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Chapter 18 - morning buzz

The school auditorium was decorated for the Inter-School Debate Competition. Students from different classes gathered, teachers sat in the front row, and the principal watched from the stage. Your class was buzzing with excitement. Everyone whispered: "Y/n and Jungkook are representing us!" "Enemies on stage together… this will be fun!"

You sat quietly with your notes, calm but nervous. Jungkook walked in with his group, casual as always, but his eyes searched for you. You didn't look back.

 

 

When your names were called, you both walked to the stage. You stood on the left podium, Jungkook on the right. The topic was announced: "Technology: Boon or Curse."

The audience clapped. Your heart raced. Jungkook smirked faintly, as if daring you.

 

 

You spoke first. Y/n: "Technology is a boon. It connects people, spreads knowledge, and improves lives. Without it, we wouldn't be here today, sharing ideas across the world."

The audience nodded, impressed. Your voice was steady, confident.

Then Jungkook spoke.

 Jungkook: "But technology is also a curse. It isolates people, spreads misinformation, and makes us dependent. We lose real connections while chasing virtual ones."

His tone was sharp, confident. The audience clapped again. The tension between you two was obvious.

 

 

You leaned forward, eyes locked on him.

 Y/n: "Isolation isn't caused by technology. It's caused by how people use it. Technology itself is neutral."

Jungkook smirked. Jungkook: "Neutral? Then why do students waste hours scrolling instead of studying? Isn't that a curse?"

You replied calmly: Y/n: "That's discipline, not technology. If someone misuses a tool, the fault isn't in the tool."

The audience murmured. The judges smiled, clearly enjoying the fiery exchange.

 

 

Between arguments, your eyes met his. Not for long — just seconds. But the spark was undeniable. He smirked, you frowned. The audience saw only rivalry. But inside, it felt deeper.

 

 

You ended with: Y/n: "Technology is a boon when used wisely. It gives us power to change the world. The curse lies only in misuse."

Jungkook ended with:

 Jungkook: "Technology is a curse when it controls us. If we forget human values, no invention can save us."

Both statements were strong. The audience clapped loudly. Your classmates cheered.

 

The judges discussed briefly. Then the principal announced: "Both Y/n and Jungkook delivered excellent points. Together, they made this debate the highlight of the competition. Congratulations!"

The auditorium erupted in applause. Your group screamed with joy. Jungkook's boys clapped loudly. You stood tall, calm. Jungkook smirked, glancing at you.

 

After the Debate

Back in class, everyone teased. "Enemies turned winners!" "Best duo ever!"

Sol Hee giggled: "Y/n, you and Jungkook looked like rivals in a drama!"

You rolled your eyes. Jungkook leaned closer, whispering:

 "See? We're unbeatable together." You replied coldly: "Don't get used to it."

 

That night, you sat at your desk, replaying the debate in your mind. His words, his glances, his smirk. You whispered to yourself: "This rivalry is dangerous. It feels too real."

Meanwhile, Jungkook sat in his room, staring at his phone, typing and deleting messages to you. He wanted to break the silence. But he didn't know how.

 

The school atmosphere changed completely. Corridors were silent, classrooms filled with tension. Everyone carried notes, water bottles, and nervous faces.

You sat with your girl group on the stairs, revising seriously. Jungkook stood far with his boy group, occasionally glancing at you. But you ignored him, focusing only on your books.

During exams, you wrote calmly, neat handwriting, steady answers. Jungkook sat a few rows away, restless but determined. Sometimes your eyes met briefly, but you looked away instantly. The rivalry was still alive, but buried under exam pressure.

 

The Farewell of 12th Students

 

After exams, the school prepared for the farewell party of Class 12. Decorations filled the hall, music played, students dressed beautifully. You wore a graceful outfit, your friends complimented you. But inside, your heart was heavy. Because Aarav — your old crush, the respectful senior — was leaving.

When the 12th students entered, everyone clapped. Aarav looked calm, elegant, smiling politely at juniors. Your heart skipped when his eyes met yours for a second.

 

The Emotional Moment

The farewell had speeches, laughter, and tears. Teachers praised the seniors, juniors gave performances. Then came the dance segment.

Pairs were formed. To your surprise, Aarav asked you politely:

 

 Aarav: "Y/n, would you like to dance?" Your heart raced, but you nodded.

On the stage, music played softly. You danced with Aarav, his hand steady on yours, his movements respectful. It wasn't romantic drama —

 it was graceful, elegant, like a senior guiding a junior. But for you, it felt unforgettable.

At the end of the dance, overwhelmed by emotion, you leaned forward and kissed him lightly on the cheek.

The crowd gasped softly, then clapped loudly.

 Aarav smiled, surprised but gentle.

 Aarav: "Thank you, Y/n. I'll remember this."

Your eyes filled with tears. Because you knew — this was goodbye.

 

The Aftermath

After the farewell, you sat quietly in the corner. Your friends teased: "Y/n, you kissed Aarav! OMG!" You smiled faintly, but inside you felt broken. He was leaving. And you couldn't stop it.

Jungkook watched from across the hall. Expression unreadable. He didn't tease, didn't smirk. He just stared, jaw tight, eyes dark. You ignored him, lost in your emotions.

 

Days passed. The new session began. You walked into class, now officially a 12th student. The atmosphere felt heavier — more serious, more competitive.

Your girl group sat together, excited but nervous. Jungkook entered with his boys, looking sharper, more mature. The rivalry was still there, but something had changed. He wasn't just the loud, teasing boy anymore. He looked… determined.

 

During the first period, the teacher announced: "Class 12 will have more responsibilities. You'll lead juniors, prepare for competitions, and set examples."

She looked at you and Jungkook. "You two are already known for your rivalry. Now I expect you to show leadership."

The class laughed. You rolled your eyes. Jungkook smirked.

 

Later, in the corridor, he walked beside you.

 Jungkook: "So, topper… now you're in 12th. Ready to beat me again?" You replied calmly: "I don't need to beat you. I just need to stay ahead."

 He leaned closer, whispering: "Then don't get distracted."

You froze. Your heart raced. You glared at him. But he just smirked and walked away.

 

That night, you sat at your desk, staring at your books. Your mind replayed everything:

The exams.The farewell.The dance with Aarav.The cheek kiss.Jungkook's sharp words.

You whispered to yourself: "12th class has begun. Aarav is gone. And now… it's just me and Jungkook. This rivalry is about to get even more dangerous."

 

The Announcement

One morning, the teacher entered with a smile. "Class 12, we're organizing a school trip to a historical site and a park. It will be both educational and fun."

The class erupted in excitement. Your friends screamed, "Finally, something different!" Jungkook's boys whistled and clapped. You sat quietly, but inside you felt curious.

 

 

On the day of the trip, everyone gathered near the school gate. Bags, snacks, cameras — chaos everywhere.

You sat with your girl group in the bus, laughing and sharing chips. Jungkook sat a few rows behind with his boys, but his eyes kept flicking toward you.

At one point,

 Taesung leaned forward and teased: "Y/n, Jungkook is staring again." You rolled your eyes, ignoring it. But Jungkook smirked, clearly caught.

 

The bus stopped at a grand fort. Teachers guided everyone inside, explaining history. You took notes seriously, while your friends clicked photos.

 Jungkook walked nearby, pretending to listen, but occasionally whispering jokes to his group.

At one point, the teacher asked a question. You answered confidently.

The teacher praised you. Jungkook muttered, "Of course, topper knows everything."

You glared. "Better than acting cool and knowing nothing." The boys laughed, the tension obvious.

 

After the fort, the bus took everyone to a big park. Groups spread out — some played games, some sat under trees, some explored. Your girl group sat on the grass, enjoying snacks. Jungkook's boy group walked over, just like old times.

 

Jungkook: "Mind if we sit here?"

Your friends giggled, "Sure." You stayed silent, sipping water.

Taesung tried to start conversation with you

. Jungkook watched quietly, occasionally joining in.

But you kept your answers short, ignoring him. The silent tension was heavy.

 

Suddenly, dark clouds gathered. Rain started pouring heavily. Everyone screamed and ran for shelter.

 You grabbed your bag and rushed toward the bus. But the ground was slippery. You stumbled slightly.

Before you could fall, Jungkook caught your arm. For a second, your eyes met.

Rain dripping, heart racing. He whispered: "Careful. You'll hurt yourself."

You pulled your arm away quickly. "Thanks. But I can manage."

 You ran ahead, leaving him standing in the rain, smirking faintly.

 

On the bus ride back, everyone was wet, laughing, and tired.

 Your friends teased you: "Y/n, Jungkook saved you!"

You replied coldly: "He just happened to be there."

But inside, you felt unsettled.

 Because even in silence, even in rivalry, he noticed you.

 

That night, you sat at your desk, replaying the rain moment. His hand on your arm. His whisper. Your heart racing.

You whispered to yourself: "This trip was supposed to be fun.

 But why does he always make it complicated?"

Meanwhile, Jungkook sat in his room, scrolling through photos from the trip.

 He stopped at one — you laughing with your friends under the tree. He stared at it for a long time, expression unreadable.

One afternoon, the teacher sent everyone to the library for research.

 

 You chose a corner table, surrounded by books. Your friends sat nearby, whispering softly. Jungkook walked in with his group, but instead of sitting with them, he came to the shelf near you.

He picked a book, glanced at you, then sat two tables away. Not close, not far. You pretended to read, but your eyes flicked toward him. He was reading too, but every few minutes, his gaze shifted — toward you. Neither of you spoke. But the silence felt louder than words.

 

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