The security line felt like an endless maze, each checkpoint taking longer than the last. By the time Mina's family finally cleared through, her legs ached from standing so long. They had just 30 minutes before their flight, but thankfully, they made it to their gate on time. With a little room to breathe, Mina and Aerum decided to explore the duty-free shops to pass the time.
Directly across from their gate stood a Prada store, the sleek black and white signage beckoning them. Mina's eyes sparkled as she stepped inside, her admiration for the brand undeniable. She didn't own much from Prada, just one cherished perfume, but she always admired the elegance of their designs.
Aerum stopped in front of a collection of bags, her finger tracing the edge of one with an intricate floral design.
Aerum: This one's nice.
she said, lifting it slightly for Mina to see.
Aerum: I'd totally buy it if I had the money.
Mina scrunched her nose.
Mina: Eh, debatable. It's pretty, but I think the flower design ruins it. Feels like it's trying too hard.
As they browsed, Mina's gaze was suddenly drawn to a young man who entered the store. His brown, fluffy hair framed a face that seemed effortlessly charming, with sharp cat-like eyes that held an almost magnetic quality. He exuded a calm confidence, the kind that made people instinctively turn their heads. Mina's heart skipped a beat as he approached the same display of bags.
???: Excuse me.
He said politely, his voice smooth as he gestured for space to look at a bag Mina stood near.
Mina: Oh! Sorry!
Mina stammered, stepping aside quickly.
Aerum grabbed her arm and pulled her to the side, whispering excitedly.
Aerum: He's so cute.
Mina: I know!
Mina whispered back, trying not to look too obvious as her eyes drifted toward him again.
——
On the Plane
Three hours into the flight, Mina found herself restless. She had promised herself she'd sleep, especially with a long layover and a second flight ahead. But her thoughts were a whirlpool. Leaving London, the only home she'd ever known, was harder than she thought. She couldn't help but wonder how she'd fit in at a new school in Seoul. Would anyone befriend the new girl who showed up mid-year? Most friendships were already established by now.
Mina sat sandwiched between Heeseung and Aerum in the middle row of the plane. Aerum was fast asleep, her head leaning against their mother, who was engrossed in an old black and white movie. Heeseung, ever the multitasker, was watching a movie while occasionally glancing at his notes for an upcoming project. Mina, however, couldn't settle her nerves enough to focus on anything.
She got up to use the restroom, the effect of her mango juice consumption catching up with her. As she made her way down the aisle, she couldn't help but notice the boy from the Prada store. He was seated two rows ahead of her, headphones on, intently watching something on his screen. Was he also headed to Korea? Or was he staying in Abu Dhabi, where their layover was scheduled? The thought lingered as she reached the restroom and waited her turn.
---
Layover at Abu Dhabi
After their plane landed, Mina stretched her arms, yawning as she followed her family through the bustling airport. Aerum was still groggy, leaning heavily on their mother as they found a quiet seating area to rest during their layover. Mina glanced at the time: 15:42. They had a few hours before the next flight, and the endless shops and cafes were calling her name.
Mina: Mum, can I have some money to look around?
Mina asked.
Her mother handed her a few bills.
Mina: Don't go too far, and stay with your brother.
Dragging Heeseung along, Mina returned to a jewelry store she had noticed earlier. Her eyes fell on a stunning gold necklace displayed under glass. It gleamed under the bright lights, its intricate design catching the light with every angle.
Mina: Heeseung, look at this one. Should I get it?
she asked, her voice filled with longing.
He examined the price tag and winced.
Heeseung: Mina, it's way over our budget, like, way over. Even if we combined everything Mum gave us, we'd still be short.
Mina sighed, knowing he was right. She ended up buying a simple gold-plated ring instead, which felt like a small consolation. As they walked back to their seats, Mina thought about the necklace she couldn't afford and how it reminded her of the old gold 'M' necklace her mother had given her as a child. Though she had cherished it for years, overhearing her mother say it was originally meant for her father had tainted its sentimental value.
——
The Second Flight
As Mina settled into her seat on the second plane, she realized that the Prada boy she'd later learnt, was seated directly in front of her. She tried not to stare, though her heart betrayed her every time he adjusted his headphones or leaned forward to stretch.
An hour into the flight, Mina found herself needing the restroom again. This time, as she waited, the door opened to reveal none other than the PRADA boy. Her eyes widened slightly, caught off guard.
???: Hey,
he said with a casual smile.
???: I think I saw you on the last flight, too.
Mina: Oh, yeah. Small world, I guess.
Mina said, her cheeks warming.
He hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "I
???: wanted to ask, what's your name?
Mina: Mina.
she said, her voice soft.
Jungwon: I'm Jungwon.
he said, extending his hand briefly before pulling out his phone.
Jungwon: Would it be okay if I got your number?
Mina's heart raced as she nodded, entering her number into his phone with trembling fingers.
Mina: Sure.
Jungwon: Thanks.
he said, his smile growing as he tucked his phone away.
Jungwon: And sorry for making you wait for the restroom.
She shook her head quickly.
Mina: No worries.
As he walked back to his seat, Mina stepped into the restroom, her reflection in the mirror revealing cheeks flushed with excitement. She placed a hand over her racing heart, unable to believe that someone so effortlessly handsome had just asked for her number.
——
Mina spent the rest of the flight replaying their brief conversation, stealing occasional glances at Jungwon through the tiny gaps between the seats. She didn't know what awaited her in Korea, but for the first time, she felt like this move might not be so bad after all.
YOU ARE READING
𝓐𝓬𝓺𝓾𝓪𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓭 || ENHYPEN JAKE FF
Fanfictionsummary: a teenage girl feels overwhelmed with all these new changes in her life, from the country to the continent change, to new people. a sense of comfort arises from someone she would've never imagined to have gotten close to. sim jaeyun has an...
