CHAPTER 1: Woo's Moving Day ✨

WOOYOUNG
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The taxi driver stopped directly in front of the dormitory building and turned to me with a smile of satisfaction. "We are here, sir."

I bowed and nodded, mouthing the words "Thank you" quickly, pointing to the phone that was placed against my ear as the reasoning for the silent response. The man nodded in understanding, shaking his head with amusement as I continued my phone call.

Ever since I left the house, my mother made sure to be on call the entire ride here.

"Did you remember to pack your toothbrush?"

"Yes eomma.."

"What about your laptop and backpack?"

"Ma, those things are the most important things to have. Of course I have them!" I could hear a faint sniffle come from her through the phone, causing me to feel a bit guilty for my response. "Eomma, please don't cry... I'm going to fine here, I promise! I have Sangie here as someone I know and you have to worry about me..."

"I know... I wish I could've been there to at least help you move in. This job is going to be the death of me, I swear..."

"You're one of the best nurses in the city hospital. That comes with a lot of responsibility, you know." I teased, already knowing the response that was about to come from her.

"Aish... don't you patronize me. I'm still your mother... Call me when you settle in, okay?"

"Yes eomma, I will. I love you."

"I love you too."

With a simple click of the phone call ending, I looked up to my new home outside the window for the next four years with a bright smile on my face. Through all my hard work and dedication and to my studies, I landed an acceptance to one of the top universities in the country: Seoul National University. Choosing to major in Child Development and Family studies was something I wanted since high school, especially since my long term goal was to become an Elementary school teacher once I completed my curriculum. It also helped having some practice with my younger brother Kyungmin, as he was my source of inspiration for choosing such a career.

Directly in my line of sight was Gwanak Residence Halls, the most affordable and convenient location building out of all dormitories within the campus. It was where undergraduates and graduates could live together in mostly shared rooms. With a total of 27 wings, my room happened to be within the 'New Building 901' on the second floor.

Room 200.

"Hopefully my roommate is nice..." I mumbled to myself.

Paying the man generously and stepping out of the taxi, I gathered my two large suitcases from the trunk without haste. It was Sunday afternoon and the first day of school would be tomorrow, Monday. The weather felt a little chilly, with the occasional gentle breeze that would blow by and bring forth cooler air. Dressed in a white turtleneck, grey trench coat with matching grey slacks and white sneakers, I internally praised myself for choosing the appropriate form of clothing as I walked to my specific building. Step by step, I could feel my excitement grow more and more.
However, my thoughts were interrupted by my phone ringing with Yeosang's name showing on display.

Smiling, I swiped left and placed it on my ear, squealing loud. "Sangie! I'm here!"

"The squealing gave it away, Woo." He chuckled. "What building are you in? I want to help you move in."

"The New Building, number 901. Second floor, room 200."

"Well, I'm glad to say that we are in the same building. I'm on the fourth floor, room 402, so that's even better! How far are you from getting here?"

Looking around, I noticed that the building was only a few yards away from me. "I think about...five minutes or so? Maybe less."

"I'll meet you out front. See you soon."

"Bye Sangie!"

Not wanting to delay another second, I pulled my suitcases with speed and determination. Yeosang is my best friend and had been my best friend since middle school. He's majoring in Medicine and had been here since the start of summer, so unfortunately we couldn't be roommates together this year.

That wasn't going to stop us from hanging out every chance we could get.

Reaching the New Building, the structure was painted a light brown color with red leaves adorning the surrounding trees, a true sign that Fall was upon us. There, I noticed Yeosang standing outside the entrance with his blonde hair flowing in the breeze with his arms open for me with a smirk. Getting close enough, I ditched my suitcases and ran full speed into him, instantly planting kisses on his cheek while wrapping my own arms around him happily.

He chuckled, returning the hug with a soft smile on his face. "Hey, Youngie...Ready to move in?"

"Of course I am." I grinned. "I couldn't even sleep. That's how excited I was."

"Alright, let's go. Go get your suitcases." He teased, pointing his finger to the luggage behind me.

Blushing, I nodded slowly before walking back to the grab the abandoned luggage with shame. I made my way over to him with an embarrassed smile. "Sorry..."

Shaking his head with amusement, he grabbed one from my hand and proceeded to lead the way to my room. Stepping inside the hall, my eyes grew wide with amazement. With a similar design to the exterior, the interior walls were painted in a beige color, with a few subtle art pieces hanging on the walls. Student of all kinds were in the process of moving and socializing, which only made the reality of my new life become much more apparent. Despite the lesser than grand appearance of the building, my mood was beyond happy to be in the presence of it all.

"Come on Woo, time is ticking." Yeosang smiled, watching me take in everything.

"Right, sorry!"

Following his lead to the elevators, he pressed the button for 'up'. "So, you have your keys and your schedule right?"

I nodded. "Yeah, I have them. Thank you for helping me with getting them ahead of time."

The elevator eventually reached the first floor, opening to allow a few students leave and us to enter. Two more students joined us, each greeting us with small bows and smiles.

"Which floor?" I asked.

"Third for both of us please!" The female student said proudly.

Pressing both buttons, with a quick close, the cart ascending to my floor first. It didn't take long to reach, and with a quick exchange of goodbyes, Yeosang and I walked a few steps toward my room, which was conveniently close to the elevator.

"Go ahead Woo, use your key for the first time." Yeosang smiled.

Squealing, I placed the key inside the doorknob and twisted it, pushing the door inward to reveal my new home. My room was a double bed living space with a private bathroom to share, along with a large window, as well as separate closets and desks for individual work. It also had the same plain brown concept of furniture, but I had plans on making it personally my own. My roommate had yet to arrive, so I had first choice in picking a side.

Smiling, I turned to Yeosang. "Let's get started, shall we?"

With Yeosang's help, we managed to unpack all of my clothing and small possessions on my choice of staying on the right side of the room. Things such as my favorite posters of BTS, artwork that Kyungmin painted for me, and pictures of my mother and two brothers, both older and younger, were placed accordingly within the room. I even managed to hang up my fairy lights and decorate my bed with my favorite purple bedsheets. It took about two hours to finished, and overall, I felt completely satisfied with the result. "Thank you Sangie for your help..."

"Anytime." He smiled, glancing down at his watch."Oh shit, I have a study group to meet with in ten minutes. Are you going to be alright alone for a few hours?"

"Sangie, I think I can manage..." I giggled, gently pushing him to the door. "Go. I'm not going anywhere."

"Are you sure? I promise it'll only be two hours and then we can go get something to eat together, as well as check out your class locations."

"I'll be here. Don't worry! Go!"

Yeosang smiled, finally giving in and reluctantly leaving. "Alright Woo, call me if you need anything. See you later then."

"Bye, Sangie!" I waved, shutting the door after his departure. Taking a look around, I smiled and jumped into bed, lying down and stared at my ceiling with an overwhelming feeling of relief and gratitude.

I'm really here...

"Time to call Mom before she curses me out..."

Taking out my phone, I clicked her contact and place the phone on speaker while putting it on my pillow. A few rings went by before it eventually connected. "Eomma, I'm all settled in."

"Good! Now, take pictures of your room! I want to see it! How about your roommate? Are they there yet? What about Yeosang...I-"

Rolling my eyes playfully, I continued to listen to her rambles, not bothering to interrupt the never-ending amount of questions she spewed without taking a breath in between.

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