CHAPTER 1

A New Semester, A Familiar City

Kim Yn stood at the bustling Incheon International Airport, her heart fluttering with a mixture of excitement and nervous anticipation. The arrival gates buzzed with noise-announcements echoed over the speakers, suitcases rolled across the tiled floor, and joyful reunions played out all around her. Yet amid the chaos, Yn remained still, her eyes scanning the crowd as she soaked in the beginning of another chapter in her life.

It was the start of her third year at Seoul National University, and even though the city of Seoul had long become a second home, the first day of a new semester always stirred butterflies in her stomach. There was something magical about returning-new classes, new professors, and maybe even new beginnings.

Her parents stood beside her, looking elegant and composed as always. They had flown in from the United States, where they ran a successful chain of luxury hotels. Despite their busy lives, they never missed a chance to visit Yn, even if just for a few short days.

"Take care of yourself, sweetheart," her mother whispered, pulling her into a tight embrace. Her tone was soft, but her grip was strong-like she didn't want to let go.

Yn hugged her back, her heart warming at the familiar scent of her mother's perfume. "I will, Mom. Promise," she said with a gentle smile.

Her father placed a hand on her shoulder. "Call us if you need anything. We're just one phone call away."

"I know, Dad," she nodded. "Thank you... for coming."

After a few more heartfelt goodbyes, she watched as her parents disappeared into the crowd. A breeze swept through the airport doors, bringing with it the crisp scent of autumn and a promise of change. Yn took a deep breath, adjusted the strap of her handbag, and stepped outside into the Seoul she had come to love.

---

Her apartment, nestled in a quiet lane just a short walk from the university, welcomed her like an old friend. Small yet cozy, it was her personal sanctuary-filled with soft cushions, fairy lights, and framed photographs that told stories of the life she'd built far from her parents.

The living room shelves were lined with books she loved, and the kitchen still smelled faintly of the lavender candles she'd lit before leaving for the holidays. She ran her fingers across the photo frame on her bedside table-a picture of her and her best friends, laughing under the cherry blossoms in spring.

Lisa, Rose, Jisoo, and Jennie. Her soul sisters. The girls who made Seoul feel like home.

They had planned to meet the next morning at their favorite café near campus, a tradition they had kept alive since their first semester. The thought made Yn smile-warmth spreading through her chest at the idea of being with them again.

---

The sun peeked over the horizon the next day, casting golden rays through Yn's window. After getting ready, she stepped out wearing her favorite beige cardigan and ankle boots, her hair swaying softly with each step. The streets were alive with the buzz of students returning, their faces lit with the same enthusiasm she felt inside.

When she reached the café, the familiar chime of the bell over the door greeted her.

Inside, the air was rich with the aroma of coffee and baked pastries. Laughter and conversation filled the space, but her eyes immediately found the table in the corner, where four familiar faces waved her over.

"Yn! Over here!" Lisa called out, waving both hands in the air like a child.

Yn's face broke into a wide smile. "Hey, you guys!" she said, hurrying over as Rose scooted to make room.

They enveloped her in a group hug, giggling like old times.

"I've missed you all so much," Yn said, her voice thick with emotion as she sat down.

"We missed you more!" Jennie replied, tossing her long hair over her shoulder. "How were your holidays? Did your parents spoil you as usual?"

Yn laughed. "Yes, they did. But I think I missed Seoul even more."

As coffee cups were passed around and stories from the break were shared, the café seemed to light up with their energy. They talked about new semester schedules, annoying professors, and cute guys spotted during vacation.

For a moment, time seemed to slow. Surrounded by the people who mattered most, with a hot latte in hand and dreams dancing in her mind, Kim Yn felt ready-for whatever the semester had in store.

Little did she know, her world was about to change in the most unexpected way.