1. The First Meeting

The dark sky over Seoul hinted at an approaching storm, with lightning and thunder creating a dramatic scene. The heavy rain served as a backdrop for the unfolding drama. Unaware of the impending tragedy, three people stood on Hongdae Street, their lives reflecting the intensity of the elements around them.

The raindrops on the pavement emphasized the gravity of the moment, signaling a tale of profound consequence. Despite the natural turmoil, their personal stories were woven into the drama, destined to be shaped by forces beyond their control. The warning remained unheard, leaving these three individuals teetering on the edge of a fate.

"Ha-neul, please stop," The woman named Starla Kathleen cried.

"Listen to me, Starla." Kim Ha-neul, the man in front of Starla tried to get closer.

"Enough! I saw what you did with Luna!" Starla glanced at Luna Quincey, the woman beside Ha-neul.

"Starla, you misunderstood. We are not what you think," Luna said.

"Misunderstood? I'm not stupid! I'm not blind either!" Starla screamed.

"But you misunderstood. I can explain." Kim Ha-neul took a step.

Starla dismissed Ha-neul's hand as it was about to touch her shoulder. "Everything is clear! I don't want to see you again!"

Starla ran through the rain-soaked streets of Seoul, each step echoing the shattered reality she had just witnessed. Tears mixed with rain on her face as the agony in her heart matched the storm above. Fueled by emotions of betrayal and heartbreak, she escaped into the rain.

Despite the downpour, Ha-neul and Luna hurriedly followed, their voices lost in the rain and thunder. The urgency in their steps mirrored the desperation to salvage the unraveling situation. As Starla reached the road's edge, the world blurred with anguish.

In her emotional turmoil, a new threat emerged—a truck roaring towards her. The engine's sound drowned out Starla's sobs as the headlights bore down on her. Ha-neul and Luna, despite frantic efforts, were powerless against the fate.

"Starla!"

Ha-neul and Luna hurriedly jumped to protect Starla from the approaching danger. Their hearts raced with fear and determination as the truck swiftly approached. Time felt like it slowed down, but the collision happened quickly and harshly. The crash reverberated through the rainy Seoul night, leaving a deep silence behind.

....

The scorching sunlight beamed from the blue sky, dazzling one of the two women walking on the sidewalk in Myeongdong. The woman without sunglasses raised her hand to shield her face, attempting to lessen the glaring heat. The warm afternoon air, with temperatures around 23 degrees Celsius, made them sweat slightly despite being under the blazing sun.

“Come on, Starla, we needed to get there soon!” exclaimed the enthusiastic woman with sunglasses among them.

Starla was a renowned novelist known for her emotionally charged and lifelike works. She often found inspiration for her stories from personal experiences and events around her. Her mastery of words and character development earned her respect in the literary world.

Meanwhile, Luna was a charismatic film star with exceptional charm and talent. She often captivated audiences on the big screen with her dramatic and charismatic roles. Luna had the ability to convey deep emotions through her acting, making her beloved by film fans.

Although these two women came from different backgrounds, Starla and Luna had forged a strong friendship. They often exchanged stories and supported each other in their careers. Starla admired Luna’s ability to bring characters to life on screen, while Luna was inspired by Starla’s imagination and sharpness in writing.

Starla nodded, keeping pace with her friend, as they navigated the crowded sidewalk. Myeongdong, a famous shopping district in Seoul, was becoming busier as midday approached. Stores and restaurants offered various options for the throngs of visitors filling the streets. Around them, the bustling sounds of people walking, talking, and laughing filled the air. Everything appeared vibrant and colorful under the bright sunlight. Vendors along the street showcased various goods, from trendy clothing to delicious food, catching the attention of visitors with friendly promotions.

Starla looked around, captivated by the city’s energetic glow. Cosmetic shops with attractive displays, clothing stores showcasing the latest fashion, and restaurants emitting tempting food aromas tempted her. They passed rows of shops with glass walls and intriguing ornaments. Some stores even played K-pop music, attracting visitors interested in Korean pop culture.

The sidewalk was filled with busy people: shopping tourists, hand-holding teenagers, and office workers hurrying towards lunch spots. The atmosphere buzzed with laughter and cheerful conversations. Some tourists paused briefly to capture moments with their cameras amidst towering buildings exuding luxury.

Starla and Luna continued their diligent stride. Luna looked enthusiastic in her striking sunglasses, avoiding the sun’s rays. Starla, on the other hand, observed her surroundings with a focused expression, occasionally peering curiously at the shops.

They eventually arrived at Lotte Department Store Main, a grand shopping center in the heart of Myeongdong. Tall buildings with large windows loomed above them, showcasing renowned brands glistening in the sunlight. Luna eagerly entered, followed by Starla, who was awestruck by the splendor of the place.

“We should head to the cosmetics floor first, Starla,” Luna said, guiding Starla past the brightly lit escalators.

The sun slowly descended in the west, leaving behind warm twilight in the Seoul sky. However, Luna’s enthusiasm showed no signs of waning as she continued to explore every corner of Lotte Department Store Main. For Luna, shopping was an undeniable joy; she felt as if she were in her own private paradise. Although it had only been a few minutes since they arrived in Seoul before coming here, Luna was already excited to explore all that was on offer.

Meanwhile, Starla looked visibly more tired. Her face revealed deep exhaustion. Starla felt weary from not having had a chance to rest since arriving in the city. The commotion and bustle of the packed trip made her yearn for proper rest.

“Aren’t you tired, Lun?” Starla asked, approaching Luna, who was busy examining clothes on a store rack.

Luna shook her head quickly, smiling as if to say her excitement was still ablaze. Starla shook her head in amusement; Luna’s energy seemed inexhaustible.

“I think I’ll head back to the hotel first. I’m really beat,” Starla finally said weakly.

This time, Luna took notice. “Why’s that, Star? Come on, stay with me a bit longer.”

“The thing is, your ‘bit longer’ could end up being five hours! If I collapse here, are you going to carry me back to the hotel?” Starla asked casually, causing Luna to momentarily glare before smiling and shaking her head.

“Fine then. Go ahead. I’ll shop on my own,” Luna said cheerfully. “Take care!”

Starla nodded, relieved that she could finally return to the hotel to rest. She planned to have a sound sleep after enduring a long and tiring day. However, as she walked away from Luna, her mind was still filled with her friend’s infectious enthusiasm.

Starla walked out of the mall. From the moment she entered until now, the Myeongdong streets still looked the same; bustling. She immediately stepped her way back to the hotel. However, a problem came all of a sudden when Starla had just taken a few steps. Her phone died after Starla remembered that the battery was almost out when she just arrived and didn’t have time to charge it because Luna rushed to take her for a walk.

“Oh, you’re so stupid, Star! So how are you supposed to get home if you don’t even know how to get back to the hotel?” Starla stood by a cafe, leaning against the wall of the building while bowing down, holding her knee, frustrated. She looked around the city, remembering where she had been from the hotel to here.

Starla also tried to ask the people around her; unfortunately, none of them understood English when she asked. Starla was lost and couldn’t contact Luna for help. Then, when she was about to give up, someone appeared in front of her. Starla looked at his feet as she was still bowing, then lifted her face and saw a man there.

“Excuse me, earlier I was watching you from afar, you seemed distressed and looked like you were asking a few people. What’s wrong?” asked the tall man in the old brown coat, Starla could guess that the man was a native of Seoul.

Although initially hesitant because they didn’t know each other and Starla didn’t know what the man’s intentions were, there was no other way for her than to tell the man the problem she was facing. Perhaps the man could help Starla get back to her hotel. “Oh, yes, I got lost trying to get back to the hotel because my phone’s battery ran out.”

“Oh, I see, no wonder you looked confused,” replied the man, then nodded understandingly with Starla’s problem. “Where is the hotel you’re staying at? If you don’t mind, I can take you there.”

Starla felt relieved to get help. She told him the name of her hotel, and the man kindly offered to escort her. They began to walk through the bustling streets. During the journey, the man introduced himself as Kim Ha-neul and they started chatting.

“Thank you so much, Ha-neul. I’m really lucky to meet you,” Starla said. A few times she looked at the man next to her. The meeting was a bit impressive for Starla, making her heart beat. Because besides being kind, Ha-neul was also very handsome.

“I’m glad I could help,” Ha-neul said kindly. “Seoul can be confusing for newcomers, but don’t worry, you’ll get to your hotel safely.”

After Ha-neul and Starla arrived at the hotel, Ha-neul looked at Starla seriously. “Starla, can I have your phone number? I’d like to be able to talk to you again.”

Starla was surprised and slightly confused. On one hand, Ha-neul seemed nice and she wanted to be polite. However, her mind was filled with doubt. She had just met him and wasn’t sure what it meant to give him her phone number. The request left her perplexed.

Ha-neul noticed the hesitation on Starla’s face. “It’s okay if you’re not comfortable. I just want to be friends with you.”

Starla remained silent, pondering the decision she had to make. Meeting Ha-neul had indeed been a stroke of luck in her day, as without him, Starla might not have made it to her hotel by now. Was giving her phone number to Ha-neul the right decision?