A dream I know
transfer student
Clouds above my head
Time capsule
Yellow Carpet
empty chair
The shape of the Earth
Decision to break off relations
Today's mood ( )
Hell of the mind
Your piece
Rain and a walk
Strange yet affectionate
After the rainy season

Author's Note

I cringed at a single trivial word
Seventeen emotions covered up with the word 'just'
Can we fully understand each other's true feelings hidden behind their expressions?

As this is a period in which adolescents have a strong desire to be recognized by their peer group and feel a sense of belonging, friendships are considered the biggest concern and worry for adolescents.
The reason author Kim Ji-hyun began writing young adult novels was because she wanted to teach children struggling with friendship problems that “even if we are not exactly the same, we can still fully understand each other.”
In "Today's Mood is an Apple," we take a deep look into the mind of an adolescent who is easily intimidated by the ever-changing attitudes of her friends, and the complex emotions that even she herself finds difficult to accurately name, through the eyes of the gentle and kind child Kim Yi-kyung.
This is a young adult novel that makes us think about whether the expressions we are making toward each other right now really match our true feelings, and whether the misunderstandings and prejudices created by fleeting expressions are distancing us from our most delicate and kind sincerity.

Kyung Lee, who often hesitates to consider other people's feelings, is often ignored, puts up with, and gets hurt by prickly kids, but she is still a girl who is always curious about other people's feelings.
I love movies, I write screenplays, and I dream of one day turning my screenplays into movies, but I haven't found a friend I can openly talk to about what I like and want.
And there is always a question lingering in my mind.

'The characters in movies are probably modeled after real people, so why are real people so difficult and complicated?'

Three friends, very different from Kyung Lee, infiltrate her lonely daily life.
Kang Yu-rim, who seems confident and righteous in everything she does, Jeon Sol, who seems to have never been hurt in her life, and Im Gyu-ri, who is selfish and only thinks about herself.
Looking at those who are not afraid to express their emotions, Lee Kyung feels a strange sense of liberation, but also envy and a sense of self-loathing.

Sol is bright and cheerful and always has many friends around her, but she often shows a sensitive and cynical side in front of Kyung.
I don't understand why Sol is so sensitive to rude people and dangerous environments.
Gyuri, who has been hanging out with Kyung since middle school, is frustrated with Kyung, who is awkward at expressing her feelings directly, and one day, she suddenly posts a meaningful message on social media saying, "I have decided to cut ties" to an unknown person, making their relationship unstable.


Unlike them, Yulim seems to meticulously observe and adapt to even the parts that Lee Kyung doesn't say.
If Yulim were me, wouldn't she be no different from the children who hurt her? Lee Kyung slowly begins to rely on Yulim.
However, as Yurim gets closer to Lee Kyung, she starts to treat her rudely… … .

“You can feel dazzling beauty without having to say anything.”
I want to call out the names of the hearts that are flowing
A coming-of-age novel for everyone

Embarrassment, betrayal, anger… Even amidst the swirling emotions, Lee Kyung tries to understand Yurim’s circumstances, but is unable to make up her mind in the face of her shameless attitude.
Sol, though sometimes dark, stays by Kyung's side and suggests that Kyung face and express her true feelings, not through hatred or fighting.


“Who told you to fight? I’m just telling you.
That's wrong.
And then you get liberated.
In the hell of the mind.
That's really annoying.
“Who do you hate and detest?”

Lee Kyung becomes curious once again.
What must be going through the mind of that child, who calmly recites the names of emotions that are completely out of place with Sol's usually bright and cheerful demeanor? What pain might be hidden behind that smiling expression?

The sad expression on Sol's face that only Kyung can see and the complicated feelings that Sol comforts Kyung naturally connect with the message of support that Kyung's aunt gives her.

“Emotions are conveyed and felt naturally.
There are people who can understand and communicate with each other's feelings without having to express it outwardly.
“I hope our Lee Kyung-i will soon meet such a precious friend.”

Without having to force a smile or ignore how she feels at this moment, Lee Kyung decides to muster up her courage.
To be willing to trust someone again, and to show the world exactly how I feel and what I dream.
Still, when I'm curious about the hazy truth, I'll imagine it.
Above my head and above your head, which emoticon should come to mind to best express my mood today?
"Today's Mood Is an Apple" will help us realize that as long as we don't lose this kind and affectionate curiosity, we will be able to know each other's dazzlingly beautiful true feelings and share the even more dazzling joy of friendship.
It is a coming-of-age novel that will help readers find the emoticon that best suits their own and others' hearts.