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Chapter 16 - ~~~

Teacher's Entry

The teacher walked in with a stack of papers and a laptop. She smiled and said: "Class 11, I checked all your group assignments. Some were good, some were average… but one group stood out."

Everyone leaned forward. She clicked on the projector. Your group's slides appeared on the screen.

Teacher: "This group — Y/n, Sol Hee, Taesung, Jungkook, and others — did excellent work. Clear research, creative design, strong visuals. Well done."

The class murmured. Your friends grinned. Sol Hee whispered: "Y/n, we did it!"

 

The teacher continued: "I especially liked how Y/n organized the content. And Jungkook, your visuals were impressive. Together, you made it balanced."

The class gasped. Everyone turned to look at you and Jungkook. Some teased: "Ohooo… teamwork goals!" "Enemies turned partners!"

You froze. Jungkook smirked, leaning back in his chair.

 

 He muttered just loud enough for you to hear: "See? We're good together."

You rolled your eyes, whispering back: "Don't get carried away. It was just an assignment." He grinned, clearly enjoying your reaction.

 

After class, your group gathered in the corridor. Sol Hee was excited.

 Sol Hee: "Guys, teacher praised us so much! We should celebrate."

Taesung nodded. Taesung: "Yes, maybe a small treat."

Jungkook looked at you.

 Jungkook: "What do you say, Y/n? You're the topper. Your opinion matters." You replied calmly: "We'll see. Let's focus on the next project first."

He smirked again.

 Jungkook: "Always serious. But admit it — you liked the praise." You didn't answer, walking ahead with Sol Hee.

 

Later, during another period, the teacher asked a question about marketing. No one answered. You raised your hand and explained confidently. The teacher nodded. "Good, Y/n. That's why your group did so well."

Then she turned to Jungkook. "And Jungkook, your creativity added flavour. You should use it more often."

The class teased again. "Teacher ships them!" "Best duo!"

You felt embarrassed. Jungkook leaned toward you, whispering: "Looks like we're famous now." You whispered back: "Famous for fighting, not for friendship." He chuckled softly.

 

When school ended, you packed your bag quickly. Jungkook appeared at your desk.

Jungkook: "You know, teacher was right. We balance each other."

 You looked up, expression blank.

 Y/n: "Balance doesn't mean friendship."

Jungkook: "Then what does it mean?"

 You didn't reply. You walked out with your group.

But behind you, Jungkook muttered quietly: "It means I'll keep noticing you… whether you like it or not."

 

 

That night, while revising, you thought about the teacher's words. She had praised both of you together. The class had teased. And Jungkook had whispered things that made your heart race.

You told yourself: "It's just school. Just assignments. Nothing more."

But deep inside, you knew — The tension was growing. And it wasn't just about rivalry anymore.

 

 

It was Monday morning. You couldn't go to school because of a big family function at home. Relatives had arrived, the house was full of laughter, food, and noise. You smiled politely, but inside you felt restless. You kept thinking: "What's happening in school today? What if something important happens?"

 

While you were busy at the function, the school day turned dramatic.

 

The teacher announced the best group assignment presentation. Your group was praised again. But since you weren't there, she said: "Y/n is absent today, but her contribution was excellent."

The class clapped. Jungkook smirked, saying loudly: "Of course. She's the topper. But we managed fine without her too."

Some laughed. Some teased. Sol Hee smiled awkwardly. Taesung gave Jungkook a sharp look, sensing the tension.

 

Later, the teacher announced a new mini-project. Groups were shuffled. This time, Jungkook and Sol Hee were paired together. The class buzzed with whispers: "Ohooo… Jungkook and Sol Hee together again!" "They look like a perfect team."

They worked side by side, laughing, sharing ideas. Jungkook even helped Sol Hee with her notes, leaning close. Everyone noticed. And the teasing grew louder.

 

During break, Jungkook and Sol Hee walked together in the corridor. Some boys shouted: "Couple goals!" "Jungkook, admit it — you like her!"

Jungkook didn't deny it. He just smiled faintly, which made the teasing worse. Sol Hee blushed, laughing nervously. The whole class started whispering: "Maybe it's true… maybe he likes her."

 

In the last period, the teacher said: "Jungkook, Sol Hee, you two worked well today. Good teamwork." The class clapped again. Jungkook glanced at Sol Hee, then looked away quickly. But everyone saw it. And the rumors grew stronger.

 

When you returned to school, the atmosphere felt different. Your friends rushed to you.

 Sol Hee: "Y/n! You missed so much yesterday!"

 Taesung: "It was chaos. Everyone teased Jungkook and Sol Hee."

You froze. Y/n: "Teased… about what?"

Sol Hee blushed, looking down.

Taesung explained: "They said he likes her. And he didn't deny it."

Your heart dropped.

You forced a smile.

 Y/n: "That's good. If he likes her, it's fine. She's my best friend." But inside, you felt unstable. Your chest tightened. Your mind whispered: "So it's true. He really likes her."

 

 

The Confrontation

Later, Jungkook approached you in class.

 Jungkook: "You weren't here yesterday. Everyone teased me."

You replied calmly: Y/n: "About Sol Hee?"

 He blinked. Jungkook: "Yeah. They said I like her."

 You forced a smile

 Y/n: "Maybe you do. She's nice. You should be happy."

 He frowned

 Jungkook: "Why are you saying it like that?"

 You shrugged.

Y/n: "Because it's true. And I don't want to disturb you."

He stared at you, confused. But you turned away, hiding the storm inside.

 

The Emotional Breakdown

That evening, at home, you sat alone in your room. Your mind replayed everything:

Jungkook and Sol Hee paired together.His faint smile when teased.The teacher praising their teamwork.

You whispered to yourself: "He really likes her. And she's my best friend. I can't hate her. I can't fight him. I just… have to ignore it."

Tears filled your eyes. You buried your face in your pillow, feeling unstable. It wasn't just jealousy. It was the pain of realizing you were losing something you never even admitted you wanted.

 

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