Chapter Text
As the end of the semester approached, Pham Hanni's anxiety worsened.
Hanni was a newcomer to the school, having joined only during the second half of the semester. As a result, she missed tasks that made up a significant portion of her final grade and despite her best efforts, she was having a hard time keeping up with schoolwork.
If her grades didn't improve soon, she knew she would face the consequences.
So, with hesitation, she made the choice to look for a tutor.
The problem was, there was only one person in her class who has consistently scored high grades on tests and assignments — Kim Minji.
Although Pham Hanni could ask assistance from students in other classes, she would rather learn with someone who shared a similar schedule to hers. Hanni's justification for this is that it would enhance her studying progess and provide more opportunities to work together. (In reality she just doesn't have any friends from other classes)
Minji's intelligence shines through everything she does. She embodied the archetype of a model high school student; always punctual and eager to participate in class discussions. She was always willing to lend a helping hand to her peers, earning her a reputation for being kind and approachable. Her active involvement in school activities made her a familiar face to many.
Contrary to opinions of others, Hanni had a completely different experience collaborating with the model student.
She found that throughout the group project they were assigned to, Minji showed a lack of engagement and failed to contribute much effort.
After some time it would always be:
"Oh, I'm sorry I won't be able to meet up with you tomorrow as my family has made plans."
or
"I apologize, I overslept last night and had no time to finish researching."
From start to finish, the project was a one-woman show for Hanni. It became abundantly clear that she had to shoulder the entire workload. Every task, every deadline, every responsibility, it was all on her.
She found it peculiar that Minji was uncooperative. Minji has always been a reliable member of any group. She was the one who took charge, ensuring that each part of the project was executed to the best of their ability and completed within the given timeframe. Her strong work ethic and attention to detail was what made Hanni decide her to be her project partner. So to see Minji not pulling any weight left Hanni feeling like she couldn't rely on her.
This disappointed Hanni, ultimately reevaluating her thoughts on Minji and viewed her in a less favorable light. Both girls hardly crossed paths or spoke to each other ever since.
Hanni let out a long, heavy sigh. Still hesitant on losing her dignity and asking Minji for 'academic guidance' (Hanni hates the fact she needs tutoring).
Her gaze traveled down a few rows of seats and landed on the girl with straight black hair. Minji, engrossed in lively conversation with her friends, was completely unaware she was Hanni's source of frustration.
"You alright? I can literally hear your thoughts, and I don't think they're good ones," probed Haerin, Hanni's close friend.
Hanni and Haerin have been attached to eachothers hips for as long as they could remember. They had been through everything together, from the awkward middle school years to the stresses of college.
They knew each other's preferences, pet peeves, and secret crushes. Their deepest fears and dreams for the future — they had been through so much together and they both knew they had eachothers backs.
"Haerin, what should I do? I'm barely getting passing grades for any of my subjects and I'm surely doomed for our end of semester exams."
Hanni regrettably confessed, her forehead collided with the desk, producing a deep resonating boom.
"Woah, relax. You don't need to be so hard on yourself. I think it's about time you ask someone for help don't you think?"
Haerin paused and followed the direction of her friend's gaze.
"Speaking of, why not go ask Minji? I'm sure she'll be more than willing to help you."
"Kang Haerin, are you out of your mind?! Did you forget what happened the last time we worked together? I ended up doing all the work and she barely communicated with me."
"Hanni, it's not like there was much work during the group project anyways. Besides, wasn't she the one who spent her money on all the materials?"
A playful punch landed Haerin's left shoulder shortly after.
"First of all, ouch. Second of all, why are you so against that idea? Minji's a nice girl, I've asked her for help with assignments before and she happily obliged. It wouldn't hurt to give it a shot," suggested Haerin.
In response, Hanni let out a muted "Hm," not offering Haerin a definite reply.
"I'll think about it. I'm sure I'll be able to find someone else to help."
After a painstakingly long day in university, Hanni arrived in her shared dormitory with Haerin. Upon arrival she immediately started looking for potential 'tutor-candidates'.
To begin with, her friend Hyein was quickly ruled out because of the excessive workload she had to manage as a part of the student council. Poor girl barely has time to spend with others anymore.
Then there was Chaewon, a girl from her physics course she befriended. Although they weren't what you'd call friends, they're acquainted with each other. Waving and exchanging small "Hi's" with one another when they crossed paths.
"That's a no. Sorry Chaewon, it'd be way too awkward." Hanni thought to herself.
She continued further down her contacts list, and paused when she came across a certain phone number.
'Kim Minji' The contact name read.
"Why the hell is her number even in my contacts list if she never even texted me ONCE for the group project?"
Although Hanni may have appeared to resent Minji, the truth was that her feelings were not genuine. As much as she wanted to blame Minji for their lack of teamwork during the joint project, she knew that it was unfair to do so.
Hanni had always been a hardworking student, but she felt like she had fallen short of her own expectations. She had struggled with personal issues that affected her focus and productivity, and she couldn't help but feel like she had let Minji down.
But unbeknownst to Hanni, Minji wish she could have helped more.
Minji had repeatedly attempted to ask Hanni if she needed help. But that didn't work out as everytime she asked, Hanni would just give her an intense stare and promptly left after. Minji felt a sense of disregard, which left her feeling ignored and unwanted.
Meanwhile, Hanni was lost in her own thoughts, leaping from one assumption to another, convinced that Minji had no interest in collaborating with her and believed Hanni was like dead weight on the group project.
Then Hanni made the conscious decision to tackle the group project on her own, rather than asking Minji for assistance (Despite it being called a group project). Hanni believed that by doing this, she would be able to demonstrate her abilities and leave a positive impression on her partner.
This time, Hanni was the one who needed help.
She internally cursed herself, realizing that she had no one else to turn to but Minji.
She decided to save her thoughts for the next day. How Hanni planned to approach Minji was a thought she did NOT feel like having. What she needed right now was a restful night's sleep and to lay in the comfort of her inexpensive dormitory bed.
—
The sound of Minji's alarm clock pierced through the silence of the tranquil morning.
Groaning and still dazed from her deep slumber, she rolled over and fumbled for the snooze button. She lays there for a moment, breathing heavily; trying to shake off the remnants of sleep.
Her dorm room was dark, the only light coming from the setting moonlight spilling in through her windows, casting long shadows across her carpeted floor.
The clock read 5:10 A.M, Minji would need to get up now or else she wouldn't be the first to arrive at the campus — something she was used to doing.
As she ate her breakfast after finishing her morning routine, she glanced at her lock screen to see a surprising text message from the last person she had expected to hear from.
Hanni, 5:56 A.M
— gm minji, sry if this is sudden. Could I ask u for a favor and come meet me @ the campus' library?
Kim Minji, 5:58 A.M
— On My Way!
Kim Minji, 5:59 A.M
— Omw.*