So Far Away

Chapter 1

You hadn't exactly planned to embark on a world tour with a kpop boy band.

When you enrolled in the nation's top cosmetology school three years ago, you had dreamed of working in the big leagues of the makeup and fashion industry. Being a personal stylist or working for a brand name company seemed like reasonable goals.

But working for one of Korea's hottest male groups as a young, inexperienced foreigner? That was insane.

Your favorite professor, a native of Korea, revealed that a colleague of hers was short of a stylist and needed a replacement on a tight deadline. She had recommended you, stating that it would be good to get some hands-on experience before graduation.

And it was normal to seek out an internship towards the end of school in order to get a feel for the industry. You just hadn't anticipated that experience to come with an international nine-month commitment.

Your parents, of course, thought you were mad. They were all about you pursuing your dreams, but going overseas and immersing yourself in an unfamiliar culture, all by yourself...that was a bit much, wasn't it?

But the opportunity was too good to pass up. You had the chance to network on an international level and partner with trained professionals as a junior in college - how could you say no?

And so, you found yourself standing in the middle of a crowded Seoul airport, having left behind everything familiar in trade for a new adventure. Part of you felt overwhelmed now that you were finally here in Korea; the other half felt a thrill that transcended mere words.

"Y/N-ssi!" A voice called, cutting through the white noise of baggage claim.

You spun on your heel and came face-to-face with a young woman. She was dressed casually and couldn't have been much older than you, but she carried herself with a confidence that was indicative of authority.

With a smile and a bow, she said, "I am Park Jisoo, your supervisor. Welcome to Seoul!"

You bowed deeply in response, trying desperately to maintain your balance while bearing so much luggage. A million details from the Korean culture class you had taken in preparation for this trip raced through your mind. The thought of responding informally on accident, and facing the certain backlash, was terrifying.

"Thank you so much for meeting me," you said in shaky Hangul, hyper-aware of your foreign accent.

Offering to take one of your carry-ons, Jisoo led you through the mass of travelers and out into the bright afternoon sun. A black SUV was waiting by the curb, and your luggage was promptly loaded into the trunk by the driver.

"How was your flight?" Jisoo asked once you were both situated in the backseat.

"Very long," you responded slowly, searching for the right words in a language not your own. "I am glad to be back on solid ground."

You had hated every moment of the 15-hour flight, but finally being here was worth it.

The car lurched forward, and your eyes were drawn to the Seoul skyline. The reality of your situation began to sink in. You were actually here, thousands of miles from home.

It was surreal.

"We are very excited to have you with BigHit," Jisoo said, pulling you away from your thoughts. "Your resume is impressive. I look forward to training and working with you in the next few months."

Said by anyone else, the statement would have sounded contrived and rehearsed. But you could tell Jisoo truly meant it. The realization was comforting.

"Thank you."

She smiled.

"We will run you by the hotel to drop off your baggage and freshen up, but our meeting is at 6:30. I'm sorry it is tonight, but management insisted. We leave for the tour in two weeks, so the time we have to acclimate you to the company's expectations and schedule is very limited."

Jisoo spoke so quickly that you nearly missed what she was saying. The panic you felt at your inability to keep up must have been obvious on your face, because her expression softened.

"Don't worry, we have hired a translator to assist in communication until you feel more comfortable speaking Korean."

You relaxed, sighing in relief.

"Emily Kim said you were quite proficient."

You smiled at the mention of your professor's name. "She taught me bits and pieces over the past few years. I hope to improve quickly, though."

For the rest of the drive, Jisoo walked you through the itinerary for the next week, detailing locations and personnel.

"At this point, I believe you'll be assigned to Min Yoongi's unit," Jisoo murmured, writing some notes on an informational form she was about to hand you. "His head makeup artist is on maternity leave. But we'll discuss that more in depth this evening."

You nodded numbly, trying to process everything she had said over the last half hour.

By the time you reached your destination, your head was spinning with new Korean terms. You were completely overwhelmed, and, standing at the base of the high rise hotel where you would be staying, you felt small. It was a new sensation.

What had you gotten yourself into?

Little did you know, you were in way over your head.

~~~