HIRAETH | Minho XO, Kitty

CHAPTER ONE

Shopping before school isn't necessary, but I had to leave a lot of things behind before my flight here. Myeongdong is already busy with people shopping and commuting, but inside the boutique, it's fairly calm. Quiet music plays throughout and expensive perfume lingers in the air.

One store associate follows behind me, her arms covered in carefully folded clothing. She doesn't complain as I add more; placing a cashmere sweater over the pile, then a pleated skirt, then wide-leg trousers. She just smiles, nodding like she's glad I'm shopping here.

"I saw that your father presented a new car model the other day," she says casually, trying to make conversation. "He's really catering to the general public now."

I glance to her before I flip through a rack of dresses. "Hmm, he is." I pick a gold slip dress from the hanger, feeling the smooth silk fabric between my fingers. "Though, he doesn't care about the general public as much as he pretends to," I drape the dress over her arms and continue on.

The associate hesitates, "Are you sure?"

I turn around and look at her fully now. "What?"

She shifts, adjusting the pile in her arms. "Oh, it's just... I don't want you to get into trouble. With your father. Or your mother." Her eyes look towards the slip dress, its delicate straps and high slit.

"What you don't want to do is get in trouble with their youngest daughter," I warn and add another cardigan, belt, bag... anything I like. Then, I look to the cash register, "Please ring this up for me."

"Of course, Wonyoung."

When I step outside, there's a group of people waiting for me. Camera shutters and flashes click one after the other. People call my name all at once, making their voices overlap each other. 

"It's Wonyoung Cha! Over here! Look this way!" 

I keep walking, slipping down my sunglasses just enough for them to get their shot of my face.

Just then, my phone vibrates in my purse and I pick it up to see my mother's contact flashing across the screen. I answer the call, balancing my phone between my ear and shoulder. "Hey, mom. I stayed last night at the Han Hotel, don't worry."

"I saw the charge on the card," she says, her voice laced with relief. "You're okay?"

"I'm fine," I reply, shifting the large bags of clothing in my hands.

There's a pause before she continues, "Speaking of charges, you just spend eighteen million won at a boutique?"

"Yeah," I say casually. "I packed light, so I had to make up for the things I left behind. Also, I forgot a dress and heels for the welcome party tonight, so I got that too."

"Are you excited to see Minho? I was wondering if you two—"

"Mom," I groan, cutting her off. "I think I need to get going. There are all these people and cameras behind me."

She audibly exhales from the other side of the line. "Okay, honey. Just promise me you'll be safe? And make sure you call me once you've checked into your dorm."

"Mom. I'll be okay, remember? I've never been a stranger to Seoul," I remind her, keeping my voice light. "When I check in, I'll call you, I promise."

"Just call me if you need anything."

"I will," I promise. "Talk to you later!"