I Love You Oppa

Chapter 15

Chapter 15: "Echoes of the Past"

The winter semester at Haneul Arts Academy had set a brisk pace, but Jellaine embraced the challenge with newfound confidence. The success of the collaborative project had boosted her morale and inspired her to explore new creative avenues. As the semester progressed, she delved into her studies with renewed enthusiasm, determined to make the most of her time at the academy.

One afternoon, Jellaine received a letter from home. It was an official-looking envelope, and the postmark indicated that it had been sent from Manila. She felt a mixture of curiosity and apprehension as she opened it.

The letter was from her family’s lawyer, providing an update on the legal proceedings regarding her parents’ estate. The news was not as positive as she had hoped. The letter detailed unexpected delays and complications that had arisen, requiring additional documentation and court appearances.

Jellaine’s heart sank as she read through the letter. The legal battle over her parents’ estate had been a constant source of stress, and the latest developments were disheartening. She sighed and set the letter aside, feeling a pang of frustration and helplessness.

Later that day, Jellaine met with her friends Minji, Soo-ah, and Hana in their usual café on campus. They could tell something was bothering her and gently prodded for details.

“You seem off today, Jellaine,” Minji observed. “Is everything okay?”

Jellaine hesitated before finally opening up. “I got a letter from home. There’s been more trouble with the legal proceedings. It’s just so frustrating. I wish there was something more I could do.”

Soo-ah offered a sympathetic smile. “I’m sorry to hear that. It must be really tough, especially when you’re so far from home.”

Hana nodded in agreement. “Is there anything we can do to help? Maybe we can brainstorm some ideas or just be here to support you.”

Jellaine appreciated their concern. “Thanks, I really appreciate it. I’m just feeling a bit overwhelmed right now. I guess I’ll have to find a way to focus on my studies and let the legal team handle it.”

The conversation shifted as her friends shared their own updates and concerns, but Jellaine couldn’t shake the weight of the letter from her mind. The burden of the ongoing legal issues was a constant reminder of the challenges she faced back home.

As the week progressed, Jellaine found solace in her music. She threw herself into composing and practicing, using her art as a way to channel her emotions and find some sense of peace. The creative process was therapeutic, and it helped her cope with the stress and uncertainty.

One evening, as Jellaine was working on a new composition in the music building, she encountered Dae-hyun again. He had been practicing in the adjacent studio and came over to check on her.

“Hey, Jellaine,” Dae-hyun said with a friendly smile. “You’ve been here for a while. Everything okay?”

Jellaine looked up from her piano and forced a smile. “Hi, Dae-hyun. Yeah, I’m just working on some new music. It helps me clear my mind.”

Dae-hyun nodded, understanding. “That makes sense. If you ever want to talk or need a break, I’m here. Sometimes sharing what’s on your mind can help.”

Jellaine considered his offer. “Thanks, Dae-hyun. I might take you up on that. It’s been a bit overwhelming lately.”

They chatted for a while about their respective projects and shared some laughs, which lifted Jellaine’s spirits. Dae-hyun’s support was a small but significant comfort in the midst of her struggles.

The following weekend, the academy hosted an event showcasing student performances and projects. Jellaine’s composition was featured, and she was excited to share it with her peers and faculty. The event provided a much-needed distraction from her worries and allowed her to focus on her passion.

As she took the stage to perform, Jellaine felt a mix of nervousness and exhilaration. The audience was attentive, and the room was filled with a palpable sense of anticipation. She poured her heart into the performance, each note a reflection of her emotions and experiences.

When she finished, the applause was heartfelt and enthusiastic. Jellaine felt a surge of pride and relief, knowing that her hard work had paid off. It was a reminder of why she had come to Haneul Arts Academy in the first place—to pursue her dreams and express herself through music.

After the performance, Jellaine received praise from her friends and faculty. They congratulated her on a job well done and expressed their admiration for her talent. The positive feedback was encouraging and helped her momentarily forget the stress of the legal issues.

As the event came to a close, Jellaine was approached by Hyun-woo, who had been watching her performance.

“You did an amazing job tonight, Jellaine,” he said with a smile. “Your composition was beautiful and emotive.”

“Thank you, Hyun-woo,” Jellaine replied, feeling a sense of gratitude. “It means a lot coming from you.”

Hyun-woo’s expression turned serious. “I know things have been challenging for you lately, and I want you to know that we’re all here to support you. If you need anything or just want to talk, don’t hesitate to reach out.”

Jellaine appreciated his kindness. “Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind.”

As the weeks went by, Jellaine continued to balance her academic responsibilities with her creative pursuits. The stress of the legal matters remained a constant presence, but she found solace in her music and the support of her friends and colleagues.

One day, Jellaine received another letter from home. This time, it contained a brief update from her family’s lawyer, indicating that some progress had been made but that more work was needed. The news was somewhat encouraging, but it also highlighted the ongoing nature of the legal battle.

Jellaine decided to reach out to her family directly to offer her support and encouragement. She called her father and spoke with him about the latest developments.

“We’re making progress, but it’s slow,” her father said. “I just wanted to keep you informed. We’re doing everything we can to resolve the issues.”

Jellaine’s voice was steady but concerned. “I understand, Dad. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do from here. I want to be as involved as I can, even from a distance.”

Her father’s voice softened. “We appreciate your support, Jellaine. We’re all working together to get through this.”

The call provided some reassurance, and Jellaine felt a renewed sense of determination. She resolved to continue focusing on her studies and creative projects while staying engaged with her family’s efforts.

As the semester progressed, Jellaine’s resilience and dedication were evident in her work. She continued to excel in her studies and remained an active participant in the academy’s artistic community. The collaborative project was moving toward its final stages, and the excitement and anticipation for the performance were palpable.

The support from her friends, faculty, and colleagues played a crucial role in helping her navigate the challenges she faced. With each passing day, Jellaine grew more confident in her abilities and more committed to her goals.

The echoes of her past, both the joys and the struggles, served as a reminder of her strength and determination. As she looked ahead to the future, Jellaine felt a sense of hope and optimism. The journey she was on was filled with opportunities for growth and success, and she was ready to embrace whatever came next with unwavering resolve.