Falling for Your Lies(sope)

Surpassing Expectations.

Authors pov

Two weeks later...

Two weeks had passed since Hoseok began his life in the university's art department, choosing to pursue his dream of becoming a lawyer instead of following the more conventional paths in science or social science. His days had become a blur of classes and assignments, and though he had quickly adjusted, there was one enigma that remained constant: Min Yoongi.

Yoongi sat directly in front of him in class. They’d exchanged glances a few times, but they hadn’t actually spoken. Yoongi didn’t seem interested in engaging with him, yet Hoseok couldn’t help but feel intrigued. Despite rarely attending lectures or appearing to pay attention, Yoongi somehow consistently topped all his classes, a feat that seemed inexplicable to Hoseok.

Curiosity eventually led Hoseok to learn that Yoongi’s father was not only a prominent figure but was also the primary sponsor of the university. The institution bore his family’s name, a privilege that few could claim. But even with such prestige, Yoongi seemed disinterested in the attention or the responsibilities that came with it. Hoseok found himself fascinated, almost admiring Yoongi’s laid-back attitude, but deep down, he knew Yoongi would never notice him. With a sigh, Hoseok pushed those thoughts aside, determined to focus on his own studies.

Today was a pivotal day, though. The results of their recent tests were being announced, along with the rankings, which would determine who would serve as class captain. In this university, the highest scorer automatically took on the role, a position that was met with both excitement and dread by most students. As the chatter around him grew louder, Hoseok noticed that his classmates were groaning.

Confused, Hoseok looked around until he met the gaze of a boy with striking red hair. The boy looked effortlessly affluent, his clothes clearly expensive. Hoseok felt a little self-conscious, but he mustered a smile and waved. “Hi, I’m Hoseok. Um, why is everyone so…not enthusiastic about this ranking thing?”

The boy’s frown faded, replaced by a brilliant smile that left Hoseok momentarily speechless. His smile was captivating, almost bunny-like, and he looked genuinely pleased to talk to Hoseok. Leaning forward, the boy replied, “I’m Jungkook. Are you new here?”

Hoseok nodded, smiling in return. “Yeah, just started a couple of weeks ago.”

Jungkook chuckled and glanced around the room before answering, “Well, the reason no one’s thrilled is that there’s usually no competition. Min Yoongi’s been class captain every year. He’s practically unbeatable. His father’s influence aside, he’s incredibly smart. No one really stands a chance.”

Hoseok nodded thoughtfully. “Well, if he works hard for it, then I suppose he deserves it,” he replied.

Jungkook shrugged, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Fair point,” he said. Then, as if on a whim, he added, “By the way, can I get your number? It’d be great to have a friend here.”

Hoseok’s eyes widened in surprise. For the first time since he’d started, someone was openly reaching out to him as a friend. He blushed, quickly typing in his number into Jungkook’s. The two shared a quick laugh over the fact that Jungkook had somehow smuggled his phone into class, giggling like they were sharing a secret.

Just then, the teacher, Ms. Park, walked in, and the class fell silent as she began calling out ranks.

As the names were called, students reacted with resigned shrugs, a few disappointed sighs here and there, and more than one muttered grumble about Yoongi’s inevitable top position. In the middle of the room, Yoongi leaned back, looking entirely uninterested. At one point, he even spoke up with a smirk. “Ms. Park, I think we can save time by just giving me my usual title.”

Ms. Park rolled her eyes but continued calling the rankings, ignoring his remark. Hoseok exchanged a glance with Jungkook, who stifled a laugh, and they waited as the teacher approached the top of the list. She was halfway through when she suddenly paused, her eyes widening in astonishment as she looked down at the final two scores.

“Hoseok?” Ms. Park’s voice was incredulous as she glanced between Hoseok and Yoongi, barely concealing her surprise. “It appears that Yoongi will not be the class captain this year.”

Yoongi, still slouched in his seat, barely paid attention. “Yeah, yeah, just say my name already,” he said with a wave.

Ms. Park fixed him with a stern look. “Min Yoongi, I don’t think you understand. The highest score this year…does not belong to you.”

Silence fell over the room as Yoongi’s head snapped up, his confident expression faltering. “Wait… what?” he stammered, disbelief coloring his tone. His gaze flicked toward Ms. Park, whose focus shifted to Hoseok.

“Jung Hoseok,” she announced formally, “has exceeded the passing mark by achieving an impressive score of 102%, surpassing Min Yoongi’s 80%. Accordingly, Jung Hoseok will be the class captain this year.”

Hoseok gasped, stunned, as the realization sank in. He stood up, blinking in disbelief as Yoongi’s expression hardened, his jaw clenching as he rose from his seat, fury radiating from him. When his eyes found Hoseok, they raked over his secondhand clothes with disdain. Hoseok could feel the weight of Yoongi’s judgment, a silent statement that this “low-life” wasn’t worthy of taking what Yoongi saw as his rightful place. Yoongi clenched his fists, anger flashing in his eyes as he turned and stormed out, ignoring Ms. Park’s calls for him to return.

Jungkook leapt to his feet and wrapped Hoseok in an enthusiastic hug. “Congrats, class captain!” he said brightly, his excitement breaking through Hoseok’s daze. Hoseok managed a shy smile as he returned the hug, his mind still reeling. He’d never been a class captain before, but the title filled him with a quiet determination.

Yet, as he glanced at the door where Yoongi had stormed out, a sliver of unease crept in. Little did Hoseok know, taking Yoongi’s title would come with consequences—consequences he’d wish he had anticipated.