CHAPTER 11 TO 16 : Phoenix in his arms

Chapter Eleven: Morning Rush and Mischief

Taehyung woke up at his usual time, his body conditioned to the routine he had set for years. He got out of bed and stretched, his sharp eyes glancing at the clock. The house was still quiet, except for the faint rustling of the maids preparing breakfast downstairs. With a sigh, he ran a hand through his hair and stepped into his bathroom to freshen up.

As he exited, he glanced towards the room across from his. He knew that brat wouldn’t be up yet. Huffing, he walked over and pushed open the door, revealing a sight he was all too familiar with—Jungkook sprawled across his bed, tangled in his blankets, completely dead to the world. His face was buried in his pillow, his soft snores proof of his deep sleep.

Taehyung rolled his eyes and walked closer, shaking his shoulder roughly. “Wake up, kook. You’re going to be late again.”

Jungkook groaned and turned away, pulling the blanket over his head.

Taehyung sighed. “I’m not playing, Kook. You have five minutes. If you’re still in bed when I come back from my shower, you’re going to regret it.”

Jungkook mumbled something incoherent, making Taehyung scoff. “Your funeral,” he muttered before heading back to his room.

Twenty minutes later, freshly showered and dressed in his usual professional attire, Taehyung walked past Jungkook’s room again. His eyes narrowed when he saw no sign of movement. Pushing the door open, he was met with the same sight as before. That brat hadn’t moved an inch.

Rolling his eyes, He decided to leave him be. He had warned him. If he wanted to be late and get into trouble, that was on him. With that, he grabbed his bag and left for university.

---

A while later, Mrs. Kim entered Jungkook’s room with a sigh, already knowing what she was going to find. Shaking her head at her youngest’s sleeping form, she walked over and gently shook him awake. “Gukie, wake up, baby. You’ll be late.”

Jungkook groaned dramatically, but seeing no way out, he finally dragged himself out of bed, stumbling half-asleep towards the bathroom.

After getting ready in record time, he rushed downstairs, already panicking. His mom was waiting for him with a knowing smile, handing him a banana milkshake she had prepared in advance. “I knew you’d be in a rush.”

“Thanks, Mumma!” Jungkook grinned, grabbing the shake and sprinting towards the car.

---

By the time he arrived at the university, Taehyung was already on his way to class. Jungkook’s heart pounded as he spotted his scary professor walking down the hallway, just steps away from the lecture hall entrance.

Thinking quickly, he smirked. He had one chance.

With dramatic flair, Jungkook suddenly let out a loud thud and collapsed to the ground. His books scattered, and he groaned exaggeratedly. The students in the hallway and lecture hall turned to look, startled by the sudden commotion.

Hearing the noise, Taehyung instinctively stopped, his brows furrowing as he turned around to see what had happened.

Taking advantage of his split-second distraction, Jungkook sprang to his feet and dashed inside the lecture hall at lightning speed, sliding into a seat before Taehyung could even process what just happened.

The entire class gawked, not believing their eyes, whispering among themselves.

Taehyung, still standing outside, clenched his jaw. “That little—” he muttered under his breath, closing his eyes for a brief moment to calm himself before storming inside.

Jungkook sat up straight, pretending to be the picture of innocence, his hands neatly folded on the desk as if he had been there the entire time.

Taehyung sighed in exasperation before placing his materials on the desk. He scanned the room before his gaze landed on Jungkook, who looked a little too smug for his liking.

“Before we begin today’s lecture,” Taehyung said, his voice smooth but firm, “let’s review what we discussed in our last class. Since some of you were… late,” his eyes flickered to Jungkook, “let’s see if you actually paid attention to your studies.”

Jungkook shrank in his seat slightly, already feeling the burn of an incoming scolding. This was going to be a long class.

 

 

 

Chapter Twelve: From Lectures to Dance Floors

After barely surviving Professor Kim’s intense lecture, Jungkook dragged himself out of the classroom, rubbing his temples. The moment he stepped into the hallway, his frustration returned in full force as he heard some of his female classmates whispering and giggling about his Hyung.

“Oh my God, Professor Kim is so hot. How can someone be so cold yet so attractive?”

“I wouldn’t mind getting detention from him,” another girl swooned.

Jungkook rolled his eyes and muttered under his breath, “Thirsty girls. He’s my Hyungie, get your eyes somewhere else.”

Still grumbling, he made his way toward his next class—dance. His mood instantly lightened at the thought of moving to the rhythm and meeting up with Jimin and Soobin. As soon as he entered the dance studio, he spotted his friends already stretching near the mirrors.

“Kookie! Over here!” Jimin waved excitedly.

Jungkook grinned and jogged over, plopping down next to them. “Thank God this class exists. If I had to sit through another boring lecture, I might’ve died.”

Soobin chuckled. “Did your Hyung scold you again?”

Jungkook huffed. “Like always. And these girls? Ugh, I swear if one more of them talks about my Hyung like that, I’ll lose it.”

Jimin, who had been listening curiously, tilted his head. “Wait… who exactly are you talking about?”

Jungkook blinked before realizing Jimin had no idea. He leaned in slightly and whispered, “Taehyung Hyungie is my Hyungie. But don’t tell anyone. Only Soobin and Niki know, and now you. It’s a top secret. Hyungie told me not to tell anyone.”

Jimin’s eyes widened in shock before he quickly nodded. “I won’t tell, I promise.”

Before his friends could tease him further, their instructor entered the studio with his signature bright energy. Professor Cha Hoseok, also known as Professor Hobi, radiated enthusiasm as he clapped his hands together. “Alright, everyone! Time to get moving! No lazy bones in my class.”

Jungkook, Jimin, and Soobin exchanged amused glances. The entire university already knew about Professor Hoseok’s boundless energy, and his students had secretly nicknamed him ‘Professor Hobi’ because of how much he resembled a ball of sunshine.

“Today, we’re learning some cool hip-hop steps!” He announced excitedly, demonstrating a smooth yet powerful sequence. “Pair up, and let’s get to it!”

Jungkook was paired with Jimin, while Soobin partnered with another student. The next hour was filled with laughter, synchronized movements, and a few failed attempts that ended in playful shoving between friends. Jungkook felt the stress of the morning wash away as he let the rhythm guide him.

By the time the session ended, Jungkook was sweating but grinning ear to ear. “That was so much fun!” he cheered, wiping his face with a towel.

“I love this class already,” Jimin giggled, bouncing in excitement. “Professor Hobi is the best.”

Soobin nodded in agreement. “Yeah, no other class gives this much freedom.”

Just then, Professor Hobi clapped his hands again. “Great job, everyone! Go freshen up—lunch break starts now. And don’t forget to practice the steps for next class!”

Jungkook’s stomach grumbled loudly at the mention of lunch, making Jimin and Soobin burst into laughter. “Okay, okay, let’s go eat before you collapse from hunger,” Jimin teased, linking his arm with Jungkook’s as they made their way to the cafeteria, ready to enjoy the well-earned break.

As they settled at their usual table with trays full of food, their conversation was interrupted by Niki dramatically bowing in front of Jungkook.

“What’s with the theatrics?” Jungkook asked, raising an eyebrow.

Niki smirked. “Oh, great and mighty Jungkook, you’ve already become famous on your second day here.”

Jimin and Soobin exchanged glances before Soobin leaned in. “What did you do now?”

Jungkook blinked innocently. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Kai suddenly appeared at their table, chuckling. “Oh, I can answer that.” He took a seat, smirking at Jungkook. “Our dear Jungkook here made quite the scene in Professor Kim’s class this morning.”

Jimin perked up, intrigued. “What happened?”

Kai grinned. “Well, our little troublemaker here was running late for class. But instead of slipping in unnoticed, he pulled a stunt.”

Jungkook groaned. “It wasn’t that bad…”

“Oh, but it was,” Kai countered. “He saw Professor Kim approaching the classroom and, instead of just walking in like a normal student, he pretended to trip in the hallway. The loud noise made Professor Kim stop and turn back to check what happened, and while he was distracted, Jungkook bolted inside and took his seat before Professor could even react.”

Jimin gasped before bursting into laughter. “No way! You tricked Professor Kim?”

Niki wiped away fake tears. “A moment of silence for Professor Kim’s patience.”

Soobin shook his head in amusement. “And here I thought you were trying to be a model student.”

Jungkook pouted. “Hey, it was a survival instinct!”

The table erupted in laughter as Jungkook buried his face in his hands, already dreading the scolding he would get from Taehyung later. But for now, he enjoyed the warmth of his friends, the delicious food, and the feeling of truly being part of something special at Phoenix Ridge University.

 

Chapter Thirteen: A Horrifying Encounter with Professor Jenny

Jungkook had been having great days so far. He managed to be on time in Professor Kim's class, knowing better than to test his patience. Dance class had lifted his mood after every stressful lecture of business and entrepreneurship, lunch with his friends had been filled with laughter, and despite Kai’s teasing about that morning incident and other disasters caused by his clumsiness, he was still feeling lighthearted.

That was until he turned a corner and came face-to-face with his worst nightmare—Professor Kim Jenny.

She stood in the middle of the hallway like a queen overseeing her kingdom, her arms crossed over her chest, her sharp eyes scanning the students like a predator looking for prey. Her best friends, Professors Lis and Rosaé, stood beside her, smirking as if they had just cornered an unsuspecting rabbit.

Jungkook gulped. He had heard the horror stories. Every student at Phoenix Ridge University knew that Professor Jenny was deeply obsessed with Professor Taehyung. The lengths she had gone to to gain his attention were borderline terrifying, from decorating her entire office in his pictures to conveniently showing up wherever he was, even outside of work hours.

He quickly turned to escape, but before he could take another step, her sharp voice called out, "Kim Jungkook!"

He flinched, mentally cursing his bad luck before slowly turning back around. "Yes, Professor Jenny?"

She smiled, but it wasn’t a kind smile. It was the kind that made his skin crawl. "I’ve been meaning to speak with you."

Lis and Rosaé exchanged knowing looks before stepping back, leaving Jenny to close the distance between them. Jungkook forced himself to stand straight, trying not to show any signs of nervousness.

"You’re Professor Kim Taehyung’s student, aren’t you?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.

Jungkook hesitated. "Uh, yes, ma’am. I’m a first-year business student."

Jenny’s eyes narrowed slightly, scanning him from head to toe. "You seem… close to him. I heard what you did this morning. Isn't it odd that he let you go?"

Cold sweat trickled down the back of Jungkook’s neck. Did she suspect something? Did she somehow know he is Taehyung’s hu—?

"Not really," he answered carefully. "He’s just my professor."

Jenny hummed, taking a step closer. "Good. Because I would hate to hear that someone was trying to get special treatment from my Taehyung. He doesn't like immature little boys getting in his way."

Jungkook clenched his fists but forced a smile. "Of course, Professor. I wouldn’t dream of it."

She held his gaze for a few more seconds before finally stepping back. "Good. Now run along, little student."

Jungkook didn’t need to be told twice. He quickly turned and walked away, resisting the urge to sprint. His heart was pounding in his chest as he made his way back to his friends, barely able to believe he had survived that encounter.

As soon as he sat down at their table, panting slightly, Jimin looked at him with concern. "Kookie, what happened? You look like you saw a ghost."

"Worse," Jungkook muttered, gulping down his drink. "I ran into Professor Jenny."

Soobin gasped. "No way. Did she say something to you?"

Jungkook nodded. "Yeah… and I think she’s keeping an eye on me."

Niki rolled her eyes. "Ugh, that woman is insane. She acts like she owns Professor Taehyung."

Kai, who had been listening, smirked. "Well, she’ll have a hard time if she ever finds out how you feel about him, Jungkook."

Jungkook choked on his drink, his face heating up. "Shut up, Kai!"

His friends laughed, but deep down, Jungkook knew that this was no joke. If Jenny ever found out the truth about him and Taehyung… things could get very dangerous.

Meanwhile, Kai observed Jungkook, suppressing his frustration. He had guessed from their conversation that Jungkook liked Professor Kim, and though it had irritated him at first, he decided to keep quiet. If Jungkook truly admired Professor Kim that much, perhaps Kai could use that admiration to his advantage. Smirking to himself, he leaned back in his chair, watching the unsuspecting boy with a glint of mischief in his eyes.

Jungkook went to grab another banana smoothie from the cafeteria. He turned too quickly, his own feet betraying him as he tripped over them. The next thing he knew, the entire smoothie was flying through the air—straight onto Professor Jenny’s pristine dress.

A chilling silence settled over the cafeteria. Jungkook's heart stopped as he stared in horror at the pinkish stain dripping down the professor's expensive outfit. His friends froze, their eyes widening, while other students gasped, clearly terrified for him.

Professor Jenny, who had just walked into the cafeteria with Lisa, and Rosé, let out a sharp, deadly exhale. Her jaw clenched, her hands curled into fists, and her eyes, filled with fury, locked onto Jungkook like a predator about to devour its prey.

Jungkook gulped. "P-Professor Jenny… I—I am so sorry!" he stammered, already stepping back.

Her voice came out low and venomous. "Kim. Jungkook. Do you have any idea what you've just done?"

Lis and Rosaé bit their lips to hold back laughter, clearly enjoying the situation more than they should.

"It was an accident! I swear!" Jungkook flailed his arms dramatically, hoping to convince her of his innocence.

Jenny inhaled sharply through her nose, looking at the smoothie dripping onto her shoes. "An accident? You dare ruin my dress and say it was an accident?! Do you even realize how expensive this is?!"

Jungkook flinched, nodding rapidly. "Yes, yes! I know, and I'm so, so sorry! I—I can pay for the cleaning!" His voice cracked, and his friends watched in amusement, not knowing what to do at all, Suddenly Niki remembered something and silently left from there.

Jenny took a step closer, causing Jungkook to instinctively take one back.

 

Chapter Fourteen: Taehyung’s Intervenes

Niki sprinted through the corridors of Phoenix Ridge University, her heart racing as she neared Professor Kim’s office. She didn’t even pause to catch her breath before knocking urgently.

“Enter,” came the cold, steady voice from within.

Pushing the door open, Niki stepped inside and was immediately met with Professor Kim’s sharp gaze. He was seated behind his pristine desk, sifting through documents, but at the sight of her, he arched an eyebrow.

“Professor Kim,” she began, panting slightly, “you need to come to the cafeteria right now. It’s Jungkook—there was an incident.”

Taehyung’s hand paused over the papers. His body tensed, and his piercing eyes darkened. “What happened?” His voice was low but laced with authority.

Niki quickly explained the accident, detailing how Jungkook had tripped and spilled his smoothie all over Professor Jenny, who was now tearing into him mercilessly in front of the entire cafeteria. At the mention of Jenny’s involvement, his’s jaw tightened, but then he took a deep breath and straightened up.

“I see,” he said, voice emotionless. “Call the discipline in-charge. Not me.”

Niki hesitated before taking a bold step forward. “Professor, I know you and Jungkook are family.”

Taehyung’s sharp eyes snapped toward her, his expression unreadable.

“I’ve known Jungkook since childhood,” she explained.

Silence filled the room. Then, without a word, He stood, walked over to his document shelf, and pulled out a file. His movements were precise and calculated, and Niki watched in awe as he strode past her toward the door.

“Go call the discipline in-charge,” he instructed, his voice cool yet commanding.

Niki, still stunned, could only nod as she turned to run in the opposite direction.

As Taehyung made his way to the cafeteria, he stopped a passing student. “Where is Professor rosé?” he asked.

The student, startled by his presence, quickly answered, “She’s in the cafeteria, sir.”

Without another word, Taehyung proceeded toward his destination, leaving the student gaping after him. Meanwhile, Niki, watching him go, mumbled under her breath, “He’s so smart.”

---

The moment Taehyung stepped into the cafeteria, his eyes immediately found Jungkook who was leaning against Jimin for support, his eyes brimming with unshed tears. His right ankle was swollen, and he looked like he was barely holding himself together. Yet, despite his obvious pain, Professor Jenny was still shouting at him in front of everyone.

Taehyung’s eyes darkened with rage.

He didn’t care that all eyes were on him. He didn’t care about maintaining his usual composed demeanor. The only thing that mattered in that moment was the sight of Jungkook, vulnerable and in pain, while Jenny continued her merciless berating. Even the surrounding students, who usually feared Jenny’s wrath, were quietly murmuring in sympathy for Jungkook.

Taking a deep breath, Taehyung walked forward with an air of authority that made the entire room go silent. The students quickly parted, creating a clear path between him and the chaotic scene at the center.

“Professor Jenny,” he called, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable edge of warning.

Jenny froze mid-sentence, turning sharply to face him. The moment she met Taehyung’s icy gaze, her expression faltered for a fraction of a second before she straightened her posture and forced a smile.

“Professor Kim,” she said, voice suddenly softer. “I was just handling an issue—”

“By shouting at an injured student?” Taehyung cut her off, his voice steady, controlled, but filled with unspoken authority.

Jenny’s lips parted slightly, momentarily taken aback.

“I believe the discipline in-charge is responsible for handling student matters,” he continued. “Not you.”

The cafeteria was dead silent now. The students held their breath, waiting for Jenny’s response.

Jenny, now visibly flustered, clenched her fists. “But he—”

“Enough.” Taehyung’s voice, though not loud, was absolute. “Jungkook is injured. That should be the priority right now, not your ruined dress.”

Jungkook blinked in shock, staring at his now professor. He had expected Taehyung to ignore the situation or scold him for his clumsiness, but here he was, standing up for him.

Jenny’s face turned red with frustration. She opened her mouth to argue, but at that moment, the discipline in-charge, Yang Jisoo, entered the cafeteria, looking around for the source of the commotion.

Taehyung turned to her. “Miss Jisoo, I believe this matter falls under your jurisdiction.”

Professor Jisoo assessed the situation quickly. She glanced at Jungkook’s swollen ankle, Jenny’s stained dress, and the surrounding students before nodding. “Indeed, it does. Professor Jenny, I’ll take it from here.”

Jenny’s face twisted in anger, but she knew she had no choice but to comply. With one last glare at Jungkook, she huffed and stormed out of the cafeteria, her two friends following behind her.

The moment she left, the tension in the room dissipated. The students started whispering amongst themselves, and Jungkook finally let out a breath he didn’t realize he had been holding.

Taehyung stepped closer to him, his expression unreadable. “Can you walk?”

Jungkook, still stunned, mumbled, “Uh… kinda?”

Without another word, Taehyung crouched down and, much to everyone’s shock, scooped Jungkook up into his arms effortlessly. Gasps filled the cafeteria as the infamous Professor Kim Taehyung carried a student—the one who tricked him once—out of the room.

Jungkook’s face burned in embarrassment. “Hyung! Put me down!” he whispered harshly.

“Shut up,” Taehyung muttered. “You’re injured.”

Jimin, Soobin, Niki, and Kai watched them leave, completely dumbfounded.

“Well,” Niki breathed, breaking the stunned silence, “that was unexpected.”

Jimin grinned. “I think it was kind of sweet.”

Kai, however, simply watched, his eyes narrowing slightly. He had suspected something about Jungkook’s feelings, but thought it was one-sided, but now? Now, he knew something was being kept from them.

And he wasn’t going to let it go. 

Jungkook was his from the day he saw him.

He can't let him slip out of his reach.

 

 

Chapter Fifteen: Whispers Across the University

The entire university was buzzing with gossip. The incident in the cafeteria had left students in shock, and whispers spread through every hallway, classroom, and dormitory. It was not just about Jungkook accidentally spilling his smoothie on Professor Jenny—no, the real reason everyone was talking was because of what happened afterward.

Professor Kim, the cold, composed, and seemingly indifferent head of the Business and Entrepreneurship Department, had personally carried Jungkook to the medical room.

Some found it adorable. "Did you see the way Professor Kim just picked him up like he weighed nothing? That was straight out of a drama!"

Others were envious. "I wish I could sprain my ankle if it meant being carried in those arms. Jungkook is so lucky!"

A few recalled past incidents. "Remember that time a girl got hurt in sports class? Professor wrapped his handkerchief around her wound, but he never carried her. This is different. This means something."

Then there were the skeptical ones. "Don’t you think it’s suspicious? Why would someone as strict as Professor Taehyung do that for a first-year student? There must be something going on between them."

Despite the theories flying around, one thing was certain—this was the most talked-about event at Phoenix Ridge University in a long time.

---

Meanwhile, in the principal’s office, Namjoon sighed as he leaned back in his chair. He had just finished listening to multiple faculty members voice their concerns about the situation. Though he trusted Taehyung completely, the rumors had gotten out of control. If they didn’t handle this properly, it could damage his reputation as a professor.

He glanced up as entered the office, his expression unreadable as always.

"You wanted to see me?" Taehyung asked, standing with his arms crossed.

Namjoon nodded. "Sit."

Taehyung complied, his sharp eyes watching Namjoon as he spoke. "The university is in chaos because of what happened today. Students are gossiping, and some faculty members are concerned about how this might affect your image. We need to clear things up before the situation gets out of hand."

Taehyung exhaled slowly, rubbing his temples. "And what exactly do they want me to do? Let a student suffer while a professor was busy humiliating him instead of helping?"

Namjoon leaned forward. "I understand why you did it. You saw Jungkook in pain, and you acted. But Taehyung, this isn’t about what we know. It’s about perception. People are starting to question why you reacted the way you did. Some think you’re showing favoritism. Others suspect something even bigger."

Taehyung’s jaw tightened. "And what do you want me to say? That I should have let him struggle? He was injured, Namjoon. I wasn’t going to stand there and watch."

Namjoon sighed. "I know. And I appreciate that. But for the sake of your position, we need to address this carefully. Maybe we can frame it as a simple act of responsibility as a professor? We need to make sure no unnecessary rumors damage your reputation."

Taehyung remained silent for a moment, deep in thought. Then, with a slow nod, he said, "Call all students and faculty to the campus ground. I’ll take care of this."

Namjoon raised an eyebrow but nodded, trusting Taehyung’s judgment. "Alright. I’ll arrange it. Just… be careful with what you say."

Taehyung stood up, his face as unreadable as ever. "I always am."

As he left the office, determination burned in his eyes. He wasn’t going to let these rumors spiral out of control. If the university wanted an explanation, he would give them one—but on his own terms.

 

Chapter Sixteen: A Lesson in Integrity

The announcement had spread across Phoenix Ridge University like wildfire—every student and faculty member was required to gather in the main campus ground. The reason? Professor Kim had something to say.

A hush fell over the crowd as Taehyung strode onto the elevated platform, his sharp gaze sweeping over the sea of students and faculty before him. Dressed in his usual crisp, dark suit, he carried an air of authority that made even the most confident students shrink under his gaze. The murmurs and whispers that had filled the air moments ago faded into silence.

He let the quiet stretch for a moment, letting them stew in anticipation before he finally spoke, his deep voice echoing through the space.

"In the past few hours, I have heard more rumors than I care to count," he began, his tone cold and unwavering. "It seems that Phoenix Ridge University—a place known for its excellence, discipline, and pursuit of knowledge—has turned into nothing more than a breeding ground for baseless gossip."

A few students looked away in shame. Others shuffled uncomfortably under his piercing gaze.

"Tell me," Taehyung continued, crossing his arms, "what exactly did I do to warrant such an uproar? Did I abandon my responsibilities? Did I act unethically? Did I harm anyone?" His tone grew sharper with each question, the weight of his words pressing down on the audience.

Silence.

"No," he answered his own question, his eyes narrowing. "I did what any decent human being—what any responsible professor—would do. I saw a student injured and I helped him. That is all."

He let his words settle before stepping forward, his presence overwhelming. "Yet, instead of focusing on your studies, instead of showing the basic decency expected of students in this institution, many of you chose to turn this into a spectacle. You twisted a simple act of concern into something scandalous, spreading whispers like wildfire, making assumptions without a shred of truth."

A few gasps could be heard in the crowd. Students exchanged guilty glances, while some of the faculty members looked down, avoiding his gaze.

"And let me ask you this," Taehyung went on, his voice laced with ice, "if it were any of you in that situation—if you were the one injured, in pain, unable to stand—would you have preferred that I simply walked away? That I let you suffer in front of an audience that did nothing but watch and whisper?"

No one dared to answer. The weight of their own actions was beginning to settle on their shoulders.

"If anyone here still believes that showing basic humanity is a crime, then perhaps you are in the wrong institution," he declared. "Phoenix Ridge University does not foster mediocrity, and it certainly does not encourage baseless rumors that demean the integrity of its faculty or students."

His eyes scanned the crowd one final time, locking onto each face as if daring them to contradict him. "If I hear even a whisper about this nonsense again, I will personally ensure that the consequences are severe. Let this be the first and last time I have to waste my time addressing something so ridiculous."

A cold shiver ran through the students. No one had ever seen Professor Kim this furious before. The silence that followed was deafening.

Taehyung took a step back, his expression unreadable. "Dismissed."

As the students and faculty slowly dispersed, the air was thick with the weight of his words. No one dared to speak. The gossip that had once run rampant had been crushed in an instant, leaving only shame and guilt in its wake.

---

Meanwhile, in the medical room, Soobin sat beside Jungkook, barely able to contain his excitement. "Jungkook, you should've seen it! Professor shut them all up in one go! The way he spoke, the way he looked at them—ugh, it was legendary!"

Jungkook, still resting his ankle, rolled his eyes. "You’ve been talking non-stop about it for ten minutes, Soobin. I get it."

"No, you don’t! I swear, I think I have a crush on him now! He’s so—"

Jungkook shot him a glare, cutting him off. "Stay. Away. From. My. Hyung."

Soobin blinked, then smirked. "Aww, kookie, are you jealous? After all, one day he will get himself a partner."

Jungkook huffed, crossing his arms. "Just don’t get any ideas. Hyung doesn’t have time for distractions like you."

Soobin pouted dramatically but couldn’t hide his amusement. "Fine, fine. But you can’t stop me from admiring him from afar."

Jimin, who had been quietly observing, chuckled. "You’re really possessive of Professor Kim, huh?"

Jungkook shrugged. "He’s my hyung, of course I am."

Niki, who had just entered the room, raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, yeah. You keep calling him ‘Hyung’ but never actually tell us how you two are related. Are you blood-related, adopted, cousins, neighbours, or just close?"

Jungkook simply grinned, taking a sip of his banana milk. "That, my dear friends, is a top-secret matter."

Niki groaned. "Ugh, you’re impossible."

Soobin and Jimin exchanged amused looks. They had all assumed Jungkook and Taehyung were brothers, but with how possessive Jungkook was acting, they couldn’t help but wonder if there was more to the story.

Only if they knew.

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