"Haaayee… it's freezing!"
Zoya shoved both hands inside her jacket, shivering dramatically.
"You said winter is over! I think winter just woke up today!"
A soft, chilly spring breeze drifted around the entrance of Seoul Station. Minji, Ruhi, Sophia, Hana, and Zoya stepped out together.
For Minji, this was home — familiar streets, familiar sky, familiar air.
But for the other girls, this was their first time ever in Seoul.
Even Hana, who had spent her whole life in Jeonju, looked around with gentle amazement.
Not because she ever felt embarrassed about her background…
and not because she lacked courage or curiosity…
Her family lived simply — honest, hardworking, and always putting responsibilities first.
Travelling to big cities was something they planned "someday," but everyday life always came before dreams.
Still, Hana never carried sadness about it. She lived with dignity and gratitude.
And today… finally…
she got the chance to stand here.
All because of Minji —
Minji, whose heart was soft, generous, and sincere.
She never boasted about her city or comfort.
She only shared what she had with kindness.
Hana looked around Seoul once more, the city lights reflecting in her eyes… then she looked at Minji and whispered a silent prayer in her heart:
"God, please bless Minji with everything her heart truly deserves."
But no one knew something else…
The one thing Minji quietly wished for —
that same wish…
someone else among the five girls also carried inside her heart.
Whose destiny that wish will fall into…
no one knows yet.
"Zoya, this is just a spring breeze… not cold," Ruhi teased, snapping her out of thought.
Hana laughed, "Seoul's spring is gentle. But Zoya looks like she's fighting a snowstorm."
Sophia added while flipping her jacket, "People here are taking off layers. And Zoya is wrapped like an emergency burrito."
Zoya pouted dramatically, "You all are rude. I'm literally freezing to death."
Minji stepped forward, hands on hips, and announced in full drama mode:
"Zoya… are you sure you're from Pakistan? Or secretly an ice-cream species?"
She winked.
"No no — even ice cream survives heat better than you."
Everyone burst into laughter.
Zoya stomped her foot. "Go ahead, laugh at me! I'm dying!"
Minji softened and pulled Zoya's sleeves down.
"Tonight, the electric blanket is all yours. Calm down, my cold princess."
The mood warmed instantly.
Their jumbo taxi arrived — a seven-seater, perfect for their group. They piled in and the cab started rolling toward Digital Media City.
The moment they entered DMC, the girls went silent.
Tall glass studios… giant digital screens… wide, clean roads…
It felt like they had stepped straight into a K-drama set.
Ruhi pressed her face to the window.
"OH MY GOD! LOOK LOOK LOOK! TBS STUDIO!!"
All the girls whipped their heads toward the window.
A massive modern studio building stood proudly on the right.
Huge LED letters glowed at the front:
TBS ENTERTAINMENT
The girls were still speechless when —
The main gate suddenly opened.
A sleek black Hyundai Palisade drove out.
It slid into the lane right next to their taxi — same speed, same direction.
Teahun was driving, and Jeon.J sat in the front passenger seat.
He was scrolling calmly on his phone.
Then the faintest smile touched his lips…
and he brought his finger to his mouth, gently biting the nail — that tiny habit he only did when amused.
Inside the cab, everyone froze.
Ruhi grabbed Zoya's hand like she was having a heart attack.
"ZOYAAAA! LOOK— OMG— LOOK—"
Zoya could only stare.
Sunlight hit Jeon.J's face perfectly, highlighting the tiny smile on his lips.
Her heart reacted on its own — soft, warm, breathless.
Under her breath, a prayer escaped her lips:
"أَضْحَكَ اللَّهُ سِنَّكَ"
"May God always keep you smiling."
The cars aligned perfectly — side by side.
Zoya's window faced his.
Nothing between them except a thin sheet of glass.
Jeon.J's car slowed for a second.
Then matched the taxi's speed again.
And in that exact moment —
he looked up.
Right at her.
Still nibbling his nail.
Zoya gently shook her head and gestured softly — a tiny sign telling him to stop biting his nail.
He blinked, confused.
He looked at his finger.
Then outside.
Then back toward her window.
His expression said it all:
"Wait… what just happened?"
Before he could process it, the Palisade glided forward…
and merged into the traffic ahead.
Their taxi continued straight toward Yeonnam-dong — Minji's neighborhood.
Zoya kept her hand on the window, replaying everything in her mind — the light, the smile, the confusion, the silent gesture.
It felt unreal.
Like time had paused.
Minji leaned over and whispered, "Zoya… why are you smiling?
Zoya looked away quickly.
Her cheeks warm.
Her heart still whispering:
"May his happiness remain… always."
........
The taxi stopped, and everyone stepped out with their luggage, standing in front of Minji's house.
The soft light fell directly on them, casting a warm glow over the house. From the very first glance, it gave off a calm and welcoming feeling.
The soft grey walls, white trims, and the front lawn led to wooden stairs going straight up to the upper portion.
The house was double-story, clean, and modern—but retained a slight traditional Korean touch.
Exactly the kind that felt both comfortable and classy.
The upper portion's door was at the end of the stairs, with a small porch below, decorated with potted plants.
Minji had already informed her mother as they arrived:
"Mom, all the girls will stay upstairs."
So everything was already prepared.
The gate clicked open, and Minji's mother stepped outside with a warm smile.
She wore simple jeans and a soft blue sweater, looking elegant yet approachable.
"안녕하세요, girls. Welcome, welcome!"
(Her voice had the exact warmth of home.)
Everyone bowed politely.
Although their English was limited, she naturally greeted everyone in Korean first:
"안녕… 안녕. 온다고 고맙다."
(Hello… thank you for coming.)
Hana responded naturally in Korean:
"안녕하세요, 아줌마. 잘 부탁드립니다."
(Hello, ma'am. Please take care of us.)
Minji stepped forward slightly and whispered softly to her mother:
"엄마… 하나 말고, 음… 백번 한국어 못해."
(Mom… except Hana, the others don't understand Korean yet.)
Her mother quickly switched:
"Ohh! Okay okay, girls. I'll talk in English too. No worry."
Then she looked at each girl and asked:
"Minji… who is Zoya?"
Minji proudly gestured:
"She is Zoya."
Minji said that her mother already knows Zoya well. She especially loves telling her mother whenever Zoya reacts differently to Korean dishes — her mother always finds it very amusing.
Her mother smiled warmly:
"Hello, Zoya-yah."
"And She is Ruhi? Sophia? and Hana Right?"
Everyone smiled politely in return.
Minji leaned softly toward her mother and jokingly said in Korean:
"엄마… 조야는 정말 많이 추워해요."
(Mom… Zoya gets REALLY cold.)
Her mother laughed softly:
"아이구… 그래? 이런 날은 사람도 추울 텐데."
(Oh really? Even on a day like this, she'll feel cold.)
Zoya didn't understand the words—she just gave a small, confused smile.
Curious, Minji asked:
"엄마, 언니 왔어?"
(Mom, did sister come?)
Her mother shook her head:
"아니야, 대구에서 안 왔어. You know… she is married now, busy-busy."
(No, she didn't come from Daegu. Married life keeps her busy.)
Minji softly replied, "Ahh… right."
Her mother looked at them, then switched to English:
"Girls, upstairs is ready. Please go and keep your things."
Climbing the wooden stairs, they all felt a little tired,
but the peaceful environment of the house made it feel like they had finally found a safe place.
The upper portion was wide, airy, and bright.
Two rooms stood side by side:
— First room: four beds,one mattress warm lighting, bookshelf, soft beige curtains
— Second room: luggage space, extra blankets, mirror
They quickly decided:
"Let's all sleep in ONE room!"
The second room became their storage space for luggage.
After freshening up, they all returned downstairs.
The aroma from the kitchen was comforting—garlic, sesame oil, something simmering.
Minji peeked toward the kitchen and asked in Korean:
"엄마, 뭐 만들고 있어?"
(Mom, what are you cooking?)
Her mother proudly replied:
"김치찌개, 잡채… 그리고 닭갈비."
(Kimchi stew, stir-fried glass noodles… and dak-galbi.)
The name "닭갈비" (spicy stir-fried chicken) instantly joyful Minji and Hana.
Ruhi, Sophia, and Zoya were all busy on their phones—completely unaware of what was being said.
But Minji and Hana become excited
because they LOVED dak-galbi.
It was their favorite dish, and they got excited for a moment…
…until they realized Sophia might not be able to handle spicy Korean chicken.
Their excitement turned into concern.
Hana whispered in Korean:
"민지야… 조야는 매운 음식 못 먹어…"
(Minji… Sophia can't eat very spicy food…)
Minji instantly nodded.
She walked to her mother and softly said in Korean:
"엄마… 조야는 매운 음식 잘 못 먹어요. 맵기 조금만 해 주세요."
(Mom… Sophia can't handle very spicy food. Please make it less spicy.)
Her mother immediately understood.
"아, 그래? 알았어. I'll make it mild, okay."
(Oh really? Okay. I'll make it mild.)
Minji relaxed.
Hana quietly gave her mother a thankful glance.
Zoya only saw that Minji and her mother were discussing something seriously.
But since she didn't understand Korean, she remained unaware.
But she went back to looking at her phone.
Her mother turned toward everyone in English:
"Girls, dinner is almost ready. Make yourselves comfortable."
The kitchen was warm, and the atmosphere of the house was soft and inviting.
The soft light faded gently, leaving the house cozy and welcoming.
And a new chapter of their Seoul journey quietly began.
________________
The afternoon sun poured through the windows, soft and warm, making the small kitchen glow. After a light meal, the girls sat around the table, chatting and laughing quietly. The room felt peaceful, but it carried the energy of friends who had grown close quickly.
Everyone wanted to help Minji's mom clean the kitchen, though she insisted, smiling gently, "No, it's fine, girls. You don't have to."
But no one listened. They cleared the dishes, wiped the counters, and carefully put everything in its place. Minji watched, laughing, as her mom tried to stay out of their way but secretly seemed to enjoy their help.
Minji stretched. "Girls, let's rest for a while. Later, we'll go out and explore the city. Tonight, we're going to DMC. You'll feel like you're in another world."
Everyone nodded, excitement mixing with the tiredness of a long day. For now, though, it was time to rest. There was only one bed in the room, so Sophia and Hana claimed it. Minji, Ruhi, and Zoya laid their mattresses on the floor. The room was quiet except for soft sighs and the occasional rustle of sheets.
Zoya turned to Minji, curiosity in her eyes. "Your home… it's so simple, but also really nice. I mean… your father has a big business, you study at a Public university, Where less fees and yet you live with us. You cook, help , not show your status and still manage everything. And your mom… she's so simple. She does everything herself."
Minji laughed, a soft, musical sound. "I know it seems strange. But life here is different. People are equal. No one looks down on anyone because of family or money. Everyone works hard, and that's what matters. We don't just sit back and wait for help. That's why I study, work part-time, and still live a normal life."
Zoya blinked, impressed. "Back home, it's… not like this. Girls are expected to follow rules, obey, and sometimes give up dreams. Studying abroad… it feels like a burden. And after a certain age, it's all about marriage—dowry, proposals, what people think. By twenty, they expect us to be ready to settle down. By thirty, they act like we've wasted our life if we didn't marry. It's… suffocating."
Minji's eyes softened. "That's hard. I can't imagine having to live like that." She looked around the room. "Here, we're taught to be independent. To work, to study, to make our own choices. Some families can support everything, but most of us manage our studies and jobs ourselves. Parents guide you, but they don't treat you like property."
Zoya sat up, thinking. "And you… your scholarship… it's full-funded, right?"
"Yes," Minji said, pride shining in her eyes. "I worked for it. My parents could have paid, but they wanted me to earn it myself. They wanted me to learn responsibility. That's how it works here. We don't just rely on family; we prove ourselves."
I do online work to earn and cover my own expenses. But for this trip from Busan to Seoul, everything has been provided by my father. He says it's a gift to celebrate the scholarship I earned.
Zoya frowned. "Back home, I sometimes feel guilty. Like… maybe I'm wasting money studying here. Maybe I should just follow the path they expect—marry, settle, live the way they want."
"Guilt?" Minji's voice was soft but surprised. "Why would you feel guilty for chasing your dreams? You worked hard to get here. You earned this. Don't let anyone make you feel bad for it."
Sophia and Hana, who had been quietly listening, moved closer. Ruhi sat up, and even Will leaned back on his mattress, nodding. There was a sense of support in the room, unspoken but strong.
Minji smiled. "See? That's why it's good to share experiences like this. Life can be different, and you'll see it. You'll understand what independence feels like."
Zoya said in our society from where she come —the pressure, the endless talks about marriage, dowries, and social appearances. She remembered how, from the age of sixteen, people were already suggesting matches. By eighteen, the proposals were serious. By twenty, the clock was ticking in their eyes. And by thirty, they would treat it as if she had wasted her life. Parents should have nurtured her independence, but instead, they made her feel like a burden.
Tears pricked her eyes. She pressed her cheek into the pillow and let herself feel the sadness, the frustration, and the longing for freedom. She felt a little lighter though, because here, in this room, among girls who treated her like a friend and not a possession, she felt safe.
Minji's gentle voice broke through her thoughts. "Don't be sad, Zoya. You're safe here. You're allowed to feel free, even if just for now."
Zoya tried to smile, wiping away her tears. She looked at Minji, Sophia, Hana, Ruhi, and Will. For the first time in a long time, she felt hope. Maybe she could choose her own path, make her own life.
"Your family… they don't push you like that?" Sophia asked softly.
Zoya shook her head. "No. They're not poor, but they care more about appearances. Dowries, social status… not about dreams. That's why I fought to come here. I needed to make my own life."
Hana nodded. "It's not easy. But you're strong, Zoya. That's why you're here, with us, tonight."
Zoya felt warmth in her chest. She leaned back, relaxing for the first time in months. She thought about the struggles she had gone through—every conversation, every judgment, every subtle pressure. Six months had passed since she left home, and not a single person had checked to see how she was doing. But here, with these girls, she felt understood. She felt hope.
The room grew quiet again. Sophia whispered something to Hana, and they giggled softly. Minji dimmed the lights. The city outside hummed quietly, the sound distant and soft.
Zoya stared at the ceiling, letting her mind wander. She thought about the negotiations she had done to get here, the careful planning, the courage it had taken. She remembered the emptiness, the isolation, the feeling that no one cared about her dreams. Her eyes filled with tears again, but this time, they weren't only for sadness—they were for relief. She had made it. She was here.
"Tomorrow…" she whispered to herself, "things will be different. I will be different. And maybe… I'll finally be free."
Night fell, wrapping the house in a soft blanket of darkness. Outside, the scent of flowers drifted in on the breeze. The girls were asleep, dreaming, thinking, or resting. Zoya stayed awake a little longer, eyes tracing the shadows on the ceiling, remembering everything she had overcome. She felt a small smile forming on her lips. For the first time in years, she felt she might truly have a life of her own.
----------------------------
Evening light filtered softly through the curtains when the girls finally woke from their short nap. The room felt warm and quiet, like the calm before a small adventure. One by one, they stretched, freshened up, and began getting ready for the long evening ahead.
Minji was the first to step out of the bathroom, her peach flowy blouse and white straight pants giving her a neat, bright look. She slipped into her cushioned white walking sneakers and pulled her cream mini shoulder-bag across her body.
Hana chose comfort over style — though on her, comfort looked stylish anyway. She wore a light lavender hoodie, black denim jeans, and grey lightweight runners, made exactly for long walks. Her black sling-backpack bounced lightly as she moved.
Ruhi appeared next in a mint green fitted top tucked into beige wide-leg trousers. For shoes, she picked soft sole white sneakers, perfect for easy steps. A small brown backpack completed her look.
Sophia kept it simple: light pink loose shirt, dark blue jeans, and pastel blue cushioned sneakers. She carried a navy mini-backpack, neat and organised as always.
Zoya finished last. She stood in front of the mirror adjusting her short shirt with matching trousers, gently bringing the dupatta over her head. The cream sweater around her shoulders added warmth — she was the only one feeling cold, after all. She wore beige flexible walking sneakers… and then quietly slipped an extra pair of shoes into her small embroidered bag.
Sophia noticed. "Why are you packing extra shoes?" she asked softly.
Zoya smiled as if remembering an inside joke with herself. "I always do this. Whenever I go out, my shoes break… it's happened so many times. So from then until now, wherever I go… I take an extra pair with me."
Sophia laughed, shaking her head. "Smart."
When they were all ready, the five of them went downstairs. The air in the house smelled faintly of green tea and evening warmth. Minji's mother was in the living area, folding a light blanket.
"Mama," Minji said sweetly, stepping closer, "오늘 우리랑 같이 갈래요?"
(Do you want to come with us today?)
Hana instantly chimed in, hands clasped dramatically, "네! 같이 가요. 민지보다 더 우리 친구 같아요!"
(Yes! Come with us. You feel more like our friend than Minji!)
Minji stared at Hana, eyebrow raised. "진짜…?"
Her mother burst into soft laughter at their bickering. She waved her hand gently and said,
"아니야, 너희끼리 다녀와. 우리는 옛날에 친구들이랑 많이 놀았어."
(No, you girls go. We already had our time to enjoy with our friends.)
Ruhi, Sophia, and Zoya stood quietly to the side, understanding only the warmth in her tone.
The girls bowed politely, thanked her, and stepped outside into the cool evening. The sky above Seoul glowed gold, and the wind carried the promise of lights, noise, and adventure.
Tonight, DMC awaited them.
---------------------
Teahun, I have to pick Bamson today. I'm bringing him back. Tell Kim Joon for me," Jeon.J said as he stepped out of the studio, signaling Teahun—who was on a call—to wait.
Jeon.J stood patiently until the call ended.
When Teahun put his phone down, he turned toward him.
"I'll come with you. Let's go together," Teahun said.
But Jeon.J shook his head. "I'm going with Jea."
Teahun frowned. "Why shouldn't I come? I can give you better company than Jea," he teased. He always liked picking on Jea and calling him Jeon.J's 'assistant.'
"It's not like that. Come on, let's go," Jeon.J replied.
They both walked to the car. As soon as they drove out, they put on their masks. At the gate, another car suddenly appeared and both vehicles stopped face to face.
Jeon.J looked ahead—and blinked. On the front seat of the other car, he thought he saw Minji. Before she could look in his direction, Jeon.J quickly turned to Teahun, who was talking about the viral clip from Jeon.J's last live before Bamson went missing.
"You didn't tell RAMY during the live that it wasn't a ghost behind you—it was just your ghost-looking PA, Jea," Teahun joked, and both laughed.
Suddenly, Jeon.J felt a cold rush across his face, like a sharp breeze. He ignored it.
The cars moved again, now driving side by side.
"I think I just saw your old friend Minji in the car next to us," Teahun said, leaning a bit forward.
Jeon.J stopped chewing his pinky nail and looked at him.
"You think it might be Minji?" he asked.
Teahun nodded. "Yeah… I'm not sure, but I think it was her."
Jeon.J shook his head lightly.
"No. There's no maybe. It was Minji."
Teahun looked at him in surprise. Minji had been Jeon.J's old best friend, and hearing him say it so confidently made Teahun pause—but he didn't say anything.
Jeon.J gestured for him to slow the car.
Now the back seat of the other car lined up with Jeon.J's window.
Jeon.J raised his eyes from his nail and looked at the window.
There—sitting by the glass—was a girl, her head gently covered with a scarf, a mask on her face.
And she was looking directly at Jeon.J.
Then, with her eyes, she pointed toward his finger—the one he was biting—
and softly shook her head no, as if telling him not to bite his nail.
Jeon.J froze.
When he blinked, the other car turned away down a different road.
He burst out laughing.
"What happened? Why are you laughing?" Teahun asked.
"Nothing… your ghost story reminded me… people still believe in ghosts even today," Jeon.J said.
"Forget it. Listen—this evening we're going to DMC, okay? Street food, walking around those little alleys… like we used to. But don't bring your Jea assistant this time," Teahun warned playfully.
Neither of them knew…
Tonight, DMC was going to become unforgettable.
To be Continue ....
Regards
ZK💌