Page 1:
Clutching my ticket and passport, I felt strangely numb. I’d always been the most emotional one in our family, prone to dramatic outbursts. Yet, as I left for Seoul, South Korea, no tears came. No words of farewell escaped my lips. I simply took my luggage and went to the airport, offering silent goodbyes. I didn't even bother to say I would miss them, and my eyes remained stubbornly dry.
The five-hour, thirteen-minute flight felt like an eternity. I stared out the window, watching the clouds drift by, my mind replaying the moment I’d opened the email offering me a junior stylist position with a Korean pop band. It had been a lifelong dream to design, but I hadn't anticipated the ache of leaving my family behind.
Growing up, I’d lived with my grandmother, and I’d spent countless nights crying just to hear my mother's voice. Today, as I was leaving my parents, their reaction was surprisingly subdued, as if I were returning in an hour. Perhaps their calm acceptance helped me to stay strong.
I drifted off to sleep before the cabin lights dimmed, and woke to the announcement of our arrival.
Stepping out of a taxi, I heard a blaring song—something about "Fire! Oye Oye!" I asked the driver twice to turn it off, but he ignored me. Finally, I had to shout. He apologized, and a single tear escaped my face. It was then I realized how easily I could be forgotten, how people could live on without me. The driver announced we'd arrived at the hotel. I paid him and went inside to freshen up, looking at myself in the mirror I told myself that I can and went to bed.
Page 2:
The next morning, walking towards the Big Hit offices, I noticed a small boy with a large bowl filled with rings. He was trying to sell them, singing a simple tune. He seemed a bit simple-minded. Seeing his kind face, I decided to buy something. Searching through the collection, I found two cute rings.
I purchased them and handed the boy the money. I slipped a simple ring onto my finger, and as I started to put the other one into my bag, it began to rain heavily. I started to run for cover, but the boy tugged at my dress. It was as if he was signing me to keep the rings safe with me. He smiled, and I nodded, hurrying into the office.
I was soaked through, and a man shoved past me, heading for the door. I looked back and saw him pick something up off the floor and run. I didn’t pay it any mind and went inside.
It was my first day, and I was wet and breathless. I had thought of going there as my dress was not so wet but my hair got totally wet.
The office was surprisingly friendly. I learned I’d be working with BTS, Bangtan Sonyeondan. I was surprised and went to the restroom to clean up my mess. I untied my hair and washed my face.
I started to think about styling clothes for boys who didn’t even seem like boys. It didn’t matter. I was friendly, and I began chatting with the staff, feeling a good vibe.
The lead stylist had liked my work as her assistant, and she’d brought me here for this job. I watched BTS rehearse, and I was about to be introduced when a ring fell from my bag. It was the other one. I slipped it onto my finger, and a staff member noticed. They began whispering.
They were talking—
“That new stylist assistant, that South Asian girl…she’s a thief. She stole your ring, the one your boyfriend gifted you today. You were looking for it, right?”
(In Korean)
Taehyung was passing by and overheard everything.
If you're interested in the next chapter, it will appear day after tomorrow at the same time. Thank you for your love and support.