Was It All For Nothing? - By Sarah Jaju

A New Experience (Chapter 33 )

Hae-Ri:

The motorcycle came to a stop, and I reluctantly got down. I hadn't realised how tough this was going to be, opening up to a complete stranger who could apparently make things better for me.

"Gwenchana?" Hae-Jun asked, "Do you want me to come with you?" (You okay?)

"Ani, gwenchana. Gomawo," I said, and looked up at the pretty little cottage which reminded me of the time when my family and I had visited Goa in our winter break. I was 13 at that time. 

"Arassseo. I'll be round the corner, call me when you're done, eoh?" (Okay)

"Mmm,"

...

I rattled on the wooden door, and waited for an answer. After a few seconds, a young woman swung the door open with a homely smile on her chiselled face. She was short and thin, and reminded me of the lead form one of my favourite C-dramas.

"Annyeonghaseyo! Hwangyeonghabnida! Xi Yun imnida," she said in a cheery way that immediately lit up my face. (Hello! Welcome! I'm Xi Yun)

"Annyeonghaseyo, gamsahamnida. Hae-Ri imnida," I smiled and cautiously walked in, taking in my surroundings with a nod of acknowledgement. (Hello, thank you, I'm Hae-Ri)

It was a cosy home, much like how the outside had already suggested. The walls had a pastel green theme with a few accent walls, too. 

 Xi Yun-ssi lead me to a small open space that showcased the beautiful view of the city. She motioned for me to sit on the couch, and took her place parallel to me.

"Keureseo...how are things going?" she asked (So). She was aware of my situation due to our phone call a couple of days ago. 

"Oh, mollayo. It's definitely much better, I'm trying to focus on other things, you know, trying to be involved with something or the other to distract me from getting those thoughts. But in reality, I know that isn't gonna work for long...I can't run away from it," I explained. (I don't know)

"Mmm..." she nodded, "Anyway, tell me something about yourself, anything at all. I'll go after you, it's like an icebreaker activity."

"Alright, uhm...well, if you couldn't already tell, I'm not completely Korean. My mother is Indian, and I've lived in India till I was 17. My dad is a professor, and my mom owns a small-scale food business and they're both pretty busy. We've never been the type of family to have...well..'family time'. Nevertheless, I've always been really close to my parents and brother.

"My brother goes to the same University as me - he's a year older - and is currently dating my best friend, Jessica. He's also close friends with my boyfriend, Hae-Jun. I've got the typical sibling bond with him, and its true that we quarrel a lot, but I can't imagine my life without him,"

"That's very sweet, you must be lucky to have an elder brother, I've always wanted an elder sibling. So, what's your major?" Xi Yun-ssi asked.

"Fashion designing. I've loved it since I was 12, it's a dream come true to be able to attend the best Arts university in Korea," I smiled.

Xi Yun nodded with the corners of her mouth slightly upturned. 

"Anyway...your turn," I urged.

"Arasseo, arasseo. I'm Chinese, both my parents are Chinese. I finished University about 6 years ago, and I majored in psychology. I moved to Korea right after I finished my education. Also, this is pretty random but I've got an unhealthy obsession with Crochet! I make 50 percent of my clothes myself, and I find it very therapeutic, hehe. Therapists also need therapy sometimes, you know," she laughed.

I grinned, this was going pretty well. I really acknowledged how she told me about herself, too, instead of making me feel like the centre of attention at all times (I hated being the centre of attention as it made me feel way too self-conscious).

"I have a boyfriend, too. He's Japanese, and the same age as me. We met when I moved here, and the funny thing is...well, he was one of my first clients, he came to me for therapy!" she said, covering her mouth as she giggled.

"Jinja?! Wa, that's some love story!" I chuckled. I was pretty surprised at how comfortable she was with sharing stuff like that with me - a complete stranger, especially since I was 8 years younger than her. I grew to admire her personality. (Really?! Wow)

"So, enough about me. Let's keep today's formal meeting short, and make this a catch-up session, instead. Would you like to join me for an early dinner? I've got homemade ramyeon and a whole variety of side-dishes...my friend owns a cafe and delivers in bulk. I don't really love cooking, so it works pretty well for me," she suggested.

"That's a nice model! But actually, Hae-Jun was supposed to pick me up any moment," I informed.

"Well, I would have loved it if you could stay. I wanna get to know you more...build our trust with each other. I mean, wouldn't you wanna have a few conversations with me before you told me all your deep, dark secrets? Wouldn't you wanna be sure that I have no ulterior motives?" she joked.

This woman had a good sense of humour, and was pretty entertaining to talk to, too. Maybe I should stay, I thought.

"Well, if you insist...alright, I'll text him to pick me up in an hour, is that okay?" I made sure.

"Perfect! Come sit, I'll heat up the food. Would you like something to drink? I have ginger ale, strawberry lemonade and cold coffee sachets," she asked

"I'd love a ginger ale, thanks a lot, Xi Yun-ssi," I beamed.

"Call me Unnie," she said from the kitchen. (*word used to address elder sister/ elder female friend*)

"Arasseo...gamsahamnida, Xi Yun Unnie," I said. (Okay, thank you, *word used to address elder sister/ elder female friend*)