Bang Eun-Kyung came home after a tiring day at school. He opened the door to the inviting scent of home-cooked meals from the kitchen. After dropping his bag by the entrance, he walked into the kitchen and saw his father diligently making dinner.
His father looked up and greeted him with a warm smile. "You're home, Eun-Kyung-ah. Change your clothes. Dinner will be ready soon."
Bang Eun-Kyung nodded but paused before going to his room to ask, "Where's eomma?"
His father's expression softened as he replied, "She'll be home late. Many customers are visiting her today since it's the start of autumn and a new semester. She's quite busy helping them."
Bang Eun-Kyung sighed and watched his father busy at the stove. He wished his mother could be there, quietly devoted like his dad, as he handled the household chores. Without saying anything more, he went to his room to change.
As Bang Eun-Kyung entered the kitchen, he noticed the table was already set. His father asked him to sit, and they started their meal together. The mood was easygoing as they shared casual conversations.
"How was school today?" asked his father, a smile on his face.
Ban Eun-Kyung's tiredness faded as he excitedly shared the day's happenings. His father listened closely, nodding at his son's tales. When their discussion shifted to Ban Eun-Kyung's friendship with Minjun, his father's demeanor became more reflective.
"I'm thankful for Minjun. It's rare for someone from a family like his to be such a great friend to you."
Ban Eun-Kyung stopped mid-bite and shook his head. "That doesn't matter to Minjun. He's not like that."
His father nodded warmly, reassured by his son's comfort. They continued eating silently until they heard the front door creak open. Bang Eun-Kyung's mother entered, clearly exhausted. She greeted them with a tired smile, and her husband immediately rose to help her at the table. Sitting beside him, she leaned back in her chair while he filled her plate.
"You must be hungry," he remarked, adding rice and the main dish to her plate and shifting the side dishes within reach.
Bang Eun-Kyung observed their interaction silently, noting his father's small yet considerate actions. He let out a quiet sigh. "Was today a busy day, eomma?"
"Exhausting. So many customers came today. It's beneficial for business, but I barely could breathe."
Her husband set a glass of water next to her and smiled. "At least you're home now. Take your time eating."
Bang Eun-Kyung listened as his mother animatedly shared about her day, her energy contrasting with her tiredness. His father gave her gentle attention, lightening the mood during their conversation. Watching his parents, Bang Eun-Kyung realized his father's patience even though his mother had been occupied with her duties as a shaman.
He let out a sigh as he continued eating.
###
Mun Sara sat silently at the dinner table, the soft sound of utensils echoing in the room. Her mother's stern gaze fixed on her from across the table, reflecting a familiar blend of expectation.
"How are your studies, Sara-ah? You're now in Grade 11. Are you managing your workload?"
Mun Sara ate her food before replying, "Yes, eomma. I'm doing well. I've kept up my grades and am still the second top student in class, alongside Minjun."
When Minjun was mentioned, her mother's face lit up with a proud smile. "That's my girl. You've made great progress so far, but it's essential to maintain it. Your academic performance and social standing matter. Staying close to Minjun is a wise choice; he comes from a respected family and is very smart. Associating with him will benefit you."
Mun Sara nodded again about her mother's calculated approach to her friendships.
Her mother's face lit up even more as she said, "I'm truly proud of you for choosing to take the Mensa exam. It's time we recognize your IQ potential. Honestly, I feel it's my fault for not thinking of this sooner." She laughed warmly. "But I'm sure you'll do great. You've always had a keen mind."
Mun Sara managed a small smile.
"When the Mensa results are released and meet my expectations, you'll make me prouder," her mother interjected instantly, her demeanor shifting to one of seriousness. "Don't let me down, Sara-ah. You understand how much I've put into you. I can't afford to feel embarrassed before my friends. Give it your all."
Mun Sara lowered her head. A lump rose in her throat, but she quickly swallowed it down. "Yes, momma. I promise I won't disappoint you," she said softly.
As she ate, a swirl of emotions stirred within her. She felt regret; the Mensa test seemed like a poor choice. Yet, determination soon emerged. She was resolute not only to prove herself to her mother but also to win Minjun's admiration.
A subtle smile played on her lips as she finished her meal, her thoughts already focused on Minjun.
###
It was the weekend when Minjin decided to visit Mrs. Jeong. Upon arriving at the small, cozy eatery, she noticed just a few diners. The warm, tranquil atmosphere and the inviting scent of home-cooked meals filled the space.
When Mrs. Jeong saw Minjin, her face brightened, and she approached with a beaming smile.
"Minjin-ah, what brings you here?" Mrs. Jeong asked.
Minjin raised her hands to reveal a carefully wrapped box. "I wanted to give you this. It's ginseng—I brought it for you."
Mrs. Jeong hesitated momentarily. "Minjin-ah, you really shouldn't have."
But Minjin gently urged her, pressing the box into her hands.
"Thank you, Minjin-ah. "Are you going to eat? Please, take a seat."
"No, thank you, Mrs. Jeong. I need to head somewhere else. I only stopped by to give this to you."
The door swung open, revealing Heo Yeong-hwan. His face was slightly flushed, and he held a helmet in his hand.
"Eomma, I finished the delivery," he then froze in surprise upon spotting Minjin. His eyes widened, and he exclaimed, "What are you doing here?"
Before Minjin had a chance to respond, Mrs. Jeong exclaimed, "She brought me ginseng! I'm so pleased you're here, Yeong-hwan-ah. We have another delivery—this one is for Mrs. Cho, just a few blocks from here. But it's too heavy to carry alone."
After a brief pause, she asked Minjin, "Minjin-ah, would you assist my son with the delivery?"
Minjin blinked. She looked at Heo Yeong-hwan, who observed her with a neutral expression.
After a pause, she nodded slowly. "Of course, I can assist."
Heo Yeong-hwan and Minjin strolled together on the sidewalk while holding part of Mrs. Cho's orders.
The sun was beginning to set, creating elongated shadows on the pavement. A gentle breeze stirred the leaves of the trees along the street.
"You know, there's no need to send gifts to my mother. Are you thinking of making her your mother-in-law?" Heo Yeong-hwan said with a playful smile.
Minjin glanced at him teasingly, "I might just be her daughter... and you'd be my sibling."
Heo Yeong-hwan feigned offense, his face twisting in a playful pout. "I don't want to be your brother."
Minjin chuckled at his reaction.
Heo Yeong-hwan's posture eased as he turned his gaze, trying to hide the faint smile on his lips. "I'd rather find another way to keep you near."
A comfortable silence enveloped them for a brief moment.
###
Mun Sara quickly scheduled her Mensa exam. She reached the testing center filled with excitement and determination. After the proctor outlined the rules, the test commenced—a 100-question exam that she was required to complete within 45 minutes.
Mun Sara quickly immersed herself in the questions, her pen gliding across the paper. She observed that many questions seemed surprisingly simple. As she answered more, her confidence soared. With each correct answer, she started to believe she could actually be a genius. Her self-assurance continued to grow with every passing second.
After 45 minutes, Mun Sara relaxed in her chair, a satisfied smile on her face, confident that she had performed well. She submitted her test and left the building, her steps buoyant and her spirits lifted.
The sun warmed her face as she smiled. Strolling down the street, she eagerly anticipated the results, confident that she would soon be closer to impressing Minjun.
###
While walking along the sidewalk, Mun Sara noticed a small store that sold school supplies. Remembering Minjun's mention of losing his mechanical pen, she decided to go inside. Joyfully, she wandered through the aisles, examining different mechanical pens until she found one she thought he would like. She kept browsing and was drawn to a few stationery items that she believed Minjun would also enjoy.
At that moment, Minjin and Heo Yeong-hwan walked into the store after completing their delivery.
Heo Yeong-hwan looked around before turning to Minjin with a playful grin. "What are you hoping to buy? You sleep through classes, after all."
Minjin rolled her eyes at his teasing remarks. "I won't be using this for classes," she said, moving closer to the vibrant pens on the shelves.
Meanwhile, Mun Sara completed her purchase and made her way to the exit, still focusing on the items she held. She was lost in thoughts of Minjun, so she didn't see two men by the door and accidentally collided with them.
She quickly lowered her head in apology.
"Watch where you're going, kid!" one of the men snapped, visibly irritated.
Mun Sara bowed once more, softly apologizing.
The second man scrutinized her and, captivated by her beauty, smirked in a sleazy manner.
"Wow, you're beautiful. Why not come hang out with us?"
Mun Sara lowered her head, visibly uncomfortable.
The man reached out to touch her face, but before his hand could reach her, Minjin intervened, gripping the man's wrist firmly.
"Do you not see that she doesn't want you to touch her?" she stated as she pushed his hand away.
The man smirked and pushed Minjin's shoulder. But Heo Yeong-hwan intervened quickly before he could continue, shoving the man's shoulder back with equal strength.
"Back off," Heo Yeong-hwan commanded.
Seeing his friend struggle against Heo Yeong-hwan, the other man strongly wanted to intervene. He confidently approached, leaning against Heo Yeong-hwan's chest to demonstrate strength.
"Just because you're younger doesn't mean we won't stand up for ourselves!" he challenged.
Heo Yeong-hwan held his position. "Alright, show me what you can do." he retorted confidently.
Fueled by anger at Heo Yeong-hwan's confidence, the man threw a punch. However, Minjin reacted quickly, stepping in front to intercept the blow with her arm. She kicked his leg in a single fluid movement, sending him off balance.
"We need to go!" she clasped Mun Sara's hand, gesturing toward Heo Yeong-hwan.
The three dashed out of the store, racing down the sidewalk.
The man who had been kicked pushed himself up. "Catch them!" he shouted at his partner, who swiftly chased after them.
'Yeah!" the man shouted, chasing after them as they sprinted through the crowded street, weaving around pedestrians.
Minjin tightly gripped Mun Sara's hand and led her through the crowded maze. Heo Yeong-hwan stayed close, frequently glancing back to gauge the distance of their pursuers. They zigzagged around corners and dashed through alleys, gasping for breath. Minjin focused on finding an escape route to evade their pursuers and protect everyone.
"Look over there!" Minjin pointed to a tight side street and tugged Mun Sara in that direction.
The three rushed into the alley, eager to find an escape route. Heo Yeong-hwan, still catching his breath after discovering a small alcove to conceal themselves, exclaimed, "Why are we hiding? We can take them both on!"
"Be quiet!" Minjin whispered urgently, glancing out from their hiding place.
She noticed one of the men patrolling the road, but fortunately, he didn't spot them.
"If the school learns we got in trouble again, we're finished." Then she focused on Mun Sara, who was still shaking slightly. "Are you alright?"
Mun Sara offered a slight nod. "I believe we've lost them."
Minjin rose cautiously and scanned the area. Then the three walked along the road.
"We can take you home," Minjin suggested, noticing Mun Sara's unease.
Mun Sara quickly shook her head. "N-no, I'm fine."
Minjin remained unconvinced. "At least let us walk you to the bus stop."
After a moment's hesitation, Mun Sara accepted. "Araso, I appreciate your help."
"It's no trouble," Minjin responded with a comforting smile.
Heo Yeong-hwan glanced at Mun Sara as they walked to the bus stop. When the bus had not yet arrived, they waited together. Suddenly, Heo Yeong-hwan asked, "What is your name?"
"I'm Mun Sara," she responded.
His eyebrows raised in recognition. "Wait, do you go to Taejo High School?"
"Oh, yes," Mun Sara replied, taken aback.
"We're also students there," Minjin said with a smile.
"No way! What a coincidence!" Mun Sara exclaimed.
Heo Yeong-hwan smirked. "Sure, you're in second place after that arrogant Kang Minjun."
Minjin's face shifted dramatically. "K-Kang Minjun? Did you really just mention Kang Minjun?"
"Yeah," Heo Yeong-hwan affirmed.
Minjin paused, then asked Mun Sara, "D-do you have a photo of him?"
Without hesitation, Mun Sara pulled out her phone and quickly found a photo of Minjun in the classroom. She handed it to Minjin, who examined it closely, her breath pausing momentarily. It was him—the Minjun she remembered.
"Y-you're his classmate?" Minjin asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
"Yeah, we're pretty close. You don't know Kang Minjun? He's quite popular with the girls."
"What year and section are you in?" Minjin inquired.
"We're in 11th grade, section one," Mun Sara responded.
Minjin's eyes grew wide. "We're in the same year."
"What's your name?" Mun Sara asked.
"I'm Park Minjin, and this is Heo Yeong-hwan."
As the bus drew near, Mun Sara rushed to gather her belongings.
"See you at school," she said as she waved as she got on the bus.
As Mun Sara boarded the bus, Minjin suddenly realized something. Without hesitation, she turned to Heo Yeong-hwan and said, "You head back first; I need to go somewhere."
Minjin took off running.
"Where are you going?" Heo Yeong-hwan shouted after her, but she didn't look back.