came to the dream place.
The first light of dawn broke over Seoul as Anaya stepped off the plane, her heart pounding with excitement and a touch of nervousness. It was 6 AM, and the city was just beginning to wake up. Her friend, Minji, was there to greet her with a warm smile and a big hug, instantly making her feel at home.
As they headed to the university, Minji playfully recounted their online adventures, saying, "I remember our late-night chats and those epic debates about K-pop idols. Who knew it would lead to this moment?"
Anaya chuckled, adding, "And here I thought you were just a friendly avatar on the screen! It’s amazing how technology brings people together."
Together, they made their way to the university. The campus was bustling with students, and Minji guided Anaya through the enrollment process. They filled out forms, attended orientation, and Anaya quickly adapted to the new environment. Minji’s presence was comforting, and their easy banter made the process smooth and fun.
After completing the university formalities, the two friends decided to find Anaya’s new home. They used a trusted rental app and shortlisted three apartments. As they toured each place, Anaya’s friend couldn’t help but tease her, “So, are you secretly a millionaire or something? How did you manage to get this place?”
Anaya laughed it off, giving a playful wink, “Oh, just a little bit of magic and some luck!” Her friend, still curious, teased her more, but Anaya just smiled.
Finally, Anaya chose the apartment on the 48th floor. It was a perfect blend of luxury and tranquility, offering her a peaceful retreat above the city. As she settled in, she felt a mix of emotions: the thrill of her new life in Seoul and the comfort of having a friend by her side.
As the day drew to a close, Anaya and Minji shared laughter and stories, solidifying their bond. The humor, the warmth, and the trust between them made it clear that their friendship would be a cornerstone of Anaya’s journey in Korea.
The apartment still smelled like fresh paint and unopened dreams. Anaya stood in the middle of her living room, arms spread wide, spinning.
“Forty-eight floors above the ground…” she whispered, smiling to herself. “Appa… I really did it.”
Her phone slipped from her hand mid-spin and landed face down. “…Okay, maybe I did it clumsily,” she sighed, picking it up.
University life was even more chaotic.
On her third day, Anaya rushed into class late, holding coffee in one hand, notebook in another, bag half open.“Sorry, sorry, sorry—” she whispered while trying to sneak to her seat.
Her shoelace suddenly hooked to the chair leg.
One step.
Two steps.
Then—
THUD.
Coffee cup flew. Notebook slid. Pens rolled dramatically across the floor like they were escaping responsibility.
The entire class froze.
Someone coughed to hide a laugh.
Anaya sat on the floor, hair covering her face, whispering to herself,
“Okay… good… new country… no one saw you... Nothing happened ...calm down ...." While everyone's eyes were stuck on her.
The professor adjusted his glasses and said calmly,
“Miss… welcome to class. Please sit before gravity attacks again.”
The class burst into laughter.Even Anaya laughed — because honestly, what else could she do?
That evening, back in her apartment, the silence felt bigger than usual.
She opened the fridge, stared at the neatly arranged food… then closed it again.
Her eyes moved to her phone.
She opened her father’s contact.
Didn’t call.
Just stared.
“Appa would have laughed so much today…” she whispered, sitting near the window.
She remembered how he used to say:
"If you fall, fall with style. At least people will remember you."
A small tear slid down, but she smiled.
“I miss you so much… You always believed I could live anywhere in the world.”
She hugged her knees and looked at Seoul’s night lights.
“I’m okay, Appa. I’m really okay.”
