CHAPTER 33 TO 40 : Phoenix in his arms

 

Chapter Thirty-Three: The Trial Begins

Taehyung sat in his grand office chair, fingers interlocked as he leaned slightly forward, his piercing gaze locked onto Jungkook. His expression was calm—too calm—but the weight of his stare was enough to make the younger boy shift uncomfortably. If looks could kill, Jungkook would’ve been six feet under by now.

Jungkook and his friends stood stiffly in the middle of the room, heads bowed low like children caught red-handed. The atmosphere was suffocating, heavy with unspoken words and impending doom.

On the nearby sofa, Mr. and Mrs. Kim lounged comfortably, a bowl of popcorn nestled between them. Unlike the trembling students, they were enjoying the spectacle unfolding before them.

A full five minutes passed in utter silence, the tension so thick that it could be cut with a knife. Taehyung remained motionless, his eyes burning into Jungkook’s very soul, while the younger tried his best to not break under the pressure.

Finally, unable to hold back any longer, Mrs. Kim stuffed a handful of popcorn into her mouth and mumbled, "This is too much suspense."

Her husband, equally entertained, nodded. "Right, honey. It’s like watching a live courtroom drama."

Jungkook clenched his jaw, daring to sneak a glance at his hyung, but immediately regretted it when he saw the way his professor's eyebrow twitched in irritation.

Oh, they were so dead.

Niki nudged Jungkook subtly, whispering, "Say something before he actually explodes."

Jungkook gulped, attempting to clear his throat. "Uh... Hyungie?"

That was a mistake.

Taehyung’s jaw visibly tightened, his fingers drumming slowly against the desk. "Excuse me?"

Jungkook instantly backtracked. "I mean—Professor Kim."

Mrs. Kim giggled behind her hand. "Oh dear, I think our son’s in deep trouble."

"Indeed, honey. I haven’t seen Taehyung this serious since the time Jungkook accidentally crashed his expensive sports car into the pond."

Jungkook sighed dramatically, dragging a hand down his face. "Can we please not bring that up?"

"Oh, but we must, darling. It’s character development." Mrs. Kim grinned.

Taehyung finally exhaled through his nose, pinching the bridge of it as if trying to summon patience. "Enough." His voice was dangerously low. "Explain. Now."

Jungkook took a deep breath, preparing for what would undoubtedly be the hardest trial of his life.

Trying his best to stay composed, he began explaining everything—how they had orchestrated the prank, how they had assumed Professor Jenny would simply yell at them and move on, and how they never expected her to escalate the matter to the principal. As he spoke, Mr. and Mrs. Kim chimed in with their own commentary, sometimes laughing, sometimes gasping, fully enjoying the drama while munching on their popcorn.

Niki, Jimin and Soobin shared their parts as well, laughing in between, completely forgetting about the devil sitting right in front of them.

Jungkook dramatically gestured with his hands. "And then, boom! The paint exploded all over her! And the feathers—oh my God, the feathers—so majestic! She looked like a cursed pigeon!"

Mr. Kim nearly choked on his popcorn from laughing. "A cursed pigeon? Now that’s a sight I wish I had seen."

Mrs. Kim wiped tears from her eyes. "Oh dear, my stomach hurts! This is gold."

Jungkook’s friends, caught up in the hilarity of the moment, howled in laughter, adding their own sound effects and imitations of Professor Jenny’s horrified reaction.

The relaxed atmosphere lulled them into a false sense of security—until a loud clap from Taehyung’s desk made them all jolt in fear.

The room fell dead silent again.

Taehyung leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "Are you all done? Had your fun?"

Jungkook swallowed hard, exchanging nervous glances with his friends.

"Good," Taehyung continued, his voice chillingly calm. "Now let’s talk about your punishment."

Jungkook hesitated before adding, "But, hy—Professor Kim, I swear, I didn’t expect to escape the footage. We were sure it caught everything, but suddenly there was nothing."

Mrs. Kim smirked knowingly, throwing a glance at Taehyung before saying, "Oh, my dear son, it was the hero who ran without breakfast to save his university from a bratty bunny."

Jungkook’s jaw dropped as realization dawned upon him, while his friends mumbled in agreement, whispering that they had guessed it might be him. Meanwhile, Taehyung simply crossed his arms, his smirk barely hidden.

Mr. Kim popped another handful of popcorn into his mouth, whispering to his wife, "This is getting even better."

Jungkook groaned inwardly. He knew one thing for sure—this was going to be a very, very long night.

 

 

Chapter Thirty-Four: The Punishment

Taehyung leaned back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest as he observed the guilty group standing before him. Jungkook and his friends stood like children awaiting their verdict, their nervousness filling the room.

The silence stretched before Taehyung finally spoke, his voice firm and unyielding. "First, as a punishment, all of you will write a full reflection on your actions and their consequences. If you don’t submit it, you won’t get dinner."

A collective groan echoed through the room, but Taehyung was far from done.

"Second, detention for two hours every day for a whole week. You’ll report to me after classes and sit in silence. No talking, no distractions, just you and your guilty consciences."

Jungkook’s face fell, but before he could protest, Taehyung continued,

"Third, fifty push-ups every morning before school. Say goodbye to your extra sleep. If I don’t see proof that you’ve done them, the count will double."

Soobin gasped dramatically. "Professor Kim, please, no! I’ll die!"

"Then make sure you survive," Taehyung replied coldly, before dropping the final blow. "And last, ask your parents for permission to stay here for the week. You’ll bring your stuff tomorrow."

Before Taehyung could continue, Jungkook let out a loud wail and launched himself at his Professor/ meanie Hyungie/ heartless Hyungie, clinging onto him like a koala. "Noooooo! Hyung, please! No more! I’ll be good! I promise!"

Taehyung stiffened at the sudden attack, trying to pry the boy off, but Jungkook clung tighter, now dramatically crying into his shoulder. "Please, no more punishment! My legs are weak! My heart is fragile! I’m just a baby!"

Taehyung rolled his eyes but remained unfazed. "You should’ve thought about that before pulling such a reckless prank."

Jungkook pulled back slightly, his big doe eyes welling up with tears, his lips wobbling in a pitiful pout. "Pretty please, Hyungie?" His voice was small, trembling, and drenched in fake innocence.

Before Taehyung could react, Jimin, Niki, and Soobin followed suit, widening their eyes and pouting like kicked puppies, their faces practically screaming innocence and desperation.

Taehyung froze, his eye twitching as he tried to resist the unbearable cuteness assaulting him. The room fell into silence, everyone watching with bated breath.

Mrs. Kim giggled. "Oh dear, he pulled out the big guns."

Mr. Kim popped another popcorn into his mouth. "I’d like to see how Taehyung handles this one."

Taehyung took a deep breath, his fingers rubbing his temple. After a long, suffering sigh, he huffed in frustration. "Fine! No more added punishments!"

Jungkook instantly beamed, launching himself onto Taehyung again with an excited squeal. "I knew you loved me, hyung!"

Jimin, Niki, and Soobin also jumped in excitement, celebrating their victory.

Mrs. Kim clapped her hands. "Well, that was entertaining."

Mr. Kim smirked, nudging his wife. "Told you the bunny would win."

Mrs. Kim chuckled. "Indeed, dear. Indeed."

As the celebration settled, Jungkook suddenly gasped. "Wait! We forgot something!"

His friends turned to him, confused. "What?"

Jungkook dramatically pointed to the table. "Our reflection! If we don’t finish it, we won’t get dinner!"

Panic struck the group, and within seconds, they scrambled to grab their notebooks, running towards their first task.

Because after all this, dinner was necessary. No matter what.

 

 

Chapter Thirty-Five: The Reflection Disaster

After an intense writing session, Jungkook and his friends finally completed their reflections, sighing in relief as they rushed towards the dining table. The delicious aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air, making their stomachs grumble in anticipation.

Seated at the table, the Kim couple watched them with amused expressions, while Taehyung sat at the head of the table, his eyes scanning them expectantly.

"Before we eat," Taehyung spoke, his voice calm but firm, "let me check your reflections."

Jimin, Niki, and Soobin hesitantly handed over their papers. Taehyung read through them one by one, nodding in approval before placing them neatly on the side. The three instantly sighed in relief, exchanging victorious glances.

But then Taehyung's eyes landed on Jungkook. "Your turn."

Jungkook, instead of handing over his paper, held it tightly to his chest and grinned sheepishly. "Hyung, do we really need to check mine? I mean, I poured my heart into it. Shouldn't my sincerity just be enough?"

Taehyung raised an eyebrow. "Hand it over."

Jungkook took a step back, hugging the paper protectively. "You trust me, right?"

Without a word, Taehyung reached forward, effortlessly grabbing both of Jungkook's wrists in one hand, securing them in place.

"Yah! Hyung, wait—let’s talk about this!" Jungkook protested, wriggling in an attempt to free himself, but Taehyung held firm. With his free hand, he plucked the paper from Jungkook’s grasp and unfolded it, beginning to read out loud.

Clearing his throat, he started, "Reflection by the magnificent, charming, and completely innocent Kim Jungkook."

The entire room went silent before Mr. Kim choked on his drink. Mrs. Kim covered her mouth to suppress a giggle, and Jimin, Niki, and Soobin exchanged wide-eyed glances.

Taehyung continued, his face completely straight as if he were reading a serious academic report.

"First and foremost, I, Kim Jungkook, am a victim in this cruel world. I am but a poor, misunderstood soul who only wanted to bring joy and laughter to this dull university. Did my actions, in some way, inconvenience Professor Jenny? Perhaps. But let us not forget that laughter is the best medicine, and I merely prescribed a heavy dose."

Jimin, who had just taken a sip of water, ended up spitting it out in laughter.

Taehyung ignored the growing giggles and kept reading.

"Furthermore, I must highlight my pure intentions. Did I personally intend to cover Professor Jenny in paint and feathers? No. I simply had a vision, an artistic masterpiece of unparalleled execution. If anything, I should be applauded for my innovation."

Soobin clutched his stomach, while Niki was leaning against the table, wheezing.

"Lastly, let us acknowledge the true injustice here: the punishment. Do I deserve to suffer? Of course not. I should be rewarded for my efforts in making campus life more entertaining. However, as a humble and benevolent individual, I accept my fate with grace. But I would like to request that my punishment be reconsidered, and instead, I be gifted with extra desserts as a show of appreciation."

The room erupted in uncontrollable laughter. Even Mrs. Kim had to lean against her husband for support as tears formed in the corners of her eyes. Mr. Kim wiped his eyes, shaking his head in disbelief. "Oh dear Lord, we raised a comedian."

Jungkook, still trapped in Taehyung’s grip, grinned innocently. "See, Hyung? I worked really hard on it."

Taehyung exhaled through his nose, folding the paper neatly and placing it on the table. Then, in the most serious tone, he declared, "No dessert for a week."

"WHAT?!" Jungkook screamed in betrayal.

Jimin, Niki, and Soobin gasped. "Hyung, have mercy!"

"I was joking! Joking, I tell you!" Jungkook wailed, shaking his bound hands. "You can’t take dessert away from me! That’s inhumane!"

Taehyung smirked. "Oh, but didn’t you say you accept your punishment with grace?"

Jungkook's jaw dropped, realization dawning upon him. "Hyung, no! Wait—!"

Taehyung simply released his wrists and started eating. "Enjoy your meal. Without dessert."

Jungkook dramatically flopped onto the table, groaning in despair, while his friends patted his back in mock sympathy.

After dinner, Taehyung stood up and excused himself. "I have work to do in my office. Behave."

As soon as he was gone, Jungkook sat up and turned to his parents, his big doe eyes glistening with hope. "Momma, Dada… can we have some dessert? Just a tiny bite? Please?"

His friends joined in, nodding enthusiastically. Jimin clasped his hands together. "Mr. and Mrs. Kim, you both look so radiant tonight. Surely, such kind and generous people wouldn’t let some innocent and cute kids starve."

"Indeed," Soobin added. "It would be tragic."

Niki sighed dramatically. "A tragedy for the ages."

Mrs. Kim smirked. "Oh, really? But didn’t Taehyung say no dessert?"

Mr. Kim chuckled, folding his arms. "We wouldn’t want to go against our dear son’s wishes, would we?"

Jungkook pouted. "But Dada! Momma! You love me, right?"

Mrs. Kim tapped her chin. "We do, but we also love a good live drama."

Jungkook groaned in frustration as his parents laughed. His friends turned to glare at him. "This is all your fault!"

Jungkook barely had time to protest before they started hitting him playfully. "YAH! It’s not my fault I’m charming!"

And so, the night ended with laughter, whining, and a dessert-less Jungkook sulking at the dining table.

 

 

Chapter Thirty-Six: The Morning Torture Begins

The sun had barely risen, casting a soft golden glow over the Kim estate, but for four certain individuals, the day had already begun with absolute misery.

Jungkook, Jimin, Soobin, and Niki stood in the middle of the grand backyard, dressed in their workout clothes, yawning and rubbing their sleepy eyes. Their muscles ached just from standing, and the cold morning air did little to soothe their growing dread.

Taehyung, on the other hand, stood before them looking as pristine and fresh as ever, dressed in sleek sportswear, arms crossed, and an all-too-satisfied smirk gracing his face. Beside him, Hoseok had joined for moral support—or rather, to enjoy the suffering of his juniors. He sipped his coffee, watching the scene unfold with an amused grin.

"Fifty push-ups," Taehyung announced, his voice cutting through the morning silence.

Jungkook groaned, dramatically flopping onto the grass. "Hyung, please, we barely slept! Can’t we start with stretching or something?"

"You should have thought about that before playing pranks," Taehyung responded without sympathy. "Now, get started."

With a collective sigh, the three boys and their usually sassy but now completely defeated Niki dropped down to their hands and began.

One.
Two.
By the third push-up, Jimin was already regretting all of his life choices. "Why are we suffering this early? This should be illegal."

By the tenth, Soobin's arms were trembling. "We… we should’ve just… never gotten caught…"

By the twentieth, Niki was lying face-down on the grass. "I’m done. Tell my family I loved them."

Jungkook, who was struggling just as much, glared at him. "Get up, you traitor! If I have to suffer, you do too!"

Taehyung sighed. "I don't see movement. Start over from one."

"WHAT?!" Jungkook shrieked, nearly losing his balance.

Hoseok nearly choked on his coffee from laughing. "Oh man, I’m so glad I came to watch this."

Through sheer willpower (and the fear of Taehyung adding more punishment), they somehow completed all fifty push-ups, collapsing onto their backs once they were done.

"Are we done now?" Jimin whimpered.

Taehyung arched a brow. "That was just the warm-up. Now, five laps around the yard."

The four poor kids gaped at him in betrayal.

“five laps?” Jungkook whined. “Yesterday, you only mentioned push-ups! What is this new level of torture?”

Taehyung raised a brow. “Did I say I was done listing your punishments yesterday?”

"Hyung, I think you secretly hate us," Jungkook grumbled as he forced himself up.

"No, I just enjoy discipline."

With no other choice, they started running. It wasn’t even five minutes in when Jimin started wheezing.

"Guys… leave me behind…"

"No one gets left behind!" Jungkook encouraged, though he himself was on the verge of tears.

"We should’ve asked Professor Hobi for help! He would've saved us!" Soobin gasped between breaths.

"You really think I can go against Taehyung?" Hoseok called out from his comfortable seat, grinning at their misery.

By the time they finally finished their punishment, their legs felt like jelly, their shirts were drenched in sweat, and they wanted nothing more than to collapse.

Taehyung checked his watch. "You have thirty minutes to get ready for university. Breakfast is waiting inside."

"Breakfast?" Suddenly, Jungkook and his friends were standing straight, their exhaustion momentarily forgotten.

Hoseok burst out laughing. "Unbelievable. They look like they’ve been resurrected."

Without wasting another second, they dashed towards the house, fueled by nothing but the promise of food.

Taehyung smirked, shaking his head. "Brats."

Hoseok slung an arm around his shoulder. "You enjoy torturing them way too much."

Taehyung simply sipped his own coffee, watching the chaotic bunch disappear inside. "They deserve it."

Hoseok chuckled. "And yet, you’re going to let them off easy soon, aren’t you?"

Taehyung didn’t answer. He simply watched as the four troublemakers crashed into the dining room, arguing over who would get the biggest portion of food.

Maybe. But not just yet.

 

 

Chapter Thirty-Seven: Caught Sleeping in Class

The journey to the university felt like a never-ending battle against exhaustion. Jungkook and his friends barely had the energy to keep their eyes open as they stumbled into the grand campus of Phoenix Ridge University.

Dragging their feet, they bid each other a half-hearted farewell before heading to their respective lecture halls, each silently praying that the day would somehow pass in a blur. Jungkook, on the other hand, had a very different plan—one that involved disappearing into the last row of the classroom and catching up on his much-needed sleep.

As soon as he entered the lecture hall, he spotted an empty seat at the back and wasted no time in claiming it. Slumping into the chair, he rested his head on his folded arms, sighing in relief. Just a few minutes… just a little nap… he thought before drifting off completely, oblivious to the rest of the world.

The classroom gradually filled up with students, chatting and settling in as they prepared for the lecture. The usual energy and buzz filled the air—until a familiar presence stepped into the room, silencing them instantly.

Professor Kim Taehyung.

Dressed in his usual crisp attire, with an air of authority that sent shivers down spines, Taehyung walked in with his attendance sheet, his sharp eyes scanning the room as he began calling out names.

"Park Sunghoon."

"Present, sir."

"Lee Minji."

"Here, professor."

"Kim Jungkook."

Silence.

Taehyung frowned, looking up from his list. His eyes roamed the classroom until he noticed a few students discreetly pointing towards the last row, barely holding in their laughter. Following their gaze, he walked towards the back, his polished shoes clicking against the floor, the air around him thick with an impending sense of doom.

There, sprawled out on his desk, snoring lightly, was none other than Kim Jungkook, blissfully unaware of the storm approaching him.

The classroom was dead silent, every student holding their breath as they watched Taehyung stand over the sleeping troublemaker, arms crossed, his expression unreadable.

"Kim Jungkook."

No response.

Taehyung narrowed his eyes. "Kim Jungkook," he repeated, louder this time.

Still nothing.

A muscle twitched in Taehyung’s jaw as the corner of his lips curled ever so slightly—an ominous sign of what was about to come. The entire class waited with bated breath, some biting their lips to stop themselves from laughing, others already pulling out their phones to record the impending disaster.

Taehyung leaned down slightly, bringing his face closer to Jungkook’s ear. Then, in the calmest, most terrifying voice possible, he spoke:

"Wake up, brat."

Jungkook stirred slightly but remained deep in sleep, murmuring something about "just five more minutes momma."

That was it.

The next second, the entire room erupted in muffled gasps as Taehyung grabbed the edge of Jungkook’s desk and tilted it forward just enough to send the sleeping bunny crashing onto the floor with a loud thud.

"WHAT THE—?" Jungkook yelped, flailing in confusion as he hit the cold ground. The entire class erupted into laughter, some students clapping while others wiped tears from their eyes.

Rubbing his now sore backside, Jungkook blinked up at the towering figure of his professor, who was looking down at him with a smug yet unimpressed expression.

"Nice of you to finally join us, Mr. Kim," Taehyung said dryly, tilting his head.

Jungkook gulped, offering a sheepish grin. "G-Good morning, professor?"

Taehyung sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Get back in your seat."

Scrambling up, Jungkook hurriedly obeyed, trying to ignore the giggles around him. Just as he thought the embarrassment was over, Taehyung turned back to the class, his next words making Jungkook want to melt into the floor.

"Since Mr. Kim seems so well-rested, I think it’s only fair that he takes the lead in today’s class discussion."

Jungkook’s eyes widened in horror. "Wait, what?!"

Taehyung smirked, returning to the front of the classroom. "Come on, enlighten us, Jungkook. We’re all waiting."

The class burst into laughter once again as Jungkook let out a silent scream, knowing that the drama had only just begun.

---

After barely surviving his hyung's lecture, Jungkook dragged himself towards the sports ground, where Niki was already dozing off on one of the resting chairs, still dressed in her sports attire.

Sighing, Jungkook quickly changed his clothes and nudged Niki awake. "Come on, we have to go to the field before someone finds us slacking."

Niki groaned but sat up, rubbing her eyes like a sleepy kitten. As they sluggishly made their way to the training area, they found themselves under the scrutinizing gaze of their sports professor, Hoseok.

Seeing their zombie-like state, Hoseok clicked his tongue in amusement. "Wow, you two look like you've been through war. Taehyung 's punishment was too much?"

Jungkook and Niki shared a suffering glance before nodding in unison.

Hoseok chuckled, taking pity on them. "Alright, I'll let you rest today. Just this once."

Without a second thought, the two collapsed onto the nearest benches, instantly falling asleep for the remainder of their training session.

---

By lunchtime, the four troublemakers had gathered at their usual table in the cafeteria, silently eating their food. Not a single word was exchanged—they were too exhausted to even complain.

Soon, Kai plopped down beside them, raising an eyebrow at their miserable state. "Okay, what happened to you guys? You look like extras from a zombie apocalypse movie."

Jungkook barely lifted his head. "Long story."

Jimin nodded weakly. "Very long."

Soobin and Niki just groaned in response.

Kai snorted. "I see. Well, good luck surviving the rest of the day."

And so, with barely enough energy to function, they somehow managed to get through the remaining classes before dragging themselves to detention, where they promptly fell asleep for the entire two hours.

First day of suffering, barely survived.

 

 

 

Chapter Thirty-Eight: The Morning Torture Continues

The next morning, the entire mansion remained eerily silent. Not a single sound of movement, no shuffling footsteps, no whining about how unfair life was—just complete and utter silence.

Taehyung, dressed in his usual crisp attire, stood at the foot of the grand staircase, arms crossed, his jaw ticking in irritation. He had given them the benefit of the doubt, thinking they would wake up on their own, but clearly, he had been too optimistic.

With a long sigh, he rolled up his sleeves and made his way upstairs. One by one, he forcefully dragged every single brat out of their beds—ignoring their groans, protests, and dramatic pleas for mercy—and hauled them down to the garden.

The moment they stepped outside, Jungkook, Jimin, Niki, and Soobin all groaned in despair.

Yesterday, only Professor Hoseok had been there to supervise their training, but today? Oh, today was much worse.

Standing in the garden, looking far too entertained for their liking, were Professor Jin—armed with a large bucket of popcorn, Professor Yoongi—half-asleep, wrapped in a blanket, grumbling under his breath, Professor Hoseok—smiling brightly like the sadist he was, and finally, Principal Namjoon, standing tall with his hands in his pockets, observing the entire mess with an amused expression.

“Why… why are all of you here?” Jungkook whined, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

Hoseok beamed at them. “Moral support! Encouragement! You got this, kids!”

Before any of them could feel even the slightest relief, Jin popped a piece of popcorn into his mouth and smirked. “Don’t listen to him. I’m here for the free entertainment.”

Jungkook, Jimin, Niki, and Soobin sighed in defeat, cursing their luck. If there was one thing they knew about Taehyung, it was that he never went easy on punishments when there was an audience.

Yoongi let out a loud yawn, shifting in his blanket. “Can we just get this over with? I was in the middle of a really good dream.”

“Same,” Soobin muttered under his breath, earning a sharp look from Taehyung.

With a wicked glint in his eyes, Taehyung clapped his hands together. “Alright, brats. Let’s start with fifty push-ups. If I catch anyone slacking, we’ll increase the count.”

The four groaned in unison before reluctantly dropping to the ground, already regretting every decision that had led them to this moment.

Jungkook opened his mouth to argue, but Hoseok clapped his hands, grinning. “Come on, kiddos! Let’s go! You got this! One! Two! Three!”

Jin chuckled as he munched on his popcorn. “This is better than any reality show.”

Jungkook shot him a betrayed look. “Aren’t you supposed to be on our side? You’re our professor too!”

Jin smirked. “And? That doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy watching you suffer.”

As they struggled through their push-ups, Yoongi sighed and shook his head. “Brats these days… Back in my day, we didn’t complain this much.”

Namjoon snorted. “Hyung, you still complain about waking up before noon.”

Yoongi grumbled something under his breath, hugging his blanket tighter.

As the push-ups continued, Jimin, Niki, and Soobin shot desperate glances at Hoseok, their last hope for mercy. “Professor Hoseok, please… help us…” Jimin begged, his arms already shaking.

Hoseok’s smile softened. “I would, but…” He trailed off, side-eyeing Taehyung, who was watching them like a hawk. “Yeah, no, I’m not getting involved. You guys are on your own.”

Jungkook groaned. “We’re doomed.”

Taehyung smirked. “That’s right. Now get back to it.”

As the torture continued, the four exhausted brats exchanged silent looks of understanding—

This was going to be a very, very long week.

After barely surviving another day of Taehyung’s brutal morning punishments, the four brats were completely done. Their bodies ached, their limbs felt like jelly, and their minds screamed for mercy.

Dinner had passed in a daze, with the four of them barely speaking a word as they shoveled food into their mouths, too exhausted to even complain. Now, they were sprawled out in Jungkook’s room, looking like lifeless zombies.

“This is it,” Jungkook muttered, staring at the ceiling. “We won’t last another day. I can feel my soul leaving my body.”

Jimin groaned from his spot on the floor. “I swear, if I do one more push-up, my arms are going to detach themselves and walk away.”

Niki buried her face into Jungkook’s pillow. “We need a plan. We have to do something.”

Soobin let out a weak sigh. “What can we even do? He’s unstoppable.”

The room fell silent for a moment, the only sound being their exhausted breathing. Then, slowly, they all turned their heads to Jungkook, who had an all-too-familiar mischievous glint in his eyes.

“Oh no,” Jimin immediately said, sitting up. “No. Absolutely not. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s a bad idea.”

Jungkook smirked. “Come on, don’t be like that. Hear me out.”

Soobin shook his head. “Why do I feel like this is going to end badly?”

Jungkook ignored him and sat up excitedly.

Little did they know… Taehyung was already two steps ahead.

 

 

 

Chapter Thirty-Nine: The Fear of the Unknown

The atmosphere in Jungkook’s room was thick with tension

“We need to outsmart him. If we keep following his rules, we’re doomed. But what if…” He leaned in, lowering his voice dramatically. “What if we find a way to skip training?”

Niki gasped. “You mean… fake injuries?”

Jungkook grinned. “Bingo.”

Jimin groaned, rubbing his temples. “I can’t believe I’m even listening to this.”

Soobin hesitated. “Will it even work? Professor hyung is too smart for this.”

Jungkook’s smirk widened. “That’s why we have to make it realistic.”

Niki sat up eagerly. “Okay, okay! I can pretend to have a leg cramp!”

Jungkook nodded. “Good. And I’ll pretend to have back pain—”

Jimin scoffed. “You’re already acting like an old man, so that might actually be believable.”

Jungkook threw a pillow at him. “Shut up. Anyway, Soobin, you’re tall. Maybe say your knees hurt from growing pains or something.”

Soobin frowned. “That… sounds kinda real, actually.”

Jungkook beamed. “See? Perfect! And Jimin, you can say—”

Jimin cut him off, crossing his arms. “I’m not faking an injury. I have morals.”

Niki rolled his eyes. “Morals won’t save you from Professor’s wrath.”

Jimin hesitated. “…Fine. But if this backfires, I’m blaming all of you.”

Jungkook grinned. “Deal. Now, let’s get some sleep. Tomorrow, we put Operation No More Torture into action.”

The four of them exchanged determined nods before collapsing onto the bed and floor, hoping—praying—that their plan would be their ticket to freedom.

 

“There has to be another way to get out of this,” Soobin muttered, staring at the ceiling. “I don’t think we can act hurt for long.”

“You are right,” Niki groaned, voice muffled. “I think my soul already left.”

Jimin let out a dramatic sigh. “If we don’t do something, we’ll be waking up at dawn for the rest of our lives.”

Jungkook scowled. “There’s no way I’m letting that happen.”

Just as they were about to brainstorm ideas for their grand escape, a chillingly familiar voice rang through the room.

“Should I already call a doctor?”

It was deep.

It was calm.

And it froze their blood on the spot.

All four turned their heads slowly, dread creeping up their spines as their eyes landed on the doorway.

There stood Taehyung.

Tall. Intimidating. Arms crossed.

Jungkook swore his soul just left his body.

Jimin let out a strangled squeak. Niki gripped Soobin’s sleeve as if holding onto her last hope. Soobin blinked rapidly, attempting to process what was happening.

Taehyung raised an eyebrow, waiting for an answer.

Jungkook was the first to snap out of his horror, forcing a nervous chuckle. “Hyung! W-We were just—um—just talking about how grateful we are for your morning training!”

Jimin nodded furiously. “Yes! We were saying how…uh…healthy we feel now! Right, guys?”

Soobin and Niki immediately started bobbing their heads like broken bobbleheads.

Taehyung tilted his head, clearly unimpressed. “Healthy?”

“Yes! Very!” Niki forced a grin. “I feel like I could run a marathon!”

Taehyung’s lips twitched, and for a second, they thought he might actually believe them.

Then, he took a step forward, and all four instantly straightened up.

“Do you take me for a fool?” he asked, voice calm but sharp.

The air in the room turned heavy.

“N-No…” Jungkook stammered.

“So, you weren’t plotting how to escape your punishment?”

The silence that followed was deafening.

Jungkook opened his mouth, ready to argue, but Taehyung’s sharp gaze made him shut it just as fast.

With an unreadable expression, Taehyung sighed and turned on his heel. “I’ll see you all tomorrow.”

The four exchanged panicked glances.

That was way too easy.

Taehyung had never let anyone off the hook so easily.

“Wait—what does that mean?” Jimin whispered. “Is he planning something?”

“Of course, he is!” Soobin hissed. “Why else would he leave like that?”

“Does that mean…” Niki gulped. “He’s going to increase our punishment?”

The realization sent a fresh wave of horror through them.

Jungkook clenched his fists. “No. I’ve had enough.”

Three pairs of eyes turned to him in confusion.

“If we can’t win physically,” Jungkook muttered, determination burning in his eyes, “then I’ll attack emotionally.”

Before anyone could ask what that meant, Jungkook stood up and stormed toward the door.

“W-Where are you going?” Jimin whispered urgently.

Jungkook smirked. “To hyung’s room.”

His friends stared at him like he had lost his mind.

“You’re walking straight to the enemy’s den?” Soobin asked in disbelief.

“Have you lost it?” Niki added.

Jungkook just grinned. “Trust me.”

As he disappeared into the hallway, the remaining three sat in stunned silence.

Jimin clasped his hands together. “Let’s all pray that he comes back in one piece.”

Niki and Soobin nodded solemnly.

Whatever Jungkook was planning… it better work. Because at this point, their survival depended on it.

 

Chapter Forty: The Confession

Jungkook hesitated outside Taehyung’s room, his heart pounding in his chest. Now there was no turning back. If they had any chance of surviving the upcoming punishments, emotional warfare was the only option left. And Jungkook was the best at it.

Taking a deep breath, he turned the doorknob and stepped inside. The room was dimly lit, Taehyung sitting on his bed with his laptop open, typing away with a focused expression. His sharp features were illuminated by the glow of the screen, his usual composed demeanor making Jungkook even more nervous.

Jungkook swallowed. No backing out now.

Without a word, he marched straight up to Taehyung, shut his laptop with a swift motion, and before Taehyung could protest, climbed onto his lap, wrapping his arms tightly around his neck. His head rested on Taehyung’s shoulder as he clung to him like his life depended on it.

Taehyung stiffened for a second, caught off guard, but then sighed. “Kook, what are you doing?” His voice was calm, but there was an edge of exhaustion to it.

Jungkook buried his face against Taehyung’s neck, tightening his hold. “Hyung,” he mumbled dramatically. “You have no idea what I’ve been going through.”

Taehyung rolled his eyes. “I think I do. You were caught red-handed, pranked a professor, and now you’re facing the consequences.”

Jungkook pulled back slightly, his big doe eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “No! You don’t understand!” He huffed, his lower lip wobbling. “Professor Jenny always targets me! She taunts me, says bad things about me, always makes me feel like I don’t belong there. She scolds me for no reason! She—”

Taehyung arched a brow. “So you thought pranking her was the best response?”

Jungkook puffed his cheeks before exhaling heavily. “It wasn’t just that! She’s been bullying me, hyung! She tells me to stay away from you, as if I’m some pest in your life! Like I’m not good enough to even talk to you!” He clenched his fists. “And she spreads rumors! She’s been telling people that you and her are secretly together!”

Taehyung’s brows knitted together, his expression darkening slightly.

Jungkook nodded, encouraged by the reaction. “And that’s not all. Once, she even clicked your picture in secret! I caught her, but she just smirked and walked away. Who does that, hyung?!” He whined, shaking Taehyung’s shoulders for emphasis.

Taehyung stayed silent for a moment, his gaze thoughtful as he processed Jungkook’s words. His hand, however, had instinctively found its way to Jungkook’s back, rubbing soothing circles, much to Jungkook’s delight.

“You should have told me this before,” Taehyung finally said, his voice softer.

Jungkook sniffled dramatically. “You’re always so busy being serious and scary! Would you have even believed me?”

Taehyung sighed again, his fingers tightening slightly around Jungkook’s waist. “Still, pranking her like that wasn’t the right way to handle it.”

Jungkook pouted, pulling back just enough to bat his teary eyes at Taehyung. “But hyung, she’s so mean to me…”

Taehyung exhaled, clearly trying to suppress his amusement. “I’ll handle it, kook.”

Jungkook went quiet for a moment before mumbling into Taehyung’s neck, “Do you like her as well? Am I coming between you two?” His voice was small, vulnerable, laced with insecurity he couldn’t hide anymore.

Taehyung stiffened slightly before his arms tightened around Jungkook. “What?” he asked, tilting Jungkook’s chin up to make him look at him.

Jungkook bit his lip, eyes glistening with unshed tears. “She keeps saying that you two should be together… that I’m just some annoying brat in the way.”

Taehyung sighed deeply. “Jungkook, listen to me.” He cupped Jungkook’s cheeks gently. “You’re not in the way. You’re always my priority. And I don’t like her—never have, never will.” His thumb brushed away a stray tear that had managed to escape. “You and I both know why we keep things hidden… You are still too young, but that doesn’t mean I’d ever let someone else take your place.”

Jungkook sniffled, feeling warmth bloom in his chest. Taehyung knew. He knew Jungkook wasn’t here because of some silly punishment. He was here because, deep down, he needed reassurance.

“Stop crying, brat,” Taehyung muttered, pulling him into a hug. “You’re supposed to be the annoying, confident one.”

Jungkook let out a watery chuckle, nuzzling closer. “I can be both.”

Taehyung smirked, resting his chin atop Jungkook’s head. “And yet, you’re still here, clinging to me like a koala.”

Jungkook huffed but didn’t move, relishing in the rare comfort Taehyung was giving.

With a sigh, Taehyung leaned back against the pillows, pulling the younger along with him. “Just sleep, brat. We’ll deal with everything tomorrow.”

Jungkook snuggled in closer, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Goodnight, hyung.”

Taehyung hummed in response, his arms tightening protectively around him as they both drifted into a peaceful slumber.

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