Bonds of Friendship and Love

Episode 8: "The Price of Distraction"

The canteen buzzed with the usual lunchtime energy as BTS gathered around their usual table. The topic of conversation today was their upcoming semester exams, which loomed large on everyone’s minds.

Namjoon: *chewing thoughtfully* "We need to buckle down and study hard if we want to ace these exams. The syllabus is pretty intense this time."

Yoongi: *nodding* "Yeah, I’m already feeling the pressure. But we’ve got this—we just need to stay focused."

Seokjin: "I’ve been making some flashcards. If anyone wants to borrow them, feel free."

As they continued to discuss their study plans, Taehyung seemed unusually quiet, only half-listening to the conversation. He was tapping away on his phone, a small smile playing on his lips.

Just then, Jennie approached their table, her presence immediately catching Taehyung’s attention.

Jennie: *smiling warmly* "Hey, Taehyung. Do you have a moment? I was hoping you could give me some tips on our upcoming history exam."

Taehyung: *immediately perking up* "Of course! Let’s find a quieter spot where we can talk."

Without a second thought, Taehyung grabbed his things and left with Jennie, leaving the others watching after him in stunned silence.

Jimin: *raising an eyebrow* "Well, there he goes again. He’s been spending so much time with her lately."

Jungkook: *sighing* "He’s been acting weird ever since he met her. He’s not studying, not working at the café properly—he’s just always with Jennie."

Hoseok: *concerned* "It’s like he’s forgotten about everything else. He’s a bright student, but if he keeps this up, he’s going to fail his exams."

The group nodded in agreement, a shared worry settling over them. As the days passed, Taehyung and Jennie grew even closer, almost inseparable. The change in Taehyung’s behavior was undeniable. He stopped attending study sessions with the group, rarely showed up at the café for his shifts, and was constantly on his phone, either texting or talking to Jennie.

Whenever his friends tried to talk to him about it, Taehyung would brush off their concerns, changing the subject or making excuses.

Namjoon: *one evening in their dorm* "Taehyung, we’re just worried about you. The exams are coming up fast, and you haven’t been studying at all."

Taehyung: *distractedly* "I’ll be fine, hyung. Don’t worry about me. I’ve got it all under control."

But the worry only grew. Taehyung’s lack of focus and dedication was a stark contrast to his usual disciplined self. The group decided to give him one last warning, hoping it would snap him out of his trance.

However, Taehyung remained indifferent, his mind solely occupied with Jennie. And soon enough, the day of the exams arrived. The group gathered outside the exam hall, trying to shake off their nerves.

Namjoon: *taking a deep breath* "Alright, guys, this is it. Let’s do our best."

The friends took their seats: Namjoon and Seokjin in the front row, with Jimin and Hoseok beside them. Jungkook and Yoongi sat two benches behind Seokjin, while Taehyung and Jennie were seated in the middle.

The exams were grueling, but the group pushed through, their minds filled with the information they had painstakingly reviewed. Taehyung, however, seemed unusually calm, glancing occasionally at Jennie with a smile.

Days passed, and the exams finally came to an end. The night before the results were to be announced, the dorm was filled with a mix of excitement and anxiety.

Jimin: *pacing the room* "I’m so nervous. I just want to pass and get it over with."

Yoongi: *lying on the couch* "Same here. I’ve never felt this stressed before."

The next day, they gathered in front of the notice board, where the results were posted. They scanned the list, their hearts pounding in anticipation. To everyone’s shock, Taehyung had scored the highest among them.

Jungkook: *confused* "How…? How did Taehyung score the highest? He didn’t even study!"

The group turned to Taehyung, demanding an explanation. At first, Taehyung tried to dodge their questions, but under the weight of their concerned stares, he finally confessed.

Taehyung: *sighing deeply* "I... I cheated. Jennie and I found a way to get the answers before the exam. I’m sorry."

The admission sent shockwaves through the group. They couldn’t believe what they were hearing.

Namjoon: *angrily* "Taehyung, how could you do this? You’ve always been so smart and hardworking. Why would you throw all that away?"

Hoseok: *disappointed* "You let us down, Tae. This isn’t like you at all."

Seokjin: "You could have passed on your own. Cheating was never the answer."

The group’s anger and disappointment were palpable. Taehyung hung his head, ashamed of his actions.

When they returned to the dorm, the friends sat in silence, trying to process what had happened. Finally, Namjoon spoke up.

Namjoon: "We need to punish him. He needs to understand that what he did was wrong and that there are consequences for his actions."

The group agreed, determined to teach Taehyung a lesson he wouldn’t forget. Though they loved him dearly, they knew they had to take a stand.

"As the consequences of Taehyung’s actions came to light, the bonds of friendship would be tested. Could they forgive him, or would this be the beginning of a rift that might never heal?"

To be continued---