Secrets and Dreams

Chapter 1 - Moving

Moving from his hometown Wenzhou, Zhejiang in China to Seoul, Korea during summer break was a difficult decision for Sicheng and his mother. His father dropped the bomb six months ago when he announced that he accepted the offer as Seoul branch manager at the multinational bank he has been employed in for many years. "It's a promotion..." his father said with conviction when protests from Sicheng's mother and himself arose. But their protests fell on deaf ears. His father pointed out it was best for the family.

He had to leave his home where he grew up, his friends and his school where he also learned traditional Chinese dance. His mother had to sell the laundry shop they had owned for many years. He knew that moving to a different country would mean new adjustments in the environment and at school. It took a great deal of time and effort to learn basic Korean and to transfer to a new school to finish his studies. But it had to be done. For his father's sake.

Traveling from the airport to their new home was filled with silent musing from each member of the family. Sicheng sitting in the back of the van gave a heated stare at his father's back and his eyes could have bore holes thru Mr. Dong's head while he broke the silence by speaking to the driver about the traffic, of all things. Meanwhile Mrs. Dong took to absently plucking at the sleeve of her jacket while staring blankly at the city scenery. He felt hot, stuffy, was bored and he hated every minute of it.

Finally the van pulled to a stop in front of a condominium building which was relatively new. The tiled driveway and the surrounding area was well maintained at least, thought Sicheng, as he grabbed his gigantic luggage and another smaller one from the growing pile of other bags and luggage being unloaded by the driver out from the back.

"I'll start bringing this up Papa", said Sicheng as he trundled up the path leading to the elevators, not bothering to check whether his father heard him.

"Sicheng...keys!" his mother who chased after him called out, handing him the keys which he took. "You know which apartment, right?" Sicheng mumbled something inaudible for a reply as he stuffed the keys in his jean pocket, his mother shaking her head.

As he entered the cool lobby he headed for the elevators. A sign hastily scrawled on bond paper was taped on the elevator doors. "For Service" surprisingly in English. There must be other foreigners living in the building too. Great, thought Sicheng as he headed for the staircase and began to lug the suitcases up the stairwell to the fourth floor. He didn't bother telling his parents. They would find out too eventually he thought glumly.

His plight up the stairwell was uneventful as he grumbled to himself about his horrible luck until he reached the landing on the third floor where he saw a pair of worn black Chucks blocking his path up to the staircase leading to the fourth floor. His gaze traveled up to look at the owner of those sneakers sitting on the staircase, from the long shapely legs stretched out in tight jeans and up the lean, lithe body recognizable under the loose black tee, and finally to the face.

It was the most beautiful sight Sicheng has ever seen. Strong prominent jawline, firm pink lips shaped slightly like a heart, sculpted aquiline nose and huge dark brown puppy eyes, framed by full brows that stared back at him thru thick dark hair that partly fell over them. Sicheng was stunned at the perfection. He realized he had been staring when he saw those dark eyes reflected both curiosity and amusement.

"Uh...umm...I'm sorry but you'll have to excuse me..." Sicheng was flustered, speaking the local language with some difficulty.

The long legs unfolded effortlessly as the beautiful creature stood up to make way. Sicheng bowed with his "thank you," and began to make his way up once more.

Sicheng was startled when the young man reached out and grabbed the other heavier suitcase from his hand, motioning him to lead the way. He was too surprised to protest but somehow more surprised that he didn't want to. They climbed the last staircase to the fourth floor and stopped by the door nearest to the stairwell on the left.

"Uh, thank you...my..." Sicheng said and offered his right hand.

The young man did not even allow Sicheng to finish the sentence nor did he seem to notice Sicheng's hand. He just gave a ghost of a smile and turned to walk away leaving Sicheng dumbstruck. What a peculiar fellow, he thought as he watched the boy's handsome back as he walked away, if it were possible to call it that. Sicheng shook his head as if coming back to his senses.

Sicheng struggled with the keys and eventually was able to open the door leading into the condo apartment. It was not huge, but it was cozy and warm with simple, surprisingly western deco. The landlord must have taken care of everything in preparation of their arrival. He dumped the luggage where he stood in the foyer and headed back down after locking up to collect more. It will be a long day.

***

As several days passed Sicheng wondered about the odd boy he met at the stairwell. Well, sort of met. He pondered on the boy's strange behavior and thought if he ever saw him again he would properly thank him. Those suitcases were very heavy and he carried them up two long flights of stairs, so he had to meet him again. Just to thank him, thought Sicheng, trying to convince himself it's the only reason for wanting to see him again. Though he probably never would and that somehow made him feel very sad and confused. He shouldn't even be thinking about that fellow to begin with. It was a chance meeting, that's all. Unless he lives nearby...

Shrugging off the thought, Sicheng unpacked and stored the last of his things from the remaining boxes shipped over from Wenzhou. He was glad he was done arranging his room before school starts the following month. After finishing off he stretched his aching back and suddenly felt pangs of hunger. It was nearly lunchtime.

Sicheng wandered into the kitchen to grab a bite. His mother was as usual busy tidying up the kitchen. She seemed to have adapted way too fast, even managing to buy groceries to stock up the pantry. His father naturally busy with work was unable to help with settling down in their new home and left it all up to Mrs. Dong.

"Winwinie baby..." his mother called out and he cringed at the nickname.

"Come have some lunch. There's chicken noodle soup. I cooked lemon chicken and rice for dinner if you want some. I have to run some errands and then meet your father. We won't be long. We'll be back in time for dinner."

His mother took off the checkered apron and hand-combed her hair to tie it into a ponytail. She went over to give Sicheng a quick peck on the cheek. She grabbed her purse lying on the couch.

"And don't forget to pick up your father's suits and new curtains at the dry-cleaners. Okay?" Mrs. Dong instructed.

"Yes Mama, I got it." Sicheng mumbled as he heard the door shut behind her.

"There goes my afternoon nap," said Sicheng glumly.