Tteokbokki by Han River

Chapter 2 - Part 1: How Can You Be So Clumsy!

The night before had me smiling like crazy this morning. I had a dull ache in my abdomen from tensing so much. I sat up from the bed, shook my hair out and made a b-line for coffee.

Americano. Bold, rich, and strong. Just like him.

That day I had a few things to do; go to the market, finish a write up on historical Korean monarchs, and go and see my best friend. I thought that doing my write up first, would be the most productive, so I dressed and headed to the library.

On the way, my phone rang. Blushing, I answered; "Yeobo...seyo?" I giggled at my own word-play. 

"How is my princess this morning? Are you as pretty as ever?", Jimin asked, playfully.

"I'm doing my write-up today - wish me luck!" I replied.

"You don't need luck, honey...you're already amazing. Would you like to watch a movie later on the sofa?... Let's relax tonight. See you later".

A few minutes later, I arrived at the library. It wasn't busy, which was a nice change...I'd never visited on a Monday before. I went to the desk, showed them my card and headed to the 'history/monarchy' book section.

Writing about Taejeon, founder of the Goryeo Dynasty was going to be exciting for me, I knew it. And the fact that this write-up, if done well enough would be presented to the Korean Cultural History Board for consideration to be a narrative for an upcoming documentary was a huge deal.

I picked up two books, and lightly scanned the back of them. They seemed fantastically descriptive, I couldn't stop reading. This is perfect, I thought.

Turning to go back to my desk, I didn't notice there was even someone else standing there.

We crashed into each other - all the books falling to the ground.

I dropped down quickly to pick them up.

The other books were about Taejeon too....but, I didn't pick these ones up??

Composing myself, I stood up to see who I had bumped.

I locked eyes with a young man, early to mid-twenties, wearing round glasses and a beanie.

"Mianhamnida, I was too absorbed in this book" I bowed, embarrassed.

"It's ok. This place needed livening up anyway, haha," he smirked.

My eyes were pulled to his deep dimples.

He looked at me sincerely, "Are these books about Taejeon yours too?"

I looked down at both of our selections. 

"Ne". Then realising that in the impact, I had torn the edge of one of my nails.

"Oh!" I held my fingers up to examine them.

"Are you hurt? How could you be so clumsy?" he asked, quietly laughing and jutting his chin out playfully..."I'm joking".

"Pardon? Oh, it's ok, don't worry. I'm really sorry I bumped you. I'll be more careful. Have a nice day" I replied, still flustered.

I walked past him and before I was out of ear-shot, I heard him clear his throat.

"...I'm Namjoon".

I turned my head to the side. "Nice to meet you".