South Korea

Summer 2017

Years I spent in States was the most remarkable journey. If Korea is my home, States is in my turning-point place. I really miss the homey feelings from South Korea, but being in States shapes me to a better person. If South Korea spoils me, States slaps me right in the face. I thought I made a right decision to go to United States. For all depression times in South Korea, States told me that my life was not as small as South Korea. Thus, I can exit that hell I created by my own.

I got a half-time work at a publishing company in States, leaving my business title behind and start doing what I really want to do: taking literature study. Taking part-time was the only way to survive a full-scholarship study in States, I can use my money to eat and pay for rent house. My very first book, Passerby, was doing well. It never reach the best-seller book in weeks or month, but the satisfied feelings when people buy your book was beyond imagination. Moreover, it was my first published book. Yet the author, Lemon, which was me, were never found. Lee Ria really keep my real profile away from media and other publishing company, to wait until my return to Korea.

Incheon Airport was never been this full people before. I wonder why.

Diririring diririring..

Daegung chingung calling.

‘Yeoboseyo?’

‘Ya! Did you land already?’

‘Still in baggage section. Where are you?’

‘Parking lot. Terminal 2F, right?’

‘Yup. Let’s just meet in Starbucks then. I wonder why Incheon is being too crowded today.’

‘Really? Okay then.’

‘See you in a bit.’

Starbucks.

After ordering Green Tea blended with less ice, less sugar, and overflowing whipped cream and a Vanilla Blended for SeIl, I sat near the window, looking outside and still wondering why so much girl around my age lined up holding camera those big. Who are they waiting for? South Korea President? Obama?

Some couple of seconds later I saw the front door opened and a woman in tidy office-suit enter the café, eyes busy searching for someone. I really recognize that face. Seven years spent with her and nothing changes, still the same person in and out.

She found me sitting near the window then walked towards me with a huge smile plastered in her face.

“Long time no see, .” she said while giving me a big warm hug.

“Good to see you too, friend. Sit.”

“You really back now? For good? No coming back to States?”

“I am back for good. For the mean time I had no plan on coming back there.”

“You get work here? Apartment?”

“All done.”

“Order for Soojung-sshi.” said the barista.

“That’s ou