𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀

Two

【CHAPITRE 2】

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Minji yawned as she tried to focus on the lesson her teacher was giving. She hadn't gone to bed early, staying up late to care for her mother, who had fallen even more ill despite the medication from her friends. She sighed, trying to fight off the drowsiness that was overtaking her.

Her eyes grew heavy, and before she knew it, she had succumbed to sleep. A few minutes later, she was jolted awake by the sound of the bell that the teacher had rung. Minji blinked in confusion, realizing that the classroom was empty. She looked up and met the amused gaze of her teacher, who stood by the desk with the bell in hand, a playful smile on his face.

"You've had a long night, I see," he said gently, setting the bell down. "I didn't want to wake you until the lesson was over." Minji rubbed her eyes, feeling a flush of embarrassment. "I'm sorry, sir. I didn't mean to fall asleep. My mother... she's been very sick."

The teacher's expression softened. "I understand, Minji. You've been through a lot. But you must also take care of yourself. You can't help your mother if you're completely exhausted."Minji nodded, knowing he was right but feeling the weight of her responsibilities pressing down on her. "I'll try, sir," she promised.

The teacher walked over and handed her a small book. "Here, take this. It's a study guide for the contest I told you about. You have the talent, Minji, but you need to be well-rested and prepared. Use this to help you study at home."

Minji took the book with a grateful smile. "Thank you, sir. I'll make sure to use it."

Minji walked back home, the study guide clutched tightly in her hand. The small house came into view, and she quickened her pace, eager to check on her mother. Opening the door quietly, she saw her mother resting on the bed, looking pale but peaceful.

She placed the study guide on the small table and sat beside her mother, taking her hand gently. "I'm going to make you proud, Mom," she whispered, her voice filled with determination. "I'm going to try my best in that contest, for both of us."

Her mother stirred slightly and opened her eyes, a weak smile spreading across her face. "You already make me proud, Minji," she murmured. "No matter what happens, remember that."Minji squeezed her mother's hand, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. She would work hard, study diligently, and do everything in her power to seize this opportunity. It was not just for her future, but for her mother's as well.

After ensuring her mother was comfortable and taken care of, Minji sat at the table with the study guide. She read through the material, her mind absorbing every word. The challenges ahead were daunting, but with the support of her friends and the unwavering love of her mother, she knew she could face anything.

And as she studied, Minji felt a spark of hope ignite within her. This contest could be the key to a better future, where she and her mother could finally find peace and stability. She vowed to give it her all, driven by the love, determination, and dreams that kept her going.

While Minji immersed herself in her studies,at the other end of the kingdom, Haerin, seated in her luxurious classroom at the Royal Academy, lived a completely different reality. As the teacher delivered the lesson with authority, she was lost in her thoughts, her mind wandering far beyond the walls of the ornate classroom.

Haerin, despite her status as a princess, often felt a deep sense of loneliness and boredom in her life governed by strict rules and high expectations. She sighed softly, distractedly watching the school garden through the window. The colorful flowers and majestic trees seemed to taunt her, reminding her of the freedom she secretly coveted.