I Love You Oppa

Chapter 2

Chapter 2: "The Seoul Struggle"

Seoul greeted Jellaine with a brisk autumn wind as she stepped out of the dormitory early that morning. The city was alive with energy, but the chill in the air reminded her that she was far from the tropical warmth of Manila. She wrapped her coat tighter around her, taking a deep breath of the cool, fresh air. This was the beginning of her new life, and she was determined to embrace it fully.

Her first task of the day was to find the nearest grocery store. Her stomach growled in protest, reminding her of her limited supplies and lack of familiarity with the local area. As she wandered down the bustling streets, she marveled at the array of shops and street food stalls that lined the sidewalks. The signs were all in Hangul, an intricate script she was only beginning to decipher, making her feel both intrigued and overwhelmed.

Jellaine's attempts to navigate the streets were met with mixed results. The city was a maze of unfamiliar landmarks and winding alleys. She paused at a street corner, her map in hand, trying to decipher the Hangul characters. The sounds of Seoul—humming traffic, chatter, and occasional bursts of laughter—surrounded her, but she felt isolated amidst the crowd.

“Excuse me, can you help me find a grocery store?” she asked a passerby, her accent thick and her words carefully pronounced.

The young woman she approached looked at her with a mixture of curiosity and sympathy. “Oh, you’re not from around here, are you?” she said with a smile. “Just go straight down this road and take the first left. It’s a small shop, but they have everything you need.”

Jellaine thanked her profusely and followed the directions, her spirits lifting with each step. She was making progress, albeit slowly. The grocery store was a small, tidy place with neatly arranged shelves and an array of unfamiliar products. She grabbed essentials—rice, vegetables, and some basic spices—struggling to remember the names and prices in Korean.

With her bags in hand, Jellaine made her way back to the dormitory. She tried to maintain a sense of excitement, but fatigue from the long journey and the challenges of navigating a new city were beginning to weigh on her.

When she finally returned to her room, she felt a wave of relief. The small space had begun to feel like a sanctuary, a place where she could retreat and regroup. As she unpacked her groceries and organized her tiny kitchen area, she reflected on her earlier encounter with Hyun-woo and the looming project that lay ahead.

Her phone buzzed with a message from Soo-ah: “Hey, I heard you were out. Want to grab lunch together? I’ll show you around a bit more.”

Jellaine’s spirits lifted at the offer. Soo-ah had been a beacon of friendliness and support since they met. She quickly replied, agreeing to meet up. After a short while, she was outside again, this time with a clearer sense of direction thanks to Soo-ah’s guidance.

They met at a cozy café near the academy, its warm interior a welcome respite from the chilly weather. Soo-ah was already seated at a corner table, waving enthusiastically as Jellaine walked in.

“Hey, Jellaine!” Soo-ah greeted her. “I ordered us some food. You must be starving!”

Jellaine smiled gratefully and took a seat. “You read my mind. I didn’t realize how much walking around would wear me out.”

As they waited for their food, Soo-ah filled Jellaine in on the details of life at Haneul Arts. “So, today’s a free day for me. I thought it’d be a good opportunity to show you around and help you get familiar with the area.”

The food arrived, a delightful array of Korean dishes that Jellaine had never tried before. She took a tentative bite of the bibimbap, its blend of flavors both strange and delicious. Soo-ah watched with amusement as Jellaine’s eyes widened with surprise.

“I’m glad you like it,” Soo-ah said, laughing. “Korean food can be pretty intense at first, but you’ll get used to it.”

They spent the afternoon exploring the city, with Soo-ah pointing out various landmarks and shops. Jellaine felt a sense of relief as she became more familiar with her surroundings. The city’s vibrant energy was beginning to seep into her, and she felt a flicker of excitement for the days to come.

By the time they returned to the dormitory, Jellaine was exhausted but content. The unfamiliarity of Seoul was slowly becoming less intimidating, and she was starting to find her footing. As she said goodbye to Soo-ah and headed back to her room, she reflected on the progress she had made.

The next day was the official start of her classes, and Jellaine was a bundle of nerves as she prepared for her first full day at Haneul Arts Academy. Her outfit was carefully chosen—something that would blend in with the other students but also reflect her own style. She reviewed her schedule and mentally prepared for the classes she would be attending.

As she walked to the academy, the morning sun cast a warm glow over the campus. The buildings were modern and sleek, with large windows that let in plenty of natural light. Jellaine entered the main building, her heart pounding with anticipation. She navigated her way to her first classroom, a large space filled with students chatting and preparing for the day.

The professor entered, a tall man with an air of authority and kindness. He introduced himself and began the class, outlining the expectations and goals for the semester. Jellaine listened intently, taking notes and trying to absorb as much as she could. The material was challenging, but she was determined to keep up.

In the following classes, Jellaine met her peers—some of whom were friendly and others who seemed aloof. Her interactions with Hyun-woo were strained, his aloofness creating an atmosphere of tension. It was clear that he was highly regarded within the academy, and Jellaine struggled to find common ground with him.

Despite the difficulties, Jellaine remained focused on her goal. She spent her evenings practicing in the music rooms, her dedication evident in every note she played. The process of adjusting to her new environment was ongoing, but each day brought small victories and moments of growth.

As the week progressed, Jellaine began to find her rhythm. The challenges were still daunting, but the support from Soo-ah and her growing familiarity with the city made the journey more manageable. The excitement of her scholarship and the potential of her new life in Seoul continued to drive her forward.

One evening, as Jellaine sat by her window, watching the city lights twinkle against the night sky, she felt a renewed sense of purpose. The road ahead was filled with challenges, but she was ready to face them with determination and optimism.

“I’m here to make my dreams come true,” she whispered to herself, her reflection mingling with the cityscape outside. “And I won’t let anything stop me.”

With a deep breath, Jellaine turned back to her studies, her resolve as strong as ever. The journey had just begun, and she was ready to embrace every moment, every challenge, and every opportunity that lay ahead.