The news of Ji-hoon’s achievement spread like wildfire, traveling through every street, every household, and every shop in town. It wasn’t just another academic success—this was history in the making. No one from their small town had ever secured a place at the Royal University of South Korea. The town had produced exceptional students who made it to well-reputed universities, but Ji-hoon’s accomplishment was on an entirely different level.

  The town was small, and so were its resources. Their schools had limited facilities, their libraries were modest, and opportunities were scarce. Yet, Ji-hoon had defied all odds. His success wasn’t just his own—it was a victory for the entire town, proof that even with limited resources, a determined mind could achieve greatness.

  By next, Ji-hoon’s house had turned into a lively gathering space. People from all corners of the town arrived to congratulate him. His neighbors, beaming with pride, showered him with praise. His teachers, who had nurtured his intellect, arrived with smiles and words of encouragement. Even his father’s colleagues, who had known Ji-hoon as a hardworking young boy, now saw him as an inspiration.

  Mi-sook, his mother, could barely contain her happiness. She moved around the room, talking to guests, proudly sharing Ji-hoon’s journey. “He never complained, no matter how hard it got,” she told one of the teachers, her eyes glistening with emotion. “Even when others went out to play, he stayed back, reading and solving practice papers. He knew what he wanted, and he worked for it.”

  Joon-seok, his father, usually a man of few words, laughed heartily as he spoke with his friends. “My son… My son got into the Royal University of South Korea!” He repeated the words as if he himself couldn’t believe it. His usual reserved demeanor was gone—he was beaming with pride.

  Ji-hoon’s younger siblings, Ji-sung and Ji-yeon, basked in the admiration that came their way. Their friends and teachers patted their backs, telling them they had an incredible brother. They stood tall, pride filling their little hearts.

  The air buzzed with excitement, and the scent of home-cooked food filled the house. Neighbors had brought over rice cakes, kimchi, and other delicacies, celebrating as if Ji-hoon’s success belonged to them all. And in a way, it did. He was a representation of their dreams, their struggles, and their hopes.

  Amidst the celebration, Ji-hoon remained overwhelmed. He shook hands, accepted congratulations, and smiled, but deep inside, everything felt surreal. He had dreamed of this moment, but experiencing it firsthand was something else. The weight of expectations, the pride in everyone’s eyes, and the realization that he had become a symbol of hope for many—it was all a lot to take in.

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  Everywhere he turned, someone had a story about how they had seen his potential. “I remember when you were just a little boy, always asking questions,” said an elderly woman who lived down the street. “You were never satisfied with simple answers.”

  His old teacher placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. “I always told your mother that you were special. You have the kind of mind that doesn’t settle for mediocrity.”

  Ji-hoon felt a strange mix of pride and pressure. He had worked for this, yes, but now he had to live up to it. He wasn’t just Ji-hoon anymore—he was Ji-hoon, the boy who made history.

  As the sun began to set and the house was still filled with guests, Ji-hoon felt the need for a moment of solitude. He approached his mother and whispered, “I’m going to meet my friends.”

  Mi-sook, still basking in joy, nodded. “Be back soon. There’s an assembly for you tonight.”

  Ji-hoon smiled and stepped out, inhaling the crisp evening air. His house behind him was still bustling with energy, but he needed time away from the noise. He walked towards the pond—their childhood meeting spot.

  The streets were unusually empty, with most of the town gathered at his house. The few people he passed still stopped him to offer congratulations. He thanked them politely, bowing deeply, but kept moving, his feet instinctively leading him toward familiar ground.

  The pond was a small, peaceful place on the outskirts of town. It was surrounded by tall trees, their leaves rustling in the gentle breeze. The water reflected the soft glow of the setting sun, a perfect blend of orange and pink hues. It was here that Ji-hoon had spent countless evenings with his childhood friends, dreaming about a future beyond their small town.

  As he arrived, he saw them already there—his closest friends, Seok-min, Soo-bin, and Min-jae. They sat on the grass, their faces lighting up when they saw him.

  “The town’s biggest celebrity finally arrives,” Soo-bin teased, grinning.

  Ji-hoon laughed, shaking his head as he sat down beside them. “I needed a break from all the excitement.”

  Soo-bin nudged him playfully. “You deserve it, man. You worked harder than anyone. We all saw it.”

  Min-jae, who had always been the most soft-spoken of the group, smiled warmly. “We’re proud of you, Ji-hoon.”

  He felt a wave of gratitude wash over him. These were the people who had been with him through everything. The ones who had supported him even when they didn’t always understand his relentless dedication. They had been his escape, his moments of normalcy amid the pressure.

  They talked for a while, reminiscing about their school days, about the times Ji-hoon had skipped out on hangouts to study. “And now look at you,” Soo-bin said, shaking his head in mock disbelief. “You’re going to be famous. Don’t forget us when you’re a big-shot CEO.”

  Ji-hoon chuckled. “I could never forget you guys.”

  As the night deepened, Ji-hoon knew he had to return. The assembly awaited him, and with it, another wave of emotions. But for now, sitting by the pond with his friends, he allowed himself to breathe, to savor this moment before stepping fully into his new reality.

  Little did he know, his journey was just beginning.

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