Minji woke up with a start, her eyes fluttering open to the soft morning light filtering through her curtains. "What day is it today?" she murmured, reaching for her phone on the bedside table. The screen illuminated, displaying the date:
June 15th. Then, a notification caught her eye – a message from yesterday. It was from Kim Jiah: "I'm coming tomorrow!. Come pick me up at airport before 11, okay?"
"Oh no, I completely forgot Jiah is coming!" Minji exclaimed, her heart sinking. She'd been so engrossed in a new drama late into the night, she'd lost track of time. Glancing at the clock, she groaned. 9:30 am. She had to wash up and dress quickly.
In a flurry of activity, Minji rushed through her morning routine. "Oh no, it's 10:00 already!" she fretted, heading downstairs.
"Wait a minute, Minji," her mom called from the kitchen.
"Yes, Mom?" Minji replied, already halfway out the door.
"Are you going somewhere?" her mom asked, wiping her hands on an apron.
"Yes, Mom, to the airport!"
"The airport? For whom?"
"Do you know Kim Jiah, my best friend? She's coming!"
"Kim Jiah? Your childhood friend?"
"Yes, Mom!" Minji confirmed, a hint of panic in her voice. "It's kind of an emergency, I need to get there quickly."
"Emergency? Have some breakfast," her mom urged.
"No, Mom, I can't eat right now! I have to go fast. I'll eat later," Minji said, already by the front door.
"This girl," her mom sighed, shaking her head fondly.
Minji hurried outside, scanning the driveway. "Where's the car?"
"Your father took it," her mom replied. "It's at the carwash."
"Oh no! I'm going to be late, it's already 10:30!" Minji exclaimed, quickly pulling out her phone again. "Taxi!" she muttered, then called out, "Okay, bye Mom!"
"This girl..." her mom repeated, a smile playing on her lips.
Minji finally reached the airport, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and anxiety. She waited, pacing near the arrivals gate. Finally, the plane landed. Her phone buzzed. It was Jiah.
"Where are you?" the message read.
"I'm here!" Minji replied, waving her hand enthusiastically. She spotted Jiah emerging from the jet bridge, her face breaking into a wide grin.
"OMG, Minji!" Jiah exclaimed, rushing forward and enveloping her in a huge hug.
Everyone around them turned to look, and Minji felt a blush creep up her neck. "Hey Jiah, everyone is watching," she whispered.
Jiah pulled back, her eyes sparkling. "Oh! I'm so happy to see you after so long!"
"Me too!" Minji beamed. "Let's go home".