CHAPTER 1
PROLOGUE
"It's too loud... I can't!" Ria cried, clutching her head.
The stage lights blurred. Voices echoed.
Everything felt like it was closing in on her.
And in that moment... she smiled anyway.
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'Ringgg!' 'Ringgg!'
The alarm kept ringing. Ria was still fast asleep.
'Ringgg!' 'Ringgg!'
It rang the second time.
Ria stopped the alarm and gradually opened her eyes. The bright morning light shone gently on her skin.
"What a beautiful morning," she said.
Ria stood up, made her bed and got prepared for school. She walked into the small kitchen.
"Coffee... and toast should do," she murmured, tying her hair back before reaching for the kettle.
She then paused for a second.
Her eyes drifted to a framed photograph resting neatly on the counter. It was a picture of her and her parents, both smiling brightly.
She picked it up carefully and smiled.
"Good morning, Mom... Dad," she whispered.
"I'll be home later."
She gently placed the frame back where it belonged before continuing to make breakfast.
She rinsed her mug, placed it beside the sink and smiled.
After eating, she took her bag, phone and headphone.
She looked around the apartment one last time.
Everything was exactly where she had left it the night before.
Quiet.
"I'm leaving," she said softly.
She smiled to herself before closing the door.
Ria was a 2nd year student at Yonsei University, South Korea. She's studying theater art.
She slipped on her headphones and scrolled through her playlist until the familiar album cover appeared—Arirang.
A small smile tugged at her lips as the first song began to play.
Ria loved music, more like a 'musicholic'. Her favourite artist was BTS 💜.
Yonsei University was a 20 mins walk away from Ria's apartment. She could take the bus, which usually takes about 8–10 mins drive, but she rather trekked it as she found the street of Seoul mesmerizing and magical.
