YOUTH

1

Summer mornings has always been one of Seulgi's favorite things. The sun is warmer and so is the pool – and her backyard is always better during this particular season. The trees lining up the garden are even prettier with the peaches and nectarines hanging off their branches, waiting to be plucked and so are the grapes which Seulgi loves just as much as the other two. She likes to sit and draw by the edge of the pool, watching as the sun reflects the waters of the pool to the leaves nearby, to the papers of her sketchbook and to her skin that has gotten a little bit tanner from hanging out in the backyard too many times for too long these past few weeks.

Seulgi takes a bite from the peach she had picked before, her right leg dangling off the edge and swinging back and forth, stroking the surface of the pool occasionally. The sound of birds chirping as they rest in one of the many trees' branches only adds to her tranquil, until a certain voice boomed out from the other edge of the pool.

"Incoming!"

The water splashed as her brother cannonballed into the pool. Seulgi merely covers her sketchbook with her thin chiffon robe, rolling her eyes as her brother swam to the surface, meeting her eyes with a grin on his face.

Seulgi crossed her arms. "Don't you dare think that bunny smile of yours is gonna fix the peace you ruined with that awful cannonball, Kang Daniel."

The boy smiled even wider. "First, I smiled because I wanted to and second, that cannonball was the best I've ever done this summer!"

"Yeah, whatever floats your boat, lil' bro," Seulgi rolled her eyes and opened back her sketchbook, drawing a few more lines as she ate her peach. Daniel continued to swim without bothering her further, knowing well he'd get his ass whipped if he tries to splash her sketchbook with water. The boy hopped onto the flamingo float, pushing his hair back and pinching his nose. He peeks through her sister's shoulder, staring at the flawless piece of art – as always. Daniel has always been amazed with the way Seulgi draws – it just looks effortless and easy for her. As someone who can't even draw an eye without it ending up looking like a hairy almond with circles, he obviously can't relate. The boy smiled and leaned on the flamingo's neck, closing his eyes as the sun shone on his figure, radiating just the perfect amount of warmth.

"You know, I'm glad you decided to go with fine arts instead of business."

Seulgi hummed. "Me too. Thanks for the sacrifice by the way," she chuckled.

Daniel let out an exhale and giggled shortly after. "It was no problem really. I wanted to do it," the boy opened his eyes and spun the float to face his sister. "You're doing the re-registration today right?" he asked. Seulgi hummed in response.

"You know getting into the top 12 entrance scores means you get the best dorm in campus right?" the younger smiled teasingly and Seulgi rolled her eyes in response. "Yeah, like getting the best dorm but still having to share with twelve other people's great? I'd prefer the regular dorms with only two to four people in it."

Daniel scoffed, actually triggered by Seulgi's answer that he sat up straight. "Are you kidding? Have you seen the top 12 dorm? It's gigantic. I bet you wouldn't even feel like you're sharing with twelve other people or more even!" he folded his arms in front of his chest. Seulgi lifted her eyebrows, turning to face Daniel. "Really?"

"And I thought you're the one going to Alvis Mendel."

The older smiled sheepishly. "Well, I didn't really care about the dorms."

It was true. Seulgi never actually cared about the supposed dreamy top 12 dorm at Alvis Mendel University. She chose that particular university because first of all, it's the most prestigious university in the country and second, they have amazing art programs – also, both her parents and a lot of her relatives are alumnis and Seulgi can only remember them being successful people. Being accepted and studying in a great university doesn't really determine your future but at least it helps you get a job and gives you the knowledge you need to pursue what you need – as her father said.