Tenacious Fate
After racing through the rainy streets, we arrived at the auditorium. As expected, it was packed with freshmen, and up at the podium stood an elderly teacher in the midst of a thoroughly boring speech.
“Um, so, to wrap up with one final word, ‘final’ doesn’t actually mean the end...”
...The principal’s address dragging on like this must be the same at every school. But thanks to that, at least I hadn’t missed my turn.
Feeling a quiet relief, I headed backstage, where the impatient teachers spotted me and expressed their delight.
“Ah, you’re Kim Cheolsu, right?”
“Sorry I’m late.”
“Well, students have their reasons. We understand—Cheolsu’s an excellent student, so I’m sure you didn’t waste your time.”
Luckily, my high grades seemed to put everything in a positive light. Indeed, as they said, I’d dominated the entrance exam with unrivaled scores, earning me the chance to represent the freshmen on this stage in front of everyone. For a top elite high school like this in the capital area, it was an honor—but even so, I couldn’t call it a truly satisfying achievement.
The reason was simple. Even giving it my all with my second-life knowledge, I hadn’t claimed the very top spot.
“Of course, coming in second in your grade isn’t something just anyone can do.”
“Keep up those scores, and you won’t have to worry about your future. I think you’ve got every reason to be confident, Cheolsu.”
Sigh. I’d taken the exam seriously, but hearing “second place” thrown at me so bluntly still stung a little. I’d have to study even harder now that I was in. As that thought crossed my mind, I glanced around backstage and voiced a question that occurred to me.
“By the way, I don’t see the one who was supposed to speak before me.”
“Ah, you mean the top scorer.”
Right—since I was second, there had to be a first. Someone who’d aced every subject with a perfect score, nailing even the one problem I’d slipped on. The undisputed genius of this prestigious school.
“It’s been a headache for us too. The top student hasn’t shown up yet.”
“So they might be even later than me?”
“It’s a problem. The top student’s speech is a must-have at every entrance ceremony.”
Second place tardiness was one thing, but the top scorer too? The teachers must be sweating bullets. I had no solution for it either, so I paced anxiously alongside them—until someone slowly approached from backstage.
The teachers reacted instantly, calling out a name.
“Ah, Yoo Soeun!”
The warmth in their voices confirmed it—she was the top scorer. I turned to get a look, only to freeze with my mouth agape at the familiar face in my view.
It made sense: the bob-haired girl I’d ridden to school with on my bike earlier was standing there. Wait, what? That meant I’d basically done a favor for my archnemesis.
“Phew, I’m soaked through. Whatever happened, she must’ve rushed here since she was late.”
“Well...”
“Hey, she made it on time, so don’t scold her too much. Here, Yoo Soeun—take the speech script and wait over there. You’ve got to show everyone the dignified side of the top scorer!”
Maybe her voice was too soft. The teachers didn’t notice her trying to say something and pushed her toward the stage entrance. Just then, the principal wrapped up his address and stepped down, leaving the podium empty.
The emcee teacher confirmed it and announced to the freshmen with an energetic voice, pointing backstage.
“Yes, thank you for listening to the principal’s address. Next up, representing the freshmen, we have the speech from our first-year top scorer, Yoo Soeun. Let’s welcome her with applause!”
Clap clap clap clap!
The students started clapping on cue. More than half had lost interest during the principal’s dull speech, but I couldn’t help focusing on this Yoo Soeun girl and what she’d say. Smart kids usually had a knack for public speaking too. Who knew? The timid girl I’d seen so far might reveal some charisma and leadership at the mic.
“......”
But contrary to expectations, Yoo Soeun just stood silently at the microphone. As the quiet stretched from ten seconds toward a full minute, the crowd finally sensed something was off, and the atmosphere grew restless.
“What’s going on? Why isn’t she saying anything?”
“Is she nervous or something?”
Realizing things were turning serious, the teachers backstage started pleading softly and urgently toward her.
“Um, Yoo Soeun? Just read what’s on the script for now...”
Screeeeech!!
A piercing noise echoed through the auditorium. Everyone winced, and I knew right away. Oh, this is bad. If the freshman rep botched it like this, the ceremony would be a funeral from the start.
“Y-Yoo Soeun! That’s not how you work the mic... Huh? Kim Cheolsu?”
Of course, I had no intention of letting this monumental second youth get ruined. I rushed onstage, gripped what I assumed were her tense shoulders, and whispered quietly in her ear.
“If it’s too much, you don’t have to push yourself.”
It was sincere comfort, understanding her feelings. She finally noticed me, staring with wide eyes, but I handed her off to the approaching teachers and prepared to fill the empty spot.
“She got caught in the rain coming here, so she might not be feeling well. Could you let her rest a bit?”
“Ah, sure. But what about you, Cheolsu...?”
“Someone has to do it.”
Suddenly saddled with both top and second-place duties... Well, silver lining: if the teachers appreciated it, it’d look good on my record.
“Ahem. Testing, one-two.”
Accepting the situation, I leaned into the mic and tried to lighten the awkward mood with a casual start to my speech.
“Aigoo~ Haha! Sorry about this. Looks like our class’s top scorer caught a cold rushing through the rain with me.”
Murmur murmur.
A ripple of noise spread through the silent students. Some eyed me resentfully for stepping in for the top scorer; others were intrigued by the sudden twist; a few just wanted the disruption over. And some were probably wondering how the top two ended up commuting together on a rainy day.
“Well, it started by chance, but riding to school with her was a good experience. It felt like one of those ‘youthful moments’ the adults always talk about.”
Youth. The word for life’s freshest, most beautiful season. Uttering it, I introduced myself confidently, fully aware this place was where I’d live an even more meaningful youth than my previous life.
“Anyway, nice to meet you, my fellow Hyeoeun High freshmen. I’m Kim Cheolsu, the freshman rep who snagged second place this year.”
Pfft!
Laughter erupted from all sides. It was enough to recapture their fading interest.
“Kim Cheolsu?”
“That’s the name from every textbook.”
“Sounds like a good student, though. Tall too~”
...Right, new school, same old teasing about my name for a while. But if they were going there, I’d face it head-on.
“Yes, Kim Cheolsu in full. It’s the precious name my parents thoughtfully gave me, the ones who love and cherish me.”
I ad-libbed beyond the script, and the freshmen’s rowdy mood gradually sobered. It was proof these kids still had enough conscience to hold back on the name jabs after that.
“My father told me: Forge yourself. Like iron hammered relentlessly, never stop striving. True to the ‘Cheolsu’ he named me with that in mind, I’ve pursued constant self-improvement.”
In the now-serious atmosphere, I shared what I truly held in my heart, unfiltered.
“Along the way, I met many people. Some were rivals, some started off rocky, but they all became cherished connections. What made it happen? Persistent meetings and conversations. I’ve learned that communication and understanding are key to building relationships.”
A bit cheesy, maybe, but no lies there. My words carried the weight of a life already lived, and sharing them openly could offer these kids real wisdom.
“Over the next three years, like it or not, we’ll connect with everyone here. There’ll be no walls—being in this room qualifies us all to care for each other, regardless of grades, build, background, or family.”
Ten or twenty years from now, they’d look back on this moment fondly. Just as I did, they’d beautify the memories built here.
“If my words resonate, turn to the student next to you. Hold their hand if you like.”
A few followed shyly, convinced by my earnest tone. Most were still too awkward, but for now, it was enough.
“Remember these faces and the feel of their hands. They might become the partner who makes our lives’ most precious moments even more beautiful.”
Small starts, but if nurtured, they’d yield fulfillment by graduation. Hoping for that future for them, I wrapped up my adult advice to these kids.
“I sincerely hope everyone here enjoys the next three years of youth without regrets.”
I bowed, ending the freshman rep’s speech.
Clap clap clap!
The applause that followed hinted my efforts weren’t wasted. Whether swept up in the moment or just polite, surely some felt my sincerity and looked forward to school life.
After my improvised speech, the auditorium dismissed us. Students headed to their assigned classes as instructed, where they’d mingle with classmates and homeroom teachers. Seating assignments were a must there too—once set, they stuck for a while, so I cared about where I’d land.
The worst was the front row, under the teachers’ watchful eyes. The best? Window seats with a view—and among those, the back row promised some freedom during class.
“Everyone settled in your seats?”
Luckily, I got the prime back-row window spot. I should’ve been thrilled at my good fortune from the start, but spotting who sat right next to me left me stunned for a moment.
The girl who’d been popping up everywhere was staring straight at me again.
“I won’t meddle in your friendships, but get along with your seatmate~ You’ll pair up with them for PE or activities a lot~”
Ah, yes. Of course. In an ideal class dynamic, your seatmate matters. But seriously—wasn’t this connection overkill? Same school, biking together on the first day, top and second place, and now same class, next to each other?
Damn, this was straight out of some rom-com with forced plot twists.
“......”
Unaware of my turmoil, Yoo Soeun stared silently from the next seat. Her blank, unreadable gaze made me flash an awkward smile and try a greeting.
“Th-they say coincidences too many times become fate, right? Haha.”
“......”
“......Haha.”
Sigh. School hadn’t even started, and I was already exhausted.