Part - 9

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For a moment, I hesitated, unsure of what to do, before finally reaching out. My fingers brushed through her silky hair, stroking it gently.

She didn't react.

I called her name softly, "Haejin."

No response.

A feeling of unease crept into my chest. I tried again, a little louder. "Haejin?"

Still nothing. My heart started to race as I leaned forward, pressing the back of my hand against her forehead. She was burning up.

Panic surged through me. She had passed out.

Without a second thought, I scooped her into my arms, carrying her bridal style. A wave of gasps and murmurs spread through the classroom, but I ignored them. Let them stare. Nothing mattered at that moment except Haejin. 

As I made my way toward the door, I heard hurried footsteps approaching me from behind.

"Jungkook! What happened to her? And... why is she in your arms?" Jimin's voice was laced with confusion and concern.

I didn't have the patience to answer him. My mind was too clouded with worry, and his questions only added to my frustration. Instead, I shot him a sharp look and said firmly, "Move out of my way, Jimin."

He hesitated for a second before stepping aside, allowing me to pass.

When I reached the nurse's office, the school nurse immediately rushed over. "What happened?" she asked as I gently laid Haejin down on the bed.

"I found her unconscious at her desk," I explained.

The nurse quickly took her temperature. "She's burning up. She needs to rest." I stepped back, watching as the nurse adjusted the blanket over Haejin. 

Stepping outside, I ran a hand through my hair, trying to collect my thoughts. That's when Jimin approached me again, his expression serious.

"Jungkook, earlier, I saw her come into the classroom with tears in her eyes," he said. "I tried talking to her, but she just ignored me and sat down. Do you have any idea what happened?"

I clenched my jaw, the memory of Mina's words resurfacing.

"She was talking to Mina before she came in," I muttered, my voice laced with anger. "I didn't hear what Mina said, but whatever it was, it made Haejin cry."

Jimin's expression darkened. "Mina again?" He exhaled sharply. "I'll talk to her later."

The bell rang, signaling the start of the next class. Jimin hesitated. "Are you staying here?"

"Yeah," I said immediately. "You go ahead. I'll stay with her."

Jimin sighed. "Take care of her, Jungkook."

I nodded, leaning against the wall. I didn't know what Mina had said to Haejin, but I was going to find out.

--- Haejin's POV ---

A throbbing pain pulsed through my head, like someone had been hammering my skull. My entire body ached, and my limbs felt heavy as I slowly opened my eyes, struggling to adjust to the brightness of the room.

The first thing I noticed was a presence beside me. I felt something resting on my hand. I turned my head slightly and saw someone sitting next to me, his head resting on his folded arms, his face turned away.

Confused, I tried to speak. "Excuse me...?"

At the sound of my voice, he immediately lifted his head and sat up straight. My heart skipped a beat when I recognized him.

Jungkook.

"You passed out at your desk," he said, his voice gentle. "So I carried you here."

A wave of embarrassment washed over me. My cheeks burned—probably from the fever but also from the thought of Jungkook carrying me in his arms. "Thank you," I mumbled, unable to meet his gaze.

Jungkook leaned forward, his eyes filled with concern. "Now, tell me the truth, Haejin. What's wrong?"

I stiffened. "What do you mean?"

"You've been acting strange for days," he said. "You didn't admit it before, but now it's obvious. Something is bothering you."

I swallowed hard. How could I tell him? How could I explain this feeling? The way my heart clenched when I saw him with others? The way my chest tightened when I was near him? The way my heart skips a beat every time he leans close to me. How could I explain that I have been acting strange because of him?

And then Mina's words ringed again in my mind.

"Let me tell you, Haejin, he's Jeon Jungkook. He never falls in love. He doesn't care about anyone's emotions. He's just playing with you. He doesn't love you. And, of course, you don't deserve a man like Jeon Jungkook."

I wanted to believe she was lying, but what if she wasn't? What if he was just playing with my feelings?

Taking a deep breath, I forced a small smile and said, "It's just... family issues."

"If that's what you say," jungkook said, still not convinced by my response.

Still, he didn't push. Instead, he leaned back in his chair and smirked. "I always knew you were stubborn, Mrs. Topper. But you'll be fine."

I let out a small laugh. "Thanks, I guess."

We talked for a while longer—mostly about random things, nothing too serious. He cracked a few jokes, trying to lighten the mood, and for the first time that day, I felt a little lighter.

The final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day.

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