Episode 2: The First Study Session

Jang Woonyeong's POV

My excitement was practically bouncing off the walls. One person! One person was enough to start. I launched into my meticulously planned agenda for the study group, detailing our approach to upcoming literature essays.

"So, for the analysis of 'The Great Gatsby,' I propose we tackle it by focusing on the symbolism of the green light and the role of the American Dream," I explained, gesturing enthusiastically with my pen.

"We can also delve into the character dynamics, especially between Gatsby and Tom Buchanan.

"Choi Taemin just sat there, listening intently, occasionally nodding. His calm presence was a stark contrast to my usual whirlwind of ideas.

I paused, suddenly self-conscious. Was I overwhelming him? Was this too much for a first session with just two people? "Does that... sound good to you?" I asked, my voice wavering slightly.

He finally spoke, his voice low and steady.

"Sounds good. But before we dive into symbolism, maybe we should quickly outline the key plot points and character motivations? Just to make sure we're both on the same page, foundational stuff."My eyes widened.

He was right. Completely right. I had been so caught up in the advanced analysis that I'd skipped the basics. My cheeks flushed slightly.

"That's... an excellent point, Taemin. Thank you."He offered a small, almost imperceptible smile.

"No problem. Common sense, remember?"We spent the next hour doing just that—outlining the plot, discussing character intentions, and surprisingly, finding common ground on interpretations.

I found myself genuinely enjoying the discussion, not just the fact that someone was there. Taemin had a way of cutting through my sometimes overly academic explanations with practical, grounded observations.

He asked insightful questions that I hadn't considered, making me see the material from a fresh perspective.

When the hour was up, I felt energized, not drained. "This was actually really productive," I said, gathering my notes. "More than I expected."He stood up, stretching slightly. "Yeah, I guess it was. See you next week?""Definitely!"

I practically chirped. The empty room didn't feel so empty anymore. It felt like a space where something new, something real, could grow.

Choi Taemin's POV

Woonyeong was a lot. Like, a lot a lot. He dove straight into "The Great Gatsby" symbolism with the fervor of a seasoned professor, his long trim hair occasionally falling into his eyes as he gestured.

I just let him talk, observing. He was clearly passionate, and genuinely smart, but also a little oblivious to the fact that people might need a primer before dissecting literary theory.

When he finally paused, looking a bit uncertain, I interjected. "Foundational stuff first,"

I suggested, keeping my tone even. He seemed to appreciate the guidance, his initial enthusiasm quickly shifting to thoughtful consideration.

That was good. He wasn't just talking; he was listening.We spent the session breaking down the novel, and I found myself genuinely engaged. He had a way of explaining things that made complex ideas accessible, and my "common sense"

often helped bridge the gap to practical understanding. It was a good balance. He saw the big picture, I saw the step-by-step.His face was bright when he said, "This was actually really productive."

There was a genuine surprise in his voice, as if he hadn't expected it either. It made me smile internally."Yeah, I guess it was," I replied, standing up. "See you next week?" I meant it. There was something about Woonyeong, his unfiltered enthusiasm and underlying vulnerability, that was unexpectedly appealing.

Plus, I actually learned something. Maybe this study group wasn't such a bad idea after all. As I walked out, I thought about his excited "Definitely!" It felt like the beginning of something.

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