As Yua Han, a child actress, I navigate the halls of my high school with an air of detachment. Middle school slipped by unnoticed, and now high school seems like a meaningless blur. I attend classes, but my presence is more of a formality than anything else.

During lectures, I find myself drawn to the tranquility of nature, often retreating to the shade of nearby trees to ponder my own thoughts. Sometimes, the monotony of the classroom lulls me into a gentle slumber, yet no one ever dares to disturb my peaceful repose. Even when I absentmindedly sketch in my notebook, my classmates remain silent, as if afraid to disrupt the delicate balance of our shared existence.

It's as if they see me as a harmless cat, but beneath the surface, I sense their unease. They tiptoe around me, avoiding confrontation at all costs. In their eyes, I'm not just a student; I'm a figure of influence, rumored to hold sway over the very fabric of our school's reputation.

I long for a semblance of normalcy, to be like the other high school girls who relish in carefree moments spent swinging at the park or indulging in greasy burgers with friends. I yearn to lose myself in the rhythm of music on my walks to school and feel the wind in my hair as I ride my bicycle on lazy weekends. But such dreams feel like distant fantasies, forever out of reach in my current reality.

Despite my outward disengagement, I possess a keen understanding of the academic material presented in class. Every word resonates within me, even as I lose myself in the act of doodling or drifting through the recesses of my mind. Yet, who would believe that beneath my seemingly distracted demeanor lies a mind hungry for knowledge?

To my classmates, I am an enigma, a puzzle they cannot solve. They speculate about my motives, weaving elaborate tales of bribery and coercion to explain my presence within these walls. In their eyes, I am nothing more than a pawn in a larger game, a means to an end for their own ambitions.

But amidst their whispered rumors and sidelong glances, I remain resolute in my desire for authenticity. I may be a child actress by profession, but here, in the halls of my high school, I yearn to reclaim a sense of normalcy that seems forever out of reach. And perhaps, one day, I will prove to them that beneath the facade lies a girl with dreams as ordinary as they come.

As I sat by the window, lost in thought, a voice broke through the silence of the classroom. "Yua, want to check out what's for lunch today?" One of the girls from my class approached me, her tone casual and friendly.

I glanced up, offering a small smile in return. "I don't prefer the canteen food much, you see," I replied softly, my words carrying a hint of apology.

"Oh yeah, I almost forgot," the girl responded, her expression brightening with understanding. "You have your chef coming to cook in the canteen, right? That's cool. Let me know if you need any help. I'll be around." With a warm smile, she turned and walked away, leaving me to my solitude once more.

As I watched her retreating figure, I couldn't help but feel a pang of loneliness. Despite the friendly gesture, I remained an outsider in their world, forever separated by the invisible barriers of fame and perception.

The whispers followed me like a shadow. "She thinks she's too good for the canteen," they murmured, their words carrying a weight of judgment that seemed to echo with every step I took.

But if only they knew the truth.

Being an actress wasn't all glitz and glamour, especially not for a teenager like me. Sure, there were red carpets and flashing cameras, but behind the scenes, the reality was far less glamorous. I was constantly scrutinized, my every move dissected and analyzed by those who thought they knew me.

And then there was the matter of food.

As a young actress, maintaining my health was paramount, and that meant adhering to a strict diet of salads and lean proteins. It wasn't a choice; it was a necessity dictated by the demands of my career. But to my classmates, it was just another reason to believe that I thought myself above them, that I was somehow different.

Today was no different. As the lunch bell rang, I found myself veering away from the bustling crowd heading towards the canteen. My mother had packed me a salad for lunch, and the thought of deviating from my prescribed diet sent a shiver of anxiety down my spine. If I didn't eat it, who knew what repercussions it might have for both of us.

As I sat alone, attempting to enjoy my solitary lunch in the secluded corner of the school grounds, a sharp voice shattered the tranquility around me. "Hey, Yua Han!"

Startled, I looked up to see Chika Silvi striding towards me, her expression a mix of anger and disdain. My heart sank as I braced myself for what was to come.

"Y-yes?" I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Don't stumble over me like that as if you're some victim here!! Who do you think you are?" Chika's words cut through the air like a knife, each syllable dripping with contempt. "Being an actress doesn't mean you show off here in front of us like that!! Spoiled brats like you must stay away from decent people's life!"

Her accusation hung in the air, leaving me feeling exposed and vulnerable. Chika Silvi, the school's most notorious figure, had singled me out for judgment, and there was nowhere to hide from her piercing gaze.

We had been friends once, back in kindergarten, when the world was a simpler place and friendship was measured in shared laughter and playground adventures. But as the years passed, we drifted apart, our bond eroded by the currents of time and circumstance.

I still didn't know what had caused our friendship to fracture, but in the end, it hardly mattered. Fate had intervened, pulling us in separate directions and leaving us to navigate the complexities of adolescence on our own.

As Chika's words echoed in my ears, I felt a surge of conflicting emotions wash over me. Anger, hurt, sadness-all mingled together in a tumultuous whirlwind of emotion.

I felt a knot tighten in my stomach. "I... I am sorry, Chika..." I managed to stammer, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Better be," she retorted, her tone dripping with disdain as she turned to leave.

I wanted to stand up for myself, to defend against her accusations and assert my own worth. But a voice in the back of my mind, a voice that sounded suspiciously like my parents', urged caution. They had warned me about the dangers of confrontation, of stirring up trouble that could escalate into something far worse.

So I remained silent, swallowing my pride as Chika's words echoed in my ears. As she walked away, I couldn't help but feel a pang of regret for not speaking up, for allowing her to belittle me without so much as a word of protest.

But as I watched her go, I also felt a surge of relief. Perhaps it was cowardly, but avoiding conflict seemed like the safest course of action, at least for now.

Chika's departure left a palpable tension in the air, like a storm cloud looming on the horizon. Yet, surprisingly, her friends seemed unfazed by the confrontation, as if such outbursts were a regular occurrence in their world.

"Jeez, Chika. You went too far," remarked Jinnie, her voice tinged with a hint of reproach as she approached her friend.

Chika's anger seemed to dissipate at Jinnie's gentle rebuke, her expression softening slightly. "Then what was I supposed to do? I just hate to even look at her," she confessed, her frustration evident in her tone.

"Okay, okay, calm down," Jinnie soothed, placing a reassuring hand on Chika's shoulder. "After all, you'll be expelled from school even if it's her fault."

"Yeah, chill, Chika," added Deyong, nodding in agreement. "And besides, she's loaded. Who knows what she's capable of. Best not to mess with rich kids like her."

Chika's eyes widened at Deyong's words, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her features. "See, even Deyong thinks so," Jinnie chimed in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Trust me, Chika. The girl has money. She can bribe anyone and everyone to work for her. Don't mess with rich kids who are so unpredictable and pathetic."

Chika's expression hardened at Jinnie's warning, her resolve solidifying once more. "Whatever, Jinnie," she muttered dismissively, before turning to leave with her friends in tow.

As they disappeared from view, the classroom seemed to exhale a collective sigh of relief, the tension of the moment dissipating like smoke in the wind.

As I sat alone in the classroom, the silence of my solitude echoed loudly in my ears. Sometimes, in moments like these, I couldn't help but feel a wave of self-pity wash over me. What had I ever done to these people to deserve their scorn?

But no matter how hard I tried to understand, their animosity remained a constant presence in my life. They tolerated my presence, perhaps even welcomed it, when it suited their needs-after all, having a famous and wealthy classmate had its perks. But behind closed doors, they whispered cruel words about me, their voices dripping with disdain and contempt.

I was nothing more than a target for their derision, a convenient scapegoat for their own insecurities and frustrations. They mocked me for my reliance on notes, ridiculing my efforts to succeed in a world that seemed determined to tear me down at every turn.

Even the simple act of eating lunch in the classroom seemed to irk them, as if my very presence was an affront to their delicate sensibilities.

And when our homeroom teacher pointed out my loneliness, I could feel their resentment simmering just beneath the surface. It wasn't their fault, they seemed to say with gritted teeth-it was mine, for daring to exist in their world.

But my life hadn't always been like this. There was a time when I had friends, when the world seemed brighter and more inviting. It was during my primary school years, back when I lived in Germany.

***

Yua's distant memories of the past
Yua's Primary School years
Germany

As Yua made her way through the bustling schoolyard, she was suddenly greeted by the cheerful voice of her friend Shia. "Yua! Yua! Yo, girl!" Shia exclaimed, leaping onto Yua's back in a playful manner. Reacting quickly, Yua grabbed onto Shia's legs, securing her friend around her waist. "Ah, Shia, get off my back! We might fall!" Yua exclaimed with a mixture of amusement and concern.

"Sorry, sorry," Shia apologized with a wink, her hands resting comfortably on Yua's shoulders. Yua sighed in resignation, knowing that Shia wouldn't be getting off her back anytime soon, but secretly enjoying the playful interaction nonetheless.

"Why do you always jump up on me like that whenever we meet? I cannot handle it... your craziness..." Yua teased, her voice filled with affection.

"You say that, but aren't you chuckling?" Shia retorted proudly, a mischievous glint in her eye.

"Ehehe... because I think I like it sometimes," Yua admitted with a sheepish grin.

"Yes, I know," Shia replied knowingly, sharing a smile with her friend.

Meanwhile, Raes, the strict gym teacher, was stationed at the school gate, known for his unwavering commitment to punctuality and strict punishments for tardiness. Knowing the consequences of being late, Yua and Shia hurriedly made their way towards the building, weaving through the crowds of students and apologizing to those they accidentally bumped into along the way. With the first bell about to ring, they successfully made it inside just in time.

As they settled into their routine in the classroom, Shia couldn't help but comment on the chilly weather. "It is freezing today," she remarked, rubbing her palms together vigorously in an attempt to generate some warmth.

"Yeah," Yua nodded absentmindedly, her thoughts momentarily elsewhere.

"What do you mean, 'yeah'? Don't you feel anything, Yua?" Shia teased, nudging her friend playfully.

"I am wearing the school's sweatshirt," Yua defended herself with a faint smile.

"So am I, but Germany is hella freezing today. Either you are a robot or a human made of tin, or you have a mini heater in your pockets," Shia joked, trying to lighten the mood.

"Human made of tin is still a robot, I guess?" Yua replied with a chuckle.

"...whatever," Shia shrugged, playfully rolling her eyes.

Yua couldn't help but feel a pang of longing as Shia mentioned treating her to some wurst, knowing that her strict diet of salads limited her culinary options. "It's okay. I wish I could eat greasy food and soak myself in the taste, but leaves are all that are written in my poor stomach's fate," she lamented with a hint of resignation.

"Ha. Well then, share your salad with me. Can you have juice at least?" Shia asked, trying to find a compromise.

"I guess," Yua replied with a shrug.

"Great, then. A Yua and Shia special juice," Shia declared enthusiastically, rummaging through her bag for their drink. As they found a spot on the terrace, Yua watched with amusement as Shia struggled with her bag.

"There is no juice that is made specifically for us, Shia," Yua remarked sarcastically.

"Come on. Behold, the most amazing flavor of the world. The most everlasting, lip-smacking, serene, and the most appreciable flavor, god of all known juices, ORANGE JUICE!" Shia announced dramatically, presenting the beverage with a flourish.

"Hehe... what a poor joke," Yua chuckled, taking the drink from her friend.

"Savor the orange juice, Yua," Shia warned with a playful grin.

"Yeah, yeah," Yua replied with a smile, grateful for the warmth of friendship on a cold day.

***

Shia was more than just a friend to me-she was a lifeline, a constant source of support and comfort in a world that often felt overwhelming and uncertain. We were both Korean, and our shared journey to Germany, albeit for different reasons, had forged a bond between us that felt unbreakable.

For me, the move to Germany was dictated by my burgeoning career as a child actress, while for Shia, it was her father's work that had brought her family to foreign shores. Despite the differences in our circumstances, we found solace in each other's company, navigating the challenges of our new surroundings together.

I often found myself wondering what life would have been like if my family had settled in Germany alongside Shia's. Would our friendship have flourished even more in the familiarity of our shared homeland? It was a question that lingered in the back of my mind, a wistful longing for a reality that could have been.

But regardless of the circumstances, Shia was always there for me. From the moment we met, she made me feel loved and valued, never once making me feel like a burden or an outsider. She was the one who reminded me of my worth, who lifted me up when I felt like I was drowning in self-doubt.

The spot I found myself in now, sitting alone and feeling lost, served as a stark reminder of just how much I relied on Shia's presence in my life. Without her by my side, I felt adrift, like a ghost haunting the halls of our school, craving the warmth of companionship and understanding.

There were moments when I felt left out and alone, moments when the weight of loneliness threatened to crush me. But never before had I felt like a ghost, a specter yearning for freedom from the chains of isolation.

And so, as I sat in that empty spot, surrounded by the echoes of laughter and camaraderie, I couldn't help but long for the comforting presence of my dear friend. For it was in her company that I found solace, that I felt truly alive. Without her, I was nothing but a ghost, wandering aimlessly in search of the light that had once illuminated my path.

***

Present time
Han Yua's room

Yua Han lay sprawled across her bed, tears staining the sleeves of her hoodie as she wrestled with her thoughts in the dimly lit room. She longed for the world to fade away, to escape the turmoil churning within her. Just when it seemed like her sanctuary was about to crumble under the weight of her emotions, a soft knock echoed through the room.

"Yua Han. You have a letter from Germany. Do you wish to read it or do I just send the normal reply that I always do?" The gentle voice of her secretary, Oh, pierced through the heaviness in the air. Yua blinked away her tears, straightening up on the bed. With a shaky breath, she cleared her throat, mustering the strength to respond. "No, Oh. I will read it. Place it on my work table, please."

"Yes, mistress," Oh acknowledged before slipping into the room, her movements silent and respectful. Yua watched as Oh carefully laid the envelope on her desk, a silent reminder of the outside world that awaited her attention. As the door clicked shut behind her secretary, Yua's gaze drifted to the desk, her mind grappling with the significance of the unexpected letter.

"It's probably just another fan letter," she mused aloud, her voice tinged with skepticism. "But Germany... that's unusual." Yua's thoughts drifted to Shia, the mere mention of the name stirring memories of the distant past. The connection between the name and the place stirred a curious ache within her, igniting a flicker of hope amidst the shadows of doubt.

With a resigned sigh, Yua pushed herself off the bed, her footsteps echoing softly in the quiet room as she made her way to the desk. Sitting down, she regarded the envelope with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension. "Who could it be? Could it be Shia?" she wondered aloud, her fingers tracing the edges of the envelope. With a determined resolve, she tore through the paper, revealing the contents within.

As she unfolded the letter, her heart pounded with a mixture of excitement and trepidation.

Munich, Germany XXXXXX

Seoul, Korea XXXXXX

26th April, XXXX

Subject: Hey Yua Han!

Hey there,

I hope this letter finds you doing great. So, I gotta say, I'm a huge fan of yours! Your movies and TV dramas totally rock. And hey, I went to GIS! The same school as yours, hehe. That's pretty cool, right? I felt kinda proud knowing that.

Anyway, I'm not sure if you'll ever read this, but if you do, I've got a bunch of questions for you. How's life treating you? Feeling good? Staying healthy? School going okay? And what about work? You must be busy with shoots and all. Do you ever get tired? Any troubles you're facing? Oh, and what's your favorite color? Into anime or manga? When did you leave Germany? Are you Korean originally? How long were you in Germany?

Okay, enough about you, let me share a bit about myself. I dig the color red, it's just so vibrant. And I'm all about reading novels and trying to draw anime stuff, even though I kinda suck at it. Manga's cool too, for inspiration, you know? I keep myself busy with music and working part-time as a waiter. Drawing's my jam, my dad's into it too. Oh, and I collect action figures, they're just awesome vibes.

Sorry if I'm all over the place with this letter. I'm not the best at putting my thoughts down. But hey, your work has really helped me out. It's given me courage and helped me overcome my fears. So, thanks for that.

Oh, by the way, I won a drawing contest recently, pretty stoked about it.

So, yeah, I know this letter's supposed to be a fan thing, but it's turned into more of a chat, huh? But seriously, your work means a lot to me. From that shampoo ad to your lead roles in movies like "Charlie Bit His Tongue" and "Zapphore Rainbow," you've been killing it.

Anyway, I've got a favor to ask. Ever thought about making a music video? I've heard you've got a great voice, it'd be awesome to see that side of you.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. Hope it brought a smile to your face. Wishing you all the best and looking forward to more of your awesome work.

Take care,
ABC

Curiosity turned to confusion as she read the contents of the letter. "What the heck is the big idea?" she muttered to herself, her brow furrowing in disbelief. Yua couldn't understand why someone would write to her in such a casual manner. As she continued to read, her confusion turned to frustration. "And why is this person so casual about writing a letter to a celebrity? Is this person crazy or something?" she exclaimed, her voice rising with each word.

With a mix of irritation and disbelief, Yua slammed the letter down on her desk, the loud thud echoing through the room. The sudden noise caught the attention of Oh who hurried to her side.

"Miss Yua, are you okay? Is everything alright?" Oh's voice came from the other side of the closed door, filled with concern.

Yua took a moment to compose herself before responding, her voice strained with frustration. "Yes, Miss Oh. I am fine. Please have some rest," she replied tersely, not wanting to burden her assistant with her own perplexing emotions.

Oh nodded in understanding, though Yua couldn't see her from behind the closed door. With a slight hint of disappointment lingering in the air, Oh left Yua's room, leaving her to grapple with the unconventional letter in solitude.

Yua sat at her desk, the crumpled sheet of paper before her, her fingers tracing the edges uncertainly. Her mind swirled with conflicting emotions, each thought vying for dominance.

"But... but I don't feel like throwing this letter away," she muttered to herself, her voice barely above a whisper. The letter, a lifeline connecting her to a distant land, held a weight far beyond its physical presence.

With a sigh, she rose from her chair, her steps heavy as she made her way to the bed. Collapsing onto the soft mattress, she buried her face in the sheets, her fists clenched tightly at her sides.

"Is it because it is a letter from Germany?" she pondered aloud, her words tinged with uncertainty. The distance between her and the sender seemed to magnify her sense of isolation, amplifying the ache in her heart.

The words of the letter echoed in her mind as she squeezed her eyes shut, the weight of her loneliness pressing down on her chest.

"Shia. How are you? What are you doing these days? So many things to ask and answer but so far apart. It feels uneasy. I am lonely here, Shia. I need you by my side. Korea is really very empty. The kids in my class are very rude. I feel like crying now but then miss Oh will get worried. How will I, Yua Han, a young teenager who hasn't even seen the world as much manage all of this..."

Tears welled in her eyes, cascading down her cheeks and onto the sheets below. The ache of separation, the longing for companionship, seemed to consume her, leaving her feeling adrift in a sea of uncertainty.

Yua's mind buzzed with questions, each one a tangled knot of fear and doubt. Was it right to reply to the letter? Should she trust the words of a stranger, even one who seemed so familiar?

"What if he or she is a stalker? What if they want to kidnap me and keep me for themselves?" she murmured, her voice trembling with uncertainty. The thought sent a shiver down her spine, the fear of the unknown looming large in her mind.

But beneath the surface of her doubts, a flicker of hope remained. Perhaps, just perhaps, this letter held the key to unlocking a connection she had longed for.

"No. People are good at disguising things. Let's leave this for now," she decided, her words a whispered promise to herself. With a final sigh, she allowed her weary mind to drift into the embrace of sleep, the letter still clutched tightly in her hand.