Return of the Genius Photographer

Yale Bulldog Day.

Also known as BDD, Yale’s freshman orientation turned the campus into a lively celebration, welcoming new students.

The plaza buzzed with club performances, while street vendors lined the pathways, offering a variety of snacks.

Malcolm walked through the bustling crowd, his hands full of food.

Fried Coke, tacos, Chinese food—all sorts of unique street foods.

To others, these might seem ordinary or even low-quality, but…

For Malcolm, who was happily munching away, it was an incredibly joyful moment.

He had never been allowed to eat such heavily seasoned, greasy foods because of his strict mother.

In fact, this was his first time experiencing the thrill of such simple pleasures.

Buying whatever he wanted from street vendors.

Strolling freely through the streets and leisurely enjoying the festival.

These were things he could never have dreamed of under the watchful eyes of his family.

Crunch—

As he bit into a greasy arancini, Malcolm thought to himself.

‘I wish I didn’t have to go back to France.’

It had only been two days since he arrived at Yale, but the days here were incomparably more satisfying than anything he had experienced at home.

Every day was relaxed, free from the pressure of meeting anyone’s expectations…

Malcolm’s family was one of the most renowned artistic families in the world.

His father, named one of the 100 most influential people in the art world by Time magazine.

His older brother, hailed as a genius of the century after sweeping awards at the Queen Elisabeth, Chopin, and Tchaikovsky International Competitions, often referred to as the “Big Three” of classical music.

And his sister, who had won the prestigious Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale, often called the Olympics of the art world.

Born as the youngest in a family of such geniuses, Malcolm had grown up under immense pressure and expectations.

Being expected to excel among such prodigies was suffocating enough, but…

That wasn’t all.

Classical music, painting, sculpture, crafts—you name it.

From a young age, he had received top-tier education in all these fields.

And if he failed to match the achievements of his siblings, he faced harsh punishments.

Even if he managed to keep up, it was just following the paths his siblings had already paved.

It was expected by his family, and for Malcolm, it brought no sense of accomplishment.

Always compared to his accomplished siblings, Malcolm constantly had to tread carefully around his family.

For Malcolm, photography became a form of escape.

A field slightly removed from what his family excelled in.

The only outlet where he could breathe a little freer.

That’s why he chose to study abroad, as far from home as possible.

Crunch—

Malcolm stuffed a fried Coke ball into his mouth.

‘I need to figure out a way to avoid going back home even after graduation.’

It was the final day of freshman orientation.

Students, dressed slightly awkwardly but neatly, were touring the campus with their parents or guardians.

Malcolm watched them for a moment, then quickly turned away.

Even though he had been selected as a Yale scholar, to his family, it was just another expected achievement.

They probably wouldn’t have come even if he had invited them, but seeing those families made him feel inexplicably bitter.

‘No, what am I even thinking…’

Malcolm shook his head, trying to dispel the thought.

He had just escaped from his family, and now he was thinking about them?

How pathetic.

With both hands full of food, Malcolm found a relatively quiet bench and sat down.

He was already full, but he wanted to keep enjoying the festival.

‘Ah, this is fun.’

Watching the people walking around campus, Malcolm smiled.

The newfound sense of freedom and relaxation was wonderful.

And everyone he met here was so kind.

He had even found a friend he clicked with…

‘I wonder what Woojin’s up to?’

Malcolm’s thoughts turned to Woojin.

His new friend and roommate.

They shared similar interests and got along well—he really liked the guy…

Back in France, he could never have met someone like this…

He felt lucky to have found such a good friend right after arriving at Yale.

‘Ah, but how do I tell him?’

However, Malcolm’s expression darkened as he thought about Woojin.

Somehow, he had missed the chance to tell Woojin that he was a Yale scholar.

If Woojin found out…

He was worried that his friend’s attitude toward him might change.

Malcolm knew all too well how people’s behavior changed once they learned about his family background…

He was afraid he might end up unable to make friends, just like back in France.

Especially with the first friend he had truly connected with…

“Sigh…”

How should I bring this up…?

Malcolm’s worries deepened.

***

After finishing his meeting with Professor Ryan, Woojin immediately made his way to Woolsey Hall, where the event was about to begin.

Originally built as a church, the building stood out with its dome-shaped roof, reminiscent of a papal crown.

Inside, the stained glass and the massive painting on the ceiling caught his eye.

The architecture was so grand and old-fashioned that it could easily be mistaken for a famous cathedral.

However, the solemn atmosphere was overshadowed by the bustling crowd waiting for the event to start.

“Woojin! Over here!”

As Woojin navigated through the crowd near the entrance, looking for a seat, he heard a voice calling him.

“Why are you so late? I saved you a seat, but I thought I was going to die from all the glares.”

Malcolm greeted him warmly, as if he had been waiting for him.

“Thanks. The conversation took longer than I expected.”

As Woojin sat down and replied, the red curtain covering the stage was drawn back, and the sound of an orchestra filled the hall.

“Perfect timing.”

“Oh, really? I guess it’s about to start.”

It was the opening performance, signaling the start of the event.

―First, I would like to sincerely thank all the distinguished guests and parents who have joined us here today.

As the performance ended, the emcee stepped forward to begin the proceedings.

―We hope that the three days of Yale Bulldog Day have left you with wonderful memories, and now we will proceed with the final event.

Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap—

Woojin joined in the thunderous applause, looking around at the crowd.

The freshmen, filled with excitement and anticipation.

And the adults beside them, their faces equally expectant.

Despite the late hour, many parents and guardians had also attended, likely because it was the final event.

Seeing their warm expressions, Woojin thought of his own parents.

Though they were far away and couldn’t be here, he imagined they would have had the same proud expressions if they had come.

Just the thought warmed his heart.

But then…

He noticed that Malcolm’s parents weren’t there.

And Malcolm’s expression, usually cheerful, now seemed troubled and dark.

Woojin felt a flicker of curiosity but decided not to pry.

―Next, we will announce this year’s Yale Scholars.

The emcee’s smooth delivery kept the event moving quickly.

From the president’s address to the introduction of major events for the year and words of advice for the freshmen.

Before long, the event reached its final segment: the freshman representative address.

―This year’s Yale Scholars were selected based on their academic achievements, cover letters, and awards.

―For the first time, we have two recipients. Please give them a round of applause as they come forward for the freshman representative address.

Those who didn’t know who the scholars were glanced around, whispering to each other.

But Woojin, having already been informed by Professor Ryan, remained calm, his gaze shifting back to Malcolm.

Malcolm’s expression was unusually tense.

The same guy who had been all smiles yesterday now looked completely different.

“What’s wrong?”

Woojin asked, curious.

Malcolm, still wearing a serious expression, slowly replied.

“Woojin… there’s something I haven’t told you yet…”

“What is it?”

Woojin pressed, but Malcolm hesitated, as if he needed to gather his courage, before cautiously asking.

“But there’s a condition.”

“Huh?”

“Promise you’ll still treat me like a normal friend after you hear it.”

His tone was so grave that it felt almost dramatic.

What could possibly be this serious?

“Why are you being so…”

Just as Woojin was about to respond, bewildered.

―Our first Yale Scholar this year!

―A pride of the Malcolm family.

―Draco Malcolm!

The emcee called Malcolm’s name.

Hearing this, Malcolm scratched the back of his head awkwardly and said sheepishly.

“Actually, I’m this year’s Yale Scholar.”

Ah, so that’s what he was hiding…

Should I act surprised, or just say it’s fine?

After a moment of hesitation, Woojin awkwardly replied.

“I see…”

Then he quickly added.

“But actually, I have something to tell you too.”

“What is it?”

“Promise you’ll still treat me like a normal friend after you hear it?”

As Malcolm nodded in response.

―Joining him on stage as our second Yale Scholar is…

―This student made a name for himself by winning the grand prize at last year’s Arles International Photography Festival…

At those words, Malcolm’s eyes widened.

“If he won the grand prize at Arles…”

Then he exclaimed.

“Kai! Woojin, Kai must be at Yale too!”

Just as Malcolm was getting worked up.

―Nam Woojin!

Woojin’s name was called.

“Yeah, he’s at Yale.”

As Woojin stood up, Malcolm stared at him in shock.

“What? What are you…”

Malcolm’s mind went blank.

‘The winner of this year’s Arles grand prize was Kai…’

The memory barely surfaced.

He was sure he hadn’t heard the name Nam Woojin during the Arles event.

He had only met and heard of him after coming to Yale.

Which meant…

“You, you, you…”

As chills ran down his spine, Malcolm stuttered.

Woojin smiled faintly and replied simply.

“Yeah, that’s me.”

Then Malcolm grabbed Woojin’s shoulders and asked again.

“Your name is…”

At that moment.

―Freshman Nam Woojin is the rising star known as ‘Kai’ in the photography world.

―Please give a round of applause as we welcome our proud Yale Scholars to the stage!

As the emcee finished speaking.

“I’m Kai.”

Malcolm’s face was painted with astonishment.