YN’s POV

The morning sun peeked faintly through the curtains as I moved around the kitchen, quietly preparing coffee.

I didn’t want to wake anyone up.

Or deal with anyone.

Especially not her.

But luck clearly wasn’t on my side.

“Unnieee!”

I nearly dropped the mug.

I turned sharply —

And there was Sera, bouncing into the kitchen like she hadn’t been an absolute headache last night.

“You woke up early too!” she chirped, wrapping her arms around mine again.

I stiffened.

Forcing a polite smile.

Not this again.

“Yeah. Just… making coffee,” I said, gently but firmly untangling my arm.

Sera pouted. “You’re always so serious, unnie. You should relax more! Like me and oppa!”

I gave a small nod, stepping aside.

Pretending I didn’t hear her.

Pretending this wasn’t getting under my skin.

Maria walked in next, her expression half-sleepy, half-annoyed.

She shot me a knowing glance — one that said Hang in there, before slumping into a chair.

Then came Jimin, yawning.

And right after him…

Jungkook.

He walked in with his usual lazy confidence, eyes landing on Sera clinging beside me.

For a brief second, our eyes met.

No smirk.

No teasing.

Just that same unreadable stare.

He took in the scene — Sera leaning on me, Maria glaring, Jimin acting oblivious.

Then…

“Sera,” Jungkook said casually, pouring himself a glass of water.

“Don’t you have school stuff to do today?”

Sera blinked.

“Eh? But I thought—”

“Don’t you?” he repeated, with a sharpness just beneath his cool tone.

Sera huffed, letting go of my arm.

“Fine. You’re no fun, oppa.”

Jungkook didn’t respond.

He just drank his water in silence, eyes flicking toward me once —

Like he knew exactly what he’d just done.

And maybe… he did.

We were at the door, everyone grabbing their bags, getting ready to leave.

Jimin and Maria were bickering over who left their charger behind.

That’s when Sera hugged me tightly — again.

“Bye, unnie! I’ll see you in college!”

I gently peeled her arms off.

“Sera… Just… call me YN. Okay?”

She blinked, then smiled brightly.

“Okay! Bye, YN!”

I gave a small nod.

Let’s just survive this day.

At College — Morning

I walked into campus with Maria beside me, trying to act normal.

But something felt… off.

Students were whispering.

Turning heads.

Glancing between me — and then down at their phones.

I frowned.

“What the hell…?” I muttered under my breath.

Maria, walking a step ahead, suddenly stopped.

Her face darkened in seconds.

“What. The. Actual. Hell.”

I blinked, catching up to her.

“What happened?”

She shoved her phone toward me.

“Look at this.”

I stared at the screen.

It was a photo — of us from last night.

Me.

Maria.

Jimin.

Jungkook.

And Sera.

All sitting around the ramen bowls.

Laughing.

And the caption underneath — posted by Sera on the college group chat:

“Enjoyed last night at oppa’s friend’s place 💕”

My eyes widened.

“What. The. Hell.”

Maria groaned.

“She posted it in the main group chat! The entire university’s buzzing about this!”

I stared blankly, my heart sinking.

“I… I didn’t even know she took this.”

Before I could react further —

“YN!”

Two girls from my class rushed over.

“So… You and Jungkook are dating?”

“Or you two are actually friends and the rivalry is fake?”

“Was this all an act?”

“You invited him to your apartment?”

I stepped back, stunned.

“What— No! It’s not—”

“Does he stay there often?” another asked, half-joking, half-serious.

My pulse quickened.

Just then — the classroom door opened.

And in walked Jungkook.

Conversations exploded around us.

“Oh my god, he’s here.”

“Is it true?!”

“Oppa! Did you stay over at YN’s place?”

“Are you two actually together?!”

I glanced at Jungkook —

And to my surprise…

He was staring dead at me.

Expression cold.

Jaw clenched.

He wasn’t smirking.

He wasn’t rolling his eyes.

He looked… pissed.

The room around us turned into a storm of gossip and chaos.

And I realized —

This… was just the beginning.

The class was buzzing — loud enough to shake the walls.

Questions flying.

Whispers turning into open gossip.

Jungkook stood near the door, hands in his pockets, his jaw ticking.

His eyes — sharp, cold, completely done.

Then—

“Enough!”

His voice sliced through the noise like a whip.

The classroom fell dead silent.

All heads turned.

Even I blinked at the sudden outburst.

Jungkook scanned the room, his glare cutting into every person brave enough to meet his eyes.

“It was a group project,” he said, his voice clear and sharp. “We worked. That’s all.”

No one dared to speak.

Jungkook’s eyes finally landed on me — and they froze over.

Ice-cold.

“And seriously…” he said with a scoff, staring dead at me.

“How can you all even think I’d date her?”

My jaw clenched.

The heat rushed to my face.

And just like that… the fire lit.

“Exactly,” I snapped, stepping forward, glaring at him.

“Who would date a jerk like you?”

A few students gasped.

Jimin, sitting at the back, buried his face in his hands.

Maria muttered, “Oh. My. God.”

Jungkook raised a brow, smirking coldly.

“You really have a talent for being annoying, don’t you?”

I crossed my arms, standing my ground.

“And you really have a talent for being an arrogant, overhyped brat.”

“Oh, we’re throwing labels now?” he stepped closer, voice dropping.

“Should I start listing yours?”

“Try me.” I glared right back.

The class watched like it was a live boxing match.

Sera’s post might’ve started the chaos…

But we?

We just set it on fire.

The classroom held its breath.

No one moved.

No one dared to speak.

I stood facing Jungkook — his eyes sharp, mine burning.

But then…

I let it slip.

“And maybe,” I said loud enough for half the class to hear, “you should tell your dear little sister not to post things like that if you don’t want rumors flying around.”

Gasps echoed.

Jungkook’s expression changed in an instant.

The smirk vanished.

His eyes darkened, jaw tightening dangerously.

“Don’t,” he said, voice low, “say anything about her.”

I lifted my chin.

“I’m just stating facts. She took the photo, she started this mess—”

His fists clenched at his sides.

“And you think snapping at her makes you better?”

I scoffed. “Better than standing here acting like a victim when your sister’s the one who made it everyone’s business!”

Jungkook stepped closer, his eyes narrowing into slits.

“You’ve got a problem with me? Fine. But keep Sera out of your mouth.”

I took a step toward him, glaring up.

“Or what? You’ll start another rumor yourself?”

“YN—” Maria warned from behind.

But neither of us listened.

Jungkook stared down, cold and furious.

“You seriously think you’re untouchable, don’t you?”

“And you seriously think you’re the center of the universe,” I shot back.

Jimin groaned. “Here we go again…”

The class was dead silent — watching two toppers, two sworn rivals, practically breathing fire at each other in the middle of the room.

And neither of us backed down.

“What is going on here?”

The entire classroom snapped their heads toward the door.

Professor Choi stood there — arms crossed, glasses low on his nose, eyes narrowing at us like we were two high schoolers caught fighting in the hallway.

The room fell into absolute silence.

Without a second thought, the words slipped from my mouth—

“I’m not working with him on the project.”

The class gasped again.

Even Maria’s eyes widened.

Jungkook’s jaw clenched so tight I thought his teeth would snap.

Professor Choi raised a brow.

“Is that so?”

He looked directly at me.

“And may I ask why?”

Before I could even open my mouth—

“She’s impossible,” Jungkook cut in sharply, stepping forward.

“We both have issues. Her ideas are average at best, and I work with advanced concepts. It’s a waste of time for both of us.”

I spun toward him.

“Excuse me?!”

“Oh, you heard me,” Jungkook shot back, his tone icy.

“You drag every discussion with your stubbornness. It’s like babysitting a kid who thinks she knows everything.”

I glared, stepping forward.

“Better than acting like you’re some genius when all you do is criticize and show off!”

The class sat in stunned silence, heads turning like a ping-pong match.

Jungkook’s smirk returned — bitter this time.

“And yet, here we are. You still couldn’t beat me in rankings, could you?”

I snapped, “And you still can’t handle anyone challenging you without acting like a brat.”

“Enough!”

Professor Choi’s voice slammed through the tension like thunder.

We both shut up immediately.

He let out a slow breath, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“Since you both seem to have strong opinions,” he said dryly, “you’ll both come to the staff room after class.”

I swallowed hard.

“You’ll present your project ideas separately,” he continued. “And I will decide if you two should work together… or fail this assignment together.”

Jungkook didn’t say a word.

Neither did I.

The class watched, eyes wide — half expecting us to start throwing chairs next.

“Sit,” Professor Choi ordered, before walking to the desk.

Jungkook shot me one last glance — sharp, silent, unreadable.

And I gave him a glare right back.

This wasn’t over.

Not even close.

Staff Room — YN’s POV

I stood beside Jungkook in front of Professor Choi, both of us holding our project drafts.

The air was thick with tension.

Professor Choi glanced between us.

“Let’s hear your ideas. YN, you first—”

But then…

I felt it.

A strange, wet warmth.

Right between my thighs.

My stomach dropped.

No. Not now. Please…

I instinctively stepped back, clutching my file tighter.

Panic rising in my chest.

“Uh… I… Excuse me for a moment.”

I turned on my heel, walking out before anyone could say a word.

“YN?” Professor Choi called after me.

I didn’t answer.

I couldn’t.

Jungkook let out a scoff behind me.

“See? She’s like this. Always running away when it matters. Irresponsible.”

Professor Choi sighed heavily.

Girls’ Washroom — Moments Later

I slammed the door behind me, leaning against the sink.

“You’ve got to be kidding me…” I whispered, looking down.

Of course.

This stupid, cursed, painful time of the month.

I pulled out my phone, hands trembling slightly, and dialed Maria.

She picked up on the second ring.

“YN? What happened? Jungkook and you—”

“Maria,” I cut her off, voice tight.

“Bring me a pad. Now.”

She went silent for a second.

“Oh. Oh! I’m on it!”

I sighed, leaning my head back against the cool tiles.

God, I hate this. I hate this part of the month.

The stabbing ache in my stomach kicked in right on cue — twisting, burning.

Great.

Like the day wasn’t bad enough.

I squeezed my eyes shut.

The argument with Jungkook…

The professor…

Sera…

Now this.

Pathetic.

I hated how this always made me feel weak.

I hated how the cramps took over every part of me.

And I hated how life somehow picked the worst moments to hit me with it.

walked back into the room, clutching my file like it was my only lifeline.

Professor Choi glanced up from his seat.

“You’re back.”

Jungkook stood beside the desk, arms folded, looking anywhere but at me.

I forced a polite nod.

“Sorry for stepping out. I… had something urgent.”

Professor Choi gave a short sigh.

“Alright. Jungkook’s explained his idea. Now, let’s hear yours.”

I stepped forward, opening my file.

The words I’d prepared…

They blurred slightly on the page.

I swallowed hard, trying to ignore the sharp pull in my lower abdomen.

“My project idea… is to analyze the consumer behavior on… on virtual platforms with AI—”

Another wave of pain stabbed through me.

I bit down hard on my lip, curling my fingers into a fist behind the file.

The words wobbled in my head.

The letters on the page seemed to swim.

I took a shaky breath.

Focus. Just focus.

But the cramps clawed at me — sharp, unforgiving.

A thin line of sweat formed at my hairline.

Jungkook shifted beside me.

I felt his eyes on me — sharp, narrowed.

“Are you… okay?” Professor Choi asked, leaning forward slightly.

I forced a tight smile.

“I’m fine… So, as I was saying, the AI-based consumer analysis will—”

“Are you seriously going to pass out or something?”

Jungkook’s voice.

Low. Sharp.

I blinked at him, turning my head slightly.

His brows were drawn together — the usual mocking tone gone.

He wasn’t teasing.

He was… frowning?

His eyes dropped to my hand, seeing the white-knuckle grip on the file.

Then at the faint shake in my stance.

Damn it.

I clenched my jaw.

“I said I’m fine,” I hissed under my breath.

Professor Choi looked between us, his frown deepening.

“YN… If you’re unwell, this can wait.”

I straightened my shoulders, ignoring the stabbing pain crawling up my side.

“No.” My voice came out sharper than I meant.

“I can do this.”

Jungkook stared at me for another second — a flicker of something unreadable flashing in his eyes.

Then he scoffed quietly.

“Stubborn idiot.”

I ignored him.

Because right now…

Losing in front of him was worse than any cramp twisting inside me.

I forced my eyes back on the paper.

“…So, implementing AI in behavioral analysis will increase—”

Another wave of pain stabbed me like a hot knife in my stomach.

My hand trembled, clutching the file tighter.

I bit down on my lip until I tasted blood.

You’re fine. Just finish it.

But my vision blurred slightly.

I swayed — just for a split second.

And that’s when it happened.

“Oh for god’s sake—”

Jungkook’s sharp voice cut through the room.

I turned my head slightly, glaring.

“What—”

“You can’t even stand straight!” he snapped, stepping toward me before I could finish.

“Stop acting like some martyr! No one’s impressed!”

I froze.

His eyes were burning — with frustration… and something else I couldn’t place.

Professor Choi slammed his hand on the desk.

“Enough! Both of you!”

The sound echoed loudly.

I blinked rapidly, forcing down the painful lump in my throat.

Professor Choi let out a heavy sigh, standing up.

“YN. Sit down.”

“But—”

“That’s an order,” he said, firm. “You’re clearly unwell. We’re not continuing this today.”

Jungkook stood beside me, glaring at the floor now, jaw tight.

“And you,” Professor turned to him. “Out. Now.”

Jungkook looked up sharply.

“I—”

“Out.”

Jungkook let out a sharp exhale but said nothing.

He shoved his hands into his pockets and stormed out of the staff room.

I stood there for a heartbeat longer…

Before I felt the strength drain from my knees.

Professor Choi shook his head, his tone softening slightly.

“You’re both brilliant. But this?” He sighed.

“This is ridiculous.”

I lowered my head, pressing my hand over my stomach.

I hated this.

I hated everything about today.

And worst of all…

I hated that even through all this…

Jungkook noticed.

I walked out of the staff room, ignoring every look thrown my way.

My hands gripped my bag, my head low.

And just when I thought I could breathe—

“YN!”

I turned, and there came Maria, storming toward me like a hurricane.

She grabbed my wrist, pulling me aside near the empty corridor.

“What the hell were you thinking?!” she hissed.

I blinked.

“Maria—”

“No. Don’t ‘Maria’ me!” she cut me off, eyes blazing.

“You looked like you were about to faint in there! And you still kept going like a freaking robot!”

I clenched my jaw.

“I didn’t want him to win.”

Maria let out an exasperated breath, throwing her hands up.

“Oh my god! This isn’t about winning! You’re literally hurting! And you think battling Jungkook is more important than your health?”

I opened my mouth — and stopped.

Because everything hit me at once.

The cramps.

The stress.

The fight.

The embarrassment.

The stupid rumors.

And before I could stop myself—

Tears welled up.

“YN…” Maria’s voice softened immediately.

I shook my head, wiping at my eyes harshly.

“I just… I hate this. I hate him. I hate today. I hate this stupid pain. And—” My voice cracked.

“I’m just so… done with everything.”

Maria sighed, stepping closer.

She wrapped her arms around me tightly.

“I know, I know…” she whispered.

“You always bottle it up until you break. It’s okay. Let it out.”

I leaned into her, biting my lip to stop the sob.

I hated crying.

But I couldn’t stop.

Maria whispered gently, “And I know this is your stupid period messing with your mood too. But seriously… you’ve got to stop doing this to yourself, YN.”

I nodded against her shoulder.

Because right now…

I didn’t have the strength to argue.

Jungkook’s POV — Same Time

I sat on the back stairs of the building, leaning forward, elbows on my knees.

I hated this.

I hated how my mind kept rewinding the scene from earlier.

The way she bit her lip until it almost bled.

The way her hands trembled, curling into fists.

The way she swayed — like she was about to drop right there.

And still she kept going.

Idiot.

I ran a hand through my hair, letting out a sharp breath.

Why the hell was I even thinking about her?

Why did I care?

I scoffed under my breath.

You don’t. You shouldn’t.

But the image of her—

Fighting against everything, even herself—

It wouldn’t leave my damn head.

And god…

I hated it.

Maria finally pulled away after I’d cried myself into a quiet mess.

She held my shoulders, eyes soft but stern.

“You good?” she asked gently.

I sniffed, nodding.

“Yeah… Just give me a second.”

Maria gave me a look.

“The moment you feel worse, you’re going home. I don’t care if I have to drag you there myself.”

I smiled weakly.

“Okay.”

We started walking back toward the hallway when —

A shadow fell in front of us.

I looked up.

And of course.

Jeon Jungkook.

He stood there, hands in his pockets, eyes scanning over me — lingering a second too long.

Maria immediately stepped half in front of me, arms crossed.

“What do you want?” she snapped.

Jungkook ignored her.

His eyes locked on me.

And instead of some snarky comment…

He said, voice low but steady—

“What happened to you back there?”

I blinked.

“…What?”

He shifted his weight slightly, his eyes flicking to Maria, then back to me.

“You looked like you were about to collapse.”

Maria narrowed her eyes.

“Why do you care?”

Jungkook shot her a brief glare.

“I wasn’t asking you.”

I straightened my back, wiping my face with the sleeve of my hoodie.

“Nothing,” I said sharply.

“It’s none of your business.”

His jaw tightened.

“So you’d rather pass out in front of the professor just to prove a point?”

Maria muttered, “Says the jerk who called her irresponsible.”

Jungkook exhaled, ignoring her again.

His eyes flicked over my face, pausing when they landed on my slightly pale skin.

“You’re such a pain,” he muttered under his breath.

I clenched my jaw.

“Yeah. And you’re such a saint, right?”

For a second — just a second — his lips pressed together in a hard line.

He didn’t fire back.

He just stared.

And then, with a shake of his head, he said quietly—

“Whatever.”

And walked away.

Maria scoffed.

“Unbelievable.”

I stayed frozen.

Because for once…

I didn’t know if I wanted him to stay and argue—

Or if I was just… tired of fighting altogether.

Jungkook’s POV

I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop.

I really wasn’t.

But when I passed the next hallway…

I heard her voice.

Maria.

“YN… You seriously need to stop pushing yourself like this,” Maria said softly.

“You know your cramps get this bad. You’re pale as hell. You could’ve fainted in front of the entire staff room.”

I paused.

A pause that felt stupid.

But I stayed there — back leaned casually against the wall like I wasn’t… listening.

“I didn’t want to back out in front of him,” YN whispered.

“That’s what he wanted.”

Maria sighed.

“I know. But your health isn’t worth proving something to Jungkook.”

I frowned.

A sharp pull twisted in my chest.

Maria’s voice lowered.

“And honestly? If he wasn’t such a jerk, maybe he would’ve noticed sooner you weren’t okay.”

I clenched my jaw.

I did notice.

I noticed everything.

I just…

I shook my head, scoffing under my breath.

What the hell was wrong with me?

Later— Jungkook’s POV

I slammed my notebook shut, making Jimin jump.

He glanced over.

“…What now?”

I leaned back on the couch, arms crossed.

“That girl,” I muttered.

Jimin smirked.

“Which one? The one you’ve been fighting with since the first year or the one you pretend you don’t notice but always end up staring at?”

I glared.

“YN.”

Jimin chuckled.

“What about her now?”

“She’s so… stubborn. Always trying to act strong even when she’s literally dying on her feet.”

Jimin raised a brow.

“Oh?”

“And then—” I leaned forward. “—She acts like I’m the bad guy for calling her out on it.”

Jimin shrugged.

“Maybe because you are a jerk half the time?”

I shot him a look.

He lifted his hands in mock surrender.

“Hey, I’m just saying. You treat her like she’s your worst enemy but you’re the first one to notice when she’s off. Makes you think, huh?”

I scoffed.

“You’re reading too much into it.”

Jimin smirked knowingly.

“Am I?”

I leaned my head back, closing my eyes.

Why…

Why the hell couldn’t I get her out of my head?

YN’s POV

The next day, Professor Choi called out the new list.

“As decided… Jungkook and YN will work on separate projects,” he announced, voice dry.

“Maybe that way, the university building will remain standing.”

The class chuckled.

Jungkook sat two rows ahead, arms crossed, not even glancing back.

Fine by me.

I could finally work in peace.

Or so I thought.

The morning rolled on.

Lectures.

Notes.

I was seated in my usual spot, flipping through my marketing book, highlighting the key points.

Until—

A loud thud echoed from outside the classroom.

And shouting.

I frowned, looking up.

The door was wide open.

Students rushed to the entrance.

I sighed.

What now…

Curiosity won.

I stood, walked to the door — and there it was.

Jeon Jungkook.

Collar loose, sleeves rolled up, face cold as ice.

He had some random guy pinned against the lockers — one hand gripping his collar, the other slamming into his jaw.

The guy stumbled but swung at Jungkook —

Jungkook dodged and punched him right back.

The hallway erupted in gasps.

“Holy crap—”

“Jungkook’s at it again…”

I folded my arms, watching the chaos unfold.

Typical.

The university’s top scorer and the bad boy of Seoul U — starting yet another fight.

I shook my head with a sigh.

“Idiot,” I muttered under my breath.

No matter how smart he was in class…

Jeon Jungkook always found a way to throw fists before thinking.

And yet…

I couldn’t take my eyes off the scene.

Because something about the way he moved — fierce, sharp, dangerous — always had this pull.

One I hated.

And maybe… hated that I even noticed.

Jungkook slammed the guy hard against the lockers again.

“Next time you try that stunt… you won’t be walking out of here.”

The boy groaned, coughing, eyes wide with fear.

The crowd around them murmured in shock — half impressed, half horrified.

And then…

Jungkook’s eyes shifted — just slightly.

And locked with mine.

I stood a few steps away, arms folded, staring dead at him.

Expression blank.

Cold.

Unimpressed.

For a moment… everything around blurred out.

It was just him.

And me.

His fist clenched tighter on the guy’s collar for half a second —

Then…

He released him.

“Get lost,” Jungkook said sharply, shoving the boy away.

The guy stumbled and ran off without looking back.

The crowd slowly started to scatter.

Some whispering.

Some shaking their heads.

Jungkook stood there, chest rising and falling steadily.

But his eyes…

Still on me.

I raised a single eyebrow.

Didn’t say a word.

Just gave him that look — the one that said:

Seriously? Again?

He stared back, jaw tight.

Like something flickered behind those sharp eyes.

Then…

He scoffed softly under his breath, shoving his hands into his pockets.

And walked away.

Not a word.

Just… walked away.

And for some reason—

I felt like I had won that round.

Cafeteria — Noon

YN’s hand shot forward.

Jungkook’s hand landed right on top of hers.

Both gripping the same banana milk bottle.

YN (cold):

“Let. Go.”

Jungkook (smirking):

“No.”

YN (eyeing him sharply):

“I saw it first.”

Jungkook (tilting his head):

“Yeah? Well, I grabbed it first. That's how it works.”

YN (mocking):

“Wow. Is this how the trustee’s son acts? Fighting over banana milk?”

Jungkook (leaning closer):

“Is this how the ‘icy princess’ throws a tantrum? Over a drink?”

Students around them started glancing, whispering.

YN (gritting her teeth):

“I’m not throwing a tantrum. I just want what I picked first.”

Jungkook (raising a brow):

“Oh? Then maybe you should’ve been faster.”

YN (deadpan):

“Maybe you should stop acting like a spoiled brat.”

Jungkook (smirking):

“Make me.”

They both tugged on the bottle slightly.

A tense silence.

Then —

YN (sweet, fake smile):

“Gladly.”

She twisted the cap open in one swift move.

And in front of half the cafeteria—

Splashed the banana milk straight onto Jungkook’s face.

Gasps echoed around them.

Jungkook stood there — milk dripping from his hair, face, shirt.

Eyes dark, blinking once.

YN (innocently):

“Oops. Guess I got it first… and last.”

The crowd stood frozen, waiting for a reaction.

Jungkook slowly wiped his face with the back of his hand…

And smirked.

Jungkook (low, dark):

“You’re so dead.”

The entire place went dead silent.

Jungkook wiped his face again, the banana milk dripping from his jaw.

His dark eyes met mine…

And he smirked.

Oh, no.

Jungkook (low, taunting): “You really want to play this game with me?”

I crossed my arms. “Looks like I already won.”

The crowd oooh’d softly.

Jungkook tilted his head — his signature smirk sharp and dangerous.

Without breaking eye contact—

He reached to the drink stand…

Grabbed a full cup of iced americano from someone’s tray…

And before I could move—

He splashed it right on my shirt.

Cold. So cold.

The crowd gasped again.

Maria (yelling): “WHAT THE HELL, JEON JUNGKOOK?!”

Jimin (half choking): “Dude… oh my god.”

I stood there, frozen — iced coffee dripping down my blouse.

I slowly turned my eyes on him.

Jungkook shrugged, completely unapologetic.

Jungkook (mocking): “Oops. Guess I’m faster after all.”

Maria (fuming, grabbing napkins): “I swear, I’m gonna—”

I held up my hand, stopping her.

My eyes locked with Jungkook’s again.

Tension thick enough to slice with a knife.

YN (calm, cold): “You’re dead.”

Jungkook smirked wider. “Looking forward to it.”

Jimin (muttering):b“…This is gonna end in flames.”

Maria grabbed my arm.

“Let’s go before I actually throw my shoe at him.”

Jimin nudged Jungkook.

“You’re insane.”

Jungkook just watched me walk away — smirking like he enjoyed every second of this mess.

And maybe…

I hated that a tiny part of me didn’t hate the challenge.

Maria tugged at my arm as I stormed out of the cafeteria.

Maria (pleading): “YN! Stop! Don’t do something stupid—”

I yanked my arm free.b“He started it.”

Maria groaned. “And you poured milk on his face!”

I spun around, eyes blazing. “Because he’s an arrogant jerk who—”

Maria pointed sharply. “And you’re going after him now looking like this?”

I frowned. “What?”

I glanced down—

Oh hell.

The iced coffee had soaked my white blouse.

Completely see-through.

My bra visible.

My stomach dropped.

Maria immediately pulled off her hoodie and wrapped it around me.

Maria (softening): “Don’t give him a reason to laugh at you. Not like this.”

I clenched my fists.

But before I could say a word—

Footsteps behind us.

I turned.

Jungkook.

His smirk from earlier?

Gone.

His eyes flicked to me — and the soaked blouse — for half a second.

He blinked… and looked away fast, jaw tightening.

Jungkook (low, awkward):

“…Didn’t mean for that.”

Maria scoffed, stepping in front of me.

“Oh? The great Jeon Jungkook actually regretting something?”

He ignored her.

His eyes shifted back toward me briefly.

Jungkook (quiet):

“…You started it.”

I narrowed my eyes.

“And you finished it like a coward.”

That made him snap his head up — the fire flickered back.

But before he could say anything—

Maria grabbed my hand again.

“Not today.”

I shot him one last glare.

And Jungkook?

He stood there… hands clenched in his pockets…

Face unreadable.

But for the first time—

He didn’t look like he was enjoying the fight.

YN’s Apartment — That Evening

I paced around my living room, hands flailing, heart still burning with frustration.

YN (snapping):

“I swear, Maria! I hate him! I hate him more than anyone in this entire world!”

Maria lay sprawled on the couch, scrolling through her phone lazily.

Maria (without looking up):

“Mhm. You said that yesterday… and the day before… and the day before that…”

I whipped around to glare at her.

“So? I mean it every time.”

Maria glanced up, raising a brow.

“You know this is like… the 96th time you’ve said it this month?”

I crossed my arms.

“So? Add another one to the count.”

I stomped toward the window, gripping the curtain.

YN (yelling):

“JEON JUNGKOOK, YOU JERK!!! I HATE YOU!!”

Maria sighed, dramatically dropping her phone on her chest.

Maria (muttering):

“Sure you do…”

I spun back toward her.

“What was that?”

She gave me an innocent smile.

“Nothing. Please, carry on. The neighbors probably enjoy your screaming by now.”

I groaned, throwing a cushion at her.

Maria ducked, laughing.

“Just admit it. You hate him so much it’s practically a hobby.”

I glared.

“I’d rather die.”

Maria smirked.

“Sure… We’ll see.”

Jungkook’s POV

I slammed the locker shut, making Jimin flinch.

Jungkook (growling):

“I hate her. I seriously hate that girl.”

Jimin leaned back against the wall, biting back a grin.

“Uh-huh. You’ve mentioned. Fifty times. Today.”

I turned, glaring.

“Did you see what she did?! Milk. On my face. In front of the entire cafeteria.”

Jimin (smirking):

“Right. And you splashed iced coffee on her. So mature, by the way.”

I scoffed.

“She started it!”

Jimin crossed his arms.

“And you couldn’t let it go. Classic Jungkook logic.”

I ran a hand through my hair.

“I swear… I hate her more than anyone alive.”

Jimin chuckled under his breath.

“Yeah. Sure. You totally hate her.”

I glared.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Before Jimin could answer—

ACHOO!

I sneezed. Loud.

At the exact same moment —  YN sneezed too.

I blinked.

Jimin blinked.

Maria (deadpan):

“…I'm telling you someone is gossiping about you!”

Jimin (to himself):

“…I’m living in a romcom nightmare.”

I rubbed my nose, muttering under my breath.

“Stupid.”

To be continued...