The midday sun cast long shadows over the campus as Kim and Seo-joon emerged from the hall. The professor’s words lingered in their minds, but the duo decided to make the most of the free day to explore the university grounds.

“Let’s see what this place is really about,” Seo-joon said, his tone a mix of curiosity and determination.

The campus was sprawling, almost like a self-contained city. It had everything one could imagine: high-tech academic buildings, athletic facilities that rivaled professional complexes, and a mix of cafés, shops, and even a private cinema.

Their first stop was the main library, a towering glass structure that glittered in the sunlight. Inside, the atmosphere was hushed and studious. Kim couldn’t help but marvel at the endless rows of books and state-of-the-art technology.

“Not bad,” Seo-joon remarked, running his hand along the edge of a sleek digital workstation.

Kim swiped his ID card at a terminal to access the system. A notification popped up, listing the areas he could enter. It was a stark reminder of the invisible walls dividing the campus. While the library was open to all, certain sections were restricted. He noticed a frosted glass door labeled Elite Archives and felt a pang of frustration.

“Don’t let it get to you,” Seo-joon said, following his gaze. “We’ve got plenty to work with here.”

Their next stop was the recreational area, a stark contrast to the academic zone. The facilities were jaw-dropping: a swimming complex with shimmering pools, private theaters with luxurious seating, and high-end cafés offering artisanal everything.

Kim decided to test his card again at one of the cafés. He scanned it at the counter, only to find himself directed to a smaller, less opulent section labeled Scholarship Students’ Café. The drinks and snacks were simpler, the seating less plush.

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“Of course,” Kim muttered under his breath.

“Not bad, but definitely not the VIP treatment,” Seo-joon said, trying to lighten the mood. “Hey, at least the coffee smells decent.”

Kim’s gaze wandered to the other side of the café, separated by a glass divider. On the Elite side, students lounged on velvet chairs, sipping on lattes topped with intricate foam art. The contrast stung more than he cared to admit.

Their exploration continued to the athletic facilities. The outdoor tracks and fields were accessible, but the indoor courts and training centers required a higher clearance. Once again, Kim’s card denied him access.

“It’s like they’ve built two different universities,” Seo-joon observed. “One for us, and one for them.”

Kim nodded silently. It wasn’t just the physical divide—it was the subtle message that came with it: You’re here, but you’re not one of us.

As the day wore on, the duo found themselves in front of a massive building they hadn’t seen on the campus map. It was sleek and modern, with gold-accented doors and a sign that simply read Helix Center.

“Think we can get in?” Seo-joon asked, raising an eyebrow.

Kim swiped his card, and as expected, the scanner beeped red. “No surprises there,” he said, stepping back.

They watched as a group of elite students breezed past, chatting and laughing. Their cards granted them instant access, and the doors slid open to reveal a lobby that looked more like a five-star hotel.

Seo-joon sighed. “One day, man. One day.”

Kim didn’t respond immediately. His jaw tightened as he stared at the closed doors. One day isn’t enough, he thought. I’ll find a way to break through this divide—on my terms.

The sun dipped lower in the sky as they headed back toward their dorms, their exploration complete. The campus was impressive, but it was also a stark reminder of the uphill battle they faced.

“This place has everything,” Seo-joon said, breaking the silence. “But it’s not for us, is it?”

“Not yet,” Kim replied, his voice steady. “But we’ll change that.”

As they walked, Kim felt a growing determination. The divide was undeniable, but so was his resolve to overcome it. He had come too far to let barriers, no matter how gilded, hold him back.