Soft spot

University

As the days passed and Daisy settled back into her ballet routine, a new chapter began to unfold. The excitement of returning to dance was met with the reality that the ballet lessons would soon be shorter. Many of her friends were preparing for university applications, and it stirred something deep within Daisy.

One afternoon, after a particularly inspiring ballet class, Minho met her outside the studio. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the garden, and he could see the thoughtful look on her face.

“Hey, love,” he said, walking up to her. “What’s on your mind?”

Daisy took a moment before speaking. “I’ve been thinking about university... I’ve always wanted to study something related to languages and become an interpreter.”

Minho’s eyebrows raised in surprise. “Interpreter? That’s amazing! But you’ve never mentioned it before.”

“I guess I’ve been too caught up in everything,” she replied with a shy smile. “But it’s always been a dream of mine. I love languages, and I’ve already learned seven.”

“Seven languages?” Minho echoed, impressed. “That’s incredible! I didn’t know you had that talent.”

“It’s something I’ve always enjoyed,” she explained, her passion shining through. “But I know it seems impossible to pursue that dream.”

Minho shook his head, determination in his eyes. “It’s not impossible, Daisy. You’re brilliant, and if it’s what you want, then you should go for it. I’ll support you every step of the way.”

“But what about you?” she asked, concern flickering across her face. “You always thought the interpreter job seemed impossible.”

He chuckled softly, a hint of self-deprecation in his tone. “That’s true. I’m just too impatient for languages. But you’re different. You have the patience and the talent for it. I know you’ll excel.”

Daisy’s heart swelled at his encouragement, and she felt a rush of motivation surge within her. “You really believe that?”

“Absolutely,” he affirmed, taking her hands in his. “I’ve seen you grow so much over these past months. You have what it takes, and I want to see you achieve your dreams.”

Her eyes shone with gratitude as she squeezed his hands back, feeling the warmth of his support. “Thank you, Minho. It means the world to me to have you by my side.”

“I’ll always be here, cheering you on, sunshine,” he said, a smile spreading across his face. “Now, let’s start planning those applications, shall we?”

With renewed determination, Daisy nodded, ready to take the next step toward her dreams, knowing she had Minho’s unwavering support behind her.

As the weeks rolled on, Daisy immersed herself in preparing for her university applications. Her passion for languages became her driving force, fueling her studies day and night. She practiced diligently, refining her skills and diving deeper into the intricacies of each language she had learned.

Minho was her biggest supporter throughout this process, often finding ways to help her. He would quiz her on vocabulary, engage her in conversations in different languages, and encourage her to practice speaking aloud. He marveled at how beautifully she pronounced each word, noting the way her voice flowed like music, each language seeming to come alive in her mouth.

“Daisy,” he said one evening as they sat together at the kitchen table, papers and books strewn around them, “the way you speak is incredible. You have a gift.”

She looked up from her notes, a small blush creeping onto her cheeks. “Really? You think so?”

“Absolutely,” he replied, leaning back in his chair, admiration shining in his eyes. “When you speak, it’s like you’re painting with words. You make it sound so effortless.”

Daisy smiled, encouraged by his words. “That means a lot coming from you, especially since you’ve always thought it was so challenging.”

“It is challenging for me,” he admitted with a grin, “but you? You make it look easy. I have no doubt you’ll ace your applications.”

With his belief in her abilities, Daisy felt a surge of confidence. Every time she practiced, she could hear Minho’s encouraging voice in her mind, pushing her to go further and believe in herself. His support was a constant reminder that she was capable of achieving her dreams.

As application deadlines approached, Daisy poured herself into her essays, showcasing her love for languages and her aspirations to become an interpreter. Minho often peeked over her shoulder, offering feedback and suggestions, always with an encouraging word or a playful jab to keep her spirits high.

“Remember, it’s not just about the grades,” he reminded her one evening. “It’s about the passion you bring to the table. Let them see who you are.”

With Minho by her side, Daisy felt more prepared than ever. She knew that no matter the outcome, she had the support of someone who believed in her wholeheartedly, and that made all the difference.

On the day of the exams, Daisy awoke with butterflies in her stomach, a mix of excitement and nerves swirling inside her. She had prepared as best as she could, and now it was time to put her skills to the test. Minho, ever attentive, noticed her anxiety and helped her calm down with a gentle smile and a few encouraging words.

“You’ve got this, love. Just remember everything we practiced,” he said, giving her a reassuring squeeze. “I believe in you.”

As they arrived at the exam venue, Daisy felt a rush of determination. She took a deep breath, reminding herself of all the hard work she had put in. Minho stayed close, his presence a comforting anchor amidst the bustling crowd.

After hours of testing, Daisy finally stepped out of the examination hall, a wide grin spreading across her face. The weight of uncertainty had lifted, replaced by a sense of accomplishment. She couldn’t believe she had done it—she felt as if she had aced everything!

Without thinking, Daisy ran toward Minho, her joy bubbling over. “I did it! I really did it!” she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him in an exuberant hug. The moment was filled with pure elation as she squeezed him tightly, almost too tightly, as if trying to convey all her excitement in that one embrace.

“Whoa there!” Minho laughed, caught off guard by the sudden burst of affection. He wrapped his arms around her to steady her, his eyes sparkling with amusement and pride. “I’m glad to see you so happy, but I can’t breathe!”

Realizing her enthusiastic hug had turned into a near chokehold, Daisy quickly released him, stepping back with a sheepish smile. “I’m sorry! I just... I’m so happy!”

Minho chuckled, ruffling her hair playfully. “No need to apologize. I’m just glad you’re feeling good about it. You deserve to celebrate!”

They spent the rest of the day enjoying each other’s company, Daisy bubbling with excitement as she recounted her experiences in the exam. Minho listened intently, adding his own encouraging comments and teasing her about her earlier enthusiasm. It was a day filled with laughter, joy, and the promise of new beginnings.

As they walked together, Daisy felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for Minho’s unwavering support. No matter the outcome of the exams, she knew that she had already won in her heart by having him by her side.