A Caged Bird | Minjoon

13

"alright, class. i've got some good news," professor kim said.

the boys were sitting in class, waiting for the bell to ring.

jimin perked up immediately, namjoon still scribbling down the last of his notes, not paying much attention to what was going on.

"i'm sure you're all aware of the poetry contest that was being held," he started, "well, i'm ecstatic to announce... the winner is actually sitting here in this room."

jimin heard whispers and mumbles around the class, bouncing in his seat, excitedly.

namjoon looked over to jimin, suddenly becoming aware of the excitement around him.

"although it doesn't surprise me, considering this man is at the top of our class, i am still very excited to announce," he started, "kim namjoon, you are the winner of the fall writing contest!"

namjoon looked up at his teacher, his mouth falling open in shock and confusion.

jimin squealed and the whole class started to applaud him.

"your poem has been submitted into the national writing contest!" their teacher announced, "i have your five hundred dollars as well, along with your certificate."

the whole class was in a stir, shocked that someone from their class had won.

namjoon just sat there, beyond confused.

he stood up from his seat and quickly walked down the steps to his teacher.

"congratulations, namjoon," he said, handing him his winnings, "i knew you had it in you."

namjoon shook his head.

"sir, there must be sort of mistake. i didn't-"

his teacher just laughed, shaking his head.

"there's no mistake here, namjoon. although, i do enjoy how humble you are."

namjoon shook his head.

"sir, i didn't-"

"you are the brilliant writer of, a caged bird, are you not?"

namjoon's eyes widened.

"i-"

and suddenly, the bell rang.

"i know it's a bit overwhelming, but don't fret, namjoon," professor kim said, walking back to his desk.

and suddenly, namjoon was being greeted with congrats and high fives from classmates he had never even spoken to.

and when areum got to him, he was greeted with a huge hug.

"you didn't tell me you entered!" she said, smiling, "that's amazing, joon! let's get dinner later to celebrate."

aruem walked off with her friend, cho, and before he knew it, jimin was by his side.

jimin was smiling big, practically gushing.

"congratulations!"

namjoon just stared blankly at the paper and money in his hands, pure confusion and embarrassment overtaking him, not believing how many people must have read his poem by now.

"t-thanks."

namjoon started walking out of the class, trying to wrap his head around everything, jimin following.

"jimin... i... i didn't enter the contest," namjoon said, once they made it out of the building, "i wasn't gonna enter. i...it wasn't me."