Jungkook sat at his desk, opened the book, and studied. It was only the first week, and not much had been taught, but he wanted to show everyone that he was the nerdy type. Something in him craved positive attention and validation.
Soon, the bell rang, and the classroom filled with students as the teacher came in to start the lesson. Jungkook looked around but couldn't find Jimin. He felt someone calling him, so he turned back and saw some students trying to get his attention. He glanced at the busy teacher and moved back a little to talk to them. He was still hesitant but pretended to be strong.
"Yo, Jungkook, give yourself a break. It's only the second day of school. You don't have to put so much pressure on yourself," Jennie said.
"I know, Jennie, but I don't want to fall behind, you know?" Jungkook replied.
"Don't worry, Bangtan High isn't that strict. You don't have to stress. Just relax."
"By the way, how was your performance at last school?"
"It was good, and I was kind of in the top 5 students," Jungkook successfully lied.
"Wow, that's so cool, dude! Can you please teach me? I'm kinda not good at academics," Bambam said and chuckled a little.
"Sure, sure, don't worry. By the way, the teacher who's teaching has already taught in my last school," Jungkook said.
"Jungkook, you're really something," Lisa exclaimed.
Jennie nodded in agreement, adding, "You're going to do great here, no doubt."
Bambam smiled, "You're like our secret academic weapon, man!"
"You gonna help us win against the other section"
Jungkook's POV:
Shit, shit, shit! Why did I lie? Now they'll know I've lied, but no matter what, I'll never let them know the truth. I've changed completely. I'm no longer a failure or a disappointment. I'll win against the other section at any cost. They can't know the real me. Maybe it's true that you have to lie a hundred times to hide one lie. I don't care what it takes. No one will know the real me.
"Sure, Bamie, this year our class will get the prize," I replied.
"By the way, do you know where Jimin is? I haven't seen him today," I asked.
"I saw him on the basketball court. I guess he's taking part in sports this year," Jennie said.
"That's so cool. Me and sports don't really go well," I added, another lie. I can't let them know how much I love sports and arts, but my father doesn't let me do what I want.
"You seem so cheerful and happy, Jungkook, almost as if you're acting," Yeonjun said, making me freeze.
"Why would he act, dumbo?" Jennie defended me.
"Yeah, why would I lie? It's so stupid to act happy. In my opinion, if you're sad, you should show it. You know, you shouldn't suppress your emotions," I said, what an irony.
We talked a bit after that, and then the bell rang. I went back to my seat and waited for the next lecture. I saw Jimin coming, and I smiled. He seemed very kind and genuine. I couldn't help but envy how perfect he looked and the fact that he had a good dad. Those bitter feelings I didn't want to feel resurfaced.
"Hey, Kookie," Jimin said and sat beside me.
"Hi, Jimin. I missed you in the first lecture," I said.
"I was registering my name for basketball, and it took me forever, so I missed the lecture. I hope the teacher won't scold me."
