who am i?

Chapitre 10

Five years had passed, and life had settled in ways none of us could have imagined. Each of us flourished in our chosen paths, yet our bond remained unbroken.

Taehyung, now a prominent lawyer, had built a reputation as both charismatic and shrewd. Known for his ability to dissect cases and maneuver through complex legal battles, he was a respected figure in the field—a reputation that had proven valuable in managing the Kims' business interests when the line between right and wrong blurred. His wit and charm made him both feared and admired in courtrooms across the city.

Jimin,meanwhile, had become the town's rising doctor. His intelligence, paired with his gentle approach, attracted patients and respect alike. He was dedicated, often working long hours to care for his patients, and had earned a reputation as a compassionate healer who listened as much as he prescribed.

Jungkook and I, in an unexpected twist, found ourselves working at the same high school—Seoul National High school. I became a math teacher, while Jungkook took on the role of sports teacher. We quickly became somewhat of a legend among the students, though for very different reasons.

My approach to teaching had earned me the nickname "Suga." I'd earned a reputation for breaking down even the toughest math problems with patience, making complex ideas approachable. The name stuck, and even parents referred to me as "Suga-sunsaengnim" during conferences. I tried to bring what I'd learned from Namjoon, Jin, and the others—care, discipline, and patience—into the classroom. Like Namjoon, I expected a lot from my students but also took time to help them improve, offering guidance tailored to each of them. Parents appreciated the extra effort, knowing I genuinely cared about their children's growth.

That morning started out like any other, with students settling into their routines, shuffling papers and sharing quick chats before classes began. But as I walked toward the classroom, I caught sight of something unusual through the window.

A man was dragging his daughter by the arm through the schoolyard, her face filled with fear. My heart sank as I recognized him—a businessman notorious for his ties to underground deals and debts to the Kims. He had no business being on school grounds, let alone dragging his own daughter away like that.

Without a second thought, I ran outside and called out, "Hey! What do you think you're doing?" He ignored me, his grip on her arm tightening as she winced in pain. That was all I needed to see.

I hurried over, positioning myself between them. "Let her go. Now."He glared at me, his face twisted with contempt. "Stay out of this, Mr. Min. You may have fooled these people into thinking you're an upstanding teacher, but I know who you are—a Kim's associate, pretending to be clean."

His words barely registered; I was too focused on the fear in his daughter's eyes, the silent plea that reminded me of the powerlessness I once felt.

"You don't get to make choices for her," I said, stepping forward. "If you're taking her out of here, it's going to be over my dead body."

He sneered and tried to shove me aside, but I wasn't backing down. The moment he raised his hand, I reacted. I grabbed his wrist, forcing him backward, then, without holding back, I punched him.

The impact sent him staggering, and shock replaced his arrogance. Students had gathered around, whispering, and some even gasped as they saw the usually calm, composed "Suga-sunsaengnim" lose his composure.

"Get out of here, and don't come back," I hissed, my voice low with anger.

The man, now bleeding from a cut on his lip, glared but said nothing. His cowardice was evident as he turned and stormed off.

Moments later, the principal arrived, fury written across his face. "Mr. Min, in my office. Now."

I knew what was coming, but I didn't regret a thing. Looking at the students gathered around, I saw a mixture of worry and pride in their expressions. They had seen a teacher defend one of their own, and although I knew there would be consequences, I was at peace.

Inside the principal's office, I was told I'd crossed a line and that my position was terminated immediately. Even the students' protests outside the office couldn't change his decision; his mind was made up.

As I walked out of the school for what might be the last time, I glanced back at the students who had witnessed everything. They stood together, shock still evident on their faces, but their eyes were resolute. Whatever happened next, they knew I'd stood up for them, and in that moment, I knew it had all been worth it.