Kim Taehyung had his life perfectly planned-straight A's, excellent grades, a sweet boyfriend, and zero distractions. Then Jeon Jungkook walked in-dripping in ink and piercing, danger, and something terrifyingly addictive.
"You looked at me once, T...
"Taehyung!!" I hear my mom's voice echo from downstairs.
I groan softly to myself and roll out of my small, cozy bed. As I carefully tuck the corners of my bedsheet into the headboard, I take my time—savoring the moment—because this is the last morning I'll be doing this routine for months.
"Taehyung!!" she calls again, her tone sharper this time.
"I'm up!" I shout back. Downstairs, the cabinets creak open and slam shut, the familiar clatter of her rushing to prepare breakfast filling the house.
A tight knot twists in my stomach, growing heavier with each step toward the bathroom. By the time I turn on the shower, it's almost unbearable.
I've spent the last few years anxiously preparing for college—weekends buried in books and study notes, mapping out my future while my classmates were out partying, wasting their nights away.
The day my acceptance letter from Korea University arrived, I was over the moon. I'd worked for it, expected it even, but that didn't dim the thrill.
My mother sobbed for what felt like hours, and I'll admit, I was pretty damn proud of myself. All that effort had finally paid off. I'd once toyed with the idea of leaving Seoul for college, but in the end, I stayed. I like the comfort of familiarity, the safety of routines—just like my mom.
The hot water soothes my tense muscles, and I lose track of time under the steam. How long have I been standing here? Snapping out of it, I quickly wash my hair and body, dragging a razor over my legs to smooth away the faint stubble that's crept up over the weekend.
Even as a Male, I like myself clean with no regrets. Wrapping a towel around myself, I hear her voice again. "Taehyung!"
I ignore it. She's nervous about my first day at college—I get it—but I've had this day planned down to the minute for months. My boyfriend, Park Bogum, will be here soon to ride with me and my mom.
He's a year younger than me, and for the hundredth time, I silently curse his mom for holding him back a year in school. Bogum's brilliant, though—perfect grades, a sharp mind—and he'll join me at Korea University next year.
I wish he were coming with me now, especially since I won't know a soul there. All I'm hoping for is a decent roommate. That's it.
"Kim Taehyung!"
"I'm coming down, please don't yell my name again!" I call out as I descend the stairs.
Bogum's already at the table across from my mom, dressed in his usual crisp polo shirt and khakis. His dark hair is neatly combed, a soft smile lighting up his face as he spots me.
"Hey, college boy," he says warmly, standing to pull me into a tight hug. His voice is steady, comforting.
"Hey," I reply, matching his smile as he lets me go. I tug my slightly long damp hair into a messy small bun, brushing a few stray strands out of my face.
"Honey, we can wait a minute while you fix your hair," my mom says, her tone soft but laced with that familiar disapproval as her eyes sweep over me.
I nod and step toward the hallway mirror. She's right—my hair needs to look decent for today. She never misses a chance to point these things out.
"I'll put your bags in the car," Bogum offers, grabbing the keys from the table. He presses a quick kiss to my cheek before heading out, leaving a faint warmth behind.
The butterflies in my stomach flutter wildly as I walk to the car. At least I've got a couple of hours to calm them down. College is a total unknown—will I fit in?
Will I make friends? I have no idea what's waiting for me.
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