After Somin finally gets into a prestigious Art university, everything in her life turns upside down. What was once a secure plan to get closer to her boyfriend is now a mess. Her future is unknown, though already stained with heartache.
Will she p...
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Somin, Mia, and Teho
After a pleasantly quiet lunch break, Somin found out about the mandatory weekend retreat. There was a gathering of students in front of the "Announcements" wall in the foyer. The various calls to action inviting students to join university clubs, selling supplies, offering tutoring, and accommodation ads made space for a big poster printed on a shiny paper. All the departments were going on a weekend trip. It was supposed to help freshmen students get to know the seniors better—to create a friendly atmosphere.
And probably drink a lot. Somin worried.
Somin panicked as vivid pictures from high school gatherings came alive.
Drinking. Throwing up. Alcohol poisoning.
She had to push the memories back, yet again.
...
I should find a therapist.
Somin breathed through the rush of stress, touching the tips of her fingers one by one.
"This physical touch can ground you when you feel the stress is rising, Ms. Lee. It can redirect you from your usual habit," she thought back to what Dr. Jansen had said.
Gently acknowledging her triggers.
Cholsu will for sure be there, I don't want to go.
...
"Ya, Somin-ah, what's up with that face?" there the deep voice went again.
Somin turned back to see Teho standing next to Mia, playing subtly with her hair. This gentle gesture solidified Mia as his pick in the eyes of others, standing around. The elegant dancer enjoyed his interest with a sort of hard-to-get demeanor. Somin found it interesting that the girls in his entourage kept a distance, like predators keeping eyes on their prey.
Why can't I stomach him? Somin wondered.
Cause he's a fucking liar that's why, obviously. Somin's judgment was as prevalent as ever.
A sting of doubt arose at having such a prejudice.
"Is that shit mandatory?" Somin pointed to a poster exclaiming;
