who am i?

Chapitre 9

Graduation felt like both an ending and a beginning. We'd all passed with high marks, surprising not only ourselves but the entire school, which had never quite understood the Kims.

As the principal handed us our diplomas, he looked at us with a blend of caution and pride, as though we had exceeded his expectations. We had become more than just the names and rumors attached to us, and for the first time, our futures felt open.

After the ceremony, we gathered together, laughing and taking photos, letting the celebratory atmosphere carry us. Back at the mansion, Jin surprised us with a cake, a big "Congratulations" written in bold, sugary letters. It was one of those rare moments of pure joy where we could just live in the present, without a single worry.

Soon, we were discussing our futures. Each of us had chosen our own path.

I had decided to pursue teaching, a choice that seemed to surprise everyone—except Jungkook. "See? I told you, yoonie!" he teased with a grin. His faith in me had made the decision feel natural, and I could already picture myself in a classroom, guiding others just as I had guided them.

Taehyung chose to study law, a field that would be useful in his family's "business." He had a natural charisma and sharp mind, and as he explained his choice, I could see the determination in his eyes. "If we're going to be doing what we do, someone needs to know the rules," he said with a smirk.

Jungkook, being who he was, couldn't imagine staying in a classroom much longer. He was drawn to sports and hoped to pursue it professionally, or at least channel his athleticism into fieldwork. "I'll be on the front lines," he declared, excitement flashing in his eyes at the thought of the challenges and adrenaline it would bring.

Jimin, ever the gentle but resilient one, chose medicine. He wanted to become a doctor. His natural empathy and care made this choice feel perfect, and he was already buried in anatomy books, researching medical programs with single-minded focus. "If any of us gets hurt," he said with a soft smile, "I'll be the one to help."

Even though our paths were diverging, we refused to let distance come between us. Our time together became more precious, and we trained regularly, with Jungkook often taking the lead. He insisted that Jimin and I, as the "academics," keep up with physical training so we could defend ourselves if needed.

Taehyung, always the strategist, spent his free time teaching me the basics of planning and tactics. He'd lay out maps and explain how different situations required specific approaches. During training, he'd quiz us on how we'd react in various scenarios, making it both challenging and rewarding as I developed a knack for strategy.

Jungkook, on the other hand, dove into fieldwork with intense enthusiasm. His strength and agility made him a natural, and he thrived under pressure. Though he didn't always share details, his excitement was evident, and each time he returned, he had a new confidence.

Jimin's role was perhaps the most crucial. Whenever anyone got hurt, he was ready with his first-aid kit, treating scrapes, cuts, and bruises with steady hands and a calm presence. His care reassured us, and every time he patched us up, I felt proud of the compassionate, resilient person he was becoming.

Despite our busy schedules, we made time to be together. Weekends became a sacred ritual filled with late-night conversations, movie marathons, and trips to our favorite café. We shared our struggles, stories from our studies, and our dreams for the future. Knowing that, no matter how different our paths became, they would always lead back to each other, brought a sense of comfort and peace.

One evening, we sat under the stars in the Kims' vast backyard when Namjoon joined us. He listened as we talked about our roles and plans, offering advice and guidance. He seemed both proud and protective, occasionally reminding us to balance our ambitions with our lives outside the business.

"You're young," he said, glancing between us. "And as much as you'll help out, don't let this work consume you. You're building lives beyond it, and that's something to hold onto."

His words resonated deeply, and though our paths were branching in different directions, we knew they'd never truly part. We were family—not bound by blood, but by choice, loyalty, and the strength of our bond.

The future was uncertain, but for now, we were exactly where we wanted to be. And for the first time, I looked forward to seeing where it would take us—together.