Chapter Text
To say that his mother was outraged at the news he delivered was an understatement. Jacob Bae’s mother was on their living room floor, on her knees, holding the letter her son had given her moments ago.
“I- Joonyoung-“ Jaehee gasps, attempting to catch her breath. “Mom please calm down-“ “How can I calm down when my son is approved to participate in CU’s admission exams?!” She cut off, waving the piece of paper around like a madman. Jacob sighed before tugging his mother into his embrace, her petite frame engulfed by his more muscular one.
“Mom, I’ll be okay.” Jacob chuckles, feeling his mother sigh. “You know ever since I was young I’ve always wanted to attend CU.”
Cre.ker University is one of Seoul’s most prestigious universities, especially now in a society where people have auras that can develop into superpowers. Jaehee’s aura is a shade of green, allowing her to posses the ability to have a green thumb. Literally. Jacob’s mother broke away from her son’s embrace, frail hands brushing his shoulders.
“Aiya, look at you.” Jaehee smiled, caressing her son’s cheek which he leaned into her touch. “You’ve grown up so well Jacob. I remember yesterday you were just in the garden harvesting the strawberries I’d grown.”
Jacob watched as his mother’s eyes started to get misty, tears threatening to fall out.
“Promise me you’ll stay safe out there?” “I promise Mom.” Jacob smiled before embracing his mother once more.
—
The journey from Toronto to Seoul was exhausting- having to sit on a sometimes stiff plane seat next to a total stranger for more than 10 hours was what Jacob already had expected. The moment he stepped foot into the exit of Incheon Airport, he was immediately greeted with a flock of people waiting for their loved ones to exit from the airport, as well as students arriving to seek their new schools.
Jacob pulled out his phone to check the time, as well as to check which train he’s supposed to take on the way to Seoul. Behind him, he could hear two boys, about his age bickering. The ash blonde haired boy hugged the other, engulfing the boy with pink and black hair in a hug. “Eric please! Its cold out besides we might be late when we settle into the dormitory!” The blonde haired boy complained. His hands clutching onto the boy (Eric, he presumes)’s shirt, shaking him back and forth. Jacob looked at the two boys, who stopped arguing, with confusion and the two immediately bowed towards him.
“We’re so sorry!” The blonde said, fringe falling in front of his eyes hiding his panicked expression. “We’re trying to find a way to get to Seoul faster since we both uh-“ “We were both accepted into CU’s admission test that’s gonna be held tomorrow.” The boy he presumes to be Eric said, bubblegum pink hair with black highlights adorning his structured face. “Ah- I forgot, my name is Jaehyun and I guess as you overheard this is Eric, I sometimes call him Youngjae though.” The blonde- well, Jaehyun said. Eric bowed towards Jacob and so did he to them. Jacob smiled at the both of them, knowing how it feels to be nervous to be participating in CU’s admission exams. “I’m Jacob, feel free to call me Joonyoung as well. I suppose you two are going to CU too?” Jacob asked, although he already knew the answer to it. “Mhm!” Eric hummed, clutching his luggage and duffel bag.
“Lucky for all three of us, there’s a train set to leave in 30 minutes and the station is only a five minute walk from here.” Jacob affirmed, tucking his phone back int his jacket’s pocket. “What are we waiting for? Let’s go!” Jaehyun cheered, dragging Eric and their luggage together while Jacob followed close behind.