#oh snaps

           Yoongi clenched his fists. His heart was beating quickly, but he felt his entire body get cold at statement.

           "I've already sent Hoseok and Jungkook in as back up. They're on their way through the ceiling vents. Jimin is monitoring all the exits from where he is, so the person won't be able to leave unnoticed."

           Yoongi closed his eyes, frustrated that all he could do was listen to a play-by-play. He was itching to run out of there, to get to you. But he was stuck in a corner...literally.

           "Shhh..." Prez whispered and moved his hand away from your mouth slowly.

           You turned around quietly to study his appearance. It really was him. You blinked curiously, finding that he was wearing spectacles, something you had never seen on him.

           "Nice glasses." he grinned as if taking the words out of your mouth, and you realized you were wearing the night vision glasses.

           Hurriedly, you tried to change the subject. "Where's the Librarian?"

           "She's communicating with the other teachers to signal them that the perpetrator is in here." he explained.

           "And why are you here?"

           "She told me you were still here. I wasn't going to leave you alone with who knows what kind of monster that person is." he gripped your wrist. "Let's hide together."

           "He was just right there, Prez." You glanced back at the location you had seen the silhouette.

           "All the more reason to move away from here." he urged.

           You hesitated, wanting to know more, wanting to possibly capture the shadow. They, after all, might be the serial killer, making a big, extravagant introduction. But you knew the priority was maintaining your identity for now, so you followed his lead.

           You heard something shuffle hurriedly across the library, and your body instinctively turned towards the direction of the sound. But Prez grabbed hold of your hand urgently.

           "Don't, Y/N." he whispered.

           You could hear the panic in his voice.

           "Why?" You found yourself asking. "There's one of that person and two of us."

           "Do you really think one person could pull off those attacks?" he tugged at you. "Please. Let me just get you to safety."

           Your eyes widened at his comment. "What do you know?"

           "I don't know anything. I just don't think a single person can pull the wool over people's eyes consecutively, and pull off perfectly planned murders on their own." He moved his face closer to yours, so much so that you could feel his breath fan your face. "Have you finished the novel yet?"

           You shook your head; your words getting stuck in your throat at his proximity.

           "You should do it soon." he pulled you into his chest and hid behind a shelf of books. "It seems things are going to escalate faster now."

           You furrowed your brows, but settled on leaning into his torso, feeling his heart beat quicken. His arms tightened strongly around you and you could feel him trying to control his breathing so it was almost inaudible. You could tell he was worried and scared, but why? You knew he knew more than he let on, but why was that? What was he?

           "The person disappeared from the library, but we lost his infrared coordination. Jimin, any signs of someone exiting?" Namjoon panicked.

           Yoongi stiffened.

           "No. All entrances and exits have not moved, nor has anyone even come close to the doors. Jungkook, Hoseok. Any sign of escape through the ceiling?"

           "Negative on my end." Hoseok called out.

           "Mine too." Jungkook answered.

           "Taehyung is at the front gate staking out too. This means the perpetrator hasn't left the school." Namjoon stated.

           "But then...where did they go?" Jimin whispered.

           "Taehyung, make sure you scan the squads we're sending. They might try to move in and out with them."

           "I put a specific chemical into their vests, so their infrared colors should be different on your monitor, Boss." Taehyung mentioned. "If anyone tries to sneak into the formation, we'll know right away."

           "You're a genius, Tae." Namjoon grinned.

           Tae giggled.

           "Guys, but he DISAPPEARED from the library and we don't know where he is!" Jimin redirected their attention. "That means he's still in the school, and they're about to call off--"

           "All clear. All clear. Cease lock down. The perimeters have been searched. Everyone, coast is clear. Please return your classrooms to place."

           The announcement was heard loudly.

           "Yoongi--" Namjoon warned, but Yoongi had already jumped from his spot and bolted out of the classroom.

           "Prez, Y/N!" the Librarian called out as the S.W.A.T. team under Namjoon and Tae's direction entered the library.

           You glanced up and exchanged worried glances with Prez. Had you two just imagined that someone was nearby just minutes before?

           He exhaled and grabbed your hand once again. "Let's go. The Librarian will have a panic attack if we don't get out there."

           You nodded meekly.

           "Stay with people wherever you go, okay?" he squeezed your hand to emphasize his statement.

           "I'll try." You replied.

           "No." he cut you off. "Promise me."

           You glanced up at him, surprised at his forceful request.

           "Y/N! Prez! Oh thank goodness!" the Librarian spotted you two come into the clearing and hurriedly embraced you. "I was so worried! When I heard someone enter, I didn't know what to do. I knew you were still in there, and --"

           You smiled and let her hug you warmly.

           "You're okay though? You're not hurt?" she checked you closely, truly reminding you of a mother.

           "I'm fine." You grinned. "I need to get back to my classroom. I'm sure my homeroom teacher and roommate are worried about me."

           "Yes, of course." the Librarian nodded. "Get her back there safely, Prez."

           "Will do." he smiled and tugged at your hand. You realized he had never let go, and you blinked in confusion. Why?

           As soon as you stepped out of the library though, your hands were ripped apart. You inhaled sharply as you were shoved behind a familiarly broad back.

           Almost immediately, you felt yourself relax in his presence.

           "Yoonji." You grabbed a fistful of his uniform gratefully and leaned your head against his back.

           That was enough for Yoongi to ease his aggressive stance, but still blocking you from the Prez.

           "You're always so reckless, Y/N." he shut his eyes and sighed.

           He was going to scold you about your stupidity and how you never listen to him when he continually insisted on staying where he can see you, but all that flew out the window with your subtle act of dependency.

           "I know." you chuckled and stepped back to allow Yoongi to face you. "Don't be mad at Prez. He helped me in there."

           Yoongi glared at Prez, who smiled and shrugged, then scanned your body for any injuries.

           "Did you really need to hold hands though?" he snided, and you blushed at the recollection.

           Yoongi scowled, but before he could open his mouth to retort once more, a crowd of students packed the hallway, surrounding you and the Prez immediately. He was shoved over in the stampede. People flocked and as if it was a press conference, they bombarded you and the Student Council President with questions about whether you saw somebody, why were the two of you alone in the library, etc.

           "Girl, I'm so jealous! You were stuck with the President in the dark, in a moment of crisis? I would've jumped him if I thought it would be my last few minutes." Braids linked her arm around yours. "Everyone was so envious of your situation when they heard."

           "How did you hear about it?"

           "Well, Yoonji was making a big fuss about you still being in the library, but I had also chatted with Prez before, so I knew he was on his way there before everything happened. I put two and two together, and well, I mentioned it to the others."

           "Why?" You groaned.

           "Girl, it'll help with your growing popularity." Braids whispered. "Like...imagine if you dated THE Student Council President? He's never looked twice at any of us. He's friendly with everyone, but was never too close. The only female he had by his side was the old Vice President...and well...may she rest in peace. But maybe you can heal his broken heart!"

           You rolled your eyes and nudged Braids as she cackled, but you spared a glance towards the Prez, who was amiably laughing and answering everyone's questions with ease. You caught his eye and he sent a gentle smile your way before returning to his conversations. Looking around, you spotted Yoongi brooding in the back of the crowd, his ear piece in, murmuring seriously.

           "Excuse me." You patted Braids, and she latched herself to Prez without hesitation.

           Putting your ear piece in, you made your way to Yoongi, nodding and smiling, saying consistent "thank you's" to everyone that mentioned they were glad you were safe.

           "This is so weird. They never left the building by normal means." You heard Namjoon's voice, and paused where you were, catching the drift of the conversation.

           "So that means..." You mumbled.

           "Whoever it is... they're still somewhere in the school." Yoongi finished as he stared at you.

           "Y/N, watch out!" one of the students called.

           You turned to the side, in time to see two brawling students coming your way from down the hall.

           "What in the world?" You gasped as you spotted one dragging a baseball bat behind him. Hurriedly, you ushered everyone to scatter. "Everyone move back!"

           "Those were the two nerds fighting before!" Someone bellowed.

           You stood your ground, ready to stop the fighting to prevent anyone from getting injured. However, unexpectedly, one of the students swung the bat at his opponent, but it slipped from his grip, hurtling away. Everyone gasped.

           "Move Y/N!" Yoongi lunged forward and tackled you to the ground, in time to cover you from the shattering window.

           "1." A booming voice was heard, and immediately, everyone froze in their spots. "2."

           Yoongi lifted his torso up and you both saw Jin strutting down the hallway with the Counselor and the Science Teacher at his side. His brows were furrowed, letting everyone know he was furious. The boy dropped the bat, and the two of them hurriedly stepped away from the scene of their quarrel. All the other students backed up significantly, the atmosphere completely icy now.

           "3." Jin stood tall in front of the two students who looked down guiltily.

           You had only seen Jin truly angry a total of three times, and you would admit that witnessing it was a terrifying experience.

           "Everyone return to your classrooms now. And I thought I told my homeroom to stay put." he glared at your fellow classmates, who winced and bowed their heads too. "And you two --"

           "I'll take care of them, Mr. Kim." The Counselor stepped in and pointed to the two students who had been fighting. "I've worked with them before...but clearly, we need to do a few more sessions to settle their conflicts and aggressive tendencies."  

           "Very well." Jin crossed his arms and marched in front of you and Yoongi, both of you still on the ground. "I'll take care of my own students then."

           "I'll see to it that everyone returns to their classrooms." The Science Teacher yawned and ushered everyone away from the scene nicely. The Counselor disappeared with the other students, and soon, only the three of you were left alone.

           "Ah shit." Yoongi winced as he stood up, realizing he had little cuts on his legs and neck, the deepest on his cheek.

           You frowned. Jin helped you up warmly, his anger dissipating easily.

           "You okay?" he smiled.

           You glanced at him and nodded, surprised at the softness in his tone.

           "You must've been scared." he patted your head then bowed deeply. "I'm sorry."

           "It's not like you knew it would happen. There was nothing you could do about it." You chuckled lightly.

           "But you are one of my responsibilities. If anything happened to you, I don't know what I'd do." Jin stared at you intently.

           You blushed and averted your eyes from his serious gaze, your heart fluttering slightly.

           Jin probably realized what his statement sounded like by your shy reaction, and he flustered, "I-I-mean cause you're one of my students! You know!"

           "Y-yeah. Of course..." You smiled timidly and nodded.

           "How thoughtful." Yoongi remarked as he picked off the shards of glass on his blazer. "Yet shouldn't you have run over to the library to make sure she was safe, if you were so worried?"

           "Yoonji!" You hissed.

           "What?" he crossed his arms. "He was going on and on about protocol, and meeting the other teachers. But now he's here acting like his world would collapse if something happened to you? What bullshit."

           "Yoonji! Stop it!" You grabbed his arm. "I'm sorry, Mr. Kim. She's not in a very good mood."

           Jin smiled understandably. "It's fine. I can understand why you kids would think so idealistically."

           "What was that?" Yoongi snarled defensively.

           You smacked Yoongi's chest to stop him. "It's cause we're still kids, of course. Please forgive his immaturity, Mr. Kim."  

           Jin nodded. "Take him to the Nurse to get treated then take the rest of the day off. I'll have someone else send you the lecture notes."

           Yoongi was about to grumble something when you three heard the sound of hurried footsteps getting closer to your location.

           "Help! Someone help! Oh! Mr. Kim!! Mr. Kim!!" The English Teacher, pale as a ghost, hurried over with a panicked expression that you all knew too well by now.

           "Guys..." Namjoon spoke into your ear pieces, confirming your inkling.

           You shivered as coldness crawled onto your skin.

           "Another student's body was found." The English Teacher finished.

           The four of you sprinted, the English Teacher leading you to the new scene of the crime-- one of the fire escape staircases.

           "Oh my gosh."  You gasped and covered your mouth at the sight.

           You recognized him immediately as one of the people who used to bully you frequently. The leader of those who flipped your skirt up, the instigator of pulling your hair, but now his eyes were soullessly open. He was battered and his neck hung lopsidedly, broken, showing off the signature "X" that had been carved there. The rest of his body was unrecognizable since his posture was similar to a rag doll. His joints bent every which way, distorting his once built physique.

           You glanced at Yoongi, who looked just as disgusted. You felt nauseous.

           "I was making my rounds to make sure all the students were back in the classroom, and..." the English teacher sobbed into Jin's shoulder. "I was terrified."

           "Y/N. Yoonji. Please go back." Jin stated, also growing pale at what he was seeing, but kindly patting the English teacher on the back. "You shouldn't be seeing this."

           "It looks like all his joints were dislocated by force." Namjoon's voice was heard soon enough; Taehyung trailing behind him.

           You could see Tae's hands shaking as he gripped his camera, and you didn't blame him. These murders were getting more and more grotesque.

           Your eyes widened, remembering what Prez had said in the library, "It seems things are going to escalate faster now."

           It was definitely plausible.

           "Could it be that..." You whispered, but your voice echoed as everyone turned their attention to you.

           "I think two people did this." Prez's voice was heard, finishing your thought.

           Your heart was racing as the gears in your mind turned. You glanced up in realization, and you caught Namjoon's eyes from afar. It seemed that he was thinking similarly as he nodded his head curtly before shaking it to signal you not to say anything. It was very, very likely that two people had killed this student.

           "What is with the emergency? Oh my dear!" The Principal arrived behind him, and he stumbled back upon seeing the tattered body. "H-h-how?"

           "What was the quote this time?" Prez stepped beside you.

           Taehyung knelt down with his gloves and pulled out the paper that had been stuffed into the body's uniform pocket. Bravely, he opened it and read, "The innocent must not suffer."

           "B-but no student was absent today!" the Principal cried out. "Whose homeroom was he in?"

           You and Yoongi glanced over at Jin, who was still in shock.

           "M-mine." he whispered.

           "Was he in attendance today?"

           "Y-yes...I mean he answered during roll call...and..." Jin flustered.

           "He wasn't." Yoongi spoke. "I didn't say anything because I thought he was playing hooky and that'd be uncool...but his friends had played a recording of his voice during roll call because you never look up when you're taking attendance."

           Jin gasped and stared at Yoongi with wide eyes. "But what about me counting heads during the lock down?! I definitely counted that only Y/N was missing!"

           Yoongi shook his head and shrugged. "I'm not sure, Mr. Kim. It was dark."

           Jin was visibly distraught. You reached out and patted his shoulder comfortably.

           "You need to speak to those students who covered up his disappearance, Mr. Kim." You urged. "Why did they do what they did? And how is it related to this?"

           Jin nodded. "I'm so sorry, Principal. I-I don't even have an excuse."

           The Principal shook his head. "No, whoever is the mastermind...or masterminds...it just means they know everyone well enough to orchestrate this."

           "They may be closer than you think." Jimin arrived and joined in. "If they know even how the teachers take roll call."

           "We'll clean this up before the students get wind of this." Namjoon stated, glancing furtively at his team members.

           "Yes, the other staff members are currently doing their best to quell the students in the gym. Please do." The Principal bowed. "Let us all go."

           "Where was the 'X' on the previous victim?" You directed to Namjoon.

           "Lower abdomen. It wasn't visible like the others have been." he answered without hesitation.

           "Come Y/N, Yoonji. Mr. Kim, English Teacher, Mr. Park, Prez. Let them do their work." Principal beckoned.

           You stared at the back of the Principal's head, wondering why he was reacting so nonchalantly. But suddenly, you felt someone brush against your hand. Looking up, you found Jimin beside you.

           "Be careful Y/N." he stated seriously. "I meant what I said."

           You glanced around. Did Jimin think one of the people near you now was the culprit?

           The four of you-- you, Jimin, Yoongi, and Prez-- trailed behind the others, each lost in thought.

           "Yoonji, you're bleeding!" Jimin gasped, and reached forward. "What happened?"

           "Ran into a window." he shrugged. "It doesn't matter."

           "You need to get it disinfected right away." Jimin frowned.

           "I don't trust you, Nurse." Yoongi whispered argumentatively, and Jimin snorted.  

            "He was a baseball team member." Prez suddenly blurted out.

           "What?" You looked at him.

           "The victim was on the baseball team." he reiterated.

           "Yeah, so?" Yoongi raised an eyebrow.

           "I'll catch you later." Prez stated before hurrying in the opposite direction.

           "Yah!" Jimin called out.

           "We're going back to the dorm too." Yoongi grabbed your arm, angrily.

           "Yah..." Jimin whined.

           "Tell the higher ups for us." Yoongi smirked before he dragged you away and out of the school building.

           And you let him do so, because all you wanted to do was be in your room to piece everything together. That, or just rest. You were truly exhausted from the whirlwind of events.  

           "I think Jin and Prez are in cahoots." Yoongi stated as soon as you two were in the comfort of your dorm.

           "Don't be ridiculous, Yoongi." You snorted.

           "I'm being serious, Y/N." he threw his blazer off. "Think about it."

           "Think about what? I was with the Prez in the library, and someone else was clearly in the library at the same time sneaking around. Jin was in the classroom with you at the time."

           Yoongi hesitated, "One of them is working with someone else then. But one of them is guilty, I can feel it."

           "I don't know why you judge people so fast. There are no facts yet!"

           "You read the facts. The Prez is #1 on my list. He is at every single murder site before the other students, knows everybody, seems to know a lot of things that most people don't. He was even at the exact place the perpetrator was! He probably wanted to make sure you didn't find out who his accomplice was and that's why he went and 'saved' you."

           You fell silent. "It's a possibility. But he seemed like he was really trying to piece the murders together."

           "It's called acting. A murderer isn't going to act nonchalant so easily, don't you think? Especially one that's as smart as this one. Plus the Prez has no background in the school system. It's like he just suddenly appeared here."

           "And what about Jin?" You whispered.

           "I just think he's suspicious. I mean he didn't even bat an eye to go save you then he puts on dramatics that he was worried about you?"

           "You're such an asshole. He is a teacher! Why would he go save one student and forfeit protecting the others? THIS is why he called you a kid! You only think about yourself and not anyone else!" You raised your voice.

           "I'm thinking about YOU, aren't I? That's why I'm so angry right now!" he yelled.

           "Then why the fuck are you taking it out on me??"

           "I'm angry because of you!"

           "WHAT DID I DO?!"

           "YOU'RE FRATERNIZING WITH THE ENEMY!" Yoongi pointed.

           "THEY MAY NOT BE THE ENEMY!"

           "You need to stop seeing the two of them." he crossed his arms.

           "Who are you that I have to follow your ridiculous order?" You snorted.

           "I'M YOUR PARTNER. Or are you going to stab me in the back again?" he blurted out then covered his mouth immediately.

           You scoffed. "Again? Me? Stab YOU in the back? Really? You want to go there again?"

           "No, I'm sorry. I just..." Yoongi exhaled. "I just need you to be careful. You heard Jimin. It's not just me who thinks you're too close to the potential murderer or murderers if the Prez was right about it being two people."

           "See. It's cause he's giving hints away like that, that I don't think he's the killer." You retorted.

           "But it may be because he's the murderer that he wants someone to figure out his sick little game, and you're the chosen one." Yoongi argued.

           "We're not getting anywhere with this." You sighed as you walked into your bedroom. "We're only grasping at conjectures, not solid facts."  

           "What're you going to do now?" Yoongi followed you, slightly frowning.

           You pulled out your first-aid kit and gestured for him to sit on his bed. "I'd prefer your wound to not get infected."

           He obliged, and let you disinfect his cuts.

           "Thank you." You stated after a long silence.

           "For?"

           "The window incident, and for coming to the library right away." You commented as you cupped his cheek to hold him still as you dabbed alcohol on his deep cut. Yoongi hissed at the stinging sensation, but you steadied him with a click of your tongue. "I'll put a band-aid on this one. How did this even get cut so deeply?"

           His lips curled up as he watched you tend to him closely. Like before, his well-being took precedence over your anger and frustrations towards him. Whenever you two had gotten into fights in high school, all he had to do was fake an injury or any sort of pain to get you out of giving him the cold shoulder. Whether you knew and just obliged or not, he was always grateful that you cared for him enough to put those little things to the side.

           So did that mean that you still cared for him a lot now?

           "And a Kumamon band-aid for you ~" You grinned as you smoothed it over his cheek.

           "Thanks."

           "You're welcome. Now, I need to get into comfortable clothes." You yawned.

           He frowned as you left his orbit once again. He knew he was being slightly irrational. He knew why Prez and Jin were bothering him. But he also knew he needed to know something before he admitted any of those answers.

           "How did we end up like this?" Yoongi exhaled as he turned around as you began to change in front of him nonchalantly.

           "What do you mean?" You hummed as you pulled a loose t-shirt over your body.

           "Where did our relationship go wrong in high school? What happened?"

           You chuckled. "Isn't it a little late to be asking that?"

           "Do you really not see me as a man?" Yoongi spun around irritatedly, and stared at you incredulously.

           Luckily, you were already changed so you glanced at him, amused.

           "Well you look like such a convincing girl that I can't help it."

           He frowned and stood up, chucking his wig to the side. In a few strides, he came face-to-face with you dangerously. His hair messy and his eyes burning into yours daringly.

           "And what about now?"

           You took a few seconds to collect yourself then you placed your hands on his shoulders. "Yoongi, what is this about? Why are you bringing up the past? What? Are you regretting that we broke up all those years ago?"

           He stared at you intently and didn't say a word, but you knew what his hesitancy meant.

           "Yoongi...are you seriously regretting breaking up?" You repeated, a bit stunned.

           He grabbed your hands from his shoulders and held them onto them gently.

           "What if I said I was?"

           You looked up at him sadly. "I'd say it's a bit late for regrets now, Yoongi."

           "Is it too late?"

           You tilted your head down to observe how his hands looked entangled in yours. Your heart fluttered, remembering all the moments in the past: when you had wanted to reach out for him, when he first reached out for you and broke the barrier, then the subtle brushes of your hands in secret when passing each other by or when standing next to each other, when you two could finally hold hands freely. What did you want now? Was it the Yoongi in front of you? Or was it the Yoongi you were in love with in your younger days?

           "I don't know, Yoongi. Honestly." You smiled, settling on admitting your truth right now. "But I don't think I regret what happened to us in the past."

           Yoongi stared at you expectantly, urging you to explain yourself.

           "If we had stayed together, I don't think either of us would have pursued being agents. We probably would've settled for stable jobs or something." You chuckled. "Then we'd be a bit boring, don't you think?"

           "So you don't regret not being with me?"

           "Once upon a time, I did. Greatly." You sighed as you felt his thumbs caressing the back of your hand, relaxing you. "But I think we were too young, too immature back then. A lot of things could have been prevented if we had just taken a step back or if we had fought to move forward together. A lot of feelings could've been spared. A lot of anger wouldn't have existed."

           "I'm sorry." Yoongi hung his head. "I- I..."

           "Hey." You let go of one of his hands so you could cup his face gently, letting him meet your gaze. "Why are you getting so upset over something that happened years ago? I'm right here, aren't I? I'm not going away. We're no longer enemies or angry at each other. We're partners. We're friends."

           He closed his eyes and pressed his cheek into your hand.

           "Tell me what's going on Yoongi." You whispered worriedly.

           "I don't want to lose you again is all."

           You laughed lightly, knowing no one would believe it if you confessed that Min Yoongi actually had a soft, cute side. "You won't. We can't lose our partners or else we lose our jobs, remember?"

           Yoongi shot you a lop-sided smile, but you could tell something was still bothering him. You couldn't blame him either. Being back in high school brought back a lot of memories you had tried to suppress.

           "Talk to me when you're ready to." You patted his cheek gently.

           "I'm not very good at talking." he mumbled.

           "I know." You chuckled. "That's why I'm not forcing you to talk until you figure out what it is you want to say."

           Yoongi nodded.

           "Let's nap?" You squeezed his hand.

           "Let's." He grinned as he swept you off your feet and threw you onto your bed.

           You proceeded to glare at him for his rough behavior, but much to your surprise, instead of moseying to his own bed, he slipped beside you in yours with a big sigh.

           "Yoongi, what are you--" You blinked.

           He turned over and wrapped an arm around you.

           "We're both girls, so it's all good." he stated cheekily.

           You scoffed. "You know we're not both girls."

           "Oh? Is that why you're so comfortable changing in front of me?" he smirked as he nuzzled into you further.

           You huffed, feeling your body warm up immediately at his closeness. "I trust you not to peek. That's why!"

           He smiled but pulled you into his chest regardless. "It's cold. I hate being cold."

           You blushed and pouted. Not that he could see it since his arms enveloped you entirely, like you belonged there. You mentally scolded yourself not to think those things. But you relaxed and decided to just let it be for now. You would much rather be together just in case something else happened anyway. Even being in separate beds was a bit nerve-wrecking nowadays. So your arms wrapped around his waist, pulling yourself closer to him; the distinct smell that was always left on his clothes filled your nostrils and made you smile unconsciously. You felt safe.

           Yoongi grinned happily as your bodies melded together. It was alright that he didn't have answers. For now, he was content that he was with you, that you were with him, and whatever the reason, fate had brought you back into his life. You both had plenty of time to make amends for the past once this case was over. He vowed to himself that he would. He would admit everything, that he would make it up to you. Smiling giddily, he drifted off to sleep, enjoying the way you were leaning into his chest with wholehearted trust and security. Something he wouldn't take for granted ever again.

           "Y/N!" You spun around at the sound of your name, unsure of where to look.

           Jimin and the Counselor were coming from opposite sides of the hallway, both waving you down.

           "Hey, can I talk to you?" Jimin questioned.

           "Yeah, sure." You answered.

           "Mr. Park, do you mind if I have a talk with Ms. Y/N first?" Counselor smiled. "I have the two boys who ended up endangering her and hurting Ms. Yoonji, in my office."

           Jimin smiled and nodded, "Oh. Of course. Just stop by my office later, Y/N. I want to take a look at your back that you said starting hurting from your fall."

           You caught on to his story without hesitation, "Of course, Mr. Park. I'll stop by during my next break."

           "See you then." he waved brightly.

           "I wanted to make sure they see you before I let them go." Counselor warmly gestured towards his office.

           You bowed and stepped in, immediately noticing it was quite spacious. It had a large couch, a reclining chair, and two chairs in front of his desk. The two students that had been fighting just a few days before-- resulting in a shattered window--were sitting calmly in the two chairs.

           "So, boys?" Counselor raised his eyebrow.

           The boys got on their knees and bowed. "We're so sorry! Our actions could have seriously injured you."

           You blushed and waved your hands. "Thank you for the apology, but I'm sure my roommate Yoonji would highly appreciate this sort of gesture more."

           You fought back a chuckle at the image of Yoongi milking their apologies, while smirking smugly.

           "Unfortunately, the basketball team has her at afternoon practice and refused to give her up since time was limited."

           "Ah..." You nodded, remembering that was why Yoongi had grumbled something about not being able to eat lunch today. "Well thank you, and I hope it doesn't happen again."

           "I hope not either." he glanced at the students, who bowed, and hurried out of the room.

           "Well, if that was all--"

           "Please sit, Ms. Y/N. I've been meaning to speak to you since you first came to this school. I know you've been through a lot." Counselor sat down and offered. "Tea?"

           "No thank you." You declined.

           "So how are things?"

           "Um...fine?" You looked around, wondering why he was talking to you now.

           "No more bullying?" he smiled warmly.

           You shook your head, grinning. "None at all. Quite the opposite nowadays. A lot of people have been asking me out and stuff."

           "I'm glad. I was worried about you, but with all the...well unfortunate events...I've been a lot busier than I've ever been, to care for the mental health of the students and teachers."

           You scanned the Counselor curiously. He was very kind and had a calming disposition. No wonder people were prone to open up to him. You genuinely felt like he cared for you, despite only having encountered each other a few times.

           "Weren't you wearing a different tie earlier?" You blurted out curiously.

           Counselor blinked at your random comment and chuckled. "Ah well yes. I had spilled tea on it so I put on a spare. I'm surprised you noticed. I thought they were quite similar."

           "The pattern was different though the color was the same." You giggled. "I've always been good at games like 'spot the difference'."

           "You also seem to have a knack of being at the wrong place at the wrong time." he poured himself a cup. "I heard from the Student Council President that you were in the library with him."

           "Yeah."

           "He insisted that there was someone else with you two. I just wanted to make sure you also saw some silhouette he mentioned? I know sometimes a terrifying experience can heighten the senses and imagination."

           "No, I definitely saw the same shadow." You mentioned.

           "And how are you coping with these dangerous experiences and deaths? I'm sure it's not something you thought you'd find when you transferred here."

           "No...definitely not. But I think I'm okay." You fiddled with your fingers.

           "But how are you coping? What strategies do you use? What is your form of escape?"

           "Um music...and well, talking with Yoonji. Reading." You listed. "Those calm me down and make me momentarily forget everything in my mind."

           "Very healthy, good." he sipped. "Have you experienced death before?"

           "Excuse me?" You raised an eyebrow.

           "I meant, have you lost someone in your family or witnessed someone die before? Because you're handling everything rather well, so it makes me think it's not your first time dealing with this cycle of life."

           "Oh." You chuckled. "Yeah...I've witnessed a few deaths...but it definitely doesn't get easier, especially when the scenes get a little more brutal each time."

           "Yes." he sighed. "I didn't see it myself, but I did hear that the last victim's body was... rather grotesque. The English Teacher came to me the day of, very distraught about her find."

           You nodded.

           "Any nightmares as of late?"

           "Mmm not as of late."

           "But you've had some?"

           "About well...bullying incidents." You blushed.

           "Ah. But they haven't returned since they bullying stopped in real life right?"

           "Yep, I've been nightmare free."

           "I'm glad to hear that." he smiled. "And I'm happy to see that you have remained gentle and good."

           "Hm?"

           "Even when you were being bullied and kept to yourself, I noticed you would subtly help students around you anyway. I'm glad that your personality has not changed with your new status is all." he sipped again. "As you've probably seen, the hierarchy in this school needs some...help. I've had many victims of bullying come in seeking counsel more so than any other year. When I tried to mediate between victims and the bullies, I found that most of those who are claimed as 'popular' were hard to discuss things with. Very unfortunate, but I hope you could help from the inside by being a healthy example."

           "A healthy example?"

           "Of someone who can remain kind hearted and well-loved, instead of being simply revered because of their wealth, status, and power, or out of fear." He slipped a piece of candy towards you. "I would really appreciate your help."

           "How do I do that?"

           He smiled, "Just keep being yourself, Y/N. Don't let anyone change you. The more people see you, maybe the more ashamed they would feel acting the way they do. It may be silly or idealistic, but I hope it has such an effect."

           You grabbed the candy, and grinned. "I'll do my best."

           "My door is always open for you, Y/N. If you ever have any troubles, no matter how big or small, feel free to stop by."

           "Thank you, Counselor." You bowed, feeling lighter than when you entered. You could definitely see why people relied on him a lot in this school. "Keep up the good work."

           "I shall try too, Y/N. Take care and be careful."

           You were diligently taking notes in class later that day, when all of a sudden, you were hit with a piece of paper. You looked around to find one of the boys in your class had thrown it to you. He gestured for you to open it. Raising an eyebrow, you carefully did so, trying not to be caught by Jin. You winced as the note read "You + Me = Dance". Turning around, you smiled weakly and shook your head. The guys around him snickered happily while he slumped down, dejected.

           Apparently, the annual big Spring Fling school dance was still scheduled to be hosted, despite the ominous events that have been happening throughout the school. What a great way to distract the students from pressing issues, you had snorted. But you didn't realize it would affect you so greatly, until you were barraged and bombarded by outstanding proposals to attend the dance together. You were grateful for your spy training, since it came in handy for avoiding people and moving unnoticed. You may have stunned and immobilized a few suitors who were a bit more aggressive, but so far, no one's come out to admit that you had done so, thankfully. Yoongi was also in the same boat, though he harshly rejected everyone that attempted, while you tried your best to let them down gently.

           You were sure you would be going solo, considering it would be far too awkward to attend with a stranger. You were perfectly content with being by yourself.

           But, you didn't expect the Student Council President of all people to ask you to the dance.

           "What?" You blinked, astonished, unsure of whether you heard his statement correctly.

           He stood in front of your classroom, a crowd of people surrounding you two, wanting to witness this with their own eyes.

           "Um...well I had hoped there would be less witnesses." he glanced around sheepishly, but he pulled out a bouquet of flowers. "But I'd really like it if you would do me the honor of being my date to the Spring Fling dance, Y/N."

           Your lips curled up happily as you examined the beautiful set of flowers in your hands. If it was the Student Council President, you could see yourself being comfortable and having fun at the dance. You had never attended your school dances before with a date, so this would be a first, although you weren't exactly in your teens anymore. But nobody had to know that.

           You opened your mouth to reply positively, but a familiar voice echoed from behind the crowd.

           "SHE CAN'T!"

           Your head snapped towards that direction as the group parted the way for Min Yoongi, flipping his hair off his shoulder and trying to catch his breath, all while displaying a basketball under his arm coolly.

           "Why not?" Prez questioned gently.

           Yoongi wasn't sure what he was doing. But when someone had called out into the gym that Prez was asking you to the dance, he had sprinted from basketball practice to where you were. His heart was racing and his mind was foggy. His body seemed to be moving instinctively on its own. So here he was, pretending to be a female, trying to stop you from dating this-- he hated to admit it-- attractive boy, with no real reason whatsoever.

           Oh fuck it.

           He thought as he grabbed your hand, going with the first plan that had popped into his head.

           "'Cause we're dating..."

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