We just shifted to Seoul from Daegu because of Mom's job. Honestly, I didn't want to leave my friends we'd grown up together, shared countless memories, and promised to stay in touch no matter what. But life doesn't always go according to plan, and I've learned that adapting is part of growing up. I can always befriend new people here, right?
I applied for a scholarship for Delight High School, which is one of the best elite schools in South Korea. Without that scholarship, I could never dream of enrolling there. The tuition fees alone are astronomical, let alone the other expenses. But if I graduate from here, I'm sure I'll be accepted into the best university, which will make it so much easier for me to pursue my dream of becoming a successful architect. The school only accepts two scholarship students every year, and the fact that I am one of them makes me feel like a genius. Mom was so proud when she heard the news—her eyes glistened with tears, and she hugged me tighter than she ever had before.
Well, anyways, I was in a hurry since today is my first day at Delight High. Can't say that I'm not nervous. My mind is exploding with nervousness and excitement all at once. Students of this school are all from filthy rich families, so I was scared of getting picked on initially. But after some research, I found out that no such thing has been reported for the past two decades. Let alone a negative review, I didn't find a single complaint about bullying or discrimination. That gave me some comfort, though the knot in my stomach remained.
I got changed into my uniform, which was also provided by the school in three pairs, along with all the school materials and sports uniforms. How can a single pair of school uniform cost around $1000? 1.4 million won! The prices are ridiculously high. But it's nothing for me to worry about, anyways. At least Mom doesn't need to spend more.
After Dad passed away, she alone took care of me. I still remember the day we lost him—I was only ten, and Mom held my hand so tightly at the funeral that I thought she'd never let go. From that day on, she worked double shifts, sacrificed her own dreams, and never once complained. I need to study hard so that I can provide her with a better life—a life where she doesn't need to work overtime and can buy whatever she likes without worrying about saving every single won.
"Seo-ah! Breakfast is ready. Come soon if you don't wanna be late!" shouted Mom, cutting my thoughts off.
"Coming, Mom!" I yelled back and made my way to the kitchen.
She had prepared egg toast along with a glass of chocolate milk for me and coffee for herself. The aroma of toasted bread and butter filled the small apartment, making it feel like home despite everything.
"Be quick, Seo-ah, or you're gonna be late," she continued nagging, fussing over the plates like she always did when she was anxious.
I couldn't help but smile and nod. It's her habit to nag whenever she's nervous, and today, I could tell she was more anxious than usual. Her hands moved a little too quickly, and she kept glancing at the clock on the wall.
"Woah! Mom, did you change the recipe? It tastes even better than before," I said, widening my eyes after taking the first bite even though it tasted exactly the same as always.
She flipped her hair back dramatically, a playful grin spreading across her face. "Don't underestimate my cooking skills, son. I improve every day. Enough flattery now. Finish it up, kiddo."
I chuckled in response because that's how she relaxed a bit. She always had this happy-go-lucky personality, but I knew her well enough to see through it. She worries too much about my well-being, and now that I'm going to Delight High, I think she has mixed feelings about it. Pride mixed with fear, excitement tangled with concern.
I hurriedly finished my breakfast and bid her goodbye by kissing her cheek. "Don't work overtime and come home soon, okay? You need rest as well," I said, looking her straight in the eyes.
"I will, my baby." She patted my head lovingly, her hand lingering just a moment longer than usual. "Now go quick, or you'll miss your bus!"
I grabbed my bag, took one last look at our cozy apartment, and stepped out into the bustling streets of Seoul. The morning sun was warm on my face, and the city hummed with life around me. New school, new people, new chapter.
I was ready.
Well, at least I hoped I was.