One Month

The Dilemma

Minjeong had always been passionate about helping others, so when she saw an opportunity to sign up as a tutor for a challenging subject, she jumped at the chance. The subject was Advanced Calculus, a course that many students at SM University struggled with. It was her way of giving back and supporting those who needed it.

One of the students she was scheduled to tutor was Kim Minju, a regular student who also attended SM University. Minju was struggling to keep up with the rigorous coursework while balancing her part-time job as a waitress at a local restaurant. Understanding the difficulty of juggling work and studies, Minjeong was more than willing to help.

They had agreed to meet for their first tutoring session this Friday afternoon, which worked well for both of their schedules. Minjeong was looking forward to it, not just because she enjoyed teaching but also because she could relate to Minju’s situation.

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Friday arrived quickly, and just as Minjeong was about to head to her tutoring session with Minju, she received a message from Jimin.

**Jimin:** Hey, can you meet me near the field? I want to talk to you about our date.

Minjeong felt a flutter of excitement and quickly made her way to the field, where she found Jimin waiting, her long wavy black hair blowing gently in the breeze.

“Hey,” Minjeong greeted with a smile.

“Hey,” Jimin replied, her expression a mix of thoughtfulness and something Minjeong couldn’t quite place. “So, I’ve been thinking about our date this weekend, and unfortunately, it’s not going to work. I have something that came up.”

Minjeong’s heart sank a little at the news. “Oh, I see…”

“But,” Jimin continued, “I was thinking we could go out on a date this Friday instead.”

Minjeong’s mood instantly lifted at Jimin’s suggestion. “Really? That sounds great, Jimin.”

Just as quickly as the joy filled her, it was replaced by a sinking realization. “Wait… Friday…” Minjeong’s mind raced as she remembered her commitment to tutoring Minju. She knew how much Minju was depending on her.

“What’s wrong?” Jimin asked, noticing the shift in Minjeong’s expression.

“I really want to go on a date with you, Jimin, but this Friday isn’t going to work,” Minjeong said, biting her lip in frustration.

“What do you mean, Minjeong? You don’t want to go on a date with me anymore?” Jimin’s voice had a sharp edge to it, her confidence shaken by Minjeong’s hesitation.

“No, no! It’s not that,” Minjeong quickly clarified. “It’s just that I have to tutor someone on Friday. I made a commitment.”

Jimin’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Then reschedule it.”

Minjeong shook her head, feeling torn. “I can’t, Jimin. It’s important. Minju really needs my help.”

Jimin crossed her arms, her posture defensive. “I don’t get you, Minjeong. You asked me out on a date, but you’d prefer to go tutor someone than go out with me? Do you know how many people would want to be in your shoes, Minjeong?”

Minjeong’s heart ached at the misunderstanding. “I know, Jimin, but I can’t just cancel on Minju because of a date. We can go some other time.”

“Forget it, Minjeong,” Jimin snapped, her voice cold. “Just go enjoy your tutoring session with whoever the hell it is.” Without waiting for a response, Jimin turned on her heel and walked away, her long hair flowing behind her.

Minjeong stood there, watching Jimin disappear into the distance, a wave of frustration washing over her. She felt like she had messed up everything. Why couldn’t she just reschedule the tutoring session? But at the same time, she knew she couldn’t just abandon her commitment to Minju.

As Minjeong walked back to her dorm, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she had let Jimin down. She was caught between her desire to help Minju and her longing to spend time with Jimin.

Should she cancel the tutoring session with Minju, knowing how much she needed help?

Or should she honor her commitment, even if it meant disappointing Jimin and potentially ruining what they had started to build?

The question weighed heavily on her mind as she reached her room, feeling more conflicted than ever.