What would you do if you could go back in time?
Sunghoon glanced up at the clock above the classroom board, sensing the mounting anticipation in the air. Today was the last day before summer break, and as he looked around, he could feel the nervous energy rippling through his classmates, all of them eagerly awaiting the sound of the bell. Just then, the school radio crackled to life with an announcement, the voice of the announcer echoing through the speakers: "If you could go back in time, what would you do?" As the final words faded, the bell rang, its chime signaling the end of the school year. A wave of cheers erupted, filling every corner of the classroom and spilling into the hallways.
Sunghoon headed straight for his locker, eager to pack up and escape the classroom. He stuffed his bag with his belongings in a rush, the excitement of summer finally within reach. As he swung the locker shut, he heard the familiar chime of a notification from his phone. It was a message from his mom.
[Your dad will pick you up. Happy holiday son, keep me posted]
Sunghoon's parents had divorced a few years ago, but despite the separation, they had managed to maintain a smooth co-parenting arrangement. Sunghoon lived with his mom, while his older sister, Karina stayed with their dad. His mom had since remarried, but the family dynamic remained focused on keeping things as stable as possible for the kids. Although their living situations were split, there was always an unspoken understanding that, no matter the changes, they would support each other.
Every summer and winter break, Sunghoon and his sister Karina would spending time together. Summer was spent with their dad, while winter was for their mom. Their dad, an archaeologist, traveled frequently for his work, often taking Karina along on his adventures to far-off countries. Because of the constant travel, Karina was homeschooled, spending most of her time on the road with her dad, exploring ancient ruins and distant cultures.
While Karina thrived in this unconventional life, Sunghoon couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. He envied her freedom, her access to fascinating places and experiences. But at the same time, he knew he would never trade his routine for the constant upheaval. For Karina, though, it wasn't always as glamorous as it seemed. She often longed for a "normal" teenage life—one where she could hang out with friends, go to school, and experience things like prom or weekend hangouts, things Sunghoon took for granted.
Their lives were a stark contrast, each sibling with their own set of privileges and frustrations. The more Sunghoon got to know his sister's life, the more he realized how different their worlds really were—and how sometimes, the grass wasn't always greener on the other side.
"Enjoy your summer break!" Sion said, giving Sunghoon a playful shove on the back. "I'm always curious to hear which countries you'll visit this time."
Sunghoon winced at the hard tap, forcing a smile. "Yeah, I'm sure you can't wait to hear all about the ruins."
Sion laughed. "You're just jealous Karina noona gets to travel and you're stuck here, huh?"
Sunghoon shrugged, trying to play it off. "Maybe."
"By the way," Sunghoon added as he closed his locker, "we won't be going anywhere this summer. My dad's visiting South Korea for work—he'll be in Jeonju."
Sunghoon walked to the bus stop, AirPods in, music playing softly in his ears. As this was his senior year, he found himself constantly wondering what would come next—what the future held after graduation. He had so many questions but no clear answers. For now, though, he was waiting for his dad to pick him up, his mind drifting between uncertainty and the excitement of what the summer might bring.
Two hours had passed, and still no sign of his dad. Sunghoon checked his watch—7 p.m., the sky already dimming as the sunset faded. He let out a deep breath, frustration creeping in. It wasn't like his dad to be this late, but with each passing minute, doubt gnawed at him. He pulled out his phone, wondering if he'd missed a message or call, but the screen was empty. He sighed again, staring into the now-darkening sky.
