Studying sucks hyung!

“Joon-ah…. I know you guys have got super hectic schedules… But do take out some time to help Tae and Jimin for a month?”

Namjoon had a confused expression on his face. He didn’t understand what Sejin hyung was talking about. Taehyung and Jimin needed nobody’s help in the choreographies. It’s probably he who needed to ask them to help him with certain moves. 

“School Joon-ah…. They barely get enough time to sleep… Help them a bit because it’s exam month soon…”

“Oh… Yes hyung. I’ll do that… “

“I’ll make changes in the schedule so that the members can leave a couple of hours early until their exams get over. Yeah? Help them. It’s all good now. But they need their grades too… “

“Yes hyung… I’ll take care of that… Thanks hyung… “

….. 

It was a school day for Taehyung and Jimin. And both boys came back home with tired long faces. 

“Hey… How was school? ” Asked Hobi, watching Taehyung kick off his school shoes in the general direction of their shoe rack, on entering their dorm. The shoe went straight to push Jimin’s neatly placed pair, making him glare at his best friend. 

“School was good hyung… ” Jimin answered Hobi, noticing that their hyung was still waiting for an answer and Taehyung had straight away ignored him and walked to their couch to lay sprawled on it, uniform and all. 

“Good… My foot. We have a shit load of exams coming up. Revision tests, term ends, assignments and to top it all off, another shit load of homework. It’s like they are trying to make us learn the whole year in one month. Ugh!”

“Language Taehyung… ” Jin said, his tone stern. Jin had just entered the living room, to see what the talk was about. 

“Why haven’t you changed? And how many times have I told you about keeping you school bag in its place? ” Jin scolded, pointing to the discarded school bag lying in the middle of the living room. 

“Ugh!… ” 

With that Taehyung jumped off the couch, picked his bag and stormed off to their room. 

“What’s with him? ” Jin asked Hobi, deciding to ignore the maknae’s attitude for the time being. 

“Exam month. He has probably got a lot to study. Poor kid! Thank God my school’s over.” Hobi said, half smiling. 

“Ha… That’s why. Don’t thank God yet. Sejin hyung was talking about applying for college.. ” Jin answered smirking, as Hobi’s expression morphed into one of dread. Humorous dread. 

Meanwhile Jimin had changed, grabbed a couple packs of ramen and cooked it for him and Taehyung. It was common knowledge that both of them came home ready to eat elephants from school. They were always so hungry after school. Knowing this, Jin always kept in stock ramen packets or some leftovers for them. 

Picking a couple of books and his bowl of ramen, Jimin then sat down at the table in their living room. They didn’t have another table in their dorm. So that was were all their studying and eating happened. 

“Your ramen is in the kitchen… ” Jimin called out when he saw Taehyung coming out. 

“Studying already Jimin-ah? Rest for a while. Nap if you want. Hyung will wake you later.” Jin offered feeling a little pity for the kid. He must be tired. They didn’t have anything planned for the rest of the evening or next day anyways. They had enough time to catch up on some rest. 

“No hyung. There’s a lot of homework. Plus we also need to start studying for the tests. What if we don’t get enough time next week after practice?” Jimin could never compromise on his studies. He often launched into full on panic attacks during exam times, if he wasn’t prepared enough for it. Taehyung on the other hand, hated studying to his very core. Which was evident in the way he now stood glaring at Jimin, from the kitchen door. 

“Why are you glaring at me? ” Jimin asked, not even looking up at Taehyung. He caught the glare in his peripheral vision. 

“Nothing. I’m going to nap for a while. “

….. 

“How did the meeting go?… There’s Hobi’s tea in the kitchen… ” Jin said, as Namjoon entered their dorm, later that evening. 

“It went well hyung. We might get started on the new song next week…where’s Tae? ” Namjoon had noticed Jimin who was still sitting at the table, with many books lying propped open around him, his face wearing a frown. 

“Napping. I tried to wake him, but guess he is really tired. “

“Hmm… Sejin hyung mentioned that those two had to focus on their studies as well. Asked us to help them in ways we can… “

“Oh alright. It’s their exam month… Jimin looks stressed already… “

“I see that. Let me freshen up. Hyung, can you wake Taehyung in the meanwhile? “

“I’ll try! ” Jin answered laughing as he set off for a mission he knew he’d fail anyways. You can’t wake a person pretending to be asleep, can you?! 

…… 

“See Jimin-ah…. If you take this to the other side, the sign changes, and it is lying outside the bracket, so you multiply everything inside with the sign…. See? That’s where your answer went wrong… “

“Ooooo…I missed this minus… Finally… Thanks hyung… ” Jimin said eagerly grabbing the book back from Namjoon to try the sum one more time, now that he knows what went wrong. The other members where all busy in doing their own things, not wanting to disturb Namjoon and Jimin. 

Waking up Taehyung had been a mission destined to fail, just like Jin had predicted. 

“Hyung, he isn’t up yet? “

“Nope. He doesn’t want to study I guess. He isn’t asleep. He isn’t awake!” Jin said, not looking up from the book he had been reading. 

“Aish… This kid…”

“Tae… Wake up… Jimin said you have a lot of homework… Get started on it… Come on” Namjoon said, shaking Taehyung, not very gently. 

“I’m tired hyung… Let me sleep please… “

“Whining isn’t gonna work… Get up”

More whines. Until.. 

Smack. Smack. 

“Oww… Hyung… “

“Now stop glaring at me, get up, wash your face, get your books and come to the living room. I’ll get you some warm tea by then. Yeah? “

Taehyung nodded, rubbing his thigh at the spot where Namjoon had smacked. He figured it would be best for him to do as told before things escalated. 

“So you have got homework and assignments for four subjects. And a revision test. All due in five days time?… “

“Yes hyung… ” Jimin answered, heaving a long sigh. He didn’t like studying either. But he disliked failing worse. 

Taehyung, who was now seated next to Jimin, opposite Namjoon, had been sulking for the past half hour, not even responding to what Namjoon was asking them. 

“Okay… I can help you with that… Get done with your homework. And we will start with the prep for your revision test today. We will start on the assignments tomorrow and plan it so that it gets done by Wednesday… “

Jimin nodded. Taehyung was busy tracing patterns on his knee, half listening to what his hyung was saying. 

“Heard that Tae? I’m going to tutor you both till exams…. I’ll help you with anything you find difficult… And make sure you don’t slack off. Sejin hyung wants you to do well too. So don’t sulk around. Got it? “

“Yes hyung… ” Taehyung answered, head still bowed down. He so hated having to sit at a place for long hours and study. 

“Fine… Go on then. I’ll be back to call you for dinner. Finish your homework by then… “

Jimin nodded. Taehyung, yet again, showed no sign of having heard Namjoon’s words. 

Namjoon, who had stood up and turned to leave, paused and turned back to glare at Taehyung, who didn’t notice since he wasn’t even looking. 

“Ah… Jimin-ah… If you go to hyung’s room, inside the wardrobe, lowest rack, you will find a wooden ruler. Go bring it… “

“Hy..hyung?… ” Jimin stuttered, paling in an instant, just like Taehyung. 

“Didn’t hear me? ” 

“Ye.. Yes hyung… “

“Then go bring it. Now. “

Namjoon had been glaring at Taehyung all the while, who now seemed to have realised. 

“Hyu.. Hyung… ” Taehyung started, his sulk having vanished to be replaced by panic. 

Jimin returned with the ruler, that looked quite terrifying in Taehyung’s opinion, and handed it over to his hyung as instructed. 

“Did you hear what I said earlier? ” Namjoon now asked Taehyung, holding the dreadful ruler in his hand. 

“Yes hyung… To finish homework by dinner…”

“Good. I also expect you to answer me properly like this when I ask you something. ” 

“Ye.. Yes hyung…”

“Go on. Better finish it by the time I’m back. Both of you… ” Namjoon said, laying the ruler down on the table in front of them and then turning this time to leave. 

Nobody else had seen the scene unfold. Jin had dozed off at some point and the rest of the members were gone for a walk, except Yoongi, who was in their studio, working. 

…. 

“Jiminie… It’s so not fair… You already finished half of it… How do I finish it in this time?.. ” Taehyung whined once hyung had disappeared. 

“You can still finish it if you start now. There’s not much Tae… He gave us a lot of time… “

“Show me what you did then… I’m not as fast as you… I’ll end up getting hit if I don’t finish… Jiminie… “

“I’m not letting you copy my homework. We both know who is smarter. So don’t you dare say that. Who was the only person in class to get the right answer for that difficult question in class last week? ” Jimin asked back, not hiding his bitter face. He still remembered feeling a little down for not having figured out the right answer when Tae did. 

A little jealous you could say. You see, Jimin always felt that he had to work extra hard for things that Tae easily got. Be it dance choreos, vocal practices, even school. Tae was effortlessly smart and talented, while Jimin had to work his ass off, every single time. It didn’t seem fair at all. 

“I was just lucky that day… Jimin-ah…. Jealous much? “

“Luck doesn’t solve algebra. And I’m not showing you my homework. So shut up and do it yourself. Don’t waste my time. ” Jimin said, getting up and picking one of his books. They needed to memorise a poem for language class. And with that he would be done with his homework. 

Taehyung heaved a sigh. He didn’t even want to open his books. But one look at the ruler made him do just that. Jin hyung might bluff. But never Namjoon or Yoongi hyung. 

Glancing around at the table, Taehyung noticed that Jimin’s books were still on the table. He had picked only his literature book to study. With a little luck, he could just take a look at his homework without Jimin knowing. Looking up, he saw Jimin pacing back and forth, memorising that stupid poem, not sparing a glance towards him. This was his chance. 

….. 

Soon it was time for dinner, and Namjoon came to the living room, to call the maknaes. Taehyung was relaxing, doodling at the back page of his note, while Jimin seemed to have slept off with his head lying on the table. 

“Tae… Wake him and come for dinner… Jin hyung is waiting… “

After dinner the three of them were back at the table in their living room. 

“So done with your homework?”

“Yes hyung. But I didn’t get one of the sums… Could you take a look at it? ” Jimin said, his face sad again. Looks like Taehyung got it all right, that too taking half the time he took. 

“Sure Jiminie… Show me… “

Soon they were pondering over the question and after some time, came to the conclusion that the solution as per the answer key was wrong.

“Tae-ah!…. Did you copy Jimin’s homework? ” Namjoon asked, his voice just below a shout. It was an almost-shout. 

That had Taehyung jerk awake from the world he was in. He had been still doodling while they discussed the problem. 

And hadn’t noticed Namjoon picking up his book to check his answer for the same question. 

“Hy.. Hyung?”

“Did. You. Copy. His. Homework? “

“…. Uh… Hyung…. I wouldn’t have finished by dinner time otherwise… His was already done… It wasn’t fair to give both of us the same amount of time… ” Taehyung said, somehow not stuttering while he presented his defense. 

“I knew how much work you had to complete. There was enough time for you to finish it even if you started from scratch. I purposely gave you more time, considering you were tired. And even if you tried and didn’t finish it by dinner, you could have come asked me for extra time. Not COPY. “

“Hyung… I’m… I’m sorry… “

“Are you?… Put out your left palm then… Now! “

Namjoon picked up the ruler, and landed a sharp hit right across the middle of Taehyung’s palm, leaving a red stripe in its wake and a howl of pain from Taehyung, who immediately pulled back his arm. 

“You too Jimin-ah. You can’t let him copy because he is your best friend. Left palm out. “

“Hyung… I didn’t… I told him I won’t show him… “

“Jimin-ah… No excuses… “

“Really hyung… I didn’t… ” Jimin cried looking over at Taehyung, giving him the death glare. 

Taehyung cringed, but decided to not let Jimin get punished unfairly. He wouldn’t forgive him. 

“Hyung… He didn’t… I took his book… I’m…I’m really sorry… “

“Great… How many sums were there Jimin-ah? “

“Fi…fifteen hyung…. “

“Come here Tae. Over my lap.”

Taehyung was already crying, his palm still blazing in pain. 

“Hyungie… Please… I won’t do it again… Please??.. “

“Two more added. “

Taehyung reluctantly went over to Namjoon, who wasted no time in pulling his dongsaeng over his lap and baring his backside. 

Smack. Smack. Smack. Smack. Smack. 

“Aah!… Ow.. Ow.. Ow.. Ithurts… “

Namjoon remained silent and fully focused on holding Taehyung down while he laid into him. 

Smack. Smack. Smack. Smack. Smack. Smack. Smack. Smack. Smack. Smack. 

“Pleasehyung… I’m sorry… ” Taehyung howled, his butt cheeks burning with the pain the ruler left. 

“You do not find ways to cheat me when I give you a work. Is that understood? Doing homework will help you understand it better, makes it easier to learn for exams. It’s for your own benefit. Not for me. “

“Ye.. Yes hyung… I’m s.. sorry… “

Smack. Smack. 

The last two were laid on the top of his thighs, and elicited a loud shriek from Tae, that had Jin come running to the living room. 

“There. Done.” Namjoon said, pulling up Tae’s underwear and shorts before helping him up. 

“Now, you will sit your butt down, and do all those sums again, without looking at the solutions. I’m not letting you get up until you are done. Understood? “

“Ye… Yes hyung… Bu…but it hurts to sit.. ” Tae whined, trying to sit and immediately jumping back up. 

“It will. It’s part of the punishment. So sit down.” Namjoon said, making Taehyung sit, eliciting a wince from him. 

“Jimin-ah… If you are done, go to bed. You seem tired to start studying today.”

…. 

“What’s it Joon-ah… It sounded like you were skinning him alive in there… ” Jin asked when Namjoon approached him, looking tired. He could sleep if he decided to close his eyes for five seconds straight. 

“Ruler.”

“Aah… And you made him sit on that bottom… ” Jin said, looking over and watching Taehyung squirming, while he was writing, tears still running down both his cheeks and half soaking the pages of his book. It was more of a statement than a question. 

Was Jin’s tone sounding a little accusatory? 

“Yeah… It’s effective… “

Jin smirked at that. The wooden ruler was first used on Namjoon himself by none other than Jin. He had skipped all his meals, his sleep for two nights and had been showing signs of falling sick. And when Jin confronted him about the same, he defended his actions and even pulled an attitude saying he had work to do. 

That was the last time Namjoon ignored his food and sleep though. Jin did a number on him using the implement he found nearest to him, which unfortunately was the wooden ruler. He also made Namjoon sit down on his sore bottom, while he heated up his food, and made Namjoon eat it all, before letting him up. The memory was fresh in his mind. Apparently Namjoon’s too! 

“Have some mercy though. He has been crying non-stop… ” Jin said, glancing over at Tae again. 

“It’s just 15 sums. He can finish it in half an hour if he tries. He is good at this stuff. It’s just that he is too lazy to try… “

…… 

“Done?.. ” 

Tear tracks were still visible on Taehyung’s face, some dried, some drying. He was still squirming too. 

“Last one hyung… ” Tae answered, taking a shuddering breath. 

“Come here. Enough… ” Namjoon said, watching as Taehyung slowly stood up and walked over with his book to Namjoon, who was seated on the couch. 

Namjoon glanced through what he had done, not needing to check thoroughly because he remembered most of the answers, and Tae seemed to have gotten all of them right. The pages had blotches where his tears had fallen, and it tugged at Namjoon’s heart. He kept the book away, and opened his arms, inviting Tae for a hug. 

Taehyung being Taehyung, had not even a second’s delay in reacting as he launched himself into the hug, crying again as he nuzzled against his hyung’s chest. Namjoon’s hugs were one of a kind. Warm and tight, like he never wanted any distance in between. It poured your soul right back into you. 

“I’m sorry hyung… I wo.. won’t do it again… Please don’t be angry anymore… ” Taehyung wept, drenching Namjoon’s shirt in his tears. 

“It’s okay Taehyung-ah…. Calm down now… Hyung is not angry anymore, okay? ” Namjoon said, rubbing the kid’s back to calm his breathing. He hated to see any of them crying. Maybe he hurt Taehyung too much?

“Tae… Does it hurt too much? The burn is lesser now right?… ” Namjoon asked, concerned that Tae was still crying silent tears. Namjoon proceeded to rub the kid’s bottom, where he had hit him, over the shorts he was wearing. Taehyung winced at that, but let his hyung coddle him. It was rare to be coddled by Namjoon hyung, and he was revelling in the warmth right now. 

“Why do you have to be so mischievous Tae-ah? You are smart enough to do it yourself… Why would you land yourself in so much trouble… ” Namjoon asked, relieved that his dongsaeng seemed to be relaxing in his embrace. 

“Studying sucks hyung… I hate it… “

“You need to do things you hate sometimes Tae-ah… You need to do well… Don’t disappoint Sejin hyung, your parents, your hyungs… Yourself… I won’t hesitate to punish you if you slack off… Understood? “

“Yes hyung… I’m sorry… “

Namjoon continued to rub Taehyung’s back as they spoke, and neither of them knew when they fell asleep on the couch.

…..