Michaeng (Short Stories) Vol. 2

IIY 2

Chaeyoung lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought. The day's events had drained her, but there was a small flicker of hope still keeping her going. As she absentmindedly scrolled through her phone, a sudden notification made her heart stop—it was from JYP University.

Her breath caught in her throat. "Could it be?" She sat up, her heart pounding against her chest, the weight of the moment pressing down on her. Her hands trembled as she stared at the screen. She couldn't bring herself to open the message right away. "What if I didn't get it?" she thought, a rush of fear and doubt clouding her mind.

All her hard work—the long nights spent perfecting her sketches, the passion she poured into her art—everything had been leading up to this moment. JYP University was her dream, the chance of a lifetime. But without the scholarship, it would remain just that—a dream, out of reach.

She took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a second, trying to calm herself. "Mom, please be with me right now, she whispered, clutching her necklace.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Chaeyoung mustered the courage to tap on the notification. The screen blurred slightly as her eyes welled up with nerves. Slowly, she began to read the message:

Dear Son Chaeyoung, We are pleased to inform you...

Her heart skipped a beat. Pleased to inform? She blinked, reading it again to be sure.

...that you have been awarded the JYP University Art Scholarship based on your outstanding portfolio and performance in the entrance exam. We look forward to welcoming you into our prestigious art program this coming semester."

Chaeyoung gasped, tears springing to her eyes as she reread the words over and over. She had done it. She had actually done it. All the hardships, all the setbacks—they had been worth it. Her dreams were finally within reach.

She clutched her phone to her chest, a mix of laughter and tears spilling out. "Thank you, Mom, Thank you Dear Lord" she whispered, overwhelmed with gratitude.

—

Chaeyoung stood in front of the gates of JYP University, her heart racing as she took in the sight of the grand campus before her. She couldn't believe she was really here—this was the place where some of the most famous artists in Korea had studied, where the children of influential families walked these same paths. And now, she was about to join them.

She had spent the morning getting ready, wanting to look her best but staying true to herself. Her freshly combed wolf-cut black hair framed her face perfectly, giving her an effortlessly cool look. She wore a simple white shirt and denim pants, but somehow, the casual outfit looked striking on her. Despite her nerves, she knew she was pulling it off.

Chaeyoung stood there for a moment, letting the magnitude of the moment wash over her. She took a deep breath and glanced at the large sign above the entrance, the name of the university shining brightly in the sunlight. She had dreamed of this day for so long, but now that it was finally here, the pressure felt immense. She had worked so hard for this, but being surrounded by the elite of the elite was intimidating.

She swallowed hard, closing her eyes for a moment as doubt crept in. 'What if I don't belong here?' The question echoed in her mind.

But then she remembered everything she had been through—losing her mom, being on her own, pushing through her hardships to get this far. She had earned her spot here, and no one could take that away from her.

With a deep sigh, she lifted her chin, squaring her shoulders as she whispered to herself, 'I can do this.'

The words gave her strength, and as she stepped forward, walking through the gates of her dream school, she felt a surge of determination. Chaeyoung was ready to prove to herself—and to everyone else—that she belonged at JYP University.