Jungkook, the powerful mafia king, rules the underworld with an iron fist. His reputation is fierce, and his gaze is piercing. No one dares to cross him.
Taehyung, a bright and charming university student, lives a carefree life, focused on his studi...
The crisp morning air buzzed with the usual energy of university life. Students poured through the gates, chattering excitedly, their footsteps echoing against the pavement. Kim Taehyung adjusted the strap of his backpack, his honey-brown eyes scanning the familiar sight of his campus. Beside him, his best friends, Park Rose and Lisa Manoban, were deep in conversation, debating whether their professor was actually a vampire.
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“I’m telling you,” Rose insisted, flipping her hair dramatically. “No human being should look that pale under fluorescent lights.”
Lisa snorted. “And I’m sure his diet consists entirely of grading papers and the crushed dreams of failing students.”
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Taehyung chuckled, shaking his head. “Well, if he is a vampire, I hope he takes pity on me and gives me a passing grade instead of sucking my soul out.”
They strolled across the lively campus, passing groups of students hurriedly flipping through notes, some groggy from late-night study sessions, others energized by morning coffee. The scent of roasted beans and freshly baked pastries lured them toward their favorite café, where they settled into their usual corner booth.
Taehyung wrapped his hands around his warm latte, savoring the rich aroma, while Rose animatedly recounted her latest romantic dilemma. Lisa rolled her eyes, muttering something about how Rose fell in love every two weeks.
Their easy banter was interrupted when a familiar voice cut through the café’s hum.
“Taehyung,” came the firm voice of Dr. Kim, their psychology professor.
Taehyung nearly choked on his coffee as he looked up to see Dr. Kim standing beside their table, arms crossed, an unreadable expression on his face.
“I need to see you after class today,” the professor said. “We need to discuss your project.”
The words sent a jolt of anxiety through Taehyung’s system. He had been struggling with the assignment for weeks, his mind a swirling mess of half-baked ideas and last-minute procrastination. The weight of Dr. Kim’s gaze made him feel like a child caught sneaking cookies before dinner.
“Yes, sir,” Taehyung managed to mumble as the professor walked away.
Lisa smirked. “You’re in trouble.”
Rose patted his shoulder in mock sympathy. “RIP, Kim Taehyung. Gone too soon.”
Taehyung groaned, burying his face in his hands. “Why do I feel like I’m about to be executed?”
“Because you probably are,” Lisa deadpanned.
A Not-So-Subtle Intervention
After class, Taehyung made his way to Dr. Kim’s office, his stomach twisted in knots. His friends had offered words of encouragement, but all he could think about was the impending doom awaiting him behind that office door.
Dr. Kim didn’t waste time. “Taehyung, you’re a bright student, but you lack focus. If you don’t get serious, you’re going to fail this project.”
Taehyung swallowed, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. “I know… I just— I have a lot going on.”
Dr. Kim’s gaze softened slightly. “I believe in your potential, but belief won’t get you a passing grade. Show me you’re serious. Take this opportunity to prove yourself.”
Despite the lecture, there was something reassuring in Dr. Kim’s words. He wasn’t condemning Taehyung—he was challenging him.
As Taehyung left the office, his mind whirred with determination. He would prove himself. No more procrastination. No more distractions.
Well… except for the ones that came in the form of his two best friends.
Library Chaos
The campus library was a sanctuary of silence—until Taehyung, Rose, and Lisa arrived.
“I’m telling you,” Taehyung said dramatically, flipping through his notes. “I am a genius. I just need to figure out how to apply my brilliance to this psychology project.”
Lisa arched an eyebrow. “Uh-huh, and I’m the Queen of England.”
Rose giggled. “He’s not entirely wrong, Lisa. Taehyung has… creative ideas.”
Taehyung beamed. “See? She gets it.”
Lisa leaned back in her chair, arms crossed. “Right. Just like how your ‘creative cooking’ set off the fire alarm in the dorm kitchen?”
Taehyung pouted. “That was one time.”
Rose rolled her eyes. “One time? The whole building had to be evacuated!”
Taehyung waved dismissively. “Details, details.”
Lisa smirked. “Fine. What about the time you got that awful haircut and swore it was ‘fashion-forward’?”
Taehyung gasped. “It was avant-garde!”
Rose burst into laughter. “Avant-garde? Taehyung, it looked like you lost a bet.”
Lisa grinned. “More like he stuck his finger in a socket.”
Taehyung crossed his arms, feigning offense. “Okay, okay! I admit, I may have made a few mistakes in life. But I’m still a genius. And I’m totally going to ace this project.”
Lisa snorted. “Sure. Just don’t forget to bring an oven mitt to class in case you accidentally set something else on fire.”
Rose added, “And maybe a fire extinguisher. Just in case.”
Despite their teasing, Taehyung knew they had his back. He sighed dramatically. “You guys are the best. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Lisa smirked. “Probably fail and repeat the course.”
Rose grinned. “But we’d still be here, cheering you on—fire extinguisher in hand.”
Taehyung chuckled, shaking his head. No matter what, he had his friends, and that was enough.
But as the evening stretched on, Taehyung couldn’t shake the strange feeling in his gut. A feeling like something—or someone—was watching him from the shadows.
Little did he know, his peaceful university life was about to be shattered.
