In walked Jungkook.
He slammed the door behind him so hard the walls rattled. With a detention slip dangling from his fingers and that smug smirk glued to his face, he strutted into the classroom like he owned it.
"Who's the pretty boy?" he drawled, brushing his hair back with his fingers. His eyes landed on me. I immediately shifted my gaze back to Taehyung, pretending I hadn't noticed. Taehyung smiled softly at me, and Jungkook's smirk instantly twisted into a dark frown. He dropped into his seat with his back turned toward us, shoulders tense.
"Thank you, Mr. Kim. And sorry about him," Mrs. Park sighed. "You can take the seat next to Y/n. Looks like you two are already getting along." She winked at me.
My cheeks warmed as Taehyung walked over and sat beside me. Mrs. Park began her lesson, and I helped him find the right page in the textbook, sliding my notes toward him. But I could feel Jungkook's glare burning holes into the back of my head. I kept my eyes down, refusing to look his way.
The bell rang—break time. Eun‑ji and I chatted until Taehyung approached our desk.
"Hey, Y/n... I don't mean to bother you, but could you help me get to the cafeteria again?" he asked, scratching the back of his neck shyly.
"Of course," I said, grabbing my wallet I watched as Eun‑ji stared at Taehyung like he was a walking daydream I laughed.
"Eun‑ji, want something? You look a little thirsty."
She glared at me. I'm going to kill you, she mouthed before sighing.
"A sweet cream bun and milk."
I nodded and turned to leave—only for my feet to suddenly sweep out from under me. I gasped as the floor rushed up, but Taehyung grabbed my arm and pulled me into him before I hit the ground. My heart pounded I clung to him, breath shaky.
"You okay?" Taehyung asked gently, rubbing my back. I nodded and looked toward the culprit Jungkook sat there his jaw clenched he was clearly irritated that his little stunt had failed he was gritting his teeth angerly .
"I'm fine... thank you," I said slightly above a whispered .
Taehyung's expression darkened as he stepped in front of me putting his hand out protectively.
"What's your problem?" he demanded his voice dark.
Jungkook stood, getting in Taehyung's face
"My problem is you. What are you gonna do about it?"
He shoved Taehyung again. And again and just then
Taehyung's patience snapped He grabbed Jungkook's wrist and twisted it, stopping him cold Jungkook let out a sharp, startled yell.
Taehyung leaned in, voice low and icy.
"Stay away from her." he said
He released Jungkook with a shove. Jungkook stumbled back, glaring between the two of us before scoffing and storming out of the classroom.
I exhaled shakily. "Thank you... thank you so much, Taehyung."
I hugged him tightly. He hugged me back, warm and steady, his hand rubbing soothing circles on my back.
"Anytime. I can't stand bullies," he murmured. "Shall we?"
I nodded, melting for a moment in his chocolate‑brown eyes before snapping myself out of it. I glanced back at Eun‑ji, who stared at us like she'd just witnessed a drama scene come to life. I mouthed BRB and followed Taehyung out.
As we walked down the hallway, he loosened his collar. "So... who was that guy?"
"Jeon Jungkook," I sighed. "Everyone's scared of him. His dad is... well, basically a mob boss. Jungkook gets away with everything. The only reason he's even in school is because his dad wants him to earn his diploma before taking over the family business."
Taehyung raised a brow. "So he's a spoiled wannabe punk with connections."
I laughed softly. "Pretty much. But Taehyung... I don't want anything to happen to you."
He stopped and gently held my shoulders, making me look at him.
"I'm not scared. And you don't have to be either. He won't touch you while I'm around."
My chest warmed. I nodded.
"Thanks, Tae. Snacks are on me."
"I accept," he grinned.
We grabbed chips, cream buns, jerky, milk, juice, and fresh dumplings before heading back to class.
"Snacks!!" Eun‑ji squealed the moment we walked in.
I laughed and set the bag down. Taehyung pulled up a chair, and the three of us ate together, chatting and getting to know him better.
Break time ended faster than any of us wanted. Eun‑ji stuffed the last of her cream bun into her mouth while Taehyung wiped his hands with a napkin, flashing us both that soft, warm smile that made my stomach twist. We cleaned up our desks just as Mrs. Park walked back in, clapping her hands for everyone to settle down.
Taehyung gave me one last reassuring look before heading back to his seat. I watched him go, still feeling the ghost of his arms around me from earlier, still hearing the sharp crack of Jungkook's wrist being twisted. My heart hadn't fully calmed since.
Mrs. Park began her lesson, her voice echoing through the classroom, but something felt... off. The air felt heavier. The room quieter. Even the fluorescent lights seemed dimmer.
The rest of the school day crawled by, every tick of the clock louder than the last. I tried to focus on Mrs. Park's lecture, but my mind kept drifting back to all thats happened in a day, eventually I regained focus and continued on with Mrs Park's lesson.
When the final bell rang, students rushed out, eager to escape. I packed my things slowly, hoping the halls would clear before I stepped outside. Taehyung lingered by his desk, watching me with that soft, protective look he'd worn all day.
"Want me to walk you out?" he asked, voice gentle but firm like he wasn't really asking.
I nodded smiling softly as I stood up and grabbed my bag we left the classroom and began walking towards the exit but once we stepped into the hallway together the moment we turned the corner, I froze.
Jungkook was leaning against the lockers with his arms crossed over his shoulders eyes locked on us like he'd been waiting. Taehyung instinctively stepped in front of me
Jungkook scoffed. "Relax, hero. I'm not here to fight but I am here for her." he turned his head to me I stared at him confused he continue
"time to come clean..Kim Taehyung." he said and I noticed how Taehyung's body tensed up he looked down taking a deep breath trying to keep a straight demeanor
"Tell her or I will" Jungkook spoke and what was really scary about all of this was his tone..
His tone was calm — too calm that was what made it way worse.
"tell her." Jungkook said.