Start Up Vol.2

Chapter 6

Jihyun looked around feeling inspired and awed by the crowd and finally able to step into Sandbox.

"Wow. I didn't know there's so many people applying to get here." she gasped. Seeing many younger generations made her feel embarrassed of herself. That is why people said it is good to follow your dream while you are still young. As you grow old, you are bound to more responsibilities.

She gasped with surprise as they walked pass the "Hall of Dreams" section.

"Do you have anything to write? Somehow I heard some of the previous graduates' wishes came true." her senior explained. "Really? Then, I'll have to write it. Sunbae, aren't you gonna write?" he shook his head. "Nah, I don't believe in these." He walked around, glancing at those written dreams on the wall.

She picked up the pen.

Inspire hope for people like me.

"Okay... where should I place this..." she briefly scanned through the whole section to find any available area for her to hang it. "Oh! Found it."

She stared at the message she wrote and smiled. The dream that she carries since the first time she worked odd jobs to support herself through college, she hope to fulfil it through her journey at Sandbox.

"Do your best, Yeon Jihyun!" she mustered up the courage. "Fighting!" she nodded slightly.

Then, her phone vibrated. She looked at the screen. 

"Unknown number? Who is this-"

"Ya, Jihyun-ah, it's time. Let's go." said Sejun. She slide her phone back into her bag, joining Sejun as they headed towards the auditorium.

---

Jihyun rubbed her eyes to make sure she was not seeing things.

As Director Yoon introduced the mentors on stage, there was one person that stood out the most, in other words, someone familiar.

"Han Jipyeong?" Sejun heard her mumbling his name under her breath.

"He's the SH Venture's investor. Never had any failed investment before." her eyes widened. She didn't know he was that credible.

"What's the use of being good when his reputation is not." her eyebrow furrowed slightly. "What do you mean?"

Sejun pointed at his own mouth. "His words can kill."

She snorted. How in the world words could kill someone easily? Unless you call it bullying?

"I heard his words drove someone to suicide. And he used to be one of the participants here too."

"Wait? You mean his comments killed a guy from Sandbox?"

"Yes, and I'll never choose him as our mentor." She let out a sigh upon hearing his remarks.

"Sunbae, that's -"

"I've decided and that's it."

Way before they entered Sandbox, Sejun told her that any major decisions would be decided by him while she would be in charge of managing the team. When Sejun said that he wouldn't consider Han Jipyeong as their mentor, she knew she couldn't voice out her opinions. Sejun was good in everything, except his inability to see some things in a bigger picture. 

She recalled her first encounter with Han Jipyeong.

Although it was not pleasing nor sweet like boy meets girl, she could tell that this guy doesn't come off as a bully nor demeaning. In reality, not all people are truly accepting of factual criticisms. While she felt he came off as a bit too straightforward, she came to appreciate that someone like him reminded her to stay grounded in reality.