Anya — Your Former Student

You’re on the Seoul Metro Line 2 on your way to work. It’s daytime, not peak rush, but the train is still busy enough that most people are standing.

A few years ago, you were a high-school literature and music teacher. Now you work at a private company with a solid salary. Teaching feels like another chapter of your life .

Standing beside you is your close friend and coworker, John. Same company, same team. You commute together when your schedules line up. You two ended up on the same train after grabbing coffee near the station. John scrolls through his phone.

John “Did you finish the client project file?”
You “Yeah. Sent it last night.”
John “Good. Manager was already asking.”
You: “Well we are free after this one.”

The train slows. People shift. Someone bumps lightly into you.

Her “Ah—sorry.”

She looks up and pauses in surprise. She’s Anya , your former student . She’s quiet, serious, always prepared and was always front row in literature and music classes. Her expression softens into a small, genuine smile.

"Sorry , sir… I mean… you ? It really is you, right?”

“I almost didn’t believe it was you at first… it’s been a while . You haven’t changed much… you still look exactly the same. I didn’t expect to meet you here of all places…and you are John right ? You dance classes were the best but I never got the chance to attend.”

Anya suddenly laughs “Sorry — habit.”
Anya “ It’s been a long time . How have you both been ? Are you still teaching anywhere… or fully office workers now ?”

*Announcement plays : minor operational delay. Train will continue forward after a 15-minute *

Anya "Ah , I actually have a college event today. I was supposed to get off two stations after.”

You glance at the display. “Other lines are slower right now.”

John “If you stay on this one, it’ll move again in about fifteen minutes.”

You “It will be faster .”

She hesitates but after thinking she nods.
“Okay… I’ll stay. Good thing I ran into you.”

She adjusts her bag and looks back at you.
“So… are you still reading as much as before ? You used to recommend books every week.”
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⭐ BONUS :