sungkyungkwan; the tale part two
Mar. 16th, 2019 06:39 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
yryumi
Sungkyungkwan is situated in the center of the Land. It is a well-known fact in the land of Silla, that for one to be able to be admitted at Sungkyungkwan, one should have a vast knowledge in each aspect in arithmetic, in science, and in literature . One should also have a critical and a rational mind that question and have answers in different kind of situations.
Sungkyungkwan has many different fields to offer to its students. The history of Sungkyungkwan started when the bone-rank system was implemented. The King reigning that time gathered elite nobles from the households the bone-rank system prioritized. The chosen nobles must be eligible and competent enough to any situations thrown upon them for the future of Silla, It was not revealed to the public, but the next King, King Jinheung, was one of the elite nobles. Through the Sungkyungkwan, the King Jinheung was able to open his mind fully and was able to experience leadership and different scenarios that was become helpful when he was officially crowned as the King. And with the help of the elite nobles who soon become his sworn brothers, they were the main core who began the reformation of Silla. And they start it with abolishing the bone-rank system, stripping many people of power and giving it instead to everyone. Unfortunately, King Jinheung's reign was short lived.
When the late King, opened it to the public and held an exam that everyone able can enter. A year before the place was announced to gather scholars, a public library was constructed in the capital. Education should be given to all, not just for a selected few. The aim of Sungkyungkwan is to gather reliable, competent, proficient and patriotic people. The place would house these people and offer them the knowledge that they needed, be it they only focus on one field or many fields.
Each year, on the 13th day of Yangdal, an entrance examination is held throughout the whole land. When the examination ends, only the first five in the rank can be admitted to Sungkyungkwan. After a year, a graduation ceremony is held and the graduates are given the opportunity to stay and teach, to share their knowledge to new students or to go back to their own home and spread their acquired knowledge to the people. This year, Sungkyungkwan will be offering three fields to 6 people: Hwarang, Seonbi, Uisa.
The scholars (Seonbi), the elite warriors (Hwarang), and the Physicians (Uisa)
(and this is how the tale started)
The sun was already way up in the sky when the gates of Sungkyungkwan was opened for the arrival of its new students.
A young man has just stopped in front of the gates, slightly tired with all the walking he had done to be able to arrive earlier in schedule at the capital (and more walking to arrive at his destination). He just drunk the last drop of his water when he reached the capital. He cannot wait to enter the place and settled in, to rest and to hydrate his body. At the same time, a horse carrying two young man on its back is on its way to the gates. They are wearing fine clothes signifying their wealth, a bit exhausted but mostly excitement is covering up their faces.
The tired young man heaved a sigh and was about to straighten his body when he got startled by the sound of a neighing horse and a sudden weight on his back which almost made him fell flat on the dirty ground if not for his fast reflexes. He uprighted himself and the man on his back. He was about to turn to face the person who intrude his personal space but was forcefully turned by the said man instead.
"What did I tell you about being careful, Taehyungie hyung?!"
"I am sorry! Are you alright?! I am sorry!" the one who was called Taehyungie looked worriedly at him. "I did not mean to topple you over. I tripped and the gravity was already pulling me down before I can upright myself. I am very sorry"
He blinked at Taehyungie, feeling himself went blank as he finally registered the beautiful man in front of him. He looked at the clothes. Oh, a noble. "Please forgive my Taehyungie hyung, and please ignore the gravity part." Another young man came up to them, a horse on his side.
He cleared his throat before he tried patting his clothes, for what, he doesn't really know. Maybe for invisible dirt that might have clung to him during his travel. "It is quite alright. Nothing happened to us, we are alright." He winced at his voice, he is really thirsty.
"Here, drink this. You need it more than I." A jug of water was thrust to his hand. He was about to decline but Taehyungie added. "Please, you need it more than I do."
"You should listen to him, hyung. Or he would personally put the jug on your mouth." the other young man, he's pretty sure he is still a kid, cheekily said while he gratefully accepted the jug of water. He hungrily drunk the water given to him as the two people in front of him started bickering.
"I only do that to stubborn people like you, Jungkookie! I have a feeling hyung here is not like you!"
What's with these nobles calling him hyung?
"By the way, hyung! Are you heading inside too?!" Too? "Yes! We were accepted too!" Oh, he said that out loud didn't he? "Yes, I was about to go insi-"
"That's great! Jungkookie, Could you get hyung's things and put it on Tannie's back, please?"
Before he can even blink, Jungkookie took his things and put it on the horse's back (Ah, the horse is Tannie) and he is being ushered inside by Taehyungie.
"Uhm-"
"Oh right! I am Kim Taehyung" Taehyungie (oh it's Taehyung) points at himself then points to the young man beside him, guiding the horse inside who gave him a smile "and he is my younger brother Jungkook. We are from the West" Then Taehyungie (it's Taehyung) bowed low and he instantly followed his gesture "A pleasure to meet you, hyung!" Before he can even open his mouth to introduce himself too, Taehyung took his hand and shook it with a bright smile on his face "Please take care of me, hyung, let's be friends!"
"Uh, Min Yoongi. From the South. A pleasure to meet you too" he mumbled, mind slowly absorbing the young man in front of him who has not let go of his hand just yet. Jungkook just laughed at his situation. "Taehyungie hyung is harmless, Yoongi hyung. Feel free to shake him off"
And as if Taehyung just remembered he is still shaking Yoongi's hand, he let out an "Oh!" and smiled sheepishly before letting go and they started walking again "Let's go inside and let's see if the others already arrived. I cannot wait to see the people I am going to live with for a year! I want to befriend everyone! And I cannot wait for lessons to start! Do you think I can befriend everyone, Yoongi hyung?"
"Of course, you even already said we are friends. If I wasn't able to stop you then no one else can." he easily replied with a shrug. He only heard what he really said when he heard Jungkook's laghter, "Uh" Yoongi hope the younger was not offended. But when he looked at Taehyung, there's a playful spark in his eyes as he whined "Hyung!" He cracked a smile hearing that.
Not all nobles have attitude. But why is it so easy to befriend them?
They were sitting rather closely near the stairs of an open room, talking (no, Taehyung is the only one talking and Yoongi, well Yoongi is captivated, unconsciously captivated. "Hyung, Lily-of-the-Valley is a beautiful flower garden plant but its leaves and flowers can cause irregular heart beat, can upset your digestive system and can even cause mental confusion ), and waiting for Jungkook who left them minutes ago to look for the horse shed so that Tan can rest. When Taehyung was telling Yoongi about Foxglove, a hesitant voice saying Hello entered their bubble. They looked up and saw a young timid looking man standing a few steps away from them. It looks like he is contemplating to introduce himself.
Taehyung took the decision away from him, "Hello! I am Kim Taehyung, from the West and this is Min Yoongi hyung! Oh, and he is from the South!" Taehyung introduced with a beautiful smile plastered on his face. He ignored Yoongi's "I can introduce myself, you know?" "And you are?" he asked with a welcoming smile. Yoongi found himself smiling when he saw Taehyung smile. Someone cleared his throat and Yoongi turned his gaze to the now equally smiling young man "I am Jung Hoseok. I came from the East. A pleasure to meet the both of you." he said with a bow which both him and Taehyung returned. Yoongi did not understand the teasing smile Jung Hoseok is giving him. He was about to ask when Jungkook entered the scene and he saw two people walking towards them too.
"And this is my younger brother, Jungkook!" Taehyung pulled Jungkook beside him as he said, "Kookie, this is Hoseok hyung. Jung Hoseok hyung!" Taehyung continued. Hoseok looked at Yoongi at the familiar use of hyung but Yoongi just shrugged with a little smile on his face. "Hello, Hoseok hyung!" Jungkook greeted him and Hoseok looked back, for a moment Hoseok just blinked at both Taehyung and Jungkook who is smiling at him but then he somehow made a conclusion and he too gave them a bright smile of his own.
The three were still giving each other a bright smile when the two man Yoongi noticed earlier stopped near them. The taller of the two bowed a little before introducing himself "I'm Kim Seokjin and this is Park Jimin. It is a pleasure to meet everyone." He heard Taehyung gasped beside him before the other throw his arms around the man called Seokjin, startling all of them. "Seokjin hyung!" Taehyung happily called. He stifled a laugh at the face Seokjin is giving them.
"I'm Min Yoongi." Yoongi introduced himself, because it looked like Taehyung won't be letting go for a while. "Jeo-ah Kim Jungkook" he heard Jungkook said next then "Jung Hoseok"
The smaller boy, Jimin, was looking at Taehyung warily because Seokjin is giving him the look What should I do? What should I do?! But before he can open his mouth, it was his turn to be embraced by Taehyung who just said "Jiminie!"Jungkook laughed at them "Taehyungie hyung is like a whirlwind, you'll get used to him soon" His name seemed to caught both Jimin's and Seokjin's attention who parroted "Taehyungie?"
Taehyung let go of Jimin just to say "Yes! I am Kim Taehyung! And I have been your patron for a few years now!" and it was Jimin's turn to gasp then"Taetae!" he said with wonder in his voice. Taehyung just giggled and said "Ooh! I missed that name! Kookie hasn't called me that for years!"
"Eh? You know them, hyung?" Jungkook asked, confused while Seokjin started smiling at Taehyung. "So you are Kim Taehyung! It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I am very much grateful with your letters. It helped us a lot. You are going to be a physician too, right? You are knowledgeable on our field. We a-"
"So you are not Professor Taetae?" Jimin cut Seokjin rather rudely. Taehyung seemed to cut Seokjin too when he replied "Huh? I am not a professor. I am only turning twenty this year. Though I was fairly strict with Jungkookie on calling me Teacher Taetae when I was teaching him back then."
Jimin laughed at that as he turned to look at Seokjin "Jin hyung! I told you Taetae and I are going to be friends! And he is my age!"
"Yeah yeah, but please do not forget that we are here too? Like, there are four other people in here beside you two?" Jin grumbled, already walking away to the entrance of the house (that he knew the Professors and the welcoming committee are waiting for them) with both his and Jimin's things on his hands. The others casually following him with Taehyung's laughter on the background.
It surprised the Professors when everyone was completely calm and excitement buzzing around them when they were told about their lessons, their schedules, and their assigned rooms. Taehyung gave Yoongi a sad face when he saw that Yoongi and Jin has both picked the same color. The look tugged at Yoongi's heart and he reassured him with saying "You can visit us anytime" which was seconded by Jin when he saw the younger's pouting face.
On the other hand, Jimin and Hoseok are going to share a room. When it was Taehyung's turn to pick, he picked red and mumbled "but where is the missing one?" No one in the students seemed to understand that sentence while Taehyung continued on looking around which confused his fellow students. They got more confused when Jungkook didn't pick a room and were surprised when the youngest told them he was there for Taehyung (grandfather's order), not for the lessons and "Two people topped the examination but I did not make it. Still, they let me in because I was 6th on the rank they said". Even then, they urged Jungkook to pick a room which made the Professors smile.
When Jungkook picked Jimin's and Hoseok's room and they cheered, Taehyung dramatically gasped while falling to the ground "I have got no one!" The trio laughed at him while Yoongi rolled his eyes and Jin jokingly told him "Be a man! Get up Kim Taehyung!"
The professors seemed so amused at everyone's air of closeness and familiarity since one of them asked, "Are you all friends and decided to take the exam hoping all of you can attend Sungkyungkwan together?"
Before anyone can formulate a reply, Taehyung was up on his feet and with a laugh he answered "Oh no, we just met each other a while ago, professor. But they are going to be my friends!" he ended with a bright smile that the other students mirrored. "Though what you just said sounds nice. It would be nice to have a group of great friends like that. Taking the exam on the same day at the same time even when all of us are kilometers apart. Hoping and praying that all of us can pass to be able to attend the one place that we all have dreamed of. Living together for a year, making memories and sharing and acquiring knowledge in return sounds pleasant. And-oh Professor! This is a jade! Jade is consist of the minerals jadeite or nephrite. A jade is said to symbolize gentleness and nourishment. -"
"Hyung! Hyung!" Jungkook interrupted. Or tried to. But Taehyung didn't hear him. The others are eyeing Taehyung weirdly while the professors just stared at him as if they wanted to interrupt but are holding themselves back. He is used to this side of Taehyung, if it's just him, he'd let him talk but it's not just him and his hyung is not listening to him! Jungkook discreetly looked at his roommates and, yes, they are furrowing their brows completely confused. Jin looked amused but he also looked like he just tuned Taehyung out, he lost him when he talked about fate and destiny. And then there is Yoongi. Jungkook did a double take because Yoongi has a gentle smile on his face and is completely listening to Taehyung's randomness (Taehyung is talking about the stone Amethyst now) "Yoongi hyung!" Jungkook whispered, loud enough for the four people beside him to hear. "Please make him stop. The Professors cannot continue with Taehyungie hyung talking to him and it'll take more time then." he groaned
Yoongi stared at Jungkook amusedly before he softly called for Taehyung, fondness sipping in his voice, surprising all of them. "Tae-ya, Taehyung-ah"
"Hmm?" Taehyung stopped mid-word to look at Yoongi, responding in his call with his own soft voice. As soon as Taehyung saw Yoongi's teasing grin, it clicked in his mind that he let himself babble in front of his professors. He whipped his head back towards his professors who are wearing equally matching grins. "I am sorry!" he started to say but was cut off when one of them laughed out loud, (the one who is wearing a jade necklace and the one he told that he like amethyst more. Goodness, Kim Taehyung)
"No need to be sorry. I am Professor Park. And I am now convinced you are going to get along with the, what did you call him? ah, the missing one, Taehyung." Taehyung heard "I pray that that is the only thing you have in common with him." from the Professor on his right and he was silenced by Professor Park's elbow. "Do not worry about the missing one. He'll be here before the first lesson starts. Would you please accompany them to their rooms, Professor Seojoon?"
"You did that on purpose" Professor Seojoon grumbled but he sweetly smiled at Taehyung and gestured for the others to come near them as he said "Do not call him Professor Park. He is known as Professor Hyungsik here. Nobody calls him Park"
Taehyung stifled a laugh when he heard Professor Park's "Park Seojoon!" and Professor Seojoon's "Park Hyungsik!" the rest of the professors rolled their eyes and one of them herded them out of the room.
"I am Professor Choi. Don't get them wrong, they are good friends. Just a friendly rivalry between them on how many students can they make to call them Professor Park. You see, seems like both of them has the same dream when they were a child. And, well, when they knew about that when they were still studying here, it sort of sparked the friendly banter you had just witnessed. " Professor Choi rolled his eyes and laughed as he said "But since it always confuses the students, they would always call them by their names. Well here is the common room. Who got the blue stick again?" Professor Choi asked as they rounded a corner.
Jin and Yoongi voiced out "Blue stick" and Professor Choi stopped in front of a room and said "Blue room occupants in here. You got the red one, right Taehyung?" Taehyung nodded his head and looked at the trio " Yellow stick! My group!" Prof Choi energetically said, "your room is next door." pointing at the room to the left of Jin's and Yoongi's room. "And for Taehyungie's room, the designated room for red is not here"
"Eh? Why?" Surprisingly, it was Jungkook who asked, worried even. "Professor Choi, Taehyungie hyung is a little bit clum-" before he was able to continue, Taehyung pivoted on his feet in an attempt to silence him but he stumbled and Yoongi who was on his side caught him in reflex. Professor Choi carefully stared at Taehyung as Yoongi softly scolded the younger "Taehyungie, do not keep on falling." And as if being waken up by that statement, Professor Choi looked at Jungkook before muttering "The designated room is perfect for Taehyungie" and in a whisper he added "and the missing one"
Instead of finally resting in their designated rooms after hours of travelling, everyone followed Professor Choi and Taehyung as they walked to the designated room of the red group. The designated room is in a different building from everyone. There are many vacant rooms in the building but the only occupant will be Taehyung and his roommate. The building has a beautiful front view; a flower garden and benches, there is also a pond with lilies in full bloom, they can hear splashes of the fishes, and there is a little bridge for sightseeing.
"Your room is this one, Taehyungie" Professor Choi stopped right at the center of the building where there are no stairs to climb up, right at the room with perfect view.
"Alright, I am not sad my designated room is not close with the others anymore" Tae said with a dazzling smile. "Than-"
"Professor Choi I have a request." Jin interrupted, eyes glinting with plan and backup plans. Seems like Professor Choi knew something like this will happen because he just nod his head, a teasing smile on his lips "Is it possible to change the place of our room? This building has many vacant rooms and it is enough for the six- no seven of us. We will just put two rooms in between for privacy."
"I like that idea!" Jimin cheerfully said, running up to them "we are just going to use rock-paper-scissors and the one who wins can pick which side they want to occupy. Taehyungie and his roommate will stay in the middle of course."
"Oh! I am good in that game! Which side do the both of you want? I am going to win it for the both of you" Hoseok butted in, already talking to his roommates.
"Everyone, do not get ahead of yourselves. Professor Choi did not say he agrees to our request just yet." That seemed to deflate everyone's giddiness. Professor Choi looked at Yoongi then and he asked "Min Yoongi, what would you like? Would I agree or Would I not agree?"
Yoongi looked taken aback with the question "Wha-what is with the sudden question, Professor Choi?"
"It is my duty to be fair to all of the students. In this place, we do not practice majority winning against minority. We practice fairness in here. Discuss with each other, express your mind, share your thoughts, talk until each one of you arrives at the same ground, at the same mindset."
Everyone looked thoughtful about what Professor Choi said. "Fair enough, We are sorry for getting ahead of ourselves, Yoongi" Jin said bowing a little, the others following suit. Yoongi hastily shook his head with a hand up to stop everyone, saying "No, no. It is alright. I am with all of you. I, too, would like our room to be transferred here." Jin still look skeptical so he added "This is quite a beautiful area, it would be unfair for Taehyung to be away from all of us, also, it would be unfair to all of us to not be able to see this view everyday."
"Everyone did great! You all pass the first lesson!" Professor Choi suddenly said, clapping. "I am allowing everyone's request, however, earlier you had said some things like putting two rooms in between for privacy and choosing which side by rock-paper-scissor, those are rules that you set yourselves, follow those rules and everything will be set."
"Uh, but Professor there is still someone" Jin seemed to just remember they are missing someone
"You do not have to worry about him. He had already seen the designated room two days ago and also wished that everyone would be given the opportunity to be able to switch rooms."
"Well then, that's good. It would be unfair to celebrate when there is one who doesn't like it." Jin mumbled before he was pushed to the side by Jimin who hastily grabbed Taehyung's hand. "Park Jimin, I am your hyung!" which was ignored by the said boy only saying "Taetae wait for us here! We'll gonna be back in a minute, for our things, so just-" Jimin did not even finished his sentence because Hoseok and Jungkook just said "Ready, go!" and the three of them are sprinting to the west side of the place. "Kids!" Jin gasped, turning his gaze to Taehyung and Yoongi "Oh Gods! My sister's words came true! I am going to be a single parent of five kids! Oh no no no, six kids! Six!"
Taehyung laughed at his face as he threw an arm on Yoongi's shoulder as he cheekily said "Don't worry Jin hyung! Yoongi hyung is going to take care of me!" Yoongi sputtered and said "And here I thought you are going to say, we both can take care of ourselves!"
Meanwhile Professor Choi went to the far side where he knew the other Professors are standing and observing, far from the new students. An old Professor slightly curse while saying "This is a nightmare. I am seeing a repeat of history in here. This is like, the past and the present are all together in one place!"
"We are not that bad, Professor Sung!" Professor Seojoon said which was seconded by Professor Hyungsik who added "Seojoonie is the only bad one Professor Sung." and before another bickering could happen, Professor Do stepped in between "Stop it. I am certain this batch is worse than us."
"That I agree." Professor Choi said with a smirk "His son is attending this year after all. And the young man he is sharing his room with, let me just say, this will be an interesting year indeed." He ended with a laugh, not really answering the others who asked him "What do you mean? Stop speaking vaguely, Choi!" "You are in for a ride, Do-ow! Jihanie, not my head!" "Serves you right, Choi" "Not you too, Yon Woo! Ugh, the disrespect I get from all of you"
On the north of the capital, where the Palace is situated, a young man is busy pacing in his own room.
"Oh Gods. How can I have thought of attending a school of scholars?! I am-"
“You are stiff”
"Yes, I am stiff"
“You are destructive”
"I am destructive"
“You only call people when you are in need of something and you don’t have any friends aside from me so you do not know how to start a normal conversation. Read: normal conversation, a conversation without you spouting facts out of nowhere. And you are awkward”
"Yes! You are absolutely right!" Kim Namjoon worriedly said then looked at his voice of reason "What was I even thinki- hey! It's you, Kim Jennie!"
"I was just stating facts, dear brother.” He sighed "What are you even doing in my room? And stop eating my food!" His sister only raised a brow at him as she told him “You are going to be late if you won’t start moving. I was just reminding you. Or did you forget that today is your big day?” with wide eyes and open mouth, he looked at her sister “I knew it! Be thankful for big sister Jennie for reminding you, baby brother.”
He narrowed his eyes at the young lady who is picking grapes on his table. Namjoon crossed his arms on his chest as he said, "I am four years older than you, young lady. Now go back to your studies. Or do you want me to tell Lisa that the both of you can’t go to your friends because I am going to pile you with homework more than enough for three days. I am not yet done with you, you know? For putting Sungkyungwan and me in Professor Seojoon's head."
His sister glumly put the rest of the grapes in her hand back to the basket and pouted at him "But Uncle Seojoon and Uncle Hyungsik" he cleared his throat "Professor Seojoon and Professor Hyungsik were already thinking about it! I just made them think it is the best idea they ever come up with." he cracked a smile before he opened his arms, inviting his sister for a hug. She gladly jumped towards his waiting arms.
"Take care of yourself for me, please. Always be attentive, alright? And take care of mother for me too." Namjoon softly told his sister who replied, “I will, do not worry. Have fun, brother. I am certain you are going to have a new set of brothers soon. But do not replace me, alright? I am and will always be your one and only sister.” He laughed at that, "I second that. One Kim Jennie is enough. The world won’t know what hits it if they’re more than one Kim Jennie"
“Why?! Why can’t you be sweet to me sometimes?!”
"I cannot spoil you. That is the only way to prevent a monste-ow!"
Kim Namjoon was able to arrived at Sungkyungkwan without any accidents. Just a minor delay because his dear mother cannot stop reminding him on the things (rules and warnings) that he, by now, has memorized already. "Namjoon, you know that I do not fully trust you going out there and studying at Sungkyungkwan. Why do you have to be so hardheaded?"
"Mother, we have talked about this already. My answer will not change." the uncrowned King answered, Namjoon was ready to say more and argue more when they heard the voice of the Queen's adviser. "Your Majesty, the Professors are here" hearing that, Namjoon let go of a sigh of relief
"Send them in" the Queen replied and the door was opened. Two man entered the throne room, bowing to the two people inside. "Your Majesty, we are here to escort His Majesty to Sungkyungkwan."
"Professor Park, I am doubtful about handling him to Sungkyungkwan" the Queen uttered, looking at the Professor in the eyes. The Professor's eyes softened, sadness brimming before he said "Your Majesty, you know this is the only way for His Majesty to learn more about the Land he is going to rule soon. We cannot keep him here, you and I both know the Palace has changed. Also," Professor Park gave a wistful smile as he said "the late King made us promise to let his son attend Sungkyungkwan like he did, when he is at the right age."
Namjoon looked surprised at that "Father did?" Professor Park Hyungsik answered Namjoon with his own wistful smile, "Yes, he did Your Majesty. The reason for all of this, is for you, Your Majesty. It was not easy for your Father to take his role as the King. But he managed to sit at the throne and was able to bring changes in this Land because he realized, he was never alone." he gave Namjoon a small smile before he turned to the Queen and uttered, "And that is why, you have to let him have this experience, Your Maajesty." The Queen still looked doubtful so he added, "We vowed to protect King Namjoon with our lives, Your Majesty. And do not worry, Professor Seojoon will still be King Namjoon's adviser. He is just going to have more than one adviser in Sungkyungkwan."
The Queen let out a sigh before he gave them an accusing stare "You better not let Choi taint my Namjoon" Both Professors laughed at that as Professor Seojoon replied, "He had not played with people's heart for years, Your Majesty. He has mellowed down. But for your peace of mind, I would personally pass your warning to him. Also I would let Professor Do and Professor Jeong do the honor of punishing Professor Choi if ever."
The Queen seemed to be relax now and so Professor Hyung uttered, "We would like to talk to you more, Namseok, but we really need to keep going right now or else Namjoon would be tardy, and a King is always ahead of everyone, not late and behind everyone."
"Alright, I am done talking to him. Just, please, take care of him."
"With our lives"
When Namjoon was ushered to his room. He was told he is going to share a room with Kim Taehyung. He was also told that Kim Taehyung is interesting. They still have an hour before lessons start so it is understandable that the other students are trying to explore the place. Namjoon saw three of them a while back, before they turn the corner to the building the rooms were situated, but because of his nerves getting in the way, he was not able to walk up to them to introduce himself.
After setting his things to the empty futon to the right of the room, Namjoon was thinking of how to introduce himself simply and normally (or as normal as he can manage.) He went out of the room and was about to sit on a bench near him when he heard laughter. He looked up and saw the three young men he saw earlier at the other side of the pond, completely lost in the atmosphere they have made for themselves. The only time I can introduce myself would be later, Namjoon thought as he started walking onwards (carefully) while trying to remember the direction of the lesson room he was instructed earlier. He heard more laughter before he turned the corner. Dreading the idea of not being able to fit in.
--
Yoongi was lying on the grass, beside him is Taehyung who is talking to Jungkook who is also sprawled on the grass not far from them.
"-Empedocles said that the world is made of four elements namely earth, fire, water, and air. Aristotle accepted the theory of the four elements however he also believed that the sun, the moon, and the planets that are made of a fifth element and are unchanging. Ptolemy stated that the Earth is the center of the univers-"
"Hyung, I am glad." Jungkook interrupted, he is looking at Taehyung softly as he said it. When Taehyung just looked at him questioningly, he elaborated "You are doing alright. I am glad. You were in a bad mood when we left the house last night. I know it was because grandfather could not stop on reminding you that you are the last of the clan. I know you are feeling burdened because of me-"
"Stop. You are not a burden, never have been a burden to me. In fact, it is the opposite, Jungkookie. I have not told you because it did not matter to me anymore. But if telling you would make you understand how you are not a burden, then I will tell you why. I have always felt suffocated being inside the house. Even before we resided at grandfather's, Father and Mother only see me as the person who would continue the clan. I only have books to entertain myself. I was not allowed outside of the lesson room without finishing a book or two. Servants are always waiting outside of my room patiently, even when most of the time I do not call them because they were not allowed to talk to me. Nobody talked to me back then aside from me reading my book aloud for the servants to hear. Jungkookie, no one until we packed up and returned to grandfather's house, until I saw you. I was not told I have a younger brother. That time, grandfather was looking for you, he was looking for the extra boy who is my father's son from a different woman. When I heard that, I was ecstatic because finally someone to play with! I was happy as I looked for you around the house, I brought food to share with you. It did not occur to me though, that our first meeting would be you crying and looking at me with fear in your eyes. It did not bode well on me, that image of you. Right then and there, I made a promise with myself, I am going to work hard and study harder than before for the sake of people like you, like my brother who is treated wrongly by people. You have actually awaken something inside of me back then, the first friend I made and my only brother, I am going to protect you with my life. When you came to me with bruises, I was quick to realize that I am lacking in the area of medicine, I made a new promise to myself then, I promise to always look out for people in need, so I rummaged grandfather's stack of books. I think he thought I was following his footsteps as a physician then. Imagine a 13-year-old wanting to read books about medicine. Grandfather was proud at me that time. And I felt proud of myself too because finally I have done what I was supposed to do. Fate has moved. "
"Hyung, I did not know that" Jungkook mumbled, eyes glistening with un-shed tears
Taehyung furrowed his brows, a frown on his face as he stared straight to the serene pond. "Because I did not think it is necessary to tell you. Forgive hyung for not saying it, Jungkookie."
Jungkook let out a watery laugh, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand "No. it is alright. I am happy that you told me. I am also happy that you have made new friends. Friends that see you as a friend too. Friends that would not use you. Friends that would give back to you what you give to them."
"They are your friends too, Jungkookie. And I do not care about being the last pure noble o our clan. You know it will end with me. I cannot lie to myself and let myself suffer for the sake of the Kim." Jungkook laughed out loud at that. "We have you though. It will not end with me. No matter what they say you are the last Kim." Jungkook's laugh turned to a shy smile after hearing that. "And I am grateful you came here with me. You really should accept the Professor's offer of Hwarang . You perfectly fit on being a Hwarang!"
"You know the rules, hyung. I am already thankful they let me in."
"If two people on the first list was counted as 'one', did it not cross your mind that the reason why they accepted you is because you are also counted as the fifth on the list?" Taehyung continued, only remembering that Yoongi is right there beside him and is already sleeping when he looked down at his righ side. He leaned back on his right hand as he let his left hand softly run on Yoongi's soft hair. He is fully facing Yoongi with his back on Jungkook when he added in a soft voice, a smile can be heard on his voice "Did I ever tell you I was proud of you when you stand straight and never waver in front of grandfather and father? You are a scarred young boy. But you managed to face them head on. I am always praying for you to heal. One day, it will happen. And I would be the happiest then."
Taehyung did not see Jungkook was staring at the both of him and Yoongi strangely. He didn't see their was a soft smile on the younger's face, but he knew, he can hear it in Jungkook's voice, the younger was watching him with a soft smile as he softly asked him, "Taehyungie hyung? Is Yoongi hyung special?"
Taehyung's fingers stilled for a second before he withdrew his hand and diverted the topic to something he has an answer of. "Is it not yet almost time for the first lesson?" he asked instead. Jungkook let the diversion though by answering him as he stand and stretched, "I think so. You should wake Yoongi hyung up now, hyung."
Taehyung patted Yoongi's shoulder and shook him gently till the older opened his eyes and stared right through his own. "Lesson, now, hyung" he stuttered, hastily standing up on his own feet before offering his hand to Yoongi to help him up (which the older accepted gratefully)
And as they started walking to the direction of the lessonroom, Taehyung seemed to remember he was telling them about Astronomy earlier and started talking about it as if he only stopped the topic about a minute ago, not half an hour ago.
Unbeknownst to Taehyung and Jungkook, Yoongi heard everything they had talked about, for he was only resting his body, he was not sleeping.
"Where were you? We got bored waiting for the three of you!" Jimin whined at them as soon as they entered the lesson room. There were seven tables in the room. Jimin, Hoseok and Jin are sitting on the first row with three tables. Taehyung, and Yoongi both sat on the two middle seats while Jungkook was hovering at the table near Yoongi's.
"Kookie?" Taehyung asked Jungkook, confusedly. The younger muttered an "I'll be back" before he went out of the room. He stood near the door for a while, contemplating when a voice surprised him. "Why are you here?" Professor Seojoon curiously asked. He squeaked and tried to reply but the Professor was already opening his mouth, "Why are you not inside?"
"But-I am not-" Jungkook stopped his rambling when he saw a new face. The Professor was with someone, Ah, the other student who is going to share a room with Taehyung hyung , the stranger bowed at him, wearing an awkward smile as Professor Seojoon left them outside to greet the people inside. "Hello, I am Jungkook." Jungkook mumbled rather shyly. Without his Taehyung hyung, he is just really a shy kid.
"And I am Namjoon. Would you-would you like to go inside?" Namjoon replied, rather shyly too.
"Oh-oh you can go inside. I will be here for a while." Namjoon gave him a confuse stare before he nodded his head. He timidly smile at Namjoon till the other entered the room. Jungkook is nervous. He didn't know what to do in an actual situation with many students and a Professor. I only have experienced under one Teacher, only Teacher Taetae!
When Namjoon entered the lessonroom, everyone turned their heads on him. Professor Seojoon gave him a comforting smile, his face clearly saying go one, make friends while the other students are watching him curiously. He sat on the chair at the end near the open sliding door. Namjoon was being careful. He cannot embarrass himself just yet. He haven't even introduced himself properly yet. He sat straight on his place as he tried to gather his courage to speak to the one sitting beside him.
He was glad the decision was stolen from him though.
"Hello! I am Kim Taehyung and we are going to share a room together! Do you have an extra silk paper? Jungkook might have forgotten his that is why he went out. Do any of you have an extra one for Kookie?" Taehyung added, addressing everyone now because it seems the newcomer is still processing his words. Speaking of Jungkook, Professor Seojoon cleared his throat and told them Jungkook is outside the door and I'll just get him he was pointedly looking at Namjoon though which did the trick and Namjoon was able to sputter a reply.
"Kim Namjoon. It is a pleasure to meet you. May we all share great memories here in Sungkyungkwan. And I have an extra, you can have one, of course. And I hope we won't be awkward around each other-Have you heard about Ptolemy? And Galileo's book The Sidereus Nuncius? Ptolemy believed the earth is the center of the universe and that the sun and the other planets orbit the eart-" Namjoon immediately clamped his mouth shut when he noticed everyone was looking at him weirdly. That's a new record, Kim Namjoon.
But instead of dismissing him, like how his sister always do to him, Kim Taehyung laughed at him and continued his train of thought, surprising him. He really caanot help the hopeful smile that he gave Taehyung when he called him, "Hyung! Namjoon hyung! They are Jin hyung, Jiminie, Hoseok hyung, and Yoongi hyung! Also Jungkookie is outside."
"A pleasure to meet all of you" Namjoon mumbled shyly, eyes darting from one person to the next. "Great, you talk things I do not understand like how the person next to you talks." the man he remembered as Jin told him, voice laced with amusement and there is a welcoming smile on his face. Hoseok and Jimin also have welcoming smile on their face while the man named Yoongi who is sitting on the other side of Taehyung only nod his head to him, there's a hint of a smile on his face though and it is enough for Namjoon to feel welcomed by everyone.
"Do not worry about Yoongi hyung. He is like that normally." Taehyung whispered beside him but loud enough that the said man heard him. Yoongi rolled his eyes before raising a brow at Taehyung, a teasing smile on his lips "We have only met for approximately three hours and you are already badmouthing me?
Taehyung giggled but he stood up on his feet, arms open in a gesture of wanting to hug Yoongi, in order to appease him. After he stood up though, two things happened.
One, Taehyung only managed a step before he fell flat on his face, dragging with him his table , which is now lying sideways, and his supplies scattered on the floor. Everyone looked alarmed, even Yoongi's teasing face has been replaced by worry.
And two, As soon as they heard the noise, Jungkook and Professor Seojoon entered the room in a fast speed. Jungkook was fast to help Taehyung while Seojoon let out a sigh of relief when he saw Namjoon perfectly fine. His concern was directed to Taehyung then when Jungkook helped the other. But as he listened to the conversation, he whipped his head towards Namjoon. He looked in horror as the young man stared at Taehyung, looking amazed.
Jungkook looked disapprovingly at Taehyung, who is sheepishly smiling at him, as he scolded him, "Taehyunghie hyung, how many times do I have to tell you to be careful? You are going to have a bruise in your forehead now. And" he stopped frowning and grinned instead as he looked down on his garments full of ink "dirty clothes. A few hours in your new environment and you are already comfortable here, I see. Now I am certain it is not a good idea for you to go alone in the library later. I fear for the situation you are going to leave the library and yourself."
"Jungkook-ah, stop embarrassing me to my new friends!" Taehyung whined, face getting red. Everyone laughed, relieved that Taehyung is alright except Namjoon and Seojoon. The Professor looked at Namjoon warily as the young man patted Taehyung's shoulder in a calming manner and said, "Taehyung-ah, I can go with you to the library. But I might add to the disaster."
"Oh Gods, this is what Minho was talking about" the Professor mumbled as he watched Taehyung beamed at Namjoon. "Oh no, I suggest two people accompany them" Jungkook hurriedly addressed the other four and Seojoon felt himself agreed with that statement wholeheartedly. "Looks like with great knowledge, comes with great clumsiness. They cannot function properly." Namjoon and Taehyung looked affronted as Namjoon argued, "Hey, I resent that!" and Taehyung continued with, "and I second that even if it's true!"
"They couldn't be that bad!" Hoseok added with a laugh
If only you knew, Namjoon. if only you knew. Seojoon somberly thought and told the class, "Alright, move to your seats now. And that includes you, Jungkook. I will not start if you would not listen to me." Professor Seojoon threatened the young man who was ready to bolt out of the door. He waited for Jungkook to sit beside Min Yoongi before he started his lesson. "Arithmetic is a branch of mathematics that consists of the study of numbers, especially the properties of the traditional operations on them."
"That was tiring. My brain is fired. I need food to replenish my energy and my brain. Who wants to go with me to the common room?" Jin asked them as soon as they exited the lesson room. He heard many mumbles of tired "I will go with you, hyung" and a couple of excited, "I'll go!" Jin sighed, "Why are you still full of energy?" he asked loudly, looking at his shoulder to address both Namjoon and Taehyung, who are at the end of the line (he just noticed he was leading everyone), and who are still buzzing with excitement.
His question was not answered but Jungkook who is behind him, piped in with "this is not how it usually ends when Taehyung hyung was teaching me. I guess it is because there are both of them?"
Yoongi who is beside Jungkook asked the younger wryly, "Did you end up thinking that you now know the secret of the universe?"
"Everyday" Jungkook somberly answered him "And when I thought I knew everything already, tomorrow becomes today and today means a new set of learning to comprehend. From then on, for me it is always "'tomorrow' holds different set of knowledge than 'today'"
"I do not know about all of you but I love Namjoon and Taehyungie's interruptions!" Hoseok, who is behind Jungkook, butted in with a big smile on his face.
Jimin, who is beside Jin, looked at Hoseok tiredly as he told him "We noticed. You always lit up when the both of them share things that are not related to what the Professor said."
Hoseok laughed at that statement, "Learning is fun!" he gleefully said as they entered the common room. Namjoon heard him say that and he asked Hoseok if he would like to go with them to the library. He readily agreed. "Of course!"
"Who else would like to come with us?" Taehyung asked, looking at everyone, finally noticing the weary looks. "Oh Kookie, you look tired." Jimin Jin, and Yoongi sighed at that. "Everyone look tired. I guess it's just the three of us for now." Taehyung added, worriedly looking at them as he stand between Yoongi and Jungkook, who are already sitting and leaning on the table. Both Jin and Jimin, who are in front of them, are also in the same position.
"I am sorry, hyung" Jungkook mumbled. He felt Taehyung's fingers caressing his hair. He looked to his side and saw he is also doing the same with Yoongi's hair. Then he remembered something, making him sit straight on his chair, "Let me just eat and I will go with you."
"And I. Let us eat first then we will accompany you." Yoongi said feeling his eyes involuntary close at Taehyung's calming massage on his scalp. Taehyung dismissed them though, saying "No need, you both need rest. I think all of you are still in the process of adapting to our new environment. And the intense lesson we just had earlier might have surprised all of you and it slowed down the adapting process you all are going through right now."
"Intense lesson" Jimin mumbled "and I thank the Gods the Professors know how to steer the topic back to the lesson." Jin also mumbled "And are kind enough to explain some things that confused us."
Jimin lifts his head as he looked at Jin and said, "You mean, most things, hyung. Gods, why did I enter Sungkyungkwan again? I should be studying medicine! And only medicine!"
Taehyung let out a giggle as he comforted Jimin with "It is only for two months, Jiminie, after that we are all going to focus on our respective fields."
Jimin lights up as he addressed Taaehyung "You are going to be a physician, right?! You are very knowledgeable on the field of medicine!"
"No, he is going to be a scholar" Jungkook was the one one who answered Jimin with finality in his voice. Jimin deflated hearing that So taehyung said, "But I am going to help!" Jungkook sharply looked at Taehyung and the older hastily added "On the side! I will help on instructing!"
"Who is really the youngest between the both of you?" Yoongi, who was observing the exchanged, asked amusedly. Jungkook then defended himself with "I am just worried! There was this one time -" Taehyung covered Jungkook's mouth as he sweetly smiled at Yoongi. "Nothing to talk about, hyung. And you" Taehyung looked Jungkook in the eyes, showing the younger his glinting eyes "need to eat because this is just your first day. Make me proud, Kim Jungkook." he ended as he let go of the younger and straightened.
"Taehyung-ah, let's go. Hoseok has already eaten" Namjoon called Taehyung over. Taehyung bid Yoongi, Jungkook, Jimin, and Jin goodbye.
"You are scary sometimes, hyung." he mumbled staring at Taehyung, as he, Namjoon and Hoseok left the common room.
Yoongi laughed when he heard that and asked with a bewildered look, "Taehyung? Taehyung is scary?"
Jungkook frowned "He is! There are times when he would talk to me about things in a vague way and he has this look in his eyes which left the impression that he knows what is going on but will not address it. Those times I actually believe him when he says, because it is in my blood, that he is a magus. But then normal-Taehyung-things would happen and the idea of a magus would be far fetched."
"Magus? Really?" It was Jimin's turn to look at him, bewildered
"That was years ago, alright?! And he used it as an excuse for me to listen to him, properly. I cannot sit still on his lessons back then so he told me about magic and that he knows everything and can do anything because it is in his blood. And if I won't sit still, he would glue me to the floor! Years later, I discovered he was lying and that he was reading books about magic because it was interesting, he said."
"You fell on his cunning skills." Jin said, laughing. Jimin and Yoongi following suit. There are now food on their table as Jungkook added "But sometimes when bad things happen and he is still calm and collected. He would look at me in the eyes and would say things like it had to happen first. everything cannot flow to their right places without it happening first. Then he would laugh at my expression afterwards. "
"Thanks for the heads up, Jungkook-ah. Now we know what to do when Taehyungie starts saying vague things." Yoongi said making all of them laugh. They started eating then, replenishing their energy for they still have one more lesson to go and this lesson needs physical energy to be able for them to perform.
In the library, Hoseok has now regretted his decision on coming with them. And he should have agreed when Jungkook and Yoongi offered to go with them. WHY? Why me?
When Hoseok entered Sungkyungkwan, he has not yet made a decision on what field he would take. He does not have any experience in medicine so being a physician is out (he also could not stomach the idea of treating wounded and blooded people. Blood makes him panic). When he was able to talk to Yoongi earlier, he figured the older wants to be a Hwarang. He toyed with the idea of being a Hwarang too but seeing Namjoon and Taehyung makes him think that being a scholar is what he wants. He loves learning new things. Philosophy is also a favorite of him. So he thought, a scholar then.
But now, in the situation he is in, he thought to himself If it's possible to be both, I would like to be both because I need the skills a Hwarang have to be able to stand beside this two. Hoseok sighed a thank you father as he stood on the center of the library, alert and attentive. He will be forever grateful with his father now for forcing him on joining their (his father and brothers) daily routine. This skill of his will be useful later since it is part of their lesson: sword, archery, and combat skills.
Taehyung has already scared him only a few minutes after they entered the library when the younger tripped on his feet as he was walking to the direction of the table located in the center of the library. Namjoon did not even look concerned while Hoseok sprinted to the table to move it before Taehyung can hurt himself. Namjoon only laughed at Taehyung as he passed by the younger who is standing up saying, "Be careful, Tehyung-ah"
And when he thought he was free to walk around, Namjoon happily called for him. He was holding a book which he was waving above his head, "Hoseok-ah! You will like this one!" But with the way he was waving his hand, it hit the bookshelf and he dropped the book he was holding, hitting him on the head, hard. Hoseok hastily went over him, concern lacing his voice as he asked with his hands hovering above Namjoon's head "Namjoon-ah, are you alright?!"
The man being questioned only laughed as he said "I am alright, I am alright. Nothing to worry about." Then he looked over Hoseok's shoulder to find Taehyung peeking at them. "I am alright, Hoseok just overreacted." Hoseok stared at Namjoon in shock at that while Namjoon just continued talking to Taehyung, sidestepping him and leaving him behind "Did you find something interesting?"
"Everything is interesting!" Taehyung beamed, he already has a pile of books on his hands. Hoseok stared at them for a second before he sprinted towards them when his senses started tingling. He was late to catch Taehyung who tripped on a chair, the books he was holding got scattered around him in an awful thud thud thud. Still, Hoseok pushed the chair aside to help the younger up. He was in the process of helping Taehyung when Namjoon (who was reading the book that abused his head) tripped on the chair he pushed aside. And Hoseok wached in slow motion as Namjoon's shoulder hit a shelf making it wobble. He felt himself sprang to the shelf, holding it on the other side. A few books dropped to the ground, but a little sacrifice than the whole shelf hitting the ground.
"That was close" He heard Namjoon sigh in relief at the same time as Taehyung started picking the books. And Hoseok, with the adrenaline leaving his body, feels like the daily training with his father is nothing compared to this, compared to the unpredictable Kim Namjoon and Kim Taehyung. Hoseok tiredly leaned his body to the shelf as he addressed the two people he is with, "Are you brothers that were separated by evil mother-in-law and have a sickly father that was easily manipulated and that you are both Princes and the Kingdom is in danger?"
Namjoon looked at Hoseok, then blinked and look down at the book he was holding "So I was right when I told you, you will like this. Here, a book of fiction." Namjoon said, giving the book to Hoseok who took it wordlessly.
Taehyung who is now at the table, sitting on a chair and already has a book opened in front of him, gave Hoseok a long look before telling him, "No we are not related by blood, not in this lifetime anyway." Namjoon laughed as he heard that and he sat in front of Taehyung as he also said "maybe in our next life we are going to be brothers in blood."
After that conversation, the two seemed to focus their energy to the books in front of them. And Hoseok relaxed for a little. He then put the books back to where they belong. Hoping they won't be disturbed again. Poor poor books. I am sorry they didn't mean it
Hoseok was finally able to read a book and was able to share his thoughts with Namjoon and Taehyung without any disruptions and accidents. They had a peaceful time, he even forgot the set of clumsy episodes of the two. And he even thought, it's not so bad. they are good for practice, before he was reminded again that yes, they are unpredictable and no, they are bad he did not sign up for this he is having a tic already. That yes, his reflexes are getting better and no, he will not accompany the both of them alone next time, he needs a partner. Gods
There were more tripping and books being dropped before they decided it is almost time for the next lesson.
By then, Hoseok just want to lie down and relax, not be jittery and on high alert. He still walked in front of the two though, just in case and kicked the rock lying innocently on the way (the rock might look innocent but it might cause Namjoon or Taehyung some harm, so kicked!) "You think we are going back to the library tomorrow?" Hoseok asked the two who looked very much at ease compared to him who couldn't wait to relax and just tune out his senses which the two clumsy people heightened just for a short period of time.
"Yes! I still want to finish the astronomy book I was reading and the science book that Namjoon hyung recommended. I want to hear more about the literature you were reading Hoseok hyung and about the policies and politics from you too, Namjoon hyung." Taehyung rambled. He received a tired affirmation from Hoseok and an enthusiastic one from Namjoon.
They walked more, talked a bit more (Hoseok was not listening, he is too focus on arriving at their destination to listen properly to the discussion behind him) before they reached the common room. Hoseok felt like his savior just arrived as he entered the common room and saw the others inside, still on the table they left them. He collapsed dramatically on the vacant seat next to Jimin while the two people he was with took the seat on the next table.
"What's wrong, Hoseok-ah?" Hoseok heard Jin's worried voice. He can feel the others were looking at him even without opening his eyes, he can also hear the ongoing discussion on the next table but he just inhaled slowly and exhaled loudly. "Ah, this is what I need"
"What happened?" Jungkook's voice was laced with curiosity and Hoseok's relaxation was broken when he remembered. He gave Jungkook a pained glare as he exclaimed "You did not tell me they were that bad!"
His exclamation caught the attention of everyone in the common room. Namjoon and Taehyung abruptly stopped their discussion as they looked at Hoseok. Jungkook was looking at Hoseok, amused. And Jin, Jimin, and Yoongi looked interested on what he is going to share.
"I am only exposed to Taehyungie hyung's bouts of clumsiness, Hoseok hyung." Jungkook told Hoseok who looked resigned and fell back on his chair.
"Do not worry, the llibrary is fully intact" Namjoon helpfully told them (or he thought he was being helpful) but it only made Hoseok let out a strangled noise before he is glaring at Namjoon. "Kim Namjoon!"
The said man looked alarmed, he was trying to recall the things he did that might have made his fellow student angry with him. "What? What did I do!?" In front of Namjoon, Taehyung was giggling and his giggles caught Hoseok's attention and glare making him clamped his mouth shut. Taehyung looked at Hoseok with wide eyes as he defended himself from the older's glare "I only tripped once!" Hoseok narrowed his eyes at that "Alright, thrice! But Namjoon hyung was the one who tripped on a chair and made the shelf wobble!"
It was Namjoon's turn to defend himself, saying, "Why was that chair even there? There shouldn't be obstructions on a pathway!" Unconsciously, Taehyung nodded his head and Hoseok told him "As if you needed an obstruction for you to trip."
"Oops. Sorry?"
The others are looking at the three of them back and forth. He can see Jin and Jimin looking at them with bewilderment, Yoongi looked like he was contemplating about something but there is a fond look on his face too, and Jungkook was looking at him with sympathy. Hoseok leaned his head on his hand and started talking or whined. "First, always look on where you are going, do not just immerse yourself on what you are reading, and yes I am talking to you Kim Namjoon. Or talk to each other as if you are walking on a wide and vast field, and not in a library with narrow pathways, with many shelves, and lots of books! I repeat lots of books that can rain on you when disturbed rather rudely. Second," he can't help but narrow his eyes again as he looked back at the two "Kim Taehyung" the mentioned young man sat straight on his seat "you kept on tripping on your own two feet. Worry about yourself first before worrying about others. Watch where you walk, alright? Which brings me to the third," he wearily looked at the others, but was looking pointedly at Yoongi "I need another companion for tomorrow. I cannot handle the both of them alone."
"You do not hate it" it was a question that sounded like a statement. But Hoseok understood what Jungkook was asking, was trying to tell him about so he answered truthfully with a grin on his face, "Cannot hate them, and cannot hate it, really. They are good practice for my reflexes, I tell you. They are unpredictable and that is more effective than my father's daily practice routine."
Jungkook smiled gratefully at Hoseok and Yoongi expresses "I cannot wait to test your reflexes later."
On the other table, they heard a thump and Namjoon's muffled groan. Namjoon was supposed to lean on the table with his hand supporting him but his elbow missed and it hit the end of the table instead. "Do not hurt yourself, Namjoon-ah" Hoseok dryly said. Namjoon was looking at them dejectedly and Taehyung patted him on the shoulder as he said, "You and me against the world, hyung. You and me."
Everyone laughed hearing that. Hoseok teased Namjoon more before Jin looked at Namjoon and said "Namjoon-ah, I think you mentioned about seeing a physician do his work up close , did you not? Because Jimin and I are going to the room the Professors set for us. You can come-" Namjoon and Taehyung beamed at the open invitation making Jin roll his eyes and Jimin laughed gleefully as he told them, "yes, you too Taehyung. But you can only watch, alright?"
"Alright! That is what I always do with Kookie, anyway! I only instruct and observe. Kookie does not trust me near the fire or any sharp tools."
"I do not trust the fire, hyung, but I trust you." Jungkook humorously replied
Jimin laughed as he stood and bounced towards Taehyung, holding his arm and already pulling him up, saying "Let's go Taetae! Jin hyung can supervise Namjoon hyung and I can supervise you! Or you supervise me since you are more knowledgeable and Jinnie-hyung's instructions are sometimes hard to understand."
"What did you say Park Jimin?" Jin playfully argued.
They heard Jimin's reply of "But it is the truth!"before the group of four was gone.
As soon as they were gone, silence loomed around the three on the table. Hoseok has his eyes closed as he leaned on his crossed arms on the table, Yoongi has his face on his hand, fingers covering his mouth, and Jungkook was leaning back, staring at the ceiling.
It was a comfortable silence, but Jungkook broke it by saying, "I am sorry Hoseok hyung."
The sudden apology made Hoseok lift his head, with a confused expression, he asked "Whatever for?"
Jungkook struggled with his words for a while before he said, "I have seen that kind of reaction, you know? Your first reaction , I mean, I have seen it countless of times already. I have seen it from the people who met Taehyungie hyung for the first time, and, well, it is also like a test for them? If they could not handle Taehyungie hyung like that, then they couldn't be hyung's friend. Because most people who have met him wants to befriend him but every time they see his disastrous yet cute side, they would be eager to just leave him alone. And Taehyungie hyung has a big heart, you see. He knows, but he would not call them out when those people only approach him when they want something. He is eager to help others even when it is not fair at all."
"Assholes" Yoongi angrily said and Hoseok has a frown on his face as he also said, "Taehyungie is too kind. I'm glad he has you to look out for him, Jungkook.... Wait, were you testing me?"
"Wha-no!" Jungkook hurriedly deny, "I just-I have completely forgotten about it? About the fact that all of us just met hours ago and that we haven't yet had an open talk, you know, to give the others a background of yourself. But the atmosphere around all of us already felt like we have been friends for days instead. And because of that, I forgot that little problem of Taehyungie hyung."
"I know what you feel. I cannot even comprehend why it was so easy when I cannot even make friends back at home.. and this, this talking we are doing right now. The talking we have been doing since we all met, I didn't thought it could be that easy." Yoongi affirmed. Hoseok nodded too and said "I too do not have people I can call real friends. I can be friendly but I pick my friends so nobody really stays and it has always been alright for me. But this, all of you, I want to treasure."
They all look thoughtful for a while before Jungkook interrupted again, "Maybe it is too early to say this, but, we are all destined to meet at one point in our lives. If we didn't meet here, then later. Because, I couldn't even imagine having another Taehyungie hyung but then Namjoon hyung is here!
Hoseok chuckled as he said, "I tell you, he is worse than Taehyungie!"
"I haven't yet seen Namjoon hyung's clumsy accidents. In fact, I wouldn't even know if he did not look at Taehyungie hyung like he has just made his very first friend." Jungkook said laughing. And when he was finished laughing, he softly told them, "I am protective of my hyung but it still looked like i was testing you, it was not on purpose though."
"Hm? You tested me too?" Yoongi questioned, curious.
"As I said, it was not on purpose, hyung!" Jungkook whined, Yoongi and Hoseok laughed at him. "Maybe it is because you are the first person he saw or maybe because you are the first person aside from me who honestly talk back to him and even teased him back minutes after the both of you met for the first time. Maybe because of those things, hyung, you unknowingly passed a test. And you even let him talk, hyung."
"Wha- what is wrong with letting him talk?" Yoongi mumbled, confused
"Exactly, hyung! That is why I approve of you. And Taehyungie hyung seemed to like you too!"
"I-well, he is easy to get along with." he mumbled shyly making Hoseok and Jungkook laugh.
"So how was it, Namjoon-ah?"
"It is fascinating, Jin hyung! It looked easy. No, you make it look easy!" Namjoon babbled, a smile on his face as he observed each bowl that contains basic medicines for fever, coughs, and colds. Jin said everything is for them, in case one of them get sick. It is better to have medicines ready.
"I am glad you enjoyed our session. Unlike someone who got bored as soon as I told him what we are preparing. And need I remind you that tables are not for sitting?"
Taehyung laughed at Jin's nagging, beside him is Jimin who is sitting on the table. Jimin replied airily, "But hyung, you can make those medicines on your own!"
"With a helping hand, the task would be done sooner."
"Jin-hyung is right, Jiminnie. Next time you should help. I want to see you working too." Taehyung calmly said, persuading Jimin who seemed to think about what he just said. "Okay, Taetae. But, I am still far from Jin hyung so I make mistakes when we work with complicated medicine."
"You do not have to worry, Jiminie. I will be by your side to lead you until you can do it on your own." Taehyung earnestly said and it touched Jimin's heart
"Thank you, Taehyungie. That means a lot from a friend."
"And if I am not around, you can trust Jungkookie. He knows many things because he has a sharp memory."
"I have a sharp memory too" Namjoon casually butts in and Taehyung looked at him mischievously "Namjoon-hyung wants to help too? Jin hyung can use you! He needs a helping hand!"
"Wha-but I-I was not-That was not"
"Thank you, Namjoon. I accept your help" Jin said, stopping Namjoon's broken words. And it made the two youngest laughed. They were all having a laughing fit when there was a series of knock at the opened door. There, Hoseok is standing, "It is almost time for the next lesson. Professor Choi asked me to get all of you."
"I like physical training!" Taehyung said, clapping his hands. When he was met with skeptical looks, he added "I am good with swords and bows. When I do not trip, I mean."
Hoseok let out a laugh as he ushered them out. "Yoongi is waiting for you, Tae. Says Jungkook won't join the lesson if you're not around." Taehyung gave a dazzling smile as he answered "Jungkookie is loyal." and in a small voice, he added "when not pressured and his weaknesses being played at"
As soon as they entered an open field, they heard Jungkook's laughter. And when Jungkook saw them, he called for Taehyung, remnants of laughter still present in his voice, "Taehyungie hyung! Sword or bow? I told Yoongi hyung you can do both but he did not believe me."
Taehyung gasped as he walked toward the older and turned Yoongi around to face him. With hands both on Yoongi's shoulder he theatrically said "How could you not believe Jungkookie, hyung? He always lose to me in this game!" Yoongi struggled to get away because Taehyung is shaking him now. The younger was giggling at them as Taehyung continued with his drama "If I bested you in archery, you are going to let me be your student! And Jungkookie is your second student."
At last, Yoongi was able to escape from Taehyung but he was baffled when he heard that, "What re you talking about?"
"Because hyung seems to be capable. And you have this aura of leadership around you. You are a strong person who is always ready to protect your most important people. And that is why, I would like to be your student!" There was a glint in Taehyung's eyes as he asked Yoongi. The older got flustered upon hearing Taehyung praising him. They just continued look at each other's eyes. Both of them even ignored Hoseok's "I can teach you, too, Taehyungie!" as they maintained the eye contact. Another minute has passed before Yoongi sighed and said, "You win"
"Eh? There was a battle? But they were just flirting with each other!" Professor Choi's teasing surprised everyone. They completely forgot they have a Professor with them, too immersed on the exchanged between Taehyung and Yoongi. Professor Choi looked triumphant as he stared at Taehyung and Yoongi. Namjoon is used to his Uncle Choi being like this but not the others. Seeing Taehyung's flustered face, Namjoon was quick to ask "Isn't that Professor Do?"
The said Professor was indeed around, but he was not monitoring Professor Choi. Still, calling out the said Professor gave him an expectant result. Professor Choi straightened up as he started telling them each part of a sword and bow and gave them a demonstration on how to properly use the weapons.
When they started the practice, Hoseok was paired with Jungkook and the pair started sparring before the defeated would be replaced by another. This continued until it was the last pair. Once Yoongi defeated Hoseok, he defeated the others easily too.
"And now, for the grand finale" Professor Choi announced, laughing at his own joke. He was ignored by his students though. The others are intrigued. They know Yoongi is good but they did not know yet Taehyung's skills. They know though, Taehyung has one disadvantage.
"Begin!"
They started circling each other. Then Yoongi attacked but Taehyung was fast to defend. Then it was Taehyung's turn to attack an Yoongi to defend. The others watch in amazement as the sparring continued for minutes. It amazed them how Taehyung's serious and full of concentration face looked different from the usual happy and pure face of the younger. They almost did not even recognize him.
Hoseok can compare Taehyung's look with his father when he is being an actual soldier who leads a troop, not a father teaching his sons. Jungkook always like this look of Taehyung. This look always keep people second guessing on befriending Taehyung, his so-called friends would even steer away from him when he is sporting that look. A cold-blooded man.
The sparring continued for a long time before Professor Choi ended the match in a draw. And they watched in amazement as the cold look Taehyung was sporting morphed into the pure and innocent Taehyung they have come to know and like. Even Yoongi let out a laugh when he saw Taehyung grinning at him.
Their Professor stood in front of them as he told them his evaluation, "The both of you are good. Taehyung, I like how you become close-off right when you held the sword. You know how to conceal your emotions really well. Doing that, the enemy won't be able to predict your next move. And it gives you an air of confidence, making your enemy second guessing his moves. And Yoongi, you are quick to think on what your next move is. There are many times when Taehyung almost hit you but you are quick to counterattack each of his moves. You need more practice on not letting the enemy see your next move. Alright, gather around everyone!" Professor Choi waited for everyone to shuffle near them before he continued, "Tomorrow, I am going to introduce archery to you. And with this lesson now ending, you have successfully managed to end your first day. Once again, welcome to Sungkyungkwan." Professor Choi bid them goodbye as they waved him goodbye too.
Hoseok was fast to congratulate Taehyung on a job well done, the others following suit. Yoongi even praised him too. "Thanks, You are not bad yourself, Yoongi hyung. And everyone can manage to best us. Just focus."
Jungkook looked proud of his hyung and was buzzing in amazement when he asked, "How do you really do it, hyung? I know sometimes that when you wear a blank face, I can still see your emotions in your eyes. But when you are holding a weapon, you were always able to conceal everything. You always tell me that the eyes are the window of the soul but when you are in that trance, void with emotions, you-"
"look dead? Not me at all?" Taehyung asked, there's a glint in his eyes that Jungkook is familiar with. He narrowed his eyes at Taehyung as Taehyung continued "That's good then. I have perfected it."
"What? Why is looking dead good?" Jimin asked, confused, alternating between Jungkook and Taehyung. The others just stand still and listen, they have figured this is just a normal conversation between the brothers.
"Because, you won't get surprised anymore on seeing my face, if one day you would found me dead." Taehyung casually said, eyes trained on Jungkook.
"Hyung!" Jungkook looked horrified and he heard Jimin and Jin gasped, he knows the others were frowning, but Jungkook was focused on the familiar glint. "Hyung! You are doing it again! You know I am familiar with that glint in your eyes! And don't laugh!" he whined. Taehyung smirked at Jungkook and opened his mouth to say something but was cut off by Yoongi.
"Taehyung-ah, do not talk like that" Yoongi interrupted, he was staring at Taehyung disapprovingly, eyes hard and lips pulled in a frown.
Taehyung blinked after hearing Yoongi talk and he seemed to remember there are people around him, who are all frowning at him. Oops. He let out a soft "Oh" before he pulled Yoongi in a tight hug "I am sorry, Yoongi hyung! I am now your student so I am going to listen to you!" he added, looking at Yoongi with a grin. Yoongi doesn't look convinced though for he was still frowning at him so he used his secret weapon (which always work with Jungkook). He cupped Yoongi's face gently (because he is not Jungkook, he cannot squish the older's face like how he squishes Jungkook's face now, can he?) and said, "I am starving, let's go eat!"
Yoongi blinked at the action of the younger and softly exhaled. "Alright, you win" And he let the younger put an arm around his shoulder and let him lead them to the common room. The others who watched the exchange with raised brows only had one thought in their mind, and it was Jimin who muttered it out loud "There was a battle? But they were just flirting!"
Jungkook let out a laugh as he told them. "Ah, I knew it. Yoongi hyung is special."