Chapter Eighty-four "Phoenix in His Arms"

 

Revelations and Decisions

The conference hall remained tense as the weight of Mr. Kim’s words settled over everyone. Professor Jenny stood frozen, her face burning with humiliation, while murmurs spread among the faculty. Some were shocked by the sudden revelation, while others looked down in shame for believing the false rumors.

Mr. Kim’s sharp voice cut through the tension. “Professor Jenny, you have not only violated the privacy of a fellow professor but also disrespected the integrity of this institution. For that, you are hereby suspended from your position, effective immediately.”

A collective gasp rippled through the hall, and Jenny’s face paled. “S-Sir, please, I—”

“You may leave,” Mr. Kim’s voice was final, leaving no room for argument. Security approached, and Jenny, seething in silent rage, had no choice but to exit the hall, her once smug demeanor shattered.

Once she was gone, Mrs. Kim turned toward the remaining professors, her usual warmth returning. “Now that this mess is handled, let’s move on to something far more important.” Her lips curled into a proud smile.

“We have just revealed the future of Phoenix Ridge University, and this calls for a celebration! Tonight, we will host a dinner for all faculty members, as well as our three troublemakers—because, honestly, it wouldn’t be entertaining without them.”

Jungkook perked up. “Dinner?” His eyes twinkled with excitement. “And by troublemakers, you mean…?”

Mrs. Kim chuckled. “Yes, you, Jimin, Soobin, and Niki.”

Taehyung sighed but smiled fondly. “You are spoiling them, Mom.”

“And I’ll continue to,” Mrs. Kim teased, ruffling Jungkook’s hair. “Now, go prepare. We want a proper welcome for our future university leaders.”

---

The Kim family estate was transformed into a lively gathering, filled with laughter and conversation. Professors mingled, finally getting used to the idea that their future leaders were already chosen. Jungkook, Jimin, Hoseok, and Jin took it upon themselves to ensure the evening was anything but boring.

“I’m starving! I hope they have plenty of food,” Hoseok said excitedly, rubbing his hands together.

Jin scoffed. “If there’s one thing the Kim family does right, it’s hosting extravagant dinners. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.”

Niki bounced in excitement. “I can’t believe we’re part of such a fancy dinner! This is so cool!”

Jimin smirked. “I just want to see Jungkook eat his body weight in food and then complain about it.”

Jungkook gasped. “I do not complain!”

Taehyung rolled his eyes. “Yes, you do.”

As everyone settled at the table, the atmosphere was lighthearted, filled with jokes and teasing.

“Hyung,” Jungkook whined, leaning against Taehyung’s side dramatically, “you should serve me food. I worked so hard today.”

Taehyung raised an eyebrow. “Worked hard doing what?”

“Surviving betrayal and heartbreak.” Jungkook pouted, referencing the chaotic day.

Hoseok snorted. “More like surviving all that drama while stuffing your face in the cafeteria.”

Jimin added, “Let’s be honest, Kookie, if there was an award for eating and causing chaos, you’d have won years ago.”

The table burst into laughter as Jungkook huffed. “I hate all of you.”

Mrs. Kim chuckled. “And yet, you love us so much.”

Jungkook sighed dramatically but beamed at her. “That’s true.”

Midway through the dinner, as the atmosphere settled into warm conversations, Jungkook suddenly spoke up. “Momma, Dada… I’ve been thinking about something.”

Taehyung turned to him, immediately sensing a shift in his tone. “What is it?”

Jungkook hesitated but then looked at Mr. and Mrs. Kim. “I want to continue my studies overseas.”

Silence fell over the table.

Taehyung’s expression darkened. “No.”

Jungkook groaned. “Hyung—”

“No.” Taehyung crossed his arms. “You’re staying here.”

“But—” Jungkook’s bottom lip jutted out, and his big doe eyes shimmered as he looked at Taehyung with an innocent, pleading expression. “Hyungie, please?”

The table collectively gasped. Even Namjoon, who had seen Taehyung handle the toughest board meetings, leaned in with interest.

Jimin whispered, “Is he seriously using the puppy eyes?”

Hoseok grinned. “Watch and learn.”

Taehyung clenched his jaw, looking anywhere but at Jungkook. “That’s not fair.”

Jungkook sniffled dramatically. “Please?”

Taehyung groaned, rubbing his temples. “Fine. But you’re not going alone.”

Jungkook perked up. “Really?!”

Taehyung sighed. “I’ll send all four of you. I’m not letting a brat go alone to a foreign country.”

Jimin choked on his drink. “Wait, wait, what?”

Niki’s eyes widened. “We’re going too?”

Soobin, who was busy stuffing food in his mouth, gasped. “No way!!!!!”

Taehyung smirked. “If I have to suffer, so do you three.”

Jin clapped his hands. “Oh, this is going to be fun! Studying abroad together? Count me in for all the sightseeing and food-tasting tours.”

Mrs. Kim clapped her hands. “Well, looks like my four troublemakers are about to have an adventure!”

Jungkook jumped in excitement before tackling Taehyung in a hug. “Thank you, Hyungie!”

Taehyung sighed but hugged him back. “You’re lucky I am tolerating a brat like you.”

Namjoon laughed, raising his glass. “To new beginnings.”

The professors raised their glasses, toasting the unexpected yet exciting future that awaited them all.

As the dinner continued, Taehyung looked at the brats and gave them a pointed look. “One last thing. Don’t even think about pranking any professors like you did with Professor Jenny.”

The brats froze before giggling in unison, which only made the professors stare in confusion.

Hoseok narrowed his eyes. “Wait… what did you do?”

Jin’s eyes widened. “Wait, is this about the time she was covered in paint and feathers?”

Taehyung smirked. “Who do you think deleted the footage to save their asses from getting expelled?”

The professors gasped, and Namjoon shook his head in disbelief. “You mean to tell me you knew this whole time?”

“Oh my god, love does make people break all the rules they create.” Yoongi who quietly enjoyed everything spoke for the first time.

Jungkook pouted. “Hyung, I was innocent!”

Taehyung rolled his eyes. “Says the mastermind himself.”

The laughter echoed through the halls, making it clear that despite all the chaos, this family thrived in love, mischief, and unwavering support.

 

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