MINA

Jeju-do, Spring 2020

The night sky without clouds looks beautiful tonight. I can see the stars clearly from here. It’s so beautiful that it makes me hard to move from my balcony. The wind blows hard for a moment making my hair scattered over my sight. Part of me doesn’t want to leave this night’s view, but the truth is because I think I just can’t sleep tonight.

My mind had been wandering so far back to what happened last year when I met him. Maybe because it's already spring. For a moment I took a deep breath. Actually it is not a memory that is too bad to be remembered, it does bring little happiness. But I'm afraid that I’ll keep remembering that. These days it’s been very difficult to keep reminding myself to stop hoping and thinking about it.

…..

Jeju-do, Spring 2019

Spring is starting, I thought. I smiled thinking about the flowers that would bloom along this island's path. Just thinking about it I'm already very happy. Since a year ago I decided to move here from Japan, opening a small café near the beach. Not a big business but I'm happy to do the thing I like which is baking.

The clinking sound of a small bell from the door told me that someone comes. I quickly looked away at the door, slightly bowed "Welcome".

A man my age became the first customer today. He approached the cashier where I stood. For a moment looking at the cakes installed on the display. "I can give a recommendation if you want." I tried to help when he looks a little confused.

"Ice chocolate and chocolate cake please" he said very to the point. I nodded and processed the order.

He sat by the window that showed the beautiful view of Jeju island. I watched him shortly before delivering the order. From the bag he brought, it seems he came only for a short visit. Honestly, he's very handsome if you look at him longer.

"This is your order"

"Thank you"

…..

The next day and the day after that man continued to come at the same time ordering the same things. Not much he did, read books, and do things with his laptop. Usually he will leave when it was already evening. During that time I occasionally watched him curiously. Luckily he didn't seem to notice that I was paying attention.

It was the fifth day he came to my café straight in a row. "Ice chocolate and chocolate cake right?" I said without realizing it before he even said a word. He seemed to look a little surprised. I instantly felt guilty for being a little rude.

"Ah sorry because you always order it so without I even realized ... Do you want to order something else?"

"No, just give me as usual."

"Ok" I answered. "Are you here for a vacation?" I asked again just to wipe away the awkward situation.

There was a slight pause before he answered me. "Yeah. Not completely on vacation actually. "

I looked at him a little wondering. "Well, I work. Vacation while working. Things like that." he continued and I nodded again.

"Are you from Seoul?" I asked again to continue the conversation. Actually more because of my curiosity these past few days.

"US. I'm from LA. "

I looked at him in surprise. "Really? Your Korean is very good. "

"Thanks," he answered with a slight smile that I see for the first time.