The Phantom Roommate

In the days leading up to the orientation day, Room 205 had undergone a noticeable shift in the atmosphere. The presence of Tae-young, their enigmatic roommate, loomed over them like a shadow, despite his frequent absences from the room.

Each morning, Joon-ho and the others would awaken to find Tae-young's bed empty, a stark reminder of his elusive nature. Similarly, when night fell and they retired to bed, Tae-young would be nowhere to be found. It was as if he existed on the periphery of their lives, always present yet never truly there.

However, there were fleeting glimpses of his return in the dead of night, observed by Kang-dae during his late-night gaming sessions. Tae-young's nocturnal arrivals only added to the mystery surrounding him, leaving his roommates puzzled and intrigued by his peculiar habits.

The roommates of Room 205 found themselves in an unusual predicament regarding Tae-young. Despite sharing the same living space, they had little to no interaction with him. Unlike Kyu, whose occasional disappearances were accompanied by a nonchalant return to the room, Tae-young's absences were shrouded in mystery. Their attempts to strike up conversations with him had been met with indifference or curt responses, leaving them feeling estranged from their roommate.

As they pondered Tae-young's whereabouts during his frequent disappearances, speculation ran rampant. Some wondered if he had another place of residence outside the university, while others entertained the notion of secretive meetings or clandestine activities. The lack of transparency only fueled their curiosity, prompting them to exchange speculative theories in hushed tones when Tae-young was out of earshot.

Despite their attempts to unravel the enigma of Tae-young, the truth remained elusive. His elusive nature only served to deepen the air of mystery surrounding him, leaving Joon-ho, Kang-dae, and Kyu with more questions than answers. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, a sense of unease lingered, as they grappled with the unsettling realization that they shared their living space with a virtual stranger whose motives remained unknown.

As the days passed and the orientation day drew nearer, the atmosphere within NexaCorp Korea University buzzed with excitement and anticipation. The once quiet corridors of the men's dormitory began to teem with activity as more students arrived, filling the previously vacant rooms with a sense of bustling energy. From the room directly in front of Room 205 to the neighbouring rooms and even the floors above, the sound of footsteps and voices echoed through the halls as the student population steadily increased.

Joon-ho observed the influx of new faces with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. With each passing day, the number of students seemed to grow, a testament to the university's popularity and the high stakes associated with admission. As the inaugural year of NexaCorp Korea University, it was no surprise that a significant number of students had been admitted, eager to carve out their place in the competitive world of NexaRealm.

However, beneath the excitement of new beginnings lay an undercurrent of pressure and uncertainty. With the university's stringent policy of expelling students who failed to meet the rigorous standards, the competition for survival was fierce. Joon-ho couldn't help but feel a twinge of apprehension at the thought of the challenges that lay ahead. In a place where only the best would endure, the path to success was fraught with obstacles, testing the limits of determination and skill.

As the corridors filled with the chatter of students and the anticipation of the days to come, Joon-ho braced himself for the journey ahead. With each passing moment, he resolved to seize every opportunity and overcome every challenge that came his way. For in the crucible of NexaCorp Korea University, only the strongest would prevail, and Joon-ho was determined to emerge victorious.

As the excitement of the orientation day permeated every corner of NexaCorp Korea University, the vibrant atmosphere extended far beyond the confines of the dormitories. In the cafeteria, the buzz of conversation and the clatter of utensils filled the air as students gathered to fuel their bodies for the day ahead. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the scent of savoury dishes, creating a tantalizing backdrop for the morning ritual of breakfast.

At the sports centre, the sound of sneakers squeaking against the polished floors echoed through the halls as students engaged in various physical activities. From basketball to martial arts, the sports centre was a hive of activity, with students honing their skills and pushing their limits in pursuit of excellence.

Even outside, as Joon-ho embarked on his morning jog, he couldn't help but notice the throngs of students who had also taken to the streets, their footsteps echoing his own as they embraced the crisp morning air and the exhilaration of physical exertion. The sight of so many individuals committed to their physical health was a testament to the university's ethos of holistic development, where both mental and physical well-being were valued and nurtured.

As Joon-ho weaved through the bustling streets of the campus, he couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with his fellow students. In this dynamic environment, where ambition and determination thrived, he knew that he was surrounded by like-minded individuals who shared his passion for excellence. As he pushed himself to new heights, fueled by the energy of those around him, he felt a renewed sense of purpose and determination to succeed in the competitive world of NexaRealm.

In the women's dormitory, the energy was palpable as students bustled about, preparing for the day ahead. Soo-jin and Sang-hee, as roommates, found themselves immersed in the lively atmosphere, surrounded by the laughter and chatter of their classmates. The lounge area, a hub of activity, buzzed with excitement as female students congregated to socialize and relax.

Soo-jin, with her vibrant personality and warm smile, easily struck up conversations with her peers, exchanging stories and sharing laughter as they bonded over shared experiences. Her presence added to the lively ambience of the lounge, drawing others to her with her magnetic charm.

Meanwhile, Sang-hee, although more reserved than Soo-jin, found solace in the company of her friends, quietly observing the bustling activity around her. Despite her quieter demeanour, she enjoyed the sense of camaraderie that permeated the air, feeling a sense of belonging among her classmates.

As the morning progressed, the lounge filled with the sounds of animated conversation and laughter, creating a welcoming environment where students could unwind and connect. The sense of community that thrived within the women's dormitory fostered friendships and camaraderie, enriching the university experience for all who called it home.

As the day drew to a close, anticipation hung in the air like a tangible force, electrifying the atmosphere with excitement and nervous energy. With class set to begin the following day, the sense of anticipation among the students reached a fever pitch, each one eagerly anticipating the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.

In their respective dormitories, students prepared for the upcoming day, their minds buzzing with thoughts of the classes and activities that awaited them. Some meticulously organized their notes, eager to dive into their studies with gusto, while others engaged in last-minute cramming sessions, hoping to absorb as much information as possible before the first bell rang.

Outside, the campus buzzed with activity as students hurried to and fro, their footsteps echoing off the walls of the imposing buildings that housed their classrooms and lecture halls. The air crackled with anticipation as students exchanged excited chatter, their voices blending in a cacophony of anticipation and excitement.

Despite the diverse backgrounds and lifestyles of the students, one thing remained constant: the shared sense of purpose and determination that bound them together as they embarked on this new chapter of their academic journey. Each student carried with them their hopes and dreams, their aspirations and fears, but they were united by a common goal: to excel in NexaRealm and become the best that they could be.

As the sun dipped below the horizon and darkness descended upon the campus, a sense of quiet determination settled over the students, a silent promise to themselves to seize the opportunities that lay before them and make the most of their time at NexaCorp Korea University. With hearts full of anticipation and minds brimming with possibilities, they retired to their dormitories, eager to rest and recharge before the dawn of a new day and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

In their dormitories, amidst the hushed whispers and rustling of blankets, the students reflected on the journey that had brought them to this moment. They thought of the sacrifices they had made, the challenges they had overcome, and the dreams that had driven them forward. And as they drifted off to sleep, their hearts were filled with a quiet resolve, knowing that tomorrow would mark the beginning of a new adventure—one filled with endless possibilities and the promise of a brighter future.