The house smelled of warm spices and freshly cooked dinner when Y/N stepped inside, her shoes clicking softly against the floor. Her little sister, Anna, sat cross-legged on the couch, her eyes glued to the door. As soon as Y/N walked in, Anna bolted up, her face lighting up like a thousand fairy lights.

"You’re back!" Anna squealed, rushing over to hug her. Her small arms wrapped tightly around Y/N, and for a moment, the stress of the day melted away.

"Of course, I’m back," Y/N said, patting her sister’s back with a tired smile. "What’s with the enthusiasm?"

Anna pulled away, her bright eyes narrowing with playful suspicion. "Where’s my pot? The one you promised me?"

Y/N hesitated, her lips parting, searching for the right words. But her silence said enough. Anna’s face immediately fell into an exaggerated pout.

"You didn’t get it, did you?" she accused, her arms crossing over her chest.

Y/N sighed, ruffling her sister’s hair to distract her. "I did, Anna. I got the pot, but..." she trailed off, biting her lip.

"But?" Anna’s brows furrowed.

Y/N took a deep breath. "It... broke. By accident."

Anna gasped dramatically, stepping back as if Y/N had just told her the world was ending. "You broke it? That pot, I wanted it so badly, it's stock was limited , Y/N!"

Before y/n could reply, their mother appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. "What’s all this noise about?" she asked, her sharp eyes flicking between her daughters. "And what’s this I hear about a broken pot?"

Anna turned toward her mother, her pout intensifying. "Mom, Y/N broke my pot!"

Y/N groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Mom, I didn’t break it! it was a customer’s fault."

Their mother frowned, her hands resting on her hips. "Do you know how much that pot cost? We don’t waste things in this house, Y/N. First of you shouldn't agree for buying that expensive pot" Her mom shoot a furious glare towards Anna and continued "and even you buy it , Whether it was your fault or not, you should’ve been more careful."

"I know, Mom," Y/N replied, her voice soft.

" I was searching for it so long " Anna speak in middle.

Her father, who had been sitting quietly in the living room, finally spoke up, his deep voice carrying authority. "Explain yourself, Y/N. What exactly happened?"

Taking a steadying breath, Y/N began, "I went to buy the pot Anna wanted, and I got it. I put it on the desk carefully but by one customer it fell and broke. I made sure to collect the money from him, and I will buy a new one with it. There’s no loss, Dad."

Her father’s expression softened slightly, though he still nodded firmly. "Good. That’s how you handle situations. But next time, be more careful. Money might not be the issue here, but carelessness is."

Y/N nodded quickly. "I will, Dad. I promise."

Anna huffed, crossing her arms again but with less conviction. "Fine. But next time, I won’t tell you where to find it. You’ll have to search for it yourself!"

The tension dissolved as Y/N let out a laugh. "Fair enough, your majesty. I’ll prepare for the royal treasure hunt next time."

Their parents chuckled at the playful banter, the atmosphere returning to its usual warmth. This was her family—stern when necessary, firm in their values, but always supportive.

_____

Taehyung paced his dimly lit room, the city skyline glowing faintly beyond the large glass windows. The room reeked of frustration—books thrown haphazardly on the bed, a glass of unfinished whiskey on the nightstand, and the tension thick enough to cut with a knife.

“That’s bad,” Jeonghan’s voice broke through the silence, leaning casually against the doorframe as he twirled his empty wine glass. Taehyung had just finished recounting his father’s latest move, and his words still hung heavily in the air.

“He just wants me to be his puppet, to follow every order he barks,” Taehyung muttered bitterly. His voice dropped as he added, “He used to do the same with my mother. That’s why she…” His words faltered, his gaze dropping to the floor.

Jeonghan noticed the sudden shift in his demeanor. “Taehyung…”

Taehyung shook his head, forcing a scoff that didn’t reach his eyes. “She left, Jeonghan. That’s the truth. Left me with him, knowing how much I hated it here. She ran away to save herself, but she didn’t take me with her. I guess she thought I was strong enough to endure his suffocating world.”

A flash of memories came unbidden to his mind—her soft laughter as she combed his hair, the gentle warmth of her hugs. But those golden moments were soon drowned out by the harsh reality of her absence and the cold, oppressive environment his father created in her wake.

Jeonghan placed a firm hand on Taehyung’s shoulder. “Don’t go down that road, Taehyung. You’ve buried that pain for a reason.”

“I’m not dwelling on it,” Taehyung replied, though his voice betrayed him with its unsteady edge. He cleared his throat, straightening his posture. “Anyway, it doesn’t matter now. What matters is what I’m going to do next.”

Jeonghan raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a sly smirk. “You mean besides brooding and punching walls?”

Taehyung rolled his eyes. “I’m serious this time. I can’t afford to screw this up. If I fail, he’ll make my life a living hell—more than it already is.”

Jeonghan took a seat on the armrest of the leather couch, swirling the last drops of wine in his glass. “So, what’s the plan? Burn the midnight oil, or bribe one of those nerdy classmates of yours to do your work?”

“Bribe?” Taehyung scoffed defensively. “I don’t need to bribe anyone. I’ll figure it out.”

“Figure it out?” Jeonghan feigned shock, clutching his chest dramatically. “Are we talking about the same Kim Taehyung? The party king? The guy who can’t even sit still for a ten-minute lecture?”

“Don’t push it,” Taehyung warned, his tone sharp. “I mean it this time.”

Jeonghan smirked, sipping his wine. “Alright, alright. I’ll believe it when I see it. But honestly, the idea of you actually hitting the books? Attending lectures? This is comedy gold.”

Taehyung’s voice dropped, tinged with a seriousness that silenced Jeonghan’s teasing. “I’m not joking, Jeonghan. Desperate times call for desperate measures.”

Jeonghan studied his friend’s face for a moment, recognizing the flicker of determination hidden beneath the layers of irritation and pride.

“Well, college starts tomorrow, and exams are months away,” Jeonghan remarked, leaning back lazily. “Why stress yourself out now? There’s plenty of time to fake it.”

“No,” Taehyung shook his head, his jaw tightening. “This time, I have to start from the beginning. My father wasn’t bluffing when he said I’d see his worst. He means it.”

Jeonghan raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. “What’s this? The mighty Kim Taehyung, scared of his father?”

Taehyung’s eyes flashed, his tone sharp. “It’s not fear, Jeonghan. It’s reality. When you don’t have power, you have to bow to those who do. For now, I’ll play along. I’ll pretend to obey him. But this is my last semester. Once I’m done, I’ll show him exactly who Kim Taehyung is.”

Jeonghan swirled his wine glass thoughtfully, watching his friend with a mix of amusement and curiosity. “So, you’re going to behave like a model student for a few months? Study, attend lectures, avoid parties?”

“Exactly,” Taehyung replied firmly.

“Good luck with that,” Jeonghan said, his tone laced with sarcasm. “You’re under a microscope, you know. His bodyguards are reporting your every move. If you so much as sneeze the wrong way, he’ll hear about it.”

Taehyung sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I know. That’s why I need to play this carefully.”

Jeonghan grinned. “Careful isn’t really your style, but hey, there’s a first time for everything. Just don’t forget to invite me to your transformation party.”

Taehyung glared at him, but there was a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Don’t push your luck, Jeonghan.”

Jeonghan chuckled, raising his glass. “To the new and improved Taehyung. Let’s see how long this lasts.”

Taehyung didn’t respond, his gaze distant as he mulled over his plan. In his heart, he wasn’t doing this for his father’s approval—he was doing it to finally break free from the chains that bound him.

The first day of college's final semester was meant to mark a fresh beginning, yet for some, it felt like just another mundane chapter in an already predictable story. The classroom hummed with the usual blend of chatter and anticipation. Students gathered in clusters, sharing vacation stories, exchanging notes, and speculating about professors. But when the door creaked open, all movement stilled.

Kim Taehyung and Yoon Jeonghan entered, their presence magnetic and impossible to ignore. Heads turned, conversations paused, and a collective wave of admiration swept through the room. It wasn’t just their looks—though those alone could command a room—it was the effortless air of confidence and detachment they carried, as if the world existed to orbit around them.

Jeonghan scanned the room with a lazy grin, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Ah," he drawled, his voice low but loud enough to carry to the front row. "The energy of this place. So vibrant, so… dull. Remind me, Taehyung, why are we gracing this institution with our presence today?"

Taehyung adjusted the sleeve of his tailored blazer, the silver glint of his watch catching the light. His expression was as indifferent as ever, his tone laced with sarcasm. "Apparently, passing exams has become the latest trend. Thought I’d reluctantly join the bandwagon."

The pair made their way to their usual seats in the back row, where the view was perfect for observing, not participating.

Jeonghan dropped his bag on the desk with a thud and leaned back, still grinning. "Oh, how noble of you. Let me guess, next thing we know, you’ll be organizing study groups and leading discussions on moral philosophy."

Taehyung's lips curled into a faint smirk, the kind that hinted at mockery and a touch of menace. "Don’t get ahead of yourself. I’m here to pass, not to socialize. Big difference."

Jeonghan chuckled, shaking his head. "Right. Because heaven forbid you actually engage with these mere mortals. Tell me, Taehyung, how does it feel being a god among the ordinary?"

Taehyung stretched his legs out under the desk, his gaze briefly flickering to the front of the classroom. "Exhausting," he murmured, a trace of humor in his voice. "But someone’s gotta do it."

Around them, whispers buzzed like static.

"Did you see them? They look even better than last semester."

"I can’t believe they’re actually here on the first day."

"Taehyung’s never going to change, is he?"

But neither of them cared. They lived in their own bubble of indifference, their world untouched by the mundane lives of their peers. As Jeonghan leaned closer, still grinning, he whispered, "Let me guess, you’re already planning your next escape. Or are you actually going to stick around this time?"

Taehyung’s smirk deepened. "I’ll stick around long enough to pass. After that? Who knows."

The two of them took their usual seats at the back of the classroom, leaning casually against their desks as if the world revolved around their comfort. The classroom buzzed around them, students laughing and catching up on the break, but Taehyung and Jeonghan were unaffected, their sharp gazes scanning the room like they were judges in a contest no one knew they were participating in.

Taehyung’s eyes were half-lidded, his posture languid yet commanding. Jeonghan, on the other hand, was more animated, his head turning every few seconds as he evaluated their classmates with a faint smirk.

Then the door opened, and Y/N walked in.

Jeonghan noticed her first, nudging Taehyung with his elbow. " Oh ! She is here," he whispered, his voice laced with amusement, "y/n. Who just lectured and insulted you yesterday."

Taehyung’s gaze flicked toward the door, his expression immediately souring when it landed on her. He muttered, narrowing his eyes as she moved toward her seat,"More like a critic. She’s probably waiting to pounce on me for existing in her vicinity."

Jeonghan chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Critic, huh? She’s got guts. I like that."

Y/N’s steps were measured, her face calm but her eyes betraying a spark of something fiery. Her gaze briefly met Taehyung’s, and the air seemed to tighten, the unspoken tension between them palpable even from a distance. Taehyung’s jaw tightened, and Jeonghan noticed, his grin widening.

"Wait a minute," Jeonghan said, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "You’re irritated. You never get irritated. This is… interesting."

"Shut up," Taehyung muttered, adjusting his watch as if the action could somehow erase her presence.

Y/N reached her seat in the front row, her movements precise and deliberate, like she knew she was being watched. She sat down, her back straight, and pulled out her notebook. Taehyung, from his spot at the back, couldn’t help but notice her quiet confidence. It wasn’t loud or demanding, but it was there, an unspoken defiance that made his irritation deepen.

"She’s not a regular in this class, is she?" Taehyung asked suddenly, his tone casual but his eyes still fixed on her.

Jeonghan raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What’s this? You noticed her absence before? Should I be worried?"

"Don’t twist my words," Taehyung snapped, leaning back in his chair. "I’ve only seen her name on the rankers' list. Doesn’t mean I’ve noticed her."

"Right," Jeonghan said, drawing the word out teasingly. "Just her name. Sure, Taehyung."

Taehyung shot him a look. "She’s not worth my energy. But if she opens her mouth, I won’t hold back."

"Now this," Jeonghan said, grinning like a kid in a candy store, "this is going to be fun. This semester us going to be very entertaining.."

At that moment, Y/N glanced back, her sharp gaze locking with Taehyung’s. For a split second, they stared at each other, neither backing down. Her eyes were filled with silent accusation, the memory of yesterday’s pot-shattering incident still fresh. His were equally defiant, daring her to make the first move. The unspoken tension between them was almost tangible, drawing the attention of a few curious classmates who began whispering among themselves.

But before anyone could say anything, Y/N turned back around, her shoulders squared as if dismissing him entirely. Taehyung let out a low scoff, shaking his head.

"Ranker or not, she’s got an attitude," he muttered.

"Sounds like someone we know," Jeonghan quipped, his grin widening. "Face it, Taehyung. You’ve met your match."

Taehyung rolled his eyes, leaning back in his chair with a look of exaggerated indifference. "She’s just another obstacle. Nothing more."

But as his gaze flicked back to her once more, the faintest flicker of intrigue crossed his face—gone in an instant but not unnoticed by Jeonghan.

The classroom buzzed with quiet anticipation as the students settled into their seats, the hum of muted conversations filling the air. The door creaked open, and in walked the professor, an elderly man with salt-and-pepper hair and sharp eyes that didn’t miss much. He placed his leather briefcase on the desk, adjusted his glasses, and scanned the room.

His gaze froze mid-sweep, locking onto the two figures seated in the back corner. The faintest look of disbelief crossed his face, quickly replaced by a bemused smile.

“Well, well,” the professor said, his voice carrying a mix of sarcasm and amusement. “I must be dreaming, or the stars have finally aligned. Kim Taehyung and Yoon Jeonghan... gracing us with their presence on the first day of class?”

The entire room turned toward them, a ripple of suppressed laughter spreading across the students.

Taehyung, leaning back in his chair, didn’t bother hiding his disinterest. He tilted his head slightly, giving the professor a half-smirk. "Good to see you too, Professor."

Jeonghan, ever the charmer, flashed a grin that could rival the sun. “What can we say, sir? We thought we’d add some sparkle to your day.”

The professor raised a skeptical brow, crossing his arms. “Sparkle? More like shock. I’m starting to think the apocalypse is near. Either that, or you’ve finally decided to take academics seriously.”

The students chuckled, and Jeonghan leaned closer to Taehyung, whispering loud enough for the professor to hear, “I told you we should’ve skipped today. Now we’re the main attraction.”

Taehyung exhaled through his nose, muttering, “Would’ve been quieter at the library.”

The professor tapped the edge of his desk, drawing their attention back to him. “Well, as miraculous as your presence is, gentlemen, let me remind you that this is still a classroom, not a runway. If you’re planning to stay, I expect participation.”

Jeonghan’s grin widened. “Of course, sir. Participation is our middle name.”

The professor shot him a knowing look. “I’ll believe it when I see it. Now, let’s get started before the stars decide to fade again.”

The class burst into muffled laughter as the professor turned to the board, and Jeonghan nudged Taehyung with a smug smile. "Looks like we’re the talk of the day already."

Taehyung rolled his eyes, drumming his fingers on the desk. “Enjoy it while it lasts. I’ll be back to fading by tomorrow.”

The day dragged on, testing Taehyung’s patience at every turn. He wasn’t one to sit through lectures, and it showed. By the second hour, his head rested against the back of his chair, eyes closed, pretending to listen but clearly teetering on the edge of sleep.

Jeonghan occasionally nudged him, whispering sarcastic remarks. “You look so studious. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you’re meditating ."

Taehyung cracked one eye open, smirking lazily. “Wake me when something interesting happens. Or never.”

The lectures continued, dense and unrelenting, with terms and equations Taehyung had no interest in deciphering. His notebook remained blank save for a few stray doodles Jeonghan had scribbled in the margins.

By the afternoon, Taehyung’s patience was entirely spent. During one particularly dry session, he propped his arm on the desk and leaned his head against it, dozing off despite the professor’s sharp voice cutting through the room.

Jeonghan clapped him on the back as they walked out together. “Congratulations, Taehyung. You survived your first day of actual effort. Barely.”

Taehyung rolled his eyes, smirking faintly. “Never again.”

The day had been an exhausting reminder of why he rarely showed up, but as they left the campus, a small part of him couldn’t shake the feeling that it wouldn’t be his last.

As Taehyung stepped into the grand hall of his family mansion, the heavy silence of the house was broken by his father’s voice, dripping with sarcasm.

“Well, well. Look who decided to grace the halls of higher education today,” Minhyun said, standing by the bar with a glass of whiskey in hand. His sharp gaze followed Taehyung’s every move.

Taehyung rolled his eyes, tossing his bag onto the nearest chair. “Not in the mood, Dad.”

Minhyun chuckled darkly. “Not in the mood? What an interesting choice of words for someone who’s been spoon-fed his entire life. So, tell me, how was your first day as a model student? Did you manage to stay awake, or did your charm alone pass the lectures for you?”

Taehyung glared at him, his jaw tightening. “It was fine. Not that it’s any of your business.”

Minhyun took a slow sip of his drink, savoring the power he held over his son. “Oh, but it is my business. Everything about you is my business. After all, it’s my money that pays for that education you so graciously ignore.”

Taehyung scoffed, leaning against the doorframe. “Here we go again. Do you ever get tired of this speech, or is it your favorite bedtime story?”

Minhyun set his glass down with a sharp clink, his tone growing colder. “I don’t give speeches, Taehyung. I give instructions. Instructions you’re expected to follow. And if you can’t even handle a day at college without whining, you’re proving exactly why you’ll never be ready to take over.”

Taehyung’s eyes darkened, his voice low and steady. “I don’t want your empire. I’ve said that a thousand times.”

“And yet, here you are, still under my roof, spending my money, and living on my terms,” Minhyun shot back, stepping closer. “If you don’t want the empire, then at least learn how to stand on your own two feet without embarrassing this family.”

Taehyung felt the familiar surge of anger rise in his chest, but he swallowed it down, refusing to let his father see him crack. “Anything else, or can I go now?”

Minhyun smirked, waving him off. “Go ahead. Rest up. You’ll need your energy if you plan to survive another day of playing the dutiful son.”

Taehyung turned on his heel, heading up the grand staircase without another word. But as he entered his room and slammed the door shut, his fists clenched at his sides. His father’s words echoed in his mind, each one fueling the fire of resentment that burned brighter with every encounter.

The college garden was quiet, a gentle breeze swaying the branches overhead. Y/N sat on the weathered wooden bench, her sketchbook resting on her lap. Her pencil danced across the page, bringing life to designs she had envisioned in her mind. Each stroke of graphite was careful yet determined, echoing her dream of becoming a designer—a dream still shrouded in the haze of a distant future.

Lost in her world, she didn’t notice the footsteps approaching until a familiar voice called her name.

“Hey, Y/N.”

She turned, her eyes meeting Soonyoung’s warm smile. He was her only friend in the entire college, a safe harbor in a sea of unfamiliar faces. Despite her reserved nature and reluctance to let others in, she trusted him—his kindness and unwavering support had earned him that place.

“Hey,” she greeted, a small smile tugging at her lips as he sat beside her.

Soonyoung leaned over to glance at her sketch. “Hmm, you’re getting really good at this,” he said, his tone a mix of admiration and encouragement.

She shrugged, letting out a soft sigh. “New stock came in at the shop yesterday. I’m just sketching some of their designs.”

He nodded, his expression bright. “Keep going. One day, you’ll be sketching your own creations for your own line.”

The words should’ve filled her with hope, but instead, a familiar ache settled in her chest. The path ahead felt impossibly long, the dream a flickering light at the end of a dark tunnel.

“Speaking of which,” Soonyoung said, his tone shifting, “have you heard about what those two boys are up to?”

Y/N didn’t have to ask who he meant. She knew. Everyone did. The whispers about Jeonghan and Taehyung traveled faster than the wind.

“What is it now?” she asked, her voice laced with disinterest. She had no reason to care, yet the mention of Taehyung’s name sent an uninvited flicker of curiosity through her.

“Jeonghan’s at it again—convincing half the college to skip classes and go to some underground party.”

“That’s reckless,” Y/N said, her eyes briefly meeting his. “If the principal finds out, he won’t get away with it.”

Soonyoung scoffed. “The principal? He can barely stand up straight in front of their fathers, let alone discipline them. Money talks, Y/N. And people like us? We don’t have enough of it for our voices to matter.”

She paused, her pencil hovering above the page. “That’s the harsh truth of this world, Soonyoung.” She patted his shoulder lightly, as if to offer some solace, before refocusing on her work.

But Soonyoung wasn’t finished. “And then there’s Taehyung,” he muttered, leaning closer. “He’s worse. I’ve seen him sneaking around with different girls—empty classrooms, the backyard, even behind the library. Who knows what he’s up to?”

The pencil in her hand froze mid-stroke. She wasn’t sure why his words lingered longer than they should’ve, or why her stomach churned at the thought of Taehyung with someone else. She shouldn’t care. It wasn’t her place to care.

She looked up, her voice steady. “Leave it, Soonyoung. It’s not our business.”

“You’re right,” he said after a moment. “Getting involved with them could ruin anyone’s life. Best to stay far away.” Rising from the bench, he stretched. “I should get going. Catch you later.”

“Bye,” she replied softly, her attention shifting back to her sketchbook.

But her focus was gone. The garden around her seemed quieter now, her thoughts louder. No matter how much she tried to convince herself otherwise, something about Taehyung—his name, his reputation, his presence—lingered in the back of her mind like a shadow she couldn’t escape.

And yet, she didn’t understand why.

As the days passed, Taehyung found himself slipping further into a monotonous routine that he neither understood nor cared for. Physically, he was present in class, but mentally, he was miles away, lost in a haze of boredom and disinterest. It wasn’t surprising—how could it not be hard for him? A man who hadn’t even bothered to learn the subjects in his syllabus was now sitting through hours of lectures. This new world of rules, schedules, and expectations felt suffocating, alien, and utterly beneath him.

Taehyung often spent lectures sprawled lazily in his seat, his head tilted back as if daring sleep to take over. His grades? Predictably underwhelming. It wasn’t that he lacked intelligence—if anything, he had sharp instincts and a mind that worked faster than most. But academia demanded focus and effort, neither of which Taehyung cared to provide.

And yet, despite his lackluster performance, his presence in college was anything but unnoticed. He wasn’t just a student—he was an event, a spectacle. His name carried weight, his family’s power lingering like an unspoken rule. And then there was his face, a masterpiece that seemed to have stepped straight out of a dream. Girls would steal glances, their whispers trailing behind him wherever he went.

Taehyung knew it, too. He played into it effortlessly, his natural charm wrapping around him like an aura. Flirting came as easily as breathing. A wink here, a smirk there—it was his nature, a defense mechanism against the drudgery of lectures and expectations.

But even the thrill of fleeting attention couldn’t mask his growing frustration. This wasn’t his world. This wasn’t where he thrived. And no matter how many girls swooned over him or professors shook their heads in disapproval, Taehyung couldn’t shake the feeling that he was playing a part in someone else’s story.

Taehyung stood in the college backyard, his back casually leaning against the rough bark of an old tree. A playful smirk danced on his lips as he whispered something into the ear of the girl standing close to him. She laughed, her voice light and airy, hanging on every word he said.

“Do you always come here looking this beautiful?” Taehyung teased, his tone smooth, his fingers lightly brushing a loose strand of her hair behind her ear.

The girl giggled, her cheeks flushing. “Maybe, but I think it’s you who makes this place look better.”

Taehyung tilted his head, his dark eyes narrowing slightly as he leaned closer. “Careful. If you keep saying things like that, I might start believing you can resist me.”

Her laughter bubbled again, her fingers grazing his arm lightly, as if testing the boundaries of their shared flirtation.

“Resist? Who said anything about resisting?” she quipped back, clearly emboldened by his attention.

He chuckled, the sound low and rich, his gaze dropping momentarily to her lips before flicking back to her eyes. “Dangerous answer. You should know I’m not exactly the type to let things go unnoticed.”

The tension between them grew, the air thick with flirtation as she leaned a little closer, drawn in by his magnetic charm.

“Maybe I like a little danger,” she replied, her voice softer now, a challenge evident in her tone.

Taehyung grinned, his confidence radiating as he stepped slightly forward, closing the space between them. “Then you’ve found the right person to keep things interesting.”

Their conversation was interrupted by the sudden sound of footsteps. Both turned to see Y/N approaching, her expression shifting from confusion to mild discomfort as she registered the scene before her.

At first, Y/N hesitated, her eyes flicking away as though she were weighing the decision to intervene. A breath held in her chest, she finally steeled herself, stepping closer, her voice tight yet composed, a trace of unease underlying her words. “Excuse me, but don’t you think this is a bit... inappropriate?”

The girl quickly shuffled back, flustered by the intrusion, her gaze dropping, embarrassed. Taehyung, however, made no such effort to retreat. His eyes, gleaming with a mix of amusement and something else, shifted toward Y/N. He let his smirk widen, as if the mere sight of her discomfort was something he’d been waiting for. "Well, that's not your concern. Just do what you came for and leave."

Y/N’s face reddened slightly, but there was something about her posture—steadier than usual—that made Taehyung pause. She wasn’t as easily shaken as most people. “This is a college, Taehyung. Not your private playground. People come here to study, not... whatever this is.”

Taehyung’s grin deepened, the edge of teasing sharp enough to cut through the air. “Relax, we were just talking. Or is it now a crime to have a conversation with someone?" His tone danced with mockery, but there was something deeper, a challenge hidden in the playfulness.

“It didn’t look like just talking,” Y/N shot back, her words crisp, each syllable cutting sharper than the last. Something about the way she stood her ground unsettled him, but it wasn’t entirely unpleasant.

The girl, caught in the tension of the moment, muttered something under her breath and quickly retreated, leaving the air between Taehyung and Y/N charged with an undeniable electricity.

Taehyung let out a theatrical sigh, running his hand through his hair, a gesture that was as much about frustration as it was about drawing attention. “You really know how to kill a moment, don’t you?”

Y/N crossed her arms, a small spark of defiance in her eyes. “Maybe if you acted with a little decency, moments like these wouldn’t need to be interrupted.”

"Decency?" Taehyung repeated, his voice dripping with mock surprise, his lips curling into an amused smirk. “Big word. Did you rehearse that in front of a mirror before coming here?” He watched her, curiosity flickering beneath the surface of his teasing. There was something in her, something that made him wonder just how much more of this she could take before she snapped.

Y/N huffed, her chin lifting just a fraction. “Just... try not to embarrass yourself. Or the rest of us who actually care about being here.” The words were sharp, but the subtext of them wasn’t lost on him. She wasn’t just criticizing him; she was distancing herself, trying to create a space between them that she knew he’d be too eager to close.

Taehyung stood there, his eyes following her retreating figure. A flicker of something inscrutable crossed his face—was it amusement, or maybe something deeper, an unexpected intrigue? His smirk remained, though it was laced with a new sense of appreciation. “Feisty,” he murmured under his breath, shaking his head with a low chuckle. "She’s definitely not boring." The words were directed at himself, but a lingering thought tugged at him. This wasn’t just about power or control—something about her reactions stirred him, though he couldn’t quite place why. Yet, he knew one thing for sure: she wasn’t going to be easily ignored.

The girl, noticing Taehyung's sudden shift in demeanor, giggled lightly, attempting to brush off the tension. "She’s like that. Don’t mind her. She’s just a little emotional about her studies, you know? College life and all that." Her tone was dismissive, as though she were trying to soothe the situation.

But Taehyung didn’t respond right away. Instead, his gaze lingered on Y/N's retreating form, his curiosity growing for reasons he couldn’t quite understand. A question slipped out before he could stop it. “Hmm, does she have a boyfriend?”

The girl’s laughter cut through the silence, loud and dismissive. “Boyfriend? No way. Who would even propose to her?” She shrugged nonchalantly, as if Y/N’s romantic life was of no consequence. “Forget about her. Let’s continue,” she added, her hands moving to cup Taehyung’s face in a playful gesture.

But Taehyung’s reaction was immediate, a shift in his body language that signaled his discomfort. He pulled back slightly, his eyes narrowing just enough for the girl to notice. “Don’t touch me without my permission. Stay in your boundaries, okay?” His voice wasn’t harsh, but there was a definite firmness in it that hadn’t been there before.

The girl blinked, startled for a moment, her playful expression faltering. But before she could say anything, Taehyung turned on his heel, leaving her standing there, still processing the sudden change in his behavior. His mind, however, was already far from the scene, swirling with thoughts of the girl he hadn’t expected to be so… interesting.

Why had he asked about Y/N in the first place? And why did he feel so irritated by that girl’s touch? The questions gnawed at him as he walked away, but there was a sense of clarity settling in. He knew now where his focus needed to be.

Y/N. The girl who had dared to challenge him in front of everyone. The one who, despite all his charm and swagger, wasn’t easily impressed. She had caught his attention, in a way no one else had. And Taehyung, for the first time in a while, was intrigued by the idea of finding out why.

The days at college began to blur into an odd rhythm, but one thing stood out starkly in Taehyung's routine—no matter what he did, no matter where he went, Y/N somehow managed to invade his thoughts. It wasn’t intentional, at least not on her part, but it was maddening to him.

Whenever he flirted with a girl, his smooth words slipping out effortlessly, Y/N’s unimpressed face would flash in his mind, disrupting the moment. Her sharp retort from the backyard seemed etched into his memory, and it annoyed him to no end. Even in the library, where he tried to escape the noise and nap in peace, her presence lingered—whether it was the faint sound of her voice across the room, the way she walked past him with a stack of books, or simply the thought of her, steadfast and focused, while he drifted aimlessly.

Taehyung leaned back in his chair during one such library visit, rubbing his temples in frustration. “What the hell is wrong with me?” he muttered under his breath, earning a curious glance from Jeonghan, who sat across the table, casually flipping through a magazine.

Jeonghan smirked knowingly. “What’s eating at you? Another girl turned you down?”

Taehyung shot him a glare. “No. And don’t start.”

“Ah,” Jeonghan chuckled, leaning forward with an air of mischief. “This wouldn’t happen to have anything to do with a certain Miss Y/N, would it?”

Taehyung’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t respond, which was enough confirmation for Jeonghan. “She’s under your skin, huh? I’ve seen that look before. You can’t stand her, but you can’t ignore her either.”

Taehyung clicked his tongue, sitting upright. “She’s just... everywhere. Like a shadow that refuses to disappear. It’s irritating.”

“Or fascinating,” Jeonghan countered, his grin widening. “You’re just not used to someone not falling for your charm. She’s the exception, and that’s what’s throwing you off.”

Taehyung didn’t reply, his expression darkening as he gazed out of the window. He hated that Jeonghan was right, even if he wouldn’t admit it.

Meanwhile, the college administration was in turmoil over the unintended chaos Taehyung and Jeonghan had brought into their halls. The two weren’t just students—they were distractions, and a massive one at that.

In a closed-door meeting, the principal sighed deeply, addressing the faculty gathered before him. “This can’t continue. Taehyung and Jeonghan are turning this college into a circus. Their presence is causing... disruptions.”

One of the professors nodded gravely. “It’s true. The female students have been losing focus. Instead of concentrating on their studies, they’re busy following those two around. It’s alarming.”

Another chimed in, “Their attendance might be better this semester, but their behavior hasn’t improved. Sleeping in class, flirting openly, and encouraging an unhealthy atmosphere—it’s damaging for the rest of the students.”

The principal tapped his pen on the table, his expression hardening. “We need to address this immediately. They may come from powerful families, but this institution has standards to uphold. If they can’t adhere to them, we’ll have no choice but to take action.”

The tension in the room was palpable as the faculty exchanged worried glances. They all knew dealing with students like Taehyung and Jeonghan wasn’t just about enforcing rules; it was about navigating the fine line between discipline and the political power their families wielded.

Back on campus, oblivious to the brewing storm, Taehyung lounged in the courtyard, watching the clouds drift lazily above. His mind wandered back to Y/N, the girl who had somehow become the most intriguing and infuriating part of his otherwise mundane college life.

He didn’t know it yet, but his actions—and hers—were beginning to stir more than just his own thoughts.

The classroom was heavy with an oppressive silence, save for the soft sound of chalk scratching against the board and the faint snores of Taehyung, slumped over his desk as if the world outside his dreams didn’t exist. With Jeonghan absent, boredom had taken over entirely, and Taehyung didn’t care to mask it.

But not today.

The professor turned from the board, eyes narrowing as he caught sight of Taehyung, deep in his unrepentant nap. The anger bubbling within him had been simmering for weeks, restrained by the knowledge of Taehyung’s powerful family. Yet today, restraint shattered.

"Am I singing a lullaby, Mr. Kim? Or do you find my lectures so soothing that they put you to sleep?" the professor’s voice thundered, startling the entire class. Heads turned, eyes darting between the irate professor and the man who was slowly stirring from his slumber.

Taehyung straightened in his seat, his face void of regret or apology. He blinked lazily, as if the professor’s anger was merely an inconvenience. His calm, dismissive demeanor only fueled the fire.

The professor slammed his textbook on the desk. “Your behavior is a disgrace! You think this is your playground? That your father’s wealth can shield you from accountability? Let me tell you something—your father’s riches may buy you a golden plate, but they can’t buy respect. And certainly not here.”

The mention of his father made Taehyung stiffen. His hands curled into fists under the desk, his jaw tightening. He despised being connected to the man he loathed most, and the professor’s words struck a nerve he had buried deep.

“Do you think you can disrupt this class with your entitlement? While others are here to earn their future, you sit here, sleeping like a pet dog waiting for your father to throw you scraps!”

And that was the final straw.

Taehyung’s chair scraped against the floor as he stood, his presence suddenly towering and menacing. Before anyone could react, he strode toward the professor, rage burning in his eyes.

“You want to call me a pet dog?” he growled, his voice low and dangerous.

The professor barely had time to step back before Taehyung’s fist connected with his jaw. Gasps filled the room as the impact echoed.

“Don’t you dare call me his son!” Taehyung roared, landing another punch. Each word was punctuated by a strike, his fury uncontrolled, his usual aloofness shattered into raw, unfiltered rage.

The students sat frozen, watching in stunned horror as their peer—a man known for his charm and indifference—lost himself completely. Blood dripped from the professor’s face as he struggled to shield himself, his cries for help drowned by Taehyung’s wrath.

Y/N was the first to move. Fear and determination clashed in her chest as she rushed to intervene. She grabbed Taehyung’s arm mid-swing, her voice firm despite her shaking hands.

“Stop it, Taehyung! Are you out of your mind? This isn’t—”

Her words were cut off as Taehyung, blinded by fury, shoved her aside. She stumbled backward, her back colliding with a desk, a sharp gasp escaping her lips as pain shot through her spine.

“Don’t touch me!” he snarled, his gaze snapping to her for the briefest moment before returning to the professor.

The commotion finally drew the attention of staff, who burst into the classroom and rushed to restrain Taehyung. It took three staff members to pull him back, his fists still swinging in the air as he shouted, his voice hoarse with anger.

“Tell him to think before he speaks! Tell him not to call me that!” Taehyung’s voice echoed through the room, his words a chaotic mix of anguish and fury.

The professor, bruised and bleeding, was hurriedly taken to the infirmary, while Taehyung was dragged to a separate room, still fuming. His shirt was wrinkled, his knuckles bloodied, but his anger showed no signs of subsiding.

As they locked the door behind them, the staff exchanged worried glances. One muttered, “He’s a ticking time bomb.”

Meanwhile, back in the classroom, Y/N winced as she stood, pressing a hand to her sore back. Her mind raced with conflicting emotions—fear, anger, pity—all directed at the man who had just turned the classroom into a battlefield.

For the first time, she saw something beyond Taehyung’s charm and indifference. She saw a storm, uncontrollable and destructive, rooted in pain far deeper than she could imagine. And it unsettled her in ways she wasn’t prepared to confront.

Soonyoung found her sitting on a bench inside the chaotic classroom, her face pale and her hands trembling slightly as she rubbed the ache in her back. His brows furrowed in concern as he approached, kneeling in front of her and placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.

“Why did you go to stop him?” he asked softly, his voice tinged with frustration but laced with worry.

Y/N looked away, her gaze fixed on the ground. “I couldn’t just stand there, Soonyoung. Didn’t you see him? He was out of control. What if he had killed the professor?”

Soonyoung sighed, taking a seat beside her. He ran a hand through his hair, trying to choose his words carefully. “Y/N, it’s not our responsibility to save everyone. Especially people like him. You need to understand that their world—the world of these rich families—is nothing like ours. It might look glamorous, but behind the curtain, it’s chaos. You don’t want to get caught up in that.”

She turned to him, her brows knitting together. “It’s not about their world, Soonyoung. It’s about right and wrong. What he did was dangerous, reckless. But…” Her voice trailed off, her lips pressing into a thin line as she struggled to articulate the storm of thoughts in her mind.

“But what?” Soonyoung prompted, his tone gentle but wary.

Y/N hesitated before speaking again. “When the professor mentioned his father… Did you see his reaction? He wasn’t just angry. He looked… hurt. As if that name was some kind of trigger. I don’t know why, but it felt like there’s more to him than just arrogance and violence.”

Soonyoung scoffed lightly, leaning back against the bench. “You’re overthinking it. Guys like him? They’re all the same. Born with silver spoons in their mouths, acting like the world owes them something. Don’t waste your time trying to understand him, Y/N. It’s not worth it.”

Y/N frowned, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her sweater. “Maybe you’re right,” she murmured, though her voice lacked conviction. Yet deep down, a stubborn curiosity gnawed at her. Taehyung’s outburst wasn’t just the tantrum of a spoiled rich boy. There was pain beneath the surface, raw and unresolved.

Soonyoung noticed her distraction and leaned forward, his expression softening. “Y/N, listen to me. You’re ambitious, kind, and you’ve got a bright future ahead of you. Don’t let someone like him pull you into his mess. Stay focused on what matters—your dreams, your goals. You can’t fix everyone, and you definitely don’t need to fix him.”

She nodded slowly, but the crease in her brow remained. “You’re right,” she said again, this time more firmly, though her heart whispered otherwise.

As Soonyoung watched her, a pang of unease settled in his chest. He cared for Y/N deeply—more than he would ever admit aloud. The idea of her getting entangled in Taehyung’s chaotic world filled him with dread. But he also knew Y/N’s heart: once she set her mind on something, there was no stopping her.

Y/N’s gaze drifted toward the building where Taehyung had been taken. Her logical mind screamed for her to heed Soonyoung’s warning, to leave well enough alone. But curiosity—and something she couldn’t quite name—pulled her toward the storm that was Kim Taehyung.