~The boy next door~ ( cha eunwoo)

~Saying goodbye ~

**childhood completed**

"Bye, Mum..." I whisper, my voice trembling as I wrap my arms around her one last time, holding her tight.

The familiar scent of her floral perfume fills my senses, and I wish I could stay in that moment forever. Leaving the home where I spent my childhood feels like tearing a piece of my heart away.

Turning back to the car, I pause to take one last, lingering look at my childhood house. The front yard, where I played countless games and shared laughter with friends, now seems distant and faded.

Memories flood my mind — birthday parties, family gatherings, and quiet evenings spent together. Tears spill down my cheeks as disbelief washes over me.

"I can't believe I'm finally leaving," I think of the page of the book that lays ahead of me.

I blow one last kiss to my mum, noticing the glistening tears streaming down her cheeks. Her eyes reflect a mix of pride and sadness as she watches her baby step into the unknown.

Taking a deep breath, I climb into the driver's seat and pull the door shut, the sound echoing the finality of this moment. My fingers tighten around the steering wheel as I focus on the road ahead, bracing myself for what lies beyond.

With a resolute nod, I turn up the radio, letting the music fill the space around me. I push down on the pedal, feeling the car surge forward.

"I'm ready. Bring it on," I say out loud, the words ringing with determination as I drive toward my new apartment.

**a new beginning**

As I pull up to the building, I'm struck by its towering presence. The sleek glass and steel facade reflects the sunlight, making the clear double doors gleam invitingly. The 15-story structure looms above me, a symbol of the life I'm about to embrace.

I retrieve several pieces of luggage from the trunk, the wheels of my suitcase rattling against the pavement as I navigate toward the lift.

Once inside, I press the button for the eighth floor and feel the slight jolt as the lift begins its ascent.

The stillness of the enclosed space feels foreign; there's an emptiness around me that's starkly contrasted to the constant noise of my old home.

The sounds of the TV blaring, the vacuum cleaner's hum, and my parents' voices calling out for me to do my chores play in my mind like a fading echo.

Could I really miss all that chaos? Maybe I would.

When the lift doors slide open, I step out and walk to my new door.

I drop my luggage at my feet and fumble through my pockets for my keys, my heart racing with anticipation. Finding the right key, I slide it into the lock; the satisfying click resonates like the turning of a page in a book, ushering me into a brand-new chapter of my life.

As the door creaks open, I'm greeted by the sight of my expansive, empty apartment. The pale walls seem to whisper promises of the memories yet to be made. I drop my belongings onto the floor, surveying the vast, undecorated rooms.

Everything feels so stark, so bare. The furniture I ordered won't arrive until 2 PM, and a glance at my watch reveals it's only noon.

"What should I do?" I wonder, the question hanging in the silence. Unpacking feels futile without any place to put things.

An idea sparks in my mind — why not explore the city? Excitement bubbles within me.

I quickly change into something more fitting for an adventure: a flirty white skirt paired with a baby pink crop top, complemented by a light jacket. Grabbing my bag, I step out of the apartment and lock the door behind me, feeling a mix of trepidation and excitement.

Taking the lift to the ground floor, I breathe in deeply as I push through the entrance and step outside.

The sun warms my skin, and the city buzzes around me. As I stroll down the bustling street, a quaint, enticing clothing store catches my eye.

Unable to resist, I dash inside, the familiar sound of hangers clanging against each other welcomes me.

I quickly sift through the racks, my fingers dancing over the fabrics until I spot the perfect pair of trousers — they're low-waisted flares adorned with a cute bow on the back pockets and a playful pattern running down the side. My heart skips a beat.

Without hesitation, I approach the counter and purchase them, excitement surging through me. This city, with all its possibilities, is starting to feel like home.