Uncharted Love

“For the next academic year, we really need to step our game up with our International Studies Department. We are down approximately 5% from last year in our enrollment of International Students and have a decline in the number of students we see taking courses in this area. This is why this conference in Seoul is going to be a game-changer. I am counting on each of you to gather the nuggets we need to come back and turn this around”, Breanna said confidently to her Department Heads at their weekly meeting. “Go forth and prosper”, she smiled as they gathered their items to leave the conference room that was adjacent to her office.

As Brianna walked back in her office, she closed the door and let out a deep breath that she didn’t realize she was holding. As she walked slowly back over to her desk, her mind was filled with various emotions. She ran her hand across the front of her desk, fixing her name plate—Brianna Tyler, Ph.D.- Provost. Although she was esteemed by her colleagues and loved by every student who crossed her path, no one could imagine the weight she carried on her shoulders from being a young, African American female—the first to be exact—in her position at Winnsboro University. She left her family on the East Coast to give herself a real opportunity to break free from the poverty mindset of her surroundings.

Sinking slowly into her luxe office chair overlooking Los Angeles, she slowly massaged her temples, looking for relief. She was hoping that this upcoming conference would not only refresh her professionally, but she could sneak in some self-care moments and soak up the culture in Seoul.

As Brianna sat back in her chair, the soft hum of her phone vibrating against the desk broke her thoughts. She glanced at the screen and smiled—it was her best friend, Hana.

“Are you packed yet?” Hana’s cheerful voice rang through the speaker. Brianna chuckled, leaning back in her chair.

“You know me better than that. I haven’t even started.”

“Of course not. You were so caught up in making sure everyone else has structure” Hana teased. “I swear, Bri, sometimes I wonder how you keep it all together. Anyway, I’ll come over after work. We’re leaving tomorrow, and I’m not letting you overpack again.”

Brianna laughed, a genuine release of the tension that had been building all day finally begun to thaw.

“Fine. But don’t act like you don’t overpack too. Remember Paris?”

“Paris was research,” Hana retorted. “This is a conference. Totally different.”

As the call ended, Brianna pushed herself out of her chair and started mentally listing what she’d need. The thought of sharing this trip with Hana lifted her spirits. Brianna quickly wrapped things up and made sure that her out of office messages were set.

After what seemed to be the longest ride home, Brianna arrived at her house and saw Hana already sitting in the driveway.

“You must have left way before I did”, Brianna said to Hana.

“Either that or you stayed way too late”, Hana beamed. “I’m kidding, I got here just a few minutes ago.”

They continued to chat as they went inside and headed to Brianna’s bedroom. The rhythmic sound of zippers being tugged open filled Brianna’s room as Hana tossed clothes from Brianna’s closet onto the bed. “Nope. Too formal. This? Definitely too casual,” Hana muttered, scrutinizing each outfit.

“Why am I friends with you again?” Brianna groaned, tugging a sleek navy blazer from the pile.

“This is professional enough, right?” Hana held up the blazer, paired it with a flowy blouse, and nodded.

“Okay, you’re safe with this one. Just don’t forget your comfy shoes. Seoul is a walking city, girl.”

“I’m glad that I have such a cultured friend and sister in you Hana. How does Sebastian feel about you going away for a week to your hometown?” Brianna asked Hana as she continued to pick through outfits.

“He was cool with it. I know he will miss me, but we haven’t been apart since we’ve been married...technically we’re still newlyweds. He knows that it’s beneficial for me to go for my job since I coordinate the Travel Abroad program. Plus, there’s two upsides to this trip” Hana said as she folded a blouse for Brianna.

“One-I get to visit my hometown. I haven’t been there but once since my family moved when I was teenager and Two- I get to spend time with my best friend. Maybe I can introduce you to the Seoul nightlife while we are there.”

Briana smirked “I barely know any Korean ... I know enough to be polite from what Mr. Cho has taught me at work, but not barely enough to carry on a conversation” Brianna said as she zipped up her suitcases.

“Thanks for helping me Hana. This is going to be a long flight and I have to make sure all 8 of us get through TSA... what fun” Brianna said sarcastically.

They hugged and vowed to get some rest. The energy between them lightened the mood, making the impending conference feel less daunting.

The morning came quicker than Brianna would have liked. Their 13-hour non-stop flight from LAX left at 10 am which would make them get to Seoul at 5 pm.

After showering, she opted for the ultimate cozy outfit, for glasses instead of her contacts, grabbed her luggage and necessities and headed out the door.

After meeting everyone at the airport and getting her Winnsboro crew through TSA Pre-check, they patiently awaited their flight. Since Brianna had graciously convinced the College President to get everyone in First Class, they decided to wait until they boarded to grab a bite to eat.

Although Briana had flown before, she was nervous about this trip...but in a good way. In flight, her and Hana chatted about things they could do in between the conference since they had down time. But mostly, they both caught up on the rest they didn’t know they both needed.

Before she knew it, Brianna heard one of the pilots say “Annyeonghaseyo! Welcome to the beautiful city of Seoul, Korea. We are scheduled to land in approximately 20 minutes.”

Brianna stirred at the announcement, her eyes fluttering open. The soft glow of the cabin lights signaled the approach of evening, and the city’s skyline sparkled faintly in the distance through the window Hana had leaned across her to peek out of.

“Finally!” Hana whispered, excitement dancing in her voice. “You’re going to love it here.”

Brianna sat up, stretching her legs as best as she could in her First Class seat. The luxurious flight had been a far cry from her usual cramped economy travel experiences, but her nerves about navigating a foreign country with her team kept her from fully enjoying the journey.

“You act like you’ve been deprived of good kimchi your entire life,” Brianna teased, a small smile playing on her lips. Hana rolled her eyes playfully, but her grin said it all.

As the plane began its descent, Brianna’s mind buzzed with anticipation. The reality of being in Seoul—the culture, the food, and even the challenges of representing Winnsboro University on an international stage—finally hit her. She felt a familiar weight of responsibility on her shoulders, but this time, there was a glimmer of hope that the trip might be more than just business.

The arrival at Incheon International Airport was both organized and chaotic. The group of eight made their way through customs, Hana leading the way with ease while Brianna wrangled the rest of the team. The smell of fresh pastries from a nearby café and the faint hum of Korean announcements over the loudspeakers painted a vivid picture of their new environment.

“We made it,” Brianna sighed, the tension leaving her body as they stepped outside into the crisp evening air. Hana glanced over, nudging her with an elbow.

“You’re going to love it here, Brianna. Seoul has a way of surprising you.”

The team piled into their arranged transportation, a sleek black van spacious enough for their luggage and weary bodies. As the vehicle wove through the city streets, Brianna found herself leaning closer to the window, mesmerized by the vibrant lights, bustling sidewalks, and towering buildings. Even from a distance, she could sense the energy of the city—a blend of modernity and deep cultural roots.

Hana leaned over with a knowing smile. “We’ll get through the conference, but I promise, I’ll make sure you see Seoul like a local. Tomorrow, we’ll explore a bit before things get hectic.”

Brianna chuckled softly, already grateful for her best friend’s calming presence. “As long as I don’t embarrass myself with my lack of Korean, I’m in.”

The van pulled up to their hotel, a chic high-rise in the heart of the city. As they stepped out, Brianna took in the view of the glittering skyline, a quiet determination settling over her. This trip wasn’t just about work—it was about stepping out of her comfort zone and embracing the unexpected.

“Alright, team,” she said, turning to her colleagues. “Get some rest. Tomorrow, we hit the ground running.”

The group dispersed, the excitement and exhaustion of travel evident on their faces. Brianna followed Hana to the elevator, where they rode up in comfortable silence.

As she unlocked her room, Brianna took one last look at the bustling city below. This was her chance to make an impact—not just professionally, but maybe even personally.

Her phone buzzed with a text from Hana:“Tomorrow starts your Seoul adventure! Get ready for some surprises.😊"

Smiling, Brianna set her bags down and sank onto the plush hotel bed. The conference loomed, but for the first time in a long while, she felt something stir within her. Excitement? Hope? Maybe even possibility.

Tomorrow, the adventure would truly begin.