Back to you | 𝐊.𝐓𝐇

Chapter 3

9 years later

"Girl, I can't believe you got hired by Big Hit! I'm so jealous!" Ara's voice was practically bubbling with excitement as she leaned forward, grinning at me from the passenger seat. I couldn't help but laugh a little at her over-the-top reaction.

"I know, right? I can't believe it either," I replied, shaking my head in disbelief. But the truth was, I was still processing it all. Getting the job at Big Hit was a huge deal. It was what I'd been working for, but part of me still couldn't quite believe I'd actually made it.

Hana, on the other hand, was giving me a side-eye from the backseat. I could tell she was trying to hide her concern, but I knew exactly what she was thinking.

"Are you sure you're okay with this?" Hana asked, her voice softer than usual. "I mean, you'll be so close to..."

I cut her off before she could finish. "Hana, don't worry. It's been years. I'm fine. I'll be busy with work, and anyway, it's not like I'm going to run into him or anything. Probably doesn't even remember me by now."

She gave me a small, uncertain smile but didn't press further. It was sweet of her to worry, but I had it under control. I was excited about this new chapter, even if it was a little nerve-wracking.

"Ugh, why are Minjun and Ha-joon taking so long? I'm starving!" Ara whined, tapping her fingers impatiently on the car door.

"Finally!" I said as I spotted the two of them walking toward us. They'd been living together ever since college to save money. Minjun and Ha-joon both worked at separate companies in Daegu now, but we still made an effort to hang out every so often.

"They took forever!" I added, rolling my eyes as I waved them over.

Ha-joon smirked as he slid into the front seat. "Sorry. It was Minjun's fault!" he said, pointing dramatically at Minjun.

"Liar. You were the one taking forever!" Minjun shot back, his voice playful but mock-offended.

"Can we not argue for once? It's Ha-rin's day, not yours," Ara said, cutting through their bickering.

I grinned as I climbed into the back seat. "Yeah, let's just eat already. I'm starving."

We ended up at a nice restaurant near an amusement park, instead of the karaoke bar we'd originally planned to go to. No one really minded, though. It was fun, just being together. It felt like high school again—hanging out, joking around, and sharing random stories.

By the end of dinner, I was stuffed and happy. It was the perfect last hangout before I left for Seoul tomorrow. It felt good to be surrounded by friends, even if the next day meant stepping into the unknown.

Afterwards, Ara dropped me off at home. I said goodbye to everyone, thanking them for a great time. It was the kind of evening that made you feel warm inside, like everything was just right.

When I got inside, the house was quiet, and I immediately went to my room to start packing. I'd been putting it off all week, but now there was no escaping it. I threw some clothes into my suitcase, not worrying too much about the details—I'd figure it out in the morning.

I kept packing while my mind wandered. Seoul. Big Hit. My new job. It was all a little overwhelming, but mostly exciting. I had a feeling everything was going to change, but I was ready for it.

"Honey, I'm home! Do you need help packing?" My mom's voice came from the hallway, breaking me out of my thoughts.

I turned around to find her standing at the door, looking tired but still smiling. "I'm good, Mom. Don't worry about it. You're probably exhausted. Just go to bed."

"Are you sure? You've still got a lot to do," she said, her concern clear.

"I'm fine, I promise," I said with a reassuring smile. "Get some rest. I'll finish up here. See you in the morning."

"Okay, honey. Good night."

"Good night, Mom." I gave her a quick hug before she headed to her room.

After a bit more packing, I finally called it a night and set my alarm for the morning. Tomorrow would be a busy day.

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The next morning came fast. I had a train to catch, and I didn't want to miss it. I woke up early to finish getting ready. It felt strange, like I was saying goodbye to a chapter of my life. Daegu. My mom. My friends. All of it felt a little unreal. But I was excited. A little nervous, sure, but mostly excited.

The train ride to Seoul was smooth, and the closer I got, the more real it felt. By the time I got off, I was already thinking about how I'd get everything set up in my new apartment.

I'd rented a small, simple place near the Big Hit office. It wasn't much, but it was mine. The apartment was cozy—just a bedroom, a small kitchen, and a living area. Perfect for one person. I unpacked quickly, taking a moment to appreciate the quiet, before getting dressed for my first day. I put on a black pencil skirt and a blazer, something professional but still comfortable.

As I got into the taxi, I called my mom to let her know I'd made it. "Yeah, I'm fine, Mom. Don't worry. My place is close to the company, so it's really convenient. I'll be okay."

"Just eat well and get enough sleep, okay? I love you," she said, her voice full of love and concern.

"I will, Mom. Love you too." I hung up, taking a deep breath as I looked out the window. Big Hit Entertainment. The building was huge, and just seeing it made my nerves spike. This was it. My new job. My new life.

I paid the driver and stepped out of the taxi, standing in front of the building. It was a little surreal, but I wasn't going to let it get to me. I was here for a reason, and I had everything I needed to succeed.

I walked into the building, my heart beating a little faster with each step. Everything felt real now. This was my new life, and I was ready for whatever came next.