WebNovels

Chapter 15 - WHISPERS

 

Later, during lunch break, you sat with your group. Jungkook walked past, pretending to talk to his boys, but suddenly bent down near your ear.

Jungkook (whispering): "You can ignore me in front of everyone… but you can't ignore me inside your head."

You froze. Your friends gasped. You turned your face away, pretending to be unaffected. But your heart raced.

 

In the afternoon, there was another computer period. Coincidentally, you and Jungkook got systems side by side again. The teacher asked everyone to type an essay on "Future Technology."

You typed quietly, focused. Jungkook leaned toward your screen.

Jungkook: "Your typing speed is crazy. Are you trying to beat me again?"

Y/n: "I don't need to try. I already beat you."

He chuckled. Jungkook: "You're savage. But I like it."

You rolled your eyes, but your cheeks warmed.

 

After class, you walked alone in the corridor. Suddenly, Jungkook appeared beside you, matching your steps.

Jungkook: "You know, you're the only one who talks to me like this. Everyone else just smiles or agrees."

Y/n: "Maybe because I don't care about impressing you."

Jungkook: grins "That's why you impress me the most."

You stopped walking, shocked. He smirked and walked ahead, leaving you speechless.

 

Next morning, Jungkook entered class late. He walked straight to his desk, but before sitting, he glanced at you. Not smirking. Not teasing. Just a steady look.

And you realized — This wasn't just rivalry anymore. This was turning into something dangerous, thrilling, and impossible to ignore.

 

The school was buzzing with energy. Teachers had announced a major assignment project for Class 11. Groups were formed — each group had to prepare a detailed presentation with research, visuals, and teamwork.

Your group was made of:

You (the "brain" as always) Sol Hee (your bestie) Two other girls from your circle Jungkook (added by teacher for balance) Taesung (the poet boy, smart and calm)

Everyone whispered: "OMG, Y/n and Jungkook in the same group again!" You pretended not to care, but inside you felt uneasy.

 

During the free period, your group gathered in the classroom corner. Taesung spread out notes. Sol Hee suggested ideas. You wrote points neatly. Jungkook leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, watching you.

Taesung: "We should divide tasks. Y/n, you handle research. Sol Hee, design. Jungkook, visuals and presentation."

Jungkook: "Fine. But Y/n, don't cut my marks this time."

You glared. Y/n: "Do your work properly, then I won't need to." Everyone laughed. The tension was obvious, but the group moved forward.

 

That night, while you were revising notes, your phone buzzed. Unknown number. Message: "Hey. It's Jungkook."

You frowned. Y/n: "How did you get my number?"

Jungkook: "Taesung gave it. Don't blame me."

Y/n: "Why didn't you ask me directly?"

Jungkook: "Because you ignore me in school. At least here you'll reply." You paused, staring at the screen.

Y/n: "What do you want?"

Jungkook: "About the assignment. I was thinking… we should meet outside school. Work properly." Y/n: "Fine. My house is big enough. We can sit there."

Jungkook: "Big house? Now I'm curious."

Y/n: "Don't be. Just come tomorrow with the group."

Jungkook: "Okay. But don't ignore me this time."

You didn't reply. But your heart raced.

The Group Visit to Your House

Next day, after school, your group came to your house. Your house was spacious, modern, with a big garden.

Everyone gasped.

Sol Hee: "Y/n, your house is like a palace!"

Taesung: "No wonder you're always calm. This place feels peaceful."

Jungkook looked around silently, impressed.

He muttered low: Jungkook: "So this is where you live… no wonder you act like a queen in class." You rolled your eyes. Y/n: "Focus on the assignment."

 

Your father had just returned two days ago from his busy schedule at Samsung. He came into the living room, smiling warmly.

Dad: "Oh, Y/n, your friends are here?"

You nodded. Y/n: "Yes, Appa. We're working on the assignment."

Your father greeted everyone politely. He shook hands with Taesung and Jungkook.

Dad: "Work hard, kids. Teamwork is important."

Jungkook replied respectfully: Jungkook: "Yes, sir. We'll do our best."

Your father smiled, clearly impressed by Jungkook's manners. You felt a strange pinch in your chest.

 

The group spread books, laptops, and snacks on the big table. You explained the research points. Sol Hee worked on slides. Taesung added creative lines. Jungkook handled visuals, sitting beside you.

At one point, he leaned closer. Jungkook: "Your handwriting is too neat. Makes me feel like mine is trash."

Y/n: "Then improve it."

Jungkook: grins "Or I'll just copy yours."

You ignored him, but your cheeks warmed.

 

After finishing the assignment draft, your mom called from her showroom. She asked you to bring your friends to see her designs. You agreed.

The group walked together to the showroom in Busan. It was huge — glass walls, mannequins dressed in elegant outfits, lights shining everywhere. Your friends gasped.

Sol Hee: "This is like a fashion magazine come alive!"

Taesung: "Your mom is amazing."

Jungkook looked around quietly, impressed.

He whispered near you: Jungkook: "Now I know where you get your style. This place is… wow." You replied calmly:

Y/n: "It's my mom's hard work."

Your mom greeted everyone warmly, showing them designs. She smiled at Jungkook.

Mom: "You're Jungkook, right? Y/n mentioned you once." You froze.

Jungkook smirked. Jungkook: "Oh really? What did she say?"

Mom: "That you're always competing with her." He chuckled. Jungkook: "That's true. But competition makes us better."

Your mom nodded, clearly liking his confidence. You looked away, feeling a strange mix of irritation and admiration.

 

After the showroom visit, the group dispersed. Sol Hee and Taesung waved goodbye. Jungkook lingered for a moment.

Jungkook: "Your house, your family, your mom's showroom… everything is big. But you still act like you don't care. Why?"

You replied softly: Y/n: "Because none of this matters in class. There, we're just students." He stared at you for a second, then smirked.

Jungkook: "That's why I notice you more than anyone else."

You walked away, pretending not to hear.

Gathering at Your House

Saturday morning, your group arrived at your house for the assignment. Sol Hee came first, carrying her laptop. Taesung followed with a stack of notes. Then Jungkook arrived with his casual calm walk, hands in pockets, headphones around his neck.

Your father was at home, reading the newspaper in the living room. He greeted everyone warmly. Dad: "Work hard, kids. Don't just gossip." Everyone laughed politely.

Jungkook bowed slightly, showing respect. Your father seemed impressed by him again.

Settling Down

The group spread out in the study room. Books, laptops, snacks — everything was on the big table. You opened your notebook, ready to organize tasks.

Y/n: "Okay, let's divide. I'll handle research. Sol Hee, slides. Taesung, creative lines. Jungkook, visuals."

Jungkook: smirks "Same as last time. Fine."

Sol Hee giggled, "Don't fight this time, please." You rolled your eyes. Taesung smiled knowingly, sensing the tension.

The Work Session

For two hours, everyone worked seriously. You typed points about digital marketing. Sol Hee designed slides with bright colors. Taesung added catchy lines like slogans. Jungkook searched for images and graphics, occasionally leaning toward your screen.

Jungkook: "Your points are too formal. Add something casual."

Y/n: "Assignments aren't casual."

Jungkook: "But teachers like creativity." You sighed but adjusted one line.

He smirked, satisfied.

The Break

Around noon, your mom brought snacks — sandwiches and juice. Everyone thanked her. 

After snacks, the group relaxed for a while. Sol Hee showed a funny reel. Taesung recited a short poem he wrote. Everyone clapped.

Jungkook leaned back, looking at you.

Jungkook: "Do you ever relax? You're always serious."

Y/n: "Because someone has to keep this group on track."

Jungkook: "Or maybe you just like bossing me around." You glared. He grinned, clearly enjoying the banter.

The Evening Work

By evening, the assignment was almost complete. Slides looked polished, content was strong, visuals were neat. Everyone felt proud.

Sol Hee: "We should celebrate. Let's go out."

You suggested: Y/n: "Let's visit my mom's showroom. She wanted to show us new designs." Everyone agreed.

At the Showroom

The showroom was glowing with lights and mannequins. Your mom welcomed everyone warmly. She showed elegant dresses, explained fabrics, and shared stories of her work.

Sol Hee was fascinated, asking questions about fashion. Taesung admired the creativity. Jungkook walked quietly, observing everything.

After the showroom visit, everyone dispersed. Sol Hee and Taesung waved goodbye. Jungkook lingered for a moment, looking at you.

Jungkook: "Today was… different. You didn't ignore me."

You replied calmly: Y/n: "Because we had work."

He smirked. Jungkook: "Then maybe we should always work together. That way, you'll talk to me."

You walked away, pretending not to care. But inside, you knew — this assignment day had changed something. The rivalry was slowly turning into a connection you couldn't deny.

The classroom was buzzing with chatter. Everyone knew today the teacher would review the group assignments. Your group sat together, nervous but excited. You had worked hard at your house, and the slides looked polished.

Jungkook sat casually with his boys, but his eyes flicked toward you now and then. You ignored him, pretending to be busy with your notebook.

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