trouble ¦ lee jeno (UNDER REWRITING)

prologue ; 00

.・。.・゜⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽ 00 ☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅・゜・。.

Shin Seojin stared out the rain-streaked window, the familiar landscape of her hometown blurring into a watercolor mess of greens and browns. Each passing mile felt like a teardrop slipping down the glass, mirroring the melancholic drizzle that had plagued the past few days.

It was almost the end of summer, a season usually filled with sunshine and laughter, yet a grey cloak had settled over Seojin's heart.

The downpour mirrored Seojin's own emotions – a mix of sadness and a strange sense of hopeful anticipation. The car pulled away from the only place she'd ever known, the familiar streets and houses receding into the rain-streaked distance.

They were headed for Hannam-dong, Seoul, a bustling city that seemed worlds away from their quiet, rural life.

Her parents' recent raise had been the catalyst for this change. It meant a new job for her father, a new school for Seojin, and a fresh start for them all.

While a part of her ached at leaving her old life behind, another part craved something new.

Seojin wasn't leaving behind bad memories, exactly. More like a comfortable routine that lacked excitement.

Her friendships back home had always felt a little…shallow. There were secrets they kept from her, whispered jokes that excluded her. Seojin wasn't naive; she understood the dynamics of friendship groups, and lately, she'd begun to care less.

The rain continued its relentless drumming, but a sliver of sunlight peeked through the clouds, casting a fleeting, hopeful glow on the horizon. It was a small sign, but it resonated with Seojin's own desires.

In this new city, she craved new connections, new experiences. She wanted to build friendships based on honesty and shared dreams.

Her parents had hinted at a wonderful new house they'd bought in Hannam-dong. The anticipation hummed in Seojin's chest, a melody that competed with the rhythm of the rain.

This move wasn't just about a new school or a new job; it was about a new beginning. With each passing mile, the weight in her chest lessened, replaced by a burgeoning curiosity.

What adventures awaited her in this concrete jungle? Seojin closed her eyes, picturing towering buildings and bustling streets, a world waiting to be explored.

A nervous smile played on her lips. Maybe, just maybe, this rain wasn't a symbol of sadness, but a cleansing wash, preparing her for a vibrant new chapter.

Seojin's daydream was shattered by her mother's voice, a touch too loud in the enclosed car. "Sweetie, I need you to help your father with the boxes that are located at the back of the trunk. The movers will be coming to bring the other boxes."

Seojin blinked, the vibrant cityscapes of her imagination replaced by the damp reality of their driveway.

They had arrived. Peeking through the rain-streaked window, she caught a glimpse of their new house.

It was modern, a stark contrast to the cozy familiarity of their old home. While a part of her missed the old, a different thrill danced in her stomach – this was new, a blank canvas waiting to be filled with memories.

With a hum of agreement, Seojin clambered out of the car, her sneakers squelching on the wet pavement. The rain had eased to a drizzle, and the air held the fresh, clean scent of after-rain. Stretching her stiff muscles, she turned to see her father wrestling with the trunk of the car.