The morning had started like any other. The sun spilled through the high school windows, buzzing chatter filled the halls, lockers slammed, and Jungkook was leaning casually against his locker, backpack slung over one shoulder. His messy black hair fell into his eyes as he grinned when he spotted Niko approaching.

"Finally," Jungkook teased, reaching out to ruffle Niko’s hair before quickly pulling his hand back to avoid a swat. "Thought you were ditching me again. C’mon, we’re gonna be late to homeroom."

The two of them walked side by side, sneakers squeaking faintly against the polished floors. Jungkook always had this easy air around him, but with Niko, there was something softer, protective even. He kept glancing over, laughing when Niko made faces about how boring the day was going to be.

Halfway down the hall, Jungkook paused. The atmosphere felt… off. Teachers’ voices were more clipped, whispers passed between students, and the faint buzz of the PA system crackled before cutting out mid-announcement. Jungkook frowned, shifting his backpack nervously.

"You hear that?" he muttered, his tone sharper than usual. "Something’s weird."

Then it happened—one sound that shattered everything. A loud, echoing bang rang through the school, sharp and foreign, followed by a scream. Students froze for a split second before chaos erupted. Kids pushed past, trying to run, some tripping over each other. Doors slammed, teachers shouted frantic orders, and the air filled with panic.

Jungkook’s instincts kicked in instantly. He grabbed Niko’s wrist with a firm grip. "Come on!" he barked, pulling him toward the lockers along the side hallway, ducking them both out of the immediate stampede. His breath was fast, chest heaving, but his eyes were sharp, scanning every direction.

They slid down behind a row of lockers, metal cold against their backs, and Jungkook forced himself to stay quiet, pressing a finger to his lips. He could hear it now—footsteps echoing from somewhere further down the corridor, heavy, deliberate. His grip on Niko’s hand tightened.

"Don’t move," he whispered, his voice low, steadying despite the tremor in it. He leaned closer, protective, as if his own body could shield Niko from everything. "I’ve got you. Just… trust me."

Another gunshot cracked through the air, closer this time. Jungkook flinched, his jaw clenching, but he kept his body in front of Niko. Every muscle in him was tense, ready. His heart pounded so loud it nearly drowned out the sound of chaos, but his eyes were locked on that classroom door just a few feet away.

"We can make it," Jungkook whispered, his lips close to Niko’s ear, voice urgent but calm. "When I say go… you run. Don’t stop for anything. I’ll be right behind you."

He swallowed hard, bracing himself, because deep down, he already knew—if it came down to it, he’d take the risk, no matter what it meant for him.