An Orphans World - Vmin

6

Jimin's POV

My heavy orbs wandered over my wrist, where a silver watch with a brown strap ticked away each hour. I bit my lower lip, calculating the time, then leaned back in my chair, the weight of exhaustion settling in.

It had been about four hours since dinner with everyone downstairs. I had slipped away early, seeking solitude at my desk, peering over journal articles for my degree.

My body felt shattered, a product of long hours awake. Managing the lively chaos of entertaining small children, the expectation of working a job in the little free time I acquired, and the relentless pressure of studying. It was overwhelming, but I wouldn't change it for the world.

Yet, something had to give. I just needed to finish my degree to secure a stable job. 

But I couldn't shake the thought of turning my back on the kids here. Each kid became a memory, a piece of my heart, and with every adoption, I felt a bittersweet ache as their journey here with me drew to an end.

I wished for them to find families, to be cradled in love and warmth. But I couldn't imagine leaving this place, my first true home, and my first family.

My thoughts scattered as Taehyung's deep voice cut through the silence. "Hey."

"Hey." I replied while blinking a few times, refocusing on the book before me.

"What are you doing?" Taehyung asked as he moved closer, his presence a comforting warmth by my side as he rested his hip against the edge of my desk.

"Just studying." I replied, glancing up to meet his hazel eyes, which shimmered like sunlit leaves, a blend of green and gold that seemed to hold warmth.

"I thought it was your holidays?" Taehyung asked, surprise dancing across his features as he cocked his left eyebrow.

"It is, but the more I stay on top of everything, the better my grades will be. I want to be a strong candidate for a good job." I explained.

Taehyung nodded slowly, curiosity etched in his expression. "What are you studying?"

"Microbiology." I replied, watching his eyebrows raise in unison.

"You must be really smart." He gasped out, genuine admiration seeping into his voice.

I laughed softly before commenting, "I try my best." My gaze returned to the book, a momentary escape from his golden wandering eyes.

"I hope you don't mind me asking, but is this what you want to do, or is it what you feel you have to do?" He asked as his question cut deeper than I expected.

While sighing, I realized how well he saw through my facade.

"It's practical. There will always be a need for understanding diseases and new bacteria." I stated before grabbing my glass of water to drink, hoping to shift the conversation away from my uncertain future.

"I'm not judging you," Taehyung reassured, his tone softening. "You're doing what's best for you, and I will support that. I didn't even study myself, so do not take what I said the wrong way." He proclaimed. 

"Did you have enough to eat?" He asked, changing the subject much to my delight.

"Yeah, I just had other things on my mind." I confessed, feeling the weight of the day settle around me once more.

"I know we just met, but if you ever want to talk, I'm always here." Taehyung offered, his larger hand brushing my shoulder gently.

My eyes widened at the warmth of his gesture as my stomach began to churn into a thick hot chocolate.

"I appreciate the offer. Maybe sometime." I replied, crossing my arms, a mix of gratitude and hesitation swirling within me.

Taehyung hummed in response before speaking up, "Well, I've put the others to bed, so I'm going to head to sleep myself."

"Okay." I murmured, rubbing my tired eyes, not daring to glance in his direction.

"Goodnight, Taehyung." I said softly, but as I examined where he was standing, he had already disappeared, leaving behind one yellow iced cupcake on the edge of my desk.

I turned to the doorway, half-expecting him to be watching, but only darkness met my gaze. Looking back at the cupcake, a smile spread across my plump rosy lips.

"How did he even—" I whispered, still in disbelief. It was one of his decorated cupcakes, likely a testament to his newfound skill. Was this a gesture based on his newfound talent or simply a sweet offering?

Either way, Taehyung is such a lovely and caring guy. I was not expecting him to treat me this well considering I am not his responsibility in here, yet he still puts in so much effort. 

Even the way he talks to me makes me feel like I have his support in my studies and that he would be willing to talk if I ever go through another tough time. 

He is unlike every male I have ever met my age; It is as though he sees the world not in the way of a hierarchy but rather sees me simply as another person. It's a trait I dreamed of seeing in others yet I was beginning to think it did not exist.

My hands reached out for the muffin before I raised it up, peeling off the orange wrapper.

I took a bite out of it and again couldn't smuggle the smile that appeared on my lips as the sweetness melted in my mouth.

Questions circled my brain: Why do I like you, Taehyung? I never feel this way about anyone so soon. It took me years even to find myself liking my coworkers.  

Other questions such as: How do you make me feel safe? Could my mind be playing tricks on me? Why do you seem to care about me? Do you not see me as the outcast I was in high school?

Could things be different now that I'm older? I had thought my only friends would be those I worked with, the familiar faces I had known for years. 

But now, maybe—just maybe—there is room for something more in An Orphans World...

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So cute! Jimin likes the way Taehyung seems to be treating him so far! Can anyone else sense some early romance brewing!? Feel free to comment anything you think! I love hearing from people who read my books! 

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Until the next chapter, take careeeee... Byeeeee my lovelies!!!