“Whoah!!”

I can’t help but exclaim as I saw what is yet to be my most favorite mural in the whole Ihwa Village. It is a simple black and white graffiti of a woman in a balloon dress with little sunflower designs on the hem. Interesting enough, the woman is holding a black umbrella. Also, holding hands with a man hidden on the corner wall. “Jongwoon would love this.”

I should be enjoying myself but I can’t stop thinking about him. Enough. I shook my head and clutched the handle of my camera. It is a fairly simple mural compared to the rest but the minimalist enthusiast in me loves it. “I want to take a proper picture.” For the first time in my life, I actually felt annoyed being alone.

I have been touring this residential village since 9 in the morning wearing a uniform. Yes, my old rented a high school uniform on Jolly Shop for the whole day. Don’t judge me; It was fun until I saw this mural.

“I. WANT. TO. HAVE. A. PICTURE. HERE.”

I took a selfie using my phone but it . Sigh. I stood pouting in front of it for minutes. Call it antisocial luck but the quaint village seems to be void of tourists than usual. I had to let it go. I turned to walk again when an old man’s face startled me. “Oh, my ing God.”

I automatically cursed in English. He is smiling to me and speaking in Korean. “Do you want to take a picture there? Let me help you.”

“Waah you startled me ahjussi! Is it okay? I don’t want to disturb you.” He looks like a local. I don’t normally talk to strangers but he had such a friendly and almost serene face.

“Why not? It’s just a picture. Go on.”

“Okay then.” I gave him my camera and moved over to the mural. He was so patient enough to take multiple shots. I took my camera to check and “Wow. You take such good pictures! Are you a photographer ahjussi?” No kidding. His shots were perfect.

“Ani. I own a souvenir stall over there. A lot of tourists here need help from the locals. We are used to it I guess.” He responded.

“Ahh. You must have practiced a lot then. Gomapta ahjussi.”

Its 3 in the afternoon. I used all my time wandering around I am actually hungry. I don’t know what made me do it but I asked the old man to join me to eat. “Ahjussi... Do you want some ice cream? I heard there’s a famous ice cream shop here. Wait a minute what’s the name of that shop?”

“Are you talking about Milk Gongbang?”

“Yes! That’s it. Is the ice cream there really good?

“Ne. It’s owned by two Master chefs. Pretty popular stop here.”

“Let’s go then ahjussi. The heat is killing me.”

He surprised me by saying yes. We reached our destination after walking for 8 minutes. This ice cream shop has a yellow door. Assorted cute illustrations and potted plants decorated the exterior walls. It seems like all the cute shops and cafes converged in this village.

“Ahjussi, what flavor do you like?”

“Same as you. I don’t really like ice cream.”

“Eh? Arasso. Wait for a while please.” I ordered two mango flavored ice creams and gave one to him. We sat on one of the empty road benches. “Hey ahjussi, if you don’t like ice cream then why did you join me?”

He looked at me for a while before answering. “Your eyes are sad” – he seemed to be reminiscing – “and you look like my daughter.”

“Really? Where is she?”

“She died four years ago. Cancer.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” The ice cream doesn’t taste so good suddenly. What is it with cancer devastated families? How can they distinguish each other just by looking? My tears want to break free. I looked at the sky to prevent it from falling.

“My mom died too. When I was 19. My life has been a hell since.”

“I know. I know how grieving eyes look...” He looked at me and patted my hand. He is correct, I’ve been in grief for 10 years now. In fact, her death anniversary is near. I feel so connected with this old man I just met though I don’t even know his name.

“Ahjussi...” I began softly. I want to confess. I desperately want to tell a single soul aside from Selené. “I have to tell you something. Can you hear me out? You don’t have to advise me or anything. I just want someone to know; to listen.” My eyes must be begging, he agreed and promised me not to comment anything.

So, I told him. I told him my deepest secret. I confessed to a stranger everything. I felt like the weight on my shoulders lifted a little. We stayed and ate our ice cream in silence after; both lost in our thoughts.

“I have to get back to my shop now.” The old man stood up suddenly. He patted my head this time and said, “I can tell you are strong but don’t be too hard on yourself. You are young. Don’t deny yourself some happiness.”

I was stunned. I didn’t know I needed such words until I heard it.

“Wait! Ahjussi!” I ran after him. “Let me buy something from your shop.” I was surprised when he laughed. “Forgive this forgetful old man. I actually think there is something you might like on my shop.”

He rummaged through his stuff when we reached his little street stall. “Here it is.”

I looked at his outstretched hand in surprise. “Is that... OMG AHJUSSI!!” He was holding a pendant replica of the lady on the mural. “OH MY GOD.” I can’t help but repeat myself. I really love the piece.

“Ahjussi! Are you an artist?! A craftsman? This is so beautiful.”

He chuckled, “I design souvenirs based on the murals here. This one is a special request but the owner forgot about it, I think. It’s been a year.” My eyes roamed around his stall for more interesting finds.

“Ahjussi... I’ll take that one.” There’s just too many I ended up buying five more. He looks so happy. “Hmm. How fast can you make one of these?”

“It depends. 3 days is the fastest.”

"Can you make one for me please. Make a male version of this? He must be holding a black umbrella too but with cloud designs on his clothes or wherever it would look good. Please ahjussi.”

He looked amused, “You said you are not allowed to have a boyfriend.”

“I don’t have one.” I suddenly feel shy. “I don’t... Aigoo. You’re teasing me!!!!” His laugh is like a melody. I wish his daughter could hear it.

“Okay. I will do it.”

“Yay! When do I come back for it?”

“After 8 days at most. I have other requests to do first.” I am happy to know his stall is doing well. “Arasso. I will come back for sure. Don’t give it to others please. I will pay for it now.”

Come to think of it, every piece on his stall looks unique. “Ahjussi, I’m wondering, are all the pieces you sell personalized? I can’t seem to find similar ones.”

“Ne. I try to make a different piece each time so every single person could have one unique item.” He is so thoughtful.

“Don’t worry I will make a great piece for your boyfriend.”

“HE IS NOT MY BOYFRIEND!”

“Then why are you blushing?” He keeps on teasing me while I pay. God knows I am quite enjoying this banter. Too much for my own good in fact.

“Alright. He is my boyfriend in my dreams. You might even know him.”

“Don’t tell me it’s one of those actors or idols.” I giggled. He is so dead on.

“I’m dating an idol. Don’t tell the papers ahjussi.”

“Alright I won’t but tell me from which group first.” He is refusing to give my items if I don’t answer. He must be missing his daughter so much. “Fine, fine. He is from Super Junior.”

“Oh! Shuju! I was expecting it to be a younger one.” I love this ahjussi.

“Watch your mouth ahjussi!!” I hate to go but I need to visit the famous freedom wall of Naksan park. “Ahjussi! I’m going.”

“Okay! See you soon!” I curtsied to him and left. I can hear him laughing. What a day. The next stop on my list is the freedom wall. My sharpie is so ready to vandal that wall. I was huffing when I reached the steps of Naksan but the view is worth it.

“WHOAH! LOOK AT THIS VIEW!”

Other tourists might think I’m crazy. I felt good enough to scream. I waited until a group of youngsters finished scribbling on the wall.

I caught myself before I shook my head. What are kids doing here answering a morbid question?

The freedom wall is known for the incomplete phrase written on it for visitors to continue. The phrase reads: “Before I die...”

“Let’s see. What should I write?”

I bit my lips in concentration. Okay that sounds about right.

I uncapped my sharpie and wrote the words: “Before I die, I want to be free.” Sigh. This freedom wall better have magic. I really need it to be true.

Enough drama. I wrote another wish, a not so serious one, and giggled like a teenager. “You are so doomed Saab.”

Feeling satisfied after signing and staring at it for minutes, I took a picture and left. I need to hurry. I promised Jongwoon I will be at Armoiré today.

I went back to my hotel to deposit my things and shower. I can’t decide what to wear. I ended up with my old skinny ripped jeans and black long sleeves adorned by a choker. Can’t go wrong with black.

I honestly feel like a teenager excited for her first date when in reality an opportunity to talk might not even come. “What about itself? I am excited to stare at him.” I bid my mirror goodbye with a flying kiss.

I reached Armoiré at 6:30 in the evening and oh boy, the café is so full. I ordered and checked the rooftop. “Eh?” The seats are all taken; some are even sipping their lattés standing on the balcony. There’s no Yesung in sight. Hmph.

One of the staffs ushered me to a table with two vacant seats on the second floor. “Are you sure they don’t mind?” A group of Korean girls are sitting at the table.

“Ne. They said it’s okay. They are ELFs.” Ahh. I smiled at them and sat down. I will stay a bit and finish my order. I have another park to visit tonight. That jerk. Where is he?

Buzz. My order is ready. I stood up to get it and went back to the table. What’s with this crowd honestly. I feel like most of them are ELF. Did something happen?

I am in hiatus on twitter. I don’t want to be tempted to talk to my ELF friends so I am kind of out of touch with fandom news. Maybe I’m just being paranoid.

I’m halfway through my drink when the café suddenly murmured in unison. I hear men laughing at the stairs. I know that laugh. Yesung is with two male friends. He went straight to the rooftop without looking. Maybe I want to kick his perfect .

Seething, I sipped my drink as if my life depended on it. Why did he ask me to come here then? I showed him my list he should know I have to go somewhere tonight.

“Excuse me, are you a tourist too?” Turns out one of the girls on my table is an International ELF. Might as well interact instead of boring myself to death.

We talked a bit in English and I ended up taking their group picture. I’m almost done with my drink. I looked at the time and checked my photos earlier. I am still stunned with the old man’s shots I automatically tuned out from the room. He is that good.

“Is he giving signatures? OMG!”

What’s happening?

I looked up to see Yesung scribbling on a paper two tables away from me. What’s he doing now? What happened to don’t-disturb-me-at-my-cafés policy? He is interacting with fans alright. Jongjin must be going crazy.

I tried to ignore all the commotion when the girls on my table started squealing. Yesung is walking towards our table. “May I sit here while I wait for my order? There’s no other vacant table.”

He sat on the empty chair beside me and the wall. All clouds must be pissing on their underwear by now. Me included. IS HE HIGH OR SOMETHING?

“Are all of you ELF?”

“Ne oppa.”, the girls answered in unison. He glanced at me. The glint of excitement in his eyes is undeniable. I hate him.

“I’m not.” I smiled at him sweetly. Two can play this game.

He pretended to be shocked. “Ahh. Jeongmallyo? Mianhae.” He then asked the girls their names and where they come from.

“Oppa...” The I-ELF is offering a paper and a pen to Yesung. “Can you sign me an autograph too? I won’t have another chance I will go back to Hong Kong tomorrow.” He said yes and started writing on the paper. The other girls followed suit. I’m just casually finishing my drink while watching them.

Yesung gave the paper to them one by one. He then looked at me expectantly. “Don’t you want an autograph too?” He smiled at me and said, “You can sell it you know.”

I don’t know what he is trying to do but I decided to play along. I took out the new memo pad I bought earlier and tore one page for him. He accepted the paper with a smile.

“Hmm. I won’t write a name since you might sell it.” The girls are laughing. “Ha-ha.” I tried to laugh too. I’m really going to end him for this.

I can see the whole place taking pictures. Thank God our table is near the wall. Its cramped and less visible. I kicked his feet discreetly under the table. Yesung acted like nothing happened. Now I sincerely want to laugh.

After writing God knows what, he gave the paper back to me and played with his pen. I took it back and read. I am struggling to keep my poker face.

It has his signature alright but the message on top reads:

Let’s go to Seonyudo. 8:30 PM.
Fetch you at Riviera. Same car.
Tap my feet if yes.

I quickly folded the paper before anyone takes a peek. The girls seemed to have run out of words to say to him. Buzz. His order is ready but instead of getting it he scrolled on his phone. After a while, he started tapping the table with his small hands while humming a melody.

It sounds familiar. Then I recognized it; he is humming one of the songs of the girl group Twice titled Yes or Yes. This time I can’t stop from shaking my head in embarrassment. This old guy is so corny.

I looked around and stepped on his right foot forcefully. “Arghhh.” He stood up smiling while trying to hide the pain. Look at this guy pretend he is okay. I bit my lower lip to avoid laughing out loud.

“I need to go back to my friends now.”, he announced to all the fans listening. “Please eat