Episode 1: First Impression

The school bell rang sharply, signaling the start of another busy semester. Room 3-A buzzed with chatter as students settled into their seats. Jungkook hesitated outside the classroom door, gripping his transfer slip tightly. His heart pounded in his chest. This was a new start, but the thought of walking into a room full of strangers filled him with dread.

Taking a deep breath, he stepped inside. The noise died down as thirty pairs of eyes turned to him. Jungkook’s gaze fell to the floor as the teacher, Mrs. Choi, motioned for him to come forward.

“This is Jeon Jungkook,” Mrs. Choi announced warmly. “He’s a transferee, so please make him feel welcome.”

The class murmured softly, and a boy with neat hair and a kind smile stood up from the front row.

“Hi, I’m Seokjin, the class president,” he said, his tone friendly. “You can sit wherever you’re comfortable, but let me know if you need any help.”

Jungkook nodded shyly. He scanned the room, spotting an empty seat near the middle, beside a boy with striking features and soft brown hair—Kim Taehyung.

As Jungkook made his way to the seat, Taehyung flashed him a wide smile, his boxy grin radiating warmth. “Hi,” Taehyung said, his voice gentle but playful. “Looks like we’re seatmates now.”

Jungkook managed a small smile and sat down, feeling Taehyung’s curious gaze linger on him for a moment before the teacher resumed speaking.

Lunchtime came quickly, and Jungkook found himself wandering the cafeteria, unsure of where to sit. Balancing his tray awkwardly, he spotted a table with just two boys—one blond with an angelic smile and the other with a sunny disposition.

“Hey!” the blond boy called out, waving him over. “New kid! Sit here!”

Jungkook hesitated but eventually walked over. The blond boy grinned as he introduced himself. “I’m Jimin.”

“And I’m Hoseok,” the other boy added cheerfully. “We’re friendly with everyone, so don’t be shy!”

Jungkook smiled slightly, sitting down as they began peppering him with questions about where he was from and how he was finding the school so far. Their infectious energy made him relax.

“By the way,” Jimin said, leaning in conspiratorially, “be careful of Taehyung.”

Jungkook blinked, surprised. “Why?”

“He’s… how do I put this?” Jimin tapped his chin. “He’s charming, but he’s got a reputation for being a bit of a flirt.”

“Not to mention his friends,” Hoseok added. “Yoongi and Namjoon—they’re always together. They’re not bad guys, but they definitely have their own vibe.”

Jungkook frowned slightly, thinking of Taehyung’s warm smile earlier. It hadn’t seemed fake.

Later in the afternoon, Jungkook found himself working on an assignment when Taehyung turned to him. “Hey, Jungkook,” he said, resting his chin on his hand. “How’s your first day going?”

“It’s okay,” Jungkook replied quietly.

Taehyung’s lips curled into a soft smile. “I know it can be tough being new. If you need someone to show you around, I can help.”

“Thanks,” Jungkook said hesitantly.

Taehyung’s eyes lit up as he leaned closer. “You know, you have a nice vibe. I bet we’ll be great friends.”

Before Jungkook could respond, the door opened, and two boys walked in—Yoongi and Namjoon. They headed straight for Taehyung, their expressions calm but commanding.

“Taehyung, we’re going to the music room,” Yoongi said, his voice low and steady. “Are you coming?”

Taehyung waved them off with a smile. “I’ll catch up later.”

As the two walked away, Jungkook glanced at Taehyung. “Are they your friends?”

“Yeah,” Taehyung replied, shrugging. “We’ve been close for a while. They’re good guys once you get to know them.”

Jungkook nodded, unsure of what to make of Taehyung’s easygoing demeanor.

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By the end of the day, Seokjin approached Jungkook as he packed his things. “How was your first day?” the class president asked kindly.

“It was fine,” Jungkook said. “Everyone’s been nice.”

“Good,” Seokjin said with a smile. “If you ever need anything, let me know.”

Jungkook nodded, thanking him. As he left the classroom, he noticed Taehyung leaning against the wall outside, waiting.

“Hey, Jungkookie,” Taehyung said with a grin. “Do you want me to walk you home?”

Jungkook blinked in surprise. “You don’t have to.”

“I know,” Taehyung said, his voice softer now. “But I want to. Friends help each other, right?”

Something in Taehyung’s tone made Jungkook pause. Despite Jimin’s warning, Taehyung’s sincerity felt real.

“Okay,” Jungkook said finally.

As they walked together, Taehyung chattered about random things, his enthusiasm infectious. Jungkook found himself smiling despite his initial hesitation.

But in the back of his mind, he couldn’t shake Jimin’s words. Was Taehyung really as genuine as he seemed? Or was this the beginning of something more complicated?

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