PART-5

....Kim Mansion....

....Taeyu’s Room....

The room was dim, curtains drawn shut. Only the soft humming of the machines and the occasional beep filled the silence. Tae sat beside the bed where Taeyu lay, unmoving, peaceful. But Tae’s eyes were burning with rage and grief. He gripped the edge of the bed tightly, his voice sharp and trembling.

Tae (through clenched teeth): You were seeing a professor, huh? How dare you keep something like that from me, Taeyu? (He stood beside the bed, hands clenched) You were in a relationship with your professor… with Jungguk? Why didn’t you tell me?! (His voice cracked at the end. It wasn’t just anger it was pain. A mother’s pain. He looked down at his son, eyes shining with unshed tears)

Tae (softly): Did you love him that much that you couldn’t even tell your own mother? Or were you scared… of what I’d say? (Just then, the door creaked open Jimmy entered)

Jimmy (quietly): Miss beauty… I just came to check on Taeyu.

Tae (coldly): Sit here (Jimmy froze. Tae slowly turned toward him, eyes sharp like daggers, lips pulled tight)

Tae: How did it start?

Jimmy: What…?

Tae: he and Jungguk. You’re the only one who knows and when did you find out? Tell me everything. How did my son meet Jeon Jungguk? How did this start? How long were they together? And don’t lie to me, i just want to know how a boy like my son got involved with a man like that and why you never told me (Jimmy hesitated. He tried to mask the panic in his eyes, but Tae saw it clearly)

Tae(rising): Don’t make me ask again (Jimmy sighed, sitting slowly beside the bed, eyes fixed on Taeyu’s face)

Jimmy (softly): It started last year… during spring semester. Taeyu was failing Biology, and Jungguk offered to help him after class. It was innocent at first, I swear. Just tutoring. But... they spent more time together. He looked at Jungguk like he hung the moon, Miss beauty (Tae’s fists tightened)

Jimmy (guiltily): I knew I should have told you but Taeyu begged me not to. He said you’d be furious, and that he finally felt seen understood by someone. He was… happy. Genuinely happy. (Tae closed his eyes, trying to stay still)

Tae (whispering): And Jungguk? Did he love him?

Jimmy: Professor Jungguk loved him, Miss beauty. I’ve seen it. He never touched him without consent. He waited for Taeyu to be ready. (Tae turned away, fists clenched. Silent)

Jimmy (hesitantly): He was the only one who made Taeyu stop crying he truly love him (Tae closed his eyes, trembling. Then slowly opened them)

Tae (coldly): Then why is my son lying in this bed, and Jungguk’s teaching in a college like nothing happened? (Tae looked down at his son again, voice hollow) He was being bullied, Jimmy and the man who claimed to love him didn’t even know. what kind of love is his? Where was his love when my son used to be a bully? when his own brother used to bully his love (Jimmy looked down)

Jimmy (quietly): I think Jungguk knew something was wrong... but Taeyu always smiled through it. He didn’t want to burden anyone.

Tae (biting back tears): my boy… kept breaking silently while the world looked away. (Whipped his tears and again look towards Jimin) When did you find out about their relationship?

Jimmy: abb

....FLASHBACK....

....ONE YEAR AGO....

.... University Campus...

Jimmy had forgotten his charger in the biology lab. As he entered the empty corridor, the classroom lights were still on. He paused at the slightly open door. Inside, he saw Taeyu, sitting close to Professor Jungguk, books scattered on the desk between them. It was past office hours.

Jungguk (gently): You're improving but you're still doubting yourself, Taeyu.

Taeyu (smiling shyly): I always feel stupid in front of you.

Jungguk (softly): You're not stupid. You're just... too afraid to shine. (Jimmy’s eyes widened. There was something tender in his voice. Something a teacher shouldn’t say like that. Jungguk reached out slowly and touched Taeyu’s hand. Taeyu flinched but didn’t pull away. His cheeks turned red)

Taeyu: If anyone finds out… they’ll say I’m disgusting. That I forced you.

Jungguk: No one’s going to find out but even if they did I wouldn’t let anyone hurt you. (Jimmy's heart dropped. He knew this wasn't a one-time thing. There was already trust. There was care. Then it happened soft and trembling Jungguk leaned forward and kissed Taeyu. Not rushed. Not lustful. It was gentle, lingering. Taeyu melted into it. Jimmy backed away, stunned. He didn’t tell anyone. He couldn’t Because when Taeyu came to him that night, eyes sparkling, whispering, he asked him and finally Taeyu told him that he is dating Jungguk and they both love eachother “Hyung… I think he really likes me,” Jimmy saw the boy’s joy and decided to protect it)

....PRESENT....

Jimmy (choked voice): That was the first time I saw them like that. I didn’t think it would go that far, but… it did and he was happy, Miss beauty. He really was. (Tae sat quietly on the bed now, brushing his son’s hair with trembling fingers)

Tae (softly): Then why did he end up like this? If he had someone who loved him… why did he still try to die? (Jimmy didn’t have an answer. The silence said everything. The soft humming of the medical machines echoed quietly in the background continued. Tae sat at the edge of the bed, gripping Taeyu’s lifeless hand as if it could speak back)

Tae (cold, distant): That’s why I never believed in love, Jimmy... It makes people blind, Weak and broken. (He turned to face Jimmy, eyes sharp like daggers)

Tae (low, angry): What if Jungguk was just playing with him? What if all of this is because my son was used like a toy and thrown away?

Jimmy (desperate): No! No, Miss beauty, it wasn’t like that! Professor Jungguk... he loved him. He still loves him. I’ve seen it. Every time your son smiled, he was looking at him. Not me, not anyone else. Only him.

Tae (accusing): You think you saw love but boys like him...professors, older men with power they know how to pretend. (Jimmy shook his head, almost pleading now)

Jimmy: Please... don’t push him away before you know the truth. Taeyu wasn’t stupid. He wouldn’t give his heart to someone who didn’t mean it. He told me he wanted to build a future with Jungguk. (Taehyung closed his eyes. For a moment, just one second, his shoulders trembled with raw emotion. But then he straightened up eyes cold again, voice calm but deadly)

Tae: Then I’ll be the judge of that.

Jimmy (whispers): What... do you mean?

Tae (standing): I’ll find out myself if this Jeon Jungguk truly loves my son. If he’s sincere... or if he’s just another snake hiding behind a sweet smile. I’ll rip the truth from him if I have to. (He walked toward the door but paused before leaving, casting one last look at Taeyu’s still form)

Tae (softly, but deadly serious): No one plays with Kim Taehyung’s child and gets away with it. (He left and the game of masks had just begun)

....Next Day....

....Biology Class....

The classroom was filled with low murmurs as students shuffled in and took their seats. The atmosphere was the usual blend of boredom and routine, but today… there was something different. Jimmy enter in class and behind him Tae walked in slowly, head lowered, eyes shy behind round glasses. He wore a soft blue hoodie, sleeves pulled over his hands. Not even a hint of his usual commanding aura. Today, he was Taeyu the soft-spoken, nerdy student everyone ignored.

Lisa (whispering to her friend): See? Told you he’s just weird. That confidence from yesterday disappeared. (Jungkook leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, silently watching. His brow furrowed slightly. Something about this guy was… off. Yesterday he was bold, teasing him with those eyes. Now? Meek, Silent, Avoiding even the tiniest bit of attention.)

Jungkook (thinking): Was I imagining it? That look… those words… was I wrong? He’s acting like a scared bunny now. Maybe I was just overthinking. (Taehyung sat at the first bench with Jimmy, pulling out his notes quietly. He didn’t look at Jungkook. He didn’t make eye contact with Jungguk when he entered the class either. Jungguk walked in, carrying his laptop and a few files. He paused at the door, just for a second, his eyes landing on Taeyu. He frowned)

Jungguk (thinking): He’s back to normal? After yesterday? No stammering, no resistance… is he pretending, or… am I the one who’s lost my mind? (He shook his head and began teaching, though his glances toward the first row didn’t stop. As the lecture went on, Tae kept taking notes quietly, occasionally tilting his head in confusion just like Taeyu used to. His handwriting was neat, precise. Too perfect. He even raised his hand once with a gentle voice to ask: “Professor, um… could you explain that mitosis part again?”)

Jungguk (softly, almost whispering): …Of course. (That made Jungkook smirk faintly)

Jungkook (muttering): What a faker… or maybe he’s really just a little nerd. (No one suspected a thing. Not even Lisa, who rolled her eyes but didn’t give Tae a second thought. After sometime later class ends all students filed out of the classroom one by one. Jungguk stood behind his desk, pretending to shuffle some papers)

Jungguk (cold tone): Kim Taeyu. A moment, please. (Tae turned back quietly, hugging his notebook to his chest, soft footsteps approaching the desk)

Tae (sweetly): Yes, Professor? (Jungguk looked him up and down slowly. Too calm. Too obedient. He narrowed his eyes)

Jungguk: I reviewed your last assignment. Handwriting changed and the style is… cleaner. You’ve never written like this before

Tae (with a nervous smile): I… I’ve been practicing. (Jungguk stepped around the desk, closing the distance. His eyes searched for a flicker of truth)

Jungguk (low voice): And your eyes… they looked at me differently yesterday. Today, they’re afraid again. Are you pretending to be afraid? (Tae blinked, looking away shyly, acting innocent to perfection)

Tae (softly): I don’t understand, Professor… (Jungguk leaned in close, eyes intense. He slowly reached out, gently lifting Tae’s chin with two fingers)

Jungguk (whispers): My Taeyu wouldn’t pretend. My Taeyu flinches when I’m close. But you… yesterday, you pushed me. You challenged me. Who are you? (Tae’s heart thudded, but he stayed calm. He let a nervous tremble pass through him)

Tae: I… I’m just me, Professor. (Just then, the door creaked open Jimmy peeked in, quickly sensing tension)

Jimmy: Professor Jungguk, Principal called. Urgent meeting. (Jungguk stepped back slowly, eyes never leaving Tae)

Jungguk: We’ll continue this. Later. (He left)

Jimmy: what happen?

Tae: Nothing just i think, i need to behave more naturally

....College Washroom....

The air was cool and quiet, the sound of running water echoing softly inside the tiled washroom. Tae stood at the sink, gently washing his face. He moved gracefully, his silky black hair damp at the edges, long lashes clinging to his cheeks. The hoodie he wore was oversized, slightly slipping off his shoulder, revealing smooth, pale skin. He patted his face dry with a napkin, gazing at his reflection cold, calculating, but with an innocent surface. Behind those soft eyes burned rage… and a mission.

Tae (to himself, whispering): Taeyu... they will all pay, I swear (Just then, the door creaked open. Jungkook walked in, headphones around his neck, twirling a pen in his hand. He froze for a moment when he saw Tae, a slow smirk curling on his lips)

Jungkook (leaning on the sink beside him): Well, well… morning, Beauty Queen (Tae flinched slightly at the nickname, but didn’t look at him. He kept drying his face, expression cool)

Tae (calmly): It’s Taeyu to you.

Jungkook (chuckling): Ooh, fiery. I like that. You always this cold in the morning, or just when I’m around? (Tae turned his head slowly, locking eyes with him dark, mysterious, and unreadable. His voice was sweet, but there was steel underneath)

Tae: Only when flies start buzzing near my ear. (Jungkook burst out laughing. He leaned in a little closer, eyes scanning Tae’s flawless features shamelessly)

Jungkook (in a low voice): You know, you’ve got a mouth… I wouldn’t mind putting it to better use. (Tae didn’t move. He raised a brow and tilted his head, giving the smallest of smiles a dangerous one)

Tae: And you’ve got a face… I wouldn’t mind punching. You keep talking like that, maybe you’ll get lucky. (Jungkook was taken aback, but the glint in his eye only grew stronger. He leaned even closer, their faces inches apart now)

Jungkook (whispering): Damn… you’re exactly my type.

Tae (softly, not breaking eye contact): And you’re exactly the reason I don’t date. (Before Jungkook could answer, Tae brushed past him, the scent of sweet strawberry and peppermint clinging in the air)

Tae (pausing at the door): Keep dreaming, Jeon. You’ll need it. (Then he walked out, leaving Jungkook blinking, stunned, and more intrigued than ever)

Jungkook (grinning to himself): What the hell was that... and why do I want more?

....Time skip....

....Jungguk office....

The hallway was quiet, the end of classes leaving behind only the murmurs of a few scattered footsteps. Inside the office, Professor Jungguk sat behind his polished desk, sleeves rolled up, grading with his usual focused expression cold, unreadable, intimidating. Knock knock. His eyes flicked to the door.

Jungguk: Come in (The door creaked open slowly. It was Min Seo, a bright-eyed girl from the biology class known for her short skirts, perfume that lingered too long, and way of twirling her hair whenever a male professor walked by. But today, her sweetness was sugar-coated with intention)

Min Seo (smiling softly): Professor Jungguk, do you have a moment?

Jungguk (glancing up): Yes, what is it? (Min Seo stepped inside, closing the door behind her. Her blouse dipped just enough, her skirt rode a bit high when she walked with fake hesitation. She carried no books, just a pen tucked behind her ear, which she slid out slowly, dramatically)

Min Seo: I… need help with the second half of Chapter 6. I just can’t wrap my head around the anatomy of the reproductive systems. (She stepped closer to his desk, voice just a little breathier.) Could you maybe… show me in detail? (Jungguk’s eyes briefly flicked to her face, unreadable. He leaned back, fingers steepled)

Jungguk: What exactly is confusing you?

Min Seo (smiling): Well…(She leaned forward on the desk, making sure her neckline was visible.) I don’t understand the stimulation process like how touch and hormones work together. You explained it in class but… it went right over my head. (She giggled.) Maybe it would help if you explained it slowly… maybe physically? (She brushed her fingers along the edge of the desk, eyes never leaving his. Jungguk’s jaw tensed. His voice remained calm) Physically? Are you asking for a live demonstration? (Min Seo giggled, taking a bold step around the desk, pretending to peer at his open book) Just… a little touch-based learning? I heard you were the most hands-on professor. (She lightly placed her fingers on his shoulder) Is that true? (Jungguk moved. Not with a smirk, not even a flinch. His hand wrapped around her wrist firm, but not harsh and moved it off him)

Jungguk (voice cold as steel): You should stop. Before you embarrass yourself further.

Min Seo (blinked, thrown); Professor… I just... (Jungguk stood slowly, eyes narrowed. His towering form now just a foot from her)

Jungguk: You want help, fine but if you touch me again without consent, I’ll report you myself. (Min Seo stammered, backing up slightly)

Min Seo: I...I just thought maybe

Jungguk (deadly calm): I don’t care what you thought. I’m not here to play games or flirt with children. If you’re really confused about the chapter, I’ll email you notes. Now leave. (Min Seo flushed, humiliated and nervous. She grabbed the door and left quickly, the air outside hitting her like a slap)

....Outside the office....

Down the hallway hidden behind a corner. Taehyung stood with arms folded, having heard every word. His breath hitched. "No hesitation. No interest. No mistake. Jungguk had shut her down without even blinking

Tae (thinking, eyes narrowing): He didn’t take the bait. Even when she got close… He was focused. Cold. Loyal? (Tae’s expression flickered unsure for the first time. Doubt, curiosity, and something he hadn’t felt in years… a sliver of hope)

....In Night....

The city lights blinked through the tall windows of the Kim Mension, casting golden shadows across the marble floor. Tae stepped inside, removing his jacket, expression unreadable. Jimin and Jimmy, who had been waiting in the lounge with silent tension, instantly looked up.

Jimin (perching on the arm of the couch): So? Did he fail?”

Jimmy (rising quickly): Yeah… Did Professor Jungguk take the bait? (Tae didn’t answer right away. He walked to the small bar in the corner, poured a glass of wine, and sipped slowly. His eyes glinted..not with satisfaction, but calculation)

Tae (coolly): She tried everything. Flirted, got too close, played the ‘dumb student’ card. She even touched him. (Jimin raised a brow)

Jimin: And? (Tae turned, setting the glass down)

Tae (flatly): He shut her down coldly. No hesitation. No interest. He even threatened to report her. (Jimmy let out a breath of relief)

Jimmy: That’s good, right?

Jimin (smirking): So… he passed?(Tae’s gaze darkened slightly, his tone slow and sharp)

Tae:I didn’t say that. (Jimin, Jimmy blinked)

Jimmy: What do you mean? (Tae walked past them, unbuttoning his shirt two buttons, calm and composed but with tension behind his voice)

Tae: He passed the first test but any clever man can fake morals for ten minutes. I want to know who he is when no one’s watching. When he’s desperate. When he’s alone with someone else (Jimmy swallowed)

Jimmy: You still think he could be using Taeyu?

Tae (coldly): I’ve seen how charming monsters can be, Jimmy.

Jimin (quieter now): …So what now?(Tae paused in his place, glancing back. His voice was calm but eyes burned like ice)

Tae: Now… we set the next trap

----

The moonlight poured across the polished floors of the grand kim Mension. The tension in the room was thick as Jimin and Jimmy sat across from Tae, who stood at the bar counter, slowly stirring something into a small vial with surgical precision

Jimin (narrowing his eyes): What are you doing, Tae? What’s that?

Tae (without looking up): Something that will test the limits of a man’s self-control.

Jimmy (stepping forward): Miss Beauty… what do you mean by test?(Tae turned around, holding the vial between his fingers. It glinted under the chandelier’s light)

Tae (calmly): I heard there is big party in university Tommorow so I’m going to slip this into Jungguk’s drink tomorrow. It’s not dangerous just enough to fog his mind a little, blur his senses. Nothing harmful. (Jimmy’s mouth dropped open)

Jimmy: You’re drugging him?! Miss beauty, no! You can’t do that. That’s going too far...

Tae (coldly interrupting): I need to know the truth, Jimmy.

Jimmy: But why like this? What if he loses control because of the drink? What if he does something he regrets? (Tae walked slowly toward them, his face emotionless but his eyes filled with pain and fire)

Tae: If Jungguk truly loves my son, he won’t cross the line. No matter how high the temptation. If he touches that girl, even under the influence, then he never loved Taeyu in the first place.

Jimmy (hesitantly): What girl are you sending?

Tae (flatly): the most beautiful, hot,sexy girl of my team. She’s good at playing helpless. This time, she’ll pretend to be tipsy, flirty, and alone. I’ll make sure Jungguk is left in the lounge after the event with a drink in his hand and her beside him.

Jimmy: And what if he passes again? (Tae paused, a crack showing in his voice)

Tae (softly): Then… I’ll finally start to believe he’s real. (Jimmy looked conflicted, torn between fear and loyalty)

Jimmy: Miss beauty… if Taeyu ever finds out..

Tae (sharply): He won’t. Because he’s lying in that bed, and I’m standing here protecting him

Jimmy (quietly):…Even if it means breaking the man he loves? (Tae stared out the window, voice quiet, almost a whisper)

Tae: I’d rather break Jungguk… than see my son broken again.

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