Chapter Seventy-three "Phoenix in His Arms"
The Aftermath
The next morning, Jungkook regretted
everything.
As soon as he tried to sit up in bed, a sharp
sting shot up from his lower half, making him wince. His face contorted into a
pout as he turned his head, glaring at the culprit responsible for his current
predicament. Taehyung, who was still half-asleep beside him, smirked without
even opening his eyes.
“I told you I’d teach you a lesson, didn’t I?”
Taehyung’s voice was deep and smug, laced with satisfaction.
Jungkook grumbled under his breath, throwing a
pillow at Taehyung’s face before carefully standing up, rubbing his sore
behind. He could already tell that today was going to be hell, especially with
his friends around.
As expected, the moment Jungkook entered the
cafeteria, he was met with knowing smirks and mischievous glances from his
friends. He barely managed to sit down, flinching visibly as he lowered himself
onto the chair. A chorus of snickers erupted around the table.
“Jungkookie, you okay there?” Jimin asked,
feigning innocence, though the sparkle in his eyes betrayed him.
Niki bit her lip to suppress her laughter.
“You look like you fought in a war last night.”
Soobin leaned closer, whispering teasingly,
“Or should we say… you lost the battle?”
Jungkook groaned, covering his face with his
hands. “You guys are the worst.”
Professor Hoseok, who surprisingly joined them
today, maybe for some good tea, grinned, patting Jungkook’s shoulder
sympathetically. “That’s what happens when you mess with Professor Kim.”
Jungkook shot him a glare. “Not helping,
hyung.”
Between their teasing and exaggerated
sympathy, Jungkook somehow managed to eat his breakfast, though he avoided
shifting too much in his seat. His friends, however, weren’t done with their
mischief just yet.
Determined to clear up the misunderstanding
with the girl who had confessed, they had spent the entire morning tracking her
down. Finally, after asking around, they found her sitting near the library,
flipping through a book with a dreamy expression.
Jimin, taking the lead, approached her with
his signature charming smile. “Excuse me, are you the one who left a confession
letter for Jungkook?”
The girl’s eyes widened in shock, her face
turning a shade of pink. “Y-Yes…?”
Jungkook, standing awkwardly behind his
friends, rubbed the back of his neck. “Uh… about that. I—”
Soobin quickly cut in. “It was all a
misunderstanding. Jungkook didn’t actually accept your confession. Someone must
have twisted the story before it spread around.”
The girl blinked, clearly confused. “But… he
ate the chocolate.”
Niki sighed dramatically, shaking her head.
“He’s an idiot, that’s why.”
“Hey!” Jungkook protested, but Jimin patted
his head like a child before turning back to the girl.
“We’re really sorry for the false hope.
Jungkook didn’t mean to mislead you,” Jimin said sincerely.
The girl looked at Jungkook for a moment
before letting out a small sigh, then smiled. “I understand. It’s okay. I kind
of figured something was wrong when I heard the rumors.”
Jungkook let out a breath of relief. “Thank
you for understanding.”
She nodded before standing up. “It’s
embarrassing, but… thanks for telling me in person. I hope we can still be
friends.”
Jungkook gave her a small smile. “Of course.”
With that, the issue was finally resolved. The
girl walked away, and Jungkook slumped against the nearest wall.
“That was exhausting.”
Jimin nudged him playfully. “Well, at least
you won’t be getting any more love confessions anytime soon.”
Jungkook groaned. “I better not.”
Soobin and Niki exchanged glances before
laughing. “Oh, Jungkook, you have no idea what’s coming next.”
Later that day, an even wilder rumor spread
across campus. This time, it was more ridiculous than the last.
Whispers filled the halls. Kim Jungkook
searched for the mysterious girl all morning and, as soon as he found her in
the library, kissed her right away! Even when she refused, he kept insisting!
He tried to force himself on her! And after she pushed him away, he cursed her,
calling her a two-faced snake!
Jungkook nearly choked on air when he heard
it.
“WHAT?!” His voice rang through the hallway,
startling a few students.
Jimin facepalmed. “Okay, this is getting out
of hand.”
Soobin crossed his arms. “Who even starts
these rumors?!”
Niki frowned. “First, you ‘accepted’ her
confession. Now you assaulted her? Who the hell is trying to ruin your
life, Jungkook?!”
Jungkook clenched his fists. “That’s it. I
need to find out who the hell is spreading this bullshit.”
But before he could take a step, a familiar
deep voice echoed from behind.
“Jungkook.”
The entire group turned to see Taehyung
standing a few feet away, his eyes dark and unreadable.
Jungkook gulped. Oh, shit.
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