5.4

Despite the jab, Chaeyoon focused on her objectives, knowing that her hard work and consistent results would speak louder than any snide remarks. Her determination was fueled not by the need to prove her worth to others but by her passion and commitment to excel in her chosen field of study.

Of the twenty ethnically diverse students, including Chaeyoon, eleven came from jewelry families and four had experience in jewelry-related retail. Naturally, given their backgrounds, confidence was evident in their mannerisms and expressions. 

Confidence, however, was one thing; resorting to belittling others was another.

[I know. That’s why I need to pass the gemologist exam on the first try. So, go ahead and enjoy your parties. I’ll study hard and be a conscientious student who cares about the score.]

Her resolve was unshaken. For Chaeyoon, excelling in written exams was not just a matter of pride but a necessity, especially when many of her classmates already had a head start in the industry through their family businesses.

The gemology course was intensive, encompassing geography, physics, chemistry, and earth science—a demanding combination. Chaeyoon, having been groomed by the rigorous demands of the South Korean College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), adapted her study habits accordingly. 

She reviewed daily, never going out the day before exams, and studied relentlessly, always striving to be at the top. Once she achieved first place, her motivation only grew stronger, driven by the desire to maintain her lead. Her dedication not only set her apart academically but also prepared her to face the professional challenges that lay ahead in the gemology field.

As Chaeyoon consistently ranked first in every exam, her classmates’ attitudes towards her began to shift. Some asked her for tips on how to excel in exams, while others who were at risk of failing pleaded for her to share predicted questions. 

[Sure, diamond grading is one thing, but color stone grading is a different beast. You have to identify different types of colored stones, and it’s important to have seen a lot of them from a young age.]

Chen, ever keen to assert his status, tried to belittle Chaeyoon by flaunting his familiarity with precious stones. 

[Really? You’ve grown up in a family that has imported diamonds for 25 years, and you still couldn’t beat me in diamond grading. How will you fare with color stones? We need to practice with at least 2,000 stones, and it seems my memory is better than yours.]

Chaeyoon retorted, leaving Chen red-faced as she walked out of the classroom.

[I don’t understand why he keeps challenging when he can’t win a single debate or test.]

Chaeyoon muttered to herself.

Jessie, who had followed her out unnoticed, chimed in.

[I’d love to know too. It seems like every place has one or two of those kinds of people. Well, now that the exam is over, we have time to hang out today, right?]

Jessie asked with an expectant look. 

[Sorry, I’ve already made plans with a friend coming over today.]

Chaeyoon apologetically clasped her hands together. 

[Oh, have I been bumped down the priority list?]

[It’s a friend flying in from Korea.]

[Wow! A plane trip. I lose.]

Jessie exclaimed, acknowledging the significance.

Even if that wasn’t the case, Joo-eun would be a priority for Chaeyoon.

The steamy summer air in New York seemed a bit more tolerable knowing she was about to reunite with her friend. The anticipation made the typically oppressive heat almost enjoyable.

***

Knock, knock.

The old apartment’s broken doorbell forced visitors to use the more traditional method of announcing their arrival. 

“Is that you, Joo-eun?” 

Chaeyoon called out, her voice filled with excitement as she scurried to the door.

“Yeah.”

“I told you I was going to the hotel, why did you come?”

Chaeyoon said as she opened the door, surprised to find Joo-eun standing there, dressed in a crisp white dress that seemed too fresh for someone who had just gotten off a flight.

“Huh?” 

Joo-eun wasn’t alone. A man, clearly a bodyguard from his demeanor, stood right behind her.

“I’ve met my friend, you can leave now. I can handle myself from here.” 

Joo-eun said with a hint of irritation to the bodyguard.

“I must accompany you until you return to the hotel. New York can be dangerous, even for two women.” 

The bodyguard stated firmly.

“She’s been managing just fine on her own, you know?”

“The stakes are different for you, Miss.” 

The bodyguard briefly glanced at Chaeyoon, implying the difference in their statuses.

“So annoying.”

Joo-eun muttered under her breath as she slammed the flimsy apartment door shut and stepped inside.

The tension between Joo-eun’s desire for independence and the protective measures enforced by her family was palpable, setting the stage for a visit that might be more complicated than Chaeyoon had anticipated.

“It would be terribly hot to leave him outside.”

Chaeyoon jerked his chin toward the front door. Despite just having heard his comment, she wanted to ignore whether it was hot or not, but it was a murderous heat that was unbearable without air conditioning.

“It’s not my fault. I clearly told him to go back.”

Perhaps due to the discomfort, Joo-eun’s voice had an edge to it, uncharacteristic of her usually cheerful demeanor.

“He’s just doing his job.”

“As long as they pay him enough, it’s fine.”

Joo-eun looked around the small apartment, trying to figure out where to go.

“Come sit over here for now.”

The room was small considering the enormous rent, but it still qualified as a living area. She led Joo-eun by the arm to it.

“It’s really cramped.”

Joo-eun commented as she sat on the single-seater sofa.

“That’s why I said we should meet at the hotel where you’re staying.”

“I wanted to see where you live.”

“I’m only staying here for 6 months, after all. You came just in time. Thanks to you, I’ll get to enjoy a staycation at the fancy hotel where you’re staying this weekend.”

“Fine by me.”

Joo-eun’s voice lacked any energy.

“Ice tea? Or coffee? I also have orange juice.”

Chaeyoon said, opening the refrigerator door.

“Just water.”

Chaeyoon took out a bottle of water, poured it into a cup, and handed it to Joo-eun.

“Was the flight tiring? Why do you look so drained? No, have you lost weight? Are you on a diet? Is that why you’ve been so cranky? Don’t do that. You don’t need to lose weight. Just lose your personality.”

Suddenly, tears the size of small pearls started falling from Joo-eun’s eyes.

“Joo-eun!”

Startled, Chaeyoon flustered and couldn’t remember where she had put the tissues, fumbling around for a while.

“Sob, sob.”

In the meantime, Joo-eun’s sobs grew louder. Having finally found the tissues, Chaeyoon handed them to her.

For a while, only the sound of Joo-eun crying filled the small living room. Realizing why she was crying, Chaeyoon left her to cry quietly.

“Sob, I broke up with my boyfriend.”

“Yeah.”

There was nothing more to say. Chaeyoon had known they would eventually break up and that it would be painful. That’s why she had advised against a relationship that was doomed from the start.

It’s too cruel to say ‘It’s for the best,’ and Chaeyoon doesn’t have the confidence to tell Joo-eun ‘It’ll be okay soon.'”

“Why am I doing this? I was just going to have a little fun and then break up, so why am I hurting so much? Sob.”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t be there for you at that time.”

Would it have made any difference if I had been there when they broke up? 

Could I have lessened Joo-eun’s pain?

“You came at the right time, Joo-eun.”

Chaeyoon simply hugged her and patted her back, hoping the pain would pass.