The weeks flew by in a blur of study sessions, late-night conversations, and stolen moments of laughter. The midterm exams loomed closer, intensifying the pressure on everyone.
For Sophia, the school routine was starting to feel like a second home, thanks to Ji-hyun’s constant presence and the growing camaraderie with her classmates.
---
"Unnie, I’m doomed. I’ll fail everything," Ji-hyun groaned, sprawled across Sophia’s bed with her mathematics textbook over her face.
Sophia leaned against the window, flipping through her own notes. “Ji-hyun, you said the same thing before the last test, and you passed.”
“But this time it’s different,” Ji-hyun whined. “The teachers are scarier, and the questions will probably be impossible!”
Sophia laughed, setting her notes aside. She sat beside Ji-hyun and pulled the book off her face. “Let’s go over the tough topics again. You’re smarter than you think, and you’ve been practicing.”
Ji-hyun’s pout melted into a small smile. “You’re the best, Unnie.”
---
Sophia’s own preparation had become a regular routine, often shared with Min-jae. Their library sessions were productive but never without light-hearted moments.
“You’ve really picked up Korean handwriting,” Min-jae remarked one afternoon as Sophia scribbled notes.
“Ji-hyun’s been a good teacher,” Sophia admitted, smiling.
“I bet. She’s like a tiny hurricane,” Min-jae joked, his brown eyes twinkling. “But honestly, you’ve adapted so well. It’s impressive.”
Sophia shrugged. “It’s been… a journey. Let’s just say I’ve had a lot of practice adjusting to new situations.”
“Sounds like there’s a story there,” Min-jae said gently, his curiosity evident.
Sophia hesitated before giving him a small smile. “Maybe one day.”
---
While Sophia prepared in her usual quiet way, Ji-hyun was the polar opposite. She managed to prank several students during the tense week before exams.
“Ji-hyun!” Sophia scolded after finding out Ji-hyun had replaced someone’s drink with salt water.
“They deserved it,” Ji-hyun said, her face angelic despite the mischief. “You know what they called you the other day? I won’t let anyone insult my Unnie.”
Sophia shook her head, though warmth filled her heart. “Just… don’t get caught.”
“I never do!” Ji-hyun declared proudly.
Despite her antics, Ji-hyun was also Sophia’s greatest support. When Sophia felt homesick one evening, Ji-hyun surprised her with a late-night feast of snacks and tea.
“Unnie, we’re family now. You can lean on me,” Ji-hyun said, squeezing Sophia’s hand.
---
During one quiet evening, Sophia received a video call from Crystal. Ji-hyun sat beside her, eagerly leaning into the screen.
“Crystal!” Sophia greeted, her face lighting up. “How are you?”
“Busy, as usual,” Crystal replied, her tone warm. “How’s boarding school life treating you?”
Sophia sighed. “It’s… a lot. But I’m managing.”
Ji-hyun grinned. “Sophia’s a star student here. She even has a study partner—Min-jae.”
YOU ARE READING
SMITTEN BY HER (unedited)
Romance"Beyond Shadows" In a world where darkness reigns, a young orphan's dreams of becoming a veterinarian are shattered by her aunt's cruelty. But when she's drawn into the mysterious world of enigmatic Mr. Lee - a powerful figure rumored to be "more th...
