𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐫𝐮𝐦

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YEAR 2011, SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA

In the sprawling campus of  Hanyang University, autumn cast a golden hue across the foliage, and the air carried with it a refreshing promise of new beginnings. Students bustled from one lecture hall to another, adorned in layers of cozy sweaters and exuding the enthusiasm of youth. Among them was Han Chaerin, a spectacle in her own right, weaving through the crowd with a flair that turned heads. Her coffee-brown curls danced lightly around her shoulders, framing a face that bore the softest of smiles.

Han Chaerin was the daughter of  the founding family of the University. Like any typical rich heiress, she wasn't arrogant and selfish but soft smiley girl to everyone. You all might think she must be bullied if she is that weak but nope, she got her bestfriends around her who are the rich guys of the university. Chaerin was a Sociology major, drawn to the complexities of human relationships and the stories behind every person. But more than academia, she valued the tangible connections made with friends.

Standing outside the university café, she glanced at her phone, awaiting a message from her best friend, Jeon Wonwoo.

"Oppa! here." she waved her hands smiling as she spotted Wonwoo from a distance. Jeon Wonwoo saw her and smiled coming towards her. Wonwoo was punctual, a trait that amused Chaerin to no end. He emerged from a building, adjusting his wire-rimmed glasses.

"Did you hear? There's a rumor that Seungcheol is planning a friday karaoke night," he announced, collapsing onto the bench beside Chaerin as if the weight of his day had lifted

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"Did you hear? There's a rumor that Seungcheol is planning a friday karaoke night," he announced, collapsing onto the bench beside Chaerin as if the weight of his day had lifted.

Chaerin's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "Really? You know he can't carry a tune. Last time, it sounded like a cat in distress!" she giggled, remembering the torturous notes Seungcheol unleashed at their last gathering.

Wonwoo chuckled, his laughter soft yet infectious. "Exactly! This time, we should record him. I call dibs on the 'soul' ballads."

As the pair conversed, it was apparent how different they were—the exuberance of Chaerin tempered by Wonwoo's calm demeanor. Yet this balance created a friendship fortified by mutual respect and understanding. They had met during Wonwoo's first year, lost among the throngs of new faces, and had instantly connected over their shared love for late-night parties and ice cream runs.

"How's the thesis coming along?" Chaerin asked, noting the slight crease in Wonwoo's brow.

"It's... going," he replied, a habitual understatement. "I'm just struggling to find that perfect angle. Management is so broad; it's hard to focus on one thing without feeling like I'm overlooking another."

Chaerin wanted to reach out and smooth the concern from his forehead, a habit of hers whenever he became overly thoughtful. Instead, she leaned in closer, her tone encouraging. "You can do it Oppa, just don't stress yourself too much."

Wonwoo's heart skipped. This wasn't the first time he felt an inkling of deeper sentiments towards her, feelings he often dismissed as mere affection between friends. Yet he couldn't deny the flutter of something more waiting in the wings, eager to make itself known.

"Shit!...I'm late to classes oppa.....Bye see ya laterrr" Chaerin quickly picked up her bag and hugged Wonwoo and went outside.

Wonwoo was left frozen when Chaerin hugged him. The hugs and closeness was the usual thing since their friendship but Wonwoo's heart started to flutter a lot lately due to her closeness.





Chaerin took a deep breath, adjusting the strap of her backpack. She scanned the room for an empty seat, spotting a spot on the left near the window. That was her bet. Natural light always helped her focus. She was about to secretly make her move when...

"About time you showed up, Chaerin," Min Jihoon said, glancing up as she stood frozen. "We were worried you might've gotten lost in one of those fancy exhibitions you like so much."

Chaerin chuckled nervously shrugging off the jest but thankful for the warmth of familiarity. "Not yet, but perhaps next week. I was having breakfast with Wonu Oppa. Anyways, I brought my portfolio. Can you look it over after class?"

"Only if you promise you won't have to beg for compliments," Jihoon teased, straightening his posture.

Across from them sat Kim Taehyung, the effortlessly charming whose adventurous spirit was reflected in his eclectic choice of fashion. He caught their conversation, a smile tugging at his lips. "Compliments? You two must be mistaken, Jihoon gives critiques, not praise."

From the adjacent row, Hwang Yeji, Chaerin's best friend since their high school, waved to her with excitement. "Chae, sit with me! I saved a spot," she called out, her bright smile cutting through the early morning drowsiness that swept the room.

"Welcome to Advanced Philosophy," the professor announced, her voice crisp and captivating. "This semester, we will delve deeper into creating narratives with your thoughts. I expect the unexpected." The lesson unfolded with a combination of practical exercises and spirited discussions. Chaerin leaned into the rhythm of the class, engaging freely.

Later, during a break, the group congregated outside the classroom, enjoying the crisp autumn air. Leaves fluttered gently around them, whispered secrets rising with the gentle wind.

"Are you all excited for that exhibition next week?" Yeji piped up, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "The one showcasing student work? I heard they're letting the top five from our program select pieces to submit."

Chaerin muttered. "But it's fierce competition; everyone's so talented."

Taehyung leaned in, his brows furrowing playfully. "Or you could leverage your current fame to easily snag a spot. You're basically a rockstar among us!"

Chaerin rolled her eyes but felt a warmth creeping into her cheeks. "More like a wannabe," she murmured.

"Anyways, anyone up for friday karaoke night at Cheol Oppa's house?"

"Definitely, nope from my side."  Yeji said rolling her eyes. The Hwangs' and Chois' don't go well together. "I got a banquet to attend with my mother."



Note- 

Han chaerin- 18 years old

Jeon wonwoo- 19 years old

Choi seungcheol- 20 years old

Min jihoon- 18 years old

Kim namjoon- 20 years old

Kim taehyung- 18 years old

Jeon jungkook- 17 years old

Kim mingyu- 17 years old


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