Min’s sharp heels clicked against the marble floor as she stormed off, her parting words still echoing in Kim’s ears. “You’re not worth my time,” she had sneered, her disdain dripping from every syllable. Kim stood frozen, staring at the space she had vacated, his chest heavy with a mix of emotions—anger, disappointment, and a deep sadness he couldn’t fully articulate.

Seo remained at his side, silent for a moment as he let Kim process the events. Finally, he spoke, his tone light but carrying a weight of sincerity. “Well, that was... enlightening,” he said, scratching the back of his head. “You okay, man?”

Kim let out a shaky breath, his shoulders sagging under the weight of the encounter. “I don’t know,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “I guess I just... didn’t expect people to be like this. I thought she—” He stopped himself, shaking his head. “I thought I could trust her.”

Seo clapped a hand on Kim’s shoulder, his grip firm and reassuring. “Hey, don’t let her get to you,” he said. “Yeah, people like Min exist, but they’re not the whole world. You just got unlucky meeting her first. There are good people out there—you just have to know where to look.”

Kim turned to Seo, his brow furrowed. “How do you know? How can you tell who’s real and who’s just pretending?”

Seo chuckled, though there was no mockery in his tone. “Honestly? You can’t always tell right away. It’s trial and error, my friend. But here’s a tip—look for the ones who don’t ask for anything in return for their kindness. Those are the people worth sticking with.”

Kim nodded slowly, taking in Seo’s words. They walked in silence for a while, their steps echoing in the quiet corridor as they headed toward the cafeteria. Despite the ache in his chest, Kim felt a small spark of gratitude for Seo’s presence.

As they approached the cafeteria, Seo continued, his tone more thoughtful now. “You know, I’ve been through my fair share of people like Min. It sucks, but it’s also a wake-up call. Not everyone’s like her, though. Look at us.” He gestured between them. “We’re not here because we want something from each other. You’re my friend because you’re a good guy, not because of what you can give me.”

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Kim couldn’t help but smile at that, a faint warmth cutting through the lingering chill of his encounter with Min. “Thanks, Seo,” he said quietly.

“Don’t mention it,” Seo replied with a grin. “Besides, someone’s got to keep you out of trouble, right?”

They stepped into the cafeteria, the hum of conversation and the clatter of dishes filling the air. Seo guided Kim to a table near the window, the late afternoon sun casting warm rays across their faces. As they sat down, Seo leaned back in his chair, studying Kim with a knowing look.

“You’re stronger than you think, you know,” Seo said. “Min might’ve knocked you down, but she didn’t break you. If anything, she just made you smarter. You’ll figure this place out, and when you do, you’ll be unstoppable.”

Kim’s chest tightened at Seo’s words, a mix of gratitude and determination welling up inside him. He realized that while Min had exposed him to the harsher realities of university life, she had also given him a valuable lesson. Trust was something to be earned, not freely given.

As they sipped on their modest cups of coffee, Kim found himself reflecting on the day’s events. His initial excitement about university had been tempered by the painful realization that not everyone had good intentions. But it wasn’t all bad. Seo’s unwavering support reminded him that genuine bonds could still be formed, even in a world that often seemed dominated by selfishness and greed.

“I’m not giving up,” Kim said suddenly, his voice firm.

Seo raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into an approving smile. “That’s the spirit,” he said. “You’ve got this, man. Just remember, not everyone deserves your trust, but the ones who do? They’ll make it worth your while.”

Kim nodded, the weight on his shoulders feeling a little lighter. The pain of Min’s betrayal lingered, but it no longer felt insurmountable. He had learned a hard lesson, but it was one that would serve him well in the future.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the campus, Kim felt a renewed sense of purpose. His innocence may have been bruised, but it wasn’t gone. And now, with Seo by his side, he knew he had the strength to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

“Let’s get out of here,” Kim said, pushing back his chair.

Seo grinned, standing up and clapping Kim on the back. “Now you’re talking. Come on, I’ll show you the best ramen spot on campus. It’s no five-star meal, but it’ll blow your mind.”

They walked out of the cafeteria together, the bond between them stronger than ever. Kim knew the road ahead wouldn’t be easy, but for the first time in a long while, he felt ready to take it on.

This wasn’t the end. It was just the beginning.