Sight seeing

The girls glanced out the window, Mia in particular, enthralled by her first venture into the city, taking in the sights with curiosity. Seoul, South Korea's vibrant capital. Was a city that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. Its bustling metropolis is filled with an array of attractions, from ancient palaces and temples to futuristic skyscrapers and shopping districts. The city offers an endless array of entertainment and cultural experiences, including delicious street food, trendy K-pop culture, and traditional Hanbok fashion.

The bus pulled up at the stop, and the girls disembarked. The towering skyscrapers and vibrant environment infused them with the energy and excitement of Seoul.

"Our first stop is Gyeongbokgung Palace," Mia exclaimed. She pranced for a moment before stopping abruptly. With a slightly embarrassed expression, Mia asked, "Do you have a map?" The girls smiled as Bai shook her head in agitation. Ae-cha promptly pulled out her phone, opening the map app. "According to our location, we should head this way," she pointed out, with Chin-sun confirming the location on Ae-cha's phone.

After thirty minutes of wandering and asking for directions, the girls finally arrived at the palace. Despite feeling a bit fatigued, their faces radiated excitement.

Gyeongbokgung Palace, a magnificent royal complex located in Seoul, South Korea, stood before them. Each girl showed a unique reaction to the awe-inspiring sight. Mia's eyes widened with wonder, Bai marveled quietly, Ae-cha let out a soft gasp, and Chin-sun seemed eager to explore every corner. The grandeur and traditional architecture left an indelible impression on each of them.

The palace grounds stretched out expansively, boasting stunning buildings, intricate gates, and tranquil gardens. The central feature was the Geunjeongjeon Hall, the site of significant ceremonies and key events. Mia's eyes danced with curiosity as she took in the elaborate architecture, while Bai's expression softened, visibly appreciating the serene surroundings. Ae-cha's gaze wandered eagerly from one detail to the next, and Chin-sun's face lit up with fascination, eager to uncover the palace's hidden stories. Watching alongside other tourists, the girls were mesmerized by the changing of the guard ceremony. The crowd was deeply engaged in the display of tradition, showcasing South Korea's rich cultural heritage. The experience was intense, electrifying, and truly exhilarating. Gyeongbokgung Palace stood as a must-visit destination, offering a chance to immerse oneself in Korean history and savor the beauty of the Royal Palace.

Mia, a multifaceted individual, was not just an accomplished scholar but also a sought-after influencer with a thriving fan base. Embracing the thrill and excitement of the festival, she enthusiastically captured moments, creating content for her followers. With a solid fan base of three million on Instagram and a significant presence across various social media platforms, Mia's charm and engaging content magnetized her audience. During the festival, she showcased her new friends to her followers, sparking an interactive live stream. As the scene unfolded, a wave of excitement surged among her fans, thrilled to embark on the adventure alongside their favorite influencer. Captivated by the unfolding narrative, fans flooded the stream with reactions and comments, expressing their delight at being part of Mia's enthralling journey.

Their next stop was Bukchon Hanok Village, a captivating neighborhood in Seoul, South Korea, famous for its traditional hanok houses—beautifully preserved dwellings that showcased the elegance of traditional Korean architecture.

As they strolled through the narrow streets of Bukchon, the girls felt transported back in time. Mia exuded excitement at the prospect of photographing the historic buildings, her eyes lighting up with each new discovery. Bai marveled quietly at the structures, visibly drawn in by the neighborhood's serene charm. Ae-cha's curiosity was palpable as she soaked in the historical atmosphere, and Chin-sun seemed to be captivated by the authenticity of the village. The village not only provided charming views but also offered art galleries, cafes, and cultural centers to explore. It was a perfect blend of history and modernity. The group took occasional pictures, relishing the moment and building cherished memories together.

Myeongdong, a vibrant shopping district in Seoul, South Korea, is a haven for shopaholics, boasting trendy boutiques, international brand stores, and cosmetic shops. Despite not budgeting for the trip, Mia's infectious good mood persuaded the group of girls to embark on an exciting shopping spree through the bustling district. Chin-sun frowned as she peered at the price tags.

"Mia, these clothes are way too expensive for us," she remarked. Her face was drawn into a worried expression. Given her limited allowance, splurging on pricy items wasn't a luxury she could afford. The others also agreed, acknowledging that while they weren't poor, they couldn't simply spend on a whim.

"Who's asking you to pay?" Mia exclaimed, flashing her card with a beaming smile. "Just shop and enjoy yourselves, I'll take care of it."

"But Mia..."

"No buts," she insisted, her voice brimming with determination. "You're my friends now, and I won't take no for an answer."

As they perused the shops, the girls hesitantly picked out a few items, while Mia, with her fashion-forward taste, gleefully filled her arms with trendy clothes from popular brands. In the dressing room, they took turns trying on outfits, twirling with excitement, and capturing the moments with playful snapshots.

Amidst the bustling atmosphere, Mia noticed Ae-cha sitting quietly, occasionally jotting down something on scraps of paper. Intrigued, she approached Ae-cha and caught a glimpse of intricate sketches, simple yet elaborately beautiful, revealing a hidden talent waiting to be exploredAs they perused the shops, the girls hesitantly picked out a few items, while Mia, with her fashion-forward taste, gleefully filled her arms with trendy clothes from popular brands. In the dressing room, they took turns trying on outfits, twirling with excitement, and capturing the moments with playful snapshots.

Amidst the bustling atmosphere, Mia noticed Ae-cha sitting quietly, occasionally jotting down something on scraps of paper. Intrigued, she approached Ae-cha and caught a glimpse of intricate sketches, simple yet elaborately beautiful, Mia's astonishment echoed through the air, immediately capturing the attention of her friends, who huddled around Ae-cha, showering her with admiring words and compliments for her remarkable designs.

Curious, Chin-sun chimed in, asking, "What's next for your creations?"

With a hint of dry humor, Ae-cha replied, "Now I just need some models for an exhibition."

Mia, beaming with excitement, couldn't help but interject, "Looks like you found your inspiration right here!"

A petite girl, whose delicate features resembled those of an anime character, caught sight of an adorable cat-shaped head fluffy bag. She couldn't help but gaze at it in admiration, marveling at its pale pink fur and intricate design. Unable to resist the temptation, she picked it up and hesitated for a while, before stealing a quick glance at the price tag. Her eyes widened in disbelief, almost popping out of their sockets.

The girl, her brows furrowed in frustration, realized that the fluffy bag was outrageously expensive, almost equal to her three months' worth of allowance. She couldn't bear the thought of waiting that long to save up, fearing the bag might be sold out by then. Determined, she concocted a risky plan, willing to take the chance.

As the girls finished their shopping, they approached the checkout counter. The cashier couldn't help but cast a wary glance at Mia. Overwhelmed by the number of items, the cashier muttered quietly in Korean, questioning whether the girl could afford them. Sensing the tension, the girls shifted uncomfortably. Ignoring the judgmental remark, Mia maintained her composure and politely asked,

"Could you please let me know how much these will cost?" She placed all the bags on the counter, patiently awaiting the calculation of her bill. The older woman scoffed with resentment and grudgingly proceeded to sum up the total.

With a thick Korean accent, the cashier begrudgingly stated, "Three thousand and five South Korea won." Mia handed her card to the cashier. The cashier scrutinized the card for a moment before swiping it through the card reader. A beep followed, signaling the successful completion of the transaction. The cashier muttered under her breath,

"She must be one of those girls with questionable jobs to have that much money." The comment hung heavily in the air, causing the other girls to flinch in a mix of embarrassment and annoyance. They were all too familiar with the judgmental mindset of the cashier, who seemed stuck in the outdated ideals of an older generation.

Unfazed by the older woman's remarks, Mia had grown accustomed to facing racism, hurtful insults, and unfair prejudices. Determined not to let it affect her, she continued towards the exit with her bags in hand. However, her path abruptly collided with that of a girl sporting a unique look - pink hair knotted stylishly with a matching accessory. With her petite stature and fashion sense reminiscent of an anime character come to life, the girl exuded a distinct charm. Flustered by the collision, her face flushed with remorse as she quickly offered an apology in Korean. Though Mia remained skeptical, she ultimately decided to brush it off as a mere accident, attributing it to the girl's genuine expression despite the telling uncertainty in her eyes. As Mia nodded in understanding and began making her way towards the exit, a sudden blaring alarm cut through the air, halting her in her tracks. Security swiftly moved in, obstructing her path. The girls wore frowns of confusion, puzzled by the unexpected turn of events. With an air of authority, the security guard meticulously inspected their shopping bags. When he reached Mia, he purposefully delved into her designer bag and shopping bags, finally pulling out a soft, fluffy bag. The security guard held up the beautifully crafted cat-shaped bag triumphantly, his eyes accusingly fixed on Mia. The girls stood there in utter disbelief, their expressions a mix of shock and confusion. Mia's face flushed with a combination of embarrassment and indignation. She adamantly asserted her innocence, stating that she never took nor even laid eyes on that particular bag. As the tense situation unfolded, the cashier erupted, shouting insults and offensive comments towards Mia. The shock on the faces of everyone present was palpable as Mia, pushed to her breaking point, unleashed a loud and impassioned response. Her voice echoed through the store as she confronted the cashier with an accusation that cut to the core.

"You have been nothing but mean and rude to me ever since you noticed me," Mia exclaimed, her voice trembling with a mixture of anger and frustration. Mia questioned the cashier in Korean,

"Is it because I'm black? Because I'm a foreigner? How can you judge me just because of my skin color?" The woman was momentarily stunned, but her smug smile quickly returned as she saw the manager approaching. With a self-satisfied smirk, she launched into a barrage of complaints, casting Mia as the troublemaker.

The manager turned his gaze towards Mia and then directed his anger at the cashier, letting out a heated rant.

"You foolish woman!" he exclaimed. "Someone with an elite, exclusive platinum card can't possibly be a thief!" The crowd around them gasped in disbelief at this revelation. A platinum debit card, you see, is a distinguished form of payment that comes with remarkable features and privileges. A platinum debit card offers a range of benefits such as higher transaction and ATM withdrawal limits, exclusive rewards programs, travel insurance, access to airport lounges, and personalized customer service. It's clear that this girl wasn't just rich, but she exuded an air of immense wealth.

As they observed her from afar, they couldn't help but be intrigued by the girl's lavish lifestyle and wondered what it would be like to have such financial abundance. All eyes turned towards Mia for the second time, a mix of admiration and envy flickered in their gazes. Chinsum and the others couldn't comprehend what they were witnessing, but the manager's expression revealed that Mia belonged to a world of wealth far beyond their reach.

The cashier stood in stunned silence, acknowledging her mistake, she quickly apologized to Mia and her friends. Mia, feeling hurt, departed in silence, disregarding the staff and group. In silent solidarity, the other girls followed her.

Scanning the bustling streets, the energy of Myeongdong was palpable, drawing people from all directions. It was a go-to spot for fashion enthusiasts and those seeking an enjoyable shopping experience in Seoul.

In the wake of the incident, Mia appeared visibly affected, her usually lively energy seemingly dampened. Bai's expression softened, revealing a touch of concern for the group dynamic. Ae-cha seemed lost in thought, pondering the situation and its impact, while Chin-sun appeared ready to comfort Mia, her face expressing a mix of understanding and determination to resolve the tension.