3

Jungkook sped down the darkened streets, the engine of his Porsche roaring with a raw power that matched the turbulence in his mind. The confrontation with Kim Y/n had left an unsettling mark on him, one he couldn't simply shake off.

Her audacity to challenge him, to dare him, lingered in his thoughts. He could still feel the pressure of her body against the wall in his office, her breath hitching in defiance as she stood her ground.

Jungkook's grip on the steering wheel tightened, the memory of her defiance fueling a dangerous mix of frustration and intrigue.

When Y/n had stopped on his feet, the pain had shot through him, but he hadn't shown a flicker of weakness. Instead, he had chuckled, a dark, amused sound, and let her go.

Her fire, her resilience—it was unlike anything he had encountered before. The thrill of the speed, usually a balm for his restless soul, did nothing to ease his mind tonight.

He pulled up to Jeon Mansion, its imposing silhouette dimly lit against the night sky. Jungkook stepped out of the car, his thoughts still consumed by the day's events. He barely noticed Jimin lounging on the sofa in the living room, but Jimin's sharp eyes caught his every move.

"Well, well, isn't this a first?" Jimin drawled, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Seeing you come home without a girl and with such a pensive look on your face. What happened, Jungkook? Ran out of ladies to entertain?"

Jungkook's jaw clenched at his half-brother's provocation. He had little patience for Jimin on the best of days. "Unlike you, Jimin, I have actual work to do."

Jimin laughed, the sound grating on Jungkook's nerves. "Work? I never knew you had any other work besides fucking random women. Did you suddenly find a conscience?"

The dark aura around Jungkook intensified. "At least I do something more than just mooching off the family's wealth and working for Jenesis Corps."

Jimin's expression sobered, and he leaned forward, a predatory gleam in his eyes. "Isn't that funny coming from the man who taunted me at the party for doing exactly that? Now you're saying I don't do anything?"

Jungkook's silence was a bitter acknowledgment of the truth in Jimin's words.

Jimin took the opportunity to scrutinize him more closely, noting the pristine state of his clothes, the still-present socks—indications that Jungkook had indeed not been with anyone tonight.

"Your clothes aren't crinkled, you still have your socks on," Jimin observed, a smirk forming on his lips. "You didn't get laid today, did you? What's the matter? No more ladies left in the world, or did you get yourself sterilized?"

Jungkook's temper flared, but he fought to keep it in check. "Hyung, I'm tired and puzzled today. I know we don't have the best relationship, but if you don't have anything substantial to say, I'd like to rest in my room."

Jimin straightened, his expression shifting to one of rare seriousness. "Believe me, Jungkook, I'm not a fan of talking to you either. But I do have something substantial to discuss.

Out of concern for my little brother, who rarely gets this bothered, I just asked about your well-being. The Jungkook I know hardly gets easily rattled, so it must be something significant."

Jungkook's eyes softened slightly, a flicker of vulnerability showing. "It's nothing. Just a girl who infuriates me."

Jimin's amusement was palpable. "A girl? Who is she? What's she like? Tell me everything."

Jungkook, annoyed by the barrage of questions, responded with biting sarcasm. "She's a 60-year-old grandma with arthritis."

Jimin scrunched his nose in distaste. "Fine, if you don't want to tell me, it's okay. Anyway, back to the point."

Jungkook watched as Jimin picked up a file from the table. "I've started working on a project involving the development of the Phoenix MK-VI. It's a state-of-the-art weapon with advanced thermodynamic properties. The technicalities are complex, but its potential is revolutionary."

Jimin explained the intricacies of the Phoenix MK-VI, detailing its functions and potential applications. "However, to perfect it, I need the expertise of someone well-versed in thermodynamics. I came across a research paper on the Falcon Hyperdrive by Mr. Kim, a renowned professor at Jenesis University. His insights could be invaluable."

Jungkook's eyes widened at the mention of Mr. Kim. He recalled Y/n's last name and connected the dots. Kim Y/n's father was this esteemed professor. "You mean Professor Kim from Jenesis University?"

Jimin nodded. "Yes, I invited Mr. Kim over to the mansion to discuss the project. Convincing him to join us might be challenging, given his commitment to the university. I was hoping you could help negotiate the terms, maybe reduce his workload to free up his time for our project. Your position as Director could add some leverage."

Jungkook agreed, "I'll talk to Mr. Kim."

Jimin thanked him, but when Jungkook lingered, he raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you just say you wanted to rest? Why are you still here?"

Jungkook hesitated. "Is Mr. Kim coming alone?"

Ofcourse, he wants to see his little doll, no matter how much she infuriated him.

Jimin blinked in confusion. "Alone? What else would he be?"

"Never mind," Jungkook muttered.

A look of realization dawned on Jimin's face. "Are you perhaps waiting for his daughter? The gold medalist?"

Jungkook scoffed, hiding his embarrassment. "I'm going to take a dip in the pool. Let me know when Mr. Kim arrives."

As Jungkook walked away, he couldn't shake off the thought of seeing Y/n again. His mind, a whirl of conflicting emotions, sought solace in the cool water of the pool. The encounter in his office, the challenge they had exchanged, played on repeat in his mind. He dived into the water, hoping to drown out the turmoil within him.

------------

The Jeon Mansion, grand and imposing, loomed against the evening sky as Mr. Kim and his daughter, Y/n, arrived. The driveway was lit with dim, ambient lighting, casting soft shadows on the cobblestones. Jimin, already at the entrance, greeted them with a polite smile.

As Mr. Kim stepped out, Jimin noticed a young woman accompanying him. She looked familiar yet out of place. Jimin's eyes narrowed with curiosity.

"Mr. Kim," Jimin greeted warmly, extending a hand. "And this must be your daughter."

"Yes, this is Y/n," Mr. Kim replied with a soft smile, his voice gentle as he turned to her. "She had her first detention today, directly with Mr. Jeon. Poor girl was in tears, so I had to calm her down with an ice cream treat."

Y/n's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she looked away, not meeting Jimin's amused gaze.

Jimin stifled a laugh. "So, you're the reason Jungkook looked so distraught earlier. I must say, it's quite a feat to ruffle his feathers. How did you handle my younger brother's punishment? More so, it seemed like giving you a punishment was a punishment for himself."

Y/n scoffed, her eyes flashing with defiance. "I'm glad to know that my first detention was worth giving Mr. Jeon, the perfectionist, a hard time."

Jimin laughed heartily. "You don't seem to like Jungkook much, do you?"

Mr. Kim sighed, shaking his head slightly. "She's a bit arrogant and overambitious. Anyone who questions her capabilities or annoys her ends up regretting it. Besides, being my daughter, she often enjoys an upper hand over her colleagues. I constantly remind her not to misuse my name to get out of trouble, but she rarely listens. I was honestly shocked to hear about her detention. Even though I instruct other teachers to be strict with her, they usually aren't, given their respect for me and her exemplary performance. I wish someone could discipline her properly," he said, patting her head affectionately.

Y/n huffed in frustration, her cheeks puffing out in a pout. Jimin chuckled at the sight.

"Let's get to business, shall we?" Jimin said, leading Mr. Kim to the table set for their discussion.

Mr. Kim nodded, but his gaze flicked back to Y/n. "Was Director Jungkook very upset with her? I can only imagine the attitude she must have shown him."

Jimin smirked. "Director Jungkook certainly had his hands full. Perhaps Y/n should go to the backyard and apologize to Jungkook, and then bring him here. I assure you, Mr. Kim, a sincere apology would go a long way."

Mr. Kim turned to Y/n, his expression firm. "Y/n, go apologize to Mr. Jeon and settle this matter. We don't want any ill feelings."

Y/n's eyes flared with indignation, her pride battling against her father's command. She knew she couldn't explain why she disliked Jungkook so intensely without revealing too much.

With a frustrated huff, she nodded curtly and stomped out of the mansion, heading towards the backyard where she knew Jungkook would be.

The backyard was dimly lit, the pool's surface reflecting the pale moonlight.

Y/n approached the pool area, drawn by the sound of water splashing rhythmically. She stopped in her tracks, eyes widening as she took in the sight before her. A man was gliding through the water with effortless grace, his powerful strokes cutting through the surface like a dolphin.

As he reached the edge and pulled himself up, water cascaded down his sculpted body. It was Jeon Jungkook. The moonlight highlighted every muscle on his chest, his abs defined and glistening with droplets. His hair, wet and tousled, clung to his forehead, and he ran a hand through it, pushing it back in a way that made him seem even more intoxicatingly attractive.

Y/n found herself unable to look away, her eyes shamelessly tracing the path of water as it traveled down his torso. Jungkook’s presence was magnetic, and she could feel her heartbeat quicken as he came closer, each step making her more aware of his near-naked form.

He broke the silence with a heavy, mocking tone. "If it isn't my favorite student."

Y/n snapped out of her trance, her gaze involuntarily dropping to his groin before she forced herself to look him in the eye. "If it isn't my least favorite professor," she retorted, her voice laced with defiance.

Jungkook raised an eyebrow and moved closer, an amused smirk playing on his lips. "Well then, if I'm your least favorite professor, what are you doing so close to me, doll?"

She blushed at the endearment but quickly composed herself, clearing her throat. "I came to apologize."

He chuckled, stepping even closer until she could feel the heat radiating from his body. "Really? You came here to apologize?" His voice was low and husky, sending a shiver down her spine.

"Yes," she managed to say, though her voice wavered slightly.

"Well then," he murmured, his breath warm against her skin as he spoke insinuatingly. "There are many ways to apologize, doll."

Y/n rolled her eyes, trying to regain control of the situation. "I came here because my dad had an urgent appointment with Mr. Park Jimin. Otherwise, I wouldn't be here, and they told me to say sorry."

Her eyes flickered to his lips, glistening with water, and she felt a wave of heat pool in her belly. Jungkook noticed her gaze, his eyes darkening with intent. He moved even closer, his hands snaking around her waist, drawing her against his wet, muscular frame.

"Well then, I've accepted your apology, doll," he said softly. "Anything more?"

She didn't reply, her eyes fixed on his lips. He chuckled again, the sound deep and sensual. "You should keep a picture of it to stare at later."

"A picture won't give me a taste of them," she blurted out, "a texture of them."

Jungkook's eyes widened at her boldness. "W-what?"

Realizing what she had said, she quickly corrected herself. "I mean, it's good I won't get a taste of them. Nobody wants to taste something full of poison and trash."

Jungkook laughed breathily, throwing his head back. He shook his head, still smiling. "But your eyes say otherwise, doll."

She rolled her eyes, determined to maintain her composure. "Whatever. Dad and Mr. Park are waiting for you inside. If you've forgiven me, please maintain so in front of Dad and come inside."

Jungkook looked at her for a good two minutes. Her words were incredulously arrogant and he was surprised to see that.

Being defiant and being so terrorizing was something he definitely loved.

But what about the student in her? How could the student defy the orders coming directly from the highest authority?

Yes, he's had his share of calling her fragile but that wasn't a conversation meant for her to hear. And certainly not decent for her to act out of decorum in his welcome ceremony.

And more so, irrespective of their interactions, she certainly misused her position of being a professor's daughter.

Where was so much of arrogance and defiance coming from?

"You don’t really understand what an apology is, do you?", he asked.

Y/n bristled, every fiber of her being resisting the urge to lash out. "I understand perfectly," she snapped. "But I won't apologize for standing up for myself."

Jungkook stepped closer, his gaze piercing. "Standing up for yourself by disrespecting authority? That’s what you call it?"

"Authority?" she scoffed. "You think just because you hold a title, you deserve respect? Respect is earned, Mr. Jeon, not demanded."

His eyes darkened. "You think you know everything, don't you? You think the world revolves around your ambitions and your name."

Y/n felt a pang of anger and hurt. "You don't know anything about me."

Jungkook's lips curled into a smirk. "I know enough. I know you're used to getting your way. But this is different. You're in my world now, Miss Kim, and here, you play by my rules."

"Your rules are twisted," she shot back. "You hide behind them to manipulate and control."

For a moment, the air between them crackled with tension, an unspoken battle of wills. Then, Jungkook's expression softened, just a fraction.

"Why do you hate me so much?" he asked, his voice quieter.

Y/n was taken aback by the sudden shift. She hesitated, unsure whether to reveal the truth. "You... you act like you're above everyone. Like you're untouchable."

"Maybe I am," he said, his tone almost wistful. "Or maybe I'm just as flawed as you are. Just as arrogant and high headed as you are."

If Jimin were to hear Jungkook admit this, he would instantly fall on her feet, asking her what magic spell she cast on Jungkook for him to reveal his flaws.

Cause he has never in his life seen THE JEON JUNGKOOK admit his flaws.

The admission caught her off guard, and for a moment, she saw something vulnerable in his eyes. But the moment passed, and the hard, cold exterior returned.

"Go back to your father," Jungkook said, turning away. "Tell him the apology was accepted."

"But you didn't—"

"I said, go," he cut her off, his voice firm.

Y/n huffed and turned around, intent on leaving, but her foot slipped on the wet surface. She lost her balance, her arms flailing as she tried to steady herself. Just as she was about to hit the ground, strong arms encircled her waist, pulling her flush against a firm chest. She could feel the water droplets from Jungkook's body soaking into her clothes, his hot breath brushing her shoulder.

Jungkook chuckled near her ear, his voice a low rumble. "Easy there, doll. I don't want you falling on your knees, or worse, in love, just yet."

She gasped, her heart racing as his nose grazed her neck. She froze, a shiver running through her body at the intimate contact. But in their tangled state, they lost balance and toppled over, falling into the pool together.

The splash was loud, and when Y/n surfaced, she was gasping and screaming for breath, panic setting in almost immediately. The water, a mere five feet deep, felt like an abyss to her. Her phobia of water took hold, and she flapped her arms frantically, her eyes wide with terror.

Jungkook rose from the water, throwing his hair back. He saw her panicked state and felt a pang of confusion and concern.

"Why is she panicking?" he thought. Instinctively, he swam towards her, a dark aura of protectiveness surrounding him. He grabbed her under her arms, pulling her up so she could stand, but she continued to scream and cry.

"No! I don't want to drown! Please, save me!" she screamed, her voice breaking with fear. "Don't let the water kill me!"

Jungkook was shocked, realizing this was a deep-seated trauma. He immediately shut her eyes with his hand, holding her close to his chest. Her heart was pounding wildly against his, their heartbeats syncing in a chaotic rhythm.

"Easy, easy," he whispered in her ear, his voice soft and soothing. "You're not going to drown. Nothing will happen to you. I've got you. You're alright. All fine. I won't let anything happen to you."

Her breath hitched, and she clung to him, her fingers digging into his skin. He could feel her body trembling, her sobs shaking her small frame. He continued to murmur calming words, his tone gentle and reassuring.

"Just breathe, dear. In and out. I've got you. You're safe."

Gradually, her panic subsided, and she buried her head in his chest, tears still streaming down her face. Jungkook gently tapped her back, guiding her breathing.

"That's it. Just breathe. In and out."

When she finally calmed down, he slowly guided her to the edge of the pool, lifting her to sit on it while he stood between her legs. She was still shivering, her eyes red and filled with lingering fear.

Jungkook never thought he'd see this fierce, arrogant girl in such a state of shambles. What was more surprising for him was that he didn't expect he would get the overwhelming urge to comfort her.

He had never been bothered about any girl's problems before, always dismissing them as trivial. But now, seeing Y/n so vulnerable, he felt a protectiveness he didn't understand.

Jungkook gently guided Y/n out of the pool, his once dark aura now replaced with a softer, more concerned demeanor. He held her close, her shivering frame pressed against his chest, the water droplets trickling from his body to hers.

"Are you okay?" he asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Y/n looked up at him, tears brimming in her eyes. She clung to him, burying her face in his chest as she cried. "I'm okay now. Thank you for saving me," she murmured between sobs.

Jungkook felt a pang of confusion. He had merely pulled her out of a shallow pool, yet she was acting as if he had saved her from certain death. "It's okay," he said, patting her back awkwardly. "You're safe now."

She continued to cry, her body shaking. "Thank you for saving my life. I'm sorry."

Seeing her in such a state, Jungkook concluded that she had a severe water phobia, likely rooted in some past trauma. He focused on easing her out of her panic. "Do you want to talk about it?" he asked gently, his hand resting comfortingly on her back.

Y/n shook her head, her tears flowing freely. "No... it's too painful," she managed to say through her sobs.

Jungkook immediately shushed her, his mind scrambling for a way to divert her attention.

He spotted a rubber duck floating nearby, picked it up, and began to playfully animate it. "Look, it's Mr. Quackers," he said in a silly voice, moving the duck around.

"Mr. Quackers says everything will be alright."

Let Jimin witness the scene and he'll faint for sure.

THE JEON JUNGKOOK, the guy who never talked nicely, the guy who is all about public image, facade and pretense, was now calming a girl with a genuine efforts with a children's toy.

A children's toy— a damned duck?!

Jimin would feel Jungkook has hit his head somewhere or replaced his head with that of the Duck's.

Despite herself, Y/n let out a small chuckle. "Professor, I'm not a kid anymore," she said, her voice shaky but amused.

Jungkook laughed with her, relieved to see her smile. Just then, a group of servants appeared, drawn by the commotion. Jungkook's eyes landed on Y/n's white dress, now completely sheer and clinging to her body, her black undergarments clearly visible. His protective instinct flared, and his eyes darkened.

He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close as he growled at the male servants, "Look away."

The servants trembled in fear looking at Mr. Jeon's fierce red eyes. It was as if he would ball out their eyes that instant from the sockets if they didn't look away.

The servants quickly turned around, not wanting to incur Jungkook's wrath. He called out angrily, "Send female servants with towels, now."

Once the female servants arrived with towels, Jungkook wrapped one around Y/n, his mind still reeling from the sight of her curves and the silk of her undergarments. "You can't go like this in front of Jimin and Mr. Kim," he told her, his voice firm. "Come with me."

"But he's my dad — it's okay —", Jungkook looked at her fiercely when he heard her speak. "Your dad isn't my concern doll. But you're not going through the front door. You're in my territory, and you will do as I speak, Miss Kim."

He led her through a back door, guiding her to his mother's room. Inside, he found a pair of jeans and a shirt for her to wear. As he handed them to her, she looked at him, confusion in her eyes.

"Can you leave?" she asked, her voice tentative.

"Why?" he replied, feigning innocence.

"I need to change, Professor," she said, exasperated.

"Then change," he said with a smirk.

"In front of you, professor?" she asked, her eyes narrowing.

"Is there a problem, doll?" he teased.

She sighed, smacking his chest lightly. "Just when I thought you were nice, you have to say something stupid."

Jungkook chuckled, catching her hand. "Doll, if you wanted to touch my chest, you could have just asked instead of finding an excuse to smack it."

She blushed furiously, and he laughed heartily before stepping out of the room, giving her privacy to change.

Outside, Jungkook closed the door and was immediately greeted by Jimin, who wore an exaggeratedly astonished expression. "I've never seen you smile so much, Jungkook," Jimin said, his eyes wide with faux reverence. "What on earth is the reason behind it? I need to worship whatever it is."

Jimin tried to peek into the room, but Jungkook stepped in front of him. "Don't you have things to discuss with Mr. Kim?" Jungkook asked, his tone firm.

Jimin narrowed his eyes. "Didn't you have to swim? And didn't Miss Kim Y/n come to apologize—" His eyes widened as he glanced between Jungkook's wet form and the door to his mother's room. "Don't tell me you were making love with your student in the pool?!"

Jungkook quickly clamped a hand over Jimin's mouth. "You really need to control your big mouth," he said sarcastically.

Jimin's eyes were still wide with horror, and Jungkook couldn't help but chuckle at his dramatic reaction. "Calm down, Jimin. It's not what you think."

Jimin pushed Jungkook's hand away, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Then what is it? You look like you've been caught in the act."

Jungkook sighed, glancing back at the door. "She slipped and fell into the pool when she came to apologise to me. She is just changing her wet clothes inside."

Jimin looked at Jungkook narrowly, suspicion evident in his eyes. "Was it her? Is she the reason for your pensive mood when you came home?"

Jungkook's jaw tightened, and he attempted to divert the conversation. "Come on, Jimin, let's not get into that right now. We have other things to worry about."

But Jimin wasn't having it. He grabbed Jungkook by the arm, holding him in place. "No, Jungkook. Answer me. Is she the reason?"

Jungkook sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "Yes, alright? Yes, she's the reason."

Jimin's gaze softened for a moment, but then he pressed on. "It's the first time in four years... ever since that incident happened... that I've seen you laugh so heartily and also get so much infuriated."

At the mention of the incident from four years ago, Jungkook grew stiff. His eyes darkened, and he growled a warning. "Jimin, don't—"

But Jimin cut him off. "Whatever it is, Jungkook, I am not sure. But please, get a hold of yourself. I've kept your secrets from Mom and Dad and the world. I've cleaned your mess quite a few times, but this—" he pointed at the door behind Jungkook, where Y/n was changing— "this is a mistake you can't afford."

Jungkook's eyes followed Jimin's gesture, his expression unreadable.

"I'm not interested in knowing what's going on here," Jimin continued, his voice firm. "But knowing you, and seeing how someone has been able to spark emotions in you—emotions that Mom, Dad, and I have failed to do for four years now—I can tell it's not an ordinary case. I don't want to be mean, but choose your priority. It's either your career, your image intact without your involvement with her, or you choose to involve yourself with her and bring your career to doom."

Jungkook's lips curled into a sarcastic smile. "Thanks for the motivational speech, Jimin. I always knew you missed your calling as a life coach."

Jimin narrowed his eyes. "I'm serious, Jungkook."

"Yeah, I can tell," Jungkook shot back, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "But don't worry. I'll make sure to keep my career intact while managing my extracurricular activities."

Jimin sighed, clearly frustrated. "This isn't a joke, Jungkook."

Jungkook shrugged, a dark humor in his eyes. "Maybe not to you. But to me? It's just another day in paradise."

Jimin shook his head, clearly at a loss. "Just... be careful, okay?"

Jungkook nodded, his expression hardening. "I always am."

As Jimin walked away, Jungkook turned back to the door, his thoughts racing. He couldn't afford any mistakes, but something about Y/n had already made him cross lines he never intended to. The warning from Jimin lingered in his mind, a stark reminder of the precarious path he was treading.

With a deep breath, Jungkook pushed the thoughts aside, focusing instead on the immediate task at hand. He knocked lightly on the door. "Are you done, doll?"

"Yes, I'm coming out," Y/n replied, her voice still slightly shaky but stronger than before.

Jungkook stepped back as the door opened, and Y/n emerged, dressed in his mother's clothes. She looked up at him, her eyes still red from crying but filled with a new resolve. "Thank you, professor, for today."

He gave her a small, reassuring smile. "Anytime, doll. Let's get you to your dad."

As they walked away together, Jungkook couldn't help but wonder what the future held. He knew the stakes were high, but for the first time in years, he felt something stir within him—something he wasn't ready to let go of just yet........A/n : They slipped in the pool of love I'm creating for them :) hehe