A surge of Strom coursed through my entire being, igniting my senses as I quickened my pace.

Every stride I take is drawn to the venerable staircase descending from the rooftop, where ancient zephyrs dance and the stars tell tales of the past.

Perchance, a misstep could send me tumbling, if not for halting my heedless gait. Alas, what is one to do when self-command has slipped away? The heart within my bosom dances a frenzied jig, ensnared in its own tempestuous world, beyond my mortal reins.

With every step I take, the fallen maple leaves crackle beneath me, their dry forms giving off a satisfying crunch. The stairs are covered in shades of amber and gold, wrapped in the warmth of autumn, creating a quiet space filled with stories and hidden paths.

As I glide through the whimsical wonderland of fallen maple leaves, their delicate crunch beneath my feet orchestrates a magical rhythm that electrifies my soul!

But amidst the adrenaline rush, I couldn't shake the memory-'I stepped on a soldier's foot in a blaze of anger.....'

The consequences of my impulsive action remained shrouded in uncertainty, but his arrogance and demeanor continued to fuel my indignation...

All I can do is hope to keep this incident a secret, something my father must never find out about.

"Hey y/n! Hold up a sec, please. I'm really concerned about you. Are you alright?..."

But whoosh!

All my thoughts vanish into thin air as Jisoo's tired, high-pitched voice hits my eardrums.

Ain't no clue why, but now her voice is grindin' on my last nerve. Right now, I just wanna be in my own zone. Ain't feelin' the chit-chat with anyone...

Will she grasp the yearning for solitude that consumes me? If I refrain from responding, will she perceive it as a personal affront?

These inquiries inundate my thoughts, engulfing me like a torrential downpour!

"Jisoo! Prithee, grant me respite, I entreat thee!"......With my back turned, I doth whisper audibly, my words meant for thine ears alone.

In the tumult of unease and anticipation, I beat a hasty retreat from this cryptic campus, a fusion of desire and apprehension.

May the universe never whisper my name to return to this perilous place.............

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Wherever my feet may roam, I find myself lost in thought. A wild mix of fear and excitement swirls within me with each tick of the clock. I press on, never pausing, as the world around me fades into a blur. Countless souls brush past me, yet their numbers remain a mystery, dancing just out of reach.

Before long, my weary limbs faltered, yielding to the relentless path. I found myself crumpled upon the earth, dust rising to cloak my fall. Vision clouded as if shrouded in morning mist, breaths escaping in ragged tides.

In jest, I mused that my flight might outpace the noble steed or the elusive deer of the ancient woods. A solitary chuckle I afforded myself, amidst the folly of such whimsical musings.

But in a flash, my entire being jolted awake. The mirage veiling my essence simply dissipated in an instant, leaving me in a moment of pure clarity.

"Are you okay? Young Lady?", A voice, sweet as the spring's first blossom, reached my ears, a delicate intrusion upon my solitude. My heart quivered, akin to a lone leaf in a sudden zephyr.

With hands trembling like autumn's last petals, Slowly, I lifted my gaze, seeking the visage of my kind inquirer, as if she were the moon's soft glow piercing through a night of solace.

A cadence of heartbeats began to drum within me, a symphony of sudden awareness. There stood a woman, her years etching wisdom upon her visage, her gaze alight with untold stories of concern-undoubtedly for me.

"Yeas!", emerged as a fractured whisper from my parched lips, a feeble reply to the celestial stranger before me.

Her gaze, however, was not easily assuaged. In the glistening pools of her eyes, a tempest of genuine worry stirred, untouched by the facade of calm. Her lips, tinged with the delicate rose of the breaking morn, curved into a tenuous arc, revealing the disquiet that danced beneath her composed mien.

"You were practically sprinting through the market, collided with me, then came to an abrupt halt, beaming a dazzling smile." Thus she recounted the tale, her voice a tapestry of worry and care woven through each syllable.

And in that moment, the truth struck me like a thunderclap - I, amidst the market's cacophony! A shiver coursed through me, and with eyes wide as the full moon, I beheld my surroundings anew.

I was zipping around like a lost comet! Oh Gosh! I swirled my tongue over my desert-dry mouth...

Cursing vehemently in my thoughts, I shifted my gaze towards the elegant lady before me, casting a glance of absolution.

"Forgive my intrusion, Ajumma," I implored with a voice trembling from the depths of my frailty. With utmost courtesy, I sought her pardon. Alas, I had been ensnared in the labyrinth of my own musings, rendering me passive, bereft of control.

Now, this folly of mine casts a shadow of guilt upon every fleeting moment. In silence, I awaited her words.

"It's okay, my dear. But are you holding up alright?" she uttered, her smile radiating the warmth of a hearth in winter.

I can't help but return a small smile in polite acknowledgment, her presence reminiscent of a nurturing guardian who cradles her child for eternity.

It is this very essence, the quintessential comfort of a mother's affection, that I yearn for most profoundly......

This time, her mahogany orbs sparkled with intrigue. A sweet chuckle escaped her lips before she gently posed,
"Are you a newcomer around these parts, my dear?"

Letting out a frustrated sigh, I try to understand what she really means. This new place feels like the start of something different for me, an unexpected turn into the unknown. I'm wandering in this unfamiliar area, and the way forward is unclear.

"In truth, Ajumma, I find myself a stranger in these parts, as if swept here by a twist of fate," I confide, laying bare my plight. With a hopeful gaze, I seek her guidance, a beacon to illuminate my way from this labyrinth of the unknown.

Listening carefully, she took in my story, and her nod showed that she understood without needing to say anything. "Hmmm! I've got you covered , Dear! No need to fret, I'll guide you back to your home,"
Lifting her gaze to mine,
she offered words steeped in warmth, as if woven from the very threads of kinship and hearth.

"But may I know which area you are from, Dear?", she inquired, her voice a soft melody that danced upon the air. "I'm from Jongno!", A warm smile engulfing her heart-shaped lips, as I responded with a courteous nod.

"Indeed, you hail from our own tapestry of streets; this is Bonjeong," she proclaimed, her mahogany eyes gleaming with a vivacious twinkle as she imparted this revelation.

"Bonjeong?" The word lingered on my tongue, a whisper of a memory. I closed my eyes, sifting through the echoes of my father's tales, a patchwork of stories and secrets. "Ah, yes... Bonjeong," I murmured, the recollection blossoming like an age-old legend unfurling in the recesses of my mind.

"Ajumma," I venture, a hopeful note threading my voice. "The stretch between Jongno and Bonjeong-it's a short jaunt, isn't it?" My question hangs in the air, a mix of curiosity and a silent plea for affirmation.

The subtle curve of her lips blossoms into a grin as she nods, affirming my path with a gleam in her eye.

"Alright, let's hit the road. I'll guide you back home. This market isn't the safest spot for young beauties like yourself. Best we make tracks," she advises, a cautious tone in her voice. Sensing the unease lingering in the air, I nod in agreement.

In a swift moment, our steps align, commencing a harmonious stroll through the lively market.

We traverse narrow lanes, where sunlight fractures into shards, illuminating wooden shutters and hanji paper lanterns. The market sprawls-a living organism pulsing with memories.

I, an outsider from distant shores, marvel at the symphony of voices: haggling merchants, gossiping ajummas, and children chasing dragonflies.

The air is rich with the vibrant hues of hanbok, each garment a masterpiece of intricate embroidery and flowing silks, adding a kaleidoscope of colors to the lively scene.
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"Thank you, Ajumma, for guiding me. Now, the path of my home unfolds smoothly," I whispered, enfolding her in a gentle embrace. The bustling market had swallowed us for nearly twenty minutes.

But now, here we are, just reached at the end of Bonjoeng. A winding path awaits, ushering me back to the sanctuary of my abode...

"You're like my daughter, dear-no need for thanks!", Her palm brushed my hair, gentle as a whisper. The lingering warmth of our hug fades as our embrace ends, and now it's time for me to depart.

Her deep mahogany eyes, filled with boundless affection, lock onto mine, etching a moment in time.

"Next time," I vowed, my eyes locking onto hers, "I'll return not just for your enchanting smile, but to savor those delectable rice cakes you create." With a playful wink, I spun around, my laughter echoing through the quiet street.

"Hurry back-I'll be waiting at my rice cake shope!"
Her voice, honeyed and mischievous, chased after me, As I sprinted toward my destination, the zephyr became my spirited consort, twirling my locks in a delicate pirouette of air.

Giggles cascaded from my core, a symphony of mirth that splashed the tranquil path with a kaleidoscope of glee, weaving a tapestry of euphonic ripples and vivacious twirls.......

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As the sun's murmurs wane in twilight's caress, the sky's bosom holds mere fragments of sunlight. Amidst this play of luminescence and shade, I hurried my steps homeward, a silent partner to the fading day's last waltz.

I find myself 15 minutes closer to the sanctuary of home, As I traverse the winding path between Bonjeong and Jongno, each step is a beat in the rhythm of time.

A weary grin plays on my parched lips, the day a peculiar blend of strange and saccharine. Memories of Ajumma flicker like fireflies in my mind, painting my thoughts with a soft hue.

Yet, it's those haunting mahogany eyes that stir a restless echo within me, a familiar melody from a time before today's encounter with Ajumma.

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All at once, my steps came to a halt...

"Eun-bi Catch me! Catch me!

As I strolled along, two giggling girls dashed past me in a playful chase, their laughter echoing in the air. Mesmerized by their carefree spirits, I paused to admire their delightful innocence for a moment...

These little ones seem to be in the 5 to 6-year-old range, no older than that!
With a smile, I watched them flit about like rainbow-hued butterflies, free-spirited and lively.

Inhaling deeply, I casually shrugged. The looming dread lingerie: 'How would I handle Dad's reaction at home?'

"Tae Tae, Lift me! Lift me!"

In the snap of a moment, my heart hit pause on its rhythm, a thrilling hush in the symphony of my chest. A surge of thrilling, uncharted emotions surged through me, setting my senses ablaze.

With a slow, tantalizing movement, I turned my gaze towards the direction......................
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[Note: I'm Cuckoo, and I'm publishing the story's drafts on behalf of the author, (Riviya) after editing them.
The story is completely her work, and all the credit goes to her-I'm just helping with the editing to ensure it reaches you all. So, Stay tuned for updates and continue supporting her amazing work!]

(From Cuckoo)~