That did it. I slammed my notebook shut, my patience snapping.
Yn: "You know what, Jimin? I'm really sick of your 'I'm better than you' attitude. Just because you're smart doesn't mean you get to dismiss everyone else's ideas."
Jungkook and Jhope exchanged surprised looks, while Bora just stared between the two of us, unsure of what to say.
Jhope: "Uh, let's calm down, okay? It's just a project."
But I wasn't backing down. "No, Jhope, seriously. Why does he always have to act like he's above everyone? It's like he enjoys making me feel stupid."
Jimin's eyes narrowed. "If you can't handle criticism, maybe you shouldn't be in this group."
Jungkook and Jhope exchanged surprised looks, while Bora just stared between the two of us, unsure of what to say.
Jhope: "Uh, let's calm down, okay? It's just a project."
But I wasn't backing down. "No, Jhope, seriously. Why does he always have to act like he's above everyone? It's like he enjoys making me feel stupid."
Jimin's eyes narrowed. "If you can't handle criticism, maybe you shouldn't be in this group."
"Oh, I can handle criticism just fine," I shot back. "But you're not giving constructive feedback. You're just being an arrogant jerk."
Jungkook snorted, clearly amused. "Damn, she's got you there, bro."
Jimin's expression darkened, but
Frustrated, I grabbed my things and stood up. "You know what? If you think you're so much better at this, then go ahead and do it yourself."
I stormed out of the classroom, my heart racing with a mixture of anger and satisfaction. Finally, I had stood up to him. Finally, I had said what I'd been holding back since day one.
---
On the way home, I was still fuming. Jimin's words kept replaying in my head, his coldness, the way he dismissed me as if I didn't matter. I stood up for myself, sure, but why did it still bother me so much?
Next day, we submitted the draft of our project. I thought it was over-no more group projects with Jimin, no more interactions. But, as fate would have it, the universe had different plans for me.
Two days later, our professor called out a few selected projects that had impressed him. To my shock-and frustration-our project was among them. He wanted us to continue working on it and submit a full presentation.
I groaned inwardly, casting a frustrated glance in Jimin's direction. And of course, he was smirking at me. Smirking. Really? Did he find this funny?
"Whhaaaaa... really, God? Why do you hate me so much?" I thought bitterly.
As soon as the class ended, Jungkook approached with his usual cheeky grin. "Alright, guys, since we don't have much time, we'll start on the project after class today."
I could feel Jimin's gaze on me, cold and unreadable as ever. I was glaring right back, my frustration simmering just beneath the surface.
Jhope, ever the peacemaker, sighed. "YN, please, let's not fight this time."
I folded my arms, still glaring. "Tell him that."
Jungkook, laughing awkwardly, turned to Jimin. "Jimin, please, no fighting."
Without missing a beat, Jimin shot back, "Tell her."
Both of us pointed fingers at each other, raising our voices at the same time. "He/She started it!"
Jungkook, Jhope, and Bora all slapped their palms to their foreheads in unison, groaning in defeat. It was going to be a long project.
After we all decided to go to the café near college to work on the project, I quickly called my mom to let her know about the change of plans.
"Mom, I'll be a bit late today. We're working on a group project at a café near campus."
Mom sounded cheerful on the other end. "Okay, Muffin! Don't come home too late. And don't skip dinner!"
"I won't, Mom," I reassured her, hanging up and turning to Bora. "Ready?"
Bora nodded, linking her arm with mine as we headed toward the café. "At least with Jungkook and Jhope there, things won't be so tense."
I could only hope she was right. The closer we got, the more my nerves started acting up. Jimin's smirk from earlier was still fresh in my mind, and I wasn't in the mood to deal with his attitude.
When we finally reached the café, I spotted the three boys sitting at a table near the window. Jungkook waved enthusiastically when he saw us, while Jhope gave his usual bright smile. Jimin, predictably, was focused on his phone, not even bothering to look up.
"Let's get this over with," I muttered under my breath as we walked in.
As soon as we approached the table, Jungkook stood up, pulling out a chair for me with a grin. "Here you go, YN. VIP seat."
I couldn't help but smile at his playful gesture. "Thanks, JK." I sat down next to Bora, who took the seat on my right.
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