seduction in literature | p.jm + m.yg

02 | 451

"I've been informed that there's a transfer student in my class today," the man speaks, his eyes trained on Jimin. "Are you Park Jimin?"

Jimin nods slowly, feeling everyone's stares on him. Oh god, he hated public introductions.

"Right, I'll need to see you after this lesson to discuss about your current understanding of the subject, since you're a transfer student who has missed the first half of the year," the lecturer says, his voice smooth and warm, and Jimin oddly compares it to the blissful sound of a steady stream in a quiet forest. "We can't afford you to trail behind the class."

His words somehow sting, and Jimin shrinks back in his seat as he gives another bashful nod.

"I believe you've brought the materials needed for today's lecture?" the black-haired man questions. "We'll be starting on Fahrenheit 451." He holds up a book as he speaks, and the students start to rummage in their bags to grab the necessary materials for the lesson.

Jimin holds up the book in his hand, having purchased it in advance as briefed by the college administrator. The lecturer nods at Jimin, acknowledging the fact that he's brought his material, before walking towards the pink-haired boy. "I'm Mr Min Yoongi, but addressing me as Mr Min will suffice. I'll be your literature lecturer for the rest of the year."

"Okay," Jimin says quietly, observing the suave way the man stands.

"Remember to see me after class," the man reminds again, his eyes flickering to Jimin's hair for a moment before turning away to face the rest of the class.

That's it? Jimin wonders as he's hit with an unexplainable pang of disappointment. There is no ounce of recognition in the man's eyes when he looked at Jimin, as if the morning encounter had never happened. Jimin feels a little hurt, but he knows he has no right to, under these circumstances.

He's a teacher, Jimin. He can't just openly thank you in front of the other students for picking up his books earlier.

Still, Jimin feels incomplete.

The man settles himself behind the podium, his hand making its way to reposition the glasses sliding down the bridge of his nose. It seems to be an unconscious habit the more Jimin observes, and needless to say, he doesn't understand a single thing in class, his eyes too preoccupied on the man.

Halfway through the lesson, Jimin shudders at the slight breeze of the air conditioner, his eyes feeling droopy all of a sudden. He wants to leave for the bathroom to wash his face, but he feels utterly self-conscious about raising his hand and interrupting the flow of the lesson.

And so the shy boy waits. He waits for class to end, even though he's getting extremely comfortable by the minute. Too comfortable, in fact.

The last thing he remembers before he lets sleep take over is Mr Min's deep voice as he calls a student to the front of class to give out the worksheets.

"Jimin? Is that you?"

Jimin heard a soft gasp, before a figure rushed to grab a seat beside him, pleasant laughter leaving his lips. The brown-haired boy grabbed Jimin's shoulders, turning the sniffling boy towards him.

"It really is you!" The boy smiled brightly, but the grin left his face as quickly as it'd appeared the moment he noticed the wet streaks on Jimin's cheeks. "Wait... are you crying?"

Jimin hastily wiped his tears away, not wanting to embarrass himself in public. He internally screamed at himself for coming to an adult bar, only to sit in front of a sympathetic bartender, sobbing his eyes out as he downed the alcohol.