5

Jimin pressed further, lowering his voice. "But then why is Tae writing notes for Minsun if Jungkook hates him? And why did he rush to pick up Sohee's bag just now?"

Yoongi sighed deeply. "You're mixing everything up, Jimin. Listen carefully.

Tae lives in the same colony as Sohee and Minsun. They've known him for years. That's why he always ends up writing notes for Sohee, carrying her bags, running errands—basically whatever small chores they ask. Sometimes even housework.

The notes he writes aren't much use to him, but he doesn't mind.

To be honest, Tae values Sohee more than Jungkook. Wherever she is, he runs straight to her. He writes all her notes without a second thought.

Tae doesn't even own his own phone. He's studying Business, while his younger brother is in Engineering, so money is always tight. He commutes by college bus with a pass.

Sohee makes him do chores but never once lets him ride in her car. Even if she offers, Tae refuses. Just two months ago, she gave him one of her old unused phones. Since then, that's the one he uses.

He never asks for anything, never spends unnecessarily. He's a good boy. These days, he's secretly saving money with me because he wants to buy a phone for his younger brother.

Earlier, he had saved enough to buy one, but his aunt's son found the money and took it away. That's why Tae now gives me his savings for safekeeping.

His aunt and uncle are decent people... but their son? Not at all. If he sees cash, he'll steal it. He even searches through Tae's bags.That's why Tae never keeps money at home.

I've told him so many times, 'Stop wasting your time writing notes for everyone. Focus on your own studies.' But he never listens. He just brushes it all aside," Yoongi finished with a tired shake of his head.

Jimin sat in silence for a while, lost in thought, before finally speaking.

"Now I understand just how much Jungkook cares for the person he loves. Honestly, that kind of love... I wouldn't be able to handle it. It's a good thing he's tied to Taehyung and not me. Thank God he never liked me—otherwise, I would've been in Tae's place. To see a boy so deeply loved, yet left neglected... that would have hurt me just as much. Luckily, I don't have that burden." He smiled, the sarcasm lacing his words.

"If you want someone responsible, you could always turn your eyes toward me," Yoongi said smoothly.

Jimin snorted. "What is this, a convenience store? Am I supposed to switch brands the moment one's out of stock? I don't change that easily. What I have now is enough.

Yoongi leaned back. "I think you know everything about Jungkook now—that's why you came here. But you should know about me too.

I'm the only friend Jungkook's had since childhood. I grew up in an orphanage; I had no one of my own. We met when I was thirteen. From that day, Jungkook never let go of my hand. He's the one who educated me, and now I work at his company."

His voice grew steadier as he went on. "I don't have wealth or family backing me. Except for him, I have no one's support. If that background makes you look down on me, that's fine. But now you know the truth. I may not be as striking as him, but I'm not so bad either.

Somehow, the moment I saw you, I liked you. I live with Jungkook in a small house nearby... So if, at any point, you ever feel the slightest interest in me—just talk to me once."

Jimin's expression hardened. "The moment I saw Jungkook, I liked him. That's why I wanted to know more about him. Since he's the son of a businessman, I expected arrogance, so I laid myself bare first. But it wasn't for his money—I liked him at first sight.

The more I learned, though, the less I liked. No problem. Right now, I don't want to think about anyone, and I don't want to talk to anyone."

"I still have a few months before I finish this course," Yoongi said, returning to his ice cream. "If you ever feel differently before then, don't forget to tell me."

Meanwhile, Sohyun was chatting with Jungkook, waving down the waiter.

"You finish this one. I'll order another for myself," Jungkook said, sliding his cup toward her.

"I don't like this flavor," she replied, and as soon as the waiter came over, she asked for chocolate. The fresh cup arrived in moments.

Besides them, Tae was quietly scooping small spoonfuls of ice cream, savoring each bite with a calm, almost childlike delight.

Looking at the three of them, Jimin turned to Yoongi and asked,

"What's with those two chatting like that? And Tae eating as if he's lost in his own world?"

Yoongi, still eating, glanced at him and replied,

"Those two don't usually talk much in front of us, except when they argue. But you know, Jungkook and Sohyun are best friends.

Nari aunt repeatedly told Jungkook to take special care of Sohyun, so he really looks after her.

Now look over there at Minsun... see? He's clenching his fists in anger."

Jimin casually turned his head. Just as Yoongi said, Minsun was glaring at them, grinding his teeth and balling his fists.

Seeing that, Jimin couldn't help but laugh.

"Tomorrow give me your timetable. I'll share ours with you. When you're free, come join us... if you stay with us, you'll keep smiling like this," Yoongi suggested.

"I already told you I'm not interested," Jimin said firmly.

"I'm not going to chase after you for two months just to make you interested. You just stick around with our group. If you like me later, you can take a step forward. If not, that's your choice," Yoongi replied calmly.

"Can I really believe your words?" Jimin asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Of course. Just because we like someone doesn't mean they have to like us back. I value the other person's opinion too. So you don't need to be afraid of me..." he said with a small smile.

"See, that Jungkook—he's only a little different when it comes to Tae. Otherwise, he's a really good guy. If someone unnecessarily makes another person hurt, he won't just stay quiet... he'll be the first to react and knock their teeth out," Yoongi added.

Meanwhile, Tae calmly finished his ice cream, unfazed.

Jungkook and Sohyun were still talking to each other while eating theirs.

To be continued

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