Rules Of Attraction ‡A Jikook ff‡

**Chapter Eight: Cracks in the Facade**

   Jimin never thought he’d see the day when he’d be looking forward to seeing Jungkook. Yet, here he was, sitting in their shared psychology class, his eyes unconsciously drifting to the door every time it opened. A part of him still couldn’t believe he’d agreed to give Jungkook a chance—especially after everything he’d heard about him.

But then again, Jungkook wasn’t exactly what he’d expected.

Since their last conversation, things had changed between them. There was an unspoken understanding, a fragile thread connecting them that neither wanted to sever. Jimin felt the pull of it every time Jungkook smiled at him, every time their shoulders brushed, every time Jungkook showed him a side that was more genuine than the confident playboy everyone knew.

When Jungkook finally arrived, his presence filled the room with that familiar, easy confidence. He scanned the seats until his eyes found Jimin, and a small, almost shy smile broke across his face. Jimin couldn’t help but smile back, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. It was happening more often lately—these small, uncontrollable reactions that gave away his feelings.

But he didn’t mind. Not anymore.

As Jungkook slid into the seat beside him, Jimin turned slightly, keeping his voice low. “You’re late.”

Jungkook leaned in, his tone light but teasing. “You missed me, didn’t you?”

Jimin rolled his eyes, but the corner of his mouth twitched upward. “In your dreams, Jeon.”

The banter between them was easy, almost natural now. They spent the rest of the lecture exchanging small glances, whispers, and stifled laughter that had their classmates throwing them curious looks. By the time class ended, Jimin felt lighter than he had in weeks.

As they walked out together, Jungkook nudged him with his elbow. “Wanna grab lunch? I found this new place off-campus I think you’d like.”

Jimin pretended to consider it. “Hmm… I guess I could be convinced.”

Jungkook grinned, and they made their way toward the exit. As they walked side by side, Jimin could feel eyes on them—whispers following in their wake. The rumors hadn’t stopped. If anything, they’d only intensified since the campus noticed them spending more time together. But Jimin had meant what he said—he wasn’t going to let it bother him. Not when things between him and Jungkook felt like they were finally going somewhere.

But as they turned the corner, Jungkook’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He glanced at the screen, his expression suddenly shifting from relaxed to tense.

“What is it?” Jimin asked, noticing the change immediately.

Jungkook’s brows furrowed. “Just a text… from one of my friends. They want to talk about something.” He hesitated, his lips pressing into a thin line. “Can we raincheck lunch? I need to handle this.”

Jimin tried to ignore the sting of disappointment. “Yeah, sure. No problem.”

“Thanks, Jimin,” Jungkook said, offering him a quick smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes before he turned and walked away, his phone already pressed to his ear.

Jimin watched him go, his earlier good mood starting to fade. Something felt off, and he couldn’t shake the nagging feeling in his gut. He hated how uncertain he still felt, how easy it was for doubt to creep back in.

As he walked away, he couldn’t help but wonder if giving Jungkook a chance was a mistake after all.

***

Jungkook knew he was in trouble the moment he read the text from Jihoon, his friend from the basketball team. Apparently, one of the girls he used to fool around with was back on campus, and she’d been telling people that Jungkook was still in contact with her, still interested.