𝐣𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧 ; 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚

Fresh Starts

Chapter One: Fresh Starts

The morning sun streamed through the half-open blinds of Minjeong's bedroom, casting warm stripes across the room. The chirping of birds outside seemed unusually loud today, almost as if they were urging her to wake up and seize the day. She stirred beneath the covers, stretching her arms above her head and rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Today was the first day of college, a day that had been meticulously planned for months.

Minjeong's mother had laid out an array of carefully chosen outfits for her, each one selected to make a statement of effortless elegance. But as Minjeong surveyed the array, she chose a simple yet stylish outfit-something that she felt truly reflected her own taste rather than the expectations of others. It was a small, rebellious act of self-expression in a world where everything was scrutinized and staged.

Downstairs, the aroma of fresh coffee and toasted bread filled the house. Her parents were already bustling around, their voices a harmonious symphony of excitement and encouragement. Minjeong joined them at the breakfast table, offering a radiant smile that seemed to fit perfectly into the well-rehearsed script of her life.

"Are you excited for today?" her mother asked, pouring a steaming cup of coffee.

"Absolutely," Minjeong replied, her voice a pitch-perfect blend of enthusiasm and calm. "I can't wait to meet new people and start this new chapter."

Her father nodded approvingly, a hint of pride in his eyes. "You're going to do great, Minjeong. Just remember to be yourself."

"Of course," Minjeong said, though she knew that being herself was a concept she had long ago set aside. Her entire life was a well-crafted performance, and today would be no different.

As she made her way to the university campus, the excitement in the air was palpable. Students bustled around, each with their own blend of nervousness and anticipation. Minjeong navigated through the crowd with practiced grace, her smile unwavering, her steps deliberate.

Her first class was Introduction to Psychology. As she walked into the lecture hall, her gaze swept over the room, assessing the new faces and taking in the layout. She found a seat near the front, where she could observe and be observed with equal ease. It was a strategic choice-one that allowed her to be at the center of attention, just as she liked it.

The professor, a middle-aged woman with kind eyes and a welcoming demeanor, began the lecture. Minjeong listened intently, though her mind often wandered to the social dynamics of the room. She knew the importance of making a good impression on the first day.

It wasn't long before Minjeong's presence was noticed. A tall, cheerful girl with a cascade of curly hair and a bright smile approached her during the break. "Hi! I'm Jimin," she said, extending a hand. "You're Minjeong, right? I've heard a lot about you."

Minjeong shook Jimin's hand, her smile widening. "Yes, that's me. It's nice to meet you, Jimin."

Jimin's eyes sparkled with warmth and curiosity. "I'm really excited about this class. What made you choose psychology?"

Minjeong tilted her head slightly, adopting the thoughtful expression that was part of her charming persona. "I've always been fascinated by human behavior and understanding how people think and feel. It's like uncovering a mystery."

The conversation flowed effortlessly, with Minjeong steering it with practiced ease. She could tell that Jimin was genuinely interested in getting to know her, and it felt refreshing. For a moment, the façade slipped just a little, and Minjeong found herself enjoying the simple pleasure of honest conversation.

As the day progressed, Minjeong continued to navigate her new environment with the same blend of grace and calculated charm. She met more people, made more connections, and maintained her flawless image. But amid the whirlwind of activity and the myriad of new faces, Jimin's presence remained a comforting constant-a reminder that there might be something real in this new chapter of her life after all.

As the sun began to set and the campus started to empty, Minjeong walked back to her dorm, her mind still buzzing with the day's experiences. She glanced at her phone, noticing a message from Jimin. "Had a great time today! Let's hang out soon?"

Minjeong's heart skipped a beat. It was a simple message, but it felt significant. She typed a quick reply, her fingers dancing over the screen. "Definitely! Looking forward to it."

As she settled into her dorm room, Minjeong took a deep breath and glanced around. The room was her sanctuary, a place where she could drop the performance and just be. She allowed herself a moment of reflection, thinking about the potential for genuine connection that Jimin represented.

Tomorrow would be another day of navigating the fine line between reality and façade. But for tonight, Minjeong allowed herself a small, hopeful smile, savoring the possibility that this new chapter might just offer more than she had ever dared to imagine.