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Anastasia didn't say anything to Jisun's comment about how there was even a hierarchy within the richest families in the world. It didn't matter as much to the "new wealth" but it did matter to old names. Anastasia felt it around Leo's direct social circle but it was in the subtle actions and manner of speaking that one could detect it.

The silence between them following Anastasia's invitation left her fidgeting, pushing back strands of hair. Had she been wrong in asking? She wasn't sure what it could possibly be-- there was always the option to say no. However, as the silence prolonged, Anastasia wondered if it would be best to retract her offer. A soft breath left her lips as Jisun finally asked, her body relaxing.

Anastasia replied smiled at the offer for Korean food. There was also something about Jisun mentioning that they would go to her favorite spot. Jisun didn't seem like the kind of person to share those small details about her life. Anastasia felt like she would get a better glimpse of her new roommate and it intrigued her.

"That sounds great."

Later that evening, Anastasia finished getting ready. Unfortunately, as varied as her closet had been set up, it was not very casual, at least not in what she imagined Jisun's terms to be. Anastasia decided on a pair of slim dark dress pants, a simple long-sleeved top and flats.

Stepping outside, Anastasia couldn't help but do a double take of Jisun.

"I really like your jacket," she said. It gave Jisun another edge and, while Anastasia figured it would not be the case if she tried it on herself, she still couldn't help but wonder what it would look like on her.

"Sounds good, but I'll have to get a subway card," she said when Jisun mentioned public transportation, hoping that there were machines where she could easily buy them like back in London. It did surprise her to hear Jisun's comment on cost effectiveness; it wouldn't cost her family anything to give Jisun a car, relative to their wealth. However, Anastasia knew that it was just easier to get around public transportation instead of driving through the often-blocked city roads.

Anastasia waved goodbye to Dal as they stepped into the hall. Outside, the sky was dark. There were no stars because of the city's bright lights but the street looked completely different than during the day or even when it was raining.

The subway station wasn't too far from their apartment and Anastasia heard the leaving and coming trains as they stepped down the stairs. Her heartpace picked up a little as she realized that they would be out until late, probably far from the subway; she wasn't used to going out into the city after dark and the thought of dark streets scared her. Anastasia glanced over at Jisun but didn't say anything. She was sure Jisun would think she was silly for being afraid of the night.

You have to learn how to get out, you can't be stuck in this neighborhood, Anastasia told herself. It made her angry to feel that fear, although it was because this was her first time ever going out at night without being in a group, with her family, or with supervision.

Plus, I'm not going alone, Anastasia reassured herself as they stepped into the subway car, looking over at Jisun one more time, her gaze lingering a little longer. She took a seat in an empty row so that Jisun could choose if she wanted to sit without and instincitively smoothing down her pants. I'm safe.

The thought calmed her well enough. She would learn how to navigate the subway system during the day and, for now, she trusted Jisun to get them to where they needed to go and back home.

The train ride, thankfully, didn't feel too long. Anastasia watched as the view on the windows cahnge from stations to the black walls of the tunnels and back. People came and went, all in their own personal worlds, barely engaging with those around them. There were many headhones, lit screens, and open books.

"It's odd to think that I won't see most of these people again for the rest of my life," Anastasia said, saying it just loud enough for Jisun to hear. "At the Academy it was the same faces-- the same people-- every day for years. Now, I only get a brief moment to see their people's before they walk away forever. I don't know if it's whether it's freeing or not."

I can be anyone, she answered the question in her mind, In a city where I'm a stranger to all. It really is the blank slate I wanted-- at least, the closest you'll ever get to it. Now, I just have to figure out who I am.