---
Chapter 11: "Who Are You?"
"Ju-kyoung, we're almost home—wake up," her mum called softly.
Her brother, of course, found more joy in snapping pictures of her sleeping face than in helping her up. She groaned, pulling a black face mask over her face… only for it to slide off to one side.
The next morning, their family finally arrived at their old house. It was big—certainly bigger than some homes—but nowhere near the size of their city house. That place was gone now, sold to a stranger to pay off debts.
For Ju-kyoung, though, this move wasn't just a step back—it was a blank page. A chance to start over. A chance to become… someone else.
She sat in front of the mirror, heart beating fast as she prepared her "new self."
First: chocolate brown lenses. "Check," she whispered.
Next: a perfectly tinted light-brown brow, no glasses this time. Her brushes lined up neatly, blushes and liners at the ready. She picked a medium-sized brush and dabbed light brown shadow onto her lids, finishing with a soft touch under the eyes. The effect was immediate—her eyes looked larger, brighter. Is that… me? she thought, tilting her head.
Her uniform was perfectly fitted: a mini skirt, crisp white blouse, and a small jacket. The brown-tinted hair framed her face beautifully. She glanced at her old school passport photo and almost laughed. That girl is gone.
"Good first-impression makeup—finished," she whispered to her reflection, feeling her pulse quicken. She grabbed her bag and hurried downstairs.
Meanwhile, in the dining room, her mum, dad, and older sister sat over breakfast.
"I went through so much to get away from this place," her mum sighed, scanning the room. "Eight years… gone."
Hee-Kyung, ever the optimist, smiled. "You've become eight years younger, Mum."
Her mum blinked. "What?"
Her dad nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, honey! It's so nice to be back here." He closed his eyes like he was dreaming. "Romantic, like our honeymoon."
"Romantic my foot…" her mum muttered. She frowned suddenly. "What's she doing upstairs?"
"Ju-kyoung, come down and eat—" Her words stopped dead.
Everyone froze when Ju-kyoung stepped into view. Her mum's mouth hung open. Her dad blinked like he was seeing a stranger. Hee-Kyung's fork clinked against her plate.
Ju-kyoung offered a small, polite smile. "No thanks, I don't feel like eating."
Her little brother, who had been ready to tease her, stopped in his tracks. "Who… are you?"
There it is, she thought. Even my own family doesn't recognise me. She didn't answer—just walked past, hand on the door.
"I'm off to school," she said, glancing over her shoulder with the faintest smirk before stepping out.
The moment her foot touched the school grounds, the change was immediate. Students turned. Conversations halted. Phones came out.
She could feel the eyes on her—everywhere.
No whispers. No mocking. Just… stares. Are they actually looking at me like I'm… worth noticing?
"Oh my goodness, she's so gorgeous."
"No, she's pretty."
Each word was like a spark in her chest. She kept her pace slow, calm, though her heartbeat was wild. They're smiling… at me. This doesn't feel real.
"She's so beautiful!" someone called out.
Her gaze drifted over faces she'd never seen before—none filled with disgust, none with pity. Only curiosity, admiration… and maybe respect.
One boy, confused by all the commotion, looked up. Their eyes met. His expression shifted from blank to awe. "She's a true beauty."
Her lips curled upward ever so slightly. True beauty… Did he just say that about me?
She walked on, shoulders back, chin lifted. Compliments floated through the air like music, a few jealous glances hidden in the crowd. For the first time in a long time, she let herself enjoy every single note.
---