Chapter 77 – Seol-Vi's Secret
The inter-university exchange program had been one of the most anticipated events for Gevran and Seol-Vi. After a hectic week managing social programs and organizing anti-bullying campaigns at Seoul University, this visit to Hanyang University was a refreshing change.
The day was pleasant, with soft spring sunlight casting golden hues over the campus. Hanyang University's grounds were stunning, filled with modern architecture and neat gardens. But beauty wasn't the only thing they witnessed that afternoon.
As they walked toward a seminar room, Gevran and Seol-Vi heard faint laughter echoing through the hallway. Turning a corner, they saw it—a young woman, cornered by three male students. Her head hung low, and her hands clenched tightly against her chest. Words laced with sarcasm and cruelty reached their ears.
Gevran's fists balled instinctively. He had seen enough.
"Seol-Vi, stay here," he said firmly, walking straight toward the group.
"Hey!" he called out loudly. The three boys turned, surprised by his tone.
"What's your problem?" one of them scoffed.
"What's yours?" Gevran shot back. "Is this your idea of fun?"
"It's just a joke. Don't be so dramatic."
"Harassment isn't a joke," Gevran said coldly. "This is a university, not a playground."
Embarrassed, the boys mumbled under their breaths and walked away. The girl murmured a thank you before rushing off, eyes brimming with tears.
"This can't go ignored," Gevran muttered.
---
Minutes later, Gevran stormed into the university president's office. No appointment. No formalities. Just raw anger.
"There's bullying happening in your halls," he declared. "We just saw it happen. What are you going to do about it?"
The president—a man in his fifties wearing a tailored suit—looked up, stunned by the audacity.
"And you are?" he asked sharply.
"Gevran Yi Jido. From Seoul University. President of our anti-bullying social organization."
"You barge into my office without decorum, making accusations?" the president snapped.
Seol-Vi entered just in time to hear that. "Gevran, maybe—"
But he held up a hand. "If you want proof," he said, "we have a recording."
Seol-Vi took out her phone and played the video she had quietly captured.
The room tensed. After a few beats of silence, a faculty representative walked in and urged for mediation. A private meeting was held, and after seeing the footage, the administration relented.
"We apologize for the incident," said the president finally. "We will increase monitoring and take stronger disciplinary actions moving forward."
"We appreciate your concern," added the faculty rep. "It's clear that we all want a safer, more compassionate learning environment."
---
On the train ride back to Seoul, the air was quiet. The city lights flickered through the window, casting shadows across Seol-Vi's thoughtful face.
Then, softly, she spoke.
"When I saw that girl today… it felt like I was looking at myself."
Gevran turned to her. His eyes softened, waiting patiently for her to continue.
"I was bullied in middle school. In Busan. I was quiet, scrawny, and different. They'd scribble on my desk, hide my shoes, throw water on my bag…"
Gevran gently reached out and held her hand. "I'm sorry you had to go through that."
She smiled faintly. "What hurt the most wasn't them. It was the teachers who ignored it. I felt invisible."
She hesitated, then added, "Then I saw that video of you—when you spoke at that assembly. You said, 'Don't be ashamed of your scars. They're proof you survived.' I watched it so many times."
"That video gave me the strength to change," she said, her voice almost a whisper. "You inspired me."
Gevran's heart swelled—not from pride, but from something deeper. A quiet, profound connection.
"I've never told anyone this before," she said. "But tonight… it felt right."
"Thank you for trusting me," he said. "And thank you… for being strong."
Their eyes met. And in that silence, something shifted. They were no longer just comrades, no longer just friends.
That night, two souls once wounded by the same cruelty found healing—in each other.
---
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