we had at home. I couldn't prepare more."

V chuckled, "This is more than enough! What's next, feeding the whole neighborhood?"

Irha laughed, "Alright then," and both she and Dua sat down. Irha began serving the food when suddenly Dua remembered something.

"Oh, I forgot something!" she exclaimed, quickly getting up and heading to the kitchen.

Irha continued serving, and soon, Dua returned with a small bowl in her hands. She walked over to Jungkook and placed it in front of him.

"I made this pasta for you," she said, smiling. "You were asking for it this morning."

Jungkook stared at the bowl in shock, realizing it was white sauce pasta. Then he looked at Dua, surprised. "You made this... for me?"

Sitting down, Dua nodded casually. "Yeah, you mentioned you wanted it this morning, so I thought while I was cooking all this, I'd make your favorite too."

Jungkook's eyes softened, a smile tugging at his lips, feeling touched by the gesture.

Jungkook's cheeks turned a little red, and he softly said, "Thanks for the pasta."

As Irha was about to serve him biryani, Jungkook stopped her. "No, it's fine."

"Why?" Irha asked, surprised.

"I'll just have the pasta," Jungkook replied with a smile.

Irha raised an eyebrow. "You're not eating anything else?"

Jungkook shook his head. "No, I just feel like having pasta today."

Irha shrugged, "Alright then," and served biryani on Dua's plate before sitting down to serve herself.

Jimin grinned, "Let's eat!"

They all began eating. After a bite, Jimin paused, savoring the flavor. "Who made this... what do you call it?" he asked.

Dua chuckled, "It's called biryani, and Irha made it."

Jimin looked impressed. "Whatever it's called, I've never had rice this good in my life. It's amazing!"

Irha smiled shyly at the compliment, her hard work clearly appreciated.

Everyone was gathered, enjoying their meal, when Jimin's eyes landed on the pasta. He glanced at Dua and asked, "Can you please pass me the pasta?"

Dua picked up the bowl, ready to hand it to Jimin, but just as she was about to, Jungkook swiftly grabbed it from her hands. "What are you doing?" he asked, his eyes narrowing playfully.

"I'm giving Jimin the pasta," Dua responded, a bit confused.

Jungkook smirked, pulling the bowl closer to himself. "This is my pasta."

Jimin raised an eyebrow, amused. "Your pasta?"

Jungkook turned to Dua, , "Didn't you make this for me?"

Dua sighed with a small smile, "Yes, I did."

"Well, then," Jungkook declared, "I'm the only one eating this. You all can have whatever else you want, but this pasta? It's mine."

Jimin chuckled, shaking his head. "What's so special about it?"

Jungkook took a bite, savoring it dramatically. "It's incredibly delicious, but you wouldn't understand, Jimin."

Jimin laughed again, giving in. "Alright, alright. Enjoy your pasta."

Everyone had finished dinner, and V leaned back, a satisfied smile on his face. "Irha, this was honestly the best meal ever. Thank you so much for such a delicious dinner."

Irha smiled warmly. "Thank you, V."

V nodded and then addressed the group. "Alright, everyone, I should get going now."

Jimin glanced at his watch and frowned slightly. "It's pretty late, and since you've already had dinner here, why don't you stay the night? You can leave in the morning."

V thought for a moment before smiling. "Hmmm, okay, sounds good."

Jungkook stretched and yawned. "Let's head to bed early. We've got a lot of work tomorrow at the office."

Irha nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I've got work too."

Jimin noticed their exhaustion and smiled softly. "You all must be tired. Go and rest."

Dua agreed, "Alright, good night," and they all exchanged their goodnights before heading to their rooms.

Jimin, V, and Jungkook retreated to their own rooms, ready for bed. Before long, everyone had fallen asleep, except for Jungkook, who lay in bed with a quiet smile, lost in thought. He tried to sleep but couldn't help but chuckle softly to himself. After a few more minutes, even he drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

In the morning Jimin, V, and Jungkook had just returned from prayers and headed straight to their rooms. Before going to change, Jungkook glanced into the kitchen, surprised to find it empty-Dua wasn't there. He shrugged it off and walked back to the room. As they were about to change, Jimin paused and said, "Wait, I'll get some water." Jungkook nodded, "Yeah, grab some. We'll get ready in the meantime."

Jimin entered the kitchen, expecting to see Dua, but instead found Irha preparing breakfast. He glanced at her briefly before opening the fridge for water. Just as he turned to leave, a sudden yelp broke the silence.

"Ahh!" Irha cried out, shaking her hand in pain.

Jimin rushed to her side. "What happened?" he asked, his eyes full of concern.

Irha tried to downplay it, "Nothing, just... a little hot oil splashed on me."

Jimin took her hand inspecting it closely. "This doesn't look like 'a little' to me," he said softly, but firmly. He quickly grabbed some ice from the fridge and pressed it to her burn. "Hold this, I'll get some ointment."

He hurried back with the ointment and began carefully applying it to her hand. His touch was gentle, yet focused, and there was a sense of quiet concern in his actions. Just then, Dua entered the kitchen, noticing the scene.

"What happened?" she asked, a hint of worry in her voice.

Jimin filled her in, and Dua quickly took over. "Irha, you should sit outside. I will do the work

"I can handle it," Irha protested.

But Jimin insisted, "Dua's got this. Go sit down."

Dua echoed him, "Yeah, I'll take care "

With a reluctant nod, Irha finally agreed, "Okay... I'll sit outside."

As Jimin returned to his room to change, Jungkook and V emerged, noticing Irha sitting by herself, softly rubbing her hand.

"What happened?" V asked, his brow furrowed with concern.

"Nothing serious," Irha replied, "just a little oil splashed on my hand."

Jungkook's gaze softened as he asked, "Did you put something on it?"

Irha nodded, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Yeah, the ghost-I mean, Jimin-already took care of it."

Jungkook smiled back, "Good, then you'll be fine."

After Jimin changed his clothes and came outside, he asked Irha, "How's your hand?"

Irha replied, "Better than before."

Jimin smiled, "Good," and started walking towards the table when Irha called out, "Jimin, Jimin!" He turned around, looking at her curiously, "Yeah?"

Irha hesitated, "I... I just wanted to say thank you."

Jimin's lips curled into a playful smile. "What? I didn't quite hear you. Say it properly."

Annoyed but flustered, Irha repeated, "Thanks."

Still teasing, Jimin leaned in a little, "Nope, still didn't catch that. Once more?"

Irha, now irritated, snapped, "Go to hell! I'm not saying it again. Just leave me alone, you ghost!"

Laughing softly, Jimin raised his hands in surrender, "Alright, alright. Relax. But you know... you could say it one last time."

Irha crossed her arms, pouting, "I'm never thanking you again. Ever."

Jimin grinned, "Well, that makes sense. Witches don't say thank you, do they?"

Glaring at him, Irha shot back, " ghost! Don't expect any more thanks from me."

Jungkook, who had been listening to their bickering, burst into laughter. Just then, Dua walked out, announcing, "Breakfast is ready, everyone!"

Jungkook turned to Irha, grinning, "If the fight's over, let's eat." He looked at Jimin and teased, "Why do you always bother her? She was just trying to thank you."

Jimin asked V, "Whose side are you on, mine or the witch's?"

V, with a smirk, replied, "I'm on the side of whoever wins."

Jungkook laughed, "Alright, let's stop this and have breakfast."

Dua set the breakfast table, arranging everything with care. Irha, glancing at the spread, said softly, "We ate a lot last night, so I made a lighter breakfast this morning. Didn't want anyone feeling unwell."

The only thing on the table were pancakes, simple yet comforting.

Jungkook, impatient and hungry, groaned, "Whatever it is, just serve it quickly. I'm starving!"

Dua smiled and started serving Jungkook, who eagerly waited,

After everyone finished breakfast, Jimin looked at Dua and Irha. "Today's your first day at the job, right?"

Both nodded. "Yes, it is."

Jimin nodded back, "Alright, we'll drop you off."

Irha quickly shook her head, "No, we can go on our own."

V chimed in, "Jimin, don't worry. They know the way now; they'll be fine."

Jimin looked hesitant, but before he could say anything, Dua added, "V's right. We need to learn our way around. If we don't try, how will we ever manage?"

After a moment, Jimin sighed. "Fine, but take it easy. You have the second key to the house, right?"

Dua nodded, "Yes, we've got it."

Jimin gave them one last look, "Alright then, we're heading out. Be careful."

The three exchanged goodbyes, and Jimin, V, and Jungkook left, leaving Dua and Irha to their day ahead.

After the others left, Dua and Irha quickly got ready. As they stepped outside, Dua said, "Alright, we're all set. Let's go."

Irha smiled, "Yes, let's do this." They locked the house and headed out, hailing a taxi. Once seated, Irha couldn't contain her excitement. "I'm so excited for today!"

Dua nodded, sharing the sentiment. "Same here. I really hope everything goes well."

"Inshallah," Irha said, smiling as they chatted on the way. Soon, the taxi reached Irha's stop. She stepped out, waving. "Bye, and good luck with work!"

Dua smiled, "You too! And give me a call when you're done."

"I will," Irha promised, before the taxi drove off.

A few minutes later, Dua arrived at her destination. She paid the driver and headed inside, walking straight to the counter. "Hello," she greeted.

A young woman behind the counter looked up. "Yes?"

Dua smiled, "You might remember me from yesterday?"

The woman nodded, "Yes, ma'am mentioned you. Your name is Dua, right?"

"That's right," Dua confirmed.

"Miss Dua, the owner is expecting you inside," the girl said, pointing to the office. Dua thanked her and walked in.

Inside, a beautiful girl sat behind the desk. Dua cleared her throat, "Excuse me."

The girl looked up with a welcoming smile, "Ah, you're here. Come, sit."

"Thank you," Dua said as she sat down.

The owner continued, "So, you mentioned yesterday that you're from India, right?"

Dua nodded. "Yes, ma'am."

With a smile, the girl said, "I'm from India too."

Dua's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? I had a feeling, but I wasn't sure!"

The owner laughed softly, "Yes, I came here to start my business, and alhamdulillah, it's been successful."

Dua smiled, "You said alhamdulillah... are you Muslim?"

The owner nodded, "Yes, I am."

Dua hesitated, then asked, "If you don't mind, could you tell me your name?"

The owner smiled warmly, "Of course, there's nothing to mind. My name is Hiba. Hiba Khan."

Dua smiled, "Mashallah, your name is so beautiful."

Hiba replied warmly, "Thank you."

Dua couldn't help but add, "You're so beautiful yourself, and you look so young!"

Hiba chuckled, "I'm 24."

Dua shot up in shock, "Wait, you're only 24? And you've built this entire business by yourself? Mashallah!"

Hiba smiled humbly, "Alhamdulillah, but I couldn't have done it without my husband's support."

Dua, still processing, asked in surprise, "You're married?"

Hiba nodded, "Yes, alhamdulillah. My husband has always supported me, especially when I first came to Korea. He's been my rock."

Curious, Dua couldn't help but ask, "Your husband-?"

Hiba smiled, already understanding the question. She took out her phone and showed Dua a photo. "This is him-his name is Tahib."

Dua's eyes lit up, "Mashallah! You two make such a beautiful couple. You look perfect together."

Hiba smiled softly, "You can call me Hiba you know."

Dua, surprised, quickly said, "Oh, thank you, Hiba mam

Hiba nodded with a small laugh, "I'll tell you more of my story later. For now, you should get to work."

Dua smiled, feeling grateful. "Thank you, aapi. I'll do my best here."

Hiba nodded, "I know you will."

Irha stepped into the mall, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. She headed straight to the office, where the owner greeted her with a nod. "So, you've arrived," the owner said.

Irha smiled and replied, "Yes."

The owner gestured to the manager standing nearby. "Ken, show her what she needs to do."

Ken nodded, turning to Irha. "Hello, I'm Ken."

"Hi, I'm Irha. Nice to meet you," she replied with a polite smile.

"Alright, follow me. I'll walk you through everything." Ken led her through the mall, explaining each task. "You'll be managing two sections-clothing and groceries. Customers often leave things in disarray, so it'll be your job to reorganize and ensure everything is back in place, following the correct tags. When new stock comes in, you'll arrange it properly. And remember, cleanliness is key."

He gave her a thorough rundown of the responsibilities, and even introduced her to the other workers. After a while, Ken asked, "So, did you get everything?"

Irha nodded confidently, "Yes, I've got it."

Ken smiled, "Great. You can start now."

"I'm ready," Irha said, feeling determined. "Thank you, Ken."

"Good. I'll be around if you need anything," he said before heading back to his own work.

As he left, Irha took a deep breath, ready to dive into her first day.

Irha had begun her work, and on the other side, Dua was also focused on her tasks. It was almost five in the evening when Ken approached Irha.

"Miss Irha, it's done. Sir is calling you," he said.

Irha, slightly startled, replied, "Oh, okay," and followed him to the office.

The owner looked up from his desk as they entered. "I saw your work today, Irha. It's your first day, and you did an excellent job," he said with a calm but approving smile.

"Thank you, sir," Irha responded, a bit relieved.

"You can go home now," he added.

"Really?" Irha asked, a bit surprised.

"Yes, that's all for today."

A wave of happiness washed over her. "Thank you, sir," she said again, before stepping out of the office. She put her apron aside and called Dua, who was still busy with her tasks.

"Hey, how did it go?" Dua answered, her voice a little distracted.

"Alhamdulillah, it went well. And I even got to leave early!" Irha said, excitement evident in her voice.

"Wait, what? Early leave?" Dua asked, a hint of envy in her tone.

Irha chuckled, "Silly, he said that's all for today."

"Wow, lucky you! But my work isn't done yet, I'm still at it," Dua replied, sounding a bit resigned.

"Should I come over?" Irha suggested, already feeling a little restless.

"No need."

"But what will I do all alone? I don't want to go home by myself."

Dua hesitated, but before she could reply, Irha made up her mind. "No 'but' or 'if'-I'm coming!" she declared, ending the call with a determined click.

After ending the call, Dua got back to work. She picked up the plates from the table and turned around, only to freeze in shock.

"Hiba ma'am! I'm so sorry, that was my friend on the call," she stammered.

Hiba smiled calmly. "I heard," she said.

"Sorry again, ma'am," Dua quickly apologized, worried.

Hiba waved it off. "What's there to be sorry about? Your friend is coming, right?"

Before Dua could respond, Hiba began to walk away, adding over her shoulder, "When your friend arrives, you can leave with her. You've done enough work for today."

Dua stood there, surprised. "Really, ma'am?" she asked, almost in disbelief.

Hiba glanced back with a nod. "Yes, go home with her and make sure you're back on time tomorrow."

Dua's face lit up with happiness. "Thank you so much, ma'am! Thank you!"

Hiba smiled warmly before leaving the room, and Dua couldn't stop grinning.

In just a little while, Irha arrived at the restaurant. She walked inside and saw Dua, still wearing her apron, busy cleaning the tables. With a mischievous grin, Irha quietly stepped up behind her and suddenly said, "Boo!"

Dua jumped in shock. "Ya Allah! One day you're going to give me a heart attack!" she exclaimed, clutching her chest.

Irha laughed. "How would you get a heart attack? You're Wonder Woman!" she teased.

Dua rolled her eyes, "Yeah, right."

Irha, still smiling, asked, "So, when are you done with work?"

Dua sighed, "I'm just finishing up. Mam said I could leave when you arrive."

"What, really? That's great!" Irha beamed.

"Hold on, let me just tell her you're here," Dua replied, and went off to Hiba's office.

Dua knocked and entered. "Mam, may I come in?"

Hiba looked up from her desk. "Yes, Dua?"

"My friend is here, may I leave now?" Dua asked politely.

Hiba nodded. "Of course, you can go."

"Thank you, mam," Dua said gratefully before heading back out. She quickly took off her apron, grabbed her coat, and joined Irha.

Irha, with a playful smile, said, "By the way, you looked really good in that waitress uniform."

Dua smirked, "Oh, thank you, thank you. I'll take the compliment where I can get it."

Irha chuckled at her sarcasm.

Just then, Hiba stepped out of her office, noticed them, and seemed to pause in thought for a moment. She turned to one of the staff nearby and said, "Send both of them to my cabin."

The staff member nodded, and Dua, slightly puzzled, turned and walked back towards the office with Irha trailing behind.

A staff member approached and said, "Dua, ma'am is calling you."

Dua turned to Irha, "Wait here, I'll be right back."

But before she could leave, the staff member added, "Actually, ma'am called her too," pointing at Irha.

Dua was taken aback. "Irha too?"

The two friends exchanged confused glances before heading into the office together.

"Yes, ma'am, you called us?" Dua asked as they entered.

Hiba turned around slowly, studying them with a slight smile. "You two... you're Irha and Dua, right?"

Both of them froze in shock. "Ma'am, how do you know her name?" Dua asked, completely surprised.

Hiba smiled, and with a hint of nostalgia said, "Do you remember Hiba from 6th grade?"

Dua and Irha exchanged bewildered looks, their minds racing. Irha's eyes widened. "The Hiba who shared lunch with us in 6th grade?"

Dua squinted at her, slowly recognizing the familiar features. Hiba laughed, "Yes, you fools, I'm that Hiba!"

Irha and Dua immediately rushed forward and hugged her tightly.

"How did you end up here? And how did you achieve so much so quickly?" Irha asked, amazed.

Dua added with a teasing grin, "And did you know Hiba is married now? Her husband's name is Tahib."

Irha smirked at Hiba, "So, where's our brother-in-law then?"

Hiba chuckled and replied, "It's because of him that I'm here in the first place!"

Irha, feigning a dramatic tone, said, "Oh, so this is all thanks to Tahib Ji!"

Hiba playfully swatted her on the arm. "You'll never change, will you?"

Dua, her tone softening, asked, "But, Hiba, why did you suddenly disappear after school?"

Hiba's face softened as she sighed. "Things just got complicated back then... But it's okay now. We've found each other again, and we're going to have a lot of fun together."

Dua smiled brightly, "Yes, definitely!"

Hiba smiled and said, "Dua, from now on, don't call me ma'am."

Dua hesitated, "But it wouldn't feel right, especially in front of the other staff, if I just call you Hiba."

Irha chimed in with a playful grin, "Fine, call her ma'am in front of them, but not in front of me! And anyway, why should you stay as a waitress? I'll make sure you get promoted."

Dua shook her head firmly. "No, Hiba, I'm happy where I am. I want to earn my way and work hard."

Hiba respected her determination. "Alright, but hold on," she said and called the entire staff into the room.

"From today, Miss Dua is one of the most important staff members of this hotel. Make sure to look after her," Hiba announced with authority.

The staff nodded. "Yes, ma'am."

As they dispersed, Dua turned to Hiba. "That wasn't necessary."

Hiba smiled warmly, "Maybe not for you, but it was for me."

Just then, Hiba's phone rang. Dua glanced at Irha with a mischievous smile. "Look, it's her husband calling."

Hiba rolled her eyes. "Oh, hush!" She answered the call, spoke briefly, and hung up.

"Come on, both of you. You're coming to my house today," Hiba declared.

Dua and Irha exchanged glances before saying, "No, we really can't. We've got work, but inshallah, another day for sure."

Hiba, refusing to take no for an answer, pouted. "I don't want to hear excuses. You're coming!"

Irha chuckled, "We promise, next time. We'll definitely come and meet Tahib as well."

Hiba sighed dramatically. "Fine, but next time, no backing out. You have to meet him."

Dua and Irha nodded. "Okay, okay."

Hiba glanced at the time. "I've got to go now. He's waiting for me."

Irha smirked. "Oh, go on then, he's waiting after all," she teased.

Hiba gave her a playful shove. "You're dumb" She hugged both of them tightly and left.

Irha and Dua stepped outside, smiling as they waited for a taxi.

As the taxi pulled away, Dua and Irha walked towards the house. Dua opened the door, and Irha sighed, "I'm so exhausted today."

Dua nodded in agreement. "Yeah, me too," she said as they both collapsed onto the sofa.

"We were supposed to practice our dance today," Irha reminded her, though her tone lacked any real motivation.

"Not today, I'm too tired," Dua replied. "Let's do it tomorrow."

"Same," Irha added with a yawn. "No way I'm not practicing today either."

After a moment, Dua glanced over at her friend. "Irha, could you get some water?"

Irha raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Oh really? I'm tired too. Why don't you go get it-and bring some for me while you're at it."

Dua pouted playfully. "So, my dear friend can't even do this one small favor for me?"

"No never " Irha teased.

"You lazy thing!" Dua shot back with a grin. "Come on, getting water is a good deed!"

Irha chuckled. "Exactly, that's what I'm saying! Go earn some good deeds by bringing me water."

"That's not fair," Dua protested. "I asked first!"

With a playful shove, she began nudging Irha to stand up. Irha resisted, shaking her head with a smile, but eventually gave in. "Fine, fine, I'm going! You're impossible."

"Thank you!" Dua called after her, laughing.

Irha returned with the water and handed it to Dua. "Alright," she said, sitting down. "Now tell me, what should we cook tonight?"

Dua shrugged casually. "Whatever you make, I just care about eating."

Irha rolled her eyes. "Oh, for heaven's sake, can't you help me out just a little?"

Dua laughed. "I can help you cook, my dear half..."

Irha interrupted with a smirk. "First, tell me what you want to make!"

"I have no idea," Dua replied. "Why don't you call Jimin and ask him?"

Irha shot her a look. "Me? Call that ghost? Never. Not in a million years."

"Fine then," Dua teased. "Call Jungkook and ask him for suggestions."

Irha laughed. "What, so he can just tell me to make pasta? You know how obsessed he is with that."

The two burst out laughing, imagining it. "He really does love pasta way too much," Irha added.

"So what should we make?" Irha wondered aloud, just as the doorbell rang.

Dua raised an eyebrow. "They're back already?"

"I'll get it," Irha said, standing up to open the door.

Irha opened the door cautiously. "Who are you?" she asked, her voice uncertain.

Dua, from behind, called out, "Who is it?" Irha glanced back at her, and suddenly, her words died in her throat. She stood there, frozen in place.

A few moments later, Jimin and Jungkook returned. Jimin opened the door, his mood light. "Today was a pretty good day," he said to Jungkook, "A lot of work, though."

But the moment Jungkook stepped inside, he went completely silent, his face turning serious. Jimin noticed and frowned. "What's wrong? Why do you look like you've seen a ghost?" He turned to look for himself, and the playful smile on his face faded as he, too, stood there in quiet shock.

___________________________________________

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