"To the Beginning" (Book 1 of the "K-Pop Mysteries" Series)

Vacay

I sit down on a large, elegant-looking sofa, and my mind wanders to everything that has happened over the last few years. Tears start to fall down my cheeks. Why can't I just have a break for a while? I need a vacation. I need time away from all of this. I consider telling BoA, but then I think better of it. She's just gonna try to stop me from going. So without a word, I disappear.

I appear in Seoul and disguise myself. Heading to my usual hotel, I go to the front desk and sign in under Peter Johnson, putting on a British accent. I see Yugyeom appear out of the corner of my eye. Walking up to me, he offers to take my bags.

Yugyeom: Vacation, sir?
Me: Yes, thank you.

Yugyeom: Right this way, please.
Me: Cheers.

He escorts me to a different room than usual, and as we enter the room, he turns to me.

Yugyeom: We all need a break sometimes. Don't worry, no one will know.
Me: Thank you. But I'm curious: how did you know?

Suddenly, his hair and eyes go pure white, causing me to jump back in shock.

Yugyeom: I have the power to see through disguises, as well as having an idetic memory.
Me: How long?

Yugyeom: As long as I can remember.
Me: That's wild!

Yugyeom: Yeah, people usually freak out if they see me like this, especially with the white eyes.
Me: I can imagine.

Yugyeom: Yeah. So I'll leave you to it. Enjoy your stay in Seoul.
Me: Will do, thank you.

He bows and exits, and I get in the shower. Afterward, I lay down and fall asleep.

The next day, I go walk around in my disguise. I hate that I have to, but I don't want any of them to recognize me, so it's necessary. I go out for coffee at a little, quaint coffee shop. After I get my drink and sit down, I bring my laptop out and watch some stuff on YouTube. I get really engrossed in what I'm doing, so I don't notice the coffee shop filling up fast. Soon enough, however, I feel a tap on my shoulder, and I look up. A shock runs through my entire body.

You've GOTTA be kidding!!! It's Aisha! What the heck?!

I gape at her, causing her to giggle cutely. Waving her hand in front of my face, she tries to say something. Taking my earbuds out, I listen.

Aisha: Hey, can I sit here? Everywhere else is full.

I look around in shock and see that she's right.

Me: Uh, sure.

She smiles and bows her head in thanks as I get up to pull out her chair.

Aisha: Aww, thank you. Such a gentleman. So where are you from?

I sit back down before answering.

Me: You're welcome. I'm from the United States.

Aisha: Do you like it there?

Me: No, I hate it there. I'm actually on vacation right now.
Aisha: I kinda figured. So if you're from the US, you must've been raised in a British family or something.
Me: Or something.
Aisha: Well, what's your name?

Me: Peter.
Aisha: Interesting name.
Me: Yeah, my parents figured it would be best for me to have a more traditionally American name and for it to be Biblical.
Aisha: That makes sense. Well, it's nice to meet you, Peter. I'm Aisha.

I resist the urge to tell her that I know who she is as I shake her hand, which is super soft, and check the time.

Me: Nice to meet you too. Well, I have to get back to my room now.
Aisha: Okay. Well, do you have a phone number?

Me: Not a Korean one, unfortunately. Sorry.

Aisha: It's okay. What about Insta?
Me: You have Insta?
Aisha: Of course. It's just... a private account so my company doesn't find out.
Me: So your company doesn't.... oh, you're a rebel. I like it.

I enthusiastically give her Instagram, and she gives me hers. However, I don't expect her to actually follow me back.

Me: Well, thanks for this. It was awesome meeting and chatting with you. It was surprisingly pleasant.
Aisha: I agree. See you soon, I hope.
Me: Yeah, I hope so too.

I get up, shake her super soft hand one more time, bow to her, and head out.

As I get back to my hotel room, my phone dings. I check it, and to my ecstatic surprise, it's Aisha!