I Love You Oppa

Chapter 13

Chapter 13: "Winter’s Embrace"

Winter break had finally arrived, and Haneul Arts Academy was quiet as students left for their homes or holiday destinations. For Jellaine, the end of the semester meant a much-needed break and the opportunity to return to her family in the Philippines. The winter concert had been a success, and she felt a sense of accomplishment and relief as she packed her bags for the trip home.

On the day of her departure, Jellaine stood in the airport terminal, waiting for her flight. The cold wind outside contrasted with the warmth of the bustling terminal. She was excited to see her family again, but she also felt a pang of nervousness about returning home after so long.

As she boarded the plane, Jellaine found her seat and settled in, her mind wandering to thoughts of her family. The familiar faces and comforting environment of her hometown were a stark contrast to the busy life she had experienced in Korea. The anticipation of reuniting with her loved ones brought a smile to her face.

The flight was long but uneventful, and as the plane descended toward Manila, Jellaine looked out the window, catching glimpses of the city lights below. Her heart raced with excitement as the aircraft touched down. She gathered her belongings and made her way through the terminal, ready to embrace the warmth and familiarity of home.

At the arrival gate, Jellaine scanned the crowd for her family. Her heart swelled with joy when she spotted Paulo, holding a sign with her name. She rushed over and embraced him tightly.

“Paulo!” Jellaine exclaimed, her voice filled with emotion. “It’s so good to see you!”

Paulo hugged her back, a wide grin on his face. “Welcome home, Jellaine! We’ve missed you.”

They collected her luggage and made their way to the car. As they drove through the familiar streets of their hometown, Jellaine took in the sights and sounds that had been absent from her life for months. The vibrant colors of the city, the bustling markets, and the friendly faces all brought a sense of nostalgia and comfort.

When they arrived at their family home, Jellaine was greeted with warm hugs from her parents' close friends and relatives. The house was adorned with holiday decorations, creating a festive atmosphere that made her feel right at home.

The following days were filled with family gatherings, delicious home-cooked meals, and catching up with old friends. Jellaine cherished the time spent with her family, sharing stories about her experiences in Korea and listening to their updates from home.

One evening, as Jellaine sat on the porch with Paulo, they talked about the legal matters related to their parents’ estate. Paulo had made some progress with the lawyer, and he wanted to update Jellaine on the latest developments.

“We’ve managed to file the petition for the property,” Paulo explained. “The court date is set for next month, and we’ll need to be prepared for any challenges.”

Jellaine nodded, her expression serious. “I’m glad we’re moving forward. It’s been on my mind a lot. I hope everything gets resolved smoothly.”

Paulo placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “I’m confident we’ll get through this. It’s important to stay focused and keep working with the lawyer. We’re doing everything we can.”

The conversation turned to lighter topics as they reminisced about their childhood and made plans for the future. Jellaine felt a sense of comfort in the familiarity of her surroundings and the support of her family.

As the holiday season continued, Jellaine enjoyed participating in traditional festivities, from preparing holiday meals to attending local celebrations. The vibrant culture and lively atmosphere of the Philippines were a refreshing change from the busy academic life she had experienced in Korea.

On New Year’s Eve, Jellaine and her family gathered to celebrate the arrival of the new year. They enjoyed a festive dinner, exchanged gifts, and shared their hopes and dreams for the coming year. The atmosphere was filled with joy and optimism, and Jellaine felt a deep sense of gratitude for the support and love of her family.

As the clock struck midnight, Jellaine made a wish for the new year. She hoped for continued success in her studies, resolution of the legal matters, and the strength to face any challenges that lay ahead.

The following days of the new year were filled with a mix of relaxation and preparation. Jellaine took the opportunity to rest and recharge, spending time with her family and reflecting on her journey so far. She also began planning for the upcoming semester at Haneul Arts Academy, eager to continue her studies and pursue new opportunities.

One afternoon, Jellaine received a call from Hyun-woo, who wanted to discuss the plans for the next semester. He had some exciting updates and wanted to share them with her.

“Hi, Jellaine,” Hyun-woo said cheerfully. “I hope you’re enjoying your break. I have some news about the next semester.”

Jellaine’s curiosity was piqued. “Hi, Hyun-woo. I’m having a great time with my family. What’s the news?”

“We’re planning a new project for the upcoming semester,” Hyun-woo explained. “It’s going to be a collaborative performance involving students from different departments. I think it’ll be a fantastic opportunity for you to showcase your talents and work with other talented individuals.”

Jellaine’s eyes brightened. “That sounds amazing! I’m excited to get started.”

“I thought you would be,” Hyun-woo said with a smile. “We’ll discuss the details when you return. In the meantime, enjoy the rest of your break and recharge. We’ll have a lot of exciting things to look forward to.”

Jellaine thanked Hyun-woo and hung up, feeling invigorated by the prospect of the new project. It was a reminder of the opportunities awaiting her and the exciting challenges that lay ahead.

As her break drew to a close, Jellaine prepared to return to Korea with a sense of renewed energy and optimism. The time spent with her family had been invaluable, and she felt ready to face the new semester with determination.

On the day of her departure, Jellaine said her goodbyes to her family, promising to stay in touch and share updates about her journey. As she boarded the plane back to Korea, she reflected on the memories of her time at home and the experiences that had shaped her.

The flight was smooth, and as the plane approached Seoul, Jellaine looked out the window, eager to return to Haneul Arts Academy and embrace the new challenges and opportunities that awaited her. The winter break had provided her with the chance to reconnect with her roots and recharge her spirit.

As she arrived back at the academy, Jellaine felt a sense of excitement and readiness for the new semester. The experiences of the past few months had strengthened her resolve and deepened her appreciation for the journey she was on. With a heart full of gratitude and a mind focused on the future, Jellaine stepped into the new year, ready to embrace the adventures that lay ahead.