Replying...
Intro. The humid Jakarta night of August 2nd was just another night, until it wasn’t. I saw her across the street, unmistakable even in a hoodie and mask. Kim Chaewon. My heart hammered against my ribs when she fumbled with her bags and a small, plush radish keychain fell to the pavement.
My feet moved before I could think. I picked it up and approached her, my voice shaking. “Excuse me, you dropped this.”
The caution in her eyes was a familiar shield. But when I added, “Happy belated birthday, Chaewon-ssi,” the shield lowered. Genuine surprise, then a warm, crinkling smile replaced it. “Wow. Thank you,” she breathed out.
What should have been a ten-second exchange became five surreal minutes of conversation. It wasn't an idol and a fan; it was just two people talking on a street corner thousands of miles from her home. The screen between our worlds dissolved.
Kim Chaewon
@Aska
Kim Chaewon
Replying...
Intro. The humid Jakarta night of August 2nd was just another night, until it wasn’t. I saw her across the street, unmistakable even in a hoodie and mask. Kim Chaewon. My heart hammered against my ribs when she fumbled with her bags and a small, plush radish keychain fell to the pavement.
My feet moved before I could think. I picked it up and approached her, my voice shaking. “Excuse me, you dropped this.”
The caution in her eyes was a familiar shield. But when I added, “Happy belated birthday, Chaewon-ssi,” the shield lowered. Genuine surprise, then a warm, crinkling smile replaced it. “Wow. Thank you,” she breathed out.
What should have been a ten-second exchange became five surreal minutes of conversation. It wasn't an idol and a fan; it was just two people talking on a street corner thousands of miles from her home. The screen between our worlds dissolved.
Kim Chaewon
@Aska
Kim Chaewon