Chapter 27
Chapter 27
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 27
Chapter Title: Spotlight on Stage
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Yoon Haneul stepped onto the stage in the grand auditorium of Korea University.
Dressed in a neat dress, her long hair styled in elegant waves that swayed with every movement, the familiar fragrance wafting from her tickled the tip of Kang Hyun's nose.
"She's so pretty!"
"Woo-hoo!"
Whistles and applause continued nonstop as she took the stage.
Her stunning beauty drew gasps of admiration from everyone there.
At that moment, it was only natural for Kang Hyun to earn everyone's envy.
"What? When did you prepare this?"
"Surprised?"
"Yeah, why didn't you tell me?"
"I wanted to surprise you."
She winked playfully with a bright smile, looking breathtakingly beautiful. Unlike her casual look when they texted or hung out, fully made-up and dressed to the nines like this, she was almost overwhelming.
"You're really pretty!"
Someone shouted again.
The word "pretty" fell short for her, but there were no better words to describe it.
"Whoa..."
The guy sitting next to Kang Hyun absentmindedly clapped, staring at her on stage with a dazed expression, completely captivated. He'd forgotten all about his earlier contempt and disdain; he was too stunned for even jealousy.
"Thanks. See you later."
"Yeah, let's grab lunch together."
Kang Hyun took the flowers from her amid everyone's jealous stares.
As he watched her pat his arm reassuringly and head down, the tension melted away, leaving him suddenly starving.
In stark contrast, the assembled students could only look at Kang Hyun with renewed tension.
Rumored genius and top scorer nationwide, a heroic figure famous on social media among those in the know. And now a close friend of the model-like Yoon Haneul.
The more people knew about him, the more they couldn't help but admire him.
When Kang Hyun returned to his seat, everyone greeted him with smiles and warm hellos.
It was ironic how different they were before and after learning who he really was.
"Oh, I had no idea you were the famous top student. Which high school did you go to?"
"How'd you build up such an impressive resume?"
Even though the event wasn't over, whispers surrounded Kang Hyun, but he just responded with a relaxed smile.
-...With endless curiosity and passion, may we cross boundaries and grow together in our university life. I sincerely hope...
The ceremony was wrapping up with Kim Jong-hwan's closing speech.
"I'm starving."
The Korea University student cafeteria, which Kang Hyun would soon get used to, was packed. They waited in line for a while before finally getting their food.
"I'll have the kimchi cheese nabe and takoyaki."
"Want to share the bulgogi then?"
The cafeteria was famous for its great value, so Yoon Haneul's excitement was sky-high.
With so many menu options, the wait wasn't boring, and it was their first meal there, adding a bit of thrill.
Seated in a quiet corner, they laid out their food side by side and savored their first bites in comfortable silence.
"It's good."
"Yeah!"
She'd already polished off two takoyaki balls, munching away happily.
It had been a while since they'd met, but watching her eat with such gusto was always a pleasure.
Her face still held that youthful innocence from high school, but her natural makeup enhanced her glow perfectly.
On top of that, her tennis and yoga routines kept her figure flawless, making her even more alluring lately.
"When's your first class?"
Kang Hyun had been staring too much; she wiped sauce from her lips and asked.
Snapping out of it, he fumbled his response.
"Only Thursday afternoons, otherwise packed from morning. Some people manage free periods perfectly, but not me."
"Can't do this then?"
"Huh?"
She quickly pulled out her phone and showed him something.
Kang Hyun tilted his head, pondering silently before asking.
"What's this?"
"Your department and some top Seoul universities are hosting an international moot court competition."
He wondered when she'd found this. He nodded with a quiet "Really?" under his breath.
"Next spring?"
The International Moot Court Competition, "Bismut" (aka VIS MOOT).
Alongside the Jessup International Law Moot Court, it was one of the two most prestigious international moots with top credibility.
A festival for aspiring lawyers where countless geniuses competed. Just making finals was a huge honor.
These days, law aspirants or anyone eyeing law school had endless moot experience and awards, but these two were on another level entirely.
A miraculous event teeming with prodigies of unbelievable skill.
Famous lawyers and heavyweight politicians attended as observers, so shining there opened doors instantly.
Unfortunately, Kang Hyun—who'd smashed through spec barriers with perfect CSAT scores—had zero such experience. That made it all the more intriguing.
What if he, with no awards to his name, swept the win?
His fame and resume would skyrocket.
And most importantly, the prize money.
"Total prize pool of 500 million won? First place team gets 100 million?"
His jaw dropped.
100 million won in hand for first? No reason for Kang Hyun to say no.
Yoon Haneul nodded and pointed to a line.
"Yeah. But it says preliminary selection this summer for top performers from the Korea University Moot Court."
Korea University Moot Court.
Given Korea U's top prestige, this had to be the nation's best.
Teams specializing in moots and flying-high geniuses would flock to it.
A chance to see and learn from a whole new league.
Kang Hyun felt fired up just hearing about it.
"I'm in."
"Great. Buy me a meal if we do well."
Pleased with his eager response, she nodded vigorously and dove back into her food.
But then.
A group of three approached Kang Hyun and Yoon Haneul's table.
One looked familiar—ah, the guy with the narrow eyes who'd sat to Kang Hyun's left at the ceremony.
Hair slicked back with pomade, exuding cocky confidence, he stood before them and blurted.
"You're Yoon Haneul, right?"
His business wasn't with Kang Hyun; he ignored him completely and stared only at her.
"...?"
His casual tone made her look up with a "what's this weirdo?" expression.
He grinned like her glance was a victory and introduced himself.
"Park Hyun-woo. Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you? For what?"
She set down her chopsticks, her face blank as she shot back.
Her voice was so icy—different from her usual tone—that even Kang Hyun was taken aback.
Park Hyun-woo seemed a bit flustered too but laughed it off loudly.
"Haha, you've been famous since those school model shoots, right?"
"...?"
"My dad's acquaintance works in school promo. Heard a lot about you. Give me your number? Let's hang out."
"No. Pass."
Yoon Haneul shut him down coldly and turned away.
"Why? Why not? You don't know me?"
Park Hyun-woo was grating on her more by the second, oblivious to it.
His two buddies stood behind like smug bodyguards, stiff and proud.
"Class over? Heading home? What time?"
"..."
Undeterred even by her turned back, he kept yapping and even tried sliding into the seat beside her.
Kang Hyun couldn't stand it anymore and cut in.
"Hang on."
Just before Yoon Haneul could unleash a sharp retort in anger.
"Can't you see we're eating? You're bothering us."
Park Hyun-woo's face darkened at Kang Hyun's words.
Like he'd been ignoring him on purpose, waiting for an excuse to snap back with a smug "As expected."
"Oh, Kang Hyun, right? Nice to meet you. I'm Park Hyun-woo."
"Yeah, likewise."
"You know who my dad is, yeah? Let's get along. I can help you out a lot."
Kang Hyun was floored by the guy leading with his dad.
He had no clue who Park Hyun-woo or his father was—and zero interest.
Whoever the dad was, Kang Hyun just hoped this kid bragging nonstop wouldn't embarrass him.
Shrugging ambiguously, Kang Hyun replied.
"Dunno who your dad is or how great he is, but I doubt he'd love his son name-dropping everywhere. Sounds like a headache later."
His two friends jumped forward like spokesmen, yelling.
"You mocking us?"
"Don't you know who Assemblyman Park Jeong-ik is?"
Park Hyun-woo raised an arm to halt them.
"It's fine. Makes sense."
His face flushed red like he'd never been dismissed before; he bit his lip, stepped back a few paces.
"...Fine. See you at orientation."
He spun on his heel, muttering "What the hell's his deal?" loud enough to hear.
Yoon Haneul didn't hide her rare cold glare.
"Why's he like that!"
"Beats me."
"Totally annoying."
It was the first time he'd seen her openly fuming like this.
"Don't let it get to you."
"Yeah. But he might be in your department. If he bugs you, tell me! I won't let him off."
"Haha, for real?"
"Yeah. You know I work out, right?"
Kang Hyun couldn't help smiling—half amused, half grateful—as she gripped her spoon tightly.
Evening came.
On the bus home.
Kang Hyun was on the phone with Jeong Eun-seong.
"Got it."
-Glad I could help. The rest is just formalities, so no worries.
"Thanks."
Hanging up, Kang Hyun let out a sigh of relief.
The journalist wasn't just sharp at digging up stories. His broad knowledge and connections had smoothed out Kang Hyun's student living expense loan approval effortlessly.
'Living costs covered for a while.'
30 to 50k won monthly—that was a lifeline for Kang Hyun.
He'd considered part-time work, but balancing school and a job had its limits.
"Whew..."
He sighed deeply.
Just twenty now.
Easier paths existed.
He could ace the police exam or try for public security civil service.
With his skills, it'd be a breeze.
But he'd hunker down a bit longer, waiting for the right time.
A time when rapid growth let him earn big and chase grander dreams on his own terms.
He prayed daily for that day to come sooner.
Vroom.
Stepping off the bus toward his hillside neighborhood, he looked up. A full moon shone brilliantly down on him.
"Man, after all that hustle, home feels nice again."
The neighborhood he'd hated now felt cozy and warm. Things really were all about perspective, and Kang Hyun was starting to agree.
Then.
"Damn it, open the door!"
Bang bang—a drunk man pounded on the neighbor's gate ahead.
"My money! Give me my money!"
Lost in sentiment, interrupted by a drunken fool...
Kang Hyun scratched the back of his head.