Love Across Universe

K-Air With Your Lover

Soojin

"Ko...Ko...KOREA!" Alex exclaimed, bouncing with unrestrained excitement as we landed at Incheon Airport. His actions drew curious glances from the Koreans passing by.

"Ale-Alex! Don't run around," Sooah called after him, darting through the crowd to prevent any accidental collisions while I stood with our luggage.

"Come back, Alex, right now," I commanded firmly, using my serious voice that usually got people to listen.

"He's really something special here, Jin," Sooah remarked as they both returned to me.

"It's hitting differently and uniquely, Jin," Alex grabbed my hands and began to dance.

"Oh, stop it before I kiss you," I threatened playfully.

"That's not much of a threat, Jinie," he winked and tousled my hair affectionately.

Back at our childhood home:

"Wow! So this is where my love stayed as a toddler. Amazing," Alex clapped excitedly, scanning the framed photographs on the walls.

I ran my fingers over the familiar surfaces of the couches and walls, enveloped in the comforting scent of my family's home. It had been five years since my last visit to Korea, and waves of nostalgia washed over me, recalling the golden days when our annual trips here were a cherished tradition. Eomma always wore a pink hanbok, Sooah a vibrant red one. I was never interested in the traditional clothing, so appa and I often wore matching outfits.

Those memories felt as vivid as if they happened yesterday. A gentle touch on my shoulder made me turn around to meet Alex's gaze-his presence alone was enough to make my knees weak.

"I think you should rest," he suggested softly, and I nodded in agreement.

Climbing into bed, I was just about to drift off when I received a call from Sooah.

"Hey oldie, where's your future hubby gonna stay?" she teased.

"I'm not that old, and he can stay in the guest room. Isn't that common sense, unnie... wait, are you... no, never mind," I stammered, my face flushing red.

The door swung open abruptly, revealing Alex standing there, clad in leather pants and a jacket, his eyes mischievously twinkling.

"Looks like your sister doesn't have the key to the guest room. Care to share a bed?" he teased, chuckling. "I'll take the couch, no worries," he added with a wink.

I woke from a refreshing afternoon nap to find Alex seated at the edge of the bed, engrossed in his laptop-a testament to his workaholic nature.

"Good evening, baby," he greeted with a bright smile.

"Is Sooah still out?" I inquired.

"Yeah, she went for a hangout. Are you hungry?" Alex asked, closing his laptop.

"I should be asking you that. It's your first time in Korea, and I haven't even shown you around yet. Get ready, we're going out," I said, getting out of bed.

"Okay, ma'am, your wish is my command," Alex replied, bounding out of the room in three long strides.

I waited for Alex for nearly thirty minutes, growing increasingly hesitant. Finally, I bit my lip and called him.

"Where are you?" I demanded.

"I'm at a car showroom," he replied coolly.

"WHAT?" I exclaimed.

"Relax, we can't tour Korea without a car, right?" he reasoned.

"Are you out of your mind, Alex?" I facepalmed, realizing just how rich is he.

He hung up abruptly, and within minutes, the doorbell rang.

Opening the door, I found Alex and Sooah standing there, with a red vintage Rolls-Royce parked behind them-a car straight out of 90s films, an improbable sight.

"I was on the doorstep when your 'boyfie' arrived. I didn't go with him," Sooah winked, dragging me out of the house and shutting the door behind us.

"May I have the honor of touring Seoul with The Highness?" Alex joked, bowing gallantly.

Sitting in the car, driving through the beautifully illuminated streets of Seoul after years felt like entering 'The Crystal City'. The city sparkled like crystals, and I silently prayed that Seoul would retain its charm for generations to come.

I glanced at Alex, his hands lightly gripping the steering wheel with confidence. To him, driving seemed as effortless as reciting the alphabet. He was a perfectionist in every sense, while I often felt inadequate, lacking any notable talents compared to his seemingly effortless mastery of everything.

"You look at ease. Seoul must have worked its magic," he remarked, breaking the silence.

"Well, Seoul was the magician's hat, and Mr. Alex Anderson certainly performed the tricks," I teased, winking at him.

He pulled over near the Han River, and we stepped outside. The cool breeze kissed our skin, moonlight danced on the river's surface, casting an enchanting spell against the mysterious backdrop of darkness.

Alex pulled me closer, and I rested against his chest. We shared a tender, passionate kiss, silently thanking fate for bringing us together.

"Let's find a restaurant and savor some Korean flavors," he suggested, kissing my forehead.

I nodded, but as my gaze wandered to the bushes across the way, I saw a shadow.

"Someone's there," I pointed, my voice tinged with concern.

"That's impossible. The bridge to the other side is closed, and there's no other access," Alex reassured, tightening his grip around me.

Despite his words, my mind raced. It was definitely a human-shaped shadow, and my curiosity refused to be quelled. I racked my brain, recalling lessons on shadows, light, and reflection, but found no satisfying explanation.

"It's bothering me," I admitted as we drove back home. "It was a human shadow, and there's no logical way it could have been ours."

"That's impossible. The bridge to go to the other side is closed and there's no other way to get there. Hallucinations, Soo," his grips around my body was tighter now.

In the car, my mind was still pondering over the shadow. It was a human shadow and it can't be ours. I tried my best to recall the concepts of shadows, light and reflection but I couldn't find anything helpful.

It was a really simple matter, but I couldn't let it leave my mind because my brain was curious about everything and couldn't get satisfied with the bare minimum explanation. The shadow was quite large for any animal and as per my knowledge no animal can stay in the bush due to the presence of poisonous leaves and flowers.

I should have taken the phone out and turned on the flash light to check. I missed the boat.

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Something big is coming in the next chapter guys. Be ready! 😏