The train slowed as it pulled into the station, and my heart raced with a mix of excitement and nervousness. I had been staring out the window for the past twenty minutes, watching the city come into view. It was certainly bigger than I expected.
Yes, I know what you're gonna say. My best friend went to another town for college for over 2 year and I never visited him? Honestly I know, I suck, but he always ended up being homesick and coming back himself to town, so I never actually got to visit him.
And now here I was, moving into the same city.
I stood up, grabbed my suitcase, and made my way off the train, the cool air hitting my face as I stepped onto the platform. Wow, Felix didn't lie when he told me to pack warm clothes.
I scanned the bustling station, searching for a familiar face.
And there he was, grinning from ear to ear, waving at me like an excited puppy.
- Y/n! Felix shouted, jumping up and down to get my attention, though I could already spot him from a mile away with those blonde hair strands of his. I rushed over to him.
- Lix! I called back, and as soon as I was close enough, he pulled me in a tight hug, squeezing the air out of me.
- I can't believe you're actually here! he exclaimed, pulling back just enough to look at me, grinning excitedly.
He took my suitcase for me like the gentleman he is, and nodded toward the exit.
- Come on, let's get out of here. I've got the perfect place to take you before we head to campus.
- You promised me bubble tea, I reminded him with a smile.
- And that is where I shall take you.
I grinned, as he offered me his arm to grab, and we happily headed towards the exit, giggling like two kids. The bobba place was rather close to the station, so in no time, we were sat in an aesthetic, cute little coffee, with our drinks in front of us.
- So, Felix began as he took a sip of his taro milk tea. Are you excited? The guys are super pumped to meet you.
I hesitated for a moment, shifting in my seat.
- Excited? I mean, sure, I said, half-joking. But also nervous. What if they don't like me?
Felix laughed and shook his head.
- Who wouldn't love you? Besides, you're replacing Jeongin, so you're helping us out, and they're grateful for that.
I frowned.
- Right, Jeongin. How's he doing, by the way?
Felix shifted uncomfortably in his seat, avoiding my gaze.
- Hem, he's... fine, he said, looking away. He's not coming back now, though, which is why we need someone like you to step in for now.
I felt my stomach twist a little at Felix's tone. Something about the way he said "fine" didn't sit right with me, but I decided not to push it. After all, I barely knew Jeongin, and if Felix didn't want to talk about it, I should respect that.
- Well, I'll do my best, I said, trying to reassure him. I know how important the crew is to you.
We spent the following hour catching up, while slurping on our bubble tea -Felix did not lie indeed, this place was delicious- and it felt so good to finally have my favorite person back. I couldn't believe I would now be able to see him everyday, just like back in the days.
Felix checked the time on his phone and decided it would be time to take me home. Unfortunately, he was already sharing a flat with a friend, one of his dance buddy called Chan, or something like that, so I had to find my own place. Thankfully, I was able to rapidly find myself a flat right next to campus. I had seen this post online from this one girl named Chaewon, looking for a roommate. She was my age, and also studying at the same uni, so that fit perfectly.
We stepped out of the taxi in front of a tall residential building. I gazed up. This was my new home now.
My fresh start.
I tapped in the digicode Chaewon had sent me. We had been chatting ever since I contacted her regarding the place, and she genuinely seemed like a person I would get along with, so I couldn't wait to finally meet her in person.
Felix helped carry my suitcase to the 4th floor, and we soon stood in front of apartment 24. I knocked lightly, feeling my heart race a bit, and after a short moment, the door swung open.
A girl with short, dark hair and a warm smile stood in the doorway.
- Oh my god y/n, hi! We finally meet! Come in, come in!
- Chaewon! It's so nice to meet you, I smiled as I stepped inside the apartment.
I took in my new surroundings, the place was small, but cozy. Decoration was minimalistic, but very aesthetic, and I could tell why this girl majored in interior design.
I was so absorbed with the fact that I was finally discovering my new place that I almost forgot about Felix. I turned around, to see him standing awkwardly in the doorway, with my suitcase.
- Oh, this is my friend, Felix, I introduced him to Chaewon.
The girl smiled, extending a hand to greet my blonde haired bestie.
- Nice to meet you, Felix! She greeted him with a bright smile, stepping aside to let him in.
Felix gave a polite nod and flashed his usual grin. He rolled the suitcase into the apartment before glancing around.
- Hey, thanks for taking care of my bestie. It looks like she's in good hands, Felix said.
Chaewon laughed lightly and waved off his comment.
- Don't worry, she'll be fine. We'll have this place feeling like home in no time.
I smiled, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. The transition had been smoother than I expected.
Chaewon led us into the living room, where a few decorative plants were perched on shelves. A small table was set in the center with two cups of fuming matcha.
- I thought we could have some tea and chat a bit, Chaewon suggested. It'll be nice to get to know each other more.
She then glanced at the table before saying:
- I'm gonna make a third cup for you, Felix! I thought it would just be us but give me two seconds-
- Ah, I wish I could stay, the boy interrupted, raising his hands, but I've gotta head out and meet the boys. Thank you for the invitation, though!
He turned to me.
- Y/n, I wish I could stay longer, but I'll see you tomorrow at the dance studio? Then I'll introduce you to everyone else.
- Please don't be late, I pled, raising an eyebrow.
Felix rolled his eyes, pulling me into a quick hug before stepping back toward the door.
- 'Course not. See you tomorrow, bestie.
He then waved at my flatmate
- And nice meeting you, Chaewon! he said with a wink, and I rolled my eyes playfully at his not so subtle flirting attempt.
- You too, Felix! The girl called back, as the boy disappeared through the door.
Once it was just the two of us, I turned back to Chaewon and smiled sheepishly.
- Sorry about that, I laughed. Felix... He's such a flirt.
Yunjin chuckled, settling into one of the chairs.
- He seems sweet. You two have been friends for a long time, huh?
- Yeah, since we were like 3, I replied, sinking into the chair opposite her. We basically grew up together, but he left for college a couple years ago, and I stayed back to finish school. I guess I missed him too much and now I'm here.
She smiled warmly.
- Aw, that's nice. Having someone familiar in a new place really helps. And I'm glad to have you as a roommate. This place was really getting lonely.
I nodded, already feeling comfortable with her.
- Yeah, I can imagine. But I'm sure we'll make it feel like home soon enough!
The evening passed as Chaewon and I got to know each other a bit better. She grew up in Seoul, and moved here to study interior design, as she had previously mentioned. Her old flatmate, a Japanese girl named Kazuha, had gone on an exchange abroad, so she had been living by herself in the flat for a few weeks before I replied to her post on facebook.
Chaewon was sweet, the type of girl who I immediately got along with, and as I slipped into bed that night, I felt somewhat relieved. Moving to a new city was a big step, and even though I had only met my flatmate for now, if felt like this new life of mine was kicking off in an optimistic way.
Or so I thought.