Chloe's pov
Once I am through security, I find a seat in the departure lounge. The anticipation is almost overwhelming. I pull out my phone, scrolling through messages from my homie friends wishing me luck, their words bringing a smile to my face.
Suddenly, a beautiful lady approaches and sits down beside me. She looks to be in her late twenties, dressed impeccably in a tailored outfit that exudes confidence. Her dark hair falls in soft waves around her face, and her eyes sparkle with warmth.
"Hi there! I'm Lee son but I prefer Sona," she introduces herself, extending a hand. "What's your name?"
I kind of hesistate , because who asks for names at first meer , awkward ! I contemplate and decide why not
" hello I am Chloe," I reply, shaking her hand. There's something about her that feels comforting that I end up blubering. "I'm heading to Seoul for an internship in Film Studies." Realising I exclaim , I actually spilled my information to a stranger.
Lee's eyes widen with interest. "That sounds fantastic! I work in the entertainment industry, so I can tell you that you're in for an incredible experience."
"Really? That's amazing!" I can't help but lean in closer, intrigued. "I've always dreamed of working in film, especially with K-dramas. They've been such a comfort to me during tough times."
"Oh, you'll love it! Korea has a vibrant film scene, and you'll get to see it all firsthand." Her enthusiasm is infectious, and I start to feel more at ease. "Oh, and by the way, you have cool hair. Sorry to ask, but are you Asian? You definitely look like you have a blend of ethnicities."
I chuckle at her straight forwardness; it's refreshing. "Yeah, I'm actually half Korean,half canadian and half African, its a blend of diffrent ethnicities."
"Wow, you can't tell! You definitely have a beautiful mix. You're drop-dead gorgeous; I sincerely envy you," she exclaims, a huge smirk on her face.
"Thanks!" I reply, feeling flustered. I'm pretty sure my face is turning red for the first time in like forever.Because trust me for all my 23 years in this world I have never taken seriously, mainly because I didn't want such type of friendship.
As we continue to chat, I learn that Lee has been traveling for work and has a wealth of experiences to share. She talks about the bustling streets of Seoul, the delicious food, and the rich culture. I hang on her every word, feeling a growing excitement for what lies ahead.
"Attention, passengers. We are now boarding flight 487 to Seoul," the announcer's voice cuts through the chatter, and my heart skips a beat.
"Looks like it's time to go!" I say, glancing at Lee. She stands up, her energy radiating confidence.
"Let's go!" she replies, and together we head toward the gate. As we walk, I steal another glance back at my family. They're still there, waving, and I feel a wave of emotion wash over me.
"Are you okay?" Lee asks, noticing my hesitation.
"Just saying goodbye," I reply, forcing a smile. "It's harder than I thought it would be."
"New beginnings can be tough," she says softly. "But they're also full of a lot of possibilities."
As we move through the gate, I take a deep breath, trying to embrace the moment. I feel a sense of excitement bubbling inside me. With Lee beside me, I feel a little less alone in this vast, unfamiliar world.
We board the plane, and Lee helps me secure my seats since the numbers are confusing, and boy, oh boy, I am shocked. The first class is for sure cozy,I believe this will be the most breathtaking travel ever I take my seat by the window, and surprisingly, Lee is sitting beside me. The hum of conversation fills the cabin as passengers settle in. I can feel the adrenaline coursing through me—the thrill of adventure mixed with a hint of anxiety.
I place Casey on my lap, she is so sleepy that she just purls and falls asleep with no care in the world. The thing is, Casey is the best gift that ever existed in my life. I always wanted a pet but going down the pet care and purchasing one just proved awfully hard; so when I found her hiding away from the rain on a wet carton across the streets,I took her in, because why not , she was freaking adorable.
Luckily, she was not aggressive. I tucked her in my cosy sweater and took a taxi back home, and when we reached my apartment, she was just so comfortable she settled right in and became like a third version of me.
" Wow, you have a cat, I didn't notice she is so adorable, just like my mina, she's a dog thou," Lee says with excitement, patting Casey slowly so as not to wake her
"So, what are you most looking forward to in Seoul?" Lee asks, her curiosity genuine.
"I can't wait to immerse myself in the culture," I say, my eyes lighting up. "I want to explore the city, try the street food, especially Kimchi fried rice, and maybe even visit some film studios."
Lee smiles, her approval evident. "That sounds like a perfect plan. And don't forget to check out some of the local K-dramas while you're there. They're even more fun when you see the locations in person."
As the plane begins to taxi down the runway, I feel a mix of excitement and trepidation. The engines roar to life, and I grip the armrests, my heart racing. "This is really happening," I whisper to myself.
Lee glances over, her eyes sparkling. "You'll be just fine. Just remember to take it all in and enjoy every moment."
The plane lifts off the ground, and I watch as the airport shrinks beneath us. A sense of freedom washes over me, but so does the weight of what I'm leaving behind. I think of my family, their love and support propelling me forward.
As we climb higher, Lee leans in closer. "You're going to do great things, Chloe. I can feel it."
"Thanks, Lee. That means a lot," I reply, grateful for her kindness.
The flight settles into a rhythm, and I find myself relaxing, the initial nerves easing. I glance out the window at the clouds, feeling like I'm floating between two worlds—my past and my future.
With Lee by my side, I feel a sense of solidarity, as if we're embarking on this journey together. I may not know where this adventure will lead, but I'm ready to embrace every moment. The excitement of the unknown fills me with hope, and I know that this is just the beginning.
Thank God I didn't sleep before the meal because the meal is just so sweet, and more so a free meal. I take chicken salad because I honestly don't want to use the tiny toilet on the plane. As for Lee, she eats so extravagantly I even feel embarrassed; I am so sure she's rich.
"Chloe, are you not famished? why are you eating so little? It's all free, darling," she says as the waiter serves her.
"It's just that I don't want to go to the bathroom, it's so tiny, and I have watched a lot of horror movies on that," I say nonchalantly.
Lee chuckles wholeheartedly, "Wow, you are just so adorable, you would soften that evil animal's heart, I am sure he will love you."
I glance at Lee, and I am confused about who she is talking about. I didn't even notice I was pouting; such a way to embarrass myself.
"Ooh, your pout is just so cute," she seems to understand I am confused. " Goodness, sorry, I mean my brother, he is just annoying me nowadays, and I really want him to soften a little, or I am pretty sure he'll drown in mental health." She sighs heavily, looking across the clouds beside the plane.
I may not understand or know what she is saying, but I know how hard it is to have mental health. Before getting myself a diary, I spent so much on counselors, spending hours in their lectures, torture, no offence.
"I know that I don't need to meddle, but I think you should just try softening and listening to him, maybe he just needs someone who will listen to his grievances and show him comfort. I always do that to my brother; he is often hard on himself, and it gets worse, trust me, but I can't just watch him drowse in pain, so I hold his hand and assure him we will face it together." I sigh, remembering my brother's smile. Oh, how I am going to miss him. I feel teary, but I can't embarrass myself again, so I held back my tears.
"That's actually impressive, I have never thought it that way, maybe I should show him some love. See I told you , you just have a way out of everything. Thanks, I will definitely that , Its just that he's been too distant and it worries me Chloe , I feel I am losing my brother day by day," she signs and I can tell she's is concerned. " Ooh jeez I am so sorry for my rumbling I shouldn't bother you with my personal issue," Lee really loves her brother I can feel it.
"Ooh no trust me , you are not bothering me at all, I completely understand." I pat her shoulder to re assure her she has my back.
As the plane begins its descent, my heart races with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. The vibrant city of Seoul sprawls beneath us, a tapestry of lights and colors that sparkles like a gem. I can hardly believe I'm finally here, ready to embark on this new chapter of my life.
"Look, Chloe! The city is so beautiful from up here!" Lee exclaims, her eyes wide with enthusiasm. I nod, unable to tear my gaze away from the window. The sight of the Han River winding through the city, the clusters of skyscrapers, and the lush green hills in the distance fills me with exhilaration.
The plane touches down smoothly, and there's a collective cheer from the passengers. I turn to Lee, and she gives me an encouraging smile. "Welcome to Seoul!" she says, her voice brimming with warmth.
Once we disembark, the airport which I learned is Incheon International Airport is bustling with energy. Travelers rush past, and the air is filled with a blend of different languages and the scent of delicious food wafting from nearby cafes. I feel a surge of adrenaline as I absorb the atmosphere, a far cry from the quiet of my hometown.
We make our way through the terminal, and I can't help but feel a little lost in the sea of unfamiliar faces. Lee seems to sense my unease. "Just follow my lead, and we'll get through this together," she reassures me, and I appreciate her presence.
As we reach the baggage claim, I spot my suitcase gliding around the carousel. I grab it just as Lee retrieves her own. "So, what's next for you?" I ask, curious about her plans now that we've arrived.
"I have a meeting for a project I'm working on," she replies, checking her watch. "But I am around the city since it is my Home town by the way. We should definitely meet up again!"
"That sounds great!" I smile, feeling grateful for her support. "I'd love to explore the city together."
Once we collect our bags, we head toward the exit. As we walk, I spot a tall man holding a sign with my name on it. My driver has arrived. "That's my ride!" I exclaim, pointing it out to Lee.
"Perfect timing! You'll be off to your new apartment in no time," she says, and I can sense her excitement for me.
I turn to Lee, feeling a little reluctant to part ways. "Can we exchange numbers? I'd like to keep in touch," I suggest.
"Of course!" Lee pulls out her phone, and I do the same. We quickly exchange numbers, and I feel a warmth in my chest knowing I have a friend in this new city.
"Okay, I should be going," Lee says, glancing at her watch again. "I don't want to be late for my meeting. But remember, I'm just a text away!"
"Good luck! I can't wait to hear all about it," I reply, waving her off. She gives me a thumbs-up and heads in the opposite direction, her confident stride disappearing into the crowd.
I watch her go, feeling a mix of gratitude and curiosity. There's something about her that I find intriguing, especially how she seemed to avoid being seen too much. She had worn a scarf and glasses, almost as if she were trying to blend in or keep a low profile. I shake my head, deciding not to dwell on it. Everyone has their reasons, I suppose.
Turning back to my driver, I take a deep breath, ready to embrace this new adventure. "Hello! I'm Chloe," I say, introducing myself as I approach him.
"Welcome, Chloe. Let's get you to your apartment," he replies with a warm smile, guiding me toward the exit.
As we step outside, the bustling energy of Seoul envelops me, and I can't help but feel a thrill of anticipation for what lies ahead. The city feels alive, and I'm ready to dive in.