Chapter Text
Little Su-bin struggled to swim to the surface, desperate for air, but the current kept dragging her down. She kicked her feet and flailed her arms with all her strength, trying to stay afloat, but it was impossible. Panic took over as she repeated the same frantic movements-until her breath ran out.
Darkness swallowed her.
Her eyes snapped open, her chest rising and falling in heavy gasps. Cold sweat clung to her skin.
"Just a dream," she whispered, but the pounding of her heart told her otherwise.
She looked around, still lying in bed, her forehead damp with sweat. Wiping it away, she slowly sat up-just as a knock sounded on her bedroom door.
"Su-bin-a, breakfast is ready. Eat before you go to school," her mother called from the other side.
She remained silent, her face tense with lingering unease.
"Why? Another bad dream?" her mother asked, concern in her voice.
Su-bin forced a small smile. "Nothing. Good morning, Mom," she replied sweetly, though the fear from the dream still clung to her like an unseen weight.
She got out of bed and quickly made it before heading to the bathroom. Stepping into the shower, she let the water cascade over her body, her mind drifting back to the dream. It was happening again-three nights in a row now. She thought she had moved past it, that the trauma from that day was behind her. But it was creeping back, pulling her under like the currents in her nightmare.
She finished her shower, drying herself off slowly before slipping into fresh clothes. Since it was her first day, she carefully selected an outfit-something decent, fitting for a college student. After all, first impressions mattered.
She checked herself in the mirror multiple times, adjusting her blouse, smoothing out her skirt.When she was finally satisfied with her appearance, she hurried downstairs for breakfast.
"Oh! Looking great on your first day. Whoa! My daughter is a big girl now, isn't she?" her dad exclaimed, pride evident in his voice.
She smiled, giving him a hug and a quick kiss on the cheek before sitting down to eat.
Honestly, she would be forever grateful to her adoptive parents. If it weren't for them, she didn't know what would have happened to her. They had found her when she barely escaped death, taken her in, and loved her as if she were their own.
Her parents had longed for a child, but for some reason, her mother had been unable to conceive. After years of trying, they had finally given up-until She came into their lives. She became their only child, the beloved daughter of a wealthy couple. Both her mother and father were doctors, and her father even owned the hospital.
Yet, despite the warmth of her new life, the past still haunted her.
She picked up her chopsticks, carefully selecting vegetables and sausage before placing them on her plate. Her mom poured orange juice into her glass.
"Su-bin-a," her mom began, her voice gentle yet probing. "I just want to know-did you choose to enroll in a medical course because it's what you truly love? Or... do you feel pressured? Like you had no option but to follow in our footsteps because your dad and I are doctors, and you're expected to take over the hospital?"
Su-bin carefully set down her chopsticks and met her mother's gaze.
"Mom, ever since I was a little kid, I've always wanted to be a doctor. Not because I feel pressured to follow you and Dad," she answered clearly.
Her parents exchanged a glance before offering her reassuring smiles, though she could tell they were still watching her closely.
"But why genetics?" her dad asked suddenly, barely pausing between bites of food.
"Hm... just curious about how it all works," she said simply.
Her mom and dad nodded, accepting her answer. They had always given her the freedom to pursue whatever she wanted. She had never given them a reason to worry-her grades were always flawless. Ever since she started school, she had consistently ranked number one, excelling in everything, from academics to sports.
A room full of award certificates, plaques, and trophies stood as proof of that.
But behind her calm demeanor, something stirred. A flicker of uncertainty.
She wasn't lying... but she wasn't telling the whole truth either.
She picked up her chopsticks once again and continued eating until she finished her food.
"Here, take it," her dad said, handing her a thick stack of cash.
She looked at him, a silent why? written in her eyes.
"You rarely use your card. Your mom and I worry that you're not eating properly," he explained, as if reading her expression. "Take it and treat your friends."
"Dad, I still have enough cash in my wallet," she replied nonchalantly.
"That's fine. Just take it and buy whatever you want," he insisted. "Oh, and by the way, I already had your car tires replaced and got everything checked. Drive safely to school, okay?"
She couldn't help but smile.
"Dad, I'm not a kid anymore. And I always make sure to stay safe, so you and Mom have nothing to worry about," she assured him.
"Alright, now go. You'll be late," her mom interrupted, ushering her along.
She picked up the cash and slipped it directly into her bag before kissing them goodbye. Then, she headed out, driving herself to the university.
When she arrived at the university, she hadn't expected traffic. Guards were stationed at the entrance, meticulously checking every student's car before allowing them through the gates. She let out a deep sigh.
"It's too early for a bad mood," she murmured, leaning her head against the car seat while waiting for her turn. As she observed her surroundings, she noticed only a few students walking. Most of them had their own cars, while others were dropped off by their parents. Since it was the first day, many dormitory students were burdened with luggage, their parents reluctantly helping them settle in. Yet, the majority of the student population had their own wheels-a testament to the university's exclusivity.
Her university was one of the most prestigious and exorbitantly priced science institutions in Korea. It was renowned for producing top-tier doctors, biologists, engineers, and experts in other science-related fields. Admission was fiercely competitive, granted solely to elite students based on their performance. However, even the brightest minds weren't guaranteed a spot, as the selection criteria remained largely undisclosed.
She tapped her fingers against the steering wheel, her thoughts drifting. Could it be they only accept students from wealthy families? The longer she observed, the more evident it became-almost everyone exuded an air of influence and affluence.
The front guard motioned for her to move forward, so she did, opening the car's trunk for inspection. She rolled down her window and handed over her ID for verification. Once she passed clearance, she immediately drove to the parking lot.
After making sure her car was locked, she slung her bag over her shoulder and walked toward the field. The campus was vast and environmentally friendly, with trees lining both sides of the road, offering shade and fresh air. She was enjoying her walk when someone suddenly bumped into her, nearly knocking her off her feet.
"Oh! Sorry, I didn't mean to-I'm in a hurry!" the young woman exclaimed, grabbing her arm to steady her.
"Oh no, it's fine. It happens sometimes," she reassured her.
"Hye-won-a!" Another voice called out. A second girl approached, her face cold and expressionless.
"Who is she?" the newcomer asked, her gaze locked onto her face.
"Nothing," Hye-won replied quickly.
"Let's go now. Hurry." The other girl barely spared her another glance before turning away.
That look-something about it felt familiar.
Shaking off the thought, she continued walking toward the corridor. She scanned the posted list for her name, and once she found it, she headed straight to her designated classroom.
As expected of the university, the classroom was state-of-the-art. She took an empty seat near the door and placed her bag beneath the desk. While waiting for the professor to arrive, she noticed two familiar faces-the girls from earlier. Their eyes met, and an unsettling chill ran down her spine. Who wouldn't feel uneasy under such a cold, dark stare?
"Do you know them?" the girl sitting next to her asked.
"No. I just met them earlier when Hye-won accidentally bumped into me," she replied.
"Ahh." The girl adjusted her glasses.
"I'm Woo-ri. And you are?" she asked again.
"Su-bin," she answered with a polite smile.
"Nice to meet you," Woo-ri said, returning the smile. Just as they exchanged pleasantries, an announcement echoed through the room.
"Attention, new students! Please proceed to the hall for orientation.Kindly make your way in an orderly manner and take your seats as soon as you arrive. Thank you!"
"Do you know where the hall is?" she asked Woo-ri.
"No. Hanseong University is huge. Let's just follow the other students," Woo-ri answered.
As planned, they simply followed the crowd until they reached the hall. They stuck together, listening attentively as the speakers welcomed them and introduced the campus, including the university's long and prestigious history.
"Sounds great, right? Makes you actually believe we made the right choice coming here," Su-bin remarked.
Her words made Woo-ri pause.
"Why? Are you not happy to be here?" she asked, curiosity flickering in her eyes. Perhaps she thought Su-bin wasn't proud to be chosen for such a prestigious university.
Su-bin's lips curled into a small, knowing smile. "I am. More than anyone else here," she said cryptically.
After the orientation, they were instructed to undergo a Physical examination. The moment she heard the announcement, Su-bin smirked. Of course, she had no choice but to comply-it was university policy.
"Aish, I hate this," Woo-ri groaned, already looking stressed as she positioned herself at the end of the line.
Su-bin, however, remained where she was.
"Are you not going to line up?" Woo-ri asked.
"Nope. I don't want to waste my time standing here, waiting for my turn," she said nonchalantly. Then, grabbing Woo-ri's wrist, she added, "Follow me."
"Wait, where are we going?" Woo-ri asked, confused.
"To the medical van. They'll extract our blood there."
"Wait, what?!" Woo-ri repeated, her voice rising slightly.
Su-bin ignored her protests as they reached the van parked outside the hall.
The door slid open, and a familiar voice greeted them. "Oh, Su-bin-a."
Woo-ri froze. Standing inside the van was Su-bin's personal medical staff. But that wasn't the surprising part.
Hye-won was there, too. And so was her cold-eyed friend-the one who never spoke, but whose gaze always seemed to pierce right through you.