Kim sat on a bench in the university courtyard, his gaze fixed on the bustling students moving between classes. The sun shone brightly, casting a golden glow over the pristine campus, but Kim felt none of its warmth. The echoes of his encounter with Mi-jin still haunted him, a bitter reminder of how cruel and manipulative people could be.
Since that fateful day, Kim had been trying to adapt to life among the wealthy students. Their world was one of luxury and privilege, a stark contrast to the modest life Kim had known. While Seo often reassured him that not everyone was like Mi-jin, the casual remarks and subtle mockery from affluent students told a different story.
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Kim leaned back and tried to distract himself by observing the groups around him. Near the fountain, a cluster of students was engaged in animated conversation, their laughter ringing out across the courtyard. A closer look revealed the glint of designer watches, high-end gadgets, and expensive jewelry adorning their wrists and fingers. To Kim, their lives seemed effortless, free of the burdens that weighed him down.
“Hey, Kim.” Seo plopped down beside him, holding two steaming cups of coffee. “Rough day already?”
Kim forced a smile. “Something like that.”
Seo handed him a cup. “You’ve got to stop worrying about those rich kids. They’re not all bad, you know.”
Kim raised an eyebrow. “Are we talking about the same people? Half of them treat anyone without a trust fund like they’re invisible.”
Seo shrugged. “It’s just noise, man. Focus on yourself. Let them play their little games.”
Before Kim could respond, a commotion drew their attention. Across the courtyard, a student was holding up a shiny new phone, proudly showing it off to a small crowd.
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The boy, dressed in trendy clothes that screamed wealth, was basking in the attention. “It’s the latest model,” he boasted, turning the phone so everyone could see. “Custom-made, imported from overseas. Cost me 2.5 million won ($2,000).”
The crowd murmured in awe, their eyes fixed on the device. Kim couldn’t help but feel a twinge of annoyance at the display. It wasn’t the first time he’d seen such a spectacle, and he doubted it would be the last.
“Ridiculous, isn’t it?” Seo muttered, sipping his coffee. “All that money just to show off.”
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Kim nodded but said nothing. He was about to look away when another figure stepped forward—a tall, confident student from Class A. His tailored suit and air of superiority immediately commanded attention.
The newcomer smirked as he pulled out his own phone. It was unlike anything Kim had ever seen, encrusted with gold plating and adorned with tiny jewels. The sunlight reflected off the device, making it sparkle like a treasure.
“Cute phone,” the Class A student said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “But this is what real luxury looks like.”
The first boy’s expression faltered, his confidence crumbling. The crowd, sensing the shift, began to laugh—not at the Class A student, but at the boy who had moments ago been the center of attention.
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Kim watched the scene unfold, a mix of emotions swirling within him. Part of him felt a grim satisfaction at seeing the first boy brought down a peg. After all, wasn’t he just another example of the arrogance Kim had come to despise? But another part of him felt a pang of dismay. The cruelty of the crowd, their eagerness to tear someone down, was a harsh reminder of the toxic environment he was now part of.
“They really don’t hold back, do they?” Seo said, breaking the silence.
Kim shook his head. “It’s like vultures circling their prey. One moment they’re cheering you on, and the next they’re tearing you apart.”
Seo chuckled. “That’s the wealthy world for you. It’s all about appearances and power plays. But don’t worry, karma has a funny way of balancing things out.”
Kim wasn’t so sure. The more he saw, the more he realized how deeply ingrained this behavior was. It wasn’t just about wealth—it was about hierarchy, about proving who was better, who was more deserving of admiration.
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As the crowd dispersed, Kim found himself reflecting on Seo’s words. Maybe there was some truth to them. Maybe, in time, the arrogance and cruelty he witnessed would catch up to these people. But that didn’t make it any easier to endure.
“Do you ever get tired of it?” Kim asked, turning to Seo.
Seo tilted his head. “Of what?”
“This… dynamic. The constant need to show off, to put others down. Doesn’t it get exhausting?”
Seo smiled faintly. “Of course it does. But you learn to tune it out. Focus on the things that matter—your goals, your values, the people who genuinely care about you. The rest is just noise.”
Kim nodded, though he wasn’t entirely convinced. It was easier said than done, especially when the “noise” was so loud, so pervasive. Still, he couldn’t deny that Seo’s perspective offered some comfort.
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By the time they left the courtyard, Kim’s mind was buzzing with thoughts. The incident he had witnessed was just another example of the “wolf-eat-wolf” dynamic Seo often talked about. It was a harsh world, but one he was determined to navigate.
As they walked toward their next class, Kim felt a flicker of resolve. He might not have the wealth or status of his peers, but he had something just as valuable: resilience. And in a world like this, that might just be enough.