The morning chill of Seoul embraced Alex Daniels as he stepped out of the subway station, the crisp air a stark contrast to the humid warmth of Chennai he had left behind. Tugging his scarf tighter, Alex took a deep breath, savoring the moment.
"Annyeonghaseyo, Seoul, let's meet the CEO I will be your secretary " he whispered, his lips curving into a smile remembering every scene possible that happened in Drama.
The city sprawled before him like a scene from his favorite K-drama towering skyscrapers interwoven with traditional hanoks, and streets alive with the hum of voices, the rhythmic clatter of footsteps, and the faint scent of freshly brewed coffee.
His heart fluttered as he passed by a man leaning casually against a lamppost. His impeccably styled hair and long trench coat screamed oppa material, and Alex couldn't help but gawk.
"Oppa vibes, oppa vibes everywhere," he muttered under his breath, shaking his head to clear his thoughts.
Seoul was a dream come true, but he was here for a reason—to study, not to get distracted by every guy who looked like he belonged in a drama. Clutching his wrinkled campus map, Alex tried to focus.
He had barely taken a few steps when another passerby caught his eye—a man with a kind smile, sharp features, and round glasses perched on his nose. Alex sighed dramatically.
"Get a grip, Alex. You'll lose it before lunchtime if this keeps up," he chided himself in Tamil, "இங்க வரதுக்கு முக்கியமான காரணம் மறந்துட்டியா?" (Have you forgotten the real reason you came here?)
Finally, Alex reached Seoul National University, its grand gates flanked by rows of ginkgo trees glowing golden in the morning sunlight. Students bustled about, their laughter and chatter filling the air. His stomach churned with nervous energy.
"Gwenchana," he whispered, repeating the Korean word for "It's okay" like a mantra. He clutched the welcome email on his phone, which directed him to meet his orientation group at the main fountain. The sprawling campus, however, looked like a maze in real life compared to the map.
As Alex wandered around, another man walked by, brushing past him with an air of effortless elegance. Alex's head turned automatically, and he groaned inwardly.
"Seriously, Alex? Focus!" he muttered, barely looking up before nearly colliding with someone.
"Ah, joesonghamnida!" Alex exclaimed, apologizing in halting Korean as he stepped back.
"No worries," a warm voice replied in perfect English, soothing and calm.
Alex looked up and froze. The man standing before him was tall and striking, his black sweater fitting snugly, his dark hair falling just right across his forehead. His easy smile lit up his face, and Alex immediately thought, Male lead material.
"Are you lost?" the man asked, tilting his head slightly.
"Uh… yeah," Alex stammered, his cheeks burning. "The orientation group? By the fountain?"
The man chuckled softly. "You're standing right next to it."
Alex blinked and turned. Sure enough, the fountain was there, its water sparkling under the sun. He laughed awkwardly. "Great first impression, huh?" also mumbled something in Tamil.
"It happens," the man said kindly. "First day?"
"Yeah," Alex admitted. "I just arrived from India, Chennai a few days ago."
The man's smile widened. "Chennai? Nalla irukkingala?"
Alex blinked, surprised to hear Tamil from a stranger in Korea. "You… know Tamil?"
"A little," the man said with a laugh. "I had a Tamil roommate once. Taught me a few words, mostly greetings."
Alex smiled back, his nervousness melting slightly. "That's impressive. I'm Alex, by the way."
"I'm Ji-hoon," he said, extending a hand. "And you're in the psychology program, right?"
Alex shook his hand, startled. "How do you know?"
Ji-hoon grinned. "I'm one of the orientation volunteers. I saw your name on the list."
Alex felt strangely flattered that Ji-hoon had remembered his name.
As Ji-hoon led him to the group, Alex couldn't stop glancing at him. His easy confidence, his soft laughter, and the way he seemed so at ease—it was impossible not to admire him.
But as they walked, Alex's thoughts sobered. He knew life wasn't a K-drama, no matter how magical Seoul seemed. Back in India, expressing interest in another man could be fraught with misunderstanding and judgment. Korea might be different in some ways, but acceptance wasn't universal here either. He reminded himself to tread carefully, to not let fleeting feelings cloud his judgment.
Yet, there was something about Ji-hoon that felt safe, as though he could let his guard down, even if just a little.
As the orientation session came to an end, Ji-hoon turned to Alex, a friendly grin on his face. "Hey, I'm glad we met. I know this city can be overwhelming at first, so if you need anything—just let me know."
Alex smiled, feeling a sense of warmth. "Thanks, Ji-hoon. I might take you up on that offer."
Ji-hoon hesitated for a moment, then pulled out his phone. "Here, let me give you my number. In case you need help or just want to grab a coffee or something."
Alex quickly took out his phone and exchanged numbers with Ji-hoon, his heart racing. He hadn't expected to make a connection so quickly, especially not with someone like Ji-hoon.
"Let's meet up on Friday," Ji-hoon suggested. "How about some Korean BBQ and soju? You can't really get the full Seoul experience without it."
Alex grinned. "That sounds perfect. It's a date."
As they parted ways, Alex's thoughts swirled. He had just made a new friend, maybe even something more. But as he walked back to his dorm, he couldn't help but remind himself.
His phone buzzed, and Alex smiled as he read his mother's name on the screen. "Hi, Amma!" he answered.
"Hi, kanna," her voice came through, comforting and familiar. "Have you eaten? How was your first day?"
"It was good, Amma," Alex replied, his voice softening. "The campus is beautiful, and everyone's so welcoming."
"And the food? Are you eating properly?"
Alex laughed, rolling onto his side. "Yes, Amma. I'll send you pictures tomorrow, promise."
There was a pause before his mother spoke again, her voice laced with concern. "Alex, don't forget, we're always here for you, okay?"
"I won't, Amma," he reassured her.
After a few more minutes of conversation, they said their goodbyes. Just as Alex was about to hang up, Ji-hoon's face popped into his thoughts. He quickly typed out a message to him, something spontaneous.
Hey, Ji-hoon, I know this is sudden, but would you like to meet up for Korean BBQ and some soju on Friday? It'd be nice to hang out and chat more.
He stared at the message, unsure if he should hit send, but before he could second-guess himself, Ji-hoon's reply came almost instantly.
I'd love to! How about 7 pm at that place near the university?
Alex grinned. It's a plan!
He dropped his phone on the bed, a wave of excitement bubbling up in him. There was something thrilling about the spontaneity of it all as if his life was suddenly unfolding in ways he hadn't expected.
As he lay back, a small smile playing on his lips, he allowed himself to believe, for the first time, that maybe he was starting his own K-drama after all.