8 AM in the morning, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
Hyorin's Pov:
The streets of Gangnam were alive with energy. Cars sped down the busy roads, and pedestrians hurried past sleek glass buildings. The air buzzed with the aroma of street food and the hum of conversations, as cafés and shops opened their doors to the day. It was a city in motion, blending modern hustle with the pulse of everyday life.
I'm still lying in bed, savoring the luxury of rest, knowing today is finally my day off. After six days of back-to-back shifts, I've earned this moment. Waking up at dawn, pulling on my uniform, tying my hair up neatly, applying makeup, packing my suitcase, and spending hours serving passengers—it's been non-stop.
My body aches from the routine, my mind tired from the constant motion. But today, today is mine. A time to do nothing, to please myself, and to recharge.
"HAN HYORIN, WAKE UP!" my mom shouted.
Or not. I had told her last night—told her—not to wake me up today. But here she is, as usual, shouting my full name like it's the only way she knows how to get my attention.
I ignored her call, sinking deeper into the warmth of my bed, savoring the moment. But just a few minutes later, I heard her footsteps drawing near. That familiar, heavy tread. I quickly sat up, suddenly wide awake, and opened the door before she could knock. I could already feel the annoyance in her steps. But what she didn't know was that I was the one who was already irritated.
"Good morning, Eomma," I said with a smile, trying to greet her cheerfully.
"Were you pretending to be deaf?" she shot back, her tone sharp. "Do you need me to kick you out of that stinky mattress before you get up?" With that, she slapped my shoulder lightly, a quick jab that stung more than it should.
"Ouch!" I complained, rubbing my shoulder where her hand had made contact.
She shook her head, her voice softening just slightly. "Even if you don't have work today, you should still eat your breakfast."
Her words, simple as they were, made my heart flutter. It was nothing grand, but it was the care of a mother—unspoken, yet always there. I nodded quietly and followed her to the dining room, where Dad was already sitting. Together, we shared a peaceful breakfast, and for a moment, everything felt calm and... normal.
"What's your plan for today? Are you just going to spend the whole day lying in bed?" Dad asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I was plan—" I started, but Mom suddenly cut in, finishing my sentence before I could get the words out.
"No, I've baked some cookies. Go deliver them to your Aunt Jihyun while they're still hot," she said, her voice firm but gentle.
I sighed, knowing I had no choice. "Okay," I muttered, resigned.
Aunt Jihyun lives just a 10-minute drive away from us. She is Rina's mom—my childhood best friend and cousin. A quick trip, but one I had to make whether I wanted to or not.
After taking a quick bath and getting dressed, I drove Dad's car to Aunt Jihyun's house. The drive was peaceful, and I lowered the window to let the cool wind rush in, enjoying the fresh air as it tousled my hair. A few minutes later, I pulled up to her house and quickly got out, heading inside.
Aunt Jihyun was in the kitchen, sweeping the floor when she saw me. She looked up with a smile.
"Hyorin, hey!" she greeted warmly.
"Good morning, Imo," I replied, returning her smile.
"Rina isn't here," Mihun said as he stepped out of the bathroom. He is Rina's older brother, a year older than me. "She left, and we don't know where she went."
"It's okay," I said, offering the box of cookies to Aunt Jihyun. "I just came to drop this off."
"Oh, wow," Aunt said, her smile bright as she took the box from me.
"Mom baked them this morning," I added.
"Tell your mom thank you," Aunt said, taking a cookie from the box and popping it into her mouth.
"I'll have some later," Mihun said, heading back to his room. He was probably getting ready for work, though it seemed a little late for that.
"I have to go now, Imo," I said, walking toward the door.
"Have some pancakes before you go," Aunt Jihyun offered with a warm smile.
"I'm full," I replied, shaking my head.
"Alright, take care," she said, waving as I made my way out.
As I stepped outside, I froze. There was Rina, holding hands with a guy, engaged in conversation. My mind went blank, and for a moment, I couldn't move or speak. It wasn't until she noticed me standing by the door that I snapped out of it.
"Hyorin," she said, her eyes wide with nervousness, quickly pulling her hand away from the guy's.
"Your sister?" the guy asked, glancing at me.
"No, she's my cousin," Rina quickly corrected him.
"Who is he?" I asked, walking toward them, trying to process what was happening.
"Oh, he's my boyfriend," she replied, her voice a little shaky.
"BOYFRIEND?!!!" I practically shouted in disbelief.
Before I could say anything else, she quickly covered my mouth with her hand and gestured for her boyfriend to leave.
His expression shifted, and he quietly stepped back, clearly uncomfortable.
Rina led me to the nearest coffee shop, where she bought me an iced coffee to help calm my nerves. As I slowly took sips, trying to steady myself, she sat across from me, fidgeting with her hands. I could tell she was trying to say something, but the words seemed stuck in her throat.
"What's his name?" I asked, breaking the silence.
"Uh?" Rina blinked, caught off guard by the question.
"His name?" I pressed again.
"Yuhwan," she replied quickly. "We've only been dating for a week. Please, don't tell my parents yet. I beg you."
I raised an eyebrow. "He looks young. Is he still a student?"
"A medical student," she said, her voice more confident now. "He's an intern at SNU Hospital."
Oh, a medical student. That explained a lot.
"Okay, I won't tell them yet," I said, deciding to keep her secret for now.
"Thank youuuu!" Rina squealed in relief, suddenly grabbing my hands in excitement. In her haste, she knocked my iced coffee, spilling it all over the table.
"Rina!" I exclaimed, annoyed, as I stared at the mess.
She just smiled sheepishly. "I'll buy you a new one."
After our brief conversation about her secret, we got up and left the café. The air outside was cool, carrying the faint scent of rain from earlier. As we stepped onto the sidewalk, Rina glanced at me and asked,
"You don't have work today?"
I chuckled. "You finally asked," I said, raising a brow. She hadn't even questioned why I was at her house earlier.
"Sorry," she admitted, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
"I was about to, but I was more worried about how you'd react to Yuhwan."
"Am I that scary?" I teased, smirking.
"Not you," she huffed, "but we were outside my house. Mom might have heard."
I laughed. "Haha, don't worry. I'm sure they didn't. But yeah, today's my day off."
"That's great! Our day off finally matched. How about we spend the day together?" Rina asked excitedly, her eyes lighting up.
I hesitated for a moment, memories of our last outing flashing in my mind. "What are we going to do? Where are we going?" I asked warily.
The last time she invited me out, we ended up climbing Bukhansan Mountain. I had been so exhausted I nearly passed out, and the muscle pain that followed lasted for days. Definitely not an experience I wanted to relive.
"I've earned some money from the videos I uploaded on YouTube. I'll treat you! How about we buy some dresses, cosmetics, and eat sushi?" Rina said excitedly.
I raised an eyebrow. "Wow, you finally earned something? How much?" I asked, curious.
She grinned. "A secret."
Such a nuisance. Sometimes, I wonder how we even became friends.
"Whatever. Since it's your treat, I'll go along with you," I said, shrugging.
"That's my girl! Let's go!" she cheered.
I shook my head with a small smile. "Let's go," I said, hoping today would actually be fun.
Since Rina was my wallet for the day, I volunteered to be her driver, taking my dad's car. We headed to COEX Mall and spent nearly four hours exploring, shopping, and trying on different things.
We even took pictures with cute accessories, laughing at how ridiculous some of them looked on us.
Even though it was just the two of us, we had a great time. Rina is outgoing, while I'm more of an introvert. We're different in a lot of ways, but somehow, we always get along.
The sushi arrived, and we dug in, savoring each bite. The pieces were fresh, delicate, and had that perfect balance of flavor that only high-quality fish could provide. Sushiko had a way of making you feel comfortable while still delivering an experience that felt refined. It wasn't the kind of place where you had to worry about being too formal or too casual; it was just the right vibe.
As we ate, the conversation flowed easily. We were talking about everything and nothing—laughing over memories, discussing plans, and letting our thoughts wander. The quiet hum of the restaurant and the rhythm of chopsticks against plates made the moment feel even more relaxed. And then, a question popped up, almost out of nowhere:
"You have a flight tomorrow?" Rina asked.
"Yeah, as always. Just a domestic flight," I replied, trying not to make it sound like a big deal. For me, it was just another part of the routine.
She nodded, but then followed up with another one, curiosity piqued.
"So after this, you still have to travel to Incheon?"
"Yeah," I said simply, not going into too much detail.
Her expression softened a bit with sympathy. "That sounds tiring."
I smiled, shaking my head. "Not at all." I said it like it was no big deal—because to me, it wasn't. The ride was long, sure. But I had a certain peace with it. There was something oddly calming about the journey, even with the hustle of the city outside. Music in my ears, a moment of quiet as I sat, letting the world pass by. It wasn't tiring; it was just part of the flow.
The sun was starting to dip lower in the sky, casting a warm glow over the streets of Gangnam. The sushi was satisfying, but the conversation had slowed down.
As Rina glanced at the time, her voice broke through the quiet moment.
"It's already almost 5 PM, let's go home now so you can prepare early," she said, her tone light, but practical.
"Yeah, sure," I replied, not wanting to let go of the last bit of sushi. It had been so good—one of those things you could keep savoring even after you were full.
She noticed me still picking at the plate. "Are you still hungry?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I'm not, but it's really delicious," I answered with a half-smile, trying to justify why I was taking that last bite.
After finishing up, I drove her back to her place. The usual routine—short, simple goodbyes. But as I drove away, something in me didn't quite feel ready to go home yet. The day had been calm, easy, but there was still that strange feeling gnawing at the back of my mind.
I decided to pass by the Han River on the way home, a little detour, a moment to clear my head.
The city buzzed around me, but as I approached the riverbank, the world seemed to slow down. The soft shimmer of the water, the cool evening breeze, it all had a kind of tranquility to it. I parked and got out, letting the city noise fade as I stood there, watching the lights reflect off the water.
That's when the memory hit me—suddenly, as if it had been waiting for the right moment to surface.
It was a year ago, Paris. The guy in the hoodie.
I didn't expect the memory to come rushing back now, but there it was, vivid and clear. The guy I'd encountered on a cold, crowded evening near the Seine—his face hidden in shadow beneath the hood, his eyes locked onto mine for just a split second. It wasn't a moment that lasted long, but there was something in it, something unsettling, like a connection without any explanation. I hadn't thought about him much after that night, but now, standing here by the river in Seoul, it felt like a strange echo across time and distance.
What was it about that brief encounter? Why had it stuck with me?
It was a peaceful moment, enjoying the view for a few minutes, but eventually, I knew it was time to head back. I gathered my things, ready to leave, but not before my mom packed some kimchi for me, a little reminder to stay healthy on my journey. I smiled, appreciating her care, and tucked the jar safely in my bag.
I boarded the AREX train heading back to Incheon. The rhythmic hum of the train and the soft melodies of my music wrapped around me, and before I knew it, I was drifting off into a nap. It felt nice, a brief moment of rest after the busyness of the day.
When the train arrived in Incheon, I took a cab home, the familiar streets of the city offering a sense of comfort as I neared my apartment. It might sound lonely to some, but as an introvert, I found peace in my solitude. It was just me and the quiet space, and I cherished it.
I arrived at my apartment, changed into more comfortable clothes, and got to work on packing my suitcase for tomorrow's flight.
(Next Day)
Author's Pov:
Hyorin's day began in the early hours, the clock reading 4 a.m. as she stirred from her sleep. The quiet of the morning was only broken by the soft rustle of her routine. She started with a warm bath, letting the water refresh her senses and ease her into the day ahead. Once out, she slipped into her uniform—sleek, professional, and ready for the tasks at hand.
Her breakfast was simple yet nourishing, giving her the energy she'd need for the long day. Sitting before the mirror, she meticulously applied her makeup, each stroke precise and deliberate, as though it were a ritual that grounded her in the moments before the rush of the day began.
With her suitcase checked and rechecked, she gathered her things, leaving no detail overlooked. A final glance around her apartment, and then it was time to head to the airport. She hailed a cab, the quiet ride giving her space to prepare mentally for the demands of the day.
Upon arriving at ICN, the familiar buzz of the airport greeted her.
She swiftly moved through check-in, feeling the pulse of the busy terminal as she joined her fellow crew members. Together, they gathered to go over the flight details—confirming schedules, discussing any changes, and ensuring the flight plan was set.
The pre-flight briefing was next, where everyone had their roles clarified and any final questions were answered. The flight crew double-checked the equipment and supplies, verifying that every item needed for the journey was in place. The boarding process was a well-oiled machine, with Hyorin playing her part to help ensure passengers moved smoothly through the gate.
As the final checks were completed, she felt the calm assurance that everything was ready. It was a routine, yes, but one that demanded focus and precision, and Hyorin had mastered it all. With everything in order, it was time to head to the runway. The aircraft was ready for departure, and so was she.
The flight to Jeju was smooth, and an hour later, they touched down safely. The steady hum of the engines gave way to the bustle of the airport as passengers disembarked. Hyorin and the crew moved quickly, efficiently, ensuring that all passengers had exited the aircraft.
They checked each seat row, confirming that no personal items were left behind. A quick glance around the cabin assured them everything was in order.
Once satisfied, Hyorin made a final sweep of the aircraft, ensuring the cabin was tidy and ready for its return journey. With everything checked and no issues or irregularities to report, she relayed the all-clear to the captain and the ground operations team. It was a moment of reassurance—everything had gone according to plan, smooth and uneventful.
With the work for the moment complete, Hyorin took a brief pause. She found a quiet spot in the crew area, giving herself a few minutes of rest to prepare for the return flight.
The brief respite was just what she needed before the routine would start again, the cycle of flight, check, and readiness continuing throughout the day. As she closed her eyes for a moment, the familiar feeling of focus and purpose settled in once more.
After a long, exhausting day, Hyorin finally made it home. She stepped into her apartment and, without a second thought, dropped her bag and slumped onto the couch. The day had been long, with four flights and endless duties that followed, leaving her drained. She took a moment to close her eyes, letting the stillness of her apartment calm her racing mind.
She soon pulled herself up, heading for a quick bath to wash off the fatigue. Once dressed in something comfortable, she heated up a ready-to-eat meal for dinner. As she ate, her phone vibrated on the table. She glanced at the screen—it was a message from Wuchan.
"Hey, how's your day?"
Hyorin didn't feel anything special when she saw his name. She'd known Wuchan for years, and though he'd made his admiration known countless times, she didn't feel the same way. She gave a short, neutral reply. "It was fine."
She finished her meal, washed the dishes, cleaned up the kitchen, and tidied the table. As she brushed her teeth, she could hear the soft ping of her phone again, but she didn't rush to check it. It was probably just Wuchan, trying to continue the conversation.
After everything was in order, Hyorin climbed into bed, the soft sheets welcoming her tired body. Tomorrow would be another day of flights, but tonight, she allowed herself to finally relax and get some proper rest. The world could wait. She needed sleep.
(Next Day)
The next morning, the familiar rhythm of Hyorin's routine began once again. The buzz of her alarm woke her, dragging her out of sleep with the promise of another long day ahead. She moved through the motions with ease, no thoughts of hesitation or reluctance.
First, she brewed coffee, the warm steam filling the kitchen as she ate a quick breakfast. She made sure her uniform was spotless, her hair neatly tied back—everything in its right place, just like every other day.
But today, there was a small difference. The flight path was headed to Busan first, a shift from the usual destinations, but the routine remained unchanged. She packed her essentials, grabbed her bag, and left her apartment, heading to the airport where her day would unfold just like the others before it.
The flights were long, the responsibilities constant. As a flight attendant, there was always something to be done—restocking, serving passengers, ensuring safety, and maintaining the same level of professionalism no matter how tired you felt. Hyorin had grown accustomed to it. The exhaustion, though always there, was something she had learned to push aside.
By the time she returned home around 6 PM, she could barely keep her eyes open. Her body ached in ways she had become familiar with. Yet, despite the fatigue, she knew this was her life now. She'd been doing this for almost two years, and though it was hard, it had become part of her.
She entered her apartment, the quietness welcoming her back, and dropped her bag in a familiar spot by the door. She sank into the couch for a brief moment of rest before getting up to start her evening routine once again.
Though each day seemed to blend into the next, Hyorin had learned how to get through it all. There were still moments of peace, small comforts, and the occasional reminder of what she worked for. But today, like so many others, she could only focus on getting through it—sleeping, recharging, and preparing for whatever the next day had in store.
The days had passed in a blur for Hyorin, each one almost identical to the last. The same early mornings, the same flights, the same exhaustion that followed her home. But today, as she walked through the bustling airport on her way to the pre-flight briefing, something shifted in the monotony.
As she rounded a corner, she almost bumped into Wuchan. He was standing there, his usual warm smile on his face, and he greeted her as if they hadn't just had an exchange of messages days ago.
"Good morning, Hyorin," he said.
"Good morning," Hyorin replied, offering a polite smile, her pace not slowing.
Wuchan's smile faltered slightly, and he seemed to hesitate before speaking again. "You've been ignoring my messages and calls lately. Are you mad at me? Did I do something wrong?"
Hyorin paused for a brief moment, surprised by his directness, but then quickly regained her composure. "You're overthinking it," she replied, her voice neutral. "I was just busy. I apologize."
His expression softened, but he still seemed a bit unsure. "Really? Okay. By the way, guess what—we're on the same flight today."
"Are we?" Hyorin asked, taking out her phone to double-check the schedule. Sure enough, the notification confirmed that their paths would cross again today. "Looks like it," she added, glancing up at him.
Wuchan's eyes brightened. "See? I'll take care of you today," he said, his voice filled with that familiar, eager tone.
Hyorin's expression remained unchanged as she shook her head. "No need. I can handle myself."
He didn't seem deterred by her refusal. "Let's have lunch together later," he suggested, his tone light and hopeful.
Hyorin simply nodded, not entirely opposed but not eager either. The conversation continued as they made their way to the aircraft, the chatter growing quieter as they approached the briefing room.
Just as they reached the door, Hyorin slowed her pace, turning to Wuchan. "Stop here," she said firmly, though not unkindly. "We need to focus now."
Wuchan nodded, understanding, and they both filed into the briefing room, settling into their respective spots. Hyorin, though her mind still lingered on the conversation, forced herself to focus. The flight was still ahead, and there would be time to deal with other things later. For now, it was all about the job.
As the briefing started, Hyorin found her thoughts drifting back to Wuchan's persistence, though she kept her focus on the task at hand. She didn't need him to take care of her—she'd been handling herself just fine for two years. But there was something in the way he kept trying to get closer that kept her wondering… why did he persist when she'd made it clear she wasn't interested?
Hyorin's Pov:
The day went on, the usual whirlwind of tasks and responsibilities that came with being a flight attendant. There was no time to think about anything else. I focused on my duties—greeting passengers, checking seatbelts, helping with anything that needed attention. It was routine, but it was what I was good at. It was what I knew.
After our second flight landed in Seoul, I finally had a moment to breathe. The Captain announced our lunch break, and the crew scattered, some heading to the staff lounge, others to the galley. I was about to grab something to eat when I felt a familiar presence behind me.
"Let's go?" Wuchan's voice was low, almost hopeful, as he appeared beside me.
I turned to face him, trying to keep my tone neutral. "Where?" I asked, curious but not enthusiastic.
Just as I was about to respond, Yuna, my close friend and fellow flight attendant, spoke up from behind us, eyebrow raised in playful suspicion. "Where? Just the two of you?"
She had caught Wuchan whispering something to me.
Yuna, with her calm demeanor and unbothered attitude, had a way of sensing things that others might miss. She is beautiful, no doubt, with a presence that seem to calm any room she enters. She didn't let the attention from admirers get to her. She is humble, always genuine, and I appreciated that about her.
Wuchan, not missing a beat, turned to Yuna, almost pleading. "Lend her to me, Yuna. Just for today."
Yuna tilted her head slightly, her eyes glimmering with mischief. "No, we can't be separated. Right, Hyorin?" she teased, a playful smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
I couldn't help but chuckle at her antics. "Yeah! I have to bring her with me," I said, nudging Yuna in agreement.
Wuchan sighed dramatically, but a smile spread across his face. "Fine, let's eat together. The three of us."
And just like that, it was settled. We headed to the galley, where the rest of the crew had already begun to gather in small groups, chatting and enjoying their break. It wasn't unusual to eat in groups, but I couldn't shake the feeling that Wuchan was trying a little too hard to be close. Not that I cared—well, not much, anyway.
The galley was quieter than the staff lounge, more intimate. I grabbed a seat next to Yuna, and Wuchan sat across from us. The conversation flowed easily—Yuna always had a way of keeping things light, and Wuchan kept chipping in, trying to add his own brand of charm. I didn't mind it; I was used to Wuchan's persistence by now.
We ate, we laughed, and for a few minutes, I let myself forget about everything else—the long flights, the exhaustion, and the ever-present weight of routine. For a moment, it was just the three of us, enjoying our meal, sharing little jokes.
But even as I laughed with them, I couldn't help but feel the slightest tug of discomfort at the back of my mind. Wuchan was always there, always trying. And though I didn't have any ill will toward him, I still couldn't understand what he was hoping for.
For now, though, I kept smiling. I was tired, yes, but I could get through this. The day was still young, and there would be plenty of time for my thoughts to wander later. Right now, it was about the crew, the flight, and the routine. One step at a time.
After work, Wuchan offered me a ride, but I declined, opting for a cab instead. The evening was quiet, and I was ready to just unwind after a long day. However, when I arrived at my apartment building, I was taken back. There were people gathered outside in the cold, some whispering in hushed tones, others pacing anxiously. The scene was unsettling, and I couldn't quite make sense of it at first.