*Note: Underlined words mean they are spoken in Korean

 

 

Y/N’s POV

I felt my cheeks flame with frustration, and my knuckles clenched at my sides as I venomously glared at the punk. I definitely understood what he said.

He was stubbornly implacable across from me as he matched my glare with his own, while I felt RM – oppa nervously glanced between the two us, afraid of what may happen.

I breathed through my nose.

Kalma lang, Y/N. Subukan mo munang idaan sa usapan. (Calm down, Y/N. Try talking it out first.)

I blinked twice then pasted on a tight smile.

“What do you mean, ‘you don’t want to’? Tae clearly said you wanted to learn. And I’m here to help you with that.”

RM – oppa hurriedly translated for me to which Jungkook visibly scoffed and said something in Korean fast.

Then RM – oppa hesistantly said in English to me, his whole aura screaming I don’t wanna be here. “He said he does but that he doesn’t want to learn it from a ert like you.”

At that I felt my temper boil its maximum, as I clenched my teeth in annoyance.

Enough was ENOUGH.

Abruptly, I rose from my seat, grabbing the punk tightly by the collar and bringing his face close to mine.

“Ya pusnaegi!” (Hey, you punk!) I growled at him.

“P-pusnaegi?” He sputtered in outrage while feeling uncomfortable by our close proximity.

“Ne, pusnaegi!” I clenched his shirt tighter. “Neo jinjja jjajeung nanda! (You’re so annoying!) “Byeontae this, byeontae that, ahhh I’m sick of it!”

Seeing the situation to be getting worse, RM – oppa put a hand to my shoulder. “Y/N – ssi what are you doing? Please let him go.”

Remembering oppa’s presence in the room, I glanced at him my mind debating whether I should just pummel the punk or headbutt him, when another idea popped into my head. Shooting oppa a regretful smile, I pleaded with him. “I’m sorry, RM - oppa but this pusnaegi has to be taught a lesson. So can you please translate for me? I have quite a bit to say.”

RM – oppa looked a bit unsure. “O – Okay. But please don’t hurt him?” he implored.

I gave him a smile and a wink. “Don’t worry I won’t.”

So Oppa backed off, as I turned back to the punk, feeling my glower return seeing Jungkook’s livid face, but managing to tamp it down as I gave him a measuring look and spoke in a level voice.

“You hate me. I know that. And you probably won’t forgive me anytime soon no matter how much apologize. But I’m doing this out of respect for Tae since he asked me for a favor and did it for your sake. You respect him too, right?”

RM – oppa quickly murmured in Korean and I saw Jungkook’s face fall slightly but still showed no signs of giving in.

Sighing, I let go of his collar and sat back down, my arms open and spread out on the table in front of me.

Okay. Time to put this plan into action.

Keeping his eye contact with me, Jungkook straightened his collar with a gruff as I began my proposition.

“Fine, since you won’t give in so easily, let’s settle this, man to man. Let’s arm wrestle. Whoever loses does whatever three things the winner says with no ifs, buts, or complaints. Call?”

I looked to RM – oppa for help and understanding my intentions, he grinned cheekily as he translated in Korean to Jungkook whose face slowly transformed from contempt to disbelief then amazingly to glee.

“Call.” He said, an evil grin both in his lips and his eyes.

I raised my eyebrows to him in challenge, as I brought my arm into position. He did the same and shortly our arms were linked together. Then looking over to RM – oppa who was watching us in amusement, I requested. “Oppa do you mind being the referee? And please, do be fair.”

Feigning hurt he replied. “Of course, I’ll be fair.” Then he gave a mock salute. “I’ll be glad to be the referee. Now ready.”

He then intoned. “Hana, dul, set!” (1, 2, 3!)

And the battle of wills began.

 

Jungkook’s POV

I felt my eyebrows raise in disbelief after Rap – hyung translated what the byeontae suggested to me. Then smilingly evilly, I confidently responded to her across the table. “Call.”

Her own eyebrows raised in challenge as she positioned her arm.

She’s in for a loss. I internally smirked as I briefly recalled that time when I defeated all my hyungs in arm – wrestling.

I was the undisputed arm – wrestling champion and I was going to win.

Locking my arms with her, Rap – hyung counted and the challenge started.

I bunched the muscles I had worked so hard for, and put every ounce of strength into my arm. I lifted my gaze towards her and a smirk crept up my face. Her face was contorted and she gritted her teeth as she tried, with much effort, to counter my force.

She’s struggling. That’s Muscle Kook for ya, byeontae!

Seconds later, I was half – way pinning her arm down thinking of my certain victory, when she immediately shot me the wickedest smirk I have ever seen on her.

All at once, I felt an uncharacteristic dread settle in my stomach.

Inch by inch, I felt my arm being pushed back by her steadily growing force. My own smile vanished to a gritting frustration of pushing back with whatever strength I had left but to no avail, as her own seemed to mount greater by the second.

Pretty soon, I was barely holding on to my strength when she abruptly slammed my arm down with a force so strong, breath was knocked out of my lungs.

“Y/N won!” Rap – hyung announced in shock.

I gaped at Y/N with incredulity, as she stood up with huff and bumped her fist in the air, and I processed what the hell just happened.

Suddenly, a hand grabbed my arm and I glanced at Rap – hyung whose face was scrunched up and roaring in laughter.

Slowly recovering from his mirth, he sat back and he said. “Jungkookie that was the first time I ever saw you lose! Oh man!”

Oh man, indeed. This means more teasing of me, later.

I looked back to Y/N as she gave a victorious smile and sat back down again. She was about to say something, when I cut her off, my curiosity getting the better of me.

“How did you win?” I asked her in English.

She looked at me in surprise. “Well when you grow up hanging around with a group of neighborhood men, you tend to learn a lot of things. Arm – wrestling included.” She winked at me.

Rap – hyung hurriedly translated to me and I nodded in a bit of awe and understanding.

I see. Even Muscle Kook can’t compete with that.

Accepting my defeat, I gestured for her to continue with what she was about to say.

She expelled a breath, gave me a small smile then spoke. “Alright since I won, all conditions must be met, ok?”

Hyung translated again and I nodded.

She raised one finger up. “First, you’ll be civil with me. I don’t care if you’re not friendly with me. Just treat me with the respect and civility any human being deserves. Although, it would be great if we become friends someday. I think you’re a really fun person when you’re not being a brat.” She smiled cheekily.

Again, hyung explained to me and I nodded my consent. I can be civil. Then I chuckled a bit at the last part she said.

I am fun.

She continued and raised another finger up. “Second, you’ll learn English from me and I’ll learn Korean from you and we’ll be doing it diligently and with focus. We’ll be doing all of the assignments given. No slacking around.” She emphasized.

Another round of translating and I gave a thumbs up sign.

I can do that. I’ve been wanting to learn more English. And I wanna see how she teaches.

She raised a third finger. “And third. No more calling me of byeontae please? You can call me whatever you want, just not that. It’s rude and it also violates the first condition of being civil. Can you do that please?” she requested.

Snickering a bit, Rap – hyung clarified for me which made me raise my brows.

But why? It suits her perfectly!

I looked at her from across the table and seeing her persistent, slightly embarrassed expression, I sighed.

Well, I did agree to the bet beforehand. Besides, I am a man of his word.

Reluctantly, I bowed my consent, then remembering our , I piped up.

“Can I call you ‘Noona’?”

Hyung immediately translated for her and her face lit up in comprehension. “Sure.” she said with a hint of a smile. Then pausing for a bit as if to prepare herself, she asked me. “Can we start now?”

Understanding what she said, I replied. “Ok.”

 

Y/N’s POV

Glancing down at my surprisingly diligent student who was busy writing down Korean words into English, I thought back to the events earlier. I never would’ve thought I would’ve almost gotten into a fistfight with the Jeon Jungkook. The idea was simply absurd.

Good thing it didn’t happen then because that would’ve been a disaster.

I gave myself a small pat on the back for still turning the situation into my favor and using arm – wrestling as my leverage. I’ve always known the punk was strong since that time with his hyungs, but I was strong as well, if not stronger than him. I’ve had a lot of experience and experience was the best teacher.

Salamat mga ‘tol at mga manong! (Thanks my neighborhood hyungs!)

“Noona, finished!” Jungkook exclaimed and I snapped out of my musing, grabbing his work and checking it over.

He did pretty well, with 10 or so mistakes out of 40 items. I jotted down my corrections and gave the sheet back to him.

I grinned slightly at him. “Very good. You’re surprisingly good at this. Well, you do have the basics grasped so that may be the reason.”

Oppa explained to him and he gave a shy smile in response. “Thank you.”

Feeling a bit unnerved by his response, I gave him another sheet of paper. “This will be your homework. It’s still the translating of Korean to English, but this is going to test your grammar. It contains the words you translated just now, and you will have to use the translated words into sentences. Good luck.” I encouraged him.

Oppa translated to him while he rubbed his neck sheepishly.

“Ok, my turn. Now you teach me.” I declared while I fished for my homework in my bag and handed it to him.

Schooling his expression into that of a strict teacher, he looked over my homework and said in an overly exaggerated (and poorly done) American accent. “Ok. I can do this.”

Taken aback by his sudden comical display, I bit back a laugh and he glanced at me in surprise.

Composing myself, I apologized to him. “Joseonghamnida. That was just so bad. Please continue.”

Huffing in mock annoyance, he reviewed my homework once more then returned it to me, explaining in simple English. “It’s same as me. But English to Korean. It’s easy, see.” He pointed to one item in particular and I nodded in comprehension. He proceeded to guide me on some of the items then left me to my own. Shortly, I was done so I had him check my work.

He went over it, wrote something down then offered the sheet back to me, as he took a blank sheet of paper and wrote something new. I skimmed over it and saw that I did good, committing 15 out of 50 errors. Finishing his task, Jungkook gave the second paper to me.

“Your homework. Answer it soon.” He instructed in a clipped English and in a much more cordial tone.

Hmm. He’s much friendlier. So far so good.

1. bowed in gratitude, shooting an uncertain smile. “Dang-geun-iji. Kamsahamnida.” (Sure. Thank you.)

Seeing as we were finished, I gathered my things then stood up to leave.

RM – oppa and Jungkook rose as well, and I smiled at them.

“It seems like we’re finished for the day. Naneun jigeum galgeoya. Neil manayo.” (I’ll be going now. See you tomorrow.) I bowed as they bowed in response and I turned to leave.

I passed by Jin sunbae in the kitchen who was transferring the food into bowls, and my mouth started watering.

Seeing my apparent interest in the food, Jin sunbae looked at me and said with a smile. “Y/N – ssi. I cook. You eat with us.”

Me have dinner with BTS? I don’t deserve such honor.

Beaming slightly, I was about to decline when suddenly my stomach rumbled in protest.

Hanging my head in shame, Jin sunbae laughed in amusement. “You hungry. It’s okay. You sit down.”

I looked up at him and smiled gratefully. “Kamsahamnida, Jin sunbae.”

He shook his head then pointed at himself cutely. “Oppa. Jin – oppa.”

Inwardly I sighed. “N – ne, Jin – oppa.” I said obediently and oppa smiled in triumph returning his task.

I was seated in the dining table when RM – oppa and Jungkook came out of the study and looked at me in surprise.

“Oh? I thought you were leaving?” RM – oppa asked.

“I was but then Jin – oppa offered to let me stay for dinner. And honestly I was feeling hungry. I hope you don’t mind.” I explained awkwardly as I rubbed my neck.

Grinning widely, RM – oppa replied. “Of course not! You’re welcome to eat with us. I’m sure the other members won’t mind as well.” Then he went over to Jin – oppa in the kitchen to help out, leaving Jungkook behind who slid into a chair across me.

Moments later, the padding of feet could be heard and the other members swarmed the dining table seats, with Tae who sat beside me and looking very cheerful.

Jimin – oppa piped up surprised that I was joining them for dinner. “Oh Y/N! You eat with us?”

“Ne. I’m sorry for intruding.” I bowed in apology.

“No problem, right hyungs?” he asked the others who murmured their consent.

Shortly, Jin – oppa and RM – oppa brought the food and utensils over and I could feel my hunger growing by the second. There was just so much food.

As expected of Eat Jin.

Spread out at the table, was the usual kimchi, in its bright red glory. Kalguk - su, a Korean noodle dish consisting of handmade, knife-cut wheat flour noodles served in a large bowl with broth and other ingredients, looking very silky, smooth and white. Bulgogi, or Korean grilled beef that looked very juicy with sauces dripping all over it. And a vegetable stew that smelled so aromatic, I was barely holding myself back from grabbing it.

“Chal meoggesseumnida.” (I will eat well.) The members soon announced and dug in. I took that as a cue to start getting food as well. I spooned a spoonful of rice with the Bulgogi and felt my eyes roll back as I loudly groaned.

Ang sarap! (It’s delicious!)

The members threw amused looks at each other and I quickly covered my mouth in shame.

RM – oppa spoke up then, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Is it delicious?”

I nodded in absolutely certainty as I amazedly glanced at Jin - oppa. “Jeongmal masisseoyo!” (Very delicious!)

He smiled then gave a wink.

I tried the kimchi next then the Kalguk – su and finally the broth and by then I was sighing in contentment.

Everything was delicious. I wonder how I could replicate this. I’m sure the unni’s back home would like to have a taste as well!

Noticing my apparent appreciation of his food, Jin – oppa asked me then in English, placing his chopsticks down. “You like food?”

Making sure I had swallowed my food, I replied to him. “Ne. I love cooking as well, although I only know how to cook a few Korean dishes.”

RM – oppa translated to him and he gasped in surprise. The other members seemed to be growing interested in the way the conversation was going as they looked up from their rice bowls. Even Jungkook was slightly interested as he quickly looked at me.

J – Hope oppa spoke up next, also in English. “What do you cook?”

I turned to him with a hint of a smile. “Filipino dishes. Adobo, kare – kare, sinigang. Those are just a few of our famous dishes.”

RM – oppa explained in Korean and the members nodded in understanding.

Then steeling myself to ask the question that’s been bugging me, I took a deep breath and shot a glance at Jin – oppa who stared at me in curiosity.

“Jin – oppa is it alright if I ask for the recipe for these? I really wanna try cooking them at home. I’m sure my unni’s would love them.” I asked.

RM – oppa again translated to him as he slowly smiled in comprehension.

Then he gave me a thumbs up and responded. “Sure. I write for you later.”

I beamed at him brightly, bowing in gratitude. “Kamsahamnida.” The rest of the meal continued with a few teasing between the members and some laughter in the atmosphere. RM – oppa was nice enough to translate for me some of the conversations and I joined in with them trying my best to speak in Korean and feeling at home at once.

Soon the meal ended and the members started cleaning up the dishes, while Jin – oppa went off to write down the recipe. Moments later, he came back with a sheet of paper and a shy grin on his face.

“In Korean. Can’t write in English.” He explained as he handed me the paper.

I accepted it graciously. “No problem. Somi – unni can translate it for me. Kasahamnida, oppa.”

Then I glanced at the other members who were still cleaning up in the kitchen, Suga – oppa included, and said.

“Moduege, kamsahamnida. (Thank you everyone.) That was a delicious dinner. Naneun jigeum galgeoya. Annyeong.” (I’ll be going now. Goodbye.)

“Annyeong! They all said in response as they waved to me and walked to the doorway. I was done putting my shoes on and was about to leave when RM – oppa walked over to me and asked. “Y/N, don’t you need someone to walk you home?” I looked back to him, smiling in confidence. “No oppa. I’ll be fine. Our dorm is just two blocks away from here.”

Looking worried he asked again. “Are you sure?”

“Positive. I can take care of myself. But thanks for the offer. Annyeong.” I grinned once more and I left.

Minutes later, I arrived at home with all the lights off. Glancing at the wall clock I saw that it was already 10pm.

Whew. I certainly had a long day. I thought as I arranged my stuff for tomorrow.

Then I took a quick shower and settled in for the night, but my thoughts kept going back to the disaster I evaded today.

I recalled Jungkook’s adamant face before the challenge and compared it to his reluctant but eventual acceptance of his defeat. He was also very attentive to our lesson earlier and seems to really wanna learn English.

I guess he’s not so bad once you get to know him. Maybe we just got off on the wrong foot? I surmised as I eventually drifted off to sleep.

Jungkook’s POV

Wiping a glass clean, I remembered the events of the day and connected them to the enigma that was the byeontae. (I know I know. I agreed that I won’t call her. But the name stuck. Although I don’t really think of her as a byeontae anymore.)

But she was definitely an enigma. No other girl ever came close to punching me. Ever.

Maybe she’s not really a girl?

No, she’s a girl alright. With that long, straight black hair, large expressive eyes, elegant nose and gently curved mouth, no one can mistake her otherwise.

She just doesn’t act like one. She’s a girl that’s not a “girly – girl”.

Sighing in frustration, I placed the glass into the shelf and grabbed another to dry.

Thinking back on it, I never had much experience with girls. I’ve always been frightened of them. Thankfully, I’ve gotten over it now and are more confident around them.

Still my experience is with the “normal” ones. How am I supposed to deal with a manly one who always does something crazy and unexpected? And she’s going to be my English teacher! Aish.

Deep in my inner conversation, I didn’t notice my hyungs were already making fun of me in the background until Rap – hyung mentioned my name in a choking, amused manner and I looked toward him.

“I’m telling you guys, Jungkookie got owned by Y/N!”

“Really? How?” Jin – hyung asked in shock.

“Well, remember how he was being such an to her? Well she finally had it so she grabbed his collar and I’m guessing was about to punch him if I hadn’t stopped her.” He recalled in amusement.

“Wahh. Unbelievable. She got guts! Then what happened next?” Hoseok - hyung asked excitedly as he put down the plate he was washing and turned his full attention to Rap – hyung.

Chuckling, Rap – hyung continued. “She calmed herself then sat down. Then she challenged him.”

“What kind of challenge?” Suga – hyung, his curiosity piqued moved closer to hear the conversation better.

Wiggling his eyebrows, he revealed with much aplomb. “An arm – wrestling challenge. But not just any challenge. The loser has to do whatever three things the winner proposes with no complaints whatsoever.”

“But wait Jungkook is the champion of arm – wrestling. He even beat all of us! How did she even win against him?” Jimin – hyung asked, clearly confused.

Shaking his head at me, Rap – hyung replied. “He got too overconfident. He underestimated his opponent and that’s why he lost. Also, she’s amazingly strong, even I was surprised!” He said in awe.

“Wahh. Y/N is so cool!” V – hyung gushed. Then he threw a mocking glance at me. “Sorry Jungkook but she’s cooler than you now.”

“Shut up, hyung.” I muttered in annoyance.

“So, what were her three conditions?” Suga – hyung asked impatiently, itching to know more.

Snickering, Rap – hyung said. “One, that Jungkook be civil to her and treat her with respect like any other person. Two, that he learn English from her with no complaints and with extreme diligence. And three that he stop calling her ‘byeontae’ because it’s rude.”

There was a still quiet after that, my hyungs’ faces pictures of absolute astonishment. Then one by one they started hollering in laughter making absolute fun of me and I dropped my head in acceptance.

“For real Kook, you got owned!” V – hyung said in between guffaws.

“You got your back, big time!” J – hope teased me with a contorted laughing face.

“Yeah. She got swag. She definitely earned my respect.” Suga – hyung chuckled in admiration.

“Poor Jungkook. Someone’s officially more bad – than you.” Jin – hyung declared wheezing with glee.

“So that’s why you were a lot more behaved during dinner! What a woman. Sorry Kookie but you just lost to her.” Jimin – hyung taunted me, cackling evilly.

Growing tired of where this was going, I threw down the rag and faced my hyungs head on, then turned to Jimin - hyung. “Yeah, I know that. And that’s why I was man enough to accept my defeat and her conditions. But you hyung? You still got no jams.” I smirked and Jimin – hyung’s face immediately fell.

Another round of laughter was heard and this time the teasing was redirected at Jimin – hyung, whose face was red with embarrassment.

Grinning, I returned to the task of wiping the glasses, my thoughts crawling back to the byeontae.

Okay, fine she is pretty bad – . But I’m still way cooler. I’m the Golden Maknae after all. I finally thought confidently, while my hyungs continued teasing each other in the background, a typical occurrence in the Bangtan dorm.

 

Y/N’s POV

Buzzing with nerves and wearing Feng Jiu unni’s strappy black heels, I stared at Shin seonsaengnim as she appraised our chosen heels.

The morning started as usual, but with the addition of my unnis’ pestering about what happened during the tutorial session the previous night. Haughtily, I shared to them what happened and by the end of it they were laughing and congratulating me for a job well done.

“You are awesome maknae.” Even the ever elegant, calm and collected Feng Jiu – unni commended me as she grabbed my arm and led me back to the room and asked me to try on heels. After much grumbling, I found a somewhat acceptable pair (I don’t think heels will ever be acceptable for me.) and we set off for the studio.

Now wearing the heels, I was feeling extremely nervous and wobbly. It felt as if my feet were disconnected from my body and those feet were floating inches of the ground. It was hella scary.

Clearing , Shin seonsaengnim addressed us. “Okay ladies. It seems you got the right types of heels. Well done. Now to start off, I want you all walk in those heels back and forth five times.

We all nodded, me with some additional trepidation and fell in line to do the task. Somi – unni went first and she walked with the bearing of someone who lived in heels which was understandable since she owned the most heels after Feng Jiu – unni. If the two of them combined all their shoes they could probably start a shoe business!

Feng Jiu – unni came after and she glided with the grace of a dancer who was used to dancing in heels.

Well duh she probably learned how to do that a long time ago in dance school.

Right after that was Haru – unni in her cute but still quite high pink heels, who floated in her cute adorable way.

Pati nga si Ate Haru marunong maglakad ng nakaheels? Eh paano na ako? Nga – nga. (Even Haru – unni know how to walk in heels? What am I supposed to do? Fumble around?)

Haru – unni skipped back in place and I sighed as I took my first step. I wobbled for about five steps, feeling as though my upper and lower bodies were surely disconnected when I suddenly tripped and fell down. Hard. On my .

Rubbing my sore bottom, I huffed in annoyance.

This is going to be a long day.