The guardian and the shield

Jimin, a black belt in Taekwondo, joins a new martial arts class to maintain his skills while blending into his college life. To his classmates, including Jungkook, he is a gentle soul who seems too delicate for combat. Jimin enjoys this façade, especially when Jungkook instinctively steps up to shield him from minor troubles—a protective instinct Jimin secretly cherishes.

Jungkook, the epitome of strength and confidence, finds himself drawn to Jimin's seemingly soft nature. He doesn't understand why he feels an overwhelming urge to protect Jimin, but it brings out a side of him he didn't know existed.

Jimin sighed as he adjusted his hair in the mirror. His roommate, Taehyung, leaned on the doorframe, smirking.

"You're really going to keep this act up, huh? Mr. Black Belt, pretending to be a fragile kitten," Taehyung teased.

Jimin playfully nudged him away. "Shush, Tae. It’s not like I do it to everyone. Just… Jungkook."

Taehyung rolled his eyes. "And why exactly do you think Jungkook needs to protect you?"

Jimin bit his lip, trying to suppress a smile. "Because it makes him look at me like I’m someone special."

That evening, during their martial arts class, Jimin purposefully avoided showing too much skill. He stumbled on basic moves, drawing amused looks from the instructor and a protective glare from Jungkook. After class, Jungkook approached him.

"You okay, Jimin-hyung? You seem… off today," Jungkook asked, his voice laced with concern.

Jimin nodded quickly, feigning embarrassment. "I just… I guess I’m not that good at this."

Jungkook smiled softly, ruffling Jimin's hair. "Don’t worry, hyung. I’ll make sure no one messes with you."

Jimin’s heart fluttered.

The campus buzzed with excitement about an upcoming event, and Jungkook decided to grab some late-night snacks. On his way, he heard a commotion near the park.

"Well, look who we have here," sneered a burly man as he cornered Jimin. "A pretty boy out alone at night."

Jimin tensed, his instincts screaming to defend himself. But before he could act, Jungkook emerged from the shadows.

"Back off," Jungkook growled, stepping between Jimin and the group.

Jungkook didn’t back down, even as the odds stacked against him. Jimin watched in awe, torn between admiration and guilt. After a tense standoff, the group dispersed, and Jungkook turned to Jimin.

"Are you okay? You shouldn’t walk alone at night!" Jungkook scolded gently.

"I… I was just careless," Jimin stammered, guilt eating at him. He could’ve easily handled the situation, but seeing Jungkook’s bravery made him hesitate.

Weeks later, Jungkook found himself in a heated altercation with a rival group from a nearby college. They accused him of ruining their event and decided to teach him a lesson.

Jimin, walking by, froze when he saw Jungkook surrounded. His pulse quickened as he watched Jungkook fight valiantly but begin to falter under the sheer number of attackers.

"Enough," Jimin muttered, stepping forward. He shed his timid façade, his movements swift and precise. With a flurry of kicks and punches, he took down the group, leaving them groaning on the ground.

Jungkook stared at Jimin in disbelief, still catching his breath. "Hyung… What just happened?"

Jimin hesitated, then smiled sheepishly. "Surprise?"

Later that evening, the two sat on a bench overlooking the city lights. Jungkook broke the silence. "You’re a black belt, aren’t you?"

Jimin nodded. "I didn’t mean to lie. I just… I liked it when you protected me."

Jungkook let out a soft laugh. "You didn’t have to pretend to be weak for that. I’d protect you no matter what."

Jimin’s cheeks flushed. "Really?"

Jungkook turned to face him, his eyes soft but sincere. "Yeah. Because I… I like you, Jimin. I think I have for a while."

Jimin felt tears prickle his eyes. "I like you too, Jungkook. I always have."

Their relationship grew stronger in the following months. Jimin helped Jungkook train in self-defense, while Jungkook supported Jimin in every way he could.

They became an unstoppable duo, balancing each other’s strengths and weaknesses. For the first time, Jimin felt free to be himself, knowing that Jungkook loved every part of him—the strong and the vulnerable.

The story ends with a quiet moment between them, standing side by side under the stars.

"I don’t need to pretend anymore," Jimin whispered.

"You never did," Jungkook replied, lacing their fingers together.

And with that, their love story truly began.