* * *
Jooyoung was undeniably talented.
Despite their modest financial situation, his artistic ability was so exceptional that not allowing him to pursue art wasn’t an option.
Even if that hadn’t been the case, Siyoung would have done anything to support his brother’s dreams.
During Siyoung’s college years, Jooyoung’s art studies were possible because of his talent.
He attended a small art academy tuition-free, won multiple competitions, and built a strong portfolio for college admissions.
Though Jooyoung’s school wasn’t an arts-focused high school, it had a well-supported art club, and Jooyoung had consistently stood out since his freshman year.
He excelled in school competitions and group events, achieving top results in both practical and written evaluations.
Jooyoung assured Siyoung he’d handle his admissions process independently, so Siyoung had never worried.
Once, Jooyoung even mentioned that everything would be fine as long as the principal’s recommendation went through.
Then one day, Jooyoung called. His voice sounded flustered and upset.
“They always said I’d get the recommendation, even as recently as before the break…”
After calming him down, Siyoung learned that the principal’s recommendation had been given to someone else.
This had happened while Siyoung was too busy with his own life to keep an eye on Jooyoung’s school.
A transfer student had joined their school at the end of sophomore year.
Despite lacking notable skills, the student had won first place in two school competitions in the first semester of junior year.
Though Jooyoung felt uneasy, he had rationalized it as subjective judgment, which was inevitable in art competitions.
“Did that student’s parents visit the school often?”
“…Yeah, they did.”
Siyoung could piece the story together. It was a familiar narrative.
“Principal’s recommendations are limited to one per school. Some families transfer their kids specifically to secure that recommendation.”
“But just transferring doesn’t guarantee they’ll get it, right?”
“On the contrary. They transfer because they’re confident they’ll get it.”
Siyoung recalled overhearing parents at an admissions seminar discussing how fierce the competition was for arts programs and how these things often happened.
“You’ve done well so far. Your grades and portfolio are strong. You’ll be fine even without that specific track.”
“…But there’s no certainty in that. The recommendation track had the highest chance of acceptance, and I prepared specifically for it…”
Jooyoung sounded devastated. Losing the most reliable path to his dream school was a blow that shook him to his core.
“My portfolio needs reworking, and now I’ll have to prepare for a different track altogether. There’s barely any time before applications are due. Our family isn’t well-off, so I feel guilty about dragging this into regular admissions…”
“Let’s not panic. You’re overthinking because you’re overwhelmed. Take a day off from evening classes and meet me for dinner. We’ll figure it out.”
“I can’t leave now; it’s too late.”
“Then tomorrow. Ask your teacher. If they refuse, I’ll call them. Don’t worry too much and focus on staying healthy. Your finals aren’t even over yet.”
“…You don’t know much about admissions anyway.”
“I know grades through the first semester of junior year matter. Focus on that for now. I’ll do some research. I have a friend in art school; I’ll ask them.”
After calming Jooyoung down, Siyoung ended the call.
Jooyoung seemed slightly reassured by the mention of an art school friend.
‘…Problem is, I’m not actually close with them.’
Siyoung had blurted it out in desperation.
The so-called “friend” was someone he barely knew and found awkward to talk to.
‘…Still, they graduated as valedictorian and nailed their admissions. They might be helpful. I’ll just have to ask for their help, no matter what.’
After some hesitation, Siyoung composed a short message.
[Could you call me when you have time? – 6:12 PM]
He sent it after agonizing over it for a while.
He hoped for a quick reply, though he knew staring at his phone wouldn’t make one come faster.
[Hyun: Why? – 6:29 PM]
The reply came sooner than expected.
It was curt and to the point, typical of Hyun.
‘What should I say? If I go straight to the point, I’ll seem selfish. No, it doesn’t matter. What’s important is getting help.’
Deciding that his pride wasn’t worth more than his brother’s future, Siyoung sent another message, asking if they could talk over the phone.
Moments later, his phone vibrated.
“Why?” came the brusque voice.
“Uh, I, uh… Can you talk now?”
“If I couldn’t, I wouldn’t have called.”
Though the response was dismissive, Siyoung couldn’t afford to hesitate.
Clearing his throat, he explained, “…I need advice about college admissions.”
“…Admissions? Why? Are you planning to switch majors or something?”
“No, it’s not that…”
Isn’t he a little too free of prejudice?
Feeling flustered, Siyoung took a deep breath and steadied himself.
“My younger brother is taking college entrance exams this year… He’s been so anxious. He originally planned to apply through a recommendation-based program as his first choice, but I guess it didn’t go well.”
“So?”
“…But I don’t know anything about art admissions, so I don’t even know how to console him… Out of everyone I know, you’re the only one who’s into art. Plus, his first-choice school is ours.”
Could you help me?
Siyoung’s voice faltered as he continued, half-expecting rejection from the indifferent response he’d received so far.
“I’m meeting him tomorrow to cheer him up over dinner, but I feel like I need to know something—anything—so I can actually help… That’s why I thought I’d ask for advice.”
“You think hearing it will make you an expert?”
“…Well, no, you’re right.”
As much as Siyoung hated to admit it, the truth stung.
His own admissions experience was entirely different from what his younger brother, Jooyoung, was going through.
Even if he got advice from Hyun right now, there was no way he could understand everything about art admissions by tomorrow.
Even if he managed to learn something, it probably wouldn’t be anything Jooyoung didn’t already know.
Honestly, there was something else he really wanted to ask for.
“…Or, maybe… if you have time, could we meet briefly so you could give some advice directly? I’ll do anything in return—help with your assignments, buy you dinner, whatever you want…”
For a moment, Siyoung wondered if treating Hyun to a meal would even matter to him.
He fell silent, and the conversation paused.
“It doesn’t have to be today. Just whenever you’re free… I’ll work around your schedule. Jooyoung will be on break soon, so we can figure something out.”
Siyoung hated asking for favors, especially from someone he wasn’t particularly close to, but he couldn’t afford to be picky now.
Jooyoung, who rarely showed his feelings, was so distraught he’d broken down crying.
Siyoung had to try everything.
“…Sorry for bringing this up out of the blue. You’re the only person I could ask.”
He didn’t know if someone as accomplished as Hyun could even help him, but Siyoung was desperate enough to promise anything if it meant getting assistance.
“Is… is it a no?”
“…”
“I heard you’re busy with your exhibition. Sorry for reaching out like this, but you were the only person I could think of…”
“Who told you about the exhibition?”
“Oh? Yeonseok did.”
“The submission deadline was yesterday.”
“Oh.”
He’d momentarily forgotten that Yeonseok wasn’t the type to care much about others’ schedules.
It made sense now why Hyun had been able to reply quickly.
“Right, of course. You wouldn’t have answered the phone otherwise.”
“Stop beating around the bush. You want me to give some advice to your brother about admissions, right?”
“Well… His first-choice school is ours, and you were the top student. Just a few words from you would be a huge help.”
Siyoung kept his tone polite.
Was Hyun agreeing or not?
If he wasn’t willing, Siyoung wished he’d just say so clearly.
Just as he started to feel a bit annoyed, Hyun spoke.
“Fine. I can spare some time tomorrow.”
“…Really?”
“If I didn’t mean it, I wouldn’t have said it.”
“No, I mean it! Thank you so much. I’ll figure out the time and place…”
“Let me know. Are we done here?”
“Yes. I’ll text you the details. Really, thanks again.”
Siyoung bowed repeatedly out of habit, even though Hyun couldn’t see him.
He hadn’t expected such an easy agreement. It felt like he’d won an unexpected jackpot.
Arranging the meeting went smoothly.
Since Jooyoung lived in a dorm, he had to be back by 9 PM. Siyoung’s last class ended at 5 PM, and it took about an hour to travel between their schools, giving them just enough time for dinner near Jooyoung’s campus.
“Should I book a nice restaurant? It feels wrong to take Hyun anywhere too casual…”
Though not in a great financial position, Siyoung felt obligated to pay for the meal since he was the one asking for help.
He’d never treated anyone to a meal before, let alone Hyun and Jooyoung.
He wasn’t even sure how much meals usually cost.
Sure, Hyun wasn’t picky about food, but it didn’t feel right to offer something subpar when he was going out of his way to help.
“…Besides, I’d been meaning to treat Jooyoung to something good anyway. I shouldn’t skimp now.”
Siyoung booked a place that was expensive by his standards, deciding it was worth it to show his gratitude.
* * *
