The university hallways buzzed with chatter as students moved between classes, some rushing to their next lectures while others lingered to catch up with friends. The air carried the scent of freshly brewed coffee from the campus café, mixing with the crisp autumn breeze filtering in through open windows.
Jungkook stepped into his next lecture hall, adjusting the strap of his bag over his shoulder. The moment he entered, he noticed the professor standing at the front, holding a clipboard and addressing the students with a firm yet composed voice.
"Alright, everyone, listen up," the professor began. "For this semester's major project, you'll be working in groups. I'll be assigning them, so please pay attention."
A soft murmur spread through the room, students exchanging hopeful glances with friends, silently wishing to be grouped together. Jungkook sighed, his gaze wandering toward the windows, uninterested in the announcement until he heard his name.
"Jeon Jungkook, Cha Eunwoo, Park Minji, and Kim Seok."
His head snapped forward at the mention of Eunwoo's name. A flicker of irritation crossed Jungkook's face before he quickly masked it. Of all people, why did it have to be Eunwoo?
Eunwoo, the golden boy. Tall, charming, and ridiculously intelligent. If that wasn't enough, he had a way of getting under Jungkook's skin—especially when it came to Taehyung.
From the corner of his eye, Jungkook saw Eunwoo turn to look at him, a small, knowing smirk playing at his lips. Jungkook clenched his jaw but forced himself to remain indifferent.
"Alright, groups, you have two weeks to complete your projects. Make sure to collaborate effectively." The professor clapped his hands, signaling the end of the announcement. "That'll be all for today. You're dismissed."
Jungkook gathered his things, preparing to leave, but Minji and Seok approached first, excitedly discussing potential ideas. Eunwoo, ever the composed one, strolled over with his usual air of confidence.
"So," Eunwoo started, his tone annoyingly smooth. "Shall we discuss how we'll approach this project?"
Jungkook barely suppressed an eye roll. "We can meet later," he said curtly. "The café should be fine."
Eunwoo raised an eyebrow, amused by Jungkook's obvious reluctance. "Perfect. See you then."
Later that evening, Jungkook was about to leave for the café when Taehyung, who had been sitting on the couch flipping through a book, noticed him getting ready.
"Where are you going?" Taehyung asked, his voice casual but his gaze sharp.
Jungkook hesitated for a second. "Group project meeting."
Taehyung's expression remained unreadable. "With whom?"
Jungkook exhaled through his nose, debating whether he should tell him. "Eunwoo's in my group."
That got a reaction. Taehyung's fingers momentarily tightened around the book, but he masked it quickly. "Him?"
Jungkook shrugged, trying to seem unaffected. "Professor's decision."
Taehyung's gaze lingered on him for a moment longer before he returned his attention to his book. "Be careful."
Jungkook smirked at the unexpected concern. "What, worried I'll fall for his charm?"
Taehyung's eyes flickered up to meet his. "No. I just don't trust him."
Jungkook chuckled, grabbing his jacket. "Noted."
The café was already buzzing with students when Jungkook arrived. He spotted Minji and Seok first, seated near the window. Eunwoo, of course, sat next to them, casually sipping a latte. His sharp eyes locked onto Jungkook the moment he stepped inside, a slow smirk spreading across his face.
"Jungkook," Eunwoo greeted, tilting his head slightly. "You're late."
Jungkook ignored the pointed remark, pulling out a chair and sitting down. "Let's just get to work."
Minji, ever the mediator, quickly steered the conversation toward the project. They bounced around ideas, discussing potential angles and strategies. Jungkook found himself absorbed in the discussion, especially when they started working out how to structure the research.
But throughout it all, he could feel Eunwoo's eyes on him, watching, waiting. It was infuriating.
"So, Jungkook," Eunwoo suddenly said, his tone light but his eyes sharp. "Are you always this tense, or is it just because I'm here?"
Jungkook's jaw tightened. "I just want to get the work done."
Eunwoo chuckled. "Of course. But don't forget, teamwork is about trust." He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping just enough for only Jungkook to hear. "Something tells me you don't trust me."
Jungkook met his gaze head-on, refusing to back down. "That's because I don't."
Eunwoo's smirk widened, as if he had just won a small battle. "Good. That makes things more interesting."
Jungkook's fingers curled into fists under the table. He knew exactly what Eunwoo was trying to do—push his buttons, get a reaction. But he wouldn't give him that satisfaction.
For now, at least.
As Jungkook walked back home that night, his thoughts were a tangled mess. The meeting had been productive, but the tension between him and Eunwoo was undeniable. He didn't know what was more frustrating—Eunwoo's smug attitude or the way Taehyung's words from earlier still echoed in his mind.
Be careful.
He wasn't sure if Taehyung meant to warn him about Eunwoo's mind games or something else entirely. But one thing was clear—this project was going to be far more complicated than he anticipated.
And deep down, he had a feeling Eunwoo knew that, too.