The next day, in class, the professor asked a question about economics.
You raised your hand, answered confidently.
The professor smiled. "Excellent, Y/n. Clear and precise."
Then he turned to Taehyung. "And you, Taehyung, your perspective?"
Taehyung gave a thoughtful answer, earning another nod of approval.
Jungkook leaned back, muttering under his breath, "Of course, the favoUrites."
The professor caught it. "Jungkook, if you have something to add, say it properly." Jungkook straightened, gave a sharp answer, and the professor nodded. "Good. That's the energy I want."
The class buzzed with whispers.
Sol Hee whispered to you, "He's jealous again." You sighed, pretending not to care.
After lectures, the group sat in the cafeteria.
Sol Hee laughed at Taesung's jokes, Taehyung explained a new idea for the project, and Jungkook sat silently, stirring his drink.
Suddenly, Yu-Jun — your younger brother — appeared at the door, visiting campus with your dad. He ran toward you, hugging tightly.
Yu-Jun: "Noona! I wanted to see your college!" Everyone smiled.
Sol Hee pinched his cheek, Taesung gave him a high-five.
Taehyung crouched down, asking, "Do you like drones as much as your sister told me?" Yu-Jun's eyes lit up, "Yes! I'll show you next time!"
Jungkook watched silently, his expression unreadable.
When Yu-Jun turned to him, he said shyly, "Hyung, you look strong."
Jungkook smirked faintly, "I am. Don't forget it."
The moment broke the tension, laughter filling the table. But beneath it, the rivalry still simmered.
That evening, the professor sent an email: "Group presentations will be graded heavily. Cooperation is key."
You sat at your desk, staring at the screen. Your phone buzzed.
Taehyung: "Don't stress. We'll make it perfect."
Jungkook: "Don't let him fool you. I'll make it better than him."
You put the phone down, heart racing. The project had just begun, but already it felt like more than academics. It was rivalry, jealousy, friendship, and something deeper you couldn't name.
Later that week, the professor announced a surprise in class.
"Each group will present a short progress update tomorrow. I want to see how you're working together." The announcement sent a ripple of excitement and panic through the room.
That evening, your group met in the library.
Sol Hee worked on slides, Taesung polished the introduction, and Taehyung leaned close to you, pointing out references in your notebook.
Taehyung: "This source is perfect. It strengthens your argument."
Y/n:smiling faintly "You always notice details I miss."
Taehyung: "That's because I pay attention to you."
The words hung in the air. You felt your cheeks warm, but before you could respond, Jungkook slammed his book shut.
Jungkook: "Enough. We're here to work, not flirt." The table went silent again.
Sol Hee tried to laugh it off, "Jungkook, don't be dramatic." But his eyes stayed locked on you, sharp and restless.
The next day, the classroom was packed for the progress presentations. Your group stood at the front.
Sol Hee introduced the topic, Taesung explained the outline, and then it was your turn.
You spoke clearly, confidently, presenting your research. Taehyung followed, his voice calm and persuasive, adding depth to your points.
The professor nodded, impressed. "Excellent. This group shows balance."
Jungkook stepped forward, presenting visuals with sharp energy. His slides were bold, his tone confident.
The class clapped loudly. But when he glanced at you, his eyes burned with something more than pride — it was challenge, rivalry, and jealousy all tangled together.
After class, the group walked out together. Sol Hee chatted happily, Taesung scribbled notes for improvement, and Taehyung walked beside you, his shoulder brushing yours.
Taehyung: "You were amazing today. I'm glad we're in the same group."
Y/n:quietly "Thanks. You were great too." He smiled, leaning closer. "We make a good team."
From behind, Jungkook watched, his jaw tight. He suddenly turned to Sol Hee, leaning close, whispering something that made her laugh and blush.
His hand brushed hers deliberately. You saw it. Your chest tightened.
Taehyung noticed your silence.
He whispered calmly, "Ignore him. He's just trying to get to you."
You sighed, looking down. "But it's working."
That evening, you sat at home, revising notes. Yu-Jun barged into your room, holding his drone again.
"Noona, look! I can fly it better now!" You laughed, chasing him around the room until the drone nearly hit your desk lamp.
Your dad shouted from the living room, "Yu-Jun! Don't break your sister's things!"
You collapsed on the bed, laughing, while Yu-Jun hugged you tightly. "Don't go to college too much, Noona.
Stay home sometimes." Your heart softened.
Meanwhile, Jungkook sat in his dorm room, staring at his phone. He typed a message, deleted it, typed again. Finally, he sent: Jungkook: "You think Taehyung is your perfect teammate. But you'll see — I'm the one who matches you."
You stared at the screen, heart racing, unsure how to reply.
The project had only just begun, but already it felt like more than academics. It was rivalry, jealousy, friendship, and emotions colliding. And you knew — the next weeks would only get more complicated.
The evening study session had been planned for days. Your group — you, Sol Hee, Taesung, Jungkook, and Taehyung — gathered in one of the smaller seminar rooms on campus. The room was quiet except for the hum of the ceiling fan and the shuffle of notebooks opening.
Sol Hee:dropping her bag with a sigh "Finally! I thought today would never end. Can we please start with something easy?"
Taesung:smiling softly "Easy? You mean poetry? Because I can turn this economics project into a verse."
Everyone laughed, even Jungkook, though he quickly covered it with a cough.
You spread your notes across the table.
Y/n: "Okay, focus. We need to finalize the outline tonight. If we don't, the professor will roast us tomorrow."
Jungkook: leaning back in his chair "Relax, topper. We'll finish. You just love stressing everyone."
Sol Hee: nudging him playfully "Don't tease her. She's the only reason we're not failing."
Jungkook: grinning "Fine. But if she keeps bossing me, I'll walk out."
Y/n: rolling your eyes "Then walk. We'll finish faster." The table erupted in laughter again, breaking the tension.