Time skip to 3pm,
Everyone left for home, while Y/n and Sooha went to meet the English teacher. She told them necessary details about the report and project.
English Teacher: "Remember, this project needs strong research and thorough case study, and as an output, we need a well-structured report. This report is a good chance for you both to achieve some more points in academics and scholarship, so don't hesitate to reach out if you need guidance along the way."
Y/n: "Thanks, ma'am, we appreciate it. We'll start working from today itself and make sure to keep you updated on our progress."
Sooha: "Yes, ma'am. We want to ace this project."
English Teacher: "We have to submit in 4 days, so we don't more time in hands are you sure you don't need more people for help."
Y/n: "No ma'am, we both will finish it on time."
English Teacher: (smile) "Okay then, Good luck"
With a nod, you left the teacher's room after getting the necessary details from your mentor. The corridors were now empty as everyone had headed home for the day.
Walking towards the computer lab,
Sooha: (stretching her arms) "Well, that went well. How are you feeling about the report?"
Y/n: "A bit overwhelmed, to be honest. But I think we can handle it. Let's just focus and get it done."
Sooha: (turning the pages of the file) "We got all the information we need."
Y/n: (holding her cast) "Yeah, miss covered everything. I think we're good to go. Let's start with deciding which topic we should study individually, and then we will do research."
Sooha: (confused) "Are we doing it now?"
Y/n: "Yes, obviously. We can work in the computer lab for the research part, and for the report, we can do it at home."
Sooha: (curious) "Do you really need to work here? You have your laptop at home, right?"
Y/n: "I do, but I'll be working on my laptop from home because I can't carry it around every day. Plus, the computer lab has all the resources we might need."
You both settled into the computer lab, turning on the monitor and soft clicks on the CPU while taking a seat near the computer.
Sooha: "Alright, let's get down to work. Let's distribute the report in parts. Any specific idea for the project?"
Y/n: "I was thinking of starting with the research and outlining the main points."
Sooha: "Sounds good. I'll work on gathering some reference materials."
As you both delved into your respective tasks, the atmosphere in the computer lab felt focused and productive. The silent room was replaced by the continuous tap-tap of keys and the soft mouse clicks.
Sooha: "Did you catch that part about the citation format the teacher mentioned?"
Y/n: "Yeah, I think it's APA style. I'll look it up to make sure we get it right."
Sooha: "Great. Let me know if you find any good sources."
You started typing away, occasionally glancing at the clock. The minutes turned into hours as you worked on your project.
Sooha: (yawning) "Time flies when you're buried in research, huh?"
Y/n: (stretching her shoulders) "Definitely. I've got many key points. What about you?"
Sooha: (smiling) "Got some solid references. I think we're on the right track."
Y/n: (Resting her back on chair) "I'm calling it for today. We can pick up where we left off tomorrow after school."
Sooha: (looking at the clock) "Works for me. It's already 6 pm, we should head home fast!"
You both saved the progress, shutting down your computers, and left the computer lab.
The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the path. As you walked through the quiet valley towards your homes, you felt uneasy and thought someone was following you.
You tried glancing over your shoulder but found nothing other than a dimly lit landscape and an empty road.
Sooha: "Hey, Y/n, you seem nervous."
Y/n: "Yeah, it's just... I thought I heard something, like footsteps behind us."
Sooha: (continued walking) "It's nothing. Let's go through the valley; it's a shortcut. We are already late, and it's getting dark."
Y/n: (worried) "Are you sure it's safe?"
Sooha: (noticing Y/n's unease) "Is everything okay?"
Y/n: (nervous) "I don't know, Sooha. It just feels like someone's watching us or following us since we left school."
Sooha: (looking around) "Really? I don't see anyone. Maybe it's just your imagination since you are tired."
Y/n: (nervous) "Maybe. Let's keep walking, but stay alert."
As they continued down the path, the footsteps behind them seemed to persist, and Y/n's anxiety raised.
Sooha: (whispering) "I think I hear something too. I think we should pick up the pace."
Y/n: (nodding) "Agreed."
You quickened your steps, the echo of your footsteps blended with the mysterious follower. Your heart started racing as you tried to dismiss the unease, chalking it up to the shadows and the silence of the valley at dusk.
Y/n: (muttering to yourself) "It's probably nothing. Just my imagination."
Suddenly, a distant rustle of leaves and a sharp banging sound caught your attention, and you instinctively turned around.
Y/n: (startled) "Did you hear that?"
Sooha: (whispering) "Yeah, I definitely heard something. Maybe we should find a more populated area."
You quickly headed towards the well-lit part of the valley where houses and streetlights offered some comfort.
Y/n: (looking around anxiously) "I hope I'm just being paranoid. Let's get home quickly."
Sooha: (pointing towards her house) "We have almost reached; see, my house is right there."
Y/n: (breathing heavily) "Thank god. You go first; I still need to walk ahead."
Sooha: (worried) "Relax now and go home safely. Do you want me to give you company till your house?"
Y/n: (smiling weakly) "No, it's fine. Anyway, my house is nearby, and you will have to return alone. So, it's better I go on my own. Bye."
Sooha: (worried) "Okay, take care. Bye."
You hurried back to your home, but the feeling of someone following you was not there anymore, so you were relieved.
After reaching home, the maid opened the door for you, and you saw your brothers sitting in the living room, anxiously awaiting your return. Their expressions changed from worry to relief as you entered.
Jin: "Baby, where were you? We were so worried. It's already dark."
Jimin: (concerned) "Yeah, you're usually home by now. Is everything okay?"
Jungkook: (worried) "Tell us what happened. Why are you so late?"
Suga: (noticing your heavy breathing) (worried) "Y/n, are you fine, baby? You look nervous."
Namjoon: (holding your hand) "Calm down, everyone. Let her breathe first. Baby, come here."
Namjoon led you towards the living room and made you sit on the couch, and the maid brought water for you. You took a minute to calm down and then took a sip of water.
Namjoon: "Baby, are you injured somewhere? look like you raced the marathon here. and where were you? it's too late"
Y/n: (taking a deep breath) "I'm fine, oppa. I was in school, Everything's okay, really."
Jin: (relieved) "Oh, thank goodness. You scared us. But why did you have to stay so late?"
Y/n: (taking a deep breath) (sitting on the sofa) "I'm sorry for making you worry. Our English teacher gave us a project, So Sooha and I stayed back at school to work in the computer lab."
Jin: "A project?"
Y/n: "Yes. We were so focused on our work that we lost track of time."
Suga: "But why didn't you message or call us to let us know?"
Y/n: "I didn't realize it got this late, and then I forgot. I'm really sorry."
Namjoon: "Well, as long as you're okay. Just let us know next time, okay?"
Jungkook: "Seriously, a project on the first day, unbelievable. Look, she is looking so exhausted."
Taehyung: (protective) "True, can't they see her hand is not healed yet instead of letting her rest they are giving Y/n more work."
Jhope: (thinking) "I think we should talk to her teachers about it."
Jimin: (protective) "Baby, don't worry; no need to go to the school till your hand is completely healed."
Y/n: (nervous) "Oppa, it's fine. I voluntarily accepted to do the report; Miss didn't force me. It's a big opportunity for us academically, so we're putting in the effort."
Suga: (concerned) "We're not saying you can't do it, But.... (cut)"
Namjoon: (confused) "If she wants to do it, instead of supporting her, why are you all against her decision?"
Jin: (calm) "We are not against her project, Joonie, but maybe she should wait until her cast is removed."
Jungkook: (patting your head) "And you know we'll always support you, but not at the cost of your health."
Jhope: (sighs) "We just don't want you pushing yourself too hard, Y/n. Your health comes first."
Jimin: "Exactly, and your hand is still healing. You need to prioritize your recovery."
Taehyung: (cupping your face) "Fine, just make sure you don't overexert yourself."
Y/n: (smiling) "I promise to take breaks and not strain myself. And if it becomes too much, I'll reconsider. Deal?"
Namjoon: (smiles back) (keeping a hand on your head) "Deal. Just remember, you matter to us."
Jhope: (raising an eyebrow) "Baby, but why were you panicking when you entered the house?"
Y/n: "Well, on my way home, it felt like someone was following us. Sooha and I heard weird noises in the valley, and it got a bit creepy. So, we hurried back; that's why I ran out of breath."
Jin: (concerned) "Valley? Why did you come from the valley, that too at this time?"
Y/n: (stuttering) "We.... we were late, so...(pause)"
Jungkook: (raised his eyebrow) "So?"
Y/n: (stuttering) "We took a shortcut through th.... the va......valley."
Suga: (scolding) "You know right, there have been many reported incidents in that area."
Taehyung: (scolding) "Y/n, we've told you countless times not to take shortcuts, especially through empty roads. It's riskier."
Jimin: (worried) "Yes, no matter how late you should always choose a safer route than a shorter route."
Y/n: (sad) "I'm sorry, oppa. I thought it wouldn't be a big deal. We were careful."
Jungkook: (stern) "Wouldn't be a big deal? You can't put yourself in potentially dangerous situations. Always prioritize your safety, no matter how late you are."
Suga: (sigh) "Listen, princess, we don't want to scold you, I know you are already scared. But we want you to understand the seriousness of the situation. Your safety is non-negotiable."
Namjoon: "Taking shortcuts in the dark through an area with reported incidents is not just about being late; it's about putting yourself in unnecessary danger."
Y/n: (teary eyes) "I'm sorry, oppa. I will keep that in mind."
Jhope: (soft) "It's okay, Y/n, mistakes are meant to happen. From now on, no more shortcuts, okay?"
Jin: (coming towards you) "Okay, now don't scold my baby anymore, she must be hungry, let her eat something."
Taehyung: (soft) "We love you, baby, and we just want you to be safe. Promise us you'll be more careful in the future."
Y/n: (pout) "I promise, Oppa. I'll be more careful. I'm sorry for making you worry."
Namjoon: "Yeah, it's better to be cautious. We'll make sure to look into it. For now, have dinner and get some rest, okay?"
Y/n: (smile) "Alright, I will. Thanks, oppa. Love you all."
Jin: "Love you too, sweetheart. And if don't feel safe then call us after your school, one of us will come to pick you up."
Y/n: (nodding) "No, no, I will come with Sooha. And if I feel like being followed again, I will call you."
Suga: (smile) "Alright, but make sure to inform us next time if you are staying late. Now, go get changed and join us for dinner."
You went to your room and after a few minutes came downstairs for dinner.
Next day In classroom,
You and Rose were waiting for your other friends to join in; Jay and Jake entered the class.
You and Rose were sitting at your desk, chatting and waiting for your friends to join. Jay and Jake walked in; you noticed Jake was trying to cover a big bump on his forehead through his hair.
Y/n: (worried) "Jake, what happened to you?"
Rose: (raising an eyebrow) (smirked) "Well, well, Jake? Did you run into a door, or did a bookshelf decide to attack you?"
Jake: (rubbing his forehead) (pouting) "Ask Jay, I am not gonna say a word."
Jay: (nervous) "What, me? How would I know, Jake? Spill the beans. Did you challenge a wall to a staring contest and lose?"
Y/n: (confused) "What does it have to do with Jay? Why are you both nervous? Have you both had a quarrel?"
Jake: (sighing) "How many questions are you going to ask in one breath?"
Rose: "You both tell us the truth, are you hiding something?"
Jay: (taking a seat) (cold chuckle) "Hiding something? Do you think we are Y/n who likes to keep secrets?"
Y/n: (sad) "Why are you coming at me? What did I do now?"
Jake: (changing the topic) (hitting Jay on his shoulder) "Okay, okay, you guys won't believe it. Yesterday I misjudged the height of a doorframe, and, well, this happened."
Rose: (laughing) "A doorframe? Seriously? Were you auditioning for a comedy show?"
Jay: (confused) "Ouch!!!! what was that for?"
Jake: (pointing through eyes towards you) (chuckle) "Nothing I was just teasing you."
Jay: (Notice your sad face) "Btw anyone up for some Ice-cream? I am craving something cold and sweet today"
Y/n: (small smile appearing on your face) "Would you mind if I join too"
Jay: (cold) "I never said you are not part of it, but if you don't want to join you can skip"
Rose: (slapping Jay's shoulder) "So who's gonna buy ice-cream?"
Jay: (angry) (mumbled) "why everyone is beating me today"
Jake: (nervous) "let's not waste our time let's go to cafeteria. (lightly touching the bump) I think I should apply some Ice to my forehead"
Yunjin entered the class, sitting near Rose, chimed in.
Yunjin: (joining in) "I guess I missed interesting gossip and (after looking at Jake) By the way, where did you go to practice for a Limbo?"
Jake: (rolled his eyes) "Fine, make fun of me all you want. The important thing is, how to make it disappear because of this bump, my charming face is not attractive anymore and my fangirls must be upset."
Rose: (laughing) "What fangirls? You are kidding, right?"
Yunjin: (rubbing her eyes) "I think I need glasses; my eyesight is getting poor day by day because I don't see any fangirls here."
Jay: (chuckling) "At this point, even I need glasses."
Jake: (pouting) "Yaah, you all stop making fun of me."
Rose: (getting up) "Yunjin, we are going to cafeteria to have some Ice-cream, you coming?"
Yunjin: (excited) "off course, I am always Up for deserts"
Jay winked at Jake who was smiling silently, and everyone got up to go to cafeteria. Jay was walking with his hands in pocket and Rose was holding Y/n's hand.
After spending time in cafeteria they came back to the class before lecture started and later, everyone settled in for another day of classes.