(comment first time read here <3)
𝓗eejin threw her view outside the window; the sun is rising up above the clouds announcing a brand-new day, a brand-new hope, and a brand-new adventure.
She's been sitting for hours in her seat on the train; her back is stiff from the long ride.
She'd been asleep since the train departed from Daegu and she'd only awakened a few minutes ago when the intercom announced their arrival in Seoul.
Around this time every year, when the flowers are in full bloom and the air is fragrant, Heejin and her family would visit her grandparents' house together for spring break.
Heejin's mother was born into a wealthy family and she had always found it admirable that her mother fell in love with a humble village boy–her father–and even get risked being disowned by her family that disliked the idea of their daughter and sister marrying a 'commoner'.
It was said that her mother's family came from a long line of Joseon Era royals and it was true, considering the amount of wealth and political power that family has.
Heejin wasn't informed of how her grandparents came around their relationship but her grandparents grew to like her father and their lovely granddaughter.
This year, her trip to Seoul is a little bit different and not to mention lonely.
Her parents had passed away in a car crash a year ago. She was also there during the crash but she miraculously survived.
The doctors dubbed her survival a 'miracle' since it was almost impossible for a human to survive a fatal accident.
It was a miracle indeed that she was able to still live until today but her parents' sudden passing left an empty space in her heart.
The Sun was shining out and about when she arrived in Seoul.
She stood like a sore thumb in the crowds as she particularly didn't know which way to go to her grandparents' house.
Her grandfather did say that he would send someone to fetch her at the station the night before but Heejin felt bad about it so she thoughtlessly declined.
So when her eyes caught a familiar boy donned in a typical black suit, holding a placard with words 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐆 𝐋𝐀𝐃𝐘 𝐇𝐄𝐄𝐉𝐈𝐍 written, she instinctively hid her face inside her palms in pure embarrassment.
The boy, Seo Woobin, was the son of the Head Butler of the Lee Household. Despite their social status, Woobin was the same age as her and they considered each other friends.
"Welcome home, Young Lady." Woobin grinned brightly, his words were laced in playfulness as Heejin approached the boy, trying hard not to notice the way all the eyes around the perimeter were resting on her.
It seemed like people have taken notice of who she was and she sort of hated it.
"Can we just leave quickly? It's uncomfortable..." Heejin mumbled the last part but Woobin didn't miss it.
He quickly ushered Heejin towards the exit where a BMW was waiting but Heejin hesitated as she was about to hop in.
"What's wrong, Heejin? Are you okay? You look pale..."
Heejin's eyes flickered over to Woobin as she started to feel herself grow sick.
Ah, she hates this. She's acting up again. She feels like throwing up.
Woobin's phone rung and it pulled Heejin back from drowning inside her head.
"It's Butler Seo. Yes, the Young Mistress has arrived safely. Now? Alright, I'll relay the message to the Young Mistress." Woobin ended his phone call and headed over to Heejin. "Master and Madam Lee had an unexpected meeting so they asked me to send you straight home."
"Oh, really? Alright then, it can't be helped."
Woobin opened the door and invited her in. Despite the turmoil inside her, Heejin braced herself and hopped into the car.
A few hours later, Heejin woke up to finding herself already laid down on a bed.
She sighed heavily, fully knowing that she could've passed out halfway through the ride to the villa.
Heejin quickly jumped out of the bed and rushed downstairs to find her grandparents after checking out the time on her phone.
She had slept all the way till evening.
As expected, her grandparents were already back from their meeting and were currently having tea in the living room.
Her grandmother, Madam Lee was the first to notice her presence, and her face immediately brightened.
"Omo, Heejin-ah!"
"Halmeoni!"
Heejin quickly dove in for a hug and her grandfather belatedly greeted her when he finally took notice of her arrival.
"Our Heejin is all grown up!" Her grandfather chortled, his arms were wide open to welcome her for a hug. Heejin giddily dove into her grandfather's arms.
"How was the trip? Are you hungry? I can ask the cook to prepare dinner early." Grandma Lee carefully accessed her with fond eyes.
Heejin laughed softly. "It's okay, halmeoni. I'm not that hungry yet."
While the three of them went deeper into their conversation, in the middle of the conversation, her grandfather mentioned her enrollment into LUVITY High School located at the center of the bustling city.
"Are you sure you don't need to rest for a few days before going back to school?" her grandmother asked and Heejin nodded with affirmation.
"I think it's better for me to get started as soon as possible. The semester has already started a week ago. I must be missing out a lot." she said, earning an approval nod from her grandparents.
"Well, if you say it's okay, then I guess we shouldn't be so worried."
"Mr Seo's son goes to the same school too. We can ask him to take care of her." Grandpa Lee added in.
"Omo, harabeoji! I'm turning eighteen this year. I can take care of myself you know." Heejin gave her grandpa the stink eye while her Grandpa Lee sheepishly smiled.
"I trust Heejin with all my heart. But if you have any problems, you can always talk to us, okay?" Heejin noticed the way the tone in her grandmother changes but she smiled nevertheless, "I promise."
*****