Ego id Postea Faciam

I'll Do it Later

Not even the obstruction of the table was enough to restrain Taehyung from leaning in and imprisoning Jungkook in a lovable kiss. With a hand behind his head, he pulled him in and kissed him with a smile. They had just spoken with Taehyung's children, last night's memory was still fresh in their bodies and hearts, and, now, Taehyung kissed him like he simply couldn't resist any longer.

Jungkook's heart felt so light, it was like there was nothing wrong. His whole body relaxed altogether the second their lips met. A dream ignited in him of himself painting this beautiful feeling in his chest, in their beautiful home, and enjoying this same beautiful kiss.

It was simply beautiful.

Softly, their lips detached. Gently stroking sensitive skin one last time before Taehyung leaned in and kissed him lightly on the cheek.

Taehyung breathed out,

- Good morning, my Angel. -

And Jungkook melted with a silent giggle.

- Good morning, my Tae. -

He opened his eyes a little and saw him smiling gently before pulling back, letting go of the back of his head to stand up, and walk around the desk. All the while, Jungkook admired his covered body. He wasn't wearing his suit jacket and the trousers and shirt were so right fitted to his body that it simply made one's imagination go ballistic. Jungkook followed him with his gaze and slowly stood up under Taehyung's stare to then have his lover's hands grabbing his waist and pulling him sideways against the desk. Both always with a smile.

Taehyung simply gazed at him while he held him by the waist. Jungkook gazed back but looked away for a second simply to make sure there was no one at the tall windows and only then did he reach up both his hands to fold them behind Taehyung's head. But he didn't sit over the desk.

So, he enjoyed the moment.

- It seems they're going to be fine. - Jungkook murmured gently; letting the heavy worry he had for them ease a bit.

Taehyung took a deep breath and his eyes shined.

- Yes, they will. You know what the nurse told me? - Jungkook tilted his head. - She said that in order for them to heal quicker and be healthy, they have to be happy. And... - He chuckled. - They seem to like you. And they want you to be there. - His voice sounded tentative, but there was such deep delight within it that Jungkook could feel it in the pit of his stomach.

Shyly, he looked sideways.

- I like them too. - They seem to be nice kids with perfectly balanced perspectives about life due to the differences between their parents; they're curious, daring, and, most of all, brave. But all of that only came second to what really mattered to him. Jungkook looked back up at him and smiled gently. - They're a part of you. - Taehyung's breath hitched before he leaned in and rested his temple on his shoulder, and Jungkook muttered in earnest. - I can't destroy what you love. And I can't hate what loves you. -

Taehyung took in a deep breath and hugged him tightly.

They embraced for far less time than Jungkook would've wanted before the door handle rattled as if someone had tried to get in.

They let go immediately; fear scorching away their calm love. They looked towards the door with wide eyes before an unhurried knock resounded in the silent classroom. And, finally, they came back to their scenes.

Jungkook took the chair he had used and rapidly left it in its place before running back to the teacher's table to grab his own stuff. While he did that, Taehyung went around the desk to put on his suit jacket and straighten up his whole attire. As well as his expression, resulting in him looking as serious as any other teacher. Jungkook was silently glad Taehyung hadn't put on a tie while he ran to the place he had sat on the first day of classes, right next to one of the tall windows and three rows up.

The moment he sat down, Taehyung opened the door, and the rest of the class walked in.

The charm broke off completely and Jungkook felt his whole body getting cold as he put on an unbordered mask and laid back on his chair as if he had been bored or tired the whole time. Since this time he had his coat on, he couldn't busy his hands by playing with it, so he played with one of his bag straps and didn't look up while chairs were being pulled back and murmurs were going around between friends.

He did notice, though, the difference in volume. Even if it was seven in the morning, the first day, last week, they had sounded way more lively than today.

Now, the boredom in his features was real.

He came here to escape the neglect, bullying, and numbness, and instead got overly-vigilant parents, an E.V.I pinning him against the bed to feel his old soul, and riots everywhere that got everyone on edge. He escaped a nightmare to get trapped in another one.

When will the rings of this hell end? When will he be able to reach heaven?

- Alright. Good morning, everyone. - Taehyung greeted.

And Jungkook looked up at last.

He hadn't written anything on the board yet and was instead standing before his desk with his hands folded before him as he looked around. But then he looked up to the rows past Jungkook's and frowned slightly.

- Could the people in the back seat be a bit closer, please? I'm worried you won't hear me correctly all the way up there and I don't want to raise my voice too much. -

Jungkook -smiling a bit- looked back down at his hands while he heard the movement of chairs and stamping feet walking closer.

Since this classroom/theater was far too large, even their big group of philosophy students didn't fill it entirely. It was because people were scattered or everyone left an empty seat or two between them that made the illusion that they were using the whole room when in reality, if every chair was being used, they would only need to use about four rows instead of the whole seven of them. So, the people that were previously on rows six and seven, changed to rows five and four. Once they were seated, Jungkook noticed that some people had sat on the chairs right behind him, so, out of curiosity, he turned his head and looked up at the next row.

To his unpleasantness, it was Barbie with her new group of friends. He knew they were new because she hadn't been with them as they argued the week before. But even if she was alone or accompanied, she would always bring a certain sourness to his mouth. She was objectively attractive by the current standards of beauty so it wasn't her looks that displeased him, it was her attitude, the way she moved her mouth while she talked or how she would look over her shoulder; she was simply the worst type of a pretty, rich girl. It was just baffling to him that she was studying Philosophy and not something more snobbish.

- Thank you. - Taehyung went on, catching his attention at once and cleansing away his sourness. But when he looked back down at him, he seemed rather serious. - Now... This morning, we teachers had a quick meeting with the head of the faculty and some of us agree that... the current condition of our country and the world is a subject of worry for both teachers and students alike as well as everyone else. Since Mr. Oliver's suggestion didn't get unanimous votes then what I'm about to tell you is not obligatory to all teachers, however, he did tell us that we may do what we think is best. So... what I think is best is to follow his advice and tell you guys that, because I understand your mind and hearts are elsewhere at the moment, I will not leave you any assignments for the time being. -

Everyone straightened up in their chairs, including Jungkook. Heads turned this way and that, open eyes and hanging jaws everywhere, no one was sure they heard right. Everyone knew that the second week of uni was one of the harshest because of the load of work the teachers would leave so to hear that such a heavy class (History of Ancient and Medieval Philosophy) that they only see once a week (which means they would've been having a whole week's worth of homework), won't be leaving them assignments, for the time being, was truly something to be grateful for.

"Thank you '' floated out everywhere, smiles broke out, relieved sighs could be heard and some students even stood up to shake Taehyung's hand. Taehyung wasn't really smiling, it was a sad kind of smile, the one he wore as he shook hands and said "No worries '.

Jungkook had the impulse to go as well, but he had to restrain himself from doing it. He didn't want to bring any unnecessary attention to the pair of them, and he was sure that if he grabbed Taehyung's hand right now, the latter would smile differently at him, and everyone would notice. So Jungkook simply made a mental note to thank him later when they were alone.

Once everyone had settled back down, he noticed that the ones seating in the sixth row had moved down again to be closer. The first and second rows were being completely used while the third (his row) still had empty seats, but no one was on row six or seven anymore.

Taehyung made himself likable and approachable by showing his compassion and understanding. He had made himself a teacher they could rely on and one they knew would hear them and their troubles. And the most beautiful thing was that Jungkook was almost certain Taehyung hadn't realized this.

For Taehyung, it was simply something that should've been done in any case. Because he was simply that way. Kind.

Jungkook scratched the tip of his nose to conceal his little smile.

- That means... - Taehyung went on, catching everyone's attention. - ...that we will work hard through the whole class, alright? - He dipped down his chin to look at everyone expectantly.

Everyone Jungkook could see was nodding enthusiastically. But then, a guy on the first row, which was on the back before, lifted his hand. He was wearing a dark-colored hoodie and a beany, but Jungkook could see the strands of orange, painted hair peeking through on his nape.

- Yes? - Taehyung permitted him to talk.

The guy lowered his hand, looked down tentatively, and spoke after taking a deep breath.

- What do you think of... what's happening right now in the country, professor? -

It was as if everyone had suddenly begun to hold in their breaths. It was usual and almost normal to be nearly frightened by teachers so to ask this upfront, to ask about his personal opinion was a test, to see if they could trust him, to see if they could speak to him, to see if they could rely on him; not because they were waiting to hear him think the same way, but to hear him have an open mind, not quick to judge.

Jungkook found himself being one of those who held his breath. Because, in reality, he didn't know how Taehyung felt about the situation. He didn't know how he felt about such dangers happening close to his house, he didn't know how he felt about the country's political status, he didn't even didn't know if Taehyung knew there had been E.V.Is involved-- Taehyung didn't even know about the E.V.Is.

So how does he feel about the situation aside from the personal pain of having his kids in the hospital because of it?

Taehyung frowned, thinking, and leaned back against his desk. He looked down, folded his hands before himself, and crossed his ankles. Then, he began.

- What do I think about what's happening?... - He looked up. - Well... A fun fact about me is that I'm actually from South Korea. - Some straightened up, others just blinked in surprise. - Yes. I've lived in this country for ten years with my wife and children. - Even more surprise floated around at the knowledge that such a young teacher had his life "already made" with kids and all. - However, even though I've lived here for so long, I've only known certain locations. But, from what I've seen and known, there are beauties and horrors just like anywhere else. - He looked down, but then went ahead. - Last Saturday, when the fight broke off, I was here, safe and sound... while my wife was at home not two blocks away from the commotion and my ten-year-old kids were... caught in the middle of the fight. -

Girls gasped and placed their hands on their chests while the boys shook their heads. Everyone understood his pain.

- But why were they there? - A girl wearing a hoodie too big to be female's, cut him off in her worry. She was one of those who had their hands on their chest.

Taehyung looked at her and frowned in pain. Jungkook's stomach burned with the need to console him.

- They had tried to get to a little fruit stall we often go to together. Since it had been the first weekend I had been away from them, they tried to go by themselves to show me that they could; to make me proud. -

Heads hung low. But Jungkook looked at him resolutely, sending him unuttered words of comfort and hoping against hope that they were helping him somehow.

- So you see. - Taehyung went on. - I have mixed emotions regarding the whole situation. My kids are currently laying on hospital beds and I can't go see them. - ...some started crying silently, maybe remembering how their own loved ones were at the moment and they couldn't go see them as well. - If someone were to explain it to me, I would certainly understand the reasons for the fight, but that will never erase the utter fear and guilt I felt when I heard they had to be sent to the hospital. I could understand the reasons for the fight, but, personally, I would've done things a bit more thoughtfully. If a fight had to happen, let it happen in a more secluded place and not right in front of the palace, or make sure some people were stationed around to make sure no civilians entered the frame. Also, I'm quite certain that there were criminals in there. -

- There weren't. - A guy in the front cut in. He didn't raise his voice, but it was clear that he took it as an offense.

Taehyung shook his head.

- I don't mean the people who started the fight, I mean that, because of the commotion, true criminals took it as an opportunity to break havoc, and that's why everyone thinks all of them are criminals. - The tension eased, changing to surprise again.

They didn't know this and probably never will, but Jungkook knew where Taehyung had taken this. As they spoke to his kids thru the phone and they ran, the both of them were able to hear exactly how those people wanted to stop them at any rate, but then, when they finally caught up to them and tried to hurt them, there came another voice, a shout, a war scream that said: "Don't touch them". It was only logical that a person who was there to fight with such conviction to actually kill the man who tried to hurt the kids could only be part of the "rebels", so, if he was part of them and he fought for the kids, it means that the other ones who wanted to get a hold of them, weren't part that group.

Even if the class knew this or not, it didn't matter. All that mattered to them was that this was probably one of very few "grown-ups" that didn't believe the media's point of view that portrayed every one of them as criminals, and that made a world of a difference to them.

- I can't really give you my thoughts on the matter because, as I said before, I don't know their exact reasoning for going to such drastic measures. I don't want to be too quick to judge without having both sides' points of view. -

The ones that were crying before, had to hide their faces in their folded arms while their friends patted their back or stayed as stunned as everyone else.

Once again, for Taehyung, it was normal; simply the way he is and thinks. But Jungkook was sure that the majority of his classmates rarely hear these compassionate words.

Including himself.

He could only swallow down the obstruction in his throat, but no more. He couldn't jump and run to his arms, couldn't burst out crying, couldn't ask him to hold him; he could only stay as still as ever in his laid-back position.

It was like falling in love all over again, and again, and again, and again, and it hurt just like the first time. It hurt to fall in love because it was like his heart was being sewn back together. It's painfully beautiful how he was cursed with the blessing of feeling it over and over again every time Taehyung opened his mouth.

What a gift he had been given.

He has to protect him at all costs.

- I hope that was enough though I know I didn't really answer your question. - Taehyung gave an apologetic little smile to the guy who asked. And that guy reached up a hand to wipe his face.

Taehyung looked around for a moment, looking intently at everyone present; the silent, the crying, the ones with their heads bowed down, and then he straightened with a frown on his face to turn around and search for something in his briefcase. He took out his watch and tried to strap it back on his wrist as he turned back around.

- I guess we can have a little break. - He fumbled with it for a little, before giving up and simply holding it to see the time. - It is... nearly eight; let's meet again in twenty minutes. You can go for a coffee or go out into the gardens to take in a bit of cold air, yeah? -

Another row of gratefulness sounded all around. Sighs and "thank you"s were accompanied by a bit of hysterical laughter that only shock could provide and also the sound of chairs being pulled back.

Jungkook stayed seated as he watched how Taehyung struggled to put his watch on. But he did notice that the moment the guy who had asked the question stood and walked fast towards the door, the people behind him also stood up to follow him. Jungkook looked back and found them with troubled expressions, except for two people of the four. The two girls; one brunette and crying silently, and the other was Blond Barbie. The fact that she was expressionless and not a single emotion could be discerned, took his attention away from them as he looked elsewhere and thought. Not even boredom could be discerned, not even Jungkook had been able to detect anything. Could she be that heartless? Or...

He caught movement in the corner of his eye and his attention was caught once more. He turned to look and found the movement being Taehyung and... Barbie helping him put his watch on. He had only looked away for a moment, only one moment, and that snake was touching his man.

...so this was what true jealousy felt like.

Jungkook stood up and walked down with his hands on the pockets of his jeans as if acid wasn't burning in the pit of his stomach. The last person to leave aside from them finally left, and Jungkook reached them just as Taehyung was slowly pulling his wrist back.

- Thank you, Miss Darcy. -

What a gentleman.

- So that's your fabulous name? - Jungkook sneered as he reached them. Taehyung turned around and Barbie's smile disappeared as she looked at him. He scoffed because even if he had just heard her name, he still had no idea who she was. - You'll always be just another Barbie to me. -

- Such a grown-up, aren't you? - She sneered back as she folded her arms over her chest.

- Well, you certainly like grown-ups, don't you? - And then he tilted his head the slightest bit towards Taehyung. He was being a hypocrite, but the funny thing was that she had no idea.

Taehyung was simply watching from one to the other without knowing what to do. But then he folded his hands behind his back.

- You two know each other? -

She was about to speak when Jungkok interrupted.

- I told you about her, remember? -

Game on.

She opened her eyes wide while Taehyung "tried to remember". Of course, he knew who she was, he knew it from the moment he called her Barbie.

- I knew you had no friends. - She scoffed.

- Oh my, you're calling him a nobody? - He pointed at Taehyung with wide eyes and hissed theatrically.

But then she rounded on Taehyung.

- You knew he was talking about me and you didn't reprimand him? -

What...the...hell is going on? Jungkook frowned as he looked at Taehyung. And the latter grimaced apologetically at her.

- I had no idea he was talking about you, but I am sorry. Only now do I realize who "Barbie" was. -

- You know her? - Jungkook demanded, squinting his eyes at him. Not anywhere doubtful of his loyalty but instead disliking the fact that Taehyung was courteous with her.

Taehyung looked at him, with no humor in his eyes, and told him.

- Her father's the president of the board. Patric Wexler. -

And Jungkook understood.

- ...Wexler. - He repeated and Taehyung nodded. Then he turned his head tentatively back at her. - Darcy Wexler. - With her lips pursed and eyes wide with anger, she nodded once. Jungkook took it in... meditated it... and then began. - Who the fuck cares about that? - He asked in earnest, startling her. But not Taehyung, he simply looked down at the floor.

- Don't you dare insult my father. - She took a step closer to him and unfolded her arms. But Jungkook just shook his head.

- I'm not talking about him. - She stopped in her tracks. - You think bloodline is stronger than hard work? You think just because you have his surname, you're suddenly as important as him? No, my dear Barbie, you're not. - And he took a step closer to her as well and found they were the same height. But he was going to stamp on her quite sharply. - The first time we met, you acted like a pompous little princess who deserved the recognition of everyone around her simply because of her name; you were condescending, insulting, invading, and kept on and on arguing that I was the one to blame for everything. I know merely nothing about you, but I've seen enough to dislike you greatly; you see what your first impression does? You see how your name doesn't save you from judgment? You think your father was born being president of the board of one of the most prestigious universities in the world? Wake the fuck up. You're nothing but everything the rest of us are; you're just a young adult who hasn't made a name for herself. But your problem is that you're shallow enough to think that your daddy's name is enough to get you praise, so I'll simply keep on calling you Barbie until I recognize you as something other than an empty, pretty doll. -

She ran away as fast as she could towards the door and left crying.

Yes, he was aware that he had been harsh and hurtful to the extreme the moment she began to breathe harshly and her eyes began to redden. But his only comfort was knowing that sooner or later she would've had a wake-up call so, why not now?

He was still looking at the closed door when Taehyung spoke beside him.

- I think this is the first time I ever heard you being so painfully honest. And being harsh towards a woman - He muttered. Jungkook looked towards him and found that he was smiling a little at the floor before looking up at him and meeting his gaze. - But still, the way you said it was very smart. -

He merely sighed and shrugged. But Taehyung shook his head and frowned down at his folded hands again, still leaning against his desk as he spoke.

- I don't know how to feel or what to do... - Jungkook looked at him intently as he muttered; a bit confused. - Should I congratulate you for putting her in her place? Should I reprimand you for speaking so rudely to the daughter of one of my colleagues? Should I... I don't know. - He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. - My feelings have been all over the place this morning. And then this guy asked how I felt about it all and I could only think about my kids being hurt... but also about how I would want to be a part of the change just like them. For us. - He shook his head and closed his eyes, seeming truly indecisive and frustrated.

Jungkook, frowning with worry, stepped closer to him and gently held his face with both hands. Taehyung let his hand fall beside him as he looked up at him. And there it was; utter sorrow.

Jungkook shook his head and from his heart there came the words he whispered to him.

- Don't think about too many things, Tae. They'll just confuse you. -

Taehyung's eyes widened a bit and his breath also stopped. Jungkook also felt like something off had happened. As if the words he had just uttered had come out of his mouth before, and jet differently. As if... this has happened before...

A deja vu.

Taehyung shook his head slightly.

- Did we meet when I was twenty-one? - He asked, earnestly. Whispering and yet begging to know the answer.

But for Jungkook, this was one of those times when Taehyung would forget reality. This wasn't a dream, it wasn't a nightmare, but something much stronger than that. It was a deja vu; it felt as if this had happened before. But the difference between the both of them was that, while Jungkook understood it was just a deja vu, Taehyung on the other hand, truly believed this had happened before.

By the stories Taehyung had told him, Jungkook was sure it wasn't the first time Taehyung truly believed something that hadn't really happened before.

Gently, Jungkook shook his head.

- I was probably thirteen at the time, Tae. -

Taehyung looked off for a second, blinked twice, and then his eyes opened wide once more.

- Of course... of course not, I was in uni at the time. - He muttered to himself as he lifted his hands to hold onto Jungkook's wrists. Then, trying to catch his breath, he looked back up at him, apologetically. - I... For a moment I forgot we were eight years apart. -

...the wording was a little off for what he was trying to say.

- "Eight years apart"? - Somehow, it struck a dull and cold chord in Jungkook.

Eight years apart. Eight years being separated. Eight years without each other.

Eight years apart.

Taehyung shook his head again as if trying to clear it.

- I mean... our ages, our... age gap. I forgot we had an eight-year age gap, that's it. - He explained in a rush and then plunged in, hiding in Jungkook's neck and hugging him tightly.

Slowly, Jungkook hugged him back. And then tightened his hold on him.

Whenever he thought of that phrase, a cold feeling clung to him and a lump would rise in his throat. He thought of that phrase again and hugged him tighter. It just felt so real all of a sudden; so real that he just wanted to cry while he held him, so real that the feeling of his breathing against him nearly made his tears fall, so real...

Eight years apart... Had that been the reason why he felt like he had seen an angel when he first laid eyes on him? Had that been the reason why it felt like the whole world had stopped and all he felt was peace and happiness with just one glance at him? Had that been the reason why he fell so hard so fast? Because they had been apart for too long...

It wasn't until someone knocked on the door again that they separated and class began once more.

Taehyung seemed like his usual teacher persona; as if there wasn't a full turmoil inside of him. But Jungkook was just the same, seeming bored and sitting quietly as he took out his computer while question after question bombarded him, trying to get him heaving on his knees.

He did notice that Barbie and her lot had taken their stuff and sat in the opposite corner, but that had only been because he heard them muttering insults at him while they noisily grabbed their bags and walked away. He never turned to look.

- Today we will talk about the first subject I spoke of last week. - Taehyung spoke clearly as he wrote on the blackboard and then turned around to look at them all. - "What can we know?". -

...wonderful.

Jungkook took a deep breath.

- To answer this question as best we can, we must first read some of Plato's works including "Apology" - He wrote the names in a list as he said them. - "Protagoras and Gorgias", "Phaedo", "Symposium", "Republic (I & IV), (V-VI), (VII-IX)", and "Parmenides and Timaeus". These are all Socratic dialogues. Now... - He turned around. - Who can tell me what Socratic dialogues are? -

Jungkook raised his hand just like a number of other students, and Taehyung pointed at one guy sitting in the second row.

- Is when a group of people question something. -

Not quite.

- Nearly. - Taehyung tilted his head to the sides in a so-so sort of way and when his hand shot up again, he pointed at a girl sitting in the middle of the third row.

- It's a debate. -

- Nooooooo. - Taehyung shook his head in earnest, making some people chuckle. - Let's try one last time. - And he finally pointed at Jungkook.

- It is neither a debate nor a competition, it is a dialogue within a group of people who cooperatively attempt to reach the answer to a universal question that everyone will agree upon. -

- Perfect. - Taehyung nodded once, seeming completely delighted as he bobbed on the heels of his feet and then began to explain to the rest of the class what Jungkook had just said.

Jungkook, on the other hand, turned his head to look at the other side of the row behind him and found Barbie glaring at him viciously with red eyes and nose. But the moment they made eye contact, she rolled her eyes and looked back at Taehyung as she typed in her computer just like the rest of her friends.

Let her be jealous. Jungkook grinned a bit; grateful that this had taken his mind off his previous thoughts.

- Now. I'll tell you what each of these works talks about a bit so we can have a good understanding of where we're trying to go with this. Yes, our goal is to reach an answer we can all agree upon from the universal question: "What can we know?" - He pointed at the question. - But how will we get there? What do we need in order to have our own Socratic dialogue and for it to be fruitful? And why is it necessary to read Plato's works? Well, let me tell you about them. Today we'll start with... - And he drew an arrow from the first title onwards. - "Apology". -

- In his book, Plato provides a version of Socrates' speech during his trial for impiety and corruption in 399 BC. Specifically, it is a defense against the charges of "corrupting the youth" and "not believing in the gods in whom the city believes, but in other daimonia that are novel" to Athens. Though called 'apology' by Plato, the speech is not actually an apology. Socrates was attempting to use his wisdom to justify his teachings and beliefs, and not to apologize for his actions. -

- Unlike the politicians, poets, and craftsmen, Socrates' arguments provide us -the modern philosophers- with a model of true and just philosophy. In this work, it's evident that Socrates' love for wisdom outweighs the human fear of death. He argues that he does not fear what he does not know (death), but fears human lack of knowledge and ignorance as portrayed by his accusers, the jury, and the Athenian wise men. -

- From this work, you'll learn how Socrates' wisdom is presented in his ultimate, clear, and precise thinking and presentation of ideas in his speech. And, in addition to that, it will also teach you that questioning and clarification of human knowledge is way more vital than affirming to the knowledge. -

- So... - He stopped drawing the mindmap on the board, turned around, and clapped his hands to clean them a bit. Everyone was frantic as they tried to keep up and finish their writing as he kept on talking. - Well, guys, I promised you that there'll be no homework, but that can only come true if we work hard during the whole three hours of the class. It is currently nine; you have one hour to read the pages I'll write down on the corner right here and take some notes, but, as said before, if you don't finish reading by the end of the hour, you will have homework. - He wrote the pages they had to read on the corner by the left of the board and then dusted off his hands again.

- What would our homework be without the promise? - A guy in the first row asked as he finished writing the numbers of the pages and some chuckled with him. It certainly seemed like heavy enough work so the thought of it being "watered down" was astounding.

Taehyung turned around and went over to his desk, reaching for his briefcase as he answered.

- The original homework was to write a four-page essay arguing about why we must not fear what we do not know to be delivered next week. But I'm only asking you to read and take notes, and I even left you a whole hour of class to do so. - He looked up, saw them looking surprised, and simply muttered. - Tick-tock... - As he pointed at his watch.

At once, everyone began to search for the book on their computers.

Everyone, except a little, big-hoodie-wearer, hunched-back, and hiding boy. Jungkook noticed as he waited for the page to load that Jimin was walking fastly up to Taehyung while the latter took his phone and began to take pictures of the board. Jungkook saw as Jimin stood beside him and Taehyung lowered his phone, giving him his attention; and then, after a brief movement of Jimin's lips, Taehyung nodded and turned back around to take a sticky note from one of the desk's drawers. He wrote something down, gave it to Jimin, and the latter went off as fast as he could walk out of the classroom.

Maybe he had gone to get it from the library. Jungkook simply went back to his work, trying to find the exact pages.

But that phrase came back to him.

"He argues that he does not fear what he does not know (death), but fears human lack of knowledge and ignorance as portrayed by his accusers, the jury and the Athenian wise men."

"...he does not fear what he does not know (death), but fears human lack of knowledge and ignorance..."

"He does not fear what he does not know, but fears lack of knowledge and ignorance."

Socrates argues that his wisdom originated from an oracle given to Chaerephon by Delphi who said he was the wisest man on earth. So, if the wisest man on earth had said that he wisely feared lack of knowledge and ignorance, and Jungkook had been purposefully keeping himself from knowing very important things and preferring to stay ignorant, wouldn't that make him what Socrates feared most and therefore make him unwise?

Socrates didn't fear death and that was why he started to use his wisdom to justify his teachings and beliefs, instead of apologizing for his actions. But it was the fact that he does not fear what he does not know that led him to be fearless in the face of death. And that's clever.

Worrying about the unknown is what keeps us from knowing, so the opposite feeling creates the opposite reaction: Not being afraid of the unknown, lets us know and learn. And wisdom is exactly that: The quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment.

Jungkook had been so afraid of what he might hear and learn from Garrett and the rest that he kept himself ignorant. He had been entirely unwise all this time.

But not anymore.

It was just unfortunate that he had another class in fifteen minutes and the classroom was far enough to last the journey as much time so Jungkook couldn't stay behind to talk to Taehyung about what he planned to do.

Who's he kidding? Of course, he'll double back and come back around like last week.

Jungkook did just that. He was walking towards the door of the classroom with his other classmates without looking back and had all the intention of going outside until there was no one else close by. However, the moment he saw Barbie walking straight to Taehyung, his feet simply followed after her.

She was giving her back to him and, before he could reach them, he heard...

- I want to report him. -

...HA!

Jungkook started chuckling darkly as he walked closer and both of them looked up at him at the same time, but just as well, Jungkook felt a hand on his shoulder forcefully stopping him. He noticed Taehyung immediately took a step forward but Jungkook turned around faster.

Of course, it was one of her new male friends with the whole gang behind him; the guy who was concealing his orange hair, the golden-haired guy who lifted his hand to ask Taehyung that question, the dark-skinned guy who was taller than Jungkook thought, and three girls, the brunette that cried, a blond tall one, and a short girl with black hair.

Jungkook slapped that guy's hand off his shoulder, still with a grin on his face. He wouldn't call himself violent or reckless... No, he wouldn't call himself that. (Even if he was, a little).

- What is it with you, huh? - The golden-haired guy asked him. He looked like he wanted to punch him.

...Let him punch him.

Go ahead, Jungkook had too much energy to burn, too much anger, go ahead and punch him, he had only gone to the gym once in the past eight days and he needs a way of venting off violently, go ahead and try to punch him.

- Hey, hey... - Taehyung arrived by their side and looked at each in turn with stern eyes. Once both of theirs met, Taehyung's eyebrows twitched as if he had seen Jungkook's desire for a fight burning in them. - Alright... What is it? -

That guy hasn't stopped looking directly into Jungkook's eyes and, even then, he spoke to Taehyung.

- He's harassing Darcy. -

- HA! Do you even know what harassment is? Seriously, Barbie, you could've done better. - He shook his head as he chuckled and looked sideways at her. She was folding her arms over her chest behind Taehyung while the man himself looked quite concerned.

- Stop... calling her that, you motherfucking–

- Alright... - Taehyung put his palms up, one before each of them. - I think we can talk it out, don't you? Like we did at the beginning of the class. Understanding each other is to forgive each other, come on. There'll be no fighting in my class or in my presence. -

Jungkook wanted to do what he said, he really did, he wanted to make him proud, not concerned, he wanted to be as gentle as he was... so why was his blood still boiling? It was as if he had been waiting for a reason to fight since he woke up, what is this?

- Fine then. - The guy said with a grimace at Jungkook. It was obvious that he was only backing down because it was Taehyung who told him to. - Why do you call her Barbie, huh? -

Jungkook simply leaned back, looking bored as he put his hands inside his pockets.

- That's between her and me, you bodyguard wanna-be. - The guy greeted his teeth. - So, you lot can scram while I talk to this doll over here, alright? - Jungkook gave him a "sweet" little smile that had the guy fuming.

He saw him tightening his hands into fists by his sides... But then Taehyung placed a hand over his shoulder and it was like the tension on this guy's body went away.

- Go ahead. I'll be here with them until they finish talking and then she will go back to you. - Taehyung nodded at him and the group behind him. It was a moment, a final glare they threw at Jungkook's direction before finally taking their leave. It wasn't until the door closed once more that Taehyung sighed and turned around to now be facing Jungkook and Barbie. - Go ahead, Jungkook. Explain to her why you call her "Barbie". -

She scoffed.

- He already said that. - And she looked away, sulking. But Jungkook could see her eyes begin to get glossy again.

Did it hurt her that bad?

- I explained why I call you Barbie. But I haven't explained why I said what I said so harshly. - She frowned. He knew why, of course, his voice was gentler than it was when he was talking to that guy. But he was not being gentle to her.

Taehyung gave him a little half-smile and nodded encouragingly.

- Aside from the fact that you're a prat? - She spat, still not looking at him.

- Yes, aside from that. - He chuckled. - I won't call myself a teacher nor a parent to you and you will certainly hear me curse you more than I'll ever compliment you, but, just so you know, I said what I said because I knew you had to hear it. I said it in a temper, I said it harshly, yes, I was angry. You anger me so much, you have no idea. You anger me because you act exactly as I said you did: Like a spoiled, little girl. So I'm here to give you the wake-up call of your lifetime and tell you that everything I said: I believed, and the way I said it: was completely intentional. You can either take my harsh words like a champ or continue making your friends upset. Go ahead and tell that guy to punch me, I seriously do not care if he tries, but you will care once you look at the state I'll leave him in. - She turned her head to him, alarmed and fuming, breathing harshly. And he took a step forward simply to tell her, - And that's a promise, Barbie. -

- Jungkook... - Taehyung warned him in an undertone.

Just then, she turned her head sharply at him, still holding back her angry tears.

- Well!? -

Jungkoon saw from the corner of his eyes that Taehyung was slightly startled. And his blood boiled again.

- Do not scream at him. - He warned her.

- That doesn't matter. - Taehyung tried to calm him as he placed a hand over his shoulder, trying to push him back from her. - Miss Darcy, I–

- He clearly just threatened me! He said that he was going to punch my friends! He said that he harasses me on purpose simply because he's angry! I want him out of my sight! -

- Fine, change careers. - Jungkook chuckled darkly beside her, still looking directly at her even if she wasn't looking at him.

He felt Taehyung trying to tug him away from her by his shoulder but Jungkook only allowed him to take him a step back. He didn't like the way she was screaming at Taehyung right now.

- Miss Darcy, I'm sorry to tell you but "The Student Rights and Duties" book, states that, when there's a dispute between two students, teachers can't take only one of the students to the head of the faculty unless there's undisputable audiovisual evidence of the student's wrongdoings. When there's a dispute like this without evidence and only eyewitnesses, both students are taken to the headmaster and both students will take punishment. So... you decide, Miss Darcy. I can take you upstairs, though begrudgingly because... to be honest with you, all he said right now is just talk, he hasn't actually done anything. And you don't deserve a punishment either because you haven't done anything. -

And then he waited for her verdict.

She tapped her foot against the floor and pursed her lips as she looked from Taehyung to Jungkook -who was still in his grasp- and thought. All the while, Jungkook stood silent as he appreciated how Taheyung had been following the rules perfectly since he arrived and that has been why he took Tom and him up to his father. He used to think it had been unnecessary, but only now does he realize he had done it in the hopes that the headmaster would punish Tom. But, what he didn't know at the time was that the headmaster was his father. However, now that he knows, he seems determined to convince Barbie not to take this fight upstairs.

But Barbie has to decide now because Jungkook's just a second away from eating Taehyung's lips like a dessert.

He's really too full of energy.

- ...fine. - She finally said, even if it was begrudgingly and with greeted teeth. Then she looked at Jungkook and said, - Do not ever talk to me again. -

He lifted his hands in surrender.

- So long as you don't talk to me, Barbie. - And, for good measure, he winked at her.

She stomped her foot, made a little, irritated scream with her mouth closed, and then marched out of the room, slamming the door as she went.

- How dare she slam your door? - Jungkook said, half-jokingly as he turned around to face him.

Taehyung was shaking his head at him as a disbelieving smile grew on his lips, while a mischievous one grew on Jungkook's.

- I had no idea just how much of a bad boy you were. - He sounded both astonished and impressed as he tugged him closer.

Jungkook chuckled, but, remembering that the door was not locked, he took a step back from him as he said,

- I told you. I was completely different before we met. - He shrugged and Taehyung chuckled as he placed a hand over his own face.

- Oh my gosh, I'm ruined. I fell for a bad boy without even knowing. -

Both laughed merrily.

- You wanna know how bad I can get? - He purred with his little smile still in place.

Taehyung placed his other hand over his own face as well and gave a little whine. Then he straightened up with a sharp intake of breath and straightened up his suit jacket, not looking at him.

- You have class, mister. You should go. -

Jungkook chuckled as he took a step forward.

- What a bummer, I was hoping you could help me burn this energy away because, you know, it doesn't let me concentrate not one bit and all I can think about is last night and–

Taehyung took a sharp step forwards and grabbed him by the waist. They heaved against each other's lips and then looked up to lock stares.

- Is that all you've been thinking about this class? - Taehyung asked with a half-smile.

Jungkook grabbed him by the shoulders as the fear of being found was burning in the pit of his stomach, making him chuckle a bit.

- Not really. I've been thinking about very important and life-changing things that will alter the course of the universe, you know, stuff like that. - He shrugged, earning a laugh from him. - Yeah, but all I can think about now is how bad I want to see your book collection again. Don't you want to show it to me? Let's go to your apartment. - He encouraged eagerly with a bright smile, earning another laugh from him that had him resting his forehead against his shoulder.

- You really have classes, Kooky. -

- And I really don't care. -

Taehyung gave a little whine again.

- I'm so going to get in trouble for this. -

Jungkook laughed and then felt him letting go before walking towards his desk to take his things.

He'll talk to Hoseok later.   

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🌼Thank you for reading Chapter 62 <3<3<3

Your devoted writer,

Ela Shadow Rose 🥀

Go ahead with the next Chapter ->->->