Star of my Seoul (Chapter 5: Wiped Out)

I think....I've lost my human jacket. 
Chapter 5: Wiped Out

Haley thought she was dead. She was surprised to see a blur of light, and her vision shortly cleared up with a fluorescent light above her.
"Haley! You're finally awake!" a familiar voice exclaimed.
Haley turned her head slowly to see her friend and roommate, Layla stared back at her with a smile of relief.
"Where am I?"
"In the hospital."
She immediately remembered the last time she had her eyes opened.

"LOOK OUT!" Jamie quickly steered the wheel but the reckless driver hit them in the blink of an eye.

"Thank God you're okay." Layla said, "I came here as soon as I saw the news."
"Jamie..." she mumbled and suddenly gasped, "Where's Jamie? Is he okay? Did something serious happen to him? What if he got killed?"
She pushed herself to get up but she felt a jolt of pain in her head.
"Haley, you've got to lay down. The doctor said your body is still weak from shock."
Haley rested her head on the pillow, "Did you see Jamie?"
"Yeah, he's in the bed next curtain He hasn't awake yet."

The curtains of the section swept open and entered a doctor with a clipboard in one hand.
"Annyeong Haseyo," he bowed, "Hello, Miss Kang."
"Hello, sir."
"How are you feeling?"
"A little dizzy."
"Your body is still weak. You're probably having a headache right now, so it's best for you to stay back for one night."
"Oh, okay."
"You're lucky that there are no major injuries in your body. Usually people suffered from heavy blood flow or damaged organs in car accidents."
"Uh, excuse me, doctor." Haley coughed, "Is Jamie okay?"
The doctor flipped the paper on the clipboard, "Ah, Song Jae Min? He's fine, but he has received twelve stitches around his head."
"Is there anything serious?"

The doctor looked at her with a concerned look, "We...uh...scanned his whole body. There's no damage in his body but there's a disruption in his brain."
"Disruption?"
"We found out that his recent memories has been wiped out. He has amnesia.".

Haley's eyes widened. So are Layla's.
"H...how did that happened?"
Layla looked at her friend's gobsmacked face. She had never seen her so pitiful.
"His head must have knocked pretty hard on the window when the car got collided."
"But how come Haley's okay?" Layla asked.
"Well, one of my nurses who has helped with the ambulance told me that the car who has hit his direction must have caused a bigger shock to his body."

Haley stared at the ceiling. Tears trickled down from her eyes.
"This...can't be happening."
"Doctor," Layla continued, "Is his amnesia temporary or permanent?"
The doctor's face softened, "It's temporary."
"Oh! Thank goodness!" Haley exhaled heavily.
"However, it takes a week or so for him to recover. And it's not easy to gain his memories back."
"Are all his memories gone?" Haley asked.
"No, not all of them." the doctor replied as he fixed his thick metal glasses, "But his recent ones are."
"That means..."

Haley paused and felt like her heart got pierced by a thousand needles, "Could it be...."
"Haley..." Layla said as she touched her cold hand.
"Could it be...his memories this year are gone?"
"Mostly the ones he had for the past few months." the doctor clarified.
Tears continued to flow. Haley sobbed with small hiccups.
"Can you give us a minute, sir?'
"Absolutely." the doctor answered, "But I'm done here anyways. I'll check back on her in a few hours."
"Kamsahamnida." Layla bowed and sat back. She held Haley's hand and stroked her hair. Haley squeezed her eyes shut as she was drowned in her misery.

                                          *                                       *                                   *
Haley opened her eyes once again. She found herself in a different room.
"Where am I now?" she yawned and pushed herself to sit up. Her head was no longer painful but she felt slightly dizzy.
"Haley?" Layla's voice muffled from the door.
"Yes?"
"Oh, good! You're awake!" Layla entered in with a lunch bag. "The nurses helped you transfer to this room so that you can stay for the night."
"I see."
"Here. I've brought you dinner." she placed the bag on the side table.
"Dinner? Wait a minute, how long have I slept?"
"Let's see," Layla tapped her chin, "You were in a coma for one whole day, and then you slept for four more hours because you cried so hard till you exhaust yourself."
"Omo! For real?"
"Do I ever lie to you?" Layla raised her eyebrow.
Haley shook her head and unzipped the bag. She pulled out two containers and peels the lids off.
"I hope you like homemade kimbap and steamed chicken."
"Oh my, Layla..." Haley gasped, "I've never seen you making these before."
"What do you mean?"
"I always see you making ramen and ready-made jajangmyun."
"Hey, sometimes a typical Korean like me learns how to cook real food."
"Thanks so much though," Haley smiled, "I'll eat them well."
"You better! I couldn't stop worrying about you when I make these!"
Haley laughed and reached her hands out to give her friend a hug.

Haley could felt a wave of energy surging in her body once she filled her stomach with Layla's homemade meal. It was as if the hospital had turned her into a child who wanted attention. She cried till she didn't know how long she had been doing so, and laughed till she hadn't noticed that she had finished the two boxes of happiness in just less than fifteen minutes.

"Layla, these are sooooooo good! You should teach me how to make these someday!" Haley beamed.
"Not a problemo!" Layla smiled back, "Oh! By the way, I heard Jamie's in the next room."

Haley's heart dropped. Her smile faded away once again.
"Hey! Come on, don't give me that long face!" Layla sighed, "I'm sure he will remember you."
"No he won't!" Haley frowned, "You've heard what the doctor said. He has lost the memories he had in the past few months. Who knows, he won't remember the times he had with me at all. He won't even remember me being his girlfriend."
Haley climbed out of the sick bed and slipped on a pair of fuzzy slippers Layla had kindly brought. She walked to the window which was half-opened, "I think...I've lost my human jacket." she said.

"Ya! What happen to the confident, giddy Haley I once know?" Layla said.
"I don't know." Haley sighed, "She thought she has everything. She thought she'll be happy with her first love. But in the end, her love is snatched away from her."
Haley suddenly felt a couple of firm hands held her shoulders. Her body got dragged away from the window and spun to face Layla.
"Listen, you're Kang Hyo Hye aka Haley the most bad-ass writer I've ever known! Don't just give up on one of the biggest parts of your life! You move here all the way from Canada to discover yourself, right? Well, now you have a job, a house thanks to me, and an acceptance for publication for the entire Seoul to read! What else can you say no to? And don't forget that special guy who has made your heart flutter since the beginning!"

Haley looked dumbfounded. Her mind replayed the episode when she and Jamie first met, and then the episode when they walked on the beach, the night when they had their first date, the moments they had together for the past month, and finally the scene when she had her first kiss.

"Are you my human jacket?"
"I guess you can call me that."

"Oppa."
"You've said it! Now I am the happiest man on earth. No, the happiest man in the universe."

"I don't wanna see my beautiful girl go."
"Aww..Jamie. Hopeless romantic."
"When Super Junior released their 10th anniversary album, this song struck me the most. This song, in face, reminds me of our first date."
"Is is because of the stars?"
"Exactly."

"You can help Jamie get his memories back. All you need is time and faith." Layla continued, "And don't worry. I can help you."
"Layla..." Haley mumbled.
"Trust me, Haley. Kang Hyo Hae, the lady who got a damn high education, dropped her job, and flee to her hometown to find a new beginning of her life. That's freaking brave of her! And now's she almost there because she has one mission, that is to save the first guy who has made her happy, and her happiness makes my happiness too." Layla said, "So what do you say?"
Haley grabbed hold on Jamie's arms and smiled, "I'll do it!"
"Atta girl!" Layla beamed.

Haley and Layla walked out of the ward and peeked through the small rectangular glass of the door. Sure enough, Jamie was sitting on the bed but instead of a doctor or a nurse, a lady with black curls and a light pink long-sleeved dress stood next to him.
"Who's that?" Layla asked.
"Not a clue." Haley shrugged.
They gasped when they saw her reaching out one pale hand and touched Jamie's cheek.

"Hey! Hands off my oppa!" Haley thundered as she slammed the door open.
The lady turned back. A shocked look plastered on her face which was covered in heavy makeup.
"Pardon?" the lady asked.
"Who are you? And why are you leaning to Jamie?"
"Oh!" she stood up and smoothed her skirt. She marched to Haley and reached out her hand, "I guess I have to introduce myself. My name's Lee Soo Yeon. I'm an old friend of Jamie's."
"Lee Seul Yeon?" Layla repeated, "Wait a minute. I think I know you."
"Eh?" Haley looked at Layla.
Layla walked and stared at the lady for a whole minute, "Ahhhh....you're the customer who used to come into my store and drank bottles of soju."
"She did what?"
"Well, I recognized her.She used to come over to the convenience store, purchased six bottles of soju, and sat at a corner, drinking like a maniac and screamed about being dumped by her boyfriend. That was like what...three months ago?"
"Holy crap." Haley gasped. She glared at Soo Yeon who wore a fake smile.
"I can't believe you still recognize me." she laughed.
"What are you doing here anyway? Layla asked, "Flirting with a patient?"
"No, I'm just visiting. I haven't seen him since we were separated."
"Oh hell no..." Layla's jaw dropped.

Haley looked at Layla in surprised. She could read her mind just through her reaction.
"You were his girlfriend?" Haley predicted.
"Quite right." Soo Yeon replied. She flipped her hair like a model.
"How long were you two broken up?"
"About three months. But he made a mistake. He's gonna be mine again."
"Ya! Are you f***ing kidding me?" Layla retorted, "You two are no longer together. Get over it!"
"Do I even know you, ahjumma? I know that he regret of breaking up with me."
"I'm sorry, did you just call me an old lady?" Layla roared as she stripped off her coat, "How about if I give you a piece of my mind?"
Haley grabbed her by the wrist, "Don't. You'll make things worse."

"Who are you anyway?" Soo Yeon asked.
Haley cleared her throat, "I'm Haley. Kang Hyo Hae. Jamie's my boyfriend."
"Ah! So you're his new girl."
"Do you know what happened to him?"
"Why, yes. I visited him filming spot this morning and I got the news from the director."
"Stalker." Layla murmured.
"Shush!" Haley hissed.

Haley suddenly spotted Jamie whose eyes opened like a vampire awakened from his tomb.
"Jamie..." Haley uttered.
"Omo!" Soo Yeon squeaked. She walked to the bed and grabbed his left hand, "Are you okay?"
Jamie stared at her for a few minutes, "Do I know you?"
"Why, you silly! It's me, Soo Yeon!"
"Soo Yeon? I've never heard of that name."

Soo Yeon dropped his hand and took a step backward. "What the hell is wrong with you?"
"Don't you know? He has amnesia, he barely remembers you." Haley explained.
"I knew that," Soo Yeon said, "but we had dated for about a year. How come he doesn't even remember me?"
"Maybe it's because he doesn't want to." Layla snickered.
"None of your beeswax!" Soo Yeon barked.

"Can anyone tell me what's going on?" Jamie asked. Haley wanted to cry when she saw a nervous and puzzled look on his face, but she took a deep breath and faced him with a smile, "It's a long story. I don't know where to start."
"Ha! So you're gonna tell him all the way from the beginning when you two had a spark? That's boring." Soo Yeon sniffed.
The woman suddenly yelped. She turned to see Layla wearing a naughty grin that showed her perfect teeth.
"What the f***! Did you just kick me in the butt?"
"Well you deserve it, because no one can ever say such nasty things to my dear friend Haley! So be it and be gone!" Layla replied. She held her right hand into a fist and glared at her new enemy.
"Ugh...fine. I'm outta here anyway." she sashayed. She stopped at the door and batted her mascaraed eyelashes at Jamie, "I'll see you soon."

"Eww...I think I'm gonna throw up!" Layla maligned as soon as she left.
"She has issues." Haley laughed.

 Haley and Layla took a couple of chairs from the closet  near the bed and sat down. Jamie looked at them confusedly but Haley boldly told the time they first met and the story went on. With Layla's help who added Haley's reactions after their dates to the story, they thought that they did a good job with the explanation. Unfortunately, aside from Jamie's open ears, he still had his disappointed face on.
"I'm so sorry, I can't even remember anything." Jamie frowned.
"It's okay, you'll get your memories back someday. I'm sure of it." Haley smiled.
"So what do we do now?"
Haley gazed at the opened window of the room. The sky was a clear obsidian with its stars twinkling. It reminded her the night when they watched the far away city view.
"Let's start all over." Haley suggested.
"I like that." Jamie agreed.

They heard a knock on the door. The doctor came in and was surprised to see Haley.
"Ah, Miss Kang! We've been looking everywhere for you." he said, "We want to check up on you before we can send you home."
"Okay." Haley replied.
"Can I come with her?" Layla asked.
"Absolutely."

Haley was about to walk away when suddenly she felt a tug on the sleeve of her hospital gown. Jamie held onto it and looked at her, "Will I be seeing you again? You're like the only person who knows everything."
Haley smiled and placed her hand over his, "Definitely. We'll get your memory back, I'm sure of it."
Jamie let go off his hand. A smile was formed on his pale face.
Haley went out of the door and paused, "By the way, my name's Haley. That's what you always call me."
"Okay...Haley." Jamie's smile grew.

Don't worry, Oppa. I'll help you recover, no matter what it takes. I want to thank you for all the things you've done for me, but I didn't managed to say it in person. But now, it's my turn to express my gratitude, and I hope you'll receive it. Haley vowed in her heart.

Star of my Seoul (Chapter 4:Surprises)

Whether you've met a stranger who slips a leaf into your book or you've found a new purpose in life through a stroll on a beach, I swear you won't be disappointed when you land yourself at Jeju Island, a must visit to anticipating tourists like you.
Chapter 4: Surprises

"And...done!" Haley lightly pressed the full stop key, "Oh geez, I can't believe I've stayed up for the past 10 hours just to finish all the editing!"
She clicked on the print window and printed a copy for all of the documents she had edited. As she stood up to stretch her legs, she saw a cockroach jumped onto her keyboard. She screeched like a banshee and hid behind the wall of her cubicle.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" a roar of laughter echoed in the office.
Haley stared at Melvin who fell off his chair and clutched his stomach as he kept on laughing.
"You son of a b****!" she barked.
"You're always the easy target." he finally collected himself and snatched the cockroach.
"Ah, chincha..." Haley murmured.
"It's just plastic, Squidward!"
"Stop calling me that!"
"Why? It suits you! Can't believe you still didn't get used to your nickname after one month." he said as he went back to his cubicle.

Haley took one deep breath and made her way to the printer which was near the shelves of magazines.
"Miss Kang, Mr. Hwang wants you in his office right now." Ming said as she hung up the phone.
"Okay!" Haley replied.

Haley gathered the papers and marched to the doors when she immediately sensed Melvin's muscular arm stretched at her direction.
"Don't you dare!" she snared. Her sharp eyes glared at Melvin who shrunk at his chair.
Melvin watched in horror as she strutted out the office, her heels stomped like a giant.
"Fiesty." he said and tossed his fake insect on his table.

At the seventh floor, Haley entered the headquarters and handed her materials to the boss.
"Have a seat, please. I want to talk to you," he ordered.
A chill crawled down her spine. "Did I do something wrong?"
"Oh! No, not at all! It's about a new project." he replied, "Please."
Haley set her butt onto the chair. It creaked as soon as she rested her back on it.
"Miss Kang," he took off his reading glasses, "You've done so well in editing our writers' articles for the past month and we've sold out a good number of copies. Now it's time to change that."
"That is?"
"Your own story."
"Pardon?"
The manager hunched forward with his hands clasped on his desk, "I want you to write your own article for the upcoming issue."
Haley swore she could see confetti raining on her, "Are you serious, Mr. Hwang?"
"Of course! I tested your writing skills back in your first day but I haven't used your talents seriously. Well, now's the time to shine."

Haley wore a ten-foot smile. Every inch of her body urged her to dance even in front of her boss. An energetic Super Junior song instantly played in her head. She really wanted to groove to the tune.
"So is that a yes?" he asked.
Haley cleared her throat and nodded, "I would be honoured."
"Excellent!" he beamed and presented her first assignment. She couldn't focus everything he said because 80 percent of her brain was cursed by the motivational song that was on repeat in her imaginary stereo.
"Um, Mr. Hwang. Do you mind e-mailing me the details later?"
"Of course!"
"I won't let you down!" she said as she made her way to the door.

                                          *                             *                               *
Her foot tapped nervously on the wooden floor. She peeked at her phone minute by minute, impatiently eyeing for Jamie who was to meet her for dinner that evening. It was only five minutes after 7pm, so she decided to replay the conversation with Mr,Hwang that afternoon. She also reread the instructions in the email.
"I'm...so...sorry, dongsaeng!" Jamie huffed and puffed. He dashed through the entrance of the Korean restaurant and made a quick beeline to where Haley had seated.
"Where have you been?"
"We had a last minute filming. Luckily we had our latest episode done and ready to be aired."
"Ah I see."
Jamie plopped his backpack under the round table and collapsed onto the chair opposite her.
"So what's up?"
Haley leaned forward and whispered, "Something big."
"What?"
"I got promoted as a writer!"
"No way!"
"I'll be contributing with the other writers for Seoultizen!"
"Daebak!" he grinned, "That's fantastic, dongsaeng!"
"I knoooowwww!" she sang.
"Guess I'm not the only one who has big news."
Haley cocked her head to one side, "What do you mean?"
"Well I just told you that we've finished filming our new episode right?" he explained, "Turns out that our drama is currently placed third in the rankings. And we got nominated for Best Drama Award in the upcoming award show."
"Shut up!"
"Yeap! If we continuously delight the viewers in our new episodes, we'll be ranked first."
"Oh my gosh! Oppa, that's awesome!"
They gave each other high fives.
"Okay! Let's make a deal." he suggested, "If you got your first story accepted for the next issue, and my drama ranked first in the online charts, we'll celebrate with a fancy dinner at Namsan Tower."
"Oh! I'm so in!"

They ordered big plates of jajangmyun and coutless saucers of kimchi and pickled radish.
"Jahmuggetsumnida!" they chanted.
"Haley took one big slurp of her favourite dish and chewed happily.
"This is one of the best days of my life!"
"So am I," Jamie said, "let's do our best together. Fighting!"
"Fighting!" Haley smiled.

"Oh! Who's gonna pay later?"
"Hmm...I've lost count on the number of times we've paid for our meals."
"Rock paper scissors?"
"Sure!"
They played a brief game of Mook Jji Bba. Haley squealed with joy when Jamie failed to switch from rock to paper. Haley balled her fingers into a fist to show the "rock" form.
"Okay! You won! But I'm not gonna get away with this the next time we have a meal." Jamie sighed.
"Try me!" Haley stuck out her tongue.
Jamie laughed and continued to eat.

                                              *                            *                           *
"Thanks for the meal just now." Haley chuckled as Jamie helped her with the passenger door.
"No problem. Now, let's head home, shall we?"
"Ah, yes! I have to get some inspiration for my article once I get back home."
"Speaking of article," he said as he sat behind the wheel and started the engine, "what's your article gonna be about?"
"Uh...it has to be about a unique place to recommend to tourists who visit Korea. It can either fiction or non-fiction."
"Sounds interesting. Does it ring a bell? Somehow?"
"Huh?"
"You know, when we first met?" he said, "That would be great for recommendation."
"Wow, spoiler alert."
"Oh! You've thought about it?"
"You shouldn't have mentioned because that's gonna be a surprise."
"Well, my bad, but I'm just giving you an idea."
"I know. I know." she giggled and leaned to kiss him on the cheek, "Thanks anyway."

Jamie was like the only person she felt comfortable talking to. Unlike Melvin who may be a fun friend but hatched secret plans of pranking her every single day at work, Jamie was the light to her world, the human jacket of her life.

They arrived at the porch of Haley's house.
"Wow, it's seven minutes to 10." Haley looked at the time on her phone.
"Time flies, huh?"
"Well, I guess I better be going."

She unbuckled the seat belt. Jamie did the same and immediately grabbed her by the wrist.
"Hang on. Can you stay till the clock strikes 10?"
"Why?"
"What do you mean "why"? We will have another hectic day at work tomorrow. I don't wanna see my beautiful girl go."
"Aww, Jamie. Hopeless romantic."

Jamie turned on the stereo and played a familiar tune. Super Junior's "Stars Appear" instantly put a smile on her face.
"I love this song."
           With you and an unforgettable melody
           Now you're my dazzling melody.
           Now I will make some unbelievable moments
           I am with you, we are walking together
           Remember, we will achieve all the moments we couldn't before
           Stars appear in your eyes. 
Haley loved the chorus. She hummed to the music while Jamie gazed lovingly at her.
"When Super Junior released their 10th anniversary album, this song struck me the most." he said, "This song, in fact, reminds me of our first date."
Haley looked back at him, "Is it because of the stars?"
"Exactly." he smiled.

He reached one hand to the back of her head and pulled her close. He closed his eyes and locked his lips with hers. Haley realized that she had closed her eyes as well and was under the kissing spell. This was it. Her first kiss, and it was a perfect moment. The song ended and the stereo went silent. Maybe it was because the night stopped and stared to watch the lucky couple shared their true feelings about each other through their first kiss.


                                              *                             *                            *
"Gahhhhhhhh! What is wrong with my heaaaaaaaaaadddddd?" she groaned.
Haley paced around the living room and collapsed on the couch. Her Macbook was still on and the screen was a blank page with not a single word.
"What's with you?" Layla called from her bedroom door.
"What's with me?" Haley raised her voice. She flipped her hair back and massaged her forehead, "I can't think of anything for my article, that's what!"
Layla came out with a pink towel wrapped around her head. "I thought you're gonna write about your first encounter with your boyfriend."
"Yeah, but I need an eye-catching opening!"she whined.
"Did you write anything in your notebook that day?"Layla suggested.
"That's the problem! I can't find that freaking notebook anywhere!"
"Really? You rarely lose your things."
"Otoke..." she buried her face with a pillow.

"Chill out, girl. Your article isn't due till Friday."
"Yeah, which is in three days. How am I suppose to finish it plus editing before Friday?"
"Girl, you're a writer. You can figure something out."

Layla stepped into Haley's room, "Hey! Mind if I borrow your hair dryer? Mine's like a piece of s***."
"Go ahead..." Haley's voice muffled from the pillow.
Haley sat up and stared at her computer for longer than two minutes. She was about to call Jamie when suddenly she was interrupted by a "whoa whoa whoa whoa WHOA" sound.
"What now?" Haley groaned.
Layla went out of the room with a long-lost belonging, "Guess who have found it?"
Haley jumped on her feet and scampered to Layla.
"Where the hell did you find it?"
"In your closet. It was hidden in your sock drawer."
"Oh dear, why would I ever put in there?"
"How should I know?" Layla laughed and shoved the notebook to Haley's hands.
"Thanks, by the way."
"Don't mention it." Layla replied and walked back to her room with her semi-dry hair rested on her towel scarfed around her shoulders.
Haley flipped through the notebook and found the leaf bookmark.

          Jamie: Your notebook seems really thick and you'll probably have a hard time finding a blank page, so maybe this will help.
                      A small thing like this can be used as a tab to help you keep track. You know, like a bookmark. A supporter.

         Jamie:We thought of the same thing to our dreams.
         Haley: I guess I was thinking about what you've told me that night once I slipped in the yellow leaf to your script book.
         Jamie: Yeah, that's why I thought we were...well destined to be together.

"Can't believe it's been a month already." Haley said to herself. The leaf was still in good condition, with it's fragile dry surface and rustic brown colour. She immediately had an idea and started writing.

                                            *                       *                          *
"Whether you've met a stranger who slips a leaf into your book or you've found a new purpose in life through a stroll on a beach, I swear you won't be disappointed when you land yourself at Jeju Island, a must visit to anticipating tourists like you." the manager read the final sentence of her final product out loud.

It was a good thing there was no one else in the office. Haley admitted that she got a little nervous when her writing was read aloud. She folded her hands on her lap as she sat on the chair opposite her boss's desk. She had memorized every single word she had revised on that article. Her first article for Seoultizen. She had done tons of writing for the Vancouver newspaper, but at that moment, she fidgeted at her uncertainty of correct grammar or even spelling.

Mr.Hwang put the paper down and looked at Haley. His glasses slowly slid down from the bridge of his nose.
"Miss Kang," he began, "I must say, this is by far one of the most well-written pieces I've ever read."
Haley's shoulders felt lighter. Much lighter that rocks that strapped on her automatically fell off.
"Thank you, Mr. Hwang." she smiled.
"This is even your first article. A lot of writers got my acceptance after several attempts." he praised, "You're someone special, I have to say. You have indescribable skills that can be applied in your writing, and Seoultizen is thankful to have that kind of writer."
Haley bowed and thanked him once again. Another upbeat Super Junior song played as a mini version of herself danced in her head.
"We'll put this on print by the end of today." he said, "Again, well done, Miss Kang."

"YEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSS!" she screamed.
Everyone jumped and stared in surprise as Haley walked through the glass doors. Her face was glowing.
"What's going on?" Melvin asked.
Haley paused and twirled, she almost tripped over.
"Guess who's gonna have her first article published in the new issue!"
"Yours?" Melvin raised his eyebrow.
Haley nodded vigorously.
"Wow! Congrats!" Ming clapped.
"Looks like Squidward has won the lottery." Melvin said.
Everyone joined the clapping. Haley bowed gratefully and rushed to her desk to grab her phone. She knew exactly who to text to.
           Haley: Oppa! I did it! My article will b on print!
One minute later...
           Jamie: I'm so proud of u, dongsaeng!
           Haley: Any news about your drama?
           Jamie: Let's just say we just got 1st place in the rankings chart!
           Haley: Omo! At the same time?
           Jamie: Yeap! ;) I'll pick u up 2nite?
           Haley: Ready 4 boarding! :D <3

                                                *                         *                            *
6:30pm flashed on her iPhone. Haley yanked her pair of fur gloves from her coat pocket and put them on. She gritted her teeth, wanting to escape the bitter cold, yet she couldn't contain her excitement for going to the one and only Namsan Tower with her one true love.

HONK!
Haley looked up and waved at Jamie who smoothly parked his car at the porch.
"Milady." he bowed as he opened the passenger door.
"Thank you." she giggled and went into the car, "This is going to be a great night!"
Jamie smiled, "Couldn't agree more."

Haley held Jamie's left hand and watched Jamie's sexy jawline as he steered the wheel down the busy streets. Traffic came alive since it was a Friday evening.

"This time, I'll win the rock paper scissors game!"Jamie said.
"It not!"Haley squawked.
"It too!"
"It not!"
"It too!"
"Shut up! We'll see when the time comes!" Haley laughed.

SCREECH!
"Look out!" Haley suddenly screamed.
Jamie looked to his right. A red car skid towards his car in uncontrollable speed. Jamie quickly spun the wheel to the left, but the approaching car slammed against the front in just mere seconds. Haley was knocked out. Everything was pitch black.

Star of my Seoul (Chapter 3: I'll Call You Oppa)

If you take off this blindfold and you see a spectacular view of earth, I want to hear you call me oppa.
Chapter 3: I'll Call You Oppa

"Your writing is just amazing, Miss Kang! We could use your skills in our company." the president praised  as he flipped through the papers.
"I'm glad to hear that, sir." Haley smiled.
"And to know that you've been living in Canada for 10 years is just brilliant, because we really need more English writers to contribute with our magazine. Two of our translators had quit because they decided to get married and start their own writing business."
"I see."
"Okay, before we officially hire you, we would like to test your skills." he handed her an opened Macbook with an blank page on Microsoft Word, "Within twenty minutes, write about a story that comes to your mind right now."
"Should I edit it too?"
"No, I just want to see how quick and creative you are when you're putting down ideas on paper. Do you think you can do that?"
"I'll show you what I got, sir!"
"Great! Your time...starts...now!" he said as he slammed a timer onto the table. It was automatically counting down.
Haley leaned her back on her chair and her fingers immediately danced on the keyboard. A story was immediately created in her head as she typed every single word on the computer. The manager kept his eye on the timer from time to time while Haley focused on her task without even taking her eyes off the screen.
BEEP BEEP! BEEP BEEP!
"Time's up! Hands off the keyboard please!" the manager announced.

She tapped on the full-stop key just as the timer rang. She then passed the Macbook back to him and sat with her hands resting on the table. She watched his eyes moved left and right. She posed confidently with her back straight, palms flat on the table, and legs glued together, yet she swore that she could feel the back of her white blouse stained with a big visible splat of sweat.
"You're hired." he finally spoke.
"Sorry?"
"Your story is on point, even though it definitely needs editing. This is what I'm looking for, originality and readiness." he explained, "Welcome to Seoultizen, Miss Kang."
Haley beamed as she calmly got out of her of chair and shook hands with him.
"Congratulations."
"Thank you, sir! Thank you so much! Gomapseumnida!" she replied.
"Follow me, please."

Haley slung her handbag onto her right shoulder and followed him down the hallway, into an elevator down two floors, and straight through an pair of automatic glass doors.
"Oh. My. Gosh."
Stepping into the office was like an explosion of colours hit against her face. A huge television-like screen was placed at the top of a wall. The cubicles were made of colourful desks, iMacs, and writable whiteboard walls that allow employees to doodle and decorate. A small coffee and ramen bar was located at a corner of the office and three separate rooms were at the back. What caught her eye the most was an enormous collection of past issues stacked on two wall-to-ceiling bookshelves.

"Melvin-ssi!" the manager called.
"Yes?" a voice replied.
A guy wearing a a checkered shirt and dark jeans came to them with a friendly smile. His bleached blonde hair with a spiky end at the front reminded her of a K-Pop star.
"This is Kang Hyo Hae. She'll be joining our team."
"Annyeong haseyo." he bowed.
"Ah, yes, annyeong haseyo." Haley bowed back.
"If you don't mind, can you show her around the office? And then, we'll have a meeting in half an hour."
"On it, sir!" he replied.

"The name's Nam Chae Young, but I'm fine with Melvin too." he said as he stretched out his hand.
"It's nice to meet you." she smiled as she shook his hand. She suddenly felt an electrifying sensation on his palm.
"AHHHH!" she screamed and yanked her hand off.
Melvin guffawed and held his stomach tight. "Works every time! Hell yeah!"
"What works?"
"This!" he answered as he held up his palm to show  a portable hand shock glued on his palm.
"Mwo ya!" Haley whined.
"Oh! I knew it! You can speak Korean!"
"Well, of course I do. But I'm not fluent in speaking it."

"Really, Melvin? You should stop doing that to newcomers." one of his co-workers rolled his eyes.
"Nope, I'm gonna use this to every single one of the newbies." Melvin snickered.
"Geez, he's 21 but he's still like a child." the co-worker hissed.
"Whoa! You're 21?" Haley exclaimed.
"Why yes."
"At first I thought you're older than me!"
"And I thought you're a high school student."
"Excuse me! I was a graduate from University of British Columbia and I was a journalist of Metro News in Vancouver!"
"Whoa, calm down, midget! I'm just saying."
"Well, it's nice meeting you, Melvin. If you excuse me, I'll find someone else here to show me around."

Haley was about to walked off but Melvin blocked her.
"Okay! Okay! I'm sorry! I just like pulling pranks on people. It helps me to relax."
"Good to know."
"Well Mr. Hwang told me to be your guide for the day so I have to do it anyway."

Melvin introduced her to the staff, the conference room which sign was on the first door, the resource and media room which was the middle room, the washrooms behind the third door, and the bar.
"I think I'm gonna enjoy hanging out at this bar the most." Haley said.
"I know, right? You can get free refreshments here! You can even bring coffee and ramen brands of your choice! Oh! And one more thing!"

Melvin showed her a red cubicle with nothing but an iMac, keyboard, and mouse.
"This is where you'll be sitting."
"It's perfect! Plus red is my favourite colour." Haley smiled as she sat on a comfy-looking swiveling chair at the desk.
"And that's not all." Melvin giggled. He skipped to his table which was right behind her.
"I can torture you whenever I want from here."
"Whatever. I'll have my ears shut just to ignore you."
"Hey, stop being fussy with me." Melvin laughed as he spun on his chair like a merry-go-round, "So now that you have your own desk, you can personalize it whatever you want."
"Sweet!"
"But don't overdo it, otherwise you won't focus on your job."
"Yeah, I know that."

Haley settled her bag down and switched the desktop on.
"This is actually better than the office back in Vancouver." she thought.
"Oh, I'm almost forgot! Haley, you wanna join us for dinner tonight?" Melvin asked, "We're gonna go for samgyeoupsal."
Haley almost accept the invitation when she remembered the promise she had made with Jamie the other night.
If you've come up with an idea for our first date, you can text me anytime this week.
"Do we have to stay back tonight?"
"You're lucky that there's no project due tonight, so we can go home at six tonight." Melvin replied.
"Hmm..." Haley tapped her chin, "I guess I have to pass. I might have plans tonight."
"Sure, maybe some other time then." he shrugged.

"Guys! Meeting's in five minutes!" one of the co-workers warned.
"Oh gosh! You're right! We have to get ready then!" another one flinched.
Haley quickly searched for Jamie's number on her phone and texted,
              Hey, Jamie! It's me, Haley. I was wondering whether u want to meet up 4 dinner 2nite?
Haley grabbed her bag and followed the staff to the conference room. In seconds, her phone buzzed with a reply from Jamie.
             Sure, whr can I pick u up?
Haley:  You can just stop by at my hse. I can't remember my house add. but I'll text you as soon as I get home.
Jamie: U work at Seoultizen right? I can just pick u up there.
Haley: No, you don't have to. I have to get back home and change.
Jamie: U don't have to worry about that. I can help u with that.
"Oh! I'm so sorry!" Haley gasped. She bumped into one of the co-workers when she made her way to an empty seat.
Haley: What do u mean? I have to pick a dress and put on makeup and all.
Jamie: Trust me. Just meet up at the entrance 2nite. ;) See u then!

"What in the world..." Haley said to herself. She slipped her phone into her bag just as the manager came in.
                                         *                           *                               *
"Yes! It's 6! Let's go eat!" Melvin shouted as he flail his arms in the air.
"Right! I'm starving!" another one said.
Haley grabbed her stuff and shuffled through the maze of cubicles.
"Whoa, Haley, where are you going? You're in a rush?" Melvin asked.
"Huh?" she turned back, "Oh! Yeah, I...uh...I have a date tonight."
"Ooooooohhhhhhh!" the others echoed.
"Who's the guy?" a female employee, Ming asked.
"He's a friend." was all she could answered.
"You're not giving us details?" another one begged.
"Hey guys, she's new. Give her some space, will ya?" a male employee snapped.
"I'll tell you all about it tomorrow, alright?" Haley said, "Have a good night, everyone!"
"Good night!"

Haley went to the elevator, down to ground floor, and out through the revolving glass doors. No car was parked by the curb. She checked the time. "Maybe he'll be here late." she thought.
Just as she was going to call him, a shiny silver car rolled through the roundabout and stopped smoothly in front of Haley. Jamie got out of the car in a classic black and white tuxedo.
"Are we going to a formal event?" Haley asked, surprised.
"Not really."
"But you're all dressed up!"
"I told you not to worry." he winked as he grabbed her hand. Her heart did the somersaults again when he dragged her to the passenger seat.
"Otoke!I should have gone home and change!" she panicked.
Jamie ran and settled in behind the wheel, "Relax, Hyo Hae! I have everything planned out!"
"But..."
"Hey hey hey! I've already told you, it's all good!"

Jamie noticed Haley's brow furrowed while driving. He sighed and finally nudged her in the elbow.
"I have something for you. There's a bag at the back. Can you get it for me?"
Haley did so and couldn't helped but stare inside. She pulled out a black velvet dress with a medium-length skirt and a chain of roses sown along the halter neckline and around the short sleeves.
"It's beautiful!" she smiled.
"There's another bag behind me."
She spotted another bag at the back and found a pair of white heels. She also squealed when a little makeup bag was stored under the shoes.
"Oh! Jamie!"
"Glad you like them." he blushed, "Now where to?"
"Huh?"
Do you have an idea for our date?"

Haley thought for a moment, and suggested, "Somewhere that has affordable food and a good view of the stars."
"Oh! That's tough! But I think I know where."
"Is it Namsan Tower?" Haley guessed.
"The restaurants there are pretty expensive."
"Oh right! Where to then?"
"You'll see."

                                  *                            *                          *
Jamie parked his car in front of a fancy-looking restaurant with a"Grill 5 Taco" sign on the top right.
"This place looks expensive." Haley said.
"No, the food here is actually affordable, isn't that what you want?"
"Well, yeah, that's what I said."
"Hold on, let me get the door for you." Jamie unbuckled his seat belt and went of the car. Clutching the two bags of her attire for the night, Haley couldn't help smiling even when Jamie opened the passenger door.
"I'm sure you're gonna love it here. This place is actually popular because it's owned by a K-Pop star."
"A K-Pop star, eh? Who is it?"
"You have to guess."
"What? Really? Come on, tell me who is it!"
"I'll tell you after you change into your dress." he replied and led her through the entrance.

The two were welcomed by a spacious dining area, a kitchen at the back, and aroma of tacos and quesadilla that swirled in the air.
"Wow. This looks great!"
"The washroom's over there. I'll wait for you here." he said as he sat at a table in the middle row.
"Okay."

Haley was relieved when the black dress fitted her body perfectly and the heels matched with her big feet. After she stuff her work clothes into her purse, she decided to go for a simple pink eye shadow, mascara and light red lipstick. The makeup bag had granted her wish, no, all of Jamie's gift in the two paper bags had granted her wish. It was better than she expected.
Jamie stood up once he heard a click from the washroom door. His eyes were glued on her for ten seconds.
"What?" Haley asked.
"You...you look gorgeous." Jamie gushed.
Haley blushed, :Well, it all thanks to you."

Customers who sat at the tables also looked at Haley in awe. All eyes were on her as she walked to Jamie, like a goddess who strode to her chamber.
"Don't you think we look a little too formal here?" she whispered.
"It doesn't matter. This is our date after all." Jamie smiled.

A waiter approached them after they got seated. He patted on Jamie's shoulder and chatted in Korean.
"Oh! Haley! This is Lee Dong Hwa. He's the K-Pop star's brother of this restaurant." Jamie introduced.
"Annyeong Haseyo!" Haley greeted.
"Annyeong Haseyo!" the waiter replied coolly.
"So his brother is the K-pop star eh?"
"I know! Pretty cool right?"
"So who's the celebrity?"
"I've told you. You have to make a guess."

The waiter handed them the menus while Haley was deep in thought.
Lee Dong Hwa. That sounds kinda familiar. Lee...Dong...wait a minute...Lee Dong Hae?
"Lee Dong Hae?" she said.
"That's right!"
Haley squeaked like a fan girl.
Jamie immediately explained to the waiter in their native tongue. Haley wished she could understand the entire conversation.
"So this is Dong Hae's restaurant. That's cool." Haley said.
"You've heard of him before?"
"Yeah! I'm a big fan of Super Junior."
"Oh yeah? You don't look like a K-Pop fan to me."
"Have you ever heard of Hallyu?"
Jamie burst out laughing.

Dong Hwa left with their orders listed minutes later. Haley rested her hands on the table, but her mind was tangled with worry. She didn't know what to ask him.
"You know, I feel like we're in a pilot episode of We Got Married." Jamie said.
"Huh?"
We Got Married? That Korean reality show about celebrity couples?"
"Oh! That show! I only watch the ones with Super Junior in it."
"Looks like you're in love with them."
"Um..well...they're like the first K-Pop group who has caught my heart."
"Compared to me?"
Haley paused. Jamie looked at her attentively.
"The members in Super Junior are handsome, but I guess...you're much more handsome than them."

Jamie immediately had a ten-foot smile on his face, "Wow! I'm flattered."
"Geez, looks who's tooting his horn now."
"I'm not, really, I'm happy that you said that."
"Your welcome."
"What about you? Do you like Super Junior too?"
"Yeah, they're pretty awesome. But I'm also into Big Bang."
"Ah, yes. They're like the biggest K-Pop group in the world right now."
"So do you prefer Big Bang or Super Junior?"
"Hmm..." Jamie tapped his chin and looked up the ceiling.
"I have to say...Big Bang."
"I see." Haley replied, disappointed.
"But my favourite star right now is you."
Haley covered her mouth with her hands. She laughed so hard everyone in the restaurant could hear her.
"What?"
"Stop! You're embarrassing me!"
"Yup, this definitely feels like a We Got Married episode."

Just like the satisfied looks on the customers' faces, Haley was impressed at how delicious the food was. From the short rib taco to the kimchi quesadilla, Haley savoured every single bite.
"Do you like it?" Jamie asked.
"I don't like it." Haley replied.
Jamie's eyes widened.
"I love it." Haley smiled.
"Ah! That's a relief! I thought you really mean it!"
"Hey, can you ask Dong Hwa whether his brother is here?"
"Why? You wanna see him?"
"Do you mind?"
"So you're saying you would rather see Dong Hae rather than having an awesome dinner with me?" Jamie gasped, "Oh! My heart hurts!"
"What? Are you jealous?"
"Ah, if I'm not jealous then how could I ever let go off the most wonderful girl I've ever met even though we've only met for three days straight? Mmmfffmmm..."
Jamie's mouth was suddenly stuffed with a forkful of fries. He saw Haley putting her fork back.
"Just to stop you from talking." she giggled.
"Well, thanks for stuffing my worried mouth with your concern." Jamie laughed in return.

                                    *                          *                        *
"Now, the second wish you mentioned this evening was a good view of the stars, am I correct?" Jamie asked as he revived his car engine.
"Yup, that's right."
"Hmm..I'm not sure whether this place I'm gonna bring you to is considered as romantic but...I'm giving it a shot."
"And where is this place?"
"You probably don't know. Besides, I bet you've not explored the entire Seoul yet."
"Duh, I haven't been here in years."
"So tell me, what does it feel like living in Canada?"
Jamie focused on his driving like a professional, but he never failed to cut the silence between them.
"Oh! It's like...a multicultural paradise."
"A multicultural paradise? Sounds exotic."
"Yeah, there's like people of all kinds and we experience different cultures together."
"Sounds cool, then why do you come back here in your hometown?"
Haley looked at her window. She watched as street lights and cars zoomed by.
"Before I came here, there was a little voice calling me that I hadn't had touched my inner Korean yet."
"You mean your roots?"
"Yeah. My parents are pretty Korean, but my siblings and I are not. We moved to Vancouver when we were still kids and we were transformed into Canadians. I just feel like I had to come back just to have a real Korean experience, you know. The life of a Korean. As I dropped my job back then, I realized on how stupid I was of doing so, but at the same time, I was hungry for an adventure."
"Inspired by Gulliver's Travels?"
"Sort of." Haley winked.
"Speaking of adventure..." he said as he parked his car at a deserted parking lot, "here we are."

"Where are we?" Haley asked.
"I don't exactly know the name of this place, but if you look further, you can actually see the whole state."
"Is that even possible?"
"There's only one way to find out." he said as he got out of the car.

"You sure this place has a good view of the stars?" Haley asked.
"Do you trust me?" Jamie held out his hand.
Haley inhaled and looked into his eyes, "I trust you."
"Then I want you to put this on." he fished into his tuxedo pocket for an eye mask.
"Blindfold? Is this a trick?"
"If you take off this blindfold and you see a spectacular view of earth, I want to hear you call me oppa."
"Fine. Deal." she agreed, "But what if you're wrong?"
"Then, you won't be consider me as romantic." he replied, "I'll send you right back home and you can weep on your pillow for the rest of the night."
Haley responded with a small laugh and covered her eyes with the mask.

As they walked straight ahead, Haley could feel the soft, comforting warmth on Jamie's hands. He never let go off his hands and his voice was like a gentle guide to the blind.
"Okay! Stop!" he signaled, "You can take off the blindfold now."
As she removed it, darkness was replaced by a postcard-like view. Seoul was illuminated with millions of little colourful lights, accompanied by the cluster of white stars above.
"Isn't this the greatest scenery or what?" Jamie boasted.
"I can't believe this." Haley held her breath, "It's like stars on both land and sky, like heaven."

A chilly breeze slammed against her face. She dug her hands into the blazer she wore over her dress. "Geez, I should have changed back into my work suit. I just realize that autumn is around the corner!"
She then felt an extra layer wrapped over her back and arms. But it wasn't just a coat. Jamie embraced her back with the unbuttoned front of his coat covered her arms like a mother bear.
"Are you my human jacket?" Haley chuckled.
"I guess you can call me that." Jamie beamed.

They spoke nothing but sank into their first hug as they gazed at the scenery for what seemed like forever. Haley wanted to take a photo, but she remembered that she left her phone in the car. Still, she was very mesmerized by the beauty of life right in front of her eyes, and she snapped a mental photo into her mind to remember it for the rest of her life.

"What time is it now?" Haley finally uttered.
"Why? You're in a rush?"
"I have work tomorrow."
"Oh right! I have filming tomorrow as well."
"Man I wish I can stay and see this till the day I die."
"Me too."
Haley heard him sigh near her ears. His breath was hot.
"Oppa."
Jamie looked at her, stunned.
"You've said it!"
"I guess I did."
"Now I am the happiest man on earth. No, the happiest man in the universe."
"Hey, so if I call you oppa, what do you call me?"
Jamie rested his chin onto her right shoulder, "How about dongsaeng?"
"I've heard that the terms oppa and dongsaeng are common."
"But they represent someone special, that what I think."
"Yeah, I agree." she replied, "We should come here again!"
"Are you kidding me? I wouldn't ditch this away from my to-do list!"

Haley's cheeks hurt, but she didn't care. She was all smiles because he was by her side.

Star of My Seoul (Chapter 2: Pair of Autumn)

She finally saw him grinning from ear to ear as he pulled out the yellow leaf from his script book. 
Chapter 2:Pair of Autumn

Haley felt like a medieval princess as she rode a young brown horse down the beach. The crisp morning air whooshed against her face. She was greeted by the revitalizing sound of waves.
"Ah! So pretty! Yeppuda!" she smiled.
Suddenly, she let go off the reins and put her hands out in the air. Little did she know, the horse trotted a little faster. She tried to hold the reins but she immediately lost her balance and fell off the horse.
"Omo!  Gwaenchanayo?" the horse trainer panicked. He jumped off his horse and ran to helped her to get up.
"Yeah, I'm okay! Nan gwaenchana!" Haley nodded. She suddenly burst out laughing. She had never felt kiddish for a long time.

Haley got back on her trusty steed and followed the trainer back to horse park. She grabbed her purse which was safely stored at the cashier's and took out her phone. 10am flashed on the lock screen.
"I wonder if Jamie's still filming." she thought.
She walked back to the campsite which was not far from the beach and spotted a busy filming set. Among the actors and staff, Haley noticed Jamie at a row of chairs. This time, his hair was down and flat. His wet-like fringe covered his eyelids as he read his script book in full concentration. Haley loved that humble-like hairstyle. It made him look like a down-to-earth gentleman.
The director held a white megaphone and called out his name. Jamie bit his lip nervously, but he put his script down and went to the set.

Haley tiptoed to the row of chairs where the actors were to sit and watched as Jamie stood next to two main actors. She suddenly felt a light tap on her right shoulder.
"Are you looking for someone?" a male voice made her jump.
Haley gasped and saw a man who looked older than Jamie. She recognized him from last night.
"Oh! I'm just visiting Jamie."
"I knew it!" he smiled, "You must be the girl he talked to last night!"
"Oh! You knew?'
"He told us about you after you went to your tent," he winked, "He couldn't stop thinking about you."
Haley could feel her cheeks grew hot.
"I'm Gary, by the way. Jamie's my junior." he held out his hand, "You're Haley, right?"
"Yup, that's right." she shook his hand.
"You can stick around if you want." Gary said, "Oh! We have way too many cups of latte over there. Our director has bought forty cups instead of thirty, and some of them are decaffeinated."
"Hmm...I don't know if your director has ordered Matcha lattes, because I'm craving for one."
"Oh, we do have a couple actually!"
"Awesome!"
"I'll get one for you, you can sit on Jamie's chair." he offered, "Oh! You can just put his script book under it."
"Okay, sure!" Haley replied.

Gary jogged to a table at a far end of the set to search for her latte. Haley watched at the scene like a lucky fan. Jamie seemed to remember his lines well, but he looked nervous that he almost stutter.
Wanting to cheer him on, she fished in her purse for her pen and wrote "Fighting" with a smiley face and her name on one of the pages where Jamie had highlighted his lines. She then picked a yellow leaf under the chair and slipped it in the script book.
"Here you go, Haley!" Gary returned with a grande cup. The aroma of green tea was strong enough to crawl into her nostrils.
"Thank you! Kamsahamnida!" she smiled while taking the piping goodness.
"Don't mention it."
"I'm just gonna do a little bit of writing. Do you have an available table...by any chance?"
"Hmm..maybe the scriptwriters won't mind letting you use his table."
"That'll be great!"
"You sure you don't wanna sit at Jamie's chair?"
"Neh, he probably needs to sit back here soon."

Minutes later, Haley was sitting at a table and her notebook was on top of the scriptwriter's drafts and notes. She finally saw him grinning from ear to ear as he pulled out the yellow leaf from his script book. Gary who walked towards him, pointed at Haley as he spoke to him. Surprised and happy, Jamie looked to the direction and waved at Haley. "Thank you." he mouthed as he held up his book with the message facing front and the leaf. Haley returned with a thumbs-up.

After another two hours to filming, the director's megaphone blared out a wailing BEEP.
"What's going on?" Haley asked.
"It's lunchtime! Finally, I could use a big plate of Jajangmyun!" one of the stylists said.
"Ah! That's black bean sauce noodles right? It's been a while since I had that!"
"Really? Then, today is your lucky day!" the stylist said as she pointed to another table full of plastic containers.

"Haley!" Jamie shouted as he ran to her. Beads of sweat dripped on his forehead.
"How have you been?" Haley laughed.
"Ugh, tiring! But it's been fun!"
"Shall we?" she asked as she handed him one of the containers.

The two sat at the chairs and impatiently opened their boxes.
"Oh my gosh! I haven't had these in a long time!" Haley squealed.
"You don't have Jajangmyun back in Vancouver?"
"I heard that there are a few stores who sell these but I've never had the chance to try one!" She got her chopstick ready but suddenly paused and looked up in the sky.
"Crap, I forgot how to say "looks delicious" in Korean!"
"It's mashita." Jamie giggled.
"Right! Right! Mashita!" Haley laughed.
"Jalmuggetsumnida!" Jamie quoted.
"Ah! I always forget to say that!" Haley squinted her eyes.
"Looks like you're not used to the Korean custom." Jamie teased.
"Well, that's why I'm here, to gain back my roots."
"Good for you."

Haley'e eyes bulged like saucers after she had her first slurp of the famous delicacy.
"OMG this is like the best noodles I've ever tasted in my whole life!"
Jamie hooted that he almost dropped his container.
"Wow! Your reaction is priceless! I should have record you seconds ago!"
"Don't you dare!" Haley shot back, and continued indulging the noodles.
Jamie ate his too but he couldn't stop staring at the way Haley pouted when noodles slithered into her mouth like a hungry child.
"Kyeopta!" Jamie said softly.

They ate their lunch happily when ten minutes later, Gary came towards them with the drama's leading actress.
"Hey, guys! This is Kelly, she plays the protagonist in the drama." Gary introduced.
"Annyeong haseyo! It's nice to meet you!" she bowed.
"Nice to meet you too." Haley bowed back.
"Kelly plays my sister in the series. She's pretty good." Jamie said.
"Well I wouldn't consider myself as "pretty good" but, I'm just doing my best. Kelly shrugged.

Jamie was about to take another big slurp of his noodles when his peripheral vision caught Haley's container which was empty.
"Omo! You're done?" he gasped.
Haley wiped her mouth with a napkin and shoved her box at Jamie's nose proudly.
"Just to let you know, I'm a fast eater."
"Goodness, it's like you're breaking a world record."

"You know, you two look like a couple." Kelly commented.
Jamie forced his mouth closed, trying not to spit out his mouthful of Jajangmyun.
"What are you talking about? We're not dating." Haley said.
"But you two look comfortable with each other. You two literally look like a perfect match." Gary agreed.
Jamie peeked at Haley, her cheeks were strawberry pink that she lowered her head so that her shoulder-length hair covered her face. She could hear Gary and Kelly gigging.
"Quit it, guys! Lunch time is almost over." Jamie said while finishing his food.

                                                 *                       *                      *
"So what do you think?" Jamie asked.
"Huh?"
"Gary and Kelly said we look like a couple."
"You think you can actually believe in them?"
"I'm kind of wondering if that's true."

Haley looked at Jamie in disbelief. Aside from the soft sand they walked on and the captivating sunset that embellished Jeju island, Haley was surprised that Jamie was actually taking his colleagues' comment seriously.
"What? Are you denying that we're not a good match?" Jamie noticed her look.
'It's just that,..we just met!"
"So?"
"What do you mean "so"? It's a little too soon to go on a date!"
"Oh heck no, you're not one of those people who doesn't believe in love at first sight or destiny, are you?"
Haley stopped.
"I guess I haven't experienced it yet."
"Well, I believe you do now."
"Huh?"
Jamie turned back and placed both hands on Haley's shoulders. There was it again. Her heart was beating so fast she could ever hear her heartbeat.

"When I first saw you at the campsite last night, I sensed that you're special. And I wanted to get to know you, not only as a friend but something more."
Haley opened her mouth but nothing came out.
"I like you, Haley." Jamie said as he looked at her straight in the eyes.
Haley was once again immersed into the charming, honest hues that shaded around his beautiful brown eyes.
"No one has ever said that to me before." Haley replied.
"If you don't mind, I want to take you out for dinner...or maybe a movie or whatever that defines an ideal first date."
"Um...well..I'm not sure..."
"So you're saying you don't want go out with me?"
"No, it's just that...I...I don't know!"
"How about this..." he said as he pulled out his phone from his pocket, "If you've come up with an idea for our first date, you can text me anytime this week."
"And what if I don't?"
"Come on! Stop playing hard to get! You know you want to!"
"No, seriously, what if I don't text you."
"Then I'll be hunting for you."
"Ha! Yeah right!"
"Hyo Hae, really, don't mess with me, I hope we can do this."
"All right then." Haley nodded.

"Besides...you're the one who did this." he mentioned as he pulled out his script book from his backpack.He flipped to one of the pages and showed her the leaf.
Haley's left wrist hit against a small part of her notebook which was sticking out of her unzipped purse. She pulled it out and took out the leaf Jamie had given her last night.
"We thought of the same thing to our dreams." he held his leaf closer to Haley's, The two fall colours camouflaged with the evening glow.
Haley immediately remembered that last moment when he suggested the leaf for her writing.
A small thing like this can be used as a tab to help you keep track. You know, like a bookmark. A supporter. 
"I guess I was thinking about what you've told me that night once I slipped in the yellow leaf to your script book." Haley admitted.
"Yeah, that's why I thought we were...well. destined to be together.

Haley gazed at Jamie, his sleek jawline was exposed as he watched the sinking sun. Jamie turned to face her three seconds later. Their eyes locked for what seemed like forever, but Haley quickly stuffed her notebook back into her bag and said, "I...uh..better get back to the campsite."
"Why? It's only 6:30?" Jamie frowned.
"I have to leave early tomorrow. I have to prepare for my interview at Seoultizen."
You have an interview tomorrow? I thought you already got the job."
"Well, it's kind of like an orientation. They want to see whether I can write in a "Seoultizen" way."
"So it's like an entrance exam?"
"Well, yeah kind of, it's like giving them the first impression."
"Ah, I see."

Jamie decided to escort her back to her tent.
"Are you and your team gonna do barbecue again tonight?" Haley asked.
"No, we'll be going to Baozen Street instead."
"Oh! You guys will go drinking?"
"Well, they are. But I'm not gonna do that."
"Wait, you don't drink?"
Jamie shook his head.
"At all?"
"My whole family doesn't drink."
"Oh my gosh, so does mine!"
"No way!"

They laughed as soon as they arrived. The sky was transformed to a black heaven with its cluster of stars. Gary shortly stepped out of a tent and caught up with Jamie, "Yo! Where have you been? Everyone's waiting for you, lost boy."
"Oh! It's time already!"
"Ah, chincha. Come on! Let's move!" Gary nagged.

"I guess I'll text you then." Haley waved goodbye.
"You will?" Jamie asked.
"Mmm...maybe." Haley smiled, "I have to pack my stuff now."
"What about dinner?"
"Don't worry about me, Ramen's on my menu tonight."
"Now that's typical Korean!" Jamie laughed.
"I'm catching up, eh?"
"Yeah, I guess."
"JAMIEEEEEEE!" Gary yelled.
"Gotta go! I'll be looking forward to your text!" Jamie smiled and jogged away.
She watched with glee as the guy apologized in Korean repeatedly to Gary. She then started a fire, cooked instant noodles, and continued on her story draft. Unfortunately, instead of flipping the writer's switch on, all her mind displayed was her day with Jamie.
"Geez, guess it can't be helped huh." Haley groaned.

Star of my Seoul (Chapter 1: Bookmark of the Encounter)

He took one last glance with a smile. She wondered if this was a dream or a show. 
Chapter 1: Bookmark of the Encounter

"Aigoo, you should have told me earlier! I could have packed my bags to go with you!" Layla whined through the iPhone 5 Haley was holding.
"Hey, I've tried calling you for like five freaking times, but you ignored me!"Haley giggled.
"Well, don't blame me, blame my boss!" Layla sighed, "Apparently Mr. Big Mouth wants me to work eight hours for four days straight this week! I swear, if he gave me something like this again, I'll karate-chop him!"
"Just save your black belt when you got robbed, girl!" Haley laughed. She almost dropped the notebook she had laid on her lap.
"Anyway," Layla said, "I'm so glad you're back! We should hang out sometimes! Since you haven't returned to Seoul in a while, I should take you to all of the places!"
"Yeah, I look forward to it!"
"Ah, I should get some sleep now! I have to wake up at 6am tomorrow, for God's sake."
"Aww, sucks being you."
"You can said that again. Good night! Have fun at Jeju!"
"Thanks! Good night to you too!"

Haley watched as small parties of people gathered at different corners of the campsite. Jeju guesthouse was bustling with chatters and laughter. She wished she could bring her childhood friends with her, but the only voice she heard in her head was "Go travel alone! You get inspired best when you're by yourself!"

I've never felt so free in my whole life, like the soft white sand that brushes against my feet.
Words flowed like a waterfall as she wrote on her notebook. The tourist sanctuary may be noisy, but she was surprised that she could focus on her writing. Maybe it's because of the atmosphere that spread from the barbecue pits to the tents.

She suddenly stopped at her last sentence and felt an odd yet familiar sensation in her mind.
What's next? Why does my head feel blank? Oh...not again!
Writer's block hit her like a brick. She took a deep breath and read through her words. A smile crawled on her face.
This is perfect! Well, for a draft that is.
She looked around again and spotted a guy staring back at her. His black hair stood up as if he had applied gel that morning. He was standing next to a group of six boys who were fanning and turning over skewers of meat on the barbecue grill. Haley quickly looked back at her notebook. She wondered if the guy was spying on her.
Okay, where was I? Urgh...why can't I think of the next line?
She had no choice but to scan around the campsite again for clues to her writing, but the same guy blocked her sight. This time, he waved with a smile. Haley returned a small smile before switching her gaze back to her territory. She suddenly felt her heart pounding.

Haley yawned and checked the time on her phone.
It's only 10:30, maybe I'm still having jet lag after the flight. 
She was about to close her notebook when suddenly a shadow crept on her notebook like a ghost.
"Sillyehabnida..."
"Huh?"
"Oh! You...you can't speak Korean?"
"Um...a little, but not so fluent."
"Ah I see! Sorry bout that!"
"It's cool!"

The guy stood three feet away from where she sat. He couldn't help but looking at her.
"Are you visiting?" he asked shyly.
"Yeah, I'm visiting Jeju Island." she replied, "but I'll be spending a few years in Seoul."
"Oh, really? I'm from Seoul! Which street do you live in?"
"Oh, um, I'm not quite familiar with my new home yet."
"I see."

They stopped talking for a minute or so. Haley continued writing while the guy kept on staring.
"I...I'm Jae Min, by the way. Song Jae Min. But everyone calls me Jamie." he blurted.
"Jamie, huh? Your English name sounds similar to your Korean name."
"Yeah, weird huh?"
"Well, nice to meet you, Jamie. I'm Haley."
"Haley, that's a nice name!" he smiled, "Do you have a Korean name?"
"Of course! It's Kang Hyo Hae!"
"Oh, Hyo Hae! That's a pretty name you got there."
"Thanks."
"I hope you don't mind but, it's starting to get really smoky there."
"What do you mean?"

Jamie pointed at the barbecue pit where his friends were still making the skewers.
"There were smoke everywhere over there and I need some fresh air. Mind if I sit here with you for a little while?"
"Oh! Yeah sure! I don't mind having company." Haley smiled. Suddenly, in her mind shouted a regretful voice, "Haley, you can't focus on your writing when someone's with you!"
But it was too late. Jamie sat on the ground next to Haley and crossed his legs. He inhaled deeply and exhaled with a satisfied grin, "Ahhh, that's better!"
Haley giggled, and continued on her writing. However, her pen wouldn't move.
"What you're working on?" Jamie asked.
"Oh! Just a story."
"A story? Wow! Are you a writer?"
"Well, an aspiring writer, actually." she replied, "I worked for a newspaper press back in Vancouver, but I write fiction during my free time."
"That's amazing!" he exclaimed, "Then, why are you here in Korea? Are you on a vacation?"
"No, I'm gonna be here for a few years."

Jamie threw his head back, "Oh! Right! You told me that!"
"Yeah, I might be working for Seoultizen magazine."
"Seoultizen? As in one of Korea's biggest magazine brands ever?"
Haley nodded and looked at him, puzzled, "Why are you surprised?"
"Nothing, I just heard that Seoultizen is a pretty tough company to get in."
"Well, you're talking to a professional who won't give up on her plans." Haley winked.
"Bold. But you have to be able to keep up with the super tight deadlines. The magazines always have top-notch articles."
"I'm a wizard at that!" Haley laughed.
"Oh, really?"
"What? Are you testing me?"
"Nothing, I'm just saying."

Haley realized that she was no longer yawning. Talking to Jamie actually felt kind of good. She knew that she needed a refresher from all the drafting.

"Hey! Mind if I read what you wrote?"
Haley pulled her notebook close to her chest, "But it's not finished."
"Oh! Come on! I thought you said you're a professional."
"Yeah, professional in my job, but not the content itself. It takes time to get a masterpiece done."
"Well, looking from here, I really want to know what you wrote."
Haley's eyes were fixed onto Jamie's gentle brown eyes. Mesmerized by honesty written on his face, Haley handed her book to Jamie.

Haley looked around to watch the tourists having the time of their lives under the starry night sky. She would take short glances at Jamie who buried his nose with her notebook. Three minutes later, Jamie put the book down with an amazed look.
"I've never read anything like this! This is awesome!"
"Really? Gee, thanks!"
"It's so poetic! And it's like...I'm actually in that scene!"
Haley blushed. She couldn't stop smiling.

Jamie handed the book back, "Keep it up!"
"Thanks again." Haley replied, "Are you a writer too?"
"Um..not really. I'm more of an actor."
"Oh! You act? As in Korean dramas?"
"Well, yeah, but I always play minor roles."
"That sounds cool! Are you popular?"
"Duh!" he laughed, "but...not as popular as the big celebrities you find on Soompi articles."
Haley laughed louder than before, "I see."

"Hey, Haley?"
"Yeah?"
"I know that...well...we just met...but...do you wanna go for a cup of coffee sometimes?"
Haley could feel her heart did triple somersaults. Not only her cheeks hurt, but her whole body was smiling, "Yeah, I guess so."
"Great! Let's exchange phone numbers!" Jamie said, relieved.
They switched phones and dialed in their numbers on each other's contact list. Haley's heart thundered madly. It was a feeling she had never felt before.
After they switched their phones back, Jamie's friends called him over.
"Oh! Looks like the skewers are finally ready! They must have been making a bunch!" he said.
"Are you guys having a party?"
"Yeah, we're having a welcome party. Since we just started a new drama together, our manager thinks that we should get to know one another over barbecue."
"Sounds fun."
"You wanna join us? We probably can add in one more hungry person."
"No, I think I'm good. I have to continue on my writing anyways."
"Alright then." Jamie nodded and got up to his feet, "I...uh...I'll call you sometime, okay?"
"Yeah, absolutely!"
Jamie suddenly shifted his feet to a very far end of the campsite and picked up a dried brown leaf from the bottom of a bald tree. He then held the leaf right in front of her, "Your notebook seems really thick and you'll probably have a hard time finding a blank page, so maybe this will help."
Haley looked at the leaf and took it. Her fingers brushed gently against his hand.
"But it's just a leaf." she uttered.
"I know, but a small thing like this can be used as a tab to help you keep track. You know, like a bookmark. A supporter."
"Thank you. I'll keep it here then." she smiled while slipping the leaf between two blank pages.

"Well, it's great talking to you." Haley said. She got up with her notebook and pen clutched in her hands.
"You...gonna go to bed?"
"Yeah, I remember that I'm gonna go horseback riding at the beach tomorrow."
"Oh! That sounds fun!"
"What about you? Do you have plans tomorrow?"
"Yeah, my team and I will be shooting the first episode somewhere at the beach. I really look forward to that!"
"Maybe I might bump into you there." she winked.
"We'll see." Jamie laughed.

"Jamie! Jae Min! Pali! Pali!" one of the people in the circle called.
"I think they're asking you to hurry up." Haley said.
"Yeah, I've gotta go. Good night, Haley! I'll see you around."he waved.
"Yeah, good night to you too!"

Haley turned to unzip her tent. She swiveled her head to peek at the guy with gorgeous hair who bounced energetically to his team. He grabbed a skewer from one of the cast and turned back. He took one last glance with a smile. She wondered if it was a dream or a show.
"Jamie." Haley murmured. She immediately put her things away and slipped into her sleeping bag, hoping to dream about the conversation once again.

Sapphire Hearts (poem dedicated to Super Junior)

I guess it's been a while since I've written a portrait poem. At first, I'm a little embarrassed in writing this new piece. But this is something I want to express how grateful I am for being an ELF (Everlasting Friend-Super Junior's fan name). It took about two hours to write this new poem because I had a little trouble with the word choice and length (I don't want the poem to look heavy with only words and no feelings, so hopefully the editing helps).

When I encountered you, your eyes met mine and my heart pondered like a horse’s gallop. As I see more of you, the icy barrier around my heart is melted bit by bit, thanks to your golden smiles. pure vocals, insane humour, and radiant love. Even though we’re far apart, it feels like you’re by my side. The walls you’ve broken and the torches you’ve lit, have made me proud. Flaws are revealed yet your aura of boldness impresses me. Personalities are scattered yet every one of them amuses me. Mistakes are exposed yet your attitude inspires me. Every day, Your tunes and screens create a ribbon of energy. Your whispers and laughter deliver me from this world. You’ve sent a galaxy of love letters with your constant thanks. And now I want to do the same by illuminating this dark globe with an ocean of sapphire wands. You’re the best gift I’ve could ever asked for, and I’ll forever cherish every moment while chorus together with you, It’s not an END, but an AND.


Super Junior, saranghae! 

Honestly, there are no other idols that are as awesome as Super Junior. And not only I love the way they shower their love to their fans, but I'm super touched with the way the fans shower love back to the group. Check out these videos below to see how overpowering the relationship between Super Junior and ELF!

Sky's Closet

She wears a sheet with hues of scarlet, amber, and lemon

before signaling the Sun for roll call.

Earth is rekindled

as kaleidoscope ribbons shimmer from the fabric.

She rushes back to her chamber

and picks a jovial blue accompanied by white cotton

as Earth is enlightened

with luminous rays.

She trudges back and slips in

an endless ceiling of grey clumps.

She watches the world soaked

with her emotional fountain.

As the day dims down,

she gets her cue card ready.

A sparkling layer decorates the obsidian cape she has saved for last.

Its bejeweled constellation shines till the next dawn.

Michele's DIY Arts Realm (Photo/Postcard Frame Display)

Hey, guys! How are you all doing? I stayed up till 2am last night just to make this new DIY. Three days ago was Super Junior's 10th Anniversary and that day, a friend got me a late birthday present.
I was curious before I started to lose my breath and squeal like a kid. She pulled out this Super Junior holder with postcards and stickers in it!

I kept thanking her for giving me such a gift because seriously I've never had Super Junior (or any K-Pop) merchandise before and I've always wanted to get myself at least one of their stuff, and finally I did! As a recent fan of Super Junior, you have no idea how excited I was when I got this present! I admire my favourite K-Pop group's faces and demeanor through these postcards one by one for a few times, and last night I've eventually come up with this new craft idea. Now you don't have to create a frame just to display your fandom, you can actually create one of these to display your own photos. This is pretty easy to make and it'll also look great as a decor in your room. For those who feel old of putting up posters of your favourite stars all over the walls of your room like me, this is a great DIY for you to show off your support to a special star/ group of stars. Or if you don't have enough room to pin up new pictures, this is a lifesaver for you to display different pictures time after time.

All you need:
1. A calendar cardboard base/ any kind of cardboard you want to use to show your photos
2. Smaller cardboard to create your frames
3.Cellophane tape
4. Plastic book wrap (translucent)
5.Glue (if you wanna decorate your base with cutouts or any other items)
6.Scissors
7.Old magazines to wrap your cardboard base.

If you want your cardboard base to be colourful, wrap it with magazine cutouts. Glue the end with cellophane tape.

If you want to decorate the base with other things and use your glue to stick them, it's highly recommend to do it before you wrap your base with the plastic book sheet and add in the frames.

Once you are satisfied with your base, wrap it up with plastic book sheet to protect it from stains. Seal the ends with cellophane tape.

Alright! Time to make the frames! If you have a big cardboard like the one above, trace a line on the cardboard in half and cut it out. Then, cut out the left and right sides of the cardboard so that you can insert your photos. As for the top and bottom, fold into thin flaps as show below.

Once your photo fits into the frame, press the flaps hard so that your photo won't fall off. Do the same to your other frames. I have made three more so that they fit onto the top and bottom of the base.

 If your top and bottom sides are a little bigger as shown above, cut them a little smaller before you fold them inwards.

At the back of your frames, stick cellophane tape on the sides and paste them onto your base.

One last thing is to cover the frames with smaller cutouts of your plastic book wrap so that your photos can be protected. Be sure not to tape the left and right sides of the plastic cutouts so that your photos can be slipped through the frames.

Finally, poke a hole through the top of your base and slit a ribbon or rope through it so that you can hang your frames DIY on your door or wall!

I decided to use most of the Super Junior stickers to decorate the sides of the base. Turns out the arrangement of the stickers here are according to my bias rankings of each member :P.

And as for the front of the base, I did a quick design of the heart made by all 15 members' names with some of my favourite quotes from Super Junior, including the one that says, "It's not an END but an AND".

And there it is! You can change the photos from time to time by removing them carefully out of the frames and inserting in different ones. This is definitely my favourite room decor so far!

Let me know in the comments below what you think of this DIY! I'll see you in the next blog post! :) <3