Love In The Spotlight

Hana Kim rushed through the bustling streets of Seoul, her long, dark hair tied in a ponytail, and her bright brown eyes fixed on the time on her phone. She was already running late for her part-time job at the family restaurant.

As she turned the corner, the aroma of traditional Korean dishes wafted out, making her stomach growl with hunger. She pushed open the door, greeted by the warm smile of her mother, who was expertly juggling multiple tasks at once.

"Hana, dear, you're late again!" her mother said, handing her an apron.

Hana apologized, tying the apron around her waist. She quickly got to work, taking orders and serving customers with a smile.

As the morning rush began, Hana moved swiftly behind the counter, her hands a blur as she served out various ordered dishes.

Around mid-morning, Hana's best friend, Soojin, walked in. Soojin was a university student majoring in Media and Communications, and she always found time to visit Hana during her breaks.

Hana on the other hand, had a brief break before her fashion design class. She sat in the back alley, sketching ideas for her next project, when Soojin called.

"Hana! Guess what?" Soojin exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Hana smiled, already knowing what was coming. "Let me guess, something about Lumina?"

Soojin nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! They're having a fan meeting this weekend, and I managed to get us tickets!"

Hana laughed. "You know I'm not as into them as you are, right?"

"I know, but it's going to be so much fun! And who knows, maybe you'll become a fan too," Soojin said, winking.

Hana shook her head, amused by her friend's enthusiasm. "Alright, but I will have to think about it. Remember, I have class and then work."

Soojin laughed. "Come on, Hana! It'll be fun! And who knows, you might even like their music."

Hana smiled politely. "I doubt it, but thanks for offering."

Hana hung up with Soojin and quickly gathered her things. She had to rush to her next part-time job at a small boutique in the trendy Hongdae neighborhood. As she arrived, her coworker, Minji, greeted her with a frazzled expression.

"Hana, thank goodness you're here! We're short-staffed today, and it's been chaos."

Hana nodded sympathetically, quickly changing into her work uniform. She spent the next few hours assisting customers, restocking shelves, and processing transactions. Her mind wandered to her fashion design class tonight, and she couldn't wait to work on her latest project.

Just as her shift was ending, Hana's phone buzzed with a text from Soojin. "Hey, Hana! I'm outside the boutique. Can I give you a ride to class?"

Hana hesitated, knowing Soojin would probably try to convince her to attend the Lumina concert again. But she didn't feel like taking public transportation, so she agreed.

As she stepped out of the boutique, Soojin's bright smile greeted her. "Hey, hop in!" She euthusiastically waved Hana over on seeing her.

Hana smiled, strolling over. She got into the passenger seat, and Soojin started driving. "So, Hana, I know you said no to the concert, but I have an extra ticket... just in case you change your mind."

Hana laughed. "Soojin, I appreciate it, but I really can't. I have class, and then I need to work on my designs."

Soojin pouted playfully. "Fine, but you're missing out on an amazing experience!"

Pulling up infront of the fashion design school, Hana grabbed her bag and thanked Soojin for the ride. "I'll see you later, okay?"

Soojin nodded, still looking hopeful. "Maybe I'll see you at the concert?"

Hana just smiled and waved goodbye, heading into class. She settles in, a sense of calm washing over her. This was her happy place – surrounded by fabrics, sketches, and creative energy. The next few hours saw her lost in her own world, working on her latest design project.

After class, Hana packed up her things and headed out into the cool evening air. She had a few hours before her next shift at the family restaurant, so she decided to grab a snack at a nearby café.

As she waited in line, Hana noticed a commotion outside. A group of fans were gathered, screaming and waving signs. She wondered who they were waiting for, but didn't pay much attention.

When it was her turn to order, Hana asked for a coffee and pastry. As she waited for her snack, she noticed a group of five guys stepped out in a black sleek van. But one stood out. He was tall and dark haired. That's because he glanced in her direction, but they didn't make eye contact. Hana didn't think twice about it, assuming he was just another stranger in the crowded city.

The guys walked into the café, surrounded by his entourage, and Hana went back to her phone, scrolling through her social media feed. She took her snack and sat down by the window, focusing on her design sketches. The commotion outside died down, and she assumed the crowd had dispersed.

Hana finished her snack, gathered her things, and headed out to her next shift at the family restaurant.

Walking in, her mother greeted her with a warm smile. "Hana, dear, how was your day?"

Hana smiled back, taking off her jacket. "It was busy, but I got a lot done. How about here?"

Her mother nodded. "It's been steady. Your father is in the kitchen, and your brother is running errands."

Hana nodded, tying on her apron. She got to work, taking orders and serving customers while also helping in the kitchen. The evening flew by in a blur of activity.

As the night wound down, Hana's mother patted her on the back. "Great job tonight, Hana. You're a big help to us."

Hana smiled, feeling a sense of satisfaction. She loved her family and was happy to contribute.

As she changed out of her uniform, Hana's phone buzzed with a text from Soojin. "Hey, Hana! I'm still hoping you'll change your mind about the concert"

Hana chuckled, shaking her head. She knew Soojin wouldn't give up easily.

"I'll think about it, Soojin. But no promises"

Soojin sent back a string of enthusiastic emojis. Hana laughed, putting her phone away. She headed home, exhausted but content.