Hearts in Opposition | Park Jongseong

Chapter 1

Jieun's POV

It was the first day of college today, and I couldn't help but feel excited, knowing that I'm going to the same school with my friends and of course, now that college life has started, we are also one step closer to achieving our dreams. After eating breakfast, I immediately hopped in inside my dad's car after taking the elevator as he started driving me to school.

"Jieunie, it's officially your first day in college! How do you feel?", my dad asked me.
"I'm excited and nervous, and I just hope that I do not disappoint you!", I said.
"It's ok, sweetie! That's what I also felt way back when it's also my first day in college, and just remember what your mom would always remind you! That life is not a race but a journey.", he told me with reassurance.
"I miss her..", I said with a sad sigh.

I lost my mom to leukemia back when I was just 11, and her death really took a toll on both me and my dad, but even after her passing, my dad and I remained strong and continued as a family like what my mom would always wish for during her final days.

"Me too, sweetie! She may no longer be with us but she haa a special place in our hearts that no one else could ever replace.", my dad said as I just decided to change the topic.
"Umm.. dad.. I have a question..", I said.
"Yes sweetie, what is it?", he asked.
"If you reunited with your bully again, what would you do?", I asked him.

I don't even know why this question just popped out of my mind, because according to my friends, my high school bully, Park Jay, will also be studying at Seoul University like.. seriously? Out of all the universities that he can choose to attend, he chose this one?!

"I would just focus on my own self and goals anyway, since that person is not worth my time, and I don't want to waste my time and energy just to remind them to stop bullying me, because stopping isn't part of their vocabulary anyway..", he said.
"I see..", I said.
"Why'd you ask this question, by the way?", he asked.
"Nothing! I was just curious...", I said.

A few minutes later, I finally arrived at my university! I immediately unbuckled my seatbelt as I prepared to grab my things once I get out of the car.

"Have fun and enjoy, sweetie! Have a lot to do today at the company, so I'll see you at home!", my dad said.
"You too, dad! Take care of yourself always!", I told him as I gave him a hug.
"I love you, sweetie!", he said.
"I love you too! I'll see you later dad!", I said as I got out of his car.

The moment his car drove away, I immediately tried to find and look for my friends, since people were scurrying to go inside the campus. A few seconds later, I finally found them.

"Gaeulie! Chaehyunie!", I shouted as I approached.
"Jieun!", they said in unison as I hugged them.
"It's been a while since the last time I saw you guys!", I told them.
"Same here! By the way, you've gotten way prettier..", Gaeul told me.
"Thanks but you're even prettier, Kim Gaeul!", I told her with a wink.
"Anyways, let's now go inside guys! 'Cause it's kinda looking like a zombie apocalypse here since people are in a rush to go inside!", Chaehyun told us.
"Alright then, Chae!", I said as we immediately started walking.
"Years have passed and you're still the mom of our circle, Chae!", Gaeul said as we laughed.
"Of course! We all may be the same age but I'm the eldest here by months!", Chaehyun said.

We finally arrived at the big hallways of the university. The interiors are very spacious and beautiful, yet it's also a bit suffocating since people are trying to look for their classes. Damn! I feel like we're on war right now! I thought to myself.

"We're all in the same classes, right?", I asked.
"Yup! So let's make our way in to the first classroom!", Gaeul said when I accidentally and harshly bumped onto someone.
"Hey! Watch it!", I said as the person turned and it's none other than the person I'm despising to my deepest core, Park Jay.
"Watch it?! You're the one who needs to look at where you're going, you pathetic know-it-all!", he said as he tried to get close when Chaehyun stepped forward in my aid.
"Woah! Back off from my best friend, mister! Who says you have the right to be mad when it's literally you, who's busy talking to his friends and not looking at where you're going?!", Chaehyun said as she snapped.
"Not surprised you're still the same cold, arrogant, and self-centered Park Jongseong that I knew. I guess people like you don't even choose to change anyway..", I said in a mocking tone as I couldn't help but notice the shock in his face.