Math class left you feeling quite drained, and the fact that Jungkook had stared at you the entire time didn't help. As you dragged yourself to your locker, you couldn't help but let out a groan, since your next class was a swimming lesson in PE. While you were working on unlocking your locker, you felt someone tap your shoulder, so you turned to see who was trying to get your attention.

You saw Jungkook standing there, wearing something different than what he was wearing in math class. You then noticed the gym bag hanging from his shoulder, and you made the assumption that his next class was also PE.

Unlike your first indirect interaction with him, his general demeanor was much different - his colorful yet simple attire made him appear charismatic, which dispelled your initial thoughts of him being nothing more than a mushy little youngster. As you briefly studied him, you saw that there was a solemn expression on his face.

"...I don't believe I've given you a proper introduction. My name is Jungkook. Please accept my apologies for all the staring; you just reminded me of someone I know."  Jungkook stuck his hand out for you to shake. You pondered on if you should shake his hand or not for a moment, but ultimately decided to do so. His grip was firm, almost to the point of being overbearing - which made you wonder if he regularly worked out.

"Nice to meet you, Jungkook. My name's Lin. Did something happen? You don't seem as cheerful as you were this morning…."

"Oh, that? Don't worry, that was just to make a good first impression. You know how most people pick on those who don't seem...fun. They think the quietest people are the weakest."

You blinked, caught a bit off guard at his statement. You couldn't believe that Jungkook had merely been pretending earlier, and you fell for it completely. Jungkook couldn't help but let out a soft, amused laugh at the agitated expression that had made its way to your face. He was, however, correct - your classmates singled out the shy and quiet pupils, believing them to be inferior. The people who were having a good time and making a lot of noise were quite popular, which only furthered their influence. You couldn't understand this logic because you were stuck in the middle - not being too soft-spoken, but not being fully accepted by the more reputable groups that reigned supreme.

"I'll have to admit, that was a pretty smart move...but I have a feeling that most of the girls here will be all over you, thinking that you're cute and innocent."

"I guess I'll just have to deal with that, then." The two of you laughed a bit, and you could feel your smile widening at the feeling of the newly forming friendship. You were proud of yourself for beginning to get over that, and you knew that Taehyung would be proud of you too.

"So... I guess we're friends now, huh?" Jungkook asks, his voice tinged with a bit of uncertainty.

"I guess so…?" Jungkook gives a small smile before he asks if he could tag along with you, since he didn't know the hallways of the university as well as you. As you and Jungkook walked to your next class and chatted about yourselves, neither of you noticed Yoongi, who was staring at you both from across the hallway.

"Tch, what an idiot."

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

You and Jungkook had spent the entire day together, eating together at lunch and discussing various topics and interests when able to chat. The two of you were now waiting for Taehyung by the campus gates, since you wanted to introduce the two of them to each other.

"So, Taehyung is your childhood friend?"

"Yeah…! He's kind and very compassionate, so I'm sure you'll love him. Oh, I see him coming here! Hey, Taehyung!" Tae ran to you as soon as he heard your voice calling out to him, but his smile faded when his eyes landed on Jungkook. Since you were excited to introduce the two to each other, you didn't catch his expression.

"Hey, Tae! This is Jungkook, the new student that you mentioned. Jungkook, this is Taehyung."

"Hello, Taehyung. As Lin said, my name's Jungkook. It's nice to meet you." Taehyung just stared at Jungkook's hand with a blank expression, silent. You nudged him with your elbow, making him snap out of his trance, and he awkwardly shook Jungkook's hand.

"Oh, sorry. Hello, Jungkook." you raised an eyebrow at Taehyung. He looked very gloomy, which worried you. He wouldn't stop staring at Jungkook too - and you had no idea what was going on right now or what to do.

Taehyung turns towards you as he rubs the back of his neck. "I'm sorry, Lin, but... I won't be able to walk you home today. The boss called, asking me if I could take Suji's shift today after classes. I'm getting ready to head there right away. I'm really sorry."

You pat Taehyung's shoulder as you give him a gentle smile. "It's alright, Tae. Maybe I can have Jungkook walk home with me."

Jungkook stands awkwardly, quickly thinking of what to say next as you wait, hoping he will be able to join you. "I'm sorry, I have some ...business to take care of at home."

Your shoulders dropped, understanding now that you would have to walk home...alone. You were afraid that something would happen to you again, but you couldn't just force them to walk you home.

"Lin, will you be alright alone? I can ditch work today if you want to...I don't want something to happen to you again…" Jungkook stared at Taehyung with wide eyes - and since you were busy with reassuring Taehyung that you'd be alright, you didn't notice look of surprise on Jungkook's face.

Both Taehyung and Jungkook bowed and apologized a thousand times before you left the college grounds, beginning the trek home. Since you didn't pass by that alley again, you decided to take another route home. However, this alternative was a bit further...and darker.

"Maybe I shouldn't have changed my route... it's way too creepy here.." However, there was no turning back now, so you pressed on, hoping that you would arrive home before the sun set. You paused when you felt a weak breeze pass, which startled you since there was a complete lack of wind.

You turned around and, much to your uneasy relief, saw no one. You were the only person walking on this street. You could feel a heavy presence in the air, but you couldn't see anything or anyone else, which terrified you.

"Lin.." You froze when you heard a chilling voice call a name...your name, to be exact. There's still nobody else around you, so you frantically looked everywhere, only to be greeted by shadows and darkness. Your body began to shake from the fear coursing through you.

The voice...no, he sounded strangely familiar, but you just couldn't place your finger on who it was. There was an intimidating aura coming from him, so you did your best to avoid him and that intimidating, sickening atmosphere...

However, it doesn't look like he'll be leaving you anytime soon…

"Don't be afraid of me."

That was the last straw. Pure panic took over as you began to sprint down the street, the laughter echoing behind you, making you want to curl up and cry. One thing was for sure - you were never going down this route again.

When Jungkook arrived shortly after, it was too late. He sighed as he saw you sprinting into the dark. Hearing the same laughter that had spooked you from a nearby alley, he shook his head in annoyance, knowing who it had been.

"You just love hiding in alleys, don't you, Jimin?" Instead of replying, Jimin came out of the alley with a mischievous smirk on his face. Jungkook shot him a look of disapproval before shaking his head again, a small huff coming from him. 

"What are you doing here, Jungkook? If I recall correctly, this isn't the way to your house."

Jungkook pinches his nose bridge as he replies, "I had a feeling that you were going to scare Lin like that - especially since she was walking home alone today."

"So you followed her? And to think you call me a stalker!" Jimin says with exasperation.

"Ugh, Jimin, just...stay away from Lin." Jimin cackled loudly at his outburst, his voice echoing in the empty streets. Jungkook stared at him, a bit pissed off by how he didn't take his threat seriously.

"Me? Stay away from Lin? Jungkook, you know exactly why I won't stay away from Lin. What is she to you, anyway? She's just a woman, and you don't care about women...or people in general."

"She's, uh... she's my friend!"

"Your friend? If she really is your friend, why did you lie to her? Business to take care of at home - ha, what a lame excuse you came up with. Admit it - s on ithe isn't your priority. Instead of accompanying her, you chose to--"

"Go home, Jimin."

Jimin smirks, turning around and beginning to walk away. "..fine, but you will never change my mind, Jungkook. If you want to protect your friend, you better watch out."

As Jimin walked away, Jungkook could only sigh. He stared at the sky and saw the stars, starting to come out one by one, like glitter in space.

"I look forward to the day when you'll start understanding me, Jimin."

I've been admiring you from afar, ever  since I first saw you, Lin.

I hope that you'll realize who I am and return the same feelings I have for you one day.

From the man who will always look out for you - your Secret Admirer...

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