Blood Bound: Awakening

Chapter 2: First Encounter

The days at South Korean College passed in a whirlwind of orientation sessions, campus tours, and the nervous excitement of meeting new people. Each morning, Y/n woke up with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty, the unfamiliarity of Seoul contrasting sharply with the comforting routines of home.

On the second day of orientation, Y/n found herself seated in a crowded lecture hall, attentively listening to a professor explain the intricacies of Korean cultural studies. Her mind buzzed with questions and eagerness to absorb everything she could about her chosen field. Yet, beneath her enthusiasm, a sense of loneliness lingered—a reminder of the friends and familiar places she had left behind.

As the lecture drew to a close, Y/n gathered her belongings and made her way to the campus quad, where a vibrant festival atmosphere awaited. The air was filled with the aroma of street food and the sound of traditional Korean music, drawing students and faculty alike into the heart of the festivities.

Navigating through the crowd, Y/n marveled at the colorful displays of Korean culture—booths adorned with hanboks, traditional crafts, and even a demonstration of taekwondo in one corner. It was a sensory overload, a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and smells that enveloped her in the rich tapestry of Korean heritage.

Lost in the whirlwind of activity, Y/n paused near a stage where a group of students were performing a traditional dance. The rhythm of the drums and the graceful movements of the dancers held her captivated, transporting her to a world where ancient traditions danced in harmony with modernity.

As the performance concluded, applause erupted from the audience, and Y/n found herself clapping along with the rest of the crowd. When the applause died down, she turned to find herself face to face with two young men who had been watching the performance beside her.

"Hey there! That was pretty impressive, right?" the taller of the two exclaimed, his voice filled with enthusiasm. He had tousled brown hair that seemed to defy gravity, and his eyes sparkled with curiosity and mischief.

Y/n blinked in surprise at the sudden interaction but managed a small smile. "Yeah, it was amazing. I've never seen anything like it," she replied, her voice betraying a hint of nervousness.

The young man grinned broadly, extending his hand towards her. "I'm Taehyung, but you can call me Tae. What's your name?"

"Y/n," she replied, shaking his hand tentatively. "Nice to meet you, Tae."

Beside Tae, his companion chuckled warmly. "And I'm Hobi," he introduced himself, his voice as sunny as his smile. "Short for Hoseok, but everyone calls me Hobi. Welcome to South Korean College!"

Y/n felt a rush of relief at their friendly demeanor. "Thank you," she replied, grateful for their welcoming presence amidst the sea of unfamiliar faces.

Tae and Hobi exchanged a knowing glance, as if silently communicating something between them. "Are you new here?" Tae asked, his curiosity evident.

Y/n nodded, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear nervously. "Yeah, I just started orientation yesterday," she admitted. "It's all a bit overwhelming, to be honest."

Hobi chuckled sympathetically. "Tell me about it. Orientation can be a lot to take in," he agreed, his voice soothing. "But don't worry, you'll get the hang of it in no time. Besides, you've already survived the worst part—finding your way to the quad!"

His easygoing nature put Y/n at ease, and she found herself relaxing in their company. They chatted about their respective hometowns—Tae hailed from Daegu, while Hobi grew up in Gwangju—and shared anecdotes about their first impressions of Seoul.

As they walked through the festival together, Y/n learned that Tae had a passion for photography and a love for exploring hidden corners of the city. Hobi, on the other hand, was known for his dance skills and infectious positivity that seemed to brighten even the gloomiest of days.

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, punctuated by laughter and shared moments of discovery. Y/n found herself opening up about her background, recounting fond memories of her family and the journey that had brought her to South Korean College.

Tae listened intently, his gaze never leaving her face. "It sounds like you've had quite the adventure," he remarked, admiration evident in his voice.

Hobi nodded in agreement. "It takes courage to leave everything behind and start fresh in a new place," he added, his tone sincere. "But I have a feeling you're going to do great here, Y/n."

The warmth in their words touched Y/n deeply. In Tae and Hobi, she sensed kindred spirits—individuals who, like her, were navigating the challenges of new beginnings with optimism and resilience. They made her feel accepted, valued, and above all, not alone in this unfamiliar chapter of her life.

As the sun began to set over the campus, casting a golden glow over the festival, Tae and Hobi suggested grabbing a bite to eat at a nearby café. Grateful for their company, Y/n readily agreed, eager to continue their conversation in a quieter setting.

Inside the cozy café, they settled into a corner booth, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and pastries filling the air. Over cups of steaming Americano and plates of savory kimbap, they delved deeper into their passions, dreams, and aspirations for the future.

Tae shared his ambition to travel the world and capture its beauty through his camera lens, while Hobi talked animatedly about his dream of becoming a professional dancer and inspiring others through his performances. Y/n listened with rapt attention, inspired by their courage to pursue their passions wholeheartedly.

As the evening wore on, their conversation drifted to lighter topics—favorite movies, music preferences, and even a spirited debate about the best Korean barbecue in town. Laughter echoed through the café, mingling with the soft strains of background music and the gentle hum of conversation.

By the time they finished their meal, Y/n felt as if she had known Tae and Hobi for much longer than just a few hours. They had shared stories, exchanged laughter, and forged a connection that transcended the boundaries of mere acquaintanceship.

Outside the café, the campus was bathed in the soft glow of streetlights, casting long shadows across the cobblestone paths. Tae and Hobi walked Y/n back to her dormitory, their easy banter easing the lingering nerves that had accompanied her earlier that day.

"You know, Y/n, I have a feeling this is the start of a great friendship," Tae remarked, his voice earnest.

Hobi nodded enthusiastically. "Definitely. We're always around if you need anything, okay?"

Y/n smiled gratefully, touched by their genuine kindness. "Thank you, both of you," she replied sincerely. "I already feel so much better about being here, knowing I have friends like you."

They exchanged goodbyes with promises to meet up again soon, and Y/n watched as Tae and Hobi disappeared into the night, their laughter echoing faintly in the distance. As she entered her dormitory building, a sense of warmth and belonging settled over her—a feeling that, despite the challenges ahead, she was exactly where she was meant to be.

[ Hey it me again, this is the end of chapter 2 please vote and comment because writing this book costs me a lot of time, so please support ]