3rd Year | Jeon Jungkook

7 • A Genuine Apology

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It was the first truly cold day since the middle of spring. The sudden drop in temperature may have been a startling change to some but to Jungkook, it was the first day of his favorite time of year. Summer was fun but he hated the heat, and while his peers were inside and bundled up to stave off the chill, he couldn't wait to get outdoors. Looking in the mirror, he turned his head to one side, then the other, examining his chin and deciding that maybe he could go another day without shaving.

He was preparing for the day as if it were no different from any other, as if he weren't about to intentionally go into hostile territory just to buy a pair of sneakers that he could easily get at the mall only 10 minutes away from the campus. Just like every other time he decided to take a trip upstate, his grandfather's words echoed in his mind.

'Being a hybrid isn't a curse, Jungkook. We are descendants of soldiers. We're strong. We're inherently powerful.'

Picking his favorite disguise from the closet, he put on an oversized navy blue hoodie. It was heavy and the arms were a bit too long but it was large enough where his tail wouldn't be visible from beneath it.

'Keep your ears tall. Don't hide them. They show the world that your lineage traces directly back to warriors. They are a symbol of your heritage. Be proud of them.'

His ears lowered, nearly flattening against his head before he put on a black knit beanie to cover them. It felt awkward, lowering his ears, like slouching on purpose when your muscles are telling you to stand up straight. Even though it felt uncomfortable to relax the muscles controlling them, he knew he would get used to it soon enough. He always did.

Just like how he would soon get used to seeing his reflection without them. The first few minutes were always surreal but eventually he would grow accustomed to it. He would even stop ducking down when walking through doorways he thought were too low for his ears to clear.

'But I'm just a rabbit, grand-père,' his wobbly 12-year-old voice echoed back. 'Rabbits aren't warriors. They're chased and killed and eaten... Why did I have to be a rabbit? Why couldn't I be a wolf like you? I don't want to be a rabbit. Rabbits are prey. Wolves are warriors. Why can't I be like you?'

Although he was nearly 22, at times like these, the flushed face and teary eyes that pleaded with his grandfather that day would look back at Jungkook through the mirror.

In his memories, his grandfather's amber gaze regarded his younger self for a long while, digesting his somber plea. 'You want to be a warrior like me?'

The boy he once was nodded, confirming his secret wish.

'You don't want to be prey anymore?'

His younger self wiped away the tear that managed to escape no matter how hard his pride tried to hold it in. Sniffling, he shook his head 'no.'

'What if you could be a rabbit and a warrior? Would you be willing to learn how?'

The boy he once was chewed his lower lip, not realizing that that was a possibility. Without further hesitation, he nodded an enthusiastic 'yes.'

His grandfather suddenly rose from the dining room table where they conversed. 'Come. We start now. From today, you're both a rabbit and a warrior. Understood?'

His younger self stood just as quickly, his legs and small body shaking in equal parts excitement and desperation.

'Oui, grand-père.'
(Yes, grandpa.)