LITTLE DO YOU KNOW

• EIGHTEEN •

TIME swiftly slipped away, it had been two weeks since Dahyun's birthday celebration. Her days unfolded seamlessly, devoid of thoughts or sightings of Taehyung. Her secret? Dahyun redirected her attention toward their senior, the charismatic Cha Eunwoo. Following the enjoyable exchange during her birthday, a subtle closeness blossomed between them.

Their connection deepened to the extent that Eunwoo became a regular companion of Dahyun and Jungkook during lunch. But it didn't stop there. Dahyun had also made a new routine of hers to patiently await their seniors' dismissal. This allowed her and Jungkook the chance to stroll down the hallway with Eunwoo, a pleasant deviation from her routine pick-up by Seokjin.

Through doing this, Dahyun skillfully pushed thoughts of Taehyung to the periphery of her mind. However, a realization dawned upon her - a subtle but impactful transformation was underway in her life. Consequently, the threads of her past experiences, once tightly woven, underwent change, setting the stage for the emergence of future events that she wasn't prepared for.
                  
                    
                     
As Dahyun ascended the stairs towards Jungkook's designated spot after the conclusion of their morning class, she proposed, "JK, how about grabbing an early lunch?"

The lecture hall of their university was huge-huge, where their seating arrangement dictated a spatial distance. Dahyun, eager for focus, claimed a front-row seat, while Jungkook positioned himself higher, in the company of their male blockmates.

Jungkook declined the lunch invitation. His lack of appetite revealed itself, and he casually redirected Dahyun's attention elsewhere. "Nah, not hungry right now. Why don't you dine with your Eunwoo-oppa today? It works in your favor; you'll have the chance to spend more time alone with him," he remarked, his gaze not bothering to descend to meet Dahyun's.

A discernible emphasis colored Jungkook's utterance of "Eunwoo-oppa" directed at Dahyun. In truth, Jungkook found little joy in Eunwoo's increasing presence within their group, exacerbated by Dahyun's perceived intimacy with him. It irked Jungkook, as if Dahyun and Eunwoo had shared a longer history than the years he and Dahyun had been friends. Moreover, Jungkook's discontent extended beyond their trio, fueled by the disapproving glares from other girls who harbored resentment towards Dahyun for her proximity to the university's most popular guy.

Upon absorbing Jungkook's response, Dahyun gracefully settled into the vacant seat in front of him, her left arm leisurely draped over the chair's back. The heel of her right hand delicately cradled her cheek. Fixing her gaze on Jungkook, she replied, "Well, he's not available either. Their internship has already started, so he won't be around much. Chaeyoung was also swamped with errands. She was assisting the new foreign student from her year."

Jungkook, positioned in a level above her, cast a downward glance at Dahyun. His raised brow bore the weight of skepticism as he retorted, "So, in short, I'm your last resort?"

Dahyun blinked, a sudden realization dawning upon her as she observed the impact of her words on Jungkook. Her eyes widened in an attempt to convey innocence as she hurriedly defended herself, "What? That's not true---!"

Jungkook, unimpressed, scoffed and commenced the task of neatly stowing his belongings into his backpack.

Dahyun, a note of hope in her voice, questioned, "Where are you going?" Her words hung in the air, laced with anticipation as she awaited Jungkook's response, a subtle pleading in her eyes.

"I was actually planning to head to the computer lab. Got some research to do," Jungkook casually replied, the nonchalant tone contrasting with the focused determination in his eyes.

Dahyun, ever the helpful soul, immediately stood, her bag gracefully slung over one shoulder. "What for? Maybe I can lend you a hand?" she volunteered, her genuine offer accompanied by an eager tilt of her head.