Minjun's first year in middle school was uneventful. After a chaotic start, he found solace in Bang Eun-Kyung, whose lively and upbeat personality reminded him of Minjin. By the end of his freshman year, Minjun had once again secured the top academic position in his class.
This accomplishment garnered attention from his homeroom teacher, who invited him for a private chat before the semester break.
"Minjun-ah, you have remarkable skills in math and science," his teacher started with a smile. "Have you considered which high school you want to attend?"
Minjun felt hesitant and uncertain about how to respond.
The teacher noticed his hesitation and encouraged him, saying, "You might want to look into a science high school. Your talents would flourish there, but you must enhance your profile. Starting with the science and math clubs would be a great first step."
Minjun nodded and replied quietly, "I'll consider it."
Even though he felt unsure, the thought stayed with him as the semester ended.
During the break, Minjun looked at his email and noticed it had been weeks since he last heard from Minjin. Despite the silence, he drafted another email, asking about her well-being and sharing his recent accomplishments. The absence of a reply made him feel somewhat melancholic.
On the first day of sophomore year, Minjun felt relief being in the same class as Bang Eun-Kyung again. This year, their homeroom teacher permitted them to sit together.
Minjun's status as a respected student continued to rise. His classmates admired his intellect and appearance and often sought his assistance with schoolwork. Initially, Minjun was hesitant to help, but he grew comfortable as he engaged more with them. Gradually, he smiled at their greetings and waved to familiar faces in the hallways.
When the first exam week came, Minjun again topped his class, reinforcing his reputation as the top student. His achievement ignited another wave of admiration, especially from the girls, who approached him with bashful giggles and warm smiles. Although flattered, Minjun remained reserved and concentrated on his studies.
Later in the semester, Minjun's homeroom teacher called him again. When the teacher suggested he participate in science and math activities this time, Minjun agreed.
He also convinced Bang Eun-Kyung to join the science and math clubs. Together, they quickly distinguished not just for their intelligence but also for their friendliness and attractiveness.
Minjun and Bang Eun-Kyung flourished in the clubs as the months passed, and doing the experiments, projects, and competitions further enhanced their skills.
Minjun's previously reserved nature evolved into that of a friendly and self-assured young man. His popularity surged, and he gained admiration for his intelligence, charm, and affluent background. These attributes attracted the attention of many girls at school. Despite his expanding social circle and accomplishments, one area of Minjun's life felt unfulfilled.
Throughout middle school, his relationship with Minjin completely diminished. She never replied to his emails, and although he frequently thought of her, their once-close relationship faded into a distant memory. Even as Minjun discovered new sources of support, the absence of Minjin's presence lingered in his heart.
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Middle school was a period of growth and challenges for Kang Minjun. Despite the intense academic pressure, he excelled and maintained his position at the top of his class while enjoying a vibrant social life.
In his senior year, Minjun's life turned upside down when his father was diagnosed with stomach cancer. This devastating news hit their family hard, leaving his mother often heartbroken and crying. Kang Xiumin assumed their father's responsibilities at the company.
Minjun's father underwent surgery to remove the tumor, a procedure that left him frail and reliant on a feeding tube. Minjun and his mother took turns staying at the hospital by his father's side. Each visit was a heart-wrenching experience for Minjun as he watched the once-strong figure in his life grow thinner and weaker. Despite the pain, he began to notice the medical staff who tirelessly cared for his father.
Over the months of his father's recovery, Minjun deeply admired the doctors, particularly for their skill.
One afternoon, Minjun walked by the hospital's ambulance bay. He noticed a loud disturbance. Paramedics were hurriedly transferring a patient from the ambulance to the emergency room. Minjun trailed behind while maintaining a distance as the event played out.
The patient, a man in critical condition, was surrounded by a flurry of activity. Doctors and nurses worked in seamless coordination, and their focus remained unwavering.
One doctor caught Minjun's eye while he moved with a blend of urgency and precision that left him awestruck. The doctor issued clear instructions with his calm demeanor commanding respect amid chaos. Minjun stood frozen while observing every detail until the patient.
As Minjun turned to leave, a smile beamed on his face. For the first time, the calm authority and skill he had witnessed ignited his aspiration to become a doctor.
As Minjun entered his father's room he thought of Minjin. Her unending curiosity and drive to understand the world had always inspired him. He chuckled softly, realizing that his new pursuit mirrored Minjin's fascination. He was now drawn to this same journey.
Minjun returned to his father's bedside. He began to view the hospital not as a site of grief but as a beacon of hope. This experience had sown a seed within him that blossomed into a lifelong commitment to impact the medical field.