Kim stood by the Travel Club booth, his heartbeat pounding louder with each passing second. The bustling chatter of students around him faded into the background as Min, the girl who had waved him over, leaned casually on the table and began to speak. Her voice was light and melodic, carrying an effortless charm that made Kim feel both nervous and enthralled. For a moment, he forgot the noise of the campus, his insecurities, and even the amused smirk Seo had flashed him before disappearing toward the cafeteria. This was a moment Kim never imagined would happen—a girl was talking to him, and not just out of politeness but with genuine interest, or so it seemed.

"Have you traveled much before?" Min asked, her voice tinged with curiosity as she held his gaze.

Kim shook his head, embarrassed by the truth but too captivated by her presence to fabricate a story. "Not really," he admitted. "I’ve never had the chance to go anywhere far."

Min’s eyes widened in what seemed like surprise, though Kim couldn’t tell if it was genuine or just polite. "Really? That’s a shame. Traveling is one of the best ways to experience life, you know? You get to see new places, meet people, and just… escape for a while."

Her words painted a picture that felt like a dream to Kim. He nodded, trying to imagine the kind of life she was describing. To someone like him, who had spent most of his life struggling to make ends meet, the idea of escaping to distant, exotic places felt like a fantasy.

Min reached into a neatly organized folder on the booth table and pulled out a collection of glossy photographs. She shuffled through them quickly before handing a few to Kim. The images were breathtaking—golden beaches in Hawaii, towering skyscrapers in New York, ancient temples in Japan. Each photo was a testament to the luxurious life the Travel Club seemed to embody.

"These are from some of our past trips," Min explained, her voice brimming with pride. "We went to New York last spring. It was incredible—shopping on Fifth Avenue, visiting Central Park, even a private dinner cruise. And this one," she said, tapping a photo of a crystal-clear beach, "was from our summer trip to Hawaii. The sunsets there are something you have to see to believe."

Kim stared at the photographs, nodding at the appropriate moments. The images were stunning, but his attention kept drifting back to Min. She seemed so at ease, so confident in her world of privilege. Her graceful gestures as she described each trip and the way her smile lit up her face left Kim mesmerized. For someone who had grown up navigating life’s hardships, she felt like a symbol of everything he had never known but always dreamed of—grace, charm, and a sense of belonging.

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"You should consider joining us on our next trip," Min suggested, her tone as casual as if she were inviting him to a simple coffee outing. "We’re planning something really special for the winter break. It’s still a surprise, but trust me, it’ll be unforgettable."

Kim swallowed hard, unsure how to respond. The thought of joining them on such extravagant adventures was enticing, but he knew deep down it was far beyond his means. "I… I’m not sure if I can," he said cautiously.

Min tilted her head slightly, her expression softening. "Why not? It’s a great way to make new friends and create lasting memories. Isn’t that what university life is about?"

Kim hesitated. Her words made sense, but the reality of his financial situation loomed large in his mind. He forced a smile, unsure how to navigate the conversation without revealing too much about his circumstances.

As the conversation continued, Kim’s nerves began to ease, and he found himself speaking more freely. They talked about their favorite subjects, childhood dreams, and even a bit about the other clubs on campus. Min’s laughter was infectious, and for the first time in a long while, Kim felt like he could truly relax.

From a distance, Seo watched the interaction with a knowing grin. He had seen Kim’s awkwardness around girls before, but this was the first time he’d seen him genuinely engaged. Deciding to give his friend some space, Seo waved a quick goodbye and headed toward the cafeteria.

Kim didn’t even notice Seo leaving. He was too absorbed in the moment, captivated by the idea of finally being part of something bigger than himself. Min’s enthusiasm for the Travel Club and her apparent interest in him were like a breath of fresh air, pulling him out of the shadows of his self-doubt.

"So, what do you think?" Min asked, snapping Kim out of his thoughts.

"About what?" he replied, realizing he had lost track of the conversation.

"About joining the club," she said, her smile unwavering. "You’d fit right in, I think."

Kim hesitated, the weight of his insecurities and financial limitations pressing down on him. But before he could respond, Min leaned closer, her voice dropping to a more personal tone. "You don’t have to decide now. Just think about it. I think you’d enjoy it more than you realize."

Her words lingered in Kim’s mind as he nodded, managing a small smile. The moment felt surreal, almost magical. For the first time since arriving at the university, he felt a glimmer of hope that he could belong, that he could be part of something more.

But beneath the surface of his excitement, a tiny voice of doubt began to whisper. Was Min’s interest in him genuine, or was there something else at play? Kim brushed the thought aside, choosing to savor the moment. For now, it was enough to feel seen and valued, even if just for a fleeting instant.

As he walked away from the booth, Min’s smile still fresh in his mind, Kim couldn’t help but wonder if this was the beginning of a new chapter in his life—or the first step toward a painful lesson in reality.