Jungkook didn't blink an eye; he eagerly waited for tomorrow, to spend time with his hyung. He knew Jimin would teach not only him but also the other three contestants, including Nayeon. However the thought of getting to spend most of the day with his hyung made him so restless that he couldn't contain his excitement. 

As soon as he left the BigHit building, he immediately called his parents after saying goodbye to Nayeon and Eunwoo who had become his friends in such a short time. He told his parents that Jimin had become his vocal coach and that he would probably be spending more time with him. Even though they couldn't see his face, they could hear the excitement in his voice. 

Yugyeom and Bambam were really surprised when Jungkook woke up before them and got ready for his training session. Usually, they were the ones to wake up Jungkook, as he was a late sleeper who always whines about getting out of bed so early in the morning. 

After having breakfast, Jungkook said his goodbyes to his friends and arrived at his destination at the scheduled time. He was informed to wait near Jimin's studio on the second floor. There, he saw Nancy talking to someone on her phone. Her expression changed to one of anger when she noticed Jungkook.

(Jungkook : (Huffing) Why is she always on her phone? Doesn't she have any work to do? And why does she look like she doesn't like me?)

Nancy ended her call abruptly and walked over to him, her eyes narrowed.

Nancy : (Mocking tone) You're on time. Jimin sir isn't here yet.

Jungkook : (Smiling awkwardly) Oh, that's okay. I'll just wait here.

Nancy : Fine, just don't make any noise, kid.

Jungkook watched her walk away, still wondering why she seemed so upset with him. He shrugged it off, focusing on the excitement bubbling inside him. He couldn't wait to see his Jimin hyung and start his vocal training. As he waited, Nayeon arrived. She waved when she saw Jungkook, and walked over to join him. 

Nayeon : (Hugging him) Kookie!! I missed you.

Jungkook : (Chuckling) Good morning, Noona. How can you miss me when we just met yesterday?

Nayeon : Still I missed you. I only have you now Kookie. That brat Eunwoo left me saying he has nothing to do with me till the competition finishes, and he's so relieved that I won't annoy him anymore. Do you think I'm annoying, Kookie?

Eunwoo : I never said that!! Stop lying! Don't mind her Jungkook. I just said not to disturb me when I'm in practice. She's exaggerating the facts.

Nayeon : You said not to talk to you, then why are you here? Are you here for Kookie, huh? (teasing him)

Eunwoo : (Blushing) W...what? No....I....You forgot your phone, dumbo. 

Nayeon : (Sheepishly) Ohh....My bad. 

Eunwoo : (Sighing) Jungkook, I'm really sorry that you have to be with her. But please bare with her. 

Nayeon : (Huffing and crossing her arms) Oh, stop being dramatic, Eunwoo. You love my company. Admit it.

Eunwoo : (Rolling his eyes) Love? More like tolerate. You're annoying.

Nayeon : (Flipping her hair) Annoying? I think you mean delightful and charming.

Eunwoo : (Snorted) Yeah, sure. Keep telling yourself that.

Nayeon : At least I'm not the one who talks to his plants.

Eunwoo : Hey, they're good listeners!!

Nayeon : Right, because no one else will listen to you.

Eunwoo : Oh, grow up!!

Jungkook : (Laughing) You two are like an old married couple.

Nayeon & Eunwoo : We are not!!

Just then, Nancy reappeared, glaring at them as if their laughter offended her.

Nancy : (Crossing her arms) What's with all the noise? I told you to keep it down, didn't I?

Jungkook : Sorry, we didn't mean to be loud.

Nayeon : (Rolling her eyes, muttering) Oh please, it's not like we're having a concert here.

Nancy : (Narrowing her eyes at them) What was that?

Eunwoo : (Pinching Nayeon) Nothing.

Nancy shot them one last look before walking away again.

Nayeon : Hey!! Why did you pinch me, idiot?

Eunwoo : It's juts our first day and I don't want to get in triuble with you

Nayeon : (Rubbing her arm dramatically) Hey!! Why did you pinch me, idiot?

Eunwoo : It's just our first day, and I don't want to get in trouble because of you!

Nayeon : (Scoffing) Oh, please. She's just being a grump. She wouldn't actually do anything.

Jungkook couldn't help but let a small smile play on his lips as he watched Nayeon and Eunwoo bicker. Even though they argued nonstop, it was obvious that there was no real malice behind their words. It was entertaining.

Nayeon : (Smirking) If you're that scared of getting in trouble, maybe you should try staying invisible for once.

Eunwoo : (Sarcastically) Oh, right, because you're the queen of subtlety, Miss 'Look at me, I'm fabulous!'

Nayeon : Well, I can't help it if I shine. Some of us are just born with it, Cha Eunwoo.

Eunwoo : (Rolling his eyes) Yeah, born with an oversized ego.

Nayeon : (Winking) Confidence, sweetheart. Learn the difference.

Eunwoo : (Grumbling) Unbelievable.

Jungkook stifled a laugh, knowing that stepping in would only add fuel to their never-ending back-and-forth. He found himself wondering if the two of them even realized how much they argued, or if it was just second nature at this point.

Just then, the sound of a car door shutting caught Jungkook's attention. His eyes shifted to the sleek black car pulling up at the curb. Excited bubbled inside him when he saw Jimin, Taehyung, and Hobi stepping out of the car.

Jungkook : (Softly) Hyungs...

Nayeon and Eunwoo stopped their bickering, both turning to see what had caught Jungkook's attention and they didn't hear what Jungkook said.

Nayeon :  Wow, they really know how to make an entrance, don't they?

Eunwoo : Look at Jungkook, already starstruck. What a cute fanboy.

Jungkook : (Embarrassed) I-I'm not starstruck. I just admire them for their work.

Eunwoo : (Laughing) Sure, whatever you say. Anyway, I've gotta go. Good luck on your first day, and Jungkook... please keep an eye on her.

Jungkook : (Smiling) You too, Eunwoo hyung. Thanks!

With that, Eunwoo waves goodbye, leaving Jungkook and Nayeon behind. As they stood there, chatting, the other three contestants started arriving one by one. The first to join them was Yeji, followed closely by Sumin and Jaemin.

Out of respect and courtesy, Jungkook immediately bowed to them and introduced himself.

Jungkook : (Bowing politely) Hello, I'm Jungkook.

Nayeon : And I'm Nayeon!!

Yeji : Nice to meet you guys. I'm Yeji. Are you that Jungkook who's currently in the No.1 position on the board? I've heard a lot about you.

Jungkook : (Shy) I guess so....

Sumin : Don't worry, it won't last long. Being at the top doesn't mean you'll stay there forever.

Jungkook : (Caught off guard) I-I wasn't thinking that...

Jaemin : Yeah, things change fast in this competition. A little too fast sometimes. Don't think you're special just because you're in first right now.

Nayeon : (Frowning) Whoa, what's with the attitude? We're all here for the same reason, no need to be rude.

Sumin : (Creepily sweet) I'm just being honest. The competition's tough, and no one stays on top forever. Better to realize that now than later. Isn't that right, Jungkook? By the way, I'm Sumin, and this is Jaemin. And I'm guessing you are younger than us, so treat us with respect.

Jungkook : (Trying to stay polite) Nice to meet you both....

Nayeon : (Scoffing) Respect must be earned. And seeing you both, you don't deserve any respect for the way you're speaking to Jungkook.

Sumin : (Sneering) I can't believe we got teamed up with this brat. She doesn't even know how to respect her elders.

Jaemin : (Nodding) Seriously. You want me to teach her how to respect others, Noona?

Sumin : It's not needed, Jaemin-ah. People like her just need to be reminded of their place.

Nayeon : (Glaring at them) Excuse me? That's really uncalled for!

Jaemin : (Smirking) What's wrong? Can't handle a little honesty?

Sumin : (Laughing mockingly) Yeah, maybe she should take some lessons in humility before acting all high and mighty.

Jungkook : (Firmly) I think you guys are going a little too far. We're here for the competition, so let's just focus on that.

Jungkook doesn't want to attract any unnecessary attention toward him. He's here for one thing: to get closer to his hyungs and make them realize their love for him. 

From the situation, he can clearly understand that Sumin and Jaemin are nothing but troublemakers, fueled by jealousy. What can he do? He has no intention of staying on top; he just wants to enjoy this experience and strengthen his bonds with his brothers and get closer to them. But with the way things are going, it's going to be a little difficult. 

As Sumin and Jaemin keep making hurtful comments, Jungkook feels protective of Nayeon, who stood up for him.

Sumin : So, you know how to speak up for yourself, huh?

Jungkook : (Calmly) I can't just stand and watch my friend get insulted by some jerks.

Jaemin : You brat!! Are you trying to be a hero now?

Jungkook : I'm not trying to be a hero; I just believe in standing up for what's right. You two seem to think tearing others down will make you look better, but that only shows your true colors. I know you're jealous, but that doesn't give you any right to disrespect others. You think being rude makes you superior? It just reveals how insecure you really are.

He steps closer, his voice steady and firm.

Jungkook : And let me remind you, respect goes both ways. If you want it, you have to give it. Bullying won't get you anywhere. I earned my spot through hard work and talent, and if you think you can take it, then beat me in the competition. If you can't, then don't use your petty insults to bring others down.

Sumin : (Glaring) You're going to regret talking to me like that.

Jungkook meets Sumin's glare without flinching.

Jungkook : (Unfazed) Regret? I doubt that. I'd rather face you head-on than stay silent while you try to belittle others.

Jaemin : (Crossing his arms) You think you're tough, huh? Just wait until the competition starts. You won't be so cocky then.

Jungkook : Cocky? No. Confident in my abilities? Definitely.

Sumin : (Narrowing her eyes) You think this is a game? I'll make sure you regret crossing me.

Jungkook : (Calmly) It's not a game to me. I'm here to prove myself. If you want my spot, you'll have to earn it like I did—no shortcuts, no bullying.

Sumin and Jaemin exchange a frustrated glance, momentarily thrown off by Jungkook's unwavering stance.

Sumin : (Sneering) We'll see how long that attitude lasts, Kid.

Jaemin : (Walking away with Sumin) Enjoy your little moment of glory. It won't last.

Jungkook watches them leave, and takes a deep breath of relief. They clearly underestimated him. They don't know that Jeon Jungkook is someone who doesn't back down easily and always stands up for himself and others when ever necessary. He learned it from his parents that standing up for what is right is just as important as being kind and respectful.

Nayeon : Wow, Jungkook!!! (Hugging him) I didn't know you had it in you!

Jungkook : (Blushing slightly) I just couldn't let them disrespect you or anyone else.

Nayeon : (Pulling back, beaming) You were amazing! I mean, the way you stood up to them was so brave. 

Yeji who was silent all this time spoke up.

Yeji : Jungkook, you need to be careful with Sumin and Jaemin. They are the children of the largest shareholders in the company. They might try to use their connections to make things difficult for you in the competition. Just be cautious and watch your back.

Nayeon : (Frowning) Really? No wonder they're being so almighty.

Jungkook : I appreciate the warning, Yeji-ssi. I'll be cautious of them.

Yeji : Just don't get involved with them. I also heard that they both know the Kim brothers personally too.

Jungkook : (Eyes widening) Seriously? 

(Jungkook : They knew hyungs?!? What if they're so close that they tell them what I just did? Will my hyungs hate me for talking back to them? But they're the ones at fault. It's not like I bullied them. I was just standing up for myself and my friend. God! Why?! I just missed a golden opportunity!! If only I've known earlier, I might have sided with them....No!! No....They were wrong and I did what I have to. Jungkook.....you'll get more oppurtunities....don't doubt yourself. You stood up for what's right, and that's what matters. Yeah.....I did right....)

Jungkook nods to himself.

Nayeon : If they have connections to the Kim brothers, they think they can do whatever they want? Just let the competition begin; I'll show them what I'm made of. Let's go, Kook!

Jungkook : Y-Yeah.