Chapter 4 : The game is on

Jeon Jung Kook

“PARK TAE CHAN!” I yelled across the hallway.

Students turned to stare at a very calm looking Tae Chan and immediately moved aside when I stalked towards her. She frowned at me as I advanced closer.

Casually, I slung my arm across her shoulders and pulled her towards me. At my actions, students gasped and started whispering but I was too busy checking Tae Chan’s reaction. I ignored her killer glare as I leaned down and whispered into her ear.

“What you did yesterday was a mistake – do you know what I can do to you?”

I felt her stiffen under my arm before she pushed me away and scoffed. “Are you threatening me?”

I quirked an eyebrow at her tone. “Do you feel threatened?”

She bit her lip as her eyes glanced frantically around, assessing the situation. Suddenly she did something totally unexpected that I had to take a step back. She laughed. Laughed…at me.

With a slight shake of her head she said, “Not at all.” before walking off, still laughing.

I blinked once.

Twice.

And by the third blink she was almost out of my sight. Heavy silence filled the air as everyone waited with bated breath for my next move.

Drat. She did it again. She left me hanging. There was no way I could do any damage control now. So much for trying this form of intimidation. So…physical contact doesn’t do anything for her. Time for plan B.

With a smirk, I adopted an offhand attitude as I stuffed my hands into my pockets and trailed after her, paying no heed to the whispered questions around me.

 

Park Tae Chan

Breathe…just breathe! I told myself as I walked to my class with my head down.

I couldn’t believe what I just did to Jung kook. I definitely didn’t plan to laugh in his face. It wasn’t my fault he caught me off guard. Earlier, I had actually decided to follow his rules so that he would leave me alone. – But all logic flew out the window the minute he whispered in my ear.

I shivered as I remembered his close contact and found myself wondering what cologne brand he used.

WAIT.

Hold up. What was I thinking?! How could I be having those thoughts about someone who wanted nothing more than to torture me? I clutched my head and sighed as I entered class and sat at my seat.

This unwanted issue with Kang Jun was probably affecting my thoughts. Yes, that must be it. There was no way a straight ‘A’ student like myself could ever find a bad boy like Jung kook y. Nope. Not one bit.

Satisfied, I pulled out my text books and stared unseeingly at the words in front of me. Jung kook’s wide eyed expression floated in my mind and I groaned aloud as I recalled how I laughed at him.

I am so dead.

Bang!

I jerked in surprise as the object of my thoughts appeared at my class entrance and kicked at the door to announce his presence.

Students who were seated in front, cringed in fear while others scrambled to the back. Gulping uneasily, I pretended to be focused on copying notes from my textbook instead of showing how aware I was of his presence.

Jung kook strode into my class as if he owned it and took his time in approaching my table. I ignored him as he stopped at my side and continued writing furiously.

“Yah.” He said and kicked my table.

I jolted from the force but refused to look up.

“Yah!” he repeated, clearly irritated. “You’re really going to be this way?” he gritted his teeth and kicked my table more forcefully, causing my books to topple over.

, I grimaced inwardly. This was all my fault. I shouldn’t have laughed at him and just humoured him when I had the chance. Now I had no choice but to continue as if I had a backbone. Taking a deep breath, I glared at him from the corner of my eye.

Scoffing in disbelief, his eyes turned hard as he literally dragged me out of my seat. I felt my heart thudding in fear painfully against my chest as he grabbed me by my blazer collar and dragged me out of my seat, out of class and up the back stairs leading to the roof.

The way everyone scrambled out of his way would have appeared comical to me if I wasn’t so caught up being panicky about my situation. I tried unsuccessfully to loosen his tight grip on my collar as he pulled me impatiently to follow him.

Finally as we reached the roof, he flung me aside and slammed the door shut.

“Now, where were we?” he ground out menacingly.

 

Jeon Jung kook

Ok. This was my fault. I never meant to use physical force on her, but something just snapped inside me when she continuously ignored my presence. She winced visibly when I took a step forward and I cursed myself for my actions.

Bad boy or not, I never lifted a hand against a girl – and I didn’t need to. They usually were too intimidated to cross my path or head over heels in love with me.

I had planned to tug her along by the wrist and not collar grabbing – unfortunately, things got out of hand. Should I apologize? But that would defeat the whole purpose, wouldn’t it?

“I…”

“What do you want Jung kook?” she cut me off. Her tone irked me.

“I – I…want you to be my slave.” Man, I sounded pathetic.

“Why?” she croaked out looking confused. “Don’t you have anything else better to do? I bet there are tons of girls who are dying to be your slave.”

Heh. Good point.

I shrugged. “They’re not on my hit list.”

“That’s another thing.” She frowned. “Why am I even on your list? I don’t even know you.” Her frown deepened. “Ok, maybe I was a bit rude when we bumped into each other before this – but you were too! And…and that time at the convenience store, I wasn’t staring or checking you out or anything.”

Huh. What was she babbling about? And why was she asking so many questions? Huh – time to take charge.

I held up a hand to stop her talking. “It’s a simple yes or no question.” She looked about to argue but I would have none of it.

“Do you want your phone back?”

“YES!”

“Do you want to graduate in one piece?”

“Obviou – YES.”

“Do you want to keep that squeaky clean image for the scholarship program?

“How did you – ugh, YES.”

“Then you should be my slave.”

“YE… – what? NO.”

“You sure?” I taunted her and stepped closer to lessen the gap between us.

“I am not afraid of you. And I don’t believe you have the power to make me lose out on my scholarship.” She jerked her chin upwards in a defiant gesture.

Oho…that’s what she thought huh; well nothing will make me happier than to prove her wrong. Her face scrunched up suspiciously when I only smirked at her response.

“We’ll just have to wait and see then.” With an exaggerated sigh, I turned away and put on a brooding look. “You’ll regret your act of testing me.”

 

Park Tae Chan

“You’ll regret your act of testing me.”

Oh my god. Say something Tae Chan. Say you’re sorry and you’ll be his slave. Open your mouth. Open it!

“I…” words barely above a whisper – damn. Closing my eyes tightly I blurted out, “I’m sorry!” and was greeted with silence. Popping an eye open, I saw that I was alone and Jung kook had probably left before he even heard my apology.

Oh no. What am I going to do now? I squatted and covered my head with my hands. Damn my stubborn pride.

Wait, Kang Jun should know what to do right? I bit my lip worriedly as I recalled that not only was he not answering my calls, he wasn’t even responding to my texts! Some boyfriend he was turning out to be.

I mentally slapped myself. I can’t believe I was having bad thoughts about Kang Jun of all people. He wasn’t that type of person. He was sweet, caring and loyal. He was probably busy handling the upcoming event and juggling school work at the same time. Yes, that must be it.

Moral of the story, I’m on my own now.

 

Jeon Jung Kook

She said sorry.

Should I acknowledge it?

And be engulfed in boredom? I think not.

 

Park Tae Chan

The hushed whispers of my classmates were getting to me and I found myself perking my ears each time to catch a gist of their conversation instead of focusing on my history notes.

Maybe if I listened hard enough I might be able to get some clues on how to escape from Jung Kook. But all I kept hearing was dead meat, dead meat, dead freaking meat.

Sighing, I closed my notebook with a snap and stood up. I needed help and I only knew one person who might be able to help me.

*** ***

“I don’t know you. Go away!”

“Oh come on.” I rolled my eyes and tugged on her sleeve. “You’re the school rep, how can you not know me?”

Minji glared at me before stubbornly hiding her face in a book.

“Yah…” I poked her arm.

Around me, her classmates were either scowling at me or snickering behind their hands. It was obvious that I wasn’t welcomed in their class, yet none of them dared say a word. I was being out-casted and no one wanted to be seen with me for fear of provoking Jung Kook’s ire – Minji included.

But I was at my wits end and desperate for a solution.

“Please –“ I pleaded in a whisper.

At my tone, Minji lowered her book slightly and sighed. Covertly she mouthed out ‘toilet’ before returning her attention back to the book.

Releasing a sigh of relief I headed towards the designated spot and waited for her.

Less than ten minutes later she appeared looking harried as she glanced back to make sure she wasn’t followed before slamming and locking the toilet door shut.

“Thanks for –“ I began but she interrupted me.

“You are in serious trouble.” She crossed her arms and eyed me from top to toe. “Didn’t I tell you to stay out of their way? Why won’t you listen to me? Now look how things ended up. If you think you’re going to escape this unscathed – think again.”

“I’m sorry, ok? I didn’t know it was this bad.”

“Ugh!” she threw her arms up in frustration before re-crossing them again. “You should have just accepted his offer to follow him instead of laughing in his face. At least that way you only had to bother with him tormenting you and be protected from Ji Yoon.”

“Protected from Ji Yoon?” I blanched. Wait a minute; was she still in the picture? I barely spared her a thought.

“Yes!” Minji rolled her eyes. “Who do you think is happily spreading rumours about you and making you an outcast?”

“I thought that was Jung Kook’s doing.” I said

Minji gave a dry laugh before hopping onto the sink counter to sit. “There’s a difference between being targeted by Jung Kook and Ji Yoon.”

I waited for her to continue.

“When you’re Ji Yoon’s victim, you can expect the end of your social life. Whereas with Jung Kook…let’s just say he is very territorial – only he can mess with you.”

I nodded slowly in understanding. “So by rejecting his offer, I am now –“

“Open season.” Minji finished off.

“I wouldn’t put it that way.” I grumbled. Did she really have to make me sound like hunted prey?

Hmmm – looks like I got this all wrong from the start. All this time I thought the teasing and taunting from the rest was because I was on his hit list. Turns out it was Ji Yoon’s doing. Gosh, I gulped guiltily. He did say he didn’t play through others, yet still I blamed him.

I thought back to the time he stopped the boys from picking on me and warned them off instead of joining in. Did I misjudge him? – No, he was still a bad boy.

“There’s something I don’t understand…why me? Why am I on his hit list? I’m new here for god’s sake.”

Minji narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. “Jung Kook never chooses someone at random. You must have done something to prick his pride.”

“Pride?”

Oh uh…so the bad boy has a thing for pride. I racked my memory for any encounter that must have triggered this and came out with none – unless you count the times I disregarded him as a hit to his pride. But no…I don’t think he was that nit-picky, right?

“Hah!” Minji exclaimed, startling me. “You did, didn’t you?”

“Did what??”

“Upset his pride…omo, omo. I guess you really are dead meat.” Minji covered her face with her hands and shuddered.

“Yah…I called you to ask for help. Not to get freaked out even more.”

Peeking through her fingers, she grinned. “Oh…so you are scared! I thought you must have nerve of steels to face off not only Ji Yoon but Jung Kook as well.”

I sighed and decided to tell her the truth. “Fear is normal – but that isn’t the real reason why I’m freaking out.”

“No?” she lowered her hands and leaned forward. “Then what is it?”

“My scholarship is on the line.”

Surprise crossed her face. “Scholarship?” Minji cursed. “Wait, you’re in the scholarship program?? Do you know how hard it is to even be considered?!”

“Of course, that’s why –“

“What to do, what to do?” Minji continued talking to herself, ignoring me. “This is bad, this is bad.” She hopped down and paced back and forth deep in thought.

“Hey, chill…it’s my future on the line here. Why are you getting so worked up?”

Stopping in her tracks, she grabbed both my shoulders and shook me. “Because I’m leading the program and it’s my duty to see my candidates excel! If even one of you fails, my record is tarnished!”

Minji leaned her head on the wall and wailed hopelessly. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Uh…the point is not to tell anyone about it.” I reminded her. As the homeroom teacher had told me on my first day, all selected candidates were not allowed to disclose our participation in the program. “I didn’t know that someone was actually leading it.”

Minji closed her eyes and sighed. “It’s one of my tasks for extra credit. This will entitle me to study abroad. I had to ensure the five candidates in school excelled with flying colours in order to qualify – the only catch being I wouldn’t know who you were, which means I had to monitor and ensure an average pass for everyone.”

I bowed my head. Not only did I jeopardize my own scholarship, looks like it was affecting someone else as well. “I’m sorry…” I checked for her reaction before continuing. “So, what now?”

Minji sniffed and looked up. “My advice – take Jung Kook’s offer.”

“Does he really have the power to ruin our chances?”

“Do you really want to find out?”

I shook my head no.

“Good, we’re settled here then. Good bye.” She moved to unlock the door.

“Minji, wait.” I called out. She glanced over her shoulder. “Why did you decide to help me? I mean not now when you know about the scholarship, but before this when you warned me about Ji Yoon and then meeting with me here.”

She hesitated before answering. “On the day I showed you around? I knew you had acquainted yourself with the school system, yet you still humoured me as I tried my best to bore you to tears with the school’s history.” She shrugged. “I guess I was slightly impressed.”

I smiled. “Um, actually my mind did wander off occasionally.”

“Hence the invisible insect.” Minji said and the corners of twitched. With a short wave she walked out.

I wasn’t sure if I had just made a friend – but I do know that at least I had someone on my side, well, sort of; and it felt good.

*** ***

I woke up with a new mind set and was eager to test it out. You know that song ‘Ain't nothin' gonna to break my stride. Nobody's gonna slow me down, oh-no. I got to keep on movin'

Yep. That was my jam for today.

Tae-ra looked up in shock as I skipped out from my room and dramatically told her that I wanted to take the bus today and oh, if someone by the name of Kang Jun was looking for me, to tell him that he can call me on my number by the end of today.

“Kang Jun…isn’t he your boyfriend?” she asked me, clearly confused as I hurriedly put on my shoes and skipped out of the house without answering her question.

‘Ain't nothin' gonna to break my stride. Nobody's gonna slow me down, oh-no. I got to keep on movin'

I hummed to myself as I boarded the bus and paid my fare. Without thinking I headed to the only available seat and sat down. It was only when he cleared his throat that I noticed the person seated beside me was wearing the same school uniform.

“Huh?” I flicked a glance at him.

“You’re stepping on my shoe.” He drawled out.

I sure was. I quickly moved my foot and blushed. “I’m sorry!”

I studied his features surreptitiously and wondered who he was. I don’t recall seeing him in the same year. Maybe a senior? Without a doubt, he was quite good looking…

“Like what you see?” he said suddenly.

Oh damn. I blushed even harder and averted my eyes. “No…”

“No?” he said in an amused tone.

“I mean yes, I mean no…ugh, sorry!”

He chuckled as I tried to cover my embarrassment by putting on my headphones and blasting the music. The rest of the journey passed on peacefully.

As we stepped off the bus and went our separate ways – he to the senior section and me to the junior – he parted with a grin and said “Have fun in school.” I almost swooned with happiness.

Smilingly I skipped up the steps to the hallway when I suddenly had a sense of foreboding.

“Someone is in a happy mood today.”

I caught sight of Jung Kook approaching me from the corner of my eye and without thinking I quickened my steps and headed towards my classroom.

No Tae Chan, NO. What are you doing? Why are you running away? You’re supposed to tell him you accept his offer!

I grimaced as I reached my table and sat down in despair. Once again I had made matters worse than it already was.

 

Jeon Jung Kook

I couldn’t believe my eyes. Did Park Tae Chan actually ignore me? Did she actually just walk on by when it was clear I was approaching her?

Tae hyung snickered behind me before breaking out in laughter. I glared as Jimin joined in the laughter as well.

“One girl…you can’t even control one girl??” Jimin clutched his stomach as he continued laughing uncontrollably.

“Jung Kook-ah…we finally know what your weakness is.” Tae hyung hopped up and down while laughing.

“It’s not even funny.” I grumbled under my breath before stalking off.

I was busy fooling about with them when I noticed Tae Chan stepping out of the bus. It was rather peculiar the way my heart skipped a beat when I saw her and I would’ve pondered more about it if I didn’t see the person alighting the bus after her.

Park Sejoon.

Warning signals appeared in my head as I saw him smiling and saying something to her as they parted. Her happy reaction caused sharp pains in my heart and I grew moody. Why him of all people?

The fact that she dismissed me right after, wasn’t helping my mood either. Added with the incessant teasing by my hyungs – I was not a happy camper. I glanced over my shoulder and saw that both Tae hyung and Jimin’s laughter had not ceased and they were holding on to each other to keep from doubling over.

That does it. I wasn’t about to let her get away with it again.

I stalked towards her class furiously and kicked aside a table for added effect when I entered. Students who were milling about gaped open mouthed at my entrance and scuttled away from my sight. I scanned the room and was satisfied with their reactions until I came upon Tae Chan.

Once again she was ignoring me and pretending to be engrossed in her book. I knew she was pretending because with every step I took towards her I could see her eyes secretly following my movements.

“I was talking to you.” I said by way of greeting. “Yet you walked off…”

Instead of looking up, she busied herself with turning the page of the book.

Angered by her actions, I rudely swatted away the offending item and waited for her to acknowledge my presence. She glanced up and glared at me.

“Come out.” I said to her and whirled around to stalk out without waiting to see if she followed. When she didn’t move, I took matters into my own hands and dragged her out like the day before.

She didn’t object and allowed me to continue dragging her until we reached the roof. Feeling slightly guilty over my rash behaviour, I released my hold on her gently as opposed to flinging her aside like before.

“Park Tae Chan, I –“

“I’ll do it.” She said suddenly.

Caught off guard, I stared at her with wide eyes and said, “Huh?”

Inhaling deeply, she looked me straight in the eyes and repeated herself. “I’ll do it. I’ll be your slave.”

*** ***

My guard went up. The last time she so readily agreed to me; I was left waiting stupidly at the gates for her. I won’t be fooled again.

“I don’t think I want you as my slave anymore.” I said.

She sputtered in disbelief. “Wh-what??”

“It’s more fun taunting you this way. Plus, I don’t trust you.” I smirked. “Sorry to say but my offer has expired.”

“What? It can’t expire! I mean – what do you plan to do now?” she looked dismayed at the prospect. Her actions puzzled me. One minute she was totally against me and the next she was upset that I was retracting my offer? What was she playing at?

I shrugged and looked away. “I haven’t figured that out yet. In the meantime let’s just stick to you following my orders.”

She frowned. “Isn’t that the same as being your slave?”

I felt heat rise up the back of my neck. Was my IQ going to drop each time I was around her?

“I assure you that being my slave has more perks compared to someone I taunt to do my bidding.” I countered.

A look I can’t describe flitted across her face and I wondered what I said that caused that reaction. Squaring her shoulders, she lifted her eyes to meet mine before saying haughtily, “Fine, suit yourself!”

I narrowed my eyes at her. “Why are you so persistent to be my slave anyway…you weren’t too keen before this.”

“You’re right, I’m not. Goodbye.” She said and brushed past me.

I stopped her midway by grabbing her by the elbow. “By the way, stay away from Sejoon.”

In the midst of tugging away from my grip, she stopped to stare at me with a confused expression. “Huh?”

“Just stay away from him – in fact, stay away from any guy and don’t smile at them.”

She snorted – actually snorted – at my order (I admit, it was a rather absurd request) and pulled away. “Who I interact with is none of your business and I don’t think you have the right to ask me of anything.” She bit out before running off.

Bewildered, I could only stare after her with no comeback.

“Park Tae Chan…we’ll see about that.”

 

Park Tae Chan

I let out a huge sigh of relief the minute I locked myself into one of the empty toilet stalls. Once again I find myself unable to control my impulse of giving as good as I got. Needless to say, my plans of getting into Jung Kook’s good graces were a lost cause. I wonder if it wasn’t too late to switch schools.

My blazer pocket buzzed and I fished out my phone, a smile creeping on my face. Unknown to Jung Kook, I had spied my phone charm sticking out of his pocket while he was busy taunting me. Using the excuse of brushing past him in anger, I had used that chance to swipe my phone out of his pocket.

I almost had a heart attack when he held me back, thinking he knew what I had done. Thankfully, he was too busy ordering me to stay away from someone or was it guys in general? – Ahhh, who cares anyway? I got my phone back! And amazingly, the battery was fully charged…why did he keep it charged? It’s not like he could unlock my phone and use it.

I quickly unlocked it and scrolled through my notifications. Hmmm, looks like Kang Jun had tried contacting me a few times after I lost my phone…but that was about it. I checked the recent dates and saw that I only had a few messages from my old schoolmates – none from him.

I was about to go on a full swing curse fest when I opened the newest message and saw that it was from him.

KangJun :

Your sister left a cryptic message that you will be getting back your phone today. Didn’t you lose it?

I scoffed in disgust. That was all he could say?? I left the message and entered our chat room group – he was online! I quickly texted him.

TC : Well hello to you too, stranger.

KJ : Sorry. Hi.

TC : You didn’t answer my calls.

KJ : I was caught up with the event and schoolwork. You know how it is.

TC : No, I don’t

KJ : Look Tae Chan, I’m really sorry. How can I make it up to you?

TC : I don’t know. Surprise me.

KJ : Ok I will. J Wait a minute; shouldn’t you be in class right now? And you didn’t tell me how you got your phone back.

TC : I could say the same to you. Long story, I’ll tell you when I see you.

KJ : It’s free period now, so I can text as much as I want. Oh shoot, got to go. I’ll call you later!

I sighed and pocketed my phone. Why did it feel like Kang Jun and I was drifting apart? Was he really caught up in school projects that he really didn’t have time for me or he actually didn’t care enough? He was more interested in asking about my phone than asking how I was doing.

I shook my head to clear my thoughts. This wasn’t important now. I had more pressing issues to attend to – like avoiding Jung Kook’s taunts and keeping in line with the scholarship program.

I cringed as I recalled Jung Kook retracting his slave offer and preferring to just use me instead. Without asking I knew what he meant when he mentioned about ‘perks’. It was obvious that as someone who will be doing his bidding, I wasn’t about to get his protection. This meant exactly how Minji put it – I was open season.

Fear of being out casted or bullied were the least of my worries. I was more afraid of how this would affect my chances in the program.

I needed help.

*** ***

“He did what??” Minji exclaimed in a harsh whisper.

We were seated behind a stack of boxes under the bleachers of the now empty indoor basketball court of our school. I had managed to slip Minji a note during lunch hour to meet me urgently and she wasn’t happy about what I told her.

“He decided to keep playing with me and not give me protection.” I explained.

“He said that exactly?” she raised a brow doubtfully at me.

“Not in so many words…” I trailed off softly.

“Ugh!” she threw up her hands in frustration. “That’s it, we’re done for.”

“What should I do?”

Her eyes widened and look dangerously close to popping out. “You’re asking me??” she let out a bitter laugh. “You’re on your own on this one.”

“If I lose, so do you.” I reminded her and she glared at me.

“I hate you.” She said while narrowing her eyes at me.

“I’ll accept that.”

*** ***

Keeping Minji’s advice in mind, I slowly made my way back to class and hoped that I didn’t encounter my main tormentor.

“Park Tae Chan…”

Drat! I stiffened and stood stock still. Was he stalking me or something? I gritted my teeth and prepared to face him, an image of Minji in my mind; reminding me to SMILE.

I exhaled deeply and turned around with a fake smile. Jung Kook looked slightly taken aback at first but then he frowned and motioned me to come closer. I inched forward slowly as he leaned down to stare at me.

“This is weird…you’re smiling…” his forehead creased. “…at me.”

I shrugged simply, keeping the smile intact. “I guess I have decided to accept my fact.”

His eyebrows shot up in disbelief. “You have, have you?”

I nodded.

“Great! Then you wouldn’t object in helping me with something.” He grinned, challenge in his eyes.

Heated protest was on the tip of my tongue but another image of Minji floated into my mind. In it she was clucking at me in disapproval and reminding me to not in any circumstances whatsoever deny Jung Kook.

I sighed reluctantly. “Ok, what is it?”

His expression brightened and I felt my heart skip a beat. What was it with Jung Kook and his smiles? How can he smile so innocently when he was the devil himself?

“Come.” He tugged me towards the senior’s level.

“Wait…why are we here?” I asked, feeling uneasy.

“I need you to get Tae hyung and Jimin sunbae out of class.”

“Why?” I held back, digging my heels into the ground. I had a bad feeling about this.

He gave me an exasperated look before tugging me forward roughly to continue moving. “Isn’t it obvious? We’re skipping school today.”

“Oh no…I can’t do this. Why can’t you do it yourself?” I said anxiously.

He sighed again. “I need to keep a low profile – if I show my face, it’s going to create a commotion and I’m not supposed to be at the senior level anymore.”

“You can’t text them or anything?”

“I’ve tried that – oh and speaking of texting, I know you swiped your phone back.” He smirked at me as I lowered my eyes guiltily. “I’ll let you keep it if you do this for me.”

“Really?” my head shot up as I stared at him with wide eyes.

“Maybe…now go!” he shoved me into the senior hall as he waited hidden in a corner outside.

I stayed frozen for a moment as I tried to get my bearings. What was I supposed to do? I stared blankly at the row of classes in front of me and gulped. Jung Kook hissed at me from behind and I glanced over my shoulder, willing him to help me.

He merely pointed and tapped his head; signalling I should use mine before pulling out my phone from his pocket – wait, what?? – How did he get my phone? I frantically patted my blazer pocket and realised somehow between the time he was dragging me and shoving me here, he had swiped back my phone.

He continued grinning triumphantly at me as I clenched my teeth and turned back to my task – which I had zero clues as to how to proceed.

*** ***

Jimin was bored out of his mind and stared longingly at his phone on the teacher’s desk. He, Tae hyung and a few other students were caught playing with their phones by the teacher which resulted in it being confiscated for the whole period.

He narrowed his eyes at Tae hyung who barely seemed affected by this – a few seats away from him. Tae hyung was being his usual random self again and just this once, Jimin was thankful he wasn’t the target of his randomness – for Tae hyung was busy rewrapping each cover of someone’s textbook with a different subject after painstakingly ripping it apart beforehand.

As if sensing his stare, Tae hyung turned slightly and gave him a thumbs’ up. Jimin groaned and turned his attention back to the teacher when something out in the corner caught his eye.

Squinting at the back door he noticed a very timid looking girl crouched low and waving to get his attention. Wait…wasn’t that Jung Kook’s candidate? Tae Chan?

*** ***

I stared unamused at Jimin sunbae as he wiggled his eyebrows suggestively at me. I groaned inwardly and wondered what I did to deserve this. Mustering as much patience as I could, I signalled once again for him to come out.

Instead of cooperating with me, he rested his head on his hand and gave me a big grin, causing his eyes to disappear into slits. Tamping down my annoyance, I decided to change tactics and switched my position so I had a clear view of Tae hyung sunbae.

I started waving away to get his attention and I could hear Jimin snickering at the side. Thankfully, Jimin’s snickering distracted Tae hyung from whatever he was doing and he glanced behind long enough to notice me.

His forehead creased as he stared at me in wonder before turning his attention back to his task. I gaped in shock and inhaled sharply as Jimin burst out in loud laughter.

“PARK JIMIN” the teacher called out from the front. I immediately moved to the side and stayed hidden.

“What are you doing?” the teacher said again as he continuously laughed. “You are disrupting the class! Go stand outside.”

Jimin obeyed her and merrily skipped out to stand beside me. He nudged me playfully with his foot as I shrunk lower, afraid that the teacher might notice me. I could almost picture the trouble I would be in if anyone saw me here during lessons, not to mention my scholarship program.

I glared at him and swatted his leg away, making him chuckle softly. He squatted beside me and brushed his hair aside to stare at me. I find myself thinking that the stories were true about him being a cutie – in a cheeky kind of way – and quickly averted my eyes. I usually saw him with his cap on and without it, I was about to swoon from cuteness overload.

“What do you want?” he whispered.

“I…” Oh crap, I had forgotten why I was here risking my future in the first place. “I’m supposed to get you and Tae hyung sunbae out of class.”

His lips twitched. “Ahhh, for Jung Kook?”

I nodded.

“Not because you like me?” he pouted.

“PARK JIMIN” the teacher called out again. “I told you to stand outside, not SIT.”

Jimin immediately straightened and saluted the teacher. “Yes – but…”

“But what?” the teacher asked in an irritated fashion.

Jimin winked at me before launching into his story to the teacher. “I was sitting down minding my own business when Tae hyung started throwing paper planes at me.”

“What??” I heard Tae hyung exclaim incredulously.

Ignoring him, Jimin went on. “Then he started making faces behind your back and mimicking the way you were teaching – that was why I laughed.”

I heard the giggles and chatter of his classmates upon hearing his story. I wished I could see the look on Tae hyung’s face right now. Unfortunately I was stuck crouching low to remain hidden.

“KIM TAE HYUNG!” the teacher yelled furiously.

“I didn’t –“

“Tae hyung-ah just admit it and come outside to stand with me.” Jimin taunted pleasantly.

I heard someone banging a table and a muffled curse before Tae hyung literally stomped his feet as he made his way out of class. A sulking Tae hyung with his hands shoved deep in his pockets came to stand beside Jimin before doing a double take upon noticing me.

“Oh…what are you doing here?” he smiled gleefully.

I couldn’t respond. How does someone change from a sulking expression to a happy grin in mere seconds? And why was he acting as though he didn’t see me just now?

“You saw me…” I trailed off with a confused expression.

Jimin squatted again and patted my head. “Don’t bother…he is always like this.”

I shrugged and decided to just get this over with. Motioning them to follow me, I started crawling away, careful to remain hidden from the teacher’s view. Instead of following suit, Jimin and Tae hyung boldly walked away – Jimin dragging me up to walk beside him – uncaring if the teacher even saw them.

*** ***

Sejoon watched through hooded eyes as both Jimin and Tae hyung walked away fearlessly from class. It was grating on his nerves how careless and carefree they appeared to be even when skipping class.

He hated the idea that he had no control over them – made worse by the fact they were all in the same class. He needed a fool proof plan to show them who was running the show.

He narrowed his eyes as he recognized the girl beside Jimin and wondered why she was in league with them.

 

Jeon Jung Kook

I hung over the ledge as I waited for Tae Chan to show up. I was half expecting her to turn up looking dismayed over failing her mission but was surprised to see that wasn’t the case.

She appeared looking lost between Tae hyung and Jimin as they continuously joked about something. I frowned as I noticed that Jimin had his arm across her shoulders in his usual friendly way. He was a bit too close for comfort and I find myself chewing my lip worriedly.

Before I could stop myself, I had approached them and pulled Tae Chan away from under Jimin’s arm. Feigning a nonchalant expression – and ignoring the knowing smile on their faces – I deposited her to my side and lead the way out.

We needed no words to discuss what we were about to do as we headed directly towards the back garden wall. It was almost like a routine for us to skip school on this particular date and also the only time Tae hyung would not say a word of complaint.

Jimin was the first to hop over the wall and he whistled from the other side to signal that it was clear. I turned to Tae Chan and jerked my head towards the wall. She was next.

“Excuse me?! No – no, no. no! I am not skipping school!” she whispered heatedly while glancing around to ensure no one saw her.

Tae hyung sighed impatiently and prodded her from behind.

“You’re coming along.” I said firmly.

“No!” she shook her head stubbornly.

I was about to threaten her when something in her gaze stopped me. She was afraid.

“Fine – then collect our bags after school and meet us at the gate.” I said and watched as she relaxed visibly.

From the corner of my eye I could see Tae hyung looking astounded by my act. I couldn’t blame him – I never let anyone off the hook once I made up my mind and it was clear that I had initially wanted her to come along.

With a shrug he took his turn of hopping over the wall, leaving me to deal with Tae Chan.

“Well?” I asked her.

She gave a start before nodding at me. “I – I can do that.”

“Great,” I hoisted myself on the wall and balanced on the narrow ledge, pulling out her phone. “Send me your number. When I call, you answer.”

With that I jumped and join them on the other side, not entertaining Tae Chan as she cried out “How am I supposed to know your number??”

She’s a smart girl. She will figure it out.