Chapter 1

Chapter 1: The First Step

The ceiling fan spun slowly above her head, its soft whir the only sound in the quiet room. Sunlight filtered through the white curtains, casting gentle shadows across the floor. Soojin sat up slowly, blinking against the brightness, her heart pounding like she had just surfaced from deep underwater.

This wasn’t her old apartment.

There were stuffed animals on the shelf, pastel posters of flowers and stars on the walls, and a neatly folded school uniform resting on the chair beside the bed. She looked down at her hands — small, smooth, young.

She touched her face.

Her skin was warm. Her curls were soft beneath her fingers. Her reflection in the mirror across the room confirmed what she couldn’t yet believe.

She was… young again.

A rush of memories flooded her mind — late nights spent alone in a quiet apartment, the weight of books in her lap, the hum of city life outside her window. She had been a scholar, a teacher, someone who lived unnoticed by most. And then… the subway station. A child dropping ice cream. A man falling onto the tracks.

And her hand reaching out.

Then darkness.

Now this.

A knock at the door startled her.

“Soojin? Are you awake?” came a warm voice from the other side — kind, familiar, but not one she remembered from her childhood.

“Y-yes…” she answered softly.

The door opened, and a woman stepped inside carrying a tray of breakfast — steaming rice, kimchi, egg omelet, and a thermos of something sweet-smelling. She smiled gently as she set it down.

“You’re going to be late for your first day,” she said, brushing a curl from Soojin’s forehead. “Come on, I packed your lunch too.”

First day?

Soojin stared at her.

This woman looked like a mother — the kind that stayed up late making sure you were okay, the kind that hugged without being asked. Not the mother from her childhood, distant and busy. This was someone new. Someone who cared.

“I…” she hesitated, throat tight. “Thank you.”

The woman smiled again, eyes crinkling warmly. “You’ll do great today,” she whispered. “I know it.”

---

Later that morning, Soojin stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the scarf around her neck.

It was a small thing — a soft blue fabric with delicate silver threads — but it made her feel like herself. She tugged gently at her curls, letting them frame her face the way she liked.

Outside, the world waited.

High school. A new life. A second chance.

She could still feel the weight of her past pressing on her chest — loneliness, regret, silence. But there was something else, too.

Hope.

She took a deep breath.

Today was the first day of a new life.

And this time… she wouldn’t waste it.

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Character Introduction

1.Yoon Soojin

(Female Lead) a Black-Korean Mixed Heritage

Age: 17

Ethnicity: Mixed-race (Black father, Korean mother) – she was born and raised in South Korea.

Height: 163 cm

Appearance:

Rich deep brown skin.

Natural curly hair styled in soft afro puffs or low buns.

Warm hazel eyes that reflect both her African and Korean heritage.

Wears the school uniform neatly, but adds subtle personal touches — like a beaded bracelet from her father's side and a vintage scarf from her mother.

Often seen carrying a worn-out journal filled with poetry and reflections.

- Personality:

Shy but not weak — speaks softly but holds her ground when needed.

Empathetic and observant, always noticing people who are hurting or overlooked.

Brilliant in everything (academics, music, art, sports), but downplays it.

Dry sense of humor that only shows around those she trusts.

Sometimes feels caught between two worlds, but embraces both sides of her identity.

Backstory:

In her past life, she was an adult scholar and teacher who died saving someone during a subway accident.

Reborn with all memories intact and determined not to repeat the loneliness of her previous life.

Her mixed heritage gives her a unique perspective on belonging and identity.

Jung Daehyun – Male Lead (Korean)

- Charismatic student council president with a hidden vulnerable side.

- Initially clashes with Soojin due to their contrasting personalities.

- Slowly starts falling for her quiet strength and intelligence.

3.Kim Minji– Best Friend (Korean)

- Loud, bubbly, and fiercely protective of her friends.

- Becomes Soojin’s first close friend after noticing how kind she is despite being shy.

- Provides most of the comedic moments and pushes Soojin out of her comfort zone.

Lee Seokjin – Mysterious New Student (Mixed-Race: Korean & Japanese)

- Gentle soul who somehow remembers fragments of Soojin’s past life.

- Returns as a mysterious new student, creating tension and mystery.

- Has a calm aura and artistic talent; plays the piano beautifully.

5.Adeola "Doe" Nwosu– International Transfer Student (Nigerian)

- Bright, confident, and passionate about science and fashion design.

- Brings fresh energy and global perspectives to the group.

6.Ethan Park** – The Artist (White-American Adoptee)

- Adopted by a Korean family at a young age, now lives in Seoul.

- Quiet and introspective, often sketches people he admires.

- Secretly draws Soojin because he finds her presence calming.

- Could become a meaningful platonic bond or optional romantic interest.

Oh Somin – The Athlete (Korean)

- Captain of the fencing team.

- Loud, competitive, and initially dismissive of Soojin.

- Later becomes a surprising ally and occasional comic relief.

8.Mrs. Kim– Teacher Mentor (Korean)

- Kind-hearted literature teacher who takes a liking to Soojin.

- Encourages her to write and helps her process her emotions.

- Often shares stories about her own youth and mistakes.

can't wait to see you in the next chapter 🐱✌️

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