"I'm sorry Chaerin, but we've had enough of your excuses and despite your excellent grades and recommendations from school, I can't help but question your commitment to this course and college."

Chaerin panicked, if they called her parents it was all over, I thought I had at least one more warning, "I understand, and I recognize I've been a bit slack this year. The pressure of living away from my family and supporting myself in a foreign country has...."

"... been stressful", her lecturer finished off the sentence. "Chaerin, we've been more than hospitable with your circumstances, but it's been nearly three years. Your grades have been gradually dropping and you barely make it to 50% of your classes. This also isn't the first time we've had this chat. I was hoping you'd get your act together, but its not the case." He sat down at his desk, opening a draw and taking out a piece of paper which he placed in front of Chaerin.

She picked it up, scanning the page, "apply for transfer form..... where would I be going?"

"I've already called Seoul University", her lecturer paused, "they're the only place that will take you with these grades".

Chaerin couldn't believe what she was hearing, they wanted her to go back? that. I'm going to fight for this... my freedom. She pushed the paper away, "what if I decline? What if I don't want to leave here?"

Her lecturer leaned back in his chair, "we'll have no choice other than expulsion. Then you won't get in anywhere". He repositioned the paper in front of her, "take this as us cutting you a deal".

Chaerin sighed, they've got me in checkmate. Clenching her teeth she grabbed the paper, scrawling her name at the bottom. "How long have I got left here?"

He smiled, "take this as your two week notice". He reached for the phone, "should I call your parents? Let them know their 'angel' is coming home for good?"

"No need", Chaerin waved her mobile phone, "I can do that myself". At least that way I can soften the blow. She smiled, "was there anything else I need to do?"

"Not at all, we'll handle the rest of the transfer, you just make sure you study hard". Standing up he offered his hand, "I wish all you the best for your future Lee Chaerin".

She took it, only out of politeness, shaking with a firm grasp, "thank you sir, I shall send you a postcard when I get back".

"Its a shame Chaerin..." he began.

"If that all, I can show myself out" she interrupted.

"Yes"

"Thank you", she turned to go.

"Chaerin?"

"Yes".

"Good luck, I hope you find what you want soon".

"You too Sir"

Fighting back tears, Chaerin walked through gates of her soon-to-be ex-college. Way to screw up. I'm going to miss this hole. She fumbled through her bag for her phone that was now ringing, "What up ?"

"How'd it go ?"

"They gave me my marching orders".

"..." the voice on the other end became quiet, "how long have you got?"

"Two weeks"

"Listen Chae...."

"I don't want to hear this now Sophie, I just want to get ed up" Time to make the most of it

"Ok Chae"

"Any parties on tonight"

The voice chuckled, "This is London, theres always a party on. I'll pick you up at 10"

"Done. See you then"

London at night was almost mystical, and thats what Charein loved so much about it. It was as if she'd stepped through her tv screen into a land full of parties, attitude and society where she felt like she belonged. Never had she ever felt anything but accepted. Even on her first week here, fresh from high school in another country and still very much wet behind the ears.

Two and a half years ago

Some kind looking boy from her class had given her an invitation to a welcoming party, it was exciting, Chaerin had never received anything like this before. She had smiled, "of course i'll come". Chaerin had never been to a real party before, sure she'd made appearances at house parties and birthdays, but a college party. This was a first. Chaerin hurried home, hoping that somehow she'd have something that would help her fit in.

Now she sat in her clean studio apartment, a congratulation gift from her parents for getting into an exclusive London college. "You're too good for the student dorms darling", her mother had said when she handed her the keys. "Nothings too expensive for our little clever girl".

To say Chaerin's parents were rich would be an understatement. Her father was the founder and chairman of an Entertainment company, one of the big four in Asia. He personally handled singers, actors, models and presenters from countries like Korea, China, Japan and the Philippines. He also had links with companies in America and Europe. Chaerin rarely followed pop-music, opting for a more classical accompaniment to her studies. But recently her father had been raving about a new singer-songwritter he had just signed. "Watch out for the name GDragon", he had said, "he'll be the next big thing. I can feel it." Chaerin had silently dismissed his claim. She always did. After all this "GDragon" was probably some uncommitted student who thought they'd cash in on their "good looks" and mediocre singing ability. Anyway what kind of name was "GDragon"? What a try hard.

Chaerin bit her lip as she looked through her wardrobe. Most of her clothes consisted of knee length skirts and crisp blouses. She owned one party dress with daisies printed all over it, but she had a feeling that this wasn't a daisy-print kind of party.

Taking a deep breath she opened the box her mother had sent to her. "Don't tell Dad", the note had read, "but I've put together a little collection if you feel like going out somewhere. Be responsible, but darling don't forget to have fun. xxoo Mum". Searching through the assortment of designer dresses and heels (her mother considered herself to be a bit of a fashionista, often choosing to preoccupy her time spending her husband's money on whatever designer or brand was hot right now).

Finally Chaerin laid eyes on something that wouldn't make her look like one of the rich wives of Gangnam. She lifted the black pants out of the box. They were extremely skinny, high waisted with leather details running down the outside of the legs. These will have to do, she thought. Though she was hesitant if they'd fit. She spent the next 10 minutes trying to shimmy her way into the pants and by the time she finally did up the top button, she could feel the beads of sweat forming on her forehead. Never again, she hoped they would look okay, because if getting off these pants were anything like getting them on she'd have to have a sleep and shower before the party. 

She stood up and walked into the bathroom, surprised at the amount of flexibility she had in the pants. Closing the door she turned around to look at herself in the mirror........ Chaerin was shocked, the pants appeared to fit her perfectly, accentuating her curves and flattening her tummy. Wow, she thought, for the first time in my life I actually look kind of y.

She strutted back to the box and selected a pair of mid-high heeled boots finishing off the outfit with one of her white shirts tucked into the top of her pants and a pair of her favourite hoop earrings that she loved, but hadn't felt okay to wear. She grabbed her parka, put her phone, wallet and keys into a small black bag and picked up the invite off the kitchen table. She applied a coat of red lipstick (the only shade she owned) and left her apartment. This whole thing was thrilling, her first night out in a foreign country with out parental supervision. She felt magical, like she could be whoever she wanted. The people of London didn't know Chaerin the bookworm with the wealthy father who owned the LE entertainment company. They only knew what they saw, or what she wanted them too. Tonight, she thought, lets go wild! She always heard the phrase, but never quiet understood what it meant. She still didn't, but after tonight she'd have not problem defining it.

Smiling goodbye to the doorman of her apartment complex she quickly hailed down a taxi. Carefully she read the address on the invite to the driver.

"Miss", the driver had said, "are you sure you want to go there? The area isn't very safe this time of night...."

Chaerin insisted it was the place and in no time the driver was idling outside what looked like a disheveled warehouse surrounded by other seemly abandoned warehouses and stock yards.

"Miss, we're here", the driver turned around to face her, "but are you sure? This is the worst place of downtown London".

Opening the door Chaerin could hear the faint sound of music, "It's okay", she reassured him, "I come here all the time". She quickly paid him and got out of the taxi before he could object further.

The building, though lit, looked a little forbidding... like a haunted house. Green lights highlighted the entrance, a small steel door that had been "tastefully" decorated by lewd graphics and phrases. A single person in a hoodie stood at the entrance. At least some protection, she thought, smiling she presented her invitation. He looked her up and down, the corners of his mouth twitched. "You're not from around here are ya?"

She kept smiling, "You're right, but I heard this was a welcoming party. How much is it?" She pulled out her wallet.

"For you darling, considering its your first time, lets make it $20"

She handed him a bill and he gave her a purple pill in a zip lock bag. "Go in and have fun darling. I'll be out here if you need me", he gave her a wink before opening the door.

Chaerin thanked him and walked through, though the purple pill confused her. Was it some kind of entry token?

The warehouse smelt like a mix of paint, alcohol and sweat. Chaerin was greeted by a seizure inducing light display after she acclimatized couldn't help but drop as she took in the scene before her. The inside of the warehouse had been stripped bare. Three long neon-lit bars were positioned on the three walls of the building. A raised stage sat in the middle, where the DJ was spinning on a pretty impressive deck with a state of the art sound system. Above him was a suspended platform, she could barely make it out, but there were people sitting on couches up there. Must be the V.I.P area. She had never been to club before, but her mother had insisted on telling her stories of her youth. Chaerin closed , she must look ridiculous. First things first, she needed to find the guy who had invited her. He'd said his name was AJ, maybe if she asked around some body would know where he was. He wasn't a friend, but at the moment he was the closest thing to it. She walked over to the bar, hustling against the masses for a spot.

A tall blonde guy, with a arm full of tattoos approached her from behind the bar. He had his hair shaved on one side to show off his dozen piercing. She found him strangely attractive.

"Hey there. What can I get for you babe?" Chaerin was taken back by this strange looking by increasing attractive man calling her babe.

She suttered, "I'm looking for AJ. Do you know where he is?" It was a shot in the dark.

The bartender smiled, "he always gets the hot ones". He reached into his pocket, pulling out a black card with two gold stripes on it, "he's in the V.I.P section. Hand this to the bouncer, he'll let you in".

"Thank you", she turned to leave.

"Hold on", the bartender smiled, "I better get you a drink otherwise I'm a pretty crap bartender". He disappeared behind the bar and reemerged with a tall glass of what looked like milk. "Here, a drink fit for a queen", he placed on the bar, "Its on the house" he dismissed Chaerin's attempt to pay, "just don't tell anyone". He put his finger over his lips. "You better get going, I'm sure AJ is waiting for you".

Chaerin forced her way through the crowd, careful not to spill her drink. She had no idea on what her friends had been complaining about. London was nice and everybody was so friendly. She let out a breath as she finally reached the stairs leading up to the platform.

The guard looked her up and down. "Name?"

Chaerin wasn't sure that AJ knew her name, so she just handed him the black card the nice bartender had given her. The guard smiled, "Welcome to Anywhere miss", he undid the rope and beckoned her through. She smiled (something she'd been doing alot recently) and began to climb the stairs.

The V.I.P area was at least 3 stories above the ground floor and by the time she had reached the top she was thirsty. Taking a gulp of her drink she nearly spat it out. What was in this? She knew now that is wasn't milk. Chaerin carefully sniffed her glass but having limited exposure to sprits she was unable to guess. She instead decided to look for the elusive AJ. Scanning the area she spotted him pretty much straight away. He sat on a leather couch, surrounded by a group of scantly clad women. A pimp and his hoes. Chaerin smiled at her analogy though it did make her feel self conscious. All these girls were wearing short skirts and low cut tops. She looked like a nun next to them. Maybe this party wasn't her kind of thing after all.

"Hey Chaerin!"

Chaerin ignored and just kept walking.

"Oi!" She felt a hand on her shoulder, "Chaerin?"

She had to admit she hadn't really paid much attention to AJ in class. She knew him, but never took the time to study his face. Now he stood in front of her, his face inches from hers. Chaerin couldn't help but feel hot under the collar, he was by any means a pretty boy and she swore he was part Korean.

"Chaerin! Its you! I'm glad you made it", he hugged her. "Sorry I'm being rude, let me introduce you to the guys." He grabbed her by the hand, "by the way Chae, looking good".

* * * * *

AJ introduced her to pretty much everyone on the platform before leaving her with some people who supposedly were attending the same college as her.

"So you're like from China?"

"South Korea actually."

"Isn't that some crazy communist country?"

Chaerin gritted her teeth, "No, thats North Korea."

"What's the difference?"

"Well", Chaerin was going to have to dumb it down for this guy, "North Korea is communist state with closed boarders, meaning they won't let people come and go and South Korea is an open democratic state."

"Which one are you from?"

She sighed, "South"

"Sick"

"Thank you... I guess"

"You're pretty"

"Thank you"

"Wanna make out?" He s his arm around her shoulder.

"I'd rather not..." She tried to pull away.

"Come on babe", he looked into her eyes, "I know you want it". His lips edged closer to hers. HELP! She pleaded silently after all its not like anyone would hear her. She closed her eyes and tensed her face waiting for the impact.

Waiting..... waiting......waiting.

Slowly she opened her eyes and was surprised to see a hand in front of her face. "I'm sorry, I can't let you call her babe, thats my thing".

"Stop being a Mike. I saw her first and I've already worked my magic".

"Which clearly isn't working, unless you were aiming for . Hey you there, you okay?"

Chaerin looked up at the owner of the hand, "Hey you're the....."

"Sorry I didn't introduce myself before, I'm Michael, but my friends call me Mike. Did you like the drink?"

Chaerin couldn't help but let out a chuckle. This party, though way out of her league, was proving to be quite fun. "It was interesting. What did you put in it?"

Mike used this opportunity to squeeze in between her and Mr. Wanna-make-out. "Well, first I used...."

As Chaerin listened to Mike she couldn't help but be interested. He seemed so experienced, so worldly. He told her stories of his childhood, the trips abroad and his love for music.

"So what kind of music are you into?" she asked.

"Personally, I just like music. I'll listen to everything once, but right now I'm trying to make it as..." he was cut short as AJ tapped him on the shoulder.

"Sorry to interrupt, but you're on in 5". He smiled at Chaerin as Mike quickly dashed off. "You might want to check this out Chae". He grabbed her hand and escorted her to the edge of the platform.

"How do you and Mike know each other?" She asked as the crowd quieten down. 

"We're friends and business partners. This whole thing", he guested to the warehouse, "is Mike's brainchild. I just do the promotions. Get all the hot girls to come". He smiled, "look Chae" he pointed to the DJ stage where Mike was standing.

"What? Is he going to DJ?"

"You'll see"

Mike grabbed the mic, "hey everybody, having a good time tonight?"

The crowd screamed back.

"Nice, nice I'll take that as a yes. Now, I'm going to do something a little different." He glanced up at the V.I.P platform. "Tonight I've met a pretty cool girl and considering I don't have any "woo-worthy" tracks I'm going to throw down a little freestyle in hopes that she'll agree to see me again. Is that okay?"

He was replied with cheers, wolf whistles and the occasional "get in there son". Suddenly a slow beat flooded the sound system and the shouts died down to a dull roar. They wanted to hear this.

AJ laughed, " son, he's going for this", he nudged Chaerin's shoulder. "Better not break my home boys heart Chae"

Chaerin couldn't help but blush as Mike began.