Chapter 7: The Fire of Jealousy

The preparations for the charity event were nearing completion, and Taehyung was finally starting to feel proud of his contributions. However, tension was brewing as Soojin, Jungkook's ex and the key reason behind their fractured future, made her first appearance in the timeline.

Taeko had been bracing for this moment. He knew Soojin’s arrival would test everything he’d worked to change so far.

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Morning – The School Courtyard

Taehyung was sketching designs under a tree, enjoying the rare peace of the morning. His concentration was broken when a soft voice called out.

“Taehyung, right?”

He looked up to see a tall, elegant girl standing before him. Her polished demeanor screamed confidence.

“Yes?” Taehyung replied, squinting slightly.

“I’m Soojin. I just transferred here,” she said with a warm smile. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Taehyung’s brows furrowed slightly. “From who?”

Before Soojin could respond, Jungkook appeared out of nowhere, his cold, unreadable mask firmly in place.

“Soojin,” he said flatly, his eyes locking with hers.

Soojin’s smile widened. “Jungkook! It’s been a while.”

Taehyung glanced between them, sensing the history in their interaction. Something about Soojin’s tone rubbed him the wrong way, but he chose to stay quiet.

“I didn’t expect to see you here,” Jungkook said, his voice devoid of warmth.

“Well, life is full of surprises,” Soojin said coyly. Her gaze shifted to Taehyung. “Are you two… friends?”

“No,” Jungkook said immediately, his tone sharp.

“Yes,” Taehyung said at the same time, smirking as he looked at Jungkook. “We’re working together on the charity event.”

Soojin’s eyes sparkled with interest. “A charity event? That sounds wonderful. Maybe I could help.”

Taehyung forced a polite smile. “We have everything under control.”

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Later – The Library

Taeko sat across from Jungkook, observing him closely. He could tell Jungkook was unsettled after seeing Soojin.

“She caught you off guard, didn’t she?” Taeko asked bluntly.

Jungkook’s eyes snapped to him. “What are you talking about?”

“Soojin,” Taeko said, leaning forward. “You didn’t expect her to show up, but here she is. I can see it in your eyes—you’re still trying to figure out how you feel about her.”

Jungkook’s expression darkened. “My feelings are irrelevant. She’s part of the past.”

“Are they, though?” Taeko pressed. “Because if you’re not careful, she’ll become part of your future, too.”

Jungkook glared at him but didn’t respond.

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Evening – A Tense Encounter

Taehyung was organizing the decor samples in the art room when Soojin walked in.

“Busy?” she asked, her tone light.

“Always,” Taehyung replied, not looking up.

Soojin wandered closer, her heels clicking against the floor. “You’re really talented, you know. I saw your sketches earlier. They’re incredible.”

“Thanks,” Taehyung said curtly, still focused on his work.

Soojin leaned against the table, studying him. “You and Jungkook seem… close.”

Taehyung paused, finally looking at her. “Why do you care?”

Soojin smiled, but there was a sharpness to it. “Just curious. He’s a complex person, isn’t he? Hard to get to know.”

“Not really,” Taehyung said, his tone firm. “You just have to be willing to try.”

Soojin’s eyes narrowed slightly, but her smile didn’t waver. “Interesting.”

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Night – Taeko’s Observations

Taeko stood by the window, watching the stars. His mind was racing after everything that had happened that day.

“Soojin’s already trying to insert herself,” he muttered. “But Taehyung isn’t going to let her win.”

He smirked to himself, determination flaring in his eyes. “Tomorrow, I’ll make sure Taehyung and Jungkook have no choice but to spend more time together. Let’s see how Soojin likes that.”

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