Nalea's POV
From the passenger window, fluffy clouds drifted beneath the plane, glowing softly in the fading colors of sunset.
The airplane moved steadily toward America—her home country.
But her heart stayed behind in Korea.
Inside the cabin, everything felt painfully normal. Passengers chatted quietly with one another, some slept with their heads resting against the seats, others played games or scrolled endlessly through their phones.
Yet by the window, one girl sat completely still.
Nalea watched the sky in silence, her thoughts drifting far away from where her body was. Back to Korea. Back to the place she hadn't wanted to leave.
Her parents hadn't forced her.
They had only asked.
But it was the kind of asking that made refusing impossible.
And somehow… saying yes had felt heavier than saying no ever could.
So she held onto one truth—
This goodbye was born from love, even if it hurt just the same.
A gentle voice pulled her from her thoughts.
"Hello, miss. What would you like to have as a drink?"
Nalea blinked, turning her head slightly. The elderly woman seated beside her asked for water before the flight attendant's attention shifted toward her.
"Do you have chocolate milk?" she asked with a small, hopeful smile.
"I'm sorry, ma'am. We only have warm milk."
"That's okay," Nalea replied softly. "I'll take that."
As the attendant walked away, her phone buzzed lightly in her hand.
A message from her cousin lit up the screen.
Hoping to see you soon, sis
Nalea's lips curved into a faint smile.
Me too.
Soon after, she placed her phone down and returned her gaze to the clouds outside, letting them carry her thoughts somewhere quieter.
⸻
Hours later, the plane touched down, the gentle jolt pulling her back to reality.
As passengers began to move, gathering their belongings and preparing to leave, Nalea reached for her phone and sent a quick message.
Landed
The reply came almost instantly.
Walk out.
Following the signs through the airport, she scanned the crowd as she stepped outside. Cool air brushed against her skin—
"Over here!"
Nalea looked up just in time to see Na-yeon running toward her, a wide smile already spreading across his face. The rest of her cousins followed close behind.
Before she could say anything, he wrapped his arms tightly around her.
"I missed you so much."
She laughed softly, returning the hug.
"I missed you too."
⸻
Soon, they were all in the car, driving toward her parents' mansion. The city passed by outside the window—unfamiliar, yet strangely comforting.
"When are your parents coming back to the States?" Wěi asked from the front seat.
"I'm not sure," Nalea replied. "They've been really busy lately… so it depends."
He nodded in understanding.
The car eventually slowed to a stop in front of the mansion.
Large.
Quiet.
Waiting.
"So you'll be starting school next Monday?" Su-a asked.
"Yep."
"Excited?" Yì-jun added.
"Kinda."
He chuckled softly before stepping out of the car to help with her luggage.
"We're really sorry, Capy," Wěi said apologetically. "We're in a hurry for a meeting this morning. We can't come in with you."
Nalea noticed the slight tension in his expression.
"It's okay," she assured. "I used to stay alone back in Korea."
"It's not like that," Su-a replied. "Isn't it rude to drop you off in front of your mansion without going in at all?"
"You're overthinking," Nalea said with a small smile. "We're cousins. I understand."
After a few more words of goodbye, they drove off—leaving her standing alone in front of the quiet house.
⸻
The moment she stepped inside—
Two fluffy white dogs came tumbling toward her, with five tiny puppies bouncing right behind them.
"Macchi! Coco!"
They knocked her onto the floor instantly, licking her face without mercy.
Nalea laughed breathlessly.
"I missed you too, buddy!"
She pulled them into a tight hug before noticing the five little puppies standing cautiously a short distance away.
Slowly, she tiptoed toward them.
They bolted.
As if she were trying to kidnap them.
"Aww…"
⸻
Eventually, she made her way to her room.
The moment she stepped inside, exhaustion caught up with her. She dropped onto her bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.
Her phone buzzed.
"Who's texting now…?"
She dug through her backpack until she found it.
Eric.
Her childhood best friend.
They hadn't spoken in a long time.
Did you get home safely, Moon?
Yeah.
Good to hear. What are you doing now?
About to sleep.
A short pause.
In the morning?
She frowned slightly.
What else can I do?
Didn't you sleep on the plane?
I did. But it's not as comfortable as my bed.
Another pause.
Today is dorm preparation day.
I'm exhausted.
A moment later—
What about later? In the afternoon.
Her brows furrowed.
???
I'll show you around the school.
In the afternoon?
2 o'clock.
She stared at the message for a moment before sighing.
Okay. Fine.
A final message appeared—
See you later, Moony.
But this time…
She didn't get the chance to read it.
Sleep had already pulled her under.