Everyone was buzzing about today's tour. It had been over a month since the last site visit, and everyone was practically vibrating with anticipation.
"Good morning, everyone! I hope you’re all as excited as I am for today’s tour. As Head of the Historical Research Department, I can assure you this will be both fun and incredibly educational for young historians like yourselves. So come on, let’s give it a shot!"
Mr. Nam sounded… enthusiastic. *Too* enthusiastic.
"What’s wrong with Mr. Nam? I’ve never seen him so hyped before," Jimin asked, disbelief coloring his tone.
"Oh, come on, Chimmy. Everyone knows about Mr. Nam’s happy mood today. It’s because Miss Lim is accompanying us on the tour. And you know how much Mr. Nam fancies her. God, he’s been grinning like an idiot all morning," Jungkook exclaimed, eyes wide as he watched Mr. Nam.
Jimin chuckled. “No wonder he’s so cheerful. Good for us. He’ll be less strict today, and we can have all the fun we want.”
JiAh overheard them and glanced in Mr. Nam’s direction as he approached Miss Lim. Her own lips curved into a small smile.
*They look cute together.* She thought, lost in a wistful daydream. *I really hope all the lovers stay together forever. No separation, no limitations, no boundaries. Please God, never let anyone lose their loved ones.*
She was so lost in her thoughts she didn’t notice Chi Sun watching her.
Chi Sun seized the opportunity to mess with JiAh. She snuck up behind her and screamed loudly in JiAh’s ear, “CAUGHT YOU!!!”
JiAh nearly jumped out of her skin, her heart hammering against her ribs. She whipped around, eyes wide with shock. Chi Sun and a few other girls were already collapsing into laughter.
“What the *fuck* is wrong with you? My heart nearly stopped. Do you think that’s funny?” JiAh snapped, trying to catch her breath.
“Indeed!” Chi Sun cackled, somehow managing to compose herself enough to poke fun at JiAh. “Look at you. You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
JiAh scoffed, glaring at Chi Sun. “I hope you don’t want to be unfortunate enough to end up in hell. So stop your ‘not so funny’ prank unless you want me to kill you.”
“Ohhh! Someone’s getting really angry. Was it because I disturbed your ‘gazing at the lovebirds’ moment?” She chuckled, enjoying JiAh’s slight embarrassment.
“What do you mean?” JiAh looked away, speaking in a nervous tone, caught off guard.
“I mean, stop looking at other couples and start thinking about your own love story. You don’t want to end up alone for the rest of your life, do you?”
JiAh stared at her feet, not interested in Chi Sun’s pep talk.
“Yaah Chi Sun-ah! I’ve lost count of how many times you’ve chanted the same bullshit over and over again.”
“You’re hopeless.” Chi Sun rolled her eyes, but a new idea struck her. She grabbed JiAh’s shoulders and turned her towards the direction Taehyung was walking. “Look, Taehyung is here. Surely he’s coming with us. Today is the perfect day. You should confess your feelings to him.”
JiAh looked at Taehyung, mesmerized. His curly hair perfectly framed his strong features and sharp jawline. And that crooked smile… it was intoxicating. She was so lost in his image she started walking toward him, her feet moving before her brain caught up. Her bubble popped when she saw Jessie standing next to him, her hands wrapped around his arm.
“Tae Tae Oppa! I hope you won’t mind sitting next to me on the bus. I need some advice for my next history project.”
JiAh felt a burning jealousy ignite inside her as she watched Taehyung give Jessie a warm smile.
*Why does he always have to be so sweet to everyone?* she thought, her resentment rising. *Was it necessary to smile at her? He could have just brushed her off. And that bitch, always clinging to him. I really feel like grabbing her stupid ponytail and suspending her upside down from the roof of this building.*
Chi Sun sighed, sensing JiAh’s internal turmoil. “I think you need to buckle up before some other girl digs her claws into him.”
“It’s kinda complicated. I don’t think we’re possible. It’s better to forget about it.” JiAh sighed, her shoulders slumping.
“What?! Why do you think that way? You’ve been crushing on him since he arrived at this Institute. Do you plan on having a crush on him for the rest of your life?” Chi Sun’s nerves were fraying, seeing how timid JiAh became whenever Taehyung’s name came up.
“Well, I don’t know. I mean look at him. He’s… perfect! In every aspect. Looks, intelligence, popularity… everything. There’s no way we’re going to end up together.”
JiAh started to walk away, but Chi Sun grabbed her shoulders and turned her to face her.
“Enough of you being in the background. It’s time to get your claws on your man. Make him get lost in your eyes and show him your wild side. Come on, JiAh, show him who’s the boss.” Chi Sun said dramatically, as if possessed by some evil spirit.
JiAh stared at her with a blank expression. *Am I supposed to admit her to a mental asylum?* “Fuck off! You’re getting on my nerves.”
“HEY TAEHYUNG!” Chi Sun shouted, waving her hands wildly. “JIAH HAS SOMETHING TO TELL YOU. WOULD YOU MIND COMING OVER FOR A MINUTE?”
JiAh was shocked, unable to process what was happening. She saw Taehyung smile at her, and as he started walking closer, her heartbeat quickened with every step. She wanted the earth to open up and swallow her whole.
*She can't believe she did this to her.* Is she her friend or her enemy? Oh, my God! He's coming. What am I supposed to do?
Her hands started to sweat, and she felt her face flush. Chi Sun released her shoulder and winked at her before turning to join the others near the bus. She leaned in and whispered, "GOOD LUCK!"