Jung Soo Ah's POV

Beijing, China.

The sky was daubed with warm tones of tangy orange, a soft hue of purple, and cherry blossom pink, giving me a picturesque panorama during twilight as the sun melted into the dappled cotton clouds. Looking at it brought me tranquillity, and I felt content.

As I wandered around the evening streets of Beijing, they were filled with playful giggles of kids running around the big trees and people chatting. I was giddy with anticipation as red lanterns were hung on every tree, reminding me of the arrival of the Chinese New Year. The luminous glow from the lanterns appeared enticing.

I hadn't visited Beijing for any festivities to spend time with my grandparents in the past two years, as I got quite busy with my work. I hoped this new year started well. I glanced around the long street and felt happier to spend my time here.

My skin felt a searing sensation as the cold air brushed against my cheeks, turning them red as I looked at the glass door of the noodle restaurant. My breath rose in puffs as I hugged myself to warm up.

From the open windows of the homes, the smell of garlic, ginger, chili, sesame oil, and the invigorating scent of mandarin danced in the air.

As I completed my stroll, I stood before our house and found it vibrant and spirited. My grandpa was fumbling while trying to paste the couplets at the entrance.

"Grandpa, let me help you," I said, grabbing and pasting them on either side of the door, perfectly getting a thumbs up from my grandpa.

"Thank you, Soo Ah. Also, dust them off. I can't do them as I am worn out," he said, ruffling my hair. He bent down to take a piece of cloth and handed it to me, pointing towards the furniture I needed to clean.

"Did Grandma give you a lot of work?" I asked him.

"Yes, she did not even let me have a nap in the afternoon," he responded in a low tone, darting his eyes around as he didn't want to get whacked by Grandma.

I laughed at his behavior. I grabbed the cloth and began dusting the furnishings. I glimpsed the pictures, which were neatly arranged on the wooden cabinet.

My parents looked gorgeous as they wore Qun Kwa, according to Chinese rites. My mother wore a coat and a long red skirt embellished with gold and silver embroidery, adorned with dragons and a lotus, symbolizing a happy marriage and prosperity.

Another picture shows them wearing a Hanbok, as per Korean custom. They flashed a toothy smile and intertwined each other's hands happily.

My mother is Chinese, and my father is Korean. Being half Korean and half Chinese, I have always found learning about both cultures to be intriguing. Over the years of working together in Shanghai and Gwangju, they fell in love.

In the nearby photo, my cousin Jung Hoseok and I were playing in the snow. He was honored to be my cousin, as our fathers are siblings. He can be an annoyance at times, but he deeply loves me. Every summer break we spent in China, he would tag along with me. My grandparents are more fond of him than me.

"Old Guo, I am going for square dancing," my grandma exclaimed as I turned back to find her dressed elegantly.

"You can't dance with other old men," Grandpa replied quickly, jolting up from the couch even though he had been dozing off for half an hour since I began to clean.

After a minute of their endless bickering, I tried to calm them.
"I suggest you both go together and have fun."

"If we both go, you will be alone for a couple of days," my grandma answered back worriedly.

"Don't worry about me. Hoseok texted me that he would arrive here tonight. I won't be alone." I assured her, hugging.

I shut the door and decided to go to bed earlier as I was alone after they left. I cradled my pillow closer to my chest and snuggled myself comfortably into my cozy blanket.

I woke up from a deep sleep when I started hearing noises. When I checked the clock, it was 2:00 AM.

Hoseok must have arrived, I thought to myself, and I shoved away my blanket.

I lazily dragged myself to his room and unlocked the door. I scurried toward him to give him a back hug. His perfume was crisp and aromatic, a mix of mint and fruity notes, which was strange.

I felt odd, and it did not feel like him.

I stepped back as he turned around to look at me. "Who are you?" I questioned him.

Sweat prickled all over my skin, despite the coolness in the air, as fear crept over me. I wanted to turn around and sprint towards my room so I could hide under my blanket, which I felt was safer. Yet, my legs were glued to the hard wooden floor.

"Who are you, and how did you get in?" I again asked him in a hushed voice.

While I was in my reverie of thought, I felt something soft brushing against my feet. I looked down to find a cat rubbing its paws over my leg. It frightened me as I stumbled over him, and we ended up falling onto the wooden floor. I was on top of him, and the cat brushed against my leg, which scared me again, as I clasped his sweater tightly.

Upon a closer look, I found out he had pale and glowing skin, even under the dim moonlight passing through the windows. His black hair rested on his forehead, and he had petite facial features. He doesn't look Chinese. I ran my fingertips over his face and pinched his cheeks, wondering about his good skin, not realizing what was going on.

"Take your hands off me! I could sue for indecent act and you'd be in serious legal trouble," he shouted with a look of puzzlement on his face.

"I didn't touch you like that," I answered, looking at him with incredulity.

"What's going on, Yoongi? Why are you both on the floor?" I heard Hoseok's voice. I got up from him and dabbed off the cat fur from my pajamas.

"She hugged me," Yoongi answered back without wasting a minute, which baffled me. I peered at him, blinking, and tilted my head in confusion.

"How did you both fall? Did you get hurt? Why did you hug him? Soo Ah, were you flirting with him?" Hoseok bombarded me with a lot of questions, giving me a teasing look.

"Hoseok, it was a mistake," I said, scrunching my eyes. I should have asked him about his skincare routine. As absurd as it sounded, this thought popped into my head even in this awkward situation. It was a fantastic way to start the new year and I probably looked like a creep.

InfiniteChaos8 It's been a year, and I still can't express how grateful I am for your constant encouragement from the beginning of my writing journey. I'm happy I got to meet you and read your work. I love you, my adorable friend. Offers you a hearty hug.

How was the chapter? Was it different and interesting to read? Do share your thoughts, and I apologize if you find any mistakes.

Thank you so much for reading. Love you all.

- Shin Haari