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Three's a trouble, they say. Not many people see a relationship between three people, but if it's what fate wants, who are they to judge?
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❗️ reader discretion is advised
includes strong language...
June had crept in quietly, but the campus was anything but serene. As the final rush of spring unfolded, the air buzzed with palpable tension. It was a month filled with expectations, where the stress of looming exams began to wear on students, making even the most dedicated learners feel frayed at the edges. For Haeeun, this pressure felt all-consuming, turning the excitement of being a senior into an overwhelming burden.
She glanced at her notes scattered across her desk, each page a reminder of the mountains she had yet to climb. Her textbooks lay open, pages highlighted in vibrant colors, but even the brightest hues felt dull under the weight of her anxiety. With Donghyuck and Jaemin away for the weekend, she felt the absence of their laughter and light-hearted teasing more than ever. They had been her anchors in this storm, and now, alone in their apartment, the quiet seemed deafening.
The stress of examinations had intensified, with late-night study sessions becoming the norm. Donghyuck had called her earlier that day, his voice light and teasing.
[You better not fall asleep on your notes, Haeeun! You know that's a recipe for disaster.]
She had laughed, trying to match his upbeat tone, but inside, the pressure churned. "I won't! Just trying to survive here," she had replied, forcing a smile through the phone.
As evening settled in, her dad had called, sensing her unease.
[How's my girl holding up?] His voice was warm, a comforting presence even through the screen.
"I'm okay, Dad. Just a bit stressed with everything," she admitted, her shoulders slumping as she sank into her chair.
[Remember, you're doing your best. Just take it one day at a time. I'll bring over some dinner soon, okay?]
The thought of a home-cooked meal made her heart swell with gratitude. "That would be great, Dad. I really appreciate it."
After hanging up, she looked around the apartment, filled with textbooks and empty coffee cups. It was a mess, but it felt like her mind—cluttered and overwhelmed. She pushed her hair back from her face, taking a deep breath. Focus. That was the mantra she needed to hold on to.
As night fell, Haeeun returned to her studies, though the words seemed to blur together. Just as she was about to give in to fatigue, her phone buzzed with a message. It was from Minjeong.
[Hey! Just checking in. You still alive?]
Haeeun chuckled, typing back, Barely! Exams are eating my soul.
[You've got this! Let's do a study group later this week?]
Definitely. I'll tell the boys.
Their exchange gave her a small boost, a reminder that she wasn't alone in this. But as the days rolled on, the stress felt more tangible, squeezing her chest with every passing hour.
When evening arrived, she found herself standing in her kitchen, preparing for her dad's arrival. She chopped vegetables for stir-fry, trying to keep her mind off the pile of work still waiting for her. Cooking had always been a way for her to unwind, and tonight was no exception. The smell of garlic and onions filled the air, providing a familiar comfort.
A knock at the door broke her concentration, and she quickly wiped her hands on a towel before opening it. Her dad stood there, a smile on his face and bags in hand.
"Smells amazing in here!"
"Thanks, Dad! I figured we could use a little home-cooked meal," she said, stepping aside to let him in.
They settled at the small dining table, the comforting rhythm of their conversation bringing a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos. Her dad shared stories from work, filling the space with laughter and warmth. Haeeun couldn't help but feel lighter, as if the weight of her worries had lifted just a little.
"Do you ever think about what comes next?" he asked, looking across the table at her.
"Like after graduation?" she replied, her fork pausing mid-air.
"Yeah. It's a big step. I know it's hard to see now, but you have so many opportunities ahead of you," he encouraged.
Haeeun sighed, pushing her food around on her plate. "I just want to do well on these exams. It feels like everything hinges on them."
"Exams are important, but they don't define your future. Remember, you're capable of so much more than just grades," he said, his eyes warm with understanding.
"Thanks, Dad. I guess I just need to keep that in mind," she replied, feeling a bit more grounded.
After dinner, they cleared the table together, the comfortable silence wrapping around them like a familiar blanket. When her dad left, Haeeun felt a renewed sense of determination. Maybe she could tackle her studies with a fresh perspective.
When another week rolled around, they planned a small celebration for Donghyuck's birthday. Even amidst the chaos, they wanted to create a moment of joy. Haeeun coordinated with Jaemin to surprise him with a cake and decorations in their apartment.
On the day of the celebration, she felt a spark of excitement. As they set up, laughter filled the air, and for a brief moment, the worries of exams faded into the background.
When Donghyuck arrived home from tutoring, the look of surprise on his face was priceless.
"You guys did all this for me?" he exclaimed, his eyes shining with happiness.
"Of course! You deserve a break," Haeeun said, her heart warming at the sight of his joy.
They sang Happy Birthday loudly, and as he blew out the candles, a wish seemed to linger in the air—one for relief from the pressure, for moments of laughter amidst the stress.
The celebration was a brief escape from the impending exams. As they shared stories and memories, they felt the burden lift, if only for a little while. They were together, and that was what mattered most.
Later, as they cleaned up, Donghyuck turned serious for a moment. "I really appreciate this, you guys. With everything going on, it's easy to feel lost. But you remind me what's important."
Haeeun nodded, her heart swelling with affection for her boyfriend. "We're always here for you, no matter what."
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