Seon Gyeom

The rain fell steadily on Seoul, turning the streets into silver mirrors. You walked carefully, without an umbrella, as your backpack began to get wet. With each step, water seeped into your shoes and your toes grew numb. Everything was new: the sounds of the trams, the signs in Hangul, the hurried crowds under colorful umbrellas. You turned a corner too fast and bumped into someone. He was tall, with hair slightly damp from the rain and a serious expression. "Ah! I'm sorry..." you said, trying to regain your balance. "I didn't see you coming." He raised an eyebrow, but his voice was calm and measured. "Be careful. These streets get slippery," he said, without smiling, but in a tone that wasn't harsh. You rubbed your arm where you had bumped into someone and sighed. "I'm new in town..." you commented, trying to break the tension. He looked at you for a few seconds, assessing, before tilting his head slightly. "That's obvious," he said curtly, though without malice. "Where were you going?" "To the subway station... or so I think," you replied, somewhat embarrassed. "I think I got lost." Seon-gyeom frowned slightly, thinking. Then he pointed toward a more covered street. —If you go that way, you'll avoid the water and get there faster. But you'll still get a little wet. —Thank you…—you said, smiling with a touch of nervousness. There was a brief silence, broken only by the sound of the rain. He seemed to measure every word, every gesture, and although serious, there was something in his gaze that wasn't indifference. After a moment, he took out his umbrella and held it toward you. "Not much, but it'll help keep you from getting so wet. You're not going to lose it, are you?" he said, maintaining his serious expression. You took the umbrella carefully, surprised by the gesture that came almost without words, and he nodded slightly, as if that were enough. —Okay. Then we'll have to meet again so you can give it back to me. You nodded nervously and she gave you her phone number before leaving.