The school had been preparing since morning.
Everything had to be perfect.
Students were more organized than usual.
Teachers moved with extra care.
Even the atmosphere felt… staged.
Because today—
Important people were visiting.
At the front of it all—
Seo Eun Sang stepped out of her car.
Elegant.
Composed.
Unquestionably important.
Staff members quickly approached.
"Welcome, ma'am."
She acknowledged them with a slight nod.
Nothing excessive.
Just enough.
"This way, please."
She walked through the school grounds, her heels echoing softly against the pavement.
Students glanced her way.
Some whispered.
Some simply watched.
Inside the conference room—
Parents and school executives were already seated.
Waiting.
The moment she entered—
Everyone stood.
"Please, sit," Eun Sang said lightly as she took her seat.
The meeting began immediately.
"We would like to thank you all for your continuous support," the principal said. "Your contributions have greatly improved the school's facilities and opportunities for the students."
Eun Sang listened quietly.
Unmoved.
One of the parents spoke next.
"We've been discussing ways to elevate the school's reputation further. Perhaps a public academic competition—something that brings recognition."
Murmurs of agreement followed.
Eun Sang finally spoke.
"Then choose students who can represent the school properly."
Her voice was calm.
But carried weight.
The principal nodded quickly.
"Of course. We will carefully select—"
"Song Ji Won."
The room fell silent.
Eun Sang continued as if it were obvious.
"She should participate."
A few parents exchanged glances.
No one objected.
"She has the background, the support, and the capability," Eun Sang added.
The principal smiled politely.
"Yes, of course. She is one of our top students."
"Then there's no reason to hesitate," Eun Sang said.
And just like that—
It was decided.
No debate.
No resistance.
Because when she spoke—
Things moved.
After the meeting ended, people approached her one by one.
Compliments.
Gratitude.
Careful smiles.
She handled it all with ease.
Graceful.
Controlled.
Then—
"Ma'am, would you like to see your daughter?"
A brief pause.
"Yes."
Ji Won was called out of class.
She stepped into the hallway, confused at first.
Then—
She saw her.
"…you're here?"
Seo Eun Sang smiled slightly.
"Of course."
Ji Won didn't smile back.
They stood facing each other.
A distance that wasn't physical.
"I thought you'd be busy," Ji Won said.
"I always am," Eun Sang replied. "But I made time."
A short silence followed.
"How are your studies?" Eun Sang asked.
"They're fine."
"Your last results were acceptable."
Ji Won frowned slightly.
"Acceptable?"
Eun Sang tilted her head.
"You can do better."
There it was.
Not concern.
Expectation.
"I'm doing enough," Ji Won replied.
Eun Sang studied her for a moment.
Then spoke again.
"There's an academic competition coming up."
Ji Won already knew where this was going.
"I recommended you."
A pause.
"No."
The answer came immediately.
Eun Sang's expression didn't change.
"What do you mean, no?"
"I'm not interested."
"That's not the point."
Ji Won let out a quiet breath.
"It is to me."
Another silence.
Eun Sang's gaze sharpened slightly.
"This is an opportunity."
"It's pressure."
"That's the same thing."
Ji Won shook her head.
"No, it's not."
For a brief moment—
They simply looked at each other.
Two completely different worlds.
"You should think about your future," Eun Sang said.
"I am."
"Then act like it."
Ji Won's expression hardened slightly.
"I don't want everything in my life to be decided for me."
A pause.
Eun Sang didn't respond immediately.
When she did—
Her voice was calm.
Controlled.
"You're still young."
"And you don't listen," Ji Won replied quietly.
That was the closest thing to defiance she allowed.
Another silence.
Then Eun Sang stepped back slightly.
"Focus on your studies," she said.
Not angry.
Not loud.
Just final.
Ji Won didn't reply.
Eun Sang turned and walked away, her steps just as composed as when she arrived.
Ji Won stood there for a moment.
Watching.
Then—
She exhaled softly.
Not relief.
Not frustration.