Zero O'Clock

Chapter 1 - Welcome to Seoul

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are approaching your destination of Seoul, at this time, you should be in your seat, with your seatbelt firmly fastened. Seats should be in an upright position, personal items, seat tables should be stowed away and all hand luggage stored in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you. Please ensure your electronic devices including laptop computers, gaming devices and cell phones are turned off. "

Julie finally zoned back into reality as the flight attendant started the same announcement in Korean. A lot had happened to Julie in a short amount of time and she still needed time to process it all. Leaving Canada and moving to Korea, she had high hopes that it would be just what the doctor ordered. She gathered her book up and a few other small items together and put her seat back in the up right position. One of the great things about being in first class, was that the flight attendants did a lot of extra tasks for you, so her carry on/laptop had been already put away. This was the first time she had spent the money to be in first class, now that she had some extra cash, she realized life was way too short to not treat yourself. She now knew that she wasn't going to live for anyone else or be stuck in a job she only half enjoyed or be a part of the daily dramas of others.
The aircraft touchdown, Julie could hear people starting to cheer for the safe landing, she normally hated this because she figured nobody ever cheered when she did her for a job well done, but today she did cheer with others but not for the safe arrival, or not for the pilot doing his job but for the beginning of her new life, she smiled to herself and clapped.

After the aircraft turned off the active runway and started to taxi to the gate, the flight attendant came on speaker for one last time.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Air Canada and our crew would like to welcome to to Inchon International Airport. Local time is 5:25 pm and the temperature is +10. For your safety and comfort, please remain seated with your seatbelt fastened until the Captain has turned off the Fasten Seat Belt sign. This will indicate that we have arrived safely at the gate and that it is safe for you to move about. At that time, please check around your seat and area surrounding for any personal belongings that you brought on board with you and please use caution when opening the overhead compartments, as articles might have shifted around during the flight. If you require deplaning assistance, please remain in your seat until all other passengers have deplaned. One of the crew members will then be pleased to assist you.
On behalf of Air Canada, the Captain and the entire crew, I'd like to take this time to thank you for joining us on this flight and we look forward to seeing you on board again in the near future. Have a nice evening and enjoy your time in Seoul! "

Julie remained in her seat as the aircraft made its way to the terminal. She was exhausted, anxious and excited all at the same time. This was a huge step in her life, she was leaving everyone she knew and loved and all she ever had behind to start this new life. She didn't know much about living in a foreign country but as long as Julie could remember she loved the idea of living in a big city and when she was making her choice to move away from Ontario, Seoul, Korea seem like it had been beaconing to her. She had really never believed she would actually have the chance to experience living aboard, but yesterday when she boarded flight AC161 from Toronto to Seoul her journey had begun.

Julie watched as the others quickly left the plane, she thought "Why are they in such a all a hurry to get in another lineup?" She always thought this was funny, it reminded her of cattle being herded. She decided to take her time, she wanted to embrace every second of this new experience.
She thanked the cabin crew as she slowly made her way off the aircraft. She very excited. She had never seen such a beautiful airport, she was blown away by how welcoming the space was, her feelings were so complex. Julie was full of curiosity and her heart was pounding out of her chest. The airport was a state-of-the-art eco-friendly building and it seem to be filled with plants and artwork which gave her a amazing first impression.
Julie decided the first thing she needed before grabbing her luggage at the baggage claim area was to go to the washroom. Most of her things were being shipped over but she did have enough with her to get her through until it all arrived. The washroom was lovely, it even had an attendant passing you towels. She had heard that this airport terminal had earned some design awards, was considered to be efficient and it was known for having very friendly customer service. So far, so good Julie thought.
She made her way down to the baggage claim area to grab her luggage and that is where she first encountered him. She would meet up with him one more time that day.
There wasn't many bags left on the carousel, Julie reached for her last bag, she was sure it was hers but she found a hand on top of her fingers. "Sillyehabnida geuge nae geos gat-ayo!" (Excuse me, I think that is mine!) He said. "I don't think so!" She exclaimed. Trying to point to her name on the Canadian flag luggage tag. He turned around. He couldn't believe that she understood him? He quickly released his grasp on the bag and her hand. Julie turned to look at the stranger, he was heart stop handsome. Though he wore a mask on his face, she could tell he was blushing and it also seemed like he might want to fly under the radar.
"Mian, nae silsu." (Sorry, my mistake) He spoke, as he realized that Julie was correct about her bag. Julie looked up at him, though she was almost 35, she was still quite attractive for her age. She smiled and replied, "munje eobs-seubnida, joh-eun bam bonaeseyo," (no problem, have a good night!") and she then grabbed her bag, quickly turned and walked away, carting her bags behind her.
The man couldn't believe it, this women, didn't even acknowledge him, she didn't even seem to care who he was? He wasn't use to that! Usually, when he was with the guys, there would thousands of people fighting for his attention. He had gotten an early flight yesterday and hadn't even brought his security team along on this trip. Everyone warned him against that, but so far his luck had been good. This trip was personal, he didn't need the added stress of the entourage.
As his bag finally came down the chute unto the carousel, he couldn't help but grin thinking of the lady's smile.