As you awaken from your nap, you feel disoriented for a moment before remembering you're in Korea. You grab your laptop and jot down a list of nearby activities for tomorrow. Suddenly, your stomach rumbles—you're hungry. Deciding to head to a restaurant down the street, you enjoy the beautiful weather and cool breeze during your walk.
You arrive at a sleek black building with numerous windows. Inside, you're greeted by an interior of black and white, with windows overlooking the street. The aroma of ramen hits you, and you quickly order the cheesy ramen, devouring it in just ten minutes.
Before returning to your hotel, you decide to explore a bit. You head to the nearby Gwangjang market, filled with tantalizing aromas and food booths lining both sides and down the middle. You savor some delicious food and soak up the lively atmosphere, feeling grateful for this taste of Korean culture.
As you leave, you stumble upon a gallery just three blocks away, but it's closed for the day. You make a mental note to visit tomorrow. Feeling tired, you begin to yawn and decide to head back to your hotel, where you order dessert from room service before settling into bed. You're excited about all the exploring you have planned for tomorrow.
The next morning, you get ready to go exploring. You put on a black dress with black tights and your platform shoes.
As I walk towards the cafe, I begin to feel nervous and out of place. The weather is gorgeous, and I feel the sunshine on my skin. The city's beauty leaves me in awe—the architecture unlike anything I've seen before, the colors more vivid. It feels like I'm walking in a movie.
At the same time, I can't help but feel anxious as I realize I'm alone in this big city, knowing no one. Feeling uncomfortable, I avoid eye contact with passersby. Some people's gazes linger on me, adding to my discomfort. I keep myself busy by looking at my phone as I walk along the streets towards a cafe in Itaewon.
As soon as I reach the right street, I recognize the building I'm looking for—a dark grey structure with plants on the windowsill. As I approach the door, I spot a guy exiting the cafe. He's wearing a mask, his dark brown hair tied in a ponytail, dressed in a white T-shirt and grey sweatpants. He catches my eye and holds the door open for me, nodding his head in a respectful half-bow. I say "gamsahamnida" and bow in return. The man compliments my Korean, causing me to blush. I enter the coffee shop and order a latte and blueberry muffin to go.
I have an additional motive for visiting Korea—to see the attractive men. Despite not seeing his face, I sense the man who held the door is stunning based on his physique. As I make my way to the Korean museum, I savor my muffin and bask in the sun. Upon arrival, I struggle to read some of the exhibits despite my basic knowledge of Korean. I attempt to read one aloud but stumble over a word I can't pronounce.
A man's voice startles me from behind. "It's Haegang, it's 'Shooting the Elephant.' The elephant is a very unique piece." I turn to see a handsome gentleman in a black, almost silk suit, leaning against the wall. He has dark brown hair and plump lips. Our eyes meet, and he smirks, walking towards me with a perfect dimpled smile. His stance is confident, almost smug, and I can't help but feel lightheaded by his stunning appearance. However, I remind myself that I'm not here to get distracted and take a deep breath.
"I apologize if I startled you. I noticed you were having trouble reading and wanted to offer my assistance. My name is Namjoon, a pleasure to meet you," he introduces himself with a bow and extends his hand. I contemplate whether the man standing before me is someone of importance or if he's trying to come across that way.
"Hello, I'm Y/N," I reply with a bow and shake his hand.
"Are you a tourist or a resident of Seoul?" Namjoon inquires.
"I'm here kinda on a business trip. Today is my first day exploring the city. I arrived yesterday," I pause, then add nervously, "Excuse me for asking, but is English your first language? Your fluency is impressive." I immediately regret my question and wonder if it's inappropriate.
"No, I'm a native Korean. I taught myself English. Don't worry, I'm accustomed to being asked. may I ask you what kind of business trip?" Namjoon replies.
"I have a position with a company to intern for a month to learn more about modeling"
"oh, well I might be able to help with that. after the museum, what do you plan on seeing in Seoul? I'm curious to know your itinerary."
"I plan on visiting a gallery that's just a few blocks away," I think to myself. "Why is he interested in my plans? Is he a creep or maybe he's interested in me?" I push the thoughts aside.
"The gallery you're referring to is Mono, isn't it?" Namjoon asks with a sly grin.
"Yes, it is. Is it the only one nearby?" I ask apprehensively.
"It's the only one in the vicinity, and I happen to own it. Would you like me to give you a personal tour?" Namjoon suggests, his voice deep.
I feel uneasy about why he's offering a personal tour, but I can't deny the allure of a private viewing. "A personal tour of your gallery?" I ask, flustered.
"I would be delighted to share with you some of the pieces I've been working on. They haven't yet been publicly displayed. Would you like to see them?" I weigh my options and ultimately decide to accept the invitation from this personable individual. As it turns out, he's the proprietor of the gallery I had intended to visit, and he even wants to escort me there. "Certainly, I'd be interested in taking you up on your offer once I've finished exploring the museum."
YOU ARE READING
"Artist"
FanfictionY/N a struggling model from Los Angels California, takes a vacation To South Korea, what will happen when she runs into a handsome artist who wants her to be his muse, and his friend who liked her since the day he met her. how will her story end!! (...
