Chapter Text
– 1 –
January 11th.
The winter morning brought with it the dense sky, the fog, and the biting cold, causing Taehyung's cheeks and the tip of his nose to emerge a slight blush. The small droplets of water released with each breath of his mix with the morning cold, condensing, and causing smoke-like puffs to escape his mouth.
Christmas and New Year ended the festivities, bringing with them the beginning of the second semester. Taehyung was preparing to return to class for his second year of Biology at the University of Korea, located in Seoul.
Taehyung tries to hide his hands from the cold, stuffing them protectively in the pockets of his long, black overcoat when he gets off the bus at the stop in front of the university.
His dorm is just minutes away from campus, but as a tradition of the first day of classes, Taehyung woke up early to pick up his favorite coffee from a cafe on the other side of town. Perhaps, for many it would not be worth wasting precious minutes of sleep just to go and drink coffee, especially in a place so far away. But for Taehyung, getting out of bed while the sky was still painted dark and make that whole ride, was definitely worth it when the brown, bitter liquid went down his throat, warming him up satisfactorily.
In addition, Taehyung woke up easily and in a bright mood, knowing that today he would return to school to learn new things as he likes so much. He was particularly curious about the subjects of this semester since the lessons of the first one were a little vaguer. However, Taehyung was loving studying Biology. His academic experience was corresponding, or better, was greatly exceeding his expectations.
Taehyung has always been an outgoing guy, a social butterfly as his friends and family like to describe him. He can make friends easily, having the ability to start conversations with strangers and getting laughs out of their lips in a blink of an eye. For that reason, his integration into college was quite smooth.
The boy had no difficulty in being friends with his classmates, and so, being automatically invited to the most popular parties. However, Taehyung was not a big fan of overcrowded houses with sweaty and drunk bodies, songs that broke his eardrums, and clouds of smoke. He liked to enjoy his free time in calmer environments, like a movie session in his dorm, lunch or dinner outside, or even a relaxing walk in the park.
In addition, Taehyung was a very diligent student, so he spent a lot of his time studying. And no, for him it was not a sacrifice or an annoyance at all. Of course, he couldn't get rid of the typical symptoms of anxiety and stress when the hellish weeks full of exams and assignments decided to take a look at the semester. But as a rule, Taehyung was able to finish and submit all his papers within a few days of being asked by his teachers, easing the pressure on the number of tasks to be done during the chaotic weeks of assessments. The same happened with his studies, where the boy organized his notes and read them frequently, always being aware of the topics that were taught during classes. Oftentimes, Taehyung even took a look at the matters he would learn in his next classes beforehand, to be able to participate and correctly answer the questions posed by the teacher during the lesson.
Taehyung was not only smart and diligent but also very ambitious, always determined to get the best grades possible.
His first class of the day (and of the new semester) was ten minutes away, which makes him hurriedly walk towards the university's Science department. He is going to have Chemistry, and to his advantage, he already knew the teacher who was going to give that class. Mr. Lee was also the professor responsible for Molecular Biology, a subject he had in the previous semester, which helped him to organize himself more quickly because Taehyung already had an idea of how the teacher interacted with the class.
And to tell the truth, sadly, Mr. Lee is not the easiest teacher to captivate. During the past semester, Taehyung has tried numerous times to get the professor's attention, mainly to receive the maximum score in the field of participation and interaction during class. However, even though the boy was the only one who put his hand in the air to answer the questions posed by the teacher, Mr. Lee did not always allow him to answer, giving other students a chance, even if they were more focused on their own phones or naps.
There was no reason for Taehyung to complain, not least because he ended Molecular Biology with an excellent grade and of his liking. However, the boy felt uneasy, and especially frustrated, for dedicating so much time studying the subject even before being taught in class, so that the teacher would not give him due attention afterward. Taehyung didn't want to sound selfish, nothing like that. Of course, he didn't mind that his classmates answered the questions and participated in the class, but most of them were not even interested enough. But his teacher didn't seem to see that.
However, Taehyung hoped things would go better this semester. And although the boy felt more at ease in the areas of biology and genetics than with chemistry and mathematics, he would continue to strive to correctly answer the questions asked by Mr. Lee, to guarantee a good grade at the end of the year.
Taehyung arrives at the classroom when only two students are present, sitting in the front row as usual. It does not take long before the seats are filled, and the auditorium becomes more composed with students worried about not being late because it’s the first day.
Mr. Lee enters the room at eight sharp, and behind him is a boy with a hood over his head, hiding his face in his dark hoodie. His entrance makes several whispers and murmurs sound from his colleagues, some of them brave enough to follow the boy's steps to the end of the classroom, averting their eyes only when he decides to take a seat in the last row.
Taehyung does not understand his colleagues' interest in a mere student. He was probably even from another class since the Chemistry subject was not exclusive to Biology students, so Taehyung decides to ignore the curiosity and gossip, and concentrate on the teacher in front of him instead.
Mr. Lee introduces himself, especially to the students from the Forensic Sciences and Engineering classes, and who hadn’t taken classes with him until today, and therefore, do not know him. He begins by giving a brief introduction to the subject, talking about the topics that will be covered throughout the semester, the dates of the exams, and the themes of the assignments. Taehyung points out everything quickly in his notebook, starting to organize himself mentally to start researching for one of them.
Much to the annoyance of the majority of the class, the teacher did not dismiss them earlier as usually happen on the first day, but he began to make an introduction to the Periodic Table instead. Taehyung didn't mind, listening carefully to Mr. Lee's words.
Before starting the second semester, the boy had already taken a look at the study plan and anticipated himself, having already read about the table made up of chemical elements. Therefore, Taehyung was not having any difficulty in following the teacher's explanations, eager for Mr. Lee to ask a question and allow him to show his commitment and dedication.
"Does anyone know how the elements are listed sequentially in the Periodic Table?" Mr. Lee asks, his gaze scrutinizing the students.
Many of them pretend to be taking notes, others look thoughtfully at the walls as if they were genuinely thinking about the issue, and others are so disinterested that they don't even hear the question at all. However, Taehyung's hand is stretched out in the air, waiting for the teacher's attention.
Mr. Lee sighs when no one else volunteers to respond, and his gaze lands on Taehyung's as authorization for him to say the solution.
"The Periodic Table is organized in sequences of chemical elements in decreasing order of atomic number," Taehyung replies, a proud smile on his lips as he awaits the teacher's approval.
Mr. Lee looks again at the many seats. “Everyone agree with this answer? They're organized in decreasing order of atomic number?” Mr. Lee asks the class.
For a few seconds, stillness invades the classroom.
Until an unknown voice breaks the silence.
"The elements are organized in ascending order of atomic number and not decreasing," a male voice corrects, coming directly from the back of the auditorium.
Taehyung frowns and looks expectantly at the teacher, not wanting to believe that he failed a question. On the first day of classes to top it off. However, the satisfied face that Mr. Lee makes for the student who has just answered gives him the answer to his question.
Shit. Taehyung really failed. It's not like he thinks he's the smartest student in college, far from it. And he was an apologist that it was normal to fail during the learning process. But at the same time, he couldn't help the feeling of humiliation that was building inside him.
"That's right. The elements are organized in the periodic table in ascending order of atomic number,” Mr. Lee repeats, emphasizing the word "ascending" so that students understand and write it down in their notebooks.
Taehyung points out what he says immediately, even though the information is probably already explicit in his notes. However, it’s an excuse to hide his embarrassed blush that grows on his cheeks.
"By the way, and what is the atomic number?" Mr. Lee takes the opportunity to ask too.
This he knows. This Taehyung perfectly remembers to read in his Chemistry book. He puts his hand back in the air, waiting for a new opportunity to respond correctly. However, the teacher stabilizes his gaze at the back of the room.
"You. The one wearing a black hoodie in the back,” Mr. Lee tilts his chin slightly, pointing it in the student's direction.
Taehyung snorts when his opportunity is wasted, resting his chin on the palm of his left hand as he absently scribbles in the corner of his notebook. However, his attention is diverted when the voice that answers is the same one that answered and corrected him just a few minutes ago.
"The atomic number corresponds to the number of protons in the nucleus of the atom," the male voice says, and Taehyung knows that what he said is right because it was exactly the answer he was going to say as well.
This catches his attention, and Taehyung turns around in his seat until he can decipher the face of the owner of that voice.
Taehyung's eyes fall on a dark-haired boy with long, subtly curly locks that reach his forehead and ears. Seen from afar, Taehyung can see how well-defined his face is, marked by masculine and sharp features. His eyes are dark, mirrored in them a penetrating and enigmatic gaze. However, Taehyung can't help looking at him, diving into the boy's extreme beauty.
His curiosity reaches its peak, which makes him turn around in his seat again, this time leaning towards the girl who is sitting next to him scrolling through her Instagram feed.
"Hey," he whispers, nudging her arm lightly with his index finger to get her attention. The girl looks away from the screen of her phone and looks bored at him. "Do you know who he is?" he asks, tilting his head back and looking at the boy in the back row so she can understand who he's referring to.
The girl looks back as well, laying her eyes on the boy with a mysterious and dark aura, the target of many other gazes from the rest of his colleagues.
"The one with the black hoodie?" She questions, to which Taehyung nods. “I don't know his name, but it looks like he arrived yesterday. He's new here, everyone's been talking about him,” she clarifies and returns to concentrate on her phone a few seconds after Taehyung murmurs a thank you.
Now it makes sense why the whole class started whispering when the boy entered the classroom. Even if they are already at college, people will always talk about the new student. Is it also because of his stunning beauty? Or because of his mysterious and enigmatic aura?
Taehyung risks one more subtle stare at the boy. He is focused, looking intently at the professor who continues to talk about the groups on the chemistry table. He sits relaxed and with his arms crossed over his chest, ignoring the closed notebook placed on the desk in front of him. If he lets himself be bothered by the persistent gazes and whispers on the part of the other students, he doesn't show it. His face remains indifferent, even bored.
Mr. Lee seems to finish explaining the topics he wanted to teach today, but without ending the class with a question session beforehand.
“Before we leave… Let’s recap what we gave in today's class. How many groups and how many periods make up the periodic table?” He asks, but the teacher doesn't even give another student the chance to answer this time. His puzzled gaze falls again on the boy sitting at the back of the classroom. "You," Mr. Lee points out.
Even the teacher is stunned by the new student? Taehyung asks himself.
The boy shows no nervousness for responding aloud, maintaining an apathetic expression even. “There are eighteen vertical sequences, called groups, while the periods are seven, and in turn, they are the horizontal sequences of the table,” he replies in a monotonous voice, receiving a nod from the teacher as confirmation that what he said is correct.
"Very well," Mr. Lee praises. “To finish the class, I have just one more question. Perhaps the most difficult one. What are artificial elements? And which group has a predominance of these elements?”
This time the professor looks everywhere, searching for another student who wants to answer, but as always, no one volunteers. Not even Taehyung because fuck, he does not know. This is indeed a difficult question. He is not sure of the answer.
Mr. Lee gives up and sighs, turning his gaze back to the boy sitting at the back of the room.
But what fixation with the boy is this? Taehyung thinks indignantly.
"You. Again. Please, answer,” the teacher demands, and Taehyung notices a small sigh escaping the boy's lips.
“Artificial elements, also called transuranic, are those that do not exist in nature and that are synthesized in the laboratory through nuclear reactions. And these elements are prevalent in the actinide group,” he replies dryly as if he was reading the answer directly from the Wikipedia page or some other internet source.
A smile on the professor's lips is enough for Taehyung to realize that is the correct answer.
Taehyung is genuinely surprised. And curious above all. How did he manage to answer all the questions correctly? Worse, how did he manage to get Professor Lee's attention without any effort or intention? Taehyung needed to put his hand in the air insistently for the teacher to notice him, but even so, Mr. Lee often refused to let him answer. So, to say that Taehyung was quite intrigued by this guy is an understatement.
For this reason, when the class finally ends, Taehyung hurries to pack his things in his tote bag and gets up from his seat, walking among the students who yearned to leave the classroom until he reaches the last row.
The boy shows no reaction when Taehyung sits in the chair next to his, not even when Taehyung’s curious gaze scrutinizes the new student’s traits.
Taehyung had already realized that the boy was quite handsome. Extremely beautiful. Not even the meters of distance that separated him from the end of the auditorium made him doubt that.
But now that he has a chance to see up close his deep, dark brown eyes, his thick but outlined eyebrows, his perky nose, his rosy and harmonious lips, his ears decorated with piercings, and his sharp jaw, is that he definitely realizes how fascinating the guy in front of him really is. And not just because of his physique. There is something about his impenetrable aura, about his energy, that screams indifference, enigma, coldness, mystery, something that would probably lead anyone to walk away. But Taehyung, curious as he is, feels an absurd urge to unravel all his layers.
"Hi," Taehyung greets with a friendly smile when his presence alone does not make the boy pay attention to him. “I’m Taehyung. So, are you new here?”
The boy just nods, putting his books in his backpack.
Hum. So, he’s part of the shy ones? Taehyung wonders. But that will definitely not make him give up.
"What's your name, anyway?" he insists.
The boy finally looks at him, and his dark, indecipherable irises meet Taehyung's chocolate, sweet ones.
"Jeongguk," he murmurs, getting up and leaving not even three seconds later.
Just like that, which leaves Taehyung perplexed and static, still sitting in the seat next to the one previously filled by the boy.
"What the hell is wrong with him?" Taehyung mumbles to himself, seeing the tall boy walking out of the auditorium.
Taehyung has doubts as to whether the boy is shy or if he is simply rude. Being shy doesn't give him the right to get up so suddenly, not say a word and leave a person behind completely abandoned, right?
That should be reason enough for Taehyung to ignore the matter and enjoy the fifteen-minute break he has until his next class starts.
It should have.
The problem is that Taehyung keeps repeating what has just happened in his head over and over again. He should have known it's not worth it, however, Taehyung wanders around the halls absently until he arrives at his next class, thinking about the penetrating gaze that came over him for just a few seconds, but that was clearly enough to leave him completely intrigued and with the curiosity to find out more about the dark-eyed boy.
✖
"Have you heard of this Jeongguk guy?" Taehyung asks with false indifference, taking the chopsticks with pork meat to his mouth.
Hoseok finishes chewing his noodles, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Hum, no. I don’t think so. I'm not recognizing his name, at least,” he replies, focusing again on the food in front of him.
“As little as I know, I think he is new here at college. And he's in my Chemistry class,” Taehyung adds, somehow trying to help Hoseok to remember something, since the boy manages to be even more of a social butterfly than Taehyung himself, always aware of the college gossip. However, it was no use.
“Nop. I didn't hear anyone talking about this Jeongguk guy, no,” Hoseok shrugs.
“It's normal, you were more concerned with napping during class than reading the class chat on WhatsApp." This time it's Namjoon who is speaking, sitting next to Taehyung while Hoseok is sitting across from them.
The three boys have been friends since the first year of college, about two years ago, mainly because they share the same dormitory. They were fortunate to have one of the best and largest ones, consisting of three different bedrooms and a living room with a kitchenette. Yeah, quite impossible to imagine a dorm like that. However, instead of going to lunch at home today, they decided to go to a restaurant near college as their first day of school tradition dictates.
"Did you hear anything about him?" Taehyung asks, directing his gaze to the tall, almond-haired boy with dimples on his cheeks and glasses on his face sitting next to him.
Namjoon wipes his greasy lips with a napkin. "Yeah. The whole college is talking about him.”
“I noticed that too. But I can't understand all this fascination with just a transfer student. He wasn't the first and he definitely won't be the last,” Taehyung comments, munching on his rice.
“That’s the thing. He is not a transfer student,” Namjoon replies, drawing the attention of Taehyung and Hoseok.
"What? He is not?" Hoseok looks at him with a frown.
"No. Apparently, this Jeongguk guy has just entered college. He has not transferred from another university to ours,” Namjoon explains, taking a sip of his coke. "He's a freshman."
Taehyung's brow furrows. "Wait. But is it possible to enter college in the middle of the year? In the second semester? What about the first one?" He asks, confusion mirrored in his eyes.
“Well, technically you can only enter the second semester if you had reasons for not being able to attend classes in the first one. Then, there is the possibility to take the final exams and try your luck. Or you can take classes over the other semesters of the next years. Despite the workload and the fact that compatible schedules are not always something granted, it’s not impossible. However, this is also not what happened to him,” Namjoon rubs his chin thoughtfully.
"No?" Hoseok doesn't understand anything anymore.
Namjoon shakes his head. "No. What everyone is saying is that Jeongguk took all the final exams for the six subjects that make up his first semester. And incredible as it may seem, he passed it all. With top grades.” Taehyung and Hoseok choke on the information. "This way, it allowed him to finish the semester even without having attended the classes, enabling him to start the second semester right away.”
Taehyung doesn't even notice his gaping mouth. “How is that possible? The final exams are really difficult, which makes it practically impossible to pass just one. But pass six exams? With good grades too?” Taehyung shakes his head incredulously.
"Exactly, how did he do it?" Hoseok asks in amazement.
Namjoon shrugs. "I have no idea. The boy can only be a big, big genius.”
Well, that makes sense. It would clearly explain why Jeongguk did not even hesitate to answer Mr. Lee's numerous questions during Chemistry class.
"Now I understand," Taehyung murmurs to himself, completely lost in his thoughts. “During my Chemistry class, he answered correctly all the questions that our teacher asked. And let's face it, Chemistry is not an easy subject at all,” Taehyung finishes.
His two friends agree, nodding their heads.
The topic seems to die there, all of them focused on finishing their food while thinking of the incredulity that all this is.
However, Namjoon adds, "But, Tae... Why the interest?"
"Hum?" Taehyung asks with his mouth full.
"Why did you ask about him in the first place?" Namjoon questions again.
Taehyung hesitates for a few seconds, taking advantage of the fact that he is still chewing. “Hum… For nothing in particular. Just curious, I guess,” he replies with a shrug, matching Namjoon's persistent gaze.
However, Namjoon's skepticism is visible in his features. "Hum. Curious to know more about him? It seems to me that someone is interested,” Namjoon teases, looking at Hoseok, who is nodding and moving his eyebrows up and down suggestively in agreement.
Taehyung scoffs. “Please, guys. I don't even know him,” he defends himself.
"But you want to," Hoseok counters.
Namjoon nods. "And you have to admit that he is kinda hot."
Okay. Clearly, Taehyung couldn't deny that. "Yes, and then if he is handsome… Wait. How do you even know that? Do you have classes with him too?” He asks, looking suspiciously at Namjoon.
“I saw a picture of him. Some random girl took it when he was entering college, and then she shared it on social media. “Who is this new, hot guy? Follow me to find out more” were the words written on her InstaStorie," Namjoon shrugs. "But that's not the point. Don't try to deviate from it," he points an accusing finger at Taehyung.
"I'm not. And I’m not interested in Jeongguk. It's just...” He doesn't finish the sentence.
He himself is not even sure. Let’s face it, Taehyung knows that he is intrigued and curious about this Jeongguk guy. Especially with his unusual intelligence (and for his mesmerizing beauty too, but he preferred to ignore that thought in a locked door in his brain). Well, the fact that he hates being ignored doesn't help either. Yeah, it’s clearly because of that.
"It’s just...?" Hoseok insists, drinking the leftover sauce from his bowl of noodles right after.
"I don’t know,” Taehyung sighs. “I was intrigued. At the end of class, I tried to talk to him, and he basically ignored me and ran away from me,” Taehyung says, resting his chin on his hand.
Namjoon and Hoseok look at each other and start laughing.
"So you're saying that you didn't like that he didn't pay attention to you and crawl at your feet as everyone else do?" Hoseok asks teasingly.
Taehyung rolls his eyes. "No. It's nothing like that,” he sighs. “I’m not interested in him! I was just trying to be nice because he seemed to be alone. But apparently, he likes to be like that, and he treated me badly.”
“Hum, hum. We will believe that," Namjoon murmurs, a smug smile on his lips.
Taehyung snorts and tries to ignore the matter.
This is just a momentary curiosity. Yeah. Yeah, that's right. A new student in college, and prodigious and handsome on top… It's normal for everyone to be talking about him, but Jeongguk will end up falling into oblivion. Taehyung will forget about this guy and all the mystery that surrounds him, and he will return to his usual routine.
He's sure of that.
✖
Well, okay, maybe he's not as sure as he thought he was.
The following week, on the day that he has Chemistry class again, Taehyung sits in the last row of seats in the auditorium where the class will take place. He convinces himself that he only does it for a change, tired of being constantly sitting so close to the board and the teachers. But deep inside him, he knows that is not the real reason.
He tried to be the first to arrive, believing that, this way, it would not be so strange for him to sit in that unusual seat.
The class is still fifteen minutes away, and he takes the time to check out his social media.
Lost in a video of cute kittens, Taehyung doesn't realize that time has passed quickly and that the classroom was already full of students until he senses the presence of someone right beside him.
Surprisingly, it’s Jeongguk who sits next to him.
Taehyung coincidentally (or not) took the seat right next to the chair where Jeongguk sat in the last class. But if it was on purpose? No, of course not. Tsk, please. It was just a coincidence.
The boy doesn't even spare a look at Taehyung though, concentrating only on taking his notebook and a pen out of his black backpack.
Does he only know the color black? Taehyung thinks, looking discreetly at the boy next to him.
He's wearing a black leather jacket over a shirt with a pattern of white and black squares, matching with black jeans ripped in the knees and black combat boots.
Yeah, he definitely has a thing for black.
Taehyung looks at the front of the auditorium, checking if the professor was already present but not yet.
Something inside him drives him towards Jeongguk, and for that reason, Taehyung takes the opportunity to try to get his attention. He clears his throat, but the boy remains completely immobile, without even looking at his way.
Did he not even notice my presence? No, it can't be.
Taehyung is not a person who gives up. He is determined to get the guy to talk to him. So, he says, "Hey. Good morning, Jeongguk." He stares with a friendly smile on his lips at the boy's profile. However, it’s useless because Jeongguk still doesn't look at him.
Is he purposely ignoring me? Who does he think he is? Taehyung thinks, his brow furrowed and charged with anger, replacing the smile of a few seconds ago. Jeongguk is really infuriating him. How dare he?
Completely annoyed, Taehyung nudges the boy's arm with some strength, hoping that he will finally give him some attention.
Before Taehyung can explode, Jeongguk turns around when he feels Taehyung’s touch on his forearm, removing two wireless earbuds from his ears that, until now, have gone completely unnoticed by Taehyung. His cheeks flush subtly not only because of embarrassment but also because of Jeongguk's intense gaze on him.
"What?" The boy asks coldly, annoyance showing in his voice.
Taehyung opens and closes his mouth a few times in amazement, trying to push the words out of his throat.
After all, he wasn't ignoring me. He was just listening to music, Taehyung thinks completely ashamed.
What is he supposed to say now? He had a whole speech prepared to show that the boy had no right to ignore him and be so rude, but after all... After all, Taehyung rushed himself.
"Hum... I just wanted to say good morning," Taehyung babbles.
Jeongguk looks at him for a few seconds, and it seems that his gaze penetrates Taehyung's eyes, down to his skull, reaching up to his soul. Taehyung refuses to break the stare between them, but he can't help the shiver that runs down his spine as he waits expectantly for Jeongguk's response.
"Good morning," Jeongguk finally murmurs, a small frown between his eyebrows that Taehyung can barely catch a glimpse of because Jeongguk is turning away so quickly, starting to scribble on the edges of his notebook.
However, Taehyung is not happy with just a good morning exchange. "So... Are you new here in college?"
Jeongguk stops his pen movements for a millisecond, barely noticeable, but Taehyung realizes it before Jeongguk starts to draw again.
"Yes," he replies dryly.
Taehyung is not used to dealing with people like this, little talkers, and with short responses. He likes to chat animatedly, meet people, share and discover fun and memorable stories. And again, that reason should be enough for him to give up once and for all in trying to get close to Jeongguk. Especially because Taehyung is not interested at all. Of course not.
So why doesn't his mouth shut up and he keeps trying to keep the conversation going?
“Oh, that’s nice. Hum… Are you from Seoul? I was born in Daegu, but I moved here on purpose to study,” Taehyung says, an excited smile on his lips as he remembers his first days alone in the capital. “It was not easy at first. I was completely alone, but I couldn't miss the opportunity-”
"Why the fuck do you talk so much?" Jeongguk explodes, suddenly interrupting Taehyung. Jeongguk’s impatient and angry eyes cross Taehyung's, and he doesn't even notice that he has shrunk slightly in his seat.
Who does he think he is? I was just trying to make conversation, he didn't have to be so rude!
The surprise is quickly replaced by anger, but before Taehyung has the opportunity to return equally cold words to the other boy, the Chemistry teacher enters the classroom, asking all students for silence. Taehyung has no choice but to concede, not without looking furiously at the boy sitting next to him first.
"Good morning students. Ready for the second week of the semester? Now things are really going to start to get difficult,” Mr. Lee announces as he hands out some papers to the students. "In today's class, I want you to work on this exercise sheet in pairs. To save time, join your colleague next seat.” The students start to complain about the demand for concentration so early in the morning, which makes the teacher add, “There is no point in complaining. Chemistry is not an easy subject, and the most efficient way for you to learn is through practice. So, think of it as extra help for you. Ignore the part where the exercises will have to be delivered at the end of the class for me to correct and evaluate."
Disgruntled sighs and annoyed snorts are common in the classroom, but the biggest definitely escapes Jeongguk's mouth.
Although Taehyung from an hour ago would probably be thrilled to see this group work as an opportunity to talk and get closer to this mysterious boy, the anger and irritation at the way Jeongguk spoke to him just a few minutes ago stand out. The annoyed noise that Jeongguk makes sure to release does not go unnoticed by him too.
“Do you want me to change seats? I can see for miles that you're so happy to pair with me,” Taehyung comments ironically, looking for his pencil in his messy case.
“That would be childish. Let's get this over with,” Jeongguk replies, picking up the sheets and reading the first question.
"That would be childish," Taehyung scoffs, grimacing. When he finally finds his pencil, Taehyung realizes that Jeongguk has already circulated the first three answers. “Hey! Do you mind?”
Without diverting his attention from the exercise sheet in front of him, Jeongguk replies, "What is it now?" He releases a dull sigh.
Taehyung rolls his eyes. “It's supposed to be an assignment done in pairs. Do you know what that means? Two people working together. Not just one. And I can't see the exercises.”
Jeongguk snorts exasperatedly but moves the papers until they're more within reach of Taehyung's vision.
"Not by my choice, but okay." Jeongguk seems to give Taehyung some time for him to read the questions he already answered, but after all, Jeongguk gives him just a few seconds before he circles the right option for question number four.
“Hey! I haven't read it all yet. Give me some time to think,” Taehyung complains, touching Jeongguk's wrist and pushing it away of the papers to prevent him from continuing to do the exercises.
The hairs on Taehyung's arms stand up one by one, such is the current of intense electricity that invades his body as soon as his skin comes into contact with Jeongguk's. He ignores that fact, preferring to believe that it was mainly due to how cold the other boy's skin is.
And thinking about that… That’s weird. But maybe it's because of the winter cold that is felt outside, Taehyung thinks.
Jeongguk jerks his arm away, breaking the physical contact between the two. “I gave you time to think. I counted five seconds,” he says seriously.
A laugh escapes Taehyung's lips. When he realizes that Jeongguk is really serious and that he actually counted to five, thinking it would be enough time for Taehyung to read the questions previously answered, he can't help but laugh.
“You're kidding, aren't you? Did you think five seconds was enough for me to be able to read everything?” Taehyung swallows his laughter when Mr. Lee looks at them suspiciously. “In addition, I have to confirm whether the answers you have already gave are correct or not. By the way, don't do that anymore. I also want to have a chance to respond,” he whispers, directing his attention back to the chemistry exercises.
“I don't need your confirmation. I know my answers are right,” Jeongguk says confidently, but he finally allows Taehyung to take his time to focus on the questions.
Or not.
“Can I continue? Do you agree with the other three answers I gave?” Jeongguk asks.
"Wait, wait," Taehyung replies, biting the end of his pencil. "I'm still thinking about question number one."
Jeongguk scoffs. “How are you still on the first question? I would have finished all the exercises if it weren't for your exasperating slowness.”
“I've been known that you are a fucking smartass. Now, wait,” Taehyung remains assertive, removing the papers from Jeongguk's desk and putting it in his instead to be able to read better.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Jeongguk asks but Taehyung ignores him completely.
He can see out of the corner of his eye that Jeongguk is huffing, his arms crossed over his chest in irritation. But this time, Jeongguk has no choice but to give him the time he needs to read and think about the exercise responses, which turns out to be a mere five minutes.
“Okay, I agree with the answers to the first three questions. For the next one, I think this is the right option,” Taehyung says, putting the papers back between them and pointing with his pencil tip to the answer that he considers correct.
"Hum," Jeongguk nods. “We're in agreement then. This is the correct one.”
“Cocky,” Taehyung murmurs to himself.
Fortunately, they continue to respond to the rest of the exercises without major friction, agreeing on almost every answer. After finishing the multiple-choice questions, Jeongguk and Taehyung now arrive at the last part of the paper, consisting of mole calculation exercises.
"Wait," Taehyung leans on his desk, picking up his tote bag that was lying on the floor. "I think I have a calculator," he whispers, looking for the object in his messy bag.
"I don’t need a fucking calculator," Jeongguk replies, picking up his pencil and starting to scribble the necessary calculations for the answer.
"Here it is!" Taehyung exclaims, placing the calculator on the desk. “Of course it’s necessary to use a calculator. I consider myself smart, but I don't know how to do all these math’s with just my head.”
"But I know," Jeongguk whispers, an almost imperceptible sound, but Taehyung hears it.
He is puzzled, suspicious even, of what the boy has just said cannot be true. But when he tilts his head to see what Jeongguk is writing, Taehyung is completely incredulous. He refuses to believe. He thinks Jeongguk is simply writing numbers aleatory, probably to provoke him.
"Shut up. This is impossible to be correct. I'll confirm the value on the calculator,” Taehyung murmurs, quickly picking up the device and making the necessary calculations.
Of course, those numbers are wrong. No one can make a calculation as complex as that without the help of a calculator. It’s impossible, Taehyung thinks, his brow furrowed as his fingers frantically fiddle with the keys of the mathematical device.
Taehyung can feel Jeongguk's small smirk even before his brain realizes that the value shown on the calculator is the same as what Jeongguk wrote in the exercise.
"I told you so," Jeongguk boasts, a smug smile drawn on his lips.
And despite being a provocative grin, it’s the first time that Taehyung has seen Jeongguk's face expressing something other than indifference, annoyance, or anger. But he prefers to ignore the fact that his heart rate didn't increase substantially at the sight of that smile.
Taehyung snorts. The guy next to him was definitely a genius. It was not possible. There was no other logical explanation... Not even the most diligent student in this world was able to make these calculations without the help of a calculator.
He has to force himself to close his mouth, such is the incredulity. Besides, he doesn't want to give Jeongguk that taste. His pretentious smile is enough to bring Taehyung’s irritation to the surface.
"For those who an hour ago was silent and all grumpy..." Taehyung rolls his eyes.
"That was because you were so annoying," Jeongguk comments without any filter, finishing the last exercise.
Taehyung had already given up on trying to help, the other boy was too stubborn and preferred to do things faster and in his own way. All the more reason for Taehyung's irritation to crackle.
"I'm the one who is irritating?" Taehyung asks indignantly, laughing ironically shortly afterward. When Jeongguk hands him the completed exercise papers, he places his name and student number under Jeongguk's. "The only irritant person here is you. Ah, annoying, presumptuous, and rude, just so you know," he says, putting the papers back on top of the desk abruptly, never looking away from Jeongguk.
"Sure. Believe in what you want. Because, guess what. I don’t fucking care. And from now on, do me a favor and avoid talking to me so much. Or even at all,” Jeongguk scoffs, starting to pack his things in his backpack.
"Don’t worry about that. I definitely won't, ”Taehyung replies with his clenched jaw, packing up quickly.
After placing the strap of his tote bag on his shoulder, Taehyung takes up their assignment, and with a last stare full of disdain and frustration directed at Jeongguk, it’s he who, this time, leaves the other boy behind, handing the exercises over to the professor and leaving the classroom with heavy steps and frustrating snorts.
✖
Taehyung loved Hoseok and Namjoon, his two housemates and best friends, with all his heart. But he also loved the days when they had afternoon classes and Taehyung did not, leaving their dorm solely and exclusively to him.
Reggaeton music resonates on the walls of his bedroom, and Taehyung's hips move with the instrumental while he folds some clothes. He took advantage of his free afternoon to do his laundry at the campus wash section, just like he does every Wednesday.
Later, he has some notes of Plant Physiology to go through, hoping to finish everything in time to be able to see the new episode of a reality show that he loves. The rest of the day has everything to be perfect.
Taehyung hummed along with the music, entertained putting his freshly washed knitted sweaters and hoodies in the drawer of his dresser by colors. Yeah, well, because Taehyung is not only extremely organized with his studies.
He doesn't know at what point he went from simply humming to singing with all the voice and air he has inside his lungs, even imitating the instrumental and background voices.
Taehyung was so lost in his private concert that the three strokes against the wall make him jump suddenly with fright.
"WHAT? I NEVER COMPLAIN ABOUT YOUR MUSIC, YOONGI!” Taehyung yells back.
Min Yoongi is the guy who lives in the dorm next to his. He moved in the same year that Taehyung arrived in Seoul and started sharing a dorm with Namjoon and Hoseok, and in the almost two years that they know each other, they became friends.
As Yoongi lived alone in his dormitory, sometimes the other three boys would call him for a pizza and anime night. Yoongi's dormitory didn't have a dining room or a kitchenette like Taehyung's and the other two boys, but it had two bedrooms. However, no student had yet been sent to share the space with him. And Taehyung knew that Yoongi didn't care. Who would mind? It was great to have company, of course. But having the bathroom all to yourself, not having to worry about making noise, not having to snort about the other's mess... Well, it didn't look too bad either.
Taehyung was already used to listening to Yoongi's music in a high tone since the boy liked to study and found it more productive when he listened to music very loudly. Mostly hip-hop.
Taehyung just thinks that if it were with him, he would be so distracted that he would probably end up writing the lyrics of the songs in his notes. He was an apologist for a calm and quiet space to be able to concentrate and make his studies productive.
In the same way that Taehyung was already used to hearing Drake and Kendrick Lamar pass from the walls of the dorm next door, Yoongi also tolerated the days when Taehyung needed to relax, and the best way he could do that was by putting on the most cheerful songs possible to be able to dance with a hairbrush or a broom pretending to be a microphone.
After shouting in response, the tapping on the wall stopped.
Okay, maybe I should really put the music down. It’s not usual... But if Yoongi hit the wall, it’s because I'm probably bothering him in some way, Taehyung thinks.
However, before he can actually lower or even turn off his speakers, the knocks return. But this time, they're not against the wall but against the dorm entrance door instead.
What the hell? Why did Yoongi bother to come here instead of texting or calling? Taehyung wonders.
With a frown, he fixes the last sweater in the drawer and leaves his bedroom, going to the door that almost comes out of the jamb, such is the violence of the punches against it.
"I was going to lower the sound of the music right fucking now, Yoongi! You didn't have to bother to come over here on purp-" Taehyung starts as soon as he opens the dorm door, but the words get stuck in his throat when he realizes that it’s not Yoongi who was causing the deafening noise. "What the hell are you doing here?!"
Jeongguk's dark eyes burn against his.
However, in addition to the usual irritation and annoyance, Jeongguk's gaze also reflects a slight surprise, probably to discover that Taehyung is responsible for the music being so loud. But the surprise is momentary, being quickly replaced by anger again.
"Of course, it could only be you," Jeongguk scoffs, rolling his eyes. "Of course, I had to stay in a fucking dorm next to yours," the boy scornfully says, but his eyes betray him and travel unconsciously over Taehyung's body, covered in just a basic black t-shirt and olive green shorts.
Taehyung doesn't seem to have noticed, and his voice makes the other boy focus again. "What do you mean? Are you living in Yoongi’s dorm?"
"Unfortunately. Not by choice."
"I'm genuinely sorry for Yoongi. Seriously. If he tells me he's going to look for another dorm, I wouldn't be surprised," Taehyung comments. "Anyway, what do you want, after all, Jeongguk?"
"Turn off the music. Now," Jeongguk demands in an authoritative voice, and Taehyung laughs wryly.
"And do you really think it’s you who’s going to make me?” Taehyung scoffs. “Do you really believe in that?"
"If I need to be," Jeongguk spits through his teeth, trying to intimidate Taehyung with his threatening gaze.
But Taehyung is far from being afraid of him. He feels more annoyance than fear, to be honest.
"Yeah, well. Keep in mind that I'm not afraid of you or your threats. You can try it, then. Good luck," he says, milliseconds before he closes the door as hard as he can, trying to make his point.
Returning to his bedroom with exasperated snorts, Taehyung can hear more frantic knocks against the front door and Jeongguk's muffled screams, the words "do as I tell you or you will see what will happen to you" the ones chosen by him.
However, Taehyung is far from giving in. On the contrary.
He picks up his phone and increases the volume of the music even more, purposely choosing one that has an equally loud beat.
Take that, you asshole! Taehyung thinks revengefully.
He refocuses on his domestic chores, and Taehyung genuinely strives to believe that the booming music resonating through his eardrums is solely and exclusively to irritate Jeongguk, not to help ignore the loud thoughts about the boy who refuse to leave his mind.
It will definitely be a long semester.