It's Okay [JIKOOK]

3.

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The four of them left the cafeteria together, Hobi chatting animatedly while Kai and Taemin walked a bit ahead, engaged in their own conversation. Jimin strolled behind, observing their dynamics with a newfound interest.

Surprisingly, Taemin wasn't as bad as Jimin initially expected. Beneath the sharp exterior, there seemed to be a layer of curiosity. Maybe it was the mystery of a new classmate that intrigued him.

As they reached the courtyard, Kai turned to Jimin with a friendly smile. "Hey, Jimin, what's our next class?"

Jimin checked his schedule. "We have a break now. Our next class is at 1:30pm."

"Cool, we have enough break!" Hobi chimed in, looking genuinely pleased.

Kai nodded. "Perfect! Let's hang out here. There's a nice spot under that tree."

They settled on the grass, sharing stories and laughter. Jimin found himself opening up, discussing his love for art and the challenges he faced. Hobi, Kai, and even Taemin shared snippets of their lives too.

Time passed, and the bond between them grew organically. They were not close friends yet, but there was a sense of camaraderie that felt comforting to Jimin.

As the conversation flowed, Taemin, who had been relatively quiet, suddenly asked Jimin, "So, Park Jimin, where are you from?"

Jimin blinked, surprised by the question. "Ahm... Busan?" he said, more likely a question

"Oh, that's too far"

Jimin chuckled.  "Well, yeah. But I need to"

Taemin just nodded with an understanding smile

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As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. As the clock struck 6 pm, signaling the end of their impromptu gathering, the group bid each other farewell.

"See you tomorrow, Jimin!" Hobi called out cheerfully.

Jimin waved back with a genuine smile, feeling a sense of belonging that he hadn't expected on his first day. Kai, Taemin, and Hobi headed in different directions, leaving Jimin to embark on a two-hour bus journey back home.

The bus was crowded with tired students, their faces reflecting the mix of relief and exhaustion that came with the end of the day. Jimin found a seat by the window, his thoughts drifting back to the events that unfolded since the morning.

He replayed the moments with Kai, Taemin, and Hobi in his mind, savoring the laughter and shared stories. It amazed him how quickly friendships could form, turning a seemingly ordinary day into something extraordinary.

As the bus trudged through the city, Jimin stared out the window, watching the familiar landmarks blur into streaks of light. The rhythmic hum of the bus and the distant chatter of passengers created a soothing backdrop.

His mind wandered to the charcoal portrait he had completed the night before. The image of his determined expression reflected in the bus window, he pondered the journey that lay ahead - not just in terms of his studies but the unexpected friendships blossoming in the unlikeliest of places.

The two-hour ride felt both fleeting and eternal, a journey not just in distance but also in self-discovery. By the time Jimin reached his stop, the city lights had replaced the fading sunlight.

As he stepped off the bus and made his way home, the day's experiences lingered in his mind.

The first day of college had surpassed his expectations.