A/n : Kindly play the music while reading the chapter

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But I've finally found you

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Namjoon breathed heavily as he settled into a seat at one of the workstations nestled among a few shelves in the university study library. With a free block in his schedule, the library was relatively vacant at this time of day. He exhaled deeply as he unlocked his laptop bag, gathering all his technology.

Instantly, he was overwhelmed with anxiety and apprehension as he awaited the arrival of the one girl on campus who genuinely despised him. He could already feel a tension headache coming on. This week seemed to be shaping up as the most grueling of all time.

He was well aware that her feelings towards him were not unfounded; he knew he was the real culprit. All she needed was for him to explain why he did what he did. Yet, he couldn't bring himself to face the truth. Since then, he had become a thorn in her side. She was rude, condescending, and spiteful, and the entire educational institution and student population knew it.

He opened his laptop, feeling weary and exhausted, and entered his passwords, accessing a specific file folder containing the new assignment instructions. He couldn't help but occasionally loathe Mr. Jo for pairing him with the hellraiser. Their daily quarrels and banter were growing tiresome, and his girlfriend, Min-Ju, shared his disdain for his nemesis.

He simply wants to earn his Ph.D. and ascend to the CEO position of his family's numerous private galleries worldwide. Perhaps he'll marry and relocate to Germany, where he'll assume leadership of a museum in Munich. Taehyung, his half-brother and aspiring photojournalist, plans to join him there. The only hitch is convincing his girlfriend to accompany him, despite her promising career as a K-drama actress with ample opportunities in Seoul.

He sighed deeply, furrowing his brows as his eyes scanned over the notes he had gathered earlier to assist them, nudging them in the right direction.

Softly muttering the text in front of him, he jotted down some notes in his notebook. While he scribbled additional notes, he slowly recited the words before him. "Various items, such as royal seals and books, were utilized to signify the kings' authority and status as the head of state during the Joseon dynasty. The dragon, known for its imaginative prowess and immense strength, was particularly favored as a symbol of royal authority."

A huffing sound in front of him abruptly interrupted his concentration. As he glanced up, he noticed the hellraiser tossing her tote bag onto the table and plopping down in the chair across from him, lips tightly pouted. She appeared more agitated and frustrated than usual.

She sat motionless, saying nothing. Her flawless, tanned face wore a disinterested expression, yet her beauty wasn't overshadowed by it; her round spectacles perched cutely on her nose. He had to admit, Arin looked stunning even without heavy makeup.

Namjoon sighs exasperatedly as he leans back in his chair, raising his brows at her and adding, "Hello to you too, Arin."

She merely grumbled something incoherent that made him cringe; he wondered if she tried to greet him or what. He exasperatedly brushed his hair backward, then rubbed between his pinched brows. Gosh, this will be one of the most challenging projects he's involved with.

"Look, Arin, I understand you don't want to work on this project with me," he said.

"If you knew it, why didn't you entice your favorite professor into letting us pick our own partners?" you sneered with a blank look. "I don't want to be partnered with a knucklehead like you."

Namjoon's eyes narrowed with displeasure; his nostrils flared as he seethed. "Do you really think I want to work with such a bitter, unpleasant waste of energy like you?" he viciously spat out.

Your eyes flashed with fury as you leaped up and slammed his laptop shut.

You almost crushed his fingers, but you didn't care. Namjoon's breath hitched with resentment at your tirade.

"Waste of energy! I am a waste of energy? You're too pretentious, arrogant, clumsy, and self-important for your own good!" Your face was distorted with indignation. You don't want to work with this guy.

Namjoon closed his eyes for a moment and inhaled deeply to keep his cool. Why is Arin so difficult? "Arin, sit!" he shouts, intensifying his glare at you.

""Do I seem like your bloody dog to you?" You gave him a hostile look, your eyes narrowed into slits.

Namjoon scoffed loudly and responded with a scowl, "My dog is more polite than you. Look, Arin, I know you've hated me since the 1900s-in fact, the entire campus is aware of our turbulent relationship. You're angry and resentful, and I understand why, but for once in a lifetime, can we just do this assignment-figure out a schedule that allows us to see each other as little as possible?" He locked his gaze on you.

You took a deep breath and swallowed painfully. Reluctantly, you sat down, not wanting to make a scene because some of the students in the library were observing your antics with interest. Why did it have to be him? Your mind screamed quietly. Your lips were pressed together tightly as you reached inside your tote bag and quietly retrieved a pen and notepad. While you glanced discreetly at the object of your anger, anxiety began to overwhelm you.

Namjoon exhaled a sigh of relief when he noticed your apparent calmness. He opened his laptop once more. "Just so you know, I begged Professor Jo to assign us different partners, but he insists that we fix our 'attitude' and learn to work together-a crucial skill for adult survival."

You leaned back, arms crossed, and drew your lips together tightly. Professor Jo was a meddling tool whom you disliked but had to respect owing to his age and status as your history professor-your major module. Your heart pounded in your chest as you tried to calm yourself down at the sight of this obnoxious moron. You wished you were anywhere other than here.

Namjoon sighed as he noticed you studying your nails while distractedly gazing around, but he didn't mind your disinterested attitude.

""We could visit the Seoul Museum of History this afternoon or whenever you're available. Your research is centered around Joseon-era relics. Luckily, I have exhibition tickets that will provide you with the information and images you need. They'll be showcasing porcelain bowls from that era," he said, noticing your rich, cognac-brown eyes light up, which made him smirk. He knew how much you adored the Joseon Period and excelled at studying how to preserve relics.

As you cleared your throat, your eyes widened. "When will the exhibition be held? Is it even open to the public? I've heard it's a closed exhibition for Seoul's VIPs." You felt fluttering in your stomach, but you quickly suppressed it when you saw his amused gaze and smirk. Whenever he looked like that, your heart began to ache once again. His aura, those deep dimples that always made your heart skip a beat, and those lips that used to kiss you so passionately... You shook your head to dispel those unwanted memories.

Never go there, uncharted frontiers-never!

He snorted slightly as his brows furrowed, and you just rolled your eyes and said, "Oh, my mistake...obviously. Your family and your museum galleries had a connection." The typical wealthy Chaebol families.

Namjoon snorted, "Arin, can we just bury the hatchet while we're working on this assignment? Tutoring and mentoring you on this assignment will earn me a few credits, allowing me to graduate early. And you need the highest grade possible to complete your master's degree. So, what do you think?" He stared at you with hope in his eyes, as if imploring. You were apprehensive as you ran your slim fingers through your chestnut-brown hair.

Namjoon could only look at her long fingers as she ran them through her reddish tresses. He took a hard swallow as he recalled their time together, when those same fingers caressed his face and combed his hair. That time seemed eons ago, yet he couldn't help but recall it. She remained an enigma, a fragrant meadow, and an unfulfilled dream.

His attention was drawn back to her when he noticed her furrowed brows. He seemed to have slipped away from reality. When he saw her folded arms, he cleared his throat.

"We may try, but don't expect me to be excessively friendly with you. We're not friends, and I still hate your guts. But I need this grade," you added solemnly, "and please don't ruin my efforts." You shifted your gaze away from him.

Namjoon just shook his head and answered quietly, "Arie." But as he saw your eyes turn chilly, he simply breathed.

You abruptly raised your palm to halt him as he stared at you, inhaling deeply as you stared him down. "Can you please refrain from calling me Arie...?" you forcefully demanded with an icy tone.

"Alright, Arin," he said, raising his hands in mock defense, his eyes now pained by your regained coldness. When would you be able to let go and just forgive him and move on?

"Can you please give me the schedule of our meeting times?" you said, pulling out your note expectantly. "I am only available on Thursday afternoons and Friday mornings."

"Why not Mondays or Tuesdays?" Namjoon pondered. "I have an appointment every Friday and Thursday and can only be available in the morning."

You gave him an unamused look since everyone knew he and his girlfriend had date nights on Thursdays and he and his friends always met at the country club on Fridays. A club for the affluent. Yet on Mondays, you volunteered at the homeless shelter through a feeding program that your grandmother led, and on Fridays, you enjoyed girls' night.

He looked hopeful at you, "Give me your contacts, and I'll send the details to you."

"Ask Mr. Jo for my email address," you stated simply.

He bit his lip and asked softly, "You really changed your number. Not only did you block me."

"No, Namjoon... With the purchase of a new phone, I changed my phone number. And I'm not going to give out my phone number to just anyone. Sorry, see you later." You bowed slightly and turned, your reddish hair flowing over your shoulders, and headed out the front door, Namjoon watching you with pained eyes.

You've changed a lot in your nearly six years as a student at this university. Even if you grew embittered at him over time, you still had that adorable fierceness and endearing traits that he loved.

He wiped his tired eyes and quietly murmured, "I wish I could tell you the real reason, Arie, but one day you might hopefully forgive me."

Just then, he spotted his three best friends playfully shoving each other around in the library. The old, graying librarian chastised them for creating such a racket in such a quiet place. Namjoon smiled at his joyful friends, who were unconcerned with her irritated gaze. Seokjin was winking at the old lady, causing her to blush with irritation. They smirked quietly and looked around the library for their friend. Namjoon smiled when he saw his favorite older Hyungs.

Kim Seokjin, his true cousin whom he adored, was loud, witty, and a little goofy, with his characteristic windshield laugh.

Seokjin was a tall, athletically built guy with broad shoulders who knew he was incredibly attractive since college females often threw themselves at him. Yet they all knew he had an on-again, off-again engagement with Arin's closest friend, the fiery redhead Ji-Hu, with her wealthy background. Seokjin just did not believe in commitment and preferred casual love, which Namjoon disliked. He was busy earning a doctorate in marketing.

Min Yoongi was a well-rounded music major who was reserved, aloof, and introverted. He could play over six instruments and was a college prodigy. He appeared to be a charming artist with his longish raven-black hair, which he was. Yet, despite his peaceful demeanor, he possessed a keen, savage tongue, but his heart was in the right place.

He was, in a word, adorable. Girls adored him, yet they found him so cold, distant, and emotionless that he scared even the most persistent admirer away. He was not interested in dating, but they assumed he still had feelings for his best friend, a small, spunky girl in her fourth year of studying creative writing.

The group's shining light was the lanky and lively Jung Hoseok. His enthusiasm was occasionally tolerated, but it could be draining. For his distinct features, he was known as the profile king. He was quite handsome, but unlike his dear cousin Seokjin, he never bragged about his looks.

Hobi was dating one of Arin's friends, a tiny, chubby girl who had made him fall head over heels in love with her with her dry humor and caring heart. He sure had a colorful bunch of friends. Since he was in his third year, they all began to hang around.

He broke up with Arie because of his previous friendship with the first-year group. Jackson and San were the college's most mischievous duo thus far. They had already graduated and had not pursued additional studies.

When his Hyungs arrived at his table, they all greeted one another with wide smiles.

Yoongi chuckled as he sat down in front of Namjoon, saying, "We heard you were partnered with Miss Ice-Queen. We just witnessed her leave the library, and she gave us a smug look, the middle finger, and then politely dismissed our existence."

Hobi burst out laughing, saying, "If looks could kill, Namjoon should just bury the hatchet immediately. Your relationship is stressful."

Namjoon scoffed, "I tried several times, but Arie is a difficult cookie. She despises me, so there's no prospect for a happy new year for me." He felt a deep ache in his heart.

Seokjin took out an apple and bit into it with a loud noise, unconcerned by the attention he received as he began chewing noisily. He grinned sheepishly and said, "She made your girlfriend nervous. She already believes you two are still in love." Seokjin glanced at him with narrowed eyes.

"Min-ju has nothing to be afraid of. Arie and I are well aware of the situation." Namjoon glanced down at his laptop, avoiding his Hyungs' amused gaze.

"Says the one who still nicknames her Arie," chuckled Hobi.

Namjoon gave them a deadpan expression and said, "I've always nicknamed her that." A forced smile touched his smooth lips.

"Funny, I never heard her call you Joons-ever," Seokjin taunted, staring into his cousin's dark, flashing eyes.

Yoongi smiled. "She must just chill. Because you and Arie dated until your huge blunder."

The Hyungs pitied Namjoon. If only he had come clean a long time ago. Now Arie was in anguish, and that disaster had wrecked a cheerful, optimistic, and positive girl for life.

Namjoon nodded, his gaze far away. "We all make stupid blunders and poor judgments in life. Family should come first, and your desires should come last."

Hobi snorted, "Nonsense. I couldn't care less. I am the master of my own destiny. Even though I date a gorgeous, chubby girl who gets body shamed on a regular basis by our so-called club, I love her, and my family has just sucked it up," He chuckled as he nudged Namjoon's shoulder and took a seat next to him.

Yoongi grinned. "You are your parents' only child and the heir to their architecture empire; of course, they will do whatever you want, Hobi. You're a spoilt little brat."

Hobi only screwed up his nose in annoyance and gave Yoongi a stinky look. "Not at all... I'm well-mannered and well-reared. That's all. I don't let them dictate my destiny."

Seokjin smiled and said, "So Joonie, let's agree to disagree. When are you and the lovely Min-Ju getting married?"

Namjoon raised a brow at a grinning Seokjin. "I'm not prepared to take such a big step. We've been dating for a few months... Min-ju is currently working on her acting career, and I'm thinking about going to Munich to take over a gallery."

Yoongi smirked as he leaned back with his pale arms behind his neck. "Why did you start dating after five years after your break-up with Arin? You didn't want to get into any relationships. No wonder the students and faculty saw you two as star-crossed lovers who would eventually end up together. Your bickering and bantering are so entertaining, and I think more students root for Arin as your ultimate end."

Namjoon looked uneasy as he fiddled with his short hair and his glasses. "Look. Arie and I are an old issue. Five years ago, we ended things. We will never go back. Gosh, I'm dating Min-Ju now!"

Namjoon's seemingly stoic expression stirred up Seokjin's interest. "Yeah, sure, a girl forced into an arranged marriage. Namjoon just accepted it. Min-Ju is not the girl you want, yet you still..."

Namjoon grabs his hair in his hands and says, "Oh gosh, Seokjin. Just drop the subject already!" He yelled in hushed tones. Namjoon swallowed hard and looked embarrassed when he observed Seokjin's bewildered expression.

"I'm sorry for yelling, Seokjin," he softly says. "It's only that my life is challenging right now, and a marriage between two conglomerates is lucrative to both families."

The boys only nodded.

Seokjin's eyes were tangled with an accusatory frown. "You have your own needs and desires, Namjoon! Why do you want our family to control you? Taehyung should marry her; she's not your type. She hates history and everything it represents, whereas Arin-"

"OK! We're done!" Namjoon abruptly closed his laptop and placed it with meaning inside the laptop bag on the table as his friends stood there patiently watching him. His scowl softened as he peered around at his friends, who sat and watched him. He hates to be pitied. He made an enormous blunder five years ago, and he's still paying for it.

The group rose quietly and followed Namjoon out of the library.

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As Arin arrived at her dorm room, she tossed her bag back onto the nearest sofa and collapsed face down on her bed. Suppressed tears began to fall from her tightly closed eyelids. Her head buried underneath several pillows, she couldn't stop herself from letting go of all the emotions that plagued her on a daily basis.

Her normally icy countenance was distorted into a pathetic, tormented one. Why couldn't she just get over it? Why did Namjoon continue to have an effect on her after nearly five years? She would never let go. He was still the sole heir to her heart, and seeing him with Min-Ju after years of not dating was the most devastating blow she could have received.

Gentle sobbing was heartbreaking in the privacy of her dorm room. Her sorrow left her breathless.

"Oh my goodness! Lord, please help me forget. Please allow me to move on," she sobbed into her pillows. She wanted to let go, but her heart was adamant and wouldn't allow it. When she was so close to Namjoon, she knew the torment of unrequited love was real, and she couldn't face the truth that she still loved him with all her heart.

She jumped up to go to the adjacent bathroom to rinse her flustered face. Seeing her red, blotchy eyes, she realized that today was the last day of crying for Kim Namjoon. She would train her mind to focus on the task at hand, complete the dreadful assignment to the best of her abilities, graduate with honors, and go to England to work in her chosen field.

This was the moment to bury her lost love in the depths of her heart...and get rid of these suffocating feelings once and for all.

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A/n I hope you like this chapter. Arin and Namjoon came to an understanding to work unbiasedly on the project.

But will they be able to work together and wouldn't unresolved feelings get in the way?