Prologue
I encountered a group of individuals captivated by my beauty and intelligence that they began competing for my attention. Their admiration for me sparked a lively contest of charm and wit, creating an atmosphere charged with excitement and intrigue.
Jackson Wang. The sexy Korean/Hong Kong dancer and Rapper.
Park Jimin. The most cuteness than this group, BTS, Korean dancers and singers.
Kai. EXO, a Korean dancer and singer, is the most handsome in this union.
I'm feeling uncertain about who I could date, especially considering how devoted their fan base is and the level of fame they enjoy. At 18, I found myself in a position where I could see myself going out with someone like him—not limited to K-Pop stars, but enjoying the thrill of an ordinary date with an intriguing guy. The thought of spending time together, sharing laughter and stories, is enticing, yet the shadow of his celebrity status makes me hesitate.
It’s completely understandable to feel confused, especially if the events unfolding around you are unclear or unexpected. You might struggle to grasp the situation, leading to uncertainty about what actions to take next.
I carefully placed the photographs of the boy's face on the desk, their haunting expressions capturing my attention. Then, with a heavy sigh, I turned toward the ceiling, watching the shadows dance along the textured plaster as I lay back on the bed, feeling the weight of the world press down on me.
My name is Erika Bevan, and I’m 20 years old. I was born in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, which holds countless stories and dreams. Unlike many, I don’t have the privilege of knowing my birth family, which adds a layer of mystery to my identity. I connect with Mark, who is part of the popular band GOT7 and Jackson's bandmate; it's always intriguing when our paths cross. Being of mixed heritage, I am proud to be half-American and half-Korean, embracing both cultures with joy and appreciation.
How did I come to meet these boys? You know my father is a highly successful CEO who operates between Korea and America, right? His influence is vast, and when he approached my adopted family with an incredible opportunity to relocate to Korea, it marked a significant turning point for us. I am the only foster child in this family, which makes my position unique and complicated. While my family eagerly embraced my father's proposition, I was uncertain, unsure what this monumental change would mean for me.
Here I am in Korea, and I can’t shake the feeling that I was spot on about everything. The complexities of meeting these new people weigh heavily on me, far more so than the simple dynamics with my new friends or even my closest companion back home. There’s a nagging guilt in my chest; I’ve decided to keep these intriguing yet complicated relationships under wraps. I can’t bring myself to share the truth with my new friend, knowing it’s my fault for not confiding in her about the whirlwind of emotions swirling around me.
I find it quite fascinating that I had formed new friendships in Korea, though those connections have faded. It’s surprising to reflect on the relationships that once existed and the experiences that accompanied them.
My mum's voice suddenly cut through my reverie, calling out to me with a warm yet urgent tone that pulled me back to the present moment.
“Elika! Dinner!” Mum calls out in her warm, familiar voice, the words flowing effortlessly in English. A moment later, her tone shifts as she switches to Korean, her accent ringing with urgency. “Everyone! Dinner!” The sound echoes through the house, inviting all family members to gather around the table for the evening meal.
Are you curious about what she has to say? My Korean name is Elika, which translates to "bright" or "shining." It carries a sense of radiance and positivity, much like how I hope to approach life.
With a deep breath, I sat up and stretched before going to the dining room. As I stepped inside, the lively din of conversation in Korean abruptly hushed; all eyes turned towards me, their expressions a mix of curiosity and surprise. Feeling the weight of their gaze, I let out a quiet sigh, a hint of sadness creeping into my heart. I scanned the room, searching for an empty seat, and finally settled onto a chair, its wood cool beneath me. As the ambient murmurs fell silent, the gathered crowd clapped their hands in unison, their faces glowing with reverence as they prayed to God. I instinctively joined them, bowing my head in solidarity, feeling the warmth of their collective spirit surrounding me.
“Thank you for the food!” they expressed gratefully, their voices filled with warmth as they spoke in Korean, the melody of their language adding to the joy of the moment.
“Thank you!” I exclaim, my voice rising with genuine excitement as a warm smile spreads.
"What do you mean you want to know what we discussed? It seems that you’re all focused on learning Korean within this context. As for me, I often find myself dining alone while everyone else enjoys their meals together."
Allow me to provide some insight into my family. I have an older brother named Jinson Bevan (Jeong Jin-woon), a 26-year-old who presents himself as quite handsome with striking features. Despite his appealing appearance, he is known for his laid-back demeanour and has yet to move out and establish his independence, opting to remain at home instead. This dynamic often leads to playful teasing among family members about his reluctance to embrace adult responsibilities.
We have two lively little boys, Jin Bevan and Ke Ben Bevan, who are identical twins. They are a whirlwind of energy and mischief at just ten years old. Though their cherubic faces and bright smiles may make them seem adorable at first glance, don’t be fooled—these two are anything but! Their antics and boundless curiosity often lead to chaos, making every day an adventure.
Our family has a remarkable father, Byung-Chul Bevan, who is the successful CEO of a prominent company in Korea. He embodies leadership and determination. Our mother, Liji Bevan, is equally impressive. She is a dedicated and hardworking woman who tirelessly supports our family with her love and strength.
My journey began in Los Angeles, where my adoptive parents embarked on the beautiful path of adoption when I was just a child. It was there that they discovered me, and our lives intertwined unforgettably. About two years ago, we relocated to a new home, bringing cherished memories and the promise of new adventures together as a family.
I was lost in a world of daydreams, my thoughts drifting like clouds in a clear blue sky, when suddenly, out of nowhere, Jin lobbed his slipper at me. The unexpected projectile flew through the air, breaking the tranquil spell of my imagination and snapping me back to reality with a jolt.
“Hey!” Jin calls out, his voice cutting through the air with urgency and excitement.
I was taken aback, my eyes widening in disbelief as I witnessed his unexpected actions unfold before me.
“Stop letting your thoughts wander into a fantasy world, Girlie!”
“Oh, no! Take it back!” I shouted, my frustration boiling over. With a swift motion, I flung his slipper towards him, my anger fueling the throw. The soft fabric sailed through the air, aimed squarely at his face, as I snatched it back in a mix of defiance and indignation.
“What’s bothering you, Elika?” Dad asks, his voice muffled as he chews on a mouthful of fluffy white rice, grains spilling slightly over his lips. His brow furrows in genuine curiosity while bits of rice cling to his chin, highlighting the distraction of the meal at hand.
With bright eyes sparkling with sadness, the twins exclaimed in unison, "We saw it, Daddy!"
“Thank you...” I say softly, my voice smooth and gentle, echoing the warmth in my heart as I bring my hands together in a soft applause. The sound is a quiet yet sincere expression of my appreciation.
As I turned and walked away, I could feel their eyes boring into my back, a mixture of confusion and concern etched on their faces. My heart raced with disbelief, yet I kept my gaze fixed ahead, deliberately avoiding their worried expressions. With each step toward my room, the world around me faded, and all that remained was the heavy weight of my shock and the echo of unspoken words.
“Elika?!” Dad called, his voice heavy with sorrow, echoing off the walls like a haunting whisper in the dimly lit room.
I closed the door softly behind me, the gentle click echoing in the quiet room. After collecting my thoughts, I climbed into bed, sinking into the familiar embrace of the soft sheets. As I lay down, the superb fabric brushed against my skin, and I let out a deep breath, letting the day's tensions melt away around me.
I've always felt out of place in this country. Let me take you back to when I first arrived as an 18-year-old, filled with hope and uncertainty. It was a time of new beginnings, and that's when I crossed paths with an incredible group of people. So, if you're curious about my journey and how it all unfolded, welcome to my world!
Let's start my story so I can share it with you all! Let's begin at the airport where I depart from America for South Korea!








