Seoul, South Korea

Failed Date

Chapter inspo:

Her outfit:

His outfit:

The people in Itaewon:

—————————————————————-My white tennis shoes scuffed the ground as I came to a stop in the middle of a dark crowded sidewalk.

Itaewon was a popular clubbing destination for foreigners and locals alike but it was definitely NOT a respectable choice for a first date.

How I ended up meeting my, supposedly hot, date here instead of what I was told would be a casual night out on the town would forever be a mystery.

After one year of living in Seoul I had finally decided to start dating. If I had known my  date was going to, last minute, switch locations from a cute nighttime cafe to the middle of a clubbing district, I would never have agreed to meet him.

As I scanned the crowed for my date I took in the people lined up outside popular clubs in eye-catching mini dresses and clean looking button-ups and jeans.

Every so often one of the club doors would open and thumping music would escape as a few very drunk occupants stumbled onto the sidewalk.

A group of party goes brushed past me and I  moved closer to street and out of the middle of the bustling night life.

I was severely underdressed to fit in with the crowd. I had worn my baggy denim jeans with a patchwork waistband and a plain white tee under a lose zip-up hoody with lettering on the front.

My hair was up in a messy ponytail and I shivered as a cool wind tickled the loses dark hairs on my neck and face.

I pulled my phone from the bag slung over my shoulder and checked for any messages.

Nothing.

I began to put my phone away as I heard an arguing couple coming up behind me.
I shuffled sideways further towards the road when a large, warm hand suddenly grabbed mine.

Before I could protest, I was tucked under a mans large, muscular arm with our fingers laced and resting one my left shoulder.

I whip my head up to confront the, surprisingly, strikingly handsome stranger but before I could say anything he continued his conversation.

"Sorry I'm already here with someone."

His words were directed towards a pretty, young Korean woman standing in front of us.

I stay quite under his warm, heavy arm as I listen to their conversation.

"Are you sure?" She questions as she glances at me. "Your dating a foreigner?"

The man glances down at me then slowly moves his eyes back to her.

"Yes." He replies in a naggingly familiar melodic voice.

She tightens her grip on her phone at her side and glances suspiciously between us.

I squeeze his hand and push further into his firm side.

If were going to pretend to be together we better sell it.

With a confused sigh she pivots on her heel and weaves away through the crowd.

When she's out of sight the handsome stranger released me from his hold and turns to face me.

"I'm sorry" he says in slightly accented English.

As our eyes connect they widen in recognition.

"I guess we're even now" I laugh as I scan him up and down.

He's the stranger from a few days ago that I grabbed on the street in excitement. His strong jaw and cheekbones stood attractively on his slim face and his fierce eyes looked me over.

I reach out my hand to shake his.

"I'm Lilian." I say brightly.

He glances at my hand and pauses before he shakes it, muttering something about foreigners under his breath.

His large hand was warm and nearly enveloped mine.

My heart gave a flutter and my cheeks began to heat.

"I'll buy you a taxi home for the inconvenience" he said and began signaling to cars in the street.

I was really excited for tonight, I thought, An idea strikes me.

"Or" I say making him pause, "would you like to grab some food? I think I've been stood up." I smile hopefully up at him.

My eyes lock onto his and I can see the wheels turning in his brain.

"No" he says curtly.

Well okay then. I guess the night is over.

A cab pulls over and before I can stop him the man has given his credit card to the driver and told him to take me home.

"You didn't need to do that," I protest, "let me pay you back."

"Seriously," he mutters. He switches to English, "It's fine."

He opens the back door for me and gestures to the back seat.

"Get in."

I move forward and pause before getting into the cab.

"At least give me your number so I can pay you back with a meal."

"No" He closes the door.

I quickly rummage through my bag looking for one of my business cards.

I roll down the window and reach my arm out of the idling cab.

"Please," I nearly beg, "here take my number in case you change your mind."

He looks me stubbornly in the eye but I match his stare.

After what feels like at least a few minutes the cab driver snaps something about wasted time and money and the stranger's focus breaks.

Rolling his eyes he snatches the card from my outreached hand.

I grin up at him victoriously and turn away to tell the taxi driver my address.

When I turn back I see the strangers broad shoulders sliping into the crowd.

As the taxi pulls into traffic I smile.

I hope he calls.