Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Jeongguk runs. The moment the family Palisade comes to a stop on their courtyard, he's dashing through the doors inside, wanting to reach the comforts of his room. He needs (emphasis on the word) to get away before someone notices how his face is too red like he's running a fever, lips quivering from trying to stop himself from releasing the dam of emotions he's currently feeling. He's close to crying, eyes bloodshot red from holding it inside the car because It's embarrassing to be seen crying by Mr. Lee (their family driver) and he's got more things to be embarrassed about, like how Stephanie Choi just 'air pecked' him in front of the whole school.

He's nineteen. It shouldn't even be an issue. Aside from the fact that Jeongguk had this teeny tiny bit of crush for Stephanie because she keeps on using this oddly specific perfume fragrance that everytime he gets a sniff off it, he's strangely attracted. And it's not that he's creepily sniffing out girls' scents, it's just that he's sensitive to it all. It's a bit of a problem, getting sensitized to all the floral, sweet, musky combinations on the daily whenever he comes to his university.

Apart from the fact that the said "air peck" is Jeongguk's first fake kiss (hopefully the last too, heavens above), it's the situation that it came along with that got him so bothered and ashamed. He was just minding his own business, heading to the parking lot because Mr. Lee is already waiting for him, ready to escort him back to their family mansion. And then he'd gotten a whiff of it, that almond and vanilla scent, before he got pulled back by a hand, stared at like he was being judged, and Stephanie was speaking to him. The words didn't register at first because that's Stephanie, his a bit of a crush holding his arm and then she was smirking at him.

"Watch me." she turned to her group of friends while confidently saying this then returned her stare back to Jeongguk.

Jeongguk was about to remove her hands because the situation was just downright uncomfortable. People were staring, all their focus was spent on this unexpected interaction between one of the school nerds and the school's queen bee. The thing about Stephanie is that she demands attention whenever she wants, wherever she goes.

She makes a show of it. Pulling Jeongguk closer despite him struggling against it albeit weakly because he wasn't prepared for the next move. Stephanie cupped both of his cheeks with her hands, leans close enough for her own cheeks to connect with her hands, making an act of "pecking" Jeongguk when in fact she was making just the sound and kissing air. Jeongguk feels the heat of shame consumes his whole body. Stephanie's mocking him in front of everyone. Stephanie's mocking him for not actually kissing him but everyone thinks otherwise. She lets go and grins devilishly to her circle of friends.

For a few seconds, people stopped what they were doing and maybe so did Jeongguk's world. Stephanie's friends are screaming, thrilled with the small entertainment that just transpired. Everyone saw and it makes Jeongguk bitter because it feels like he stepped into a hunter's trap without even knowing so.

"I kissed a nerd. You're paying for my birthday party. I did the dare and I'm getting what I want." Stephanie announced to her friends. They're all still hyped, applauding, giving Stephanie high fives as they laugh.

Jeongguk's head hung low. He wants to go home. He doesn't wanna be here anymore. So he starts moving like he should have done five minutes ago. He speed walks until he reaches the familiar car he always goes to school with, Mr. Lee on his phone, leaning against it.

"Young master-" Mr. Lee greets but Jeongguk is opening the car door so fast and closing it forcefully, it rattles the car.

Mr. Lee gets in the driver seat fast and doesn't speak on it, Jeongguk's sudden attitude. He starts driving and doesn't poke around, just providing Jeongguk with piano music. It's calming but Jeongguk is too wounded, too hurt by the public display of humiliation that he definitely didn't expect on a normal Wednesday.

And now, he's seething in his room, punching the pillows and crying because what the fuck was that? He got a bad blow to his ego and Stephanie, his former a bit of a crush managed to dump his feelings too along with the embarrassment she just put him through. How can she get away with that?

And a dare? All because of a dare, she's stringing along strangers now and stealing their first kiss (though Jeongguk really didn't kiss with her). It's infuriating and if Jeongguk is a carefree person, he would have accepted it as it is. Stephanie stole his first fake kiss, publicly, in the open area of Seoul Institute of Scholars, with a hundred eyes spectating all for a stupid fucking dare.

What makes him more angry is the fact that she doesn't even need for others to take care of her birthday party. She just did it for her entertainment. Jeongguk sees her in every family event, looking like a dear sweetheart attached to her family members. Choi Stephanie was rich-rich and she was spoiled rotten by her mother and father if her outfits were any indication of it. Gucci, Chanel, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Prada, Louis Vuitton, name it and she could probably show her collection.

His phone vibrates and he curses because he dreads it's already widespread. What happened earlier is probably a hot topic now.

There's a few notifications on his screen as he tries to unlock it. 'Kim Seokjin sent you a message.' being one of them. He goes through the notifications, a message from his mom 'Jeongguk, your dad and I will run late so eat without us' it said. And then he sees a private message from Yoongi in the X app.

Yoongi: What was that???
Are you okay?

Jeongguk: I don't know too, hyung :((
I was just heading home and she pulled me back to pull a stunt like that :'((
I'm so ashamed, hyung :(( Everyone was looking

Yoongi: File a lawsuit for assault
These stupid kids think they're so cool when they could be behind bars

Jeongguk: Hyung, she's a girl

Yoongi: so?

Jeongguk: Hyung, can't :((

Yoongi: I'm getting mad

Jeongguk: I am mad, overwhelmed, ashamed

Yoongi: Aish, Jeonggukie...
Seriously, sue her.

This is college, Jeongguk reminds himself. He could pay back without actually 'hurting' her. Revenge. It's such a childish thought but it's so fitting. So so sweet and tempting.

Jeongguk: I got a better idea.

Yoongi: ?

Jeongguk: Revenge

Yoongi: ??
Are you out of your mind?
You're gonna be the one behind bars if you kiss her back as revenge.

Jeongguk: Hyung, calm down. Nobody's kissing anyone and I'm never gonna be behind bars.

Yoongi: So what's in that brilliant head of yours?
a penny for your thoughts

Talking to Yoongi like this releases the tension he felt earlier. It is nice that someone could get angry for him for being wronged. He's such a good older friend to Jungkook and wouldn't even hesitate to raise his fist if needed and if a situation gives Jeongguk such a disadvantage despite the former's smaller build than the latter. He is Jeongguk's non-biological brother.

Jungkook types but also erases his message. Is he really considering this? But why not? Stephanie Choi started it. And Jeongguk was one petty motherfucker aside from a smart mouth.

Jeongguk: I'll make her interested in me and then I'll dump her.

Yoongi: from what i remember, she kissed you, she didn't hit you in the head

Jeongguk: hyung >:(

Yoongi: entertaining the thought, and how exactly are you gonna do this bizarre plan of yours?

Jeongguk sighs. How? How is he gonna pull this off? He needs resources, people. He looks at the mirror. He's wearing his thick glasses. He's breaking out from staying up late most days. His fashion sense could be a bit too much.

Jeongguk: you need to help me

Yoongi: i am already, just by entertaining this idea of yours
do you know how crazy it is just thinking about it? The Queen Bee? being dumped by a school nerd?

Jeongguk: can't believe you called me a nerd

Yoongi: aren't you? and i am too
i just don't dress the part

Jeongguk: ...
I'll plan for it first. I'm gonna eat dinner now. see you tomorrow

Yoongi: tell me everything when it's done. eat well, kid.
don't hide away from people tomorrow, I'll see you

Jeongguk: I'll try (⁠´⁠-⁠﹏⁠-⁠`⁠；⁠)

He checks the X app for anything related to Stephanie's stupid show and anything is an understatement. Everyone's talking about it. Jeongguk barely follows people in his college and everyone who saw and didn't see knew. Heck their neighbors prolly already know.

He punches his pillows again. It's so maddening. He needs to think fast. There's no way he's getting bullied over this.

His phone vibrates again and he looks at the notification. A new message from Kim Seokjin just now. He opens his private conversation with him. The last message was from December, 6 months ago. Their family hosted a year end party and Kim Seokjin's family was there. Seokjin is Jeongguk's cousin.

Seokjin: Jeongguk, are you okay?

The first message of the year from Seokjin was him asking him if he's okay and he's not.

Seokjin: Jeongguk...
I didn't mean to watch. I was walking towards my circle when I heard that witch's voice.
You didn't deserve that.

So everyone in his circle saw too. Jeongguk sighs.

Jeongguk: Hi, Seokjin hyung
it's been a while
I didn't expect to hear from you for this reason but here we are

Seokjin: It has indeed been a while. You good?

Jeongguk realizes he didn't really answer Seokjin's inquiry. Speechless about what to say, he keeps typing and erasing again. He seems to find it hard putting things into words today.

Seokjin: Let's eat together tomorrow?
My treat. Meet me in front of Building C's wooden chairs at 11.
I'll be waiting.

Jeongguk: Okay, see you, Seokjin hyung

Seokjin: see you, Jeongguk!

He leaves the phone on his bedside table, stands up from his bed, washes up and changes into comfortable shorts and a white t-shirt. He comes down to eat and Mrs. Seon is already waiting for him in the dining room.

"Good evening, young master. Today's dinner is already prepared." She tells and bows as Jeongguk comes inside the dining room. Jeongguk bows back and proceeds to sit on one of the chairs. A lot of food for one person tonight.

"Did Mom tell you when they'll arrive?"

"No, young master. But she did say you shouldn't wait for them anymore and eat when dinner time comes."

"Okay. Thank you, Mrs. Seon"

"Always at your service, young master. Have a nice meal." Mrs. Seon excuses herself and leaves the room, leaving Jeongguk with one maid to accommodate him. In case Jeongguk wants anything, he can call her.

There are a number of employees working in their house, enough to cater to a family of four. Well, three, considering his brother Junghyun is still abroad, studying business like how his father wanted him to. Jeongguk studies Computer Science. Compared to his brother, he got the freedom to choose his profession. But it's not like Junghyun hates business. He excels at it so he accepted it already that it's just for him. And Jungkook would be sorry but his brother's weekly update about how well he's living his life abroad on their family group chat is enough to confirm he's just going along with the big waves crashing to him, riding it out and smiling. Their family is warm despite being one with exceptional wealth, especially a family with exceptional wealth.

"I'm done. I'll be retiring for the night, Ms. Byul." He smiles at his companion. Leaving the dining table and excusing himself from the dining area.

He trudges back to his room and studies for the rest of the night.

He sleeps at 3 am worrying about tomorrow's events.

(⁠๑⁠♡⁠⌓⁠♡⁠๑⁠)(⁠๑⁠♡⁠⌓⁠♡⁠๑⁠)

He's wearing pants and a hoodie big enough to hide him from stares. Mr. Lee doesn't comment on it and greeted him like usual, drove him to school like always, car music still soft piano tones. Though he knows he sticks more like an eyesore with the choice of color, it's red. Not really a good choice if you don't want to stand out.

Yoongi waits for him patiently by a bench, also wearing a hoodie but it's pulled back, black.

"Hey." Yoongi calls out.

"Hey." Jeongguk answers back. He sits by Yoongi's side and as expected, people who saw him yesterday are already eyeing him.

"I hate this Jeongguk-ah. I don't like how I'm being stared at because you are being stared at."

"Believe me, I hate it most. People in X are so stupid. I wanted to throw my phone last night." Jeongguk wanna squish something, just anything to grasp.

"Have you devised a plan already?"

"No luck, hyung. I'm out of ideas."

"You have no idea at all, you mean."

"Thanks for stating the fact, hyung."

Yoongi grimaces.

Jeongguk checks his watch, 10:30. 30 minutes more till he meets up with Seokjin. His building is not too far from Jeongguk's building (Building D). Seokjin is a Dramatic Arts student. With a face like that, Jeongguk can already tell his cousin will do well with his preferred course. Such genes should not go to waste. They're cousins but Jeongguk sometimes doubts they are, with the stark contrast of their looks. Saying that Seokjin looks fine would be an understatement, the man could par with a beauty god, Jeongguk thinks.

His phone vibrates and he checks the notification. 'Kim Seokjin sent you a message'.

Seokjin: Jeongguk, my classes ended early. I'll come to you now. Do you still have classes?

Jeongguk: It just ended, Seokjin hyung. I'm in front of Building D still. Just hanging out with a friend.

More like wasting time thinking of ways to plot revenge and maybe being a bright red attraction to the students.

Seokjin: I'm coming there, don't go anywhere. We're heading that way anyway. Brought my car so I'll be there in five minutes.

Jeongguk: okay, Seokjin hyung

He locks his phone.

"It's been fifteen minutes and not even one of the passersby have not looked in your direction." Yoongi comments

"Hyung!" Jeongguk whines. Yoongi shamelessly smiles so wide.

"Seriously, Jeongguk-ah. Stephanie Choi is crazy. Doing that for a show." Yoongi huffs in disbelief.

"I know. And to think I thought I liked her a bit." Yoongi looks at Jeongguk like he grew three heads.

"You must be insane to say that. I told you, she kissed you and not hit you in the head."

Jeongguk puts a palm on his face, annoyed. It's not even a true kiss. And him liking Stephanie Choi was just a weird thing anyway, just for a scent.

Yoongi looks at his phone and stands.

"Where are you going, hyung? You don't have class until 4."

"Part-time. I teach kids some basic piano lessons for an hour. Pays a lot for such an easy task." He puts his bag on his back and starts to walk away.

"See you around."

"Take care." Jeongguk tells him. Yoongi waves his hand dismissively.

Not a minute passed and a car honks nearby. It gets his attention and he sees Seokjin's handsome face as the windows pulled down. He comes close.

"Hello, Seokjin hyung."

"Jin hyung will do. We always see each other at family events, don't you think it's time you sound less formal with me now?" Seokjin winks. Jeongguk shyly puts one hand behind his neck (well hoodie, it's still cloaked).

"Hop in. I'm gonna treat you to Cilantro." Jeongguk nods and crosses the car to get to the passenger seat.

Seokjin asks.

"None so far. Seok-", Seokjin looks at him as he starts driving off. "Jin hyung." Jeongguk corrects. Seokjin smiles. "You? Do you have any?"> Jeongguk adds.

"Garlic and potatoes." Jeongguk is in disbelief. He's making a face and Seokjin can't help but laugh.

"I know." Seokjin smiles even more. Jeongguk appreciates his cousin's face because he looks more dazzling like that, smiling. "Sucks to be me. Ironic since a lot of korean dishes have garlic."

Seokjin's phone pings.

"Care to read that for me, Jeongguk-ah?" he asks. Jeongguk grabs Seokjin's phone to help him.

"It says Lim Jin-Ah sent you a message." Jeongguk provides.

"Ah please read it." Seokjin says putting his focus onto driving. Lim Jin Ah sounded familiar. Jeongguk thinks he'd heard her name in a family event.

Jeongguk reads. "Jinie, I just got a message from the higher ups about a surprise performance for a big company tomorrow." Jeongguk hears Seokjin curse. He continues reading. "I have two classes this afternoon and I know you're done for the day so I'm leaving your program and invitation at the lounge. Director Park said we have practice at 4. Talk to you later." Jeongguk finishes.

Seokjin's hands are maneuvering the car back to where they came from. "Jeongguk, there's a bit of a change of plans." Seokjin's looking stressed.

"It's okay, hyung. We can cancel-" Jeongguk supplies.

"Ah no, i mean, we're just coming back to Building C. But we're still eating out. Can you wait for me as I get the stuff I need from the lounge?" He asks.

Jeongguk hums and nods. "Sure, hyung. I don't mind."

When they arrive at Building C, Seokjin turns of the engine. "You might as well come with me. I'm gonna check and talk to Director Park a bit." So Jeongguk leaves his car and sticks close to Seokjin as they made their way through the hall of Building C.

It's different from Building D in a way that Building C got high ceilings compared to the former. Engineering and computer related courses didn't need as much space as the art students. It must be the creativity, the need to feel the state of being free and express art in every way they can. So he marvels at the difference in size of both buildings. Building C is obviously five times the size of his college building. There's an auditorium, a theatre room, music rooms, open areas for traditional art students. "Our college is kinda big compared to yours so stick with me. Don't wanna get lost." Seokjin says. "Okay, Jin hyung." He smiles politely.

They continue to walk around until they reach a room with a brass door sign saying "LOUNGE". Seokjin knocks and opens the door.

Jeongguk scans the area and tries to stop himself from gasping at the insanity of what stood in front of him.

"Just how big are your college sponsors?" He asks Seokjin. Seokjin chuckles.

"I have no idea too. Sometimes I wonder how can such a place exist in a college."

"Hyung, i wanna change courses now."

He jokes and he can hear Seokjin's toned down laugh. Somewhere along Jeongguk scanning the area's totality, Seokjin has managed to go to the further part of the room.

Jeongguk walks along the loveseats all in a row, heading to where Seokjin should be.

He frowns, confused, when he smells the almond and vanilla scent. Not as strong as the usual though.

"Jin... hyung?" a raspy sleepy voice calls out.

Jeongguk looks at the direction where the voice came from.

He should have known before entering this building. Should have known that along with dazzling Seokjin, comes along gorgeous people to have been born on this planet.

And so he stares at the figure who seems to have just woken up from a nap in one of the loveseats. Jeongguk doesn't believe in angels but if one was personified, he's sure this person is an 'angel'.

"Jimin-ssi, isn't it too early for a nap?"

🐥🐇