As Min-joon prepared to head back to work after the graduation and result event, he patted Joon-ho on the shoulder, a mixture of pride and nostalgia evident in his eyes.
"Well, Joon-ho, it's time for me to return to the office. Make sure you and Soo-jin thank your teachers before you leave."
"Of course, Dad. We won't forget," Joon-ho nodded, a sense of responsibility settling over him.
With that, Min-joon and Eun-ji bid their son farewell and headed off, leaving Joon-ho to seek out Soo-jin amidst the bustling crowd of graduates and well-wishers. Spotting her near the academy grounds, he made his way over, a smile tugging at his lips.
"Hey, Soo-jin," Joon-ho greeted, relief evident in his voice as they exchanged quick pleasantries before delving into their exam outcomes. "My result had secured me into NexaCorp Korea University. How about you?"
"I'm the same as you! I passed! Can you believe it? I didn't think I'd make it, but here we are," Soo-jin beamed excitedly as she revealed.
Sharing in her joy, Joon-ho congratulated Soo-jin warmly as they entered Daehan Academy for one last time. The familiar sights and sounds of the school brought forth a wave of nostalgia, reminding them of the countless memories they had made within those walls.
Their mission to express gratitude to their teachers began with a bittersweet visit to Mr. Park, their first stop. Approaching him with gratitude and sadness, Joon-ho spoke from the heart, thanking him for his unwavering support and guidance throughout the years.
"Thank you, Mr. Park, for everything. Your lessons and mentorship have truly made a difference in my life," Joon-ho expressed sincerely.
Mr. Park's eyes softened with emotion as he listened, his smile reflecting his pride for his former student.
"It's been a pleasure having you in my class, Joon-ho. I have no doubt you'll go on to achieve great things," he replied, his words carrying a sense of fondness and encouragement.
"As for our plans," Joon-ho began, his voice steady. "We've both decided to join NexaCorp Korea University."
Mr Park's eyes widened in surprise, his disbelief evident as he processed the unexpected news.
"NexaCorp Korea University?" he echoed, his tone incredulous.
Soo-jin nodded, her expression determined.
"Yes, Mr. Park. We believe it's the next step in our journey," she explained, her voice filled with conviction. "We want to pursue our passion for gaming and see where it takes us."
As Joon-ho and Soo-jin shared their plans to join NexaCorp Korea University with Mr. Park, the atmosphere shifted from nostalgia to surprise. Mr. Park's initial shock at hearing Joon-ho's decision was palpable, his eyebrows furrowing in disbelief.
"You're both going to NexaCorp Korea University?" he repeated, his tone tinged with scepticism.
Joon-ho, sensing the gravity of Mr. Park's reaction, took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding.
"Yes, Mr. Park. It's true," he affirmed, his voice steady. "I've... I've found a purpose, something I'm passionate about."
Mr. Park's expression softened as he listened, the weight of his doubts and insecurities lifting slightly.
"I see," he murmured, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his lips. "I must admit, I never expected this from you, Joon-ho. But if you've found your calling, then I couldn't be happier for you."
Soo-jin nodded in agreement, her eyes shining with determination.
"We've both grown a lot during our time here, Mr. Park. And we owe a lot of that to you," she added, her voice sincere. "Thank you for always believing in us and pushing us to be our best selves."
Mr. Park's smile widened at their words, a sense of pride swelling.
"You both have bright futures ahead of you, I do not doubt that," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "I wish you nothing but success in your endeavours, and remember, I'll always be here if you need guidance or support."
With heartfelt thanks and a renewed sense of purpose, Joon-ho and Soo-jin bid Mr. Park farewell, their hearts full of gratitude for the teacher who had played such a significant role in their lives. As they walked away, they felt a sense of excitement and anticipation for the journey that lay ahead, knowing that they had Mr. Park's blessing and support every step of the way.
Soo-jin echoed similar sentiments as they continued their rounds, expressing her appreciation for each teacher they encountered. Their interactions were filled with heartfelt conversations and shared memories, each moment serving as a testament to the impact their educators had made on their lives.
As they bid their final farewells to their teachers, Joon-ho and Soo-jin felt a profound sense of closure and gratitude wash over them. With their heads held high and hearts full of hope for the future, they left the academy grounds, ready to embark on the next chapter of their lives.
As Joon-ho and Soo-jin walked away from the academy, they found themselves drawn to their favourite spot on campus—a quiet bench nestled beneath the shade of a sprawling tree. It was here that they had spent countless hours studying, laughing, and dreaming together, and now, as they prepared to part ways, it felt like the perfect place to reflect on their journey.
Seated side by side, they gazed out at the familiar surroundings, the sounds of laughter and chatter from their fellow students fading into the background. The air was filled with a sense of nostalgia, mingled with the anticipation of what lay ahead.
"It's hard to believe this is it," Joon-ho said, breaking the comfortable silence between them. "Our time at Daehan Academy has come to an end."
"Yeah, it feels surreal. It's like we're closing one chapter and starting a new one," Soo-jin nodded, her gaze distant as she took in the sight of the academy buildings bathed in the warm afternoon sunlight.
They fell silent again, lost in their thoughts, each lost in their memories of the years they had spent together. From the first day they met as wide-eyed freshmen to the countless late-night study sessions and the highs and lows of exams and competitions, their bond had only grown stronger with time.
"I'll miss this place," Soo-jin said softly, her voice tinged with sadness. "But I'm excited for what comes next."
"Me too. It's strange to think that we won't be coming back here every day, but I'm grateful for all the memories we've made," Joon-ho smiled, a bittersweet feeling settling in his chest.
They sat in companionable silence for a while longer, the weight of their impending separation hanging in the air between them. But despite the uncertainty of the future, they found solace in each other's presence, knowing that no matter where life took them, they would always have the bond they shared.
While Joon-ho and Soo-jin sat on their favourite bench, reminiscing about their time at Daehan Academy, they couldn't help but think back to their earliest memories together.
"Hey, Soo-jin," Joon-ho began, a nostalgic smile playing on his lips. "Do you remember when we were kids, and I first moved in next door?"
"Of course! You were so shy back then, always hiding behind your mom whenever we tried to say hello," Soo-jin's eyes lit up with recognition as she nodded.
"Yeah, I was a bit of a scaredy-cat back then. But you were always so outgoing and friendly, it made it easy for me to open up," Joon-ho chuckled sheepishly, recalling his timid behaviour as a young boy.
"Well, someone had to be the brave one, right?" Soo-jin grinned, a playful glint in her eyes.
Their laughter filled the air as they reminisced about the innocence of their childhood days, the memories flooding back with each passing moment. Despite the passage of time and the changes they had both undergone, their bond remained as strong as ever, a testament to the enduring friendship they shared.
As they sat together, lost in the nostalgia of their shared history, they knew that no matter where life took them, they would always have each other, their friendship a constant source of strength and support in a world full of uncertainties. And as they looked ahead to the future, they did so with hope and optimism, knowing that whatever challenges lay in store, they would face them together, just as they always had.
As the sun slowly began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the familiar surroundings of their childhood neighbourhood, Joon-ho and Soo-jin felt a sense of peace wash over them. They knew that their journey was far from over, but in that moment, surrounded by the echoes of their past and the promise of the future, they were content.
With a final glance at the academy where they had spent so many formative years, they rose from their bench, ready to face whatever adventures awaited them. Hand in hand, they walked into the fading light, their hearts filled with gratitude for the memories they had shared and the bonds that would forever tie them together.