For a week, Taehyung tried to avoid Victoria. Not because Kenny threatened him but he didn’t want to bother her with anything. And yet she was everywhere when he least expected it. It had been a while since they trained together that first time she asked as well so he didn’t have to worry about seeing her in the training rooms. However, she was in class trying to speak with him when he showed up early and almost joined him for lunch if Kenny didn’t show up to pull her away. He felt bad but he thought it was for the best.

Victoria, however, had other plans. She went to the classroom early and was glad to see that Taehyung was already there. He was writing away in his notes when she opened the door. He glanced up to see her and quickly looked back at his work.

“You know, it’s been a while since I came with you to training. Have you gotten better?” She sat in the seat beside his, watching him nod at her question. “Cool, it was interesting to see your strength. I didn’t know Exotytes were that strong.”

“They’re...not.” He was reluctant to talk with her but he could tell she wasn’t going to give up this conversation.

“Really? Can you tell me more then?” She was fishing for more of a conversation but when it was clear that he wasn’t going to give her more than two word responses, she sighed. “Alright, whatever it is that’s going on. Don’t listen to others.”

He looked at her to see her smiling. “Huh?”

“I know Kenny spoke with you.”

“Did Jimin tell you that?”

She laughed and he relaxed. “He didn’t have to tell me. I know what that guy has been saying to everyone since we were kids. I can speak to whoever I want and my father doesn’t care.”

Taehyung took in that information and smiled. “That’s good to know. I was kind of hoping to ask you something.”

Victoria froze. Her heart raced. She wasn’t sure if she was nervous or excited, maybe both but she straightened herself before speaking again. “What kind of question is it?”

He in his lips. “Well, it’s kind of an interesting situation.”

“I don’t think anything could be as interesting as this entire academy.” They laughed. “Don’t worry. I won’t bite. Just ask me.”

“Alright.” He took a deep breath. “I was wondering if you can introduce me to your father.”

Victoria’s eyes went wide. She didn’t think they were at the level for this and yet she was curious about why. “My father? Is there something you want to know? I’m sure I can help.”

“Well...it’s more so about the summit from 20 years ago.”

“Oh! What for?”

Taehyung studied her for a bit, wondering if he could trust her with the real reason. He glanced around the room, unsure who was listening in despite it still waiting for the rest of their class to show up. He turned back to Victoria and came to a decision.

“It’s for a little side project me and Jimin are working on. We want to know more about what happened here the first time that wasn’t in the articles.”

She looked at him confused. “That’s it? Can you give me a bit more detail?”

“I...uh...well…” He hesitated and she could tell he wasn’t sure he should tell her.

“How about this? I’ll help you with this if you tell me the real reason you guys are doing this later. Deal?” She held out her hand for him to shake hands. He takes it and they both hold on a little too long. He clears his throat and they both let go.

“So...do you want to join me and Jimin again for training today? You were a great help last time and I think I almost have that move you showed me down.”

She laughed as the doors opened and a few students, Kai, Tao and Kyungsoo, came into the classroom. “Sure. Just message me the time you’ll be there.”

Tao glanced at Kai and Kyungsoo as they sat down in their seats. The rest of their classroom filed in shortly after with Sehun taking up the final seat. Classes went on as usual, with a few funny quips here and there. Tao was curious as Victoria about the project Taehyung was working on and didn’t know how to follow them without getting caught trying to listen in. 

Once class was over, Tao went to Sehun’s room.

“Well?”

Tao looked around. Sehun’s roommate was never there when they were and he found it odd but lucky that he wasn’t there. “Taehyung and Victoria are going to meet the Matoki military captain soon. They’re also going to do some training together.”

“This is getting interesting. Why is he so curious about the old peace summit?” Sehun began pacing his room.

“I’m not sure. He’s calling it a side project with his roommate. He said he was going to tell the Mato female everything later.”

“He’s looking for something. And his gross infatuation with that Mato trash makes me want to vomit.”

Tao sighed. “I know. But I don’t think I can follow him to talk with the Mato captain..”

Sehun looked at him thoughtfully. “You’re right. I still want you to follow and report to me throughout the day. I’ll get Wendy to follow him when they go. For now, come with me. I have something I need you to do.”

~~~

Taehyung hummed to himself as he headed to the gym. He wanted to warm up on his own before Jimin and Victoria showed up. On his way, he was greeted by a few Matoki. He awkwardly waved back at them,