Aurora

"Aurora! Hurry up, or you'll miss your flight!" my mom shouted from downstairs.

"Yes, Mom! I'm almost done!" I yelled back, shoving the last few things into my carry-on.

After graduating high school, I received an acceptance letter from my dream university-Riverview. I was over the moon. Not only did I get in, but they also offered me a full-ride scholarship.

Even now, I still can't believe it. One of the biggest reasons I'm so excited is that I'm finally getting away from home.

Don't get me wrong, I love my family. But sometimes, they can be a lot, and I've always craved independence. This is my chance to finally live on my own, make my own choices, and experience life outside of their constant watch.

Being an only child, my parents were hesitant at first. Riverview is far from home, and they weren't happy about me moving across the world. But after weeks of convincing (and maybe a few guilt-tripping speeches about my future), they finally agreed.

Riverview University has a reputation for its competitive admissions and high academic standards. That's why getting in felt so surreal.

Right now, I'm preparing to leave Korea, my home, for New York. The thought of a new state, new city, new people, and a completely different environment fills me with a mix of excitement and nervousness.

My suitcases are already packed and loaded into the car. I just need to finish getting dressed. I settle on an oversized hoodie and sweats, comfortable enough for the long flight ahead.

After one last glance at my room, I take a deep breath and head downstairs. My parents are waiting for me near the door, their faces a mix of pride and sadness.

"We're going to miss you so much," my mom says, pulling me into a tight hug. My dad quickly joins in, sandwiching me between them.

I laugh softly. "I'll miss you too, Mom and Dad. I promise I'll try to visit whenever I can."

They finally let go, nodding in understanding. After chatting for a few more minutes, we head to the car.

The drive to the airport is filled with my mom's last-minute advice. "Don't forget to eat properly. Be careful with strangers. Call us often. Don't go out too late at night. Always keep your belongings close. And Aurora, seriously, don't-"

I smile, already used to her overprotectiveness. "Mom, I got it, I promise."

Thirty minutes later, we arrive at the airport. My parents each carry one of my suitcases while I handle my carry-on.

Since my flight leaves in an hour, we say our goodbyes at the entrance. There's no point in dragging it out, plus I still need to go through the airport security.

After one last round of hugs and a teary goodbye from my mom, I make my way inside.

Forty-five minutes later, I'm through security and settled into my seat on the plane. I lean back, exhaling slowly as I stare out the window.

This is it. A new beginning. A fresh start.

I pull out my phone to pass the time, scrolling through Instagram. A few minutes later, I feel movement beside me as someone settles into the seat next to mine.

I glance up, and immediately freeze.

She's gorgeous.

Like, the kind of gorgeous that makes your brain short-circuit for a second. Her dark curls frame her face perfectly, and her smooth, golden-toned skin practically glows under the dim cabin lights. Her sharp eyes hold a quiet confidence, and the way she carries herself screams effortless charm.

I quickly look away, hoping she didn't catch me staring.

"Hello," she says, her voice smooth and warm.

I force myself to meet her gaze and offer a small smile. "Hi."

Then, because I don't trust myself to say anything else, I turn back to my phone, pretending to be totally unfazed by her presence.

She chuckles. "You're so cute."

My head snaps up. "What?"

She smirks, clearly amused. "You keep looking at me, then looking away like you got caught doing something you shouldn't be doing."

Oh. Oh, God. She noticed.

Heat rushes to my face. I let out a nervous laugh, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "I wasn't-I mean, I just-"

"Relax," she says, still smiling. "I was just teasing."

I let out a breath, shaking my head at myself. "Well, now I feel even more embarrassed."

She laughs, and somehow, that makes me feel a little better.

We end up talking for most of the flight. She introduces herself as Danielle, and I learn that she's also heading to New York. The conversation flows easily, she's funny, confident, and way too charming for my own good.

At some point, exhaustion creeps in, and I can barely keep my eyes open. I don't remember falling asleep, but I wake up to the sound of Danielle's soft voice.

"Hey, we've arrived."

My eyes flutter open, and I realize something that makes my stomach flip, I'm leaning on her shoulder.

Oh.

And her arm is resting behind my back, holding me in place.

Oh.

I jolt upright. "I-I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to-"

She just smiles, unfazed. "It's fine. You looked comfortable."

My face burns. I mutter a quick thank you, trying not to die of embarrassment on the spot.

We exchange goodbyes as we step off the plane, and I can't help but wonder if I'll ever see her again.

I shake off the thought and grab a taxi to campus. My new home. My fresh start.

Whatever happens next, I know one thing for sure, this is only the beginning.

⸻

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I hope you guys liked the first chapter! Please don't forget to comment your thoughts, thanks!