《Broke to Boss》


 Chapter 1: The Journey Begins Part 1: The Dream Realized

    Kim Ji-hoon¡¯s pulse raced as he clutched the thick, cream-colored envelope in his hands. It was heavier than he expected, the weight of it far more significant than just paper. The envelope was marked with the prestigious Haneul University insignia, and his fingers trembled slightly as he tore it open, almost afraid to look at the words inside. He had worked so hard for this moment, a dream he had cherished since childhood. And now, this was it. His future, in a single letter.


    The room was small and cluttered, filled with the familiar scent of his mother¡¯s cooking and the worn-out furniture that had seen better days. His parents sat at the small wooden table, both of them too absorbed in their work to notice his entrance. Kim¡¯s heart pounded in his chest as he read the letter silently, the words blurring for a moment as emotion threatened to overwhelm him. It was official¡ªhe had been accepted into one of the most prestigious universities in South Korea.


    His breath caught in his throat as his eyes refocused. The excitement bubbled up inside him, and before he could stop himself, he rushed into the living room, holding the letter in front of him like a prize.


    ¡°Mom! Dad!¡± he called out, his voice uncharacteristically loud, filled with excitement. ¡°I got in! I got in!¡±


    His mother Lee Mi-sook, who had been tending to the stove, turned at the sound of his voice, a look of confusion crossing her face. Her hands quickly wiped the flour off her apron, and she rushed toward him, her eyes wide in disbelief. His father Kim Joon-seok, reading the newspaper in his old armchair, looked up in surprise.


    ¡°Are you serious?¡± His father¡¯s voice cracked slightly, and Kim could see the emotion behind his eyes. ¡°This is... incredible!¡±


    Kim¡¯s mother was already on her feet, rushing to embrace him, her arms enveloping him in a tight, warm hug. ¡°You did it, my son! We always believed in you!¡± Her voice was thick with pride, and for a moment, everything in Kim¡¯s world felt right.


    The room seemed to shrink, the weight of his family¡¯s pride settling heavily on his shoulders. His younger siblings, Kim Ji-sung and Kim Ji-yeon, burst into the room, their faces lighting up as they saw the letter in Kim¡¯s hand.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°You really got in, hyung?¡± Kim Ji-sung asked, a wide grin spreading across his face.


    Kim nodded, unable to contain the joy that bubbled up from within him. ¡°Yeah, I did. I¡¯m going to college.¡± His voice cracked, and his eyes momentarily flickered with unshed tears. It wasn¡¯t just the letter¡ªit was the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and the quiet hopes of his parents that had gotten him here.


    His mother¡¯s arms were still wrapped around him, her face full of pride and joy. ¡°We always knew you could do it. You¡¯re going to make us all proud, Ji-hoon.¡±


    Kim¡¯s father stood up from his chair, crossing the room in a few long strides. He placed his hands on Kim¡¯s shoulders and looked into his eyes. ¡°This is the beginning, son. A new chapter. You¡¯ve earned this. We¡¯ll support you, no matter what.¡±


    Kim felt the weight of their words settle in his heart. It wasn¡¯t just a personal victory. It was for his family, who had sacrificed everything to help him reach this point.


    The celebration was modest, but it didn¡¯t matter. There was a small cake, some homemade food, and laughter that filled the apartment as his siblings joked around and his parents shared stories of their own struggles. Kim could feel the warmth of their love, and in that moment, it felt as though the weight of the world had been lifted from his shoulders.


    As the evening wore on, Kim sat quietly in the corner, watching his family. His thoughts wandered, and a feeling of determination began to grow inside him. This wasn¡¯t just an acceptance letter. This was his chance to change everything. It wasn¡¯t just about him anymore¡ªit was about them. His family had worked too hard for him to let this opportunity slip away.


    Tomorrow, he would begin a new journey. A journey that would take him far beyond the small, cramped apartment that had always been their home. A journey that would take him to a world he had only dreamed of¡ªa world of power, wealth, and success.


    But for now, in this moment, he allowed himself to savor the victory. He had made it.


    ¡°We¡¯ll be okay, Mom,¡± he whispered softly, his voice barely audible to anyone but himself. ¡°I¡¯ll make it. I promise.¡±


    He closed his eyes for a moment, imagining the future that lay ahead. His dreams were just beginning to take shape.

 Chapter 1: The Journey Begins Part 2: A Glimpse of the Divide

    The next day, Kim found himself standing at the entrance of a bustling mall. It was a Saturday afternoon, and the place was teeming with people. Families, students, and tourists were all caught up in their own worlds, absorbed in the excitement of shopping and spending. Kim adjusted the strap of his worn-out backpack, the familiar weight comforting in its own way, as he made his way toward the escalators.


    His purpose was simple: to buy the necessary supplies for college. It felt surreal to even think about¡ªhis first time shopping for school supplies at a store that wasn¡¯t the local convenience shop. But as he moved through the mall, it didn¡¯t take long for him to realize just how much he stood out.


    Kim had never been one to feel self-conscious about his clothes. After all, his family didn¡¯t have the luxury of affording new outfits every season. But today, as he walked through the shiny mall lined with high-end stores, he couldn¡¯t help but feel the sting of his own poverty.


    He glanced at the well-dressed students walking past him, their designer clothes and expensive shoes almost mocking him. They moved with an ease that Kim could never afford. The most striking contrast was a young boy, probably about his age, walking alongside his parents. The boy was holding a brand new laptop, the kind that Kim could only dream of owning. The family was happily picking out an array of high-end stationery, chatting excitedly as they added more and more items to their cart.


    Kim stood frozen for a moment, watching them. He felt a knot form in his stomach as the boy¡¯s father turned to him and smiled. ¡°Make sure you don¡¯t forget the charger, alright? We need everything to be perfect for your first day.¡±


    Kim swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry. The disparity between their world and his own felt overwhelming. Here he was, holding a cheap calculator in his hands, eyeing the marked-down notebooks and pens. He quickly shoved the calculator back onto the shelf, trying to ignore the tightness in his chest.


    The boy¡¯s life seemed so effortless, so far removed from his own struggles. Kim couldn¡¯t help but compare their family to his. His father had been reading the newspaper in the cramped apartment, not talking about college supplies or the future. It was just another day, just another dollar earned to scrape by. Kim¡¯s mother, though proud of him, had always carried a quiet burden of worry about how they would make ends meet.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    His thoughts drifted as he moved past the rows of college supplies, his eyes landing on another display of fancy backpacks. There was a sleek, black leather one, the kind that screamed ¡°success¡± to anyone who looked at it. Kim¡¯s fingers brushed against the soft fabric, imagining how different his life could be if he didn¡¯t have to think about the price of everything.


    But then, the thought of his family hit him hard. His mother had sacrificed so much for him to have this chance. They didn¡¯t have the luxury of spending on things they didn¡¯t need. Kim¡¯s stomach twisted at the thought of his younger brother, Ji-sung, who had begged him not to buy anything that wasn¡¯t essential.


    ¡°I can get cheaper supplies,¡± Kim muttered to himself, turning away from the backpack display. ¡°If I buy better food for Mom and Ji-sung, maybe we can make it another week without worrying.¡±


    The weight of his thoughts bore down on him as he grabbed a notebook and a set of pens that were well below the price of the designer sets. It wasn¡¯t much, but it was something he could afford. His mind raced as he walked through the aisles, comparing the prices of every item, wondering if he should settle for even cheaper alternatives. He could feel the familiar pressure of the weight of responsibility settling over him, the need to provide for his family even as he was trying to create a future for himself.


    Kim finally settled on the cheapest calculator, trying not to feel ashamed as he grabbed the simplest supplies. But his mind couldn¡¯t let go of the image of the boy with the shiny new laptop, and the family¡¯s easy smile. That was the world he could never reach.


    He felt a sudden pang of frustration¡ªa frustration that came from years of struggling to make ends meet, to prove his worth. But it was fleeting. He shoved it aside, replacing it with something stronger: resolve.


    ¡°No,¡± he whispered to himself, standing in the middle of the store. ¡°This is only temporary. I will make it. I will rise above all of this.¡±


    With his supplies in hand, Kim headed for the checkout, passing through the store¡¯s sleek, polished aisles. His heart sank with each step as he walked past students who barely glanced at him, lost in their own worlds. The world that would soon be his to conquer.


    As he paid for his items, the cashier smiled at him, and he forced a smile back, feeling a sense of alienation he couldn¡¯t shake. It wasn¡¯t that anyone had treated him poorly¡ªit was just the overwhelming realization that he wasn¡¯t part of this world yet. Not yet.


    As Kim walked out of the store, bags in hand, the stark contrast between his life and the lives of the wealthy students at the mall only seemed to grow. He had no idea what it would take to rise above this, but he knew one thing for sure¡ªthis was just the beginning. He would prove that he didn¡¯t belong to the life he was born into. He would create his own destiny.


    The world was full of divides, but Kim was ready to tear them down, one step at a time.

 Chapter 1: The Journey Begins Part 3: The Weight of Sacrifice

    As the heavy weight of the shopping bags pressed against his shoulders, Kim¡¯s thoughts lingered on the hollow ache in his chest. The mall had been a stark reminder of the world he didn¡¯t belong to¡ªat least, not yet. The shiny, polished lives of the people around him felt so far out of reach, like something he could only ever dream about. He couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that he was merely an outsider, watching from the fringes of a world he¡¯d never be able to enter without a fight.


    His mind kept drifting back to the boy with the brand new laptop, his father¡¯s proud smile, and the easy conversations about what kind of school supplies they¡¯d need. Kim had never experienced that¡ªhad never had the luxury of those little comforts, of making those simple choices without the weight of financial strain crushing every decision. It wasn¡¯t just about the supplies; it was about the divide, the deep chasm between his world and theirs.


    Kim didn¡¯t want to dwell on it for long. He needed to keep moving forward.


    He finally reached the corner of the street where he would usually catch the bus. As he approached, his eyes caught sight of Ji-sung up ahead. His younger brother was walking briskly along the sidewalk, carrying a small backpack. Kim slowed his pace and called out, ¡°Ji-sung!¡±


    The boy turned, his face lighting up when he saw his older brother. He waved his hand and jogged to catch up.


    ¡°Hyung, you¡¯re done already?¡± Ji-sung asked, his voice filled with excitement, yet something in his eyes told Kim that his brother had been holding something back.


    Kim smiled warmly, though his mind was still preoccupied. ¡°Yeah, just finished buying the stuff for college,¡± he replied, trying to keep his tone light. ¡°What about you? Why aren¡¯t you on the bus?¡±


    Ji-sung paused for a moment, looking down at the ground as though debating whether to speak the truth. ¡°Uh, I... I thought I¡¯d walk,¡± he muttered, his voice a little too quiet.


    Kim raised an eyebrow, sensing that there was more to the story. ¡°Don¡¯t lie, Ji-sung. What¡¯s going on?¡±


    His younger brother shifted uncomfortably, then gave in with a sigh. ¡°Okay, fine. I¡¯m saving up for a movie. I didn¡¯t want to ask Mom and Dad for money. Things are tight right now.¡±


    Kim¡¯s heart twisted in his chest at the admission. Ji-sung, who was only twelve, was already making sacrifices for things that should have been simple, like going out with his friends to watch a movie. He was trying to protect their parents from the pressure of another expense, even when they couldn¡¯t afford it. Kim felt a mixture of pride and sorrow in his heart.


    ¡°You¡¯re a good kid, Ji-sung,¡± Kim said softly, placing a hand on his brother¡¯s shoulder. ¡°But you don¡¯t have to do that. We¡¯ll get through this. I promise. We¡¯ll make it.¡±If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Ji-sung¡¯s eyes flickered with a quiet hope. ¡°I know you will, hyung. You¡¯re going to college. You¡¯re going to make everything better.¡±


    Kim swallowed hard. His brother¡¯s faith in him was both humbling and heavy. How could he let this innocent hope die? How could he let his family down again?


    The weight of responsibility settled on Kim¡¯s shoulders more firmly than ever before. He wasn¡¯t just going to college for himself; he was going for Ji-sung, for their parents. This was their chance. This was the path to a life that would no longer be defined by scraping together the bare minimum, living paycheck to paycheck.


    Kim clenched his fists as a new resolve washed over him. He would make it. He would rise above the circumstances that had bound him for so long. He would take every opportunity, no matter how small, and use it to pull his family out of this life. He couldn¡¯t afford to fail.


    As they walked side by side, Kim kept his gaze forward, trying to block out the thoughts that had clouded his mind earlier. ¡°You don¡¯t have to save your money for movies, Ji-sung. You can have your fun too. Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±


    Ji-sung grinned up at him, his eyes sparkling with a quiet optimism that reminded Kim of the boy he used to be. A boy who believed in things like hope and dreams, before the world had taught him the cold lessons of sacrifice.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure to save up for the next one, hyung,¡± Ji-sung replied, his voice filled with that same belief in the future, a future Kim promised himself he¡¯d create.


    As they reached the small apartment, Kim¡¯s mother was already in the kitchen, her gentle humming filling the air as she prepared their modest meal. Her movements were graceful, even in the face of exhaustion, and Kim knew it wasn¡¯t just the food that kept her going¡ªit was the love for her family, the unspoken promise to make sure they didn¡¯t go hungry, no matter what.


    His father was sitting at the small table, reading the newspaper, his brow furrowed with the weight of their situation. He didn¡¯t speak much, but Kim could feel the quiet strength in him, the man who had worked his whole life just to provide what little they had.


    Kim set his bags down and walked over to his mother, who smiled warmly at him. ¡°You look tired, Ji-hoon. How was the shopping?¡±


    ¡°It was fine, Mom,¡± Kim replied, sitting down at the table. His stomach growled quietly, but it wasn¡¯t hunger that gnawed at him. It was the weight of the promise he¡¯d made¡ªto make everything better.


    As his mother served dinner, Kim looked at his family. They were so strong, each of them sacrificing in their own way. He had to make sure their sacrifices weren¡¯t in vain. He had to prove that all the hard work, all the struggles, would eventually pay off.


    The thought of it made his chest tighten, but he kept his focus. ¡°I¡¯ll make it, Mom. I¡¯m going to make sure we don¡¯t have to live like this anymore,¡± he said softly, his voice unwavering despite the doubt that still lingered in the back of his mind.


    His mother smiled and placed a bowl of rice in front of him. ¡°We know you will, Ji-hoon. We¡¯re proud of you.¡±


    Kim¡¯s eyes met his father¡¯s, who nodded silently in agreement. In that moment, Kim understood just how much this family believed in him. They didn¡¯t need grand speeches or promises. They needed action.


    Tomorrow, he would take the first step toward the future. Tomorrow, he would begin his journey, not just as a college student, but as the person who would change everything for them.


    He wouldn¡¯t let them down. Not this time.

 Chapter 1: The Journey Begins Part 4: The Promise of Tomorrow

    As Kim entered the cramped apartment, the familiar hum of the evening settled over him. The soft clatter of utensils in the kitchen, the faint murmur of his younger siblings talking quietly in the next room¡ªthese sounds were the soundtrack of his life. But tonight, something felt different. It wasn¡¯t just another ordinary evening. It was the calm before the storm, the moment before everything changed. And Kim knew that change was coming.


    He walked through the door and felt the weight of his bags drop to the floor. His body ached from the long day, but it wasn¡¯t the physical fatigue that made his bones feel heavy. It was the emotional toll, the endless pressure of carrying the hopes and dreams of his family on his shoulders. His mother had always been the anchor, the one who kept them grounded. But now, it was his turn to steer the ship, to take them to calmer waters.


    "Ji-hoon, you¡¯re back,¡± his mother said, her voice soft and welcoming. She was standing at the stove, stirring a pot of soup. Her face glowed with the kind of quiet determination Kim had always admired. Despite their struggles, she had always managed to put a warm meal on the table, to make sure they never went to bed hungry. Kim had watched her do it all his life, and now, it was his turn to give her something better.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m back,¡± Kim replied, smiling as he dropped into a chair at the small wooden table. His mother served him a bowl of soup, and Kim lifted his spoon, the warmth of the meal comforting him for a moment. But as he sat there, his mind wandered.


    The image of the mall from earlier that day, with the wealthy students and their parents, still lingered in his thoughts. The luxury, the ease, the effortless comfort¡ªthey were worlds apart from his reality. Kim couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that no matter how hard he tried, he would always be an outsider in that world.


    But something in him resisted the notion. That¡¯s not the life he would have. He refused to accept it. He couldn¡¯t go through life watching others have what he couldn¡¯t. He would rise. He would climb higher than anyone expected, higher than the people who looked down on him. He had to. For his family. For himself.


    "Mom, Dad," he said after a long silence, his voice steady but filled with an unspoken promise. "I¡¯m going to make it. I¡¯m going to make sure we don¡¯t live like this anymore. I¡¯ll do whatever it takes."


    His mother paused in her movements, her hands resting on the counter as she turned to look at him. Her eyes were soft, but they held something deeper¡ªsomething akin to understanding, perhaps even resignation. She had always believed in him, had always supported his dreams, but she knew the weight of their reality better than anyone. Kim saw the flicker of worry in her gaze.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to do it all at once, Ji-hoon,¡± she said gently, her voice full of quiet wisdom. ¡°Take it step by step. Don¡¯t let the weight of it all crush you.¡±You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    Kim met her gaze, a fire igniting in his chest. ¡°I know, Mom. But I can¡¯t wait anymore. I can¡¯t keep living like this. I¡¯ve spent too much of my life watching other people live the way they want. It¡¯s my turn now.¡±


    His father, who had been sitting quietly at the table, looking over the newspaper, lowered it and looked up. His father¡¯s expression was always steady, calm¡ªnever showing much emotion. But Kim could see the pride in his eyes, the unspoken acknowledgment that his son was becoming a man, a leader.


    ¡°We believe in you, Ji-hoon,¡± his father said quietly. ¡°Just... don¡¯t forget where you came from. Don¡¯t forget that we¡¯re all in this together.¡±


    Kim nodded, his heart swelling with a mixture of determination and guilt. He couldn¡¯t forget. He wouldn¡¯t forget. But he couldn¡¯t stay here forever either. His father¡¯s words were a reminder that, no matter how far he rose, the past would always be a part of him, grounding him.


    As they ate dinner together, Kim¡¯s thoughts raced. Tomorrow, he would start college. Tomorrow, he would step into a world of opportunity¡ªof wealth and power¡ªbut also one filled with its own dangers. The students there wouldn¡¯t care about where he came from. To them, he was just another scholarship kid. He would have to fight every step of the way to prove that he belonged.


    Tomorrow, he would no longer be the quiet boy from the poor family. Tomorrow, he would begin to build his empire.


    But there was something even more pressing on his mind¡ªsomething deeper. College wasn¡¯t just about getting a degree or even rising to the top. It was about revenge. The people who had mocked him, belittled him, who had laughed at his dreams¡ªthose people were still out there. And he had an undeniable hunger for retribution.


    Kim had learned early on that the world didn¡¯t care about the dreams of those who had no power. No one would give him anything. He had to take it. Everything he wanted, he would have to seize. And once he had the power, no one would be able to stand in his way.


    After dinner, Kim retreated to his room, where the dim light of a single desk lamp illuminated his small space. He sat down at his desk, looking out the window at the darkened skyline of Seoul. It was a city that seemed so distant, so unreachable. But that night, as he stared out into the distance, it no longer seemed out of his reach.


    Tomorrow was the beginning. Tomorrow, he would step into a world where he would no longer be invisible. Tomorrow, he would start the journey to take everything that had once been denied to him. The thought consumed him, filling him with an energy he had never felt before.


    ¡°Tomorrow,¡± he whispered to himself, a quiet promise to the boy he used to be and the man he was about to become. ¡°Tomorrow, everything changes.¡±


    As Kim lay down to sleep, his mind was alive with plans and strategies, visions of the future taking shape in his mind. He wasn¡¯t just going to survive this world. He was going to dominate it. And he would do it for his family¡ªfor Ji-sung, for his parents, for the life they deserved.


    When sleep finally claimed him, Kim knew one thing for sure: the road ahead would be long, but he would never stop fighting. Tomorrow, he would take the first step toward his destiny, and nothing¡ªnothing¡ªcould stop him.

 Chapter 1: The Journey Begins Part 5: The First Step

    The moonlight spilled through the thin curtains, casting a pale glow across Kim¡¯s room. The quiet was almost oppressive, but it was a silence that allowed his thoughts to roam freely, as if the stillness of the night gave space for the weight of his ambitions to settle deeper into his mind. He lay still in his bed, the faint rustle of his younger siblings'' breathing filling the room with a sense of calm, but Kim¡¯s mind was far from peaceful. Tonight was different. He wasn¡¯t just lying here, waiting for the morning like every other night. Tonight, he was preparing for something monumental.


    Kim thought about the world that awaited him at Haneul University. A world where the rich, the powerful, and the elite controlled everything¡ªtheir wealth and influence making them untouchable. He would be one of them. But the path to that world was not easy, and no one had handed him a key to unlock the doors. He would have to fight for every inch. The knowledge, the connections, the respect¡ªhe would have to earn it all.


    Tomorrow, everything would change.


    In the quiet darkness, Kim made a vow to himself: He would not be a mere student. He would not blend into the background, forgotten among the others. He would rise above them all, not just as a student, but as someone who would rewrite his fate.


    His mind drifted back to the mall¡ªthe rich students shopping without a care in the world, their laughter and easy smiles a stark reminder of how far away their lives felt from his. They had no idea what it was like to struggle, to fight for every little scrap. For them, money was a given, a guarantee. But Kim knew better. Nothing in his life had ever been a guarantee. He had worked for every ounce of success he had earned.


    And now, he was ready to fight for the next step. No more hiding in the shadows. No more being the quiet, humble kid. No more letting others dictate his path.


    His mind wandered to his parents, the sacrifices they¡¯d made for him to get to this point. His mother¡¯s soft smile, his father¡¯s quiet encouragement¡ªthese were the things that kept him grounded. They believed in him, and that was something Kim would never take for granted. But he knew that belief wasn¡¯t enough. He had to prove that he was worthy of it, that he could live up to the promise of his family¡¯s faith in him.


    The road ahead was daunting. Kim had always known it would be. But tonight, lying in the dark with nothing but his thoughts, he felt an unfamiliar confidence settle into his bones. This wasn¡¯t just about college anymore. This was about revenge. This was about taking everything that had once been denied to him.


    Tomorrow, he would step into a new world, one where he had the power to shape his future. But more than that, he would begin to unravel the very fabric of the life that had humiliated him for so long.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    The thought made his pulse quicken.


    His parents had always been there for him, supporting him no matter what. But their lives were never easy, never filled with the opportunities that others took for granted. And that was where the bitterness grew¡ªthe way the world had kept them down. The way his family had been overlooked, forgotten, ignored. No one had ever cared about them. And that was the truth that Kim carried with him, a truth that burned like a fire in his chest.


    He could still hear the laughter of the rich kids in the mall, the way they spoke in those condescending tones, oblivious to the lives that existed beyond their expensive clothes and perfect smiles. They would never understand what it was like to fight for every little thing. But soon enough, they would.


    Kim sat up in bed, his eyes wide in the darkness. He could almost feel the weight of it all¡ªthe responsibility, the expectations, and the burning desire to prove everyone wrong. Tomorrow was the first day of a new life. But it was more than that. It was the first step in a plan he had been cultivating for years¡ªa plan that would take him from the depths of poverty to the heights of power. A plan that would give him everything he deserved and more.


    He thought about the people who had tormented him, who had laughed at him, who had seen him as nothing more than a poor kid with no future. They were nothing to him now. The people who had belittled his dreams¡ªhis professors, his classmates, his childhood peers¡ªthey would all regret underestimating him.


    Kim¡¯s fingers curled into fists as he thought about the climb ahead. It wasn¡¯t going to be easy. It wasn¡¯t going to be without sacrifice. But nothing worth having ever was.


    The future felt closer now. The weight of it, the excitement, and the fear all mixed together, propelling him forward. He would step into that world tomorrow, and the first move would be his. He would be noticed, he would stand out, and no one would be able to ignore him anymore.


    His heart raced. His mind buzzed with plans, with strategies, with the faces of the people who would soon fall under his shadow.


    The university doors would open to him, but it would be up to him to make them realize he was not just another student. He would be the heir to a legacy¡ªa legacy of power, wealth, and influence. The dynasty would be his. And those who had ridiculed him would soon see just how far he could rise.


    Kim stood, his body feeling light as the weight of his thoughts fueled him with an energy he hadn¡¯t known before. Tomorrow was the beginning, but it was only the beginning. It would be the first step in a journey that would take him to unimaginable heights.


    ¡°I won¡¯t forget where I came from,¡± he whispered to himself as he looked at the window, his eyes fixed on the distant city lights. ¡°But I¡¯m going to make sure the world never forgets me.¡±


    Kim lay back down, the fire inside him burning bright. As sleep finally took him, he knew that tomorrow, he would take the first step in a journey that would change everything.


    And from that moment on, there would be no turning back.

 Chapter 2: The Divide Begins Part 1: Preparing for the Journey

    The holidays had come and gone in a blur, each day blending into the next as Kim found himself working tirelessly to save every possible penny. The promise of a brighter future loomed on the horizon, and it was tied directly to the prestigious university he had been accepted to. But that dream, as tantalizing as it was, had a heavy price tag, one that no scholarship could fully cover. Kim¡¯s mind was consumed with thoughts of how he would manage the financial strain, balancing both his academic responsibilities and the harsh reality of his situation.


    For weeks, he had been juggling odd jobs¡ªdelivering food during the late hours of the night, waiting tables at a local restaurant, and taking on menial tasks at various places in the city. Every moment he wasn¡¯t studying was spent earning, and it was exhausting. His body ached from long hours, but Kim had learned early on that no one would hand him success. He had to earn it. The sense of pride that came with each dollar he earned was a small comfort, but it was a comfort nonetheless.


    His family¡¯s modest living situation only added to the pressure. His parents, despite their best efforts, could barely scrape by. His younger siblings looked up to him with hopeful eyes, trusting him to set a better example, to pave the way for a future where they wouldn¡¯t have to struggle the way their parents had. Kim couldn¡¯t afford to disappoint them. His scholarship had been hard-won, but it wasn¡¯t enough to shield him from the reality of the costs¡ªbooks, tuition, living expenses¡ªeverything added up quickly. But Kim was determined. He couldn¡¯t let his dreams fade away because of money.


    The warnings from people around him echoed in his mind. "Students from backgrounds like yours never last in places like that," they had said. "It¡¯s too hard to fit in, too difficult to keep up." Those words stung, but they also fueled his resolve. Kim wasn¡¯t like the others. He wasn¡¯t going to give up. He would prove them wrong, just like he had proven everyone wrong in the past.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    There were nights when the exhaustion nearly broke him. The weight of balancing work and study, the uncertainty of what awaited him at the university, the fear that he might not belong¡ªthose thoughts gnawed at him constantly. But every time he felt his resolve falter, he thought about his family, about the sacrifices they¡¯d made so that he could have this chance. It wasn¡¯t just his future at stake¡ªit was theirs, too.


    On the last night of the holiday break, Kim sat at the small kitchen table, sorting through his earnings for the week. The dim light from the lamp above cast long shadows, making the task seem even more daunting. As he counted the money, he couldn¡¯t help but feel the weight of it all¡ªthe pressure, the responsibility. But as he folded the bills and tucked them into his wallet, he felt something else stir within him¡ªa sense of purpose. No matter how hard the journey would be, he wasn¡¯t backing down. He couldn¡¯t.


    Tomorrow would mark the first step into his new life. The university was just a bus ride away, but it might as well have been a world away. The rich, the powerful¡ªthey all walked those halls with an air of entitlement, while Kim had to fight for everything. But he was prepared. He had come too far to let anything stop him now. He had a plan, a vision for what he would become, and he wouldn¡¯t let anything get in his way.


    As he sat back in his chair, staring at the ceiling, Kim reminded himself that this was just the beginning. He wasn¡¯t going to let fear or doubt hold him back. He would walk into that university with his head held high, knowing that every ounce of effort he had put into getting there was worth it.


    Tomorrow would be the first day of the rest of his life, and Kim was ready. The journey ahead wouldn¡¯t be easy, but he knew one thing for sure: he would make it.

 Chapter 2: The Divide Begins Part 2: A New Beginning

    The first day of college arrived with a mix of emotions swirling within Kim. He woke up early, his nerves already starting to tangle with excitement. He had never imagined this moment would come. The fact that he was now standing on the threshold of one of the most prestigious universities in the country, a place that had always seemed so far out of reach, felt surreal. His alarm clock rang at 6 AM, signaling the start of what would be the first day of the rest of his life. But as the day unfolded, it became clear that this new chapter would be far from simple.


    The bus ride felt like a blur, and as he stepped off at the college stop, his heart began to race. Kim had walked by the grand gates of the university many times before, but now, stepping inside for the first time, he couldn¡¯t help but marvel at its splendor. The campus was more than just a school¡ªit was a world of its own. Massive stone buildings with soaring columns, lush green lawns that stretched for acres, and pathways lined with towering trees. Students walked by in tailored suits, laughing and chatting, their carefree demeanor only amplifying the differences Kim felt.


    As he entered the main gate, Kim couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that he was an outsider. Everyone around him seemed so confident, so assured, their smiles radiant, as though they belonged here, as if this was just another day in their privileged lives. But for Kim, it was an entirely different experience. The grandeur of the campus both mesmerized and intimidated him. He had never been in a place like this. Everything about it¡ªevery intricate detail¡ªspoke of wealth, power, and legacy. It wasn¡¯t just a college; it was a monument to the elite.


    Kim felt like a fish out of water.


    He walked through the gates and stood for a moment, taking in the sweeping view of the campus. It was breathtaking, yes¡ªbut it was also alien. He hadn¡¯t realized how much of a gap there was between the students who had come from wealth and those who hadn¡¯t. Kim¡¯s clothes were modest, his shoes worn from years of use. He didn¡¯t look like he belonged here, and in truth, he wasn¡¯t sure if he did. He had worked tirelessly to get into this place, and yet, the reality of it was overwhelming. Could he really fit in here, among the children of CEOs, politicians, and celebrities?


    The idea seemed both exhilarating and terrifying at the same time.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    Walking along the paths, Kim passed by groups of students chatting, their voices full of casual confidence. They wore designer clothing, held their phones out in the air like a badge of honor, and discussed topics Kim could barely grasp. Their conversations were dominated by expensive brands, extravagant trips, and connections to the most influential people in society. He didn¡¯t belong to their world, and it was painfully obvious. He could almost feel the judgment in the air, the invisible walls that separated him from the others.


    But Kim refused to let it break him. He had worked too hard to get here, and he wasn¡¯t about to let something like this stand in his way. He had made a promise to himself and to his family that he would succeed here, no matter the cost.


    At his first class, he sat in the back, quietly absorbing everything, his mind racing with a million thoughts. He barely interacted with anyone, unsure of how to approach the wealthy students around him. Some of them threw him occasional curious glances, but none of them spoke to him. To them, he was just another scholarship student¡ªsomeone who wasn¡¯t meant to be here.


    But he kept his focus.


    As the day went on, Kim began to notice the subtle divide that ran through the university, one that no one openly spoke about but that was clear in every corner of the campus. The rich students walked around like they owned the place, moving through the halls with an air of superiority. Their arrogance was apparent in the way they dismissed anyone who wasn¡¯t like them, anyone who didn¡¯t have the same resources or the same background. The scholarship students, like Kim, were kept in the shadows, relegated to the corners of classrooms and the edges of social circles.


    Kim couldn¡¯t help but wonder: How could he ever break through this divide? How could he ever climb the social ladder here, where the top was already so high, so unreachable?


    It seemed like an insurmountable task. But as he sat in class, he remembered why he was here in the first place. It wasn¡¯t just about fitting in. It was about proving to himself¡ªand to everyone else¡ªthat he belonged here. That he could make it, no matter what obstacles were placed in his way.


    By the time the first day came to a close, Kim was exhausted. His head was filled with a whirlwind of thoughts, his mind struggling to reconcile the fantasy he had dreamed about for so long with the harsh reality that he now faced. But no matter how overwhelming the world around him felt, one thing was certain: he wasn¡¯t going to back down. The journey had only just begun, and Kim was determined to carve out a place for himself, no matter how difficult it might be.


    This was his chance. And he wasn¡¯t going to waste it.

 Chapter 2: The Divide Begins Part 3: The Divide Among Students

    Kim couldn¡¯t shake the feeling of being a fish out of water. As the days wore on, he became acutely aware of the divide between the students at the college. It wasn¡¯t just about the wealth and privilege that surrounded him¡ªit was about the way the students moved through their world with a sense of entitlement and ease, while he was constantly reminded of his place at the bottom of the social hierarchy. It was an unspoken rule: the wealthy students had the power, and the rest of them were simply there to observe.


    Kim quickly noticed that the students on scholarships, like himself, tended to stay together. They were the ones who sat at the back of the lecture halls, who gathered quietly in the corners of the campus, and who kept to themselves in the cafeteria. They didn¡¯t speak much to the wealthy students, who seemed too absorbed in their own world to even acknowledge their existence. It wasn¡¯t as if anyone had explicitly said, ¡°Don¡¯t talk to the scholarship students,¡± but the unspoken tension in the air was enough to keep the two groups apart.


    The rich students walked around in small, confident groups, their conversations centered on their families¡¯ latest exploits, expensive vacations, or business deals. They were the children of CEOs, politicians, and socialites. It was clear that for them, college was just another stepping stone in a life that had already been paved with success. Kim observed them with a mix of awe and bitterness. They had everything: the status, the connections, the wealth. They were the future leaders of society, while he was just another scholarship kid trying to survive.


    As he walked across the quad one afternoon, Kim overheard a conversation between two students. They were discussing the upcoming social event for the wealthy students, a lavish party hosted by one of the college¡¯s elite fraternities. The event was to be held in a private ballroom, with a guest list that included some of the most influential names in the country. Kim felt a pang of jealousy. This was a world that was so far out of his reach. A world where he would never belong.


    But it wasn¡¯t just about the social divide. It was also about the way the wealthier students behaved. They seemed to be untouchable, walking through the halls as if the rules didn¡¯t apply to them. Kim had already seen instances where the professors favored them, giving them higher marks or even bending the rules for their convenience. It was clear to Kim that the college was not just a place of learning; it was a place where the wealthy were groomed to stay in power, while the rest of the students were left to scramble for whatever scraps they could find.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    Despite all of this, Kim refused to let himself become bitter. He had been raised to believe that hard work and determination could overcome any obstacle. But it was becoming harder and harder to ignore the divide. The wealthier students didn¡¯t need to work¡ªthey already had everything handed to them. And yet, they walked through the halls like they were the ones who deserved to be there, while students like Kim were left to struggle in silence.


    One day, after a particularly grueling lecture, Kim found himself walking alone through the campus. As he passed by a group of wealthy students sitting outside one of the campus cafes, one of them glanced up and made eye contact with him. For a brief moment, Kim thought that maybe, just maybe, someone was going to acknowledge him. But instead, the student quickly looked away, as if Kim didn¡¯t exist.


    It stung.


    Kim tried to push the feeling down, reminding himself that he didn¡¯t need their validation. He wasn¡¯t here to make friends with the elite; he was here to prove that he was just as capable as they were, despite his background. But as the days passed, it became more and more difficult to ignore the divide. The wealthy students had their own groups, their own spaces, and their own networks. They didn¡¯t need anyone else.


    Kim, on the other hand, had no choice but to rely on the other scholarship students. They were the only ones who truly understood what it was like to fight for a place in this world. But even among them, there was a sense of uncertainty. Everyone was aware of the divide, and everyone knew that no matter how hard they worked, they would always be seen as inferior to the rich students who ruled the campus.


    Kim began to wonder: was this college truly a place where hard work could level the playing field? Or was it just another system designed to keep the rich at the top and the poor at the bottom? It seemed like every step he took, every effort he made to prove himself, was met with resistance. The divide was deep, and it wasn¡¯t going to be easy to break through.


    But Kim couldn¡¯t give up. He had already sacrificed too much to let this be the end of his journey. He would find a way to rise above the divide, no matter what it took. After all, this was only the beginning. And he was just getting started.

 Chapter 2: The Divide Begins Part 4: The Summons

    The following morning, Kim had barely settled into his routine when a sudden announcement crackled through the intercom during his last class of the day.


    "All scholarship students are to report to the administration office immediately. Repeat, all scholarship students. Please make your way to the office without delay."


    The words echoed in Kim¡¯s mind as his heart rate spiked. He glanced around at the other students, but none of them seemed as rattled as he was. His thoughts raced¡ªwhy would the administration want to see the scholarship students? Was it about their grades? Or perhaps there was an issue with his scholarship? Kim had never been a troublemaker, but in a place like this, anything could happen.


    He quickly packed up his belongings and, trying to mask his nerves, walked with the others toward the administration building. As they entered the grand building, Kim¡¯s anxiety only intensified. The halls were quiet, and the atmosphere felt heavier here than anywhere else on campus. The marble floors gleamed under the overhead lights, and the high ceilings made it feel almost oppressive. This place was a monument to power¡ªmoney, influence, and prestige¡ªand it made him feel smaller than ever.


    Kim and a few other scholarship students entered the large waiting room, where they were told to wait for further instructions. The room was filled with a mix of nervous students, all of whom shared the same worried expressions. They didn¡¯t know why they were summoned, and it was clear that no one wanted to be the first to ask. It was as if saying the wrong thing might lead to a consequence none of them wanted to face.


    They stood in silence, the weight of uncertainty hanging over them like a dark cloud. Kim noticed that the other students all seemed to share a similar background¡ªhumble clothes, hesitant body language, and that same look of uncertainty that he had seen in the mirror countless times. They were all scholarship students, and they were all living in a world where they had to fight for every inch of space. Kim could sense that many of them were just as nervous as he was, but they had learned to hide it.


    Minutes passed, and the door to the office finally opened, revealing a stern-faced man dressed in an expensive suit. He was tall, with sharp features and an air of authority that immediately made the room feel even more tense. Kim couldn¡¯t tell who he was, but his presence commanded attention.


    Behind the man, a young boy walked in¡ªout of place among the others. He looked no older than Kim, but there was something about him that stood out. His clothes were expensive and meticulously tailored, and his posture was confident, as though he had been raised to walk through life with the utmost certainty. The boy didn¡¯t look nervous at all. In fact, he seemed almost¡­ aloof.


    The man and the boy took their places in front of the room, and the students instinctively straightened up, unsure of how to act. Kim could feel his palms beginning to sweat, his heart pounding in his chest. What was this all about? What did this boy have to do with anything?If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    The man cleared his throat, breaking the silence. ¡°Thank you all for coming,¡± he began, his voice cold and authoritative. ¡°We called you here because there are certain opportunities we are offering to students of your caliber¡ªstudents who have proven themselves to be hardworking and committed.¡±


    Kim¡¯s mind raced. Was this a scholarship opportunity? Was this a chance to get ahead? He tried to focus on the man¡¯s words, but they seemed to blur together as his thoughts drifted toward what this might mean for him.


    ¡°We understand the challenges you all face,¡± the man continued. ¡°However, you must realize that this college is not a place for weakness. It¡¯s a place for the strong, the driven, and the determined. If you want to succeed here, you must embrace those qualities. And some of you have already shown that you possess them. That¡¯s why you¡¯ve been chosen for this special program.¡±


    Kim couldn¡¯t suppress his curiosity any longer. ¡°What¡¯s the program?¡± he found himself asking, his voice barely a whisper. It was the first time anyone had spoken, and all eyes turned toward him.


    The man¡¯s gaze shifted to Kim. For a moment, there was a flicker of something¡ªamusement, perhaps¡ªbut it was gone just as quickly. He didn¡¯t answer right away. Instead, he gestured toward the boy who had walked in with him.


    ¡°This is Lee Seojin,¡± the man introduced with a hint of pride. ¡°He¡¯s a student here, much like yourselves. He has risen to the top because of his commitment to this college and his drive to succeed. And he¡¯s here to share something with you.¡±


    Kim¡¯s curiosity intensified. Who was this boy? Why was he singled out for such an introduction? The boy, Lee Seojin, stood silently, his eyes scanning the room, but his expression remained unreadable. He didn¡¯t say a word.


    The man spoke again. ¡°Lee Seojin is part of an elite circle here at the college. He will be offering guidance to those who show promise. He¡¯s looking for individuals who are willing to push beyond their limits, those who are ready to do whatever it takes to succeed.¡±


    Kim felt a knot form in his stomach. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder what kind of guidance this boy could offer. And what exactly did ¡°whatever it takes¡± mean? The idea of ¡°pushing beyond limits¡± sounded like a dangerous game, one that might require sacrifices he wasn¡¯t willing to make.


    Lee Seojin finally spoke, his voice smooth and confident. ¡°I¡¯ll be observing you,¡± he said, addressing the group. ¡°I¡¯ll see who is truly capable of making it here. This is your chance to prove yourselves. But know this¡ªonly the strongest will survive.¡±


    The man nodded approvingly. ¡°You will be contacted soon. For now, you¡¯re free to go. But remember this: those who succeed here don¡¯t do it alone. And if you want to truly succeed, you¡¯ll have to learn that.¡±


    With that, the man and the boy turned and left the room as abruptly as they had entered. Kim stood frozen, the weight of the encounter settling heavily on him. He didn¡¯t know what to think or what to feel. One thing was certain: whatever this program was, it was going to change everything.


    As the door clicked shut behind them, the other scholarship students began to murmur amongst themselves, but Kim¡¯s mind was elsewhere. What had just happened? And how was he supposed to navigate this strange new opportunity? He wasn¡¯t sure yet, but he was about to find out. The real journey was just beginning.

 Chapter 2: The Divide Begins Part 5: A Mysterious Encounter

    As the door to the administration office closed behind Lee Seojin and the man who had introduced him, the room remained thick with confusion and unspoken questions. Kim¡¯s mind raced, replaying every word, every gesture. This wasn¡¯t just an ordinary scholarship program; something far deeper was at play here.


    The other students in the room exchanged whispers, some more animated than others, but all of them wore the same anxious expression. It was clear they were as uncertain about what had just happened as Kim. He felt his palms grow clammy, his heart still racing in his chest. What had Lee Seojin meant when he said only the ¡°strongest¡± would survive? Was this some kind of competition, or something more dangerous?


    Kim didn¡¯t have time to dwell on it as the secretary at the front of the room cleared her throat and stood. Her voice was cold and impersonal. ¡°You¡¯re all dismissed for now,¡± she said briskly. ¡°You¡¯ll receive further instructions soon. Until then, keep up with your classes.¡±


    The students filed out, most of them walking quickly as if eager to escape the lingering tension in the air. Kim, however, hesitated. His mind was still reeling from the encounter. The program, the boy, the cryptic words¡ªnone of it made sense, and yet, somehow, he felt a strange pull toward it. This could be his opportunity, his way to rise above the suffocating divide that existed between the rich and the poor students at this college. But at what cost?


    As he stepped out of the administration building and into the bustling campus, Kim took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. The campus was alive with students walking in every direction, laughing, talking, and enjoying the day. But none of that felt real to Kim anymore. It was as if the encounter had shifted everything¡ªhe was no longer a mere scholarship student. He was now a part of something larger, something that could either make or break him.


    His mind drifted back to Lee Seojin. The boy hadn¡¯t said much, but there was something about him. His confidence, his detached air¡ªit was unsettling, yet oddly captivating. He had walked in with such a sense of authority, and yet he was no different from Kim in terms of age. But the way he had spoken¡­ it was clear he had power, influence, things Kim could only dream of having.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    Suddenly, Kim¡¯s thoughts were interrupted by a voice calling his name.


    ¡°Hey, Kim! Wait up!¡±


    Kim turned to see his friend, Jiho, jogging toward him. Jiho was another scholarship student, one of the few people Kim had been able to connect with in the sea of strangers. Jiho had always been easygoing, the kind of person who could laugh off almost anything, but even he looked unsettled after what had just happened.


    ¡°What was that all about?¡± Jiho asked, falling into step beside Kim. ¡°Do you think we¡¯ve been chosen for something special, or is it just a waste of time?¡±


    Kim shrugged, still lost in thought. ¡°I don¡¯t know. But that boy, Lee Seojin, he¡¯s not like anyone we¡¯ve met before. He looked like he was¡­ testing us, or something.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I noticed that too,¡± Jiho said. ¡°But did you see the look on his face when he mentioned being part of an ¡®elite circle¡¯? That sounds pretty exclusive. It¡¯s got me thinking, Kim. Do you think we can make it in?¡±


    Kim stopped walking and turned to face Jiho, his brow furrowed. ¡°I don¡¯t know. But I¡¯m going to try. If this is some kind of test, I¡¯m not going to back down. We¡¯ve been struggling our whole lives¡ªthis could be our chance to change everything.¡±


    Jiho nodded, a grin spreading across his face. ¡°That¡¯s the spirit. But just remember, if we get in, things will be different. It¡¯s going to be cutthroat.¡±


    Kim met his friend¡¯s gaze, a sense of resolve settling in his chest. ¡°I know. But I¡¯m ready for it. I¡¯ve been ready for a long time.¡±


    As they continued walking through the campus, Kim couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of anticipation building within him. He was no longer just a scholarship student fighting to survive in a world that seemed to reject him. Now, he was on the cusp of something greater. Whatever this opportunity was, it was the break he had been waiting for.


    But as Kim walked through the campus, a new feeling began to take root¡ªa sense of danger. This was not just an ordinary opportunity. It was a game, and Kim had no idea what the rules were. He had no idea what Lee Seojin¡¯s true intentions were, or how far he was willing to go to win this game. But one thing was clear: if he wanted to rise above, he would have to face whatever challenges lay ahead¡ªno matter the cost.


    As the sun began to set behind the towering buildings of the college, Kim felt a strange pull in his gut. Something told him that this was only the beginning of a much larger journey¡ªone that would push him to his limits and beyond. The choices he made now would define his future, and he couldn¡¯t afford to hesitate.

 Chapter 3: The Price of Identity Part 1: The Unexpected Announcement

    Kim stood among the other scholarship students, his heart racing as he tried to make sense of what was happening. The staff member in front of them¡ªa tall, sharply dressed man¡ªspoke with an air of authority, his words hanging heavy in the room. It was a regular meeting, or so Kim had thought, but this was far from ordinary.


    The staff member cleared his throat, then began. "There has been an... unexpected situation." His gaze swept across the room, pausing as if he were gauging the reactions of the students. "A wealthy boy, recently admitted to the waiting list, wishes to take the seat of one of you."


    Kim blinked, unsure if he had heard correctly. He wasn¡¯t the only one¡ªmurmurs of confusion rippled through the room as the other scholarship students exchanged puzzled glances. There was no explanation, no warning, just a sudden statement that had left them all in a state of shock.


    The staff member went on, outlining the situation. "Because we have reached maximum capacity for the year, this boy cannot join the program unless one of you is willing to give up your seat. There is, however, an offer on the table. The boy is prepared to offer double the amount of tuition you are currently paying." He paused, letting the weight of the offer sink in.


    Kim felt his breath catch in his throat. Double? The thought was almost too much to comprehend. The scholarship students, most of whom had struggled to afford even a fraction of their tuition, now faced an unimaginable temptation. He glanced around, noticing the shift in the room. Eyes that had once been filled with uncertainty now gleamed with a mix of curiosity and greed. Kim¡¯s own stomach churned as he tried to process the information. The offer was a lifeline to some, but it felt like a betrayal to everything he had fought for.


    The staff member¡¯s voice broke through Kim¡¯s thoughts. "The rules are simple. The boy will take the seat of whichever student agrees to surrender it. The decision must be made today."


    Kim¡¯s gaze moved to the boy standing at the back of the room, observing them with a smug, self-assured expression. He was young, no older than Kim, but there was something about him that stood out¡ªan air of confidence that seemed almost unnatural. The boy sat comfortably in a chair while the staff member remained standing, as if his presence alone was enough to command respect. His demeanor exuded power, and it unsettled Kim. This wasn¡¯t just any student. This boy had resources, connections, things Kim could only dream of.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Kim¡¯s heart sank as the staff member continued. "The decision, once made, is final. We understand this is a difficult choice, but the boy¡¯s offer is non-negotiable."


    Kim could feel the tension in the air, thickening with every word. The other scholarship students fidgeted uncomfortably, their eyes darting between the staff member and the boy. Some were already whispering, leaning toward each other, discussing the possibility of giving up their seat for the promise of wealth. Kim¡¯s stomach twisted at the thought.


    He couldn¡¯t understand how easily some of them were swayed by the prospect of money. Was that all they cared about? Kim¡¯s gaze returned to the boy, who was watching him now, his smirk widening as if he could already see the outcome. Kim wasn¡¯t like the others. He had earned his place here through hard work, determination, and sacrifice. This was his opportunity, his chance to prove that he was capable of more than what his circumstances had dictated.


    But the offer was tempting. The thought of doubling his tuition, of never having to worry about money again¡ªit was a dream for most of them. Kim clenched his fists at his sides, trying to block out the growing whispers around him. No matter how hard the temptation pressed on him, he couldn¡¯t lose sight of the truth: his worth was not defined by money.


    The staff member¡¯s voice cut through his thoughts once again. "You will each be given a moment to consider the offer. The decision is yours to make."


    Kim stood still, his mind racing. He could feel the eyes of the other students on him, waiting for his reaction. He glanced at them one last time, seeing the hunger in their eyes, the desire to break free from their struggles. It was clear to him now: this wasn¡¯t just a test of money¡ªit was a test of character.


    But Kim was not about to give in. He would not betray everything he had worked for, not for money. He had a choice to make, and for the first time, he felt the weight of it fully. Would he remain true to himself, or would he let greed shape his future?


    The tension in the room was palpable as the staff member began to step back, waiting for someone to speak up, to make a decision. Kim¡¯s heart raced, but his resolve was clear: he would not be swayed. Not today. Not ever.

 Chapter 3: The Price of Identity Part 2: The Bidding War Begins

    The room had shifted. What had once been a group of scholarship students quietly contemplating their future now felt like a battlefield, one where the cost of their education had become an auction. Kim stood at the center of it all, still grappling with the shock of the announcement, but his mind was already racing with a single thought: This wasn¡¯t how it was supposed to be.


    As the wealthy boy lounged in his chair, an unsettling calm overtaking him, the staff member repeated the offer. "Double the tuition," he said again, his voice firm. "Anyone willing to give up their seat, take the boy¡¯s offer."


    For a moment, the room fell silent. The other scholarship students, once standing still in disbelief, now began to murmur among themselves. Some exchanged glances, others quietly weighed the offer in their heads. Kim¡¯s gaze flitted across the room, trying to make sense of it all. The tension in the air was thick, and Kim could feel the weight of every passing second. He had worked so hard to get here¡ªhe couldn¡¯t understand how anyone could consider giving up their place.


    But then, one of the students, a girl named Joo-eun, spoke up. "What¡¯s stopping us?" she asked, her voice trembling with excitement. "Double the tuition, no more worrying about fees. We could finally have some peace."


    Kim¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Her words seemed to carry a new wave of understanding for the others. The idea of doubling the tuition, of escaping financial struggles for good, was a siren call to those who had spent years in poverty. The other scholarship students began to murmur their agreement, their faces lighting up as they turned toward each other. A few were nodding, others looked like they were about to speak.


    The wealthy boy, clearly enjoying the stir he was causing, leaned forward in his chair, folding his arms across his chest with a knowing smile. His eyes scanned the group, as though he was sizing them up, waiting for the inevitable scramble to begin. He had no doubt that someone would take the offer.


    Kim could feel his stomach twist. He had seen these kinds of situations before, back home, where people would fight for something so trivial, so shallow, that it left no room for dignity. It made him sick to his core.


    As the murmurs grew louder, the boy leaned back, his voice cutting through the chaos. "I¡¯ll increase the offer," he said, his words dripping with arrogance. "I¡¯ll give triple the tuition. Whoever takes it gets to sit in this college, and all the privileges that come with it."A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    At that moment, the room went silent again. Kim¡¯s jaw tightened as he stared at the boy. Triple the tuition. It was an offer no one in the room could ignore. He saw the eyes of the students around him flash with a mixture of greed, disbelief, and hope. To some, it was the answer to years of financial struggle. To others, it was the escape they had longed for, the door to a world they had only dreamed of entering.


    Kim¡¯s hands clenched into fists as he watched some of the other students begin to look at one another, assessing their chances, their lives, and what they could afford to give up. The bidding war had begun.


    Joo-eun, once the first to speak, hesitated for a moment before nervously raising her hand. "I¡ªI¡¯ll take it," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Triple the tuition... it¡¯s more than I ever imagined."


    Kim¡¯s breath caught in his throat as he looked at her. She had made her choice. He didn¡¯t blame her¡ªhe understood her desperation. But the thought of this being the price of her future made him feel sick. How many others would follow?


    The room was buzzing now, as the others whispered and exchanged glances, trying to outbid one another. Kim could see the fear in their eyes¡ªthe fear that they might lose out. He could hear the tension in their voices as the offer grew higher.


    And yet, amid the chaos, one person remained quiet. Park Seo-joon, a tall and calm boy from another scholarship, was standing at the back of the room. His face was unreadable, but Kim could sense that he wasn¡¯t caught up in the frenzy like the others. Seo-joon¡¯s eyes were fixed firmly on the boy offering the money, but there was no hint of greed, no sign that he was considering the deal.


    Kim¡¯s gaze met Seo-joon¡¯s, and for a brief moment, they locked eyes. Seo-joon gave him a small, almost imperceptible nod, as if to say, You¡¯re not alone.


    Kim felt a surge of relief, but also a strange sense of sadness. How had things come to this? It wasn¡¯t just about money¡ªit was about their dignity, their identities, and what they were willing to sacrifice. And in this room, it seemed that many of his peers had already decided.


    The bidding continued, faster now, louder, and with more desperation. Kim felt himself becoming more distant, as if he were watching this scene unfold from a place far removed from it all. It was as though the students had forgotten that their education wasn¡¯t something to be bought¡ªit was something to be earned. Yet, they were buying into the lie that money could solve everything.


    As the final bid was raised, Kim¡¯s resolve hardened. He would not be one of them. He couldn¡¯t be.


    The wealthy boy looked pleased with himself as the last bids came in, but Kim knew that this was only the beginning of something far more dangerous. What had started as an offer had now turned into a competition¡ªone where the price of identity, of dignity, had been lost in the race to secure a future. Kim had no intention of participating, but he couldn¡¯t help but wonder: how many of his peers had already given up their future for the illusion of security?

 Chapter 3: The Price of Identity Part 3: Kim’s Stand Against Greed

    The atmosphere in the room was suffocating now. Kim could feel the weight of every gaze on him, every whisper carrying the stench of desperation. The wealthy boy, his smirk widening with every passing moment, seemed to be feeding off the chaos he¡¯d instigated. The scholarship students had been reduced to mere pawns in his game, and Kim could see it clearly¡ªhe couldn¡¯t be one of them.


    With his heart pounding, Kim stepped forward, his voice breaking through the murmur of excited conversation. ¡°I won¡¯t sell my seat,¡± he said firmly, his words sharp and direct, carrying more weight than he¡¯d intended.


    The room fell silent at once, and all eyes turned to him. The wealthy boy¡¯s face shifted from smug amusement to annoyance. His eyebrows furrowed as if he couldn¡¯t quite believe that someone would turn down his offer. Kim could feel the tension rising, thick and suffocating, as the others looked at him like he was a fool for rejecting the money. He held his ground, refusing to be intimidated.


    The boy tilted his head, studying Kim with a mixture of disbelief and disdain. ¡°You think you''re above this?¡± he sneered. ¡°You think you¡¯re so special that you don¡¯t need what I¡¯m offering?¡±


    Kim didn¡¯t flinch. His mind was racing, but his feet were planted firmly. He had worked too hard to get here, endured too many struggles to let a single moment of temptation destroy his integrity. He couldn¡¯t let the wealthy boy¡¯s money convince him that this was how life worked. He wasn¡¯t just fighting for a seat¡ªhe was fighting for his pride.


    ¡°No,¡± Kim said, his voice low but steady. ¡°I don¡¯t need your money. I earned my place here.¡±


    The wealthy boy¡¯s face flushed with anger. Kim could see his fists clenching at his sides, his lips curling into a snarl. He wasn¡¯t used to being told no, especially by someone like Kim. To him, Kim was just another poor scholarship student, someone whose life had no value outside of what he could offer.


    ¡°You¡¯ll regret this,¡± the boy hissed, stepping closer. ¡°I can buy your loyalty, your future. You¡¯ll be nothing without me.¡±


    Kim stood his ground, the fire in his chest burning brighter. ¡°I¡¯d rather be nothing than owe everything to you.¡±


    The rich boy took another step forward, his eyes narrowed with malice. The tension between them was thick¡ªneither of them willing to back down. The other scholarship students, who had been caught up in the bidding war, watched with wide eyes, as if they were witnessing something far bigger than they had expected.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need you, or your money,¡± Kim repeated, louder now, making sure everyone heard. ¡°You can¡¯t buy my future. You can¡¯t buy my dignity.¡±


    For a moment, it felt as if the room itself held its breath. The wealthy boy was trembling with rage, his expression twisted in fury. Then, in a fit of frustration, he turned on his heel, his voice sharp as he shouted at the staff member, ¡°Get him out of here. I don¡¯t want to deal with this trash anymore!¡±


    The staff member hesitated, unsure of how to respond. Kim could see the unease in his eyes, the way he was caught between the wealthy boy¡¯s demands and the reality of what had just transpired. But there was no time for hesitation. The wealthy boy stormed out of the room, muttering insults under his breath, his figure disappearing through the door with a final, furious slam.


    Kim¡¯s heart was still racing, but as the door clicked shut, the weight that had been pressing down on him for what seemed like an eternity lifted, if only for a moment. The silence in the room was deafening. It was over¡ªfor now.


    But Kim knew this wasn¡¯t the end. The wealthy boy might have walked away, but his words still echoed in Kim¡¯s mind: You¡¯ll regret this. It was clear that the boy wouldn¡¯t forget what had happened, and neither would the others. His refusal had made him a target, a symbol of defiance in a place where money and privilege ruled.


    Kim turned slowly, his eyes finding Seo-joon across the room. The boy had watched the entire scene unfold, his expression unreadable but steady. Kim felt a strange sense of camaraderie, even though they had barely spoken. Seo-joon gave him a small nod, an unspoken acknowledgment of the stand Kim had just made. It was a silent understanding, a recognition of what it meant to hold onto one¡¯s pride, even when the world seemed to be bending to the will of those who could buy everything.


    The other students began to murmur among themselves, their voices low and uncertain. Kim felt their eyes on him¡ªsome full of admiration, others filled with judgment. He knew the reality: this was far from over. The world he had entered, a world where privilege held all the power, would not easily forget his defiance.


    But for now, Kim stood tall. He wasn¡¯t going to back down, not today. And he was beginning to realize that maybe, just maybe, he didn¡¯t have to fight this battle alone.


    Seo-joon approached him slowly, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. ¡°You¡¯re crazy, you know that?¡± he said, his voice soft but teasing.


    Kim couldn¡¯t help but smile back. ¡°Maybe,¡± he said, feeling the weight of everything that had happened sink in. ¡°But I think it was worth it.¡±


    Seo-joon nodded, his eyes glinting with understanding. ¡°It¡¯s not easy to resist temptation. But you did the right thing.¡±


    Kim¡¯s smile faded slightly as the realization hit him. ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s coming next. But I¡¯ll be ready for it.¡±


    Seo-joon gave him a supportive pat on the back. ¡°You¡¯re not alone in this. We¡¯ll figure it out together.¡±


    And in that moment, Kim knew he wasn¡¯t just fighting for himself. He was fighting for something bigger than just a seat in college. He was fighting for his future, his dignity, and for the possibility that maybe, just maybe, there was still hope in a world where money didn¡¯t buy everything.

 Chapter 3: The Price of Identity Part 4: The Resolution

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    The door slammed shut with a finality that echoed in the room, and the tension that had gripped the air since the wealthy boy¡¯s arrival seemed to dissipate instantly. The other scholarship students, still caught in the wake of the bidding war, began to murmur among themselves. Some looked at Kim with curiosity, others with disdain, but for the most part, the chaos had ended.


    Kim¡¯s chest heaved as he tried to steady his breath. He had been prepared for a confrontation, but the weight of the moment had taken more out of him than he expected. His hands, still clenched into fists, slowly relaxed as the adrenaline began to wear off.


    The staff member who had been caught between the wealthy boy¡¯s demands and the students¡¯ confusion cleared his throat awkwardly. He shot a glance toward the door where the boy had stormed out and then back at the remaining students. ¡°Well, that¡¯s that,¡± he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°Everything is settled. No one is required to give up their seat. You¡¯ll continue with the program as planned.¡±


    Kim didn¡¯t even look at him. He was still trying to process everything that had just happened, the rush of emotion, the clash between dignity and desperation. The wealthy boy had come in expecting to buy his way into whatever he wanted, but Kim had refused. And for now, that felt like a small victory.


    He felt a tap on his shoulder, and when he turned, Seo-joon was standing beside him. The quiet boy who had said nothing during the commotion now offered a faint smile. It wasn¡¯t much, but it was enough. It was the first time Kim had seen a true expression of understanding from someone else who had witnessed what just transpired.


    Seo-joon¡¯s voice was low, almost a whisper. ¡°That was bold,¡± he said, his eyes watching the door. ¡°I thought you were going to give in for a moment there, but you didn¡¯t.¡±


    Kim shook his head, his voice quiet but resolute. ¡°I couldn¡¯t. Not for anything.¡±


    Seo-joon¡¯s smile widened a little, but there was no judgment in his eyes, only respect. ¡°I get that. It¡¯s hard, you know? The temptation of money¡­ it changes everything.¡±


    Kim nodded, his mind still processing the exchange. The wealthy boy¡¯s anger, the pressure from the others to sell his seat¡ªeverything had felt so overwhelming. But standing here now, Kim could see that what he had done was right. At least, he hoped it was.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    ¡°We should get out of here,¡± Seo-joon suggested after a beat, breaking Kim out of his thoughts. ¡°Before someone else tries to start something.¡±


    Kim agreed, nodding in silent appreciation. The room felt oppressive now, the whispers growing louder. It wasn¡¯t just about the wealthy boy anymore¡ªit was about something much bigger. The power that money had over everyone in this room, the way it could change the course of someone¡¯s life in an instant. But it wasn¡¯t going to change him. Not today.


    As they left the room together, Kim couldn¡¯t help but feel a small sense of clarity. This world, a world of privilege and power, wasn¡¯t one that could be easily navigated. But he had just taken a small step in asserting that he wouldn¡¯t be another pawn in it. No matter what happened next, he wasn¡¯t going to give in to the temptation.


    He glanced at Seo-joon, who had fallen into step beside him as they walked down the hallway. Despite the heavy tension of the morning, there was something comforting about having someone with him. Someone who had, in a way, shared the same experience, someone who understood the gravity of what it meant to stand firm in a world where everything could be bought and sold.


    ¡°You¡¯re different from the rest of them,¡± Seo-joon said, his voice breaking the silence.


    Kim chuckled softly. ¡°I don¡¯t know about that.¡±


    ¡°No, really,¡± Seo-joon insisted, his voice earnest. ¡°You¡¯re not like the others who just give in to money. You made a choice. And that¡¯s rare.¡±


    Kim was silent for a moment, thinking about the day¡¯s events. It hadn¡¯t been easy, resisting the pressure. But he knew he had done the right thing, and for now, that was enough.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how long I can keep this up,¡± Kim admitted quietly, his gaze focused on the floor ahead. ¡°This place¡­ it¡¯s different. It¡¯s not like anything I¡¯ve ever known before.¡±


    Seo-joon¡¯s expression softened, and he gave a small nod. ¡°I get that. But we don¡¯t have to do it alone. Let¡¯s stick together. We¡¯ll figure it out.¡±


    For the first time since entering the college, Kim felt a small sense of hope. Maybe this wouldn¡¯t be so hard after all. Maybe, with someone by his side, he could navigate this world without losing himself.


    The two of them continued walking, the silence comfortable between them, and Kim felt the weight of the world lighten just a little. He wasn¡¯t alone. And that was enough for now.


    As they made their way outside into the bright afternoon sun, Kim¡¯s thoughts began to settle. The world of money, power, and privilege was one he had no desire to be a part of, but there was something else here too. It wasn¡¯t just about resistance. It was about survival, about carving out a space for himself where his values mattered more than the money in someone¡¯s pocket. He couldn¡¯t afford to forget who he was, no matter what.


    He was ready for whatever came next, knowing that he had found an ally in Seo-joon¡ªand that together, they could face whatever this world of privilege and power had in store for them.

 Chapter 3: The Price of Identity Part 5: A New Alliance

    The day had drawn to a close, and the campus was quieter now, the hustle and bustle of the morning¡¯s drama gradually fading into the background. Kim and Seo-joon walked side by side, each absorbed in their thoughts, the weight of the day''s events settling in. It wasn¡¯t just the bidding war that had shaken them; it was the realization that this place was like a pressure cooker, a breeding ground for ambition, greed, and power plays.


    Kim¡¯s mind kept returning to the rich boy¡ªhow easily he had assumed that money could buy anything, even a place that someone had worked so hard for. The thought still churned in Kim¡¯s stomach, but it wasn¡¯t just about the boy anymore. It was about what he had learned, about standing firm when everything around him tempted him to fold. It was about strength, pride, and self-respect, things he wasn¡¯t willing to sell for anything.


    As they reached the campus courtyard, Seo-joon broke the silence. ¡°You know,¡± he said thoughtfully, ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking about what happened today. It wasn¡¯t just about the seat, was it? It was about control.¡±


    Kim glanced at him, intrigued. ¡°Control?¡±


    Seo-joon nodded. ¡°Yeah. That guy, the rich one¡ªhe wasn¡¯t just offering money for the seat. He wanted control. He wanted to show everyone that if he could buy the seat, he could have power over them, over us. But you didn¡¯t give in. You didn¡¯t let him have that control. That¡¯s something.¡±


    Kim felt a pang of realization. Seo-joon was right. It wasn¡¯t just about the seat¡ªit was about what giving it up would have meant. Giving in would have meant surrendering his dignity, his pride. It would have meant that money could define his place here, that his worth could be measured by what he could be bought for. But Kim wasn¡¯t willing to let that happen. He was stronger than that.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t even think about it that way,¡± Kim said, his voice quiet but thoughtful. ¡°But now that you mention it, I guess it was a kind of control. And I¡¯m not going to let anyone take that from me.¡±Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    Seo-joon smiled, his expression sincere. ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m glad we met. I¡¯ve been alone here, feeling like I was the only one who saw through the game. But now... now it feels like maybe we can make it through together.¡±


    Kim looked at him, a weight lifting off his shoulders. He hadn¡¯t realized how much he had needed someone who understood, someone who shared his views. In the midst of a world that thrived on power plays and manipulation, having an ally felt like a lifeline.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if I can keep going like this on my own,¡± Kim admitted. ¡°This place¡­ it¡¯s everything I¡¯ve never known. The money, the influence, the manipulation. It¡¯s all new to me.¡±


    Seo-joon¡¯s eyes softened, and he placed a hand on Kim¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You don¡¯t have to do it alone,¡± he said. ¡°We can support each other. You don¡¯t have to give in to what they expect of us. We don¡¯t have to play by their rules.¡±


    Kim nodded slowly, feeling a flicker of hope ignite in his chest. ¡°We¡¯ll stick together then,¡± he said, a firm resolve in his voice. ¡°We¡¯ll face this world on our own terms.¡±


    The two of them stood there for a moment, the weight of the world suddenly feeling a little less heavy, a little more manageable. Together, they could navigate this strange, ruthless new world. Together, they could resist the temptation of power and wealth and stay true to themselves.


    As the sun began to set behind the towering buildings of the campus, casting long shadows across the courtyard, Kim couldn¡¯t help but feel that this was the beginning of something important. Something bigger than just surviving. It was about building something real, something lasting.


    For the first time since he had set foot on this campus, Kim felt like he had a purpose that wasn¡¯t defined by money or status. It was defined by something deeper¡ªby the people he chose to stand with, and the strength they found in each other.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad we met,¡± Kim said quietly, looking at Seo-joon with genuine appreciation.


    ¡°Me too,¡± Seo-joon replied, his voice warm. ¡°We¡¯ve got this, Kim. We¡¯ll make it.¡±


    The two of them turned and walked away from the courtyard, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them. The world of privilege and power might be hard to navigate, but they had each other¡ªand that made all the difference.


    As they walked into the fading light, their footsteps in sync, Kim couldn¡¯t help but feel a quiet sense of hope for the future. With Seo-joon by his side, he wasn¡¯t alone. And that was all he needed to keep going.

 Chapter 4: The Divide Within Part 1: A Stand and a Friendship

    Kim stepped out of the administration office, his heart still racing from the confrontation with Han Jae-hyun. The encounter had shaken him, leaving him with a sense of unease he couldn¡¯t shake off. Jae-hyun¡¯s words echoed in his mind, a reminder that at this university, power wasn¡¯t just about grades or intelligence¡ªit was about wealth, influence, and who you knew.


    Kim could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on him. He had come here with a purpose, determined to prove himself, but now he was forced to confront the harsh reality of the divide between the rich and the scholarship students. He had to tread carefully. He couldn¡¯t afford to make enemies with the powerful students, but at the same time, he couldn¡¯t back down from the opportunities he had worked so hard to earn.


    As he walked down the corridor, lost in his thoughts, he felt a hand clap gently on his shoulder. Kim turned to see Seo-joon standing behind him, his familiar smile offering a sense of comfort in the midst of his turmoil.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let him get to you,¡± Seo-joon said, his voice steady and reassuring. ¡°You did the right thing by standing up to him. Not many would have had the courage.¡±


    Kim felt a small flicker of relief. It was hard to find genuine allies in a place like this, where students were constantly vying for position and favor. But Seo-joon had already shown him that he wasn¡¯t one to back down, no matter the odds.


    ¡°You really think so?¡± Kim asked, his voice tinged with doubt.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Seo-joon replied without hesitation. ¡°You¡¯ve got what it takes to survive here, Kim. Just remember, we¡¯re in this together.¡±


    With those words, Kim felt a sense of camaraderie that had been absent from his life for so long. In a world that seemed so divided by wealth and status, Seo-joon¡¯s unwavering support felt like a rare and precious thing.


    Together, they walked through the campus, taking in the opulent surroundings. The university was everything Kim had imagined¡ªgrand, imposing, and beautiful¡ªbut the divisions between the students were impossible to ignore. As they strolled past the various buildings, Kim couldn¡¯t help but notice the subtle cues that signaled where the wealthier students gathered.


    The cafeteria, for example, was an unmistakable symbol of the divide. There were two distinct lines¡ªone for the scholarship students, where they were given little more than basic meals, and another for the rich students, where gourmet dishes were served with a level of service that felt worlds apart.


    Kim couldn¡¯t help but feel the sting of that division as they approached the cafeteria. His scholarship card didn¡¯t come close to covering the luxury the wealthier students enjoyed, and he felt a sharp pang of frustration as he realized just how wide the gap truly was.


    ¡°We¡¯ll get through this,¡± Seo-joon said, seemingly sensing Kim¡¯s unease. ¡°It won¡¯t be easy, but if we stick together, we¡¯ll find a way to make our mark.¡±


    Kim nodded, but deep down, he knew that the real battle was just beginning. It wasn¡¯t enough to simply survive in this world¡ªhe had to figure out how to navigate it, how to play by the rules while still holding onto his dignity. The road ahead was uncertain, but with a friend like Seo-joon by his side, maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªhe could start to change the rules of the game.

 Chapter 4: The Divide Within Part 2: The Divide is Real

    Kim and Seo-joon continued their tour of the campus, their footsteps echoing in the vast hallways of the university. The grandeur of the place was impossible to ignore¡ªgleaming marble floors, high ceilings, and walls adorned with expensive artwork. But for Kim, the beauty of the buildings felt like a fa?ade, masking the harsh reality that lay beneath.


    As they walked, Kim couldn''t help but notice the stark contrasts that seemed to be everywhere. It wasn¡¯t just the cafeteria with its separate lines for scholarship students and wealthy students; it was in the very design of the campus itself. The wealthy students had their own section in every facility¡ªthe libraries, the lounges, and even the study halls. Kim could see that they occupied the best spots, their presence almost suffocating in its arrogance.


    The deeper they ventured into the university, the more the divisions became clear. It wasn¡¯t just the infrastructure that set the rich students apart¡ªit was the way they carried themselves. Groups of them strolled past, laughing and chatting as if they owned the place, their designer clothes and accessories a symbol of the wealth that separated them from everyone else.


    Kim couldn¡¯t help but feel a growing sense of alienation. The world of the rich students felt so distant, so foreign. It was as if they existed in a bubble, insulated from the struggles of people like him. Even the workers¡ªthe staff who ran the cafeterias, cleaned the classrooms, and maintained the campus¡ªwere divided into two groups: those who served the wealthy students with an eager obedience, and those who were left to fend for themselves, working multiple jobs just to scrape by.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on here is... brutal,¡± Kim murmured, watching as a group of rich students passed by, flanked by attendants who seemed to hang on their every word.


    Seo-joon, noticing his discomfort, nudged him gently. ¡°It¡¯s the same everywhere, Kim. But we¡¯re not alone in this. You¡¯ve got me, and I¡¯ve got your back.¡±


    Kim glanced at his friend, grateful for his words, but the divide felt too wide to bridge with mere friendship. The weight of his scholarship and the limitations it imposed on him were becoming painfully clear. Everywhere he looked, there was a reminder of his place¡ªat the bottom of a system that valued wealth above all else.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    They reached a nearby courtyard where a few students were lounging on expensive furniture, sipping drinks and enjoying their lunch. The students looked as if they had no cares in the world, their carefree conversations further accentuating the gulf between them and the rest of the campus.


    Seo-joon seemed to sense the frustration simmering in Kim. ¡°Don¡¯t let them get to you. We¡¯ve got to stay focused on what brought us here. We¡¯re here to study, to make something of ourselves.¡±


    Kim nodded, though it was clear that the path forward wouldn¡¯t be easy. The more he observed, the more he realized that success at this university wasn¡¯t just about grades¡ªit was about knowing the right people, having the right connections, and above all, having the right amount of money to make things happen.


    As they passed by a large glass window overlooking the athletic fields, Kim¡¯s eyes caught sight of the wealthier students lounging in the VIP section of the stadium, enjoying a catered lunch while the rest of the students were relegated to the bleachers.


    ¡°It¡¯s a system designed to keep people like us in our place,¡± Kim said bitterly. ¡°No matter how hard we work, they¡¯ll always have the advantage.¡±


    Seo-joon shook his head. ¡°Maybe. But we can¡¯t afford to think that way. We¡¯ve got to make our own opportunities. This place is what we make of it.¡±


    Kim didn¡¯t respond immediately. Instead, he watched as the rich students laughed, their voices full of entitlement, while the scholarship students shuffled along, heads down, trying not to draw attention to themselves. It was a world of silent battles, of quiet struggles, and Kim wasn¡¯t sure how long he could keep fighting without losing himself in the process.


    But one thing was clear¡ªhe couldn¡¯t let this divide define him. If he was going to survive here, he would need more than just Seo-joon¡¯s friendship. He would need to find a way to rise above the system, to carve out a place for himself where he could fight back against the forces that sought to hold him down.


    For the first time, Kim realized that this wasn¡¯t just a university¡ªit was a battleground. And he had to be ready for whatever came next.

 Chapter 4: The Divide Within Part 3: The Cafeteria and a Harsh Realization

    The day had already felt long, but the weight of the campus¡¯s division pressed harder with every step. Kim and Seo-joon made their way to the cafeteria, which was nothing short of extravagant. The massive space was filled with gleaming marble countertops, polished wood tables, and towering windows that let in streams of sunlight. At first glance, it looked like a luxury hotel¡¯s dining hall, not a university cafeteria.


    Despite the lavish surroundings, Kim couldn¡¯t ignore the divide that hung in the air. There were two distinct sections in the cafeteria: one for the wealthy students, located at the front, where large tables were arranged in clusters and waitstaff served gourmet meals; and another at the back for the scholarship students, where plain tables and inexpensive meals awaited.


    Kim and Seo-joon found themselves standing in the second line, the one for students like them. As they shuffled forward, Kim¡¯s eyes wandered to the other side of the cafeteria, where the rich students were seated comfortably. They sipped exotic beverages, laughing and chatting as if the world were their playground. Meanwhile, the scholarship students like Kim and Seo-joon waited patiently in line, their options limited to basic sandwiches, salads, and coffee.


    ¡°I hate this,¡± Kim muttered under his breath, his frustration boiling over. The unfairness of the situation was unbearable. The world of the rich was so different from his own that it felt impossible to bridge the gap. The separation wasn¡¯t just physical¡ªit was cultural, social, and financial. It was a constant reminder that no matter how hard he worked, he would always be treated differently.


    Seo-joon glanced at him and gave a small, reassuring smile. ¡°It¡¯s tough, but we¡¯ll find a way. We¡¯re not here to fit in. We¡¯re here to make a difference.¡±


    Kim tried to force a smile, but it didn¡¯t reach his eyes. As they reached the counter, he swiped his student ID card. He was surprised to see a small balance on it.


    ¡°The university deposits your scholarship funds onto these cards every week,¡± Seo-joon explained, his voice tinged with the same frustration Kim felt. ¡°It¡¯s all we get to use here.¡±This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    Kim glanced at the rich side of the cafeteria once more, his eyes lingering on the expensive meals and the drinks that were clearly far out of his reach. A part of him longed for the comfort of that world, but he knew that it would always be just out of his grasp.


    His frustration grew when he saw one of the wealthy students on the other side of the cafeteria turn and sneer in their direction. ¡°You really think you belong here?¡± the student said, his voice dripping with mockery. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t even be able to afford half of what we have here.¡±


    The other students around him snickered, and Kim¡¯s anger flared. He clenched his fists, his pulse racing with the urge to snap back, but he knew he couldn¡¯t afford to. In this world, one wrong move could cost him everything.


    Instead, he gritted his teeth and turned away, heading to the counter to order his meal. The staff behind the counter were efficient, offering Kim a simple coffee and a small snack¡ªa stark contrast to the extravagant offerings across the room.


    As they found a table in the corner, Kim¡¯s mind raced. How could they all be so blind to the injustice of it all? How could the rich students sit there, enjoying their lives while the scholarship students struggled just to get by?


    ¡°It¡¯s not just about the food, is it?¡± Seo-joon said, his voice quiet but firm. He had been watching Kim, reading his thoughts. ¡°It¡¯s the way they look at us, like we¡¯re not even supposed to be here. Like we¡¯re invisible.¡±


    Kim didn¡¯t respond at first. Instead, he stared at the students on the other side, their world so far out of reach. For a moment, it felt like nothing could ever change, like he was trapped in a system designed to keep him at the bottom.


    But then something inside him shifted. He couldn¡¯t just let this be his life. He couldn¡¯t let these divisions define him. He had already come too far to back down now.


    ¡°Maybe we don¡¯t belong in their world,¡± Kim said finally, his voice quiet but resolute. ¡°But we can build our own. We just have to make it work.¡±


    Seo-joon nodded, a flicker of determination in his eyes. ¡°Exactly. We¡¯ll find a way to stand on our own, and when we do, we won¡¯t be looking up at them anymore. They¡¯ll be looking up at us.¡±


    Kim felt a spark of hope flicker in his chest. Maybe the path ahead wouldn¡¯t be easy, but at least he wasn¡¯t walking it alone. With Seo-joon by his side, he could fight against the tide. He could rise above the divide.


    But that would take time. And in a world so rigidly divided by wealth and status, time was one thing Kim didn¡¯t have much of.

 Chapter 4: The Divide Within Part 4: The Close Call and a Dangerous Encounter

    As Kim and Seo-joon made their way out of the cafeteria, their conversation faded into the background as they navigated the crowded hallways. Kim¡¯s mind was still spinning with the injustice he had witnessed in the cafeteria, but Seo-joon¡¯s words kept replaying in his mind, offering a small but steady source of reassurance. "We¡¯ll make our own way," he had said. "We don¡¯t need them."


    They reached the main campus exit, the air fresh but carrying a chilly bite. The sight of the campus sprawling ahead of them¡ªa place of wealth, power, and opportunity¡ªfelt both intimidating and alluring. Kim paused for a moment, taking in the view, wondering just how far he could go in this world that seemed so determined to keep him in his place.


    Suddenly, the ground beneath his feet seemed to tremble. A roar of an engine cut through the air, deafening in its power, and before Kim could even react, a sleek black BMW shot around the corner, heading straight for them at breakneck speed.


    Time seemed to slow. Kim¡¯s heart slammed in his chest. The car was too close. The headlights bore down on him, and instinctively, he knew he had mere seconds to react. He shoved Seo-joon forward, pushing him out of harm¡¯s way.


    But in that moment, Kim was left standing frozen, paralyzed by the threat of the vehicle. He barely registered the screech of the tires as the car hurtled toward him, the engine growling like a beast preparing to strike.


    With a final burst of adrenaline, Kim managed to leap to the side, just barely avoiding the front bumper of the speeding car. He lost his balance, crashing to the ground hard, his arm twisting awkwardly beneath him as he fell. Pain exploded in his shoulder, but it was nothing compared to the terror that still gripped him.


    Seo-joon¡¯s voice cut through the haze of pain. "Kim! Are you okay?!" He was already at Kim¡¯s side, his hands on him, checking for injuries.


    Kim winced, pushing through the pain in his arm as he slowly tried to sit up. His heart was still pounding in his chest, and he couldn¡¯t shake the image of the car barreling toward him. He had never been so close to death in his life.


    As his vision cleared, Kim saw the car slowly coming to a stop, and the door swung open. Han Jae-hyun, the wealthy student who had already shown him so much disdain, stepped out of the vehicle with a smirk plastered across his face.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    ¡°Well, well, if it isn¡¯t Kim,¡± Han said, his voice dripping with mock amusement. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to see you here again. I¡¯m almost impressed you managed to survive that.¡±


    Kim could feel the anger building within him, but he gritted his teeth and forced himself to stay calm. The last thing he needed was to escalate things further.


    Seo-joon, however, wasn¡¯t as controlled. ¡°What the hell is wrong with you? You almost killed him!¡± he shouted, stepping forward, fists clenched in fury. ¡°This is a warning. If you ever do something like this again, I¡¯ll report you. You won¡¯t get away with it.¡±


    Han Jae-hyun laughed, a sound that was cold and dismissive. ¡°Oh, please. If I wanted to kill you, I wouldn¡¯t have bothered stopping. But honestly, you¡¯re not even worth the effort. You¡¯re just a nuisance.¡± He shrugged carelessly, looking down at Kim with disdain. ¡°Consider yourself lucky. I¡¯d hate to waste my time on someone as insignificant as you.¡±


    With that, Han turned and got back into the car, slamming the door shut. The engine revved, and the car sped off, leaving a trail of dust behind it. Kim stood up slowly, still reeling from the close call. His arm throbbed with pain, but the adrenaline rush hadn¡¯t quite worn off yet.


    Seo-joon was right by his side, helping him steady himself. ¡°You¡¯re lucky. That was way too close.¡±


    Kim nodded but didn¡¯t say anything. His thoughts were clouded with anger, frustration, and confusion. How could someone be so careless, so willing to use their power and wealth to play with the lives of others? Han Jae-hyun had made it clear that he could do whatever he wanted without consequences, simply because he had money and influence.


    And that realization struck Kim harder than anything else. This was the world he was trying to navigate¡ªa world where the powerful could destroy the lives of those beneath them without a second thought.


    As they walked to the campus health center to get Kim¡¯s arm checked, the nurse there didn¡¯t mince words. ¡°Be careful around the rich students,¡± she warned, her eyes filled with quiet sympathy. ¡°They think they can get away with anything, and they often do. If you cross them, they won¡¯t hesitate to make your life miserable. And no one will stop them. Money buys power in this place, and power buys silence.¡±


    Kim absorbed the nurse¡¯s words, his anger now mixing with a growing sense of helplessness. How was he supposed to fight against this system when the very people in charge could easily crush him?


    By the time they left the health center, his arm was in a sling, and his mind was filled with one question: How far was he willing to go to survive in this world? And more importantly, how much of himself would he lose along the way?


    The path ahead seemed even more treacherous now, but Kim knew one thing for certain: he wasn¡¯t going to back down. Not now. Not ever.

 Chapter 4: The Divide Within Part 5: The Assembly and the Reality of Power

    Later that day, the campus was buzzing with anticipation as the first official assembly of the semester was about to begin. Kim had heard the whispers around campus: it was a spectacle, an event where the students were supposed to learn about the university¡¯s plans for the year and, most importantly, where the powerful students got to flaunt their wealth and privilege.


    Kim and Seo-joon made their way to the grand hall, a place that looked more like a high-end conference center than a university building. The entrance was adorned with golden pillars, and the floor gleamed with polished marble. Students moved in a steady stream, some talking excitedly among themselves, others looking detached, as if they already knew how things worked at the university.


    The hall was divided into two sections. The VIP area, reserved for the rich and influential students, was at the front, where the best seats were lined with plush velvet chairs. The rest of the students, those on scholarships or from families without the same level of wealth, were relegated to the back, where hard, uncomfortable chairs lined the walls. It was a stark reminder of the separation that existed, of how the wealthier students were treated like royalty while the rest were expected to sit and quietly observe.


    Kim¡¯s stomach churned as he looked at the seating arrangement. It was impossible to ignore the message it sent: the rich were at the top, and everyone else was beneath them. He could feel the weight of it pressing down on him. He and Seo-joon were ushered toward the back, where the other scholarship students sat, heads lowered, silently accepting their place in the hierarchy.


    As they made their way through the room, Kim couldn¡¯t help but notice how the rich students moved through the hall. They didn¡¯t walk¡ªthey glided. Each one seemed to carry an air of superiority, their designer clothing and expensive accessories making it clear they belonged to another world. Kim could almost hear the whispers of envy and awe that followed them as they passed by the scholarship students.


    Seo-joon, sensing Kim¡¯s discomfort, leaned in and whispered, ¡°Don¡¯t let them get to you. We¡¯re here for the same reason they are¡ªto learn. They might have money, but they don¡¯t have everything.¡±


    Kim nodded but couldn¡¯t shake the feeling of being out of place. He had worked so hard to get here, but now that he was on the campus, he couldn¡¯t help but feel like an outsider in a world he wasn¡¯t meant to be a part of.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    As the assembly began, the chancellor walked up to the stage, his voice booming through the speakers. ¡°Welcome, students, to a new year at the university. This is a place of excellence, of opportunity, and of growth. We hope you will all take full advantage of the resources available to you.¡±


    Kim¡¯s attention wandered as the chancellor continued with his speech, talking about the future of the university and its efforts to provide a top-tier education. But Kim¡¯s focus wasn¡¯t on the promises or the platitudes¡ªit was on the glaring disparity that surrounded him.


    The rich students at the front barely listened, their eyes glued to their phones or engaged in private conversations. It was clear they had already made up their minds about how the year would unfold¡ªthey would continue to dominate, as they always had.


    And then, amidst the speeches and the grand promises, something changed.


    Han Jae-hyun, who had been sitting in the front row with a group of his friends, caught Kim¡¯s eye. For a moment, their gazes locked, and Kim saw a flash of something in Han¡¯s eyes¡ªsomething calculating, almost as if he were sizing Kim up, as if this was all a game to him.


    Kim¡¯s heart raced. It was as if Han knew exactly what he was thinking. But then, just as quickly, the moment passed, and Han turned away, his attention back on the chancellor.


    Kim¡¯s mind began to race again. How could he survive in this world of privilege and power? How could he climb the ladder when every step seemed to be against him? He had already come so far, but there was so much more to go. The temptation to give in, to let the divide between the rich and the poor dictate his future, was strong.


    But he wouldn¡¯t let it happen.


    As the assembly continued, Kim sat silently, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. The university, with all its grandeur and promise, was built on a foundation of inequality. The rich would always have an advantage, but that didn¡¯t mean Kim had to accept it. He could play the game, too. Maybe it wasn¡¯t about fighting against the system¡ªmaybe it was about working with it, using it to his advantage.


    And as he sat there, watching the wealthy students laugh and chat among themselves, something inside him hardened. He wasn¡¯t going to let them win.


    The divide was real. But it wasn¡¯t unbreakable. And Kim was determined to find a way to bridge it¡ªno matter the cost.


    As the assembly came to a close and the students began filing out, Kim stood up with a renewed sense of purpose. He knew the road ahead would be difficult, that he would face more challenges and obstacles, but he was ready.


    This was just the beginning.

 Chapter 5: Parted Worlds Part 1: The Professor’s Warning

    Kim Kane sat uneasily in the back rows of the grand hall, surrounded by his fellow scholarship students. The once-bustling room had emptied out, leaving behind an eerie quiet that amplified the weight of the moment. Seo-joon was at his side, his usual confidence tempered by the same nervous energy that gripped everyone. The professor standing before them exuded an aura of calm authority, his sharp glasses reflecting the dimmed lights of the hall.


    "I am Professor Park Dae-jung," he began, his voice steady but firm. "I¡¯ve requested this meeting because I understand what it¡¯s like to be where you are now. I was once in your shoes."


    The murmurs that rippled through the group quickly subsided as the professor continued. ¡°This university prides itself on its legacy of excellence, but not all of that legacy is built on merit. Wealth has a way of shaping opportunities here, often at the expense of those more deserving. You, as scholarship students, represent what this university can truly achieve when merit is prioritized. But that comes with challenges.¡±


    Kim felt a knot tighten in his stomach as Professor Park¡¯s tone grew heavier.


    ¡°This institution is not a level playing field,¡± he said bluntly. ¡°Your accomplishments brought you here, but the moment you step out of line, you¡¯ll find that the rules are not as forgiving for you as they are for others.¡±


    The room was silent, each student processing the stark reality of his words.


    ¡°I don¡¯t say this to scare you,¡± Park added, softening his tone. ¡°I say it to prepare you. You must tread carefully. Any mistake, no matter how small, could cost you everything¡ªyour scholarship, your reputation, your future. The stakes are higher for you than they are for them.¡±The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Kim glanced around at his peers. Some nodded, while others stared down at their hands, their expressions somber. Seo-joon leaned closer to Kim and whispered, ¡°He¡¯s not sugarcoating it, is he?¡±


    Kim shook his head slightly, his attention fixed on the professor.


    ¡°But there¡¯s hope,¡± Park continued. ¡°You have an ally in me. If you face any issues¡ªdiscrimination, unfair treatment, or challenges that feel insurmountable¡ªcome to me. My office is in the faculty building, third floor. I will do what I can to ensure fairness.¡±


    Kim felt a glimmer of reassurance. It wasn¡¯t much, but knowing someone in the system cared about their plight was a small comfort.


    The professor shifted the conversation, recounting the university¡¯s history. He painted a picture of an institution that had once been purely academic but had since transformed into a playground for the elite. Kim listened intently as Park spoke about how the influx of wealth had skewed the university¡¯s priorities, creating a system where money often spoke louder than merit.


    ¡°Yet here you are,¡± Park said, his gaze sweeping across the room. ¡°Proof that merit still has a place here, even if it¡¯s a precarious one.¡±


    Kim felt a mix of pride and frustration. He had fought hard to earn his place, but now it felt like he was walking a tightrope, one misstep away from losing everything.


    As Professor Park concluded his warning, he looked directly at Kim and the others. ¡°Remember, your journey here is not just about academics. It¡¯s about survival. Stay focused, stay disciplined, and most importantly, support each other. Together, you can navigate this system and emerge stronger.¡±


    The professor¡¯s words hung in the air as the students filed out of the hall, their minds heavy with the reality of their situation. Kim walked in silence beside Seo-joon, the professor¡¯s warning echoing in his mind.


    For the first time since he arrived at the university, Kim realized the depth of the challenges he faced. It wasn¡¯t just about proving himself academically¡ªit was about surviving in a world where power and privilege reigned supreme.


    And yet, as daunting as it seemed, Kim felt a spark of determination ignite within him. He had made it this far. He wasn¡¯t going to let the odds defeat him now.

 Chapter 5: Parted Worlds Part 2: The Card’s Power

    The atmosphere in the hall grew slightly lighter as Professor Park moved to a more practical topic. He held up a sleek, black student ID card for everyone to see. ¡°This,¡± he began, ¡°is more than just your identification. It is your key to the campus, your access to facilities, and your financial lifeline.¡±


    Kim sat forward in his seat, his curiosity piqued. The card looked ordinary, but the way Professor Park spoke of it suggested otherwise.


    ¡°These cards are multi-functional,¡± Park continued. ¡°They serve as your ID, grant access to specific areas, and function as a debit card. For scholarship students, your stipends are preloaded weekly onto these cards. Be mindful¡ªwhat you see is what you get. There will be no additional funds if you overspend.¡±


    A ripple of murmurs spread through the group. Seo-joon nudged Kim. ¡°Guess we¡¯ll have to budget carefully,¡± he whispered with a grin.


    Kim returned a weak smile but stayed focused on the professor, who now held up his own card to demonstrate its features. ¡°You¡¯ll use these cards to swipe into lecture halls, libraries, dining facilities, and other approved areas,¡± Park explained. ¡°But I must warn you¡ªyour access is limited. Some buildings and amenities are restricted to students in the Elite Program.¡±


    A girl in the front row raised her hand. ¡°Why are there restrictions? Aren¡¯t we all students of the same university?¡±


    Park hesitated, his expression shifting to one of quiet resignation. ¡°That is a question I have asked myself for years,¡± he admitted. ¡°The reality is that certain privileges come with wealth. These restrictions are part of the university¡¯s unwritten hierarchy¡ªa hierarchy we are working to challenge, but progress is slow.¡±Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Kim clenched his fists under the table, the sting of inequity hitting him harder than he expected. The card in his pocket suddenly felt heavier, like a reminder of the invisible barriers separating him from the privileged students.


    Another student, Han Soo-bin, spoke up. ¡°Are there any exceptions? Can we earn access through academic achievements?¡±


    Park shook his head. ¡°Unfortunately, no. The rules are rigid, and exceptions are rare. My advice is to focus on excelling within the boundaries set for you. Use the resources available to you wisely, and avoid unnecessary conflicts with those who hold more power here.¡±


    The professor¡¯s words were practical but bitter. Kim could see the resignation in his eyes¡ªa man who had fought against the system for years but had little to show for it.


    As Park moved on to the logistics of using the card, explaining how to check balances and report issues, Kim found his mind wandering. This small piece of plastic symbolized both opportunity and limitation. It gave him access to an elite education but also served as a constant reminder of his status as an outsider.


    When Park concluded the session, he paused, looking directly at the group. ¡°Your cards represent more than just access¡ªthey are a testament to your place here. You earned this through hard work and determination. Don¡¯t let anyone make you feel like you don¡¯t belong.¡±


    Kim felt a flicker of resolve ignite in his chest. He slipped the card into his pocket as the students began to leave, Seo-joon at his side. ¡°Well, that was a reality check,¡± Seo-joon muttered as they stepped into the bright afternoon sun.


    Kim nodded silently, his thoughts swirling. The card might have limitations, but it was also a tool¡ªa tool he intended to use wisely. The road ahead was daunting, but Kim knew one thing for sure: he wouldn¡¯t let the system break him.

 Chapter 5: Parted Worlds Part 3: Exploring the Divide

    The midday sun cast long shadows over the campus as Kim and Seo-joon emerged from the hall. The professor¡¯s words lingered in their minds, but the duo decided to make the most of the free day to explore the university grounds.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see what this place is really about,¡± Seo-joon said, his tone a mix of curiosity and determination.


    The campus was sprawling, almost like a self-contained city. It had everything one could imagine: high-tech academic buildings, athletic facilities that rivaled professional complexes, and a mix of caf¨¦s, shops, and even a private cinema.


    Their first stop was the main library, a towering glass structure that glittered in the sunlight. Inside, the atmosphere was hushed and studious. Kim couldn¡¯t help but marvel at the endless rows of books and state-of-the-art technology.


    ¡°Not bad,¡± Seo-joon remarked, running his hand along the edge of a sleek digital workstation.


    Kim swiped his ID card at a terminal to access the system. A notification popped up, listing the areas he could enter. It was a stark reminder of the invisible walls dividing the campus. While the library was open to all, certain sections were restricted. He noticed a frosted glass door labeled Elite Archives and felt a pang of frustration.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let it get to you,¡± Seo-joon said, following his gaze. ¡°We¡¯ve got plenty to work with here.¡±


    Their next stop was the recreational area, a stark contrast to the academic zone. The facilities were jaw-dropping: a swimming complex with shimmering pools, private theaters with luxurious seating, and high-end caf¨¦s offering artisanal everything.


    Kim decided to test his card again at one of the caf¨¦s. He scanned it at the counter, only to find himself directed to a smaller, less opulent section labeled Scholarship Students¡¯ Caf¨¦. The drinks and snacks were simpler, the seating less plush.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kim muttered under his breath.


    ¡°Not bad, but definitely not the VIP treatment,¡± Seo-joon said, trying to lighten the mood. ¡°Hey, at least the coffee smells decent.¡±


    Kim¡¯s gaze wandered to the other side of the caf¨¦, separated by a glass divider. On the Elite side, students lounged on velvet chairs, sipping on lattes topped with intricate foam art. The contrast stung more than he cared to admit.


    Their exploration continued to the athletic facilities. The outdoor tracks and fields were accessible, but the indoor courts and training centers required a higher clearance. Once again, Kim¡¯s card denied him access.


    ¡°It¡¯s like they¡¯ve built two different universities,¡± Seo-joon observed. ¡°One for us, and one for them.¡±


    Kim nodded silently. It wasn¡¯t just the physical divide¡ªit was the subtle message that came with it: You¡¯re here, but you¡¯re not one of us.


    As the day wore on, the duo found themselves in front of a massive building they hadn¡¯t seen on the campus map. It was sleek and modern, with gold-accented doors and a sign that simply read Helix Center.


    ¡°Think we can get in?¡± Seo-joon asked, raising an eyebrow.


    Kim swiped his card, and as expected, the scanner beeped red. ¡°No surprises there,¡± he said, stepping back.


    They watched as a group of elite students breezed past, chatting and laughing. Their cards granted them instant access, and the doors slid open to reveal a lobby that looked more like a five-star hotel.


    Seo-joon sighed. ¡°One day, man. One day.¡±


    Kim didn¡¯t respond immediately. His jaw tightened as he stared at the closed doors. One day isn¡¯t enough, he thought. I¡¯ll find a way to break through this divide¡ªon my terms.


    The sun dipped lower in the sky as they headed back toward their dorms, their exploration complete. The campus was impressive, but it was also a stark reminder of the uphill battle they faced.


    ¡°This place has everything,¡± Seo-joon said, breaking the silence. ¡°But it¡¯s not for us, is it?¡±


    ¡°Not yet,¡± Kim replied, his voice steady. ¡°But we¡¯ll change that.¡±


    As they walked, Kim felt a growing determination. The divide was undeniable, but so was his resolve to overcome it. He had come too far to let barriers, no matter how gilded, hold him back.

 Chapter 5: Parted Worlds Part 4: An Elite Playground

    Kim and Seo-joon ventured into the heart of the campus, where the grandeur became increasingly overwhelming. The towering buildings were adorned with architectural intricacies, and every pathway seemed to lead to yet another facility designed for indulgence.


    Their first stop was the Helix Mall, a shopping complex exclusively for students. The entrance alone was stunning¡ªa glass fa?ade with a cascading waterfall on either side. Inside, the air was cool and fragrant, filled with the subtle hum of conversation and the occasional click of designer heels on marble floors.


    The mall was a paradise for the elite. High-end boutiques showcased luxury watches, tailored suits, and even limited-edition sneakers. Caf¨¦s offered gourmet menus, and there was even a jewelry store with glittering displays.


    Kim hesitated before swiping his card at one of the stores, curious to see if he could enter. Predictably, a notification popped up: Restricted to VIP students.


    ¡°Figures,¡± Seo-joon muttered, watching a group of well-dressed students saunter past them, each carrying sleek shopping bags.


    They moved on, stepping into a nearby movie theater that boasted private screening rooms. A staff member politely informed them that their cards granted access to the standard theater, not the luxurious private suites. Kim peeked inside one of the private rooms before the door closed¡ªa plush interior with recliners and personal service.


    ¡°Feels like we¡¯re sightseeing in a world that¡¯s not ours,¡± Seo-joon remarked.


    ¡°It¡¯s theirs for now,¡± Kim replied quietly, his fists clenching.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Their next destination was the athletic complex. Here, the contrast was even more blatant. While the outdoor fields and courts were accessible, the indoor training centers, featuring cutting-edge equipment and private trainers, were off-limits to scholarship students.


    Kim watched as a wealthy student emerged from a restricted training area, laughing with his friends. They wore branded athletic gear and carried personalized duffle bags. One of them tossed a towel to an attendant without so much as a thank-you.


    ¡°It¡¯s like they¡¯re on a different planet,¡± Seo-joon said.


    Kim nodded, the sense of exclusion simmering beneath his calm exterior. This isn¡¯t just a playground¡ªit¡¯s a kingdom, he thought.


    The exploration ended at the rooftop garden, an area technically open to all students. The garden was breathtaking, with manicured hedges, colorful flower beds, and a view of the entire campus. Yet even here, the division was evident. The central seating area, with its ornate fountains and luxurious furniture, was roped off for exclusive use.


    Kim and Seo-joon sat on a bench along the outer edge, gazing at the sunset.


    ¡°It¡¯s beautiful, but it doesn¡¯t feel like it¡¯s ours,¡± Seo-joon said, his voice tinged with frustration.


    ¡°It¡¯s not,¡± Kim replied, his voice resolute. ¡°But that doesn¡¯t mean it¡¯ll stay that way.¡±


    They watched as a group of elite students gathered in the restricted area, laughing and sipping on sparkling drinks served by staff. The stark contrast between their carefree joy and Kim¡¯s quiet determination was palpable.


    ¡°We¡¯re not just scholarship students,¡± Kim said, breaking the silence. ¡°We¡¯re challengers in a rigged game. But every system has cracks, and we¡¯ll find them.¡±


    Seo-joon looked at him, a hint of admiration in his eyes. ¡°You really believe that?¡±


    ¡°I have to,¡± Kim replied. ¡°Because if I don¡¯t, they win.¡±


    As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the campus, Kim felt a renewed sense of purpose. The elite might have their playground, but he was determined to turn it into his battlefield.

 Chapter 5: Parted Worlds Part 5: A Silent Decision

    The bus ride back to their neighborhood was a stark contrast to the opulence Kim and Seo-joon had witnessed all day. The seats were worn, the faint hum of the engine punctuated by the occasional bump in the road. The city lights blurred through the window as Kim stared out, lost in thought.


    Seo-joon leaned back, his arms crossed. ¡°Today was something, huh?¡± he said, breaking the silence.


    Kim didn¡¯t respond immediately. His mind replayed the images of the exclusive facilities, the luxurious privileges, and the unspoken barriers that separated him and his peers from the elites. He felt the weight of it all, a pressure that both crushed and ignited him.


    ¡°I expected a divide,¡± Kim said finally, his voice quiet but firm. ¡°But seeing it¡­ living it¡­ it¡¯s worse than I thought.¡±


    Seo-joon nodded. ¡°It¡¯s not just about money. It¡¯s about power. They¡¯ve built a fortress, and we¡¯re on the outside looking in.¡±


    Kim¡¯s grip tightened on his backpack strap. ¡°Then we find a way inside.¡±


    As they neared their stop, Seo-joon shifted the conversation. ¡°Are you going to tell your family about all this? The restrictions, the treatment?¡±


    Kim hesitated. He thought of his mother¡¯s tired hands as she packed his lunch the morning he left for university. He thought of his siblings, who had hugged him tightly, their eyes shining with pride. How could he burden them with the reality of his challenges?Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    ¡°No,¡± he said finally. ¡°They¡¯ve already sacrificed so much to get me here. If they knew, it¡¯d only hurt them.¡±


    Seo-joon didn¡¯t press him further, sensing the weight of Kim¡¯s resolve.


    When the bus stopped, the two stepped out into the cool night air. Their neighborhood was a world away from the university¡¯s grandeur¡ªa patchwork of modest homes and narrow streets lit by flickering streetlights.


    As they walked, Seo-joon tried to lighten the mood. ¡°At least we¡¯ve got each other, right? Strength in numbers.¡±


    Kim managed a small smile. ¡°Yeah. Strength in numbers.¡±


    When they reached their respective homes, Kim lingered outside for a moment, staring at the darkened windows of his house. He thought about the life his family had built¡ªhumble, but full of love. He couldn¡¯t let them down.


    Inside, the house was quiet. His younger sister had fallen asleep on the couch, her schoolbooks spread around her. Kim carefully gathered them and placed them on the table. His mother appeared in the doorway, her face lined with fatigue but brightened by a smile when she saw him.


    ¡°Long day?¡± she asked softly.


    Kim nodded, forcing a reassuring smile. ¡°Just getting used to everything. The campus is¡­ big.¡±


    His mother chuckled. ¡°That¡¯s good. Big places mean big opportunities.¡±


    He nodded again, her words sinking deep into his heart. As he climbed into bed later that night, Kim stared at the ceiling, his mind racing. The university was more than just a school¡ªit was a battlefield of privilege, power, and ambition.


    If I want to win this game, I¡¯ll need to play smarter than them, he thought.


    And with that, Kim made a silent decision. He would endure the divide, learn its weaknesses, and find a way to rise above it. For his family, for himself, and for those like him who deserved more than scraps from the table of the elite.


    As the first rays of dawn crept into his room, Kim drifted into a restless sleep, his determination burning brighter than ever.

 Chapter 6: A Promise in the Silence Part 1: At the Doorstep

    Kim stood before the familiar wooden door of his modest home, his heart heavy with the weight of the day¡¯s events. The bustling campus, the towering buildings, and the glaring separation between the scholarship students and the elite¡ªit was all too much. The memories of how the rich students had casually flaunted their privileges lingered in his mind, and Kim felt a growing sense of isolation.


    His family had worked so hard to get him here, and now he was faced with the harsh reality of a world that would judge him not on his abilities, but on his background. Kim hesitated for a moment, wondering if he should even tell his parents what had happened. His father, Kim Joon-seok, was a man of few words, but his disappointment would speak volumes. His mother, Lee Mi-sook, had always been the pillar of the family, and the thought of worrying her made him pause.


    But leaving wasn¡¯t an option. Kim had promised himself that he would succeed. Not just for his own sake, but for his family, who had sacrificed so much to see him at this prestigious university. He clenched his fists, resolved to endure whatever challenges came his way. With a deep breath, he pushed open the door.


    The scent of home-cooked food immediately washed over him, bringing a sense of warmth and comfort. The small house, though modest, always held a kind of peace that Kim could never find anywhere else. The sounds of his younger siblings, Kim Ji-sung and Kim Ji-yeon, filled the air as they excitedly greeted him.


    "How was your first day, oppa?" Ji-yeon asked, her wide eyes full of curiosity.


    Kim tried to smile, but the weight of his day made it feel forced. "It was... good," he said, his voice betraying him. "Lots of things to take in, but it''s all part of the journey."


    Before he could elaborate, his father appeared from the back of the house, his weathered hands holding a small piece of wood he had been working on. "Let him settle in, Ji-yeon. We¡¯ll talk over dinner," Joon-seok said, his voice deep and steady, though Kim could tell he was curious about how the day had gone.


    Kim Ji-sung, his younger brother, stood by the door, looking up at him with a grin. "Did you see the swimming pools, hyung?" he asked. "Are they as big as they say?"


    Kim chuckled, though it was tinged with sadness. "Yes, they¡¯re huge," he replied, ruffling his brother¡¯s hair. "But they¡¯re not for people like us."


    Ji-yeon noticed the shift in his tone but didn¡¯t press. "Dinner''s ready," she said, leading him to the small dining table in the living room.


    Kim took his seat, the smell of the meal filling his senses. The dishes were his favorites¡ªspicy kimchi, bulgogi, and the comforting aroma of freshly made rice. He glanced at his mother, who had worked tirelessly all day, and his heart swelled with gratitude. He knew they had likely stretched their meager resources to make this meal possible.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    "You¡¯ve really outdone yourself, eomma," Kim said, his voice thick with emotion. "These smells amazing."


    Lee Mi-sook smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "For you, anything," she replied softly. "It¡¯s a celebration for your first day."


    Kim¡¯s throat tightened. He wanted to tell them everything¡ªthe exclusion, the inequality, the constant reminder that he was different. But he couldn¡¯t bring himself to burden them with that. Instead, he kept his focus on the food, on the warmth of his family, and on the small moments of normalcy that he longed to hold onto.


    The dinner conversation was lighthearted, with his father asking him about his day at the university. Kim did his best to paint a positive picture. He spoke of the grandeur of the campus, the impressive academic facilities, and the promise of a future that seemed so out of reach, yet within his grasp. But as he spoke, he couldn¡¯t ignore the nagging feeling in his chest. Every time he mentioned the university¡¯s opulence, it reminded him of the vast divide between the scholarship students and the rich.


    "What about the people? Did you make any friends?" his mother asked, her gentle voice filled with curiosity.


    Kim paused, his mind briefly drifting to Seo-joon, the only friend he had made so far. "Yes," he said with a smile, his voice more convincing than he felt. "There are good people there."


    He carefully left out the parts about the elite students, the ones who made it clear that he wasn¡¯t welcome in their world. He didn¡¯t want his family to worry, especially not when they had worked so hard to get him here. They deserved to hear that things were going well, even if that wasn¡¯t entirely true.


    His younger siblings were full of questions. Ji-sung wanted to know about the swimming pools, the libraries, and the various student activities. Kim answered each question enthusiastically, focusing on the parts of the university that were accessible to all students. He kept his bandaged hand hidden beneath the table, unwilling to admit that it had been injured during his fall. His mother¡¯s sharp eyes would have noticed if he hadn¡¯t been careful.


    As the meal came to an end, his father leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I¡¯m glad you¡¯re doing well, Kim," he said, his voice steady. "But remember, we¡¯re always here for you. No matter what happens at that school, don¡¯t forget who you are."


    Kim nodded, his heart heavy with the weight of his father¡¯s words. He could see the pride in his eyes, but there was also an unspoken worry. Kim had promised himself he would never disappoint them, and now that promise felt like a vow he could never break.


    Later that night, as the house fell quiet and everyone retreated to their rooms, Kim lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. The weight of the day, of his family¡¯s expectations, and of the challenges ahead, pressed heavily on him. His arm throbbed slightly under the bandages, a reminder of the physical and emotional toll the day had taken.


    But as he closed his eyes, he found comfort in the thought that no matter how tough things got, he had a reason to keep going. For his family. For their future. No matter the cost, Kim was determined to succeed.


    With that resolve, Kim fell into an uneasy sleep, the weight of the world still on his shoulders, but with a fire in his heart that refused to go out.

 Chapter 6: A Promise in the Silence Part 2: A Meal of Sacrifice

    Kim stepped into the warmth of the house, and immediately, the comforting aroma of his mother¡¯s cooking filled the air. It was a smell that had always meant home to him, but tonight, it felt different¡ªmore special. His younger siblings, Kim Ji-sung and Kim Ji-yeon, heard the door creak open and came running into the hallway, their excitement evident. They tackled him with tight hugs, their small arms wrapped around him as if they hadn¡¯t seen him in years.


    ¡°Hyung! How was it? How¡¯s university?¡± Ji-sung asked, his voice eager and filled with curiosity.


    ¡°Tell us everything!¡± Ji-yeon added, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and for a moment, it almost made Kim forget the pressure that weighed heavily on him.


    Kim smiled warmly, hugging them back. ¡°It was good,¡± he said, keeping his tone light. He didn¡¯t want to burden them with the realities of what he was experiencing. ¡°A lot of new things, but I¡¯m getting used to it.¡±


    He kept the truth hidden behind a well-practiced smile. The tension, the isolation, the discomfort¡ªit was all too much to explain to them, and he didn¡¯t want them to worry. He had to be strong for them. They were still so young, and they looked up to him with such pride, believing that university would change everything for him¡ªand for them. They didn¡¯t need to know about the struggles yet. Kim couldn¡¯t afford to let them see the cracks in his armor.


    As they reluctantly let go of him, Kim¡¯s father, Kim Joon-seok, appeared in the doorway of the living room. His presence was commanding, and there was a softness in his eyes that always reassured Kim. He held up a hand and gently reminded the children, ¡°Wait a bit. Let your brother eat first, then we can talk.¡±


    With a quiet nod, Kim followed his father to the dining room. The scent of the meal grew stronger as they entered, and his eyes immediately landed on the table. His mother, Lee Mi-sook, stood at the head, smiling as she placed a steaming bowl of rice and his favorite dishes in front of him. There were savory sides, tender meats, and vegetables he hadn¡¯t had in weeks¡ªall his favorites, carefully prepared with love. Kim''s heart swelled with a mixture of gratitude and guilt. His mother knew exactly how to make him feel at home, and the meal before him was a clear sign that she had put in a great deal of effort to make it special.


    Kim looked at her, his throat tightening. ¡°Eomma,¡± he began, his voice thick with emotion, ¡°Why did you make this? You didn¡¯t have to go through all this trouble.¡±


    Lee Mi-sook smiled, her expression tender but with a touch of pride. ¡°Today is a special day, Kim,¡± she said, her eyes shining. ¡°It¡¯s the first day of university for you. We wanted to celebrate. You¡¯ve made it this far. We¡¯re proud of you.¡±Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    Kim¡¯s chest tightened, and he quickly looked away, hoping his parents wouldn¡¯t see the tears that were threatening to form in his eyes. The realization hit him hard¡ªthis meal, these dishes, the effort his mother had put into preparing them¡ªthey were more than just a celebration. They were a sacrifice. The ingredients, the time, the energy¡ªit all came at a cost. His family had given up so much to send him to university, and Kim couldn¡¯t help but feel that this meal, though delicious, was a symbol of their hopes and expectations. His mother had probably spent more than they could afford, stretching their already limited resources to make this moment special.


    Kim''s hands trembled slightly as he reached for the chopsticks, but he steadied them. He didn¡¯t want to show weakness, not now. His parents were already giving everything they could to make his dreams a reality. The last thing he wanted was to disappoint them, to let them see how heavy the weight of their sacrifices felt.


    ¡°Thank you, Eomma,¡± he said quietly, his voice low. ¡°This means a lot to me.¡±


    His mother beamed at him, clearly pleased by his words. As they began to eat, Kim felt a sense of deep appreciation for everything his family had done. They had sacrificed so much just for him to get this far, to step into a world that felt so foreign and overwhelming. He was the only one in his family who had the chance to go to university, and he couldn¡¯t afford to waste it. His future was tied to their sacrifices, and he could never repay them for what they had done. But he could make sure that their sacrifices weren¡¯t in vain. He could prove to them that all of this, all their hard work and dedication, would pay off.


    As the meal progressed, Kim felt the warmth of his family¡¯s love surrounding him. Ji-sung and Ji-yeon laughed, sharing their small victories and challenges from school, their innocent chatter filling the air. His father, Kim Joon-seok, offered the occasional piece of advice, his calm voice providing a steady rhythm to the conversation. His mother, ever the nurturing force, smiled as she watched her children interact, her love for them evident in every glance.


    Kim stayed quiet for most of the meal, only speaking when prompted. His mind was preoccupied with everything that had happened at the university, but he pushed it aside for the moment. This was their time, their chance to come together as a family and celebrate the small victories they had. He couldn¡¯t allow his troubles to overshadow this.


    But even as he smiled and ate with his family, the guilt gnawed at him. They had worked so hard, and yet he still felt as though he was failing them. The wealth and privilege that the other students had at the university¡ªthey were things he would never have. And yet, here he was, being celebrated for taking a step into a world that seemed so far removed from everything he had known. The disparity, the distance between his reality and theirs, was something he couldn¡¯t ignore.


    As they finished the meal, Kim couldn¡¯t help but make a silent vow to himself. He would do whatever it took to make his family proud, to give them the life they deserved. No matter how hard it became, no matter the challenges he faced, he would find a way to succeed. His family¡¯s happiness, their well-being, depended on him. And he would carry that responsibility with him every step of the way.


    The promise he made to them¡ªone made in the silence of his heart¡ªwould drive him forward, no matter the cost.

 Chapter 6: A Promise in the Silence Part 3: Hidden Pain

    The dinner table was filled with laughter and the sound of utensils clinking against plates. Kim did his best to join in the conversation, but his thoughts kept drifting to the day he had just experienced. He focused on the positive aspects of university life¡ªthe new friends he was meeting, the opportunities for learning, and the promise of a better future. He intentionally avoided talking about the challenges, the discrimination, and the harsh realities that had already begun to weigh on him. His parents didn¡¯t need to know about the struggles, not yet.


    As he spoke, he kept his voice steady and his face neutral, trying to hide the fatigue in his eyes. He was careful to keep his hand hidden beneath the table, where the bandage on his wrist wouldn¡¯t be visible. He had sprained it earlier in the day while hurrying off the bus, but it wasn¡¯t painful enough to warrant concern. Still, he didn¡¯t want to worry his parents. They had enough on their plate already, and he wasn¡¯t about to add another burden.


    "How was your first day? Did you make any friends?" Ji-yeon asked between bites of food, her eyes wide with curiosity.


    Kim nodded, forcing a smile. "Yes, I met some good people. They''re friendly. I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll get along with everyone. It¡¯s a big change, but I¡¯ll manage." He didn¡¯t mention the quiet exclusion he had already felt, nor the way he had been made to feel out of place among the wealthier students. Instead, he spoke about the professors, the interesting courses, and the feeling of being in a new and exciting environment.


    Ji-sung leaned in, eager to hear more. "That¡¯s great! I bet you¡¯re going to do amazing things there, Hyung!" he said with a grin.


    Kim smiled at his brother, touched by his faith in him. "I¡¯ll do my best," he said, trying to keep the weight of his words light.


    As they continued eating, his mother watched him closely. She always had a way of reading her children, especially Kim. The slight furrow in his brow, the way his fingers fidgeted with his chopsticks¡ªit was all there, the signs that something was off. She had raised him to be strong, but she knew him too well to believe that everything was truly okay.


    After dinner, when the table had been cleared and the evening had settled into a peaceful quiet, Kim retreated to the living room, feeling the exhaustion of the day catch up with him. He had barely had a moment to himself since arriving home, but now, finally, there was a lull.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    His mother approached him, a small bottle of ointment in her hand. "Kim," she began softly, "I noticed you were holding your hand awkwardly during dinner. What happened?" She sat down beside him, her gaze soft yet concerned.


    Kim froze, momentarily caught off guard. His mother¡¯s perceptiveness was something he had never been able to escape. He had hoped to go unnoticed, to avoid any questions about the bandage, but she had seen through him.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, Eomma,¡± he replied quickly, trying to brush it off. ¡°I slipped while getting off the bus earlier today. It¡¯s just a small sprain. It doesn¡¯t hurt much.¡±


    His mother¡¯s expression shifted, though. She didn¡¯t look convinced. "Kim, you should have told me," she said, her voice gentle but firm. "Why didn¡¯t you say anything earlier? You could have hurt yourself more."


    Kim felt a pang of guilt. He hadn¡¯t wanted to worry her, but now he could see the concern in her eyes. ¡°I didn¡¯t think it was serious,¡± he said, avoiding her gaze. ¡°It¡¯s really not that bad. I didn¡¯t want to make a big deal out of it.¡±


    But his mother wasn¡¯t easily reassured. She gently took his hand, examining the bandage with a practiced eye. "If you¡¯re in pain, we can go to a doctor, you know," she said, her tone laced with concern.


    Kim shook his head, the thought of seeing a doctor feeling like one more thing he couldn¡¯t afford to add to his already growing list of problems. "I¡¯m fine, really. It¡¯s nothing that needs a doctor. Don¡¯t worry about me, Eomma," he insisted, hoping she would let it go.


    For a moment, there was silence as his mother studied him, her eyes searching his face. Then, with a soft sigh, she relented. "Alright, but if it gets worse, you let me know. I don¡¯t want you to suffer in silence." She patted his hand and gave him a small smile.


    Kim nodded, grateful for her understanding. "I will," he promised. He didn¡¯t want to cause her any more stress than she already had.


    As the evening came to a close, the family settled into their respective routines. Kim''s father retired to his study, his usual quiet, steady presence providing a sense of stability. His siblings, tired from their own day, went to bed with the usual chatter and laughter. But for Kim, sleep didn¡¯t come easily.


    He lay awake in bed, staring at the ceiling as the events of the day replayed in his mind. Tomorrow would be another challenge. His first full day of classes would begin, and the pressure to prove himself would only grow heavier. The thought of facing the harsh realities of university again made his stomach churn, but he couldn¡¯t let that show. He had to be brave. He had to be stronger than ever before.


    Kim closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. He couldn¡¯t afford to be weak. Not now. He had to stay focused, for his family¡¯s sake. They had placed all their hopes in him, and he couldn¡¯t let them down. As he drifted into a restless sleep, the promise he had made to himself earlier in the evening echoed in his mind. He would face whatever came next with unwavering resolve. His future¡ªand theirs¡ªdepended on it.

 Chapter 6: A Promise in the Silence Part 4: The Weight of the Future

    As the night stretched on, Kim lay motionless in bed, the weight of the day¡¯s events pressing down on him. His thoughts swirled, a storm of worries and uncertainties clouding his mind. The events at the university replayed over and over, each moment more vivid than the last. The subtle but harsh ways the wealthier students treated those like him, the way they looked down on his background¡ªhe couldn¡¯t shake it. But it wasn¡¯t just that. It was the looming reality of what awaited him. The campus was full of luxury, yes, but it was also a battleground. A battlefield where social status defined value, and where the rich got richer, and the poor stayed exactly where they were.


    Kim¡¯s mind drifted to the future¡ªhis future. The reality of it was daunting. He could already see the barriers forming around him. The discrimination he had witnessed, small at first, had the potential to grow into something far worse. How could he ever fit in? Would he ever be accepted by the elite? He knew that he would always be seen as an outsider, no matter how hard he tried. The thought of facing this day in and day out, of living with this constant reminder of his difference, filled him with a sense of dread.


    He turned his head and stared at the dimly lit room. The house he had grown up in, where each corner was a reminder of their modest life. It was nothing like the grand homes he had seen on campus. But it was home. It was everything to him. And it was for them that he would endure. His mother, his father, his siblings¡ªthey had worked tirelessly to ensure he had this chance. They didn¡¯t deserve to live in poverty anymore. They deserved better. And it was up to him to give it to them.


    As Kim thought about his first day, his mind turned to Seo-joon, the friend he had made. Seo-joon was the only person who had spoken to him without any hidden agenda. They had clicked from the first moment, and Seo-joon had been a breath of fresh air in an otherwise cold, unfriendly environment. Kim didn¡¯t know if the friendship would last, though. This world was treacherous. In a place where power and wealth determined everything, even the strongest alliances could easily crumble under pressure. Seo-joon¡¯s kindness was something Kim valued, but he couldn¡¯t allow himself to become too attached. In this world, people betrayed one another for much less.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Still, Kim knew that he couldn¡¯t face the future alone. He needed people he could trust, even if that trust was fragile. Seo-joon had shown him that there were still good people, despite the divide between the rich and the poor. If they could stick together, perhaps they would have a chance. But Kim also knew that alliances, even the strongest ones, were always subject to change. In the end, he would need to rely on his own strength. No one else could carry the burden he had to bear. The future of his family was on his shoulders, and he couldn¡¯t afford to be weak.


    Tomorrow, he would wake up and face another day of uncertainty. The university might be a place of opportunities, but it was also full of danger, especially for someone like him. He would need to keep his guard up, always. The friendships he made might be temporary, the promises made might be broken. But the one promise he would keep was to his family: he would rise above his circumstances, and he would do whatever it took to ensure they never had to struggle again. He couldn¡¯t fail. Not now. Not ever.


    With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Kim finally closed his eyes, knowing that the road ahead would be long and difficult. But he was ready. The future might be uncertain, but he would walk it with his head held high. For his family. For himself.

 Chapter 6: A Promise in the Silence Part 5: The Weight of Responsibility

    The early morning light streamed through the curtains, signaling the start of a new day. Kim¡¯s eyes opened to the familiar sound of birds outside the window and the gentle hum of the world coming to life. It wasn¡¯t much¡ªthis small, modest room in his parents'' house¡ªbut it was his sanctuary. It was the place where his journey began, and now, it was the place that fueled his determination.


    He pushed off the blankets and quickly dressed, moving with purpose. Today was important. The first day of real university classes. The beginning of something far greater than just school¡ªit was the beginning of his future. The future he had promised himself and his family.


    As he finished tying his shoes, Kim heard his mother¡¯s voice from the kitchen, calling to him. "Kim, don¡¯t forget your jacket, and stay safe today." Her words echoed through the house as Kim walked toward the door, but it wasn¡¯t just the usual advice. There was a depth to her words now, a silent plea for him to be careful. She knew how hard the road would be for him, and her concern weighed heavily on his heart.


    "Don¡¯t let anyone take advantage of you," she repeated, her voice thick with both love and anxiety. Kim nodded, forcing a smile as he tried to reassure her. He could see the worry in her eyes, and it made the weight of his responsibility even heavier. His family had placed all their hopes on him. His mother, his father, his younger brother and sister¡ªthey were all counting on him to make it. To succeed where they had struggled.


    With one last glance at his family, their faces etched in his memory, Kim stepped outside. The cool morning air hit his face, and for a moment, it felt like a reminder of everything he had to face. The world outside his home was different¡ªlarger, colder, more unforgiving. But it was a world he had to navigate, no matter the cost.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    The walk to campus felt longer than usual. As he passed through the streets, he couldn¡¯t help but notice the difference between the homes here and the modest one he had just left behind. The grand houses, the sleek cars, the people who moved through the world with ease¡ªhe was nothing like them. He was an outsider in their world, a reminder of the divide between the rich and the poor. And though he tried to keep his head high, there was always a lingering sense of doubt. Could he ever truly belong here? Could he ever become one of them?


    As Kim neared the campus, the familiar anxiety began to creep up on him. The university gates loomed ahead, the entrance to a world where he was just another face among many. There was no room for mistakes here. His every move would be watched, judged. It was a harsh reality, but one that he had accepted.


    He remembered his father¡¯s words from the night before. "You¡¯ve got this, son. Just keep your head down and do your best."


    Kim had heard these words countless times before, but today they felt different. Today, they were more than just encouragement¡ªthey were a reminder of the immense responsibility he carried. It wasn¡¯t just about succeeding for himself; it was about making sure that his family would never have to go back to the life they had before. That was what kept him moving forward. His parents¡¯ sacrifices, his siblings¡¯ hopes, and his own unrelenting drive to prove that he could make it, no matter the cost.


    Entering the university campus, the sea of faces was both overwhelming and familiar. Students huddled in groups, chatting about their classes, discussing their lives. Kim felt the weight of their stares, the silent judgments they passed. He wasn¡¯t one of them. He knew that. He was here to survive, not to make friends or fit in. But as much as he tried to focus on his goal, he couldn¡¯t ignore the loneliness that lingered in the corners of his mind.

 Chapter 7: Determined Steps and New Horizons Part 1: Morning Resolve

    The first rays of sunlight filtered through the thin curtains in Kim¡¯s room, bathing the modest space in a warm glow. He had set his alarm earlier than usual, determined to start the day with a sense of purpose. The events of the previous day were still fresh in his mind, but instead of feeling overwhelmed, Kim felt an unshakable resolve. He couldn¡¯t afford to dwell on the challenges he had faced. His family¡¯s sacrifices, their unwavering belief in him, and his own dreams demanded nothing less than his absolute best.


    Rising from bed, Kim moved quickly through his morning routine. The small bathroom he shared with his family was barely big enough for one person, but he was used to the cramped conditions. He brushed his teeth, washed his face, and ran a comb through his hair, ensuring he looked presentable. Today was another opportunity to prove himself, and he intended to make the most of it.


    Stepping into the kitchen, Kim was greeted by the comforting aroma of freshly cooked food. His mother, Lee Mi-sook, was busy at the stove, her hands deftly preparing a breakfast that smelled more elaborate than usual. A spread of rice, kimchi, and steamed egg awaited him at the small dining table. For a moment, Kim paused, taking in the scene. His mother¡¯s tireless efforts to make their house a home, even with limited resources, were a constant reminder of the sacrifices she made for the family.


    ¡°Good morning, Kim,¡± his mother said with a smile, her voice warm despite the early hour. ¡°I made something special today. You need energy for your classes.¡±


    Kim nodded, returning her smile as he sat down at the table. His younger siblings, Kim Ji-sung and Kim Ji-yeon, soon joined him, their energy infectious as they chattered about their plans for the day. Ji-sung, barely ten years old, was particularly animated, recounting a story about a school project he was excited to present. Ji-yeon, eight and ever the quieter of the two, listened attentively, occasionally adding her own thoughts.


    The laughter and lighthearted conversation lifted Kim¡¯s spirits. It was rare for the household to feel so carefree, given the struggles they faced, but moments like these reminded him of why he worked so hard. His family¡¯s happiness and stability depended on him, and he couldn¡¯t let them down.


    As Kim ate, he glanced at his father, Kim Joon-seok, who sat silently at the head of the table. His father was a man of few words, but his actions spoke volumes. A skilled woodworker, Joon-seok often spent long hours in his small workshop at the back of the house, crafting and repairing wooden furniture. Despite the physical toll of his work, he never complained.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Kim¡¯s gaze lingered on his father¡¯s hands¡ªrough and calloused from years of labor. Those hands had built the very table they were eating at, a testament to his father¡¯s dedication and love for his family. The thought made Kim¡¯s resolve even stronger. Every step he took at the university was for them, for a future where his father wouldn¡¯t have to work so hard, and his siblings could dream freely without worrying about money.


    ¡°Kim,¡± his father said, breaking the silence. His deep voice carried a weight of both expectation and encouragement. ¡°Remember, hard work will get you where you need to go. Don¡¯t let anything distract you.¡±


    Kim nodded, meeting his father¡¯s steady gaze. ¡°I won¡¯t, Father. I¡¯ll do my best.¡±


    His mother chimed in, placing a small container of side dishes in his bag. ¡°Take this with you for lunch. Don¡¯t spend money at the cafeteria unless you have to. Save it for your studies.¡±


    Kim felt a lump in his throat but managed to smile. He knew their financial situation was tight, and every won saved was a small victory. ¡°Thank you, Mother. I¡¯ll make sure to use it wisely.¡±


    After breakfast, Kim walked his siblings to the front gate, where they waited for their school bus. Their uniforms, though slightly worn, were impeccably clean, a testament to his mother¡¯s meticulous care. Ji-sung and Ji-yeon waved enthusiastically as the bus approached, their youthful optimism a stark contrast to the responsibilities Kim carried.


    ¡°Bye, oppa! Work hard at school!¡± Ji-yeon called out, her voice filled with sincerity.


    Kim waved back, his heart swelling with both pride and determination. ¡°I will. You two take care and study well!¡±


    As the bus drove off, Kim turned back toward the house, where his father was already heading to his workshop. The small space was crammed with tools, wood scraps, and half-finished projects, a testament to his father¡¯s dedication.


    ¡°Take care, son,¡± his father said, not looking up as he began working on a piece of furniture.


    ¡°You too, Father,¡± Kim replied, his voice steady.


    With a final glance at his home, Kim stepped out onto the street, his bag slung over one shoulder. The walk to the university felt different today. There was a newfound determination in his stride, a clarity of purpose that pushed aside the doubts and insecurities he had felt the day before.


    Each step he took was a step toward a better future¡ªnot just for himself, but for the family that had given him everything. The sacrifices they made, the dreams they nurtured, and the love they showed him were the foundation of his resolve.


    As he approached the university gates, Kim took a deep breath, his mother¡¯s parting words echoing in his mind: Stay safe, and don¡¯t let anyone take advantage of you.


    He was ready. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he would face them head-on. For his family, for their sacrifices, and for the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

 Chapter 7: Determined Steps and New Horizons Part 2: The Journey to Campus

    The morning air was crisp as Kim began his walk to the nearby bus stop. His path took him past familiar sights¡ªthe old corner store where he¡¯d often bought snacks as a child, the modest homes of neighbors who always greeted him warmly, and the small park where his younger siblings loved to play. These were comforting reminders of the life he was striving to improve, yet they also served as stark contrasts to the world he was about to enter.


    When the bus arrived, Kim climbed aboard and found a seat by the window. He rested his bag on his lap and gazed outside as the bus trundled along its route. At first, the scenery was typical of his neighborhood: narrow streets lined with small shops and houses showing signs of wear. But as the bus moved closer to the city center and the university, the streets widened, and the surroundings transformed.


    The modest homes gave way to luxury apartments, and the local stores were replaced by high-end boutiques and gleaming cafes. Kim felt a twinge of unease but quickly pushed it aside. This was the life he was working toward¡ªa life where his family wouldn¡¯t have to worry about making ends meet.


    As the bus neared the university, Kim noticed the line of luxury cars that had become a daily spectacle. Sleek Lamborghinis, glossy Rolls Royces, and other high-end vehicles moved toward the campus gates in an almost choreographed procession. Some of these cars were driven by their owners¡ªyoung students with confident smiles and an air of nonchalance¡ªwhile others were chauffeured by uniformed drivers.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    Kim watched as a student stepped out of a Rolls Royce, dressed in designer clothing, and handed his bag to a servant who trailed behind. Another girl exited a Bentley, adjusting her sunglasses before striding toward the gates. The opulence on display was staggering, yet Kim¡¯s thoughts were steady.


    It wasn¡¯t envy that filled his mind but a mix of awe and determination. He admired the world of wealth and privilege he was witnessing but reminded himself why he was here. Kim¡¯s journey was different, and so was his purpose. He wasn¡¯t chasing status for its own sake but working to lift his family out of poverty and secure a better future for them.


    When the bus reached the campus stop, Kim gathered his belongings and stepped off. The campus gates loomed ahead, majestic and imposing, flanked by lush green lawns and towering trees. As he walked toward them, his resolve only grew stronger. The grandeur of the university was a reminder of the challenges ahead, but also of the opportunities waiting to be seized.


    Kim tightened his grip on the strap of his bag, his heart steady with determination. This was the path he had chosen, and he would walk it with purpose, no matter how difficult it might be.

 Chapter 7: Determined Steps and New Horizons Part 3: The Scholarship Class

    Kim stepped through the gates of the university, his footsteps careful and deliberate. He kept his gaze low, avoiding the confident stares of wealthier students who exuded privilege with every move. The contrast was stark¡ªwhile scholarship students moved quietly in small groups, often keeping to themselves, the affluent students dominated the scene. Their laughter and conversation filled the air, their designer clothes, luxury watches, and sparkling jewelry unmistakable signs of their elevated status.


    Kim walked briskly toward the announcement board. A small group of scholarship students clustered nearby, murmuring quietly as they checked their schedules. Kim joined them, scanning the neatly printed timetable for his classes. The schedule was straightforward enough, with his first lecture set to begin shortly in one of the campus''s primary academic buildings.


    The trek to the classroom was another journey through the university¡¯s opulence. Towering buildings with gleaming glass facades rose around him, their interiors visible through large windows showcasing grand staircases and modern study lounges. Kim entered the designated building, climbing the stairs to the classroom. His heart raced slightly¡ªnot from exertion, but from the anticipation of what lay ahead.


    As Kim stepped inside, he was struck by the room''s advanced design. It wasn¡¯t just a classroom; it was a technological marvel. A sleek, high-definition projector was mounted on the ceiling, and a massive smart TV took up one corner of the room. The desks were ergonomic, designed for comfort and productivity, and each had its own built-in charging station. The walls were adorned with interactive whiteboards, capable of displaying digital content with a mere touch.


    At the back of the room, Kim spotted Seo-joon, who waved him over with a grin. Relieved to see a friendly face, Kim made his way to the seat beside him.


    ¡°You ready for this?¡± Seo asked, his tone a mix of excitement and nervous energy.


    Kim nodded, smiling faintly. ¡°As ready as I¡¯ll ever be.¡±You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    The two began discussing the day¡¯s schedule, comparing notes and sharing their thoughts about the subjects they were about to dive into. As they talked, Kim couldn¡¯t help but feel a surge of gratitude. Despite the challenges, he was studying in an environment he could have only dreamed of.


    Looking around, Kim noticed the absence of wealthy students in the room. Their glaring presence outside had made the lack of them here all the more noticeable. Curious, he leaned toward Seo.


    ¡°Where are all the rich kids?¡± Kim asked in a low voice.


    Seo chuckled quietly. ¡°Oh, they¡¯re in their VIP classes.¡±


    ¡°VIP classes?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Seo explained, leaning closer. ¡°The university has separate sessions for the wealthier students. Smaller groups, personalized attention, and even more advanced resources. It¡¯s their way of keeping things exclusive.¡±


    Kim frowned, the unfairness of the system hitting him hard. ¡°Doesn¡¯t that... put us at a disadvantage?¡±


    Seo shrugged. ¡°Not as much as you¡¯d think. Our professors are some of the best in the university. They¡¯re passionate about teaching and actually care about helping students like us succeed.¡±


    Though it didn¡¯t erase the bitterness entirely, Seo¡¯s words offered some reassurance. Kim decided to focus on what he could control¡ªhis studies, his determination, and his dreams.


    As the lecture began, Kim found himself captivated. The professor was engaging, combining humor with deep knowledge of the subject. The class was interactive, with students encouraged to ask questions and share their perspectives. Kim could feel his nerves settling as he immersed himself in the session.


    During a brief pause, Seo nudged Kim. ¡°See? We¡¯ve got this.¡±


    Kim smiled, his earlier doubts beginning to fade. He wasn¡¯t here to compare himself to others; he was here to carve out his own path. The scholarship class might lack the frills of the VIP sessions, but it had something far more important¡ªa group of determined students and educators committed to making the most of their opportunities.


    As the lecture continued, Kim took meticulous notes, his pen gliding across the pages of his notebook. Each word felt like a step forward, a piece of the foundation he was building for a brighter future.

 Chapter 7: Determined Steps and New Horizons Part 4: Sacrifices at the Cafeteria

    As the final lecture of the morning wrapped up, Kim''s stomach growled faintly¡ªa quiet reminder that he''d skipped breakfast in his rush to leave. The idea of food tempted him as he and Seo-joon stepped out of the classroom. Seo turned to Kim, fishing out his cafeteria card.


    ¡°Hey, grab something for me from the cafeteria, will you? I¡¯ll catch up later,¡± Seo said, handing him the card without hesitation.


    Kim nodded, accepting the card with a faint smile. He wasn¡¯t used to such casual generosity but appreciated the trust Seo placed in him.


    The cafeteria was a hub of activity, buzzing with students of all social tiers. As Kim entered, the aroma of freshly prepared dishes overwhelmed his senses. Long counters displayed an array of food options: steaming bowls of ramen, gourmet sandwiches, freshly baked pastries, and even sushi platters. Each item looked more delicious than the last, and for a brief moment, Kim considered indulging.


    He walked over to the digital menu board, studying the prices. The realization hit him like a cold splash of water¡ªmost of the options were far beyond what he¡¯d typically consider spending. Though Seo¡¯s card would easily cover anything he wanted, Kim felt a pang of guilt at the thought of using someone else¡¯s money for himself.


    Seo¡¯s order was simple¡ªan egg sandwich and a bottle of green tea. Kim picked up the items and moved to the checkout counter. The cashier swiped Seo¡¯s card, and Kim pocketed the receipt along with the change.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    As he glanced back at the display, his hunger gnawed at him. A simple snack would suffice¡ªa small rice ball or perhaps a cup of coffee. His hand hesitated over his wallet, but then his mother¡¯s words echoed in his mind: ¡°Every penny counts when you¡¯re trying to build a future.¡±


    Kim clenched his wallet shut, forcing himself to walk away from the temptation. He carried Seo¡¯s order back to the classroom, his stomach protesting faintly as he climbed the stairs.


    When he reached their seats, Seo looked up from his notebook. ¡°Thanks, man! Did you get something for yourself?¡±


    Kim hesitated for a fraction of a second before nodding. ¡°Yeah, I grabbed a quick bite there.¡±


    Seo seemed satisfied with the answer, opening his sandwich as Kim sat down. The lie weighed lightly on Kim¡¯s conscience, but he reassured himself that it was necessary. His hunger wasn¡¯t as important as the larger picture¡ªevery small sacrifice brought him one step closer to his goal.


    As Seo devoured his snack, Kim pulled out his notebook and flipped through his notes. The hunger was manageable, and the sense of pride in his decision filled the void. Kim understood the importance of every small decision he made, and this was no exception.


    He resolved to plan his meals more carefully moving forward, ensuring he could sustain himself without overspending. For now, the pride of knowing he had chosen his family¡¯s future over momentary comfort was enough to keep him going. As the next class began, Kim¡¯s focus returned to the lessons ahead, his hunger forgotten in the face of his unyielding determination.

 Chapter 7: Determined Steps and New Horizons Part 5: A New Encounter

    As the afternoon sun bathed the campus in a golden glow, the professor entered the classroom with an air of purpose. He informed the students about an essential component of their university experience: club participation. Not only did it contribute to their academic credits, but it also offered opportunities for networking, skill-building, and socializing.


    Kim listened attentively, his mind already calculating how to balance this new requirement with his already demanding schedule. Seo-joon leaned over and whispered, ¡°Looks like we¡¯re getting dragged into something whether we want to or not. Let¡¯s check it out together.¡±


    Kim nodded in agreement, grateful for Seo¡¯s companionship. After the lecture ended, they stepped out into the bustling campus.


    The courtyard had been transformed into a lively fair, with vibrant banners and enthusiastic students manning club stalls. Each booth seemed to exude its own energy¡ªsome were vibrant and loud, like the drama and music clubs, while others were more subdued, like the literature and debate societies.


    Kim and Seo wandered through the maze of stalls, picking up pamphlets and listening to enthusiastic pitches from club members. Each stall seemed to represent a unique opportunity, but Kim found himself drawn to those that aligned with his long-term goals.


    ¡°Check this out,¡± Seo said, pointing to a booth adorned with intricate robotic models. ¡°The Engineering Club looks intense but fun.¡±This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    Kim smiled. ¡°You¡¯d fit right in there, Seo. I¡¯m looking for something that might help with leadership or public speaking¡ªsomething practical.¡±


    They moved on, navigating the crowd as students buzzed with excitement. Kim felt a surge of energy seeing so many people pursuing their passions, but he also felt the weight of finding the right place for himself.


    As they approached another cluster of stalls, Kim accidentally bumped into someone. He turned to apologize, but the words caught in his throat when he saw her.


    She was stunning. Her long, dark hair framed a face of striking elegance, and her sharp, confident eyes seemed to hold a hint of mystery. She wore a simple but impeccably styled outfit that spoke of quiet luxury.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry,¡± Kim stammered, taking a step back.


    She smiled politely, her expression warm but distant. ¡°It¡¯s okay. These fairs can get a little chaotic.¡±


    Before Kim could say anything else, she turned and continued walking, disappearing into the crowd. For a moment, he stood rooted to the spot, still processing the encounter. Seo, noticing his friend¡¯s dazed look, nudged him with a grin.


    ¡°What¡¯s that face? Did Cupid just shoot you or something?¡± Seo teased.


    Kim shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. ¡°No, nothing like that. Just... surprised, I guess.¡±


    ¡°Sure, sure,¡± Seo said, laughing. ¡°Let¡¯s get moving before you get lost in daydreams.¡±


    Kim chuckled, shaking off the momentary distraction. He didn¡¯t know who she was, but something about her lingered in his mind. Still, he reminded himself of the reason he was here¡ªjoining the right club was more important than idle curiosity.


    Who was that girl, and will Kim meet her again? Stay tuned...

 Chapter 8: Unveiled Connections Part 1: A Newfound Curiosity

    The sun streamed through the windows of the lecture hall, illuminating the polished wood tables and sleek metal chairs. Kim sat in the back row, his pen hovering above his notebook. Yet, for the first time since arriving at the university, he wasn¡¯t focused on taking notes or absorbing every detail of the lecture. His mind wandered, returning again and again to the brief encounter with the girl at the club fair.


    Her face, framed by long, dark hair and illuminated by a confident smile, was etched into his memory. He had been surrounded by hundreds of students in the bustling crowd that day, yet she stood out like a beacon. The clarity of her image unsettled him. Kim had always prided himself on his discipline and ability to compartmentalize his emotions, but this was new.


    He let out a soft sigh, his pen finally moving to jot down the professor¡¯s last sentence. ¡°Pull yourself together,¡± he muttered under his breath.


    Kim wasn¡¯t used to this. Having attended an all-boys high school in his hometown, he had little experience interacting with girls his age. His life had always been about responsibility¡ªbalancing school, part-time jobs, and helping his family. There had been no time for idle thoughts or frivolous distractions. Yet, here he was, distracted beyond measure by a fleeting encounter with someone whose name he didn¡¯t even know.


    For the first time, Kim began to wonder what it was about her that lingered in his mind. Was it her beauty? That seemed too shallow an explanation, though he couldn¡¯t deny that she was striking. Perhaps it was her composure¡ªthe way she carried herself with a quiet confidence that stood in stark contrast to the chaos of the crowd. Or was it something else entirely, something unspoken that had passed between them in that fleeting moment?


    His thoughts spiraled further into unfamiliar territory. Who was she? Was she a fellow scholarship student, someone navigating the same challenges he was? Or was she one of the wealthy elites who seemed to glide effortlessly through the university¡¯s corridors?


    The latter thought brought a wave of unease. The university was careful to present an image of equality¡ªuniforms were mandatory, and ID cards bore no distinguishing marks. But anyone paying attention could see the subtle differences. The way some students dressed, the high-end gadgets they carried, and the ease with which they moved through campus all hinted at privilege. Kim feared that if she belonged to that circle, their encounter might have unintentionally offended someone with influence, potentially jeopardizing his already precarious position.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Lost in these musings, Kim didn¡¯t notice Seo-joon¡¯s arrival until his friend slid into the seat beside him with a loud thud, breaking the silence of Kim¡¯s thoughts.


    ¡°Earth to Kim!¡± Seo said, waving a hand in front of his face. ¡°You¡¯ve been staring at that notebook for ten minutes, and the page is still blank. Did the professor¡¯s lecture put you in a trance?¡±


    Kim blinked and looked at his notebook, realizing he had written nothing coherent. He quickly closed it and turned to Seo. ¡°Nothing. Just... thinking about things,¡± he said, trying to sound casual.


    Seo wasn¡¯t buying it. His sharp eyes narrowed, and a mischievous grin spread across his face. ¡°Let me guess,¡± he said, leaning closer. ¡°You¡¯re thinking about her, aren¡¯t you? The girl from yesterday.¡±


    Kim stiffened, his reaction confirming Seo¡¯s suspicion. Seo let out a low chuckle, clearly enjoying himself. ¡°I knew it! You¡¯ve been acting strange ever since you bumped into her. Who knew the stoic Kim could get flustered so easily?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not like that,¡± Kim protested, though his voice lacked conviction. ¡°I¡¯m just... curious, that¡¯s all. I don¡¯t even know her name.¡±


    ¡°Curious, huh?¡± Seo said, his grin widening. ¡°Curious enough to stare off into space during a lecture and forget to take notes? That¡¯s more than just curiosity, my friend.¡±


    Kim sighed, knowing he couldn¡¯t win this argument. Seo had an uncanny ability to read him like an open book. Still, there was something reassuring about his friend¡¯s teasing. It brought a sense of normalcy to what had otherwise been a confusing and disorienting day.


    ¡°Fine,¡± Kim admitted. ¡°I was thinking about her. But only because I¡¯m worried she might be one of the elites. If I accidentally offended her, it could cause problems.¡±


    Seo raised an eyebrow. ¡°Offended her? How? By bumping into her in a crowded fair? Relax, Kim. She didn¡¯t look offended¡ªshe smiled, remember? You¡¯re overthinking this.¡±


    Kim nodded, though his mind was far from settled. Seo¡¯s logic was sound, but the fear of inadvertently crossing someone powerful lingered. He knew how fragile his position was. One wrong move, one complaint from the wrong person, and his scholarship could be at risk.


    Still, a part of him clung to the memory of her smile. It had been genuine, not the forced politeness he often saw from the wealthier students. Perhaps she wasn¡¯t someone he needed to fear after all.


    Seo, sensing that Kim wasn¡¯t entirely convinced, gave him a reassuring pat on the back. ¡°Look, if she¡¯s as interesting as you make her out to be, maybe you¡¯ll see her again. And if you do, just talk to her. Worst-case scenario, she¡¯s one of the elites and brushes you off. Best case? She¡¯s as curious about you as you are about her.¡±


    Kim managed a small smile. ¡°Maybe.¡±


    For now, he resolved to push the thoughts aside and focus on the tasks ahead. But deep down, he knew Seo was right. If their paths crossed again, he would need to muster the courage to find out more.

 Chapter 8: Unveiled Connections Part 2: Exploring the Campus Clubs

    Kim''s decision to dive into campus life was driven by more than just a desire to belong. He saw the clubs as an opportunity to make connections, expand his horizons, and possibly discover a new passion. His journey, however, would quickly reveal that the university''s social fabric was more complex than he had anticipated.


    Seo, always the extrovert, led the way as they ventured from one club stall to another. The air was buzzing with activity, students animatedly speaking about their respective clubs. Kim watched, fascinated by the diversity of groups and the energy that filled the air. There was something about the freedom of choice, the ability to align oneself with a cause or interest, that appealed to him. Yet, as they made their way through the sprawling campus, a deeper realization began to form in his mind: the divide between students was more pronounced than he had thought.


    Seo, noticing Kim''s reflective silence, grinned. "I know what you''re thinking," he said, nudging him playfully. "You want to join a club, but you''re worried about fitting in, huh?"


    Kim shot him a look, but Seo just chuckled. "Don''t worry, you''ll find your place. Just pick something that catches your eye, and don¡¯t overthink it."


    Kim nodded, his eyes scanning the bustling club fair. They passed by booths for the acting club, which boasted extravagant props and costumes, and the dance club, which had posters of glamorous performances and exciting routines. There was also the Daydreaming Club, where students lounged on oversized beanbags, discussing everything from the philosophy of dreams to the potential of alternate realities. Nearby, the Food Club displayed an array of mouthwatering samples, enticing students with the promise of gourmet cooking lessons and exclusive tasting events.


    As Kim walked past each booth, he couldn¡¯t help but notice the disparity. The clubs created by wealthy students were like well-oiled machines. They had their own dedicated spaces, lavish equipment, and even sponsorship from various brands. Some clubs, like the exclusive Yacht Club and the Business Strategy Group, had entire buildings rented out at astronomical prices. The richness of their resources was apparent at a glance, and it seemed that joining one of these clubs was a statement¡ªan unspoken claim to social status.


    Kim¡¯s eyes flickered to Seo, who had been watching him closely. "You noticing the difference too?" Seo asked, his voice tinged with bitterness.


    Kim nodded, his thoughts racing. "Yeah, it''s like some of these clubs are just playgrounds for the rich."


    Seo let out a short laugh, shaking his head. "It¡¯s worse than that. Among the rich students, there¡¯s a hierarchy. You¡¯ve got the old money, the families who¡¯ve been at the top for generations. Then there¡¯s the new money¡ªthe ones who¡¯ve made their fortune recently. It¡¯s all about family names and connections. If you don¡¯t come from the right lineage or have the right kind of wealth, you¡¯re basically on the outside looking in."


    Kim frowned, disturbed by this revelation. He had heard about the elitism among the wealthy, but seeing it laid bare was a different experience. These divisions ran deeper than he could have imagined.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    "They must be pretty exclusive," Kim said quietly.


    Seo sighed. "Exclusive doesn''t even cover it. The kids from the top families look down on the rest of us. Even among the scholarship students, you¡¯ll notice that those from the middle class get the cold shoulder. It''s like there''s an invisible wall between us and them."


    Kim''s heart sank. He had known there would be challenges in adjusting to life at the university, but the realization that even here, in a place that prided itself on equality, the social barriers were so rigid left him feeling disillusioned. He had worked so hard to get to this point, and now he was faced with the reality that the odds were stacked even higher than he had expected.


    But as they continued walking, Seo¡¯s tone shifted, as if he could sense Kim¡¯s unease. "But don¡¯t worry," he said, offering a reassuring grin. "Not all clubs are like that. Some are just... regular. You know, places where students come together because they actually care about something."


    Kim¡¯s curiosity piqued. "Like what?"


    Seo pointed toward a booth at the far end of the campus. It was modestly decorated, with no flashy signs or expensive branding. The students running the booth looked welcoming, but there was nothing overtly impressive about their setup.


    "The Astronomy Club," Seo said. "It¡¯s one of the few clubs on campus that doesn''t care about status or family names. It¡¯s run by a middle-class student, and everyone¡¯s treated equally. Rich kids, scholarship students¡ªdoesn¡¯t matter. If you¡¯re interested in astronomy, they¡¯ll let you in."


    Kim squinted at the booth, intrigued. There was a warmth to the group that was different from the cold exclusivity of the other clubs. The students there looked like they were having an actual conversation, discussing constellations, telescopes, and upcoming stargazing events. Kim found himself drawn to their energy, a stark contrast to the elitism that seemed to define many of the other clubs.


    "Let¡¯s check it out," Kim said, his voice tinged with a hint of optimism.


    Seo, who had been following Kim¡¯s gaze, grinned. "I was wondering when you¡¯d get interested. Let¡¯s go."


    The two of them walked over to the Astronomy Club booth, and as they approached, a friendly middle-aged man greeted them. He introduced himself as Professor Han, the club¡¯s supervisor, and invited them to attend one of their upcoming stargazing sessions. The more they talked, the more Kim felt a sense of belonging. Professor Han emphasized the club¡¯s inclusivity, explaining that their goal was to foster a love for the stars, not to create divisions based on social standing.


    "Everyone is welcome," Professor Han said with a smile. "We¡¯re not about status or wealth. We¡¯re about curiosity, discovery, and learning together."


    Kim felt a spark of hope ignite inside him. This was what he had been looking for¡ªa place where he could feel like more than just a scholarship student. He was just another person in a room full of like-minded individuals.


    As the conversation wound down, Kim turned to Seo with a smile. "I think this is the one."


    Seo raised an eyebrow. "Really? You sure about that?"


    Kim nodded. "Yeah. It feels right."


    The two friends signed up for the Astronomy Club, their decision marking the beginning of a new chapter in Kim¡¯s university life. Though there were many more clubs to explore, Kim felt a sense of accomplishment. He had found a place where he could grow, without the judgment or divisions that plagued so many other parts of the campus. For once, he felt like he belonged.

 Chapter 8: Unveiled Connections Part 3: Exploring the Social Landscape

    Kim and Seo walked through the university grounds, making their way from one club booth to the next. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the campus, while students from all walks of life bustled around them. The campus club fair was a vibrant kaleidoscope of personalities and interests, but to Kim, it was also a microcosm of something much deeper: the subtle, often unspoken divisions that ran through the student body.


    Their first stop was the Daydreaming Club, a place for students to unwind, chat about their favorite daydreams, or share creative writing. The booth, decorated with posters of whimsical clouds and abstract art, immediately drew attention. The students gathered there wore comfortable clothing and seemed to float in a world of their own. Kim couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at the carefree atmosphere, but deep down, he felt it wasn¡¯t the kind of escape he was looking for.


    ¡°That club is all fluff,¡± Seo said with a grin as they left the booth behind. ¡°You¡¯ll never catch me in there.¡± Kim laughed along with him, relieved that Seo had spoken his mind, but as they continued to explore, he realized that the more serious clubs were also tinged with a sense of exclusivity.


    Next, they stopped by the Food Club, a group of passionate culinary enthusiasts dedicated to cooking, tasting, and discussing food. The table was covered with samples¡ªhomemade pastries, savory dishes, and exotic snacks. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, the scent of spices and herbs filling the air. Seo grabbed a pastry and bit into it, nodding approvingly. "Now this, I could get into," he mused, before turning to Kim with a playful look. "Not your thing though, huh?"


    Kim shrugged. He could appreciate the passion of the Food Club members, but he wasn¡¯t particularly drawn to the idea of spending hours discussing the fine details of food. He glanced around, sensing the strong presence of wealth. Many of the members were dressed in high-end clothing, their appearance pristine and polished. The club seemed more like a hobby for those with the means to indulge in such luxuries, and Kim couldn¡¯t help but wonder how many of the students here had a genuine love for food as opposed to a love for the status that came with being part of an elite group.


    Seo caught his thoughtful expression and nudged him lightly. ¡°I get it. But hey, not everything here is like that. There¡¯s something for everyone. We just need to keep looking.¡±


    As they continued their exploration, Seo explained the underlying dynamics at play within the university¡¯s social structure. ¡°It¡¯s all about who you know and what your family¡¯s worth,¡± he said, his tone shifting from playful to more serious. ¡°The rich kids, they have their own set of rules. Even within their circles, the wealthier families set the tone. You see that with the clubs¡ªthey don¡¯t just join for fun, they join for the status. It¡¯s a way of keeping track of who¡¯s ¡®in.¡¯¡± Seo paused, scanning the crowd as if searching for proof of his theory. ¡°Middle-class students like us? We¡¯re kind of¡­ outsiders. Sure, we get in, but we don¡¯t have the same advantages.¡±


    Kim listened intently, surprised by the depth of Seo¡¯s insight. He had always been aware of the disparities between the rich and the poor, but this internal division among the wealthy was something new. It felt like the campus was built upon a series of invisible lines that determined one¡¯s value long before their academic or personal accomplishments were considered. The realization stung.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    ¡°I thought it was bad enough just being a scholarship student,¡± Kim murmured, ¡°but now it seems like even the rich have their own pecking order.¡±


    Seo shrugged. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s like a game with ever-shifting rules. You just have to figure out where you fit, and make sure you don¡¯t get caught on the wrong side of things.¡± He flashed Kim a grin. ¡°It¡¯s not all bad though. We might not be rich, but we¡¯ve got something they don¡¯t have¡ªresilience.¡±


    Kim nodded, grateful for his friend¡¯s optimism. It wasn¡¯t easy to navigate this new environment, but with Seo¡¯s company, he felt a little more equipped to face the challenges ahead.


    After stopping at a few more clubs¡ªsome more frivolous, others more academic¡ªthey arrived at a booth that stood out from the rest. The Astronomy Club had no grand banners or flashy props. Instead, the table was simple, adorned with a few star maps and a telescope perched at the side. The students at the booth were calm, quietly discussing the night sky and upcoming events. Kim felt an immediate sense of calm as he approached the booth, a stark contrast to the bustling energy around him.


    At the helm of the booth stood Jang Hyun-woo, a senior who exuded a quiet charisma. His easy smile and warm handshake immediately put Kim at ease. Seo introduced Kim, and Hyun-woo invited them to an upcoming stargazing event, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the club.


    ¡°We welcome everyone¡ªrich or scholarship students. The sky doesn¡¯t care about your background, and neither do we,¡± Hyun-woo explained. ¡°It¡¯s all about curiosity, learning, and sharing our passion for the stars.¡±


    Kim felt a spark of something he hadn¡¯t felt all day: hope. Here was a club that wasn¡¯t about status, wealth, or social circles¡ªit was about a shared interest. Hyun-woo¡¯s words resonated with Kim, and for the first time since arriving at the university, he felt like he might actually belong somewhere. The Astronomy Club wasn¡¯t about superficial ties; it was about a genuine connection through a shared passion.


    As they spoke further, Kim could sense the sincerity in Hyun-woo¡¯s voice, and he could see that the club members were not just participating for the sake of socializing or building connections¡ªthey were there to explore the universe, to challenge themselves and their understanding of the cosmos. It was a group for those who sought knowledge and connection, not status.


    Kim turned to Seo, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. ¡°I think this is the one,¡± he said, his voice filled with quiet conviction.


    Seo raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Kim¡¯s change in tone. ¡°Really? Astronomy, huh? That¡¯s a big shift from the Food Club.¡±


    Kim chuckled, nodding. ¡°It¡¯s more than just about the stars. It¡¯s about being part of something where I don¡¯t feel like I¡¯m just a scholarship student or someone from the outside. It¡¯s about being seen for who I am, not where I come from.¡±


    Seo smiled, offering his friend a knowing glance. ¡°You¡¯re right, man. It¡¯s about time you found a place where you belong.¡±


    The two friends signed up for the Astronomy Club, marking a turning point in Kim¡¯s journey. As they left the booth, Kim couldn¡¯t help but reflect on the diversity of the clubs they had explored and the social dynamics that underpinned the university¡¯s culture. The divisions were real, but the Astronomy Club had shown him that there were still spaces where he could carve out his own place¡ªwhere his worth wasn¡¯t determined by his background, but by his passion and his drive.


    As they walked away from the bustling club fair, Seo joked about their prospects of finding a club worth committing to, but Kim didn¡¯t mind. He had already found his place.

 Chapter 8: Unveiled Connections Part 4: Unearthing Hidden Bonds

    Kim and Seo continued their exploration of the university¡¯s clubs, each new encounter adding layers to the complex social fabric of their campus. As they wandered through the bustling club fair, Seo kept pointing out clubs that, from the outside, appeared to offer an exclusive glimpse into the lifestyles of the wealthy. Kim, still absorbing the scope of his new environment, listened closely, his mind racing with questions about the invisible lines that divided students into categories based on wealth and influence.


    "Take a look at those clubs," Seo said, gesturing toward a row of buildings in the distance, their grandeur starkly contrasting with the rest of the campus. "Some of those are invite-only. They cater only to the top tier. If you don¡¯t know the right people or have the right connections, you won¡¯t even get a foot in the door."


    Kim squinted toward the buildings Seo had indicated. Large, ornate structures with elaborate entrances and luxurious surroundings that were reserved for the elite students who could afford to flaunt their wealth. It struck Kim as strange that such exclusivity could exist within an academic institution¡ªan environment that, at least on paper, was meant to promote equality.


    "That¡¯s where the big money goes," Seo continued, his voice taking on a bitter edge. "The ones that really want to flex their power and influence. Membership fees are astronomical, and unless your family name has weight behind it, don¡¯t even think about applying."


    Kim''s brow furrowed as he thought about his place in all of this. He had always known there was a difference between the rich and those who, like him, struggled just to get by. But seeing it so clearly laid out before him¡ªthe vast chasm separating the wealthy from the rest¡ªwas a stark reality check. He had spent so much time focused on surviving, on making his own way, that he hadn¡¯t considered how deeply ingrained the divides were in every aspect of life here.


    Seo¡¯s voice broke through his thoughts. "But it¡¯s not all bad. There are some clubs out there that actually give a damn about students, regardless of where they come from."


    Kim nodded, his curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"


    Seo pointed toward a smaller booth, tucked between the larger and more extravagant displays. "That one¡¯s run by scholarship students¡ªwell, mostly by them. It¡¯s a support group for those who experience discrimination or harassment from wealthier students."


    Kim¡¯s attention was drawn to the booth. A group of students stood nearby, having an earnest discussion. Their faces were solemn but determined, and their body language exuded a quiet strength. He watched for a moment, intrigued by the contrast to the extravagant clubs he had seen. This was not about prestige or wealth¡ªit was about solidarity.


    Seo nudged him gently. "You can tell these kids are used to fighting for their place. Some of them have been through hell just to get here, but they don¡¯t back down."


    Kim observed the group closely. There was a palpable sense of resilience in the way they carried themselves, the way they spoke. It wasn¡¯t about complaining; it was about taking action. A few of them were sharing strategies on how to address issues they faced with more privileged peers, from subtle microaggressions to outright exclusion. The exchange was more than just a meeting¡ªit was a powerful testament to their collective strength and determination.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    Kim felt a pull toward the group. The camaraderie was undeniable. He could relate to their struggle, to the uphill battle of fighting for a space in an environment that often seemed stacked against them. But even as he felt the lure of this group, he knew in his heart that his path lay elsewhere. He wasn¡¯t sure he was ready to dive into activism just yet, especially when he still had so much to figure out about his own place in this university.


    ¡°I respect what they¡¯re doing,¡± Kim said softly, his voice filled with admiration. ¡°But I think I¡¯m looking for something different. Something a little more¡­ active, you know?¡±


    Seo gave him a sidelong glance, understanding the conflict. "Yeah, I get it. You¡¯re more about finding your own way first, right?"


    Kim nodded. "Exactly. I need to figure out where I fit before I can start fighting the system."


    Seo gave him a supportive pat on the back. "Fair enough, man. We¡¯ll find something. But keep in mind, there¡¯s always a place for you if you ever want to jump in."


    Kim smiled faintly, appreciating Seo¡¯s words. The encounter with the support group had opened his eyes to the realities of university life for scholarship students, but he wasn¡¯t sure if he was ready to embrace that path yet. He had his sights set on something different, something that didn¡¯t require him to be in constant conflict with the system.


    As they moved on, Kim¡¯s thoughts continued to swirl. He was still processing the enormity of what he had just witnessed when they arrived at the next booth, which immediately caught his attention.


    "Now, here¡¯s one that looks a little more my speed," Seo said with a grin, gesturing to a bright and colorful booth. The Travel Club was adorned with posters of exotic destinations and a large map of the world. The members were enthusiastic and animated, laughing and chatting about their upcoming trips. There was a carefree energy in the air that Kim found appealing, but it was only when his eyes caught sight of someone in the crowd that his attention sharpened.


    Standing among the group of members was the girl from the other day¡ªthe one he had accidentally bumped into on campus. She was smiling, chatting with a few of the others, and effortlessly exuding an air of charm. Kim¡¯s heart skipped a beat as their eyes met across the distance. She waved at him with a warm smile, her eyes sparkling with recognition.


    Kim froze, uncertain about how to react. His pulse quickened as he debated whether to approach her. What would he say? Would she even remember their brief encounter? A wave of anxiety washed over him, and his thoughts began to race.


    Seo, noticing Kim¡¯s hesitation, smirked and nudged him with his elbow. "Come on, man. You¡¯re not gonna let a girl get away just like that, are you?"


    Kim shot him a nervous look, unsure of what to do. Seo laughed, clearly enjoying Kim¡¯s discomfort. "Seriously though, just go for it. It¡¯s your chance to find out more about her. What¡¯s the worst that could happen?"


    Kim hesitated for a moment longer, his mind torn between curiosity and anxiety. He could feel the weight of the moment, the uncertainty of whether this encounter would lead to answers or just more questions. Taking a deep breath, he decided to step forward, moving toward the Travel Club¡¯s booth.


    As he made his way through the crowd, he could feel Seo¡¯s mischievous gaze on him, but Kim wasn¡¯t paying attention to his friend anymore. All he could focus on was the girl standing ahead, a sense of anticipation building in his chest as he wondered what this next interaction would bring. Would this be the moment that answered some of the questions that had been swirling in his mind, or would it only deepen the mystery?


    The next few seconds stretched on endlessly as Kim drew closer, uncertain but determined to find out.

 Chapter 8: Unveiled Connections Part 5: The Unexpected Connection

    Kim stood frozen near the Travel Club booth, his gaze locked with the girl¡¯s. Her smile was warm, almost radiant, and it sent an unexpected jolt through him. He wasn¡¯t used to receiving attention like this¡ªespecially not from someone outside his family. His heart beat a little faster as his mind scrambled for answers. Why was she smiling at him? What did this moment mean? Was she just being friendly, or was there something more to it? The feeling was surreal, almost like a dream, but his nerves didn¡¯t let him enjoy it for long.


    Seo, ever the instigator, leaned in closer and snickered, clearly enjoying Kim¡¯s discomfort. "Looks like someone¡¯s popular," he teased, his voice louder than necessary. "Better not keep her waiting, man."


    Kim¡¯s face flushed with embarrassment, and he shot a quick, anxious look at Seo. But Seo wasn¡¯t giving him any room to retreat; instead, he grinned widely, pushing Kim forward with a playful shove. Kim resisted the urge to turn and walk the other way. His feet felt like lead, but he knew that avoiding the situation would only make things more awkward. With a deep breath, he took a tentative step closer to the booth.


    The girl¡¯s gaze never wavered. She noticed his hesitation and waved at him more directly, her friendly voice breaking through the bustling noise around them. "Hey, you! Are you interested in joining the Travel Club?" she called out, her tone casual yet inviting.


    Kim¡¯s mind raced. What was he supposed to say? He hadn¡¯t even considered joining this club¡ªhe had only been drawn to it because of her presence. And yet, something about her friendly, open manner made him feel like this might be an opportunity he couldn¡¯t afford to miss.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    Seo, clearly enjoying Kim¡¯s discomfort, hung back, his eyes gleaming with mischief. Kim could feel his friend¡¯s gaze on his back, but this time, Seo didn¡¯t make a sound. Kim was left to face the girl alone.


    With a forced smile, Kim stepped forward, closing the distance between them. He could feel his palms sweating as he tried to steady his nerves. "Uh, hi," he said awkwardly, his voice coming out softer than he intended. "I¡¯m Kim. I didn¡¯t expect¡­ I mean, I didn¡¯t know there were clubs like this."


    The girl, who had been watching him with a steady gaze, smiled wider. "I¡¯m Mi-jin," she introduced herself. "And we¡¯re always looking for new members. We organize trips, excursions, and fun activities. It¡¯s a good way to explore and get away from the stress of school. You should come join us sometime!"


    Kim felt his heart race even more. Was this genuine? Was she really asking him to join, or was she just being polite? The question echoed in his mind, but he couldn¡¯t find the words to voice it. Her enthusiasm was contagious, but his uncertainty held him back.


    The interaction, though brief, had already left him in a state of emotional turmoil. Kim could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on him. The idea of connecting with someone like Mi-jin was both exciting and terrifying. Was this the beginning of something new, or was it a fleeting interaction that would leave him with more questions than answers?


    As Mi-jin waited for him to respond, her smile unwavering, Kim realized that for the first time in a long while, he didn¡¯t feel invisible. But with that feeling came a new kind of vulnerability¡ªone that he wasn¡¯t sure he was ready to face.


    He hesitated, caught between the promise of something new and the safety of retreat. In that moment, Kim realized this was just the beginning of an emotional whirlwind he wasn¡¯t prepared for. Would he take the leap and open himself up to this unexpected connection, or would he pull back into the shadows, unsure of what could come next?

 Chapter 9: Shattered Illusions Part 1: A Promising Beginning

    Kim stood by the Travel Club booth, his heartbeat pounding louder with each passing second. The bustling chatter of students around him faded into the background as Min, the girl who had waved him over, leaned casually on the table and began to speak. Her voice was light and melodic, carrying an effortless charm that made Kim feel both nervous and enthralled. For a moment, he forgot the noise of the campus, his insecurities, and even the amused smirk Seo had flashed him before disappearing toward the cafeteria. This was a moment Kim never imagined would happen¡ªa girl was talking to him, and not just out of politeness but with genuine interest, or so it seemed.


    "Have you traveled much before?" Min asked, her voice tinged with curiosity as she held his gaze.


    Kim shook his head, embarrassed by the truth but too captivated by her presence to fabricate a story. "Not really," he admitted. "I¡¯ve never had the chance to go anywhere far."


    Min¡¯s eyes widened in what seemed like surprise, though Kim couldn¡¯t tell if it was genuine or just polite. "Really? That¡¯s a shame. Traveling is one of the best ways to experience life, you know? You get to see new places, meet people, and just¡­ escape for a while."


    Her words painted a picture that felt like a dream to Kim. He nodded, trying to imagine the kind of life she was describing. To someone like him, who had spent most of his life struggling to make ends meet, the idea of escaping to distant, exotic places felt like a fantasy.


    Min reached into a neatly organized folder on the booth table and pulled out a collection of glossy photographs. She shuffled through them quickly before handing a few to Kim. The images were breathtaking¡ªgolden beaches in Hawaii, towering skyscrapers in New York, ancient temples in Japan. Each photo was a testament to the luxurious life the Travel Club seemed to embody.


    "These are from some of our past trips," Min explained, her voice brimming with pride. "We went to New York last spring. It was incredible¡ªshopping on Fifth Avenue, visiting Central Park, even a private dinner cruise. And this one," she said, tapping a photo of a crystal-clear beach, "was from our summer trip to Hawaii. The sunsets there are something you have to see to believe."


    Kim stared at the photographs, nodding at the appropriate moments. The images were stunning, but his attention kept drifting back to Min. She seemed so at ease, so confident in her world of privilege. Her graceful gestures as she described each trip and the way her smile lit up her face left Kim mesmerized. For someone who had grown up navigating life¡¯s hardships, she felt like a symbol of everything he had never known but always dreamed of¡ªgrace, charm, and a sense of belonging.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    "You should consider joining us on our next trip," Min suggested, her tone as casual as if she were inviting him to a simple coffee outing. "We¡¯re planning something really special for the winter break. It¡¯s still a surprise, but trust me, it¡¯ll be unforgettable."


    Kim swallowed hard, unsure how to respond. The thought of joining them on such extravagant adventures was enticing, but he knew deep down it was far beyond his means. "I¡­ I¡¯m not sure if I can," he said cautiously.


    Min tilted her head slightly, her expression softening. "Why not? It¡¯s a great way to make new friends and create lasting memories. Isn¡¯t that what university life is about?"


    Kim hesitated. Her words made sense, but the reality of his financial situation loomed large in his mind. He forced a smile, unsure how to navigate the conversation without revealing too much about his circumstances.


    As the conversation continued, Kim¡¯s nerves began to ease, and he found himself speaking more freely. They talked about their favorite subjects, childhood dreams, and even a bit about the other clubs on campus. Min¡¯s laughter was infectious, and for the first time in a long while, Kim felt like he could truly relax.


    From a distance, Seo watched the interaction with a knowing grin. He had seen Kim¡¯s awkwardness around girls before, but this was the first time he¡¯d seen him genuinely engaged. Deciding to give his friend some space, Seo waved a quick goodbye and headed toward the cafeteria.


    Kim didn¡¯t even notice Seo leaving. He was too absorbed in the moment, captivated by the idea of finally being part of something bigger than himself. Min¡¯s enthusiasm for the Travel Club and her apparent interest in him were like a breath of fresh air, pulling him out of the shadows of his self-doubt.


    "So, what do you think?" Min asked, snapping Kim out of his thoughts.


    "About what?" he replied, realizing he had lost track of the conversation.


    "About joining the club," she said, her smile unwavering. "You¡¯d fit right in, I think."


    Kim hesitated, the weight of his insecurities and financial limitations pressing down on him. But before he could respond, Min leaned closer, her voice dropping to a more personal tone. "You don¡¯t have to decide now. Just think about it. I think you¡¯d enjoy it more than you realize."


    Her words lingered in Kim¡¯s mind as he nodded, managing a small smile. The moment felt surreal, almost magical. For the first time since arriving at the university, he felt a glimmer of hope that he could belong, that he could be part of something more.


    But beneath the surface of his excitement, a tiny voice of doubt began to whisper. Was Min¡¯s interest in him genuine, or was there something else at play? Kim brushed the thought aside, choosing to savor the moment. For now, it was enough to feel seen and valued, even if just for a fleeting instant.


    As he walked away from the booth, Min¡¯s smile still fresh in his mind, Kim couldn¡¯t help but wonder if this was the beginning of a new chapter in his life¡ªor the first step toward a painful lesson in reality.

 Chapter 9: Shattered Illusions Part 2: The Dream Unravels

    Kim remained at the Travel Club booth, his fascination with Min wavering as her conversation shifted focus. Her lively descriptions of club activities began to include the costs associated with their extravagant trips.


    ¡°Our last trip to New York was amazing,¡± Min said, her tone casual, as if jet-setting to the world¡¯s most glamorous cities was routine. ¡°The shopping, the private dinners, even the Broadway shows¡­ It¡¯s worth every penny. Of course, trips like that do have their costs. But honestly, the memories are priceless.¡±


    Kim¡¯s stomach tightened as her words landed. Memories may have been priceless, but the price tag she hinted at was something he could never afford. While Min spoke of luxury with ease, Kim¡¯s mind raced, calculating how many months of part-time work it would take just to pay for a single meal on one of those trips.


    As the conversation continued, Kim found himself growing more uneasy. Though Min¡¯s charm remained intact, the disparity between their worlds became increasingly clear. Her nonchalant references to luxury were like a sharp reminder of his position as a scholarship student barely managing his daily expenses.


    Unable to suppress his curiosity, Kim interrupted her. ¡°These trips sound incredible, but how does everyone afford them? Are there any, uh¡­ discounts for students like me?¡±


    Min paused, her bright smile faltering for just a moment before returning. ¡°Oh, most of us save up, or our parents help out,¡± she said, waving a hand dismissively. ¡°But honestly, if you really want to join, there are always ways to make it work.¡±


    Kim frowned. ¡°What kind of ways?¡±


    Min tilted her head slightly, her smile turning coy. ¡°Well, sometimes people help each other out. Like, I¡¯ve had a few friends sponsor parts of my trips before. It¡¯s nice, you know, when someone values your company enough to make sure you can come along.¡±


    The insinuation hit Kim like a slap. For a moment, he wasn¡¯t sure if he had misunderstood her, but the suggestive lilt in her voice confirmed his suspicions.


    ¡°You mean¡­ you¡¯ve had people pay for your trips?¡± Kim asked, his tone careful but his discomfort evident.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Min laughed lightly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. ¡°It¡¯s not like I asked them to. They offered. It¡¯s flattering, really.¡±


    Her words sent a wave of unease through Kim. What had felt magical moments ago now felt transactional, calculated. The realization began to sink in: Min¡¯s interest in him might not be genuine.


    As if sensing his hesitation, Min leaned closer, her flirtatious demeanor becoming more pronounced. ¡°You seem like a nice guy, Kim. I think you¡¯d be a great addition to the club. And who knows? Maybe you¡¯ll find it worth investing in¡­ some things are more valuable than money, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    Kim¡¯s mind raced. Her words, though wrapped in charm, carried a veiled implication that unsettled him deeply. He recalled the stories Seo had shared about the elite students on campus¡ªtheir manipulations, their entitlement, their disregard for anyone outside their privileged circles.


    His unease deepened when Min casually mentioned the sacrifices some scholarship students made to join the club. ¡°A few of them do spend their savings to come along. It¡¯s admirable, really. They¡¯re so devoted. I think they just like being part of something exclusive, you know?¡±


    Kim¡¯s chest tightened. What she described wasn¡¯t devotion¡ªit was exploitation, a calculated use of her beauty and charm to maintain a circle of admirers willing to drain their limited resources to please her.


    Min¡¯s tone turned cheerful again as she pulled out a registration form. ¡°So, what do you think? The annual membership fee is only $100 (approximately ?130,000). That¡¯s not too bad, right? And it covers so much¡ªaccess to events, club activities, and the chance to travel with us. You won¡¯t regret it.¡±


    Kim stared at the form in her hand, his heart sinking. What had started as an exciting opportunity to make a friend, maybe even more, now felt like a trap. Min¡¯s warmth and friendliness had been intoxicating, but they were now overshadowed by a growing suspicion that her interest in him was purely self-serving.


    He took a step back, his voice quieter but firmer. ¡°I don¡¯t think I can join right now. I¡¯ll need some time to think about it.¡±


    Min¡¯s smile wavered, but she quickly recovered. ¡°Of course. Take your time. But don¡¯t wait too long¡ªour next trip is coming up soon, and spots fill up fast.¡±


    Kim nodded, offering a polite smile before turning away. As he walked back across the crowded courtyard, he couldn¡¯t shake the bitter taste of disillusionment. The girl who had seemed so kind and approachable now appeared to be part of the very world that had always kept people like him on the outside.


    The realization was sobering, and for the first time since meeting Min, Kim felt grateful for the hardships he had endured. They had taught him to see beyond the surface, to question what others might take at face value. And now, more than ever, he vowed not to let himself be fooled again.

 Chapter 9: Shattered Illusions Part 3: The Bitter Truth

    Kim stood frozen, the $100 (approximately ?130,000) registration fee request replaying in his mind. The excitement he¡¯d felt about forming a meaningful connection with Min now seemed foolish, eclipsed by the stark financial reality she presented. For someone like Kim, who barely managed his day-to-day expenses, such a sum was inconceivable. Yet, he didn¡¯t want to outright refuse her, unsure of how to navigate the conversation without appearing rude or embarrassed.


    As he lingered in indecision, Seo reappeared from the cafeteria, a steaming cup of coffee in each hand. ¡°Hey, Kim,¡± Seo said with a grin, ¡°which one do you want? The ?5,000 ($3) coffee or the ?7,000 ($5) one? Don¡¯t say I never treat you!¡±


    Kim glanced at Seo, grateful for the distraction but painfully aware of the irony. Seo¡¯s teasing tone clashed with the heavy realization settling in his chest. Before Kim could respond, Min¡¯s eyes narrowed as she turned toward the pair, clearly having overheard the exchange.


    ¡°?5,000 coffee?¡± Min asked, her voice laced with incredulity. ¡°Why would anyone drink something so¡­ cheap?¡±


    The offhand comment stung, and Kim felt his face flush with embarrassment. Summoning his courage, he replied, ¡°That¡¯s just what I can afford right now.¡±


    Min¡¯s smile faltered, her expression shifting to one of confusion and surprise. ¡°Wait¡­ you¡¯re serious?¡± she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.


    Kim nodded slowly, reluctant to elaborate but feeling an obligation to explain. ¡°I¡¯m a scholarship student,¡± he admitted. ¡°My budget is¡­ tight.¡±


    The revelation hit Min like a jolt, and her demeanor instantly changed. The warmth in her eyes vanished, replaced by an icy glare. ¡°So, you¡¯ve been deceiving me this whole time?¡± she snapped, her voice louder now, drawing the attention of a few passersby.


    Kim blinked, caught off guard by her accusation. ¡°What? No, I never lied¡ª¡±


    ¡°You let me believe you were someone you¡¯re clearly not!¡± Min interrupted, crossing her arms as if shielding herself from the perceived offense. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say anything sooner?¡±If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think it mattered,¡± Kim said, his voice shaking. ¡°You never asked about my financial situation, and I didn¡¯t think it was relevant to us just¡­ talking.¡±


    Min scoffed, her demeanor growing more hostile. ¡°It absolutely matters. I thought you were different¡ªsomeone who could actually keep up with me. I¡¯ve got enough scholarship students fawning over me already, trying to impress me with what little they have. I don¡¯t need another one.¡±


    Her words cut deeper than Kim anticipated. ¡°I wasn¡¯t trying to impress you,¡± he said, barely above a whisper.


    Min rolled her eyes, her voice dripping with derision. ¡°Please. You¡¯re all the same. Trying to get close to me, pretending it¡¯s about friendship or whatever, but I know what you want. And honestly? It¡¯s pathetic.¡±


    Kim stared at her, struggling to reconcile the cheerful, inviting girl he¡¯d met earlier with the venomous person standing before him now. ¡°Why are you saying this?¡± he asked, his voice trembling.


    Min didn¡¯t flinch. ¡°Because it¡¯s the truth. Do you think I spend time with people like you for free? You¡¯re useful, sure, but only as long as you know your place. If you can¡¯t even afford the club fees, you¡¯re not worth my time.¡±


    Her words were like a slap to the face. Kim felt a lump forming in his throat as he fought to process the sudden and brutal shift in her behavior. The charm and warmth he had admired in her were nothing more than tools she used to manipulate others for her own benefit.


    Seo, who had been watching the exchange in stunned silence, finally stepped forward. Placing a firm hand on Kim¡¯s shoulder, he said, ¡°Let¡¯s go, Kim. You don¡¯t need this.¡±


    Kim hesitated, still grappling with the weight of Min¡¯s words, but Seo¡¯s presence grounded him. Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving Min standing at the booth.


    As they moved through the bustling courtyard, Seo squeezed Kim¡¯s shoulder reassuringly. ¡°She¡¯s not worth it,¡± he said softly, his usual playful tone replaced by genuine concern.


    Kim nodded but said nothing, his mind replaying every moment of the interaction. The bitter truth of Min¡¯s character was a harsh reminder of the world he had stepped into¡ªa world where charm and kindness were often masks for selfishness and manipulation.


    Though the experience left him shaken, Kim resolved to learn from it. He wouldn¡¯t let himself be fooled again. If he was going to survive in this elite environment, he needed to be stronger, smarter, and more discerning. And above all, he needed to rely on people who truly valued him¡ªnot for what he could give, but for who he was.

 Chapter 9: Shattered Illusions Part 4: A Cruel World Revealed

    Kim¡¯s steps faltered as Min launched into a cold, unapologetic defense of her actions. ¡°What¡¯s the big deal?¡± she said, folding her arms. ¡°They give me their money willingly. It¡¯s not my fault they¡¯re desperate for my attention. If anything, I¡¯m doing them a favor. They get to bask in my company, and I get to live the life I deserve. It¡¯s a fair trade.¡±


    Her voice was calm, almost bored, as if discussing a mundane transaction. Kim stared at her, a knot of disbelief and anger tightening in his chest. ¡°But don¡¯t you feel even a little guilty?¡± he asked, his voice trembling. ¡°You¡¯re taking advantage of people who can barely afford to help themselves.¡±


    Min laughed, a light, condescending sound that grated against Kim¡¯s frayed nerves. ¡°Guilty?¡± she echoed, tilting her head mockingly. ¡°You don¡¯t understand how this world works, do you? Morality is a luxury, and I can¡¯t afford it if I want to get ahead. People like you will never understand the kind of pressure I¡¯m under.¡±


    ¡°Pressure?¡± Kim repeated, his tone incredulous. ¡°You¡¯re not struggling to make ends meet or fighting to stay in school. How is living lavishly on other people¡¯s money a kind of pressure?¡±


    Min rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed by his argument. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t get it. Do you think people respect you for being a scholarship student? No. They respect wealth, power, and status. That¡¯s how you survive here. If I have to play the game to get what I want, so be it.¡±


    Beside Kim, Seo let out a low whistle, shaking his head. ¡°Wow. That¡¯s some next-level rationalization,¡± he said, his voice heavy with sarcasm. ¡°Kim, are you really going to waste more time listening to this nonsense?¡±


    Min¡¯s gaze shifted to Seo, her eyes narrowing. ¡°Who asked for your opinion?¡± she snapped.


    Seo smirked, unfazed by her sharp tone. ¡°No one. But I¡¯ve got a feeling Kim needs to hear it. Listen, man,¡± he said, turning to Kim, ¡°this isn¡¯t just about her. People like Min are everywhere in this place. They¡¯ll smile in your face, make you feel special, and then bleed you dry the moment they see an opportunity. You¡¯ve got to figure out who¡¯s worth trusting and who¡¯s not.¡±


    Kim felt the sting of Seo¡¯s words, not because they were cruel but because they were true. His initial excitement about university life¡ªthe clubs, the connections, the sense of belonging¡ªhad been overshadowed by this harsh encounter. He¡¯d been naive, blinded by the hope that his new environment would be different from the struggles he¡¯d endured before.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    Min, clearly irritated by Seo¡¯s interruption, crossed her arms and scoffed. ¡°You talk a big game for someone who¡¯s barely a step above him,¡± she said, gesturing toward Kim. ¡°You¡¯re just bitter because you don¡¯t have what it takes to make it here either.¡±


    Seo¡¯s expression darkened, but he didn¡¯t rise to her bait. Instead, he looked at Kim with quiet determination. ¡°Don¡¯t let people like her define your experience,¡± he said firmly. ¡°Yeah, there are sharks in the water, but that doesn¡¯t mean you have to swim with them. There are good people out there, too. You¡¯ve just got to be careful.¡±


    Min¡¯s laughter cut through the tension like a blade. ¡°Good people?¡± she sneered. ¡°In this place? You¡¯re dreaming. The only people who get anywhere here are the ones willing to do whatever it takes. If you¡¯re not willing to play dirty, you¡¯ll just get stepped on.¡±


    Kim¡¯s hands curled into fists at his sides, not out of anger but out of a deep, consuming disappointment. Min¡¯s words confirmed what he¡¯d already begun to suspect¡ªthat his idealistic hopes for university life didn¡¯t match the reality of its cutthroat social hierarchy.


    But Seo¡¯s words lingered, offering a glimmer of solace. Not everyone was like Min. Not everyone would see him as a stepping stone or a source of easy gain. He just had to learn to see through the smiles, the charm, and the fa?ades to find the rare, genuine connections worth keeping.


    Kim took a deep breath, his gaze steady as he looked at Min one last time. ¡°I feel sorry for you,¡± he said quietly.


    Min blinked, momentarily caught off guard. ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°I feel sorry for you,¡± Kim repeated, his voice gaining strength. ¡°You think you¡¯re winning, but you¡¯ve lost something more important. You¡¯ve lost your humanity.¡±


    Min¡¯s face twisted in a mixture of anger and disdain, but Kim didn¡¯t wait for her reply. He turned and walked away, Seo following close behind.


    As they left the booth behind, Kim felt a strange mix of emotions¡ªanger, sadness, and a faint sense of relief. He glanced at Seo, who gave him a reassuring pat on the back.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be fine, Kim,¡± Seo said with a grin. ¡°You¡¯ve got a good head on your shoulders. Just don¡¯t let people like her mess with it.¡±


    Kim nodded, a quiet resolve settling in his chest. He might not have the wealth or status that seemed to dominate this world, but he had something just as valuable: the determination to rise above it without losing himself in the process.

 Chapter 9: Shattered Illusions Part 5: Bonds That Matter

    Min¡¯s sharp heels clicked against the marble floor as she stormed off, her parting words still echoing in Kim¡¯s ears. ¡°You¡¯re not worth my time,¡± she had sneered, her disdain dripping from every syllable. Kim stood frozen, staring at the space she had vacated, his chest heavy with a mix of emotions¡ªanger, disappointment, and a deep sadness he couldn¡¯t fully articulate.


    Seo remained at his side, silent for a moment as he let Kim process the events. Finally, he spoke, his tone light but carrying a weight of sincerity. ¡°Well, that was... enlightening,¡± he said, scratching the back of his head. ¡°You okay, man?¡±


    Kim let out a shaky breath, his shoulders sagging under the weight of the encounter. ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. ¡°I guess I just... didn¡¯t expect people to be like this. I thought she¡ª¡± He stopped himself, shaking his head. ¡°I thought I could trust her.¡±


    Seo clapped a hand on Kim¡¯s shoulder, his grip firm and reassuring. ¡°Hey, don¡¯t let her get to you,¡± he said. ¡°Yeah, people like Min exist, but they¡¯re not the whole world. You just got unlucky meeting her first. There are good people out there¡ªyou just have to know where to look.¡±


    Kim turned to Seo, his brow furrowed. ¡°How do you know? How can you tell who¡¯s real and who¡¯s just pretending?¡±


    Seo chuckled, though there was no mockery in his tone. ¡°Honestly? You can¡¯t always tell right away. It¡¯s trial and error, my friend. But here¡¯s a tip¡ªlook for the ones who don¡¯t ask for anything in return for their kindness. Those are the people worth sticking with.¡±


    Kim nodded slowly, taking in Seo¡¯s words. They walked in silence for a while, their steps echoing in the quiet corridor as they headed toward the cafeteria. Despite the ache in his chest, Kim felt a small spark of gratitude for Seo¡¯s presence.


    As they approached the cafeteria, Seo continued, his tone more thoughtful now. ¡°You know, I¡¯ve been through my fair share of people like Min. It sucks, but it¡¯s also a wake-up call. Not everyone¡¯s like her, though. Look at us.¡± He gestured between them. ¡°We¡¯re not here because we want something from each other. You¡¯re my friend because you¡¯re a good guy, not because of what you can give me.¡±A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    Kim couldn¡¯t help but smile at that, a faint warmth cutting through the lingering chill of his encounter with Min. ¡°Thanks, Seo,¡± he said quietly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it,¡± Seo replied with a grin. ¡°Besides, someone¡¯s got to keep you out of trouble, right?¡±


    They stepped into the cafeteria, the hum of conversation and the clatter of dishes filling the air. Seo guided Kim to a table near the window, the late afternoon sun casting warm rays across their faces. As they sat down, Seo leaned back in his chair, studying Kim with a knowing look.


    ¡°You¡¯re stronger than you think, you know,¡± Seo said. ¡°Min might¡¯ve knocked you down, but she didn¡¯t break you. If anything, she just made you smarter. You¡¯ll figure this place out, and when you do, you¡¯ll be unstoppable.¡±


    Kim¡¯s chest tightened at Seo¡¯s words, a mix of gratitude and determination welling up inside him. He realized that while Min had exposed him to the harsher realities of university life, she had also given him a valuable lesson. Trust was something to be earned, not freely given.


    As they sipped on their modest cups of coffee, Kim found himself reflecting on the day¡¯s events. His initial excitement about university had been tempered by the painful realization that not everyone had good intentions. But it wasn¡¯t all bad. Seo¡¯s unwavering support reminded him that genuine bonds could still be formed, even in a world that often seemed dominated by selfishness and greed.


    ¡°I¡¯m not giving up,¡± Kim said suddenly, his voice firm.


    Seo raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into an approving smile. ¡°That¡¯s the spirit,¡± he said. ¡°You¡¯ve got this, man. Just remember, not everyone deserves your trust, but the ones who do? They¡¯ll make it worth your while.¡±


    Kim nodded, the weight on his shoulders feeling a little lighter. The pain of Min¡¯s betrayal lingered, but it no longer felt insurmountable. He had learned a hard lesson, but it was one that would serve him well in the future.


    As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the campus, Kim felt a renewed sense of purpose. His innocence may have been bruised, but it wasn¡¯t gone. And now, with Seo by his side, he knew he had the strength to face whatever challenges lay ahead.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here,¡± Kim said, pushing back his chair.


    Seo grinned, standing up and clapping Kim on the back. ¡°Now you¡¯re talking. Come on, I¡¯ll show you the best ramen spot on campus. It¡¯s no five-star meal, but it¡¯ll blow your mind.¡±


    They walked out of the cafeteria together, the bond between them stronger than ever. Kim knew the road ahead wouldn¡¯t be easy, but for the first time in a long while, he felt ready to take it on.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. It was just the beginning.

 Chapter 10: The Dividing Lines Part 1: Coping with the Rich World

    Kim sat on a bench in the university courtyard, his gaze fixed on the bustling students moving between classes. The sun shone brightly, casting a golden glow over the pristine campus, but Kim felt none of its warmth. The echoes of his encounter with Mi-jin still haunted him, a bitter reminder of how cruel and manipulative people could be.


    Since that fateful day, Kim had been trying to adapt to life among the wealthy students. Their world was one of luxury and privilege, a stark contrast to the modest life Kim had known. While Seo often reassured him that not everyone was like Mi-jin, the casual remarks and subtle mockery from affluent students told a different story.


    <hr>


    Kim leaned back and tried to distract himself by observing the groups around him. Near the fountain, a cluster of students was engaged in animated conversation, their laughter ringing out across the courtyard. A closer look revealed the glint of designer watches, high-end gadgets, and expensive jewelry adorning their wrists and fingers. To Kim, their lives seemed effortless, free of the burdens that weighed him down.


    ¡°Hey, Kim.¡± Seo plopped down beside him, holding two steaming cups of coffee. ¡°Rough day already?¡±


    Kim forced a smile. ¡°Something like that.¡±


    Seo handed him a cup. ¡°You¡¯ve got to stop worrying about those rich kids. They¡¯re not all bad, you know.¡±


    Kim raised an eyebrow. ¡°Are we talking about the same people? Half of them treat anyone without a trust fund like they¡¯re invisible.¡±


    Seo shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s just noise, man. Focus on yourself. Let them play their little games.¡±


    Before Kim could respond, a commotion drew their attention. Across the courtyard, a student was holding up a shiny new phone, proudly showing it off to a small crowd.


    <hr>


    The boy, dressed in trendy clothes that screamed wealth, was basking in the attention. ¡°It¡¯s the latest model,¡± he boasted, turning the phone so everyone could see. ¡°Custom-made, imported from overseas. Cost me 2.5 million won ($2,000).¡±


    The crowd murmured in awe, their eyes fixed on the device. Kim couldn¡¯t help but feel a twinge of annoyance at the display. It wasn¡¯t the first time he¡¯d seen such a spectacle, and he doubted it would be the last.


    ¡°Ridiculous, isn¡¯t it?¡± Seo muttered, sipping his coffee. ¡°All that money just to show off.¡±Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    Kim nodded but said nothing. He was about to look away when another figure stepped forward¡ªa tall, confident student from Class A. His tailored suit and air of superiority immediately commanded attention.


    The newcomer smirked as he pulled out his own phone. It was unlike anything Kim had ever seen, encrusted with gold plating and adorned with tiny jewels. The sunlight reflected off the device, making it sparkle like a treasure.


    ¡°Cute phone,¡± the Class A student said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. ¡°But this is what real luxury looks like.¡±


    The first boy¡¯s expression faltered, his confidence crumbling. The crowd, sensing the shift, began to laugh¡ªnot at the Class A student, but at the boy who had moments ago been the center of attention.


    <hr>


    Kim watched the scene unfold, a mix of emotions swirling within him. Part of him felt a grim satisfaction at seeing the first boy brought down a peg. After all, wasn¡¯t he just another example of the arrogance Kim had come to despise? But another part of him felt a pang of dismay. The cruelty of the crowd, their eagerness to tear someone down, was a harsh reminder of the toxic environment he was now part of.


    ¡°They really don¡¯t hold back, do they?¡± Seo said, breaking the silence.


    Kim shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s like vultures circling their prey. One moment they¡¯re cheering you on, and the next they¡¯re tearing you apart.¡±


    Seo chuckled. ¡°That¡¯s the wealthy world for you. It¡¯s all about appearances and power plays. But don¡¯t worry, karma has a funny way of balancing things out.¡±


    Kim wasn¡¯t so sure. The more he saw, the more he realized how deeply ingrained this behavior was. It wasn¡¯t just about wealth¡ªit was about hierarchy, about proving who was better, who was more deserving of admiration.


    <hr>


    As the crowd dispersed, Kim found himself reflecting on Seo¡¯s words. Maybe there was some truth to them. Maybe, in time, the arrogance and cruelty he witnessed would catch up to these people. But that didn¡¯t make it any easier to endure.


    ¡°Do you ever get tired of it?¡± Kim asked, turning to Seo.


    Seo tilted his head. ¡°Of what?¡±


    ¡°This¡­ dynamic. The constant need to show off, to put others down. Doesn¡¯t it get exhausting?¡±


    Seo smiled faintly. ¡°Of course it does. But you learn to tune it out. Focus on the things that matter¡ªyour goals, your values, the people who genuinely care about you. The rest is just noise.¡±


    Kim nodded, though he wasn¡¯t entirely convinced. It was easier said than done, especially when the ¡°noise¡± was so loud, so pervasive. Still, he couldn¡¯t deny that Seo¡¯s perspective offered some comfort.


    <hr>


    By the time they left the courtyard, Kim¡¯s mind was buzzing with thoughts. The incident he had witnessed was just another example of the ¡°wolf-eat-wolf¡± dynamic Seo often talked about. It was a harsh world, but one he was determined to navigate.


    As they walked toward their next class, Kim felt a flicker of resolve. He might not have the wealth or status of his peers, but he had something just as valuable: resilience. And in a world like this, that might just be enough.

 Chapter 10: Divided by Wealth Part 2: Life Beyond Campus

    Kim sighed as he unlocked the door to his modest apartment, the scent of steamed rice and warm spices greeting him. The familiar sounds of his younger siblings, Ji-sung and Ji-yeon, arguing over the television remote brought a smile to his face. For a moment, the suffocating atmosphere of campus life¡ªthe constant comparisons, the biting remarks¡ªmelted away. Here, in the simplicity of his home, Kim found refuge.


    As he stepped inside, Ji-yeon, the youngest of the three, ran up to him with a drawing in her hands. ¡°Oppa! Look what I made today!¡± she exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement.


    Kim crouched down to inspect the paper, which featured a colorful crayon drawing of a stick figure family standing under a bright sun. ¡°This is amazing, Ji-yeon,¡± he said, ruffling her hair. ¡°You¡¯re going to be an artist someday.¡±


    Ji-sung, ever the curious younger brother, peeked over Kim¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Did you bring any snacks?¡± he asked, grinning mischievously.


    Kim laughed. ¡°Not today, Ji-sung. But if you help me with my chores later, maybe we can get some tomorrow.¡±


    <hr>


    The small apartment was a far cry from the opulence of his classmates¡¯ homes, but it was warm and filled with love. Kim cherished these moments with his siblings, even as the weight of his responsibilities pressed down on him. After a quick dinner, he sat down to help Ji-sung with his homework. The boy¡¯s face scrunched in concentration as he tried to solve a math problem, his pencil tapping against the table.


    ¡°Think of it like this,¡± Kim said, drawing a quick diagram on a scrap of paper. ¡°If you have five apples and you give three to Ji-yeon, how many do you have left?¡±


    Ji-sung¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Two!¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Kim said, smiling. ¡°See? You¡¯re smarter than you think.¡±


    <hr>


    Later that evening, after the kids had gone to bed, Kim sat at the kitchen table with his textbooks spread out before him. The faint hum of the refrigerator was the only sound in the quiet apartment. His schedule was grueling¡ªclasses during the day, chores in the evening, and studying late into the night¡ªbut he was determined to keep up with his studies.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Seo often reminded him to take breaks, but Kim knew he couldn¡¯t afford to. The competition at the university was fierce, and falling behind was not an option. Still, there were times when exhaustion threatened to overwhelm him.


    On one such night, a knock at the door startled him. Seo¡¯s familiar voice called out, ¡°It¡¯s me!¡±


    Kim opened the door to find Seo holding a bag of snacks and a six-pack of soda. ¡°Thought you could use a little pick-me-up,¡± Seo said, stepping inside.


    Kim chuckled. ¡°You have a knack for showing up at just the right time.¡±


    <hr>


    The two friends sat at the kitchen table, munching on chips and talking about their day. Seo shared amusing anecdotes about campus life, including one about a wealthy student who had accidentally locked himself out of his luxury car and had to wait hours for a locksmith.


    ¡°It¡¯s a good reminder that money doesn¡¯t solve everything,¡± Seo said with a grin.


    Kim nodded, appreciating the humor but also the underlying wisdom in Seo¡¯s stories. Seo had a way of putting things into perspective, reminding Kim to focus on what truly mattered.


    <hr>


    As the conversation turned serious, Seo leaned back in his chair. ¡°You know, Kim, it¡¯s easy to get caught up in all the drama at the university. But don¡¯t lose sight of why you¡¯re doing this. You¡¯ve got your family, your goals. That¡¯s what counts.¡±


    Kim looked at his friend, the words sinking in. It was true¡ªhis siblings, his dreams, his determination to rise above his circumstances¡ªthese were the things that kept him going.


    ¡°Thanks, Seo,¡± Kim said quietly. ¡°I needed that.¡±


    Seo smiled. ¡°Anytime.¡±


    <hr>


    The next morning, Kim woke up early to prepare breakfast for his siblings before heading to class. As he watched Ji-sung and Ji-yeon eat, their laughter filling the room, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. The challenges at the university were daunting, but they paled in comparison to the importance of providing a better life for his family.


    Kim¡¯s home life was far from perfect¡ªmoney was tight, and the responsibilities often felt overwhelming¡ªbut it was a grounding force amidst the chaos of his academic world. Here, he wasn¡¯t just a scholarship student or a target of ridicule. He was an older brother, a role model, and a source of stability for Ji-sung and Ji-yeon.


    <hr>


    As he left for university that day, Kim carried with him the warmth of his family¡¯s love. It wasn¡¯t a shield against the cruelty of the wealthy world, but it was a reminder of what he was fighting for. And that, he realized, was more valuable than any gold-covered phone or designer watch.

 Chapter 10: Divided by Wealth Part 3: The Upcoming Test and the Class Divide

    The announcement of the first university test spread like wildfire across campus. For most students, it wasn¡¯t just an academic milestone; it was a high-stakes battle for status and privilege. The results would dictate their access to better resources, mentorships, and career opportunities. For Kim, however, it represented something far more daunting: a chance to prove his worth in a system designed to keep him at the bottom.


    <hr>


    Historically, the top 20 ranks in the test were monopolized by the wealthy students. These were individuals who could afford private tutors, customized study materials, and exclusive access to professors outside of regular hours. They studied in lavish home offices or private libraries, free from distractions. In contrast, scholarship students like Kim struggled to find quiet spaces to focus, often relying on borrowed books and outdated notes.


    Kim vividly remembered a conversation he overheard in the cafeteria. Two Class A students, laughing over their lunch, casually mentioned the "inevitability" of their dominance in the rankings.


    ¡°It¡¯s not even fair to call it a competition,¡± one said, grinning. ¡°They¡¯re barely in the same league.¡±


    The words stung, but they also fueled Kim¡¯s determination.


    <hr>


    The university¡¯s class system was another obstacle. Students were divided into six tiers: Classes A through F, with Class A reserved for the wealthiest 10 students. These elite individuals paid exorbitant fees, which guaranteed them small class sizes, personalized guidance, and cutting-edge technology. Their classrooms were equipped with the latest interactive boards, ergonomic seating, and even AI-driven learning assistants.


    Meanwhile, Kim sat in Class F, the largest and most underfunded tier. It was overcrowded, with students crammed into outdated lecture halls, struggling to hear professors over the hum of old ceiling fans. Resources were limited, and the syllabus often lagged behind that of the upper classes.


    <hr>


    The fee structure only deepened the divide. Class A students not only paid for superior facilities but also secured additional perks, like priority in library reservations and access to premium study groups. Class F students, on the other hand, barely scraped by, relying on scholarships and part-time jobs to cover basic expenses.


    Kim learned about one particularly egregious practice: the "ranking insurance." Wealthy students who feared slipping in the rankings could pay exorbitant fees to ensure their continued access to Class A facilities. This practice, though unofficial, was an open secret among the student body.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    ¡°It¡¯s not corruption,¡± one Class A student argued during a campus debate. ¡°It¡¯s just smart investment.¡±


    Kim clenched his fists when he heard this, but he knew there was little he could do.


    <hr>


    The disparity wasn¡¯t limited to resources. The mindset of the students in the upper classes was equally stark. To them, education was a game of domination¡ªa tool to consolidate power and maintain their family legacies. For scholarship students, it was a lifeline, a fragile thread of hope in an otherwise bleak future.


    Seo tried to lighten the mood one evening as they studied together. ¡°It¡¯s like climbing a mountain,¡± he said. ¡°Except some people start halfway up while we¡¯re still at the base.¡±


    Kim smirked. ¡°At least we¡¯ll be stronger when we reach the top.¡±


    <hr>


    As the test date approached, the campus buzzed with activity. Class A students hosted private study sessions in luxurious cafes, sipping imported coffee while poring over custom-tailored notes. Kim and a few other scholarship students formed their own study group, meeting in the dimly lit corners of the library.


    The stark contrast was demoralizing, but it also sharpened Kim¡¯s resolve. He knew that this test was more than just an academic challenge¡ªit was a statement.


    <hr>


    On one particularly grueling night of preparation, Kim found himself staring at his tattered notebook, his vision blurring with exhaustion. His thoughts drifted to his family. Ji-sung and Ji-yeon deserved a future where they wouldn¡¯t have to fight so hard for basic opportunities.


    Taking a deep breath, he flipped to a fresh page and began outlining his strategy for the test. If the system was stacked against him, then he would outthink it.


    <hr>


    The week before the test, Kim¡¯s resolve was put to the ultimate test. Rumors swirled about a leaked set of questions circulating among Class A students. Though unverified, the mere possibility of such corruption underscored the imbalance of power. Seo urged Kim to focus on what he could control.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let them get in your head,¡± Seo said. ¡°The system might be rigged, but your effort is the one thing they can¡¯t take away.¡±


    Kim nodded, though the pressure weighed heavily on him.


    <hr>


    As he walked to class one morning, Kim noticed a group of Class A students gathered around a luxury car in the parking lot. They were laughing and joking, their confidence unshaken by the upcoming test. In that moment, Kim made a silent promise to himself: he would break into their ranks, not for the privileges they enjoyed, but to show them that merit could triumph over money.


    The challenge ahead was immense, but Kim was determined. This test wasn¡¯t just about rankings or access to better facilities¡ªit was about reclaiming his dignity in a world that sought to strip it away.

 Chapter 10: Divided by Wealth Part 4: Financial Barriers and Unequal Opportunities

    Kim sat in the university library, his head buried in a textbook that was older than he was. The pages were yellowed, and some corners were torn, but it was all he had. Around him, the air buzzed with muted conversations and the rustle of pages being flipped. His classmates from Class F huddled together, sharing notes and discussing strategies for the upcoming test. Though the mood was one of determination, the underlying tension was palpable¡ªthis test could change everything.


    The more Kim delved into the dynamics of the university, the clearer it became that the institution was designed to favor the wealthy. The university¡¯s financial structure was a labyrinth of fees and payments, each step reinforcing the gap between the haves and have-nots.


    <hr>


    Class A students paid astronomical tuition fees, which came with perks that went far beyond academics. They had access to the best professors, smaller and more interactive class sizes, and exclusive study materials unavailable to the lower classes. These students rarely needed to wait for a professor¡¯s attention; their questions were prioritized, their assignments meticulously reviewed. The board justified these privileges by citing the fees these students contributed, claiming that they were "investing in excellence."


    Kim, on the other hand, shared his professors with hundreds of other students in Class F. Lectures were rushed, office hours were limited, and questions often went unanswered. The disparity was glaring.


    <hr>


    One evening, while studying with Seo, Kim voiced his frustration. ¡°They call this place a meritocracy, but it¡¯s a lie. The ones at the top stay at the top because they can afford to.¡±


    Seo leaned back in his chair, nodding thoughtfully. ¡°It¡¯s not just about what they can buy. It¡¯s the mindset they¡¯ve been raised with. To them, money isn¡¯t just power¡ªit¡¯s proof they¡¯re better than us.¡±


    Kim had seen this mindset in action. Class A students carried themselves with an air of entitlement, flaunting their advantages without a second thought. They rarely even glanced at students from Class F, as if acknowledging their existence was beneath them.


    <hr>


    The university board often touted its policy of tying class placement to exam rankings as a symbol of equality. In theory, any student who performed well could move up to a higher class, gaining access to better resources and opportunities. But in practice, the system was stacked against those who couldn¡¯t afford the initial fees.


    Kim had heard stories of scholarship students taking out loans to secure spots in higher classes, hoping that the improved resources would help them maintain their rankings. It was a gamble with devastating consequences for those who failed. One such student, a senior named Park Min-ho, had once been celebrated for his academic potential. He had borrowed a significant amount to join Class B but couldn¡¯t keep up with the added pressure and expenses. Now, he worked part-time jobs to repay his debt, his dreams of success shattered.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    Min-ho¡¯s story served as a cautionary tale among scholarship students. ¡°The higher you climb, the harder you fall,¡± one of Kim¡¯s classmates had said grimly.


    <hr>


    Kim often wondered how many of his peers had made similar sacrifices, only to find the odds insurmountable. He had even overheard some Class F students discussing whether it was worth attempting to move up at all.


    ¡°Why bother?¡± one of them said bitterly. ¡°Even if we make it to Class D or C, they¡¯ll just find another way to keep us down.¡±


    These conversations fueled Kim¡¯s determination. He wasn¡¯t just studying to improve his own situation¡ªhe wanted to prove that the system¡¯s inequities could be challenged. He knew it wouldn¡¯t be easy. The wealthy students didn¡¯t just have better resources; they also had the confidence and connections that came with their upbringing.


    <hr>


    As the test date approached, Kim began to notice the financial strain on some of his peers. One evening, he saw a Class F student quietly selling his laptop to pay for additional tutoring sessions. Another student confessed to skipping meals to afford study materials. These sacrifices, though heartbreaking, were a testament to their resilience.


    Kim couldn¡¯t afford such measures, but he had something money couldn¡¯t buy: grit. Seo reminded him of this whenever the weight of the system felt too heavy.


    ¡°Remember,¡± Seo said, ¡°they might have the head start, but we have the drive. That¡¯s something they can¡¯t buy, no matter how much money they throw around.¡±


    <hr>


    Despite the challenges, Kim found small victories in his preparation. He discovered that while the Class A students focused on expensive, specialized study guides, the university library held treasures of its own. Old editions of textbooks and obscure reference materials became his allies.


    Late one night, as he flipped through a particularly dense book, Kim felt a flicker of hope. The system might be stacked against him, but it wasn¡¯t impenetrable. He would approach the test not just as an academic challenge but as a battle against the entrenched inequalities that defined his university experience.


    <hr>


    Kim¡¯s determination only grew as he observed the entitlement of Class A students. One day, during a campus debate on the fairness of the university¡¯s policies, a Class A student arrogantly claimed that poorer students were simply ¡°less capable.¡±


    ¡°If they were truly talented,¡± the student said with a smug smile, ¡°they¡¯d find a way to succeed, regardless of their circumstances.¡±


    Kim clenched his fists under the table, anger coursing through him. That moment solidified his resolve. He wouldn¡¯t just succeed¡ªhe would shatter their preconceived notions and prove that talent and determination could triumph over privilege.


    The upcoming test wasn¡¯t just about rankings anymore. For Kim, it had become a fight for justice, a way to expose the cracks in the foundation of the so-called ¡°meritocratic¡± system.