I'll be there! | Jin one shots

2Seok - Another Level

Seokjin sauntered down the campus corridor, eyes glued to his phone. He was already late for class, but he couldn't care less. Graduation loomed only a few months away, and the monotonous cycle of college life held no interest for him. Why should it? His future was already set. He would inherit his father's music company-no degree or effort required.

Assignments were easy enough to delegate to the group of fangirls who adored him, and in return, he'd flash a charming smile or treat them to a coffee. It was a foolproof system, and it worked for someone as effortlessly popular as Kim Seokjin. But today, as he reached the classroom door, things took an unexpected turn.

The lecture was already halfway done, and Seokjin tucked his phone into his pocket as he stood at the door. He knocked lightly before addressing the figure at the front of the room.

"Excuse me, may I come in?"

The man who turned around wasn't the graying, perpetually bored professor Seokjin expected. Instead, it was someone young-far younger than any other professor on campus. His sharp features, styled brown hair, and confident posture made Seokjin's heart skip a beat.

The man looked at him coolly, raising an eyebrow. "You may not," he said simply before turning back to the board, resuming his explanation.

Seokjin blinked, momentarily stunned. What the hell? Did he just reject me? That had never happened before. Professors usually let him slide with a scolding, if that. Seokjin had always relied on his charm, but clearly, it had no effect here.

When class ended, Seokjin cornered a friend to demand answers. "Who's the new guy?"

"That's Jung Hoseok," the friend said, shoving books into their bag. "He's a replacement professor for the semester. Business class and, apparently, super strict."

Seokjin raised an eyebrow. "Strict, huh? We'll see about that."

That evening, curiosity got the better of him. A few quick searches led him to Jung Hoseok's social media profile. His photos revealed a mix of professionalism and charm-a man who seemed both approachable and distant. Seokjin's interest grew. Single and 27... interesting.

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The next day, for the first time in months, Seokjin was on time for class. He slipped into his usual seat at the back, determined to test the waters again. As Hoseok lectured, Seokjin barely listened, too focused on observing the professor's every move-the way his hands gestured while explaining a concept, the slight curve of his lips when a student answered correctly.

When class ended and the room emptied, Seokjin made his move.

"Professor Jung," he began, leaning casually against the desk.

Hoseok looked up from his notes. "Yes, Mr. Kim?"

Seokjin flashed his most disarming smile. "I couldn't help but notice you're new here. Welcome to our humble little campus. If you ever need a tour guide-or maybe a coffee companion-I'm your guy."

Hoseok's expression didn't budge. "Thank you for the offer, but I think I'll manage just fine."

"Oh, come on," Seokjin pressed, his tone playful. "You can't possibly want to spend all your time grading papers and giving lectures. Life's too short."

Hoseok looked him dead in the eye. "Life's also too short to waste on people who don't take their responsibilities seriously. Shouldn't you be focusing on your studies, Mr. Kim?"

Seokjin's jaw tightened. For the first time, someone wasn't bending to his charm, and it stung more than he cared to admit.

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