Michaeng (Short Stories) Vol. 2

IIY 5

Chaeyoung was nearly finished with her midterm project, something she had poured hours of effort into. That morning, she was in the cafeteria, grabbing a quick breakfast. After picking up her food from the counter and eating quickly, she headed to her first major class of the day.

"Alright, today's the deadline for your projects," the professor announced. "Please submit them to the front."

Chaeyoung reached into her bag, but her face fell as she couldn't find her project anywhere. Panic set in—she was sure she had brought it with her.

"Something wrong, Bro?" Dahyun asked, noticing the worry on her friend's face.

"I think I might've left my project back at the dorm," Chaeyoung replied, feeling the weight of the situation settle in.

"Are you sure? I didn't see it when I left earlier, and your side of the room was tidy. Maybe it's somewhere else?" Dahyun offered, trying to be helpful.

Chaeyoung sighed. "I'd better go check."

Chaeyoung apologized to the professor and asked if she could quickly retrieve her project. Though clearly displeased, the professor gave a curt nod. "Don't let this happen again," she said.

With that, Chaeyoung rushed back to her dorm, frantically searching through her belongings. But no matter where she looked, her project wasn't there. "I know I had it with me," she muttered to herself, her frustration growing. Then, a thought crossed her mind—a suspicion she didn't want to entertain.

"Could it have been Mina?" Chaeyoung wondered, though she quickly tried to shake off the thought. She didn't want to accuse someone without proof, but something felt off. Desperate, she headed for Mina's classroom and waited outside for her class to finish.

When Mina finally walked out, she raised an eyebrow at the sight of Chaeyoung waiting for her. "Son? What brings you here? Couldn't wait for our next class together?" she mocked.

Chaeyoung didn't waste time. "Mina... did you take my project?"

Mina's eyes widened, then narrowed. "That's a pretty bold accusation," she replied, her voice sharp.

"Please, Mina. If you have it, just give it back. I need it." Chaeyoung's voice cracked with desperation.

"I don't have your stupid project, Son," Mina said, folding her arms.

"Please... I'm begging you."

Mina's expression hardened. "I said I don't have it," she snapped.

Chaeyoung felt a lump form in her throat. She could barely muster a response, overwhelmed with frustration and the urge to cry. Without another word, she turned and walked away, heading for the rooftop—a place she often went to clear her mind when things got tough. It was her escape, her haven.

Once there, she couldn't hold back her emotions. She was so stressed that, despite rarely smoking, she pulled out a cigarette and lit it, hoping it would calm her nerves. The risk of losing her scholarship hung over her like a storm cloud.

She didn't notice someone approaching from behind until a familiar voice spoke. "You know, smoking isn't exactly great for you," the person said, taking the cigarette from her and stomping it out.

Chaeyoung looked up, startled to see Sana standing there. "Sana? What are you doing here?"

Sana gave her a small, knowing smile. "I should be asking you the same question. I saw you run up here, and you seemed upset. I figured you might need someone to talk to."