A Million Miles To Love

Chapter 2

A couple of months had passed, and it was already a week before my trip. I had been keeping in contact with Kim J. through email, and kept a journal of all of the things I wanted to do and see while in Korea. Kim even gave me a list of music to listen to on the flight, so I downloaded those songs on my phone. I didn't have time to really look up who sang the songs, but some of them sounded good.

    I was really wanting to see the Namsan Tower at night, because it was beautiful from the photos Kim had sent. I wondered why there were so many handsome men in the photos and never a photo of her. It was really strange, but I guess she was happy with her friends. She called them her hyungs...which Kim told me meant brother in Korean.

     Kim told me that when I get off the plane and go to pick up my bags, to look for someone holding a sign with my name on it, because as part of the fee to rent the room, transportation to and from the airport would be included, as well as to some other places for sightseeing. I thought that was so kind to do that!

     The big day came, and I boarded the plane for the flight to Seoul. As I went to board the plane, I was given a shock when the attendant informed me that there was something wrong with the seat I had booked, but the airline was going to upgrade my ticket for free to first-class. I couldn't believe it! I'd never flown before, and my first flight was now going to be first-class! I must have been dreaming! It just felt so surreal!

     After I got settled on the plane, I grabbed my complimentary headphones and started to play the playlist that Kim recommend. It was a bunch of jazz and easy listening music, along with some K-pop songs from a group called Popeul Robeu. Their music sounded like it was just my style, with some upbeat lyrics and even some rap. A few of the songs were even ballads. I could really get used to listening to this music a lot!

     I reclined in my seat with my music and a good book and settled in for the long flight to South Korea. After a few minutes, a gentleman sitting in the seat next to mine kind of waved to get my attention. I thought maybe I had my music too loud or something, because I was jamming out to a song called  "A Million Miles to Love."

     The man introduced himself as Kim Han Jun. He spoke in perfect English, and that was quite honestly such a relief to not have to struggle to speak Korean to him, even though I had learned a bit from studying so hard! I asked him about his name, and he said Kim was actually his last name, and Han Jun was his first.

     He wore a simple black face mask, so I couldn't really make out his facial features. He had kind of brownish hair, which was partially covered by a gray beanie cap.

     I noticed he was looking at a few brochures from art museums, and one was familiar. It was from my state of Oklahoma! I'd been to that museum once before, and felt so moved by some of the artwork that I cried. I probably looked like such a tool at the time!

     Han Jun and I talked a little off-and-on throughout the flight, and he asked what I was listening to. When I told him the name of the k-pop group I was listening to, he said, "Oh, Purple Love! I know that music well!" He let out an odd chuckle when he said it. "Do you have a favorite member?" he asked.

     I responded, "I'm not really sure. I do like the sound of the guy with the deeper voice." I think that was because it reminded me a lot of my dad's voice.

     Han Jun let out another chuckle when he heard me say that.

     After chatting a little more with Han Jun, I decided that I should settle in for a nap so that I'll be ready for the next part of my adventure when we land in Korea. I didn't realize that what I had planned to be a short nap turned out to last almost the entire trip!