𝐏𝐋𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐄 •ﻌ• [ᴄʜᴇɴᴊɪ]

1: ɴᴇᴡ ʜᴏᴍᴇ

Chenle stood in the bustling Incheon International Airport, his senses bombarded by the symphony of activity around him. The air was thick with the sounds of hurried footsteps, the murmur of conversations in Korean, and the occasional announcement echoing through the vast terminal. He took a deep breath, feeling a rush of excitement mingled with a tinge of anxiety. The reality of moving to a new country alone had finally hit him.

Pulling his phone from his pocket, Chenle noticed several messages from his parents, each filled with love and encouragement. He smiled, then dialed his mother's number. After a few rings, her familiar, comforting voice came through.

❝Chenle! Did you land safely?❞ she asked, her voice brimming with concern and affection.

❝Yes, Mom. I just got through customs,❞ Chenle replied, trying to sound confident.

❝We're so proud of you, honey,❞ his father chimed in, his voice strong and reassuring. ❝Remember, this is a huge step towards your future.❞

❝I know, Dad. I just... I miss you guys already,❞ Chenle admitted, feeling a lump form in his throat.

❝We miss you too,❞ his mother said softly. ❝But this is your adventure. You're going to do amazing things.❞

Chenle took another deep breath, feeling a wave of gratitude. ❝Thank you, both of you. I'll call you once I get to the apartment.❞

❝Take care, Chenle. We love you,❞ his parents said in unison before he ended the call.

As he walked through the terminal, Chenle spotted a woman holding a sign with his name. She looked friendly, her smile welcoming and warm.

❝Chenle, right?❞ she asked, extending a hand.

❝Yes, that's me,❞ Chenle replied, shaking her hand.

❝Welcome to Korea. I'm Ji-young, from the university's international student office. I'll be taking you to your new apartment,❞ she said.

❝Thank you, Ji-young. I appreciate it,❞ Chenle said, feeling a bit more at ease.

They made their way to the parking area, where Ji-young's car was parked. The drive through Seoul was a sensory overload for Chenle. The city was a mesmerizing blend of old and new, with traditional temples nestled between towering skyscrapers, neon signs illuminating the streets, and the hum of life all around.

❝How do you like the city so far?❞ Ji-young asked, glancing at Chenle as they navigated through the traffic.

❝It's amazing,❞ Chenle replied, his eyes wide with wonder. ❝It's so different from back home. I can't wait to explore.❞

❝You'll have plenty of time for that,❞ Ji-young said with a smile. ❝Your apartment is in a great area, close to the university and everything you might need.❞

As they pulled up to a sleek, modern apartment complex, Chenle felt a flutter of anticipation. He followed Ji-young into the building, his heart racing with every step they took up to the fifth floor.

❝Here we are,❞ Ji-young said, stopping in front of a door and handing him a key. ❝Your new home.❞

✧˖°.𖹭🧸

Chenle's hands trembled slightly as he inserted the key into the lock. The door swung open to reveal a bright, spacious living room with floor-to-ceiling windows that bathed the space in natural light. The apartment was tastefully furnished with modern, minimalist décor, everything looking pristine and inviting.

❝Wow,❞ Chenle breathed, stepping inside. "It's beautiful."

❝Your parents wanted to make sure you had a comfortable place to live,❞ Ji-young said, watching his reaction. ❝There's a list of emergency contacts and local information on the kitchen counter. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call.❞

❝Thank you so much, Ji-young,❞ Chenle said, feeling overwhelmed with gratitude. ❝You've been incredibly helpful.❞

❝You're welcome. I'll leave you to settle in. Best of luck with everything, Chenle,❞ Ji-young said, giving him one last encouraging smile before she left.

Chenle closed the door behind her and stood in the middle of his new living room, letting the reality of his situation sink in. He walked through each room, taking in the details. The living room opened into a small but well-equipped kitchen with sleek appliances and a cozy dining area. The bedroom was inviting, with a large bed positioned next to a window that offered a stunning view of the city skyline. The bathroom was spotless, with modern fixtures and a large mirror.

He sat down on the plush couch, pulling out his phone to video call his parents. The call connected quickly, and his mother's face filled the screen, her eyes lighting up when she saw him.

❝Chenle! How's the apartment?❞ she asked eagerly.

❝It's amazing, Mom,❞ Chenle said, turning the camera to give his parents a tour. ❝Thank you and Dad so much. It's perfect.❞

❝We're just glad you like it,❞ his father said, smiling. ❝Is everything okay? Do you need anything?❞

❝No, everything's great,❞ Chenle reassured them. ❝It's just...I miss you both already.❞

❝We miss you too, sweetheart,❞ his mother said, her voice softening. ❝But this is your chance to shine. You're going to do great.❞

❝I know,❞ Chenle replied, feeling his eyes well up with tears. ❝I'm just a bit nervous about starting university and making new friends.❞

❝Just be yourself,❞ his father advised. ❝You'll make friends in no time. And remember, we're only a phone call away.❞

❝Thanks, Dad. I love you both,❞ Chenle said, wiping away a tear.

❝We love you too,❞ his mother said. ❝Take care of yourself, and let us know how everything goes.❞

After saying goodbye, Chenle ended the call and leaned back on the couch, letting out a long sigh. The weight of his new journey settled on his shoulders, but alongside it was a sense of excitement and determination.

✧˖°.𖹭🧸

He spent the next few hours unpacking his belongings, arranging his clothes in the wardrobe, and setting up his study space. Each item he placed made the apartment feel a little more like home. As evening approached, he decided to explore the neighborhood.

The streets were lively with people going about their evening routines. Chenle found a small convenience store where he bought some snacks and a few essentials. The store owner, an elderly woman, greeted him warmly.

❝First time here?❞ she asked in Korean, her eyes twinkling.

❝Yes,❞ Chenle replied, a bit shyly. ❝I just moved from China.❞

❝Welcome, welcome,❞ she said, her smile widening. ❝If you need anything, just ask.❞

❝Thank you,❞ Chenle said, feeling a little more at ease. He walked back to his apartment, enjoying the cool evening breeze.

⸻ 🧸
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