Yuki placed the small bag of medicines on the bed and carefully laid them out. She took a deep breath and looked at everyone — Jennie, Minjae, Junho, Sana, Jihyo, and Momo.
Yuki:
"I want to explain everything clearly so you understand. The doctor said I have PCOS — Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. It's a hormonal imbalance."
Junho leaned forward, curiosity in his eyes.
Junho:
"Hormonal imbalance... what does that mean exactly?"
Yuki (holding up one of the medicine boxes):
"My ovaries are producing higher levels of hormones called androgens. That throws the other reproductive hormones off balance and can stop eggs from maturing properly — doctors call this anovulation."
Minjae frowned, leaning closer.
Minjae:
"And that causes... fatigue or other problems?"
Yuki:
"Yes, fatigue, stress effects, and it can affect metabolism too. But with medicine and the right lifestyle, it's manageable."
Yuki opened her ultrasonography report, spreading the images for everyone to see.
Yuki:
"See these small follicles? They're part of PCOS. The cysts themselves aren't dangerous or painful. The main problem is the hormonal imbalance, which is why we have to manage it carefully."
Sana leaned forward, calm but curious.
Sana:
"So... why did this happen to you? You exercise, eat well, and are careful."
Yuki:
"It's a combination of things. Irregular sleep, stress, and even processed ingredients in otherwise healthy home-cooked meals — like white flour or low-fiber dishes — can contribute. Genetics plays a role too. PCOS isn't caused by one single thing."
Jennie added, concern in her voice:
Jennie:
"And how are you going to manage it day to day?"
Yuki (showing the medicines):
"I have to take these regularly. One balances hormones, the other helps my body with insulin. I also need consistent sleep, balanced meals, stress management, and light exercise — like Taekwondo when I can. The doctor said following this routine carefully keeps it under control, and I can still take my make-up exam if I pace myself."
Momo reached out and gently squeezed Yuki's hand.
Momo:
"We'll make sure you stick to it. Step by step, Yuki. We'll handle exams, recovery... everything together."
Jihyo nodded softly.
Jihyo:
"We'll help with meals, remind you about the medicine, and make sure you rest properly."
Sana smiled faintly.
Sana:
"Yeah, we'll be careful so you don't overdo anything."
Minjae pulled out his phone and typed quickly.
Minjae:
"I'll send Haewon these pictures and the report. She's a nurse and knows what's best. She couldn't come because of her field trip, but she's worried and wants to help."
He showed Yuki the screen.
Yuki:
"Thanks... that really helps and do tell her to take care of herself. Not to worry."
Junho yawned slightly.
Junho:
"Alright. We've discussed medicines, meals, exercise, and exams. Should we order some food?"
Sana clapped her hands lightly.
Sana:
"Yes! I'm starving after all this stress."
Jennie:
"Something easy. Let's eat together, then everyone can go back to their rooms."
Momo smiled softly.
Momo:
"Yeah. We can eat, relax a bit, and plan the study and recovery routine after."
Food was ordered. Conversations became light, with small jokes and soft laughter.
Finally, one by one, they left for their respective rooms, leaving Yuki with the medicines, the ultrasonography report, and a small plan to carefully balance recovery and her make-up exam.
Yuki looked at the medicines again, then at her notes for the exam.
Yuki (whispering to herself):
"Step by step. I can do this... with them around."
The next morning
Sunlight filtered gently through Yuki's curtains. She had already double-checked her bag: make-up exam application, student ID, previous correspondence, and all necessary documents neatly stacked.
Yuki:
"Alright... let's do this carefully."
Jennie walked beside her, carrying a small backpack.
Jennie:
"I'll come with you, but remember, I might have to wait outside. This is their department rule — only enrolled students can enter the program office."
Yuki (smiling faintly):
"It's okay. I'll be quick."
They walked through the quiet campus, the hum of early morning life around them. When they reached the Business Administration Department Program Office, a small line of students and staff were already there.
Office Staff (smiling politely):
"Good morning. How can I help you?"
Yuki (handing over documents):
"Hi, I'm here to submit my make-up exam application. I missed the last exams due to health reasons, and all documents are attached."
The receptionist scanned through her forms, checking her student ID.
Office Staff (smiling politely):
"Everything seems in order. I'll submit these to the program coordinator. They'll review the application and confirm the dates with your professors. You can check back tomorrow for confirmation."
Yuki nodded, trying to hide her nervousness.
Yuki:
"Okay... thank you."
She stepped out of the office and met Jennie in the hallway.
Jennie:
"So... you have to wait until they confirm?"
Yuki (sighing softly):
"Yes... but at least the documents are fine. Now I just have to wait for them to schedule the exams. Hopefully, it won't take long."
They walked a few blocks to a small phone repair shop. The technician examined her phone, tapping and testing briefly.
Technician:
"It's a minor issue. Should be done in half an hour."
Yuki:
"Perfect. I'll wait here."
Jennie leaned back in the chair, pulling out a notebook.
Jennie:
"Then why not do some quick revision while we wait?"
Yuki:
"Good idea. Let's review a few formulas and notes while my phone gets fixed."
Thirty minutes later, Yuki's phone was repaired and working perfectly. She thanked the technician and pocketed her phone, feeling a small sense of relief.
Yuki:
"All done. Now, groceries, and then back home to study."
They stopped by a small grocery store on the way home, picking up fruits, vegetables, and a few essentials.
Jennie (teasing lightly as they carried the bags):
"You're turning into a responsible adult, Yuki. Phone fixed, groceries in hand... next step, conquering the make-up exam."
Yuki (smiling faintly, determined):
"Step by step. That's all I can do. One step at a time."
By the time they reached home, the sun was higher in the sky. Yuki set the groceries down, pulled out her notes, and opened her laptop. The make-up exam was officially scheduled, her phone was fixed, and everything was ready for her careful, determined study.
Yuki (muttering to herself as she organized her desk):
"Step by step... focus, balance, and no rushing. I can do this."
The quiet room settled around her, the hum of determination filling the space as she began her preparation in earnest.
Yuki was sitting at her small study table, notes spread around her, pen in hand. The soft afternoon light fell on her desk as she tried to focus on formulas and case studies for the make-up exam and Jennie was busy with her small table set up on the floor making pretty jewellery.
Her phone buzzed quietly. She glanced at the screen and saw a message from her mother:
"Yuki, I sent you some money. Don't pressure yourself. Come home safely."
Yuki's lips curved into a small, warm smile. Her chest felt lighter.
Then she noticed another transaction — her father had sent money yesterday, for her phone repair, but it hadn't shown up in the notifications.
Yuki chuckled softly, a mixture of warmth and affection washing over her.
Yuki (whispering to herself):
"Omma... Appa... you guys love me so much."
She hesitated, wanting to call them immediately, to hear their voices. But she shook her head slightly, determination flickering in her eyes.
Yuki (muttering):
"I want to call you back, but if I do it now... I'll lose focus. I need mental strength... to make up with mom later. Sorry, mom... I know you understand me."
She set her phone down carefully, took a deep breath, and turned her attention back to her notes.
The room was quiet again, filled only with the soft scratching of her pen and the steady pulse of her determination. Yuki reminded herself — step by step, one thing at a time.
And with that, she dived back into studying, the warmth from her parents' care silently fueling her focus.
The next morning, Yuki returned to the office, documents in hand again.
Office Staff (friendly, checking her forms):
"Min Yuki? Everything is approved. You'll take your make-up exams this Friday at 10:00 a.m. in Room 402 and next Monday at 2:00 p.m. in Room 305. Make sure to bring your student ID and exam materials."
Yuki (relieved, bowing slightly):
"Thank you so much! I'll be there."
She stepped out, feeling the weight of anticipation lift slightly, ready to tackle both the exams and everything else she needed to manage.
After 1 Week
A week had passed, and the tension of the make-up exams was finally behind Yuki. She walked alongside Jennie, their steps light and carefree as they headed back home to Daegu.
Jennie (smiling):
"I can't believe it's finally over. You did really well, Yuki."
Yuki (grinning, a hint of exhaustion in her eyes):
"Thanks... it feels like a huge weight is lifted. I can actually breathe again."
The campus was quieter than usual; most of the other students had already left for the semester break. Momo, Minjae, and Jihyo had headed back to Daegu days earlier, leaving Yuki and Jennie to make the journey together.
Jennie (teasing softly):
"So it's just us now... finally, peace and no more schedules for a while."
Yuki (laughing softly):
"Yeah... it's strange to think how fast this week went. Exams, medicine, everything... but we made it."
They boarded the bus, bags packed with dresses, snacks, and a little relief. Outside, the city blurred past, but inside, a small bubble of contentment and freedom wrapped around them.
Yuki (thinking to herself):
"Step by step... I managed it. Exams, health... I can balance it. For now, just enjoy the break."
The train slowed into Daegu, and as the doors slid open, a familiar breeze brushed past them — warmer, quieter than Seoul.
Yuki stepped out first, inhaling slowly.
Yuki (eyes closing, barely above a whisper):
"...Home."
Jennie stretched her arms over her head, smiling wide.
Jennie:
"Smells like peace, doesn't it? No professors, no deadlines, no exams. Just air."
Yuki let out a shaky laugh, eyes soft.
Yuki:
"Yeah... I missed this."
A black car idled by the station entrance — the one Jennie's parents sent to pick them up.
Bags were placed in the trunk, and the two slipped into the backseat.
Inside the car, Yuki's fingers fidgeted in her lap.
Jennie noticed instantly.
Jennie (gently nudging her arm):
"What's wrong? You look like you're going into a battlefield instead of your house."
Yuki hesitated.
Yuki:
"I... haven't talked to my parents since that day. Not properly. I don't know how they'll react."
A brief silence passed. Then Jennie reached out, patting her head softly.
Jennie — calm, reassuring:
"It's fine. I already spoke with them. They were worried, yes... but more than anything, they're waiting for you. Not angry. Just waiting for their daughter."
Yuki's eyes softened — relief, guilt, love — all tangled.
Yuki (quietly):
"...Thank you, Jennie."
Jennie smiled like she didn't need thanks at all.
Minutes later, they stood in front of Yuki's house.
Yuki's breath hitched — her feet refusing to move forward.
Jennie observed her for three full seconds.
Then—
Jennie (with a small scoff):
"Aish. Overthinking again."
Before Yuki could stop her, Jennie leaned forward and rang the doorbell.
Ding-dong.
Footsteps.
The door slid open — and there stood her parents, side by side.
Jennie straightened instantly, cheerful like sunshine.
Jennie (half-proud, half-teasing):
"See, Uncle, Aunty? I brought Yuki back safely — fed, hydrated, supervised like an endangered baby panda."
Yuki's father let out a warm laugh, eyes glimmering.
Father:
"Thank you, Jennie. Truly."
But behind that warmth...
Yuki and her mother faced each other — both still, unsure, afraid of the first words.
A soft, fragile tension hovered in the entranceway.
Like a wound that had closed — but never healed.
Yuki and her mother stood frozen, eyes locked, neither speaking first.
A thin tension lingered — not anger, but something fragile.
Yuki's heart fluttered with guilt and longing both at once.
She wanted to step forward, yet fear rooted her in place.
If I speak, will it heal us? Or break us again?
Yuki swallowed, voice barely a whisper.
Yuki: "Eomma..."
One word was all it would take... to heal, or to shatter.