Where Star Alligns

11

The next day, Taehyung and Bora arrived at college, their usual camaraderie noticeably absent. The argument still lingered, with neither attempting to bridge the gap. Taehyung sat in class alongside his friend Jimin, who sensed a change in his demeanor.

"Hey, Tae, you seem distant," Jimin said, tapping Taehyung's shoulder. "Is everything okay? You've been quiet since yesterday."

Taehyung forced a reassuring smile. "I'm fine, Jimin. Just stressed about studies. Nothing important."

Jimin's expression betrayed skepticism, but he nodded supportively. "You know I'm here for you, right? You can share anything with me."

Taehyung's gratitude was genuine. "I know, Jimin. And I appreciate that. You're an amazing friend."

Jimin's smile warmed. "That's what friends are for. We've been through thick and thin together."

As the lecture began, Jimin's concern lingered, but he respected Taehyung's boundaries. Little did he know, Taehyung's turmoil ran deeper than academics.

Meanwhile, Bora sat across the room, her thoughts consumed by Jungkook and the potion hidden in her bag.

Bora pondered ways to deceive Jungkook into drinking the potion, aware secrecy was crucial. After class, she headed to the cafeteria, scanning the room for her target. Taehyung sat distant, engaged with his friend, while Jungkook laughed with his group.

She navigated toward Jungkook's table, a calculated smile on her face. "Hi, Jungkook, everyone," she chimed in, attempting to sound carefree.

Jungkook muttered a brief greeting, his friends echoing similarly. Bora noticed Jungkook sipping Coke and seized the opportunity.

Accidentally-on-purpose, she knocked over the drink, spilling it across Jungkook's arm. "Oh no, Jungkook, I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed, feigning distress.

Jungkook sighed and cleaned his arm with tissue paper. "It's okay, Bora. I'll just grab another one."

Bora persisted, her expression fake-concerned. "But I ruined your drink! Let me buy you another."

Jungkook declined, shaking his head. "No need, really. I'm fine."

Undeterred, Bora pressed on. "Please, Jungkook, I'll feel awful if I don't make it up to you. Just let me get you another Coke."

Jungkook hesitated before nodding. "Alright, thanks."

Bora beamed inwardly, her plan unfolding smoothly.

Bora headed to the vending machine to grab a new Coke. As she waited for the drink to dispense, she discreetly pulled out the potion vial from her bag, ensuring no one was watching. Her heart racing, she reconsidered the risks, but her determination prevailed.

With shaking hands, she quickly mixed the potion into the Coke. She hid the empty vial in her bag, taking a deep breath to calm herself.

Returning to Jungkook's table, Bora handed him the tainted drink, her smile masking her true intentions. "Here's your new Coke, and I'm really sorry again."

Jungkook's warm smile eased her nerves. "No need to apologize, Bora. It's okay."

Bora's gaze locked onto Jungkook's as he took a sip of the drink. Her heart skipped a beat, knowing she'd set her plan in motion.

Bora watched intently as Jungkook finished the drink. At first, nothing seemed to happen, and she worried that Samona had deceived her. But then, Jungkook's expression contorted in agony. He clutched his head, groaning in pain.

His friends exchanged worried glances. Yoongi, Jungkook's closest friend, asked, "What's wrong, Kook? Are you okay?"

Jungkook's voice was laced with suffering. "I...I don't know. My head is killing me."

Jin's concern deepened. "We need to get you to the infirmary. You look terrible."

Bora hid her satisfaction behind a mask of worry. "I'll come with you," she offered.

However, Jin's cold stare rebuffed her. "No need. Stay here."

He turned to Yoongi. "Let's go."

Together, they supported Jungkook, draping his arms over their shoulders. The cafeteria fell silent, patrons watching with concern as Jungkook struggled.

As they exited, Jungkook's knees buckled, and he dropped to the floor. Taehyung, witnessing the scene, rushed forward but halted mid-step. His eyes narrowed upon seeing Bora sitting beside Jungkook, cradling his face in her hands.

Taehyung's instincts screamed warning, but he remained frozen, unsure what to do.

Meanwhile, Bora's hands gently framed Jungkook's face, her eyes locked onto his. A subtle smile played on her lips, hidden from the others.

Bora's voice trembled with feigned concern. "Jungkook, what's wrong? Look at me."

She gently lifted his chin, and Jungkook's gaze met hers. For an instant, his eyes turned an eerie black, then reddened. A primal growl escaped his lips.

Jungkook's friends exchanged worried glances, unable to see his face due to Bora's positioning.

"Tell me, what's wrong?" Bora whispered, her voice barely audible.

Jungkook's only response was a menacing growl. Suddenly, his body relaxed, and he whispered, "Mate."

The word echoed through the silence, loud enough for all to hear. Bora's smile faltered for a moment before she regained her composure.

"Mate?" she asked, feigning confusion. "Who's your mate, Jungkook?"

Jungkook's eyes glazed over, his voice robotic. "You...you're my mate."

Bora's smile returned, triumphant.