Chapter Sixty-nine "Phoenix in His Arms"

 

The Announcement

The cafeteria buzzed with excitement as Jungkook and his friends sat together, waiting for the moment they had all been anticipating—the announcement of their first-year exam results. The tension was thick in the air, yet laughter and casual conversations filled the space as they tried to distract themselves from the growing anxiety.

Jimin was fiddling with his fingers, Soobin kept checking his watch, and Niki was munching on snacks as if her life depended on it.

“You guys nervous?” Jungkook asked, tilting his head.

“Duh! It’s our first university results! Who wouldn’t be?” Jimin huffed, making Soobin nod in agreement.

“Yeah, but we worked hard. Whatever happens, happens,” Niki added, trying to act cool but failing miserably.

Before anyone could say more, an announcement echoed through the cafeteria speakers.

“All students, please proceed to the Announcement Hall for the official declaration of first-year results.”

The group exchanged glances, took deep breaths, and stood up. With determined steps, they made their way to the hall, where a large crowd had already gathered. Excitement, nervousness, and anticipation filled the atmosphere as they took their seats, waiting for the moment that would decide their academic standing.

The announcement ceremony began, and soon, the top ten students of each department were being revealed one by one.

First came the results for the Music and Dance Department. “In first place for the Music Department, with the highest score, is Park Jimin!”

Jimin gasped in shock before his face broke into a wide smile. Soobin and Niki cheered loudly as Jimin stepped forward to receive his recognition.

Next, the Arts Department. “The highest scorer this year is Choi Soobin!”

Soobin nearly fell off his chair in disbelief. “No way!” he exclaimed, earning a proud pat on the back from his friends before walking to the front with a beaming grin.

For the Performing Literature Department, “And the top scorer is Kim Niki!”

Niki jumped up, a victorious smirk on her face as she strutted to receive her acknowledgment.

Cheers erupted around them, and Jungkook clapped proudly for his friends. Their happiness was contagious, and the moment felt perfect. However, his own department—Business—had yet to be announced.

As the announcer moved on to the Business and Entrepreneurship Department, silence overtook the room. The names from the tenth to the second rank were called, and each student went forward to collect their certificates.

Finally, the most anticipated moment arrived.

“And the student who topped the Business Department, achieving the highest marks in the entire batch, is none other than… Kim Jungkook!”

A wave of applause filled the room as Jungkook, surprised but proud, stood up. His signature bunny smile adorned his face as he bowed respectfully before walking to the podium to receive his recognition.

However, just as he accepted his results, low murmurs began spreading through the hall.

“He must have seen the question paper beforehand.”

“Look at that! All his friends topped their branches as well.”

“This seems fishy.”

“Professor Kim probably helped him since they’re brothers.”

“Maybe it’s possible…”

“This is unfair.”

“This is cheating!”

“It’s all fake.”

Jungkook’s smile faltered. His hands clenched the certificate tightly as whispers and accusations echoed around him. He lowered his gaze, his moment of triumph tainted by doubt and jealousy from those around him.

Before he could react, a loud sound interrupted the murmuring.

Thud!

Professor Kim Taehyung, who had been seated among the faculty, stood up abruptly. His sharp eyes scanned the crowd, his jaw clenched in evident anger. He took confident strides toward the podium, his aura demanding silence. The entire hall fell into an eerie hush as he picked up the microphone.

“Aren’t you all tired of doing this again and again?” Taehyung’s voice was cold, laced with irritation and authority.

Jungkook looked up at his Taehyungie Hyungie, surprised by his sudden intervention.

Taehyung’s eyes darkened. “You all are not doubting Jungkook but me. You are questioning my sincerity and my character by saying all this. But like every time, I will clear your doubts.” He took a deep breath before turning toward Jungkook.

“Kim Jungkook, come forward.”

The students stared at Taehyung in a mix of fear and curiosity, unsure of what was about to come next.

“I will request the faculties of Business and the top 10 performers to come forward and test Jungkook here, in front of everyone. Ask him anything that was taught during their first-year batch. No need to go even a bit easy on him."

" And if Jungkook does not perform well, I myself will remove him from his top position.”

A gasp rippled through the crowd at Taehyung’s bold declaration. Professors stepped forward, one by one, and started questioning Jungkook.

The interrogation began with theoretical concepts, case studies, and even practical applications. But Jungkook, with full confidence, answered each and every question without hesitation.

His voice was steady, his knowledge impeccable. Time passed, and despite the countless attempts to find a flaw, there was none.

After a while, the professors stepped back, running out of questions. Silence filled the hall. Then, Taehyung turned to the students.

“Now, if any of you still have doubts, you are free to come forward and test him yourselves. What if I paid these professors to go easy on him?” Taehyung mocked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Silence.

No one dared to step forward.

A small smirk formed on Taehyung’s lips. “Kim Jungkook, go back to your place.”

Jungkook nodded, returning to his seat with his head held high.

Taehyung’s sharp gaze then turned toward Jimin, Soobin, and Niki. “Kim Niki, Park Jimin, Choi Soobin, come forward.”

The three of them stepped up confidently, ready to prove themselves just like Jungkook.

But before Taehyung could even instruct their professors to proceed, Principal Kim Namjoon intervened.

“That is enough, Professor Kim. There is no need to continue,” Namjoon stated firmly, his authoritative presence settling the restless crowd.

Taehyung sighed, but his expression was unreadable. He stepped back from the podium, but before leaving, he added, “Never in my whole career as a professor has anyone questioned my sincerity toward my students, my profession, or this university. I am disappointed with you all.”

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving a stunned silence in his wake.

Jungkook let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding, his heart swelling with gratitude for his Hyung.

No matter what, Taehyung would always have his back.

https://novelreadingislife.blogspot.com/2025/03/chapter-seventy.html