Troublemaker

TROUBLE 30

Y/N sat cross-legged on her bed, staring down at the history book with a look of utter dread. She was flipping through the pages, hoping anything would magically make sense before the evening. She was supposed to go to Jungkook's house later, Normally, the thought of heading over to Jungkook's place would have her grinning ear-to-ear—game marathons, endless snacks, and all the laughter between best friends. But today was different. Today was serious. This wasn't about fun with her best friend; it was about a dreaded study session. And not just any study session—a session with Taehyung, under his strict, hawk-eyed gaze. She could already feel the tension, imagining him standing over her shoulder, catching every fidget, every hint of distraction. Worse still, she never knew when his hand might reach for her ear or cheek, reminding her to stay focused.

Well, Yesterday was a disaster. She and Jungkook had gotten their history test results back and barely passed. Their history teacher had complained to Taehyung about their poor performance, Naturally, he wasn't pleased and immediately announced that he'd be stepping in personally to give them extra lessons. Y/N shuddered at the thought. Thinking about Taehyung finding out that she hadn't written a single line in her history notebook made her stomach turn. He's going to beat the life out of me. Her mind raced as she imagined his disappointed eyes and the sharpness of his voice when he scolded her.

No, no, Y/N, think of something! Think of an escape plan, she thought desperately. Otherwise, no one will be able to save you from Sir today.

Flopping back onto her bed, Y/N stared at the ceiling, her mind working overtime. She needed a way out of the study session, but what could she do? She had spent the last hour going over plans—each one sillier than the last. until she finally settled on what she thought was the most brilliant (and probably most ridiculous) idea—she'd fake being sick.

With a dramatic huff, she sat up, cleared her throat, and practiced her "sick" voice, adding in a few pitiful coughs for good measure. She was ready to sell this performance. Taehyung had seen her at her worst, but she figured if she could pull off this act, maybe—just maybe—he'd fall for it.

Taking one last deep breath, Y/N dialed Taehyung's number, her heart pounding as the phone began to ring.

Meanwhile, Taehyung was on the treadmill in the home gym, his workout routine well underway. Sweat glistened on his brow, and his pace was steady until he saw Y/N's name flash on his phone screen. He sighed, already guessing what this call might be about, and slowed the treadmill to answer. Picking up the call, he kept his tone casual.

"Yes, Y/N?" he answered, amusement barely concealed in his voice.

Putting on her best "sick" voice, Y/N began, "Uh, sir... I'm not feeling well. My stomach... it really hurts," she said, putting all her effort into sounding as pitiful as possible.

Taehyung arched a brow, a knowing smirk forming as he listened to her overly dramatic tone. He'd known Y/N long enough to see through her schemes, but he decided to play along. "Oh, really?" he replied with mock sympathy. "So, I take it you won't be able to join us for our history session tonight?"

Y/N felt a spark of hope light up inside her. Maybe he's actually buying it! she thought. She was already picturing her evening, free from boring history. But before she could fully relax, Taehyung's voice cut through her fantasy.

"Well, if you're feeling that bad, then I'll just call the hostel and send the doctor over," he continued smoothly. "I'm sure they'll be able to help you with that awful stomachache."

Panic gripped Y/N. This was not how it was supposed to go! "No, no! Wait!" she blurted out, her voice taking on a higher pitch. "Actually... it's not that bad. I think if I just sleep for a few hours, I'll be fine."