Chapter 69 – The Beginning Spark
"Sometimes, it only takes a single spark… to light up something eternal."
The first day of Seoul University's freshman orientation was always a spectacle. Banners fluttered across campus, bright colors dancing in the autumn breeze. New students walked in groups, their faces a mix of nerves, excitement, and curiosity.
Standing on the main stage, Gevran Yi Jido held the microphone, his presence magnetic in the crisp air. The G-Force emblem gleamed on his chest.
"Welcome to Seoul University," he said, voice strong and steady. "You're not just here to study. You're here to discover who you really are."
Cheers erupted.
But in the crowd, one face stood out to Gevran.
A freshman girl, black ponytail, dark blue jacket, black jeans. She wasn't cheering. She was simply watching, eyes steady and thoughtful.
Her name was: Ah Yoon.
---
Orientation progressed smoothly. Students were split into groups and guided through campus activities. As chairman, Gevran moved between stations.
When he passed the "Campus Values Dialogue" area, he spotted her again.
Ah Yoon was speaking confidently in her group, sharing her views on integrity and growth. Her voice was soft, but it carried strength. Her presence grounded, quiet—but deeply felt.
There was something about her that slowed the world.
---
Later that day, during an open Q&A session in the auditorium, Jiwan led the crowd with his usual charm.
"Any questions?" he asked, grinning.
A hand went up.
Ah Yoon.
"I have a question for Gevran," she said. "What's the hardest moment you've had in university so far, and how did you deal with it?"
The room went still.
Gevran looked directly at her. For a reason he couldn't explain, his heart thudded harder.
He smiled. "Good question. The hardest? Probably when I doubted myself—when I wasn't sure I even belonged here. But I learned that courage isn't about not being afraid. It's about moving forward, even while afraid."
Their eyes met briefly. Then, a small, quiet smile.
---
After the session, as students began to disperse, Gevran found Jiwan lounging by the field.
"Hey," Jiwan said, "Did you see the girl who asked that question? Ponytail? Her name's Ah Yoon."
Gevran nodded. "…Yeah."
Jiwan grinned. "Your face changed. That's the first time I've seen you look like that. Don't tell me… you're interested?"
"I don't know," Gevran replied. "I've never really thought about girls. But… she's different."
Jiwan clapped his back. "Finally! You've conquered business, politics, and tech. But this part of life? Totally untouched. Maybe it's time."
---
As the day faded, Gevran found himself near the campus gazebo.
Ah Yoon sat alone, reading the orientation booklet.
He walked over, a bit unsure but driven by instinct.
"Hi… Ah Yoon, right?"
She looked up. "Yes. You're Gevran, right?"
"You were great earlier. The question about difficult moments."
"Thank you."
A small silence. Then, nervously, he asked, "Can I… get your number? You know, for orientation purposes. Just in case."
Ah Yoon chuckled. "That's the classic excuse."
He laughed softly. "Busted. But honestly, I'd like to get to know you."
She studied him for a second… then smiled. "Okay."
She typed her number into his phone.
And in that simple moment, something quietly sparked.
---
That night.
Gevran sat on the balcony of his apartment, the lights of Seoul stretching like stars below.
His phone buzzed in his hand. He had typed and deleted a dozen messages.
Finally, he sent one.
> Hey Ah Yoon. This is Gevran. Did you get home okay?
The reply came fast.
> Hi! I did. Tired, but today was fun.
> Orientation goes late tomorrow, too?
> Yeah.
> Want a ride home after?
Pause. Five minutes passed.
Then:
> Sure. If it's not a bother.
> Not at all. I'd like to talk more with you.
And they did.
Their conversation that night flowed effortlessly. From Ah Yoon's high school memories, her favorite books and movies, to little things—like how she loved tteokbokki but couldn't handle spicy food.
Gevran listened—not just to words, but to a whole new world unfolding before him.
For the first time, a girl wasn't just someone in his line of sight. She was someone stepping into his heart.
And with that, the beginning spark… had ignited.
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