Childish | Jungkook

Chapter 14

After the play finished, the principal walked up to the front of the stage with the spotlight shining on him. He was dressed up in a suit for this occasion, drawing the festival to a close.

"Now we will announce the top 3 classes that excelled in every category during this festival," he announced and all the teachers, parents and children cheered.

"I bet Hoseok's class came in first place," Yoongi said and I agreed. The poor man worked day and night the whole week, while complaining all the time of course, just to make sure he gets the dough to spend it on his children.

"For the third place, Jungkook's Class Orchid!"

Everyone clapped, congratulating him, and he came up on stage after changing into a blue button up shirt and dark brown trousers. He wore a soft smile when receiving the trophy and prize money.

"He was welcomed into our family just recently, so I really admire his hard work and achievement," the principal beamed and gave him the microphone. "Please tell us your feelings."

"This prize, it really was what my children received, not me."

Some people aww-ed at his words, complimenting his kind nature.

"My babies," he called, searching for them in the audience, and giggled when he found them, waving with a full grin. I couldn't help but smile at that, my heart swelling at his softness.

"This is the reward for your hard work and all your efforts, my babies! I'm so so proud of you all," he shouted with trembling voice, lifting the trophy. "You're the best!"

With that, he returned the mic and walked off the stage to join his class, hugging every single one of them as they ran up to him, cheering. It was such a lovely sight that everyone couldn't help but exclaim in adoration.

"That was a nice speech, thank you, Jungkook," the principal said with a warm smile and looked at his paper. "Now. For the second place, Nain's Class Daisy!"

My eyes bulged out in surprise and I swore I couldn't bring my limbs to move for a moment until Yoongi shook my shoulders, exclaiming in happiness. "Go and get that prize, girl!"

Blinking out of my trance, I stood up and shuffled towards the stage among the applauses and cheers I was receiving.

The spotlight landed on me when I came up next to the principal and received the trophy and prize money.

"One of our best teachers, Kwon Nain," he introduced, making me flush immediately, but I cleared my throat and kept calm after taking the microphone he was handing me.

"I actually got so surprised that my class received this prize but... when I think about how hard my children worked for this festival each and every single day without complaining, without needing my help, putting in all their efforts to do their best... I am not so surprised now because this..." I looked at the trophy. "This is what they deserve and more."

I searched for my children among the hundreds of eyes on me, and smiled so big when I found them grinning at me, jumping on their seats.

"My munchkins!" I called with tears brimming my eyes, remembering how much they worked for this, and they all shouted in joy, waving. "You're the most amazing children in this world! I love you all!"

"I love you, Nain," some of them shouted back and my smile widened even more if that was possible.

I handed the microphone back to the principal and climbed off the stage before running to my munchkins and enveloping each one of them in a hug.

"Yay! We won a prize!" They cheered, giggling after gathering together next to the seats.

"Tell you what, we'll be going to that famous children's playground during this weekend!" I announced and they cheered louder this time, jumping all around the place.

I kissed every one of their cheeks and quickly walked back to my seat when the principal announced the first place winner. "Hoseok's Class Sunflower!"

"Congrats, Nain," Yoongi said with a smile and I returned it while plopping down beside him.

"Thank you."

We saw Hoseok whooping and jumping up to the stage, extra as always, and dancing briefly after receiving his prizes. He was always winning this festival competition every year.

"Ayyyyy," he yelled as soon as he got the microphone, causing Yoongi and I to laugh in unison.

"It was a really tough game this year. Every class was so amazing, so this prize is not taken for granted. My kids' hard work, efforts, sweat and tears are what made this possible. Come on to the stage!" He called for them and his children walked over to him on the stage with cheerful smiles on their faces. "Class Sunflower kiddos rule!"

Everyone applauded, cheering and whistling for them.

I let out a sigh of contentment when the principal announced the end of the ceremony.

From where I stood near the entrance of the auditorium, I waved at my children who were yelling goodbyes at me, their eyes still sparkling after their sweet victory and the long awaited promise of going to that children's playground. The parents had fond looks, seeing their children so over the moon, and thanked me before walking away with their hands holding their children's.

"Nain, congratulations, baby," Jisoo cooed and hugged me, just after I sent my last munchkin.

"Thank you, sweetie," I chuckled and pulled back. There was a hint of mischief in her doe eyes and I gestured her to spit out whatever she was trying to say.

"You're going to the after party, right?" She smirked, nudging my side.

Oh...

"I don't know," I drawled, drawing circles on the tiled floor with my sneaker. "Jaebum and I were planning to have a movie night at his place today."

Her expression suddenly changed, her eyes widening. "He's back?"

I hummed, my smile growing but the dark haired girl's face was contrasting mine.

"Eh, but you can meet him any day since he's back already... This is a once-a-year occasion, Nain, ditch him."

Her tone wasn't harsh but her words seemed cruel somehow. Maybe it was because I had been thinking about my past and the feelings I had for Jungkook since he started acting weird. It was unfair to Jaebum.

Ditching him shouldn't feel this painful.

"Don't worry about it, Nain," Jisoo spoke softly. "He should understand. Why wouldn't he? But if he doesn't feel even a little bit sad that you canceled a plan after he's back, it means he ain't a keeper."

I breathed out a short chuckle. "Joy would know that, wouldn't she? Those two are childhood friends."

"Yeah. Get some more dirt on him, Nain," she giggled, scrunching her nose.

I sighed loudly. "Fine. I'll go to the after party... for the food." The kindergarten pays the bill anyways, so might as well indulge in some good desserts.

"We all are going for the delicious food, of course," she chuckled, interlocking our arms, before walking me to my class. "Let's get your things. We're going to party till the sun comes up!"

"Woah, party animal. Since when were you into parties?"

"Since stress consumed me," she groaned, bending backwards to crack her back. "We've all been stressed this whole damn week. I bet everyone's fired up for the party."

I snorted. "Okay. Let's burn it up then."

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A/N: 👀

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