Perfect Holiday Gone Wrong

The life of a struggling college student isn't fun. I said it because I know it. I sighed, staring blankly at my laptop screen as I struggled to focus on my report. The words blurred together, and my mind wandered to the festive atmosphere outside my small apartment. Seoul was buzzing with excitement for Christmas, and it seemed everyone could afford to join in on the fun – everyone but me. As a broke college student, Christmas had become just another day on the calendar. No presents, no fancy decorations, no holiday trips. Just me, my worn-out textbooks, and a never-ending pile of assignments. My phone buzzed, breaking the monotony. Suri's name flashed on the screen, accompanied by a string of enthusiastic emojis. "Hey, bestie! Why are you cooped up in your room? Come out, let's grab a cup of coffee!" Suri's voice burst through the speaker, infectious and energetic. I couldn't help but smile. "Suri, I have a report to finish. And, you know, no money." "Aww, come on! It's December 1st! Christmas spirit, Aeri! We can't let it die!" Suri protested. I chuckled. "You know I'd love to, but..." "No buts! Meet me at Café Bliss in 30 minutes. I'll treat you to a coffee. We can people-watch and get into the holiday mood." I hesitated, but Suri's enthusiasm was contagious. Maybe a short break wouldn't hurt. "Okay, fine. 30 minutes." "Yes! See you soon!" Suri squealed before hanging up. I saved my report and closed my laptop, feeling a spark of excitement. Maybe this Christmas wouldn't be so bleak after all. I arrived at Café Bliss, and Suri waved me over to our usual table by the window. Her bright smile and sparkling eyes were contagious. "Okay, so what's the plan?" I asked, shedding my coat. Suri leaned in, conspiratorial. "We're going to find you a perfect Christmas." I raised an eyebrow. "Perfect Christmas? You mean, like, love, money, and all that jazz?" Suri nodded vigorously. "Exactly! You deserve it, Aeri. You've been stuck in that tiny apartment for too long." I laughed. "You make it sound like a prison sentence." Suri's expression turned serious. "It kind of is. You need to get out, experience life. And what better time than Christmas?" Our coffee arrived, and Suri handed me a steaming cup. "Okay, bestie, I have a challenge for you," Suri said, her eyes sparkling. "What is it?" I asked warily. "Find love before Christmas Day." My jaw dropped. "You can't be serious." Suri nodded. "Dead serious. You need someone to share the holiday magic with." I shook my head, chuckling. "You've been watching too many rom-coms." Suri grinned. "Maybe. But I'm serious. You have 24 more days. Go find your Christmas miracle." I sighed, but Suri's enthusiasm was infectious. Maybe, just maybe, this Christmas wouldn't be so bad after all. I laughed. "You can't be serious." Suri nodded. " Still dead serious. You deserve a perfect Christmas, Aeri." I shook my head, but Suri's enthusiasm was contagious. Suddenly, an idea struck me. "Okay, I'll take the challenge," I declared. "And I'll make it even sweeter." Suri raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?" "I'll find a rich guy and make him mine by Christmas Day," I said, scanning the café. Just then, the door swung open, and two familiar figures walked in. Cha Jaemin, the charming senior, and Jung Yoonjae, the very annoying one. "Ah, perfect timing," I whispered to Suri, nodding toward Jaemin. Suri's eyes widened. "Aeri, are you serious? That's Cha Jaemin! He's literally out of our league." I grinned confidently. "Watch and learn, Suri. I can do it." Suri chuckled. "Okay, you pick, you do your thing. I'm here for you." With newfound determination, I stood up, smoothing my dress. "Wish me luck," I said, striding toward Jaemin and Yoonjae. Suri called out, "Good luck, girl!" As I approached, Jaemin's eyes met mine, and he flashed a charming smile. "Mind if I join you?" I asked, batting my eyelashes. Jaemin's smile widened. "Not at all." Yoonjae, however, looked less than thrilled. Not that I care. As I chatted with Jaemin, our conversation flowed effortlessly. We discussed everything from school gossip to our favorite TV shows. I couldn't help but notice how charming and easygoing he was. Yoonjae, on the other hand, seemed disconnected from the conversation, occasionally interjecting with a dry comment. I asked Jaemin if Suri could join us, and he agreed without hesitation. "Suri, come join us!" I called out. Suri sauntered over, a curious expression on her face. The four of us sat together, engaging in lively discussions. One thing became crystal clear: Yoonjae and I didn't get along. Our banter was laced with underlying tension, and Suri picked up on it, giggling at our snarky exchanges. As we finished our coffee, Jaemin suggested, "We should exchange numbers. It'd be great to hang out as friends, especially with Christmas coming up." We exchanged numbers, and when Yoonjae offered his, I hesitated. Yoonjae's smile seemed forced. "We can all be best friends." I raised an eyebrow, giving him the stink eye. Suri chuckled, amused by our awkward interaction. Jaemin, oblivious to the tension, grinned. "Awesome! Let's plan something fun for Christmas." As we parted ways, I felt a mix of excitement and unease. "Wow, that was...interesting," Suri whispered, as we walked out of the café. I rolled my eyes. "Yoonjae's got attitude." Suri giggled. "And you're not exactly subtle about disliking him." I shrugged. "He started it." Suri's expression turned serious. "Be careful, Aeri. Jaemin's charming, but Yoonjae's got secrets." I frowned. "What do you mean?" Suri's smile was cryptic. "Just trust me. My instincts aren't always wrong." As we walked home together, Suri turned to me with a mischievous grin. "Ari, isn't it surprising how your life is literally changing on the first of December? You've still got 24 days left." I laughed, feeling a surge of confidence. "I think I can do this. Finding love before Christmas, especially with a rich guy? Piece of cake." Suri raised an eyebrow. "I don't know where this confidence is coming from. This isn't the Aeri I know." Suri smiled slyly. "Okay, okay, I get it. Jaemin is handsome, but Yoonjae is cute." My expression darkened. "Cute? If 'cute' were a word in the dictionary with him existing, I'd rip it out. It's annoying, he's annoying, he's ugly." Suri burst into laughter. "Whoa, calm down." I glared. "Yoonjae is not cute. He's annoying. And Jaemin is the goal, not Yoonjae." Suri chuckled. "Alright, alright. Jaemin is the prize." I nodded firmly. "Exactly. Jaemin is the one I want." Suri's expression turned serious. "But Yoonjae seems...interesting." I rolled my eyes. "Leave Yoonjae out of my life." Suri grinned. "We'll see about that.": After parting ways with Suri, I headed home, determined to tackle my pending project. As a top student, I knew I had to stay on top of my work. I settled in at my desk, laptop open, and dove into my project. Hours flew by as I worked tirelessly, fueled by coffee and focus. Finally, I clicked "submit" and sent the finished project to my professor. Relief washed over me. Next, I turned my attention to the real challenge: winning Jaemin's heart. I grabbed a book and pen, brainstorming ways to capture his attention. As I scribbled notes, I gazed at my reflection in the mirror. "Maybe I need a makeover," I mused. My eyes landed on my hair, and a plan formed. As the daughter of a skilled hairstylist, I had learned a thing or two about styling. My mom's salon in Gwangju had been my playground growing up, and I had picked up plenty of tricks. With deft hands, I transformed my locks into luscious waves. The new look stunned me – I barely recognized the girl staring back. "Wow," I breathed. My confidence soared. Who knew a simple haircut could make such a difference? I snapped a selfie, admiring the angles. Jaemin wouldn't know what hit him. After transforming my hair, I turned my attention to my wardrobe. As a fashion design student at Seoul National University, I knew a thing or two about styling. I opted for comfortable, oversized T-shirts and jeans – my signature look. I carefully curated an outfit for the next day, mixing and matching pieces to create a effortlessly chic ensemble. My scholarship funded my education, but I wasn't extravagant; I knew how to make affordable clothes shine. Feeling satisfied with my outfit, I decided to take a relaxing bath. Winter's chill couldn't hide the sweat that came with walking, and I wanted to unwind. As I soaked in the warm water, I thought about Jaemin. My mind wandered to the school's website, where I could dig up more information on my "target." Post-bath, I grabbed my phone and navigated to the school's page. Every mention of Jaemin seemed paired with Yoonjae's name. My annoyance grew; why did Yoonjae always have to be there? Is Yoonjae gay? But then, I stumbled upon a gem; Jaemin was part of the school's dance club. I wasn't exactly the next Step up star, but I saw an opportunity. I'd join the dance club, play the role of a struggling dancer, and ask Jaemin for guidance. Who could resist helping a damsel in distress? I'd make it seem genuine, not forced. Content with my plan, I settled into bed. Before drifting off, I dialed my mom's number. "Hi, Mom!" I chimed. "Aeri, how are you, sweetie?" my mom asked, concern lacing her voice. "I'm good, Mom. Just busy with school." "Do you need money? I can send some." My mom always wanted to help but she still had to settle my father's debt. So, I always refuse. "Mom, you don't have to. I'm okay." "Aeri, I want to help." "Mom, really, I'm fine. Don't worry." We chatted for a while, catching up on the neighbors and friends back in Gwangju. My mom's warmth and love radiated through the phone. I actually loved Gwangju but I opted to attend Seoul national university because it was a really respected school. Getting a job at my dream brand after graduation, would be easier if you're from a respected school. As we wrapped up our conversation, I smiled. "I love you, Mom." "Love you too, Aeri." Hanging up, I snuggled into bed, feeling grateful. The first day of the challenge had come to a close. Tomorrow, Operation perfect Christmas would begin in earnest. With a determined smile, I drifted off to sleep.