After meeting Baekhyun, you headed home. Your brother wasn't around due to work, so the house would be quiet, leaving you alone with your thoughts. You had called Jackson earlier, but mister boyfriend was busy with his girlfriend.

Well, you weren't mad—at least, not at him.

Trying to clear your mind of all the work-related stress, you settled on the garden bench, letting the cool evening breeze calm you. Recent events replayed in your head, and one name lingered there longer than you liked.

Kim Namjoon.

The man you encountered after six long years. Your first instinct was to curse him out when you saw him, but somehow, you managed to hold back.

He was the man you once had fallen for—hard. Namjoon, the son of Mr. Soo-Hyun, your law professor. Both of you were his students, though Namjoon had always seemed like the favorite.

Namjoon was known for two things: his intelligence and, of course, his looks.

He was undeniably brilliant, always ranking first in class. Meanwhile, you were always in second place, no matter how hard you tried. It was frustrating to see someone excel so effortlessly while you had to grind. You envied him, wondering how someone could maintain that top spot for five consecutive years.

You weren't obsessed. Your crush on Namjoon had been innocent. The mere mention of his name would make you blush, and you'd always be there, helping him whenever he asked.

But, over time, reality hit. He wasn't asking for your help because he valued your skills or enjoyed your company. No. He asked because he knew you could whip up his assignments quickly and perfectly. And in your naïve admiration for him, you did them every time, thinking you were being helpful, when really, you were just being used.

You were infatuated with his dimpled smile; the way it could make you feel like the world had stopped just for him. So, in your hopeful heart, you decided to confess at prom, imagining it would be the most romantic moment of your life.

It turned out to be your biggest regret.

He didn't just reject you—he humiliated you in front of the entire college. He called you names, laughed at your feelings, and even had the audacity to disrespect Jackson, your best friend, the one who always had your back.

Kim Namjoon, you're not getting my forgiveness that easily.

You didn't realize when tears began to fall, blurring your vision as you sat alone on the garden bench, lost in thoughts of your painful confession. Sniffling and wiping your tears, you tried to steady yourself.

Your parents, and even Yoongi, didn't know about that scandal. It was a part of your past you kept hidden, a secret only you and Jackson knew.

Jackson Wang had been your rock during those times. You'd met him in your last year of high school, back when he was chubby and full of life. He was, and still is, a ball of sunshine—a constant source of positivity and confidence. He held your hand when everyone else avoided you, simply because you were a nerd who studied too much.

It's baffling how people give special treatment to those who fit in, while treating those who excel as outcasts.

You pushed those thoughts aside, taking a deep breath and feeling a swell of pride for how far you'd come despite everything.

Then, a figure sat beside you on the bench. You turned your head and saw him

Kim Namjoon was sitting beside you, his smile beaming despite the cold stare you gave him. His smile faltered slightly at your reaction but quickly returned.

"What are you doing here, Kim Namjoon?" you asked, your voice cold.

"I came to the park for a... umm, walk," he said, trying to sound casual as he gestured vaguely towards the walking path.

"Then why are you sitting here? Go walk," you replied sharply, pointing in the direction of the path.

"I saw you lost in thought and decided to talk to you," he said with an overly bright smile that only irritated you further.

"Oh, that's my cue then," you said with a hint of sarcasm, standing up.

He reached out and grabbed your wrist, pulling himself up as well. You yanked your wrist away from his grip, and he muttered something under his breath that you didn't catch.

"I want to invite you to lunch this Sunday," he said, his voice hopeful but unsure.

"I'm busy," you replied with a poker face, not showing any sign of interest.

"Even when I say that Soo-Hyun Sir invited you...?" Namjoon said, making your head snap towards him.

"Soo-Hyun Sir?" you whispered, eyes widening.

"Yes, he mentioned that he wanted to meet his favorite student," Namjoon said, stepping closer.

"He's actually very excited to see you. But I guess you don't—"

"Okay, I'll come," you cut him off, a genuine smile forming on your lips at the thought of seeing your favorite professor.

"He has a bubbly personality. I was really missing him."

Namjoon smiled, taking your hand gently. "Sunday at 12 pm, beautiful. We'll be waiting," he said, bringing your hand towards his face and kissing the back of it.

A surge of irritation hit you, and you quickly snatched your hand away. "I'm coming to meet Hyun Sir, not you, Mr. Kim. Don't get too excited—and behave," you gritted your teeth, glaring at him.

"Hmm," he hummed with a playful smirk. "I texted you the address."

"Wait, how did you—" You paused, sighing as realization hit. Of course, he'd gotten your number.

Lawyer things.

You shot Namjoon one last cold glare before turning and walking out of the park. Tomorrow is Sunday, and the thought of seeing Hyun Sir after so many years brought a small smile to your face. You couldn't wait to reconnect with your favorite professor.

"Yes, Dad, she agreed," Namjoon said, grinning as he spoke to his father on the phone.

"I can't wait to meet you again, Y/N," he whispered to himself with a sly smile. and skipped on his steps on walking back to his car. 

______________________

TBC

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[EDITED ✔]

09.07.22