nurse's office | minsung ✓

29

With only two weeks left until the bar exam, Jisung felt the weight of the world pressing down on his shoulders. The library had become his second home, the rows of books towering above him like a fortress of knowledge. But instead of comfort, it felt like a prison, each day blurring into the next, filled with endless outlines, practice questions, and the persistent ticking of the clock that seemed to mock him.

Jisung stared at his notes, the words dancing in front of his eyes, refusing to settle into anything coherent. He rubbed his temples, trying to ward off the headache that had been building for days. How am I going to get through this? he thought, frustration bubbling up inside him. The sheer volume of material felt insurmountable. Contracts, torts, criminal law—each subject felt like a mountain he had to climb, and he was starting to doubt his ability to reach the summit.

As the hours dragged on, Jisung tried to focus on a particularly tricky case brief, but his mind kept wandering. He thought of Minho, who had been a steadfast presence throughout this tumultuous time. The little gestures of support—a cup of ginger-orange tea, a shoulder to lean on, late-night study sessions with comforting words of encouragement—had kept Jisung from spiraling completely into despair. But as he sat there alone in the library, the sense of isolation crept in, amplifying his anxiety.

What if I fail? The thought gnawed at him, refusing to be silenced. He imagined the disappointment in his parents' eyes, the sinking feeling of letting everyone down. He couldn't shake the fear that all his hard work would be for nothing.

In a moment of weakness, Jisung pulled out his phone, hesitating before dialing Minho's number. The call connected, and he could hear Minho's voice, calm and steady, on the other end. "Hey, how's it going?"

Jisung hesitated, unsure of how to articulate the storm brewing inside him. "I don't know, Minho. I just feel so overwhelmed. There's so much to remember, and I feel like I'm not making any progress. I keep staring at my notes, but it's like they're in a different language."

Minho's voice was warm, reassuring. "It's normal to feel like that, especially with everything on the line. Just remember, you've been preparing for this for years. You're capable of handling it."

"But what if I mess up?" Jisung admitted, his voice cracking slightly. "What if I forget everything on the exam day?"

"You won't," Minho replied confidently. "You've worked too hard for that. Just take it one step at a time. Why don't you take a break? Get some fresh air. Sometimes, a little distance helps clear your mind."

Jisung nodded even though Minho couldn't see him. "Yeah, maybe you're right. I've been cooped up here for too long."

"Good. I'll come pick you up in fifteen minutes. We can go for a walk," Minho suggested, the promise of companionship bringing a small spark of hope to Jisung's weary heart.

After hanging up, Jisung took a deep breath, the anxiety slightly easing. He packed up his things and made his way outside, the warm sunlight greeting him like an old friend. The fresh air filled his lungs, and he could feel the tension beginning to melt away.

When Minho arrived, he greeted Jisung with that familiar smile, and for a moment, Jisung forgot about the looming exam. They walked side by side, talking about anything and everything but law. Minho shared stories from his own classes, his laughter echoing in the open space. With each step, Jisung felt lighter, as if the worries that had consumed him were dissipating with the breeze.

"See? You just needed a little break," Minho said, nudging Jisung playfully. "You'll tackle this bar exam, I promise."

"Thanks, Minho," Jisung replied, a genuine smile breaking through his earlier frustration. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

As they continued their walk, Jisung realized that even with the stress of the exam hanging over him, he wasn't alone. With the right support, he could make it through anything. The next two weeks would be tough, but he was determined to give it his all, not just for himself but for the people who believed in him. He took a deep breath, feeling ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

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