A/N: This is the first chapter of Kkangpae, an Ouran Host Club fanfiction and the first fanfic of mine that I'm actually posting online. I'm pretty insecure about this, mainly because I spend too much time talking to elitists that swear up and down that anything involving an OC is the shittiest thing ever written. I'm going to try not to get discouraged on this one, though, since this plot bunny simply will not leave me alone. This chapter is kind of short, and I apologize for that.
First off, I have to say this so I don't get flamed for it (though I probably will anyway): this fic has a lot of elements of Korean culture in it, being that the main character is Korean. I am not an expert on Korean culture. I am learning about it, and I look up anything that seems off to me, but some things may be wrong.
Second, I've worked very hard to ensure that the OC this fic centers around is not a Sue. I've had other writers review the character profile for me, I've compared her to infamous Sues, and she has passed the Litmus Test with a 14. If she comes off as a Sue, at any point, please feel free to give some constructive criticism. I always welcome honest feedback.
Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang.
"Andrew!"
Another bang. A body hits the metal floor of the subway station.
People are screaming. Everyone's pushing, panicking, rushing to get away. Two men are running in the opposite direction. A gun drops from one of them. Neither seems to notice as they hurry on.
Mom is grasping my face with sweaty hands. Tears stream down her face. Her accent is more pronounced than usual as she speaks. "Eun Ji, honey, we have to go. We have to go to the police. Now. Okay? Turn around. Get back on the train." She tries to usher me back inside. I can't move.
There's blood everywhere; a giant, crimson puddle, less than two feet in front of me. People almost step in it as they scramble by, the station still in a panic from the gunshots. Everyone wants to escape, but the chaos prevents it.
Mom's finally pushed me back inside. She hugs me close, her tears turning my brown hair black, her sobs making me shake. I don't really see anything in front of me. I just see dad falling, blood pooling, mom crying.
I don't want to be in Seoul anymore. I miss Gwangju. I miss Cheonan.
I miss dad.
Hyun Jin-Ye shot up from the white sheets of her bed, panting, pupils doubled in size. The silk sheets are damp with sweat; the pillow covers are soaked through with tears. Her head whips around the room frantically, taking in her surroundings. The wall of full-length windows on her left, letting the light of the moon shine into the large room. The pale gray walls. The modern furniture. The hardwood floor. The yellow dress hanging from a hook on the door. Finally, she began to calm down.
"It's okay. You're in your room. You're okay," she whispered to herself. It was then that the pounding on the door registered. A concerned voice came from the other side.
"Miss Hyun, are you alright? Do you need help?"
The maid, she thought, it's just the maid. It took her a moment to find her voice. "I'm fine, thank you. You can go back to sleep, Kotone."
"Are you sure?"
"I said I'm fine!" Jin-Ye snapped. The sound of footsteps going down the hall to the right were the only answer. She glanced at the clock. Bright red letters read 5:44am. With a sigh, she stood, walking to the door and plucking the dress from its hanger. "Might as well get ready."
