Chapter 6: The Magic of Your Touch

In the school library

Jungkook was scanning the shelves for a reference book she desperately needed for her English exam. The scent of old paper and the soft rustle of pages were heard as she moved from aisle to aisle. Her eyes lit up when she finally spotted the book she had been looking for.

A wide smile spread across her face as she reached out to grab it. Just as her fingers brushed the spine of the book, another hand from the side touched it simultaneously. Startled, Jungkook turned her head, her smile faltering for a moment.

There, standing beside her, was Taehyung. He looked equally surprised, his eyes wide and his mouth slightly open. For a moment, neither of them moved, their hands still touching the book.

"Oh, I'm sorry," Taehyung said hurriedly, withdrawing his hand. "You can take it."

Jungkook's heart raced. She swallowed nervously, trying to find her voice. "No, it's okay. You can have it," she replied, attempting to sound casual.

Taehyung shook his head, a gentle smile forming on his lips. "I insist. You were-."

Before he could protest further, Jungkook shyly pressed the book against his chest, her cheeks flushing pink. "you can take it," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Then, before he could respond, she turned and hurried away, her heart pounding in her chest.

Jungkook walked away, fiddling with her tie as she could still feel Taehyung's warm hand from where it had touched hers. She couldn't believe what had just happened. 

The entire encounter felt impossible, like something out of a daydream.

Taehyung felt a pang of guilt for taking the book. After issuing it from the librarian, he decided he couldn't just leave things like that. He needed to make it right. He wandered through the school, searching for Jungkook, and finally found her sitting outside her class, chatting with Lisa.

Taking a deep breath, Taehyung pulled out a sticky note from his pocket. He quickly scribbled a message on it, then stuck it inside the book. With the book in hand, he walked over to where Jungkook was sitting, trying to look casual.

While he approached, his heart pounded like a drum in his chest. He could hear the murmur of their conversation, but the words were a blur. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves.

Jungkook looked up from her conversation with Lisa, her eyes widening slightly in surprise as she saw Taehyung approaching. He avoided eye contact, focusing instead on his task. He swiftly placed the book beside Jungkook on the bench, his movements deliberate yet careful not to draw too much attention.

Jungkook and Lisa paused, their conversation interrupted by Taehyung's silent gesture. He nodded slightly, acknowledging them without saying a word, and then turned to leave, trying to suppress the grin that threatened to break across his face. As he walked away, he could hear Lisa's teasing voice behind him.

"Ooh, look at that, Jungkook! Seems like someone's got a secret admirer."

Jungkook buried her face in her hands, embarrassed but undeniably thrilled. She pulled the book closer to her chest, her heart racing.

Jungkook smiled to herself, her heart fluttering. It was a small gesture, but to her, it meant the world.

When she finally mustered the courage to open it, she found the sticky note stuck to the first page.

In Taehyung's neat handwriting, it read:

"Thanks for letting me have the book. Hope this helps you too."
~Taehyung.

Jungkook's heart fluttered as she read the note. She couldn't help but smile. Maybe, just maybe, things were starting to change.

Lisa peeked over Jungkook's shoulder, her curiosity getting the better of her. She squinted at the sticky note and then, unable to contain herself, read it out loud.

"Thanks for letting me have the book. Hope this helps you too. - Taehyung," Lisa announced, her voice a mix of amusement and excitement.

Jungkook's face turned a deep shade of crimson. "Lisa!" she hissed, glancing around to see if anyone else had heard.

"What?" Lisa grinned mischievously. "It's not like it's a secret love letter or anything."

Jungkook buried her face in her hands, mortified. "It's still private!"

Lisa laughed, patting Jungkook on the back. "Come on, Kook, lighten up. This is actually pretty sweet. He didn't have to give you the book back, you know."

Jungkook peeked through her fingers, her heart still racing. "I know, but it's just...."

Lisa shook her head, still smiling. "You worry too much. If anything, this means he noticed you. That's a good thing, right?"

Jungkook sighed, removing her hands from her face. "I guess so," she admitted reluctantly. "It's just... I wasn't expecting it."

"Well, expect the unexpected," Lisa said with a wink. "Who knows? Maybe this is the start of something interesting."

Jungkook glanced down at the book and the sticky note again, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Maybe," she whispered to herself, feeling a glimmer of hope.

"Partner, do you know a new student will be joining our class tomorrow," Lisa spoke as she recalled the breaking news.

"How do you know?" Jungkook asked, raising an eyebrow.

Lisa grinned mischievously. "I may or may not have eavesdropped on our teachers talking," she admitted, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Jungkook chuckled, shaking her head. "Of course you did. You always have a way of finding out things before anyone else."

Lisa shrugged, her grin widening. "What can I say? I've got my sources."

Jungkook laughed, feeling a mix of amusement and curiosity. "Well, I guess we'll just have to wait and see who this new student is. I hope they're nice."

"Me too," Lisa agreed. "But I can't help but wonder if they're going to shake things up a bit. You know how our school can be with new arrivals."

Jungkook nodded, recalling how much attention she had received when she first transferred to the school. "Yeah, it can be a bit overwhelming. But maybe it'll be good to have some fresh energy around here."

🌷

The next day

Jungkook arrived at school and walked through the gate but something caught her eye in the distance. She saw Taehyung standing beside a girl she didn't recognize. They seemed to be laughing together. Suddenly, the girl playfully smacked him on the arm, and Taehyung responded with a fake cry, making her laugh even more.

Curious, Jungkook watched as Taehyung pointed to the girl's shoes. They were noticeably dirty, as if she had stepped into a muddy puddle. To her surprise, Taehyung knelt down and, with a gentle smile, started cleaning the shoes with his handkerchief. The girl looked down at him with fun.

Jungkook felt a strange pang in her chest as she observed the scene. She couldn't hear their conversation from where she stood, but the friendship between them was evident. She wondered who the girl was and what her relationship with Taehyung might be.

Jungkook to her classroom, trying to focus on the day ahead. As she entered, she took their usual seats near the middle of the room. Soon after her arrival, Lisa also came in and waved at her.

They began to chat away about the latest gossip and their homework, but Jungkook's mind kept drifting back to the scene she had witnessed outside.

A few minutes later, Taehyung and the girl walked into the classroom. Jungkook noticed them immediately. Taehyung was still smiling, and the girl seemed comfortable and happy by his side. As they reached the front of the room, Taehyung turned to the girl, said something that made her laugh, and then waved her off with a friendly gesture.

Jungkook's eyes were stuck on them. Her heart sank a little when she saw the girl wave back at him before heading to her own desk. There was an ease and familiarity between them that Jungkook couldn't help but feel envious of.

After the assembly, the students filed back into their classrooms, buzzing with curiosity about the new girl they had seen earlier. Mr. George entered the room with a broad smile, followed closely by the girl. The room fell silent as everyone turned to look at her.

"Class, I'd like you all to meet our new student," Mr. George announced. "This is Kim Hana. She'll be joining us from today."

Kim Hana stepped forward, her eyes bright with excitement. "Hi, everyone! I'm Kim Hana. I hope we can all get along well!" she chirped enthusiastically, her voice carrying a cheerful tone that immediately drew attention.

Jungkook watched as Hana smiled and waved at the class.

"Jungkook," Mr. George addressed her while adjusting his glasses.

Jungkook stood up promptly as Mr. George called her name. With a slightly curious expression, she listened to Mr. George's request.

"Jungkook, can you help Hana with her studies? Please provide her past notes and the syllabus," Mr. George asked kindly.

Jungkook hesitated for a moment, unsure how to respond. She glanced at Lisa briefly, who gave her an encouraging nod. Reluctantly, Jungkook nodded half-heartedly in agreement.

Mr. George then instructed Hana to sit in front of Jungkook. Hana approached her with a bright smile, and Jungkook reciprocated with a polite smile of her own, albeit slightly forced.

During the lunch break

Hana approached Jungkook and Lisa with a warm smile, eager to strike up a conversation.

"Hi, I'm Hana! It's nice to meet you both," she said cheerfully, extending her hand.

Jungkook glanced at Lisa, exchanging a brief look of uncertainty before smiling back at Hana. "Hi Hana, I'm Jungkook, and this is Lisa," she replied politely, shaking Hana's hand.

"Nice to meet you too!" Lisa added with a friendly nod. "How are you finding the school so far?"

Hana's eyes lit up as she began chatting animatedly about her first impressions of the school, the teachers, and her excitement about the classes. "It's been great! Everyone's been so welcoming," she exclaimed. "I'm really looking forward to getting to know everyone better."

Jungkook listened attentively, warming up to Hana's bubbly personality despite her initial reservations. As they walked to their next class together, Hana continued sharing stories about her previous school and hobbies, gradually easing any tension that lingered between them.

"So, what subjects do you both like?" Hana asked, glancing between Jungkook and Lisa.

"I enjoy English and biology," Jungkook replied, smiling. "What about you?"

"I love Math and Science," Lisa chimed in. "But English... not so much," she added with a playful grin.

Throughout the day, Hana made efforts to include Jungkook and Lisa in conversations, asking about their interests and sharing her own. By the end of the day, Jungkook found herself smiling genuinely, appreciating Hana's friendly approach and feeling more comfortable with the idea of helping her settle into their school.

A few days later

One day, while they were talking, Hana spotted Taehyung in the crowd, instructing the students to walk in line. Her face lit up, Her eyes lit up with excitement, and she hurriedly excused herself.

"Sorry, I'll be right back," Hana said eagerly, almost tripping over her words as she dashed towards Taehyung.

Jungkook and Lisa exchanged amused glances as they watched Hana approach Taehyung. They couldn't hear their conversation over the noise of the students, but they saw Hana's animated gestures and Taehyung's casual smile in response.

"I think Hana has found her new friend," Lisa whispered to Jungkook with a chuckle.

"Yeah," Jungkook replied, smiling warmly. "She seems really close to him."

they continued talking, Jungkook couldn't help but glance over at Taehyung and Hana. She felt a pang of jealousy, but quickly brushed it aside, focusing instead on getting to know their new classmate better.

Hana looked back and saw Jungkook and Lisa still at a distance. She grabbed Taehyung's hand and dragged him over to the duo. Jungkook's heart raced, and a blush crept up her cheeks as she watched Taehyung approaching. However, she couldn't ignore the pang of jealousy that accompanied it.

"Brother, Jungkook is helping me to complete the pending work ," Hana said, tugging Taehyung along.

Jungkook frowned slightly at the word 'brother'. She and Lisa exchanged glances, both surprised by the revelation.

Taehyung smiled warmly at Jungkook. "Really? That's great! Jungkook is one of the best students in her class. You're lucky to have her help."

Jungkook's breath caught in her throat. She felt her cheeks heat up and her heart race at Taehyung's unexpected praise.

"Thank you," Jungkook managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lisa, sensing Jungkook's embarrassment, chimed in. "Yeah, Jungkook's really good at explaining things."

Hana beamed. "I know, right? She's been so helpful already."

Taehyung looked at Jungkook with admiration. "You're doing a great job, Jungkook. I appreciate you helping my sister."

Jungkook's mind raced. She couldn't believe Taehyung was praising her so openly. "It's no problem," she said, trying to steady her voice. "Hana's really nice."

Hana hugged Jungkook. "Thank you so much! You're the best."

Later, Hana and taehyung went away leaving jungkook alone with Lisa.

🌷

Jungkook sat alone at home, her textbooks and notes spread out on the desk in front of her. Despite her best efforts to concentrate on her studies, her mind kept drifting back to the events of the day. She sighed deeply and rested her head in her hands, feeling a mix of embarrassment and relief.

She facepalmed, thinking about how jealous she had felt seeing Hana with Taehyung. "I can't believe I got so worked up over nothing," she muttered to herself. "She's just his sister."

The image of Taehyung praising her replayed in her mind, making her heart flutter again. She felt a warm blush creeping up her cheeks as she remembered his words.

"You're doing a great job, Jungkook. I appreciate you helping my sister."

She groaned softly, feeling foolish for her earlier jealousy. "Why did I have to get so jealous? She's his family, for God's sake!"

Jungkook leaned back in her chair and stared at the ceiling, letting her thoughts drift. She remembered how she had felt a pang of envy when she saw Hana and Taehyung together, their easy friendship and playful banter making her feel left out.

Jungkook thought about how easily she became jealous and then shook her head. She moved to her desk and started studying for exams.

🌷

Exam day

Jungkook walked into the instructed classroom, her heart pounding with a mix of nerves and anticipation. She scanned the room, searching for her roll number, and finally found her assigned seat near the window. Taking a deep breath, she sat down and started arranging her pens and notes on the desk, trying to calm her racing thoughts.

A few minutes later, Hana and Lisa entered the classroom together, their faces lit up with excitement and anxiety. They spotted Jungkook and made their way over to her.

"Hey, Jungkook!" Lisa greeted, sliding into the seat in front of her. "How are you feeling? Ready for this?"

Jungkook managed a small smile. "As ready as I'll ever be, I guess. How about you guys?"

Hana sat down beside Jungkook and gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "I'm nervous, but I think we'll be fine. We've studied hard for this."

Lisa nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we've got this. Remember that study session we had last week? It really helped."

Jungkook chuckled softly. "I hope so. I just keep telling myself that if I can get through that, I can get through anything."

The three friends spent a few moments going over some last-minute details, quizzing each other on key points and sharing any final bits of advice.

Hana gave Jungkook a thumbs-up. "Good luck! See you on the other side."

Lisa smiled and added, "We can do this. Let's ace this exam!"

Jungkook took one last deep breath and nodded. "Good luck to both of you too. Let's give it our best shot."

Jungkook looked around and found class 12 students entering the class. Her heart started racing as she saw Taehyung among them, scanning the desks for his roll number.

As he walked closer to where Jungkook sat, she felt her breath hitch. He spotted Hana first, smiled warmly at her, and patted her head. "Hey, little sis," he greeted her affectionately.

Hana beamed up at him. "Hi, brother. Good luck on your exam!"

"Thanks, you too," he replied before taking his seat behind Hana, which happened to be right beside Jungkook. Jungkook was frozen for a moment, her heart pounding in her chest. The desks were small, making them sit close enough that she could feel his presence beside her.

The proximity made Jungkook acutely aware of every small movement. She could hear the soft rustling of his papers, the way he tapped his pen lightly against the desk, and even the subtle scent of his cologne. The small desk left little space between them, making her acutely aware of his every movement.
It was both thrilling and nerve-wracking, and she struggled to keep her focus on her notes.

Lisa, noticing Jungkook's reaction, leaned over and whispered with a smirk, "Focus on the exam okay, not on him."

Jungkook blushed and nodded, trying to steady her breathing. "I know, I know."

The examiner entered the room and began distributing the exam papers. "Class 11 You have two hours to complete the exam. Class 12, you have 3 hours. Please read all the instructions carefully and manage your time wisely.
Good luck."

She tried to calm herself, taking deep breaths and reminding herself that this was an exam, nothing was more important than this. But the proximity to Taehyung was doing strange things to her nerves. Every time their elbows brushed or his arm slightly grazed hers, a jolt of electricity shot through her, leaving her feeling both euphoric and flustered.

Jungkook glanced at him from the corner of her eye, noticing the way his brow furrowed in concentration as he read through the exam questions. He seemed so calm and collected, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions she was experiencing. She admired his focus and determination, traits that only made her feelings for him grow stronger.

She tried to focus on her own exam, but her mind kept wandering back to Taehyung. She wondered what he thought of her, if he even noticed her nervousness. Did he realize the effect he had on her? The thought made her blush, and she quickly looked down at her paper, hoping to hide her reddening cheeks.

During the exam, as Taehyung diligently worked through the questions, Jungkook couldn't help but steal glances at him from time to time. However, halfway through, she noticed a flicker of frustration cross his face as his pen suddenly stopped working.

Taehyung searched through his pockets in search of a replacement, his brow furrowed in mild annoyance. Seeing this, Jungkook felt bad for him. Without a second thought, she quietly reached into her own pocket, retrieved a spare pen, and placed it on the edge of his desk.

Her heart raced as she hoped he would notice the gesture. Jungkook tried to keep her focus on her own exam paper, pretending to be absorbed in her work. But out of the corner of her eye, she watched Taehyung glance down and then look around, searching for the source of the pen.

When his eyes landed on the pen she had left for him, Jungkook quickly averted her gaze, cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and anticipation. She waited anxiously, wondering if he would acknowledge her small act of kindness.

After a moment, Taehyung's lips curved into a grateful smile. He picked up the pen and quietly gave a quick nod at her. Jungkook felt a rush of warmth spread through her at his acknowledgment. It was a simple gesture, but one that made her heart swell with happiness.

For the rest of the exam, Jungkook found herself more focused than ever, fueled by the subtle connection she felt with Taehyung. She couldn't deny the thrill of having helped him in some small way, and it made the remaining questions seem less daunting.

After Jungkook finished her exam, she quietly gathered her belongings and slipped out of the exam hall, eager to relax after the intense session. Taehyung, in the midst of his own exam, noticed her swift departure but couldn't express his gratitude for the pen.

Hours later, Taehyung finally emerged from his exam, feeling relieved from the effort. As he made his way through the bustling school corridors, his thoughts wandered back to Jungkook's small act of kindness. He headed towards the school entrance, intending to meet Hana, his cousin, and take her home.

Approaching the school gate, Taehyung spotted Jungkook in the courtyard, chatting and laughing with Hana and Lisa. Her laughter was like music to his ears, and he couldn't help but be captivated by her genuine joy and warmth. Her beautiful smile was infectious, lighting up the space around her.

Taehyung stood there for a moment, unnoticed by the trio, admiring Jungkook's carefree demeanor and the way she effortlessly connected with others. He realized how much he appreciated her presence, not just for the pen but for her genuine spirit. Eventually, he cleared his throat softly to catch their attention.

"Hey, Hana," Taehyung greeted warmly, his eyes briefly meeting Jungkook's before turning to his cousin. "Ready to go home?"

Hana nodded enthusiastically, bidding farewell to Jungkook and Lisa. Taehyung smiled at Jungkook one last time before leading Hana towards the school gates.

Taehyung prepared to leave and Jungkook observed quietly from where she stood with Lisa. His warm smile lingered in her mind, and as he passed by, she noticed him drop his handkerchief deliberately. Taehyung bent down to pick it up.

In that brief moment, Jungkook's heart skipped a beat. She watched as Taehyung straightened up and walked away, leaving behind a paper slip tucked in the cap of the pen where the handkerchief had fallen. Curiosity piqued, she approached the spot after he was out of sight.

She realised it was the same one that she had given to taehyung. Picking up the pen with paper slip, Jungkook unfolded it with trembling hands.

On it was a simple message in Taehyung's handwriting: "Thank you for the pen. You saved my exam!"

Jungkook couldn't help but smile to herself as she held the note close to her heart. It was a small gesture, yet it spoke volumes about Taehyung's thoughtfulness and the connection that seemed to be growing between them. She tucked the pen and note safely into her bag, feeling a warmth spread through her at the realization that Taehyung had noticed and appreciated her gesture.

Jungkook couldn't contain her excitement. Taehyung's simple act of dropping the note had left a lasting impression on her, igniting a spark of expectation for what the future might hold between them.

At night, Taehyung sat at his desk with his textbooks open, studying for the next exams. However, his mind kept drifting away from the pages in front of him. Instead, thoughts of Jungkook filled his mind, replaying every interaction they had shared since they first met.

He recalled the day he had seen her for the first time in the staff room. The way she had helped him with a pen during the exam today flashed in his memory, her kindness and quick wit leaving an indelible mark on him. Taehyung chuckled softly as he remembered the brief moment their eyes had met before he left with Hana, sensing a relationship that he couldn't quite explain but deeply cherished.

As he flipped through his notes absentmindedly, Taehyung couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something special about Jungkook. Her laughter echoed in his mind, her shy glances, and the warmth in her eyes whenever they spoke. Each memory drew him closer to her, igniting a curiosity and a desire to know more about her beyond the classroom.

Lost in his thoughts, Taehyung finally closed his books with a sigh, realizing that his mind was more preoccupied with Jungkook than with his studies. He leaned back in his chair, a smile playing on his lips as he wondered what tomorrow would bring, hoping for another chance to talk to her and perhaps uncover more of the connection he felt growing between them.

Taehyung was aware of the meaningful glances and warm smiles Jungkook often directed his way. Each time their eyes met across the classroom or in the hallway, he felt a subtle but undeniable connection. He couldn't help but notice the way her eyes seemed to light up whenever they spoke.

Taehyung smiled softly to himself as he recalled those large, expressive eyes of Jungkook. In his mind's eye, he could vividly see the way her eyes would widen slightly whenever they met, revealing a mixture of warmth and admiration. Her eyes, he thought, held a secret language that spoke volumes even when her words remained guarded.

He remembered the moments when their gazes would linger a second longer than necessary, and the unspoken connection that seemed to spark between them. Jungkook's eyes, he realized, had a way of conveying emotions that her words couldn't quite capture-shyness, joy, and sometimes, he dared to hope, a hint of something deeper.

"Brother," Hana knocked on the door breaking the reverie of Taehyung.

Taehyung stood up from his desk while clearing his throat. He ruffled his hair as he went ot open the door. After opening the door, he frowned as he found Hana standing there with books clutched to her chest, giving him a sheepish smile.

"My most handsome brother," Hana spoke.

"Name the work," Taehyung asked while folding his arms in front of his chest and with a raised eyebrow.

Hana bit her tongue as her brother caught her trick. She smiled nervously and forwarded a lab manual to taehyung, "Please help me complete it,"

"Why didn't you do it before?" Taehyung asked in a strict tone while flipping the pages of the file.

"Just help me last time, please," Hana gave taehyung puppy eyes, hands joined in front.

Taehyung came in. He walked back to his desk and sat down, gesturing for Hana to sit across from him. "Let's get this done."

Hana beamed, quickly taking a seat and spreading her books out on the desk. Taehyung began to guide her through the lab manual, his voice calm and patient despite his earlier frustration.

Taehyung had just started explaining a particularly complex concept when Hana suddenly perked up. "Wait, I will bring Jungkook's file," she said, her eyes lighting up with an idea. Before Taehyung could respond, Hana dashed out of the room, leaving him sitting there, slightly bewildered.

He leaned back in his chair, sighing. Moments later, Hana returned, a big smile on her face as she handed over Jungkook's file. "This will help us a lot. Jungkook's notes are always so detailed," she explained, setting the file down on the desk.

Taehyung opened the file, scanning the neatly written notes. He couldn't help but be impressed by the neat handwriting. "Alright, let's use these to get through your lab work," he said, his tone softer now.

Taehyung couldn't help but notice the neatness and detailed diagrams in Jungkook's notes. Every page was proof of her dedication, with carefully labelled illustrations and concise explanations.

Later, during a break, hana sat cross-legged on Taehyung's bed, scrolling through her phone.

"Hey, brother, look at these!" Hana called out, waving her phone at her brother, who was seated at his desk, engrossed in a book.

Taehyung glanced up, curiosity piqued, and walked over to Hana. He leaned in as Hana swiped through the pictures. One showed Jungkook with her doe-eyed expression, pouting playfully at the camera. Another captured Lisa's infectious laughter, her head thrown back in joy. In the last one, the three of them were huddled together, arms wrapped around each other, beaming with happiness.

"These are nice," Taehyung remarked, a soft smile playing on his lips as he admired the pictures. "You all look so happy."

Hana giggled. "We had a great time that day. Jungkook is always so much fun to be around."

Taehyung nodded, his eyes lingering a bit longer on the picture of Jungkook. He couldn't help but notice the way her eyes sparkled with genuine joy like a galaxy was held in them, her cheeks rosy from laughter. There was something incredibly endearing about her, something that made his heart beat a little faster.

"Yeah," he agreed softly, "she really is."

Hana, noticing the way her brother looked at Jungkook's picture, smirked. "You know, she really admires you. She's always talking about how kind and smart you are."

Taehyung felt his cheeks warm slightly but kept his expression neutral. "She's a good junior," he replied, trying to sound casual.

Hana's smirk grew. "Maybe more than just a junior, huh?"

Taehyung cleared his throat, turning his attention back to his book. "Don't you have a lab manual to finish?"

Hana laughed, knowing she had hit a nerve. "Sure, sure. But seriously, you should come hang out with us sometime. It's fun."

"Maybe," Taehyung said, giving her a small smile before returning to his desk, the images of Jungkook's smiling face lingering in his mind.

"Go get me a glass of water, will you?" Taehyung asked, glancing at Hana with a raised eyebrow.

Hana rolled her eyes but complied, hopping off the bed and heading out of the room. "Fine, but you owe me!" she called back playfully.

As soon as Hana was out of sight, Taehyung moved quickly. He picked up her phone, swiping through the photos until he found the one of Jungkook that had caught his attention earlier. Her eyes were wide and bright, her smile captivating. Without hesitating, he sent the picture to his own number, his fingers moving swiftly to erase any trace of the sent message.

The deed was done, he put Hana's phone back exactly where she had left it, just as the sound of footsteps approached the room. Hana returned, a glass of water in hand, and handed it to Taehyung.

"Here you go, my most handsome brother," she teased, using the phrase she always did when she wanted something.

"Thanks," Taehyung said, taking the glass and setting it on his desk. "Now, let's finish this manual, alright?"

Hana nodded, oblivious to Taehyung's secretive action, and they both got back to work.

---

That evening, Taehyung found a quiet moment to look at the picture of Jungkook again. He smiled softly, admiring the way her joy seemed to radiate from the image.

"You're really something, aren't you?" he murmured to himself.

He saved the photo to his private album, feeling a mix of guilt and excitement. The memory of her rosy cheeks and shy glances fueled his thoughts, making him anticipate the next time they'd meet even more.

🌷

On result day, Jungkook felt a whirlwind of emotions as she walked through the school gates with her father. Her heart pounded with anticipation, and she clutched her father's arm a little tighter than usual. They made their way towards the assembly hall where the results were to be announced, joining a buzz of nervous energy from students and parents alike.

Inside the hall, the atmosphere was tense yet filled with an undercurrent of excitement. Students stood in clusters, discussing their expectations and anxieties.

They reached the classroom, her father briefly looked up from his phone. "In which class are you?" he asked, a bit distracted.

Jungkook shot him a bewildered look. "Dad, it's 11th grade. My class."

He nodded while smiling sheepishly, returning to his call. Jungkook sighed, feeling a bit more alone in her anxiety.

Inside the classroom, the teacher handed out the results. "Jungkook," the teacher called, smiling warmly as she handed over the paper. Jungkook glanced at her marks and felt a wave of relief and pride wash over her.

She had scored well.

"Congratulations, you did great!" her father finally said, ending his call just in time to see her results.

"Thanks, Dad," Jungkook replied, her voice a mix of pride and shyness.

Jungkook's father was engrossed in a business call as they walked through the school corridor. Jungkook glanced around casually, her eyes scanning the familiar faces of students and teachers. Suddenly, she spotted Taehyung standing with his father near the notice board, examining something intently.

She felt a rush of nerves and excitement all at once. Taehyung looked up from the notice board, his eyes meeting Jungkook's briefly before he turned back to his father. Jungkook quickly looked away, pretending to adjust her uniform, her heart racing with a mix of emotions.

She wondered if Taehyung had seen her, if he had noticed her presence. Her mind raced with thoughts as she tried to maintain her composure in front of her father, who was still immersed in his call.

Jungkook turned around with a surprised expression as Hana and Lisa approached her from behind. They engulfed her in a sudden group hug, causing Jungkook to laugh and squirm slightly in their embrace.

"So, guys results?" the friends enquired.

"I did well," Jungkook replied, her cheeks rosy from the unexpected hug. "How about you guys?"

"Congrats, Jungkook! You did amazing," Hana exclaimed enthusiastically, squeezing Jungkook tighter.

"Yeah, we knew you'd nail it," Lisa chimed in, patting Jungkook on the back.

"What about you?" Jungkook asked adjusting her hair.

"We aced it!" Hana exclaimed, holding up her result sheet proudly.

Just then, Taehyung and his father reached them. Taehyung's father smiled at the trio. "Hana, ready to go?"

Hana nodded but noticed the phone in her father's hand. "Just a moment, Dad." She turned to Jungkook and Lisa. "Guess what, I got a higher mark in chemistry than you, Lisa!"

Lisa rolled her eyes playfully. "Yeah, yeah, rub it in."

While they were chatting, Taehyung's eyes met Jungkook's. She blushed, remembering her earlier jealousy over Hana. Her feelings had been obvious to her friends, especially Lisa, who had teased her relentlessly.

She exchanged a polite smile with him, acknowledging his presence without revealing her inner excitement.

Taehyung, respectful of his father's company and his own introverted nature, simply nodded at Jungkook and the trio, a small smile playing on his lips. He appreciated the moment of shared success but didn't engage further, maintaining his usual quiet demeanor.

Hana and Lisa, noticing Jungkook's blush and Taehyung's subtle reaction, exchanged knowing glances. They nudged Jungkook playfully, teasing her silently about the unspoken connection between her and Taehyung.

Mr. Kim, observing the friendship among the group, chuckled softly. "Congratulations once again, everyone. It's great to see your hard work paying off. I'm sure we'll see each other around."

With a polite nod, Taehyung, hana and his father bid goodbye and headed towards their car. Jungkook watched them leave, her thoughts lingering on Taehyung and the fascinating interactions between them.

🌷

A Few days later

Jungkook sat on her bed, staring out of the window absentmindedly. The room felt quieter than usual, the absence of her friends made her thoughts drift to Taehyung. She sighed, remembering the last few interactions they had before the break.

It had only been a few days since school ended for the vacation, but she already missed the routine and the occasional glimpses of Taehyung's presence. The way he would smile at her or exchange a quick greeting in passing had become something she looked forward to each day.

With a wistful smile, she leaned back against the pillows, imagining what the next month without seeing him would be like. She hoped that when they returned to school, things would feel the same, or perhaps even better. Until then, she would have to find ways to keep herself occupied and distract herself from missing Taehyung too much.

Jungkook slouched on her bed with her phone pressed to her ear, staring at the ceiling with a pout. "Ugh, Lisa, I can't believe it's already summer vacation. What am I going to do without seeing him for a whole month?"

From the other side Lisa, sitting at her desk with her laptop, chuckled softly. "Oh come on, Kook, it's just a month. You can survive."

"But it feels like forever," Jungkook replied, flopping back onto her pillows dramatically. "I miss his rare smiles. It's not fair."

Lisa rolled her eyes playfully. "You've got it bad, huh?"

"Maybe a little," Jungkook admitted with a small smile. "I just wish there was some way to keep in touch with what he's doing."

Lisa tapped on her keyboard for a moment before speaking to jungkook on the phone. "Well, here's an idea. Follow him on Instagram. That way, you can at least see what he's up to."

"What? Is he on Instagram?" Jungkook asked with surprise.

"Yeah, why? Is it a rule that toppers cAnt have social accounts," Lisa asked and received a chuckle from the other side.

Jungkook's eyes lit up as she sat up and grabbed her phone. "That's actually a brilliant idea! Why didn't I think of that?"

"Because you were too busy wallowing in self-pity," Lisa teased.

Jungkook stuck her tongue out at Lisa on a video call and quickly typed on her phone. "Alright, done! Now I can stalk... I mean, keep up with him during the break."

"Why are you acting like wives when their husbands are away at war?" Lisa teased Jungkook and received a cute murderous glare in return.

Jungkook pouted, pretending to be offended. "I'm not! It's just... I'll miss him," she admitted, a hint of longing in her voice.

Lisa chuckled, understanding Jungkook's sentiment. "I know, Kook. That's why I sent you the link. Now you can see what he's up to and maybe even drop a comment or two," she suggested mischievously.

"But I'm not sure if I should follow him," Jungkook admitted, her expression turning sceptical.

Lisa raised an eyebrow. "Why not? It's just Instagram. You can always unfollow if you change your mind," she reasoned.

Jungkook hesitated, biting her lip thoughtfully. "I don't want to seem too obvious," she explained, feeling a bit embarrassed about her feelings.

Lisa nudged her gently. "Come on, Kook. It's harmless. Besides, it's not like he'll know right away. And you dummy remember you use your mother's abandoned Instagram account. So, he won't get a whiff of your stalking," she reassured with a grin.

Jungkook sighed, finally giving in to Lisa's persistence. "Okay, fine. But just this once," she agreed reluctantly, reaching for her phone to follow Taehyung's Instagram account.

Lisa cheered quietly, knowing she had successfully convinced her friend. "You won't regret it, I promise," she assured Jungkook.

Jungkook smiled nervously, hoping Lisa was right. Deep down, she couldn't deny the excitement of being a little closer to Taehyung, even if it was just through social media.

"Ok, bye," Jungkook waved to her.

"Traitor, I lost my best friend to her husband," Lisa fake cried and jungkook laughed at her.

Jungkook sprawled on her bed with her phone in hand, scrolling through Taehyung's Instagram profile, her heart fluttering with each post. She couldn't help but admire his photography skills and the way he captured moments with such artistry.

"Wow, he's really talented," she muttered to herself, a small smile tugging at her lips.

Lost in her thoughts, she absentmindedly tapped on one of his pictures, accidentally liking it.

"Oh no," she gasped aloud, eyes widening in horror as she realized her mistake. Her hand flew to her mouth, trying to undo the like, but it was too late. "I can't believe I just did that," she muttered to herself, feeling a flush of embarrassment creeping up her cheeks.

Her mind raced with scenarios of Taehyung noticing the like and thinking she was too eager or worse, stalking his profile.

"What if he thinks I'm weird now?" she fretted, her imagination running wild with thoughts of Taehyung teasing her or worse, ignoring her altogether when they returned to school.

Jungkook sighed deeply, trying to calm herself down. "It's just a like," she reasoned, trying to convince herself that it wasn't a big deal. But her dramatic side couldn't help but replay the moment over and over, each time cringing at her accidental action.

Finally, she decided to distract herself by closing the app and putting her phone aside. "I'll just avoid his profile for a while," she resolved, hoping that would prevent any further embarrassment.

Deep down, though, she knew that no matter what, Taehyung's posts would continue to draw her in, keeping her captivated until they met again at school.

Jungkook sighed heavily, her frustration evident as she scolded herself aloud, "Why? Why! You dumb coconut head!"

She paced back and forth in her room, replaying the moment she accidentally liked Taehyung's Instagram post in her mind. "Of all the times to mess up," she muttered, shaking her head in disbelief.

She knew it was a small thing, just a like on social media, but to her, it felt like a big grave mistake. "Now he's going to think I'm stalking him or something," she mumbled, imagining Taehyung's reaction if he noticed her slip-up.

She flopped onto her bed, burying her face in her pillow. "I can't believe I let this happen," she groaned, feeling a mix of embarrassment and regret. "I need to be more careful."

Despite her self-chastising, a part of her found the situation slightly amusing. "Coconut head," she repeated with a small smile, realizing how melodramatic she was being.

After a few minutes of mulling over her embarrassment, Jungkook took a deep breath and resolved to let it go. "It's not the end of the world," she reassured herself, deciding to focus on other things until school started again. Deep down, though, she couldn't help but wonder how Taehyung might react the next time they saw each other.

"Wait, I liked his post with Mumma's account. Phew, im relieved," Jungkook took a breath of relief.

Jungkook sat at her desk, the moonlight streaming through the window casting a soft glow over her room. She opened her diary and took a deep breath. Picking up her favorite pen, she began to write.

Dear Diary,

Today was another whirlwind of emotions. Sometimes I wonder if my heart will ever calm down when I think about him. It's silly, I know, but I can't help it. He's always on my mind, especially after that accidental like on his Instagram post. I still feel my cheeks burn just thinking about it.

I saw his latest post today, thanks to Lisa. He looked so peaceful in that park like he belonged there. It's moments like these that make me wish I were braver, that I could just tell him how I feel without stumbling over my words or blushing like a tomato.

But then again, maybe it's for the best that he doesn't know. What if he doesn't feel the same way? What if he just sees me as that quiet junior who can't even speak up in class? The thought makes my heart ache a little.

On a brighter note, Lisa has been a real lifesaver. She always knows how to make me laugh and see things from a different perspective. I'm grateful for her.

Summer vacation is here, and even though I won't see Taehyung for a whole month, I'm going to use this time to find my courage. Maybe, just maybe, I'll be ready to talk to him when school starts again.

Until then, I'll keep dreaming and writing in you, my dear diary. You're my confidant, the one place where I can be honest about my feelings without fear of judgment.

Goodnight, diary.
Koo~

Jungkook closed her diary and placed it back on her nightstand, snuggling into her blankets with a small smile on her face.