One day in Seoul 🇰🇷

🇰🇷: 5

Inside the bar, the energy is palpable. The music is loud, and the crowd is buzzing with excitement. Mari and I find a table near the back, away from the main throng of people.

"Can you believe this place, Katarina?" Mari shouts over the music. "Ang saya-saya and daming tao"

I glance around, taking in the scene. "Yeah, it's pretty wild. But honestly, I'm not sure this is my kind of place."

Mari grins and takes a sip of her drink. "Kaya nga nagpunta ka rito, di ba? Para makita si Francis."

I nod, feeling a knot of anxiety tighten in my stomach. "Oo, pero I still don't know what I'm going to do if I actually see him. It's all a bit overwhelming."

Mari shrugs, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Sige, mag-enjoy ka lang muna. I'll go mingle with the crowd. Hanap ako ng mga you know hihi. You stay here and relax."

"Thanks, Mari," I say, appreciating her support. As she heads off, I settle into my seat, trying to make the best of the situation.

The bar is loud and chaotic, but I find myself oddly detached from it all. I take a sip of my drink, trying to focus on the music and the lively atmosphere, but something feels off. I can't shake the feeling that someone's watching me. I glance around, but nothing seems out of place.

Minutes pass, and the sensation only intensifies. I can't pinpoint what's making me feel so uneasy, but it's like a dark cloud hanging over me.

Just then, a man approaches my table. He's disheveled and clearly drunk. "Hey, beautiful. Want another drink?"

I try to remain polite, despite my discomfort. "No, thank you. I'm fine."

But he doesn't seem to get the hint. He leans in closer, his breath reeking of alcohol. "Come on, just one drink. Let's have some fun."

I feel my heart start to race as he places a hand on my lap. I push his hand away, but he's persistent, sliding it further up my leg. Panic sets in. "Stop it. Please."

He ignores my protest, and before I know it, he's trying to kiss me. I'm on edge, my breathing rapid as I struggle to push him away. "Hey, get your hands off me!" I yell, my voice shaky.

The commotion draws the attention of other patrons. Some people start looking over, and murmurs spread through the crowd. A few individuals step in, forcibly removing the man from my side.

"Anong problema mo, ha?" one of the men asks angrily, pushing the drunkard away. "Leave her alone!"

I stand up, my hands trembling. "Get away from me!" I shout at the man as he's dragged out of the bar. "This is so messed up!"

My heart is pounding, and I feel a wave of nausea wash over me. The stares of the crowd feel like a spotlight, making me even more self-conscious. Mari rushes back to my side, her face etched with concern.

"Katarina, are you okay?" she asks, her voice filled with worry.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just... shaken," I reply, trying to steady my breath.

Mari quickly wraps an arm around me. "Let's get out of here. Hindi ito magandang lugar para sa iyo. Let's go somewhere safer."

I nod, grateful for her presence. We make our way out of the bar, and the cool night air hits my face, helping to calm my racing heart. I take a deep breath, trying to shake off the unsettling experience and focus on the comfort of Mari's support.

As Mari and I were about to leave the bar, something made me stop in my tracks. A familiar figure caught my eye in the dimly lit parking lot. I froze, staring in disbelief as Francis Kim stepped out of a sleek, black car. My heart skipped a beat. I hadn't expected to see him here, not like this.