The sun spilled golden light across the university campus, warming the stone paths and casting long shadows from the tall buildings. Jungkook walked with a spring in his step, his heart still racing from the praise his group had received for their presentation. The satisfaction of outshining Mia's group—who had constantly looked down on him—was a silent victory he cherished deeply.
As he neared the cafeteria, planning to reward himself with a warm drink, he noticed someone standing by the entrance. Eunwoo. His expression was unreadable, but the way he straightened when he saw Jungkook hinted at anticipation.
"Jungkook," Eunwoo called, stepping forward. "Do you have a minute?"
Jungkook hesitated. There was something serious in Eunwoo's tone. Still, curiosity got the better of him. "Sure."
Eunwoo gestured toward the quieter side of the building, away from the noisy crowd of students. Jungkook followed him, the air turning still as they stepped into a deserted hallway where even the distant chatter faded.
"What's this about?" Jungkook asked, folding his arms.
Eunwoo shifted awkwardly, eyes darting to the floor before he spoke. "I wanted to ask… what's your relationship with Professor Taehyung?"
Just around the corner, unseen by either of them, Taehyung had frozen in place. He had been walking past when he noticed them disappear into the corridor. Something instinctual made him stop and listen.
Back in the hallway, Jungkook blinked. "What?"
Eunwoo glanced up, voice cautious. "I mean… are you two close?"
Jungkook looked confused for a beat, then offered a casual shrug. "He's my professor. That's all."
Taehyung's heart sank. He didn't know what he expected Jungkook to say, but hearing him reduce their connection to nothing more than professor and student stung more than it should have.
"I just…" Eunwoo hesitated. "I saw you with him the other evening. Outside the café. You looked… comfortable."
"It wasn't anything," Jungkook replied, brushing his hair from his eyes. "It was late, and he offered to drop me home. That's all."
Eunwoo let out a quiet breath, visibly relieved. But he wasn't done.
"In class… he pays you more attention than the rest of us. Like he actually checks your notes, your work. He barely even looks at mine."
Jungkook smiled faintly. "Maybe because I participate more? I answer his questions. I stay focused. Professors notice that."
Taehyung smirked faintly from behind the wall. Smart omega, he thought, proud despite the situation.
Eunwoo nodded, thoughtful now. But then a flicker of something crossed his face—hesitation? Nerves?
"If that's all, I should get going," Jungkook said politely.
But Eunwoo suddenly reached out, fingers curling gently around Jungkook's wrist. "Wait."
Jungkook stilled. "What is it?"
Eunwoo took a breath. "I need to tell you something."
There was a pause—tense, heavy with unspoken words.
"I… I like you, Jungkook. I have for a while."
Jungkook's eyes widened, his chest tightening as he met Eunwoo's gaze. Behind the corner, Taehyung's fists clenched involuntarily. He should've turned away, walked off—but he couldn't. Not now.
"I'm sorry," Jungkook said quietly, after a moment. "But I don't feel the same."
Eunwoo's face fell. "Why not?"
Jungkook gently pulled his hand free. His expression didn't waver. "Because I'm already with someone."
That struck Taehyung like a sudden storm—unexpected and overwhelming. With someone?
Eunwoo's voice dropped. "Who?"
Jungkook lowered his gaze, his voice barely audible. "He's the person my mom wants me to be with."
Eunwoo looked stunned. Realization slowly crept across his face. "You mean… Professor Taehyung?"
Jungkook didn't answer. He didn't need to.
Eunwoo stepped back, nodding, the rejection sinking in fully. "I see…"
With that, he turned and walked away, his shoulders hunched slightly in defeat.
As silence settled over the hallway again, Jungkook exhaled slowly, the emotional weight finally hitting him. The moment Eunwoo was gone, his carefully composed expression faltered. Without bothering to return to class, he headed home, his thoughts spinning.
Taehyung didn't move until Jungkook was completely out of sight.
He should have been relieved. Jungkook had turned Eunwoo down. But the way the omega had spoken—calmly, like it was a matter of obligation—stirred something unsettling inside him.
He's the one my mom wants me to be with.
Was that really the only reason Jungkook stayed by his side?
Taehyung sighed, rubbing his temple. He had a meeting at the company, but the usual focus he prided himself on felt distant now.
There was only one thought ringing in his head—
If I wasn't chosen by your mother… would you still choose me, Jungkook?