My Korean Guy II

Chapter Two-A Trip Like No Other

Jin Ho does not take "No" for an answer. He made sure that I would agree to his plan on visiting Korea. How can I say no when bouquets of flowers were delivered every day for three months asking me to consider his request to take time off. He knew that asking me to go to Korea to see the Cherry Blossoms was going to take all his convincing power to the test.

He grinned like a little boy who got his wish as he sat next to me on the plane. I smiled back and squeezed his hand.

"You won't regret it." He assured me. "I know how much you love flowers and this flower festival is not one to miss."

"How can I say no to that, LJ?" I retorted. I have become accustomed in calling him LJ than Jin Ho in the 300 days we have been together.

"C'mon. It's not the peak season at the center. Just admit that you've been secretly surfing the net in the past three months for information about the Cherry Blossoms Festival."

"Okay. Okay." I said as I threw my hands up in the air. "I admit it. I've secretly wanted to see this festival you're raving about."

"Grace will do great at the center. It's her chance to uh... have hands-on training." He said as he averted his eyes from mine.

"Hands-on training? For what?" I peered curiously into his face.

"For taking over the center, when you... you know."

"No, I don't know. Care to explain Mr. Lee?"

He squinted and placed his index finger on his temple as if to contemplate. "When you decide to settle down, you would need someone to help you with the center."

"Ohhh." I replied and emphasized my answer.

"Isn't that what you want?" He asked me. I noticed that there was a crease in his eyebrows and it only appears when he is worried.

I sighed. Somehow I knew what he was getting at. But I think I was just too much in denial of the prospect of marriage. "Of course. Isn't that what all people want?"

"Maya, jagi ya." Jin Ho started to say then decided to answer my question. "Yes. I want to settle down with you, no one else but you. You don't have to answer my question now. But I hope that when I do ask you, you'll have an answer for me."

That is what I love about Jin Ho; he can be very persuasive but he knows when to back off when needed. I leaned over to kiss him and he kissed me back. I'm a hundred percent sure that I want to spend my life with him; but I can't quite figure out what was holding me back.

Jin Ho helped me with my luggage as we entered his house located in Itaewon-dong, a district within Seoul. Customarily, we took off our shoes outside the door. Jin Ho entered before I did and came back with indoor slippers to wear. He flicked a switch and the entire house was flooded with lights. My eyes swept the 200-square feet home. I can see Jin Ho in the details from the mahogany floors to the chandeliers.

"Want me to give you the grand tour of the house?" He said impishly like a little boy wanting to show off his new toy.

"Of course. I've always wondered about the house you go home to when you leave for Korea." I said taking his hand.

Jin Ho led me to the stairs and we both went up to the second floor. He opened the door nearest the stairs and it revealed the guest room.

"This is the first house I bought when I was able to save enough money."

"The first house? Is there another one?" I inquired as I looked inside the guest room.

"I have recently purchased a bigger house in Pyeongchang-dong where I plan to live after..." He started to say then paused to clear his throat. "... I settle down."

"Pyeongchang-dong? Is it far from here?" I asked, my voice echoing, as I inspected the bathroom which was spotless.

"Not really. About 15 minutes by car. It's really beautiful there. Lots of fresh air and scenic views. Come, I'll show you the master's bedroom."

Jin Ho led me to the far end of the hallway and opened another door. This room revealed a king-size bed, a walk-in closet, and bathtub.

"It is extremely manly from the colors of the walls to the furniture." I expressed my observation.

Jin Ho grinned, showing his dimples in the process. "I'm absolutely willing to change it for whatever suits my future wife."

I faltered in mid-step and almost fell. Jin Ho was quick enough to catch me. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine. It must be jetlag."

"Do you still want to take see the rest of the house?"

"Of course. Don't worry about me." What's wrong with me? Why do I always try to avoid the possibility that LJ and I will be married one day? Isn't that what I've always wanted since he became my boyfriend?

"You look pale, jagi-ya. Let's just go to the balcony so you can get some fresh air." He opened a glass door and led me to a wooden garden chair.

"I think this is the best part of the house." I remarked as I saw a thousand flickering lights of the buildings from afar.

"I'd have to agree with you. Do you see that tower? That's Namsan Tower. That is where I'll take you."

"I'm looking forward to it." I told Jin Ho.

"Me too." He said and kissed my forehead.