~~chapter 20 ~~

The tension in the classroom had reached a boiling point. All eyes were glued to Y/N and Irene, the air thick with anticipation. Irene, sensing that she was losing her grip on the situation, glanced around, searching for allies among her peers. But the students' expressions revealed a common sentiment: they supported Y/N.

**"Irene, this isn’t a game,"** Y/N continued, her voice steady but filled with authority. **"You need to understand the impact of your behavior, not just on Taehyung, but on every person in this room."**

Irene hesitated, her bravado wavering as the classroom's focus bore down on her, but there was still defiance in her expression. **"And what if I don’t? What are you going to do about it, Professor?"**

**"You need to learn that actions have consequences,"** Y/N responded, her patience wearing thin. **"If you refuse to comply—"**

Before she could finish, a hand shot up in the back of the classroom. It was a quiet girl named Minji, who had generally stayed in the background during classes. **"Professor Y/N is right! We’re all here to learn. Respect is fundamental."**

Minji's unexpected support took the class by surprise, but it also ignited a stirring of solidarity amongst the students. Quiet murmurs of agreement rippled through the room, and Y/N felt bolstered by their unity.

**"See?"** Y/N said, redirecting her gaze back to Irene. **"Not a single person in this room supports your actions. You may think you are above this, but you are not."**

With precedence set by Minji's courage, a couple of other students echoed their agreement. **"Yeah, Irene. This is pointless!"** Another chimed in, emboldening the call for respect.

Irene's cheeks flushed with anger, but as she glanced around, she recognized that she was isolated. Suddenly, she realized the room had shifted against her, and it felt as if all eyes were judging her.

**"Fine!"** Irene spat, crossing her arms defiantly. **"I’ll move. But I won’t forget this."**

Y/N’s demeanor softened just slightly, pleased that the confrontation had ended without further escalation. **"Your education is important, Irene. Don’t throw it away out of spite."**

With a huff, Irene walked to the front of the classroom, sulking in her chair as she settled down.

The atmosphere in the room lightened, the collective tension dissipating. Jungkook felt a wave of relief wash over him, grateful for the chance Y/N had given to everyone to speak up. He caught Taehyung's eye, a silent acknowledgment of their professor’s strength shared between them.

**"Thank you, professor Y/N,"** he whispered, the admiration evident in his tone.

As the lecture resumed, Y/N found herself reflecting on the delicate balance of authority that defined her role both as professor and protector, the protectiveness that she felt for all her students fueling her desire to cultivate an environment of respect.

......................

As the evening unfolded in the mansion, the atmosphere was calm yet filled with anticipation for Y/N and Jungkook. Jisso busily prepared dinner in the kitchen, the rich aroma of spices wafting through the air. Anya had gone to stay at her Granny's mansion for a month, leaving a void that had settled into the house, but there were still some warm connections to nurture.

Meanwhile, Lisa was engrossed in a show on TV, her laughter echoing softly, while Jennie and Rose were out shopping for groceries. Y/N, focused on her laptop, immersed in office work, was momentarily unaware of the hesitation swirling in Jungkook’s heart.

He stood outside her door, battling with his nerves about how to form the question that had been lingering in his mind for days. Finally summoning up the courage, he knocked, his heart racing like a drumbeat against his chest.

**"Come in,"** Y/N called out, her voice gentle as she focused on her work.

When Jungkook entered, he saw Y/N surrounded by papers, beads of concentration apparent on her face. **"What happened, Jungkook? Do you want anything?"** she asked, barely looking up from the laptop.

He hesitated for a moment, anxiety pooling in the pit of his stomach. **"Y-ya, I w-wanted to ask something."**

Finally, her gaze met his, curiosity flickering in her eyes as she closed her laptop. **"What is it?"**

**"C-can I call my friends here to live?"** he said, stumbling over his words, his nervousness apparent.

Y/N arched an eyebrow with a smile. **"Why not? You can definitely invite your friends."**

Relieved, Jungkook continued, **"To live here for two months."**

A look of genuine warmth spread across Y/N's face. **"I have no problem with that. I can ask Ahjumma to clean the 5th and 6th floors. Just tell your friends to shift in."**

A smile bloomed on Jungkook's face, the idea of having his friends close by filling him with a sense of excitement and comfort. **"Thank you, Noona!"** he exclaimed, suddenly moving forward to hug her tightly.

The surprise caught Y/N off guard. She felt the warmth of his embrace shock her senses, but as he stepped back, realization dawned on him. **"I’m...,"** Jungkook started, only for Y/N to cut him off.

**"What did you just say?"** she asked, emotion swelling within her, vulnerability coating her voice.

**"T-thank you,"** Jungkook replied, the shyness creeping back in.

Y/N's eyes warmed, glistening with unshed tears as she sensed the depth of their connection. **"No... after that,"** she encouraged, urging him to speak the words she longed to hear.

He hesitated only for a brief moment, trapped between feelings and fear. **"N-noona."**

At that, happiness radiated through Y/N like sunlight breaking through clouds. In that moment, the relationship between them forged a new, unbreakable bond. **"Say it again,"** she whispered, her voice trembling with joy.

**"Noona,"** Jungkook repeated, more confidently this time, a grin spreading across his face as he embraced the comfort of family.

Y/N's heart swelled, tears of joy spilling from her eyes. **"You’re my brother, Jungkook. This connection means everything , if you need anything don't hesitate to ask."**

As the weight of the world felt lighter, they shared a moment filled with warmth and understanding. It was a promise of love, a bridge spanning between past and present, and a newfound hope for the future.

With the bond strengthened, Y/N felt prepared to support Jungkook through both his grief and new beginnings. As they continued this journey together, the journey ahead glimmered with possibilities, ready to be explored as a family.

to be continued

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