“Don’t get nervous. If you get stuck, apparently, it’s better to move on to the next question and come back to it later. Don’t mismark the answers when you finish the questions. Don’t leave the marking until the end of each exam and remember to do it from time to time.”

“Seonbae, you look more serious than we do.”

The colleagues of the acting club giggled in front of the school gates. It was 7:50. It was about time to go inside.

Gaeul grabbed the hands of the graduates that came to cheer her on. It wasn’t just the seniors that graduated last year. Those that graduated two years ago could be seen in front of the school gates as well.

“Good luck with your exams. I’m sure you’ll do well.”

Gaeul nodded as she listened to last year’s club president’s words. Although the weather was cold, her palms were sweaty. This exam would change her whole future. She hoped and prayed that the friends that she had spent the last three years with do well on the tests.

“Seonbae-nim, we’ll go in now.”

“CSATs are nothing, so don’t be too nervous. Honestly speaking, it’s easier than doing a play. If you take the test with that mindset, I’m sure you’ll get the grades you want.”

Leaving behind the encouragement of the seniors, she walked inside. Even though she only took a single step inwards, it felt like the air had changed. The stifling and heavy air filled the school campus.

“I’m going to go drinking right after this.”

One of her friends, who had brought beer to the school field trip, fired herself up saying...