Seoul, South Korea
Aria Ordinary gazed out at the city's glittering skyline, her thoughts adrift. Her 22nd birthday had passed, and with it, a sense of restlessness. She felt trapped, like there was more to life than managing her family's traditional Korean restaurant, Seoulful. The aroma of sizzling bulgogi and steaming kimchi wafted through the air, familiar yet suffocating.
"Aria, focus!" her mother, Hye-Jin, called from the kitchen, her voice laced with a hint of worry.
Aria smiled, expertly juggling multiple orders. Her family's restaurant was a Hongdae staple, beloved for its authentic Korean cuisine. But Aria's mind wandered, sensing an unseen world beyond the ordinary. She felt it in her bones, a thrumming energy waiting to be unleashed.
As she delivered a steaming bowl of bibimbap to a table of laughing tourists, a strange symbol on the building's facade caught her eye. It pulsed with an otherworldly energy, whispering secrets only she could hear. Aria's heart skipped a beat. She'd seen similar markings around Seoul, etched into ancient temples and hidden alleyways.
Suddenly, a dark figure emerged from the shadows. Eyes glowing like embers, they fixed on Aria. The air seemed to thicken, heavy with an unspoken threat.
"Aria Ordinary," the figure hissed, "your family's secrets won't remain hidden forever."
Aria's instincts screamed warning. She tried to step back, but her feet felt rooted.
The figure vanished as swiftly as they appeared, leaving Aria shaken. The restaurant's bustle faded into the background as she struggled to breathe.
"What's wrong?" Ji-Hyun, her best friend, asked, noticing Aria's pale face.
Aria hesitated. "Just...a weird feeling."
Ji-Hyun's expression turned serious. "We need to talk."
As they walked through Hongdae's vibrant streets, neon lights casting colorful shadows, Ji-Hyun revealed a shocking truth.
"Aria, I've been keeping secrets too. Secrets about your family, and about yourself."
Aria's world began to unravel.
"What do you mean?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ji-Hyun's eyes locked onto hers.
"You're not ordinary, Aria. None of your family is. You have...abilities. Magical abilities."
Aria's mind reeled. Magical abilities? It sounded like fantasy, yet...
"Tell me more," Aria urged, her heart pounding.
Ji-Hyun glanced around nervously.
"Not here. Not now. But soon, Aria. You need to know the truth."
The city lights blurred as Aria's vision narrowed. Her life was about to change forever.