Chapter 1
Chapter 1: The Decision That Changed Everything
(A Life-Changing Choice)
Seoyoon sat on a bench in the middle of the campus, gripping her graduation certificate tightly. Her best friend, Jisoo, sat beside her, watching her fidget with her fingers.
Jisoo: “What you’re doing now is absolutely right. Just go for it.”
Seoyoon: “I know, but what if they don’t let me leave? What if they try to stop me?”
Jisoo: “They can’t hold you back forever. You’re an adult now. You can make your own choices.”
Seoyoon closed her eyes and took a deep breath, letting Jisoo’s words sink in.
Seoyoon: “You’re right. I’ve made up my mind. I’m leaving today.”
Jisoo gave her a warm smile and squeezed her hand lightly. “No matter what happens, I’ll be by your side. Just promise me you won’t regret this decision.”
Jisoo’s words gave Seoyoon a sense of confidence. She met Jisoo’s eyes and nodded. “I won’t. I promise.”
With that, Seoyoon stood up, gripping her bag as she walked toward her car. Her heart pounded, but she didn’t stop.
This was the beginning of her new life.
(At Home – Facing Her Parents)
As Seoyoon stepped through the front door, the faint scent of jasmine filled the air. Her mother was setting the table, while her father sat nearby, flipping through the newspaper.
Neither of them knew what she was about to say.
She tightened her grip on her bag and cleared her throat. “Mom, Dad, I need to talk to you.”
Her mother looked up, surprised. “Oh, Seoyoon, you’re home. How was the graduation ceremony?”
“It was fine,” she replied quickly. She wasn’t in the mood for small talk. “But I have something important to say.”
Her father folded his newspaper and looked at her, his expression unreadable. “Go on.”
Seoyoon inhaled deeply. “I’ve decided to move out. I already found an apartment, and I’m leaving today.”
A heavy silence filled the room. Her mother’s hands froze mid-air, and her father’s brows furrowed.
“Move out?” her mother repeated slowly, as if the words didn’t make sense.
“Seoyoon, don’t be ridiculous,” her father said, his voice firm. “You have responsibilities. You know you’re expected to take over the company.”
Seoyoon straightened her shoulders. “That’s exactly why I’m leaving. I don’t want to run the company. I don’t want to live a life you planned for me. I want to make my own choices.”
Her mother let out a deep sigh, placing a hand on her hip. “You think you can survive without us? Without our support?”
Seoyoon’s heart pounded, but she stood her ground. “Yes, I can. And I will.”
Her father leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Then go,” he said coldly. “But don’t come running back when things get hard.”
Seoyoon swallowed hard. “I won’t.”
Her mother shook her head, disappointment flashing in her eyes. “You’ll regret this.”
“We’ll see,” Seoyoon said, forcing herself to remain calm. Without another word, she turned away, gripping her bag tightly as she walked toward the door.
(Garam Comes to Help – A True Friend)
Just as Seoyoon reached the staircase, the doorbell rang.
Her mother frowned. “Who could that be?”
Seoyoon took a deep breath and opened the door, revealing Garam.
“Hey,” Garam said softly, concern in her eyes. “Are you okay?”
Seoyoon let out a shaky breath. “I’m leaving.”
Garam nodded and stepped inside, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “I know. That’s why I’m here.”
Her parents exchanged looks, clearly displeased.
“Garam, I assume you’re the one encouraging this nonsense?” her father asked coldly.
Garam stood his ground, looking him in the eye. “Seoyoon is making her own decision. I’m just here to support her.”
Seoyoon’s chest tightened. Having Garam by her side made all the difference.
Her mother scoffed. “Fine. Take her. But when she fails, don’t come running back.”
Seoyoon clenched her fists but said nothing. She wouldn’t fail.
Garam helped carry her suitcase down the stairs. As they stepped outside, Seoyoon felt a weight lift off her shoulders.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
“You don’t have to thank me,” Garam said softly. “Let’s get out of here.”
Seoyoon didn’t look back.
(Arriving at the Apartment – A New Beginning)
Seoyoon parked outside her new apartment, a small but cozy building in a quiet neighborhood. Just as she stepped out of the car, her phone buzzed.
Garam: “Seoyoon! Did you really leave? How did it go?”
Seoyoon: “I don’t want to talk about it right now. I just got to the apartment. Where are you?”
Garam: “Waiting for you outside. Hurry up!”
She grabbed her suitcase and headed toward the entrance, where Garam stood waving at her.
“You actually did it!” Garam said excitedly.
Seoyoon nodded, feeling lighter. “Yeah… I did.”
Garam pulled her into a tight hug. “I’m proud of you. My dad helped with the advance payment, so don’t stress about rent for now. Just focus on finding a job.”
Seoyoon felt a lump in her throat. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“You’ll never have to find out,” Garam grinned. “You’re family to me.”
Just then, the apartment owner arrived.
“Seoyoon?” he asked gently. “Garam told me about your situation. I’ve lowered the rent for you. Here’s your key.”
Seoyoon hesitated before taking the key, her hands trembling slightly. “Thank you.”
As she stepped inside, she took a deep breath. The apartment was small, but it was hers.
For the first time in her life, she felt free.
(A Late-Night Realization – A Faint Memory?)
That night, Seoyoon lay in bed staring at the ceiling. The silence felt strange.
For the first time, she was truly alone.
No rules. No expectations.
Just her.
A small smile tugged at her lips. “This is just the beginning.”
She closed her eyes, feeling both nervous and excited for what tomorrow would bring.
(A Day Later)
Garam: [Arrives at Seoyoon’s house] Hey! How’s everything going? Settling in okay?
Seoyoon: Hey, Garam! It’s going well so far, thanks to you. Yesterday really meant a lot to me. I don’t think I could’ve done it without you.
Garam: You don’t need to thank me, Seoyoon. You’re my best friend. I’ve always got your back. So, what’s next? Have you started thinking about job hunting?
Seoyoon: Yeah, I’ve started looking. Do you have any suggestions for places to apply?
Garam: Absolutely! The Lee Company is huge around here. You should definitely check them out.
Seoyoon: That’s a great suggestion, thanks! I’ll definitely look into it.
Garam: Anytime! We’re in this together, remember? If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call.
Seoyoon: You’re the best. [Pauses] Want to grab something to eat or drink? I can make us something.
Garam: [Smiles softly] Actually, I have to leave soon. My family’s going to Incheon for a week. Just wanted to stop by and check in on you.
Seoyoon: [A little sad, but smiles] A week? I’m going to miss you. But I hope you have a good time!
Garam: I’ll miss you too. [Hugs Seoyoon] Stay safe, okay? Call me if you need anything, and good luck with everything.
Seoyoon: Thanks again for everything, Garam. Safe travels!
Garam: You too, Seoyoon. Take care of yourself. [Waves goodbye]
Seoyoon: See you soon!
