Night Sky

5

Dialogues in BOLD are in Korean.❤️

I looked at my reflection on my full body mirror. Every time, I try to dress up, I always feel like there’s something missing. I unconsciously clutch the moon pendant that is hanging delicately around my neck. I closed my eyes and sighed deeply.

I wish Tessa was here.

I was adjusting my off shoulder blouse to not show too much skin when I heard my phone ring. I looked at the caller ID and wondered why he’s calling me right now.

“To what do I owe the pleasure of this phone call?” I answered while skimming through the shoes I have under my drawer. I mentally debated whether I want to wear my slip-ons or the block heels Jesse bought me in one of her shopping sprees she always forced me to go to. I decided to go with the latter just to spoil Jesse tonight.

“I can hear the sarcasm laced in your voice, Yumi.” I chuckled.

“You know me so well, Jae.” I replied while still trying to hook the stubborn lock these goddamn shoes has. I put the phone on loudspeaker to fix my shoes while talking to Jae at the same time.

“I heard you’re coming tonight.” I stopped whatever I’m doing and snapped my head to my phone’s direction. And as if on cue, a message came in.

“Hold that thought.” I said.

From: Jesse
*insert address*
Here’s the address. Which I know you don’t really need. I’m sorry! But you promised! I’ll see you soon, okay? Wear something nice.

I was gripping my phone tightly when I heard Jae talking. I almost forgot he was still on the other line.

“Yumi? Did you hang up on me? I swear to…” I cut him off. “I’m still here. Let me just reply to Jesse real quick.”

To: Jesse
Be prepared coz I’m not gonna be easy on you tonight. I’m going to kill you.

I click send and focused my attention to the person that is patiently waiting for me to say something. “So I’m assuming I’m the only one who doesn’t know I’ll be coming tonight?” I heard him snort and I checked myself out again on the mirror.

“It’s been too long, Yumi. I’m pretty sure no one remembers anymore.” I’m pretty sure some still do.

When I first arrived in South Korea, I enrolled myself in a Hangeul class which was pretty much every day. The language academy I was going to was one of the most formidable academies situated in the busiest region in Seoul, Hongdae. The famous neighbourhood is known for its night life. Once the sun starts to set, you will see different variations of artistic souls. And since my classes ends at around 7pm, I will always see an ocean of young adults trying to live their best life.

“I’ll be there, Jae. Just try to keep Jesse sober as long as you can. You know how she is with alcohol.” I reminded him. Almost all the Korean people I know, I met through Jess. And Yoon Han Jae is one of them.

A handsome, boy next door kind of guy who would melt any girl’s heart just by one innocent glance. It’s just a big coincidence that he happens to also be the son of the owner of the language academy I was going to.

There goes my plan of living low key. Thanks to Jess and her own circle of Korean socialites.

“Appa says hi, by the way. He keeps on nagging me to ask you to visit the academy. I told him you might as well be Korean now with how great your Hangeul is.” Jae grumbled. 

Mr. Yoon became a father figure to me when he realized who I was. Not because he was trying to get something out of me but because he was trying to shield me from the bitterness my previous life gave me. His words, not mine.

I smiled fondly at what Jae said. “Tell him I miss him too. I’m leaving now, Jae. See you in a bit.” I hang up and made my way out locking the door behind me. I pushed the elevator button and patiently waited for it to come down to my floor while tapping my fingers on my thighs. The elevator dinged and I saw a guy wearing a black hoodie with a matching face mask.

Why am I running into them today? With my knowledge of who lives in this building, it shouldn’t be much of a shock if I run into them once in a while.

But for the whole year I’ve been living here, I only managed to run into one of them, and that was this morning. I silently prayed he won’t recognize me like Taehyung did but I saw him giving me a side glance while constantly looking at his phone.

The elevator door opened and I went out first just to avoid any unnecessary interactions. I strode through the main lobby and once my feet stepped outside the building, I suddenly regret my choice of clothing tonight. I didn’t anticipate how chilly it will get.

To my luck, a cab was already parked outside. Before I can open the door, a hand grabbed the handle and the guy from the elevator stopped and looked at me.

“Sorry, I didn’t know this cab was yours.” I saw his eyes tighten telling me he was smiling through his face mask.

“Tae was right. You do speak fluent Hanguel.” My brows furrowed showing my confusion.

Tae? Ah, Kim Taehyung. Great. Are they talking about me over a cup of coffee now?

I didn’t realize I was looking at him intently when I saw him took a step closer in my direction. I took a step back and he chuckled.

“I was going to offer my jacket but that would ruin your outfit wouldn’t it? Have a date tonight?” he inquired while subtly checking me out.

I snapped out of my inner turmoil and answered, “Not that it’s any of your business but no.”

He took off his face mask and I saw a smirk graze his pink plump lips. We heard the taxi blow its horn and we both look at the driver politely signalling us to get on. He opened the back door and signalled for me to get in.

“I’m not in a rush so you can take this one.” I was still unsure if I should take his offer or not when my phone vibrated in my back pocket.

From: Jae
What’s taking you so long?

I replied a quick I’m on my way and directed my attention back to the smirking angel in front of me. I mumbled a quick thanks after getting in the cab when he stooped down and said, “It’s Park Jimin, by the way.” He winked at me and closed the door. Shaking my head, I told the driver the address to my destination.

This is gonna be a long night.