It is evening, and the soft hues of autumn paint the sky with warmth. The air feels pleasant, carrying the faint rustle of leaves in the wind. Ji-yeon lies peacefully on her bed, the golden light filtering through the window dancing across her face. Suddenly, her eyes snap open.
What time is it? she thinks, a flicker of urgency lighting her expression. Sitting up, she glances toward the small clock on the table. "The party will start soon," she mutters, swinging her legs off the bed.
After a quick rinse to freshen up, she steps out of her room, her thoughts focused on finding her mother. Ji-yeon had only ever ventured through the paths her mother had shown her, and she carefully retraces those familiar routes.
Descending the staircase that leads from the residential section to the main floor, she notices the hum of activity below. Several employees are bustling about, busy with their tasks. She approaches one of them, a man carrying a clipboard, and clears her throat to get his attention.
"Excuse me," she says politely. "Do you know where Miss Choi is?"
The man looks up, his face thoughtful for a moment before responding. "She's in the hall right now."
Ji-yeon nods. "Where's the hall?"
The man gestures down the corridor. "Follow this path. The first door on the right is the hall."
"Thank you," she says with a small smile.
Following his instructions, she makes her way down the corridor, her steps light but purposeful. The dim lighting of the corridor casts a soft glow against her face. Without her glasses, her features seem more delicate, her natural beauty shining through in its simplicity. Her large, expressive eyes scan her surroundings, taking in every detail, while a faint trace of curiosity lingers on her face.
The door to the hall stands tall and majestic, its intricate wooden carvings showcasing the skill of a master craftsman. Ji-yeon hesitates for a moment, admiring the beauty of the design before pushing it open. The door creaks softly as it swings inward, revealing a spacious room bustling with activity.
Inside, school teachers and staff members are scattered around, each engrossed in their tasks. Miss Choi stands near the center, her sharp presence commanding respect even amidst the flurry of motion. At one end of the room, the headmaster appears relaxed, chatting animatedly and clearly enjoying himself, a stark contrast to the others' focused demeanor.
Though she feels a slight nervousness without her glasses, there's a quiet confidence in her steps. Even in the unfamiliar surroundings, Ji-yeon moves forward with determination, her heart set on finding her mother.
As Ji-yeon steps inside, her gaze immediately finds Miss Choi. She takes a step forward, intending to approach her, but Miss Choi subtly raises her hand, signaling her to stop. Ji-yeon halts mid-step, confusion flickering across her face. She doesn't understand why her mother is gesturing her to stay back.
Her confusion deepens when she notices the headmaster strolling leisurely through the hall. His eyes seem to linger on everything and nothing, his pace unhurried as though he owns the space. Only after he exits the hall does Miss Choi wave Ji-yeon over.
Ji-yeon quickly crosses the way,, her voice soft but filled with curiosity as she approaches. "Mother, why didn't you let me come to you earlier?"
Miss Choi's expression hardens slightly, her tone low and serious. "Because no one here should know you're my daughter," she replies, glancing briefly around to ensure no one is listening.
"But why, Mother?" Ji-yeon presses, her voice tinged with hurt and confusion.
Miss Choi sighs, her gaze softening for a moment before she straightens again. "I'll explain everything another time. For now, you'll address me as Principal, not Mother. Understood?"
Ji-yeon hesitates but nods reluctantly. "Yes… Principal."
Satisfied, Miss Choi turns her attention back to her work, her focus unbroken as if the conversation had never happened.
Left standing alone, Ji-yeon takes a moment to glance around the hall. Her eyes land on one of the walls, and she notices it is covered in photographs. Curiosity piqued, she moves closer, her footsteps quiet as she studies the images. The wall seems to hold memories, each picture a have, into a story she doesn't yet know.
The wall is lined in groups with about a hundred pictures, each one brimming with life and memories. Ji-yeon's amber eyes scan the faces—children laughing, adults posing, and her mother often at the center of attention. She lingers on each photo, piecing together moments of the school's history.
Then she stops.
Her eyes widen slightly, catching sight of someone familiar. A tall boy, perhaps five feet nine inches, stands proudly in one of the photographs. His broad smile is infectious, radiating confidence. His thick black hair falls in loose waves, some brushed back, while a few strands rest on his forehead. The black glasses perched on his nose give him an intellectual charm, making him look even more captivating. Around his neck hangs a medal, the inscription on it catching her attention: Awarded to the Champion of the Yearly Competition.
The name engraved beneath the title sends a jolt through her—Kangha.
Ji-yeon's breath catches as her amber eyes grow wider. A soft smile plays on her lips, and she bows her head slightly, memories swirling in her mind. She has been hearing his name for years, stories of his unmatched skills and unwavering determination. But now, seeing him here, captured in time, feels surreal.
As she looks closer, she begins to spot him in other pictures—sometimes at the forefront, sometimes partially obscured behind others. Yet, his presence is unmistakable. That same confident smile, the glint of pride in his eyes, and the numerous medals adorning his chest speak volumes about his accomplishments.
The boy excels in everything he does—swimming, horse riding, gun shooting—each skill is truly remarkable and worthy of admiration.
Her smile deepens, her heart feeling a strange mixture of admiration and curiosity. "Kangha," she whispers softly to herself, as if saying the name connects her to the stories she's always heard, and now, the boy she sees in pictures in front of her.
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The night is serene, casting a soft glow through the windows of Ji Yeon's room. She is standing before the mirror, adjusting the delicate folds of her black gown, a perfect choice for such a special evening. Her curly hair flows freely, adding to her natural beauty. Ji Yeon's heart races with anticipation—tonight, she hopes to meet Kangha.
Once satisfied with her appearance, she takes a deep breath, steps out of her room, and descends the grand staircase. The hall below is lively, filled with the chatter and laughter of young students, all aged between sixteen and twenty. Ji Yeon, being nineteen, blends seamlessly into the crowd. Most of them seem to be former students returning for the occasion.
As Ji Yeon enters the hall, her eyes dart around, scanning the faces. She's searching for someone—Kangha. Her gaze remains restless, hoping to catch sight of him. Yet, he is nowhere to be found. Her heart sinks slightly, but she refuses to let her disappointment show. Instead, she stands quietly beside her mother, Miss Choi, who also happens to be the principal of the academy.
"Principal," Ji Yeon whispers hesitantly, drawing her mother's attention.
"Yes?" Miss Choi replies, her tone calm but distracted as she oversees the gathering.
"Kangha hasn't arrived yet, has he?" Ji Yeon asks in a shaky voice, her hope flickering.
"No, he won't come," Miss Choi answers matter-of-factly.
"Why?" Ji Yeon's voice betrays her surprise and disappointment.
"I asked him, but he said he wouldn't attend," Miss Choi says with a hint of finality before turning back to greet her guests.
Ji Yeon's shoulders slump, and her heart feels heavy. She watches as her mother mingles with the crowd, engaging with guests in animated conversations and flattering them effortlessly. Unable to bear the festive atmosphere any longer, Ji Yeon turns to leave the hall, her face shadowed with sadness.
As she approaches the exit, the guard stationed there stops her. "Miss, you cannot leave like this. The headmaster still has to make an announcement and provide instructions for the new rules."
Ji Yeon pauses, her emotions swirling. The night, filled with so much hope, now feels unbearably long. But deep down, she wonders if perhaps Kangha might still surprise her.
Ji Yeon has no choice but to stay. Her steps falter as the guard's words sink in, and with a resigned sigh, she turns back into the hall. Each step feels heavier than the last as she returns to her earlier spot. Her heart aches, but she masks her disappointment, forcing herself to observe the lively scene around her.
The hall is abuzz with chatter and laughter. Groups of young students—some familiar, some new—mingle under the shimmering lights. Ji Yeon watches them quietly, her arms folded as she leans against a pillar. She notices the excited expressions of the newcomers, the animated conversations of the alumni, and the occasional bursts of laughter that echo through the hall.
Just as she begins to feel like a mere shadow in the crowd, a voice cuts through the noise, startling her.
"How are you, beautiful woman?"
Ji Yeon turns to find a boy standing before her, a confident smirk playing on his lips. He is tall, dressed in a sleek suit that contrasts sharply with his playful demeanor. His tone is bold, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
For a moment, Ji Yeon is taken aback, unsure how to respond to the sudden interruption. She studies his face, trying to place him among the students, but he doesn't seem familiar.
"And you are?" she finally asks, her voice steady but laced with caution.
The boy grins wider, as if amused by her guarded response. "Just someone who couldn't help but notice the most beautiful woman in the hall looking a little lost."
Ji Yeon's expression softens slightly, but her mind remains elsewhere, still preoccupied with Kangha's absence.....