“Wish me luck with Mr. Teacher,” I air-quoted, rolling my eyes.
The guys all laughed, playfully shoving me toward the classroom. “Hwaiting, y/n!” They thrust fists into the air, attempting a cheer. It wasn’t much, but I was grateful they tried.
“We’ll wait for you outside,” RM smiled, steering the others toward a bench. They all stared intently at the door.
I took a deep breath and knocked.
“Come in,” the teacher’s voice was smooth. I eased the door open, peering inside. There he was, dark hair falling across his eyes. As he lifted his face, pushing his glasses higher on his nose, my breath hitched.
“Oh, perfect. y/n. I was wondering when you’d come.” Mr. Park gestured toward a seat directly in front of him. “Have a seat. This won’t take long.”
I settled into the chair, feeling strangely awkward. Seeing him after class, not in his usual teaching stance, felt…different. In a good way, unsettlingly so.
“What can I do for you?” I asked, trying to maintain a neutral expression, convinced this teacher had something up his sleeve.
“Well, to begin with…” He handed me a cup of water, then leaned forward, his gaze intense.
“Thank you,” I murmured, taking a sip. My mind raced. Was he struggling with adjusting to the school? Did he need help with cleanup duties? Was he being overwhelmed by the attention from other students? Maybe he wanted advice on how to manage the girls and boys who found him cute?
“I need you to tutor someone,” he said, his voice serious, as if conveying a hidden message.
“Um…who?” I leaned back, tilting my head. The only person failing this class…“Is it RM? My friend?” The thought struck me as ironic, almost laughable. RM should have just asked me directly.
“Yes. I need you to help him, and I’ll be present during your tutoring sessions.” I could feel Mr. Park’s annoyance at my response.
“What do I get in return?” I asked, a small smirk playing on my lips.
“You’ll receive an A+ on any test you choose.” He leaned closer, and my heart hammered against my ribs. I tried to look away, but his hands were already reaching for mine.
“On second thought, maybe you should ask someone else. I’m sure there are plenty of students who wouldn’t mind tutoring RM.” I pulled my hands back, but he caught them, his grip firm.
“I want *you* to tutor him,” he said, his voice a low murmur. I felt his words seep into my resolve, threatening to overwhelm me.
“I won’t do it,” I stood up, grabbing my bag, ready to leave before he could pull me back into his orbit. He grabbed my hands and pressed himself closer to me, the desk the only barrier between us.
“I guess you don’t want those A+s, Miss y/n.” The way he said my name, adding the polite prefix, made me cringe. I fought to maintain composure.
Of course, I wanted the A+. But I wasn't going to cave to his demands, no matter how beautiful he was. I had my own life, my own boundaries.
“I’ll earn my own A+s my own way.” I stared back at him, determined, though inside I felt like I was hyperventilating from the proximity.
“My name is Jimin. Don’t forget that.” He pulled back, a smirk playing on his lips as he saw how flustered I was. He opened the door for me, returning to that angelic smile that could disarm anyone.
“Okay, y/n. I’ll see you starting tomorrow for the extra credit you’re being provided.” He smiled and nodded. I knew, even from this small exchange, that refusing would be difficult.
“Of course, Mr. Park,” I smiled sweetly, bowing slightly. “Good luck trying to get me out of this case now. I’ll make your life miserable.”
I could feel his surprise, but he masked it well. I couldn’t help but smirk as I walked toward the others.
“So what was that about?” they asked, standing up and stretching.
“Yeah, you were in there a long time.” Jin grabbed my bag, carrying it for me.
“It’s only for the adults,” I giggled, playfully messing up their hair as we headed home.
From a distance, I glanced back at Jimin. His smile, once mesmerizing, now felt…challenging. I’ll show him what he’s gotten himself into. No matter how cute he is, or how he acts, I’ll be stronger. Mr. Teacher, let’s see who wins this war. Teacher and student? No way. Or…can it?