Kim and Seo continued their exploration of the university’s clubs, each new encounter adding layers to the complex social fabric of their campus. As they wandered through the bustling club fair, Seo kept pointing out clubs that, from the outside, appeared to offer an exclusive glimpse into the lifestyles of the wealthy. Kim, still absorbing the scope of his new environment, listened closely, his mind racing with questions about the invisible lines that divided students into categories based on wealth and influence.
"Take a look at those clubs," Seo said, gesturing toward a row of buildings in the distance, their grandeur starkly contrasting with the rest of the campus. "Some of those are invite-only. They cater only to the top tier. If you don’t know the right people or have the right connections, you won’t even get a foot in the door."
Kim squinted toward the buildings Seo had indicated. Large, ornate structures with elaborate entrances and luxurious surroundings that were reserved for the elite students who could afford to flaunt their wealth. It struck Kim as strange that such exclusivity could exist within an academic institution—an environment that, at least on paper, was meant to promote equality.
"That’s where the big money goes," Seo continued, his voice taking on a bitter edge. "The ones that really want to flex their power and influence. Membership fees are astronomical, and unless your family name has weight behind it, don’t even think about applying."
Kim's brow furrowed as he thought about his place in all of this. He had always known there was a difference between the rich and those who, like him, struggled just to get by. But seeing it so clearly laid out before him—the vast chasm separating the wealthy from the rest—was a stark reality check. He had spent so much time focused on surviving, on making his own way, that he hadn’t considered how deeply ingrained the divides were in every aspect of life here.
Seo’s voice broke through his thoughts. "But it’s not all bad. There are some clubs out there that actually give a damn about students, regardless of where they come from."
Kim nodded, his curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"
Seo pointed toward a smaller booth, tucked between the larger and more extravagant displays. "That one’s run by scholarship students—well, mostly by them. It’s a support group for those who experience discrimination or harassment from wealthier students."
Kim’s attention was drawn to the booth. A group of students stood nearby, having an earnest discussion. Their faces were solemn but determined, and their body language exuded a quiet strength. He watched for a moment, intrigued by the contrast to the extravagant clubs he had seen. This was not about prestige or wealth—it was about solidarity.
Seo nudged him gently. "You can tell these kids are used to fighting for their place. Some of them have been through hell just to get here, but they don’t back down."
Kim observed the group closely. There was a palpable sense of resilience in the way they carried themselves, the way they spoke. It wasn’t about complaining; it was about taking action. A few of them were sharing strategies on how to address issues they faced with more privileged peers, from subtle microaggressions to outright exclusion. The exchange was more than just a meeting—it was a powerful testament to their collective strength and determination.
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Kim felt a pull toward the group. The camaraderie was undeniable. He could relate to their struggle, to the uphill battle of fighting for a space in an environment that often seemed stacked against them. But even as he felt the lure of this group, he knew in his heart that his path lay elsewhere. He wasn’t sure he was ready to dive into activism just yet, especially when he still had so much to figure out about his own place in this university.
“I respect what they’re doing,” Kim said softly, his voice filled with admiration. “But I think I’m looking for something different. Something a little more… active, you know?”
Seo gave him a sidelong glance, understanding the conflict. "Yeah, I get it. You’re more about finding your own way first, right?"
Kim nodded. "Exactly. I need to figure out where I fit before I can start fighting the system."
Seo gave him a supportive pat on the back. "Fair enough, man. We’ll find something. But keep in mind, there’s always a place for you if you ever want to jump in."
Kim smiled faintly, appreciating Seo’s words. The encounter with the support group had opened his eyes to the realities of university life for scholarship students, but he wasn’t sure if he was ready to embrace that path yet. He had his sights set on something different, something that didn’t require him to be in constant conflict with the system.
As they moved on, Kim’s thoughts continued to swirl. He was still processing the enormity of what he had just witnessed when they arrived at the next booth, which immediately caught his attention.
"Now, here’s one that looks a little more my speed," Seo said with a grin, gesturing to a bright and colorful booth. The Travel Club was adorned with posters of exotic destinations and a large map of the world. The members were enthusiastic and animated, laughing and chatting about their upcoming trips. There was a carefree energy in the air that Kim found appealing, but it was only when his eyes caught sight of someone in the crowd that his attention sharpened.
Standing among the group of members was the girl from the other day—the one he had accidentally bumped into on campus. She was smiling, chatting with a few of the others, and effortlessly exuding an air of charm. Kim’s heart skipped a beat as their eyes met across the distance. She waved at him with a warm smile, her eyes sparkling with recognition.
Kim froze, uncertain about how to react. His pulse quickened as he debated whether to approach her. What would he say? Would she even remember their brief encounter? A wave of anxiety washed over him, and his thoughts began to race.
Seo, noticing Kim’s hesitation, smirked and nudged him with his elbow. "Come on, man. You’re not gonna let a girl get away just like that, are you?"
Kim shot him a nervous look, unsure of what to do. Seo laughed, clearly enjoying Kim’s discomfort. "Seriously though, just go for it. It’s your chance to find out more about her. What’s the worst that could happen?"
Kim hesitated for a moment longer, his mind torn between curiosity and anxiety. He could feel the weight of the moment, the uncertainty of whether this encounter would lead to answers or just more questions. Taking a deep breath, he decided to step forward, moving toward the Travel Club’s booth.
As he made his way through the crowd, he could feel Seo’s mischievous gaze on him, but Kim wasn’t paying attention to his friend anymore. All he could focus on was the girl standing ahead, a sense of anticipation building in his chest as he wondered what this next interaction would bring. Would this be the moment that answered some of the questions that had been swirling in his mind, or would it only deepen the mystery?
The next few seconds stretched on endlessly as Kim drew closer, uncertain but determined to find out.