Chapter Text
“Jungwon, stop pacing around like a tiger in a cage and sit down,” Taehyun exclaimed, his tone edged with annoyance.
He sprawled on the couch in their dorm room, his legs casually kicked up on the coffee table. “You’re making me dizzy.”
With a huff, Jungwon finally ceased his incessant pacing.
He slumped into a nearby armchair, rubbing his temples with his fingers. “I can’t help it, this stupid report is stressing me out.”
Jungwon was the quintessential overachiever, a student whose drive for academic excellence bordered on obsession.
A straight-A student, he had carved a name for himself as the most exceptional journalist the school had ever seen.
His ability to weave words into captivating narratives was legendary, and his articles had adorned the front pages of every school publication since his first year
Teachers and seniors alike praised his talent, marvelling at his knack for transforming even the most mundane subjects into engaging tales.
Yet, despite his achievements, Jungwon remained humble, attributing his success to unyielding dedication rather than innate genius.
The upcoming article he was working on, however, was proving particularly challenging, testing not only his writing skills but also his ability to remain composed under pressure
“Why don’t you take a break?” Beomgyu suggested, lounging on the floor amidst a mess of textbooks.
“You’ve been glued to that report for hours. When’s the deadline anyway?”
“After winter break.” Jungwon replied, sheepishly.
Both Taehyun and Beomgyu exchanged incredulous glances.
“We’ve got two months before we’re even near winter and you’re already this stressed?” Taehyun teased, the corner of his mouth pulling up in a smirk.
“I know, I know,” Jungwon admitted, running a hand through his hair.
“But Professor Jang said this piece could be published in a local magazine if it’s good enough. This is my shot, you guys, I can’t afford to mess it up.”
“You’re the best writer the school’s ever had,” Beomgyu pointed out matter-of-factly, “I bet you could write an article about paint drying and make it sound interesting.”
Jungwon let out a soft chuckle at Beomgyu’s words, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly.
However, the knot in his stomach still lingered.
“That’s not the point. This isn’t just about writing anymore. It’s about proving to myself that I can do it, that I’m not just some overhyped kid living off past glories.”
Taehyun shifted positions on the couch, propping himself up on his elbows.
“You’re not though,” he chimed in, his voice uncharacteristically serious.
“You’ve got the talent, the determination. And we believe in you, right?” He looked at Beomgyu, who nodded in agreement.
“But don’t think about it too much,” Taehyun added, his easy-going grin returning.
“How about this. Instead of writing about the everyday things, why don’t you go out your comfort zone.”
“What do you mean?” Jungwon inquired, an eyebrow raised in curiosity, wondering where Taehyun was going with his suggestion.
“You always go for the safe topics, ‘student life at the academy’, ‘upcoming events on campus’, blah blah,” Taehyun said, waving a dismissive hand.
“Why not try something a little more risky? Why not write about a few criminals, crimes.”
“Criminals?” Jungwon echoed, feeling a tingle of excitement. “You want me to explore the criminal world?”
Taehyun shrugged. “Why not? It’s a side of life you’ve never experienced, right? And who knows, it might even make for a more captivating story.”
Beomgyu smirked, joining in the conversation. “Yeah, imagine the headlines. ‘Top student turns detective for a day’,” he mocked, imitating the voice of a news reporter.
Jungwon allowed himself a faint smile, contemplating the idea.
It held a certain appeal, a thrill of danger and the unknown, the opportunity to step outside the usual monotony of his school life.
The idea of creating a compelling piece about a world he’d only read about in books was undeniably tempting.
“Maybe you’re onto something....” he mumbled.
Taehyun and Beomgyu exchanged a satisfied look, sensing the seeds of curiosity taking root.
“That’s the spirit,” Taehyun encouraged, rising from the couch to clap a hand on Jungwon’s shoulder.
“You don’t have to do anything drastic. Just observe, gather information. Who knows, you might even uncover something juicy for your article.”
“Just remember,” Beomgyu said with a wink, “if you get into trouble, we’re here to bail you out, okay?” Jungwon couldn’t help but laugh at the reassuring statement.
Their banter lifted the weight of stress off his shoulders, replaced by a spark of anticipation.
Maybe a change of pace was exactly what he needed.
The seed of an investigative piece had been planted, and Jungwon found himself oddly exhilarated by the thought. With a newfound determination, he declared, “I’ll do it.”
“That’s more like it,” Taehyun grinned, his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm.
“Just don’t forget us when you’re getting all the glory for this story.” He playfully ruffled Jungwon’s hair.
“As if I could ever forget you guys,” Jungwon retorted, shoving Taehyun’s arm away playfully.
“But seriously, thanks for the idea. I think I needed something a little unconventional to shake things up.”
Beomgyu stretched lazily on the ground. “No problem. We’re always here to provide our wisdom,” he joked, drawing a chuckle from the three of them.
Jungwon leaned over, reaching for his laptop that had slid to the floor next to where Beomgyu had sprawled out.
Picking it up, he dusted off the cover before turning it on, the screen lighting up with a soft blue glow.
Taehyun, propped up next to Jungwon now, peered at the laptop’s screen. “Research time?” he inquired, a curious hint in his voice.
“Indeed,” Jungwon replied, fingers poised over the keyboard.
“I figured I should start looking into the local crime scene. Any suggestions on where to begin?”
Beomgyu chimed in from his spot on the floor, “Why not start with news articles or local police reports? You might find some interesting cases there.”
Jungwon nodded, typing away on the keyboard to open a search browser. “Good idea. I’ll start with the recent news first and see if any names or groups keep popping up.”
The three spent the next few hours huddled around Jungwon’s laptop, scrolling through article after article on the local news site.
They pointed out potential leads and theories, discussing the different criminal cases that had made headlines over the past year.
The dorm room was filled with the sounds of typing keys, the occasional gasp, and muttered agreements as they delved deeper into the world of neighbourhood crimes.
The excitement of unravelling a mystery was palpable.
At one point, Beomgyu let out a groan of frustration. “Isn’t there anything more juicy than petty theft and vandalism?” he complained, leaning his head back against the couch.
“These crimes are all so boring.”
Taehyun, ever the devilish one, smirked. “What were you expecting? An organized gang running the town?” He chuckled, half-joking, half-serious.
Jungwon, however, seemed to be lost in thought. “Gang?” he echoed, the word striking a chord.
His fingers paused over the keyboard. “That’s not a bad idea, actually. This town hasn’t seen a real gang presence in years.”
Taehyun and Beomgyu exchanged an intrigued glance. “You have that ‘I’m onto something’ face. Spill it, mister journalist,” Beomgyu prodded, crossing his arms over his chest.
“Just a thought,” Jungwon mused, returning to his keyboard.
“Think about it. Gang activity usually brings with it a lot of excitement. They’re not just doing your typical breaking and entering.
They’re organized, they have rules and leaders, and their operations often involve riskier crimes, not petty stuff like stealing bikes or breaking windows.”
A silence fell over the room as his words hung in the air.
Taehyun and Beomgyu exchanged a knowing look, sensing the direction of Jungwon’s thoughts.
“You’re thinking about writing about a gang, aren’t you?” Taehyun asked, an amused lilt to his voice.
Beomgyu grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Looks like we’ve just found the plot for your article. A real-life gang investigation.”
Jungwon couldn’t suppress the smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
“It’s a risky topic, and I’m sure the school administration won’t be thrilled,” he admitted.
“But the potential for a high-impact story is there. And, well... I’ve never shied away from a challenge.”
Taehyun chimed in, an encouraging note in his voice. “That’s the spirit. If anyone can pull it off, it’s you. You’re the top student, the best damn journalist in school.”
“Besides,” Beomgyu added with a sly grin, “think of the thrill. Undercover reporting, meeting dangerous characters, exposing secrets. It’s like something straight out of a noir film.”
Jungwon chuckled, the adrenaline starting to flow at the mere thought.
“It’s not like I’ll be joining the gang, you know,” he said. “I’m just going to observe, gather information. Maybe talk to some people here and there.”
Taehyun leaned back, crossing his arms behind his head. “Just be careful who you talk to.
If these are legit gangs you’re looking into, they won’t mess around.
We don’t want you ending up on the front page as the headline instead of your article.”
Beomgyu nodded earnestly. “Yeah, you gotta watch out for yourself. Don’t get too carried away with the thrill of it all, Now lets order pizza!”
The light-hearted tension lifted, and Taehyun laughed. “Pizza sounds good. I’m starving.”
As they settled back, the atmosphere shifted from the intensity of their discussion to a more casual one.
The topic of gangs was shelved for the moment, replaced by the more mundane task of deciding which toppings to order on their pizza.
But even as the conversation shifted, Jungwon couldn’t help but feel the thrill of the potential story lingering in the back of his mind.
The thought of delving into the world of gangs, even from just an observational standpoint, sent a rush of anticipation through him.
It would be his most challenging assignment to date, but with the support of his friends and his own determination, he felt ready to take it on.
As the night grew late, the pizza was eventually devoured, and Beomgyu stifled a yawn. “I’m beat,” he declared, stretching his limbs.
“And Jungwon looks like he could use some sleep too. All that research fried his brain.”
Taehyun chuckled, nodding in agreement. “He’s been glued to that laptop for hours. He needs a break before his brain shuts down completely.”
“I’m fine, I’m fine,” Jungwon muttered, despite the weariness etched on his face and the way his eyes kept involuntarily fluttering closed.
Taehyun gave him a playful shove. “Yeah, yeah. Go to bed. We don’t need a zombie journalist shuffling around campus tomorrow.”
Beomgyu seconded the motion.
“Yeah. Don’t worry about it. We’ll still be here tomorrow to discuss your grand plan. And we’ll help, of course.”
Jungwon acquiesced with a tired smile.
He closed his laptop and rose from the couch, stifling another yawn. “Alright, alright. I’m going to bed.”
Taehyun patted him on the back. “Sweet dreams, fearless journalist. May your dreams be filled with gangs and juicy headlines.”
Beomgyu snickered, teasing. “And don’t let the criminals bite.”
Jungwon rolled his eyes affectionately. “You guys are ridiculous.” He bid them a good night, disappearing into his room.
As he settled into his bed, Jungwon’s thoughts swirled around the conversation they had just had.
Excitement, apprehension, and a mixture of other emotions coursed through him.
But one thing was for sure – his article was about to take a turn he never expected.
He fell asleep with a renewed sense of purpose, eager to jump headfirst into this daring new chapter.
Jungwon shovelled a spoonful of cereal into his mouth, his eyes scanning the bustling main hall of the academy.
It was a typical sight in the mornings, students rushing to their classes, teachers supervising, and the general hum of conversation filling the air.
Taehyun and Beomgyu sat opposite him, already halfway through their breakfast.
Taehyun looked up from his plate, his eyes following Jungwon’s gaze.
“Thinking about how to approach the school about your field trip?” he asked, a hint of playful mockery in his voice.
Jungwon swallowed his cereal a bit too quickly, causing him to cough momentarily. “Yeah, something like that,”
he managed to say once he’d regained his composure.
“I need to convince Principal Yoon to let me go down to the main town this afternoon.”
Beomgyu chuckled, pushing his plate away. “Are you going to tell him you’re investigating gangs?”
“Obviously not,” Jungwon shot back with a weary eye roll. “I’ll just say it’s for an article. But I have a feeling he won’t be too keen, given the school’s strict rules about off-campus activities.”
Taehyun leaned back in his chair, an amused smirk on his face. “You don’t know until you try. Worst he can say is no.”
“Yeah, yeah, I know,” Jungwon
replied with a hint of irritation. He finished his breakfast and stood up, the bell signalling the start of classes. “I’ll find him during break. Wish me luck.”
Taehyun saluted him with a mock serious expression, while Beomgyu just chuckled.
“Just bat your eyelashes and flash that charming smile of yours. You’ll have him wrapped around your finger in no time.”
“You’re an idiot,” Jungwon retorted, fighting a smile.
“That’s not how it works. And my charms don’t work on teachers, especially not the principal.”
“Sure, keep telling yourself that,” Beomgyu chided with a smirk, standing up alongside Jungwon and Taehyun.
“We’ll be here to console you if he rejects the idea, though we’ll probably be too busy laughing to offer any actual comfort.”
“Oh, shut up,” Jungwon muttered, his cheeks slightly flushed.
With a final scoff, he started walking towards their first class, his thoughts already on how to approach Principal Yoon.
Throughout the morning classes, Jungwon found his concentration wavering, his mind incessantly returning to how he was to convince the principal.
He was so lost in thought that he could barely remember the topics covered in class, his notes a jumble of half-formed thoughts and doodles.
By the time the lunch break rolled around, his nerves were on edge.
Taehyun and Beomgyu, noticing his restless state, attempted to distract him with light banter as they headed towards Principal Yoon’s office.
“You look like you’re about to face a dragon, not a principal,” Beomgyu teased, nudging his shoulder playfully.
“Yeah, you’re more jittery than a caffeine-addicted squirrel,” Taehyun snorted, his tone deliberately teasing. “You realize he’s not going to eat you, right?”
Jungwon shot them a withering look, rolling his eyes. “Thanks for the reassuring words, guys. I feel so much better now.”
His sarcasm was laced with frustration, a clear sign of his rising anxiety.
Beomgyu shrugged, not entirely fazed by Jungwon’s irritability. “Just saying, you’re making a mountain out of a molehill. Principal Yoon has a soft spot for you, he’ll probably agree without much question.”
Taehyun nodded in agreement. “Yeah, not to mention he’s a bit of a pushover when it comes to you. Just say it’s important and flash your best puppy eyes, and he’ll fold immediately.”
Jungwon grumbled under his breath, not appreciating their light-hearted ribbing.
“Thanks for the stellar advice. ‘Flash your puppy eyes’ is an incredibly professional tactic. Why didn’t I think of that?”
Despite his sarcastic retorts, their teasing helped ease some of the tension in his shoulders.
The trio finally reached Principal Yoon’s office, and Jungwon took a deep breath, preparing himself to present his case.
“Alright, let’s just get this over with,” he muttered, trying to maintain a veneer of composure.
He raised his hand and knocked firmly on the principal’s office door.
After a moment, a voice from within the office called out, “Come in.”
Jungwon shot a final look at his friends, who responded with supportive nods.
With a quick exhale, he turned the doorknob and stepped into the office. Here goes nothing.
Principal Yoon was an older man, his silvering hair and lined face suggesting a lifetime of experience.
As Jungwon entered, he looked up from his paperwork, his expression neutral.
“Ah, Jungwon-ssi. What can I do for you?” he inquired, gesturing for Jungwon to take a seat.
“Good afternoon, Principal Yoon,” Jungwon began, a hint of nervousness in his voice. “I have a request I’d like to discuss with you, regards to a new article I’m working on.”
Principal Yoon raised an eyebrow questioningly but gestured for him to continue. “Go on,” he prompted, folding his hands on his desk.
Taking a deep breath, Jungwon launched into his pitch. “As you know, I’m working on a series of articles for the school’s publication, and I’ve come across a potential story that I believe has real merit. However, it involves some off-campus activity.”
Principal Yoon’s expression shifted, a frown appearing on his face.
“Jungwon-ssi, you know the school has strict rules against off-campus activities.”
Jungwon steeled himself, mentally prepared for this rebuttal. “I understand, Principal Yoon, and I usually abide by those rules. However, this particular story has the potential to be impactful and significant, beyond the typical student life narratives I’ve covered so far.”
Principal Yoon leaned back in his chair, studying Jungwon intently. There was a moment of silence before he spoke again.
“I can appreciate your dedication, Jungwon-ssi, but can you explain how this article couldn’t be written without stepping off school grounds?”
Jungwon thought for a moment, carefully considering his words. “The story I’m interested in involves interviewing people from the town, getting first-hand accounts and insights. I believe it’ll add depth and authenticity that can’t be achieved from within the school walls.”
Principal Yoon’s expression softened slightly, a hint of understanding in his eyes. “I see. And the subject of this story? It’s not something illegal, I hope?”
Jungwon felt a sense of relief at the principal’s softening resolve.
“No, no, nothing illegal,” he was quick to assure.
“Just a glimpse into the underbelly of teenage life off school grounds, you know – a different perspective, different stories that aren’t visible from the school setting.”
Principal Yoon nodded thoughtfully, his hands still folded in his lap. “Alright, Jungwon-ssi, you’ve piqued my curiosity. I’ll consider your request, but only under one condition.”
“Of course, Principal Yoon,” Jungwon responded without hesitation. “Anything.”
“I’ll allow you to venture into the town for your article, as long as you have someone accompanying you,” Principal Yoon stated firmly.
“I can’t have you roaming about on your own. The world outside these walls can be unpredictable, especially for a student like you.”
Relief washed over Jungwon, but he couldn’t help the slight pang of annoyance. A chaperone?
That wasn’t part of his plan, but he knew he couldn’t complain. Agreeing, he nodded in affirmation.
“Understood, Principal Yoon. Of course, I’ll have someone with me.”
Principal Yoon leaned back in his chair, his hard gaze softening a bit.
“Good. Just make sure it’s someone responsible, someone you trust. I want to know whom you’ve chosen by the end of lunch.”
“Yes, Principal Yoon,” Jungwon assured him, mentally going over the options.
He thanked the principal and left his office, feeling a mixture of relief and annoyance. A chaperone? Seriously?
As he exited the principal’s office, Taehyun and Beomgyu were waiting for him, their faces expectant.
“So, how did it go?” Beomgyu asked, his tone betraying curiosity. Taehyun stood by silently, waiting for the verdict.
Jungwon gritted his teeth to keep from snapping at them. “He said yes, but there’s a catch,” he bit out, unable to completely hide his irritation to the chaperone condition.
Beomgyu chuckled, clearly finding the situation amusing. “Aww, does the fearless journalist need a babysitter?” Taehyun, however, was more sympathetic. “Who are you going to ask to come with you?”
Frustration built within Jungwon. “I don’t know yet. The principal said I have to tell him who’s coming with me by the end of lunch.”
Beomgyu stifled a laugh, unable to resist teasing him further. “Well then, better start compiling your list of potential babysitters. I hope you’re not planning to pick one of us.”
Jungwon shot him a warning glare. “You’re not coming with me, that’s for sure.”
Beomgyu feigned offence, placing a hand over his heart in mock hurt. “Ouch, way to shut down my hopes and dreams. I was looking forward to witnessing your thrilling journalistic adventure in the wild.”
“Your brand of excitement tends to lean more towards trouble than support,” Jungwon scoffed, “Tae, come with me? Please.”
Beomgyu feigned another stab at his heart. “Replaced by Taehyun? Ouch, double burn.”
Taehyun smirked, the banter between them familiar. “Well, who am I to turn down a request like that?” he replied, flashing a reassuring smile at Jungwon. “Of course, I’ll come with you.”
Despite his annoyance, Jungwon felt a wave of relief wash over him at Taehyun’s words. “Thank you,” he said earnestly, “At least I can trust you not to turn this into a disaster.”
Beomgyu let out a dramatic gasp. “Disaster? Me? Never.”
Taehyun chuckled, putting an arm around Beomgyu’s shoulders. “Ignore him, he’s just jealous he didn’t get chosen.”
Beomgyu attempted a nonchalant shrug. “Jealous? Psh, who would be jealous of playing babysitter?”
Taehyun smirked, glancing at him. “You, judging by your sulky face.”
Beomgyu scowled, pushing Taehyun’s arm off. “I’m not sulking. Just...slightly disappointed. I could’ve spiced up the investigative journey with my irresistible charm .”
Jungwon rolled his eyes, his irritation lessening with each playful exchange. “Yeah, ‘irresistible’ is a bit of a stretch.” Turning back towards Principal Yoon’s office.
“Wait, where are you going now?” Beomgyu called out, watching as Jungwon headed back towards the principal’s office.
Taehyun, ever the calm one, explained, “He needs to tell the principal he’s got a chaperone.”
“Oh right,” Beomgyu chuckled, before jokingly adding, “and don’t forget, you’re stuck with babysitter duty now. Can’t wait to watch the thrilling adventures of Jungwon and his overage nanny.”
Taehyun shrugged, used to Beomgyu’s quips. “Hey, I got the privilege of being the ‘mature adult’ this time.” He smirked, giving Beomgyu a playful wink.
“Don’t get too envious now.”
Beomgyu scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest. “Envious? You’re the one who’s going to be responsible for keeping the genius journalist safe from danger. I’m just dodging a responsibility bullet.”
Principal Yoon’s voice came from inside the office, “Come in.”
Jungwon opened the door, entering a second time.
“Back already?” Principal Yoon asked, setting aside the paperwork.
“Yes, Principal Yoon,” Jungwon replied, his voice slightly more confident than the first time. “I’ve decided who I’ll be bringing with me.”
Principal Yoon quirked an eyebrow, his expression curious. “And who have you chosen? Someone trustworthy, I hope.”
“Yes, of course,” Jungwon nodded, his gaze steady. “I’ve asked Kang Taehyun, one of my best friends and a very responsible student. He agreed, without hesitation.”
Principal Yoon nodded, seeming pleased with the choice.
“Kang Taehyun, I know him. He's a decent student and a good influence. I have no objections to him accompanying you."
“Thank you, Principal Yoon,” Jungwon said, gratitude evident in his voice. Before he could turn to leave, Principal Yoon spoke up again.
“Jungwon-ssi,” Principal Yoon’s voice held a serious note.
“I trust you’ll both behave responsibly. I’m only allowing this because I have faith in both of you to make wise decisions and stay out of any trouble.”
“I understand, Principal Yoon,” Jungwon assured him. “We won’t cause any trouble. Taehyun is definitely responsible enough to keep an eye on me.”
Principal Yoon leaned back in his chair, a slight smile playing on his lips. “I believe you. Just remember, you’re representing the school out there. Do well with your article, and for God’s sake, be careful. I don’t want to read about any foolish stunts in the local news.”
“We will, Principal Yoon,” Jungwon reassured him, a hint of determination in his voice.
He bid farewell and left the principal’s office, feeling a mix of relief and anticipation. One hurdle down, many more to go.