DAYS FLYING BY

HANEUL read Robin's message, asking if he was feeling better and if he would be able to attend the dance class later. He smiled and quickly replied, assuring Robin that he was feeling fine now and would definitely be there. After replying, he slipped his phone back into his bag.

He was in the counseling room adjacent to the faculty office, a space meant for private conversations between teachers and students. His mother had asked him to wait there while she spoke with his homeroom teacher to explain why he had to take a leave of absence. This way, Haneul wouldn't have to go through the explanation himself, allowing him and his teacher to focus on what needed to be discussed.

That's why he had been waiting here for several minutes now.

Soon, the door to the counseling room opened, and Teacher Han, his homeroom teacher, walked in. She was a woman in her mid-30s, with a lean, athletic build that hinted at her dedication to fitness. Her sharp eyes and confident posture gave her an air of authority, yet there was a warmth in her smile that made her approachable. She was known for her friendly and supportive approach with students, but also for her ability to be firm when necessary.

Haneul remembered that when his parents died in his original world, Teacher Han was the first one to lend a helping hand to him. She helped him arrange the funeral. She even looked for scholarships for him so he could continue his college education. But sadly, he wasn't in a healthy state of mind back then.

All he had thought about back then was finding work as quickly as possible. If he had taken the time to self-reflect, he might have found a different way to earn money—one that didn't involve working himself to the bone and eventually developing lung cancer from smoking too much under the weight of stress.

He shook his head, pushing the thoughts aside. That was all in the past now, or rather, in the future that would never happen. There was no point in dwelling on it. At least now he knew better.

Haneul stood up and greeted his homeroom teacher. "Good morning, Teacher Han."

Teacher Han gave him a complicated look before sighing. "Okay, sit down."

Haneul sat back down and Teacher Han sat opposite him.

"I heard from Teacher Park. She said you want to take a leave of absence because you're joining an idol survival program?" Teacher Han started.

Haneul nodded. "Yes."

"Are you absolutely sure about this? I don't want to stand in your way, especially since it seems you've already convinced your mother to let you join. But as your homeroom teacher, I have a responsibility to ensure you're making the right decision for yourself," Teacher Han said, her tone a mix of concern and firmness. "You're a third-year student with the CSAT coming up in November. With your grades, I have no doubt you'll do well. But if you participate in this survival program, there's a real risk you might fall behind in your studies, which could impact your CSAT results. Are you willing to take that chance?"

"Yes," Haneul replied without hesitation, his voice firm with determination. "I know it might seem impulsive, but this isn't just a whim—it's my dream, something I've always wanted but never had the courage to pursue. I'm done letting fear hold me back. This survival program is my chance to finally chase what I've always wanted, and I'm not going to waste it. But don't worry, Teacher Han. I won't neglect my studies. If you provide me with any coursework or a syllabus, I promise I'll keep up with it.

Teacher Han studied him carefully, and after a moment, when it seemed she had found the answer she was looking for, she let out a sigh once again. "Alright. Let's talk about how we can make this work."

A bright smile spread across Haneul's face. "Thank you so much, Teacher Han!"

And with that, the issue of the leave of absence was finally resolved.

******

The days flew by, and soon it was time for Haneul to head to Jeil ENM Center once again. This time, it was not to sign a contract, but to begin his journey in Boys Odyssey.

His entire family woke up early that morning, as his parents and younger sister had decided to accompany him.

He had told them it wasn't necessary, but they insisted. They reminded him that if he made it through until the end of the survival program, they wouldn't see him for three months. They wanted to spend as much time with him as possible, even if it was just for a few more hours.

What else could he do but agree?

After loading his luggage into the trunk of the car, they set off from the house. Before heading to Jeil ENM Center, they had one stop to make—Robin's hotel.