Deceptive Beginnings

Tuesday

You wake up the next day before your alarm even has a chance to buzz, the faint morning light sneaking through your curtains. Your phone sits on your nightstand, the screen lighting up as you unlock it. Seven missed messages from Jungkook. With a quiet laugh, you start scrolling through his frustrated texts, making your lips twitch upward.

Dragging yourself out of bed, you shuffle to the bathroom, your feet padding softly against the cool floor. In the mirror, yesterday's eyeliner clings stubbornly to the skin under your eyes. A faint sigh escapes your lips. I really need to stop falling asleep with my makeup on.

After a quick rinse, you start pulling together your look for the day. You adorn yourself with a short black skirt, a cropped band tee, and, of course, the trusty fishnets and scuffed combat boots—the ones that have seen more action than most of your classmates.

Your hair goes up in two spiky buns. You apply your usual heavy black smudged eyeliner. Satisfied with the reflection staring back at you, you sling your bag over your shoulder and step out into the world.

The morning air is cool against your skin, and the walk to school is quiet, almost peaceful. Leaves crunch underfoot as you trace the familiar path. It's a small pocket of calm, a contrast to the chaos you're certain awaits you.

But the calm shatters the moment you reach the school gates. Leaning casually against the metal bars, straw between his lips is none other than Jungkook. His sharp features soften into an infuriatingly confident smirk as soon as he spots you.

You stop in your tracks, sighing as he kicks off the gate and strolls toward you like he owns the place.

"Good morning," you mumble, your tone flat as you try to brush past him.

"Morning to you too, girlfriend," he drawls, his voice teasing. He steps into your path, blocking your way as his smirk deepens.

You catch the faint, fresh scent of him—clean, warm, and frustratingly pleasant for someone so annoying. It's almost... comforting. A strange flutter stirs in your stomach, but you shake it off before the thought can go any further.

You narrow your eyes at him, annoyance prickling at the edges of your composure. "What do you want, Jungkook?"

"I waited for you," he says, holding out his hand with a playful tilt of his head. "Don't you feel loved?"

The audacity in his tone makes you roll your eyes so hard it's a miracle they don't get stuck. You hum in response and cross your arms.

You scoff. "I'm guessing your friends are lurking around here somewhere this morning?" Your eyes flick down to his extended hand, then back up to meet his gaze.

Jungkook raises an eyebrow, that smug grin never leaving his face. "What did I do to get such a smart 'girlfriend'? What gave it away? My charming company or the sheer genius of my plan?" He lowers his hand in an exaggerated motion, placing it casually in his pocket.

You can feel your eye twitch, and you purse your lips. Charming? Please.

"They're waiting in the courtyard," he continues, leaning in slightly, his breath tickling your ear, "Where plenty of people can witness our love story. So, ready to put on the performance of a lifetime, 'girlfriend'?"

The word drips with mockery, and you can't help but notice the sparkle of amusement in his eyes. I could win an award just for tolerating this guy. You exhale sharply, your mind already racing through ways to get through this without strangling him.

Without missing a beat, you hug his arm and flash him a sweet smile. "Well then, what are we waiting for, 'boyfriend'?"

You feel Jungkook stiffen at your unexpected touch, but it's only for a second before he recovers his usual nonchalant demeanor. He leads you through the school hallways, and as expected, eyes begin to follow. Whispers and stares bubble up around you, with a few girls casting you dirty looks. You lean in a little closer to him and whisper, "I hope this is the reaction you wanted."