After their midday meal, the pupils returned to the study hall, arranging themselves in neat rows upon the polished wooden floor. They settled with attentive but relaxed postures, reflecting both discipline and comfort within these hallowed walls of learning.

Taehyung resumed his previous place, setting out his ink brush and fresh sheets of paper before him, his gaze unwavering as he fixed it on Mr. Byun. Although the words and lessons often escaped his understanding, Taehyung was resolute. He was determined to absorb all he could through observation and attentive listening.

At the front of the room, Mr. Byun unfurled a scroll, its delicate parchment whispering in the silent room. "We shall continue with The Analects of Confucius," he announced, his voice a blend of authority and reverence. "Confucius teaches that true virtue lies in 'benevolence'—to know the hearts of others and nurture kindness within our own. We must act rightly, not for ourselves alone but for the harmony of all."

The students leaned forward, their expressions intent as they absorbed Mr. Byun's words. Yet, Jungkook's attention drifted elsewhere, his gaze flickering repeatedly toward Taehyung, as though trying to decipher this strange newcomer. An irritation simmered in his eyes, as if Taehyung's mere presence unsettled him in a way he couldn't quite understand.

"Kim Tae," Mr. Byun called suddenly, his voice cutting through the quiet as he looked directly at Taehyung. "Step forward. Repeat after me, so that you may begin to absorb these teachings."

Startled, Taehyung's gaze lifted, his expression uncertain as he tried to grasp the command. Only when Mr. Byun's hand gestured him forward did he understand. Rising slowly, he moved with careful, measured steps to the front, acutely aware of the curious eyes trailing his every movement, the silent tension filling the room as he took his place before the revered mentor.

Pointing to a simple term on the scroll, Mr. Byun spoke slowly, enunciating with clarity, "Yeomchi."

Taehyung tilted his head, his brow creased as he struggled with the unfamiliar sounds. "Y-yeo... eum... chi?"

A few stifled giggles rippled through the room, and Jungkook's smirk deepened as he crossed his arms, leaning back with an air of smug amusement.

"Yeomchi," Mr. Byun repeated with calm patience, gesturing for Taehyung to try once more.

Taehyung's lips moved carefully, his voice soft but earnest as he repeated, "Eum...chi."

Mr. Byun observed, a slight crease in his brow. "Once more," he instructed, his tone patient yet firm, as he guided Taehyung's focus back to the scroll. "Yeomchi. Try to pronounce it with more clarity."

Taehyung took a steadying breath, his brows furrowing in concentration. He tried again, this time enunciating the word more clearly. "Yeom...chi."

With a faint nod, Mr. Byun showed a hint of approval. "That will do for now. Remember this word, Kim Tae. It signifies honor—the integrity each person must guard within their heart." His gaze swept over the other pupils, his eyes narrowing slightly, and they quickly averted their gazes, falling into a silence of proper decorum.

Taehyung returned to his place, silently repeating the word in his mind, committing it to memory despite his imperfect attempt. Though he struggled, his resolve to improve himself remained unwavering. Jungkook, meanwhile, watched him with a lingering trace of skepticism.

The lesson continued, Mr. Byun's voice resonating as he expounded on loyalty and respect within the family—the virtues that safeguarded harmony in society. Taehyung listened intently, his concentration unbroken as each word and movement etched itself into his memory. No matter the difficulty, his resolve to learn was fueled by the thought of Seokjin and a desire not to let him down.

***

As the final bell tolled, signaling the day's end, Taehyung joined the stream of pupils leaving the academy. On his way out, the sounds of laughter and cheers from the open field nearby caught his attention. Glancing over, he saw a group of his peers running around, engaged in a game of gyeokgu—a sport played with a cloth ball, requiring both agility and strength.

A smile crept onto Taehyung's face as he watched an eagle-like human soaring overhead, skillfully snatching the ball with his feet, while those on the ground chased after him, laughter lighting up their faces. The sight warmed Taehyung's heart, sparking a longing to share in that kind of joy, to someday build bonds and friendship in this new world.

As the last glimmers of sunlight faded, he turned toward the academy gate, where Seokjin awaited beside their carriage, his hand resting gently atop Rangjae's head. Taehyung's heart leaped with joy, and he broke into a run, weaving through the departing crowd to embrace Seokjin with unreserved affection.

A gentle smile softened Seokjin's face as he returned the embrace, his hand patting Taehyung's back with a warmth that seemed to chase away the day's weariness. "How was your first day of study?" he asked, his voice a blend of curiosity and kindness as he helped Taehyung into the carriage.

Taehyung's eyes sparkled with excitement, and his usual, "Eum!" came out with his characteristic enthusiasm. However, as he recalled the word he'd learned earlier, his excitement led him to blurt it out, "Yeomchi!" hoping to impress Seokjin with his quick grasp of the lesson.

Seokjin's brow raised in mild surprise at the suddenness of Taehyung's exclamation, but his lips curved into a smile as they both settled into their seats.

"Yeomchi, is it? So, this little scholar has learned about honor on his very first day," Seokjin teased softly, chuckling at Taehyung's earnestness.

With a gentle smile, he continued, "It's a fitting lesson, for without integrity, learning itself holds no true value." He reached out, placing a hand over Taehyung's chest with the tender touch of someone passing on wisdom, his voice growing more serious as he spoke. "But yeomchi is not just a word, Kim Tae. It's something you must cultivate here." Seokjin's fingers lingered for a moment over Taehyung's heart, his gaze steady but full of care. Taehyung glanced down, his eyes following Seokjin's long, slender hand.

Seokjin's voice softened even more, carrying the weight of a lesson for life. "You must carry it with you always, no matter where the future leads you. Yeomchi must live within you, for it defines the person you are—your honor, your integrity, and your very soul."

Taehyung tilted his head slightly, a hint of confusion still lingering in his expression as he tried to grasp the deeper meaning behind Seokjin's words. He wanted to understand, but the concept of honor, something so vast and intangible, was still beyond his reach. His lips curled into a small, uncertain smile, a silent acknowledgment that he would learn it in time.

Seokjin, noticing the flicker of uncertainty, retracted his hand gently and leaned back, his gaze softening for a moment. But then, his discerning eyes fell on the smudge of dirt staining Taehyung's new uniform, and his expression shifted, brows knitting in concern.

A protective instinct surged through Seokjin, and the subtle tension in his voice was unmistakable when he spoke. "Did something happen? Were you mistreated by any of your peers?" His words were laced with a quiet intensity, as if the thought of someone so innocent like Taehyung facing any harm was unbearable.

Taehyung glanced down at the dirt stain, and the memory of his tense encounter with Jungkook resurfaced. His ears drooped instinctively, a faint whimper slipping from his lips. The confrontation, the harsh shove, Jungkook's sharp growl, the questions Taehyung couldn't comprehend—it all left him shaken. Since then, he had resolved to avoid the intimidating Wolfian.

Though Seokjin sensed Taehyung's hesitation, Taehyung simply flashed a smile, evading any further explanation. He reached instead for the wooden box he carried everywhere. Without a word, he handed it to Seokjin, his eyes alight with expectation as he waited for Seokjin to open it.

Inside the box, Seokjin found crumpled sheets of paper, each bearing Taehyung's earnest, though clumsy, attempts at writing. As Seokjin unfolded each piece, his gaze softened, recognizing the diligent effort behind the uneven strokes.

Looking into Taehyung's expectant eyes, Seokjin's voice softened with pride. "You have worked hard today, truly," he praised, gently ruffling Taehyung's hair. "I am proud of your efforts, Kim Tae."

Taehyung beamed, his heart swelling with happiness. This was the moment he had looked forward to all day, and he leaned back in his seat, his tail wagging in sheer delight.

Seokjin finally gestured to the coachman to depart before lowering the window curtain. With a gentle tug, Rangjae neighed, setting the carriage into motion.

"I asked the chef to prepare your favorite dishes tonight," Seokjin said, folding each paper carefully and tucking them into his robe before returning the now-empty box to Taehyung. "Consider it a small celebration for your first day at the academy."

Taehyung's joy was palpable, his tail wagging even faster as he clutched the box, already anticipating the dinner tonight and next day's lessons.

From a distance, Jungkook lingered behind a tree, his gaze fixed on the departing carriage. His thoughts churned as he recalled the sight of Taehyung with Seokjin—a Wolfian conversing with a man whose scent, faint though it was, marked him unmistakably as a Foxkin. Disdain clouded Jungkook's expression as he muttered to himself, "A Wolfian associating with a Foxkin... How utterly absurd..."

---

Later that evening, after a hearty dinner and tucking Taehyung into bed, Seokjin carefully slipped free from Taehyung's hold on his waist, his steps soundless and practiced. Leaving the chamber, two servants stood at attention, bowing deeply upon seeing him.

"Lord Kim," one of them greeted. "Is there anything you require?"

Seokjin raised a single finger to his lips, signaling for quiet. Then, in a voice barely above a whisper, he instructed, "Please bring me Kim Tae's academy uniform—and a pail of water."

The servants exchanged wide-eyed glances. "M-My Lord, surely you do not intend to—" one of them stammered, casting a glance at each other. "You could just leave it to the laundry; they would have it cleaned and ready before morning."

Seokjin's cool gaze cut through the air, silencing them instantly. His lips curved into a small, composed smile, his tone unyielding. "I intend to see to it myself."

There was a moment's hesitation before the servants, though clearly unwilling, dared not refuse his command. They hurried to retrieve the uniform and water, their expressions laden with uncertainty. Moments later, they returned, presenting Seokjin with the pail of water and the soiled garment, which he accepted them with a quiet nod.

As midnight drew near, Seokjin stood alone in the courtyard, the dim light of lanterns casting soft shadows against the stone paths. He set the pail of water on a low stone table, the cold air of the night settling around him like a shroud. His hands moved with measured precision, scrubbing the uniform with a rhythm that was deliberate, controlled.

The pale light of the moon overhead illuminated his face, highlighting the deep concentration in his features as he focused on the task at hand. Yet, despite the tranquility of the scene, there was something unsettling in his expression—an undercurrent of something far darker than his usual composed demeanor. The earlier softness he had shown Taehyung was now replaced with a hardened edge.

A cold glint sharpened his gaze as he watched the dirt slowly dissolve from the fabric, his fingers working with an intensity that hinted at his hidden anger. His voice, when it came, was barely a whisper, carried by the still night air. "Who would dare?" he murmured, his breath shallow. His hands gripped the fabric tightly, knuckles turning white with the force of his grip. "To lay a hand on him..."

The uniform was now clean, yet Seokjin's hands did not stop, his focus unwavering as if trying to cleanse more than just the dirt. In his mind, he replayed images of Taehyung—his bright, eager smile, his trusting eyes filled with hope for the lessons, the innocence that had yet to be tainted by the cruelty he knew the world was capable of inflicting.

Seokjin paused, letting the fabric slip from his hands as he took a steadying breath, his jaw tightening. The softness in his eyes vanished, replaced by a steely, ruthless resolve. He needs to find out who did this.

***

The morning sun rose, casting its light upon the courtyard and warming the cold stone floors of the academy. Mr. Byun stood at the front of the room, his voice cutting through the morning air as he imparted the day's lesson—the importance of filial piety, and the responsibilities one had to their family, society, and rulers.

"As the teachings of Confucius dictate," Mr. Byun began, his tone firm, yet measured, "a man's true honor lies not in the wealth he accrues, nor the power he holds, but in his respect for his elders and his loyalty to his family. To dishonor one's ancestors is to dishonor oneself and the nation. Thus, filial piety is the foundation upon which a man's character must be built."

Taehyung sat at the back, his eyes wide with curiosity. The words were difficult to follow, each syllable weighted with the gravity of their meaning. Still, he was determined. The memory of Seokjin's lessons yesterday, his calm voice, and the warm pressure of his hand over his heart, reminded Taehyung to focus and take in as much as he could.

Meanwhile, Jungkook's gaze remained fixed on Taehyung. His scrutiny was unblinking, a quiet intensity that didn't escape the other students, though none dared to comment. Jungkook, though silent, seemed to be studying Taehyung more than the lesson.

"Why is he so... different?" Jungkook thought, his eyes narrowing as they traced Taehyung's every movement. There was something unsettling about Taehyung's aura, something he couldn't quite figure out.

'Could this scrawny child be a relative of the royals?' Jungkook couldn't rule out the possibility. He had heard rumors of the lost son of the Wolfian kingdom, the firstborn prince who had disappeared many years ago—alive or dead, no one knew for sure. If this boy was not the prince himself, could he still be part of the royal bloodline? It was a far-fetched idea, but there was no other explanation for Taehyung's subtle yet undeniable power in that growl.

Taehyung, caught by Jungkook's intense gaze, turned to look at him, but Jungkook's eyes didn't waver. Confusion bloomed in Taehyung's chest. Why was Jungkook staring at him like that? He wasn't speaking, nor was he being mean. Just... watching him, calculating him. Taehyung's thoughts raced as he nervously turned back to the mentor.

As Mr. Byun's lesson about filial piety continued, Taehyung's eyes widened in awe. The concept was abstract, but the seriousness of it began to sink in, like a weight settling deep in his chest.

"Honor the sacrifices of those who have come before you," Mr. Byun said, his voice carrying an air of authority. "In doing so, you ensure the strength and prosperity of your family."

***

At midday meal, the academy's courtyard was alive with chatter and the clattering of wooden chopsticks against bowls.

Taehyung, his face alight with excitement, eagerly made his way to the food table. The spread was modest but hearty: steamed rice, kimchi, pickled vegetables, and a few small pieces of fish, the smell rich with the aroma of seasoned broth.

Taehyung's tail swayed back and forth behind him, betraying his joy. He grabbed a wooden spoon and scooped a large portion of rice into his bowl, his movements unrefined, his eagerness evident. As he settled at a table, his food before him, a group of pupils approached, curious and intrigued. They had seen the quiet, almost shy boy in the academy, and there was something about his innocence, his manner, that made them want to get closer.

Taehyung's eyes brightened as he pointed to himself, about to introduce his name, but before he could begin, the students grew nervous. One by one, they started backing away, casting glances over their shoulders as they retreated, leaving Taehyung staring in confusion.

As they fled, a shadow fell over him. He looked up, only to find Jungkook standing behind him, his expression unreadable. The air seemed to still around them, the previous energy of the students evaporating in an instant.

Taehyung, unsure of what was happening, stood hastily, preparing himself for another push or harsh words. But instead, Jungkook simply rolled his eyes, then slid into the seat opposite Taehyung.

A slight sense of relief washed over Taehyung, though his confusion remained. Jungkook was different today—not being harsh or cruel to him.

Taehyung slowly sat back down and began eating. Jungkook, however, wasn't concerned with the boy's confusion. His gaze fell on Taehyung's messy, unrefined eating habits. The way he scooped food into his mouth without any finesse, without care for how it appeared—it was like watching a wild child feast.

"You eat like a wild child," Jungkook muttered, his voice low but cutting.

Taehyung, unfazed by the comment, continued eating. His hand moved quickly, his spoon scraping against the rice as he consumed it without hesitation. He didn't see the need to be refined; food was meant to be enjoyed, and he enjoyed it more when he ate at his own pace, free of the rules that others might try to impose.

Seokjin had often chided him for this, urging him to eat with grace, with dignity. But Taehyung couldn't bring himself to care. To him, eating was something personal, something to savor—no need to hide it behind unnecessary pretenses.

Jungkook, however, couldn't quite fathom how the boy could be so carefree, so unrefined. He wasn't sure if it was a lack of upbringing, or something else entirely.

Taehyung continued to disregard Jungkook's presence, and he felt irritation flare. The nerves beneath his skin prickled, but he was careful not to let his frustration show. A confrontation with Taehyung could easily escalate, and he knew, deep down, he would never stand a chance should the encounter turn into a growl. Thus, Jungkook restrained himself, choosing to take a bite of the tender meat before speaking again, his voice low and carefully controlled.

"Who was that fox you were with yesterday in the carriage?" Jungkook's words were sharp, laced with disdain as he leaned closer, trying to provoke a reaction. "You know full well that Wolfians should avoid those cunning Foxkins. You're setting yourself up for deceit, for death."

Taehyung glanced up at Jungkook, his brows knitting in confusion. He wondered why Jungkook continued speaking to him. Was he suddenly interested in friendship now? Taehyung understood only a few words of what Jungkook said, his grasp of the language still not fully developed.

Taehyung opened his mouth hesitantly, his voice soft but earnest. "Jin," he murmured, his hands fidgeting with the edge of his sleeve. "Jin, g-good..."

Jungkook's brow furrowed at the response. "What?" he questioned.

Taehyung's lips parted again, repeating himself more deliberately, his voice a little stronger as he fixed his gaze on Jungkook. "Jin... good."

Jungkook's confusion only deepened. "Jin?" he echoed, the name seeming to hang in the air, unfamiliar and unworthy of his attention. He was about to question Taehyung further when he, finished with his meal, rose from his seat and grabbed his tray, holding it close to his chest.

Without another word, Taehyung moved toward the tray return area. Jungkook, still puzzled and growing increasingly irritable, noticed Taehyung's joyful expression as he passed through the dining hall.

A scowl twisted Jungkook's features as he muttered under his breath, watching Taehyung walk toward the open courtyard. "That ignorant fool," Jungkook hissed, his gaze never leaving Taehyung's back. "A Foxkin can never be beneficial to us. He's walking right into a trap, and he's too foolish to even realize it."

***

As the day wore on, the students slowly began to trickle out of the academy, eager to leave behind the confines of their lessons. But one figure was in more of a hurry, his youthful excitement uncontained.

"Jin!" Taehyung called out, his voice bright and full of unbridled joy as he spotted Seokjin in the distance. His smile illuminated the air around him, making everything seem warmer.

Seokjin's lips curled into a small, affectionate smile as he watched Taehyung hurry toward him. However, that smile quickly faded as another figure rushed toward Taehyung with alarming speed. Before Seokjin could blink, the man reached Taehyung, his hand grabbing the collar of the boy's robes and lifting him effortlessly off the ground.

Taehyung's eyes widened in shock, his hands flailing in an attempt to break free. His feet dangled helplessly in the air. He let out a distressed cry, his gaze locked on Seokjin, who was already striding toward them with a determined look in his eyes.

"Jin!" Taehyung's voice cracked as he called out to Seokjin, his distress palpable.

"So this is the 'good' man you mentioned earlier?" Jungkook's voice was laced with mocking disdain as he observed Seokjin's approach.

Seokjin's eyes narrowed as he reached, the cool glint in them betraying his calm demeanor. His voice, though still polite, carried a sharpness that demanded respect. "I don't know what Kim Tae did to anger you, but I would ask you to release him now."

Though his words seemed like a simple request, they were underpinned by a quiet but undeniable threat. Jungkook stiffened, recognizing the authority in Seokjin's tone. But he was not one to back down so easily, especially not to a Foxkin.

Taehyung's whimpers filled the air as he reached out toward Seokjin, desperate for his safety. Jungkook merely scoffed, his grip tightening on Taehyung's collar. "And what if I don't?" he growled, his voice thick with challenge.

Seokjin's brow twitched slightly at the insolence. But before he could reply, Taehyung, driven by a desperate instinct to escape, lashed out and sank his sharp canines into Jungkook's hand. The sting of the bite caught Jungkook off guard, and with a gasp, he dropped Taehyung onto the ground.

Taehyung scrambled away, moving quickly toward Seokjin, his trembling hands reaching out for comfort and protection. Seokjin immediately stepped in front of him, shielding him from any further harm. His gaze softened as he turned to Taehyung, his voice a low whisper, full of concern. "Are you alright?"

Taehyung nodded quickly, his face hidden behind Seokjin's shoulder. He pressed closer, seeking solace in the older man's steady presence.

Seokjin's attention shifted back to Jungkook, his tone firm and commanding as he addressed the young Wolfian. "Please explain to me why you would do this to Kim Tae."

Jungkook's face twisted in a sneer, and he gave Seokjin no response. Instead, his eyes flashed with disdain as he looked over at Taehyung, still hiding behind Seokjin.

"I can't believe you'd bite a fellow kin and hide behind a filthy Foxkin." Jungkook spat, his voice full of disgust. "Do you not know the feud between our kind? You're a disgrace to all Wolfians!"

Seokjin's gaze remained unwavering, his voice cold. "Show some respect to your peers. Is this what the academy has taught you?" His words were measured, cutting through the tension with a sharp clarity.

Jungkook's frown deepened at how much it sounded like an elder chiding him, and a low growl rumbled in his chest, but Seokjin stood his ground, unmoved by the younger man's hostility.

"I was just having some fun with my peer." A scoff escaped from Jungkook. "No need to overreact."

Seokjin had seen enough to understand that Jungkook was likely just a rash and young Wolfian. Judging from his looks and behaviour, he doesn't seem older than 500 years. He didn't want to mind himself over a kid like Jungkook.

With a final, stern look, he turned and placed a gentle hand on Taehyung's shoulder, leading him away from the confrontation. "Clearly, Kim Tae does not appreciate your idea of 'fun,'" Seokjin remarked, his voice tinged with finality. "So I would advise you not to repeat such behavior in the future."

As the two walked toward the carriage, Jungkook's eyes burned with frustration, but Seokjin paid him no further mind. They entered the carriage, the window curtains falling as the carriage began to move.

Taehyung, his tail wagging faintly from the reassurance Seokjin had given him, glanced at the older man. The usual warm smile Seokjin had worn was absent, now replaced with a more thoughtful expression. Taehyung, wanting to lift his spirits, reached into his treasured box and pulled out a crumpled pile of papers. With a gleam of joy in his eyes, he passed the papers to Seokjin, who looked at him with a mixture of surprise and curiosity.

"Jin," Taehyung called, his voice soft as he spoke the name that always seemed to bring him comfort.

Seokjin hesitated, blinking in silence. He slowly unfolded the crumpled papers, his gaze softening as he read the words. The improvement in Taehyung's writing was evident, though still uneven, the letters were shaky yet full of effort. Pride swelled in Seokjin's chest as he gently placed a hand on Taehyung's head, his tone warm with approval. "You've done well," he praised, the tenderness in his voice unmistakable.

Taehyung beamed at the compliment, his tail wagging more vigorously as he basked in Seokjin's praise. But when Seokjin asked, his voice tentative, "Who was that boy earlier? Does he trouble you often?" Taehyung looked up, a frown tugging at his lips. He wasn't sure how to voice it or explain the situation in words.

Seokjin studied him for a moment, concern still clouding his features. "Was he the one who soiled your uniform yesterday?" he pressed, his voice softer now.

Taehyung curiously mimicked the expression on Seokjin's face. As he did, his frown deepened, and he realized the feeling wasn't good. He didn't want Seokjin to continue feeling like this—he didn't like the thought of someone making Seokjin feel uncomfortable, even if just a little.

Reaching up, Taehyung gently pushed at the furrow on Seokjin's brow, as if to smooth it out. His small gesture caught Seokjin by surprise, and he blinked, unsure of how to respond.

"Jin," Taehyung said, his voice warm despite the confusion that lingered in the air. "Good."

Seokjin froze for a moment, his heart tightening unexpectedly. Taehyung's simple, affectionate words sent a warmth through him, easing the weight of the day.

This was dangerous, Seokjin thought, as a soft sigh escaped his lips. Taehyung had a way of reading him better than anyone else ever could. A simple word, a small gesture, and all his worries seemed to disappear. The closeness they had built, now became a vulnerability he hadn't expected.

Seokjin leaned back, the lingering thoughts of Jungkook and the confrontation dissolving into a quiet sense of peace, and he allowed himself to bask in the quiet warmth that only Taehyung seemed to bring.