My Korean Guy II

Chapter Three-Cherry Blossoms Festival

The sky was slightly overcast as we stepped out of Jin Ho's house before 4PM and boarded the taxi he called to take us to Namsan Oreumi, the first inclined outdoor elevator in Korea. Jin Ho told me that it's the faster way to get to the cable cars that will bring us high up to the Namsan Tower.

Jin Ho held my hand tightly as he entered the cable car and I smiled mischievously remembering the time when he chased after the MRT back home in the Philippines. He turned around just in time to see my impish grin.

"What's that smile for?" He inquired, curious about the twinkle in my eyes.

"I was just thinking that you probably wouldn't want to let go of my hand because the time we went to ride the train in the Philippines, the doors closed on you and you had to chase it. You were having one of your tantrums that day. You looked really cute when you scolded me at the Ayala Station for not waiting for you."

Jin Ho laughed. "Ah, to be young and foolish. But that day was the day I knew that I was falling for you. I had no idea how to tell you then, you being my teacher and all. And worst, I felt so frustrated and jealous when you told me that you were meeting your ex." His expression changed and became solemn. "I knew then that I have to tell you sooner than later and hoped that you would give me a chance."

"And I did, didn't I?" I told him reassuringly.

"Yes, after seven long years. But it was worth the wait." He remarked and leaned to kiss me.

In less than two minutes, the cable car opened and we both went out. Jin Ho led me to a booth and purchased tickets for us to have access to the Observatory Deck and the Teddy Bear Museum.

We took our time in the museum, gushing like children before the display of teddy bears inside. Outside, we saw a teddy bear version of Psy as we headed to the Observatory Deck to see the Sunset. All this time, Jin Ho never let go of my hand.

The Observatory Deck was filled with tourists and locals. Jin Ho and I found a spot where we watched the day turn to twilight. It was a sight to behold. One by one, the lights lit up from down below like fireflies suddenly appearing from nowhere.

Next on Jin Ho's list was the fence where the "love locks" were located. It is similar to the Ponts Des Arts in Paris. He bought a lock from the souvenir store and wrote our names on the lock. We brought the lock to the spot where a chair that seemed to have split in half was placed. He fastened it there and requested me to throw the key. I did as I was told and he whispered: "Now, you are bound to me forever."

I smiled at Jin Ho and leaned closer to him. "Are you cold?"

"A little. Perhaps a bowl of kimchi jjigae will warm me up a bit."

"Kaja. Meokja. There are many restaurants at the observatory deck."

After we had our fill of sumptuous Korean buffet, Jin Ho suggested we take a different route. Instead of the cable car, we took the shuttle bus and got off at Namsan Park. It was almost 8PM when we got there. Street lamps shaped like lanterns adorned the cherry trees to light the way of the visitors.

We walked in silence for about ten minutes, just admiring the view and relishing the peaceful night despite the tens of tourists and spectators of the festival. Jin Ho led me to a bench under a cherry tree away from the crowd. The cold wind blew and kissed the cherry blossoms. They fell like confetti on me and Jin Ho. We smiled at each other as we caught the petals in mid-air.

Before I got the chance to comment on the cherry blossom petals, Jin Ho stood in front of me. I began to stand but he held my shoulders prompting me to stay seated. "Is something the matter?" I asked.

"Actually there is something that I want to say. Can I get your couple ring back?" He said in a serious tone.

My eyes widened with shock. Jin Ho took me to Korea to break up with me? He didn't have to spend so much and make a grand gesture out of it. Why didn't he just break up with me back in the Philippines? I was perplexed and tried holding back my tears. I took a look at him to see if this was one of his pranks but he looked back at me with utmost seriousness. I sighed and looked at my left ring finger, where my couple ring was. I slowly took it off and gave it to him. I turned around and brushed a tear that I hoped he never noticed. I stood up abruptly and thought that I should just go far away from him as possible. When I regained my composure, I saw Jin Ho kneeling in front of me, with a diamond ring in his hand.

"Jeorang gyeoronae juseyo? Will you marry me, Maya?"

I was speechless for about two minutes and looked at him with disbelief. I shook my head; thinking he was breaking up with me.

Tears welled up in my eyes and I couldn't stop them from falling. Jin Ho leaned closer and brushed the tears from my face.

"Do you need more time?" He asked me with worry written all over his face.

"I thought you were breaking up with me when you asked me for my couple ring." I said between sobs when I finally found my voice.

"Break up? Maya, it took so long for us to be together. I'm not crazy to let you go after waiting for this day to finally propose to you; to ask you to be with me forever." He said and frowned showing off his dimples. "And you still haven't answered my question."

"Ask me again." I said, more sober this time.

"Jeorang gyeoronae juseyo? Will you marry me, Maya?"

"Yes." I said in a whisper.

With that, Jin Ho placed the engagement ring, followed by our couple ring on my finger. He tucked the lock of hair that escaped my ponytail behind my ear. He circled his arms around my waist and gently pulled me towards him. He caressed my face and his lips found mine. "Maya saranghe."

"I love you too, LJ."