62. Whispers of the City

As Starla left the publishing office, the city outside seemed to blur with excitement and apprehension. The vibrant metropolis, normally a whirl of activity, appeared to take on a softer hue as the weight of her thoughts enveloped her. The cacophony of honking cars, the rush of pedestrians, and the dazzling array of the city all seemed to fade into a distant hum, overshadowed by the gravity of her decision.

The idea of going to Seoul was both exhilarating and daunting. She had always dreamed of exploring the cultures, immersing herself in foreign environments, and now, the opportunity presented itself not merely as a whimsical adventure but as a crucial step in her professional and personal journey. The prospect of stepping into a new world, one she had only previously experienced through books and stories, was thrilling. Yet, it was also fraught with uncertainties. The bustling markets, historic temples, and vibrant street life of Seoul were both an exciting promise and a formidable challenge.

The cityscape seemed to pulse with a rhythm that matched the turmoil within her. The buzz of cars, the murmur of pedestrian conversations, and the distant chime of street vendors all became a distant backdrop to her inner dialogue. Her thoughts drifted to Ha-neul, the image of him weaving through her mind like a persistent thread.

The prospect of seeing him again, even if it was just a possibility, made her heart race with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. The idea of reconnecting with him, of bridging the gap that had formed between them, brought a deep sense of longing. She couldn’t ignore the pang of desire and nostalgia that accompanied every thought of him. The decision to travel to Seoul now had a personal dimension that went beyond her professional goals; it was intertwined with her hopes, fears, and emotions.

Back in her apartment, the transition from the bustling city to the quiet of her home was jarring. The familiar surroundings offered a stark contrast to the vibrant chaos of the outside world. Starla began to make preparations with a mix of meticulousness and anticipation. She delved into researching flights, comparing prices, and reading reviews of accommodations. Her search for the perfect place to stay was driven by a desire for comfort and inspiration.

As Starla was in the midst of preparing for her upcoming journey, the sudden sound of the doorbell echoed through her apartment. She paused, glancing toward the door with curiosity and a hint of apprehension. The unexpected visitor disrupted her thoughts, making her wonder who could be arriving at this time.

She wondered if the visitor might be someone she knew, or perhaps someone with a message that could alter her plans. The prospect of an unexpected guest stirred a mix of anticipation and unease within her. The uncertainty added a layer of complexity to her already tumultuous emotions, intertwining her excitement for the journey with a dash of suspense.

With a deep breath, Starla snapped out of her reverie, making her way to the door. Every step felt deliberate, as if she was approaching a very important moment. The silence of her apartment seemed to amplify the sound of her footsteps, heightening the tension of the moment. As she reached for the doorknob, she paused for a moment, hoping that the arrival of this person would not derail her plans to leave.

“Oh, it’s you,” Starla said, her surprise evident as she opened the door. “I didn’t expect you. I thought you had a shooting schedule today.”

Luna let out a soft laugh, the sound light and cheerful. “I do have a shooting schedule, but it just wrapped up. I thought I’d drop by since I was nearby. Aren’t you going to let me in?”

Starla, still taken aback but now smiling warmly, stepped aside to let Luna enter. “Of course,” she said, her voice softening. “Come on in.”

As Luna walked past her and into the apartment, she said, “The shoot was close to your place today, so I figured I’d stop by. I’m glad I did.”

Luna followed Starla into the living area, her eyes immediately drawn to the large suitcase and the clothes scattered across the sofa. Her gaze flitted between the disarray and Starla, who was nervously adjusting the items around her.

“Why are your clothes scattered everywhere?” Luna asked, her curiosity evident as she took in the scene. “Are you going somewhere?”

Starla’s face reflected a mixture of excitement and apprehension as she glanced at the mess. “Yes, actually,” she began, her tone carrying a hint of excitement. “I’ve been preparing for a trip. I’m going to Seoul.”

Luna’s eyes widened in interest. “Seoul? That sounds amazing! What’s the occasion?”

Starla took a deep breath, her excitement growing as she spoke. “I had a meeting with Will today, and he suggested that I should immerse myself in the culture there to get fresh inspiration for my writing. So, I decided to take his advice and make the trip.”

Luna nodded, her expression shifting to one of understanding and enthusiasm. “That’s fantastic, Starla. You’ll get so much out of it. Plus, I bet it’ll be even more enjoyable since you’ll get to reconnect with Ha-neul.”

Starla’s cheeks flushed slightly at the mention of Ha-neul. She couldn’t deny the truth in Luna’s words. “Yes, seeing Ha-neul again is definitely one of the things I’m looking forward to the most. It’s been too long since we’ve seen each other.”

Luna’s eyes sparkled with a teasing glint. “I can imagine how excited you must be. It’s not every day you get a chance to combine a professional opportunity with a personal reunion.”

Starla’s smile broadened, though she looked a bit sheepish. “It’s true. There are so many things I’m excited about, but seeing Ha-neul tops the list.”

Luna’s expression softened with understanding. “I’m sure it’s going to be wonderful. Have you told Ha-neul that you’re coming?”

Starla shook her head. “I haven’t told him yet. I’ll give him a call tonight.”

Luna smiled and said, “I can imagine it will be so much fun in Seoul. It’ll probably be more enjoyable than last time when we were there because at least now you have a bit of familiarity with the city.”

Starla nodded, her excitement palpable, and asked, “Why don’t you come along too?”

Luna sighed and explained, “I have filming for the last episode on the twentieth, so I can’t join you.”

Starla looked at Luna in surprise. “Isn’t today already the twentieth?”

Luna’s eyes widened in shock as she hurriedly checked the date on her phone. The small screen displayed the current date with stark clarity, confirming what Starla had just said. It was indeed the twentieth. Luna’s realization hit her like a jolt. She hadn’t realized how quickly the days had slipped by, absorbed as she had been in her hectic shooting schedule.

“Wow,” Luna muttered, more to herself than to Starla. Her fingers fumbled slightly as she held her phone, the date glaring back at her with a sense of urgency. “I can’t believe it’s already the twentieth. I’ve been so caught up with work that I lost track of time.”

Both friends were exhilarated by the prospect of traveling to Seoul together, their excitement infectious. Starla and Luna’s chatter was filled with anticipation and enthusiasm as they envisioned their upcoming adventure. The air in Starla's apartment seemed to crackle with energy, their shared joy making the space feel vibrant and alive.

With newfound energy, Starla decided to call Ha-neul immediately rather than waiting until later. She wanted to share the news with him as soon as possible and hear his reaction. As she moved towards her phone, Luna followed closely, still buzzing with excitement about the trip. Starla sat down on the sofa and pulled out her phone, her fingers moving swiftly to open her contacts list.

Luna glanced over at the screen as Starla navigated through her phone. In a split second, Luna’s eyes widened as she saw Ha-neul’s phone number displayed. A jolt of recognition passed through her, causing her to freeze momentarily. The number on Starla’s screen was strikingly similar to Min-soo’s—a detail she had not expected.

“Starla, wait a second,” Luna said, her voice slightly edged with confusion. “Is Ha-neul’s number very close to Min-soo’s?”

Starla looked up, momentarily puzzled. “What do you mean?”