Chapter Sixty "Phoenix in His Arms"

 

The Giggles and the Glazed Eyes

The party was still in full swing, the music loud, the energy electric. Laughter and cheers filled the air as students continued dancing, talking, and enjoying the night. The earlier tension caused by Professor Jenny’s proposal had faded, replaced by an atmosphere of celebration.

Jimin, however, couldn’t focus on any of it.

His eyes were fixed on two people sitting at their usual table—Jungkook and Niki. And something was seriously wrong.

Both of them were giggling non-stop, their shoulders shaking as they leaned into each other. Their faces were flushed, their eyes slightly dazed, and the way they were slumped in their chairs looked anything but normal.

Jimin frowned, stepping closer.

"Jungkook," he called out, watching for a reaction.

Jungkook's head snapped up instantly, his pupils slightly blown as he looked at Jimin. For a second, there was complete silence between them.

Then, Jungkook let out a loud gasp.

"Hyung!" he cried, like he’d just discovered Jimin’s existence. Then, without warning, he burst into hysterical laughter, gripping Niki’s arm as if it was the funniest thing in the world.

Jimin’s frown deepened.

"What the hell is so funny?"

Niki, still half-laying on Jungkook’s shoulder, lazily pointed toward the chandeliers hanging above them. "Hyung, look," she whispered dramatically. "The lights... they’re dancing."

Jimin followed her gaze.

The chandeliers were very much still.

Jungkook nodded aggressively, his expression filled with wonder. "She’s right!" he whispered excitedly. "They’re totally vibing with the music. Who knew lights could dance?!"

Jimin froze.

Something was wrong.

Very, very wrong.

His gaze flickered toward their drinks. "Jungkook, what did you drink?"

Jungkook blinked at him, thinking hard before his lips curled into a goofy smile. "Just my banana smoothie."

Then, his expression changed. His eyes widened like he had just realized something incredibly important.

"Hyung!" he gasped, gripping Jimin’s arms tightly. "Did you know... bananas are technically berries?!"

Jimin stared at him, horrified.

At that moment, Soobin walked up, amusement flickering across his face as he took in the sight of the two giggling messes. "Okay, what the hell is up with them?"

Jimin’s jaw tightened.

"Niki," he turned to the younger girl, keeping his voice calm, "what did you drink?"

Niki blinked lazily, tilting her head. "Oh... the banana smoothie Jungkook was supposed to drink," she answered. "It was sooo good, I finished it in one go."

Jimin felt his stomach drop.

"So you took Jungkook’s drink," he confirmed.

"Yup!" Niki nodded. "But then Kai got him another one, so it’s all good!"

The moment her words left her mouth, a dangerous silence settled between them.

Jimin’s blood ran cold.

Kai.

His head snapped up, scanning the crowd. He spotted Kai standing near the drinks table, casually chatting with some students. But something about his stance—the smirk playing on his lips—sent alarm bells ringing in Jimin’s mind.

Soobin, standing beside him, seemed to have put the pieces together as well.

"Hyung," Soobin muttered under his breath, his usual playful tone gone. "You don’t think—"

"I do," Jimin cut him off, his voice dead serious.

Jungkook and Niki weren’t drunk.

They were drugged.

Before Jimin could stop her, Niki suddenly jumped up from her chair, grabbing Jungkook’s hand.

"WAIT—NIKI, WHERE ARE YOU GOING?!" Jimin yelled, trying to reach for her.

But it was too late.

Niki dragged Jungkook with her, weaving through the crowd at full speed, until they both climbed onto the podium where Professor Jenny had been hosting the game. The music faded as people turned their attention toward them, curious about what was happening.

Jimin felt his soul leave his body when Niki snatched the microphone.

"PROFESSOR HOBIEEEEEEEEEE!!!"

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