When you unexpectedly encounter your favorite idol, but not in the manner you had hoped for, a mix of emotions floods over you. Excitement mingles with disappointment as the surreal moment clashes with your expectations. It's as if reality and fanta...
"I'm Aki, and surprisingly, my name doesn't quite match who I am. I never really questioned why my parents chose 'Aki' for me. But let's start with a usual beginning this time, because sometimes sticking to the norm can lead to unexpected adventures.
Now, for a proper introduction - I'm Aki Young, a 26-year-old upcoming author, and yes, I'm an introvert. There's more to me, though, and you'll discover it all as my story unfolds. I've landed at 'The Muse Publishing Co.' in Seoul, South Korea, a new chapter in my life. This is my first time in South Korea, and I'm feeling pretty nervous, hiding behind a mask. Ready to join me on this journey?"
As I wait for a call from my company, I type away on my laptop, sharing my thoughts and hopes. My phone chimes just as I'm engrossed in my writing. Swiftly, I grab the phone, a sense of anticipation rising in me. A man's voice, mature and composed, comes through the line.
"Is this Aki Young?" he inquires. Stumbling slightly over my words, I managed to reply, "Um, yes, is this from The Muse?"
"Indeed, I apologize for my tardiness. If you could kindly share your exact location, I'll make my way to you," he responds. "I'm currently in the waiting room near the B-2 exit," I informed him. Without hesitation, he assures me, "Ah, I'm close by. I'll be there in two minutes." With that, he ends the call, leaving me with a mix of excitement and curiosity, wondering about the journey that's about to unfold.
I nervously fidget with the strap of my bag, glancing around the waiting room near the B-2 exit. The seconds tick by, and I find myself stealing quick glances at the entrance, my heart beating a little faster with each passing moment. In what feels like no time at all, a figure appears in the doorway.The man from the phone call stands there, his presence commanding yet welcoming. He offers a warm smile and a nod of recognition.
"Miss Aki Young?" he confirms, and I nod, suddenly feeling a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. "I'm glad you made it," he says, extending a hand. "I'm Park Yoo-Joon, your manager at The Muse Publishing Co." I shake his hand, feeling a rush of emotions. This is it - the beginning of my new adventure, stepping into the world of publishing. With a deep breath, I gather my belongings and follow Manager Park, ready to embrace the journey ahead. As I stepped outside the airport in Seoul, I couldn't help but think, 'Seoul, here I come.'
My life has always been full of surprises, making it quite enjoyable. The story of how I ended up joining this company isn't particularly elaborate. It all began with me writing a book titled 'All of Yours,' which gained significant recognition. My former publishing company received an offer from The Muse, inquiring if I was interested in adapting my story into a webtoon. Without hesitation, I accepted the offer, setting only one condition-
"Miss Aki," a faint voice interrupted my thoughts, bringing me back to reality. I found myself in a car with Mr. Park seated beside me, his concern evident in his gaze.
"Ah, Mr. Park," I stammered, momentarily at a loss for words. Unsure of what to say, I finally managed, "Yes, I just got lost in thought." I offered a sheepish smile in response to his worried expression.
"You're quite the character, Miss. Aki," Mr. Park remarked with a warm smile. "And by the way, you don't have to be so formal around me. Feel free to call me Yoo-Joon; after all, we're the same age." "Sure thing, Mr Park- I mean,Yoo-Joon. And you can call me Aki without any need for formalities," I replied, returning his smile.
"Great, Aki. Now, about your early arrival - you're a week ahead of schedule. Mind sharing the reason behind that?" Yoo-Joon's curiosity piqued as he raised an eyebrow.
I hesitated for a moment, then decided to confide, "Well, I figured it would be beneficial to arrive early to acclimate myself to the environment. Plus, there's another reason..."I trailed off, my voice lowering. His interest grew, and he inquired, "What's the other reason?" I took a deep breath before admitting, "There's a fansign event happening this coming Saturday."
Yoo-Joon nodded in understanding, his expression sympathetic. "I see. If you'd like, I can accompany you to the event and even arrange VIP tickets."
Quickly, I shook my head, a bashful smile on my face. "Oh, no need for that, really. I appreciate the offer, but I think I'll manage fine on my own." Yoo-Joon chuckled softly. "Alright, Aki. Just let me know if you change your mind. Either way, I'm here to help." "Thank you, Yoo-Joon. I appreciate it," I replied sincerely, feeling a genuine sense of camaraderie growing between us.
We arrived at the apartment complex where I would be staying during my time in Seoul. The building stood tall and modern, blending seamlessly with the cityscape. As we stepped out of the car, Yoo-Joon gestured towards the entrance. "Here we are, Aki. Your temporary home in Seoul," he said with a smile. I nodded, taking in the sight of the building. "It looks great. Thank you for helping me settle in, Yoo-Joon." "It's my pleasure, Aki. If you need anything or have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out," he reassured me.
With a sense of gratitude, I followed him towards the entrance. Yoo-Joon led me through the various rooms, showcasing the fully-equipped kitchen, a charming bedroom, and a well-appointed study area. Each space felt thoughtfully designed and infused with a touch of elegance. Yoo-Joon looked at me, conforming that I am comfortable enough with the new surroundings, he said with a firm smile, "Then, I'll take my leave." I turned to him to greet my goodbye.
Before taking his leave, Yoo-Joon gave me a reassuring smile. "Aki, I understand that you might want some time to yourself to settle in. Your official schedule with the company starts next week, but that doesn't mean I won't be available. Feel free to reach out to me anytime, whether it's about work-related matters or if you simply need assistance exploring the city." I appreciated his thoughtfulness and nodded in gratitude.
"Thank you, Yoo-Joon. I'll keep that in mind." He nodded back, his gaze sincere. "Great. Don't hesitate to call if you need anything. Welcome to Seoul, Aki."
With those words, he bid me farewell and left the apartment, leaving me to soak in the new surroundings and the sense of adventure that awaited me in this vibrant city.
As the day slowly drifted towards its end, I found myself succumbing to a weariness that seemed to settle deep within me. The excitement of arriving in Seoul had been exhilarating, but it had also taken a toll on my social energy.
Recognizing the need for rest and recharge, I decided to grant myself a day of respite. Cocooned within the cozy confines of my new apartment, I embraced the solace of solitude. I let the exhaustion from my journey catch up with me, surrendering to the allure of a restful slumber.
The world outside faded away as I drifted into a peaceful sleep, allowing my body and mind to rejuvenate.
Tomorrow, I told myself, would mark the beginning of my explorations in this captivating city. With a sense of anticipation, I looked forward to immersing myself in the sights, sounds, and experiences that Seoul had to offer. But for now, as the night enveloped the city, I sought the comfort of dreams and the promise of a new day.
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A/N : Hello my readers, I'm glad to be back with a new story. Everyone already met my sweet Aki, right? Hope you all will enjoy this amazing journey with me. I'm planning to update my story once or twice a week. That's all for now,see you in next chapter. Please like and comment, so that I know you're enjoying my story.
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