Yonsei University stood before me like something out of a dream grand, timeless, almost unreal. The main building looked like a palace, its structure carrying the elegance of old English mansions you only ever see in movies. In the center, a massive block rose with quiet authority, while two symmetrical wings stretched out on either side, giving the whole place a royal balance.
Surrounded by tall trees and deep greenery, the grey-bricked walls blended with nature in a way that felt both ancient and alive. As I stepped through the university gates, everything seemed oddly quiet at first… almost too quiet. But slowly, like a scene coming to life, the space began to fill students walking, voices rising, footsteps echoing.
Su Yeon had picked me up from the airport. She was assigned by the university as my guide for the tour. A slim girl with shoulder-length hair and soft front bangs simple, but there was something calm about her presence. The good thing was, she spoke English, so we could communicate easily without awkward pauses.
The traces of last night's anxiety were no longer visible on my face. I was still nervous… but there was curiosity too, quietly growing inside me.
She showed me around the campus. The place was massive far bigger than I had imagined and breathtaking in a way that made it feel separate from the rest of the world. Almost like it existed in its own reality. Even though it was August, the weather felt unusually pleasant. The air was fresh, the greenery vibrant, and everything looked… peaceful.
We were heading toward the main building.
Su Yeon didn't talk much maybe she wasn't the talkative type, or maybe she simply didn't want to talk. Either way, she quietly guided me through the pathways. Around us, students moved in and out of buildings, classes were in full swing, and yet everything still felt strangely calm.
In front of the main building, a wide staircase led up to a long corridor inside. We climbed the steps together, though I followed slightly behind her. As we passed by a few students, she greeted them with a soft "hello" before leading me into the management department.
There, we completed the necessary formalities forms, documents, signatures. Everything felt routine, but my body was slowly giving up. The long flight, then coming here… it had drained every bit of energy I had left.
After that, we made our way toward the hostel.
The hostel building was painted white, standing in contrast to the grey bricks of the university. It was located at the back side, surrounded by tall trees that cast cool shadows over the quiet road leading up to it. The path itself felt peaceful almost isolated and the gentle rustling of leaves made everything feel even calmer.
I wish I could spend all my time in this serene place, a quiet thought whispered in my heart.
We finally reached the hostel, and that's when I found out Su Yeon was my roommate. We would be staying together.
The room was surprisingly spacious. Two single beds placed on opposite sides, with study tables and bookshelves neatly arranged beside them. There was even a mini fridge and a small kitchen area.
For a student… this room was perfect.
I lifted my gaze, taking in everything around me with quiet admiration.
And then I dropped onto the bed.
"Hhhuuffffffff…" I exhaled deeply. I was exhausted. Just from this.
Su Yeon looked at me, slightly surprised.
"What happened?"
"Nothing… just tired," I mumbled into the pillow.
"Hmm… I guess you should take some rest," she said, picking up her bag.
"Where are you going?" I asked, lifting my head slightly.
She turned back to look at me.
"I've a shoot tonight," she replied calmly, "and you're tired… so you must need silence."
"No… it's okay. I don't want to be alone right now," I said, my voice low.
Her eyes scanned me for a moment, then softened.
"Okay… I'll stay."
She sat beside me on my bed.
"So, Judi… tell me more about you."
I looked at her, slightly caught off guard by the question.
"Umm… there's not much to tell," I said quietly. "Why don't you start? Tell me something about yourself. And… you said 'shoot' earlier—what does that mean? Are you an actor or something?" I assumed.
She chuckled lightly.
"No, I'm not an actor. I'm a model for magazines and ramp walks. Mostly in Seoul and Busan. But it's just a job," she said casually. "I'm a senior-year student in humanities. We study philosophy, Korean literature, history… Asian studies."
She spoke calmly, like she was used to explaining this.
"I'm from Busan, but I moved here for my studies. And… that's all about me. Now tell me about you," she said, looking straight at me.
I didn't know what to say.
"I'm… Judi Adams. From London," I said after a pause. "I don't really know what else to add."
A slow sigh escaped my lips.
"Oh… so you're here on a scholarship?" she asked.
I shook my head.
"Then… your father is rich?" she asked again, almost casually.
I went quiet at that. Something in me tightened.
"Why?" I asked instead.
She shrugged. "Just like that. I study on a scholarship, but I still work to cover my expenses. Just curious, nothing else."
A pause.
"He died," I heard myself say.
The words felt heavier than I expected.
"He's… dead. And my uncle handles everything now."
I don't know why but saying it like that made me feel… small. Almost ashamed.
"And… I want to find a job," I added quietly.
She looked at me for a second, studying my face.
"Have you ever worked before?"
I shook my head.
"Hmm… no experience. Do you know Korean?"
"I do… but I can't speak fluently. Why?"
Why is she asking all this? The question formed silently in my mind.
She grinned.
"Because I have a part-time job opportunity. If you're okay with it."
"A job?" I sat up slightly. "What kind of job? Where?"
"At a coffee shop," she said simply.
"Coffee shop?" I repeated.
"Yeah. My aunt owns it. She needs a worker. If you're okay with it, I can talk to her for you. What do you say?"
"You can?" My voice lifted a little. "Oh thank you, Su Yeon."
"No need to thank me," she said with a small smile. "But… she's a bit bossy. You'll have to compromise. Still, she's really nice."
"It's okay," I said. "And… when can I start my classes?"
My mind was already trying to build a schedule.
"From Monday. It's better if you take three days to settle in first."
"Hmm…" I nodded.
She stood up, picking her bag.
"I've got a shoot now. Bye. Take rest. And if you need anything or have any problem call me."
I nodded again.
She left.
And just like that… the room fell silent.
For a moment, it felt too quiet.
I lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. I took a deep breath, trying to relax my body.
Slowly… I closed my eyes.
But peace didn't come.
Thousands of thoughts rushed in.
How am I going to find him?
What would he look like now?
It's been twelve years… would he even remember me?
Will he be happy to see me?
My thoughts shifted without warning.
Mom.
Uncle.
Him.
No one had texted me.
Okay… it's only been 24 hours… but still.
I'm alone here.
At least a message… or a call.
A sigh slipped from my lips.
I was still lost in my thoughts when my phone vibrated.
Without opening my eyes, I moved my hand across the bed, searching—
Found it.
I opened one eye, squinting at the bright screen.
Then I sat up slightly.
The corner of my lips lifted into a small grin.
It's him… again.