The Project // Jikook

Chapter One

[A School Project]

Jungkook

My feet hit the ground, occasionally stumbling as I walked quickly down the hallway to class. I could feel my heart beating against my chest, the thuds of my steps keeping me from going insane.

One. Two. Three. Four.

One. Two. Three. Four.

I clutched my backpack as I repeated the mantra. I continued to count my steps, despite there being no payoff. I had to keep my mind off of the fact that I was short. No, not physically. I was short on the promised $100.

I didn't want to imagine what torture I'd receive as punishment from him.

My heart slowed down a little, the calming effect of the proximity to the classroom. Just a few more steps!

Shit!

A force yanked on my backpack, pulling me backward and stopping. I swallowed hard before turning to face said force.

Kim Taehyung. A friend turned bully. When I needed him most, he changed.

"Well hello there, Kookie," Taehyung smiled as he pushed me backward. "You were running late so I got worried."

A sarcastic pout adorned his face as he grabbed my backpack, searching for the money. I tried to look around for a savior; instead, I made eye contact with his friends down the hall. They won't help me. They don't have the guts.

"I'm sorry, Taehyung," I whispered just enough so he could hear me.

He lunged forward suddenly and held me up against the lockers by my sweatshirt. My backpack thrown to the floor and long forgotten.

I swallowed hard as his face was inches from mine. I closed my eyes, anticipating a hit.

His hand was not only holding my shirt but pushing my neck causing my breath to hitch and stop altogether.

"What did I tell you to call me?" I opened my eyes. He looked seething as I tried to breathe calmly. His friends slowly walked our way, starting to head to class.

"V," I said simply, the fear overwhelming me. I was afraid and embarrassed. People walked by and not a single person dared help.

"Now that's a good boy," He let go of me.

I dropped to the floor and gasped for breath, my body shaking from anxiety alone.

He inched closer and whispered.

"Now find the money and hand it over, wimp."

I reached into the side pocket of my backpack and felt around for the 50 dollar bill I had brought for him.

He already seems to be in a bad mood, I'm sure my shortness won't put his mood up anymore. I held the crumpled bill in my hands. There goes my lunch money for the rest of the year.

Raising, the bill to him, I kept my eyes glued to the floor as his friends passed me. I counted their feet, needing the numbers to calm me.

One. Two. Three. Four.

Four, there's only four. Where's the other?

"Only 50? I thought I said 100," He examined the bill in his hands before shoving it into his jeans. I looked up at him and noticed where his other friend went.

Jimin. Well, more so boyfriends than friends. He stood behind Taehyung, waiting for him to finish up. We locked eyes and he instantly looked away.