Chapter Eighty-six "Phoenix in His Arms"

 

 The Results Declaration

The grand announcement hall was filled with excitement and anticipation as students and faculty gathered for the annual results declaration. Like every year, the top ten students from the first-year batch were called onto the stage to receive their prizes and certificates from Principal Kim Namjoon. Applause echoed through the hall as each name was called, the students proudly accepting their awards while their peers cheered them on.

Once all the first-years had been honored, the atmosphere in the hall shifted slightly as Namjoon stepped forward with a mysterious smile.

"Before we conclude today's event, I have a very special announcement to make," Namjoon declared, his voice carrying authority. "Today, we have the honor of awarding four outstanding students who have excelled in their respective fields and made us proud. Professor Kim Taehyung, please step onto the stage to present these medals."

There was a wave of murmurs among the audience as Taehyung, who had been seated at the back, furrowed his brows in confusion. He turned his sharp gaze toward Namjoon, silently demanding an explanation, but the principal merely gave him a small nod. Knowing Namjoon, he had something planned. With a deep breath, Taehyung composed himself and strode onto the stage.

As he reached the center, four unique-looking medals were brought forward by the staff, accompanied by certificates. The students murmured in curiosity. Unlike the standard university medals, these were intricately designed, symbolizing prestige and excellence beyond the usual academic recognition.

"The first recipient," Namjoon announced, "is none other than Park Jimin, top position in the Master's program for Music and Dance."

Taehyung's breath hitched.

Park Jimin?

His head snapped toward the entrance of the hall, and there he was—standing tall, his signature bright smile on his lips, walking confidently toward him. The entire hall fell into stunned silence as they watched the interaction unfold.

Jimin halted in front of Taehyung and grinned, his voice soft yet filled with emotions. "Hyung, I hope I didn't disappoint you."

For the first time in three years, a rare, small smile graced Taehyung’s lips. The hall buzzed with shock—Professor Kim Taehyung, the feared and ruthless figure, was smiling.

Taehyung handed Jimin his medal and certificate. "You made me proud, Jimin," he said, his voice steady despite the emotions threatening to surface. Then, in an unexpected gesture, he pulled Jimin into a brief but warm hug.

Jimin beamed. "Hyung, I want to join this university as a professor."

Taehyung quirked a brow, the corner of his lips twitching. "Start as an assistant professor under Yoongi first."

Jimin chuckled and nodded before hugging Taehyung again. He then moved to the side, waiting for the next recipient.

"The next award goes to Niki, from the Literature Department!" Namjoon announced.

Niki, with her charming smile, walked up to the stage, standing in front of Taehyung with sparkling eyes. He reached out and gently patted her head. "You did well. I'm proud of you."

She grinned. "Can I—?"

Before she could finish, Taehyung let out a rare chuckle, sending a wave of unease through the students—had they ever heard him laugh before?

"Start by working as Namjoon’s assistant professor," he said, amusement evident in his tone.

Niki jumped in excitement, giggling as she hurried toward Jimin’s side.

"Next, we have Soobin from the Arts Department!"

Soobin walked with newfound confidence, a stark contrast to his younger self. Standing before Taehyung, he called out, "Hyung."

Taehyung handed him the medal and certificate, his small smile lingering. "You’ve grown a lot, Soobin. I'm proud of you. I missed you all."

Soobin noticed the slight tremble in Taehyung’s hands. His eyes narrowed in concern. "Hyung, you are—"

But before he could say more, Taehyung suddenly pulled him into a quick, tight hug and whispered, "I’m fine."

Soobin sighed but didn’t press further, stepping aside to stand with the others.

Now, only one name remained.

Taehyung’s fingers clenched into fists, his heart pounding in anticipation. His body was almost trembling—not from fear, but from the sheer weight of the emotions he had suppressed for three years.

Namjoon took a deep breath and, with a knowing look, called out the final name.

"Kim Jungkook, top position in the Master's program for Business and Entrepreneurship."

The entire hall fell into absolute silence.

Taehyung’s breath caught in his throat as his eyes snapped toward the entrance once again.

And there he was.

The one he had waited for.

Kim Jungkook.

He looked different—so different that Taehyung found himself frozen, taking in every change. His once soft and cute facial features had sharpened, making him look more mature and dangerously handsome. His slightly longer, curled hair was tied into a loose man bun, giving him an effortlessly alluring look.

A piercing adorned his lower lip, and one of his hands, fully covered in tattoos, was casually tucked into the pocket of his loose jeans. His oversized t-shirt hung loosely over his frame, revealing glimpses of the ink decorating his arms. And despite all these changes, there was something familiar—something achingly unchanged.

That small, knowing smile on his lips.

Three years of longing, pain, and unspoken emotions surged through Taehyung as his husband—the love of his life—stood before him once more.

 

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