You Belong With Me

Chapter 1: A Fresh Start

Today marks the dawn of a new chapter in my life, the inaugural day of my collegiate journey.

As I step onto the threshold of this remarkable adventure, my heart is ablaze with exhilaration, far eclipsing any remnants of trepidation that may linger. This place, in which I now find myself, carries the weight of familiarity, resonating with cherished memories, the sweetest nostalgia of close friendships, and the thrilling prospect of encountering faces from the past, unaltered by the inexorable passage of time.

My return to this hallowed institution feels akin to the unearthing of a treasure trove brimming with precious memories. An abundance of anecdotes floods my thoughts, like the audacious escapades of my childhood companions and me, whose clandestine endeavors were perpetually thwarted by the ever-watchful campus sentinels.

These were whimsical times, a testament to the boundless exuberance of youth, their indelible lessons forever etched into the tapestry of my consciousness.

One indomitable memory emerges from the past-a memory of my elementary school teacher, who honored me as the class representative for a pageant, only to reveal her as my competitor and eventual victor. The recollection of that pivotal moment still graces my lips with a nostalgic smile.

These fragments of yesteryear occupy a sacred corner of my heart, testimonies to a life steeped in genuine joy. Lost in the labyrinth of these reveries, I am roused from my nostalgia by the gentle reminder of Annie's voice.

"Ms. Yeji, your father is eager for you to prepare, as you might risk tardiness," Annie kindly reminds me.

"Ah, yes, indeed. Thank you, Annie." I acknowledge her assistance with a grateful smile.

Here I stand, on the precipice of a new odyssey. As I gaze upon the sprawling campus, its opulence is nothing short of breathtaking, an immaculate and nearly surreal embodiment of perfection.

I harbor the fervent hope that the interior mirrors the grandeur of its facade. With eagerness in my heart, I look forward to the collegiate experience awaiting me-a time to forge new bonds while nurturing the enduring friendships of the past.

Whispers carry tales of my cherished friends from earlier years who have also chosen this institution as their academic crucible. The prospect of their presence fuels my enthusiasm, and I long for the day's unfolding to match the loftiest of expectations.

As I explore the campus, I am captivated by its architectural magnificence. Everything exudes a sense of pristine modernity, brimming with innovation. Students, adorned in impeccably crisp uniforms, cluster into close-knit groups, while a few solitary souls, much like myself, tread on solitary paths.

My initial task is to locate my designated section and building within this academic labyrinth. Unperturbed, I stride forward, entrusting my intuition to be my guide.

Eventually, I stumble upon a bustling enclave, the exuberant atmosphere of which puzzles me. On the first day, what could be the cause of such jubilation?

Drawn to the commotion, a gentle hand discreetly touches my wrist from behind.

"Ms., I believe this belongs to you," a mellifluous voice says, returning an item I had dropped unknowingly.

"Oh, thank you. I hadn't even realized," I admit, turning to acknowledge my benefactor. She is cloaked in a hoodie, concealing her visage and perhaps concealing the effects of an ailment.

At this moment, I discern an opportunity to cultivate a novel friendship in this unfamiliar milieu. "By the way, I'm Yeji." I extend my hand for a handshake, but she seems preoccupied with my outstretched hand.

"I'm-"

Before she can reveal her identity, a coquettish smile from another girl beckons her, and a crowd of students gathers around them, concealing their faces.

Undeterred, I continue on my quest to find my designated block, steadfast in my resolve not to judge individuals solely based on appearances.

As I explore further, I come across a secluded corridor where an unsettling tableau captures my attention. One girl is in tears, and another, with clenched fists, appears poised to strike her. Shockingly, no one seems inclined to intervene, and this dismays me deeply.

Without a moment's hesitation, I rush to the scene and declare, "Hey, STOP!" I firmly grasp the girl's hand and push it aside.

"What's your problem?" She glares at me.

"My problem is your attempt to harm someone on the first day of college. It's wrong to hurt anyone at any time," I assert, though she remains unswayed.

"It's none of your business," she retorts, grabbing my collar and pinning me against the wall. My heart races, our faces so close, her cold breath unsettling me.

I strive to break free and guide her to the guidance office, but she's remarkably strong.

Several students surround us, observing the confrontation. "I'm going to take you to the guidance office and report this bullying," I insist. She responds with laughter, joined by the onlookers.

Feeling humiliated, I can no longer control my emotions. My hand reacts on its own, delivering a resounding slap to her face.

The force staggers her, and the people around her appear shocked, yet she only smiles through the blood at the corner of her lips, which begins to unsettle me. She raises her hand as if to retaliate.

Just as she's about to strike back, a voice intervenes. "Stop it, Winter. Let's go now."

I open my eyes to find the speaker, and to my astonishment, it's Lia.

"Long time, no see, Yeji."