The morning sun, with its warm and gentle touch, enveloped the world in a breathtaking display of radiant light, signaling the start of a truly magnificent day. The melodious symphony of birdsong filled the air, harmonizing with the stirring of nature itself, as if celebrating the presence of the sun and infusing the atmosphere with a captivating blend of joy and wonder.

As I awakened to the sun's embrace, I found myself immersed in a realm of awe-inspiring beauty and vitality. The sunrise, with its stunning hues and captivating splendor, breathed life into the world, infusing it with a sense of vibrancy, light, and a profound sense of awe.

Standing on my balcony, I was greeted by the sight of a captivating sunrise, its colors painting the sky with a breathtaking palette. The soothing warmth of a cup of coffee in my hands added to the enchantment of the moment, as I embraced the serenity and tranquility that washed over me.

With the arrival of dawn, a golden curtain was gracefully lifted, unveiling an eternal expanse of luminosity. The sweet melodies of birds filled the air, their songs becoming a soothing balm to my soul, as all my worries and concerns were gently washed away.

In the grand tapestry of life, there are few constants as steadfast and reliable as the sun. It remains faithful to its promise of returning after each period of darkness, even during the darkest of nights.

Taking a moment to reflect upon my own journey, I pondered the lessons learned from past mistakes. As the day broke, clear and vibrant, the world became a blank canvas, ready to be painted with new beginnings, while the last sip of my coffee marked the end of a moment of introspection.

Rising from my contemplative spot, I ventured indoors, my voice gently echoing through the halls as I called out to my sister, En-Ju, urging her to wake up before she was late for school.

However, a thought halted me in my tracks, causing me to question the purpose of this daily ritual. Even though I knew deep down that it was of no use, I couldn't help but continue this routine. Why did I keep doing it?

A sigh escaped my lips as I approached En-Ju's room, my mind filled with doubts and uncertainty. Stepping inside, I drew closer to her small form, only to realize that waking up a five-year-old sister was an impossible task. A mischievous grin formed on my face as I resorted to my secret weapon.

Gently pulling back her blanket, I playfully teased, "Mun En-Ju, no phone for BTS videos if you don't wake up."

In an instant, she jolted to life, her eyes wide with excitement as she exclaimed, "I'm awake!"

"Perfect. Now, hurry and get ready for school," I urged, feeling a sense of fulfillment in my role as her caring older sibling.

En-Ju clutched my hand, her eyes filled with a pleading innocence as she asked, "Can I please skip school today and stay home?"

I considered her request, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "Why not? Take a day off," I suggested, knowing that sometimes a break from routine can be just as valuable as a day in the classroom.

"Really!?" En-Ju's eyes lit up, her excitement palpable.

I chuckled at her adorable reaction, realizing that these simple moments of joy were what made life truly special. "Indeed, my little sister. But remember, no phone for a whole month. So, BTS or school?" I teased, well aware of her deep affection for BTS.

Her expression turned skeptical as she weighed the options. "Are you actually my sister?" she asked, unsure if I was joking.

"No, I'm not," I replied with a playful smirk, "I picked you up from a trash bin."

En-Ju's eyes widened in mock horror. "You're joking, right?"

I laughed, trying to lighten the mood. "Of course not. Now, get ready for school."

En-Ju pouted, pretending to be offended. "I know you are lying. I look just like you and I hate you, Mun Sena."

A warm smile played on my lips as I walked towards the kitchen. "Perhaps I misheard. Let me correct that. I love you," I said, making sure she knew I was only teasing.

Time seemed to race forward, nearly thirty minutes vanishing in an instant as I busied myself with preparing breakfast. Suddenly, I heard En-Ju's voice echoing from her room.

Hurrying to her side, I found her bouncing on her bed with uncontained excitement. I approached, a gentle scolding tone in my voice. "En-Ju, you startled me. What's all the commotion about?"

Bounding over to me, she shoved her phone in my face, her eyes brimming with enthusiasm. "Eonni, BTS is back in Seoul! We must go! I want to meet JK!"

Her phone thrust in my face, I couldn't help but be captivated by the handsome faces on the screen. "Isn't he handsome?" En-Ju exclaimed, her voice filled with admiration. "I want to marry JK!"

I quirked an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "Last week, it was Tae. Has your heart changed so quickly?"

Pausing for a moment, she admitted with a mischievous grin, "Yeah, now it's JK."

Amused by her ever-changing crushes, I mused, "Well, my dear, you're not old enough to get married to any of them. You're barely six years old, and you can't even choose just one."

"As if anyone can choose just one," she retorted with a playful giggle. "But this time, it's JK."

"Alright, my little BTS enthusiast. But can you live without me?" I teased, fully expecting her to deny it.

With surprising nonchalance, she replied, "Yeah, I can. With BTS, at least I won't have to deal with a heartless sister."

"Heartless, huh?" I queried, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, you are," she declared with a pout.

"Okay, then let me show you my heartlessness," I retorted, launching into a playful tickle attack that had En-Ju squealing with laughter.

As we tumbled onto her bed, a familiar voice chimed in from the doorway, "May I join in? Whatever it is, it looks like so much fun."

I recognized the voice instantly and both En-Ju and I turned to see my dearest friend, Hana, standing there with a warm smile on her face.

More like a sister than a friend, Hana had been our pillar of support when we had no home. Her parents had embraced us as their own when our parents tragically passed away, but when they moved to the US, we made the decision to stay in Korea.

"Hana, you're back!" Tears welled up in my eyes as I rushed to embrace her, having not seen her in over a year.

"Yes, and I've got a surprise for you," she said, her voice filled with excitement.

En-Ju's voice burst with excitement and curiosity as she eagerly inquired, "What is it? What is it?"

Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, mirroring the palpable excitement that filled the room. Hana stood beside her, a playful smile dancing upon her lips, a secret ready to be unveiled.

With a mixture of bewilderment and curiosity, I turned towards Hana, awaiting the revelation that was about to reshape our lives. And then, the words spilled out, altering the trajectory of our existence.

"I have secured a job in Seoul, and we will be relocating there this week," Hana announced, her voice trembling with a blend of elation and anticipation.

En-Ju's reaction was immediate and exuberant, her petite figure jumping up and down with unadulterated joy. Meanwhile, I found myself momentarily rendered speechless by the enormity of the news. The mere thought of leaving behind our familiar surroundings and embarking on a grand adventure in Seoul seemed both exhilarating and intimidating.

Yet, nestled within the depths of my soul, I could not deny the surge of exhilaration that coursed through me, for moving to Seoul had always been an elusive dream.

Days slipped through our fingers like grains of sand, and the whirlwind of emotions swirled within me. I found myself entangled in a delicate dance between stress and happiness.

On one hand, the mere prospect of starting anew in a bustling metropolis like Seoul inundated me with apprehension. Questions danced through my mind - where would I find employment? How would I navigate this unfamiliar terrain?

On the other hand, an undeniable sense of euphoria washed over me, as the allure of Seoul, with its vibrant culture, boundless opportunities, and pulsating energy, proved irresistible.

And so, in what felt like a mere blink of an eye, another week had fluttered by like a fleeting butterfly.

We stood on the precipice of our new life in Seoul, the city embracing us with open arms, whispering promises of countless possibilities.

I had managed to secure a job, a beacon of stability amidst the tumultuous sea of change.

En-Ju, my bright and inquisitive sister, had been granted admission to a prestigious educational institution renowned for its academic excellence and nurturing atmosphere.

Amidst this symphony of existence, a fateful day dawned, forever altering the tapestry of our lives.

It was on that day, as if guided by the invisible hand of destiny, that our paths intertwined in the most unexpected of manners.

It was on that day, I met him for the first time.

TO BE CONTINUED