Landing in Seoul – The City of Lights
The plane touched down smoothly at Incheon International Airport. Sophia’s eyes widened as she looked out the window at the bustling city.
The skyline of towering buildings bathed in vibrant lights felt like something out of a dream. Her heart pounded with a mix of excitement and nervousness.
Ji-hyun, seated beside her, clapped her hands excitedly. “Dwidara seoul-iya! (Finally, we’re in Seoul!)”
Sophia tilted her head, confused. “What did you say?”
Ji-hyun grinned. “I said, ‘We’re finally in Seoul!’ You’ll get used to hearing Korean soon.”
“I hope so,” Sophia replied with a small smile, though her unease at navigating a new culture was hard to ignore.
---
As they stepped out of the terminal, the crisp Korean air greeted them. Outside, a sleek black limousine waited, surrounded by sharply dressed men who bowed deeply upon seeing Mr. Lee.
“Eoseo osipsio, Isanim. (Welcome, Director Lee.),” one of them greeted in a tone of deep respect.
Sophia blinked, unsure how to react to such formality, but Ji-hyun leaned in to whisper, “They’re addressing Mr. Lee. He’s practically royalty here.”
Mr. Lee, as composed as ever, nodded slightly in acknowledgment, his expression unreadable.
The driver opened the door, and they stepped into the limousine. Its luxurious interior was unlike anything Sophia had ever seen, with plush leather seats, mood lighting, and a chilled bottle of champagne nestled in an ice bucket.
Ji-hyun wasted no time popping the cork. “Geonbae! (Cheers!)” she said, handing out glasses of bubbly.
“Cheers!” Sophia echoed, laughing as Ji-hyun’s infectious energy lightened her nerves.
Samantha, seated across from them, sipped her drink delicately, her expression one of quiet disdain.
---
Once they checked into a grand hotel in the heart of Seoul, Ji-hyun grabbed Sophia by the hand, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “We have to explore the city. Seoul is most beautiful at night!”
Sophia hesitated. “Shouldn’t we rest first?”
“No way! Bam-ui seoul-i deo aleumdawo! (The night in Seoul is more beautiful!)” Ji-hyun declared, practically dragging her out the door.
They wandered through Myeongdong’s vibrant streets, lined with stalls selling sizzling tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and gyeranbbang (egg bread). Ji-hyun handed Sophia a steaming skewer of grilled meat.
“Mat-isseo! (It’s delicious!)” Ji-hyun encouraged.
Sophia took a tentative bite, her eyes lighting up. “It is delicious!”
Ji-hyun laughed, her enthusiasm uncontainable. “See? I told you Seoul would steal your heart!”
---
Later that evening, Sophia stood on the rooftop of the hotel, the city’s lights twinkling like a sea of stars below.
The cool breeze ruffled her hair as she leaned against the railing, lost in thought.
“You’ll catch a cold if you stay out here,” came a familiar voice.
She turned to see Mr. Lee approaching, his coat billowing slightly in the wind.
“I needed some air,” she admitted.
He joined her at the railing, his gaze sweeping over the skyline.
“Seoul-ui bam-eun chagjiman aleumdawoyo. (The night in Seoul is cold but beautiful.)”
Sophia tilted her head. “What does that mean?”
He glanced at her, his usually cold demeanor softening slightly. “It means there’s beauty even in the cold, if you look for it.”
Sophia smiled at his words. “You speak like someone who knows.”
He didn’t reply, letting the quiet stretch between them.
After a moment, he turned to her. “Are you scared?”
“Of what?”
“This. Everything.”
Sophia hesitated but nodded. “A little. It’s so new.”
To her surprise, Mr. Lee reached out, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. His touch was light, his gaze unwavering.
“You’ll adapt,” he said simply. “You’re stronger than you realize.”
Her heart fluttered, the unexpected tenderness leaving her breathless.
She managed a quiet “Gomawoyo. (Thank you.)”
His lips quirked in the faintest of smiles. “You’re learning quickly.”
---
Two nights later, Mr. Lee hosted a lavish gala in Seoul to announce his arrival. The venue was an opulent hall with glittering chandeliers and elegantly dressed guests.
Sophia, however, felt out of place in her modest dress, standing at the edge of the room.
Ji-hyun, dazzling in a sequined gown, nudged her playfully. “Gaja, chumchujja! (Come on, let’s dance!)”
“I don’t know how to dance!” Sophia protested.
Ji-hyun grinned. “Learn! Seoul has magic—you just have to trust it.”
Before Sophia could argue, Ji-hyun spun her onto the dance floor, laughing as she stumbled awkwardly.
Then, the room fell silent.
Sophia turned to see Mr. Lee walking toward her, his tailored suit immaculate, his presence magnetic.
“May I cut in?” he asked Ji-hyun.
Ji-hyun stepped back, her eyes twinkling mischievously. “Of course.”
Sophia’s cheeks flushed as Mr. Lee held out his hand. “I don’t know how to dance,” she whispered.
“Follow my lead,” he said, his voice low but commanding.
He took her hand, his other hand resting lightly on her waist. The music swelled, and they began to move. At first, Sophia stumbled, but Mr. Lee’s steady guidance kept her upright.
“You’re doing fine,” he murmured.
She glanced up at him, her nerves giving way to something else entirely.
“Neomu aleumdawo. (You’re very beautiful.),” he said softly.
Her breath hitched. “What… what does that mean?”
He smirked, his eyes never leaving hers. “You don’t need to know everything yet.”
As they moved across the floor, the world seemed to fade away. For the first time in a long time, Sophia felt like she belonged—not just to the moment, but perhaps to someone.
Watching from the sidelines, Ji-hyun smiled knowingly. “Seoul’s magic never fails.”
And under the golden glow of the chandeliers, a story of love, destiny, and hidden truths began to unfold.
YOU ARE READING
SMITTEN BY HER (unedited)
Romance"Beyond Shadows" In a world where darkness reigns, a young orphan's dreams of becoming a veterinarian are shattered by her aunt's cruelty. But when she's drawn into the mysterious world of enigmatic Mr. Lee - a powerful figure rumored to be "more th...
