Finding Myself

By Nicole Simon

Su-mi's dreams of becoming a K-pop star are finally coming true, but her passion is met with the challenge of conforming to society's beauty standards. As she searches for true meaning and purpose in life, a journey of self-discovery leads her and her long-term boyfriend Woo-jin to open a rescue cat sanctuary. With every step of their mission, they discover a profound love for these beautiful creatures, changing lives, finding purpose, and igniting compassion in the hearts of all who witness their devotion. Will Su-mi choose fame or love and purpose? Join Su-mi as she discovers the power of love and compassion within the bustling streets of Seoul.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nicole Simon
• Release date: Feb 1, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224905881

Book preview

Chapter 1

He couldn’t take his eyes off her. It was more than just her beauty. It was her glow, the way she smiled, the brightness of her eyes, her whole persona. Lee Su-mi had captivated him without even realizing it.

He had to meet her. It was the first day of kindergarten, and the five-year old boy was already mesmerized. He walked over to where she was sitting, working on a puzzle. Hi! My name is Park Woo-jin. What’s your name? he asked as he sat down beside her.

I’m Lee Su-mi. Nice to meet you, she answered with a radiant smile. Woo-jin suddenly found himself flustered and speechless at the sight of her smile. As he struggled to think of something to say and even impress her with, she pointed to the puzzle. Where do you suppose this piece goes? she asked.

Oh, well, let’s see... he looked closely at the puzzle, adjusting his glasses. He had just started wearing them recently and wasn’t sure how he felt about them. They certainly helped him see better, but he didn’t feel like they helped him look any more handsome. How would he ever get a beautiful girl like Su-mi to even look at him as a potential boyfriend?

He was smart, however, and maybe he could impress her with that. He was also very sweet and loyal. He’d make a great boyfriend, even if he wasn’t as good looking as some of the other boys. He’d just have to try harder, and show her who he was on the inside. Maybe that was the only way he’d have a chance with an amazing girl like Su-mi.

He located the spot where the puzzle piece went, and before he knew it, they were laughing and joking like old friends. The rest of the school day went well, and he always smiled warmly whenever Su-mi looked his way. It seemed as though heaven and earth stood still when she returned the smile back to him. He went out of his way to be kind to her and try to make her feel special.

Over the next few weeks, Su-mi and Woo-jin became fast friends, spending recess and lunchtime together. They shared snacks, toys, and stories, and Su-mi found herself looking forward to school more and more each day just to spend time with him. Even at the age of five, she experienced a flutter in her stomach whenever she saw him, and she had a sneaking suspicion that he felt the same.

One afternoon, Su-mi and Woo-jin were sitting in their classroom, drawing pictures when Su-mi bravely spoke up. Woo-jin, can I tell you something?

Sure, Woo-jin said, glancing up from his paper and looking into her eyes. They were so beautiful that they almost took his breath away. He found himself struggling once again to keep his mind from going blank so he could think of something to say.

I really like you. Do you like me too? Su-mi asked, her cheeks turning pink.

Woo-jin grinned, his eyes lighting up. Yes, I do. I like you a lot, Su-mi. He could hardly believe his luck. Somehow the most beautiful girl he’d ever seen actually liked him. It took him rather by surprise. He sure hadn’t expected her to say that.

From that moment on, Su-mi and Woo-jin were inseparable. They held hands during lessons, shared secrets during snack time, and enjoyed putting together puzzles and playing games on the playground.

Su-mi felt something special about this kind, shy boy. He was humble, polite, and treated her like a precious jewel. Even though they were just children, she knew there was a unique bond between them.

***

Su-mi came home after school one day and was greeted by the delicious smell of her mom’s cooking. She always looked forward to the comfort of family dinners after a long day. Her family had lived in the bustling city of Seoul, South Korea all their lives. It was a melting pot of modernity and tradition, with towering skyscrapers contrasting against ancient palaces and temples.

Streets lined with colorful neon signs and bustling markets create a lively atmosphere. The cityscape was adorned with a mix of traditional hanok houses and modern apartment complexes. Although it was always a struggle to make ends meet on a meager income, her parents made do with what they had and always instilled a positive outlook in their daughter.

Despite her family’s hardships, Su-mi always had a passion for singing and dancing. As soon as she was old enough to talk and walk, she spent countless hours practicing dances she’d make up, and singing songs along with them. She dreamed of one day making it big on the stage and hearing people cheer and clap. Sometimes she’d perform for her dolls, and sometimes for her parents and their friends. Everyone was always quite impressed with her abilities.

Su-mi’s mom recognized early on that her daughter was extremely talented, and always spoke encouragingly to the young girl whenever the opportunity arose. The two parents worked tirelessly to support their little family, but it was never enough. Su-mi knew that in order to achieve her dreams, she had to work even harder than everyone else around her. She would wake up early every morning and practice in front of the mirror, imagining herself performing in front of a packed audience.

She found that dancing and singing was a great outlet to pour herself into, and Su-mi persevered and continued to work hard, determined to one day succeed. She took every opportunity that came her way, performing at local talent shows, school plays, and entering singing competitions. She always invited Woo-jin to them, and he would sit in the front row. He was undoubtedly her biggest fan. He made her feel special and adored. She liked the awestruck feeling he displayed at her performances. The fact that she had that effect on someone was quite an encouragement for her, and she enjoyed the surge of exhilaration she felt at gaining his admiration.

It was the day of the local talent show, and Su-mi was excited. She was eight years old, and dressed in her costume, waiting backstage for her chance to perform a song and dance number that she had made up and been working on for months. She was certainly a perfectionist, and never settled for anything less than her very best.

This show was even more important, because it was televised all over Seoul. Millions of people would be watching. Su-mi’s heart was pounding in her chest, but she took the adrenaline surge and used it to power through her performance. When her turn came, she relished being in the spotlight, and everything in her seemed to come alive. It was an incredible feeling for her, as she stood on the stage in front of everyone, pouring her heart and soul passionately into every note and every move.

As she finished her routine, she looked out into the audience and saw Woo-jin and her parents, her three biggest fans cheering and clapping and standing proudly in support of her. She lived for their applause. They were so proud of her, watching as she soaked up the admiration of the audience. She felt on top of the world. Maybe this was what she was made to do with her life.

Year after year, Su-mi remained as hard-working and dedicated as ever. She continued to work tirelessly, perfecting her singing and dancing skills and inspiring everyone who watched her.

***

Su-mi was now 12 years old and on the cusp of womanhood. Her beauty was in full bloom, and Woo-jin was still helplessly captivated by her every move. She was smart and talented and seemed to have everything going for her. Her parents always pushed her to study, but she enjoyed it because she was good at it. She wanted to be the very best at everything she put her mind to.

One spring day, Su-mi went to school like any other day. She realized that she had developed a crush on her best friend, Woo-jin, and looked forward to seeing him every day in class. Today they had a test in science, and she was anxious about it.

When the test was over, Su-mi and Woo-jin were both walking to their next class. Woo-jin noticed Su-mi’s nervousness and asked her if she was feeling ok. Su-mi smiled and told him she was feeling a little anxious about the results of the science test they’d just taken. But she realized the butterflies in her stomach weren’t just about the test.

She felt the butterflies because of how Woo-jin affected her. He’d gotten more handsome over the years. His glasses gave him a smart look that she found very attractive, and she found herself drawn to him. He was sweet and kind, with a sense of humility that was like a breath of fresh air.

Woo-jin then asked Su-mi if she wanted to go take a walk together in the park after school. It was a beautiful day, and they’d spent many afternoons there throughout the years, swinging on the swings and playing on the jungle gym, and sitting side by side on the benches having amazing conversations.