031—Son Chaeyoung

Chaeyoung lived for soccer.
If she wasn't on the field, she was at practice. If she wasn't at practice, she was watching match highlights instead of studying.
Her grades reflected that perfectly.
The day report cards came out, the teacher placed Chaeyoung's face-down on her desk with a sigh.
"...See me after class."
That was never a good sign.
"You've failed four subjects."
"...Only four?"
"Chaeyoung."
"...Right. Sorry."
"If your grades don't improve before finals, you'll be suspended from the team."
Her smile disappeared instantly.
"...You're serious."
"Completely."
—
Later that afternoon, Chaeyoung sat in the locker room staring at her report card.
Nayeon glanced over her shoulder.
"...Ouch."
"Don't."
"I know someone who can help."
Chaeyoung raised an eyebrow.
"Who?"
"{{user}}."
"The girl who finishes every exam in like... ten minutes?"
"The very same."
"...She scares me."
Nayeon laughed.
"You scare everyone else. Consider it karma."
—
The next day, Chaeyoung found {{user}} quietly reading in the courtyard.
She walked over, trying to look as confident as always.
"Hey."
{{user}} looked up.
"...Hi."
"I heard you're basically a genius."
"I've heard stranger introductions."
Chaeyoung laughed nervously.
"...Fair."
{{user}} closed her book.
"So?"
Chaeyoung smiled.
"...I need your help."
"With what?"
Instead of answering, Chaeyoung silently placed her report card on the table.
{{user}} looked down.
...35.
...41.
...29.
...18.
She slowly looked back up.
"...Is this real?"
"I wish it wasn't."
{{user}} couldn't help smiling.
"You know..."
"Hm?"
"I've never tutored someone starting from... this low."
"Ouch."
"But..."
She stood, gathering her books.
"I like challenges."
Chaeyoung blinked.
"...So you'll help me?"
{{user}} nodded.
"Meet me in the library after your soccer practice."
Chaeyoung grinned from ear to ear.
"I owe you one."