Haein’s sixteenth year dawned with a suffocating weight of expectation. High school, which had once seemed like an escape, now felt like a battlefield. Her icy persona had been her shield for years, but as the competition grew fiercer, the expectations of those around her mounted. Everyone expected Haein to maintain her perfection—to stay on top of the class, to excel in every exam, and to never falter.
And she never did.
Not outwardly, at least.
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Academic Pressure
The year began with the announcement of the school's annual scholarship contest—a prestigious honour that promised an opportunity for students to secure placements at top universities abroad. It was the pinnacle of academic achievement, and Haein knew she had to win.
Her parents, although distant, had made it clear that failure was not an option. Her mother’s words echoed in her mind, reminding her of how perfection was the only way to earn their approval. Even Soo-cheol, who had grown more competitive over the years, constantly needled her with sarcastic comments. “The Ice Queen can’t afford to melt under pressure, right?”
Haein ignored him as she always did, focusing on the goal ahead.
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A New Rival
The competition for the scholarship was fierce, but one name caught Haein’s attention early on—Yoo Jisoo. Jisoo had transferred to their school a few months ago, and her arrival had stirred up a storm. She was brilliant, charismatic, and quick to make friends—qualities Haein had never possessed. To her dismay, Jisoo was just as intelligent, if not more so.
Their rivalry quickly became the talk of the school. Teachers and students alike compared the two, wondering who would come out on top. It wasn’t long before Haein felt the strain of the constant comparisons. For the first time in years, she was genuinely worried that her title as the best student was at risk.
Jisoo’s competitive spirit both intrigued and irritated her. They often found themselves in heated academic debates, their mutual respect tinged with a subtle animosity. Unlike Haein, Jisoo didn’t seem to take the rivalry too seriously. She would often smile during their arguments, as if enjoying the tension, while Haein's jaw clenched tighter each time.
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Friendship on the Line
As the competition drew nearer, Minho, who had become Haein’s closest companion over the past year, noticed the changes in her. She was more distant, her focus sharper but colder, and her conversations more clipped. They had stopped studying together, and their occasional moments of light-hearted banter had become few and far between.
One afternoon, after class, Minho caught up with her. “Haein, wait up.”
She stopped, turning to face him with her usual composed expression. “What is it?”
“You’ve been different lately,” he said, a frown marring his usually carefree face. “More... distant. Is everything okay?”
“I’m fine,” Haein replied flatly, her eyes scanning the hallway for any distractions. She didn’t want to have this conversation.
“I don’t think you are,” Minho said, stepping closer. “You’ve been pushing yourself too hard. I know the scholarship is important, but—”
“Exactly. The scholarship is important. I don’t have time for anything else.”
Minho sighed, his frustration palpable. “It’s not just about the scholarship, Haein. You’re shutting people out. You’re shutting me out.”
She felt a pang of guilt at his words, but she quickly shoved it aside. “I’m not shutting you out, Minho. I just need to focus right now.”
YOU ARE READING
Solstice in Grandeur
Random"Solstice in Grandeur" follows Hong Haein, the daughter of Asia's richest family, whose life of opulence is marred by isolation and emotional distance. Despite living in luxury, she is emotionally neglected by her constantly absent parents and strug...
