Jungkook took the steps two at a time until he reached the top of the row, then slipped through the empty seats and sank into one.

The History professor shut the door with a decisive click. "Put your materials away—we're having a pop test."

A chorus of groans erupted around the room.

"This is ten percent of your grade," the professor continued, unbothered. "Tell your friends to be early to class next time."

Jungkook exhaled in relief. He'd barely made it. Waking up late had already put him on edge, but missing a test? That would have ruined him.

It was all Jimin's fault. His horror movie marathon had left Jungkook too paranoid to sleep. He'd even messaged Jin, hoping he'd come back to the apartment, but after a few texts back and forth, Jin had stopped replying.

Normally, being alone didn't bother him, but anxiety was a different story. He'd grown up with it—fear creeping into his mind over things that weren't supposed to be scary. No one except his immediate family knew, and even they hadn't always understood.

His father had once sent him to stay at a church for a few weeks, thinking the priest could help him overcome his fears. Instead, Jungkook had spent the entire time feeling miserable. Maybe he was possessed, he'd thought back then. Maybe something was just wrong with him.

Years later, when he got his first phone, he'd found an online therapist offering free consultations. The man had debunked his possession theory immediately.

"Fear is natural," he'd told Jungkook. "Some people just experience it more intensely. It doesn't make you weak."

He'd recommended breathing exercises, meditation, and, worst of all, facing his fear.

"If you're afraid of the dark, sleep in the dark," he'd said. "The best way to overcome fear is to prove to yourself that you can handle it."

Jungkook had appreciated the advice, but that last part? Absurd. How was he supposed to face something he didn't even understand? He just knew he didn't want to be alone with it.

So, after Jimin's horror fest, Jungkook had tried everything to distract himself—writing his essay, watching cartoons—but his nerves had refused to settle. Eventually, exhaustion won, and he passed out sometime past four, only to wake up to his alarm blaring at 8:20.

He'd barely caught the second bus and had slipped into class just as the professor was shutting the door, earning a sharp warning look.

Now, he pulled out a sheet of paper as the professor began jotting questions on the board.

"You have twenty-five minutes," the man announced. "Nothing less than 200 words per question. Your time starts now."

Jungkook finished in twenty minutes but didn't want to be the first to submit, so he sat back, waiting. When time was finally called, the professor collected their papers and, with a smug smile, addressed the newcomers at the door.

"Like I said earlier, this test carries ten percent of your total grade. And it serves as my class attendance for the semester." He held up the stack of papers. "Congratulations to those of you whose names are in my hand—you just earned an automatic twenty marks for attendance."

"Sir! Please, sir!" The late students groaned in despair.

"Take your classes seriously next time," the professor said, utterly unfazed. "We have thirty minutes left. Open your textbooks to chapter twenty."

Jungkook let out a quiet breath of gratitude. If he'd been just a few seconds later, he would have been one of the students begging right now.

When class ended, students rushed after the professor, pleading their cases. Jungkook packed his things when someone suddenly slid into the seat beside him.

"You almost didn't make it," Namjoon said, crossing his arms. He leaned back in his seat, completely relaxed—like the hall wasn't about to be used by another class in a few minutes.

"I missed my bus," Jungkook muttered, running a hand through his uncombed hair. "Imagine losing thirty marks just like that."

"I'd drop out."

Jungkook snorted. "You? Please. All the professors love you. I bet he'd let you retake the test in his office if you asked."

Namjoon cringed. "Nah. I hate asking for favors. I'd rather earn things the right way." He shrugged. "Besides, Professor Im hates me. Thinks I'm screwing half the faculty."

Jungkook choked. "What?"

Namjoon said it so casually, like it wasn't wildly inappropriate for a professor to assume that.

"Which is why I limit my interactions with him," Namjoon continued. "I turn in my assignments early, show up on time, let him teach, and get the hell out when he's done."

"Sounds like a great plan."

Namjoon flashed a dimpled smile. "I know, right?" He slung his bag over his shoulder and shoved his hands into his pockets. "Come on."

"Where to?" Jungkook asked, but still got up, pocketing his phone and adjusting his backpack. "We have another class."

"Yeah, in two hours." Namjoon nodded toward the door. "Let's hit Min's Café and chill. Unless you have somewhere to be?"

Jungkook had texted Jimin earlier, asking to meet after class, but Jimin had replied that he had drama club rehearsals that morning and wouldn't be free until later—by which time Jungkook would be in class.

"I don't, actually," Jungkook said, adjusting his bag.

Namjoon grinned. "Sweet. Let's go."

As the next lecture's students started filling the classroom, the two of them made their way out of the History Faculty building and headed toward the other side of campus.

Though it was barely nine, the sun was already beating down in full force, sending prickling heat over Jungkook's skin. He tugged at his shirt. "It's way too hot."

"Hence, I'm buying you an iced Americano," Namjoon said, nudging Jungkook's side with a smirk. "Where's your little boyfriend, anyway? You two are always attached at the hip."

"Drama club."

Namjoon frowned. "Drama club? This early?" He shook his head. "Sounds sus."

"What's suspicious about morning rehearsals? Maybe they're busy later in the day," Jungkook reasoned. "Besides, he asked to meet up later. If he were doing something shady, he wouldn't have bothered rescheduling."

"That's exactly what someone would do if they were doing something shady."

Jungkook rolled his eyes. "Like what, exactly?"

Namjoon shrugged as he pulled open the café door, stepping aside to let Jungkook walk in first. "I don't know. Anything."

Jungkook smiled despite himself. This was why he liked Namjoon—he was effortlessly hilarious. Arguably the smartest person in their department—maybe even the whole faculty—but still a little shallow.

"Whatever," Jungkook muttered as the cool air from inside hit him. Instant relief flooded through his body, chasing away the heat. "Jesus, I forgot what it feels like to not be on fire."

"You're so dramatic." Namjoon chuckled, throwing an arm around Jungkook's shoulders as they approached the counter. "Hi," he greeted the barista. "Can we get two iced Americanos?"

"Sure. Anything else?"

Namjoon turned to Jungkook. "What do you want? My treat."

Jungkook narrowed his eyes. "Why are you buying me coffee and whatever else I want?"

"No reason. I'm just in the mood."

"I wish you'd always be in the mood so I could get free coffee every day." Namjoon laughed as Jungkook turned to the barista. "That's all, thanks."

As she went to prepare their order, Jungkook leaned against the counter, taking in the quiet café. He loved how peaceful it was, save for the soft hum of a K-pop song playing in the background.

"It's nice here," Namjoon remarked, mirroring Jungkook's thoughts. He inhaled deeply. "Smells good, too."

Jungkook eyed him suspiciously. "Okay, what's going on? You're weirdly cheerful today."

"Nothing."

"Uh-huh."

"Fine, there is something." Namjoon grinned. "I met someone last night."

Jungkook sighed inwardly. Not this. "Wow. That's... great. I'm happy for you." He hoped that would be the end of it. He did not need to hear about Namjoon's romantic escapades.

"He's gorgeous. Tall. Brooding," Namjoon continued, clearly undeterred. "I've been admiring him from afar for months, and last night, I finally got the guts to ask him to dance." His voice dropped slightly as he leaned in. "Jungkook, his hands are magic. Every time he touched me, my entire body lit up. I swear."

Jungkook laughed awkwardly, shifting away. "Have you considered poetry? I think you'd be good at it."

Namjoon bit his lip to hide a smile. "Shut up. I just can't stop thinking about him. I wish I could see him again."

"You didn't get his number?"

Namjoon shook his head, frowning. "I couldn't. I felt too shy. Even asking him to dance was nerve-wracking—I was convinced he'd say no. But then he just took my hand and said yes. He's one of those people who just knows he's attractive. Like, he's confident, and he knows everyone wants him."

"So... a narcissist."

"No. Just confident."

Before Jungkook could respond, the barista called out, "Your order's ready."

Namjoon pulled out his card to pay while Jungkook grabbed his drink. He took a long sip, letting out a satisfied hum. "So good," he muttered, staring at his cup like it held the secret to happiness.

"Jungkook!"

He turned at the familiar voice, eyes widening as he saw Jin walking through the door. Dressed in a fitted white shirt and faded jeans, a flannel jacket tied loosely around his waist, he looked effortlessly put together. His eyes crinkled into slits as he smiled at Jungkook.

Jungkook wouldn't deny it—Jin was breathtaking. Wonderfully made, as they say.

"Jin?" Jungkook blinked. It was rare to see him on campus. "What are you doing here?"

"What do you mean? I go to school here."

"I know that, but I never see you around campus. I assumed someone else was taking your tests and signing attendance for you."

Jin grinned, grabbing Jungkook's cup and taking a sip. "Technically, we're not in school right now." He wasn't wrong—the café was just across from campus. "But yeah, you're right. Someone does handle my schoolwork. I just got bored."

"Bored of partying? Bored of bringing guests over? Or just bored of responding to your roommate?" Jungkook deadpanned.

Jin's eyes widened in mock horror. "Fuck. Jungkook, I am so—"

"Hi," Namjoon interrupted, waving slightly. "Remember me?"

At first, Jin looked confused, but then recognition flashed in his eyes. "Oh. Pretty boy. It's you."

Jungkook nearly choked on his coffee. Pretty boy?

"Namjoon," Namjoon corrected, gesturing to himself.

"Right." Jin nodded. "Didn't catch your name last night." He took another sip of Jungkook's coffee.

"You two know each other?" Namjoon asked, glancing between them.

"We're roommates," Jin answered smoothly, sending Jungkook a wink.

"Not by choice," Jungkook muttered. "And can I please have my drink back?"

Jin batted his lashes. "You won't let me have it?"

"Why would I?" Jungkook snatched the cup back and, out of spite, drained the rest of it in a few gulps. When he finished, he caught Jin watching his mouth, amusement flickering across his annoyingly perfect face.

"What?" Jungkook wiped at his lips. "Do I have something on my face?"

Jin's smile deepened. "Nothing." He turned to Namjoon. "Nice seeing you again, pretty boy."

Then, facing Jungkook, he added, "See you at home, roomie."

Namjoon perked up. "Wait, can't you stay? I'll buy you a drink."

Jin gave him an apologetic smile and flashed his phone screen, where an incoming call buzzed. "I'm being summoned."

"Then why did you even come in here?" Jungkook asked, raising a brow.

Jin smirked. "Oh, that? I saw you." With that, he turned around, flashed a peace sign, and walked out.