Aaron guided the group toward Alexandria, promising them a safe haven. The weary survivors trudged behind him, covered in dirt, sweat, and the smell of days-old grime. All except for one person—Ji-hyo.

Ji-hyo was the picture of calm, her light green sundress swaying in the gentle breeze. Her skin was flawless, her makeup impeccable, and her hair seemed to shine under the afternoon sun. As if that weren’t enough, a soft floral scent wafted around her, making her seem like she had stepped out of another world.

Rick glanced at her as they approached the gates. “Ji-hyo, how do you still look… like that?”

Ji-hyo smiled coyly. “A lady never reveals her secrets.”

---

Arrival in Alexandria

The gates of Alexandria opened, and the group walked in cautiously. Rick kept his hand near his gun, his eyes scanning the area. The residents of Alexandria gathered to greet them, curious about the newcomers.

The residents’ faces quickly shifted from polite curiosity to outright shock when Ji-hyo stepped forward.

“Is she… glowing?” one woman whispered.

“She smells… nice?” a man muttered, sniffing the air.

“And is that makeup?”

Ji-hyo smiled warmly, giving the crowd a small wave. “Hello! It’s so nice to meet you all.”

Aaron, standing nearby, could barely contain his amusement. “I told you they’d be surprised,” he said to Rick.

---

The Reactions

Deanna Monroe stepped forward to welcome the group, but her eyes kept drifting to Ji-hyo. “Well… this is unexpected,” she said, unable to hide her astonishment. “You don’t look like you’ve spent a single day out there.”

“Oh, I have,” Ji-hyo said cheerfully. “But that doesn’t mean I can’t take care of myself. I found a lovely little stream a few days ago, and I always carry some essentials.”

“Essentials?” Glenn asked, raising an eyebrow.

Ji-hyo pulled a small pouch from her bag and opened it to reveal a collection of miniature skincare products, a travel-sized perfume bottle, and a compact mirror.

“You’re kidding,” Rosita said, staring at the items in disbelief.

“Skincare is important!” Ji-hyo replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Daryl scoffed. “You’re worried about skin cream while we’re fightin’ off walkers?”

Ji-hyo turned to him with a teasing smile. “And yet, I’m the one who smells good.”

---

The Alexandria Tour

As the group was shown around Alexandria, Ji-hyo quickly became the center of attention. Everywhere she went, residents stared, whispered, and occasionally leaned in to catch another whiff of her floral perfume.

“She’s like a movie star,” a young woman said.

“Or a ghost,” another muttered. “How can someone look so clean out there?”

Even the children were fascinated. One little girl tugged on Ji-hyo’s sundress and asked, “Are you a princess?”

Ji-hyo knelt down with a soft laugh. “Not quite, sweetie. But thank you for saying so.”

---

At Dinner

That evening, the group was invited to a community dinner. The other survivors looked slightly out of place in their rugged, bloodstained clothes, but Ji-hyo sat gracefully at the table, her sundress perfectly unwrinkled. She even pulled out a small napkin to dab at her lips after each bite.

“You’re somethin’ else, Ji-hyo,” Rick finally said, shaking his head. “I’ve never seen anyone like you.”

Ji-hyo smiled. “I just believe in staying true to myself, no matter the situation.”

“Even in the apocalypse?” Sasha asked, skeptical.

“Especially in the apocalypse,” Ji-hyo said firmly. “The world might be falling apart, but that doesn’t mean we have to. A little self-care goes a long way.”

---

The New Alexandria Star

By the next morning, Ji-hyo was the talk of Alexandria. Some admired her, some envied her, and others simply couldn’t figure her out.

“She’s like a mystery wrapped in a designer dress,” Aaron joked to Eric.

Rick watched as Ji-hyo showed a group of children how to braid hair, her perfume still lingering in the air.

“I don’t get it,” Daryl muttered, standing beside him.

“You don’t have to,” Rick replied with a chuckle. “She’s just… Ji-hyo.”

And in a world of chaos and destruction, Ji-hyo’s charm, grace, and unwavering commitment to beauty became a strange but welcome beacon of hope for everyone around her.