Within Reach, Yet So Far

In the bustling corridors of a Washington college, a new student from Korea, Ji-eun, navigates her way through the unfamiliar terrain of American academia. Ji-eun is a young woman of striking beauty, with long, brown hair that cascades down her back and eyes that seem to hold the weight of a thousand unspoken words. Her demeanor is closed off and monotone, a stark contrast to the vibrant energy around her. Yet, beneath her reserved exterior lies a heart of gold, a kindness that few get to see.

Ji-eun's life in Korea was a tapestry of routine and solitude, her quiet nature often misunderstood by those around her. Now, in a foreign land, she finds herself even more isolated, the language barrier adding another layer to her already impenetrable shell. Despite this, she is determined to succeed, throwing herself into her studies with a fervor that leaves little room for anything else.

One day, as she sits in the campus cafeteria, her eyes meet those of Eli, a fellow student with a warm smile and an easygoing charm. Ever since then, he dare not leave her mind. Eli is also of Korean descent, but he was born and raised in America, his Korean limited to a few phrases learned from his grandmother. He is everything Ji-eun is not-outgoing, popular, and effortlessly fluent in English.

For Ji-eun, it is love at first sight. She is drawn to Eli's light, his ability to make everyone around him feel at ease. She dreams of a future where they can bridge the gap between their worlds, where her silence can be filled with his laughter. But there is a problem-Eli's heart isn't with hers, only his cold demeanour is.

As Ji-eun watches from the shadows, her heart aches with a longing she cannot express. She continues to be a silent observer, her feelings hidden behind her stoic facade. Despite the pain, she remains kind and gentle, her actions speaking louder than her words ever could.