A Month to the CSAT Flies By in the Blink of an Eye
A month to the CSAT really does pass by in a flash.
During that time, I finished midterms and just went about my ordinary university life.
"Sunbae, wanna grab some food with us?"
"Nah, I'm good. Gotta head home now."
Ordinary... or rather, I'm living the life of a voluntary loner.
Juniors invite me to eat together, and guys who reenrolled with me ask to hang out, but I turned them all down.
The most I do is play games at home with those reenrolled buddies, but even that's enough to call it hanging out, right?
Anyway, living this voluntary loner life, the day before the CSAT sneaks up on me before I know it, and I start giving Na-eun advice—useless as I am compared to Seung-min Jeong.
Na-eun, who had been all "T_T T_T T_T" and lacking confidence just moments ago, was now saying she'd give it her all, and it made me feel inexplicably good. Like a grin was about to break out on my face.
I was about to jot down the advice I'd prepared while thinking of her like that, but...
Na-eun asked first if we could talk on the phone.
Without a moment's hesitation, I called her right away, and she picked up immediately.
"Hello~ Oppa~"
"Yeah, Na-eun-ah."
"You called right away?"
"You asked if we could talk now."
"I didn't think you'd call so quick."
Her deadpan tone made me burst out laughing.
"If I'd said yes, were you gonna call me?"
"Of course!"
Na-eun sounded as lively and happy as ever.
But maybe because tomorrow was the CSAT, there was an unmistakable undercurrent of anxiety she couldn't hide.
She let it slip out carefully.
"...Oppa, can I really do this?"
"You'll do great."
"For real...?"
"For real. I'm sure of it."
"Hehe..."
That laugh of hers tugged at my heart—I wanted to comfort her.
I wanted to give her courage. Tell her she had no reason to worry, that with her scores, she could aim higher than Jinhan University.
But instead of saying that right away, I decided to give her practical CSAT advice first, even if it came off a bit cold. That was more important.
"Na-eun-ah, what about food tomorrow?"
"Hmm... Probably pack a lunchbox or something."
"If you're packing a lunchbox, go for something that won't spoil over resting easy. The exam halls are warmer than usual, so food can go bad."
"Really?"
"It's a common issue every year."
It's true.
A lot of people think putting a lunchbox in a thermos is fine, but sometimes they eat spoiled food and tank the whole exam.
"Bread might be better. Especially rye bread."
"Why rye bread?"
"It doesn't taste great, but it's hard to digest. Keeps you full the whole exam."
"Ooh..."
At some point, Na-eun stopped showing her anxiety and started focusing on my advice.
"I don't know what your exam school is like, but if it's near the boiler, it might be hotter than you think. If so, call the teacher and ask to lower the temp a bit."
"Won't that bother the other students...?"
"If they're cold, they'll ask to turn it up. You're the priority—make it work for you. Be a little selfish for one day. Just don't outright disrupt."
"Okay..."
She seemed a bit lacking in confidence at the selfish request, maybe even reluctant.
But for tomorrow, you really need to be selfish. As long as it's not illegal or outright bad, a little self-centeredness is fine.
Too hot and you can't focus. Too cold, same problem.
When that happens, boldly call the teacher to adjust the room temperature.
I'll be fine, I'm confident? No, everyone’s different.
Some are super sensitive to temperature, others to noise, smells—whatever. People vary.
And for one day, you should indulge that selfishness. That's what I think, at least.
"They provide all the pens anyway, so use those. No makeup tomorrow—it's just uncomfortable. Wear comfy clothes. Even sweatpants are fine for the CSAT."
"I was gonna wear my uniform..."
"Is the uniform comfy?"
"No, not really."
"Then wear something comfy."
"Okay, got it."
I kept giving her all sorts of CSAT tips, and she listened obediently.
It was cute, and I was grateful.
These tips might come off as overstepping from me.
But her listening so intently must mean she thinks highly of me.
Eventually, I'd given all the advice I could, and now it was time to boost her courage.
"Na-eun-ah, super nervous?"
"...Yeah, really nervous."
"...Na-eun-ah, I don't think you need to stress that much."
"Really...?"
"Yeah, really. You know how good you are."
She probably knows it herself. With her current level, Jinhan University is a piece of cake.
Objectively, she's at a level where she could aim for schools just below Korea University.
I don't know why she picked Jinhan over those, but since that's her goal, I'll cheer her on to get in.
Anyway, point is, she's got Jinhan in the bag, easy.
"So, just do your best. It'll work out."
"...Okay, I'll do my best."
I could picture her nodding, that cute, determined look.
"Na-eun-ah, which school for tomorrow?"
"School? It's a bit far... Seokyoung High School."
"...Want me to pick you up tomorrow?"
"No, it's fine...! I can come alone...! It's kinda far from our neighborhood too...!"
"I'll really come get you."
"I said it's fine...!"
She said it was okay, but I'd already made up my mind.
I'm picking up Na-eun. That's all there was to it.
But since she might feel burdened, I backed off here.
"...Okay, then do your best tomorrow."
"......Yeah, oppa. Thanks."
"Yeah, fighting."
"Fighting...!"
With that, we ended the call...
Afterward, I messaged Seung-min Jeong.
Just checking if her parents or Seung-min were picking her up.
Of course, no one in the Jeong family could make it. Everyone had their own schedules.
...Guess it's time to drive again after so long.
Na-eun, I'm coming to get you.
The CSAT—you prepare forever, but it ends in a flash.
Started with Korean, through math, English, Korean history, and two elective subjects, and done.
Maybe because I studied so hard, it felt hollow yet relieving.
One thing's for sure: I got scores on par with when I studied with Oppa Seonwoo.
"Huuuuh..."
Thank goodness. Jinhan University, this should get me in for sure.
But you never know. I might've slipped up somewhere.
To check, I'll grade myself on the bus ride home.
With that in mind, I headed out the front gate...
"Na-eun-ah~ Jeong Na-eun~!"
Someone—someone I was thrilled to hear—called my name.
No way, no way, no way, no way.
I turned toward the voice, and there was Oppa Seonwoo.
Oppa Seonwoo, standing by his car, waving at me.
The moment I saw him, a rush of emotions hit: surprise, joy, gratitude, love...
...But before I could express any of that, my instinct kicked in with just this.
"D-Don't look...!!"
Covering my face.
Hiding my bare face with zero makeup.
And I'm even wearing glasses right now—he came to see this?
No matter how much I like Oppa Seonwoo, this won't do.
I absolutely can't let him see me like this.
Oblivious to my panic, Oppa strode right over.
Seeing him approach melted away my fluster and slight annoyance.
Instead, happiness bloomed, a smile spreading across my face.
"What? I told you not to come..."