The beautiful girl who was often seen with Bang Jeemin – that’s how people referred to Jiyoon back when she was in university. Jeemin and Jiyoon were in the same major and class.
Bang Jeemin was a famous KOL on Instagram and TikTok, drawing attention with her striking looks. She began posting vlogs during high school about her luxurious trips, extravagant parties, and life at an international school, slowly gaining fame on social media.
With her image as a rich socialite, fans and netizens speculate that Bang Jeemin would either study abroad or continue at some elite international school with sky-high tuition fees. Few would have guessed that she would get accepted into one of South Korea’s top universities, where the competition was fierce and the entry requirements were daunting.
In stark contrast to Jeemin’s ever-present energy and radiance, Jiyoon was more reserved. She appeared to be a bookworm, absorbed in her own world. Jiyoon didn’t have many friends, just a few acquaintances with whom she kept things on a superficial level. But she didn’t seem to mind.
Because she had her own reasons.
After the sudden death of her parents, Jiyoon was left all alone. No family, no relatives, no one at all. She woke up each day with dried tears etched into her skin. That was the first time Jiyoon ever thought about death.
How lonely can a person truly be?
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|Fall, 2023|
In the quiet space of the university library, Yoon Jiyoon was diligently taking notes. On the table sat a cup of cold coffee, a sign that she had been there for quite a while.
Her eyes, deep and reflective like pools of water, caught the faint light of a gloomy day. They carried a profound sadness, like an unsung melody, tinged with hues of loneliness. Those sorrowful eyes resembled old, faded pages of a book, concealing a world of stories buried deep within. Her gaze was silent, beautiful, and melancholic.
Suddenly, the sound of someone knocking on the desk broke her focus. Jiyoon looked up. It was Bang Jeemin.
"Hi, you’re the one who usually gets to class early, right? You’re Yoon Jiyoon, aren’t you?" Jeemin smiled as she stood by the desk.
Jiyoon removed one of her AirPods. "Yes. Is something wrong?"
"Well, the thing is... I happened to register for the same classes as you. We’ll be in every class together. So..." Jeemin seemed a bit shy as she continued, "Could you save me a seat when you get to class? Right next to you."
"Me? Why?" Jiyoon’s eyes widened in surprise.
"Oh, it’s just... there are a few people I don’t want to sit near. Could you do me that favor?" Jeemin sheepishly pushed a banana milk and a Hershey’s bar toward Jiyoon’s open book, flashing her a pleading smile.
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The two stuck together throughout their university years like close friends. They helped each other with schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and even sometimes covering attendance when the other skipped class. Jiyoon didn’t talk much with Jeemin, while Jeemin was always chatting away about random things.
Jiyoon hated annoying people, but luckily, Jeemin was smart enough not to become a bother. She was beautiful, talented, and kind-hearted. Though a bit clueless and noisy at times, Jiyoon genuinely respected and appreciated Jeemin for being such a good friend.
Jeemin filmed her daily vlogs at the university with moderate frequency, careful not to disrupt her studies or those of others. Every so often, Jiyoon would get caught in her videos. The two walking side by side, their combined beauty driving the male students and Jeemin’s fans wild.
