Someone You Remember

Chapter 1: The First Meeting

Rei was only seven years old when she first set foot on a plane to Korea.

She had been excited for days-no, weeks.

Ever since her parents told her they were going to Jeju Island, she had barely been able to sleep properly.

The pictures she had seen-blue seas, quiet roads, orange trees-had already painted a dreamy version of the place in her mind.

Now, sitting on the airplane between her parents, she could hardly contain herself.

"Mom... how long will it take?" Rei asked, turning toward her mother with wide, restless eyes

Her legs kept swinging back and forth, unable to stay still.

Her mother smiled gently. "We just got on the plane, Rei."

Rei frowned slightly. "But you didn't tell me how long."

Her father chuckled from the window seat. "You're in a hurry to grow up and reach places, huh?"

"I'm not!" she protested quickly. "I just want to see Jeju!"

"And you will," her mother said, brushing her hair back. "Just be patient."

Rei puffed her cheeks but nodded.

A second later, she leaned toward the window, pressing her face against it even though there was nothing to see yet.

"Korea..." she whispered softly to herself. "I'm really going to Korea..."

Her father glanced at her and smiled. "Maybe you'll even see a K-pop idol."

Rei gasped, turning to him instantly. "Really?!"

He raised an eyebrow playfully. "Who knows?"

"That's not fair," she said, narrowing her eyes. "You're joking."

Her parents laughed, and Rei crossed her arms-though the excitement in her eyes never faded.

---

By the time the plane landed, Rei was practically bouncing in her seat.

"Rei, sit properly," her mother reminded her.

"I am!" Rei insisted, even as she leaned forward, trying to see outside.

The moment they were allowed to stand, she grabbed her mother's hand tightly.

"Let's go!"

At the airport, everything felt new and unfamiliar.

The language, the signs, the people-it all made her look around in quiet wonder.

Her father bent slightly toward her. "Do you like it?"

Rei nodded immediately. "Yes... it feels different."

"How different?" her mother asked.

Rei paused, thinking carefully before answering. "Like... something good will happen here."

Her parents exchanged a small smile but didn't say anything.

---

The drive to Jeju felt just as exciting. Rei kept pointing out the window every few seconds.

"Look at that!"

"And that too!"

"Oh! And that!"

Her father laughed softly. "You're going to point at everything, aren't you?"

"Yes," Rei said without hesitation.

---

When they finally arrived at her father's friend's house, Rei suddenly grew a little shy.