"Beneath Their Names"_TAEKOOK_ NAMJIN_ YOONMIN.... JackHope...
Chapter 5: Whispers Over Lunch
Namjoon’s POV
Snack time was a rare moment of silence in Namjoon's otherwise tightly scheduled day.
While most students rushed to the cafeteria or lounged in the open quad, Namjoon, son of one of Korea's most influential CEOs and the respected Student Council President of Haneul University, preferred something quieter.
Books.
Sanity.
A break from being everyone’s “genius.”
He climbed the steps of the west library building, adjusting his long black coat and glasses. His destination was the second floor—section 3A—where he knew a rare philosophy book had recently been returned.
Just as he turned the corner of the hallway lined with tall glass windows, someone smacked straight into his chest with impressive force.
Kim Seokjin
“Ugh—can’t you use those smarticles of yours to look ahead, Council President?”
Kim Namjoon
Namjoon blinked.
Kim Seokjin.
Second-year med student. Rumored to be the most stunning man in the whole university—self-proclaimed and publicly voted. Known for his confidence, wit, and the way he somehow made a lab coat look like a designer outfit.
Namjoon’s expression didn’t change, but inwardly, his calm moment had combusted.
Kim Seokjin
Seokjin raised a perfectly shaped brow. “Don’t look at me like I ran into you. You were walking like you owned the hallway.”
Kim Namjoon
Don’t,” Namjoon replied, brushing off his coat. “But technically, I represent the student body. So… half-own.”
Kim Seokjin
Seokjin let out an exaggerated scoff. “God, you sound like my father.”
Kim Namjoon
“You bumped me.”
Kim Seokjin
“You were in the way.”
Kim Namjoon
“I was walking straight.”
Kim Seokjin
“I was walking prettier.”
Kim Namjoon
Namjoon blinked, a small laugh slipping through before he could stop it. “That’s not how that works.”
Kim Seokjin
Seokjin smirked. “It is in my world.”
There was a pause as their eyes held. It wasn’t exactly a challenge—more like... familiar banter. They had known of each other for years, crossed paths many times in council meetings and academic events, but never long enough for this kind of one-on-one.
Kim Namjoon
“What are you even doing here?” Namjoon asked.
Kim Seokjin
“Looking for a book,” Seokjin replied, holding up a tiny slip of paper. “Pathophysiology.”
Kim Namjoon
“Serious read for a guy who walks like a runway model.”
Kim Seokjin
“And you’re still stuck in the philosophy section like an old man with a beard.”
Kim Namjoon
Namjoon let out a breathy chuckle. “Touché."
Kim Seokjin
Seokjin smiled, and it softened the sharpness in his gaze. “Anyway. Since you emotionally startled me, I think you owe me a snack.”
Kim Namjoon
“I bumped into your shoulder. Not your heart.”
Kim Seokjin
“I felt violated, Namjoon.”
Kim Namjoon
Namjoon glanced at the time. He had fifteen minutes left. And for some reason—some incredibly reckless reason—he said, “Fine. One drink. That’s all.”
Kim Seokjin
“Great,” Seokjin said, turning on his heel. “I’m in the mood for strawberry milk tea with 50% sugar, extra pearls, and no judgment.”
Kim Namjoon
Namjoon sighed, falling into step beside him. “Too late for the last one.”
Kim Seokjin
Seokjin smiled wider. “Still the smartest man here. Even when you’re wrong.”
As they walked toward the student café, Namjoon realized two things.
One—Kim Seokjin was dangerously good at pulling him out of his comfort zone.
And two—he didn’t mind it.
Not even a little.
The canteen was alive with voices, trays clattering and laughter echoing off high ceilings. First-years mixed awkwardly with seniors, some searching for open tables, others too distracted by their nerves to eat.
Park Jimin walked confidently ahead with his tray, weaving through students with the poise of someone used to attention. Behind him trailed Kim Taehyung, clutching his food and glancing around as if someone might recognize him.
They finally found a small corner table beneath one of the big glass windows overlooking the garden. Jimin plopped down with a dramatic sigh, brushing imaginary dust off his sleeve.
Park Jimin
“Okay,” he began, eyes gleaming, “We need to talk about what just happened in class.”
Kim Taehyung
Taehyung sat slowly, carefully placing his tray on the table. “We… introduced ourselves?”
Park Jimin
Jimin gave him a flat look. “You introduced yourself like a polite royal at a palace dinner. I, on the other hand, almost forgot how vowels worked when Yoongi looked my way.”
Kim Taehyung
Taehyung chuckled. “You were fine.”
Park Jimin
“No, Taehyung. I was not fine. I was a mess of trembling syllables and sweaty palms.” Jimin stabbed at his rice. “He just stared at me with that bored, sleepy face like he was mentally composing a piano piece titled ‘Why Is This Guy So Loud?’”
Kim Taehyung
“You’re not loud,” Taehyung said gently. “You’re expressive.”
Park Jimin
Jimin perked up. “See, this is why I love you. You get me.”
Park Jimin
Jimin noticed. “You’ve been quiet since class ended… is it because of him?”
Kim Taehyung
Taehyung blinked. “Who?”
Park Jimin
“Don’t play innocent. Jeon Jungkook,” Jimin whispered dramatically, leaning across the table. “The cold prince with a jawline that could cut diamonds.”
Kim Taehyung
Taehyung flushed instantly. “I-I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Park Jimin
“You stared at the back of his head for ten straight minutes, Tae.”
Kim Taehyung
“I was zoned out…”
Park Jimin
“Zoned out into a romantic K-drama fantasy,” Jimin teased. “Admit it—you’ve got a tiny, microscopic, definitely adorable crush.”
Kim Taehyung
Taehyung looked down, poking at his soup. “Fine. Maybe a little.”
Park Jimin
“Called it!” Jimin gasped. “This is so exciting.”
Kim Taehyung
“No, it’s not,” Taehyung muttered. “He’s... him. I’m just a nobody.”
Park Jimin
“Taehyung,” Jimin said, more gently now. “You are not a nobody. You’re smart, sweet, and stunning. You just don’t know how much yet.”
Kim Taehyung
Taehyung looked up at his friend’s sincere eyes. “Thanks.”
Park Jimin
Jimin smiled brightly. “Now eat. You’ll need energy for our next class. And I need strength to look Min Yoongi in the face again without fainting."
Kim Taehyung
Taehyung laughed. “You’re ridiculous.”
Park Jimin
“I’m in love,” Jimin said with a wink, placing a hand on his chest dramatically. “With his silence, his indifference, and those pretty pianist hands.”
As they both broke into quiet giggles, the noise of the canteen faded for a moment. Just two best friends, hearts fluttering with secret crushes and hopes for a college life filled with unexpected beginnings.
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