The morning sun peeked through the curtains of Raya's room, casting a warm glow over her walls, adorned with photos of BTS and medical symbols-a reminder of her two passions. She stretched, savoring the quiet of a Sunday morning, and made her way to the kitchen, where her parents were already chatting over breakfast.
"Morning, sweetheart," her mother greeted, setting a plate in front of her. "Have a busy day planned?"
Raya nodded, smiling. "Yeah, I'm planning to study, maybe get through some of my medical assignments. Becoming a doctor isn't easy, but it feels worth it."
Her father looked up from his newspaper, his expression both proud and serious. "Raya, we know you're dedicated, and we'll always be here to support you. Just remember, balance is important. Don't burn yourself out."
After a cozy breakfast, Raya messaged her friends. Within an hour, she was meeting them at their usual hangout spot, a small, sunlit corner of the schoolyard. Lili, Raiza, Kren, and Josh were already there, sprawled on benches with snacks and sodas.
"Hey, future doctor," Lili teased as Raya approached. "Got a cure for exam stress?"
Raya laughed, sitting beside her. "I wish! Sometimes I feel like I need it too."
They all chuckled, and soon the conversation flowed to the random gossip of the week and their usual banter about life. They talked about assignments, funny teachers, and upcoming exams, each friend offering their perspective.
"So, Raya," Kren said with a grin, "you're still set on becoming a doctor, huh? No backup plans?"
Raya smiled confidently. "No backups. It's been my goal for so long. It feels like it's part of who I am."
Her friends nodded, admiring her determination. The conversation shifted to more lighthearted topics, and after a while, they each headed home, leaving Raya with a fresh burst of motivation.
Later in the day, Raya decided to catch up with her best friend, Jake. She texted him, and he agreed to meet her at the park. She put on her favorite hoodie and made her way there, feeling a sense of calm as she saw him waiting near their usual bench.
"So, Miss Future Doctor," he teased as she approached, nudging her playfully, "ready for another pep talk on life goals?"
They both laughed, and their conversation turned to the usual subjects: schoolwork, homework, and the latest funny events from their classes. But as they talked, Jake suddenly shifted the topic.
"You know, Raya... do you ever feel like you're putting too much pressure on yourself?" he asked, glancing at her thoughtfully.
She tilted her head, curious. "Pressure? What do you mean?"
Jake hesitated, seeming to choose his words carefully. "I mean... wanting to be a doctor is amazing, but it's a lot of hard work. Do you think... maybe it's too much for you?"
Raya felt a pang in her chest, her smile fading. "Jake, this is what I want. I know it's hard, but I'm ready to give it everything. Why would you doubt me?"
Jake looked down, scratching the back of his neck. "I'm not doubting you, Raya... I'm just... worried. I don't want to see you get hurt if things don't go as planned."
She felt her frustration rising, her tone sharper than she intended. "So, you don't believe I can do this? Jake, I thought you understood how important this is to me."
They walked in silence for a moment, both feeling the tension. Raya's mind raced with thoughts. Jake was her best friend, and she valued his opinion, but his words stung. She took a deep breath, trying to stay calm.
Finally, Jake spoke, his voice softer. "Look, I'm sorry, Raya. I didn't mean to hurt you. I just... I want you to know I'll always be here, no matter what. I believe in you, even if I don't say it right."
Raya softened, her anger fading. "Thanks, Jake. I know you mean well... I just wish you could understand how much this means to me."
To make it up to her, Jake suggested they get ice cream from a nearby vendor. Soon, they were strolling through the park with cones in hand, chatting about random things and laughing as their earlier argument melted away.
"You know," Jake said with a grin, "if becoming a doctor doesn't work out, maybe you could just open an ice cream shop. You'd have the most dedicated customer right here."
Raya rolled her eyes, laughing. "Nice try, but I think I'll stick with medicine."
As the sun dipped lower, they made their way back. By the time she returned home, Raya felt the day's emotions settle, her mind a mix of determination and contentment.
That evening, she joined her parents for dinner, chatting about her day and appreciating their steady support. She knew the journey to becoming a doctor would be filled with challenges, but moments with her family and friends reminded her why it was worth every step.
As she lay in bed that night, her thoughts returned to Jake's words. She knew he was just looking out for her, even if his concern sometimes felt misplaced. Smiling, she drifted off to sleep, holding tight to her dream and the people who would be there along the way.
YOU ARE READING
Chasing Tomorrow
Fanfiction"Raya, why dream so big? Do you think anyone will really notice you?" Raya glanced at her BTS poster, a quiet determination in her eyes. "It's not about being noticed. It's about proving to myself that I'm capable. They may be stars, but they're als...
