Frozen Memories➔ps.ff

Chapter 1

_

Twenty years ago, on a hot summer day in Seoul, the bustling city was alive with the hum of everyday life. In the heart of this vibrant city, Sarang's mother called out from downstairs, her voice tinged with urgency.

"Sarang, hurry up! We're going to be late!"

Sarang, a petite figure with long dark brown hair cascading down her back, scrambled to put on her new summer dress. It was a cheerful, flower-patterned dress that her mother had bought for her, and she paired it with a cute little bow on the side of her head. Her sandals, adorned with delicate flowers, clicked against the wooden steps as she hurried down to meet her mother.

Today was an exciting day for Sarang; it marked the beginning of her ice skating practice. Her mother had enrolled her in the summer classes as a hobby, hoping to introduce her to a new world of experiences. Sarang, though timid and reserved, was about to embark on this new adventure with a mix of nervousness and anticipation.

As they made their way to the figure skating academy, Sarang's mother lectured her gently. "Remember, Sarang, be polite and make friends. You're just starting out, so be sure to listen and learn."

Sarang nodded, her big, expressive eyes reflecting a mixture of apprehension and determination. Despite her shyness, Sarang was known for her intelligence, kindness, and academic excellence. Her striking beauty, with her pale skin, dainty nose, and full pink lips, was complemented by her dimples, which appeared when she smiled. Everyone adored her, and her parents were especially proud of her.

The figure skating academy, though bustling with activity, seemed like a new world to Sarang. Her parents worked hard in their middle-class company, and Sarang's achievements in school were a testament to their dedication. But today, her focus was on this new chapter.

Upon arriving at the academy, Sarang's mother introduced her to Ms. Do YunHee, one of the instructors. Ms. Do welcomed Sarang with a warm smile, noting that it was just an introduction day and there wouldn't be much skating today. Sarang felt a sense of relief at the easygoing atmosphere and was pleased to find Ms. Do to be very kind.

As Ms. Do showed Sarang to where the other students were seated, Sarang quickly took a seat, her nerves making her glance around awkwardly. The other students, seemingly around her age, looked friendly enough. After a brief wait, Ms. Do began to enthusiastically introduce herself and outline the basics of the upcoming lessons. She reminded them to arrive early and be punctual for their classes.

Midway through the introduction, the door to the classroom opened, and a boy, clearly not a beginner, stepped in. He whispered something to Ms. Do, who nodded and began searching for some papers. During this brief moment, the boy's gaze fell on Sarang. She felt a shiver run down her spine as his eyes met hers, and she quickly looked away, feeling self-conscious.

When Ms. Do handed the boy, the papers, he stole another glance at Sarang before bowing and leaving the room. His gaze lingered just a moment too long, making Sarang's cheeks flush.

As the class wrapped up, students hurried out, but Sarang took her time, trying to absorb the new environment. Ms. Do stopped her before she could leave, offering a few encouraging words. "Don't be shy, Sarang. You'll make friends soon enough."

With a final goodbye to Ms. Do, Sarang wandered outside, waiting for her mother while exploring the academy. She stumbled upon a grand venue with a massive ice rink in the center. Her jaw dropped in awe as she leaned against the railing, admiring the pristine, sparkling ice that seemed to glow with a sense of grandeur.

Lost in her admiration, Sarang barely noticed when voices approached the venue. Startled, she quickly leaned down, trying to hide. Two students entered still talking to each other, and one of them spoke, saying, "Oh I forgot my blade covers," with that, he left to get it.

Only one of the boys remained in the venue, his presence a stark contrast to the bustling energy she had just witnessed. To her surprise, he turned towards her hiding place and, with a chuckle, said, "You can come out; we don't bite." His voice was warm and inviting, making Sarang hesitate before emerging from her hiding spot.

Sarang hesitantly stood up. It was the boy from earlier. He smiled warmly at her.

"Are you new here?" he asked.

Sarang nodded, her voice barely a whisper. "Yes."

Sunghoon smiled glancing around noting her admiration of the rink and asked, "It's beautiful, isn't it?"

Sarang, still taking in the grandeur of the sparkling ice, nodded. "It's indeed very beautiful and glamorous," she replied, her words reflecting her awe.

Sunghoon chuckled softly at her choice of words, and Sarang frowned, puzzled by his reaction. Seeing her confusion, he quickly added with a warm smile, "I love how you described it." Relieved by his compliment, Sarang smiled back and then asked, "Are you new here?" Sunghoon shook his head, "No, I started figure skating two years ago."

He continued to chat with her, asking general questions to get to know her better. After a moment, he introduced himself with a friendly grin, "I'm Sunghoon. Park Sunghoon. Nice to meet you." Sarang returned his smile and introduced herself, "I'm Kim Sarang."

As Sarang spoke with Sunghoon, she couldn't help but admire his appearance. Despite being the same age, he seemed more mature, with a well-defined build that contrasted with her petite frame. His striking features-his straight nose, full pink lips, thick eyebrows, and a small mole near his nose-made him look almost regal in the glow of the rink's lights. Sarang noted how his physique seemed more developed, even though they were both just nine years old. She found herself captivated by his distinctive beauty and the way he carried himself with a blend of confidence and warmth.

Just as they were engrossed in their silence, the door swung open, and the boy Sarang had assumed was the one who left earlier entered. He glanced around the rink, his eyes settling on her and Sunghoon. With an awkward smile, he said, "Oh, who do we have here?" Before Sarang could respond, he introduced himself with a friendly grin, "I'm Myoung Jaehyun."

Sarang found Jaehyun's cute demeanor endearing. She gave a small smile and introduced herself. "I'm Kim Sarang."

Jaehyun, still smiling, said, "By the way, Sarang, I think your mom is looking for you. I was supposed to find you but forgot."

Realizing she had to leave, Sarang waved goodbye to Sunghoon and Jaehyun and hurried back to her mother. On the way home, she excitedly recounted her first day, though she kept the encounter with Sunghoon and Jaehyun to herself, her cheeks still flushed with the memory. As she walked through the summer heat, she couldn't help but smile, looking forward to the next day.

_