The sun filtered through the sheer curtains of my new room, a sharp contrast to the grey London mornings I was used to. The alarm on my phone chirped persistently, and though my limbs felt heavy with drowsiness, I forced myself to sit up. I squeezed my eyes shut for a moment, letting the memories of the night before—the spicy noodles, Ji-soo's laughter, the neon lights—settle into my mind.
I opened my eyes and looked around the sleek, modern room. Right. I'm in Korea. Yesterday wasn't a dream.
I headed to the bathroom to freshen up, splashing cold water on my face until I felt fully awake, I took my bath and brushed my teeth ,smiling at myself as I looked at her mirror.Today felt different. I wanted to look good—really good. I wanted to step out of the "invisible girl" shell I'd been living in.
I walked over to the wardrobe and pulled the doors open, but my heart sank as I scanned the racks. It was a sea of oversized hoodies, baggy trousers, and dull colors. I really need to change my wardrobe, I thought, frustrated. As a fashion designer, I knew the power of a silhouette, the way a well-cut garment could change a person's entire energy. Yet, my own closet was a hiding place.
Then, my eyes caught a flash of color in the corner. It was a floral gown my mom had bought for my birthday last year. It was feminine, elegant, and—compared to my usual clothes—daring. I pulled it out, wondering if it would even still fit. To my surprise, it slid on perfectly, hugging my curves in a way that felt foreign but beautiful.
I turned to the mirror. My hair was a different story. Weeks of neglect had left it bushy and difficult to manage. I tried combing through it, but it resisted every stroke. In the end, I gave up and pulled it back into a tight, high ponytail.
I stared at myself in the mirror. For a second, I saw a version of Lara that was radiant. The dress made me look like the woman I wanted to be—confident, stylish, and present. But as I stood there, that old, familiar knot of anxiety tightened in my chest. People will stare. They'll see me. They'll really see me.
The confidence drained away as quickly as it had come. With a heavy sigh, I unzipped the dress and let it fall to the floor. I reached for my "armor" instead: a simple black top and a pair of jeans. Since it was a bit chilly, I threw my black hoodie over the top, pulling the strings until I felt hidden again.
"When will I ever be confident enough to wear a sexy gown and actually step into the world?" I whispered to my reflection.
I looked at the floral dress lying on the floor —a bright spot of potential in a room full of shadows. One day, I promised myself. But today, I was still the girl in the hoodie.
I really needed to stop all this , come on Lara you have limited time ,please just come out of your shell I said to myself.