Beneath the Surface

As the last crumbs of their lunch disappeared, Joon-ho and Hyun-ae rose from their seats, satisfied with their meal. The chatter of the cafeteria gradually faded into the background as they made their way out, the afternoon sunlight casting a warm glow over the university campus. With each step, they felt the weight of their full stomachs and the anticipation of returning to the dorm building.

The path back to the dorm building was a familiar one, lined with vibrant greenery and bustling with activity. Students rushed past, lost in their worlds, while others lingered in groups, engaged in animated conversations. Joon-ho and Hyun-ae fell into step beside each other, their pace leisurely as they soaked in the sights and sounds around them.

"So, what are your plans for the rest of the day?" Joon-ho asked, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them. He glanced over at Hyun-ae, curious about how she intended to spend her afternoon.

Hyun-ae shrugged, a thoughtful expression crossing her features.

"I'll probably just head back to the dorm and catch up on some in-game quest," she replied, her tone casual. "I have a few items I've been eager to work on, so I might as well get a head start."

Joon-ho nodded in understanding, though he couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for his classmate.

"Sounds like a productive afternoon," he remarked with a smile. "If you need any help or company with your quests, feel free to ask. I'm always happy to lend a hand."

Hyun-ae returned his smile with a grateful nod.

"Thanks, Joon-ho," she said sincerely. "I appreciate it. And hey, if you ever need help with anything, don't hesitate to reach out to me, okay?"

The genuine offer of support warmed Joon-ho's heart, reinforcing the budding friendship between them.

"Of course," he replied, his tone earnest. "I'll keep that in mind. Thanks, Hyun-ae."

As they continued their walk back to the dorm building, their conversation flowed effortlessly, ranging from lighthearted topics to more serious discussions about their goals and aspirations. Despite their differences, they found common ground in their shared experiences and mutual respect for ambitions.

Just before parting ways at the entrance to the dorm building, Joon-ho and Hyun-ae paused, a silent understanding passing between them. With a small smile, Joon-ho reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone.

"Hey, why don't we exchange phone numbers?" he suggested casually, holding out his phone towards Hyun-ae.

Hyun-ae's eyes lit up with appreciation as she reached for her phone.

"That's a great idea," she agreed, tapping away at her screen to pull up her contact information. With a quick exchange of phones, they each entered their details into the other's contacts list, sealing their newfound friendship with a digital connection.

As Joon-ho and Hyun-ae strolled back to the dorm building, their conversation continued to flow effortlessly, their camaraderie growing with each step. However, their pleasant walk was interrupted when they spotted Soo-jin approaching, her textbooks clutched tightly to her chest as she made her way to class. With a warm smile, she greeted them, her eyes flickering with curiosity as she noticed them walking together.

"Hey, Joon-ho. Hey, Hyun-ae," Soo-jin said, her tone friendly but tinged with a hint of curiosity. "What are you two up to?"

Hyun-ae glanced at Joon-ho, a brief moment of hesitation flickering across her features before she replied.

"Oh, we just came back from class," she explained, trying to keep her tone casual. "I thought you knew how me and Joon-ho are in the same course? That's why we walked back together."

Joon-ho nodded in agreement, but before he could add anything, Hyun-ae's eyes widened in surprise as he spoke up.

"And we grabbed lunch together before as well," he added casually, his words catching Hyun-ae off guard.

Her attempt to downplay their time together was thwarted by Joon-ho's unexpected revelation, leaving her momentarily speechless. She shot him a glance, her eyes silently pleading for him to play along, but he seemed oblivious to her discomfort.

Thankfully, Soo-jin's response broke the tension, though there was a faint undertone of jealousy in her voice.

"Oh, that's nice," she remarked, a forced smile gracing her lips. "It's good to know you guys are coursemates."

Hyun-ae let out a silent sigh of relief, grateful for Soo-jin's understanding. Perhaps she miss-hearing Joon-ho's part so her jealousy is slanted towards Hyun-ae and Joon-ho being coursemate more.

"Yeah, it's great to have someone to walk to class with," she replied, eager to move the conversation along. "Speaking of which, I think I got something I need to take care of immediately in my room. But hey, Soo-jin, I'm sure you'll make some good friends in your class too."

With a final nod and a wave, Hyun-ae hurried off, eager to put the awkward encounter behind her. As she disappeared around the corner, Soo-jin turned to Joon-ho, a thoughtful expression on her face.

"You and Hyun-ae seem to be getting along well. Closer than I could have been with her," she observed, her tone carefully neutral.

Joon-ho nodded in agreement, oblivious to the complexities of the situation.

"Yeah, she's nice and straightforward," he replied with a smile. "We have a lot in common, so it's been easy to talk to her. Plus I also believe she open up to you sooner or later. Just trust in yourself."

Soo-jin forced a smile, though her heart ached with longing as she watched Joon-ho walk away. She knew she had no right to feel jealous, but she couldn't help but wonder what it would be like if she were the one walking beside him, sharing those moments of camaraderie and connection. With a heavy sigh, she turned and continued on her way to class, burying her feelings deep within her heart.

Despite the pang of longing in her heart, Soo-jin refused to let herself dwell on negative emotions. As she continued on her way to class, she made a silent vow to herself: she would make a close friend, someone she could share her hopes and dreams with, just like Joon-ho and Hyun-ae. Determination ignited within her, replacing any lingering feelings of jealousy or sadness.

With renewed purpose, Soo-jin's steps quickened, her mind buzzing with possibilities. She imagined herself laughing and chatting with a newfound friend, sharing inside jokes and making memories together. The prospect of forming a deep connection with someone filled her with excitement and anticipation.

Arriving at the lecture room, Soo-jin took a deep breath, steeling herself for the task ahead. With a bright smile on her face and a spring in her step, she entered the room, ready to embark on her quest to find a kindred spirit. Gone was the sense of loneliness that had plagued her moments earlier; in its place was a sense of optimism and hope.

As she settled into her seat, Soo-jin glanced around the room, her eyes alight with possibility. She was determined to make the most of this opportunity, to open herself up to new experiences and forge meaningful connections. With Joon-ho and Hyun-ae as her inspiration, she embarked on her friend-making quest with a heart full of hope and a mind open to the possibilities that lay ahead.

As the day unfolded at NexaCorp Korea University, the campus buzzed with activity, each corner teeming with life and energy. Students hurried between classes, their faces animated with excitement and determination. The vibrant atmosphere of the campus reflected the dynamic spirit of NexaRealm itself, a world where possibilities were endless and dreams were within reach.

Throughout the day, the sounds of laughter and conversation echoed through the halls, a testament to the sense of community that thrived within the university walls. From the bustling cafeteria to the quiet study nooks, students forged connections and friendships that would last a lifetime.

Meanwhile, in the virtual realm of NexaRealm, players from around the world battled for supremacy, their skills and strategies put to the test in epic clashes of wit and skill. The game continued to evolve and expand, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in the world of gaming.

As the sun began to set on another day at NexaCorp Korea University, a sense of accomplishment filled the air. Students reflected on their experiences, grateful for the opportunities afforded to them by their education and the vibrant community that surrounded them.

In the midst of it all, Joon-ho, Hyun-ae, and Soo-jin embarked on their journeys, each determined to carve out their path in the world. Though their paths may diverge, they were united by a common bond—a shared love for NexaRealm and a desire to reach their fullest potential.

As the day drew to a close, the lights of the university campus twinkled in the fading light, a beacon of hope and possibility for all who passed through its gates. And so, with hearts full of dreams and minds open to the future, the students of NexaCorp Korea University embraced the challenges and adventures that lay ahead, ready to write their own stories in the annals of NexaRealm history.