❝𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐈𝐂❞ || 𝐉𝐈𝐊𝐎𝐎𝐊

2

Jungkook is trying to concentrate, but Jimin keeps looking at him. Does he have something on his face? Jungkook tries not to get insecure. He doesn't usually care about how he looks, but when Jimin stares at him like he hasn't seen someone like him, he does feel a bit insecure. He decides not to dwell on it too much.

Jimin has been sitting with him for a week. They started talking a bit. Jungkook never thought that someone like Jimin would talk, and sit with him like this.

"Do you understand what she's saying?" Jimin whispers, running his fingers through his hair with a charming smile. Jimin has a pretty smile.

Jungkook simply shakes his head. He hasn't concentrated on any of the classes. He knows everything that's being taught, so he doesn't bother.

"Same here," Jimin chuckles softly. "Since I just transferred here, everything feels a bit off. It's been a week, but I'm not used to anything here."

Jungkook glances at him, curiosity piqued. "Where did you transfer from?"

"Busan," Jimin replies, still smiling. "Everything is different here, but I'm trying to adjust."

Jungkook nods, feeling a little more at ease. "You will get used to it."

Jimin leans in slightly, lowering his voice. "So, do you usually understand all of this, Dove? You seem pretty calm."

No, Jimin didn't stop calling him that. He still calls him Dove. Jungkook feels butterflies in his stomach whenever Jimin calls him that.

Jungkook shrugs, his eyes darting back to the front of the class. "Yeah, most of it. It is not that hard."

Jimin's eyes widen with interest. "That is great. Maybe you could help me learn sometime?"

Jungkook's heart skips a beat. "Uh, sure. If you need help, I can try."

Jimin's smile widens. "Thank you, Dove"

Jungkook's face warms under Jimin's gaze, but he manages to keep his composure. He steals another glance at Jimin, who is now attentively watching the teacher and feels a strange mix of nervousness and excitement. Maybe having Jimin around wouldn't be so bad after all.

********

The next day, Jimin enters the classroom and spots Jungkook with his head down, earbuds in, and lost in his music. Grinning, he sneaks up behind Jungkook, pulling cold banana milk from his bag. He places it on the nape of Jungkook's neck.

Jungkook jolts upright, touching his neck where the cold sensation lingers. "What the hell was that?!" he exclaims.

Jimin bursts into laughter, nearly doubling over. "Your face—" he manages between fits of laughter.

"That wasn't funny," Jungkook pouts, turning his head away in mock irritation.

"I'm sorry, pretty dove. You're just too cute," Jimin says dramatically, poking Jungkook's side.

"What?!" Jungkook retorts, feigning annoyance.

"Here," Jimin says, offering the banana milk with a soft smile. "I got this for you."

Jungkook looks at him, momentarily stunned.

"Go on, drink it," Jimin encourages, ruffling Jungkook's hair.

"Thanks," Jungkook mumbles, feeling a shy warmth spread through him. He's not used to anyone buying him things. As he sips the banana milk, he tries to hide his smile, the sweetness of the gesture remaining longer than the taste. Now he knows why humans get excited whenever they see another human.

********

"I don't understand. Why's Jimin hanging around with someone like him?" Jungkook overhears a group of students whispering loudly. He tries to swallow his food, but it feels like a lump in his throat. Eyes are on them from every direction, judgmental and curious. He had told Jimin he didn't want to eat in the school canteen, but Jimin insisted. Now, they are the centre of attention, with whispers and outright gossip echoing around them.

"Done eating, Dove?" Jimin asks, his eyes warm as he gazes at Jungkook.

Jungkook simply nods, pushing his half-eaten food away.

Jimin gathers their plates. "Wait here, I'll be back," he says, heading to return their trays.

As Jimin walks away, a voice breaks through the chatter. "You should stay away from him," a classmate says, stepping closer to Jungkook. He looks up and recognizes her vaguely, but he doesn't care enough to remember her name.

Jungkook rolls his eyes, taking a sip of his banana milk, trying to ignore her.

"Why are you so obsessed with Jimin? You should find someone who doesn't have a mom, just like you," she spits, her voice dripping with malice.

Jungkook flinches, the words hitting a raw nerve. He remembers the day he shared in class that his mother died when he was ten. It was a rare moment of vulnerability. Even if she had lived, he doubts he would have known her well; she was always distant, a ghost even when alive.

"And who the fuck told you that I have a mom?" Jimin's voice cuts through the tension as he returns, holding a chocolate bar. He hands it to Jungkook, signalling him to start eating. Jungkook looks at him, confused. Jimin smiles softly, his eyes reassuring. "Do you want me to open the wrapper?" he asks, with a gentle tone.

Jungkook quickly shakes his head and opens it himself.

"So, who told you that?" Jimin stares at the girl, his gaze icy and threatening.

"You—do you not have a mom?" she stammers, her boldness faltering under Jimin's intense gaze.

"If I don't, what are you going to do? Bully me?" Jimin scoffs, sitting beside Jungkook. "Stay away from us, yeah?" He then leans closer to Jungkook and takes a bite of his chocolate, his movements slow and deliberate. Jungkook looks at him with wide doe eyes as Jimin chews slowly, unbothered, his gaze steady on Jungkook.

"Oh..." Jungkook turns beet red, unsure of what to say, so he just sits there, flustered. He can feel the heat rising to his cheeks, but there's also a sense of comfort in Jimin's presence.

The girl stomps her feet and walks away angrily, her face red with embarrassment.

"What the hell are you all looking at? Get the fuck out," Jimin shouts, his voice carrying authority. The students, startled, quickly dispersed, pretending to be busy with their affairs. Jungkook lets out a giggle at the sight, the tension easing from his shoulders.

"Having fun?" Jimin smirks, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Jungkook just shrugs and smiles slightly. He pops the rest of the chocolate into his mouth, savouring the sweetness and the feeling of being protected.

********