Heartstrings in Seoul

Part 1 - What a day...

The fluorescent lights hummed mercilessly, mirroring the relentless drone of your computer. Each keystroke echoed in the sterile silence, starkly contrasting the morning's chaotic printer jam that had thrown your entire department into a tizzy. "Let's just get out of here," you muttered under your breath. As you finally heaved a sigh of relief and zipped your bag shut, a sharp click-clack of heels echoed on the sterile tiles. Your department manager, Mrs. Kim, materialized beside you, a disapproving frown etched on her face.

"Miss Y/N," she began, her voice laced with a chill that sent shivers down your spine, "I expect impeccable work from you. The quality of your work simply isn't up to par. If you can't deliver, perhaps you should consider, well, other options."

Her words cut like a knife, and she stomped off, leaving you stunned and seething. The words hung heavy in the air, a cruel echo of the whispers that had followed you all day after the incident this morning. You bit your lip to keep from shouting the retort burning on your tongue. Blinking back a surge of angry tears, you clenched your fist, the fabric crumpling under your grip. You wouldn't give them the satisfaction of seeing you crack. You had been under their watchful eyes all day, ever since this incident.

You pulled your cell phone from your pocket and dialed his number as you walked, your footsteps echoing in the empty corridor. Each ring echoed off the empty hallway, a hollow counterpoint to the pounding in your chest. The setting sun cast long shadows through the glass windows, painting the outside world in hues of orange and gold, contrasting the grey monotony you felt inside.

He answered before you even reached the elevator, his familiar voice warm and soothing. "Hello, my sweetie. Did you miss me?" Just hearing him felt like a balm for your weary soul. "H/N," you managed, voice thick with unshed tears, "Can you pick me up, please?"

He picked up on the tremor instantly. "I'll be right there," he replied without hesitation. You didn't need to explain further. He could sense something was wrong, and further questions were unnecessary—he knew you too well. Fortunately, it was his day off, so he could leave immediately to come to your aid.

A wave of relief washed over you as H/N's voice filled your ear. You felt infinitely grateful to have him as your boyfriend. Two years together, his presence, even just over the phone, was still a balm to your soul. Moving to Seoul six months ago had been a leap of faith, fueled by the desire to bridge the physical distance that had strained your relationship. Back then, late-night calls and stolen moments during his hectic schedule had become a constant reminder of the sacrifices both of you were making. Seoul, with its vibrant energy and proximity to H/N, had seemed like the answer. Yet, settling in had been far trickier than anticipated.

The language barrier loomed large. You'd aced countless interviews in English, your old comfort zone, but here, fluency in Korean was non-negotiable. Thanks to H/N's patient tutoring and your relentless determination to improve your Korean as soon as possible, you'd landed a job at an international company, handling correspondence with global clients. Yet, navigating the intricate web of office politics felt like scaling a slippery slope. Misunderstood emails, awkward silences during meetings, and the constant fear of making a faux pas had become your daily companions. Today, that struggle had reached a new low point, leaving you yearning for the camaraderie of your old team, a support system you now desperately missed.

The elevator doors slid open, revealing two colleagues from marketing. Their smiles were strained, their eyes flickering with a knowing glint. The air crackled with unspoken words, a sickening confirmation that news of your predicament had traveled fast. You plastered a tight smile on your face, the silence in the elevator a deafening weight. You did your best to ignore them, focusing on the glowing numbers above the elevator door. Every floor seemed to crawl by, each chime a reminder of the watchful eyes upon you. When you reached your floor, you mustered a polite goodbye and quickly stepped out, eager to escape their knowing eyes and hushed whispers following you like unwelcome ghosts.

Until H/N arrived, you took refuge in the ladies' room near the main entrance. You couldn't bear the thought of being watched any longer. As you pushed open the door, a snatch of conversation drifted from a nearby stall - the mocking laughter confirming your worst fears. Tears pricked your eyes as you recognized their voices. They were dissecting your day, turning your struggles into their entertainment. As they emerged, their faces fell in shock. An awkward silence followed, their eyes darting away as they mumbled a half-hearted apology. You offered a curt nod, the sting of their betrayal a fresh wound. Seeking solace, you retreated into a stall, the flimsy door a meager barrier between you and the world. "Please, H/N, be here soon," you silently prayed for his comforting presence. You longed for the safety of his arms, a place where judgment wouldn't sting, and the world wouldn't feel so cold.

To be continued...

♡

Hello lovelies, here we go again!

I'm excited to share my latest story, Heartstrings in Seoul, inspired by Stray Kids' beautiful song "Because." This story captures the warmth and care of a loving boyfriend helping Y/N navigate through a rough day at work. 💖

In this story, I wanted to showcase the quiet strength and gentle support that can make all the difference when life gets tough. Whether it's a simple gesture or a comforting word, it's these moments that truly connect us and pull at our heartstrings.

I hope this story brings a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below—I'd love to hear how this story resonates with you. 💬✨

Thank you for your support!

Stay tuned for part 2!

Love,
YumiYue 🌙

(⌒▽⌒)💜

Follow me on:
📸 Instagram /🎵 TikTok: yumiyue07

Disclaimer: This story is a work of fan fiction. All characters and events are fictional and are not intended to represent real people or events. 

All rights reserved. Please do not repost or reproduce this story without permission. 

© 2024 LunaVerse - YumiYue07. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site's author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.