Kim stepped through the gates of the university, his footsteps careful and deliberate. He kept his gaze low, avoiding the confident stares of wealthier students who exuded privilege with every move. The contrast was stark—while scholarship students moved quietly in small groups, often keeping to themselves, the affluent students dominated the scene. Their laughter and conversation filled the air, their designer clothes, luxury watches, and sparkling jewelry unmistakable signs of their elevated status.
Kim walked briskly toward the announcement board. A small group of scholarship students clustered nearby, murmuring quietly as they checked their schedules. Kim joined them, scanning the neatly printed timetable for his classes. The schedule was straightforward enough, with his first lecture set to begin shortly in one of the campus's primary academic buildings.
The trek to the classroom was another journey through the university’s opulence. Towering buildings with gleaming glass facades rose around him, their interiors visible through large windows showcasing grand staircases and modern study lounges. Kim entered the designated building, climbing the stairs to the classroom. His heart raced slightly—not from exertion, but from the anticipation of what lay ahead.
As Kim stepped inside, he was struck by the room's advanced design. It wasn’t just a classroom; it was a technological marvel. A sleek, high-definition projector was mounted on the ceiling, and a massive smart TV took up one corner of the room. The desks were ergonomic, designed for comfort and productivity, and each had its own built-in charging station. The walls were adorned with interactive whiteboards, capable of displaying digital content with a mere touch.
At the back of the room, Kim spotted Seo-joon, who waved him over with a grin. Relieved to see a friendly face, Kim made his way to the seat beside him.
“You ready for this?” Seo asked, his tone a mix of excitement and nervous energy.
Kim nodded, smiling faintly. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
The two began discussing the day’s schedule, comparing notes and sharing their thoughts about the subjects they were about to dive into. As they talked, Kim couldn’t help but feel a surge of gratitude. Despite the challenges, he was studying in an environment he could have only dreamed of.
Looking around, Kim noticed the absence of wealthy students in the room. Their glaring presence outside had made the lack of them here all the more noticeable. Curious, he leaned toward Seo.
“Where are all the rich kids?” Kim asked in a low voice.
Seo chuckled quietly. “Oh, they’re in their VIP classes.”
“VIP classes?”
“Yeah,” Seo explained, leaning closer. “The university has separate sessions for the wealthier students. Smaller groups, personalized attention, and even more advanced resources. It’s their way of keeping things exclusive.”
Kim frowned, the unfairness of the system hitting him hard. “Doesn’t that... put us at a disadvantage?”
Seo shrugged. “Not as much as you’d think. Our professors are some of the best in the university. They’re passionate about teaching and actually care about helping students like us succeed.”
Though it didn’t erase the bitterness entirely, Seo’s words offered some reassurance. Kim decided to focus on what he could control—his studies, his determination, and his dreams.
As the lecture began, Kim found himself captivated. The professor was engaging, combining humor with deep knowledge of the subject. The class was interactive, with students encouraged to ask questions and share their perspectives. Kim could feel his nerves settling as he immersed himself in the session.
During a brief pause, Seo nudged Kim. “See? We’ve got this.”
Kim smiled, his earlier doubts beginning to fade. He wasn’t here to compare himself to others; he was here to carve out his own path. The scholarship class might lack the frills of the VIP sessions, but it had something far more important—a group of determined students and educators committed to making the most of their opportunities.
As the lecture continued, Kim took meticulous notes, his pen gliding across the pages of his notebook. Each word felt like a step forward, a piece of the foundation he was building for a brighter future.