One Week in Seoul
---
The week in Seoul was unforgettable. Ji-hyun took her role as guide seriously, whisking Sophia to every corner of the city. They explored Gyeongbokgung Palace, strolled along the Han River at sunset, and even ventured into the bustling markets of Myeongdong.
Sophia adapted quickly, learning enough Korean phrases to charm street vendors and confidently ordering her own kimbap.
Mr. Lee often tagged along, though he mostly stayed in the background. However, Sophia couldn’t ignore how his eyes always seemed to find her in a crowd, or how he’d silently ensure she never got lost in the busy streets.
One evening, as they wandered through the Cheonggyecheon Stream, Ji-hyun darted off to take pictures, leaving Sophia and Mr. Lee by the water.
“You’re adapting well,” Mr. Lee said, his voice cutting through the quiet hum of the city.
Sophia smiled, looking at her reflection in the stream. “It’s thanks to Ji-hyun. She’s relentless.”
He chuckled softly, the sound rare and warm. “You’re giving her too much credit. You’ve always had a way of making things work, no matter how foreign they seem.”
Her heart skipped a beat at his words. She glanced up at him, the glow of lanterns making his features softer, almost approachable. “You think so?”
He reached out, patting her head gently. “I know so. Don’t doubt yourself, Sophia.”
The gesture was casual, yet it left her breathless.
---
The day before school began, Ji-hyun dragged Sophia and Mr. Lee on a massive shopping spree. “Oppa, we need to get everything—uniforms, snacks, stationery, cute casual clothes! It’s a must!”
Sophia laughed, trying to keep up with Ji-hyun’s energy as they roamed the packed streets of Dongdaemun.
Mr. Lee followed with an air of resigned amusement, though he never let Sophia stray too far from his watchful eye.
At one boutique, Ji-hyun shoved a pastel sweater and pleated skirt into Sophia’s hands. “Try this! You’ll look so cute!”
When Sophia stepped out of the changing room, Ji-hyun squealed. “Daebak! Oppa, look at her!”
Mr. Lee glanced up from his phone. His gaze lingered a moment longer than Sophia expected.
“It suits you,” he said simply, his tone neutral, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes that made Sophia blush.
Ji-hyun grinned mischievously. “Oppa, doesn’t she look like a K-drama lead?”
“She looks fine,” Mr. Lee said, his voice cool, but Sophia caught the way his lips curved into the faintest smile as he turned away.
Later, at the supermarket, Ji-hyun piled their cart with snacks. “You have to try these, unnie.
They’re life-changing!” she said, tossing in packs of honey butter chips and ramyeon.
Sophia laughed, her heart light. Even Mr. Lee, usually so composed, chuckled when Ji-hyun started ranking instant noodles with dramatic flair.
---
The next morning, Ji-hyun transformed Sophia into a vision of cuteness. She styled her in the school’s uniform—a tailored navy-blue blazer, pleated skirt, and a white blouse.
Ji-hyun added soft waves to her hair and a touch of lip tint.
“Perfect!” Ji-hyun said, admiring her work. “You’re going to knock them dead!”
Sophia smiled nervously, adjusting the hem of her skirt. “Thanks, Ji-hyun. You look great too.”
When they joined Mr. Lee downstairs, his gaze swept over Sophia. For a moment, he said nothing, but his silence spoke volumes. “You look ready,” he said finally, his voice soft.
On the drive to school, Mr. Lee turned to her. “Sophia, remember to focus on your studies. Boarding school can be...distracting.”
“I’ll do my best,” she promised.
“Good.” He paused, then added with a faint smirk, “And don’t let Ji-hyun’s antics drag you off-track.”
Ji-hyun pouted. “Oppa! I’m a good influence!”
Sophia laughed, the tension in her chest easing.
---
The boarding school was grand, with modern classrooms and traditional Korean architecture.
Sophia was assigned a cozy dorm room, and the principal personally welcomed her.
“Ms. Sophia, we’ve heard of your academic excellence. We’re excited to have you in the final grade,” he said.
° How did they? Or maybe it's Mr. Lee's handwork°
But not everyone was welcoming.
During her first break, a group of sassy girls approached her. Their leader, Min-ji, wrinkled her nose. “What’s that smell? Is that…you?”
Sophia’s cheeks burned, but she stood her ground. “Maybe you should get your nose checked. It seems to be malfunctioning.”
The girls stared, stunned by her calm retort. Hye-jin, a quiet girl with glasses, sidled up to Sophia after they left. “That was amazing. Most people freeze up around Min-ji.”
Sophia smiled. “Thanks. I’ve dealt with worse.”
“Stick with me. You’ll need allies,” Hye-jin said with a grin.
---
That night, as Sophia sat in her dorm, her phone buzzed.
How was your first day?
She smiled, typing back: It had its ups and downs, but I’m settling in. Ji-hyun’s right—boarding school is intense.
His reply came quickly: Don’t let anyone get to you. Focus on your goals. You’re stronger than you think.
Her heart fluttered at his words, and she hesitated before typing back: Thank you, Mr. Lee. I’ll do my best.
His next text surprised her: And don’t skip meals. You’ll need your energy.
Sophia laughed softly, imagining his serious expression as he typed. Yes, sir.
---
In the days that followed, Sophia fell into a rhythm. She aced her classes with ease, her sharp mind impressing her teachers. Ji-hyun, though in the first grade, visited her often, sharing snacks and gossip.
“I think Oppa misses you,” Ji-hyun teased one evening during a call.
Sophia blinked. “What? Why would you say that?”
“He’s been grumpier than usual,” Ji-hyun said, giggling. “You should text him more!”
Sophia’s cheeks heated at the thought. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
But that night, as she stared at her phone, her fingers hovered over his contact.
---
Seoul had a way of weaving magic into the ordinary, and as the weeks passed, Sophia realized she wasn’t just adapting—she was thriving. And maybe, just maybe, she was leaving an impression on Mr. Lee’s heart, too.
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SMITTEN BY HER (unedited)
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