~ 3 Months later~

Soobin’s POV

“Do you really have to go?” Theodore had his arms around my waist as I stood in front of the departure check in.

“I’ll only be gone a week. You’ll be so busy I’ll be back before you know it.” I said and he gave me a kiss.

“I’ll miss you.”

“I’ll miss you too. I’ll call you when I land ok? Don’t worry about me. Good luck for your play! I’ll await your good news!” He finally let go of my waist as I walked into the departure entrance. When my passport was being checks, Theodore waved and I waved back, sending him a flying kiss. Korea here I come!

I was so hyped up on the plane. I haven’t seen Haemin in 2 years. I was finally going to see her. What’s better was that she’s getting married! I can’t believe she is already getting married. I used to think with that temper of hers she will never find someone who’d want to marry here. But I guess life is always full of surprises. Looking at the time, the plane took off and I closed my eyes hoping to get some rest and not get too jet lagged for the wedding.

As I walked out of the airport arrivals, I saw my name being held up and behind it was none other than my best friend.

“Haemin!” I exclaimed.

“Soobin!” we were like lover reunited I bet if this scene was recorded, it would be hilarious.

“How are you?”I said and she looked like she was about to cry.

“I missed you so much.  Life without you is so different!” She said as she pulled me into another hug.

“Girls, lets go back before we block the road.” Donghae said as he offered to take my luggage.

‘How are you? You’re a “lucky” man.” I joked and he burst out laughing, just like the old Donghae I knew. We walked out to a car as Donghae loaded our luggage into the back as we took a seat.

“So how’s London?” Haemin asked me before Donghae came in.

“It’s good. I like it there. The weather is nice and the people are really nice too.” I said.

“I’m glad you’re happy. Are you in a relationship?” She asked, like she was walking on a thread.

“Yeah I am. I am lucky to have found Theodore.” I said and smiled.

“Soobin, there’s something I want you to know.” Haemin said, sounding serious.

“You can tell me later. It seems secretive and serious.” I said as Donghae entered the car.

“Where are you staying at?” Donghae asked.

“The Westin Chosun.” I said and Haemin looked at me in awe.

“You get to stay in a 5 star hotel.” She pouted as I laughed.   

“Theodore was afraid I might be tired and all from the flight so he got me to stay there.” I said. As I could see Donghae looking at me through his rearview mirror.

“Theodore sounds like a good man.” Haemin said, looking at Donghae.

“Who’s Theodore?” Donghae asked as he started driving.

“Soobin’s Boyfriend.” Haemin answered. Why is the atmosphere so strange in here?

We talked about life and everything under the sun until we got to the hotel. Haemin offered to go check in with me but I told her she has the world worl to be busy about I can manage my own check in. She laughed as they told me where they were going to try on the bridal dresses. I had to go try on my bridesmaid outfit too. They told me to head down there tomorrow since I must be tired from the long flight.

I think they must have forgotten that the time in London is the total opposite of Korea. Since it’s about 5pm here in Korea, it’s about 5am there in England. Donghae doesn’t know but Haemin does. But oh well, this is not something important anyway. I had rested on the plane here so I’m now full of energy. I check-in and Theodore seriously overdid himself. He booked me a suite. Why in the world would I need a suite? I left my things in my room and changed into more casual clothes and went down stairs. It’s been 2 years since I’m in Korea and this place has definitely changed.

I got myself my favourite street food, Kimbap, ddeokbboki. sundae, oodeng. It was like heaven on earth, sitting here and eating the food here from the streetside stall. There are Korean restaurants in England but they were expensive and not as good as the authentic ones which you see the ahjumma and eat. How I wish Theodore was here to enjoy such good food.

“You have a good appetite lady.” The ahjumma smiled at me.

“I haven’t got to eat such delicious Korean food in ages. I’m going to eat my fill while I’m here.” I told her and she smiled even wide.

“You’re not from here?”

“Oh I am. I just moved away to work 2 years ago. I’m back for my friend’s wedding.” I told her. We entertained each other till I finished my food. I told here I’ll be here everyday for the next week and she laughed waving me goodbye. I walked the streets and roamed around. This place has changed so much within the past 2 years. How fast the world is moving. Suddenly my phone rang and I smiled. It was Theodore.

“My love, have you arrived safely?” He asked.

“Yes I have. I just ate some super delicious food and I was thinking about you. How I wish you were here.” I said and I could hear him smile.

“I want to be there too. But you know I’ve got my hands full on work.” He said.

“I know. We can find time to come here when we both have the time. For now, I’m going to make you jealous of all the pictures of nice food here.” I said and he laughed. How I love his laugh.

“I’m just glad you’ve arrived safely.”

“About that, why did you book me a suite? It must have cost you a bomb.” I said.

“I just want you to live comfortably, my love.”

“You really shouldn’t have. I feel like you’re wasting so much money.” I said.

“You know I can afford it. Just accept it. You can treat me to dinner when you’re back.” He said.

“Alright. It’s so early at your side. Why are you up so early?” I asked.

“I wanted to check on you. I was worried something might happen.” He said.

“I’m fine Theo, you don’t have to worry about me. I know this place. This is my hometown. You don’t have to worry about me.” I said

“You’re right. It’s just you not being in my sight reminded me of the time you were drunk.” He said and he knows I don’t like it when he says that but he always says that to make a joke out of me.

“Maybe I should just stay here and never go back.” I said with a nonchalent tone, but I was smiling here. He is gonna flip.

“I’m sorry. Please forgive me. I didn’t mean what I said. I burst out laughing and I know he realise he had been fooled. Again.

I didn’t realise what a commotion I’ve cause because of my English. I sonetimes forget how Koreans find people with accented English interesting. Eyes were focused on me and some were even pointing fingers. Oh boy.

“Hey theo, I’ve got to go. I’ll talk to you later alright?” I said.

“Sure. Try to get some sleep though. You’ll need it to look beautiful.”

“I love you too. Bye.” And the last thing I heard was his laugh. What will I do without him? I carried on my way, walking about the streets of seoul, seeing people of all kinds walking on the streets. Students, office workers, old people, children with their mothers. I miss the days when I walked among people who were like me. I stick out quite a bit when I am in England because I am not white. But thank goodness they are not racist.

When I got back to my hotel, it was close to 8pm. My hand were filled with food which I bought from the ahjumma because I cannot stop eating. I miss this too much. I even bought fried chicken when I saw a shop.

When I was in my room, I flipped through the channels, finding something to watch and settled on a drama, which seemed interesting. I am so out of touch with the Korea media industry that I have no idea what’s going on. Eating my food and watching tv, this is luxury. I used to be grading papers, reviewing desgins all the time. However, I enjoy my job so it was never a bad thing for me. Students these days are getting more and more creative sometimes I think I have grown old.

My phone bing-ed and I saw a text from Haemin, giving me the address of the place where I’m suppose to try on my dress. She told me that she had already picked out a few all I have to do is to find the most suitable one. If only I had known Haemin was getting married, I might even design her dress for her. I didn’t mind though, but there’s nothing I could do about it now. Honestly, I have never actually mention this to her, that I wanted to design her dress. I actually thought this was the least I could do for her as her friend.

I watched TV till about 3am in the morning and I told myself I have to go to bed. If not, I will never change my time over . in 3 day, it was Haemin’s wedding. I can’t believe she is getting married for real. With this thought in my mind, I drifted off to sleep.

I woke up the next morning with a few text from Theodore. He and his tricks. He always does the sweetest things at the most unexpected time.

‘I miss you. I hope my face is the first thing you see in the morning. – Theo’ On the message was attached with his picture.

‘Even without you I’m eating good food too. – Theo’ With this message was also attached with a picture. How dare he go to our usual Italian restaurant without me? He even ordered my favourite chicken ravioli! That idiot.

‘ You face made my morning but that plate of pasta ruined it all Theo.’ I replied.

‘It’s calling for you to come back soon. – Theo’

I continued texting him till about 12pm asking him to go to bed. He has to teach and make arrangements for the play. He must be exhausted.

I took a shower and changed into comfortable clothing an went down to find the Ahjumma. After a good hearty meal, I decided I need to go try on the dress. Hailing a taxi, I told the driver the location and he took me there. I don’t think I am able to navigate the roads of Seoul on my own anymore. Too many things have changed. Even though I have lived here for a long time, this place feels foreign now.

The shop was huge and my my, all those designer brand dresses. I can’t wait to see Haemin in her dress. She must look like an angel from heaven. Haemin is gorgeous. Even without wearing a wedding dress, she was a head turner. Donghae is a lucky man. 

“May I help you?” The lady asked.

“Oh. I’m Park Soobin, I’m here to try on the Bridesmaid dress for Kim Haemin.” I said and her eyes widened.

“You’re the Park Soobin?” She asked.

“What does it mean by ‘the park Soobin’?” I asked since I have no idea what she means.

“You’re a fashion designer right?” She asked and I nodded my head. She is not making any sense to me.

“I love your work. I was quite disappointed after they stopped producing your line.” She said.

“Thank you. I changed my brand to Ellie Park. You can find new ones there. I shall first give you my thanks for your loyal support.” I said and she smiled. She lead the way to the dressing room where quite a few of the dresses were hanging. Looking at them, even I had diffculity choosing them.  As I was about to step into the area and draw the curtains, the curtain beside me opened and walked out a man in tuxedo. He looked at me and his eyes widened in shock. Do I know him?

“Soobin?” He said before coming towards me with such force I felt like I was going to die. Who is he?