May 2013

I was biking around HanGang River, It was my duty as a police officer to check the area on weekends at wee hours of dawn, The cold breeze was brushing my face, good thing i wore my jacket to keep me warm, I was relief that there were no teenagers loitering around, at least I will not have a hard time tonight unlike the past weeks, High School students are fiercer and bolder nowadays, last time I caught some smoking and some are group of friends making out. My blood boiled when I told them to go home and instead of obeying me they called me names that I don’t know how they have the guts to say it to an officer, Are they belittling me because I’m a woman, Without hesitation that time, I grabbed one of the guys collar and pinned him down the ground and put him in handcuffs before I hit his head hard with my strong palm. I stood up and dust of my pants, and asked the remaining and annoying little insects that they have two options, its either they will go with me to the station all fine or they can have it in a hard way. They choose the latter so I have no choice but gave them what they want. I chuckled how I remember their faces, They couldn’t believe that I was that fierce despite of my demure looks and way of talking, They need to learn a lot, People can be deceiving. And people need to be punish for their bad behavior; like the one now I’m seeing in one of the off limits bench facing the river, the person is sitting on the bench as the bike was parked beside him or her, Not yet sure if the person is a he or she since, the person is facing his/her back from me and wearing a black hoodie. I stopped a few meters away from him, rode off my bicycle and slowly approached the person with flashlight on my right hand, lighting my way to the person while my right hand is at my gun, getting ready for any unexpected circumstances

“Excuse me?” I called the person’s attention

The figure slowly turned his/her head, as I flashed my light to his face, That’s right, He is a guy that got me more alert, I told him that this place is off limits on this hour and he should go home

Instead of obeying me, He just looked back at the river, In deep thoughts and sat their silently

I told him for a few times the same dialogue all over again but he cut me off with a simple plead to give him more minutes to ease his thoughts 

I was caught off guard, His voice is soothing but you can tell his sadness with his tone, and with that I was curious and unconsciously went beside him and sat

Little that I know even though he is stranger, i could feel he's harmless, I looked at him and his eyes are close, I followed and it made my mind peaceful as I listening to the rushing waves of the river and the cold breeze of the night under the ocean of stars, We stayed that for a few minutes

I opened my eyes and he was still in his own world, I studied his side profile, He has pointy nose, perfect set of lips but his cheeks are kind off sticking out and bags under his eyes are darker and heavier compare the usual, I think this man is living  hard life

“I look miserable? Am I?” He asked while still closing his eyes

I could feel myself panicked with the sudden words of the man, I stayed silent because saying nothing is better than blurting out words

Again silence embraces the both of us, and its awkward this time, I want to tell him again that he need to leave or I have no choice but to ask him to pay a penalty

“Don’t worry, I'll leave soon. Just want to have time alone.” He spoke again like he was reading my mind

This man is making me guilty, I want to give him time but I need to do my work as an officer, God this is giving me a headache

I was hitting my head lightly with my right fist as I’m contemplating on what to do, Then I heard light chuckles from my left side

I saw the guy looking and laughing at me

“Do I look stupid?” I said as I gave him a serious look 

And he just continue to laugh heartily, The guy must be insane, I was about to burst on my seat when suddenly he introduces himself

“Kim MinSeok-Imnida.” He said as he stick out his hand for a shake

I hesitant for a bit but gladly took it, His hand was warmth and soft, He smiled to me as i mirrored mine to him

“What are you doing here, It’s late and it’s dangerous.” I started our conversation

“Just want to have time alone, away from the judging eyes of the people.” He answered me with a sad tone again

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