Hide And Seek...

Back at the college

Jungkook stood frozen in the middle of the courtyard, students brushing past him on both sides. His mind was racing— the guy's face, that flicker of recognition, the way his whole attitude shifted in an instant. It didn't make sense.

"It's you..."

Those words echoed in his head like a whisper trapped in a loop.

Before Jungkook could process anymore, a familiar voice cut through the fog.

"There you are!"

He turned and saw Hyanbi jogging upto him, her bag bouncing slightly on her shoulder, a bright smile lighting up her face.

"I was hoping I'd run into you" she said, stopping beside him. Then she paused, her smile fading as she caught the look on his face. "You okay? You look like you saw a ghost"

Jungkook blinked, forcing himself to snap out of it. "I... yeah. Just— someone bumped into me. Weird guy"

Hyanbu raised an eyebrow, "Weird how?"

He shook his head, "I don't know. Just intense. Like he knew me or something. But I've never seen him before in my life"

She gave him a look of concern but didn't pry, "Well... campus can be full of characters. You'll get used to it"

"Maybe", Jungkook said softly, but his thoughts were still tangled in the stranger's sudden change— from aggression to recognition to... retreat.

Hyanbi gently nudged his arm, "Come on. Let me walk you to your department. Might as well have your unofficial tour guide now before the real chaos begins"

A small smile tugged at the corner of Jungkook's lips, "Alright. Lead the way, book nerd"

As they walked off together, Jungkook glanced once more over his shoulder.

But the stranger was gone.

What he didn't know— what no one knew— was that someone else was already watching from much farther away.

And the real ghost hadn't arrived yet.
.
.
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Hyanbi led Jungkook through the winding paths of the campus, weaving past fountains, sculptures, and busy courtyard filled with students laughing, lounging, and running late.

"Alright", she said, spinning slightly in her heels as they passed the central library. "That's the heart of the campus— the library. You'll either fall in love with it or start dreaming of burning it down during exam season"

Jungkook chuckled faintly, "I'll let you know know which side I'm on after midterms"

"Fair", she smirked. "Come on. A few more spots, and then I'll show you where the engineering building is"

As they rounded a corner, Hyanbu slowed down. A small group of students stood near a shaded bench— three of them chatting and laughing with drinks in hand. The tallest one waved the moment he spotted Hyanbi.

"Hyanbi! You're late! You promised us coffee!"

"You promised to shut up" she shot back playfully before turning to Jungkook. "Come on, meet the chaos crew"

She walked over and gestured to each one as Jungkook followed.

"This overly dramatic beanpole is Seojun— drama major, professional gossip"

Seojun grinned and gave a mock bow. "Any friend of Hyanbi is a temporary friend of mine"

"And that's Suhang", Hyanbu continued, pointing at a girl in a hoodie and thick glasses, who raised a peace sign. "She's quiet but deadly— visual arts major. Don't let her sketch you. She captures souls"