Taehyung, an orphan and mischievous young boy, fell in love at first sight with Jeon Jeongguk, promising that one day he would marry him.
Years later, Taehyung enrolls at Seoul National University, where his life intertwines with Jeongguk, a literat...
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It was Sunday, a day when everyone typically took a break from their usual routines. Yet, today was an exception; the meeting had to be held to ensure that the matter remained confidential, as everyone would be present during the weekdays.
Taehyung was feeling an intense level of anxiety. His mind was still reeling from everything Jeongguk had said to him the day before. Hoseok stood by his side, offering support by gently rubbing his arm to help ease his nerves. Kim Jisoo was also there, her presence a comforting anchor. Meanwhile, Jeongguk remained calm and composed, his posture relaxed.
“You can go in now, sir,” a clerk announced, opening the door to the meeting room.
Hoseok gave Taehyung one last reassuring pat on the back, and Jisoo offered a warm, encouraging smile.
“Just stay confident, okay? Be strong. We’re all here for you,” Jisoo said softly, tapping Taehyung’s head in a gesture of comfort. Taehyung nodded gratefully, taking a deep breath as Jeongguk walked into the room with him.
As the heavy wooden doors creaked open, Taehyung and Jeongguk stepped into the ethics committee room. The sound of their footsteps echoed off the polished floors, mingling with the tension that hung thick in the air. Seven pairs of eyes were already fixed on them, seated around a long, imposing mahogany table that seemed to stretch endlessly between the two and the committee.
The weight of the situation pressed heavily on Taehyung's chest, making it difficult to breathe. His hand hovered uncertainly at his side, aching to reach out for Jeongguk, to find some comfort in his touch. But he restrained himself, acutely aware of the stakes.
Jeongguk’s expression was a mask of calm determination, but his demeanor shifted when he saw one of the committee members—Kim Seokjin.
"No, no, Jinnie, why are you here?" Jeongguk's mind chanted in distress. Kim Seokjin, the chief provost officer and the highest-ranking official at the university, had unexpectedly attended the meeting himself. Typically, someone from his office would represent him. Kim Seokjin's gaze was stern and devoid of the usual warmth he held for Jeongguk.
Taehyung noticed that the committee members, each embodying the stern authority of the institution, who hold another’s fate in their hands. 'Director of Student Affairs, Lee Chul-woo', cleared his throat, drawing their full attention. “Professor Jeongguk, Kim Taehyung, please take your seats,” he said, his voice carrying the weight of command.
They complied, settling into the chairs opposite the panel.Taehyung’s hands trembled slightly as he rested them on his lap, out of view. Beside him, Jeongguk sat with his back straight and eyes forward, his demeanor unwavering despite the gravity of the moment.
“Thank you for coming,” Director Lee Chul-woo began, his voice as formal as his demeanor. He surveyed them with a gaze that missed nothing, his eyes sharp as he continued, “We are here to discuss a matter of utmost seriousness. The photographs submitted to this committee suggest a breach of our university’s ethical statutes. Professor Jeongguk, can you confirm the identities of the individuals in those photographs?”
