CHANCE | JEON JUNGKOOK

page 01

❝ | PAGE 01

It was early June when I moved from Daegu to Busan with my mom. I had just finished my last year of preschool, my birthday being not too far away. It was already extremely hot for the beginning of summer, and I had just started styling my own hair.

When I say styling, I mean not brushing it for weeks on end — matched with low, messy ponytails.

My mom didn't care.

"Rin, guess what," She voiced, giving me a quick smile as she took another exit off the freeway.

"What?" I asked, suddenly very giddy at the possible surprise.

"The place we're moving into is all purple," Mom said, laughing as my eyes widened.

"Purple?" I squealed, jumping in my seat.

She nodded, still laughing. "Your favorite," she answered. "Also, it's just a few streets down from Disneyland."

I gasped. "You're lying," I couldn't believe such an amazing place was that close to our new home.

"Nope." She assured, popping the 'p.'

"I LOVE YOU MOMMY!" I yelled, flopping over the arm rest and hugging my mom from the side.

"I love you too, Rin-ah," She smiled, quickly kissing the top of my head and turning back to the road.

When I looked out the window, I gasped again.

"Is that it?" I asked, placing my hands on the window.

"Yes," She answered.

At the time, it seemed huge. The whole building was purple, rows of white doors with purple walls in every direction. There were three levels of apartments, and all I could think about was how fun it was going to be to play on each floor.

As soon as mom parked at what I assumed was the entrance, I hopped out of the car, moving to the trunk and jumping in excitement.

"Mommy open the trunk! Open, open, open!" I said, slapping my hand on the car.

"Aaaand...woosh!" Mom said, pressing the unlock button.

The trunk popped up, revealing our duffel bags.

"Let's check in," She said, grabbing our bags and my hand, leading me to the front office.

As soon as we entered through the double doors, a bell signaled above our heads.

A man in his late forties — possibly early fifties — turned around from his computer with a smile.

"Hello! Welcome to Purple Palace Motels, would you like a room?" The man asked, smiling from ear-to-ear.

"Yes, please." Mom answered.

"How many nights?" The man questioned, turning around again to grab a key.

"Um..." Mom glanced at me, "I was actually looking to pay rent for a room." She said, biting her lip.

She looked nervous. I wanted to ask why, but figured I could just ask her later.

"Ah, yes, of course." The man said, nodding in understanding. I was beyond confused.

"I collect rent once a week — each room is 42,947 won (40 U.S. dollars)." He said, motioning for the money.

Mom reached in her back pocket, pulling out her wallet and paying the older man.

"If you need anything, come find me here — my name is Mr. Go. Just call me ahjussi." Mr. Go said, handing my mom the key and smiling at me. I smiled back, and was then tugged back by my mom.