Where home feels like, Nishimura Niki

4

We all settled down comfortably by the beach, the cool evening breeze brushing against us as the waves whispered nearby.

"So, Ji-yeon," Su-jin began, sipping from her cup. "How long do you plan on staying here?"

I shrugged, looking out at the horizon. "I haven't really thought too deeply about it yet. Maybe a few months? Maybe longer. It depends."

"Fair enough," she said with a smile.

The conversation flowed naturally after that, moving from lighthearted stories to deeper moments about our childhoods. Su-jin shared how she used to sneak extra desserts from her father's restaurant, and even Niki, who had been quieter earlier, opened up about getting into trouble with his older brother.

As the stars scattered across the sky, I couldn't help but feel like this was a night I'd remember for a long time—a rare moment of connection and peace.

Later, Su-jin and I walked back home together, the streets of Jeju serene in the late-night quiet.

Once in my room, I changed into clean pajamas and settled at the small desk to write in my journal.

Journaling had always been my way of processing everything—my escape, my therapy. The familiar rhythm of the pen gliding across the page soothed me as I wrote about the day: the flight, the beach, Su-jin and Niki, and the unexpected warmth of it all.

Today felt like the beginning of something I didn't know I needed. I think I might really like it here.

Satisfied, I closed the journal and set it aside. Crawling into bed, I let the calmness of the night wrap around me, drifting into a peaceful sleep

-

I woke up to bright sunlight streaming through the curtains, forcing my eyes open. What a pleasant alarm clock... I thought sarcastically. Stretching lazily, I got out of bed and made my way to the kitchen, hoping to find something to eat.

"Good morning," Su-jin greeted me cheerfully, already sitting at the small dining table with a cup of tea.

"Good morning," I replied, stifling a yawn.

"Did you sleep well?" she asked.

"Yes, thank you once again for everything," I said with a grateful smile.

"Of course! Do you want to go grab some breakfast?"

"Yes, please. I don't even know where to begin around here," I admitted.

"Don't worry about it. I'll get changed, and we can leave."

I nodded as she left the room, amazed at how effortlessly radiant she looked, even first thing in the morning. Meanwhile, I felt like a raccoon crawling out of a cave.

Heading back to my room, I washed my face and began changing. That's when I noticed something sitting on my nightstand—a small box with a folded note on top. Picking it up, I read the message:

"Sorry about your earring. I know it won't be the same, but I felt really bad."

I didn't need a signature to know who it was from. A small smile crept onto my face, though I decided not to wear the earrings right away. No need to seem overly forgiving just yet.

Su-jin and I arrived at a cozy breakfast café, and to our surprise, we spotted Niki sitting by the window, waving us over.

"I didn't know he'd be here," Su-jin muttered as we approached.

She slid into the seat next to him while I took the spot across from her.

"Hey, what's up?" Su-jin asked, her tone light.