The South Korean Samurai

Chapter 1 The Bellhop

Rain poured down as a scrawny, dimple-faced young man stood at the entrance of a hotel. 

That's me, Jin Choi. 

I had tried to dye my hair yellowish, ended up dyeing my eyebrows too. While I didn't care much about my overall appearance, I had a particular affection for my white teeth and sharp nose. It had always caught the attention of  popular girls during my school days. Not so much now but its okay.

I made a promise to my mother that I wouldn't mess this up, no matter what.

Not that I messed up in school or anything. School was just my playground and nobody ever told me recess would finish one day forever. 

I graduated but my mother was not happy with how I did it. She should have been more specific when I went for my first day at that school. Probably would have made better friends or at least better decisions. Don't even remember what my mother said about external and internal influences or something like that. 

The one teacher that had to give me continuous good marks probably hate me till this day but come on it is one person right. I just wanted to graduate but that teacher tried to make my life difficult in class. One thing led to another and he had to decide on a ban from school or good marks for me. In a way I am glad it happened because he underestimated everyone in his class from day one.

I landed my first job and I'm determined to hold on to it. In my mind, I had hoped my boss would observe me enduring the rain to prove my dedication and work ethic. Come hell or high water, I would remain at my post. Figuratively speaking, of course, deep down I wished my boss would call me inside because the rain was not particularly friendly today, and the wind that blew just collaborated with the rain.

The commitment I made to my mother had the potential to make me sick and cause me to lose my first job entirely. I knew she had a heart and would understand if I lost my job because of an illness.

Despite the soaking-wet uniform I wore, I persevered to get my first paycheck and make my mother proud. The black and red suit with the hat to match had become my favorite outfit. Made me feel important for once.

While deep in thought, a vehicle approached that made my heart beat like a drum and the smile on my face was not fake at all because this meant I would have a chance to go inside the hotel, even if it was just for a moment.

A custom-made black Rolls Royce pulled up with uniquely crafted extras. The droplets of rain bounced off the color like they were bullets that hit an armored truck. The car of every man's dreams stood right in front of me, and I was lucky enough to see the owner of such a luxurious vehicle.

The door opened, and I ran towards it to assist by taking the black umbrella that popped open, but the man who got out just pointed to the back of the vehicle without saying a word.

I made my way to the back, and the boot popped open similar to the way the umbrella did. Five enormous bags greeted me, making me question not only my strength but also my ability to do the work I got hired for.

While struggling to unload the second bag, the driver opened the back door. A lady who wore a red stiletto heel with a summer dress got out. She clearly had a wardrobe malfunction on this day. The red big brim sun hat covered part of her face and only her eyes were visible. She got escorted by the driver, who opened the door, and I snuck in right behind her to catch the open door while carrying two bags. I hurried back and found the three bags already in the driver's hands and tried to take them all. I slipped on the pavement while the driver just got in the vehicle and drove away.

Struggled to pick them all up, left one, and ran inside. Upon my return, I found the last bag went missing. A panic attack ensued, with me not able to stand still or keep my hands from shaking. The thought of losing this job had me running in one direction and observing for any movement. The rain made it difficult to see, but it looked like a person just hid behind a pillar down the street.

I ran in that direction, knowing what I lacked in strength, I made up for in speed. Caught up to him and a struggle in the rain got me thrown around like a plastic bag in the wind. His strength exceeded mine, but my plan in this rain to use my ultimate power needed the perfect timing.

I grabbed onto the bag and clenched it while fists flew towards my face. It was painful, but I had to follow through with the plan. It would be the only way to get out of this. My face reached the wet pavement and I could see a few blood droplets mixing with the water next to me.

Almost there, just a few moments longer, clenching the bag between my legs.

The assault finally stopped, and the guy ran further down the street. It always worked in school. I knew it would not fail me today.

Endure the pain, enjoy the fame.

In school, such stories used to die down quickly and at least no one was here to notice this one.

I made my way back to the hotel with a few bruises on my face and the bag. Upon entering, the lady awaited me in the lobby, but no boss was in sight. My luck had changed.

''Apologies for the delay with the last bag,'' I said.

''Please do not apologize, go get changed instead. My name is Eulgi Kang and I will be staying at this hotel for a while. What happened to your face?'' She responded.

''Please do not tell my boss, but someone tried to steal your last bag, and I fought them to get it back. My name is Jin Choi. It is nice to meet you, even though I cannot see your face,'' I replied.

She grabbed the bag and opened it in front of me. It was full of money. It was so much that the adrenaline that ran through my body the whole time stopped working. I could not move because my overthinking mind thought of all the alternatives had I not brought that money back.

This feeling was worse than being kicked in the rain.

''Go take off that uniform and bring your boss with you,'' she exclaimed.

I went straight to his office and found him napping at his table. How convenient.

''Good day Sir, I apologize for disturbing you, but I need another uniform and there is a guest in the lobby who needs your assistance.''

'' Why are you all wet inside the hotel? Why are you not at your post? Did I not make myself clear when I instructed you on what to do?'' Hwan questioned me.

''I apologize, Sir, this will never happen again. I promise.''

He threw a uniform at me, and it fell to the ground. At that moment, Eulgi had stood at the door and entered unannounced. Her clothes, pose, walk, and movement commanded respect, and Hwan could identify that this was no ordinary guest. She was an upper-class woman with high standards.

''Jin leave immediately and close the door behind you. Can't you see I have an important guest I need to attend to? Go back to your post. I will deal with you later.''

''Good day Miss, how may I be of service today.''

''First of all, this young man is not going back out in the rain and the second thing is I would like to buy this hotel.''

''This hotel is not for sale. If you like it so much, you can stay in one of the rooms for as long as you pay.''

I stood there observing this woman deal with my arrogant boss. There was no way around his stubbornness.

At that moment, while he explained why it was not for sale and how good business was at the moment, she raised her voice at him.

''All good things must come to an end! I said I would like to buy this hotel!''

Everything went quiet at that moment, like nothing existed outside of that office. 

Hwan packed his possessions and proceeded to the front desk like he had a change of heart.

''There are two bags waiting for you. Take it and never come back here,'' She shouted.

I followed him out as he struggled with the bags and the first raindrops fell on him. I knew it was either him or me. The rain did not stop like a reminder, when it rains it pours on the good and the bad in this life.

A tragedy a day keeps us all at bay.

8 Chapter Challenge Chapter 1

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