Along Ilsan Lake

Chapter One

My mind was clear. My heart was open.
I felt warm and relaxed. If only this feeling would last forever... The distant rattle of the bustling busy South Korean streets of Ilsan were overridden by the tranquility which intertwined the natural world with the human world.

This is how life should be. Peaceful and simple. The world would be a better place if people stopped being so greedy and actually stopped and appreciated what was around them. The key to happiness was finding peace in doing what you love.
I loved this park. I visited as often as I could. During lunch break at work, and after a busy day of University. It has helped me learn more about myself by allowing me to reflect and listen to my soul.

I felt lethargic. My eyelids began to feel heavy. Watching the slow ripples on the lake made me listless. Everything was perfect...

Suddenly, someone sat down on the opposite side of the bench I was sitting on. I turned around to face them.

"Oh sorry, are you waiting for someone?" Asked a culminating young man.
I paused for a moment before I responded.
"Oh...um, no, no one."

He proceeded to take a seat.
It was hard to take in all that beauty. He was gorgeous. Maybe in his mid-20s. He had short brown hair, and a slightly tanned complexion.

It was very rare that you would ever see such a striking young man at this park. They were all in the city, hanging with their girlfriends or going to parties and bars. Or in their offices, doing their office jobs to earn money, and try and save up a loan for their first house.

I didn't think much of him and continued minding my own business. The soft wind brushed against my cheek. Suddenly my phone buzzed: it was my mother asking me to buy some cabbage on my way home, for the kimchi she was planning on making for dinner.
The time was 4:57pm. I decided it was time to get going. But before I did, I couldn't help but wonder about the young man, sitting on the other side of the bench, who was still there. His gaze was firm on the lush green trees in the distance.
My curiosity began to grow. What was he doing here? Did he come here often? Why have I never seen him before? Is he even from here?

He noticed me staring at him and gave me a subtle smirk. His dimples were prominent and I couldn't help blushing.
"Um... the weathers nice" I said awkwardly. Nothing else came to mind. I suddenly felt embarrassed.
"Yeah, I wish I had more time to enjoy it." He responded.
His voice was deep and relaxing, almost sexy. But what did he mean with his response?
"Oh are you really busy?" I asked.
"Yeah, just caught up in my job. I'm sure you know what I mean."
He smiled at me again. I couldn't resist smiling back.
"Oh, by the way, my name's Namjoon" He said as he put out his hand.
Shaking his hand, I responded
"And my name is Nahyun, it's lovely to meet you."
Suddenly my phone began buzzing. It was my mum calling me this time.
"I'm so sorry, but I need to go. I'll see you around?"
"Sure thing." He responded as he returned his gaze to the lake.

And with that, I answered the call, and headed to the grocer to get the cabbage for dinner. But throughout my whole journey home, I couldn't help but wonder more about the guy I just met, Namjoon. I wanted to learn more about him. I wonder if I'll actually see him again? I really hope I do.