#socksjinie

After getting out of Jimin and Taehyung’s dorm, Deo rushed back to her own. Her mind was in a haze, clouded with thoughts of the loopy boy as her roommate had called him. The cold wind was feeble against her blushing cheeks and once she reached the door of her room, she turned the knob as slowly as she was capable, too scared to face her best friend and whatever confession could slip from her lips, feeling a bit drunk in sleep. 

Luckily for the cheerleader, her roommate was already deep in slumber. But it would only be a matter of hours before they had to speak about it. Hyori would want to know every last bit of detail about what had gone down in that small room and Deo would innocently tell her, only to regret it right after when she noticed the devilish smirk on the cunning girl’s lips. Little did she know that Hyori had already made an extremely elaborated plan on her mind, as clear as if it had been written on paper, ready to pair up her best friend with the artsy boy. It seemed pretty obvious to Hyori’s eyes how her best friend felt about the demigod on campus—a nickname everyone used to describe Taehyung—and she sure thought Deo deserved some fun after her last relationship. 

The next morning, Hyori rose with the sun, a faint ray allowing some light to enter the room. Deo was sleeping peacefully on the bed next to hers and she decided to let her enjoy it for a little longer. 

It was routine—something Hyori adored and needed in her life. Every morning she would wake up early to jog. The sound of the birds and the first hours of the day when the sun presented itself made her feel at peace. When she didn’t feel like running, she would just go to the rooftop of their dorm, book in hand, earbuds plugged in, and her thermos with steaming black coffee in it. She would enjoy the quiet before having to rush to class, mind already in a fuss, too focused on the things she had to memorize. 

The contrary of serenity, though, was apartment 303. They would rise much later, of course, as the people that lived in it were somewhat lazy. The incessant whistle the kettle kept making on the stove was annoying Carolina, that wrinkled her forehead as she appeared in the room. The chef—Jin—had just finished taking the last slices of bacon off the pan and onto his plate when a sleepy Carolina swooped it right from his hand, a lazy but smart smile spread across her face. 

“YA!” Jin screamed at her. “That’s my breakfast!” He whined making the girl let out a chuckle. 

“Why do you need two plates then?” Despite having just woken up, she had noticed the two dishes before stealing what was soon to be hers. 

“Not arguing with you, Captain Hook.” Jin dismissed in laughter as once he looked over his shoulder, Carolina had her right eye closed, sleepiness and the brightness that came from the window right on top of the sink being too much to handle in the morning. Her sleeve was covering her entire arm, the only thing visible was the end of the fork in her hand. 

“Argh, I guess,” Her voice came out even raspier than expected, and the pirate roleplay was made in complete lack of strength.

The two were a handful to deal with. Especially in the morning. And their friends were well aware of it. Considering their personalities, it would prove itself extremely challenging for any of the two to be able to find such good housemates as they were to each other. Jin was a quirky guy, to say the least. And Carolina… well, she was even worse than him. They would have the funniest yet more questionable interactions—including Jin’s curiosity for bras and their exquisite engineering, to Carolina’s habit of enjoying walking around in her underwear and contemplating her entire existence at 3 am with her head hanging from the couch, legs pointed up to the ceiling. They were a match made in heaven. 

One person that would pass their vibe check if their paths were to cross was Hoseok. He is the life of the party. Scratch that. Simply saying that seems insulting to his whole persona. He’s the life of everything. Everywhere he went, people knew and appreciated him as he was always cheerful and upbeat. When he wasn’t, something bad was about to happen… And today seemed like a dark cloud had been hovering over his head. 

Truth be told, he had started his day chipper as always. He was especially excited after receiving an email from his boring teacher indicating to the students that she was sick and, therefore, there would be no class to attend. In so, he would be able to spend more time with his sister, Jiwoo. He was supposed to have breakfast with her and then rush to class. But with luck on his side, he would be able to spend the entire morning with her. 

They had this tradition for a long time now. Every two weeks they would set a date and have breakfast together. Mostly to catch up and check on each other. As a kid, Hoseok considered his sister his best friend. She was a bit older than he was, yes, but he knew there was no one else in the entire world that would understand him as she does. 

It was an understatement to say that when Jiwoo moved to the States to study fashion design, Hoseok went through a rough time. So, when she came back after her first year, she managed to convince her parents to move back with her in the fall, promises of the American dream rolling from her tongue like a magic spell. And although Hoseok’s family wasn’t exactly close to the UCBL campus, Jiwoo had a provider nearby and would take the opportunity to see her little brother even if just for 30 minutes. 

“No, no, no, no!!!” Jiwoo slammed her fists on the iron round table they were sitting in. 

“Oh boy, what now?” Hoseok whined, eyebrows raised and eyes slightly widened. 

All he had to hear from his sister’s lips for the past half hour were complaints. One right after the other. And it was bringing his mood down. 

There was this fashion show later on that night. It was on a venue near campus and Jiwoo saw her brother as the perfect image of free labor. He had been more than happy to help her when she came to him. Hoseok had set flyers all over campus “MODELS NEEDED!” in big bold letters, easily offuscating the small text that referred to the lack of payment for the participants. He had even convinced some of his close friends and some people from his dance club to model and help backstage. He had proved to have been taking his major in Communication seriously, as he had been the perfect recruiter for the job Jiwoo had put him to do. 

“I am two models short.” She was close to having a breakdown. “Where am I supposed to find two guys to model in time for tonight?” 

Hoseok sighed. First, the catering team had canceled because of a double booking. Then, one of her orders wasn’t going to be on time. And now the models… “Why?” 

“Food poisoning.” Jiwoo rolled her eyes, a loud sigh leaving her lips as she sank into her seat. “Who eats shrimp the night before a show?!” 

“Unprofessional, unpaid models?” Hoseok suggested, gaining a glare from his sister. “Let me make some calls.” 

“Please.” 

Jimin’s phone rang and rang, the intense buzzing feeling like an earthquake was going down right beside his bed. 

“Jimin-ah!” Hoseok’s strident voice sounds too loudly in the quarterback’s ear. He moves the phone away from his face, light blinding him before he can check the time on the screen. “Are you there?” 

He hums. “What’s going on?” 

“You don’t have practice tonight, do you?” 

“Practice?” Jimin speaks slowly. “No.” 

“Ah perfect!” Hoseok lets out an excited laugh. If Jimin wasn’t so sleepy, he could almost imagine the oldest boy clapping. “Jiwoo, I got you one!” 

“What are we doing?” Jimin’s voice is low but he sees Taehyung’s covers begin to move. “Ya— what mess are you putting me through this time?” 

“It involves your friend Lewis. So, don’t worry!” 

Hoseok keeps on laughing and Jimin is extremely confused. By now, Taehyung is supporting his body on his elbows, a confused look on his features, and his messy hair covering most of his eyes. “Hobi—” 

“Do you know anyone else that might be free tonight?” 

“What are you talking about? Free for what? You’re not making any sense.” Taehyung mouths some words to Jimin but he can’t understand what he’s trying to say. Instead, he puts his hand out of the cover motioning for a stop, signaling for him to wait.

“Jimin-ah! Whoa— you’re being a terrible friend now. Will you let me explain? I always help you.” Hoseok knows exactly how to manipulate his friend. Out of his group, Jimin is the easiest to persuade. “I can’t believe—” 

Jimin sighs, interrupting him. “What do you need?” 

“A model. For my sister’s show. Remember? I told you about it weeks ago. Hyo and Deo are helping backstage. Jungkook, too. You’re the only one that hadn’t said a thing yet.” 

Jimin hums again. “Wait—” he takes the phone away from his ear. “Do you want to model tonight?” 

“Model?” Taehyung tilts his head, a pout forming on his lips as he thinks. “Sure.” He comes up with the answer just a second after. 

“Tae can do it, too.” 

“Ah!” Hoseok lets out an excited squeal. “Perfect! Thank you!” And he immediately hangs up. 

“What a weirdo…” Jimin says more to himself. “Let’s sleep some more.” 

Turning his back to his best friend, Jimin’s deep sigh is the last thing Taehyung hears before seeing his covers slowly moving up and down with every breath he takes. On the other hand, he had already woken up and was far too excited to sleep more. So instead, he decides to take a shower, before texting his friends about where to meet. 

As usual, Jin was too lazy to go out, the same as Yoongi, that had made the utmost effort just to get on the elevator and knock on the door of his friends’ apartment. Just a floor above his. That’s why Taehyung saw himself once more leaving campus to go meet them at the 303 apartment—or as they called it, three three. 

“Can someone please cook me something to eat?” Taehyung pleaded as he entered the place. “I’m starving…” He had a pout on his face while looking at the open kitchen, spacing out completely. 

“Sit down, I’ll make you something.” Jin came towards him, still in pajamas. 

“Where’s the rest?” Taehyung asked sitting on the couch next to Yoongi who watched attentively a basketball game playing on the tv. 

“Namjoon is on his way and Carolina is showering.” He mumbled. 

“On his way from where?” 

Yoongi sighed, “I don’t know.” 

And Taehyung’s eyes fell again on the screen before them. 

Truth was, no one ever knew where Namjoon would go to. Each day it was a different place. Out of all of them, he was the most interested in going out and seeing new things. Either biking, on foot, or by public transportation. There was always somewhere new to see according to him. 

Sometimes Taehyung would follow, others Carolina would. Especially if he was on his way to a museum or anything arts-related. But rarely Yoongi and Jin. Those two were more the stay-at-home type unless they needed to do something that required going out. Or if they had a party to go to or a gathering between them in some pub late at night to attend. 

“Should we do a movie sess tonight?” Carolina appeared in the living room, towel in hands and hair still wet from her shower. 

“There’s that new marvel movie!” Jin said loudly while turning the pancakes on the frying pan. “Taehyung, come. Pick a plate.” 

“Ok!” the girl cheered excitedly turning on her heels to dispose of her towel in the bathroom. “Should we order tonight?” Her voice echoed inside the room. 

“I can cook you guys something…” Yoongi commented casually. 

“Do those snacks too—” Taehyung added and while sitting on the table to start eating his freshly made pancakes he fished out his phone inside his pocket since it was vibrating incessantly. “What is it.” He said more than asked, mouth ready to be stuffed with a piece of the hot dough. “Mhmm— Let me think,” He mumbled. 

“Who is it?” Jin asked curiously. 

“Jimin,” He answered. “No. I was just talking to Jin, not you.” 

Hearing that, Carolina got out of the bathroom like a meerkat, going to sit with her legs crossed next to Yoongi. Whenever Jimin called Taehyung out of the blue there was always a change of plans. And although she was very much for spontaneity, she sometimes wished he could just say ‘no Jimin, not today’. Not that she didn’t like him, or had anything against him, he was just the polar opposite to her when it came to social interactions. He was part of the jocks, and she had no patience for show-offs—that was what she had concluded to herself after some mild interactions with them on her first week on campus and well, her whole life experience with Jimin. 

“How would you like to be a model tonight? I know you liked posing for the photography club that time we needed,” Taehyung looked at Jin waiting for his response, cellphone on his chest so Jimin wouldn’t hear the unnecessary dialogue. 

“Ah… Not today, I feel too tired even to move,” He dismissed sitting on the table across from him. “I’ve already made you pancakes, have mercy on me and stop making dog eyes.” 

Taehyung sighed, eyes pleading. 

“Yoongi, he’s making dog eyes. Quick, take a photo!” Jin did what he did best—create a distraction. 

“It’s called puppy eyes,” Yoongi corrected. 

“Sorry, bro…” Taehyung put the phone back in his ear, ready to apologize for not being able to help Jimin this time when he heard a bang from the front door making him turn on his chair. 

“Guys look what I bought!” Namjoon strode in excitedly with a bucket hat all made of jeans patchwork. “It was so cheap too!” 

“Woah, Nam!” Carolina exclaimed getting up on the couch to have a closer look at the piece since the boy was way taller. “That looks so good!” 

A smirk appeared on Taehyung’s face as a brilliant idea popped into his head. 

“Jimin-ah, I got your back.” He said simply. “What time should we be there?” As he asked everyone looked at him alarmed. “Mhum, see ya!” And he hung up. 

There was a brief pause as he resumed eating his pancakes as if nothing had happened. 

“Care to tell us where exactly are we going without wanting?” Namjoon asked knowing he was about to regret it. 

“Oh, there’s this show tonight—fashion show,” He said while munching, all very casually. “I have to be a model because Jimin asked and now he said they were still short on one so I said I would take another guy.” 

“But I just told you I don’t want to.” Jin chuckled quite appalled but feigning otherwise. 

“I know,” Taehyung explained, and Yoongi and Carolina were already bitting down their laughter. Knowing Taehyung, the boy would just have his way and Jin would be forced to go. “I’m taking Namjoon instead.” 

“You what?” Both Jin and Namjoon asked in completely different tones. While the latter kept his mouth agape, Jin joined the laughter that exploded in the room. 

Carolina and Yoongi weren’t able to contain their amusement towards the whole situation. 

“You have a great build, bro,” Taehyung commented doing a thumbs up, in all seriousness. 

Namjoon looked behind him in hopes any of the two would just tell him this was all a joke but Carolina and Yoongi weren’t even looking at him. She kept laughing and hitting softly on Yoongi’s arm while he was just leaning back on the sofa having the time of his life. 

“You always see the Victoria Secrets show Namjoon-ah, it can’t be very different!” Jin added.

“Oh, I sure hope it will be very different. Starting from not going in underwear.” The taller boy stated still processing everything making Taehyung almost choke on his food and a series of laughter filled the room once again. 

Carolina’s phone begins to ring right at that moment, and a smile forms on her lips as she reads the name of the caller on the screen. Getting up from her spot next to Yoongi, she doesn’t address the curious look he gives her, as she steps away from the living area where everyone kept talking excitedly. 

“Lu! Talk to me!” 

“Did you or did you not forget about class today? I bet yes.” 

“Oh, shit!” She takes a glance at the clock on the wall, eyes squinting as she tries but fails to check the time. “I’ll be there in like— 20 minutes!” 

“I’ll save you a seat, Cici… Hurry up.” The girl laughs on the other end before hanging up. 

Carolina returns to the living room in a rush. “Guys, I gotta go. I’m super late. But someone please text me about our plans for later.” 

“Wha- wheb are you gon?” Taehyung asks, mouth full and barely a word coming out recognizable, as he had just started chewing the last piece of pancake. 

“Wait for me.” Yoongi lazily gets up from the couch. 

“You’re leaving too?” Jin asks quickly. 

“A friend asked me to do some arrangements in one of his songs.” 

“And where are you going, missy?” Taehyung asks again to the girl already by the door, this time clearer. She was trying to wear her shoes but kept failing as she was so hurried. 

“To class!” And finding Yoongi right by her side, she makes a peace sign with her fingers before closing the door behind her, left shoe still halfway on her foot. 

Yoongi goes down to the lobby floor of the apartment with Carolina to see her off, before going right back up to the peacefulness of his home and the comfort of his couch. Friday was his best day because he didn’t have any classes nor needed to go to campus. He used to go there on purpose to cover his shift on the radio. That was until during one of the dean’s monthly meetings, his colleague, Taeha, had offered to cover his shift in exchange for him covering an extra one for her. It was rare the times they met each other, the different schedules making the two walk the corridors of UCBL at completely different times. 

Carolina, on the other hand, had to rush to campus so she could be able to attend her class. Lu—nickname for Luiza—the girl that had called her, was one of her closest friends. They didn’t go as back as childhood, but they met somewhere around middle school and their quirky personality and similar hobbies made them stick together ever since. Unfortunately, they got into university around different times, one right off the bat and the other a few months later, otherwise they would have been roommates. Lu didn’t live far away though, she had rented a loft to live by herself over two blocks from Carolina’s apartment with Jin. 

Luiza was already inside, the seat next to her being occupied by her newest tote bag, a giant hand surrounded by little daisies painted on it, saving the seat for her friend as she had promised. Classes with her usually flew by easier as they always had something to talk about or simply spend their time doodling together while somewhat listening to what the teachers were saying. Carolina had a hard time focusing on more theoretical classes and that was why her second period was making it harder for her eyes to stay open. 

So, as she usually did whenever a class began to be too boring for her to stay awake, she walked the path to one of her favorite places. It wasn’t even near her class but with each passing day, it felt more and more like she was closer to finding out who was the mystery person behind all the doodles and messages in that broom closet on the fourth floor of the art department building. She had been manifesting such a thing happening since her third trip there. 

“Oh-” As soon as she swings the door open, she is faced with a ginger man, a cigarette in between his lips, and a whiteboard black marker in his hand. “Hey.” 

“Do you need something? A broom, perhaps?” The way he lifts his eyebrows makes Carolina mimic his action, the accent that rolled from his lips sounded heavenly to her. 

“No thanks,” She smiled at his sarcasm. “Too bad, you just missed witching hour.” She steps inside, the door closing behind her. “So…” 

And the man looks at her amused as she sits next to him unceremoniously. Their legs brush against one another, for the box they are sitting in is hardly big enough to accommodate the two of them. 

“I presume you’re the artist behind those drawings?” The girl confidently asks with a small smile on her lips as her hand points to the correspondence marked on the walls. 

“You presume correctly, yes,” A raspy laugh escapes his lips. “I was just finishing answering you.” The smirk on his face and the way his eyes shifted let her know he wasn’t certain about what he was presuming—more, like guessing. 

The intrigued look on Carolina’s features only comes to prove his theory. “And who are you exactly?” 

“I’m Ben— Ben Hayes. You?” He puts his hand out for her to take. 

“Carolina,” But instead, she crosses her arms, eyeing him up. “Jones.” He chuckles at her action, using his hand to brush his locks back. 

“Shouldn’t you be in class… Carolina Jones?” She can’t help the smile on her lips at the way her name sounds in his accent, the mocking intent getting lost in the tension in the room. 

“Shouldn’t you?” She scoffed, eyebrow-raising immediately. 

Truth was that both of them had classes to attend. But Benjamin’s case was a little bit more apprehensive compared to Carolina’s. He had been hired as a substitute teacher as Miss Finning, the Arts and History teacher, had left on maternity leave. He was certain that by the end of the semester he would be long gone as had always happened before. Starting his career in his hometown, Liverpool, he had been constantly jumping from school to school, until where he was now—UCBL. 

Carolina, on the other hand, was clueless about the status of the man beside her as she flirted and he reacted in all the right ways. She would run away at the sight of a serious relationship since she wasn’t interested in something like that at this point in her life. But if something presented itself to her as a good time, she was sure as hell taking it. Nothing but harmless flirting. Two attractive people in the same room… That’s bound to happen. 

The two spent some time in the closet, mostly doodling and commenting on the previous interactions they had. Carolina sure was glad to leave her class when she did. Had it been a minute later, Ben would have been long gone and she would have to wait yet some more until their meeting. Perhaps they would never meet at all.

“Sorry,” Carolina stands up from the box she was still sitting in as her phone started ringing. Yoongi. And she mentally curses him for interrupting the moment. “I have to take this.” 

“No worries,” Ben also gets up. “I have to go either way. But you know where to find me, Carolina Jones.” 

She smirks, eyeing the Brit as he walks down the hallway. Fearing Yoongi would eventually hang up on her, she picks up. “Yoongs,”

“What took you so long?” She hears him complain cheerfully, on the other end. 

“You just interrupted the moment of the year, Min Yoongi!” 

“What moment?” 

“Remember the guy I was after? The doodle guy from the broom closet?” She said lowly looking at the corridor to check if someone was eavesdropping on her. 

“What about him?” 

“I met him just now and then you called and he left—Argh! He’s absolutely my type. And Brit! With freckles! Can it get more perfect than this?!” She rambled, way too excited. 

“Huh.” He let out surprised. “Good for you, I guess! That’s– Yeah.”

“But what were you calling for? Is everything alright?” She asked worriedly. Yoongi wasn’t one to call. 

“You asked us to let you know about the show tonight… Remember?” He chuckles while explaining. “Namjoon says to be there by seven. That way we can get good seats.” 

“Alright! We goin’ with you?”

“Nah, Jin is driving today.”

“Ok, see you later, Yoongs!” And she hung up as soon as he mumbled in agreement. 

The phone call ends and Yoongi is left confused, laptop on top of his legs as he whispers something under his breath remarking his curiosity over Carolina’s new love interest. They didn’t talk much about their love lives with each other, but he couldn’t help but want to know who the guy was. 

“What’s up? Everything good?” Jungkook asked, catching Yoongi off guard as he sits on the opposite end of their couch, cereal bowl in hand. 

“Yeah, just… a weird conversation.” Yoongi chuckles. “I didn’t even know you were home.” 

“I slept until now. Stayed up playing overwatch.” Jungkook confesses. “Is everything okay, though?” 

Yoongi doesn’t notice the interest in Jungkook’s eye. The little he had heard from the conversation made his interest peak. “Yeah.” 

But the older guy isn’t easy to crack. So, remembering the words that Hyori and Deo often say to him, he decides to just ask. “That was Carolina, right? You guys having problems?” 

“What?” Yoongi can’t help but laugh. “Why would we have problems?” 

“Aren’t you, like— A couple, like… Dating?” 

“What? No.” Yoongi marvels at his question. “But apparently she’s going out with someone…” That last part came more like a whisper to himself, as if his thoughts had managed to free from his mind. Jungkook took notice but preferred to not say anything, nodding instead as he took a spoon full of cereals to his mouth. 

In reality, Jungkook was only up because he had remembered to put an alarm on his phone. When he woke up, he already had a bunch of calls from the oldest and the two girls who were most likely at the venue of Hoseok’s sister’s show, helping set everything up. With his phone on silent, the show would’ve ended and he would still be in bed sleeping. Texting a quick omw, he rushes off, saying goodbye to his housemate that was still plastered on the couch working on the song of his friend. 

“It’s not rocket science, trust me,” Hyori spoke sarcastically to Jimin. The boy was sitting on a plastic table that seemed like it could break at any moment, while Hyori was stacking water bottles on top of it. “I would know.” 

“So many things could go wrong, though,” Jimin whined. 

“And so many others if you don’t act upon it. Isn’t it better to regret something than dwell on what could’ve been?” 

“Hmmm…” Jimin pressed his lips together. “I think I would rather talk to Deo.” 

“Yeah, yeah— you can run but you know I’m right!” The girl yells, watching the quarterback look for his best friend. 

Jimin had been fidgety ever since arriving at the venue with Taehyung and Namjoon. The two boys were quick to leave him alone since they had to be fitted into the outfits they were supposed to wear later that night. Jiwoo was waiting for them by the entrance, a somewhat scary smile on her face, that Hoseok tried to excuse as the jitters. Luckily for the two replacements, Jiwoo’s assistant, Nari, had everything under control. 

Pacing back and forth, Jimin could’ve sworn that he saw the girl he had been stalking on social media arriving at the venue when he did. She was his type, no doubt. But the thought of him not being hers left him sweating. 

“Bepeu,” He got back to whining as he noticed the small girl peeking through the curtains that lead to the stage. Immediately, she straighten herself, a smile appearing on her lips as she walked toward him. “What were you doing?” 

“Me?” Deo pouted, looking around. “Oh, just seeing if Jungkook was here yet.” 

“He texted me a little while ago. He’s already on his way.” 

“That’s good. Hobi’s close to losing his mind with this.” She chuckled. “What’s up?” 

“Have you seen who’s here?” Jimin started smartly. 

“You mean Lewis, the newspaper girl? Have you seen what she’s wearing?” She teased Jimin. “You’ll lose it, for sure.” 

“Do you think I should talk to her?” The way he fidgeted with his fingers showed how nervous he was. 

“Yes,” Deo said firmly. “But after the show. You can have some of that liquid luck so it’ll give you the push you need.” 

“But wha—” 

“No, no.” She placed her index finger on his lips. “Liquid luck.” 

“What liquid luck? Are you talking about Harry Potter?” Jungkook popped out of nowhere. 

“No, nerd. We mean booze!” The girl spoke excited, hands in the air. “I really need some, too.” 

“You seen Jack?” Jimin asks, a little afraid to speak. 

“We could continue with the theme and just go with he-who-should-not-be-named.” Jungkook snorted. 

“Yeah.” Deo squinted her eyes at Jungkook, completely ignoring his comment. “He’s in the dressing room. Never wanted to take pics and now look at him— modeling.” She scoffed. 

“I’ll make sure to take horrible shots of him,” Jungkook said seriously. 

“And I’ll rough him up in practice.” Jimin smiled. 

“Deal.” Deo smiled evilly. “Now, you need to go get dressed and you need your camera.” 

Minutes later, Jiwoo was climbing up on the runaway, microphone in hand as she said a few words to everyone that had come. Unexpectedly, the room was full and through the bright lights shining on the stage, she could even see some people standing up by the back of the space. Jungkook was already in the middle of the crowd, snapping pics of Jiwoo and trying to scout the best angles to shoot the models that were about to make their entrance. 

“You look badass.” Hyori gushed next to Hoseok, as Nari finished adjusting the accessories around his neck. 

“Thank you.” He gave her a nervous smile. 

“Don’t you think, Nari?” 

“Definitely.” The fashionista gave him a confident smile. “You are ready to go.” 

“Break a leg!” Hyori said excitedly. 

“Hey, can you help me out with the other models? Please~ Just until Jiwoo gets back?” The assistant almost pleaded to Hyori, looking somewhat scared with all the quick decisions she had to make. The both of them had been friends since early on, when they were paired on a field trip to the beach, barely five years old. Hyori could still remember how Nari looked back then, with a cute pixie cut and lots of colorful hairpins securing her bangs. 

“Of course, Nana!” 

Both girls go down the line of models, making small adjustments to their outfits. That was until Hyori noticed a familiar face. It was Jimin’s best friend, the loopy one, Taehyung. Nari was quick to find the scarf he had wrapped around his belt, fixing it so it looked perfect. Hyori gave him a small smile, before stepping to the boy next to him. 

“Hey, I’m Namjoon.” The guy smiles at her as she looks up to meet his face. 

“Hyori,” She smiles back. “How are you feeling?” 

“A bit nervous, actually.” He scratched the back of his neck, seeing the line getting smaller and smaller. 

“Just try to have fun!” The girl offers him a confident smile and Namjoon somehow feels a bit at ease. 

“The things we do for friends.” He chuckles. 

“Totally!” 

Before they can continue their conversation, Nari calls Hyori again, needing her help instantly. Jungkook was in the crowd, snapping pictures of the models, the colorful pieces of clothing almost bringing the shots to life. On the other side of the runaway, he could see Yoongi and the rest of his group. They begin cheering as soon as Taehyung walks through the curtains, rocking a pink suit full of colored ribbons attached to it that floated in the air as he made his way, and he snaps a shot of the group before returning his focus to the clothes. 

Jungkook had never attended one of these events before, but something about the dim lights over the crowd that kept chatting seemingly silently due to the loud music, and the way their cellphone cameras kept flashing from time to time, made him enjoy the moment way more than he had predicted. He liked underground stuff. And contrary to what he thought, this was nothing like he had pictured initially in his mind. It was way cooler and aesthetically pleasing. Every ounce of space, color, silhouette, and light was captured by his quick fingers and his sharp eye. 

Something that caught his attention as well, was his housemate. When Namjoon walked past the black curtain separating backstage from the actual event, the atmosphere felt like shifting. He was used to seeing him around campus, plus 24/7 back at their apartment. Namjoon was clumsy. But the way he moved and strode on the catwalk was powerful. Full of charisma. 

As he photographed one of the best shots he ever took, his tall roommate up close, back facing him and side profile showing—a movement shot that could be even considered lucky—another girl entered the stage. And so on, more color and flowing cloth filling the place. 

The show goes smoothly and Hoseok can finally breathe as Jiwoo gets back up on stage, thanking everyone that came. Despite being the youngest of the siblings, he has a sense of responsibility he constantly puts on his shoulders, having to make sure everyone around him is their happiest self. 

Soon enough, people start exiting the venue, and Taehyung and Namjoon rush off to find their friends who remained sitting on the spots in the front row. Compliments fly, even from Yoongi, and Jin can’t help but tease Namjoon about how much of a professional model he seemed. 

“What’s up, guys?” Jimin approaches the group, already wearing his regular clothes. “Jiwoo said we have the venue for the rest of the night so she was thinking about an after-party. You in?” 

He doesn’t look directly at Taehyung, instead, his eyes roam the little circle of people until he reaches his friend again. 

“Free drinks?” Jin laughs. “Count me in.” 

“Yeah, we should celebrate Namjoon’s first time.” Taehyung squeezes his friend’s shoulder and he immediately blushes. 

“I-” Namjoon stutters, trying to form a sentence. 

“Be proud, man,” Taehyung adds. 

“Your performance was way above average, Nam.” Carolina joins in on the tease wagon. 

Jimin chuckles at the situation. Taehyung’s friends had a different atmosphere surrounding them when compared to his group of friends. They seemed fun. Quirky even but nice. “Let’s go!” He said, and while leading them towards the rest of the crowd he started wondering why he had never been close to this group too. 

Still backstage helping organize the clothes the models had left behind, and the rest of the equipment used for the night, Hyori kept glancing over at her best friend, hoping she would notice her curiosity. 

She had been dying to know what went down in Jimin’s dorm last night, but with all the rush from the event throughout the day and the million errands she offered to do just to ease Hoseok’s agenda, she had little to no time to ask Deo about it. 

“If you keep at it you will carve holes in my forehead.” The strawberry-blonde girl came toward her with a card box full of empty bottles in her hands. “What is it?”

“Oh, nothing much…” Hyori shrugged, acting coy as her attention laid on the clothes she was folding. “Just thinking about that thing you forgot to tell me.”

“What thing?” Deo snorted, amused with the act her friend was playing. 

She had been dodging the subject all day long, knowing perfectly that once she told her roommate, Hyori would start hearing bells, a magical agenda appearing in her hands as she became instantly ready to plan their wedding. 

Hyori glared at her, pressing. There was a second of silence shared between them before Deo finally rolled her eyes, a smile spread across her lips as she crossed her arms defensively. 

“Ok, fine!” She exclaimed. “It went ok, I think? We just watched a movie…” 

“The three of you watched a movie?” The dark-haired girl retorted incredulously. 

“Yes. In bed.” Deo smirked, noticing how Hyori’s eyes widened. “And then we talked for a bit.” Deo paused spacing out for a brief moment, reviving some flashes, “He actually offered some… nice advice?” 

“Wait a second.” Hyori motioned with her hands. Her eyebrows furrowed, eyes lost. “So you’re telling me that you went to talk to Jimin… But then ended up watching a movie with him and Loopy and he even offered you advice?” 

“Yup,” Deo said simply, beginning to walk away with the box she had still in her hands.

“What about? The advice.” And Hyori followed suit, the table she had been tending to, being left behind. 

“Ya’ know— life.” 

Hyori scoffed, a somewhat irritated look on her face as her friend had decided to play smart. “I see.” But the conversation was far from over. Hyori would simply wait for the right time to bring it back up. 

The sudden after-party wasn’t so packed but the people that stayed behind to attend it were quite excited and in the mood to have fun. So much so, that Jiwoo asked through the mic that was still on if there was a possible DJ amongst the guests. Needless to say, Yoongi was immediately pushed by his friends to do it. 

Jimin had stayed close to Taehyung and his group of friends instead of searching for his own. The more he talked to them the more he liked doing so. 

“Yeah, and he’s going to be big, I’m sure of it.” Taehyung gushed over the fact that Yoongi was going to make it in the music industry. They had started talking about the underground musician once he went to the stage to fill in the spot of DJ of the night. 

“You’re also on the arts field?” Namjoon asked Jimin. 

“I’m a performative arts major, yeah…” He answered, whiskey glass hiding his smile as he went for a gulp of the liquid. 

“You could do a collab with Yoongi, Jimin-ah!” Taehyung exclaimed excitedly with the possibility. “He has a nice voice too!” He added to the others and Jimin laughed embarrassed. 

“Oh really?” 

“It’s not like they have the same vibe though,” Carolina said suddenly and Jimin’s smile started to fade. Jin looked at her intrigued since it wasn’t of her character to act unpleasantly like that, and made a mental note to ask her privately what that was about.  “But never say never, am I right?” 

“Don’t be like that,” Taehyung tried to brush it off but Namjoon interrupted him trying to change the subject. 

“Is it like— Hard to train for it while being part of the football team?” He asked, grabbing Jimin’s attention and making the mood light again. 

Carolina and Jimin went way back. She had known the boy ever since he and Taehyung started attending the same class in middle school. They were quick to become best friends and that meant having Jimin every day after classes playing with the both of them in the Kim’s family backyard. 

At first, they were fine with each other. Jimin had always been like a second bigger brother to her, much like Taehyung. He paid attention whenever she was struggling and he was always there to help. 

That was until he turned nine, and she was almost eight. They went to school together for a while because Taehyung had been sick with chickenpox. And one of those times, Carolina was excitedly leaving her classroom to meet Jimin at the recess, as they had been into basketball and he had promised to teach her some moves, but she came to a halt. She had overheard Jimin’s classmates teasing him about hanging out with a girl—her. 

“Jimin likes Carolina!” The boys teased him. 

“No, I don’t.” 

“Jimin and Carolina sitting on a tree—” They pressed further.

“I just said I don’t!” Jimin burst all of a sudden. “She’s the one liking me.” He confessed and strode full of confidence towards the playground, his friends following right behind, excitedly laughing at the newfound information. 

Carolina was hurt at the time. She liked him as a brother, just as much as she liked Taehyung. And on her point of view, Jimin had just made fun of her to those idiotic boys. She didn’t meet him at recess that day, nor she had gone back home with him like they always did. 

From then on, she had just put up with his presence, never too close never too far. Just like sitting on top of a wall, unable to make a move. And Jimin never really paid much mind to the act, in his head she was just growing up—same as him—so it was normal for them to drift a bit apart. 

Things got decisive over high school. By then he was already a football player, and perhaps the most popular guy in school. He and Taehyung had always had girls after them. Being invited to all the parties was just a common thing, so one day, as Taehyung begged Carolina to attend one with him, things shifted. 

For starters, the party owner was one of the football guys—a close friend of Jimin—and in Taehyung’s ingenuity, instead of asking Jimin first if he could bring Carolina, he had just invited the girl without paying much mind. In his head, it was ok as she had always hung out with them. But as Jimin’s friend got to know of it, he clarified the party was only for girls their age or older. It wouldn’t be cool to have a youngster among them, he had said. 

Jimin had called Taehyung that day, as he was sitting on her puff watching her apply mascara on her lashes to the sound of Spice Girls. Little did he know, he was on speaker. And before Taehyung could do something about it, all embarrassed for ruining the day, Carolina had already overheard everything. Again. 

From that day on, she had it clear in her mind that she and Jimin belonged to very different social circles. He wasn’t the sweet boy that had cared for her anymore. And to her, he would never be. So it was fair to say that she would always be a bit bitter to him, heart damaged from the mean comments he had made throughout their early days. 

“A DJ and a model? Man, my housemates are about to be famous.” Jungkook jokes as he appears next to Namjoon and Jin. “You were great out there, man.” 

Namjoon can’t help but laugh, a weak attempt to hide his flustered cheeks. “Thanks.” 

“How could a loser find such cool people to share the house with?” Carolina doesn’t meet Jungkook’s eyes but she feels them burning holes in her head, the smile on her lips widening.

“Right? I ask myself that every day.” Jin pinches her sides, making her scoff at the sudden offensive attack. 

“You wouldn’t be able to survive a day without me.” She speaks, with a smug smile as she crosses her arms over her chest.

“She does have a point there.” Jin shrugs. “Were you the service photographer? Did you get any good shots of me?” 

“So he comes to photograph the catwalk but ends up photographing the audience instead?” Namjoon cracks, “What is this?” And they all laugh. 

“I’ll have to check if I got you in any.” Jungkook keeps laughing at Seokjin’s quirkiness. “But I did get some good ones of Namjoon.” 

“Please, delete them all.” 

“No way!” Jungkook and Jin say at the same time. 

“Such a moment needs to be eternalized with framed printed pictures.” Jin continues. “I’ll even add one right next to the kink list on the fridge.” He says, sipping his colorful drink, pleased. 

The way Jin speaks so nonchalantly almost makes Jungkook spit his drink. “Your what?” 

“A kink list, virgin boy.” Carolina gets in the conversation again. “Anyways— You’re such an open mouth, Seokjin” She glares at her roommate and he pretends to not hear the last part, way too worked up at the thought popping in his head all of a sudden. 

“Wait— Are you…? Nah.” Jin laughs, his cheeks suddenly flustered from what he was about to ask. 

“Can we see the pictures, though?” Namjoon gets Jungkook’s attention from what was soon to be a very uncomfortable moment. 

“Sure. I’m supposed to bring the camera home and make some adjustments for Jiwoo but I can separate yours at the same time.” The night’s photographer speaks cooly. “Who convinced you to do this, by the way? It doesn’t seem like the Namjoon I know.” 

“Taehyung, man…” Namjoon sighs, his eyes meeting Taehyung’s, who was smiling mischievously a bit far away while fetching yet another drink. “There’s no stopping that one.”

On the other side of the room, Hyori was attentively listening to Eunwoo, that boy from her physics class and also from Jungkook’s volleyball team—as she later found out. He had this aura to him. It attracted her and she, for once, found herself acting on impulse. It was very much unlike Hyori, as she liked to plan most of her life to the tiniest detail and be in control of her emotions. 

She hated feeling like she was just another one crushing over him every time he entered her field of vision, but she couldn’t help it. 

“So I jump up and the adrenaline almost makes me feel like flying, just like those cheesy movie scenes,” He chuckles and Hyori nods, immersed in the story as much as the boy that was telling it. “So I send the ball perfectly, and BAM! We score and the game ends just then and there.” 

“That’s impressive!” Hyori says sincerely. “Between you and Jungkook, this year’s cup will be ours.” 

“Oh, I wouldn’t say that!” He scratches the back of his neck, suddenly embarrassed by the compliment and the act doesn’t go unnoticed by the girl, her heart skipping a beat at how handsome and adorable he looks. “It’s a team thing.” 

“Don’t sell yourself short.” She gives him a warm smile.

“The support on the bleachers also helps.” He smiles big at her. “If I get to replicate that play on the field, it will be epic.” 

“I have no doubt—” 

Hyori's sentence gets interrupted by another boy she immediately recognizes from the volleyball team, as his arms swing around Eunwoo’s shoulder and they begin talking about something she didn’t quite catch up. Overwhelmed by the sudden intruder in the conversation she was having, she finds herself not knowing what to do. The other boy doesn’t even notice her presence. Should she stay or is the conversation the two players are having personal? The glass in her hand becomes interesting enough so that her eyes stayed glued to the liquor inside, as her fingers play with the pink straw in it. 

The sudden shift in her mood goes unnoticed by everyone at the party but one person. Namjoon, who was until now having a cheerful conversation with Jungkook and Seokjin, sometimes had his ears catching something interesting in his close group of friends chatting, right behind him, due to his electric brain. He was clumsy to be a multitasker when it came to his hands but was an incredible one when it came to reasoning. He had been eyeing her for a while. For no special reason, really. 

Seokjin was telling, for the 100th time, a story about how he had managed to get his face on a sushi billboard and got a lifetime supply of free sushi, except that when he got to collect his first batch, he got food poisoning. Namjoon had already a smile plastered on his lips, finding the exaggerated way Jin had to recall the incident way too funny. Even if he had heard it more times than necessary. 

“You’ll be one of those adults that will 100% get scammed by some guy like that Tinder fraud.” Carolina buts in on the conversation, making Jungkook laugh out loud. 

“As if!” Jin speaks, fake outrage filling his features. 

“Hey, isn’t that your friend?” Namjoon doesn’t wait to hear the rest of Jin’s defense. “That one over there, with the blue cardigan.” 

Jungkook follows the invisible trail from Namjoon’s fingers until his eyes land on Hyori. “Yeah,” He let’s out as he watches in confusion the girl looking around, her eyes lost in the crowd. 

“Why don’t you call her? She can join us.” 

And Jungkook nods, being quick to reach her and returning a few seconds later with the black-haired girl right by his side. “So… This is Hyo, my friend—”

“Hyori actually,” She chuckles correcting him. “But you can also call me Hyo.” 

“Well, I’m Carolina, this is Jin,” Carolina made introductions, and the older one winked playfully as she said his name. “And this is Namjoon.”

“We already met,” Namjoon offered Hyori a smile and she mimicked his actions. “Backstage, remember? I was the guy panicking.” He says making her laugh genuinely. 

“I remember. And you did amazing, by the way!” 

“Why didn’t you model this time too?” Jungkook asked Jin and he started a whole speech over not doing things when he didn’t feel like doing them making Carolina roll her eyes but laugh anyways at his philosophy. They had a lot in common after all. 

While they excitedly chatted between them, Namjoon focused on Hyori that, once again, was lost in thoughts. He didn’t like the feeling of her not having fun like they were. The ever diplomat, as his friends would say. 

“You’re the tutoring girl, right? The famous one?” He asked her and saw her eyes raise from her glass. A shy smile formed on her lips. 

“Oh, wow! Am I famous for tutoring?” She chuckled. “I should add that to my curriculum.”

Namjoon laughed amused. “You should! You’re the first ever to make private classes seem like a fun thing to do,” 

“Up for exaggeration, I see…” She mused looking at him. He was fun, and more approachable than he seemed before her eyes, whenever she saw him around campus. 

“Not at all!” He defended his case. “I honestly have lots of people I know talking good stuff about your methods. Plus Mrs. Keppler from the library… She likes absolutely no one. Like— no one,” He laughed and took a sip of his beer bottle. “And she really likes you. That says a lot.” 

Hyori laughed genuinely. She wasn’t the type that went to a lot of parties, especially not without her friends. And although they were here too, she felt a bit out of place without them surrounding her and making conversation with her. Namjoon somehow was making her feel at ease. Like she had known him for a long time. 

“Yeah, it says I have been attending the library since day one, that’s what.” The smile dancing on her lips and the way the corner of her eyes were all wrinkled made her truthful statement a lot softer. But he caught up on the deeper meaning of that. 

“I too have been attending that library since day one and she doesn’t smile when I return her books.” He says, a knowing smile on his face, eyes profound in search for hers. 

“Didn’t you, Namjoon-ah?” Jin interrupted suddenly, as he was telling a story about the two of them. Hyori was snapped out of her thoughts, her eyes going towards Jin, and although Namjoon answered him, his eyes were still on her. 

“Did I what?” 

Deo was now drinking her fifth glass of the night. She had this tendency to mix strong drinks with coke so they wouldn’t taste so bitter. Jimin would often tease her about this, calling her a lightweight. Which she was not. It was rare the times where she would get wasted. As she liked to put it, she would just get happier and lighter, with no inhibitions or shyness to take over her. If she said she didn’t remember what had happened the night before, it was most likely her playing coy, trying to run away from something she had done or said, and highly regretted. 

Maybe it could’ve been the fact that her last meal was a bite out of Hoseok’s waffle during the afternoon or simply that she had already planned on getting a little bit more drunk than usual, but tonight she was having a blast. 

About Damn Time, by Lizzo was playing and she was dancing along to the beat with some girls from Hoseok’s dance crew that had come by to help set things up and had stayed for the party. They replicated the dance moves of the famous TikTok dance, laughing and singing together as the chorus of the song played. 

“There you are!” The cheerleader is swooped from the group, eyes rolling as soon as she notices who is grabbing her wrist. 

“Oh, it’s you.” Scrunching her nose up, she shows how unpleased she is with facing her ex.

“Don’t tell me you were expecting someone else…” Jack smirks. 

Deo glares, laughing right in his face. “Anyone but you, really.” 

“C’mon, let’s dance.” Hand finding a place on the small of her back, he pulls her close as the music ends. 

“Actually, I might need a break. You go off and find someone else to step on.” She takes a step away from the boy, only to meet his eyes right again. “And honestly, just move on already! You are ruining my night.” 

“Stop playing hard to get.” He stops smiling and Deo huffs. 

“Fuck off.” She flips him off, the smile on her face corresponding perfectly with the message she was conveying. 

But Jack is hard to persuade, as he takes yet another step toward the girl. Except for this time, his grip doesn’t find her wrist, as she gets barred from his attempt behind another guy. “What the hell?!” 

“Loopy?” Deo lets out softly, a confused look on her face as to why the blue-haired boy would suddenly be there. Her dizzy brain had a hard time deciphering his magical-like appearance, even if she was facing his nape. 

“I don’t think she can be any more explicit. Get lost.” Taehyung says cooly, hands on the pockets of his blazer, unbothered by the jock in front of him. 

“Don’t tell me you’re fucking this weirdo now.” Jack scoffed, clearly intimidated with how at pair with his physic the artsy boy was. 

“Actually,” Deo started taking a step to her right to be able to see Jack, only for her eyes to fall on Taehyung’s expression once he glanced over his shoulder at her. His arched eyebrow and small smile told her that she was too out of herself to continue the conversation. 

“It’s none of your business.” Taehyung shrugged, eyes on the girl. 

“Yeah.” She joined. She had already taken the step, might as well own up to it now. “To both it being none of your business and the fucking.” 

“What a joke.” With his ego bruised, Jack was quick to leave, glancing one last time at the duo who had ruined his night. 

“You good?” Taehyung finally asks turning around to face her, in a more serious tone. 

“Oh yeah, totally.” Deo laughs it off. 

“So are we fucking?” His laugh rings in her ears. 

“Hell no!” She makes a disgusted face. 

“Ouch!” Taehyung’s eyebrows dart up, and he licks his lips, bitting them to try and keep it together after the harsh words that had fallen from the small girl’s lips. “You’re breaking hearts left and right, tonight.” 

“If only you knew…” The smirk on her face fades quickly, as she burst off laughing. 

“I’ve been keeping an eye— I’d know.” Taehyung states and Deo can only laugh more at the awkward conversation. 

As she meets eyes with her roommate, the cheerleader immediately sobers up. The expression on the cunning girl’s face becomes clearer. “Fuck.” 

“Huh?” 

The cheerleader is quick to break eye contact, already too doomed to do anything for her sake and certain that Hyori had seen every tiny little detail of the interaction between her and Loopy. Looking back at Taehyung, she opens her mouth a couple of times, until she spots another familiar face, right behind his shoulder. 

“Look, there’s Jimin!” Saved by the bell.

As soon as they reach the quarterback, the sweet smell of liquor fills the air, mixed with the strong scent of his perfume. Jimin’s eyes divert from somewhere in the room to the two. It takes him a second to assimilate the scenario in front of him, the urge to pinch himself to check if this was all a dream, becoming stronger as their best friends appear friendly, like a mirage in the desert.

“What are you doing, mopping in a corner all by yourself?” Deo coos. 

“What are you doing?” He eyes the two of them. 

“What are we doing?” Taehyung chuckles, gaining a weird glance from Deo. 

Jimin laughs, his eyes diverting from the two yet again. Except for this time, it doesn’t go unnoticed. “Oh, I see. Sarah Lewis~” Deo sings the name of the girl who had Jimin’s undivided attention. 

Squinting his eyes, Taehyung tries to follow where the two are looking. “Is it today that you’re going to man up?” 

“Nah.” Jimin sighs, taking a sip from his drink. 

Deo grunts. “Why not! Jimin, girls like guys that take action! They don’t want boring losers.” 

“I’m not boring.” He points out, offended. “Nor a loser!” 

“You’re a chicken, though.” Taehyung teases. 

“And no one wants to date a chicken.” 

“Hey, stop, the two of you.” The quarterback whines, eyes falling on the girl yet again.

“C’mon bro,” Taehyung leaned against the wall, a somewhat bored look on his face to emphasize what he was about to say. “You talk about her nonstop. If you don’t do it, someone else will.” 

“For sure.” Deo nodded in agreement, arms crossing to prove their point. “And look, that guy’s drooling all over her. Your chance is slipping! You’re Park Jimin, for fucks sake!”

“Hell yeah!” Taehyung hyped.  

Jimin seems hesitant, looking between his two best friends. “Alright. Ok. I got this.” He inhales while talking to himself. 

Taking the last shot of the remaining whiskey he had in his cup, Jimin walks through the room, eyes glued to the figure of the blonde he had been stalking for days now on social media. If it was any other scenario he would just let it go. Brush it off, act cooly about it only to regret it the moment he stepped inside his dorm. 

But today he had too much to drink. And the jealousy spoke louder, clouding his better thinking and making him act impulsively. He had always been a guy to do it first and regret it later after all. 

And he wasn’t wasted, he knew how to hold his liquor. He was known for that in fact, no one could keep up with his pace, no one from his group at least. So he pushed his hair back and crossed the party towards her. 

She was beautiful. 

As a slow frame of a movie, all he could see was her chatting excitedly, smile shining. She had her hair straight, different from what he was used to seeing on her Instagram page, or even around campus. Her blonde locks would sparkle every time the light reflected on them… All combed back. She had a blue slip-on silk dress that accentuated her body and contrasted luxuriously with her recently tanned skin. 

“Hey there,” Jimin started and both she and the guy she was previously talking to looked at him. The guy was a bit pissed that his conversation was cut off, but she had an intrigued smile on her face. 

“Hi,” She started. 

“I’m Jimin,” He offered her a hand which she gladly took, amused with his courtesy as he kissed the back of it. “And you look gorgeous tonight. Not that I want to be one of those guys that, you know, start the conversation like that but—You were really something out there.” He pointed with his head towards the venue. 

She chuckled. “Well, thank you, Jimin.” Her smile got bigger and he somehow got even more enchanted by it. “I’m Sarah, nice to meet you.” 

“I hope it’s not creepy of me but I actually know who you are,” He said sincerely making her laugh. 

“If it makes you feel any better, I also know who you are.” 

There was a moment shared between the two. Glances exchanged and a million silent words filled the atmosphere around them. Not that they did notice, but the guy that was previously by her side was long gone, as he had to accept her attention was no longer his but of the star of the campus. 

“I’m… Flattered.” Jimin managed to say, his eyes in a thin line for his smile couldn’t get any bigger. 

“So… This is why you came to me? To compliment me on my catwalk?” She raised an eyebrow, the smile still on her face. Sarah was a fierce one, maybe that’s why Jimin felt so scared to talk to her in the first place. He had seen her in action before, covering up for the college newspaper, that’s when he started taking interest in the girl. She was a go-getter. Someone that took risks and went after what she want. A girl that stood her ground. 

He knew he needed to step up. He also knew she wasn’t one to beat around the bush. 

“No,” He mustered the courage he needed. “You really did look stunning on the catwalk don’t get me wrong, but I’ve been meaning to—”

“There you are!” Carolina interrupted and Sarah’s blue eyes suddenly weren’t fixed on his anymore. “We’ve been looking for you like crazy!” She chuckled, already tipsy from the drink she was holding in her hand. “Lu brought her camera,”

“She’s here too?” Sarah asked excitedly. “Oh my God, I didn’t see her!” 

Jimin’s mouth opened and closed, while he looked from his crush to Carolina. He couldn’t believe this was happening. 

“Come!” Carolina said taking her friend by the hand and pulling her into the crowd. 

Sarah went willingly but not before looking back at Jimin, opening another stunning smile of hers and mouthing him ‘we’re not finished yet.’

Something inside him was set alight, and the smirk on his lips was proof of that. He would admit defeat tonight, alright, but not for long. His brain was already twirling. He needed to know how Carolina knew of Sarah and if they were so close as she made it seem. Taehyung would know. Later on, once both of them arrived at their shared dorm, he would ask. 

As the party got deeper into the night, fewer and fewer people filled the venue. The few that remained were no longer dancing to Yoongi’s playlist. Actually, the DJ was no longer in his post but on the open bar, figuring the number of songs he had left was more than enough for the duration of the party. He needed a drink. 

Laying on the stage, Hoseok had his legs swinging out, eyes closed as the music that was still playing backstage seemed perfect to end his night. He was exhausted. The liquor in his body was hardly enough for him to even be tipsy and the ride from the venue to his dorm, despite not being far, seemed like too much of a long walk. His thoughts are interrupted by the sound of a chair falling and he sits up, hair messy and only one eye open. 

“Hope, I’m sorry!” He immediately recognized the girl that spoke. 

“No need!” He smiled big, hand scratching the back of his neck as he suddenly felt a little bit embarrassed to be laying on the stage. “Are you leaving already?”

“Yeah, I’m really tired… I don’t know how I’m still standing.” She laughed, her hand finding a strand of hair and placing it behind her ear. 

“You were amazing today, Nari.” He gives his sister’s assistant a heartfelt compliment. “Really. I don’t think we could’ve done it without you.” 

“Just doing my job.” She showed him a sincere smile. And truth was that she absolutely loved what she did and would be forever grateful to Hoseok’s sister for the opportunity she was giving her. 

Before the cheerful, but now tired boy could say something else, another girl pops from behind the curtains. 

“Nari, let’s go. Yuna and Hani are already in the uber waiting for you.” Harin, a girl Hoseok often saw around campus spoke before her eyes fell on him. “Oh, hi!” 

“Hey.” Hoseok gives her a smile before turning to Nari again. “I’ll see you around.” 

“For sure!” 

Further down, by the bar, Jungkook had asked Namjoon if he could get a ride back to the apartment once he noticed his roommate was getting ready to leave the party. The venue was a bit far out for him simply to go walking home, and since he had brought no money due to his rush to attend the job Hoseok had appointed him to, he was quite out of options. None of his friends had come driving as they all lived by the dorms. 

Namjoon was quick to say yes, Jin tagged along reassuring the youngest he had a ride with them since he was the deliberated driver for the night. The group x always appointed one before going out, not that the driver itself wouldn’t drink here and there, but the others would just drink way too much. 

“Go ahead if you want, we’ll just look for Yoongi and be sure Taehyung is ok to go to his dorm.” Namjoon had told him, and Jungkook saw himself going towards the front gate. “I think he was off to the bathroom, Jin” The taller one added looking up ahead. 

Jungkook was mindlessly texting on his group chat with his friends that he was going home with his roommates, not bothering to look up, realizing he was indeed out of the venue only when the wind blew at his face and some chuckles could be heard loud and clear in the silent night. 

He glanced to his left, iPhone still in his hands. And somehow the scene before him made him freeze in his place. He would recognize that split hair and voice anywhere. 

Carolina was further down in an alley with Mr. Hayes—his new history of art’s teacher. 

“What the—” He mumbled to himself but stilled right after as he tried to make sense of what was happening. 

Mr. Hayes was dressed casually, as usual, but somehow this version of him seemed more carefree and young. Almost as if he had the same age as the girl before him. He had a cigarette between fingers in one hand, the same one he was holding a beer bottle. 

Carolina wasn’t showing any resistance to the teacher, on the contrary. She had both of her hands on his belly, as if putting some space between them, but her body was constantly closing the remaining distance. They seemed more than close, and that shocked Jungkook. He couldn’t help but stare. The duo seemed completely absorbed in their bubble to even notice he was there. 

“C’mon, Ben” She chuckled. He looked down at her amused as the height difference was playing a part. 

“Then how many fingers I have here?” He asked, lifting his free hand with both his pinky and ring finger up. 

“Two.” She replied confident, a smirk on her face. 

“Wrong.” He clicked his tongue jokingly as he turned his hand around lifting one more finger to trick her. 

She bit her lower lip. He looked at her as if a dare, eyes glued on hers. Jungkook gulped down, still froze on the spot. He sustained his breath the moment she lifted herself on her tiptoes, the hands that were still on the belly of the man before her serving as support to launch herself forward. 

She kissed him. 

And Mr. Hayes didn’t step back. Instead, he grabbed her by the nape of her hair with his free hand and deepened the kiss. Both of them stepped back to lean on the wall right behind Carolina. 

He had her against a wall, in a dark alley, cigarette long forgotten. And Jungkook was suddenly blank. He wanted to avert his eyes from the scene before him, so he looked at his cellphone once more with mixed feelings. Without thinking he opened the group chat once more and texted about what he had just seen. Before he could even see the replies, or if he even had some reply, he heard her voice again. 

“Wait let me text them,” Carolina chuckled, as Mr. Hayes kept adorning the skin of her neck with kisses. “Ben,” she pushed him lightly, almost as if she didn’t want to push him off her. 

“Alright. C’mon, Love,” He said dropping the cigarette butt on the floor and putting it out, before taking her by the waist and guiding her towards his car. “You can text them on the way.”

“Mhmm” She nodded, eyes glued on her phone. 

The last thing Jungkook sees, is Carolina entering the teacher’s car while laughing at something he had said, and Mr. Hayes driving them off. 

And he stood there, staring at the end of the street, thoughts rushing in his mind. He couldn’t believe she was having a fling with his teacher. Where were they even going? He could only hope it was a fling and nothing else. 

“Let’s go?” He was snapped out of it when Namjoon put a hand on his shoulder.

“Huh?” Jungkook looked behind him taking notice his two roommates were already out and Jin was waving goodbye to an excited Taehyung. Jimin was side hugging the blue-haired one as they sang happily to some tune. 

“Did you wait too long?” Namjoon asked him. 

“Uh, no. Not really.” He shrugged still blank. 

“Where’s Carolina?” Yoongi asked, hands stuffed into his pockets while they walked towards Jin’s car, his attention now focused on the dialogue happening before him. 

Jungkook followed them but didn’t dare to speak of the scene he had just witnessed. 

“She texted us saying she would sleep out tonight,” Jin said peacefully and Jungkook clenched his jaw with the new information. The puzzle pieces came together in his mind. “I think she headed out with Lu.”

“Alright,” Yoongi nodded climbing in the passenger seat. Jungkook closed his door with much more force than necessary. 

“Belt up you idiots,” Jin exclaimed excitedly. “I can’t guarantee your safety as I too am human and I too couldn't say no to free alcohol.”

“Don’t even joke about it,” Yoongi said chuckling with feigning courage as he held on to the ‘holy shit handle’ above his window. 

“Here we go…” Namjoon chuckled rolling his eyes but putting his seat belt on, and Jungkook mimicked the action on pure instinct as he wasn’t paying attention anymore to anything that was being said. 

“Yah,” Yoongi exclaimed all of a sudden, “You’re scaring Jungkook back there.” He laughed at Jin who kept rolling the window down to say hi to people. “He has a game tomorrow, he needs to stay alive… Look at him, all quiet. He’s probably praying he arrives intact.” He added and Namjoon laughed patting Jungkook’s leg. 

Jin looked at the rear mirror, straight at Jungkook who was playing with his piercing, eyes huge and focused on something before him. “Don’t worry JK! I’m the best driver in town. You’ll get to your game.”

“Huh? Yeah. Yeah, I trust you.” The boy gave a small smile, looking out the window. 

“You’re the best-drunk driver in town, that’s what you are,” Yoongi said and the three of them laughed it out while the youngest mind kept drifting off to the dark alley next to the venue. The iPhone in his hand buzzed incessantly without getting any attention.

© #fighton! | all rights reserved. do not repost, translate or claim as your own. if you find this work elsewhere besides the three blogs stated, please report it to any of the writers.

@singguks × @socksjinie × @bluenpjm

“Good morning, South!” Yoongi’s voice echoed through the halls of his college, and even though he should sound excited, his tone was drained and maintained in a monotone. A really, really, bored and sleepy one. 

Yoongi was responsible for the radio station. Well, one of them actually, but his regularity inside the dark booth was so prominent, that no one else knew who the others responsible were. 

On duty days he had to wake up extra early to be able to do all the announcements for the university, as required. It was his giant love for music that made him volunteer to take care of the station — that and the fact he really enjoyed being alone. Having the studio all for himself in a building filled with young adults was like having the golden ticket to the chocolate factory. 

And to those said young adults, having him there was more than a benefit. The halls were always filled with good music. 

“We’ll have pizza for lunch today — which in all honesty is golden even for the students who aren’t broke — and don’t forget! Saturday we have the volley male team game. If you miss it, you’re not a Trojan…” He ended his morning announcement by inciting the students with yet again another sarcastic remark. 

He was about to prepare the playlist to be played for the rest of the day around campus when he heard a knock on the door. 

Getting up tiredly from his chair, he exited the station booth to the lounge — which was currently empty much to his happiness — and went towards the door. He was about to get overly grumpy, not wanting to have meaningless morning conversations when her face showed on the other side. Carolina. A smile immediately formed on his face. 

“My lifesaver!” He says, a glint of relief reflected in his eyes, as he swings an arm around her neck, pulling her inside. She was holding two coffee cups and although one was for him, he didn’t wait much before grabbing it with a cheeky smile. 

“Oh, good morning for you too, sir!” She chuckles amused. “What’s up for today?” 

“I guess pizza for lunch?” She sees him scrunching his nose, pondering his options, which makes her laugh. “I’m getting too old to read these announcements. They sound ridiculous! Namjoon should definitely have a heart-to-heart with his dad…” 

Almost every morning Yoongi had to talk with the principal to receive the announcements. It was a mix of headaches and second-hand embarrassment every damn time. 

“You’re still in your twenties, Yoongs…” Carolina rolled her eyes with a smile insisting on escaping through the corners of her mouth. “But yeah, pizza sounds nice for someone who only slept three hours — I think? And still has volley practice to attend.” She sank into his embrace further, lacking the energy. “I need the carbs. Desperately.” 

“You’re also getting too old for that. See?!” He teases and she yawns. 

“Team granddads, always.” The reply sounds muffled, her face resting directly on the curve of his neck. 

“Can you keep one eye open though to help me with today’s playlist? There’s still a couple of songs I need to add and I always trust your taste.” 

As he asks it, Carolina seems to gain life, straightening her back once again. “Sure! What vibe are we setting today?” There was nothing more pleasing than to hear the songs you liked being played through the halls, and this girl, in particular, loved sharing her musical references with Yoongi. 

“We have to go more college vibes,” He said throwing air marks and mocking the principal’s tone. “So help me out here. No swear words either.” He scoffs. 

“Oh god, we’ve gone preppy…” She sighs as he sits on his chair once again and she finds a spot at the end of his lap, checking the list Yoongi already had. He casually drank his coffee waiting for her ideas. “Hmm, what about cosmos midnight? They have a nice vibe and could cheer your morning up… Something like- Talk To Me?” 

“Like I said before: my lifesaver.” He gave her a soft squeeze on her waist and she looked over her shoulder to smile back at him. 

Carolina and Yoongi would seem like a couple to everyone that passed by them. They were both crazy affectionate with one another, which was strange considering they weren’t like that to anybody else — especially Yoongi. But in reality, it was just a genuine friendship. They are very similar, which helps, but also very comfortable in each other’s presence to the point of not touching being weird. It could be anything really, side hugs, cuddles, intertwined hands… The only thing that kept them from indeed dating one another was the fact they praised their friendship way too much. That and the fact Carolina now had her eye out for a mystery drawing guy. 

“Let me add that one to the playlist and we’re good to go.” 

“And where we might be going?” She asked slumping on his chest and making him laugh. 

“Cafeteria, you lazy ass. I’m starving!” 

“I always forget how much you can eat whenever you have a game coming,” She laughs it out getting up from his lap. 

“I love playing, but I really do hate the intense practice…” He mused and once again swung his arm around her neck as he closed the door of the radio station, heading towards the cafeteria. 

By this time of the day, the corridors of the university were beginning to get flowed with people who had morning classes to attend, which consisted mostly of all the freshmen and juniors. And there were two juniors in particular that were always the theme of conversation around here. Eyes were glued to them wherever they went. Kim Taehyung and Park Jimin, the inseparable childhood friends. 

Taehyung, majoring in Fine Arts, was as eccentric as it could get. He would often change his hair, some said it went according to his mood, which now was blue. And how he manages to look like a god in every color possible it’s worth hours of debate, which every girl and every guy would pleasingly go through. And contrary to his exterior looks, he was the kindest person on earth too. That only contributed to the swarm of people swooning over him. 

As for Jimin, well, Performative Arts major and also head of the football team. How he got both going said a lot about him. He was appointed to being the official quarterback ever since he first set foot in this college, and between that and his stunning stages, he got to be undoubtedly the most popular guy in the entire university — maybe even state — in a glimpse. 

And the curious part comes now. Despite both of them being best friends and overly popular, when it came to their social circles, they didn’t belong to the same groups. Much like their own personal interests, their little troupe is polar opposites. That doesn’t mean they don’t support each other or even talk about everything. The major interest in the halls — although more and more scarce — is if they trade secrets behind their friends’ backs. 

“And then,” Taehyung was balling his eyes out laughing, “The seagull flew right from under the barrel next to the big one’s and I was getting all soft but the video- The video stopped and it switched to that meme of Nemo-” 

“Fish fish fish fish fish!” Jimin started singing with balled fists enthusiastically, also laughing loudly. Taehyung joined him in the chanting. 

“Why did you stop?” The youngest asked after a couple of ‘fish’ chanted, realizing he was doing it alone. 

“Look! There’s Deo. Let’s go to her!” Jimin dismissed his friend, dragging him by the arm towards the girl. She had her attention on her locker, stuffing some books inside. “Morning, baby!” He said cheerfully over her shoulder, and Taehyung just leaned on the locker facing the crowd passing by. 

“Morning!” She replied smiling widely and turning around to give him a tight hug. “Oh- hi.” She added, noticing Taehyung standing close by. 

“Hey.” He nodded. 

“Oh, c’mon guys. You already know each other, no need to be shy!” Jimin chuckled lightly, pushing Deo a bit closer to Taehyung. 

“So… How’s it going?” 

“Good!” Deo answered almost immediately, turning again to her locker to grab a book. “Well, I gotta get to class. See you.” She pointed out, slamming her locker door and throwing a death stare at Jimin. And then she left. 

“Oook!” Taehyung broke the silence with a smack of his lips. “So are we seeing that movie tonight or what?” 

“That was weird…” Jimin kept looking at the place in the crowd where Deo had wandered off, completely absorbed in his thoughts. “She looked weird. Don’t you think?” He glanced back at Taehyung but his friend had crossed his arms and had a questioning raised eyebrow, expectant of an answer. “Uh? Oh, yeah! Yes! We are. What was the movie again?” Jimin smiled sheepishly, lost in the conversation. 

“I told you about it five times already,” Taehyung sighed. “That noir one.” 

“Oh! Yeah, that’s right. The noir one… Yeah, we can totally watch it tonight!” 

“‘Kay then. But don’t forget!” He said with warning eyes, pulling away from the lockers to get going. “Gotta go. I’m probably late again…” 

“I’ll be there!” Jimin said louder as Taehyung kept going farther away, but his eyes went back in search of Deo. For the popular guy he was, he suddenly felt abandoned, and worst of all by his two best friends. One was clearly mad at him, although the why of it wasn’t that clear… Still, he needed to do something about that. And with that in mind, he made his way to class. 

Nearby, Jungkook, Hoseok, and Hyori were sitting in the lounge near the smallest bar. The morning sun was so pleasing shining through the big windows that the latter made them sit outside to enjoy some vitamin C. And suddenly, this seemed the perfect opportunity for Jungkook to vent out his problems. He wasn’t one to talk about what worried him, even though he knew his friends were always available and supportive. He was just accustomed to dealing with stuff alone. But this time, he felt like needing a second opinion. 

“I just don’t understand where it came from!” Jungkook let out frustrated. “Yesterday everything was fine, and now this morning as soon as I set foot on campus somehow all eyes were on me… I got to know through a guy that came asking if I was a virgin because I wanted or because I had problems down there!” The day hadn’t even started and the words ‘virgin boy’ had already hunted him in the halls. 

“Maybe you just need to let it go. I haven’t heard anything like that so far… Try and focus on something else? You know how these things are, they die down if you don’t pay much mind-” Hoseok suggested. 

“It won’t! Everyone’s whispering about it.” 

“I bet it’s just a jealous guy spreading that around to piss you off-” Hoseok tried but got interrupted. 

“Wasn’t a guy.” Hyori finally said something gaining Jungkook’s full attention. “I might be completely wrong though because I don’t have evidence just the word of a girl I tutor…” 

“Just tell me!” 

“She said Carolina was the one telling her…” Hyori admitted and Jungkook furrowed his eyebrows in deep thought. 

“What Carolina?” Hoseok intervened curiously. “And she just started it out without no apparent reason?”

“I don’t know her face, so I don’t know how to explain… The girl just told me she was from the volley team?”

“Same as JK!” Hoseok exclaimed, “Did you piss her off over practice?” 

“Jungkook!” Hyori slapped his shoulder so he could get out of his head and pay attention to them. 

“She- She lives in my building? And we have some classes together… And sometimes practice.” He answered honestly still in trance. “But I don’t remember having any interaction with her?” 

“You either did something and you’re just not remembering because boys never pay attention enough or she just likes to rile you up and it’s working,” Hyori commented. 

“I don’t think I did?” Jungkook kept rummaging his brain after some kind of interaction they might have had. 

“Maybe she has a crush?” Hoseok shrugged and Jungkook looked over to Hyori questioning. He needed girl intuition. “Even if it’s a weird way to call for attention… I mean- Virgin boy?” Hoseok bit down a burst of laughter. 

“Hmm… That’s an option, I guess? Who is she anyway?” Hyori asked curiously. She normally had a lot of information to share since the majority of students she tutored around campus loved a good gossip, but not always knew who they were talking about. 

“I don’t know how to explain it to you… She has half her hair dyed. Like the bottom half.” Jungkook said it as if was impossible for Hyori not to know who the girl was by that description. “Ah but really why did she start that?!” 

“Outstanding description!” Hoseok teased making him huff. “Here. Found her through the volley team account!” He passed the phone over to Hyori. 

“Ok… Isn’t this the girl that dates that troublemaker? The radio guy?” Hyori said scrolling down Carolina’s posts. “She seems bad news… I know for a fact they are always on that radio booth together, so I think it’s unlikely she’s pinning over another guy.” 

“She’s dating Yoongi?” Jungkook muttered more to himself in realization than anything. “Ok but— What should I do? About the whole virgin boy thing…” 

“Tell her to stop?” Hoseok sighed. “And if she doesn’t, I don’t know… Maybe just tease back!” He said jokingly but the other two didn’t take it that way. 

“Oh, that’s a good option… I mean, the worst that can happen is her boyfriend beating you up but he’s way smaller than you so you probably have a chance.” Hyori pondered and Jungkook thought about having to start a fight with Yoongi. “Or! She will beat you up.” 

“I can’t start a fight with my roommate though.” Jungkook chuckled. 

“Maybe that’s why she started this! Because he asked her to?” Hoseok was confused by his own track of thoughts. 

“The fact is we don’t even know if it was really her…” Hyori started, still scrolling down the other girl’s feed. “I’m betting she’s the culprit cause look- She totally has the ‘I’m causing trouble tonight’ style, but! You never know. We can’t go around accusing people out of nowhere…” 

“I feel like that’s exactly what you’re doing right now,” Hoseok commented laughing. 

“But why though??? Like. Why?” Jungkook was still pissed off he didn’t have the answers or the solution to this nonsense. The last thing he needed was a weird rumor about him going around right before an official match. 

“Ok, that’s it. Off to class both of you!” Hoseok got up and started pulling them with him. 

“Wha-” Jungkook started to protest but Hyori cut him off. 

“Let’s go, virgin boy! Can’t arrive late and ruin my perfect academic life.” Both she and Hoseok started laughing realizing the boy in question was cursing under his breath. 

As the group parted ways, Hyori walked at a fast pace to her class. She hated being late but the conversation with the boys took more of her time than she was expecting, and she couldn’t afford to lose any word that left the teacher’s mouth. 

When she got to her physics class, there were only a couple of seats vacant and she took the one that was nearest to the teacher’s table. That way she could still record the class in case she missed something and take notes later on at the dorm. 

She was in the middle of a way too long sentence when someone tapped on her shoulder. As she turned around, she saw Eunwoo, a boy from her class she wished she knew a lot better but never had the guts to go and talk to him before. 

“Sorry, can I take a peek at your notes? I can’t keep up the pace with her.” He smiled sheepishly. 

“Sure! Can you see like this?” The girl turned her laptop a little to his side, trying at the same time to hide how red her cheeks already were. 

The class continued but now Hyori was a little out of focus. She could still catch some words here and there, but the fact that Eunwoo was almost breathing down her neck was making her lose her senses. The only thing on her mind was the smell of his perfume that had quickly intoxicated all the air she was breathing. 

“Hey, it’s Hyori, right?” He asked leaning against the table as she was packing her stuff. The class had finally come to an end — She just didn’t know if that was a good thing or not. 

“Yes, that’s right”

“Well, uhm, thanks for helping me out during class! I pride myself on typing fast but I really can’t keep up with Mrs. Green,” He chuckled scratching the back of his neck and Hyori laughed alongside him. 

“It was nothing, really! But I get you, I sometimes record it in case I miss it,” 

“That’s clever,” He commented amusedly. “And uh… I was thinking… If you aren’t too busy maybe we could study together or something… After class?”

Hyori took a moment to breathe, being taken by surprise. “Sure! That would be great! Just say where and when!” Hearing that his eyes took a crescent moon shape yet again. But to her horror, she sounded way more cheerful and euphoric than she intended to. 

“Can I have your number? I have practice after class but we can check our schedules and set a date?” Eunwoo casually took his phone out of his pocket. 

“Of course! I have some tutoring to do as well, but sure, we’ll manage.” She laughed nervously as he handed his phone to her. 

“I’ll give you a ring then, so you can also have mine. Text you later, Hyori!” He grabbed his backpack and opened another killing smile to her, walking towards the door. 

“Bye!” She said dreamily, letting out a long sigh she didn’t even realize she was holding. Boy, she was starstruck. 

As Hyori left her class and made her way through the crowd, she spotted Jungkook with eyebrows furrowed staring intensely at his cellphone. He was probably waiting for her for them to meet Hoseok at the cafeteria. It was pizza day after all. No one could push them away from there. 

Unlike them, however, there was another group assembling in the halls. One that much preferred to eat outside and away from prying eyes. The fresh air didn’t make it to the top list of motives they always gathered on the bleachers, though. It was the peace and quietness that made it through to the first place. And since it was unusual for people to have lunch there, they had maybe half an hour to eat comfortably before the field would be filled with youngsters that wanted to lay down or play some ball. 

“Hey losers!” Carolina said approaching the boys. Yoongi came right beside her, with a hand on the back of her neck and the other holding his phone as a text popped up. He had this incessant tired look on his face like he had gone to bed too late. And he probably did. 

“Where were you this morning? I didn’t even see you,” Jin — the oldest of the group and also Carolina’s housemate — questioned. 

“I have classes starting at eight, remember? I don’t have your easy senior life.” She replied, sitting down next to Taehyung. He was currently sketching something in his journal, not really paying attention to the conversation or his surroundings. 

“After all these years I deserve a break don’t you think?” The oldest said chuckling. 

“Not really” 

“We’ll talk about that in two years… You’ll see.” 

“Where’s Namjoon by the way?” Yoongi asked making everyone, even Taehyung, look around for their friend. 

“Is he sick or something?” Carolina got worried. 

“Nah, I gave him a ride this morning…” Yoongi addressed her concerns. 

“He’ll probably show up in a few,” Jin commented returning his attention to the sandwich he was previously eating. 

“I bumped into him in the cafeteria earlier,” Taehyung had his eyes trailed on the paper resting on his leg, pencil moving swiftly in his hand. “I think his class ends a little after ours,”

“There he is!” Carolina pointed looking behind Jin. Namjoon had a fast pace and his hands were packed with large books. And although he was a little clumsy, he was a true catch. Tall, honey skin, charming dimples, cozy style, and a brain to die for. 

“Guys!” He called out astonished, “Did you hear it?!” 

“What happened this time?” Yoongi questioned uninterested, drinking from Jin’s coffee. 

“The rumor about JK being a virgin!” He spilled out and received different reactions. “You think it’s true? Like. He’s a nice kid and all but I didn’t think he was that nice,” Namjoon attempted to sit down and almost fell off the bleachers if it wasn’t for Jin and Taehyung holding him. 

“A virgin?” Taehyung scoffed. “I think he had a girlfriend or something… Jimin mentioned it once,” 

“Why do we even care? Let the kid be,” Yoongi said taking a bite of the sandwich that was in Carolina’s hand. 

“What would Jimin know though?” Carolina glanced at Taehyung, “And besides, I trust the theory of the purity ring he has on his finger all the time… Or the one about his willy-” 

“Like the Jonas brothers?” Jin interrupted her ready to have the laugh of his life. 

“That was even a thing?” Namjoon asked, completely lost. “Is he impotent though?” And to that Carolina nodded and muttered a ‘probably’. “Oh man, poor guy,” 

“And you seem to know a lot about the subject,” Yoongi addressed her with a smirk, “Odd!” 

“I happen to know because he has some classes with me that’s all…”

“I say we ask him gently on the way home today,” Jin suggested. “Maybe his father is a preacher… OR! He’s like those guys from Game of Thrones. How’s it called?” 

“Eunuch,” 

“No, his father is a designer, I know him,” Taehyung said casually. 

“He’s not a eunuch, for fucks sake,” Namjoon let out with a chuckle. “I’ve seen him around in boxers. He’s-” And instead of concluding the phrase he just gesticulated making everyone imagine what he was trying to say. 

“Ok!” Carolina said cutting the subject. “Can we now discuss the fact that Jin was caught trying to wear my bra yesterday, please?” 

“I SAID I WAS JUST DOING AN EXPERIMENT!” Jin burst and the others with him, but from laughter. 

“He was probably trying to open it with one hand only. You know, for practice,” Yoongi said in a monotone as if discussing the weather. 

“Bro, you could have said that… I would help,” Taehyung offered. 

“Wow,” Carolina looked at them. She couldn’t even act surprised anymore, this was practically her routine. 

“That’s some… Kinky shit right there,” Namjoon pointed out starting to eat his lunch. 

The group can seem a little odd to the outside viewers but they weren’t concerned about public opinion. They all had a lot in common, and not bothering to be anything but themselves was their first principle. 

Carolina and Taehyung had practically been raised together. Their parents were friends for a lifetime and to top that, they were also neighbors. When she came to college though, her schedule didn’t match his, and that’s how she ended up wandering around in some clubs trying to spend time and also trying to find someone to share her new apartment with. She would share it initially with Taehyung but unfortunately for her, he was already doing so with Jimin, his best friend. She didn’t have to search for long though, because on her very first week she somehow ended up in a vintage game conference and met Jin — a senior in college who was still desperate to get out of the campus dorm. And he even knew Taehyung, so it was a no-brainer to rent her spare room to him. Yes, he was a guy, but her parents were pretty open-minded, so was she, and if he knew Taehyung… Well, that was a major plus. 

In her second week, she met Namjoon, a nice and outspoken guy that was friends with Jin, and started casually sitting with them to grab some lunch. She only came to discover he was the son of the dean a month later when the group ended up in a mess — another common thing between them. Yoongi however, was a different case… Carolina met him because fate once more moved in her favor. 

In the building she lived in, there were more apartments and one of them belonged to Namjoon, who coincidently shared it with Yoongi and Jungkook (the now nominated college virgin boy according to Carolina, who may or may not have spread that rumor out). How did she discover that? Well, Jin asked Namjoon for a ride but turned out that Yoongi was actually the car owner and also the driver. Namjoon had never attempted to lay hands on a wheel. 

Yoongi was a tough one to crack at first, but once she unraveled they had the same music taste, they became really close. Nowadays, she will mostly spend her time skipping classes at the radio station, giving thoughts on Yoongi’s playlists whenever she is allowed to. 

In college, they mostly hang out in the bleachers because it is sunny and pretty far out of the rest of the campus population. And when it rains or it’s so cold they can’t stand being out, well, they either go to the lounge area to chat and eat something or to the big abandoned stairway located on the left-wing of the building. After classes, it’s always agreed to chill over at Jin and Carolina’s apartment since they have tried it once at Yoongi’s — seeing he isn’t one to get out of the house that much — and that didn’t go down that well. Carolina had arrived at the boys' apartment only to find Jungkook casually eating cereals just wearing boxers, and let’s just say she didn’t understand why he was there in the first place. 

The clock on her phone marked two o’clock sharp, and despite them being all super tired already, the day had to continue. They still had a couple of classes in the afternoon. The sun made them feel sleepy, especially after having their stomachs filled, so when they had to get up to go to class, it seemed more like a herd of zombies walking than actual human beings. 

The boys had this protective habit of walking Carolina to her class, so every day after lunch she was the first to arrive at whatever class she had. And as soon as she entered the door, they would disperse, each of them going off to their department. But today she decided to take her usual “sneak break” as soon as she set foot inside the room. She waited for the teacher to call out her name, announcing she was present, and soon after made her way out. 

Her trips to the broom closet were getting more and more usual. The girl gained this habit in her first week, and it became more and more regular when random doodles started to appear on the walls and door of the little space. It intrigued her. As far as she knew, she was the only habitant of the broom closet in the art department, and those drawings felt like hints, or even… Gifts. The smell of cigarettes made it even more appealing each time. She was absolutely dying to find who the mystery doodle person could be. 

Unfortunately, her time there had to be brief this time, she really needed to return to her photography class. And she wasn’t really in the mood that day. Carolina didn’t see the point of having a class like that if she wasn’t actually with a camera in hand, photographing stuff. She didn’t need to know how many pixels there were in how many centimeters. So, inspired by the doodles in her little safe haven, she scribbled on her own iPad. 

Everything was fine until she heard ‘pop quiz next week’ coming out of the teacher’s mouth. She wasn’t one to pay attention to her grades, but she really liked photography and this teacher. Somehow he was always very supportive of her, something none of her teachers so far had shown her, so the least she could do was to impress him enough. Her mind began racing and she looked around to see whom she could manage to get some info from, for the quiz. Her eyes stopped on a pair of scribbling hands. She really had no choice. 

“Psst, virgin boy,” Carolina called out none other than Jungkook. Despite very much unknown to her, he was the most familiar face she had in that class. And as he turned around, showing a fake uninterested semblance on his face, she continued. “Can I borrow your notebook real quick?” She whispered to him. 

“Why?” He asked, this time genuinely confused. If it was anyone else, or a different circumstance, Jungkook wouldn’t hesitate to help someone out. He liked feeling helpful. But she was the culprit behind this whole ‘virgin boy’ rumor, and he didn’t even know why. 

Earlier on, he had overheard some girls from the volley team confirming the information Hyori had given him, about Carolina being the one spreading it, and it only pissed him further. He thought of confronting her about the subject but he wasn’t really a guy to pick fights like that… And besides, nothing he could do would change the fact everyone believed what they wanted to believe. 

“Dude, just help me out. I have zero things written down.” 

He looked at her still not following her track of thoughts. First, she badmouths him and now she asked for his notes… And there was also the fact that to him, she didn’t seem the type to care about stuff like this, she was always drawing or doing anything else but paying attention. At least in the classes they shared. But something about it intrigued him. From the way her expectant eyes were watching him to the real motive she wanted his notes specifically. 

“Fine.” He ended up saying. “But you owe me one,” He passed her his notebook, to which she grabbed firmly, not letting go of his gaze. 

“That’s not how it works, virgin boy,” He couldn’t help but snort. It was starting to piss him off this whole nickname thing. And the more he thought about it, about the reason behind it, the more bothered he would get. 

“Just hurry up.” 

“If I want to,” Carolina dismissed, opening the camera on her iPad and starting to take photos of the pages before her. 

“So what? You’re keeping my notebook?” He arched his eyebrow, a smirk showing on his lips. 

“Why?” She paused the task to look at him curiously. “Is there something here I can’t see?” And he faltered his stance for a second, but a second was what it took for her to notice it and start imagining what she really could find between the pages of his book. 

“Browse away,” He pointed out the object with his head, “But if you want to keep something of mine, I can bring you a sweater. At least is comfier.” And the look he offered her, made her want to just kick his head out. 

“Is that you flirting with me, virgin boy?” She pressed on his new nickname, blood boiling. Jungkook snorted once again. 

“You wish. Just hurry up,” He turned back to face the board once again. “Or neither of us will pass the pop quiz next week. I need to write down what he’s saying.” 

“Here.” She said taking the last picture and handing him his notebook back. “And hurry up writing it down! I need the rest of it, thank you!” 

Once the class was over, Jungkook gathered his things and left. He had volleyball practice tonight so he wanted to go home and rest as soon as possible. Turns out he made a poor choice when he decided to stay up playing overwatch with some of his friends. 

He was about to leave the main hall when he heard someone call his name. Someone who was giving him lots of headaches lately. 

“Hey, virgin boy! You forgot the rest of the notes!” Carolina said almost sprinting to catch him. 

“Really? I think I got everything the teacher said?” He turned to face her, playing dumb. 

“No dumbass, you forgot to pass them on to me.” 

“I don’t think I did.” 

“But you did.” Carolina pushed back and he smirked. 

“Nope.” 

“Seriously,” She puffed. “Can you just stop this… Thing. And give me the notes? I really need them and you’re the most organized one so far. Plus your handwriting is- You know-”

“What?” He arched an eyebrow amused. “Pretty?” And she huffed rolling her eyes, completely impatient. “Well, maybe if you hadn’t started calling me virgin boy…” 

“It affects you that much, huh?” She narrowed her eyes looking at him, a smile threatening to pull at the corners of her mouth. 

The truth was: it was indeed Carolina starting the rumors. She didn’t plan for it to get that far, not even in her wildest dreams she thought the next day everyone around campus would be talking about it. But she underestimated Jungkook’s reputation, and the volley team’s integrity to keep a secret. 

It all started when their coach decided to appoint Jungkook — the ace of the boys' team — to watch a simple match between the girls. He was supposed to analyze their techniques and help the coach out to sort a better lineup since there was fresh blood coming in. Carolina was already the designed setter of the official team, and Jennifer — Jungkook’s unofficial booty call — was the designed captain, she was also a year older than the both of them. Same as Jungkook, she played in the wing spiker position. That day, the coach decided to make a team with Jennifer in charge and another with Carolina in charge since their game style differed quite a lot. 

Everything was going fine, until Carolina herself smashed a ball on the second touch, doing a feint, but Jennifer raised up to the net, trying to block it. The ball happened to be quick so the coach couldn’t really pinpoint if it touched the court line or not. But that didn’t matter to Carolina because she was sure it had hit Jennifer’s hand, therefore, the point was hers. 

At the time, Jennifer cried out to the coach Carolina was lying and the ball had not touched her attempt to block. The coach couldn’t solve the debate so he asked for a second opinion — Jungkook’s. He took a while to give the answer, and by the way he looked between the two girls, Carolina simply knew: he had seen the ball touching Jennifer’s hand, but she was also his booty call. So when he gave that point to Jennifer, she wasn’t surprised. Or hurt. Although it sucked losing a point like that, knowing she was supposed to have it. What came afterward though, was what truly pissed her off. 

She had stayed behind at the court talking strategies with the coach for their next game, after all, she was the setter on the team, and it was her obligation to think the game through. And she was certain the lockers would be empty by the time she went there to take a shower. But she was wrong. As soon as she opened the door, she overheard Jennifer and Jungkook’s voices talking about none other than herself. Jennifer had told him she didn’t know how a player like Carolina deserved to be frontline, and at the time Jungkook laughed. 

Carolina had marched out of the lockers that day fuming. And she wasn’t one to lose her cool like that, but something inside her snapped. So the next thing she knew, she was telling their libero Jungkook was still a virgin when the short girl inquired if Jungkook was doing Jennifer in the lockers and if that was why she couldn’t change her clothes. 

“You’re the one losing here, sweetheart.” Jungkook stuffed his hands in his pockets, “Anyway, you still have a week.” He turned around ready to leave but was stopped. 

“Hey!” Carolina held his arm. “First of all, you should work on that pet name thing, virgin boy, sweetheart is a major turn off — unless you’re like. British. But anyway! Just-” She let out a long sigh. “Borrow me your notes, please, I swear I’ll be quick,” 

He looked at her and almost gave in. She really wasn’t one to be desperate because of notes or grades… But she did him dirty in the end. He had to put up a fight somehow. “Not today,” Jungkook got loose of her hold and started walking towards the exit.

“God, I could break his legs right here.” She muttered to herself seeing him walk off. 

Carolina was ready to punch someone into a locker but she refrained herself, knowing it was of no use getting in trouble over him. Instead, she was planning on wasting all her rage at the volleyball court later on. Tonight’s practice was co-ed. 

The halls were all empty and Namjoon found himself wandering through the corridor he already knew like the back of his hand. He wasn’t in the mood for how the rest of his day was about to end, but he also knew there was no use in postponing this any further. So he made his way to the principal’s office — or better yet, his dad’s office. 

“You’re lat— What clothes are those?” Dean Kim frowned displeased, as soon as he gave Namjoon a quick glance. 

“My going out clothes…? Why? There’s something wrong?” The boy asked, looking down at himself to inspect if there was indeed something off. 

His father sighed. “I told you this dinner was important. I needed you in formal attire.” He added sternly. 

“I don’t have anything more formal than this, dad… I’ve been in college all day,” Namjoon sighed, trying to contain his temper from coming out. “And besides, nobody will even notice me, I’m sure,” He added trying to lighten the mood. 

“Either way, we don’t have time for you to change now. Your mother is coming too so we’ll have to go pick her up,” The older man said without even looking at his son, turning around to pick up his briefcase. 

“Mom is coming? Why?” 

“Because it looks better in pictures if she’s there,” He paused. “You already know this stuff,”

“No, I don’t. I don’t know why you two have to keep pretending… Don’t you see it’s a burden for mom?” Namjoon pointed out sadly. It hurt his heart to see his mom sad, and the more he tried to recollect his memories with his parents, the more he could see that was the only look he had ever seen on her face. 

“I don’t think this matter really concerns you,” He said in a cold tone, trying to put an end to the conversation.

“Yes, it does dad. God!” Namjoon let out in frustration, sitting down on one of the puffy chairs. “I’m your son and I have to see this act go on… And how it hurts all of us! This is not right. Can’t we just— I don’t know. Let’s just go the two of us.” 

“I already told you. This is not up for discussion, Namjoon. Since when do you stand up to my word, huh? Those friends of yours…” The dean basically spat. He didn’t approve of his son’s friends ever since the day they all came into his office for a prank they pulled and the whole cafeteria had to be evacuated. 

“This has nothing to do with my friends. I stand up for what I believe is right, and you would know that if you paid more attention to the real me, not the idea of a son you created in your mind,” 

“Why can’t you just have a good record and study hard so you can have a bright future?! I just want what is best for you. One day you’ll realize that.”

“And I do that. I study hard, and I have great grades. The only thing lacking for you is appearances,” Namjoon retorted, hurt by his father’s words. 

“Dressing better wouldn’t do you any harm. You look like a delinquent in those baggy clothes. I’ll ask your mother to take you out shopping soon. Now we have to go,”

“Sure thing… dad,” Namjoon said in a quitting tone, following his father out of the building, towards their luxurious car. 

He just wanted this night to end and it hadn’t even started. Ever since Namjoon was little, he couldn’t remember a moment when his mother was truly happy with his father. From early on, she decided it would be best to be a stay-at-home mom and take care of Namjoon and his younger sister. Mr. Kim was making more than enough money being the university dean to take care of the whole family, so why work? But that made Namjoon’s mom become more and more unhappy with time, and she didn’t have the strength to get away from the dependent relationship she had with her husband. When she finally managed to find herself a job and ask for a divorce, Mr. Kim found a way to continue controlling her. After all, what kind of strong and powerful family is one that isn’t able to hold a marriage? Namjoon just wanted to see his mom happy but he was still far from being capable of holding the power to change such things. 

As his night continued to go disastrously, Jungkook and Carolina were already at their volleyball practice, where their coach decided it would be a good idea to have a match between teams. Boys and girls, all against each other. 

Jungkook wasn’t lucky enough to be put on the same team as Carolina. And every once in a while, when he looked at her, he could see there was lots of pent-up anger inside that she was ready to let out by smashing some balls. Their coach even commented he wished she could play with the boy’s team in the upcoming game due to how roughly and determinedly she was playing. 

The more the match unfolded, the more the tension between them grew. They were going head to head in the net. That was until the coach made Carolina play as a spiker to try out the substitute setter in case something happened to her. That’s when it happened. The very first ball she spiked, went directly into Jungkook’s face. He was thrown straight to the floor with a bloody nose and a sore back from the impact. 

Jungkook never thought he could have such an impact on a girl. Especially not in this one specifically. It was just some stupid notes… He could not help but think about how would she react in case she was dumped. He took a mental note as he got up from the floor to try and do some peace offerings after resuming practice. Or at least understand why there was such a bad vibe between them. 

So when the time came to hit the lockers, he got ready as fast as he could and waited for her outside. Somehow, while waiting, he kept finding the situation funny that she could be so uptight. And that made him mad at himself because he was supposed to be mad at her. 

“So I guess practice wasn’t good enough to unload your rage?” Jungkook asked with a grin on his face, grabbing Carolina’s arm since she decided to pretend he didn’t exist. 

“Better take your hands off if you don’t wanna see what’s left of that rage” Her eyes glowed while staring at him intensely. 

“Oh, c’mon! Are you seriously mad because I didn’t give you my notes?” He almost snorted and that made her blood boil. 

“Yes. I am.” 

“I’ll give them to you then, if that’s what it takes to stop your whole hulk mode,” His hand was still holding her arm, keeping her in place. 

“No need,” 

“I see you also have a big, big pride,” The grin on his face duplicated size. 

“I just have an intolerance to bitchy people,” She stared at him so seriously that his superior pose started to crumble. “Now if you’ll excuse me,” She got rid of his hold and turned to walk away. Jungkook took a second before being functional again. 

“I don’t actually.” He grabbed her arm once more, making her spin back to him. “I’m the bitchy one? Really?” He took a step closer, getting rilled up. 

“What do you even want, virgin boy? Tell me ‘cause I’m kinda losing my patience here,” She huffs. Carolina was close to losing her temper and even closer to punching him in the face. 

“You’re the one acting like a child even though you started this ridiculous rumor about me and you still have the guts to say I’m bitchy.” He clenched his jaw. “You need to swallow that temper of yours. If you want the notes just tell me instead of this.” And she laughed acidly at his words, taking yet another inch of a step closer to him. 

“Listen, sweetheart, I asked you once. Maybe twice, for the notes. I won’t ask for them again. And the one being childish is clearly you. You came to offer your notes after I asked for them. And I said no. But for some fucking reason you don’t let me go.” She forced her arm out of his grip, never once breaking eye contact. “I call that childish behavior. Either you state what you want or you leave me be.”

He sustained her eye contact for a while. Tong brushing against his inner cheek. “Fine,” He snorts and leaves. Simple as that. 

That night Jungkook arrived at home so pissed off and bothered by their encounter, that he just got inside his room and decided it was best to sleep. He even ignored Namjoon’s attempts to call him to share a meal. 

On the other hand, still on campus, Hyori was trying hard to study for one of her upcoming exams but the buzzing of her phone and a certain doe-eyed boy kept her losing focus. Deo was on her bed, trying to read a book she had bought last week but the constant beeping and buzzing were making her stressed. And although she didn’t want to pry, she couldn’t stop herself from asking. 

“Why is your phone always beeping?” Deo approached the subject, putting her book aside. It was unusual for Hyori to have her phone on while studying and her roommate knew that. 

“Oh!” She turns around to face Deo, a blush creeping in her cheeks and a fast hand trying to silence the device. “It’s just this guy from my physics class. No biggie!” 

“A guy?” And if before her book had been put aside, now it was completely forgotten. Deo straightened her back, sitting crossed-legged, paying full attention to the conversation they were about to have. 

“As I said, no big deal. So don’t make it be! But yes. He’s cute and his name is Eunwoo,”

“How can I not make a big deal out of this when you just said he’s cute and you’re clearly putting your studies on pause to answer him?!” Deo answered excitedly. “What are you both talking about?” 

“He’s just super friendly that’s all!” Hyori let out a laugh, a nervous one. “If somehow it happens to be something more — not that it will — I’ll let you know. Really.” 

“Uhu…” She eyed her suspiciously. “But do you have a date yet?” The smaller girl wiggled her eyebrows teasingly making Hyori roll her eyes at the change of attitude and laugh right after. 

“What’s up with you though?” Hyori changed the subject, adorning a more serious tone. “I could see you furrowing your brows and thinking hard on your bed.” 

“It’s just this book… So intriguing.” 

“I see. Sure it is…” Hyori said eyeing the girl to see if she would finally say the real motive. “You know what’s funny? I have like. A million texts from Jimin asking me why you won’t talk to him. Does that ring a bell?” 

“Ugh. He’s such an annoying ass,” Deo whispered more to herself in defeat. “You know his friend? That Taehyung guy?” 

“The artsy one?” Hyori recalled. 

“Yeah, the one with blue hair. Anyway, you know I can’t stand him, right? And today Jimin just came to me with like ‘oh hey guys you are best friends!’ and no we’re not!” Deo let out a long and hard sigh. “It pissed me off. He already knows I don’t like the guy but he keeps pushing.” 

“And why is that exactly? That you don’t like him?” 

“I can’t believe you’re going to analyze me right now… I think you should drop out of psychology,” Deo tried, attempting to ease the mood but Hyori wasn’t having it. Her face was frozen, meaning she was still expecting an answer. “Well, first of all, he’s a weirdo. Just the other day he came to Jimin saying that the light bill was getting too high and that he needed to watch out for the lights he forgot to turn off. Bro, we live in the dorms!” She rolled her eyes, annoyed to think back at that moment. “And the real reason… I think it’s because I’m jealous?” 

“Jealous of Jiminie or… Taehyung?” Hyori pressed in a suggesting tone and that made Deo snort. 

“Why would I be jealous of Taehyung?!” She asked confused. 

“Of Taehyung… For no big deal. Now, of Jimin… Well. The way I see it, maybe you’re having a moment of ‘why this loopy blue-haired guy is messing with my emotional’?” 

“I don’t see it… I just don’t understand why Jimin likes him so much. I mean, I’m his best friend too! I should be enough… And ok, I know it’s not fair.” 

“Yes, he’s a little… Excentric? Out of the box? Anyway, the point is, he can be like that but he is kinda funny in his own way… And Jimin speaks highly of him. He’s always blabbing about how great of a friend and moral support he is. So even if you don’t like the dude, just maybe tolerate him for Jimin? You know you love Jimin.” 

“I smiled at the dude today!” Deo whined in defeat. “I won’t be disrespectful towards him because that wasn’t how I was raised but I really can’t stand his face.” 

“That’s either called love or pure I want to have sex with you,” Hyori smirked, teasing her roommate. 

“How— I don— Ok you know what?! Just go back to your studies and text the cute boy.” Deo stuck her tongue out to her laying down once more to resume her book. 

“Ok, scratch that. It’s more like. I madly want to have sex with him” She chuckles loudly. “But hey! I’m not judging. The dude is weird but he’s super handsome!” 

“I DON’T WANT TO!” Deo protested, throwing a pillow on the other girl’s head. 

"And you know what? The girls I'm tutoring said pretty good stuff about him too…” Hyori continued teasing. “His hands are that big for a reason" 

“HYORI!” Deo hid her face in one of her pillows, flustered. “Do you think he’s good at it though? Because he has the fame but you never know.” She lifted her head up to ask. 

“Oh, I’m pretty sure he knows what he’s doing.”

“I think you are the one who has a crush, huh? Loopy is your type then?”

“Loopy is… Hot. I give him that. But I’m more of a naturalist boyfriend kind of girl,” Hyori said, a little pensive in the last part, thinking of what her type would be. “Loopy is more your type really.”

“Just. Don’t ok! And don’t give Jimin any ideas. And stop having ideas too!”

“Will you start talking to Jimin again?”

“Yes…” Deo sighed. “You know I can’t stay mad for long.”

“Then it’s a secret.” She winked and laughed hard right after because Deo pretended to throw her book to her head as she did with the pillow.

But that girl talk really made Deo think. It wouldn’t be fair for Jimin to wait until the next morning for them to reconcile — if you could even call it that — and it shouldn’t be something done by text either. Or even through call. So putting her book aside for good this time she decided to drop by their dorms. 

Hoseok was the hall supervisor so that wouldn’t be a problem for her to reach their dorm that late at night. She put on some sweat pants and went out with her pajama shirt. Who cared? At this hour, very few roamed the corridors. 

She knocked on their door and soon it opened. Jimin greeted her a bit surprised, with his hair messy and torso bare. 

“Hey… Sorry to drop by this late,” Deo started and Jimin immediately involved her in a big hug. “I should be the one giving the hug, you know.” She chuckled against his skin. 

“Why were you mad at me today?” He asked with a pouty face, not beating around the bush. 

“Can you?” She pointed at the door signaling him to close it and he did so. They both stayed in the hallway, away from his roommate peeking curiosity. “I just— I’m sorry. I was being childish just because I’m jealous of all the attention you give Taehyung. I promise I’ll work harder to be nice to your friend.”

“You could’ve just stopped at the sorry but now that you said everything, I’ll make you keep the last part!” He gave her a big smile when she rolled her eyes.

“You’re an ass.” She said trying to maintain a straight face but failed miserably.

“Do you wanna come in? We were just watching a movie!” Jimin said already opening the door. He first shouted for the other boy to put a t-shirt on, and when he gave the green light, he let Deo in. Somehow they managed to hang an old projector on one of the walls over the bed and were watching the movie like they were in a cinema. They had popcorn and everything.

“Tae!” Jimin called for him again before entering all the way, Deo right behind him. “Deo is here!” 

“Shit…” Deo cussed under her breath only now realizing she was wearing her pajama. “Jimin,” She started, ready to give an excuse and leave when the blue-haired boy got up from behind a bed to greet her. 

“Hey there,” Taehyung gives a little wave with his hand. “Bro, can I press play already? I hate to pause it in the middle of an important dialogue. I always end up forgetting everything,” He looked frustrated at Jimin.

“Just a sec!” He turned to Deo once more. “Do you wanna watch the movie with us?”

“Oh, I don–“

“Effort remember?” Jimin almost whispered to her.

“Sure.” The girl sighed. “Do you mind?” She addressed Taehyung directly for the first time.

“Uh, yeah, sure.” He said casually playing with the hair from his nape. “But please don’t make me back up to the beginning of the movie.”

“I won’t!” She raised her hands up as a peace offering. 

“Ok. I’m pressing play! Shut the lights, Jimin!” Taehyung said once again sitting on the floor between beds and turning his attention to the scene being projected on their wall. 

“Go sit!” Jimin ordered Deo, pointing to the bed but she stood still. She didn’t want to have to sit in Taehyung’s bed and since this was the first time she actually got to see their room, she didn’t know which one belonged to who. “C’mon!”

“Popcorn?” Taehyung asked, raising the bowl towards her. At the sight of his hand, all she could think about was that silly conversation she had with Hyori about it and she found herself blushing from the thoughts that crossed her mind. He was just beneath her.

“No, I’m good! But thanks.” She dismissed quicker than intended. 

As someone who didn’t care much about hands and their beauty, she had to admit that his hands were just something else… And suddenly the room was too hot, and the actors were talking but she wasn’t getting any of it. 

“I want!” Jimin exclaimed breaking the imaginary tension and shoving his hand down the bowl, taking a hand full straight to his mouth.

For the rest of the movie, Taehyung kept on making comments about the whole aesthetic of the scenery while the other two remained in silence, just watching. Once it ended, they ended up enjoying the final credits and the music that came in, too absorbed by their talk about the actors in question. Jimin already had his head on Deo's lap and was close to falling asleep because she had been playing with his locks for the longest time.

"This is the kind of movie that makes me regret choosing performative arts," Deo commented after a big sigh, a frown adorning her features.

“Why?” Taehyung turned his body around so he could look up and face her directly. 

"Oh well... There's a lot of things I like to do and it gets hard having to choose only one. It's like choosing between kids, you know? I like photography, but I also like dancing and singing and I also really like movies so how am I supposed to pick one?"

“It’s not that hard if you are open-minded enough to be a lot of people at the same time,” He pondered, offering sincere advice. “I don’t think I want to do just one thing for the rest of my life either,”

"I meant more like in learning. Like. These majors are too expensive for me to take every single one I like." She answered back, Jimin’s eyes kept blinking slowly, almost lulled by his friends voices as background sound. 

“Hm… You just have to choose the one you identify yourself with most, not thinking you will be giving up the others. That’s what I think” Taehyung said after a long time of looking at the ceiling, thinking.

"That's a good way of thinking"

“Why are you so quiet?” Taehyung questioned Jimin once their eyes made contact. It wasn't much like him to be quiet.

"Oh, no reason!” He straightens his back smiling at Deo as a thank you for all the fondling. “I was just thinking along with your conversation… When I was little I used to get picked on a lot by my family because I liked to dance but I also liked football. So anything is possible if I think about it. I'm having the best of both worlds." He chuckles.

“I remember that,” Taehyung laughs along with him, thinking about those moments from their childhood.

"So, yeah, don’t stress too much. We can multitask, or try," Jimin said pinching Deo's nose to make her smile. "As long as you work hard for it, you can do it!"

"That's also a good way of thinking,” She pointed surprised. “Never knew you could be that wise, Jimin," She teased. "But anyway, it's getting late so I should get going." And although Jimin pouted dramatically as she got up from the bed, he followed her, knowing he too should rest a bit. 

“Working hard remembers me of the review I have to write due tomorrow” Taehyung sighed, making the others laugh. “There’s never a chill-out moment without paperwork to do after,” The boy in question went back and laid on the floor amongst pillows like a starfish, stretching every ounce of his body. 

"Do you need me to walk you to your dorm?" Jimin asked Deo. He didn't like it when she would wander around campus late at night. And her eyes weren’t on Jimin’s but on the blue-haired guy showing now part of his own torso while rolling on top of pillows. “Deo?” 

"Oh! No! No, I’m ok.” She was quick to snap out of her thoughts. “Thanks for the popcorns," She looked again towards Taehyung to thank him, already close to the door. 

"Sure, anytime!" He leaned on his elbows to show her a boxy smile. He indeed looked like a God waiting to be painted. 

Deo shook her head, turning again to Jimin. 

"See you tomorrow, babe." She lifted herself on her tiptoes and gave Jimin a tight hug, making her way to her own dorm in quick paces. “Please visit often!” She managed to hear Jimin’s voice cheerful and all she could think of was ‘God, no’.

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@singguks × @socksjinie × @bluenpjm

Other than practices or diverse schedules BTS had Taehyung normally kept himself busy with light hobbies. Things that made his mind rest and heal from the rush he was always exposed to. 

It varied from learning how to play the trumpet like his favorite artists, or arts and crafts like the painters he admired dearly. He sometimes took uncompromised walks, just to see what he would end up discovering or seeing... Sometimes, however, it was all about staying at home just singing along to covers he would find online or even watching noir movies and dreaming of different times. 

Taehyung was all about the dreamy and unrushed lifestyle people had back in the days... Sure, having things easier was practical, fast, and well, easier. But he would often dream of that magical moment of pursuit and its journey, like buying a record for example. It wasn't just about going to the shop. Hell, not even the shop, nowadays you can just download the songs. Back in the days, however? It was all about feeling the butterflies waiting for your favorite band to drop an album, and then waiting days and weeks for it to come to the store... It didn't stop there, most often than not, you would just go there, listen to the tape or vinyl on the spot and still go home empty-handed because you had no money to buy it. At least that's what his father told him countless times. But the glow in his eyes every time he talks about it... That's something Taehyung lived for. 

And that's why ever since he put his eyes on the girl a friend of a friend introduced him to, he couldn't help but think he wanted to take it slow. Because as far as he knew, everything that wasn't rushed was something to keep dearly. Something that had meaning in your life, something that would make his eyes spark. 

"And you still haven't asked for her number?" Jimin asked after taking a big gulp of his water bottle. They were both sweaty from practice, and Taehyung unconsciously thought he should start improving his cardio because of the heavy way he was breathing. 

"No, not yet." 

And that makes Jimin chuckle incredulously. "And how exactly are you planning on seeing her again? Because, like. Not to be a total pessimist here, don't get me wrong, but Seoul has millions of people. And we- You, are an idol."

"There's going to be a party," He brushed his hair back and breathed in, his heart still thumping hard against his ribcage. "Well, not a party per se... Just a casual gathering. I'm hoping she’ll be there."

"You're hoping? You're kidding, right?" 

"I have a feeling she will be there." He said with assertiveness before glancing back at their choreographer who was calling for them. 

"You're unbelievable." 

Taehyung knew Jimin was probably thinking he was just not that invested in the girl, but this is how he is. 

Not that he isn't invested, on the contrary, he is overly invested. So much so, he would often catch himself thinking of the little interactions he had with her... Or the dialogues, and overthink about the questions he could have made or the better answers he could have given. This to him was a clear sign of how much space she is occupying in his mind and therefore how much he wants things to work out for the better. 

But he is also a universe believer. He has faith that things will play out just fine if he believes enough. And he does in fact believe she will attend the gathering. And that he will have the chance to talk to her and get to know her better. And maybe, just maybe, if things go alright he could ask her on a date like he wanted to do ever since she said 'hi, it's so nice to meet you too!' while placing back a strand of her hair behind her ear since she seemed somewhat shy. 

And for a week he kept thinking about that little action of the strawberry blonde girl. His mind kept also drifting to his angels, always calling for help in getting her to the party. 

It worked. Angels or not, it worked. 

As soon as he arrives at his friend's house, there’s this mood. The song ‘This View’ from Surfaces is faintly playing making the whole ambiance feel like a lazy summer day. The kind of day that comes back to memory once in a while from when you were younger like he was experiencing his first love for the first time. 

And then he sees her. 

Glass in hand–with fresh juice that matches the patterns of her top–and the long strawberry blonde hair tied half up in a loose way. She’s chatting so excitedly with people she isn’t even bothered by the sunlight that is kissing her eyes ever so softly, making her feel even dreamier. 

Taehyung kept looking, not even bothered if people were noticing where his attention was, or if he looked like a weirdo. That's how he is. He isn’t afraid to be vocal about what he likes and what he doesn’t, even if he usually ends up talking about it in a cute and soft way. 

But then, as a reflex, she glances at him. Their eyes lock since he’s already looking, and that probably makes her a little fidgety because the next second she focuses again on a friend that was by her side. 

But she looks again as if checking if his eyes were indeed what was burning her skin and not the sun itself. And her suspicions are correct. He never takes his eyes away, just adds a smile to his features. 

And she smiles back like a reaction to his own. 

Taehyung points to the empty porch with his head; a silent invitation that made him gulp down nervously even though he appeared to be confident and relaxed. And then he excuses himself from the conversation he was having with his friends–or pretending to have since he didn’t really focus on anything. 

He feels a small breeze touch his skin when he arrives at the porch, and even though he doesn’t know if the strawberry blonde girl will follow him there, he feels content. He feels like he is somewhat living in a dream. 

“Hey, stranger!” Even though he has his back facing her, he smiles knowingly. He had loved her voice from the beginning. 

He turned. 

She was there, smiling warmly at him, like a summer vision. 

“Hey… Deo,” His smile widened, turning his eyes in a crescent moon shape, full of fondness. He had forgotten how big their size difference was and Taehyung had always had a soft spot for cute little things, “So… I have a question.” 

And at that instant, everything stopped for a bit… This was his pursuit of a magical moment.

✿ next> 

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It had been three weeks since she had said yes to going on a date with him. Three weeks of smiling like a fool whenever he thought about the moment; how she was so taken by surprise at his question that her first reaction was to frown cutely. Three weeks of rushing toward his cellphone whenever he heard a beep, hoping it was a text of hers. 

Three weeks of postponing the date because of his tight schedule, feeling like a fly trapped on a wall. 

And now, driving on his way to her apartment buildings, he couldn’t help but tap the wheel with his long fingers in a frantic and anxious beat. Would she like what he had planned for their first date? 

When Taehyung asked her out, he did so with thoughts of being able to take her on a nice date. In his mind, he would have closed the last floor of Hybe building, ordered from the fanciest restaurant in Seoul, and they would have dined there accompanied by the wonderful view. Perhaps he would have asked for some ambiance music while they chatted. He had wanted to ask everything about her that way… Like people used to meet back in the days; a Sunday kind of love. 

Instead, he had to make questions through texts. And the more he thought about it, the more it had felt rushed, and empty. As if a piece had been missing from the final picture. Reading those cybernetic words had less impact than they would have had if she had said them face to face. 

The car came to a stop and the GPS announced his arrival at the final destination. He bent down, closer to the wheel, to try and look at the building before him but his breath faltered as he did so. 

Right before him, Deo stood in front of the edifice, mindlessly looking down at her phone. She was dressed in all black, except for her Nike shoes which were perfectly white. Her wide-legged pants flew in the light breeze, just like her strawberry blonde locks that were loosely being held by a pair of sunglasses — that sat on top of her head. 

She looked modern and casual yet beautiful, like an ancient poem beaming in sunlight. Taehyung’s face lit with a smile. 

He thought about grabbing his phone and texting her a simple “look up”, but he found himself tired of all that jazz. He wanted to be old school, get out of the car, open the door for her… But at the same time, people passed by right behind her. Someone could see and then he would attract attention he couldn’t afford to as an idol. 

So he opted for the middle ground — not so twenty-first century, nor so old fashion. He lowered the window and whistled the first notes of This View, which had felt overly appropriate for the moment. 

Not even five notes in, she lifted her head curious, squinting her eyes in the direction of his car. Taehyung waved at her from the inside of it and she opened the most beautiful of smiles, running lightly toward the vehicle. 

“It was about time,” she said, closing the door after she got into the passenger seat. He smiled wide, scrunching his nose with such happiness. Her comment only added fuel to the fire that burned and roared in his heart. 

“And now that is finally happening… Are you ready?” 

Taehyung saw the girl lean her head on the seat back, just as he was doing to look at her — with a somewhat mischievous smile, and two big brown orbits that were as sweet as honey. She nodded, biting a shy smile, and he started the car. 

“Where are we going?”, Deo asked when he got out of her building area and took a right to the high road. 

“Don’t worry about anything today”, Taehyung said, glancing at her quickly to smile yet again. He just couldn’t help himself. “I just hope you like it!” 

Deo accommodated herself better on her seat and placed the leather fanny pack she had been wearing across her chest on her lap. Taehyung swiftly turned on the music, and as he shuffled excitedly through his songs, looking for the perfect tune, she found herself looking out the window. The sun shone brightly in the sky on that summer day, and her heart felt as warm as the rays of sunshine that touched her skin. 

Taehyung pulled over next to a green field full of red poppies, after what it felt like thirty to forty minutes of a ride — not that she had been counting, but a whole playlist was played until they reached their final destination. 

Deo eyed him once he turned off the engine. If she were with anyone else, she would immediately ask why to stop in the middle of a field like that. She has had her fair share of countryside back in the days when she lived with her parents, where the thought of dust in the air and having to dirt her feet made her feel frustrated. 

But somehow, as she eyed Taehyung and he held her gaze, she didn’t feel so discontent about having her white Nikes encounter the brownish chunks of earth that awaited for her right outside. 

“Oh, right!” He exclaimed. His right hand came to rub the back of his neck. “Uhm… This was not the initial plan… I was wanting to have a private diner at Hybe, or maybe in a hotel but then my schedule got packed and… well, you know,” she saw him shrug a little disconcerted, eyeing her from time to time to try and read her expressions. The girl beside him could feel he was afraid she wouldn’t like the destination he had picked and she promptly got ready to ease his mind. 

“I know this isn’t great– and we can totally turn back to the city! It’s just that… There are not that many places I can go without being seen, and at the time this seemed… Romantic” he emptied his mind and she chuckled, sensing her cheeks flush. 

“Well I think this is beautiful”, she said glancing through the window and then looking back at him. 

His mouth opened and closed, not knowing what to say out loud. His eyes traveled across her features wistfully. Afraid of becoming redder than she already was, Deo mentioned opening the door so she could get out but he was quick to stop her. “Wait!” 

As she looked back, he had already motioned to get out of his seat and smoothly go around to her own door. Opening it, he extended one hand for her to take. She couldn’t help but chuckle at his exaggerated accent as he said “My lady,” diving deep enough into his character that he bowed his head for her to make way. 

It didn’t take much to understand why people couldn’t take their eyes out of him. He was primarily amusing; made of intrinsic quirks and irresistible expressions. And she indeed felt like a princess, like he suggested by his adorable roleplay. Never in a million years she would imagine herself on a date with Kim Taehyung. That scenario was only fittable on a word document page, or so she thought. 

“Thank you, sir”, she took his hand, feeling much like a pinch to her skin, stating he was real while hopping off the car, landing with a quick jump that made dust dance around her feet. 

From then on, each second was marked by a different surprise of events, all unpredictable much like the owner of those fluffy locks that danced unruly to the light breeze floating around them. 

It started with him suggesting a picnic, and she watched as he excitedly opened the trunk to reveal a red plaid towel and a basket full of goods. When had he found the time to arrange all that, or even think of all that, was beyond her comprehension. She knew he had been preparing for a comeback, hence the lack of time to wander around freely. 

Taehyung tried with all his might to make the towel stay put on the ground, but the not-so-gentle breeze that made the poppies around them dance, also made it gain life. Deo couldn’t stop laughing while seeing him battle the red dancing cloth. And after much protest on his part, she decided to help, smartly taking out her shoes while standing right in the middle of it. She then trapped two of its ends on the ground with them. 

Taehyung followed suit, taking off his loafers and taking care of the remaining stubborn pieces that still flapped around. 

“It’s been a while since I last been to a place like this”, the girl by his side confessed, looking at her own feet instead of the view in question. There was some kind of melancholy in her voice, one that Taehyung recognized promptly as he too had felt homesick quite sometimes. 

And to his personal experience, there wasn’t much to do when that feeling came. You either went home if you could, or you waited for the feeling to subside until it greeted you again further on the road. Since the first option wasn’t available — and to his just discovered selfishness, he didn’t want it to be available — he did what he knew best. He entertained. 

He got up with a quick jump. “Then we should take lots of pictures! That way you can come here often, even if through a screen!” 

His boxy smile was enough for her to regain her spirits, and before she could do anything else but mimic his actions, he had his phone in hand ready to work. 

And then came the next surprise. 

The wind wouldn’t let her long golden strands in peace. Whenever she would pose for a picture, he would laugh uncontrollably at how ungoverned her hair was. Deo first got stressed, shouting at the invisible air currents to leave her alone, and the action reminded him of Jimin’s lashed-out cuteness. Instead of pictures, he recorded the moment, laughing endlessly and making her fall into her own laughter minutes later. 

Not much time they spent in heaven, as minutes after was Deo’s turn to jump out of the towel. “OH NO!” she exclaimed surprised. 

Taehyung followed her finger, pointing to the basket beautifully placed on top of the plaid cloth, almost a pictorial straight out of a vintage magazine. “Woah,” he added amused, crouching near it. “I’ve never seen this many ants together. No, you can’t go there! Hey! Little ant, I’m sorry, but that’s not yours!” 

The girl watched the scene perpetuous. They really were as distinct as water and fire. But the tingling feeling on the tips of her fingers made her expressions soften, and the look on her face was of nothing but fondness. 

Graciously giving Deo her pair of Nikes, and then clumsily putting on his loafers back, Taehyung grabbed the plaid towel — completely unaware she had been staring at him — fanning it in the basket to scare away the ants. 

“Should we eat inside?” Deo suggested, plopping down as he turned, pretending to tie her shoelaces. 

He glanced toward the car, and then around him. He nodded. “We can’t miss the sunset. There’s no way”, he paced with the towel on his shoulder and the basket in hand. “Ah! I know! Here!” 

She got up and turned around. “Inside the trunk?” Deo asked, not feeling so sure how that would work. 

As she came closer, he had already placed the towel on the extension of it, the basket occupying the space next to him. She was about to ask where she would sit, but Taehyung had her pinned down by the way he looked at her. The same way people look at magicians; as if she was about to perform a great act. 

And the final surprise of that day, before the sunset turned gold those lush green fields, came in the shape of a kiss. 

Taehyung brought her closer, standing right between his legs. He was still a few inches taller, even if he was sat. And somehow her eyes got bigger, and rounder standing there, so close to him to the point she could feel the tip of his nose gently brushing her own. 

“This is the only thing I can’t postpone anymore” he confessed before taking her lips on his. 

The only thing they had noticed about the sunset that day, despite him saying they couldn’t miss it, was how warm their skins felt under its sunlight beams, as their eyes had been occupied lusting on the darkness of a much-wanted kiss.

✿ to be continued... 

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