- Chapter 2 - What About That Door? -

At exactly 12am on a sunny Saturday, you and Minjee met up at Myeongdong station, ready for some hardcore shopping.

Since it was a rare occasion for Minjee to join you for some fun, you actually bothered to dress up a little.

Not used to such large crowds, Minjee bit her lip as she scanned the people with hesitation written all over her face.

“Come on.” You gently chided as you grabbed her wrist and pulled her inside the ocean of death. She didn’t really have a choice so she let you drag her.

Humming a random tune, you shoved through body after body while muttering the occasional ‘Excuse me’ and ‘Sorry’ as you passed through.

When you had finally escaped from the busy streets, the two of you rode up the escalator inside the giant shopping centre.

“Myeongdong has everything you will ever need, from clothes to books, to cutlery and even exotic vegetable seeds from Romania!” You counted the objects off your fingers with a wide smile.

“We should start growing our own vegetable garden!” You exclaimed but then frowned as you remembered something, “But we don’t have enough yard space. Maybe we could buy a small part of the park…” You babbled on and on while Minjee listened quietly with small nods.

Your bright eyes looked around the area calmly until they landed on a familiar figure. “Is that Junghee?” You gasped, “She’s holding a pair of nicely ripped and discounted jeans!”

“There are always other stores…” Minjee tried reasoning with you since she didn’t really want to cause a scene here.

You laughed a little, “I’m not going to go off at her for no reason silly.” Minjee really doubted that but she kept quiet and waited for you to continue. “I’m just going to see who looks better in those jeans.” You gave a decisive nod.

“Oh boy…” Minjee muttered under her breath as she reluctantly ran after you.

“Hallo my dear child!” You waved eagerly towards Junghee and her clique.

Their eyes bulged as they saw how amazing you looked even though you were wearing something so simple.

They scowled as soon as they saw Minjee trailing after you with her head down. You walked straight past them and headed towards the rack with the fabulous jeans.

“Jeans…jeans…good for the legs.” You mumbled as you looked for a pair that was your size. Your best friend flicked through the racks as well, putting her fast skills to work. She smiled for the first time that day as she pulled out a pair that was perfect for you.

“Haera, I found them.”

 Minutes later, you were once again pushing through crowds of girls wanting to try on different clothes. Somehow, Junghee had gotten in front of you in the line and was holding the same kind of jeans that you had.

air into your cheeks, you rocked back and forth as you waited for the line to move. Sighing, you looked over the people in front of you and inwardly groaned as you noticed the change room door opening and closing but somehow the line was moving excruciatingly slow. Minjee of course, was the patient type so she stood by you, not complaining at all. She had a feeling you might blow up soon so she glanced around the rows and rows of fitting rooms.

Her eyes stopped as she noticed one door that wasn’t being used at all, “What about that door?” She suggested while pointing.

You followed her finger and noticed the door as well. “That’s strange, why isn’t anyone using it? It seems fine.” You shrugged and began walking towards it, “Better than waiting in that darn line.”

For some odd reason, Minjee was getting a strange vibe from the door. She glanced back and saw that Junghee was giving her a piercing look so she shrugged the feeling off.

“I’ll be waiting outside.” She told you briefly before plonking herself down on a chair.

You gave a slight nod before opening the isolated door and stepping inside. “Prepare to be blown away!” You cackled playfully.

Inside the small fitting room there was a normal full-length mirror and some hooks for the clothes.

Casually hanging up the bag, you were about to strip your shorts off when you heard an unusual whirring noise. You didn’t think much of it but it began to increase in volume.

It got louder and louder, you couldn’t hear yourself think.

“Minjee! Do you hear that?” You yelled out “Minjee?”

There was no reply.

Fumbling, you tried to unlock the door but no avail. It was stuck fast. Blinking once, you started to panic.

Wildly kicking and bashing the door over the strange noise, you tried to force it open.

“What the actual…” You cursed under your breath, more confused than ever now.

You reached for your small bag and pulled out your phone. Eyes widening at the words ‘No Signal’, you grew dizzy and stumbled onto the floor.

A sudden gust of wind came from absolutely nowhere making you shiver and hug your knees to your chest.

All you had right now was a bag, your phone and a pair of jeans.

Having no clue what to do, you waited for the wind to die down before trying to unlock the door again.

Before you could even reach for the lock, a flash of light blinded you. It knocked you back against the mirror as you winced from the impact and brightness at the same time.

Trying to recover your vision fast, you tried rubbing your eyes to soothe the burning.

There was suddenly a very quiet and still aura around you. It was the loudest silence you have ever heard.

Slowly rising up to your feet, you warily reached for the lock. It took a few goes to grasp it properly, since your hands were trembling.

It opened with a click.

Eyes wide, you pushed open the door with all your might and peered outside. You nearly fell over at what you saw.

Grass.

Green grass.

Extremely green grass and tall trees with never-ending trunks. Sparkly rocks with red and white mushroom-toad things.

Not knowing what the heck to do, you carefully stepped out and did a 360 degree turn, trying to figure out where you were.

“Hello?” You called out hesitantly, “Where am I? This better not be some hidden camera show…”

You completely stepped away from the supposed ‘fitting room’ and the door began to close.

“NO!” You cried out and tried to grab it but it was too quick. You ended up getting your hand trapped and injuring your fingers. “Farout…”

You watched in horror as the door began shimmering before it disappeared completely, right in front of your eyes.

Immediately, you fell onto your knees while crying out in agony, “WHY ME? I JUST WANTED JEANS!”