1 Her

In the vibrant city of Daegu, South Korea, lived a remarkable 15-year-old girl named Angelina Swan. She resided with her beloved family, consisting of her parents, her younger sister, and her even younger brother. At Daegu Public Secondary School, Angelina was not only a diligent student but also a standout scholar. Her remarkable review abilities, boundless creativity, and competitive writing skills garnered accolades from all her teachers, who saw tremendous potential in her.

Beneath her academic achievements and outward charm, Angelina concealed a world of vulnerabilities and insecurities. While she possessed a truly warm, inviting, and compassionate nature, she seldom shared her inner struggles with anyone. To her loved ones and peers, she exuded happiness and positivity, always putting their needs before her own. Her radiant smile became her shield, concealing the emotional burdens she carried.

Despite the admiration she received from others, Angelina felt misunderstood and unseen. While some likened her to an angel or a beautiful swan, she did not perceive herself as such. She believed she was neither ethereal nor stunning, merely an ordinary girl with her share of imperfections. Her journey to success was not as effortless as it seemed; it was paved with hardships and perseverance that went unnoticed by the world.

As the days passed, Angelina found herself surrounded by many acquaintances but lacked a true confidant, a best friend who would wholeheartedly listen to her interests and doubts. She yearned for a genuine connection, someone who would empathize with her beyond the surface. Secretly, she made a silent plea to the heavens for this one specific request.

Although her peers adored her, viewing her as a modern-day Cinderella, Angelina saw herself differently. To her, she felt more like a servant, burdened by unspoken emotions, unmet needs, and unexpressed thoughts. The 21st century might have celebrated her external achievements, but it failed to acknowledge the complexities and struggles hidden within her.

Angelina Swan was a giver, someone who unconditionally bestowed significance and love upon others, yet she rarely received the same in return. She consistently made herself available, whether it was offering a shoulder to cry on or extending warm birthday wishes. Her caring nature knew no bounds, and she took genuine pleasure in making others feel valued and appreciated.

However, time passed swiftly for everyone, and while Angelina was always there for others, they didn't reciprocate the same level of care and attention when it came to her. She never complained about being left waiting, forgotten, or overlooked. Instead, she held onto the belief that God would one day bless her with a companion who would love her just as she had loved others. A true friendship where there would be no calculations, no give-and-take, but simply two souls connecting on a deep level, understanding and accepting each other for who they truly were.

As she looked around, she noticed that many people didn't show up when she needed them most. Yet, her unwavering faith and hope remained intact. She never grew bitter or resentful. Instead, she believed that her patience and kindness would eventually be rewarded with a special bond, one that would allow her to be herself entirely, without any masks or pretenses.

In the midst of life's complexities, Angelina held onto the vision of that exceptional person, the one who would appreciate her for who she was, without expecting her to change or compromise her authenticity. In that beautiful relationship, there would be no need for negotiations or pretenses, just a pure and genuine connection where they could be themselves without fear of judgment.

As her story continued, the light of hope illuminated her path, guiding her towards a future where she would find the love and understanding she so deeply desired. The warmth of that light reassured her that her steadfastness would eventually lead her to the serendipitous encounter she had been waiting for all along. And so, with a heart full of faith, Angelina embraced the uncertainties ahead, knowing that her unwavering love and genuine nature would ultimately bring her the companionship she craved and deserved.

As Angelina contemplated the complexities of friendship, she couldn't help but recognize that her desire for a true companion often led to numerous trials and disappointments. In her class, she noticed that many approached her not for who she truly was, but for the exceptional abilities she possessed. This realization saddened her. Deep within, she yearned for someone who would stand by her side, not because of what she could do, but because of the person she was.

In moments of solitude, she would introspect and wonder if her wish for a genuine friend was too much to ask for. It seemed like people would readily use her talents and then leave her behind, without a second thought. The lack of remorse or regret from those who had taken advantage of her weighed heavily on her heart. The pain of feeling used and discarded overshadowed her desire to simply be "Accepted" and appreciated for who she was, beyond her abilities.

Her longing for true friendship gnawed at her, yearning for others to see her as more than just a vessel for her talents. Angelina longed for them to see her soul, her essence, and to appreciate the depth of her emotions beyond her external achievements. She knew she had so much more to offer as a person, beyond what others saw on the surface.

Through the struggles and heartaches, Angelina clung to the hope that someday, someone would look past her capabilities and recognize her for the compassionate, caring, and loving person she truly was. She wished for someone who would see her vulnerabilities and cherish them, rather than exploit them.

In her heart, she fervently hoped for a connection that would bring solace and understanding. A bond that transcended the superficial and delved into the realms of genuine companionship. She dreamed of a friendship that would allow her to break free from the chains of loneliness and find refuge in the warmth of mutual affection.

As Monday marked the beginning of another school week, Angelina woke up early to prepare for her test day. She followed her usual morning routine diligently, making sure to have a nourishing meal before heading to the bus station with her younger siblings. Anticipation filled her heart, especially for the science test, which was her favorite subject.

After a short wait, the bus finally arrived. Angelina managed to find a seat at the back, where she could concentrate on her study materials while immersing herself in the soulful melody of her favorite song, "Spring Day" by BTS. The music brought her comfort, calming her nerves before the impending test.

Once the bus arrived at her school, she disembarked and made her way to the classroom, a familiar routine she had grown accustomed to. With a sense of familiarity, she took her usual seat by the window, hoping the natural light would invigorate her during the exam.

However, life at school was not as straightforward as it seemed. Despite her inner strength, the presence of some domineering classmates weighed on her. Their actions might not have caused physical harm, but their mental torment was undeniable. Angelina's brilliance and charisma seemed to be a threat to them, fueling their resentment and leading to subtle acts of exclusion and discomfort.

Her shining star aura seemed to intimidate them, making it difficult for them to appreciate her for who she truly was. The jealousy and insecurity of others cast a shadow on the positive energy she tried to spread. It saddened her that her mere presence could trigger such negativity, even though she never sought to outshine or belittle anyone.

Nonetheless, Angelina refused to let the darkness deter her from being herself. She stayed true to her compassionate nature, refusing to compromise her kindness and empathy for the sake of conforming to others' expectations. Her resilience allowed her to rise above the unkindness, seeking solace in her own inner strength and the support of her family.

As the day progressed and the test began, Angelina faced the questions with determination and grace, leaning on her deep understanding of the subject matter. While external pressures weighed on her, she remained steadfast, knowing that her worth extended far beyond the opinions of those who couldn't appreciate her light.

Angelina Swan was not only a star student but also a breathtakingly beautiful young woman, capturing the attention of everyone in the school. Her captivating presence was enhanced by her large, enchanting brown eyes and luscious dark hair that perfectly complemented her features. With a kalopsic allure that seemed to radiate from within, she effortlessly drew people's gaze wherever she went. What made her even more remarkable was the confidence she exuded, a confidence rooted in her knowledge and self-assurance.

While others might have been envious or intimidated by her brilliance, Angelina used her intellect to set herself apart from the crowd. She took pride in her academic pursuits, using her intelligence to excel in her studies and explore complex concepts. However, when some individuals tried to take advantage of her brilliance or belittle her, she was not one to remain silent.

One day, as she was engrossed in her reading, the domineering figures, Rachel and Alina, approached her with their clique. Rachel, in a mocking tone, addressed Angelina as "Nerdy," trying to undermine her passion for learning. Alina followed suit, joining in with hurtful comments about Angelina's supposed isolation.

In response to their taunts, Angelina did not shy away. With a mix of confidence and disdain, she clapped back at them, delivering a perfectly worded retort that cut through their arrogance. She refused to be bullied or ridiculed, asserting her right to focus on her studies without being bothered by their petty comments.

The strength in her words left Rachel and her friends feeling embarrassed and ashamed, and they retreated to their old seats amid the cooing of their classmates. Angelina's firm response showcased her resilience and fearlessness, demonstrating that she would not let anyone tarnish her love for learning or degrade her for being her authentic self.

Her classmates admired her even more for standing up to the bullies and refusing to be swayed by their attempts to undermine her. They saw a role model in Angelina, someone who stayed true to herself, even in the face of adversity. From that day on, the respect and admiration for Angelina extended beyond her academic accomplishments to the strength of her character, as she continued to shine brightly, unapologetically embracing her intelligence and uniqueness.

After waiting for what felt like an eternity, Angelina's teacher finally arrived, and she immediately started working on her test paper. However, she couldn't help but feel annoyed by the distractions around her. Other students were whispering, passing chits, and throwing paper balls, pretending to seek help during the test. Angelina, being the kind-hearted person she was, tried to help them to some extent. But as soon as the test was over, they all vanished, leaving her feeling invisible once again.

Lunchtime approached, and she found herself eating alone in the school's secluded back area. Her siblings had already left for home, and she was left to ride the bus alone after her extra class. The morning experiences weighed on her mind, deepening her self-doubt and casting a shadow over her self-esteem.

In the midst of her thoughts, she yearned for a life filled with love and acceptance, a life where she could be seen and appreciated for who she truly was. Her father had always been her anchor, and she would do anything for him. However, their relationship was strained due to the toxicity and pessimism that had infiltrated their lives. Her father's business crisis and her mother's lack of support had created a rift in their family.

Feeling an existential crisis looming over her, Angelina worried about the future. She feared that if things didn't change, the situation would only get worse for everyone she loved. She cared deeply about her own insecurities, but what troubled her even more was the well-being of her family. The thought of her family falling apart filled her with an overwhelming sense of fear and uncertainty.

Despite her concerns, Angelina found herself hesitant to address these issues head-on. She felt overwhelmed by the weight of responsibility and the fear of making things worse. However, in her heart, she knew that she couldn't ignore these problems forever.

As the day wore on, she missed her bus, making her late for dinner and compounding her worries. The uncertainty of her life's direction made her hesitant to take action, but she realized that she couldn't afford to remain passive. Deep within, she yearned for change, for a life where love and acceptance would prevail, not only for herself but for her family too.

With this realization, Angelina's resolve began to strengthen. She knew that she had to confront the challenges ahead and find the courage to face the difficulties in her life. Only then could she hope to create a future that would bring happiness, not just for herself, but for her loved ones as well.