"The Calm Before"

The morning at Seoul University was crisp, with the early sunlight casting a soft glow across the campus. The air was filled with the chatter of excited students, all eager to start their new chapter. Fresh faces and familiar ones alike walked between buildings, their footsteps echoing on the pavement. The smell of fresh coffee from a nearby café blended with the faint scent of the autumn breeze.

The campus was alive, buzzing with energy. But underneath the noise, there was a palpable tension in the air. New beginnings, old rivalries, and unsaid things seemed to linger in the cool morning air, as if something unseen was already stirring beneath the surface. Each student was caught in their own world, but fate was quietly setting the stage for things yet to come.

Jimin and kook were driving to the college

jimin :- Nervous?

kook:- no

jimin:-*frown* come on it is your 1st day of college cheer up dude

kook:- don't call me dude

jimin:- I am the older sibling you brat!

kook:- Yea?....that doesn't change a thing about your height does it?

jimin:- *gasp* how dare you little jerk

*they started bickering like usual*

Jimin and Jungkook have a bond that’s both strong and complicated. When they were growing up, Jimin had many friends and a lot of support from their parents. But things changed when their father passed away when Jungkook was just 10 years old. Jimin still believes their father is with them in their hearts still alive, but Jungkook feels differently. He’s been hurt a lot by people who betrayed him, and now he doesn’t trust anyone easily. His childhood was tough, and where Jimin sees the good in people, Jungkook only sees the possibility of being let down.

Even though Jimin is devastated by the death of their father, he tries his best to keep Jungkook happy. Jimin’s the one who always tries to make his brother smile, even if it’s hard. He’s still the same cheerful person and has friends like Jin and Hoseok who support him. But Jungkook isn’t the same anymore. He used to be happy and outgoing, but now he’s quieter, more cautious, and keeps his feelings to himself. He’s scared to trust anyone after how badly he’s been treated. Sometimes, he wonders if people are even worth trusting at all.

As they start college, Jimin hopes that Jungkook will finally find friends who won’t hurt him. He wants his brother to be able to trust again, but he knows it’s not something that will happen overnight. Jimin is always there for him, but he knows it will take time for Jungkook to heal from all the pain. Still, he never gives up on him, always ready to protect his brother.

Jungkook: "Just focus on driving, shorty."

Jimin: "Excuse me? I’m your elder, you ungrateful brat!"

Jungkook smirked, adjusting his bag as the car came to a stop. Without missing a beat, he opened the door. "And yet, I still tower over you. Thanks for the ride, hyung.”

Jimin: "Tower over me?!" He huffed, leaning over the steering wheel as Jungkook walked away. "You’re lucky I love you, you punk!"

Jungkook raised a hand in acknowledgment but didn’t turn around, his usual stoic expression hiding the small smile tugging at his lips.

The campus was alive with energy. Students milled around, some rushing to their classes, others leisurely catching up with friends. Jungkook weaved through the crowd, his sharp gaze scanning the unfamiliar surroundings. He wasn’t nervous—at least, that’s what he kept telling himself.

As he passed groups of chatting students, their laughter and carefree energy felt distant. Trusting people didn’t come easy anymore, not after everything he’d been through. Still, this was a new beginning, and part of him hoped—though he’d never admit it—that maybe this time, things could be different.

Jimin, meanwhile, parked his car and headed to his own department, muttering under his breath. "The nerve of that kid... one day, he’s going to meet someone as sassy as me, and then he’ll know what it feels like."

He glanced at his phone, a group chat with Jin and Hoseok lighting up with messages. With a grin, he sent a quick reply before slipping his phone back into his pocket. The day was just beginning, and Jimin, as always, was ready to take it on.

(we will look into yoonmin in the next episode)

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***