Professor Choi clapped his hands.

“Alright, class! As part of your extracurricular activity credits, we’re going on a mandatory hiking trip tomorrow.”

Groans echoed across the room.

Maria (whispering to you):

“You’ve got to be kidding me.”

Professor (firm):

“No excuses. Everyone’s coming. Pack lightly. We leave at 7 AM.”

I sighed, closing my notebook.

Just perfect.

Next Day — Bus Ride

The bus rumbled down the road, packed with students chattering, laughing, and snapping selfies.

I sat near the window, Maria beside me, both of us quietly sipping on juice boxes.

Maria leaned over.

“Think we’ll survive this trip without strangling someone?”

I smirked slightly.

“Highly unlikely.”

Just then —

“YN!”

I turned.

Sera.

She bounced toward our seat, smiling way too brightly.

“Mind if I stick with you guys during the hike? Oppa’s gonna be with the guys anyway.”

I blinked.

“Oh… uh…”

Maria muttered beside me.

“Of course.”

Sera flopped into the empty seat behind us.

“I’m so excited! I’ll totally stay by your side the whole time!”

Maria gave me a kill-me-now look.

And somewhere from the front of the bus—

Jungkook (under his breath, muttering):

“Great. Just freaking great.”

Jimin leaned over to him.

“What?”

Jungkook (grumbling): “Sera clinging to her now? This trip’s gonna be a nightmare.”

Jimin (grinning): “You sound jealous.”

Jungkook shot him a death glare.

“I’m not.”

I glanced forward — catching Jungkook’s annoyed face in the reflection of the bus mirror.

I smirked slightly.

This trip just got interesting.

The morning sun peeked through the trees as the class hiked up the steep trail.

Students were chattering, some taking selfies, others already out of breath.

I trudged along quietly beside Maria — backpack light, steps steady.

Until—

“YN, wait up!”

I sighed internally.

Sera.

She jogged up beside me, practically bouncing.

“Let’s walk together! I don’t wanna get lost or something!”

Maria shot me a side glance.

“I didn’t know this was a babysitting trip.”

I bit back a groan.

“Sure, Sera.”

Sera smiled sweetly and grabbed my arm like we were lifelong besties.

I stumbled slightly.

God help me.

Jungkook’s POV A Few Steps Behind

I watched Sera hook her arm with YN — practically glued to her side.

YN’s face screamed get off me, but as usual, she kept it cold and silent.

I clenched my jaw.

Beside me, Jimin nudged my arm.

“You look like you’re gonna kill someone.”

I scoffed. “Why is she even sticking to her like that?”

Jimin smirked. “Why do you care?”

I shot him a glare. “Mind your business.”

Maria — Whispers to YN: “Next time you tell her to stay with you, I’m pushing you off this mountain.”

YN (muttering): “Help me, and I’ll thank you.”

We continued up the trail.

And then—

Sera tripped slightly on a rock and yanked YN’s arm tighter.

“Oops! Sorry!” Sera giggled.

“You’ll protect me, right YN?”

Maria rolled her eyes so hard I thought they’d fall out.

And that’s when—

Jungkook snapped.

“Sera.”

Everyone turned.

Jungkook stalked up to us, glaring.

“Stop clinging to her like that. She’s not your personal guide.”

Sera blinked, stunned.

“But—”

Jungkook cut her off with a sharp look.

“Walk with your own friends. Or me. Leave her alone.”

Maria muttered under her breath, “Finally.”

I blinked at him, confused.

What the hell?

Sera pouted but stepped back beside Jimin.

Jungkook glanced at me once — eyes sharp, unreadable — before walking ahead.

Maria leaned over, whispering,

“Well, well… Look who turned into your bodyguard.”

I huffed.

“I didn’t ask him to.”

Maria smirked.

“Doesn’t mean you didn’t like it.”

I glared at her.

“I hate him.”

Maria chuckled.

“Sure you do.”

Late afternoon

The sun dipped low, casting a soft glow over the mountainside.

After the exhausting hike, everyone finally relaxed.

Lunch was simple — packed sandwiches, juice, and instant noodles.

Students sat around in groups, laughing, resting, or setting up tents.

Maria and I finished pitching our tent together, sighing in relief.

Maria (wiping sweat):b“Finally. Can we just sleep for the next three days?”

I chuckled lightly. “In your dreams.”

Jungkook’s tent wasn’t far from ours — because of course, life hated me.

He and Jimin were setting theirs up… or more like Jungkook doing all the work while Jimin ate chips.

And Sera was helping a group of girls nearby, thankfully not on my arm this time.

Everything was… peaceful.

Until—

Professor Choi clapped his hands loudly.

“Alright, students! Listen up!”

Groans echoed around the campsite.

Professor (cheerful): “Now that you’ve eaten and set up, it’s time for your first task!”

I exchanged a look with Maria.

Maria (deadpan): “Here we go.”

Professor (grinning): “Each pair will be given a scavenger hunt challenge. You’ll need to collect specific items from around this area by sunset!”

The campsite exploded in noise — half excitement, half complaints.

I sighed. “Of course.”

Professor (calling out): “I’ll assign your pairs now!”

Maria turned to me. “If I’m not with you, I’m not doing this.”

I smirked.“Deal.”

Professor: “Maria and Jimin.”

Maria’s mouth dropped. “WHAT!!!.”

Jimin (laughing): “Lucky me.”

Professor: “YN and Jungkook.”

I froze.

Maria gasped. “WHATTTT!!!!.”

Jungkook turned his head toward me — eyebrows raised, smirk barely there.

Jungkook (mocking): “Guess we’re stuck together. Again.”

I clenched my fists. “Perfect.”

Maria (yelling): “I’m filing a complaint!”

Jimin patted her shoulder, laughing. “Come on, partner.”

As everyone paired up, I stared at Jungkook.

This trip…

Just kept getting better.

“Keep up,” Jungkook said over his shoulder as he walked ahead, holding the list of scavenger hunt items.

I rolled my eyes, matching his pace.

“I’m walking. Not everyone storms through the forest like a raging bull.”

He scoffed. “Not my fault you’ve got the speed of a sloth.”

I clenched my jaw. “Not my fault you’ve got the manners of a rock.”

He glanced back, smirk tugging at his lips. “Oh, so you do know how to joke.”

I narrowed my eyes. “I wasn’t joking.”

We walked deeper into the woods — branches crunching beneath our shoes.

The list said we had to collect five items: pine cones, wild berries, smooth stones, dry leaves, and some flower I couldn’t even pronounce.

I spotted a pine cone near a bush and bent down to pick it.

“Finally contributing?” Jungkook said, arms crossed.

I shot him a glare.

“I’m trying not to stab you with it.”

He snorted.

“Keep dreaming.”

We walked in silence for a few minutes… until the argument we both held in for far too long exploded.

Jungkook (suddenly): “You always act like you’re better than everyone. What’s your problem with me anyway?”

I stopped in my tracks.

YN (sharp): “My problem is you. Acting like the king of the campus when all you are is a spoiled, arrogant jerk who thinks he can walk over anyone!”

Jungkook’s eyes flashed. “Yeah? And you’re the cold, perfect princess who pretends not to care but can’t stand when someone’s actually better than her.”

My fists clenched. “At least I don’t go around picking fights like a caveman.”

He stepped closer, voice low. “At least I’m not pretending to be ice cold when you’re actually just scared to let anyone in.”

That hit too close.

I swallowed hard, staring him down.

YN (gritting teeth): “You don’t know anything about me.”

Jungkook stared back, breathing heavy.

And for a moment… it wasn’t just anger.

It was something deeper.

Something neither of us wanted to admit.

But before anything else could be said—

Thunder rumbled in the distance.

And it started to rain.

I exhaled sharply. “Great. Just great.”

Jungkook ran a hand through his hair, glaring at the sky. “This trip sucks.”

I sighed. “For once… we agree.”

We dashed toward the small wooden shelter we spotted between the trees — barely big enough for two people.

The rain slammed against the roof as we stood inside, dripping wet.

My clothes clung to me like a second skin.

I glanced down — the fabric translucent against my body.

You’ve got to be kidding me.

I quickly folded my arms over my chest and turned away from him.

YN (snapping): “Don’t you dare look at me.”

Jungkook scoffed behind me.

Jungkook (dry): “And what made you think I want to look at you?”

I clenched my jaw. “You’re exactly the type who would.”

He clicked his tongue.

Jungkook (stepping closer): “You really think that low of me, huh?”

I turned slightly, glaring at him over my shoulder. “You give me plenty of reasons.”

His sharp eyes met mine.

Jungkook (coldly): “Well, hate to disappoint you, princess, but you’re not exactly my type.”

That stung — way more than it should have.

I swallowed the lump in my throat, looking away.

YN (quiet, biting):

“Good. Because you’re not mine either.”

The rain poured harder.

For a moment, all I could hear was the hammering of my heart… and the sound of his shallow breathing beside me.

Jungkook leaned back against the wooden beam, crossing his arms.

Jungkook (low): “Why do we even hate each other this much?”

I hugged myself tighter, voice flat.

“I don’t know. Why don’t you ask yourself that?”

He let out a small, humorless laugh.

“Maybe because you’re the only person who ever talks back to me.”

I glanced at him from the corner of my eye.

YN (cold): “Maybe because you’re the only person who ever deserved it.”

His smirk returned — faint, sharp, almost… challenged.

Jungkook (quiet): “Touché.”

And just like that… we stood there.

Soaked.

Silent.

And for once… not fighting.

The rain poured mercilessly outside.

I stood frozen, arms tight around myself, fists clenched so hard my nails dug into my palms.

I bit down on my lip, hard.

Anger.

Frustration.

And this bitter, suffocating cold wrapping around me like chains.

I wasn’t afraid of what Jungkook would do…

I was afraid I even had to think that way.

I couldn’t trust him.

Not him.

Not anyone.

I hated this.

I hated feeling this weak.

Behind me, I heard him shift — leaning against the wall, silent now.

His voice broke through the crackling rain — low, sharp-edged.

Jungkook (flat):

“You really think I’m that kind of guy?”

I didn’t turn.

YN (biting):

“I don’t think. I don’t assume. I don’t trust.”

A heavy silence.

Then—

Jungkook (mocking):

“Yeah. That much is obvious.”

I shut my eyes tightly, trying to stop the shaking of my hands.

I wanted to leave.

I needed to leave.

But stepping into that storm…

Wasn’t much different from standing right here.

I exhaled slowly.

“I want to get out of here,” I muttered under my breath, more to myself than him.

Jungkook’s voice came again, low and unreadable.

Jungkook: “Go ahead. Not like I’m stopping you.”

I swallowed hard, biting back every word I wanted to scream.

I hated him.

I hated this day.

I hated how he still looked so calm… while I stood here trembling.

And the worst part—

I wasn’t sure if I hated him…

Or myself more.

stood at the edge of the clearing, eyes drawn to the dark forest.

The trees swayed gently in the night breeze.

The scent of wet earth filled the air — the lingering aftermath of the storm.

And then—

BOOM.

Thunder roared in the distance.

I flinched.

My eyes squeezed shut—

And it hit me.

FLASH.

Blinding white light.

A sharp voice — low, hurried, trembling with fear.

"Don't go anywhere, okay baby? I'll be back…"

A hand — warm, trembling — cupping a small face.

My face.

A woman’s voice.

Soft. Panicked.

A dark figure standing behind her — shadowed, threatening, eyes hidden.

The sound of a door slamming.

A scream muffled into the night.

Another flash of white—

Blurred images.

Rain pouring.

Blood on the ground.

Footsteps running.

A shadow… dragging someone away.

And me — small hands clutching a doll — standing there… frozen.

END FLASH.

I gasped, snapping my eyes open.

My breath came in short, sharp bursts.

I clutched my head, stumbling slightly.

What… was that?

I whispered under my breath—

“What was that…?”

The world around me blurred for a moment.

That wasn’t just a nightmare.

That wasn’t made up.

Who… were they?

Why did it feel… so real.... Like me

And why now… in this forest… did it all come rushing back?

My breath came out in shaky bursts.

I pressed a hand to my head, gripping my hair tightly.

What… was that?

Those voices.

That place.

That shadow.

Why now?

“Hey.”

The sharp voice cut through the pounding in my ears.

I looked up — and there he was.

Jungkook stood a few steps away, eyes narrowed, studying me.

No smirk.

No teasing.

Just… watching.

Like he saw something crack in me.

Jungkook (low, serious): “What’s wrong with you?”

I forced a breath, shaking my head quickly.

YN (flat, biting): “Nothing. Just dizzy.”

His eyes didn’t move from my face.

Jungkook (quiet, skeptical): “You looked like you saw a ghost.”

I swallowed hard.

YN (snapping, looking away): “Just leave it. I’m fine.”

He stared at me for a long second…

Then clicked his tongue.

Jungkook (muttering): “Tch. Whatever.”

He turned back toward the clearing, shoving his hands into his pockets.

I clenched my fists, pressing my nails into my palms.

Bury it.

Lock it.

Just like everything else.

But even as I took a shaky step forward…

The words echoed in my mind—

"Don’t go anywhere, okay baby? I’ll be back."

And for the first time in years…

I wasn’t sure if the storm outside was worse—

Or the one raging inside me.

The rain finally stopped.

Jungkook and I walked back to the gathering spot in silence — the storm over, but something darker still hanging between us.

Everyone was waiting when we arrived.

“Ah! Finally, the storm couple is back!” someone from the crowd teased, earning a few laughs.

I ignored them.

The teacher stood with a clipboard, voice loud and clear.

Professor: “And the winners of today’s scavenger task are… Jimin and Maria!”

Cheers erupted around us.

Maria jumped up, beaming.

I forced a small smile, clapping my hands for her.

Maria rushed over, throwing her arms around me.

Maria (excited): “YN! Can you believe it? We actually won!”

I hugged her back, managing a soft chuckle.

YN (quiet): “You deserved it.”

But my mind… wasn’t here.

The faint echoes of a woman’s desperate voice still clung to the edges of my memory.

"Don’t go anywhere, okay baby? I’ll be back."

I closed my eyes briefly, pushing it down, locking it inside.

Later That Night...Around the Bonfire

The fire crackled brightly, sparks dancing up into the night sky.

Laughter, soft singing, the strumming of a guitar.

Everyone huddled close, warmth wrapping around them.

I sat beside Maria, wrapped in a blanket, staring at the flames.

The heat from the fire couldn’t quite reach the chill inside me.

Jungkook sat on the other side of the circle — Sera beside him, chattering away.

His gaze flicked toward me once.

Just once.

And for a second…

Our eyes met.

Neither of us looked away.

Until Maria nudged my arm.

Maria (soft): “Hey… you okay?”

I blinked, forcing a small smile.

YN (whisper): “Yeah. Just tired.”

But deep inside…

I knew something had cracked open.

And I wasn’t sure if it would ever shut again.

The crackle of the bonfire faded behind me as I stepped away, answering the buzzing phone in my hand.

I didn’t even look at the name.

YN (flat, cold): “What do you want?”

The voice on the other end came smooth… venom wrapped in sugar.

Mrs kim (mockingly sweet): “Oh… my dear daughter. At least greet your mother first.”

I scoffed, rolling my eyes.

YN (sharply): “You’re not my mother.”

A soft sigh came through the speaker, laced with fake disappointment.

Step-Mother:

“Well… anyway. How are you? How’s your little trip going?”

I tightened my grip on the phone.

YN (biting): “Fine. Until you called. Stop pretending like you care.”

There was a short silence before her voice hissed—

Step-Mother: “I’m your mo—”

YN (snapping): “Don’t you dare call yourself my mother. My mother is dead. You’re just… another woman. The wife of my father. That’s all.”

My voice shook with the weight of it.

And without waiting for a reply, I ended the call.

I stared at the dark screen, breathing hard.

“Pathetic…” I muttered under my breath.

I turned around—

And froze.

Sera stood there.

Eyes wide.

Her usual playful smile gone… replaced with something I’d never seen on her face before.

Shock.

And maybe… pity.

I blinked, jaw tightening.

YN (flat): “How much did you hear?”

Sera opened her mouth, but no sound came out.

She hesitated.

Then…

Sera (soft): “All of it.”

I swallowed hard, turning my gaze away.

Of course.

Because why not?

This day just couldn’t get any worse.

I stood there frozen, the cold wind brushing against my skin, waiting for Sera’s reaction.

She shifted on her feet, eyes still locked on me.

I braced myself for it —

The questions.

The pity.

Or worse… her running to Jungkook.

But instead—

Sera stepped closer and gently reached out, her voice barely above a whisper.

Sera (soft): “…I’m sorry.”

I blinked, startled.

YN (frowning): “For what?”

Sera gave me a small, almost sad smile.

Sera: “For overhearing… and for whatever you went through.”

I stared at her.

Not the reaction I expected.

Not from Jungkook’s clingy, playful little sister.

She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and looked away, as if giving me space.

And just then—

“What’s going on here?”

That voice.

Deep. Sharp.

I turned — and there he was.

Jungkook walked up to us, hands in his pockets, eyes narrowing as they darted between me and Sera.

Jungkook (stern): “Why do you both look like someone just died?”

My stomach twisted.

I opened my mouth— but before I could say a word…

Sera (quickly, lightly): “Nothing! We were just talking… you know… girl stuff.”

She flashed him a grin — the usual cheeky Sera act.

Jungkook frowned, looking between us again.

Jungkook: “You sure?”

Sera (chirping): “Yup. Don’t worry your cold little heart, oppa.”

Jungkook rolled his eyes but didn’t press further.

He gave me one last lingering glance before muttering—

Jungkook: “Tch. Whatever.”

And just like that… he walked off.

I stared at Sera, stunned.

She met my gaze, giving me a soft shrug.

Sera (quiet): “Some things… aren’t his business.”

For a moment…

I didn’t know whether to be thankful—

Or terrified of how easily Sera could have broken me apart…

And didn’t.

The silence settled between us again.

Only the crackle of the distant bonfire filled the space.

Sera rubbed her arms, the chill of the night brushing against her skin — but her eyes never left me.

YN (quietly): “…Why didn’t you tell him?”

She looked at me. Her eyes softened, not with pity — but something close to understanding.

Sera: “Because it wasn’t mine to tell.”

I let out a shaky breath and looked away.

No one had ever said that to me.

No one had ever respected that line.

YN (muttering): “You always act like a brat.”

YN (sighing): “But right now… you’re not one.”

Sera smiled — just a little.

She walked over and leaned against the tree beside me, arms folded, eyes to the sky.

Sera (lightly): “Don’t get used to it. I’ll go back to being annoying tomorrow.”

YN (soft): “Figured.”

There was a brief pause before her tone changed — a little more serious.

Sera: “…You don’t talk about your family much. But it sounded like… whatever happened, it still hurts.”

My jaw clenched. I didn’t want this talk.

But a part of me — a small, broken part — wanted someone to just get it.

YN: “They call it family, but they made me feel like I was the mistake.”

YN (lower): “And then pretend like nothing happened. Like they didn’t ruin things.”

Sera nodded slowly, her gaze still cast away, maybe giving me privacy even in this vulnerable moment.

Sera: “You know… people say I’m the spoiled one. The clingy, loud, annoying little sister of the oh-so-perfect Jeon Jungkook.”

Sera (bitterness in her laugh): “But being around perfect doesn’t mean your life is perfect.”

I glanced at her, surprised.

She caught my gaze.

Sera (gently): “I don’t think you’re as cold as you pretend to be. I think you’re just… exhausted from pretending everything’s fine.”

My chest tightened.

I looked down, blinking back the sudden burn in my eyes.

YN (barely a whisper): “…I don’t know how to stop pretending.”

Sera placed a warm hand on my shoulder.

Sera: “You don’t have to. Not all at once. But if you ever need someone to annoy you out of your own thoughts… you know where to find me.”

I let out a shaky laugh.

YN: “Thanks… brat.”

She gasped in mock offense and shoved my arm.

Sera: “Yah! I'm being deep here, don’t ruin it!”

We both chuckled — the weight between us a little lighter now.

And for the first time in a long while…

I didn’t feel so alone.

You walked back to the group, brushing your fingers through your hair, a small smile lingering on your lips from your surprisingly warm conversation with Sera. The night air felt a little easier to breathe.

Maria, sitting on a log with her arms crossed, spotted you from across the fire.

Her jaw dropped.

Maria (gasping): "EXCUSE ME?!"

You blinked, startled.

YN: "Huh?"

She jumped up and practically stomped toward you like a furious kitten on a mission. Her eyes widened even more when she caught sight of Sera walking behind you—calm, casual, and humming to herself like she hadn’t just flipped your whole world upside down.

Maria (loudly): "Why were you with her?!"

She pointed accusingly at Sera, then at you.

"And—WAIT A DAMN SECOND—were you smiling?! At her?!"

You looked at her, amused.

YN (deadpan): “I can smile.”

Maria (scandalized): “No! Not like that! That was a real human smile, not your usual ‘I’ll kill you in your sleep’ smirk!”

You rolled your eyes and tried to walk past her, but she blocked your path with both arms stretched out like a mother bird protecting her nest.

Maria: “You left me alone for that! You ditched your loyal best friend, the one who carried pads to the bathroom in warzones for you—FOR HER?”

YN (raising a brow): “She didn’t try to drown me or anything. It was… fine.”

Maria (mock betrayal): “Fine?! FINE?! That’s how it starts! First you say it’s fine, next thing I know she’s braiding your hair and you're both doing friendship bracelets behind my back!”

Sera (passing by, smirking): “Well... I do know how to braid really well.”

Maria dramatically turned toward her.

Maria (glaring):

“Don’t push your luck, Jeon junior.”

Sera (teasing): “Aw, someone’s jealous~”

You sighed and rubbed your temples.

YN (muttering): “I regret coming back.”

Maria (grabbing your arm, pouting): “You’re MY emotional support introvert. You don’t go around smiling with other people, that’s cheating, Y/N!”

YN (trying not to laugh): “I was gone for ten minutes.”

Maria: “Ten minutes is enough for betrayal!”

Sera just snorted and wandered off, clearly pleased with herself.

You looked at Maria with a raised brow.

YN: “You’re so dramatic.”

Maria (clinging to your arm): “I learned from the best—you, obviously.”

You both finally cracked into laughter, your heart a little lighter — even as the fire cracked and shadows danced around you, the storm from earlier now long behind.

Most of the students had either retreated to their tents or were lying in small circles, sharing stories in hushed tones. Laughter came in pockets, soft and mellow, unlike the earlier chaos.

You and Maria were lying on a spread blanket a little away from the fire, arms behind your heads, giggling over nothing in particular.

Maria (snorting): “And remember when that guy in our old school tried to flirt with you and ended up crying in the bathroom because you asked if he had a brain or just good hair?”

YN (laughing): “He started it! He said ‘Hey babe, you look smart for a girl.’ I was doing him a favor!”

You both burst into a fit of laughter again, the kind that made your stomach hurt. Your head tilted back, your eyes squinting as you laughed freely—genuinely—for the first time in days.

Just then, from across the fire near the tents, Jungkook stepped out of the shadows.

Banana milk in one hand, hoodie halfway on, hair slightly messy—he wasn’t trying to be quiet. But when his eyes landed on you, that light in your eyes, that breathless smile…

He froze.

Your laugh echoed softly under the stars, and for a moment, he forgot why he even walked out.

His brows furrowed. You looked so… different.

Not the fiery, sharp-tongued girl who threw milk on his face. Not the girl who challenged him in class. But soft, real… vulnerable in a way he never got to see.

Maria (still laughing): “God, I love you. Don’t ever leave me, okay?”

You smiled, turning your head toward her.

YN: “I won’t. Ever.”

You didn’t see it—but Jungkook did.

The way you smiled at Maria. The way the moonlight kissed your face. The way your voice softened into a whisper so gentle it felt like something sacred.

He clenched his jaw and turned away quickly, tossing the empty banana milk bottle into the trash near the tent.

But not before Maria noticed him.

She watched the shadows shift behind the trees and leaned closer to whisper in your ear,

Maria (mischievous grin):

“Someone was watching you just now.”

You blinked and sat up a little.

YN: “Who?”

She gave you a knowing smirk and shrugged.

Maria: “Nothing. Just a ghost who drinks banana milk and glares like it’s a sport.”

You scoffed, shaking your head, but you felt your chest tighten unexpectedly.

Because deep down, you knew exactly who it was.

The air was thick with the earthy scent of wet soil and blooming wildflowers. A chorus of insects chirped in the background as the teacher guided the students along a narrow forest trail, occasionally stopping to point out medicinal herbs and rare foliage.

You were walking beside Sera, who for once wasn’t annoyingly clingy. She seemed unusually quiet, absorbed in taking photos of the vibrant plants.

Jungkook was behind with Jimin, muttering under his breath every time Sera giggled too loudly or you brushed too close to her by accident. His jaw had been clenched since the hike started.

Suddenly, the teacher paused near a rare medicinal shrub and called for attention.

Teacher: “This is Centella asiatica, commonly known as Gotu kola. It’s excellent for memory enhancement—”

But Jungkook wasn’t listening.

His eyes scanned the group. His brows furrowed.

Sera wasn’t there.

He looked behind the group. Then to the far left of the trail. His heart started racing.

Jungkook (to Jimin): “Where the hell is Sera?”

Jimin (blinking): “She was just here a minute ago… with YN, I think?”

Jungkook’s head snapped in your direction. You were leaning slightly to examine the herb the teacher was showing, brows knit in mild curiosity.

He strode toward you, his boots crunching loudly on fallen leaves.

Jungkook (harshly): “Where is she?!”

You blinked in surprise, standing up straight.

YN: “What?”

Jungkook (louder): “Where’s Sera?! She was with you, wasn’t she?!”

Your brows furrowed.

YN: “She was, yes. But I thought she fell back or walked ahead. I didn’t notice—”

Jungkook (cutting you off): “Didn’t notice? Are you serious right now?! You just let her disappear?! We’re in the damn jungle, YN!”

You flinched at his volume, your mouth parting in disbelief.

YN: “She’s not a child! I’m not her babysitter, Jungkook—”

Jungkook (stepping closer, angry):

“You should’ve been watching her! She follows you around like a lost puppy! What if something happened?! What if she’s hurt or—!”

YN (voice raising): “She’s your fan, not mine! Maybe you should’ve been the one keeping an eye on her!”

His chest rose and fell rapidly as the group began to grow quiet, sensing the tension. The teacher turned sharply.

Teacher: “What’s going on here?!”

Jungkook ignored him, his eyes burning into you, clouded with panic and fury.

Jungkook (low and deadly):b“If something happens to her—don’t you dare pretend you had nothing to do with it.”

Your jaw clenched, throat tight. Your heart was thudding hard—not from guilt, but from rage. Why was he lashing out at you like this? Why did he always do this?

YN (coldly): “You care about her so much? Then go find her yourself.”

You turned sharply, walking back a few steps and scanning the trees with narrowed eyes.

Maria came running up to you.

Maria (whispering): “What the hell is his problem?!”

You didn’t answer. Your fists were clenched tightly by your sides.

And yet… beneath all that anger — a sinking feeling sat in your stomach.

Because deep down… you were beginning to feel a chill too.

Where the hell did Sera go?

The moment the teacher realized Sera was missing, he frowned deeply and clapped his hands for attention.

Teacher (firmly): “We need to split into groups. She couldn’t have gone far. Jungkook, Jimin — take the north path. Others, scatter but don’t wander too far.”

You didn’t wait for anyone to tell you what to do.

You turned to Maria, heart pounding.

YN (urgent but calm): “Stay with the group. If she shows up, tell the teacher and me, alright?”

Maria (grabbing your wrist): “Wait—don’t go alone. What if you get lost—”

YN (pulling away): “I’ll be fine.”

And with that, you disappeared into the trees.

Meanwhile: Jungkook’s POV

He was already halfway down the narrow, overgrown path, his voice raw.

Jungkook (shouting):b“Sera! Goddammit, where are you?!”

Branches slapped against his arms and face, his breath ragged as he forced his way through thorny underbrush. Jimin was right behind, trying to calm him.

Jimin (panting): “She’s probably close. Maybe she just wandered a little—”

Jungkook (snapping): “Then where the hell is she, huh?! Why the fuck would she go off alone?!”

He wasn’t sure what scared him more — the idea of her being hurt…

…or the fact that YN was also alone now, wandering these woods, and it was raining again.

Back to YN

Your boots sunk into wet soil with every step. The jungle grew quieter the deeper you walked, and the soft patter of drizzle began overhead. You looked left, right, your eyes scanning between thick trees and tall ferns.

YN (softly calling): “Sera?”

Nothing.

Only the rustle of wind and the low hum of distant thunder.

Your jaw clenched. As annoying as she could be, Sera didn’t deserve this. And the forest was too damn thick. Too silent. Something felt… off.

On the other side...

Jungkook (shouting louder): “SERA! ANSWER ME!”

He kicked at the ground in frustration. Chest rising and falling, eyes wild.

Jimin (quietly):b“Maybe we should regroup—”

Jungkook:b“No. Not until I find her.”

YN walking deeper…

You stopped.

Something caught your attention.

A scarf—bright pink—hanging from a thornbush.

Your stomach dropped.

You rushed to grab it, fingers trembling.

YN (whispering): Sera…”

Suddenly, a twig snapped behind you.

You froze.

You spun around at the sound of the snap. Your breath caught in your throat.

There — Sera.

She was crouched under a tree, her knees pulled to her chest, soaked to the bone. Her shoulders trembled uncontrollably as she sobbed, her hands clutching her arms like she was trying to hold herself together. Rainwater streamed down her hair, matting it to her pale face.

A wave of relief crashed over you.

But just as quickly—

Another wave hit.

Memory.

A white flash.

A tiny girl—hidden between bushes—mud smeared on her face, her dress torn.

She was crying, trembling in silence.

Another thunderclap shook the sky.

"Don't make a sound, baby. Stay right here. I'll be back."

Your head pounded.

So loud.

Like something wanted to break free from inside your skull.

You stumbled forward, your hands flying to your head.

YN (whispering): “No, not now… what is this…?”

The world tilted.

Your vision blurred, as if fog was wrapping around your eyes.

Your breath came in harsh gasps.

But then—

You looked up, saw Sera, and pushed through the pain.

Because she needed you.

You clenched your jaw, forcing your feet to move.

YN (hoarsely): “Sera…”

She looked up. Her wide, tear-swollen eyes met yours.

“YN…?”

Her voice cracked—small, broken, like a child lost in a nightmare.

Then—without warning—she rushed to you and threw her arms around your waist, clutching you so tightly you nearly lost your balance.

Her body was ice cold, and she sobbed into your shoulder like the storm had broken her spirit.

Sera (choking): “I—I thought I was lost. I couldn’t find anyone—I called out and no one came—”

You swallowed thickly, arms instinctively wrapping around her back. Her sobs shook your body.

Despite the hammering in your skull, you didn’t let go.

You couldn’t let go.

Because somewhere inside…

That crying girl from your memories…

Felt too familiar.

Too much like… you.

YN (softly): “It’s okay now. I’m here, Sera. You're not alone.”

Another thunderclap.

Another flash.

And in your mind… the same voice echoed—

"Stay hidden. Don’t let them find you. Be strong, baby."

The rain had slowed to a drizzle, the forest humming with the sound of water dripping from the leaves.

You had finally calmed Sera down — wiping her face, whispering softly, holding her hand as you both walked through the trees. Her steps were slow, clumsy, her body still cold from sitting in the rain too long.

But yours?

Your head…

It was ringing. Loud and sharp like someone was stabbing through your skull.

You blinked slowly, trying to focus on the path, on anything but the pressure behind your eyes and the way the world was tilting slightly beneath your feet.

Don’t pass out. Not now. Not here.

Just then—

“SERA!”

A familiar voice—sharp, filled with panic.

You both looked up.

Jungkook was charging toward you, rain-slicked hair clinging to his forehead, his uniform damp and sticking to his frame.

The moment he saw her safe, relief crashed into his eyes. Without a second thought, he grabbed Sera and pulled her into a tight hug.

Jungkook (breathlessly): “God—what the hell were you thinking—wandering off like that?”

Sera sniffled against his chest, nodding weakly as he pulled back to check her arms and face for injuries.

Jungkook: “Are you hurt? Did someone—? Are you okay?”

She nodded again, voice faint. “I’m okay now… YN found me…”

He looked at you then. For the first time since running into you.

And he froze.

You were standing there, pale as a sheet.

Sweat glistening on your forehead despite the cold.

Your eyes unfocused, blinking too slowly—your lips parting like you were about to say something.

But nothing came.

You swayed.

And Jungkook’s voice echoed, distorted in your ears—

“YN…?”

Your body gave out before your mind could catch up.

You collapsed forward, everything going black as the pain in your head exploded like thunder.

Jungkook lunged forward, catching you just before you hit the ground.

Jungkook (panicked):v“Hey—HEY! YN?!”

Sera screamed.

The world stopped.

He looked down at you in his arms, completely unconscious, your body limp, rain dripping from your lashes. Something flickered in his chest—fear, sharp and unrelenting.

Jungkook (urgent, to Sera): “Get the teacher. Now!”

And he pulled you tighter into him, brushing wet hair from your face, heart hammering violently as he stared at your motionless body.

Thunder cracked overhead as the cold wind swept across the jungle trail, but Jungkook could barely hear it.

His eyes were glued to you.

Your body lay motionless in his arms—head tilted to the side, lips pale, hair soaked from rain. A drop slid down your cheek and for a horrifying second, he thought it was a tear.

"No... no, no, no—"

Jungkook (shouting): "YN?! Open your eyes! Hey!"

He pressed his hand to your cheek—it was too cold.

Your body felt far too light.

Behind him, Sera was already sprinting away through the muddy path, screaming, “SOMEONE HELP! SHE FAINTED!”

But he wasn’t listening.

His breathing was ragged, a mess of disbelief and rising dread. He lowered his face toward yours, listening for a breath—a sign.

And there it was.

A shallow, uneven inhale.

She’s breathing.

But why isn’t she waking up?

His heart beat like war drums in his ears.

Memories flashed—

You throwing banana milk on him.

You clutching your stomach in the staff room.

You trembling in the rain, refusing to let him come close.

The way your fingers had curled just before collapsing.

You weren’t just stubborn. You were in pain.

And he ignored it.

Jungkook (gritting his teeth): "Damn it... Why didn’t I—?"

“MOVE!”

Maria's voice exploded through the trees.

He turned his head.

She rushed in, panting and soaked, eyes blazing with worry and fury.

Maria (furious): "What happened?! What did you do?!"

Jungkook (snapping): "She fainted—!"

Maria (kneeling beside you):

"She had a headache since morning. She gets these dizzy spells, okay?! She’s got low blood pressure—didn’t you notice anything?!"

He stiffened.

Of course he did.

He noticed everything. The way you bit your lips. The sweat. Your pale skin.

And he still—

You ignored it, Jeon Jungkook.

Jungkook (quietly, almost to himself):

"I didn’t know it was this bad."

Maria pressed your wrist for your pulse, mumbling curses under her breath, pulling off her jacket to shield your freezing form.

Moments later, the teacher and two other students arrived—Jimin included.

Jimin (stunned): "What the hell happened—?"

Sera (from behind): “She just collapsed—after saving me…”

They quickly helped lift you, Jungkook refusing to let anyone else carry you.

His jaw clenched tight, the fury in his veins replaced with something thicker, darker—fear laced with guilt.

Later, inside the camp medical tent..

The sky had darkened fully, stars lost behind thick clouds.

You were lying unconscious on a cot, blanket pulled up to your chin. A lantern flickered beside you, casting your face in soft light—too pale, too still.

Jungkook sat beside you.

Silent. Stiff. Wet clothes forgotten. His hands on his knees, fingers clenched.

Everyone else had been sent away, Maria reluctantly leaving after being told you needed rest.

And now…

It was just you and him.

Breathing quietly in this tense, almost sacred stillness.

Jungkook (barely audible):

"Why do you always fight everything alone…?"

He leaned forward, elbows on his knees, eyes dark and unreadable as he stared at you.

Jungkook:

"I hate you for it."

"I hate that I noticed everything… and did nothing."

The tent door rustled with wind.

But he didn’t move.

Just kept watching.

Waiting.

Until…

You stirred.

A tiny twitch of your brow. Then a soft groan escaped your lips.

“M-Maria…?” you whispered, barely conscious.

But the voice that answered wasn’t hers.

“It’s me.”

Your eyes fluttered open.

And your dazed gaze met his.

Jeon Jungkook.

Rain-soaked. Shadows under his eyes.

Expression unreadable.

Your throat tightened as the memory hit you again—Sera crying, the thunder, the little girl in the grass, and then… darkness.

You swallowed hard, wincing from the headache.

You (whispering):b“…I passed out.”

Jungkook (nods): “Yeah. You did.You scared the hell out of everyone.”

You blinked, struggling to sit up. But he leaned forward fast.

Jungkook: "Don't. Just—rest."

You froze.

That single word—rest—felt strange coming from him.

Soft. Hesitant. Foreign.

You didn’t say anything. Neither did he.

But in that moment, the tension between you was not like the usual fire and fury.

This was something colder. Deeper.

Regret. And fear.

The soft buzz of the lantern cast gold across the canvas walls. The smell of antiseptic lingered faintly in the air.

You slowly turned your head toward him—Jeon Jungkook—still sitting by your bedside, hands clasped tightly between his knees. His gaze hadn’t left you once since you woke up.

But you couldn't bear it.

Not now.

Your throat was dry, but your voice came out firm, quiet—cold.

You: "Can you leave now?"

His brows twitched.

Jungkook: "...What?"

You (without looking at him): "I said, leave. I want to be alone."

He didn’t move.

You didn’t repeat it.

Your eyes focused on the tent wall, forcing away the pain in your head—and in your chest.

After a long, heavy pause, he stood.

You didn’t look at him even as the chair scraped quietly on the floor.

But before turning, he let out a breath.

Jungkook (quietly): "...You’re not alone, YN. Even if you want to be."

The tent flap rustled, and just like that, he was gone.

The moment he left, the silence felt heavier.

You let your body sink back into the stiff cot, arm resting over your eyes. But even with the calm returning to the camp outside, your heart wouldn’t settle.

That voice…

That memory…

"Don't go anywhere, okay baby? I'll be back."

The rain. The thunder. A flash of a trembling child hidden in the grass.

You could still hear her sobs like they were echoing in your skull.

Who was she? Why do I remember this?

Why does it feel like I was there?

You sat up slightly, head pounding, trying to remember more—but it was like grabbing smoke.

No name. No face.

Just fear.

Raw, helpless fear.

You bit your lip, fingers clutching the blanket, when—

"YN!"

Maria burst into the tent, her hair frizzy from humidity, eyes puffy with worry.

She rushed to your side, grabbing your hand.

Maria: "God, you scared the crap out of me! What the hell happened?!"

You blinked, startled by the sudden flood of warmth and panic in her voice.

Maria: "You fainted in the forest and then Jungkook was yelling like crazy and Sera was sobbing and I had no idea where you were—why didn’t you tell me you were feeling so bad?!"

You stayed quiet.

Because what were you supposed to say?

That it wasn’t just physical?

That the memory of a crying child made your body collapse?

Maria gently shook your arm.

Maria: "YN. Talk to me. What happened back there?"

You looked down at your lap, then slowly at your friend. Her eyes searched yours for truth, desperate for reassurance.

But how could you explain something you didn’t even understand?

Your voice was low—almost too calm.

You: "...I don’t know."

Maria blinked.

Maria: "What do you mean?"

You looked away again.

You: "I don’t know what I saw. Or what I remembered. It just… it felt real. Like a piece of something I shouldn’t remember."

Maria opened her mouth to ask more—but then saw the look in your eyes.

Confused. Haunted.

And she didn’t push.

Instead, she gently pulled you into a hug.

Maria (softly): "Whatever it is… you’re not alone, okay? You don’t have to figure it all out tonight."

You nodded weakly against her shoulder.

But inside, the storm still raged.

Who were those people?

Why do I feel like I've lived that scene before?

And why is it tied to this place...?

The fire crackled, casting flickering shadows across everyone’s faces.

Dinner was being served in soft chatter and the clink of utensils. Everyone had settled into quiet circles—whispers instead of laughter after the day’s chaos.

The teacher stood up after speaking to the trip staff and clapped his hands.

Teacher: "We’ll leave early tomorrow. The weather’s been too unstable. Everyone, finish your dinner and begin packing once you're done. Stay in groups. No one moves alone."

There were a few tired nods, but no one argued.

After all, YN fainting, Sera missing, and the forest’s eerie quiet had left everyone drained.

You sat cross-legged on a blanket, staring blankly into your bowl.

You had barely eaten.

Maria had tried coaxing you with soft murmurs and cheesy jokes, but you just gave her weak smiles.

And then there was Sera.

She hadn’t left your side since you woke up.

She sat close. Too close. Her body tilted toward you, eyes constantly checking your temperature, your expression, your breathing—like you were about to disappear again.

She wasn’t being clingy in a childish way. It was protective, almost… reverent.

Sera (softly): "Do you want some water? Wait—I’ll get it—"

You (whispering): "Sera, I’m fine. Really."

She blinked and nodded, but didn’t move away.

And across the campfire, Jungkook was watching.

His banana milk sat unopened beside him.

His jaw clenched every time Sera touched your arm. Or your shoulder. Or pulled your blanket tighter around you.

He wasn’t even sure why he was this annoyed.

No—furious.

Furious at you for fainting and brushing it off like it was nothing.

At himself for panicking.

And at Sera for... acting like she knew you better than anyone else.

His fingers drummed impatiently on his knee, eyes narrowing when Sera tucked a strand of your hair behind your ear.

Jungkook (muttering under his breath):

"She’s not gonna break, Sera. Back off."

Jimin (sitting beside him): "Huh?"

Jungkook (sharp): "Nothing."

Sera leaned closer again.

Sera: "Are you sure you’re okay? You haven’t said much."

You (softly, not meeting her eyes): "...Just tired. That’s all."

Sera reached forward and adjusted your scarf. She whispered something, but you barely heard it.

Jungkook stood suddenly.

Too loud. Too fast.

Everyone looked at him.

He gave no explanation. Just turned and walked toward the tree line.

Maria raised an eyebrow.

Maria: "What’s his deal now?"

You didn’t answer.

But something about the way your chest tightened told you—you were part of that reason.

The cold night air bit into his skin, but Jungkook didn’t slow down.

His boots crushed damp leaves and twigs as he stormed deeper into the forest, away from the glowing fire and the suffocating presence of you and Sera.

He didn’t know what pissed him off more—the clingy way Sera hovered around you, or the way you let her.

His hands clenched into fists, breath visible in the cold as he finally came to a stop near a gnarled tree. The branches above swayed gently, whispering secrets into the night.

He dragged his hand through his soaked hair and let out a harsh breath.

Jungkook (muttering): "Why do I even care?"

He looked up at the dark sky, the faint moonlight slipping through the tree canopy, as if trying to reach him but failing—like every damn thing lately.

You had fainted right in front of him.

For a split second, his world had tilted.

The sound of your body collapsing.

The way your lips parted in unconscious confusion.

The paleness of your skin.

The way your fingers twitched.

And he froze.

Not because he didn't care.

But because he cared too damn much.

He had knelt beside you, hand trembling as he checked your pulse, teeth gritted in quiet panic.

But then you woke up—mumbled that you were “fine”—and turned away.

Just like you always did.

Jungkook (gritting his teeth): "You don’t get to scare me like that and pretend it’s nothing."

He leaned against the tree, head tipping back. The wood was damp and rough against his neck, grounding him.

His thoughts wandered again—

To the way your eyes widened at the thunder,

The way you trembled under that wooden shelter,

And that flash of pain on your face before you passed out.

And then there was Sera, always in the way.

Too close. Too present.

He hated how possessive she acted over you.

But what he hated more—

Was that you let her.

That you never pushed her away the way you pushed him.

He kicked a rock hard, watching it bounce into the underbrush with a curse.

Jungkook (low, bitter laugh): "Get a grip, Jeon. She’s just... a classmate. An annoying one."

He knew that was a lie the moment he said it.

He had noticed everything about you—

Your silence.

Your strength.

Your stubbornness.

Your broken pieces that you never let anyone see.

Except sometimes, when you weren’t looking, they slipped through the cracks.

And they made his chest ache in ways he couldn’t explain.

A twig snapped behind him.

He turned sharply—but it was just the wind.

His thoughts, however, were far from silent.

To be continued...