Roses and Thorns (Jinlia)

𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲

ʀᴏsᴇs ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴏʀɴs
𝖯𝗋𝗈𝗅𝗈𝗀𝗎𝖾

With a final, satisfying stroke of her pen, Jisu leaned back in her chair, a triumphant smile spreading across her face. She lifted the neatly bound pages from her desk, feeling the weight of her hard work in her hands. It was doneㅡher narrative report was finally complete.

A soft knock sounded at her door. “Sweetie, dinner’s ready!” her mother called from the other side.

“Coming, Mom! Just need to change real quick,” Jisu replied. She slid her finished project into a crisp brown envelope, tucking it carefully into her backpack. After a moment’s pause, she crossed the room to her wardrobe, selecting her neatly pressed uniform.

It was almost seven in the evening, yet Jisu was still getting ready for school. She had secured a spot in the university’s night classesㅡspecial arrangement she had personally requested from the school’s president. Juggling two demanding degree programs meant her schedule was constantly full, with assignments and deadlines that often collided. But she was determined to make it work.

For anyone who hadn’t experienced it, the relentless grind of college life was unimaginable. The system was designed to test your limits, and the late nights, endless cramming sessions, and forgotten meals were all part of the package. But Jisu was resolute. She knew that every sacrifice, every sleepless night, would pay off in the end.

Stepping into the dining room, she found her mother setting the table, her hands moving with practiced ease. Jisu’s expression softened, and she approached her mother with a warm smile, planting a gentle kiss on her cheek. Then, she slipped into her usual seat, the two of them sharing a quiet moment of comfort before the evening’s whirlwind resumed.

──⇌••⇋──

After clearing her dishes from the table, Jisu hurried back to her room, gathering all her school things in a flurry. She slung her backpack over her shoulders, wincing briefly at the heavy weight, but she quickly shook it off. Steeling herself, she stepped out of her room. “Mom! I’m heading out!”

“Alright! Please be safe!” her mother called back from the kitchen.

“Will do!” Jisu replied, closing the door behind her with a soft click. She swiftly tied her hair into a low ponytail, though a few stubborn baby hairs escaped her grasp.

Outside, the cool evening air greeted her as she retrieved her bicycle. She paused for a moment, hands gripping the handlebars, her right foot poised on the pedal. Focus, she reminded herself, taking a deep breath to clear her mind. With a final, steadying exhale, she pushed off, pedaling into the night and toward the university.

──⇌••⇋──

“Good evening, Mister Lincoln!” Jisu called out as she dismounted her bicycle, flashing a warm smile at the security guard on duty.

“Good evening to you too, Miss Choi,” he replied, his gruff tone softened by the twinkle in his eyes. Jisu couldn’t help but feel a little lighter knowing that her presence brought even a hint of joy to someone dealing with the stress and demands of daily life.

“Oh, come on, Mister Lincoln. I’ve told you, it’s perfectly fine to just call me Jisu,” she insisted, her lips curving into a playful pout.

He chuckled, the lines around his eyes deepening. “Alright, noted. But you’d better hurry along now. Your class is about to start.”

Jisu gave him a quick salute before heading off, leaving her bicycle under the watchful care of the ever-friendly guard.