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singguks · 2 years

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#fighton! ✱ 2 | bts

synopsis. like every college, this one also has gossip and drama to fill the hallways, as well as lot’s of parties and games to attend. but when two of the most popular groups start to collide the whole campus goes into havoc. suddenly all eyes are on them. what will be the final outcome of this clash of clans?

📕 this is a revamp; the old archive is here

pairing. bts x oc's

genre. college au + fluff + slice of life + smut + angst

word count. 12244

warnings. mentions of drinking, kind of a forbidden making out session, driving a bit tipsy, college kids being college kids, jk is still called a virgin boy and tae is struck as a loopy head.

a/n. a belated gift to our dear sarah @investigativelewis; someone that has been there since day one of this series, and that became so much more than a character to the three of us. we are more than proud to have you as a friend and wish you—now and forever—all the best. may the universe be as kind to you as you are to everyone that goes your way. we love you ♡ happy birthday, beautiful!!

✱ chapters. #1 — #2 — #3

After getting out of Jimin and Taehyung’s dorm, Deo rushed back to her own. Her mind was in a haze, clouded with thoughts of the loopy boy as her roommate had called him. The cold wind was feeble against her blushing cheeks and once she reached the door of her room, she turned the knob as slowly as she was capable, too scared to face her best friend and whatever confession could slip from her lips, feeling a bit drunk in sleep.

Luckily for the cheerleader, her roommate was already deep in slumber. But it would only be a matter of hours before they had to speak about it. Hyori would want to know every last bit of detail about what had gone down in that small room and Deo would innocently tell her, only to regret it right after when she noticed the devilish smirk on the cunning girl’s lips. Little did she know that Hyori had already made an extremely elaborated plan on her mind, as clear as if it had been written on paper, ready to pair up her best friend with the artsy boy. It seemed pretty obvious to Hyori’s eyes how her best friend felt about the demigod on campus—a nickname everyone used to describe Taehyung—and she sure thought Deo deserved some fun after her last relationship.

The next morning, Hyori rose with the sun, a faint ray allowing some light to enter the room. Deo was sleeping peacefully on the bed next to hers and she decided to let her enjoy it for a little longer.

It was routine—something Hyori adored and needed in her life. Every morning she would wake up early to jog. The sound of the birds and the first hours of the day when the sun presented itself made her feel at peace. When she didn’t feel like running, she would just go to the rooftop of their dorm, book in hand, earbuds plugged in, and her thermos with steaming black coffee in it. She would enjoy the quiet before having to rush to class, mind already in a fuss, too focused on the things she had to memorize.

The contrary of serenity, though, was apartment 303. They would rise much later, of course, as the people that lived in it were somewhat lazy. The incessant whistle the kettle kept making on the stove was annoying Carolina, that wrinkled her forehead as she appeared in the room. The chef—Jin—had just finished taking the last slices of bacon off the pan and onto his plate when a sleepy Carolina swooped it right from his hand, a lazy but smart smile spread across her face.

“YA!” Jin screamed at her. “That’s my breakfast!” He whined making the girl let out a chuckle.

“Why do you need two plates then?” Despite having just woken up, she had noticed the two dishes before stealing what was soon to be hers.

“Not arguing with you, Captain Hook.” Jin dismissed in laughter as once he looked over his shoulder, Carolina had her right eye closed, sleepiness and the brightness that came from the window right on top of the sink being too much to handle in the morning. Her sleeve was covering her entire arm, the only thing visible was the end of the fork in her hand.

“Argh, I guess,” Her voice came out even raspier than expected, and the pirate roleplay was made in complete lack of strength.

The two were a handful to deal with. Especially in the morning. And their friends were well aware of it. Considering their personalities, it would prove itself extremely challenging for any of the two to be able to find such good housemates as they were to each other. Jin was a quirky guy, to say the least. And Carolina… well, she was even worse than him. They would have the funniest yet more questionable interactions—including Jin’s curiosity for bras and their exquisite engineering, to Carolina’s habit of enjoying walking around in her underwear and contemplating her entire existence at 3 am with her head hanging from the couch, legs pointed up to the ceiling. They were a match made in heaven.

One person that would pass their vibe check if their paths were to cross was Hoseok. He is the life of the party. Scratch that. Simply saying that seems insulting to his whole persona. He’s the life of everything. Everywhere he went, people knew and appreciated him as he was always cheerful and upbeat. When he wasn’t, something bad was about to happen… And today seemed like a dark cloud had been hovering over his head.

Truth be told, he had started his day chipper as always. He was especially excited after receiving an email from his boring teacher indicating to the students that she was sick and, therefore, there would be no class to attend. In so, he would be able to spend more time with his sister, Jiwoo. He was supposed to have breakfast with her and then rush to class. But with luck on his side, he would be able to spend the entire morning with her.

They had this tradition for a long time now. Every two weeks they would set a date and have breakfast together. Mostly to catch up and check on each other. As a kid, Hoseok considered his sister his best friend. She was a bit older than he was, yes, but he knew there was no one else in the entire world that would understand him as she does.

It was an understatement to say that when Jiwoo moved to the States to study fashion design, Hoseok went through a rough time. So, when she came back after her first year, she managed to convince her parents to move back with her in the fall, promises of the American dream rolling from her tongue like a magic spell. And although Hoseok’s family wasn’t exactly close to the UCBL campus, Jiwoo had a provider nearby and would take the opportunity to see her little brother even if just for 30 minutes.

“No, no, no, no!!!” Jiwoo slammed her fists on the iron round table they were sitting in.

“Oh boy, what now?” Hoseok whined, eyebrows raised and eyes slightly widened.

All he had to hear from his sister’s lips for the past half hour were complaints. One right after the other. And it was bringing his mood down.

There was this fashion show later on that night. It was on a venue near campus and Jiwoo saw her brother as the perfect image of free labor. He had been more than happy to help her when she came to him. Hoseok had set flyers all over campus “MODELS NEEDED!” in big bold letters, easily offuscating the small text that referred to the lack of payment for the participants. He had even convinced some of his close friends and some people from his dance club to model and help backstage. He had proved to have been taking his major in Communication seriously, as he had been the perfect recruiter for the job Jiwoo had put him to do.

“I am two models short.” She was close to having a breakdown. “Where am I supposed to find two guys to model in time for tonight?”

Hoseok sighed. First, the catering team had canceled because of a double booking. Then, one of her orders wasn’t going to be on time. And now the models… “Why?”

“Food poisoning.” Jiwoo rolled her eyes, a loud sigh leaving her lips as she sank into her seat. “Who eats shrimp the night before a show?!”

“Unprofessional, unpaid models?” Hoseok suggested, gaining a glare from his sister. “Let me make some calls.”

“Please.”

Jimin’s phone rang and rang, the intense buzzing feeling like an earthquake was going down right beside his bed.

“Jimin-ah!” Hoseok’s strident voice sounds too loudly in the quarterback’s ear. He moves the phone away from his face, light blinding him before he can check the time on the screen. “Are you there?”

He hums. “What’s going on?”

“You don’t have practice tonight, do you?”

“Practice?” Jimin speaks slowly. “No.”

“Ah perfect!” Hoseok lets out an excited laugh. If Jimin wasn’t so sleepy, he could almost imagine the oldest boy clapping. “Jiwoo, I got you one!”

“What are we doing?” Jimin’s voice is low but he sees Taehyung’s covers begin to move. “Ya— what mess are you putting me through this time?”

“It involves your friend Lewis. So, don’t worry!”

Hoseok keeps on laughing and Jimin is extremely confused. By now, Taehyung is supporting his body on his elbows, a confused look on his features, and his messy hair covering most of his eyes. “Hobi—”

“Do you know anyone else that might be free tonight?”

“What are you talking about? Free for what? You’re not making any sense.” Taehyung mouths some words to Jimin but he can’t understand what he’s trying to say. Instead, he puts his hand out of the cover motioning for a stop, signaling for him to wait.

“Jimin-ah! Whoa— you’re being a terrible friend now. Will you let me explain? I always help you.” Hoseok knows exactly how to manipulate his friend. Out of his group, Jimin is the easiest to persuade. “I can’t believe—”

Jimin sighs, interrupting him. “What do you need?”

“A model. For my sister’s show. Remember? I told you about it weeks ago. Hyo and Deo are helping backstage. Jungkook, too. You’re the only one that hadn’t said a thing yet.”

Jimin hums again. “Wait—” he takes the phone away from his ear. “Do you want to model tonight?”

“Model?” Taehyung tilts his head, a pout forming on his lips as he thinks. “Sure.” He comes up with the answer just a second after.

“Tae can do it, too.”

“Ah!” Hoseok lets out an excited squeal. “Perfect! Thank you!” And he immediately hangs up.

“What a weirdo…” Jimin says more to himself. “Let’s sleep some more.”

Turning his back to his best friend, Jimin’s deep sigh is the last thing Taehyung hears before seeing his covers slowly moving up and down with every breath he takes. On the other hand, he had already woken up and was far too excited to sleep more. So instead, he decides to take a shower, before texting his friends about where to meet.

As usual, Jin was too lazy to go out, the same as Yoongi, that had made the utmost effort just to get on the elevator and knock on the door of his friends’ apartment. Just a floor above his. That’s why Taehyung saw himself once more leaving campus to go meet them at the 303 apartment—or as they called it, three three.

“Can someone please cook me something to eat?” Taehyung pleaded as he entered the place. “I’m starving…” He had a pout on his face while looking at the open kitchen, spacing out completely.

“Sit down, I’ll make you something.” Jin came towards him, still in pajamas.

“Where’s the rest?” Taehyung asked sitting on the couch next to Yoongi who watched attentively a basketball game playing on the tv.

“Namjoon is on his way and Carolina is showering.” He mumbled.

“On his way from where?”

Yoongi sighed, “I don’t know.”

And Taehyung’s eyes fell again on the screen before them.

Truth was, no one ever knew where Namjoon would go to. Each day it was a different place. Out of all of them, he was the most interested in going out and seeing new things. Either biking, on foot, or by public transportation. There was always somewhere new to see according to him.

Sometimes Taehyung would follow, others Carolina would. Especially if he was on his way to a museum or anything arts-related. But rarely Yoongi and Jin. Those two were more the stay-at-home type unless they needed to do something that required going out. Or if they had a party to go to or a gathering between them in some pub late at night to attend.

“Should we do a movie sess tonight?” Carolina appeared in the living room, towel in hands and hair still wet from her shower.

“There’s that new marvel movie!” Jin said loudly while turning the pancakes on the frying pan. “Taehyung, come. Pick a plate.”

“Ok!” the girl cheered excitedly turning on her heels to dispose of her towel in the bathroom. “Should we order tonight?” Her voice echoed inside the room.

“I can cook you guys something…” Yoongi commented casually.

“Do those snacks too—” Taehyung added and while sitting on the table to start eating his freshly made pancakes he fished out his phone inside his pocket since it was vibrating incessantly. “What is it.” He said more than asked, mouth ready to be stuffed with a piece of the hot dough. “Mhmm— Let me think,” He mumbled.

“Who is it?” Jin asked curiously.

“Jimin,” He answered. “No. I was just talking to Jin, not you.”

Hearing that, Carolina got out of the bathroom like a meerkat, going to sit with her legs crossed next to Yoongi. Whenever Jimin called Taehyung out of the blue there was always a change of plans. And although she was very much for spontaneity, she sometimes wished he could just say ‘no Jimin, not today’. Not that she didn’t like him, or had anything against him, he was just the polar opposite to her when it came to social interactions. He was part of the jocks, and she had no patience for show-offs—that was what she had concluded to herself after some mild interactions with them on her first week on campus and well, her whole life experience with Jimin.

“How would you like to be a model tonight? I know you liked posing for the photography club that time we needed,” Taehyung looked at Jin waiting for his response, cellphone on his chest so Jimin wouldn’t hear the unnecessary dialogue.

“Ah… Not today, I feel too tired even to move,” He dismissed sitting on the table across from him. “I’ve already made you pancakes, have mercy on me and stop making dog eyes.”

Taehyung sighed, eyes pleading.

“Yoongi, he’s making dog eyes. Quick, take a photo!” Jin did what he did best—create a distraction.

“It’s called puppy eyes,” Yoongi corrected.

“Sorry, bro…” Taehyung put the phone back in his ear, ready to apologize for not being able to help Jimin this time when he heard a bang from the front door making him turn on his chair.

“Guys look what I bought!” Namjoon strode in excitedly with a bucket hat all made of jeans patchwork. “It was so cheap too!”

“Woah, Nam!” Carolina exclaimed getting up on the couch to have a closer look at the piece since the boy was way taller. “That looks so good!”

A smirk appeared on Taehyung’s face as a brilliant idea popped into his head.

“Jimin-ah, I got your back.” He said simply. “What time should we be there?” As he asked everyone looked at him alarmed. “Mhum, see ya!” And he hung up.

There was a brief pause as he resumed eating his pancakes as if nothing had happened.

“Care to tell us where exactly are we going without wanting?” Namjoon asked knowing he was about to regret it.

“Oh, there’s this show tonight—fashion show,” He said while munching, all very casually. “I have to be a model because Jimin asked and now he said they were still short on one so I said I would take another guy.”

“But I just told you I don’t want to.” Jin chuckled quite appalled but feigning otherwise.

“I know,” Taehyung explained, and Yoongi and Carolina were already bitting down their laughter. Knowing Taehyung, the boy would just have his way and Jin would be forced to go. “I’m taking Namjoon instead.”

“You what?” Both Jin and Namjoon asked in completely different tones. While the latter kept his mouth agape, Jin joined the laughter that exploded in the room.

Carolina and Yoongi weren’t able to contain their amusement towards the whole situation.

“You have a great build, bro,” Taehyung commented doing a thumbs up, in all seriousness.

Namjoon looked behind him in hopes any of the two would just tell him this was all a joke but Carolina and Yoongi weren’t even looking at him. She kept laughing and hitting softly on Yoongi’s arm while he was just leaning back on the sofa having the time of his life.

“You always see the Victoria Secrets show Namjoon-ah, it can’t be very different!” Jin added.

“Oh, I sure hope it will be very different. Starting from not going in underwear.” The taller boy stated still processing everything making Taehyung almost choke on his food and a series of laughter filled the room once again.

Carolina’s phone begins to ring right at that moment, and a smile forms on her lips as she reads the name of the caller on the screen. Getting up from her spot next to Yoongi, she doesn’t address the curious look he gives her, as she steps away from the living area where everyone kept talking excitedly.

“Lu! Talk to me!”

“Did you or did you not forget about class today? I bet yes.”

“Oh, shit!” She takes a glance at the clock on the wall, eyes squinting as she tries but fails to check the time. “I’ll be there in like— 20 minutes!”

“I’ll save you a seat, Cici… Hurry up.” The girl laughs on the other end before hanging up.

Carolina returns to the living room in a rush. “Guys, I gotta go. I’m super late. But someone please text me about our plans for later.”

“Wha- wheb are you gon?” Taehyung asks, mouth full and barely a word coming out recognizable, as he had just started chewing the last piece of pancake.

“Wait for me.” Yoongi lazily gets up from the couch.

“You’re leaving too?” Jin asks quickly.

“A friend asked me to do some arrangements in one of his songs.”

“And where are you going, missy?” Taehyung asks again to the girl already by the door, this time clearer. She was trying to wear her shoes but kept failing as she was so hurried.

“To class!” And finding Yoongi right by her side, she makes a peace sign with her fingers before closing the door behind her, left shoe still halfway on her foot.

Yoongi goes down to the lobby floor of the apartment with Carolina to see her off, before going right back up to the peacefulness of his home and the comfort of his couch. Friday was his best day because he didn’t have any classes nor needed to go to campus. He used to go there on purpose to cover his shift on the radio. That was until during one of the dean’s monthly meetings, his colleague, Taeha, had offered to cover his shift in exchange for him covering an extra one for her. It was rare the times they met each other, the different schedules making the two walk the corridors of UCBL at completely different times.

Carolina, on the other hand, had to rush to campus so she could be able to attend her class. Lu—nickname for Luiza—the girl that had called her, was one of her closest friends. They didn’t go as back as childhood, but they met somewhere around middle school and their quirky personality and similar hobbies made them stick together ever since. Unfortunately, they got into university around different times, one right off the bat and the other a few months later, otherwise they would have been roommates. Lu didn’t live far away though, she had rented a loft to live by herself over two blocks from Carolina’s apartment with Jin.

Luiza was already inside, the seat next to her being occupied by her newest tote bag, a giant hand surrounded by little daisies painted on it, saving the seat for her friend as she had promised. Classes with her usually flew by easier as they always had something to talk about or simply spend their time doodling together while somewhat listening to what the teachers were saying. Carolina had a hard time focusing on more theoretical classes and that was why her second period was making it harder for her eyes to stay open.

So, as she usually did whenever a class began to be too boring for her to stay awake, she walked the path to one of her favorite places. It wasn’t even near her class but with each passing day, it felt more and more like she was closer to finding out who was the mystery person behind all the doodles and messages in that broom closet on the fourth floor of the art department building. She had been manifesting such a thing happening since her third trip there.

“Oh-” As soon as she swings the door open, she is faced with a ginger man, a cigarette in between his lips, and a whiteboard black marker in his hand. “Hey.”

“Do you need something? A broom, perhaps?” The way he lifts his eyebrows makes Carolina mimic his action, the accent that rolled from his lips sounded heavenly to her.

“No thanks,” She smiled at his sarcasm. “Too bad, you just missed witching hour.” She steps inside, the door closing behind her. “So…”

And the man looks at her amused as she sits next to him unceremoniously. Their legs brush against one another, for the box they are sitting in is hardly big enough to accommodate the two of them.

“I presume you’re the artist behind those drawings?” The girl confidently asks with a small smile on her lips as her hand points to the correspondence marked on the walls.

“You presume correctly, yes,” A raspy laugh escapes his lips. “I was just finishing answering you.” The smirk on his face and the way his eyes shifted let her know he wasn’t certain about what he was presuming—more, like guessing.

The intrigued look on Carolina’s features only comes to prove his theory. “And who are you exactly?”

“I’m Ben— Ben Hayes. You?” He puts his hand out for her to take.

“Carolina,” But instead, she crosses her arms, eyeing him up. “Jones.” He chuckles at her action, using his hand to brush his locks back.

“Shouldn’t you be in class… Carolina Jones?” She can’t help the smile on her lips at the way her name sounds in his accent, the mocking intent getting lost in the tension in the room.

“Shouldn’t you?” She scoffed, eyebrow-raising immediately.

Truth was that both of them had classes to attend. But Benjamin’s case was a little bit more apprehensive compared to Carolina’s. He had been hired as a substitute teacher as Miss Finning, the Arts and History teacher, had left on maternity leave. He was certain that by the end of the semester he would be long gone as had always happened before. Starting his career in his hometown, Liverpool, he had been constantly jumping from school to school, until where he was now—UCBL.

Carolina, on the other hand, was clueless about the status of the man beside her as she flirted and he reacted in all the right ways. She would run away at the sight of a serious relationship since she wasn’t interested in something like that at this point in her life. But if something presented itself to her as a good time, she was sure as hell taking it. Nothing but harmless flirting. Two attractive people in the same room… That’s bound to happen.

The two spent some time in the closet, mostly doodling and commenting on the previous interactions they had. Carolina sure was glad to leave her class when she did. Had it been a minute later, Ben would have been long gone and she would have to wait yet some more until their meeting. Perhaps they would never meet at all.

“Sorry,” Carolina stands up from the box she was still sitting in as her phone started ringing. Yoongi. And she mentally curses him for interrupting the moment. “I have to take this.”

“No worries,” Ben also gets up. “I have to go either way. But you know where to find me, Carolina Jones.”

She smirks, eyeing the Brit as he walks down the hallway. Fearing Yoongi would eventually hang up on her, she picks up. “Yoongs,”

“What took you so long?” She hears him complain cheerfully, on the other end.

“You just interrupted the moment of the year, Min Yoongi!”

“What moment?”

“Remember the guy I was after? The doodle guy from the broom closet?” She said lowly looking at the corridor to check if someone was eavesdropping on her.

“What about him?”

“I met him just now and then you called and he left—Argh! He’s absolutely my type. And Brit! With freckles! Can it get more perfect than this?!” She rambled, way too excited.

“Huh.” He let out surprised. “Good for you, I guess! That’s– Yeah.”

“But what were you calling for? Is everything alright?” She asked worriedly. Yoongi wasn’t one to call.

“You asked us to let you know about the show tonight… Remember?” He chuckles while explaining. “Namjoon says to be there by seven. That way we can get good seats.”

“Alright! We goin’ with you?”

“Nah, Jin is driving today.”

“Ok, see you later, Yoongs!” And she hung up as soon as he mumbled in agreement.

The phone call ends and Yoongi is left confused, laptop on top of his legs as he whispers something under his breath remarking his curiosity over Carolina’s new love interest. They didn’t talk much about their love lives with each other, but he couldn’t help but want to know who the guy was.

“What’s up? Everything good?” Jungkook asked, catching Yoongi off guard as he sits on the opposite end of their couch, cereal bowl in hand.

“Yeah, just… a weird conversation.” Yoongi chuckles. “I didn’t even know you were home.”

“I slept until now. Stayed up playing overwatch.” Jungkook confesses. “Is everything okay, though?”

Yoongi doesn’t notice the interest in Jungkook’s eye. The little he had heard from the conversation made his interest peak. “Yeah.”

But the older guy isn’t easy to crack. So, remembering the words that Hyori and Deo often say to him, he decides to just ask. “That was Carolina, right? You guys having problems?”

“What?” Yoongi can’t help but laugh. “Why would we have problems?”

“Aren’t you, like— A couple, like… Dating?”

“What? No.” Yoongi marvels at his question. “But apparently she’s going out with someone…” That last part came more like a whisper to himself, as if his thoughts had managed to free from his mind. Jungkook took notice but preferred to not say anything, nodding instead as he took a spoon full of cereals to his mouth.

In reality, Jungkook was only up because he had remembered to put an alarm on his phone. When he woke up, he already had a bunch of calls from the oldest and the two girls who were most likely at the venue of Hoseok’s sister’s show, helping set everything up. With his phone on silent, the show would’ve ended and he would still be in bed sleeping. Texting a quick omw, he rushes off, saying goodbye to his housemate that was still plastered on the couch working on the song of his friend.

“It’s not rocket science, trust me,” Hyori spoke sarcastically to Jimin. The boy was sitting on a plastic table that seemed like it could break at any moment, while Hyori was stacking water bottles on top of it. “I would know.”

“So many things could go wrong, though,” Jimin whined.

“And so many others if you don’t act upon it. Isn’t it better to regret something than dwell on what could’ve been?”

“Hmmm…” Jimin pressed his lips together. “I think I would rather talk to Deo.”

“Yeah, yeah— you can run but you know I’m right!” The girl yells, watching the quarterback look for his best friend.

Jimin had been fidgety ever since arriving at the venue with Taehyung and Namjoon. The two boys were quick to leave him alone since they had to be fitted into the outfits they were supposed to wear later that night. Jiwoo was waiting for them by the entrance, a somewhat scary smile on her face, that Hoseok tried to excuse as the jitters. Luckily for the two replacements, Jiwoo’s assistant, Nari, had everything under control.

Pacing back and forth, Jimin could’ve sworn that he saw the girl he had been stalking on social media arriving at the venue when he did. She was his type, no doubt. But the thought of him not being hers left him sweating.

“Bepeu,” He got back to whining as he noticed the small girl peeking through the curtains that lead to the stage. Immediately, she straighten herself, a smile appearing on her lips as she walked toward him. “What were you doing?”

“Me?” Deo pouted, looking around. “Oh, just seeing if Jungkook was here yet.”

“He texted me a little while ago. He’s already on his way.”

“That’s good. Hobi’s close to losing his mind with this.” She chuckled. “What’s up?”

“Have you seen who’s here?” Jimin started smartly.

“You mean Lewis, the newspaper girl? Have you seen what she’s wearing?” She teased Jimin. “You’ll lose it, for sure.”

“Do you think I should talk to her?” The way he fidgeted with his fingers showed how nervous he was.

“Yes,” Deo said firmly. “But after the show. You can have some of that liquid luck so it’ll give you the push you need.”

“But wha—”

“No, no.” She placed her index finger on his lips. “Liquid luck.”

“What liquid luck? Are you talking about Harry Potter?” Jungkook popped out of nowhere.

“No, nerd. We mean booze!” The girl spoke excited, hands in the air. “I really need some, too.”

“You seen Jack?” Jimin asks, a little afraid to speak.

“We could continue with the theme and just go with he-who-should-not-be-named.” Jungkook snorted.

“Yeah.” Deo squinted her eyes at Jungkook, completely ignoring his comment. “He’s in the dressing room. Never wanted to take pics and now look at him— modeling.” She scoffed.

“I’ll make sure to take horrible shots of him,” Jungkook said seriously.

“And I’ll rough him up in practice.” Jimin smiled.

“Deal.” Deo smiled evilly. “Now, you need to go get dressed and you need your camera.”

Minutes later, Jiwoo was climbing up on the runaway, microphone in hand as she said a few words to everyone that had come. Unexpectedly, the room was full and through the bright lights shining on the stage, she could even see some people standing up by the back of the space. Jungkook was already in the middle of the crowd, snapping pics of Jiwoo and trying to scout the best angles to shoot the models that were about to make their entrance.

“You look badass.” Hyori gushed next to Hoseok, as Nari finished adjusting the accessories around his neck.

“Thank you.” He gave her a nervous smile.

“Don’t you think, Nari?”

“Definitely.” The fashionista gave him a confident smile. “You are ready to go.”

“Break a leg!” Hyori said excitedly.

“Hey, can you help me out with the other models? Please~ Just until Jiwoo gets back?” The assistant almost pleaded to Hyori, looking somewhat scared with all the quick decisions she had to make. The both of them had been friends since early on, when they were paired on a field trip to the beach, barely five years old. Hyori could still remember how Nari looked back then, with a cute pixie cut and lots of colorful hairpins securing her bangs.

“Of course, Nana!”

Both girls go down the line of models, making small adjustments to their outfits. That was until Hyori noticed a familiar face. It was Jimin’s best friend, the loopy one, Taehyung. Nari was quick to find the scarf he had wrapped around his belt, fixing it so it looked perfect. Hyori gave him a small smile, before stepping to the boy next to him.

“Hey, I’m Namjoon.” The guy smiles at her as she looks up to meet his face.

“Hyori,” She smiles back. “How are you feeling?”

“A bit nervous, actually.” He scratched the back of his neck, seeing the line getting smaller and smaller.

“Just try to have fun!” The girl offers him a confident smile and Namjoon somehow feels a bit at ease.

“The things we do for friends.” He chuckles.

“Totally!”

Before they can continue their conversation, Nari calls Hyori again, needing her help instantly. Jungkook was in the crowd, snapping pictures of the models, the colorful pieces of clothing almost bringing the shots to life. On the other side of the runaway, he could see Yoongi and the rest of his group. They begin cheering as soon as Taehyung walks through the curtains, rocking a pink suit full of colored ribbons attached to it that floated in the air as he made his way, and he snaps a shot of the group before returning his focus to the clothes.

Jungkook had never attended one of these events before, but something about the dim lights over the crowd that kept chatting seemingly silently due to the loud music, and the way their cellphone cameras kept flashing from time to time, made him enjoy the moment way more than he had predicted. He liked underground stuff. And contrary to what he thought, this was nothing like he had pictured initially in his mind. It was way cooler and aesthetically pleasing. Every ounce of space, color, silhouette, and light was captured by his quick fingers and his sharp eye.

Something that caught his attention as well, was his housemate. When Namjoon walked past the black curtain separating backstage from the actual event, the atmosphere felt like shifting. He was used to seeing him around campus, plus 24/7 back at their apartment. Namjoon was clumsy. But the way he moved and strode on the catwalk was powerful. Full of charisma.

As he photographed one of the best shots he ever took, his tall roommate up close, back facing him and side profile showing—a movement shot that could be even considered lucky—another girl entered the stage. And so on, more color and flowing cloth filling the place.

The show goes smoothly and Hoseok can finally breathe as Jiwoo gets back up on stage, thanking everyone that came. Despite being the youngest of the siblings, he has a sense of responsibility he constantly puts on his shoulders, having to make sure everyone around him is their happiest self.

Soon enough, people start exiting the venue, and Taehyung and Namjoon rush off to find their friends who remained sitting on the spots in the front row. Compliments fly, even from Yoongi, and Jin can’t help but tease Namjoon about how much of a professional model he seemed.

“What’s up, guys?” Jimin approaches the group, already wearing his regular clothes. “Jiwoo said we have the venue for the rest of the night so she was thinking about an after-party. You in?”

He doesn’t look directly at Taehyung, instead, his eyes roam the little circle of people until he reaches his friend again.

“Free drinks?” Jin laughs. “Count me in.”

“Yeah, we should celebrate Namjoon’s first time.” Taehyung squeezes his friend’s shoulder and he immediately blushes.

“I-” Namjoon stutters, trying to form a sentence.

“Be proud, man,” Taehyung adds.

“Your performance was way above average, Nam.” Carolina joins in on the tease wagon.

Jimin chuckles at the situation. Taehyung’s friends had a different atmosphere surrounding them when compared to his group of friends. They seemed fun. Quirky even but nice. “Let’s go!” He said, and while leading them towards the rest of the crowd he started wondering why he had never been close to this group too.

Still backstage helping organize the clothes the models had left behind, and the rest of the equipment used for the night, Hyori kept glancing over at her best friend, hoping she would notice her curiosity.

She had been dying to know what went down in Jimin’s dorm last night, but with all the rush from the event throughout the day and the million errands she offered to do just to ease Hoseok’s agenda, she had little to no time to ask Deo about it.

“If you keep at it you will carve holes in my forehead.” The strawberry-blonde girl came toward her with a card box full of empty bottles in her hands. “What is it?”

“Oh, nothing much…” Hyori shrugged, acting coy as her attention laid on the clothes she was folding. “Just thinking about that thing you forgot to tell me.”

“What thing?” Deo snorted, amused with the act her friend was playing.

She had been dodging the subject all day long, knowing perfectly that once she told her roommate, Hyori would start hearing bells, a magical agenda appearing in her hands as she became instantly ready to plan their wedding.

Hyori glared at her, pressing. There was a second of silence shared between them before Deo finally rolled her eyes, a smile spread across her lips as she crossed her arms defensively.

“Ok, fine!” She exclaimed. “It went ok, I think? We just watched a movie…”

“The three of you watched a movie?” The dark-haired girl retorted incredulously.

“Yes. In bed.” Deo smirked, noticing how Hyori’s eyes widened. “And then we talked for a bit.” Deo paused spacing out for a brief moment, reviving some flashes, “He actually offered some… nice advice?”

“Wait a second.” Hyori motioned with her hands. Her eyebrows furrowed, eyes lost. “So you’re telling me that you went to talk to Jimin… But then ended up watching a movie with him and Loopy and he even offered you advice?”

“Yup,” Deo said simply, beginning to walk away with the box she had still in her hands.

“What about? The advice.” And Hyori followed suit, the table she had been tending to, being left behind.

“Ya’ know— life.”

Hyori scoffed, a somewhat irritated look on her face as her friend had decided to play smart. “I see.” But the conversation was far from over. Hyori would simply wait for the right time to bring it back up.

The sudden after-party wasn’t so packed but the people that stayed behind to attend it were quite excited and in the mood to have fun. So much so, that Jiwoo asked through the mic that was still on if there was a possible DJ amongst the guests. Needless to say, Yoongi was immediately pushed by his friends to do it.

Jimin had stayed close to Taehyung and his group of friends instead of searching for his own. The more he talked to them the more he liked doing so.

“Yeah, and he’s going to be big, I’m sure of it.” Taehyung gushed over the fact that Yoongi was going to make it in the music industry. They had started talking about the underground musician once he went to the stage to fill in the spot of DJ of the night.

“You’re also on the arts field?” Namjoon asked Jimin.

“I’m a performative arts major, yeah…” He answered, whiskey glass hiding his smile as he went for a gulp of the liquid.

“You could do a collab with Yoongi, Jimin-ah!” Taehyung exclaimed excitedly with the possibility. “He has a nice voice too!” He added to the others and Jimin laughed embarrassed.

“Oh really?”

“It’s not like they have the same vibe though,” Carolina said suddenly and Jimin’s smile started to fade. Jin looked at her intrigued since it wasn’t of her character to act unpleasantly like that, and made a mental note to ask her privately what that was about. “But never say never, am I right?”

“Don’t be like that,” Taehyung tried to brush it off but Namjoon interrupted him trying to change the subject.

“Is it like— Hard to train for it while being part of the football team?” He asked, grabbing Jimin’s attention and making the mood light again.

Carolina and Jimin went way back. She had known the boy ever since he and Taehyung started attending the same class in middle school. They were quick to become best friends and that meant having Jimin every day after classes playing with the both of them in the Kim’s family backyard.

At first, they were fine with each other. Jimin had always been like a second bigger brother to her, much like Taehyung. He paid attention whenever she was struggling and he was always there to help.

That was until he turned nine, and she was almost eight. They went to school together for a while because Taehyung had been sick with chickenpox. And one of those times, Carolina was excitedly leaving her classroom to meet Jimin at the recess, as they had been into basketball and he had promised to teach her some moves, but she came to a halt. She had overheard Jimin’s classmates teasing him about hanging out with a girl—her.

“Jimin likes Carolina!” The boys teased him.

“No, I don’t.”

“Jimin and Carolina sitting on a tree—” They pressed further.

“I just said I don’t!” Jimin burst all of a sudden. “She’s the one liking me.” He confessed and strode full of confidence towards the playground, his friends following right behind, excitedly laughing at the newfound information.

Carolina was hurt at the time. She liked him as a brother, just as much as she liked Taehyung. And on her point of view, Jimin had just made fun of her to those idiotic boys. She didn’t meet him at recess that day, nor she had gone back home with him like they always did.

From then on, she had just put up with his presence, never too close never too far. Just like sitting on top of a wall, unable to make a move. And Jimin never really paid much mind to the act, in his head she was just growing up—same as him—so it was normal for them to drift a bit apart.

Things got decisive over high school. By then he was already a football player, and perhaps the most popular guy in school. He and Taehyung had always had girls after them. Being invited to all the parties was just a common thing, so one day, as Taehyung begged Carolina to attend one with him, things shifted.

For starters, the party owner was one of the football guys—a close friend of Jimin—and in Taehyung’s ingenuity, instead of asking Jimin first if he could bring Carolina, he had just invited the girl without paying much mind. In his head, it was ok as she had always hung out with them. But as Jimin’s friend got to know of it, he clarified the party was only for girls their age or older. It wouldn’t be cool to have a youngster among them, he had said.

Jimin had called Taehyung that day, as he was sitting on her puff watching her apply mascara on her lashes to the sound of Spice Girls. Little did he know, he was on speaker. And before Taehyung could do something about it, all embarrassed for ruining the day, Carolina had already overheard everything. Again.

From that day on, she had it clear in her mind that she and Jimin belonged to very different social circles. He wasn’t the sweet boy that had cared for her anymore. And to her, he would never be. So it was fair to say that she would always be a bit bitter to him, heart damaged from the mean comments he had made throughout their early days.

“A DJ and a model? Man, my housemates are about to be famous.” Jungkook jokes as he appears next to Namjoon and Jin. “You were great out there, man.”

Namjoon can’t help but laugh, a weak attempt to hide his flustered cheeks. “Thanks.”

“How could a loser find such cool people to share the house with?” Carolina doesn’t meet Jungkook’s eyes but she feels them burning holes in her head, the smile on her lips widening.

“Right? I ask myself that every day.” Jin pinches her sides, making her scoff at the sudden offensive attack.

“You wouldn’t be able to survive a day without me.” She speaks, with a smug smile as she crosses her arms over her chest.

“She does have a point there.” Jin shrugs. “Were you the service photographer? Did you get any good shots of me?”

“So he comes to photograph the catwalk but ends up photographing the audience instead?” Namjoon cracks, “What is this?” And they all laugh.

“I’ll have to check if I got you in any.” Jungkook keeps laughing at Seokjin’s quirkiness. “But I did get some good ones of Namjoon.”

“Please, delete them all.”

“No way!” Jungkook and Jin say at the same time.

“Such a moment needs to be eternalized with framed printed pictures.” Jin continues. “I’ll even add one right next to the kink list on the fridge.” He says, sipping his colorful drink, pleased.

The way Jin speaks so nonchalantly almost makes Jungkook spit his drink. “Your what?”

“A kink list, virgin boy.” Carolina gets in the conversation again. “Anyways— You’re such an open mouth, Seokjin” She glares at her roommate and he pretends to not hear the last part, way too worked up at the thought popping in his head all of a sudden.

“Wait— Are you…? Nah.” Jin laughs, his cheeks suddenly flustered from what he was about to ask.

“Can we see the pictures, though?” Namjoon gets Jungkook’s attention from what was soon to be a very uncomfortable moment.

“Sure. I’m supposed to bring the camera home and make some adjustments for Jiwoo but I can separate yours at the same time.” The night’s photographer speaks cooly. “Who convinced you to do this, by the way? It doesn’t seem like the Namjoon I know.”

“Taehyung, man…” Namjoon sighs, his eyes meeting Taehyung’s, who was smiling mischievously a bit far away while fetching yet another drink. “There’s no stopping that one.”

On the other side of the room, Hyori was attentively listening to Eunwoo, that boy from her physics class and also from Jungkook’s volleyball team—as she later found out. He had this aura to him. It attracted her and she, for once, found herself acting on impulse. It was very much unlike Hyori, as she liked to plan most of her life to the tiniest detail and be in control of her emotions.

She hated feeling like she was just another one crushing over him every time he entered her field of vision, but she couldn’t help it.

“So I jump up and the adrenaline almost makes me feel like flying, just like those cheesy movie scenes,” He chuckles and Hyori nods, immersed in the story as much as the boy that was telling it. “So I send the ball perfectly, and BAM! We score and the game ends just then and there.”

“That’s impressive!” Hyori says sincerely. “Between you and Jungkook, this year’s cup will be ours.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t say that!” He scratches the back of his neck, suddenly embarrassed by the compliment and the act doesn’t go unnoticed by the girl, her heart skipping a beat at how handsome and adorable he looks. “It’s a team thing.”

“Don’t sell yourself short.” She gives him a warm smile.

“The support on the bleachers also helps.” He smiles big at her. “If I get to replicate that play on the field, it will be epic.”

“I have no doubt—”

Hyori's sentence gets interrupted by another boy she immediately recognizes from the volleyball team, as his arms swing around Eunwoo’s shoulder and they begin talking about something she didn’t quite catch up. Overwhelmed by the sudden intruder in the conversation she was having, she finds herself not knowing what to do. The other boy doesn’t even notice her presence. Should she stay or is the conversation the two players are having personal? The glass in her hand becomes interesting enough so that her eyes stayed glued to the liquor inside, as her fingers play with the pink straw in it.

The sudden shift in her mood goes unnoticed by everyone at the party but one person. Namjoon, who was until now having a cheerful conversation with Jungkook and Seokjin, sometimes had his ears catching something interesting in his close group of friends chatting, right behind him, due to his electric brain. He was clumsy to be a multitasker when it came to his hands but was an incredible one when it came to reasoning. He had been eyeing her for a while. For no special reason, really.

Seokjin was telling, for the 100th time, a story about how he had managed to get his face on a sushi billboard and got a lifetime supply of free sushi, except that when he got to collect his first batch, he got food poisoning. Namjoon had already a smile plastered on his lips, finding the exaggerated way Jin had to recall the incident way too funny. Even if he had heard it more times than necessary.

“You’ll be one of those adults that will 100% get scammed by some guy like that Tinder fraud.” Carolina buts in on the conversation, making Jungkook laugh out loud.

“As if!” Jin speaks, fake outrage filling his features.

“Hey, isn’t that your friend?” Namjoon doesn’t wait to hear the rest of Jin’s defense. “That one over there, with the blue cardigan.”

Jungkook follows the invisible trail from Namjoon’s fingers until his eyes land on Hyori. “Yeah,” He let’s out as he watches in confusion the girl looking around, her eyes lost in the crowd.

“Why don’t you call her? She can join us.”

And Jungkook nods, being quick to reach her and returning a few seconds later with the black-haired girl right by his side. “So… This is Hyo, my friend—”

“Hyori actually,” She chuckles correcting him. “But you can also call me Hyo.”

“Well, I’m Carolina, this is Jin,” Carolina made introductions, and the older one winked playfully as she said his name. “And this is Namjoon.”

“We already met,” Namjoon offered Hyori a smile and she mimicked his actions. “Backstage, remember? I was the guy panicking.” He says making her laugh genuinely.

“I remember. And you did amazing, by the way!”

“Why didn’t you model this time too?” Jungkook asked Jin and he started a whole speech over not doing things when he didn’t feel like doing them making Carolina roll her eyes but laugh anyways at his philosophy. They had a lot in common after all.

While they excitedly chatted between them, Namjoon focused on Hyori that, once again, was lost in thoughts. He didn’t like the feeling of her not having fun like they were. The ever diplomat, as his friends would say.

“You’re the tutoring girl, right? The famous one?” He asked her and saw her eyes raise from her glass. A shy smile formed on her lips.

“Oh, wow! Am I famous for tutoring?” She chuckled. “I should add that to my curriculum.”

Namjoon laughed amused. “You should! You’re the first ever to make private classes seem like a fun thing to do,”

“Up for exaggeration, I see…” She mused looking at him. He was fun, and more approachable than he seemed before her eyes, whenever she saw him around campus.

“Not at all!” He defended his case. “I honestly have lots of people I know talking good stuff about your methods. Plus Mrs. Keppler from the library… She likes absolutely no one. Like— no one,” He laughed and took a sip of his beer bottle. “And she really likes you. That says a lot.”

Hyori laughed genuinely. She wasn’t the type that went to a lot of parties, especially not without her friends. And although they were here too, she felt a bit out of place without them surrounding her and making conversation with her. Namjoon somehow was making her feel at ease. Like she had known him for a long time.

“Yeah, it says I have been attending the library since day one, that’s what.” The smile dancing on her lips and the way the corner of her eyes were all wrinkled made her truthful statement a lot softer. But he caught up on the deeper meaning of that.

“I too have been attending that library since day one and she doesn’t smile when I return her books.” He says, a knowing smile on his face, eyes profound in search for hers.

“Didn’t you, Namjoon-ah?” Jin interrupted suddenly, as he was telling a story about the two of them. Hyori was snapped out of her thoughts, her eyes going towards Jin, and although Namjoon answered him, his eyes were still on her.

“Did I what?”

Deo was now drinking her fifth glass of the night. She had this tendency to mix strong drinks with coke so they wouldn’t taste so bitter. Jimin would often tease her about this, calling her a lightweight. Which she was not. It was rare the times where she would get wasted. As she liked to put it, she would just get happier and lighter, with no inhibitions or shyness to take over her. If she said she didn’t remember what had happened the night before, it was most likely her playing coy, trying to run away from something she had done or said, and highly regretted.

Maybe it could’ve been the fact that her last meal was a bite out of Hoseok’s waffle during the afternoon or simply that she had already planned on getting a little bit more drunk than usual, but tonight she was having a blast.

About Damn Time, by Lizzo was playing and she was dancing along to the beat with some girls from Hoseok’s dance crew that had come by to help set things up and had stayed for the party. They replicated the dance moves of the famous TikTok dance, laughing and singing together as the chorus of the song played.

“There you are!” The cheerleader is swooped from the group, eyes rolling as soon as she notices who is grabbing her wrist.

“Oh, it’s you.” Scrunching her nose up, she shows how unpleased she is with facing her ex.

“Don’t tell me you were expecting someone else…” Jack smirks.

Deo glares, laughing right in his face. “Anyone but you, really.”

“C’mon, let’s dance.” Hand finding a place on the small of her back, he pulls her close as the music ends.

“Actually, I might need a break. You go off and find someone else to step on.” She takes a step away from the boy, only to meet his eyes right again. “And honestly, just move on already! You are ruining my night.”

“Stop playing hard to get.” He stops smiling and Deo huffs.

“Fuck off.” She flips him off, the smile on her face corresponding perfectly with the message she was conveying.

But Jack is hard to persuade, as he takes yet another step toward the girl. Except for this time, his grip doesn’t find her wrist, as she gets barred from his attempt behind another guy. “What the hell?!”

“Loopy?” Deo lets out softly, a confused look on her face as to why the blue-haired boy would suddenly be there. Her dizzy brain had a hard time deciphering his magical-like appearance, even if she was facing his nape.

“I don’t think she can be any more explicit. Get lost.” Taehyung says cooly, hands on the pockets of his blazer, unbothered by the jock in front of him.

“Don’t tell me you’re fucking this weirdo now.” Jack scoffed, clearly intimidated with how at pair with his physic the artsy boy was.

“Actually,” Deo started taking a step to her right to be able to see Jack, only for her eyes to fall on Taehyung’s expression once he glanced over his shoulder at her. His arched eyebrow and small smile told her that she was too out of herself to continue the conversation.

“It’s none of your business.” Taehyung shrugged, eyes on the girl.

“Yeah.” She joined. She had already taken the step, might as well own up to it now. “To both it being none of your business and the fucking.”

“What a joke.” With his ego bruised, Jack was quick to leave, glancing one last time at the duo who had ruined his night.

“You good?” Taehyung finally asks turning around to face her, in a more serious tone.

“Oh yeah, totally.” Deo laughs it off.

“So are we fucking?” His laugh rings in her ears.

“Hell no!” She makes a disgusted face.

“Ouch!” Taehyung’s eyebrows dart up, and he licks his lips, bitting them to try and keep it together after the harsh words that had fallen from the small girl’s lips. “You’re breaking hearts left and right, tonight.”

“If only you knew…” The smirk on her face fades quickly, as she burst off laughing.

“I’ve been keeping an eye— I’d know.” Taehyung states and Deo can only laugh more at the awkward conversation.

As she meets eyes with her roommate, the cheerleader immediately sobers up. The expression on the cunning girl’s face becomes clearer. “Fuck.”

“Huh?”

The cheerleader is quick to break eye contact, already too doomed to do anything for her sake and certain that Hyori had seen every tiny little detail of the interaction between her and Loopy. Looking back at Taehyung, she opens her mouth a couple of times, until she spots another familiar face, right behind his shoulder.

“Look, there’s Jimin!” Saved by the bell.

As soon as they reach the quarterback, the sweet smell of liquor fills the air, mixed with the strong scent of his perfume. Jimin’s eyes divert from somewhere in the room to the two. It takes him a second to assimilate the scenario in front of him, the urge to pinch himself to check if this was all a dream, becoming stronger as their best friends appear friendly, like a mirage in the desert.

“What are you doing, mopping in a corner all by yourself?” Deo coos.

“What are you doing?” He eyes the two of them.

“What are we doing?” Taehyung chuckles, gaining a weird glance from Deo.

Jimin laughs, his eyes diverting from the two yet again. Except for this time, it doesn’t go unnoticed. “Oh, I see. Sarah Lewis~” Deo sings the name of the girl who had Jimin’s undivided attention.

Squinting his eyes, Taehyung tries to follow where the two are looking. “Is it today that you’re going to man up?”

“Nah.” Jimin sighs, taking a sip from his drink.

Deo grunts. “Why not! Jimin, girls like guys that take action! They don’t want boring losers.”

“I’m not boring.” He points out, offended. “Nor a loser!”

“You’re a chicken, though.” Taehyung teases.

“And no one wants to date a chicken.”

“Hey, stop, the two of you.” The quarterback whines, eyes falling on the girl yet again.

“C’mon bro,” Taehyung leaned against the wall, a somewhat bored look on his face to emphasize what he was about to say. “You talk about her nonstop. If you don’t do it, someone else will.”

“For sure.” Deo nodded in agreement, arms crossing to prove their point. “And look, that guy’s drooling all over her. Your chance is slipping! You’re Park Jimin, for fucks sake!”

“Hell yeah!” Taehyung hyped.

Jimin seems hesitant, looking between his two best friends. “Alright. Ok. I got this.” He inhales while talking to himself.

Taking the last shot of the remaining whiskey he had in his cup, Jimin walks through the room, eyes glued to the figure of the blonde he had been stalking for days now on social media. If it was any other scenario he would just let it go. Brush it off, act cooly about it only to regret it the moment he stepped inside his dorm.

But today he had too much to drink. And the jealousy spoke louder, clouding his better thinking and making him act impulsively. He had always been a guy to do it first and regret it later after all.

And he wasn’t wasted, he knew how to hold his liquor. He was known for that in fact, no one could keep up with his pace, no one from his group at least. So he pushed his hair back and crossed the party towards her.

She was beautiful.

As a slow frame of a movie, all he could see was her chatting excitedly, smile shining. She had her hair straight, different from what he was used to seeing on her Instagram page, or even around campus. Her blonde locks would sparkle every time the light reflected on them… All combed back. She had a blue slip-on silk dress that accentuated her body and contrasted luxuriously with her recently tanned skin.

“Hey there,” Jimin started and both she and the guy she was previously talking to looked at him. The guy was a bit pissed that his conversation was cut off, but she had an intrigued smile on her face.

“Hi,” She started.

“I’m Jimin,” He offered her a hand which she gladly took, amused with his courtesy as he kissed the back of it. “And you look gorgeous tonight. Not that I want to be one of those guys that, you know, start the conversation like that but—You were really something out there.” He pointed with his head towards the venue.

She chuckled. “Well, thank you, Jimin.” Her smile got bigger and he somehow got even more enchanted by it. “I’m Sarah, nice to meet you.”

“I hope it’s not creepy of me but I actually know who you are,” He said sincerely making her laugh.

“If it makes you feel any better, I also know who you are.”

There was a moment shared between the two. Glances exchanged and a million silent words filled the atmosphere around them. Not that they did notice, but the guy that was previously by her side was long gone, as he had to accept her attention was no longer his but of the star of the campus.

“I’m… Flattered.” Jimin managed to say, his eyes in a thin line for his smile couldn’t get any bigger.

“So… This is why you came to me? To compliment me on my catwalk?” She raised an eyebrow, the smile still on her face. Sarah was a fierce one, maybe that’s why Jimin felt so scared to talk to her in the first place. He had seen her in action before, covering up for the college newspaper, that’s when he started taking interest in the girl. She was a go-getter. Someone that took risks and went after what she want. A girl that stood her ground.

He knew he needed to step up. He also knew she wasn’t one to beat around the bush.

“No,” He mustered the courage he needed. “You really did look stunning on the catwalk don’t get me wrong, but I’ve been meaning to—”

“There you are!” Carolina interrupted and Sarah’s blue eyes suddenly weren’t fixed on his anymore. “We’ve been looking for you like crazy!” She chuckled, already tipsy from the drink she was holding in her hand. “Lu brought her camera,”

“She’s here too?” Sarah asked excitedly. “Oh my God, I didn’t see her!”

Jimin’s mouth opened and closed, while he looked from his crush to Carolina. He couldn’t believe this was happening.

“Come!” Carolina said taking her friend by the hand and pulling her into the crowd.

Sarah went willingly but not before looking back at Jimin, opening another stunning smile of hers and mouthing him ‘we’re not finished yet.’

Something inside him was set alight, and the smirk on his lips was proof of that. He would admit defeat tonight, alright, but not for long. His brain was already twirling. He needed to know how Carolina knew of Sarah and if they were so close as she made it seem. Taehyung would know. Later on, once both of them arrived at their shared dorm, he would ask.

As the party got deeper into the night, fewer and fewer people filled the venue. The few that remained were no longer dancing to Yoongi’s playlist. Actually, the DJ was no longer in his post but on the open bar, figuring the number of songs he had left was more than enough for the duration of the party. He needed a drink.

Laying on the stage, Hoseok had his legs swinging out, eyes closed as the music that was still playing backstage seemed perfect to end his night. He was exhausted. The liquor in his body was hardly enough for him to even be tipsy and the ride from the venue to his dorm, despite not being far, seemed like too much of a long walk. His thoughts are interrupted by the sound of a chair falling and he sits up, hair messy and only one eye open.

“Hope, I’m sorry!” He immediately recognized the girl that spoke.

“No need!” He smiled big, hand scratching the back of his neck as he suddenly felt a little bit embarrassed to be laying on the stage. “Are you leaving already?”

“Yeah, I’m really tired… I don’t know how I’m still standing.” She laughed, her hand finding a strand of hair and placing it behind her ear.

“You were amazing today, Nari.” He gives his sister’s assistant a heartfelt compliment. “Really. I don’t think we could’ve done it without you.”

“Just doing my job.” She showed him a sincere smile. And truth was that she absolutely loved what she did and would be forever grateful to Hoseok’s sister for the opportunity she was giving her.

Before the cheerful, but now tired boy could say something else, another girl pops from behind the curtains.

“Nari, let’s go. Yuna and Hani are already in the uber waiting for you.” Harin, a girl Hoseok often saw around campus spoke before her eyes fell on him. “Oh, hi!”

“Hey.” Hoseok gives her a smile before turning to Nari again. “I’ll see you around.”

“For sure!”

Further down, by the bar, Jungkook had asked Namjoon if he could get a ride back to the apartment once he noticed his roommate was getting ready to leave the party. The venue was a bit far out for him simply to go walking home, and since he had brought no money due to his rush to attend the job Hoseok had appointed him to, he was quite out of options. None of his friends had come driving as they all lived by the dorms.

Namjoon was quick to say yes, Jin tagged along reassuring the youngest he had a ride with them since he was the deliberated driver for the night. The group x always appointed one before going out, not that the driver itself wouldn’t drink here and there, but the others would just drink way too much.

“Go ahead if you want, we’ll just look for Yoongi and be sure Taehyung is ok to go to his dorm.” Namjoon had told him, and Jungkook saw himself going towards the front gate. “I think he was off to the bathroom, Jin” The taller one added looking up ahead.

Jungkook was mindlessly texting on his group chat with his friends that he was going home with his roommates, not bothering to look up, realizing he was indeed out of the venue only when the wind blew at his face and some chuckles could be heard loud and clear in the silent night.

He glanced to his left, iPhone still in his hands. And somehow the scene before him made him freeze in his place. He would recognize that split hair and voice anywhere.

Carolina was further down in an alley with Mr. Hayes—his new history of art’s teacher.

“What the—” He mumbled to himself but stilled right after as he tried to make sense of what was happening.

Mr. Hayes was dressed casually, as usual, but somehow this version of him seemed more carefree and young. Almost as if he had the same age as the girl before him. He had a cigarette between fingers in one hand, the same one he was holding a beer bottle.

Carolina wasn’t showing any resistance to the teacher, on the contrary. She had both of her hands on his belly, as if putting some space between them, but her body was constantly closing the remaining distance. They seemed more than close, and that shocked Jungkook. He couldn’t help but stare. The duo seemed completely absorbed in their bubble to even notice he was there.

“C’mon, Ben” She chuckled. He looked down at her amused as the height difference was playing a part.

“Then how many fingers I have here?” He asked, lifting his free hand with both his pinky and ring finger up.

“Two.” She replied confident, a smirk on her face.

“Wrong.” He clicked his tongue jokingly as he turned his hand around lifting one more finger to trick her.

She bit her lower lip. He looked at her as if a dare, eyes glued on hers. Jungkook gulped down, still froze on the spot. He sustained his breath the moment she lifted herself on her tiptoes, the hands that were still on the belly of the man before her serving as support to launch herself forward.

She kissed him.

And Mr. Hayes didn’t step back. Instead, he grabbed her by the nape of her hair with his free hand and deepened the kiss. Both of them stepped back to lean on the wall right behind Carolina.

He had her against a wall, in a dark alley, cigarette long forgotten. And Jungkook was suddenly blank. He wanted to avert his eyes from the scene before him, so he looked at his cellphone once more with mixed feelings. Without thinking he opened the group chat once more and texted about what he had just seen. Before he could even see the replies, or if he even had some reply, he heard her voice again.

“Wait let me text them,” Carolina chuckled, as Mr. Hayes kept adorning the skin of her neck with kisses. “Ben,” she pushed him lightly, almost as if she didn’t want to push him off her.

“Alright. C’mon, Love,” He said dropping the cigarette butt on the floor and putting it out, before taking her by the waist and guiding her towards his car. “You can text them on the way.”

“Mhmm” She nodded, eyes glued on her phone.

The last thing Jungkook sees, is Carolina entering the teacher’s car while laughing at something he had said, and Mr. Hayes driving them off.

And he stood there, staring at the end of the street, thoughts rushing in his mind. He couldn’t believe she was having a fling with his teacher. Where were they even going? He could only hope it was a fling and nothing else.

“Let’s go?” He was snapped out of it when Namjoon put a hand on his shoulder.

“Huh?” Jungkook looked behind him taking notice his two roommates were already out and Jin was waving goodbye to an excited Taehyung. Jimin was side hugging the blue-haired one as they sang happily to some tune.

“Did you wait too long?” Namjoon asked him.

“Uh, no. Not really.” He shrugged still blank.

“Where’s Carolina?” Yoongi asked, hands stuffed into his pockets while they walked towards Jin’s car, his attention now focused on the dialogue happening before him.

Jungkook followed them but didn’t dare to speak of the scene he had just witnessed.

“She texted us saying she would sleep out tonight,” Jin said peacefully and Jungkook clenched his jaw with the new information. The puzzle pieces came together in his mind. “I think she headed out with Lu.”

“Alright,” Yoongi nodded climbing in the passenger seat. Jungkook closed his door with much more force than necessary.

“Belt up you idiots,” Jin exclaimed excitedly. “I can’t guarantee your safety as I too am human and I too couldn't say no to free alcohol.”

“Don’t even joke about it,” Yoongi said chuckling with feigning courage as he held on to the ‘holy shit handle’ above his window.

“Here we go…” Namjoon chuckled rolling his eyes but putting his seat belt on, and Jungkook mimicked the action on pure instinct as he wasn’t paying attention anymore to anything that was being said.

“Yah,” Yoongi exclaimed all of a sudden, “You’re scaring Jungkook back there.” He laughed at Jin who kept rolling the window down to say hi to people. “He has a game tomorrow, he needs to stay alive… Look at him, all quiet. He’s probably praying he arrives intact.” He added and Namjoon laughed patting Jungkook’s leg.

Jin looked at the rear mirror, straight at Jungkook who was playing with his piercing, eyes huge and focused on something before him. “Don’t worry JK! I’m the best driver in town. You’ll get to your game.”

“Huh? Yeah. Yeah, I trust you.” The boy gave a small smile, looking out the window.

“You’re the best-drunk driver in town, that’s what you are,” Yoongi said and the three of them laughed it out while the youngest mind kept drifting off to the dark alley next to the venue. The iPhone in his hand buzzed incessantly without getting any attention.

@singguks × @socksjinie × @bluenpjm

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