Jimin Protectors ' Book 1 '

Chapter 86 '✅'

Ara's POV :

My fingers trembled as I clutched my pen, the weight of confusion heavy on my chest. Why is he acting this way with me? The question burned in my mind like a fever that wouldn't break. I stared across the classroom, watching him whisper something to Taemin, his face lighting up with genuine laughter—the kind that made my heart skip. He was different with his best friend, relaxed and unguarded, like he could breathe freely. With the teachers too, he spoke with quiet respect, his words flowing naturally. But with everyone else? He retreated into himself, polite but distant, like he was wearing an invisible shield. And with me... with me, he seemed to disappear entirely, as if I were some puzzle he couldn't solve and didn't dare try to figure out.

Does he think I'm some tough girl? My heart sank at the thought. I shouldn't have used that kick in front of him. The memory made me cringe, my shoulders hunching forward as shame washed over me. But when I saw Chull bullying him, something fierce had awakened inside me—a protective fire I couldn't contain. Now I wondered if he saw me as boyish, rough around the edges, nothing like the gentle girls who probably caught his eye.

I had tried so many times to talk to him, each attempt feeling like walking on broken glass. But the moment I looked his way, he would fall silent, his eyes darting away like a startled bird. The silence stretched between us like an ocean I couldn't cross.

When he offered me that banana milk, my heart soared and crashed all at once. I was dying to accept it—this small gesture that felt like a bridge between us—but my pride and honesty warred within me. I couldn't lie to him, couldn't pretend to be someone I wasn't. "I... I'm allergic to milk products," I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper, watching as something flickered across his face—was it hurt? Disappointment? My chest tightened with regret as I saw his hand slowly lower the carton. I wanted to reach out, to explain that it wasn't rejection, that I treasured the thought behind it more than he could know. But the words stuck in my throat, and I could only watch as he nodded quietly and walked away. Did I offend him? The question haunted me through the rest of the day, each passing hour making me wish I had found better words to keep that moment from slipping away.

But then came the strawberries. A small box, placed carefully on my desk without a word. I had accepted them, my heart racing as I watched him walk away, his back straight and distant. He moved like someone carrying a secret, and I desperately wanted to know what it was.

Should I ask his best friend what he likes? I shouldn't have fought with him when I first met him .. The thought made my stomach flutter with nervous energy. But he was always with Taemin, the two of them inseparable like shadows joined at sunset. When could I catch him alone, away from Jimin's watchful eyes?

I sighed, my chin resting in my palm as I gazed at him across the room. God, he's so cute and handsome. The words danced in my mind, sweet and painful all at once. My heart ached with longing, heavy with the weight of unspoken feelings.

I wish he thought about me the way I think about him.

**

Author's POV :

Jimin's class ..

Jimin: "Minmin... I can't believe I'm going to be a hyung. Just a few months, and I'm no longer the little one. God, I'm going crazy."

Taemin: "Wow, you'll be older than him with a 15-year age gap. You're too old, Minmin." Jimin smacked the back of Taemin's head.

Jimin: "Ya, I'm not too old. He's just too young. Do you think he will love me?" Taemin rubbed his head.

Taemin: "Yeah, yeah, he will. But don't think about making him your best friend. I'm your first. Don't you dare forget about me." Jimin looked at him and laughed.