YN’s POV

Being born with a silver spoon means nothing…

When your own family treats you like a burden.

I adjusted the strap of my backpack as I walked through the buzzing hallways of Seoul University — head down, heart locked.

“Hey, YN! You coming to the café later?” Maria jogged up beside me, her bright smile softening my mood.

I nodded slightly. “Only if you’re paying.”

She laughed, looping her arm with mine. “Always.”

Maria. The only real person in my life. The only one who never saw me as the ‘Kim Corp Heiress.’ She stayed when I had my breakdowns… when my stepmother called me a worthless brat in front of the maids.

I didn’t need anyone else.

Especially not him.

I froze when I heard his voice at the corridor’s end.

Deep. Laidback. Annoyingly confident.

“Move aside, unless you want me to walk over you.”

Jeon Jungkook.

The University’s Golden Boy.

Topper.

Troublemaker.

Son of the trustee.

And the only person I could proudly say I hated.

He strutted down the hallway in a leather jacket and ripped jeans, a lazy smirk tugging at his lips as students practically stepped out of his way.

Girls drooled.

Boys envied.

Me?

I rolled my eyes.

Maria whispered, “Please don’t… start.”

But it was too late.

I walked straight, not stepping aside.

His eyes met mine, sharp and playful. “Well, look who’s got a death wish.”

I crossed my arms. “I don’t step aside for spoiled brats with trust fund egos.”

The hallway fell silent.

He leaned in, smirking, “Careful, Princess. One day, you might choke on your pride.”

I shot back without blinking, “And you on your arrogance.”

Maria facepalmed.

I walked off, leaving him grinning behind me.

Game on, Jeon.

Jungkook’s POV

She never misses a chance, does she?

Kim YN.

The Silent Ice Queen.

The only girl in this campus who doesn’t bat an eye at me.

I shoved my hands in my pockets, watching her walk away like she owned the damn hallway.

“She’s really something,” Sera’s voice chimed beside me.

I looked down at my sister. “What, her attitude?”

Sera smiled. “No… her guts.”

I raised a brow. “You like her?”

Sera nodded. “She’s real. Not fake like the girls who faint when you breathe in their direction.”

I scoffed, eyes still on YN.

“Yeah. She’s real annoying.”

But even I couldn’t deny…

There was something about the way she always stood against me — like she wasn’t afraid of the name Jeon Jungkook.

And maybe…

That’s exactly why I kept finding ways to cross her path.

YN’s POV

It started as a simple presentation.

Until Jeon Jungkook opened his mouth.

“I disagree,” his deep voice echoed in the lecture hall. “Her theory lacks practical application.”

Heads turned. A few chuckled. Some whispered, “Here we go again.”

I clenched my jaw, fixing my eyes on him.

The professor sighed, rubbing his temples. “Mr. Jeon, let her finish first.”

Jungkook leaned back in his seat, arms crossed, a cocky smirk playing on his lips. “Didn’t know fairy tales counted as research.”

The class erupted in soft laughter.

Maria nudged my arm. “Don’t. Please.”

But I already was.

I turned slightly. “And I didn’t know overconfidence counted as intelligence.”

“Oooooh!” The whole class chorused.

Jungkook’s eyes darkened, but that stupid smirk never left his face.

“I guess coming second makes you good at… comebacks.”

I tilted my head. “And being first makes you good at being a jerk?”

The class burst into laughs.

Even the professor shook his head with a small grin.

It wasn’t the first time.

Won’t be the last.

Because this was our thing.

Me — poking his ego.

Him — trying to crack my cool.

And everyone?

They loved watching us clash.

Jungkook’s POV

I swear on everything… this girl’s sole purpose in life is to drive me insane.

I slammed my notebook shut after class, catching her passing by with that I-don’t-care face.

“You know,” I called, walking beside her. “If you spent less time attacking me, you might actually rank first.”

She didn’t even blink. “And if you spent less time being a pain, you might actually make friends.”

I blinked. “I have friends.”

She smirked. “Paid ones don’t count.”

“Seriously?” I scoffed, stepping in front of her. “Why do you hate me so much?”

She met my gaze dead on.

“I don’t hate you… You’re just the perfect example of everything I don’t like.”

I opened my mouth—

And closed it again.

She really knows how to get under my skin.

Behind us, a group of students whispered,

“Bet they’ll end up together one day.”

“Or kill each other first.”

I groaned, walking away.

Why did I hate her so much?

Maybe because I couldn’t ignore her… even if I tried.

Another usual day.

I sat at the front — notebook open, pen gliding smoothly across the page as I noted every word the professor said. My focus razor-sharp.

But, of course…

There he was.

Jeon Jungkook.

Leaning back in his chair, legs stretched out like he owned the damn classroom, whispering something to Park Jimin beside him.

Both snickering.

Both clearly not paying attention.

I rolled my eyes, tapping my pen harder on the notebook.

Why even show up if all you do is fool around?

“Jeon Jungkook.”

The professor’s voice cut through the lecture hall.

The entire class turned.

Jungkook lazily lifted his head, arching a brow.

“Yes, sir?”

“I suppose since you’re busy talking, you can answer this… What’s the core principle behind the Nash Equilibrium in Game Theory?”

A pause.

Half the class turned in their seats, waiting for him to fail.

I smirked slightly under my breath.

Gotcha, Jeon.

Jungkook leaned forward, resting his arms on the desk.

He tilted his head, expression unreadable.

“The Nash Equilibrium,” he began casually, “is a situation where no player can benefit by changing their strategy while the other players keep theirs unchanged. It’s a stable state of a system involving the interaction of different participants, where no one gains by deviating alone.”

The class gasped.

A few even clapped.

I stared, tightening my jaw.

What the hell—

The professor smiled, nodding. “Correct.”

Jungkook leaned back again, glancing sideways at me with that infuriating smirk.

Like he knew exactly what I was thinking.

Maria whispered beside me, “He’s… actually smart.”

I didn’t answer.

I couldn’t.

Because I was too busy clenching my pen — and my pride.

How does this arrogant idiot know all this when he doesn’t even pay attention?!

I took a deep breath.

Fine. He answered one question.

Doesn’t change a thing.

But when I glanced back at him —

He was still smirking… right at me.

I glared back.

Enjoy it while you can, Jeon.

Because one day, I’ll wipe that stupid grin off your face — with my first rank.

Lunch break.

While the cafeteria buzzed with noisy chatter, laughter, and clinking plates, I sat at the corner table — my usual spot — flipping through pages, highlighting key points, quietly sipping my orange juice.

“Don’t you ever rest?” Maria sighed beside me, munching on her sandwich.

“Rest won’t get me first rank,” I replied, eyes fixed on the book.

Maria rolled her eyes fondly. “You’re hopeless.”

I smirked slightly, until—

“Kim YN?”

Two men in sleek black suits stood before me — straight posture, expressionless faces.

I frowned, lowering my book.

“Yeah?”

“The chairman has invited you for a family lunch. You need to come with us. Now.”

I blinked, folding my arms.

“What?”

One of them repeated, “It’s an order.”

I clenched my jaw.

Of course. My father’s men.

Here to drag me into another staged ‘family’ gathering with the woman who loved making my life hell.

I stood up slowly.

“I’m not coming. I have classes.”

The taller man’s expression didn’t even flinch.

“Mam, it’s an order. You have to come, whether you want it or not.”

I scoffed, slinging my bag over my shoulder.

“I said I’m not coming.”

I pushed past them — or tried to — when a hand gripped my arm tightly.

“Let go.”

“Mam, don’t make it hard for us.”

The noise in the cafeteria faded into a low hum as heads started turning.

Whispers. Curious stares.

“Let. Me. Go.” I hissed, yanking my arm.

But they didn’t. Instead, one of them motioned to the other to move.

And just like that —

They forced me forward, making me stumble.

“Hey!” Maria shouted, standing up. “What the hell—”

“I said I’m not going!” I snapped, struggling against their grip.

But they didn’t care.

I heard chairs screeching. Phones clicking. Students staring.

Perfect. Just what I needed — to be manhandled out of campus like some criminal.

I jerked my head toward the crowd, meeting every eye with silent fury.

And right at the back… leaning against the wall with folded arms —

Jeon Jungkook.

His sharp gaze locked on me, unreadable.

For a second, I forgot about the men dragging me.

Because he wasn’t smirking.

He wasn’t mocking.

He was… watching.

Great.

Exactly what I needed.

To give him another reason to get on my nerves.

I jerked my arm again, harder this time.

“I said—”

Before I could think, my fist flew.

Crack.

The taller man stumbled back, clutching his jaw.

Gasps echoed around the cafeteria.

Maria covered her mouth.

The crowd froze.

The other man reached for me —

But I was already stepping forward, ready to land another blow.

“Touch me again and—”

RING.

My phone buzzed in my pocket.

I glanced down.

Father.

My heart clenched.

The same man who should’ve protected me…

The same man who threw me aside for a woman who treated me like dirt.

I answered, pressing the phone to my ear, jaw tight.

“Come. Silently. Or else… you won’t be allowed in this college again.”

His voice was calm.

Cold.

I closed my eyes, sucking in a shaky breath.

Every part of me burned with hatred.

Hatred for the man on the phone.

Hatred for how he could twist my life like this.

I hung up without a word.

When I opened my eyes, the two men stood still — waiting.

I looked at them with all the fury I had.

But I didn’t fight.

I adjusted my bag, lifted my chin.

“Lead the way,” I said flatly.

And I walked with them.

Because sometimes…

No matter how loud you screamed, the world loved reminding you who really pulled the strings.

But this wasn’t over.

Not with my father.

Not with anyone.

Jungkook’s POV

I saw it all.

One second, Kim YN was reading her book like nothing in the world mattered.

The next — she knocked a guy down with a punch sharp enough to make half the cafeteria stand up.

And then…

Her phone rang.

I couldn’t hear what was said.

But I watched the way her face changed — anger burning out and something heavier settling in.

She stood still for a heartbeat… then walked with those men like she wasn’t the same girl who almost broke a man’s jaw seconds ago.

What the hell just happened?

I frowned, crossing my arms tighter.

“Yo,” Jimin whispered beside me. “Did her dad send those guys?”

I stayed silent.

I didn’t know why it bothered me.

I didn’t like her.

Hell, I hated how she always got on my nerves.

But seeing her dragged out like that…

It felt wrong.

And that look on her face — like she swallowed every ounce of pride just to obey some silent threat.

I didn’t like it.

Not one bit.

YN’s POV

The luxury black car reeked of leather and suffocation.

I sat in the backseat, arms crossed, lips pressed into a thin line as the suited men drove me to the place I hated the most.

The Kim Mansion.

My ‘home’ — or whatever you’d call a house where love didn’t exist.

I stepped out, greeted by the marble floors, golden chandeliers, and the plastic smiles of servants who bowed like I was some showpiece.

And there he was.

My father.

Sitting at the head of the long, polished dining table —

Sharp suit. Colder eyes.

“YN,” he greeted like I was a business deal. “You could’ve been civil.”

I laughed under my breath. “Civility isn’t exactly a family trait here.”

He didn’t even blink.

The woman beside him — my stepmother — gave me her usual sickeningly sweet smile.

“Dear, you know your father only wants the best for you.”

“Yeah? Kidnapping me from college seems like the best way?”

Her smile tightened.

Father leaned forward, voice sharp as glass.

“I warned you. Do not embarrass this family. You will attend these family lunches when I ask. You will behave like a Kim.”

I met his eyes dead-on.

“And if I don’t?”

He leaned back, calm as ever.

“Then I’ll make sure Seoul University is no longer interested in keeping you enrolled.”

My chest burned.

He would.

He could.

I pressed my hands against the table to steady myself.

“You can control my college, my name… but you don’t control me.”

His smile turned cruel.

“Keep telling yourself that.”

I wanted to scream.

I wanted to throw every glass off this goddamn table.

But instead…

I stood up.

“Is this lunch over?” I asked sharply.

He waved a dismissive hand.

“As long as you remember your place.”

I didn’t reply.

Didn’t break.

I walked out, head high —

Even though inside, I felt like I was shattering.

I unlocked my apartment door with a heavy sigh.

The familiar quiet greeted me — the kind of quiet that presses on your chest.

I kicked off my shoes, dropping my bag near the couch.

Why does it always have to be like this?

I rubbed my face, swallowing hard.

The fight at the mansion… the constant tug-of-war with my father…

I was used to it.

At least, that’s what I told myself.

But today…

Being dragged out in front of the entire college?

Even he saw it.

Jeon Jungkook.

I scoffed bitterly.

Of course, he saw it.

I pulled out my phone, dialing Maria.

She picked up instantly.

“YN! Are you okay?! I wanted to call but—”

“I’m fine,” I cut her gently. “Just… can you send me the notes from today’s classes?”

Maria sighed on the other end.

“You sure you’re okay?”

I smiled faintly.

“Yeah. I just… need to catch up.”

“Okay. I’ll send them right now. And… YN?”

“Hm?”

“You don’t have to go through everything alone, you know.”

My throat tightened.

“I know.”

I hung up before my voice cracked.

I tossed the phone on the couch, headed straight to the bathroom, and turned on the shower.

Let the water wash it all away.

The anger.

The helplessness.

The words I wanted to scream but never could.

When I finally stepped out, I tied my hair up and walked to the kitchen.

Simple pasta. Nothing fancy.

Cooking always helped… like it filled the hollow space inside.

Night fell.

I sat at my desk, Maria’s notes spread out before me.

My pen moved across the paper as I copied, underlined, repeated the answers aloud.

Focus.

Keep moving.

Don’t break.

Because if I stopped…

The ache would catch up.

And I didn’t have time to fall apart.

The morning had been normal… until it wasn’t.

I was jotting down notes when Professor Lee cleared his throat.

“For this semester’s group project, I’ve selected the groups myself.”

I barely looked up. Group projects weren’t my thing, but if it meant good marks, fine.

“Group one… Kim YN, Jeon Jungkook, Park Jimin, Maria Kim.”

My pen froze mid-sentence.

What?

I slowly lifted my head, just as Jungkook scoffed from the back row.

“Seriously? Now I have to do stuff with her?”

Half the class snickered.

I clenched my jaw so hard it hurt.

Is it too late to punch him and plead self-defense?

Professor Lee gave us a knowing smile.

“Well, you’re both toppers. Let’s see what you can actually do… together.”

Great. Just great.

Library — After Class

I sat at the table, notebook open, trying to act like I wasn’t ready to throw the guy sitting across from me out the window.

“So, we divide the topics and meet after two days,” I said calmly, staring at my notes. “Simple.”

Jungkook leaned back in his chair, arms crossed.

“Wow. You really think you can boss everyone around, huh?”

I met his eyes coldly.

“It’s called planning. Something you clearly don’t understand.”

Jimin sighed beside Jungkook.

Maria gave me a warning look.

Jungkook smirked, tapping his pen on the table.

“I’d understand it better if you didn’t act like you’re the only one with a brain here.”

I leaned forward slightly, matching his gaze.

“And I’d respect you more if you actually used yours instead of your ego.”

Jimin dropped his head on the table.

Maria facepalmed.

“For god’s sake,” Jimin groaned. “Can you two be normal for five minutes?”

Maria muttered, “It’s like babysitting toddlers with sharp tongues.”

I folded my arms, glaring at Jungkook.

He smirked right back.

Yeah.

This was going to be a nightmare.

But I wasn’t about to lose — not to him.

“So… where are we supposed to work on this?” Jimin asked, glancing between me and Jungkook like he was expecting us to explode again.

We stood outside the library, Maria tapping her pen against her notebook.

“My place?” Maria offered. “Though… my little brother’s home, and he’s a demon in disguise.”

Jungkook scoffed. “Not dealing with brats.”

Jimin shrugged. “Hyung, your place?”

Jungkook smirked. “Yeah, if you want to hear Sera gossiping the whole time with her friends.”

Maria hummed. “Cafeteria?”

I shook my head. “Too noisy.”

Everyone went silent.

I was about to suggest the study lounge when—

“Your apartment then, I heard you live alone” Jungkook said suddenly, glancing at me.

I blinked. “What?”

He shrugged. “You live alone. No siblings. No noise. Makes sense.”

Maria and Jimin exchanged looks.

I crossed my arms. “You want to come to my apartment?”

He smirked. “Why? Afraid you’ll murder me if we’re alone?”

I glared. “Tempting… but no.”

Maria smiled, nudging me. “Actually… it makes sense. Your place is quiet. And we won’t get disturbed.”

Jimin nodded. “And there’ll be snacks, right?”

I sighed, running a hand down my face.

Why does this feel like a bad idea waiting to happen?

“Fine. My place. But you step on my nerves, Jeon… you’re out the window.”

He smirked, eyes gleaming.

“Try me, Princess.”

At YN’s Apartment — Later

I opened the door, letting them in.

Jungkook walked around like he owned the place.

“Not bad,” he muttered, looking at the neat living room. “Didn’t expect Ice Princess to have such a cozy apartment.”

I shot him a glare.

“Keep talking and you’ll be studying on the sidewalk.”

Maria and Jimin sat on the floor by the coffee table, laughing.

“You two are unbelievable,” Jimin chuckled.

Maria whispered, “I’m taking bets on how long before one of you throws something.”

I sat across from Jungkook, opening my notebook.

“Let’s just get this over with.”

He leaned forward, eyes fixed on me.

“Try to keep up, Kim.”

I narrowed my eyes.

“Don’t slow me down, Jeon.”

Jimin and Maria shared a look.

This is going to be a long night.

“So, we’ll take behavioral analysis as the main topic and split it into three categories,” I said, flipping my notebook. “That way, it’s structured.”

Jungkook scoffed from across the coffee table.

“You’d seriously start with behavioral patterns? That’s basic. No depth.”

I looked up sharply.

“Oh? And what do you suggest, genius?”

Jungkook leaned forward, elbows on his knees.

“We lead with decision-making triggers — that’ll actually stand out. No one else will think of it first.”

I opened my mouth to snap back…

Stopped.

Wait.

That actually… made sense.

Maria blinked at me.

Jimin raised a brow at Jungkook.

I narrowed my eyes.

“Fine. We start with that.”

Jungkook smirked. “Wow. Did you just agree with me?”

I rolled my eyes. “Don’t flatter yourself. Even a broken clock’s right twice a day.”

He chuckled low. “Cute.”

I threw a pen at him.

He dodged, laughing under his breath.

Jimin facepalmed. “I don’t know whether to be relieved or scared.”

Maria shook her head. “They’re agreeing… and still fighting.”

But for the first time…

I didn’t actually hate working with him.

Even though I wanted to strangle him every five minutes, he wasn’t useless.

His ideas made sense.

Our work rhythm clicked — sharp comments, quick corrections, fast brainstorming.

Maybe…

Just maybe…

He wasn’t entirely the arrogant idiot I thought he was.

Jungkook’s POV

I wasn’t gonna lie — watching her brain work this fast was kinda… impressive.

She challenged every idea I had — but not to tear me down.

She sharpened it.

Pushed it further.

And damn, it was fun.

I caught her biting her lip while scanning through the textbook.

Focused. Fierce.

I smirked to myself.

Who knew the Ice Princess could actually be decent company… when she wasn’t trying to murder me.

Jimin whispered to Maria,

“If they don’t kill each other…don't they?”

Maria whispered back, “Honestly? I don’t know if I’m hoping for it… or dreading it.”

I scribbled the last point on the chart, glancing over at Jungkook’s neat graphs, while Maria typed the references on her laptop.

Jimin was reading through the draft with more focus than I’d ever seen him use in class.

None of us noticed how silent the room had become — no arguing, no snide comments.

Just… work.

It was weird.

But not bad.

RING.

Jungkook’s phone buzzed on silent.

He picked it up casually.

“Sera?” he answered, leaning back slightly.

His voice softened a little — a side I didn’t usually hear.

“What? …Yeah. I’m at… YN’s place.”

I blinked, looking up from my notes.

His eyes met mine as he said it, voice dropping into a lower register.

“With the group,” he added. “We were working. I didn’t realize the time.”

I followed his glance to the wall clock.

10:45 PM.

My eyes widened.

“Oh… it’s pretty late. I didn’t realize.”

Maria stretched her arms above her head. “I already told my mom I’m staying here tonight. She knows we’re working on this.”

I gave her a small nod.

Then… my eyes drifted toward Jimin and Jungkook.

I didn’t want to ask.

I really didn’t.

But it was late… and it didn’t feel right sending them out this late when we still had work left.

I took a breath.

“Uh… can you guys stay for tonight?” I asked, as casually as I could.

Maria hid a grin behind her notebook.

Jimin blinked, a little surprised.

And Jungkook—

He raised his brows, smirking.

“Wait. Is Miss Icy Princess actually asking me to stay at her place… under the same roof… with her?”

His tone — pure teasing.

His expression — full smug mode.

I clenched my jaw, forcing a glare.

“I’m asking both of you. For the project. Don’t flatter yourself.”

Jungkook chuckled low.

“Relax, Princess. I won’t start planning our honeymoon just because I stayed the night.”

Maria and Jimin both burst into laughter.

I groaned, muttering, “Regretting this already.”

But somewhere deep inside…

I wasn’t regretting it.

Not completely.

I stood in the kitchen, grabbing a few packs of ramen and some leftovers from the fridge.

It wasn’t fancy, but it’d do.

Behind me, I heard faint murmurs.

Probably Maria and Jimin chatting… or Jungkook running his mouth again.

I turned to boil the water when I felt a presence behind me.

I looked over my shoulder —

And there he was.

Jeon Jungkook.

Standing by the kitchen entrance like he belonged there.

I raised a brow. “What? You need something?”

He blinked, caught off guard for a second.

“Uh… yeah. Water. Chilled.”

I sighed, grabbing a glass from the rack and pouring him some water.

Without a word, I handed it over.

But instead of just leaving…

He stayed.

I gave him a look. “Is there something else?”

He took a sip, then asked—

“So… why do you live alone?”

My hand froze halfway to the counter.

For a second, the air around us felt… still.

Like even the boiling water paused.

I felt his eyes on me, waiting.

But I said nothing.

Because the answer…

Wasn’t simple.

Before I could force a reply, the sharp sound of the doorbell echoed through the apartment.

I frowned, setting down the chopsticks in my hand.

Who the hell could that be at this hour?

Maria peeked her head in from the living room. “You expecting someone?”

I shook my head slowly. “No.”

Jimin stood up, a hint of caution in his eyes.

Jungkook’s brows pulled together, his usual smirk gone.

I wiped my hands, moving toward the door — my heart beating slightly faster.

Whoever it was…

It couldn’t be good.

I opened the door — and blinked.

Standing there with a wide grin, hair tied in a messy bun, and a small overnight bag hanging off her shoulder…

Jeon Sera.

“Hey, YN! I’m also staying here for tonight since oppa’s here!” she chirped, practically bouncing.

I opened my mouth.

Closed it.

Before I could process, a familiar voice sounded behind me.

“What the hell are you doing here, little brat?”

Jungkook appeared at my side, eyebrows raised in pure disbelief.

Sera pouted, folding her arms.

“It’s not fair, oppa! You get to have a night stay with her alone… I wanna join too! Besides, if I’m with you, mom won’t nag me for staying out late!”

Jungkook groaned, rubbing his face. “Sera… It’s not a night party. We’re working.”

“Oppa, pleaseee?” She whined, giving him the world’s most practiced puppy eyes.

I stared at them, jaw slightly clenched.

Why did I even ask them to stay in the first place?

I took a slow, deep breath.

Trying to summon every ounce of patience I didn’t have.

“Yeah… sure. You can stay,” I said, forcing a smile.

Sera squealed, hugging me tightly.

“Thank you, YN! You’re the best!”

I awkwardly patted her back.

Maria peeked out from behind the couch.

Jimin muttered under his breath, “This is turning into a sleepover I didn’t sign up for.”

Jungkook gave me a look — half apologetic, half amused.

I gave him a look right back — half ‘I’ll kill you later,’ half ‘Why is this my life?’

But deep down…

A part of me didn’t actually mind.

Maybe.

I set the steaming bowls of ramen on the table, sighing.

“There. Dinner’s served.”

“Finally!” Jimin grinned, grabbing his chopsticks.

“You’re a life saver, YN,” Maria smiled, sitting beside him.

“Smells amazing!” Sera chirped, plopping down way too close beside me on the couch.

I blinked as she clung onto my arm.

“You’re such a good cook, unnie! Can I call you unnie?”

I stammered, “Uh… I— I guess?”

Sera squealed. “Yayy! You’re so cool, unnie! I always knew you weren’t as cold as everyone says!”

Maria nearly choked on her ramen.

Jungkook, sitting cross-legged on the carpet, rolled his eyes hard enough I thought they’d fall out.

“Oh, here we go,” Jungkook muttered.

I cleared my throat, trying to gently free my arm from Sera’s grip.

“Sera… maybe eat first?”

Sera pouted.

“But I wanna talk to unnie! She’s so pretty up close! Right, oppa?”

Jungkook gave her a flat look.

“Eat. Your. Ramen.”

Maria shifted beside me, her smile a little too sharp.

“Wow, Sera. Didn’t know you liked YN so much.”

Sera grinned, oblivious.

“Of course! She’s smart, cool… and she made food for us! What’s not to like?”

Jimin snorted into his bowl.

“Should we leave you two alone?”

I groaned softly, burying my face in my hands.

What is happening right now?

Jungkook leaned back against the couch, resting his arm lazily over the backrest.

“Didn’t know I walked into a fan club meeting.”

I shot him a glare.

“I didn’t invite you to commentate.”

He smirked.

“You invited me to stay though, Princess. Remember?”

Maria elbowed Jimin.

“Why does it feel like they’re married already?”

Jimin nodded, eyes wide.

“Exactly. This is exactly how married couples argue.”

Sera gasped dramatically.

“Oh my god! Is this why you both fight all the time?! Are you secretly dating?!”

I choked on my ramen.

Jungkook froze mid-bite.

Maria’s eyes popped.

Jimin started laughing so hard he dropped his chopsticks.

“What?! No!” I said at the exact same time Jungkook growled, “Hell no!”

Sera pouted, fake offended.

“Hmm… suspicious.”

Jungkook groaned, tossing a cushion at her.

“Eat, brat.”

I sighed, sinking into the couch as Maria giggled beside me.

The night that was supposed to be a productive study session had officially turned into a circus.

And somehow…

I didn’t hate it.

I handed Sera her ramen, giving her a polite smile.

“Here you go—”

Before I could even finish, she grabbed my arm again, pulling me down beside her on the couch.

“You’re seriously the coolest, unnie!” she gushed, leaning into me like we were childhood besties.

“How come you’re so quiet in college, though? You should hang out with me more!”

I blinked, a little uncomfortable at the closeness.

“Uh… I’m just… not very social.”

Maria sat on the other side, her ramen untouched, her eyes sharp as a dagger.

Sera grinned wider.

“Oh, that’s fine! I’ll make you social!”

She looped her arms through mine, squeezing them together.

Jimin coughed into his sleeve, definitely laughing.

“Sera—” I started, trying to pull away.

But she cut me off.

“So… unnie… are you really from a chaebol family? What’s your father like? I heard some rumors—”

I stiffened.

My smile dropped instantly.

The air around us changed in a heartbeat.

Maria frowned.

Jimin stopped laughing.

Sera blinked innocently. “I mean… is it true you live alone ‘cause you don’t get along with your family?”

The chopsticks in my hand paused halfway to my bowl.

My throat tightened.

“Wow. Real subtle, Sera,” Maria muttered.

I opened my mouth, trying to find words — trying to keep the rising knot in my chest down—

“Sera.”

Jungkook’s voice cut through the air like a sharp blade.

Sera looked up, surprised.

“Huh?”

Jungkook, sitting casually against the couch with his arm slung back, fixed her with a cold, warning stare.

“Shut it.”

Sera’s mouth fell open.

“But I was just—”

“I said—” he said coolly, his eyes narrowing, “—drop it.”

The room fell silent.

I blinked, staring at him.

He wasn’t smirking.

He wasn’t teasing.

He was dead serious.

Sera pouted, finally letting go of my arm.

“Okay… fine…” she muttered, slumping into her seat.

Maria threw Jungkook a look of silent thanks.

Jimin leaned toward me, whispering, “And this is why he’s the hyung.”

I swallowed, trying to steady my heart.

Jungkook caught my eye for a split second — his gaze softer now… almost apologetic.

He gave a small shrug like it was no big deal and went back to eating his ramen.

But for some reason…

It felt like a really big deal.

And for once…

I didn’t hate having him around.

The living room was quiet except for the faint scratch of my pen against paper and the soft hum of my laptop.

Maria and Sera were sleeping in my room — Sera out cold after talking herself into exhaustion, and Maria only after grumbling that she’d “kill a certain someone” if Sera clung to me again.

Jimin and Jungkook had gone into the guest room.

Or so I thought.

I rubbed my eyes, trying to focus on the notes.

But my mind kept drifting —

To how Sera clung to me.

To how Maria kept glaring.

And mostly… to how Jungkook shut his sister up like it was nothing.

Why did that even bother me?

I shook my head, forcing my eyes back on the page—

“You know… we can do this tomorrow.”

I flinched.

I snapped my head up —

Jungkook stood there by the door, arms crossed, looking right at me.

His voice wasn’t soft.

It wasn’t mocking either.

It was that low, indifferent tone he used when he didn’t want an argument but wasn’t being friendly either.

I swallowed.

“I’m finishing this part,” I replied, sharper than I intended.

He stared for a second, his jaw tightening slightly.

“It’s past midnight.”

I gave a short laugh under my breath.

“Wow. You checking curfews now?”

His eyes narrowed.

“I’m just saying. No point in burning yourself out when half the group’s asleep.”

I set my pen down slowly, meeting his eyes dead-on.

“I didn’t ask for your opinion.”

He let out a faint, humorless scoff.

“Right. Because clearly, you’re handling everything so perfectly alone.”

That stung more than it should have.

I stood up, crossing my arms.

“Is there a reason you’re here? Or do you just enjoy picking fights?”

Jungkook stepped forward once, his eyes never leaving mine.

“Maybe I don’t like seeing you act like you’re above asking for help when you clearly need it.”

The tension between us crackled — sharp, charged, but not romantic.

It was something heavier.

Like two people standing on opposite sides of the same wall…

And neither is willing to move first.

I let out a slow breath.

“Well. Thanks for the concern,” I said flatly, grabbing my papers. “But I’m fine.”

He gave a slight nod, his expression unreadable.

“Suit yourself.”

And just like that — he turned, walking back toward the hallway without another word.

Leaving me there in the silence,

Holding more than just my notes in my hands.

To be continued...