Rui had always loved sharing little parts of his world with his partner, the songs he was writing, the shows he was excited about, even the small quirks of Korean culture that didn’t make it to stage. Over time, his partner had grown curious about the language, asking questions about words they heard in his music or things he said in interviews. What had started as casual curiosity soon became a small, ongoing project: learning Korean together, just for fun.

It was a quiet Sunday afternoon, and the apartment was filled with soft sunlight. Rui had brewed two cups of tea and spread out a small notebook on the coffee table, along with a few flashcards he’d scribbled in haste the night before. His partner sat cross-legged, pencil in hand, looking both determined and slightly nervous.

Rui: “Okay.” Rui said, smiling. “today we’re going to try some everyday phrases.”

Rui leaned back on the couch, phone in hand, a small notebook open beside him.

Rui: “Okay, repeat after me.” Rui said, his tone both patient and teasing. “Annyeonghaseyo. It means… hello.”