PART 1: A ROOM ABOVE THE CITY
The soft chime of the elevator echoed through the silent corridor as Ji-hoon stepped out onto the 8th floor of the towering dormitory. The building, a sleek architectural marvel, loomed 20 stories high, its glass-paneled exterior reflecting the evening sky. Unlike traditional dormitories, which often felt cramped and utilitarian, this place exuded a sense of modern sophistication, built to house the elite minds of the university.
Ji-hoon took a moment to glance around, taking in the immaculate design of the hallway. The walls were painted in a subtle mix of warm beige and soft grey, with golden nameplates affixed beside each door, bearing the room numbers in sleek, engraved letters. The hallway was illuminated by soft recessed lighting, giving the entire floor a warm, welcoming glow. The air smelled freshly cleaned, with faint hints of wood polish and a touch of citrus, evidence of the university’s commitment to maintaining pristine living conditions.
He recalled the floor layout he had memorized earlier:
* Floors 1 to 5 housed common areas—cafeterias, study halls, a gym, and entertainment lounges.
* Floors 6 to 15 were residential floors, containing student apartments.
* Floors 16 and above were reserved for exclusive amenities—private lounges, conference rooms, and even a rooftop garden with a panoramic view of the city.
Ji-hoon’s destination was room 307, situated within the 8th-floor corridor. As he made his way down the hall, his footsteps barely made a sound against the polished marble flooring.
Finally reaching his door, he took a deep breath, twisted the handle, the door unlocked.
Ji-hoon stepped inside and froze.
The interior was breathtaking.
Spacious, sleek, and built with modern comfort in mind, the apartment-style dorm was unlike anything he had imagined. The living space was open and airy, bathed in the soft glow of floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the campus, with the city skyline visible in the distance.
The room was designed for four occupants, featuring 2 double-bunk format against the far wall, its wooden frame polished to perfection. Beside the bunks was a built-in study desk lined with shelves, already stocked with basic stationery and an LED desk lamp. A plush area rug covered the wooden flooring, and a mini refrigerator was tucked neatly into the corner, stocked with welcome refreshments—a gesture that spoke volumes about the luxurious standards of the university.
Ji-hoon’s luggage had already been delivered—a silent but efficient service that confirmed what he already suspected. This university wasn’t just a place for education—it was a world of privilege, where convenience and excellence were woven into every detail.
He walked over to the large window, pressing his palm against the cool glass. From here, he could see students bustling below, moving between academic buildings, cafés, and landscaped gardens. The campus stretched endlessly, a testament to its grand scale and influence.
A mixture of emotions swirled within him.
This was his new life.
A far cry from the small, cramped apartment he had shared with his family back home—a place where space was limited, and every penny counted. He remembered late nights of studying at a tiny wooden desk, squeezed beside his siblings, the air thick with the scent of instant ramen and warm summer nights.
Now, he stood in a place designed for the wealthy and the privileged.
A pang of guilt struck him. His family was still struggling, while he stood in a room that most people could only dream of. But alongside that guilt was a rising determination.
He clenched his fists.
“I won’t waste this opportunity.”
Ji-hoon had fought his way into this prestigious institution, outshining thousands of other applicants. He had endured years of hardship, balancing multiple part-time jobs, studying deep into the early hours of the morning, pushing through exhaustion because he knew that education was his only ticket out.
And now, he was here.
He wouldn’t just survive—he would thrive.
Wanting to familiarize himself with his new home, Ji-hoon decided to explore the building.
Stepping out of his room, he made his way toward the common areas on the lower floors.
The dormitory’s facilities were beyond extravagant.
* A fully-equipped gym, stocked with state-of-the-art exercise machines.
* A cafeteria resembling a five-star buffet, offering gourmet meals prepared by professional chefs.
* Spacious lounges featuring massive TV screens, plush seating, and modern decor.
* Private study rooms with soundproof walls, designed for maximum focus and productivity.
* A quiet library-like section, for those who preferred to study in a traditional setting.
Ji-hoon’s amazement grew as he continued exploring.
There was a game room with VR stations, where a group of students was engaged in competitive virtual matches. A mini-theater was set up for weekly movie screenings, and a small convenience store stocked every essential item a student could need—from notebooks to high-end snacks imported from overseas.
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It was overwhelming.
This place wasn’t just a dormitory—it was a world of its own. A microcosm of privilege, where the next generation of leaders, CEOs, and scholars would be shaped.
Ji-hoon felt an odd sense of disconnect.
Was this truly his life now?
For so long, he had been an outsider looking in, watching the life of wealthy and powerful from the shadows. Now, he was inside their world.
Could he truly belong here?
As Ji-hoon made his way back to his room, he thought about the students he had seen.
* Some were confident and relaxed.
* Others, like him, looked overwhelmed, adjusting to a life they had never known before.
Could he adjust in this environment.
Could he prove that he was more than just an outsider?
These thoughts weighed on him as he opened his door, stepping back into his room.
There were 2 people inside. Who were they? he wondered.
New people in his life...
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Part 2: The Harsh Truth of the Elite
As Ji-hoon stepped back into his apartment, he immediately noticed two unfamiliar figures unpacking their belongings. The air in the room felt charged with curiosity as both of them turned to face him. Their eyes flickered with silent assessment, sizing up their new roommate.
The first was Min-seok, a lean young man with neatly combed hair and sharp, intelligent eyes. His dress was slightly wrinkled, but the way he carried himself hinted at a quiet confidence. Ji-hoon could tell at a glance that Min-seok was someone who paid attention to details.
The second, Tae-hyun, was shorter but stockier, his posture far more relaxed. He wore a casual hoodie over his shirt, his sleeves rolled up as if he didn’t care much for formalities. His expression, however, was anything but careless—he was observing Ji-hoon just as much as Ji-hoon was observing him.
For a moment, silence stretched between them before Ji-hoon gave a polite nod.
“I’m Kim Ji-hoon. Nice to meet you.”
Min-seok’s eyes flickered with something—interest? Curiosity? He extended his hand, and Ji-hoon shook it firmly. Tae-hyun followed suit, his handshake a little more casual.
“I’m Min-seok.”“Tae-hyun,” the other introduced himself.
There was an awkward pause as they took each other in. The initial pleasantries were out of the way, but there was still an unspoken question in the air.
“So, what’s your deal?” Tae-hyun asked bluntly, sitting back on his bed. “Scholarship? Loan?”
Ji-hoon hesitated for a brief second before answering. “Full scholarship.”
Both Min-seok and Tae-hyun froze. Their expressions changed almost instantly—Min-seok’s eyes widened in shock, while Tae-hyun let out a low whistle.
“A full scholarship?” Min-seok repeated, his voice filled with disbelief. “There are barely a handful of students who get that. You must have ranked higher than most of the rich kids.”
Ji-hoon gave a small nod, unsure of how to react. The tension in the room shifted, not into hostility, but into something heavier—understanding mixed with disbelief.
“That’s… unbelievable,” Tae-hyun muttered, shaking his head. “Most of the top-ranking spots are dominated by the elite because of the kind of private education they get. It’s rare for anyone from a regular background to score that high.”
Ji-hoon frowned slightly. He had known that getting into this university was a long shot, but he hadn’t realized that his accomplishment was considered impossible.
Sensing Ji-hoon’s confusion, Min-seok leaned forward, his voice dropping to a serious tone. “You don’t know, do you? About the real divide in this university?”
Ji-hoon met his gaze. “Divide?”
Tae-hyun sighed and tossed his duffel bag onto his bed. “This university was originally built for the children of South Korea’s wealthiest families. CEOs, politicians, business moguls—you name it. Only the absolute elite used to study here. But when the public protested about the school being completely inaccessible to common students, the university was forced to open up admissions.”
Ji-hoon’s brow furrowed. He had known the school catered to the rich, but he hadn’t realized just how deep the divide ran.
“But even now,” Min-seok continued grimly, “only a small fraction of students here come from normal backgrounds. The education is ridiculously expensive, so most drop out before even starting, and their seats end up going back to the rich kids.”
Ji-hoon’s stomach twisted uncomfortably. He thought back to the luxurious common areas, the high-end cafeteria, the expensive gym equipment. Everything about this university screamed wealth.
“So the ones who do get in…?” Ji-hoon asked hesitantly.
“Are either barely holding on through scholarships and loans… or are bullied into leaving.” Tae-hyun’s voice was laced with bitterness. “The elite students don’t want us here. They’ll do anything to make life miserable for those of us who don’t belong. The administration? They turn a blind eye. The rich protect each other.”
Ji-hoon swallowed hard. He had fought his way up through hard work and perseverance, but the battlefield was much larger than he had anticipated.
A heavy silence filled the room as the weight of their words sank in.
Ji-hoon’s mind raced. The campus had seemed perfect—an ideal environment for ambitious students—but now he saw the cracks beneath the polished surface.
Min-seok studied him carefully before speaking again. “Ji-hoon, you have no idea how much attention you’re going to get. A poor student not only getting in but beating the rich kids in scores? They’re not going to like that.”
Ji-hoon exhaled slowly, processing the warning.
His entire life, he had fought against the odds, climbing step by step toward a better future. But now, he realized—his biggest battles were only just beginning.