New beginning

The campus of Seoul University buzzed with excitement.

Students filled every corner of the university grounds, dragging suitcases, carrying backpacks, and chatting enthusiastically with friends and family. Laughter echoed across the open courtyard as freshman prepared for the first day of a new chapter in their lives.

For most of them, today was a day of excitement.

For Han Ji-won, it was just another day.

Standing near the entrance gate, she adjusted the strap of her bag and quietly observed the crowd. Groups of students introduced themselves, exchanged phone numbers, and eagerly discussed their future plans.

Ji-won looked away.

She had no interest in any of it.

Friendships.

Relationships.

Trust.

Those things only brought disappointment.

A cool morning breeze swept across the campus, carrying the sounds of cheerful conversations. Ji-won tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and continued toward the main auditorium where the opening ceremony was being held.

Around her, students rushed excitedly toward the building.

No one noticed the girl walking alone.

And she preferred it that way.

Little did Han Ji-won know that before this day ended, her life would begin to change in ways she never expected.

The opening ceremony lasted nearly an hour.

Freshmen filled the large auditorium, their voices blending into a sea of excitement and nervous anticipation. Some students whispered to one another while others eagerly took pictures to commemorate their first day at Seoul University.

Han Ji-won sat quietly near the back.

She paid little attention to the conversations around her.

After a few minutes, the university principal stepped onto the stage.

The hall gradually fell silent.

"Welcome, everyone, to Seoul University."

His warm voice echoed throughout the auditorium.

"Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in your lives. Here, you will learn, grow, make mistakes, and discover who you truly are."

A wave of applause followed.

The principal continued speaking about the university's history, values, and expectations. He encouraged students to challenge themselves, build meaningful relationships, and create unforgettable memories during their years on campus.

Ji-won stared at the stage without expression.

Meaningful relationships.

She almost laughed at the phrase.There was nothing meaningful for me.

As far as she was concerned, relationships only ended in disappointment.

Soon, the ceremony came to an end.

Students began filing out of the auditorium and gathering around notice boards placed throughout the campus.

Large sheets of paper had been posted, listing class assignments for each department.

Excited voices filled the air.

"I got into Class A!"

"Hey, we're in the same class!"

"Let's go check together!"

Ji-won made her way through the crowd and stopped in front of one of the boards.

Her eyes quickly scanned the list.

Han Ji-won.

Class 1.

Cybercrime and Criminal Investigation Department.

Without much reaction, she memorized the classroom number and turned away.

Un aware of the continuous day to her, several names listed beneath hers would soon become the most important people in her life.

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