The Tutor | Jikook

Chapter 2

Jimin POV

Taking a few deep breaths to slow my breathing, I grab my water bottle and down what's left of it. I mentally groan at the fact it's empty, but I know I've got an extra one or two in my bag for later so it'll be okay.

"Jimin?" I hear a familiar voice call. Spinning on my heel to look over at the wide entrance area, I spot Ms. Lee. Surprised to see her here at the dance studio, I smile and wave at her. I quickly toss my now empty bottle and grab my bag to toss over my shoulder before heading over to her.

"Hello, Ms. Lee. How've you been? It's been quite a while." I greet with a smile, giving the older woman a hug.

"Oh it's good to see you, dear. You've definitely gotten stronger from the last time I saw you! It has been quite a while, yes. And I've been good, Jimin. How've you been though? Is school going well?" She responds happily. Continuing to smile, I nod my head.

"Still same old, same old. I should be able to finish up my dance degree next year, so I'm looking forward to it. Still busy as always though. What brings you here?" I answer politely. She gives me a bit of a sheepish smile.

"You've been looking for a second job lately, yes? I know last time we spoke, you'd said you were taking evening classes and looking for another part time job earlier in the day. Is that still the case?" She asks. I give her a knowing look, crossing my arms over my chest but nodding my head nonetheless. I watch as she breathes out a sigh of relief.

"Good. If you're willing, I've got that job for you. It wouldn't conflict with this one at all and I'd be paying you." She offers. I raise an eyebrow at her, leaning my back against the building divider.

"Just tell me what's going on, Ms. Lee." I tell her with a sigh. She too sighs, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"There's a boy in my class who's quite unhappy with his grades. He's pulling straight C's right now and desperately wants to raise them. There's just enough time left in the semester that he could raise them a lot, granting he gets the help he needs. He's not available after school hours and I wouldn't be surprised if there's some family issues that he's been trying to hide as well. He works very hard to try and do well, but I've not missed sight of the faint new bruises that he tries to hide with probably his mother's makeup. I was hoping you'd be willing to help him out and tutor the boy throughout the school day." Ms. Lee explains.

I bite my lip, looking down to my worn down shoes that are covering me feet as I think it all over. She knows she's got me for this. It'd be hard and kinda stupid for me to refuse honestly. I've been in this kids shoes before and had no one to help me.

Ms. Lee knows that too. Having been my mother's friend until she passed as well as my teacher my senior year of high school, she knows my past and my struggles. She knows I'd do anything to give back not only in terms of helping her, but by helping anyone who would ever possibly need help or even more so anyone who's possibly walking in shoes I've walked before.

"Of course I'll help, Ms. Lee. You don't have to pay me for that." I answer softly, looking up at her through my light brown hair that's dropped into my face. She gives me a smile and shakes her head though.

"Nonsense, Jimin. I know how expensive college is and I know that you've been working hard just to make ends meet. You need the money and you deserve it for helping, sweetheart." She tells me. I frown though, tilting my head to the side a bit as a thought crosses my mind.

"Ms. Lee,... do you honestly think that I'll even be able to provide him with any help? I didn't earn the grades I graduated with, and we both know that. I should've ended up with a mix of C+'s and B-'s, yet I graduated with straight A's." I remind her. She smiles at me though.

"Jimin, you and I both worked together. You knew the material and you still do. Your biggest problem by the end of the semester wasn't your knowledge of the material, but rather a problem with how nervous and worried you'd get per exam. We'd go through them together afterwards each time and you'd always be able to pick out your mistakes, saying how you always made stupid mistakes. You're perfect for the job." She informs me, still smiling in a reassuring way.

Taking a deep breath, I bite my lip and nod my head. Looking up at her, I know that if she thinks I'll be able to handle to that I can.

"Okay. What time do you want me to be at the school? Oh, and what's the kids name?" I ask curiously, forcing us to move on from the topic that picks at my insecurities.

"Be there at 7:10. Class starts at 7:30, but I should have him there to you around 7:20 or 7:25. His name is Jungkook. And, if you could, help him feel comfortable about having a tutor. He was fairly reluctant earlier and I'm sure you understand what his sentiments probably are towards needing one." She answers with a smile. Taking a deep breath, I nod my head with a small smile.

"Of course, Ms. Lee." I respond politely, forcing myself not to fidget in nervousness.

"Thank you, Jimin. I'll get going now and let you get going as well. I don't want to keep you too long and make you late for class." She says with a smile before leaving. Once she's out the door with it shut behind her, I ruffle my hair in a mixture of frustration and nervousness.

I really hope she's right about this that I can help the kid...