SMITTEN BY HER (unedited)

I'll always be a call away. Don't forget that.

The Days Turn into Moments

Sophia adjusted to her new life at the boarding school, she tries staying relatively low-key despite her intelligence. She focused on blending in, knowing that being overly noticeable would only draw more attention from the bullies.

Ji-hyun was her constant companion, her laughter and chatter filling the silences that could have otherwise been overwhelming.

Yet, even as she stayed in the background, there were moments when her unique personality and resilience shone through, leaving everyone intrigued.

---

Every Friday, the school had a “morning moment” where a student was called upon to deliver an inspiring quote or reflection before the day’s lessons began. Sophia had avoided being chosen until now.

“Sophia Lee,” the teacher announced, scanning the class. “Come up and share a morning quote with us.”

Sophia’s heart skipped a beat. She wasn’t one to speak in front of crowds, but she could feel the eyes of her classmates on her, including the bullies, who smirked as if expecting her to fail.

Taking a deep breath, she walked to the front of the room. The murmurs quieted as she stood there, her petite figure commanding more presence than anyone expected.

She cleared her throat and spoke, her voice steady.

“‘When you’re lost in the darkest of places, a single light can change everything. Even the faintest flicker is enough to guide you home.’”

The room fell silent.

Sophia continued, her eyes scanning the room but not focusing on anyone in particular.

“Sometimes, we don’t realize how important that light is until we’ve been in the dark for too long. And sometimes, we don’t know how strong we are until someone shows us the way.”

The teacher nodded, visibly moved. “Thank you, Sophia. That was... profound.”

Her classmates exchanged glances. Some whispered, wondering what could have inspired such a statement. Others, including the bullies, looked genuinely stunned.

Sophia returned to her seat, feeling Ji-hyun squeeze her hand under the desk. “Unnie, that was amazing,” she whispered.

---

That evening, Sophia was in her dorm room, organizing her books, when her phone buzzed with an incoming video call. Seeing Mr. Lee’s name, her heart leapt, and she quickly answered.

“Hello, Mr. Lee,” she greeted, trying to keep her excitement in check.

He appeared on the screen, his usually composed expression softer than usual. “Sophia, how are you settling in?”

“I’m doing well,” she replied, hesitating before adding, “How are things in Seoul?”

“I wouldn’t know,” he said, leaning back in his chair. “I left for the U.S. this morning.”

Her eyes widened. “You left? I didn’t know you were going back.”

“I had to,” he said, his voice even. “There are things that need to be managed there.”

Sophia didn’t reply immediately. The realization that he was no longer close by left a strange ache in her chest.

“Sophia,” he said after a pause, his tone softening, “you’ll be fine. You’ve been through worse and come out stronger. This is just another step.”

She nodded, but her lips trembled. “I thought you’d be here longer. It was... reassuring knowing you were nearby.”

His expression shifted slightly, and for a moment, his guard seemed to drop. “I’ll always be a call away. Don’t forget that.”