Novus Magister, Novis Oculis

New Teacher, New Eyes

Jungkoook was immersed in his thoughts as he was most of the time. Looking at the floor and trying to look calm as he followed Leo and Emily, he absentmindedly clutched the strings of his backpack and took a deep breath.

It was only three in the afternoon and his body wanted to shut down already. There hadn't been a pause in any second of the day. From waking up until now when the three of them were on their way to the cafeteria, he hadn't had a break.

Getting out of the dorm building wasn't as bad as getting in. According to Emily (who asked a passing student), more people decided to arrive on the last day, causing a bit of mayhem.

That might just explain the anxious tension in the air, though some frantic whispers and heads looking down at phones made him still wonder.

The only thing that got him going at the moment was the thought of going to that woods at the end of the day and figuring out what was so alluring about it.

He'd been so focused on that thought that he didn't notice when Leo and Emily stopped walking.

Causing him to collide against someone else.

Rewind to that same morning.

Taehyung woke up. And had to swallow down a lump in his throat.

The queen-size bed was lonely. Something unusual at five in the morning on a Sunday. But, once he found out why his wife Daphne had woken up early, his smile nearly started to wobble.

His kids had woken up to say one last goodbye.

They are his Sun, his whole world revolves around them. He simply couldn't help but feel sad about leaving. But he knew crying wasn't something he should be doing in front of his kids. So, he straightened his suit jacket and smiled down at them.

Throughout breakfast, they spoke and Amy cried over her cereal. But Eddy was there to pat her on the head. Daphne, on the other hand, was thoroughly immersed in her newspaper, not even sparing him one last glance after he said his goodbyes from the door with his bag in hand. But he couldn't have expected her to do more than to be there. As it was a Sunday, she would've liked to sleep in. So, her presence meant her acknowledgment of his departure, and that was as much as any goodbye from her even if the coldness of it made him feel bitter.

The supposedly thirty-minute car ride from Knightsbridge to Heathrow airport turned into an almost hour of traffic jams not even the highly skilled cabby could avoid. Not even on a Sunday morning could the London streets be empty. It was always at times like this that he thought of his hometown; the valleys, woods, and trees that he thought he'd never leave. But ones he believes he'll never see again.

Looking outside the window, he found something to put more weight on his sadness. A flower shop. Every time he saw one, he couldn't help but remember his family, but he couldn't stop the car to buy some. Trying to cheer himself up, he thought of buying some flowers for his new room. Daphne doesn't like it when he buys flowers. But now, he'll have a place for himself.

All alone.

It took an hour for the plane to land at Leeds Bradford airport, but it dragged on. His neighbor had done nothing but talk to him to not think he was inside of an eighty-thousand-kilogram metal can in the middle of the air. Taehyung wanted to feel sorry for the man, but he wanted to read, so it annoyed him slightly.

The sight that greeted him from the passenger seat when he was on the taxi leading to the University was... wide, he had no other word for it, everything looked wider; the streets, the spaces between buildings, the parks, it all looked more open compared to London. And the weather was very nice, cold but sunny.

It was eight in the morning when the car passed by a particularly nice park. He was able to glimpse a lot of families, sitting on the grass and looking happy.

The sadness of missing his kids felt heavy on his shoulders. But he had to remember what Daphne had been telling him. That this would be a huge achievement for anybody. Twenty-eight years old and already accepted as a University Professor at Evanthe, one of the most prestigious universities in the world.

But, in reality, achieving all those things was mechanical to him, it wasn't because he had wanted to pursue any.

Just like this achievement.

However, he must be happy, he must feel excited, and, most of all, he must be grateful to be able to achieve something qualified as difficult for the majority.

As the car drove on towards the University, the buildings lessened and it all started to look more green; more valleys, more trees. Taehyung was so bittersweet about it. It nearly felt like home, colder and greyer but still green, still something familiar. How he wished his kids would be here to see it.

Arriving at the grand University and going inside was an ordeal. There were a lot of cars inside so he thought it would be better for the cab not to enter. Then his problem was not cars but people. There were so many people on the way that he couldn't even try to admire the flowers, all he felt was annoyance at the ones who had stopped to talk right at the path when they could've just moved to the side. But they were saying goodbye so, understanding, he said nothing to them.

After that, there was the ordeal to get to the front desk. He had to remember to avoid physical contact with everybody whilst trying to get people out of the way. It wasn't messy or disorganized, there were just too many people at once, and, given how everyone was anxious about not touching who they shouldn't be touching, the stress in the air was almost impossible to bear.

But at last, he got his keys and Map Book from a very kind woman and went east. He had time before his first meeting at nine so he took his time to take in the sights on his way.

The halls he walked through had the same red carpet on the floor and from time to time there was a crystal chandelier on the high ceiling. It all looked like a palace. A very ornate and a bit over-the-top palace.

He couldn't help but feel like Daphne would've loved this place. And he thought this with no hint of a smile.

He passed classrooms, the huge garden in front of the library, and he even passed by what will be his classroom from tomorrow morning. He hadn't yet reached the garden at the end of the library when he arrived at the professors' living area.

The doors were dark-glass double doors that only authorized personnel with a special card key could go through. He had to put the card against the glass and the door would be unlocked for him.

So... over the top.

Upon entering, he found what would be the lobby if there were any chairs. There was an open door to the left that seemed to be the launch and a door to the right that read "Professors' room". Parallel to the glass doors, there were two elevators. Once he was closer to them, he found two corridors, one to each side, but while the right-hand one led to stairs, the left turned to another corridor that perhaps led to the other buildings.

Waiting for the elevator to arrive, he thought of the boxes with his things that were supposed to be in his room. For a brief moment, he remembered the day he was deciding what to bring with him, believing, at the time, that the room he would be staying in wouldn't be big enough for his books. But then, out of nowhere, Daphne helped him understand just how big the room would be according to the measurements he was sent.

The apartment that awaited him upstairs was just another over-the-top characteristic of this place. Apparently (because he hadn't known before) Evanthe takes huge pride in just how well they treat their teachers.

The elevator doors opened and out came what looked to be a very young professor. It was good to know he wasn't the only young one here. If it all went well, they could be friends. Maybe.

He was taken aback when he saw there were only four floors, but then again, he remembered. Professors, unlike students, weren't obligated to live in Evanthe. So, even though there were many buildings, there didn't need to be that many rooms. After arriving at the second one, there were only four doors. One on the far west wall, one on the far east, and two on the long wall paralleled the elevators, well away from each other. One said "O'Connor" and the other one "Kim T".

Guessing the second one to be his, he hurried to open the door and get inside, locking it behind him before looking up. And he froze.

In his shock, he let go of his bag, letting it fall to the floor with a thud.

This was not a room, not even a one-person apartment, this was a loft; a wide, bright, high ceiling, four tall windows with a round top, already furnished with a table for six, a living room with one sofa and two chairs beside an unlit fireplace and a coffee table in the middle, an empty bookshelf separating the bedroom from the living room which had a king-sized bed with nightstands at each side, a working table between the nightstand and another door that very possibly leads to a bathroom, and then, to top it all off, a kitchen with marble countertops and an island separating it with the dining table... loft.

...this was too much for only one person, and all he could think about was how he was not allowed to bring his kids with him.

With his foot, he slid his bag next to the pile of boxes by the right side of the door, put the heys in the right pocket of his trousers, and walked towards the bed. Slowly, he sat down, leaving the map book beside him, and looked properly at what was going to be his home until the holidays.

It was the first time in his life he would be living alone. At first, he had his family and the farmworkers, and then, immediately after, it was his wife and children with all the maids and butlers and private cooks that did everything for him.

His family had taught him well about cleaning and cooking but he never had an opportunity to put that knowledge to use, he guesses now would be a great time to show his parents just how good a man he grew up to be. Not a great teacher, but a good man. As a way of showing them just how good they did at raising him; to show them that he's thankful, to show them that they're always with him wherever he goes. And hope his thoughts will reach them.

He laid in bed with his feet still on the ground and thought about how the morning had been, and he felt "something" in his throat.

He had to be happy. He would be very ungrateful otherwise.

However, it was still all material gain. He lost what was dearest to him by following someone else's wishes. He wouldn't have been able to hold on and keep going if it wasn't for his rays of sunshine. Edward's laughter whenever he forgot his shyness, Audrey's kind heart, making gifts for everybody, and the three of them going to the park to play frisbee until nighttime to then go to a rural restaurant and eat while playing card games, that was all irreplaceable.

No achievement was greater than the family he made with the pair of them. And he was forced to leave them behind.

Abruptly, he got up from the bed and breathed in deeply, blinking away the tears. He couldn't cry just yet, he was mere minutes away from his first meeting at his new job.

With his throat feeling less constricted, he straightened his suit jacket, grabbed the map book, and marched out of his loft.

Without knowing that, hours later, he would collide with a Gardenia.

Back in the present.

Jungkook stumbled and shut his eyes, knowing he was going to fall. But then the other man grabbed him by the elbows and pulled him in, saving him from it.

His heart was frantic in his chest and he opened his eyes to the floor.

- I'm so sorry! - Jungkook apologized, panicking at the sight of leather shoes and tailored trousers before he could even look at who had grabbed him. Hastily, he stabilized himself and looked up.

Time froze for a second. The air stopped. He looked into those eyes... and a spark of light woke up in his chest.

It felt like he had found something he forgot he'd been searching for.

...and it sounded like he had gone crazy.

With a tug, he freed his arms from his hold. But the man looked unaffected.

- Don't worry. - He said in a deep voice and smiled down at him.

Jungkook's heart missed a beat and he looked away. But the man spoke again.

- I'm sorry myself, I should've watched both sides of the road before crossing, right? - He laughed softly. The sound was so pleasant that it made Jungkook giggle at the floor.

Unable to restrain himself, he looked up again. And he was still there, looking back down at him with a stare Jungkook couldn't recognize. But it wasn't the stare or only the eyes that caught his attention. This was the most beautiful face he had ever seen in his life. It was so beautiful that looking at it made him excited. It was so beautiful that he felt like standing there for hours so he could memorize it. It was so beautiful that he wanted to paint it.

He stared until his lungs burned for air.

- Jungkook? - A man's voice called him from somewhere to the side, startling Jungkook.

His smile vanished at the reminder of where he was and, in terror, he looked to the who had called him. But it was worse than he thought.

The sight that greeted him upon turning his head was of a crowd of professors -men and women- that were standing there, looking at the last person of their group whom he was holding back. He felt slightly humiliated with so many eyes on him. But he kept on searching for the one who had called him.

When he found him, his worries went to the back of his mind.

- Professor O'Connor? - The Professor that had shared with him a whole evening of nothing but talking and walking through flower-filled gardens: Oliver O'Connor. Jungkook smiled as he approached him to shake hands. All while feeling the stare of the man he collided with on his back. - Good to finally see you again, Professor. I hope I find you well. -

- In perfect condition. Thank you very much, my boy. I hope to talk to you again very soon. - His hair was as gray as his eyes, telling an age his bright smile didn't share, and his silvery tone of voice was as refreshing as the first time Jungkook heard it.

Excitement rose in his chest. He had his two friends, Mr. O'Connor, and... the man beside him. The smile on his face was the most radiant of the day.

- Yes, Sir. We will. -

He stepped back, letting go of his hand, and looked around. As the teachers continued to walk, he stood with his hands on his bag straps again. A slight panic appeared in his stomach at the thought of finding someone he didn't want to see in the crowd. But, instead, he found his father, looking at him from the head of the group before turning around and leaving with the rest.

But not all of them had left.

He was just about to turn and meet his friends again when he met someone else standing behind him.

- Well then... - The man from before... or guy (since he looked so young compared to the others), talked again, raising his eyebrows a bit nervously. And Jungkook cursed himself as he looked and looked and... all he wanted was to keep looking. But then the man frowned as if in slight pain and took a step back. Jungkook went into a state of absolute panic again at the thought that he had frightened him. But then the man pointed at the group. - I have to go... - The way he said it made it sound like he didn't want to.

But Jungkook couldn't think of a reason why he would want to stay if they had only been looking at each other.

Unknowingly, the corner of Jungkook's mouth lifted.

- Goodbye then. - He nodded once, wishing he could say something else; something different.

He saw him stepping past him towards the leaving crowd, but their eyes never left each other. The sight of this beautiful person wishing to stay with him nearly made him grab his arm to make him stay. It was so rare that he didn't want to lose this chance.

But if Jungkook were to stay with him, he was sure he would make a mistake.

His smile faded a little as his breath hitched. He didn't even want to think about what would happen if he spent more time with him.

At once, the guy turned to leave and took determined steps towards the leaving grown-ups. Jungkook breathed in, sad but relieved. However, it hadn't been three steps when the guy stopped again and turned around just as determinedly, squinting his eyes at him as he suddenly asked,

- May I ask... what is it you're studying? -

Jungkook blinked, completely bewildered at the little flutter in his stomach.

- Oh, umm... Philosophy... - He had no idea if he should address him like a professor or not.

The frown disappeared from the other's face and he smiled again, making Jungkook smile as well.

- What year? -

...was that concealed excitement in his voice? Jungkook must be delusional.

- The first. -

When he saw him nodding and his smile getting wider, Jungkook suddenly felt like crying. For someone this beautiful to be this excited to see him again...

He hugged himself around the torso, clutching his upper arms painfully to restrain himself.

- I think you really should go now, they're not waiting for you. - He said worriedly as he looked over the guy's shoulder.

- Then I guess I'll see you later, Mister Jungkook - He smiled one last time and turned around to run, without a care for etiquette, back beside Oliver.

Jungkook chuckled stupidly as he continued to watch and watch until the other rounded the corner and he couldn't see him anymore.

But then he realized...

- Wait. We'll see again? -

He knew it was wrong, he knew he would most certainly make a huge mistake if he saw him and talked to him but... a rush fluttered through his chest... and he was smiling.

Jungkook felt so strange. All the drowsiness, the tiredness, the stress, it had all been replaced by a whirl of emotions. The cold breeze felt pleasant in his hot cheeks and the tension on the back of his neck hadn't eased, but he didn't mind it as much.

All his energy had been redirected to that guy, and his thoughts, both happy and anxious, had but one image in mind.

When the sound of muffled laughter reached his ears, the bubble around him popped. Pursing his lips, he turned to his left and saw his friends with a hand over their mouths. But then Leo let go and laughed loudly in his direction.

Jungkook couldn't see what was so funny.

- I can't believe your luck, mate! - Leo shook his head. - In front of the professors, really... You, my guy, have a talent when handling teachers. Truly. - He looked awed and also disbelieving as he shook his head and laughed at him.

Now that Jungkook understood how it would've looked for anybody else, shame roused in him. Of course, all through his childhood and adolescence, he was known for being rude to teachers. But he would manage to piss them off or sound rude whether he wanted to or not.

This was one of the latter, where the rudeness came mistakenly and even unknowingly. He never intended to "make a show" of going head-on against one of them to then greet Oliver as if he hadn't stopped them all from their procession. He hadn't apologized for the delay nor greeted his father.

Jungkook hid his face behind his hands. It wasn't even the first day and he was already famous among the teachers. What a great way to remain anonymous.

- Stop it, please. - He groaned at Leo even as a grin spread across his lips.

- Ok, ok, I'm sorry, I'm done. -

Jungkook lowered his hands and saw Leo slowly rising from his hunched position to wipe his tears with his hand. Then, calmer, he looked in the direction the professors had left and shrugged.

- Nice suit, though. - He complimented.

Jungkook felt slightly impressed. Leo had so many suits that he was somehow a suit conoceour, so for him to say this was quite the compliment.

- And his smile was very kind. - Emily commented as she stepped closer. - ...and cute -

- cute? -

- I think his attitude was very nice. - Jungkook cleared his throat a little. - He could've yelled at me but he was... funny. - An involuntary smile threatened to spread across his face, but he fought against it.

- I don't know, Kook. For all we know, he wanted to strangle you. -

They laughed and started to walk again with a much more alert Jungkook by their side.

Strangely enough, the pulling sensation the woods had on him seemed to have increased. It wasn't like he knew something was there, he'd never gone inside before so he had no idea if he was even allowed to go, but he wanted to so badly. He couldn't wait for the day to be over.

- So, that was Oliver. The professor you told us about. - Emily nodded as she walked between them.

Emily and Leo heard about Evanthe at their school on "Careers Advice Day", they hadn't come before.

- Yes. It's been a year or so since we last saw each other, I'm glad he's ok. - They opened the glass doors leading to the garden in between the library and the cafeteria, different from the other ones they've seen. Jungkook was doing a mental list of things he would like to paint, maybe he'll do watercolors or...

- Move it! I'm hungry! - Leo yanked him from the arm so they could walk again.

It was on the other side of this same garden where the cafeteria was, loaded with people. They could easily see the inside through the wide windows; Jungkook tried to look at every detail as they walked. "How... just how, did they do it?", Jungkook has lost count of all the times he had mentally bowed to the old designers of the place.

Upon entering, Jungkook saw groups of friends laughing as they told each other what they did over the summer, girls hugging, sitting on laps, or feeding their guy-friends, and very few professors, laughing and eating as well.

The place was two floors high and still, Jungkook feared there wouldn't be a table for the three of them. But even so, they went to get their food.

While they were getting it, however, the cook came closer to the line from the open kitchen as if he had recognized him, and asked, without introduction,

- Are you the third Jeon kid? -

Jungkook's eyes widened. He looked around to see if anybody had heard, but no one seemed to. Looking back at him, he nodded.

- Great. Would you prefer apple pie or chocolate cake? -

- What for? - He frowned.

- To have for dessert, young Jeon. - The cook smiled at him. - Or if you rather have something different, you just tell me and I'll cook it for you. Anything you want, young Jeon. -

Jungkook was speechless. Just like he'd been with Mary, he didn't know how to refuse the offer. He didn't want this treatment to be only for himself but he also didn't want his friends to feel as though they weren't special if they weren't with him. He didn't know what to do.

- He'll take the apple pie. - Leo answered for him and took the plate the cook gave him with a smile. Then he whispered to Jungkook. - Emily told me you needed some help. - And they continued on their way.

Jungkook sighed. He was deeply grateful he wasn't the one who took the plate. It gave him more time to think. And whether he wanted the treatment or not, he was grateful for the apple pie, it was one of his favorites...

...did his parents have anything to do with today's dessert?

Refusing to think about it, they arrived on the third floor. They looked around but they were only able to find one table big and empty enough for them. It was in the far left corner, next to the windows, with only one person in it.

- Hey buddy. - Leo greeted the guy once they were close enough. He looked up from his book, his mouth full. And Jungkook's attention was grabbed when he saw the color of his eyes. - Is it ok if we sit with you? There are no other tables. - Leo asked.

The guy swallowed as fast as he could.

- Sure thing! - He answered and then moved his backpack from the seat beside him so Leo could sit.

- Ugh, thank you! Now I can finally eat. - And without further adieu, he started eating his overflowing plate of food.

Jungkook sat across from the guy and Emily across from Leo and started eating as well, though not so carelessly.

- Hi, I'm Emily Davis. - She greeted the guy who was watching Leo with amusement. - And you? -

- Finn, ma'am. Finn Herrero at your service. - And he did a kind of awkward salute since he was a little cramped between Leo and the wall, but he smiled nevertheless.

Jungkook grinned down at his plate.

- Oh, ok. - She smiled too. - And this is Leo. - She pointed at him and, with his mouth full, he nodded once at Finn in greeting who chuckled once at just how full his cheeks were. - And Jungkook. -

- Hi. - Jungkook nodded back at him. And when they locked stares, Jungkook felt intrigued.

He was narrow, not skinny, looked agile somehow, lean like he would be good at jumping somehow; his blond hair was looking in all directions, but it suited him somehow, his eyes were bright green, light green, leaf green– no, emerald green, mh... but they had a little bit of brown near the iris, or is it yellow? brown near the iris with flickers of yellow and then that green... but what green is it?

- What is it? - Finn asked suddenly, startling him.

The moment Jungkook realized what he had been doing, he looked down at his plate in alarm. He hadn't realized that he had leaned in a bit to look into his eyes better. He hadn't realized he had been staring at him directly in the eyes. Tentatively, he looked all over; Emily was looking curiously at the other tables with the fork in her mouth, Leo's attention was entirely on his plate, and, looking around, he saw everyone in their own business.

But still, he felt uneasy.

- No one saw, don't worry. - Finn whispered in front of him, stopping his breath for a hard second.

Jungkook looked at him again, but Finn was smiling. If anything, this reaction frightened him even more.

Without a word, Jungkook looked down at his plate and continued eating as if nothing had happened. It was embarrassing to have the uncomfortable habit of staring unabashedly at people that intrigued him. A downside of being an artist that doesn't want to miss even the slightest detail.

Or maybe it's because he sees beauty in people like he does in nature and cares very little about manners when his attention is held.

The way he sees beauty is so unique that no picture could imitate it. For him, they glow, they're saturated with color, and they excite him; intrigue him. It is beauty what makes him feel alive.

Around fourteen was when he self-taught himself how to draw. By fifteen, he was completely satisfied with his art. There were some bumps along the road and some mistakes he hid beneath his mattress. But even so, he still gets intrigued by beauty. And he still stares a lot.

But Finn doesn't know this; he doesn't know why he'd been staring at him the way he was, and he can't possibly tell him when was but a stranger with a smile.

So he ignored him.

- Ok, I feel better now. - Leo sighed, stretched his muscly arms to the ceiling, and then leaned back on his chair, seeming entirely relaxed. Emily grinned and shook her head, she still had a little left and Jungkook had his pie to finish. - So, - Leo looked to his side. - Finn, what year are you on? -

- I just got here today. I'll be starting tomorrow. - Finn said and then chuckled.

- Oh really? What are the odds? This is our first year too. - Leo grinned and started to stretch his arms above his head again. Every time he finishes eating, he gets sleepy. Jungkook chuckled. He saw how Finn chuckled nervously and rapidly looked down from Leo at the book he was previously reading. He still hadn't finished his food but it didn't look like he would continue. - What's the book about? -

Jungkook rolled his eyes, grinning. Whenever Leo gets sleepy, he talks a lot.

- It's... ah... - Finn turned the book around to read the title while scratching his left eye. Jungkook saw that Finn looked somehow distracted and grimaced a little, blaming himself. - The Davinci Code by Dan Brown. -

Jungkook gasped silently, but the movement caught Finn's attention. When their eyes met, he looked back down, finished his pie, and stood up, taking his tray with him.

Finn could be thinking anything right now, from discomfort at thinking Jungkook saw something he didn't like or strangeness about his demeanor. Because, truly, no one would simply look at a man's eyes like that, especially a man. He should explain it to him somehow, only so he wouldn't assume anything. But he should do it by himself, without Leo or Emily. They don't know anything about him painting people he shouldn't.

This problem would've been easier if it'd been a woman's eyes.

Jungkook left his tray on the tray holder beside the stairs, ready to go back for his stuff and pull Finn away from the other two. But then he turned around and found Leo and Emily walking towards him with their trays with Leo holding Jungkook's backpack.

- Could you guys keep going to my room and I'll catch up with you? I want to talk to Finn about something. - Jungkook took his keys out of his pocket while they left their trays.

- I brought your bag for you and you're telling me you're going back anyway? - Said Leo with mock outrage and they all laughed, but Jungkook did feel apologetic nevertheless.

- Then take it with you to my room. - He grinned and looked at the table again. Finn had finished eating and was now pocketing his book in his bag.

- Fine. I don't even know why you brought it, anyway. - Leo grinned, putting the strap around his shoulder. - Just don't take too long or we'll have to replace you with Jimin. - With one final laugh, they left, and Jungkook started to walk back to the table.

However, he halted in his step. Finn was standing up, ready to leave. So Jungkook went back the few steps he took until he was standing beside the stairs. He put his hands in his pockets and leaned against the wall, thinking about what Leo said just now about not knowing why he brought his bag. And he realized it had been an unconscious decision.

He carried the essential things in that bag; this computer, chargers, earphones, pencil case, and sketchbook. Depending on the activity, the contents would change a bit. But, if he were to class or to draw something, it would all stay the same.

Oh, how he wanted to use his sketchbook. While he waited, he thought about all the things he wanted to paint; the front doors, the details on the ceiling, the side garden, the view from his window, that beautiful guy he collided with... But what was exactly that he wanted to paint? His smile? His eyes? His hair? Everything? Regardless of what it would be, anything he painted about that man would be on the group of forbidden paintings. What a shame.

- Are you waiting for someone? -

His head snapped up and he saw Finn staring at him, no longer with a grin on his face.

- Yeah. I wanted to talk to you. - He pursed his lips, tensing up his shoulders.

- If it's about earlier, don't worry. - Finn promised with a confident grin.

Jungkook took a deep breath, feeling his neck relaxing.

- Thanks. - He nodded.

Finn was still grinning at him when he tilted his head a little to the side. Not like Tom, but it still made Jungkook nod and take a step away, ready to leave.

- Wait. - Finn asked, gently.

Jungkook looked up at him, waiting for him to say something. But, instead, Finn walked ahead of him and gave him a nod for him to follow. Not knowing what it was about, he did. There was something trustworthy about him that Jungkook was curious about. And slightly wary of.

Once outside, they went in the direction he came with his friends earlier, back to the students' living area.

As they walked beside the garden, away from people, Finn spoke again.

- I would like you to explain what scared you about me. -

Jungkook, taken aback, looked at Finn with concern. Only to find that he was grinning at him.

- No... - Jungkook started to explain but stopped. He crossed his arms over his chest, clutching at his coat, and tried again, looking ahead. - Nothing about you scared me, Finn. Quite the opposite. - He was speaking in an undertone even though the corridor they were walking through was deserted.

- What do you mean? - His voice was even gentler. There was no hostility in his confusion.

- I was trying to figure out what color...- Jungkook paused once he realized. He was getting comfortable with him. This was a topic that should never be brought up, much less discussed. He could brush it off as a mere wish to know the colors themselves, but he wasn't sure whether Finn was being genuine about not needing to worry. What if he figured out he was also looking at the shape and went to someone else?

He should've never tried to make amends about staring at him. Maybe the way it was at school was just the way it must be for him forever.

But then, Finn whispered, as close as it was acceptable, to his ear.

- Follow me. -

He blinked, but Finn had already started walking again.

Before making a decision, his feet started moving. Then, he concluded. If this had to be resolved how it had been at school, so be it. But only if it had to be.

They arrived at the students' living area and walked through the glass doors. After walking up the stairs, they turned left. In silence, they walked until they reached the end where a long set of windows to the left allowed the gray light to illuminate the row of doors to their right. Once again, they walked to the far end of the corridor, and, when Jungkook saw the room number (A-0001), he realized that his own room (A-0011) was on the other side. They were divided by only one wall.

Once Finn unlocked the door, he let Jungkook enter first, and he saw just what he expected. It was a mirror of his own room. But, what he didn't expect, was to find the side with the window completely vacant. Not even the bed was made. Judging by the fact that this day was practically over, it seemed as though Finn was left without a roommate.

Finn walked around him, taking off his backpack to sit down on his own bed, and then looked up at him.

- You can close the door if you want. - Then he proceeded to turn in his seat to face Jungkook like he was waiting for him to sit next to him.

Jungkook thought for a moment about closing the door or not. They were on the other side of the corridor, no one would come within hearing distance aside from the people whose room was beside this one.

He chose not to close it and sat down at the end of the bed.

- So. - Finn looked right at him with his eyes wide and palms up for Jungkook to see - This is a safe place, you can talk about anything and everything you want, I will hear you and I promise that whatever you say will stay in here, ok? - Then he smiled reassuringly and put his hands down.

This was... the complete opposite of what Jungkook was expecting.

- Ok...? - He murmured, still expecting. But when Finn said nothing and his smile didn't fade, Jungkook could only exhale, letting go of the tension in his muscles.

If what he said was true, he could tell him half of the truth.

- I was just trying to figure out what color your eyes were; to paint them. - He shrugged like it was no big deal while his heart raced in his chest.

Unable to bear it, he looked down at his hands.

He was still waiting for an unpleasant reaction to come his way. But he didn't hear anything, so he glanced up. However, the sight only confused him.

Finn was smiling like he was a little ashamed. Immediately, Jungkook was reminded of Emily whenever someone complimented her.

Jungkook looked back down.

- Why are you smiling? - He asked with a frown. Not being able to anticipate his reactions was unnerving him.

Finn's answer proved his worries right.

- Because... I'm flattered. -

His head snapped up.

- It wasn't a compliment. - It came out rushed and harsh and he regretted it the moment he realized what he said. But he panicked.

Jungkook saw the tiniest hurt in those green eyes. But then, as fast as Jungkook had regretted it, those eyes looked understanding.

- I know it wasn't, but as this is a safe place, I can also say whatever I want and feel, and I felt flattered by what you said, that's all. -

The reminder caught Jungkook by surprise. This was a safe place, there was no one else here but each other, and they'd already agreed that they wouldn't repeat what they said. Jungkook felt himself relaxing despite his thoughts. And he straightened up again.

- Sorry for that, I didn't mean it to come out that way. - He didn't mean it to come out at all, it just did.

- I forgive you. Now, - Finn placed his hands on the space between them and leaned forwards, staring right at him. Jungkook was fighting the urge to lean back when he heard him say, - I believe they're green. - And Jungkook understood.

Finn was giving him permission.

Excitement flared up in him like a child's when promised a sweet, and he leaned forwards as well, without thinking it twice.

- Yes, at first glance they look green. But not like a Hooker's green--... that's the errrr name of the color. It would be too dark in comparison. But then a sap green would be too clear and almost dull. This green is... - Subconsciously he continued to lean forward as his voice got lower. - Surrounded by a dark ocean blue then a bright, hmm, shamrock green, then just a few lines of amber brown, and then, right at the end, the color touching the pupil alongside the brown would be a light green, almost yellow, maybe lime or chartreuse... -

He then took his time to see the exterior of the eyes he was staring at; the shape of the eyes with the ends pulled slightly upwards, the eyelashes of a light brown, not too long, not too short, looking in all directions like his blond hair, eyebrows the same light brown and very defined. If this was a woman he would say they were well kept, but men don't do that--... men don't do that.

Jungkook pulled back slowly as he came back from his observation and saw how Finn's cheeks were tinted with a light red. Blushing... "...men don't do that".

- I think I can go, now that this was settled. Thank you for... your... generosity. - He looked up, out the window, and got up stiffly.

- Yeah ok, umm... - He got up as well. - It was cool meeting you all and talking to you. - He extended his arm and Jungkook shook his hand in farewell. - Whenever you need a safe place, you know how to get to my room. - It was a kind gesture, but Jugnkook was feeling weary again.

A muffled thud came from the wall connecting both bedrooms and they turned to look.

- Oh no, - Jungkook sighed and then chuckled, trying to imagine what dumb thing Leo was trying to do to hit the wall. Finn looked at him, confused. - My room is on the other side of that wall. - He explained. Finn, laughing, shook his head in sympathy.

Feeling like it would be better to not make an enemy out of Finn, he added,

- Now you also know where my room is. You're welcome to it, of course. -

It was the sight of Finn's bright smile that made his shoulders relax once more.

- Thank you. - He answered with a nod.

Jungkook turned to leave, then he heard Finn's faint gasp like he wanted to say something, and he turned to look at him. But then another thud was heard, Finn laughed, Jungkook grunted, and he was running to get to his room before it was destroyed.   

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