When the stars align

Wings of change

After days filled with family duties and the pressure of her upcoming Roka, San finally returned to college. She was looking forward to a change of pace-a short break from the whirlwind of traditions and emotions at home. Her mood lifted as she walked into her advisory meeting, excited to see her friends and catch up on things she had missed.

As her advisor reviewed the semester updates and future plans, San was hit with a surprise: she'd been selected for the admired student exchange program at Michigan State University. She'd applied months ago, back when her only concern was her studies and dreams. The idea of studying abroad, exploring a new place, and experiencing life independently had once been thrilling. But now, with her family's expectations and the recent Roka, her excitement was quickly replaced by hesitation.

Her mind raced. How would her family react? And what would Akash think of her going abroad so soon after the Roka? Just as quickly, though, a thrill ran through her at the idea of such an opportunity. Maybe this was her chance to find herself again, beyond the restrictions she was beginning to feel.

Later that day, she messaged Taehyung, her words carefully phrased as always, yet bursting with the excitement she couldn't share with anyone else.

"Tae, you won't believe it! I got into the exchange program! They selected me to go to the States for the semester!"

Two to three hours later, Taehyung replied filled with enthusiasm. He encouraged her, telling her it was an incredible chance she had to seize. His excitement made her heart feel lighter, and for a moment, she felt like her old self-the San who had dreams of seeing the world.

This twist could add a layer of conflict for San as she wrestles with her responsibilities and her own desires, deepening the emotional complexity between her and Taehyung and possibly giving her a chance to explore her identity before her engagement.

---

Taehyung's response lingered in her mind long after they finished chatting. His words of encouragement echoed with a warmth that helped her feel more sure of herself, at least for that moment. She knew he believed in her ability to make her own choices, even as she wrestled with the expectations she'd been raised to uphold. But beneath her excitement, there was a pull-a subtle reminder of the family commitment she'd made.

As she mulled it over, San decided she needed to talk to her parents about the exchange program. With her mind made up, she rehearsed her words over and over in her head, trying to find the right balance between her own wishes and respect for their expectations. The next evening, she approached her parents, her heart pounding.

"Mom, Dad," she started cautiously, "I have something I want to discuss with you."

Her father looked at her with a patient but serious expression, while her mother raised her eyebrows in curiosity. San took a deep breath.

"A while back, I applied for an exchange program... to study abroad for a semester. I just found out I got in. It's at Michigan State University," she explained, her voice wavering. "It's an amazing opportunity for me."

Her mother's face shifted with surprise, while her father remained quiet, taking in her words. Silence filled the room for a moment, and San could feel her pulse quicken.

Finally, her father spoke. "San, that's a wonderful achievement, but... with the Roka now done, we need to think about what's best for everyone. Have you thought about what this could mean for you and Akash?"

The words hit her harder than she expected, but she managed to keep her voice steady. "Yes, I have thought about it. I just... I feel like this is something I need to do before everything else. I'll be gone for just a few months. Akash and I will still have plenty of time before the wedding."