chapter 3

"But he's in a dorm, right? Don't they serve meals there?" Dahyun asked, puzzled.

"They do," Tae replied, his voice tightening. "But he can't eat most of it. The food is too spicy, and it upsets his stomach. So he skips meals. Every time I see him, he looks weaker. Apart from those three meals from the dorm, he doesn't get anything extra... not even a snack."

Yoongi, who had been quiet until then, spoke softly, almost with a sigh. "Ask him about his brother, and he'll talk for hours. Right now, he's saving every single won to buy his brother a second-hand phone. That's why he's working so hard."

"Why does your brother suddenly need a phone?" Dahyun asked curiously.

Tae's expression softened. "Recently, he lost ten marks in a test. When I asked why, he told me, 'Everyone shares study materials through their phones. Since I don't have one, I miss out on everything.' These days, almost every resource is shared online. And then he looked at me and said, 'Hyung, please buy me a phone too.'

My brother never asks me for anything. If he finally asked for a phone, it means he truly needs it. So I decided I'll get him one—even if it's just second-hand. They said it would cost around two to thirty thousand won. I've already saved 1,8000. One of our professors asked me to help copy his thesis notes, and he promised to pay me well. Once I get that money, I'll finally buy the phone for my brother."

He paused, his voice growing heavy. "I also want to make sure he eats properly. Even though he's in his first year of engineering, he looks like a boy still in high school."

Dahyun looked at him with a mix of concern and teasing. "You speak so lovingly about your brother... but look at you, Tae. You're so thin yourself. If a strong wind blows, you might get swept away. Then what will happen to our Jungkook? That's what scares me."

Tae gave a small, embarrassed smile. "I'm not that thin... I'm just normal." He glanced down at his phone, typing quickly.

"Jungkook-ssi, I've sent you a message. Please check," he said softly.

Jungkook immediately snatched up his phone, eyes softening the moment he read the message.

Jimin blinked in disbelief at the little exchange, while Yoongi leaned back, chuckling. He looked Tae up and down and teased,

"You're not skinny at all,

but look at our boy here—broad shoulders, gym-built, the whole package. You should take notes from him."

Tae smiled faintly, brushing off the jab. "Just one more year of studies. Then I'll find a job. After that, I can take care of my brother's education and cover my own needs too.

Before anyone could reply, Jungkook suddenly stood, rubbing at his forehead.

"Ah, I've got such a headache. Let's go get some ice cream," he said, already walking out.

"Come on, Jimin, let's grab something," Dahyun said, tugging him along as the two followed Jungkook.

"You guys go ahead. I just have one page left to finish writing—I'll catch up," Tae called after them.

Yoongi rolled his eyes. "Shut up and move. If your boyfriend says 'I'll treat you,' you'll be the first to run after him. No wonder he keeps scolding you all the time." He snapped Tae's notebook shut, shoved it into his own bag along with Tae's other books, and strode out.

Outside the university gates, the street was alive with students spilling out of campus, the air filled with the smell of tteokbokki and fish cakes from pojangmacha stalls. Cafés and dessert shops lined both sides, crowded with groups looking for a break. The group headed toward their usual bingsu and juice café just around the corner.

Jungkook walked ahead, scanning the place.

"There's a table free in the middle. Let's sit there," Yoongi pointed out, but Jungkook ignored him, leading everyone straight to a quiet corner booth.

"You're unbelievable," Yoongi muttered as he dropped into the seat beside Jungkook.

"There was a free spot right there, but no—you drag us all the way to the corner."

On Jungkook's other side sat Dahyun, then Jimin, and finally Mina.

"Hey, Dahyun, scoot over," Yoongi ordered. "Tae, sit here. This guy's been sulking all day because you ditched him to go to the park. Why sit so far away?"

"It's fine, hyung," Tae replied lightly.

"You—stand up first," Yoongi insisted.

Dahyun instantly slid out of her seat, and Tae reluctantly followed, moving in beside Jungkook.

"See? That's better. Only then will he calm down," Yoongi said smugly, then his gaze shifted to the next table.

Sohee sat there with a few friends, laughing at something on her phone.

"Oh? She's here? That means her brother will show up soon too." Yoongi grinned.

At once, everyone turned to look in her direction.

"Hyung, you talk like you know her really well..." Jimin said, raising an eyebrow.

"Of course I know her," Yoongi said, leaning back in his chair. "Actually... Jungkook fell for Sohee the very first time he saw her. He chased her for three months, but she never accepted him."

He paused before continuing.

"Sohee's father, Han Seok, owns Han Enterprise. Jungkook's father, Jeon Joon-ho, runs Jeon Enterprise. The two companies are rivals—they're always clashing over contracts and tenders. Sohee herself has a bit of an arrogant streak. But her brother, Min-sun, is also studying in the Business Department, same as Jungkook.

He hated it when Jungkook started chasing after Sohee. Even warned him to back off. Jungkook ignored him, of course... but Sohee still never agreed.

Then, out of nowhere, two months ago, Jungkook shocked everyone by saying, 'I like Tae.' Since then, wherever Sohee goes, Min-sun is always around, keeping an eye on her."

Jimin blinked in disbelief. "Wait—what? So Jungkook liked Sohee first, and when she rejected him, he suddenly decided he liked Tae instead?"

Before Yoongi could answer, the waiter came to take orders. Since Sohee's group was seated right next to them, their voices carried easily.

"Sohee ordered Neapolitan. Her friends asked for Vanilla, Butterscotch, and Pistachio,"

On their side, Jungkook ordered mint chocolate . Yoongi picked Walnut Pecan. Tae waved the waiter away at first, muttering that he didn't want anything. But after Yoongi scolded him, he sighed and quietly, ordered strawberry icecream

Just then, the shop's door swung open. Three young men strode in quickly, their presence shifting the air in the room.

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