Born to Rise : Becoming Vice President

Chapter 5: Shadows Behind the Luxury

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The news of Gevran's selection as a youth speaker spread like wildfire.

Some said it was a setup. Others whispered it was damage control. But those who had met Gevran—even briefly—knew there was something different about him. Not just his sharp mind or famous last name, but the way he looked people in the eye. The way he listened. The way he stood back up.

Despite the chaos, Gevran didn't retreat. He still came to school every day. Still sat in the same seat at the back of Class A. Still greeted the janitor every morning. And that irritated his enemies more than anything: his refusal to crumble.

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At the elite student club lounge—where only heirs and heiresses with family net worth over 500 million USD were allowed—Jaemin slammed his phone onto the velvet sofa.

"Why hasn't he broken yet?! What kind of PR machine does he have?!"

Another student, Minseo—grandson of the opposition leader—spoke in a low, calculating tone. "His machine isn't PR. It's character. People want to believe in him. That's more dangerous than any media control."

Jaemin narrowed his eyes. "Then we change the tactic. Let's stop attacking him. Let's go after the people around him."

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That same week, rumors started spreading about Han Jimin.

Photos from her middle school days were leaked. Edited screenshots made it look like she had bullied other students. Though clearly fake, the damage was instant.

She was called into the guidance office. Whispers followed her down the hallway.

Gevran found her sitting alone behind the school library, biting her lower lip, hands trembling.

"They're not even good at faking things," she said, her voice breaking.

Gevran sat beside her. "That's the thing about shadows. They get bigger the brighter the light becomes."

He reached into his bag and handed her something—a tiny brooch shaped like a phoenix. "Wear this when you speak at the student council debate next week."

Jimin stared at him. "But what if they destroy me too?"

"They'll try," he said quietly. "But you'll rise. That's what a phoenix does."

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The following week, Gevran and Jimin stood side by side at the Seoul Youth Leadership Forum.

Gevran delivered a powerful speech about youth integrity, the digital age, and the importance of rebuilding trust. He didn't mention the scandal. He didn't need to.

Jimin followed with her speech. Nervous at first, but halfway through, something clicked. Her voice grew firm. She told her story—not of perfection, but of growth. And the room gave her a standing ovation.

By the time the event ended, hashtags like #StandWithJimin and #GevranTruth were trending nationwide.

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Back at school, the tide had shifted.

The principal made an official apology for mishandling the investigation. The fakes were exposed. Jaemin and Minseo were suspended from their club positions. A full review of elite student organizations was launched by the alumni committee.

And as Gevran walked through the main corridor, a first-year student he'd never met ran up to him, eyes wide.

"Sunbae… thank you. Because of you, I applied for the scholarship. I didn't think people like me belonged here."

Gevran smiled. "You do belong here. Just keep walking forward."

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That night, as he looked at the glittering Seoul skyline from his penthouse balcony, Gevran's phone buzzed.

A message from his father.

> "I saw your speech. You're becoming exactly who you're meant to be."

And for the first time in a long while, Gevran allowed himself to breathe.

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