We wrapped up the project, but Jimin left the library without so much as a glance in my direction. It was as if he had flipped a switch; he started ignoring me completely in the days that followed. I couldn't understand why he had acted the way he did, especially after our moment in the library.
As we approached exam week, the tension was palpable. Jimin seemed to have retreated into his own world, and I was left feeling confused and frustrated. Just when I thought things might return to normal, everything changed.
The day our results were announced was one of the most nerve-wracking of the semester. The professor stood in front of the class, smiling broadly.
Professor: "I have some exciting news! The top score this exam goes to..." He paused for dramatic effect, scanning the room. "YN!"
The room erupted in applause, but my heart raced for a different reason. I turned to look at Jimin, and to my surprise, his expression was dark. I had beaten him, and he didn't take it well.
Before I could process what had just happened, Jimin shot up from his seat, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. He stormed out of the classroom without a word, leaving everyone in stunned silence.
I felt a rush of emotions-confusion, triumph, and a twinge of guilt. Why was he so angry? I never wanted to compete with him; I just wanted to do my best.
Jhope: leaned over, his eyes wide. "What just happened?"
Jungkook: shook his head, clearly surprised. "I think he's just... not handling this well."
Bora looked at me, concern etched on her face.
Bora: "Are you okay, YN? That was intense."
I nodded slowly, but my mind was racing. I couldn't help but wonder why Jimin was reacting this way. What did my success mean for him? And why did it matter so much?
Jhope and Jungkook exchanged concerned looks and quickly followed Jimin.
They found him on the college terrace, leaning against the railing with his face flushed red from anger. He was clearly frustrated, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath.
Jhope: "Do you still facing the same issue? Even over a single point?"
Jimin just nodded, his eyes dark and stormy.
Jungkook: frowning "You should really talk to them about this. It's not healthy to keep it all inside."
As Jimin rubbed his face with his palms, visibly more agitated,
Jimin: frustrated "It doesn't matter. They won't listen. All they care about is me staying on top, being perfect all the time."
Jungkook: looked at him seriously "It's the first time you weren't on top. I really don't think this is as big a deal as you think."
Jhope: with a hopeful tone "Exactly. Everyone has bad days, and it's just one test. You've done more than enough to prove yourself."
Jimin: shaking his head "You don't get it. They expect more. Always. If I slip even once... I don't know what'll happen."
After few mins Jimin, Jungkook, and Jhope returned to class, the tension from earlier seemed to hang in the air like a heavy cloud.
I hesitated for a moment, watching Jimin's tense frame as he gathered his things. His frustration was palpable, and despite my better judgment, I found myself walking over to him.
YN: "Are you okay?"
He froze for a second, then slowly turned to face me, his eyes dark and filled with anger. His glare was so intense that it almost made me step back.
Jimin: "You better stay away from me." His voice was sharp, almost like a warning.
I blinked, taken aback by the coldness in his words, but before I could respond, Jungkook quickly stepped between us.
Jungkook: "Hyung, it's not her fault. Leave her out of this."
Jimin's eyes flicked to Jungkook for a brief moment before he let out a harsh breath, grabbing his book and standing up.
Jimin: "I'm going home." His tone was final, leaving no room for argument.
Without another glance, he stormed out of the room, leaving me standing there with a sinking feeling in my chest. I watched his retreating figure, wondering what was really going on behind that cold mask of his.
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