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THE NEXT MORNING, my group of friends walked into the classroom together, our laughter and chatter filling the air. We settled at our usual table, the space that had become our sanctuary within the walls of this classroom. The familiar comfort of our shared space brought a sense of ease amidst the whirlwind of our daily lives.

As the bell rang, signaling the start of class, our attention turned toward the front of the room. The teacher cleared his throat, commanding our focus with his presence. The whole class greeted him out of respect, a chorus of polite greetings echoing through the room.

Once he had our attention, the teacher began to announce the news that would soon make my heart leap with joy. "We have gotten our test scores back, and we have achieved the highest average in this grade," he declared, his voice tinged with a hint of excitement. "As a reward, we will be treating this class to a field trip to Jeju Island."

The classroom erupted into cheers, the collective joy reverberating through the air. Smiles spread across our faces, and a wave of anticipation washed over us. The prospect of exploring the enchanting landscapes of Jeju Island together filled our hearts with exhilaration.

But amidst the excitement, a question nagged at me, curiosity tugging at my thoughts. I raised my hand, seeking an answer to the burning question in my mind.

"Yes, Jurin?" the teacher acknowledged, his gaze expectant.

"Ah, what were the scores for the test?" I inquired, tilting my head sheepishly. While everyone around me celebrated the upcoming trip, I couldn't help but yearn for the knowledge of my performance.

Minji smiled, patting my shoulder in understanding. "Jurin, you really are something," she murmured, her voice filled with admiration.

The teacher held up a piece of paper, shaking it lightly before pinning it to the board. "The results are on this paper," he announced, his words drawing the attention of the entire class. Excitement lit up their eyes as they rushed to the board to see their scores. But one person remained seated, his sharp gaze already indicating his knowledge of a good score-Yang Jungwon.

Jungwon had been my academic rival for as long as I could remember. Our competition for the top spot had spanned middle school and continued into high school. No matter how hard I studied, he effortlessly surpassed me, always claiming first place. A twinge of frustration gnawed at my insides as I pushed past the crowd, determined to see my own score.

Scanning the names on the paper, I found myself staring at the top of the list, where Yang Jungwon's name proudly stood. My own name followed closely behind, occupying the second spot. I bit my bottom lip, a mix of disappointment and determination coursing through me. I had poured hours of study into this test, sacrificing precious sleep, only to find myself falling one spot short once again.

With a sigh, I made my way back to our table, my face cradled in my hands. I could feel someone's gaze on me, but I chose to ignore it, focusing on the weight of my disappointment.

The teacher's voice broke through my thoughts, drawing my attention back to the front of the room. "Yang Jungwon and Kang Jurin, once again at the top of the list," he announced, a smile playing on his lips. "Everyone, let's thank them for their smarts, as they have earned you all this incredible trip."

The class erupted into cheers and applause, their gratitude and excitement filling the room. I glanced over at my friends, their eyes filled with understanding. They knew me all too well, aware of how much these test scores meant to me, even if I consistently ranked within the top three. Their silent support was a gentle reminder that my worth extended beyond the numbers on a piece of paper.

As arms enveloped me in a warm embrace, I turned to see Hyein's smiling face. I leaned my head against hers, a small smile playing on my lips. At that moment, the disappointment began to fade, replaced by a sense of gratitude for the friends who stood by my side, celebrating my achievements and comforting me in moments of defeat.

The teacher continued, his voice filled with excitement as he explained the details of the upcoming trip to Jeju Island. My heart swelled with anticipation, ready to embark on this new adventure with the people who had become my second family.

Together, we would explore the wonders of Jeju, creating memories that would forever be etched in our hearts. And as we listened to the teacher's words, the excitement in the room grew, weaving a tapestry of anticipation and shared dreams that would carry us on this journey of a lifetime.

+*___________*+

A\N

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