chapter 8:

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Jungkook stepped off the train and into Seoul, the bustling city that would be his fresh start. The air buzzed with energy, and despite the unfamiliar streets, he felt a sense of freedom for the first time. No more stifling silences, no more walking on eggshells around his aunt. This was his chance to build something for himself.

With determination, Jungkook spent the next several days preparing for his departure, knowing this was his chance at a fresh start

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With determination, Jungkook spent the next several days preparing for his departure, knowing this was his chance at a fresh start. He had been accepted into a three-year culture exchange program in Australia, and the idea of leaving Korea, his aunt, and everything familiar behind filled him with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. It wasn't just about school anymore—it was his first taste of freedom, of escaping the constant threat of being forced to quit school.

At just 12 years old, Jungkook was younger than most of the kids in the program, but he didn't care. He was ready to leave behind the oppressive atmosphere of his aunt's home and experience life on his own terms, even if it was in a foreign country. When the day finally arrived, his heart raced as he boarded the plane, knowing that, for the first time in years, he wouldn't have to look over his shoulder, fearing his aunt's commands.

Upon landing in Australia, Jungkook was introduced to his host family. They were kind enough, a middle-aged couple with no children of their own. They welcomed him with warm smiles and tried to make him feel at home, but it still took him a while to adjust. The language was different, the culture unfamiliar, and for a while, it felt like the loneliness would swallow him whole.

But then he met Chris and Felix. Both boys, like him, were Korean but had lived in Australia for a longer period. Chris was outgoing, always the one to break the ice, while Felix was quieter but equally kind. They gravitated towards Jungkook, seeing something in him that others often overlooked. At first, Jungkook was hesitant to open up—it wasn't in his nature to trust easily—but Chris and Felix didn't push. Instead, they included him in their activities, inviting him to join them during lunch breaks, after-school gaming sessions, or photography walks around the city.

What made it all the more surprising was how natural it felt once they started hanging out regularly. Jungkook, who had never been close with anyone his age, found himself easing into the friendship. The language barrier was a challenge, but they turned it into a mutual learning experience. Jungkook, with his quieter demeanor, taught them Korean, patiently correcting their phrases and pronunciation. In return, Chris and Felix helped Jungkook improve his English, filling in the gaps where his textbook knowledge fell short, especially when it came to slang and casual conversation.

Over time, their bond deepened as they discovered shared hobbies. Chris was a die-hard gamer, always challenging Jungkook to intense video game marathons, their competitive spirits making each session a battle to the last. Felix, on the other hand, had a passion for photography and often invited Jungkook and Chris to join him on his shoots, teaching them how to capture the perfect angle or find beauty in the ordinary. They would wander through the city, cameras slung over their shoulders, snapping shots of the vibrant Australian sunsets or the busy streets lined with unfamiliar sights and sounds.

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