Serendipity

Chapter 7: Oppa!

I'm finally commuting! I'm a commuter! I said to myself. Back in the Philippines, where I live, I have my driver to pick me and send me anywhere I want to go. This explains why I'm bad at directions because I have my driver to depend on.

I relied on my phone to help me ride the train. I tried to hail a cab but the drivers won't accept me. Is it because I'm a foreigner? I couldn't care less. I'm too excited for my first commute alone so I decided to take the train. I had an easy time navigating through google maps.

I finally rode the train. By now, my phone is at 50%. Why does this phone's battery drain fast? It must be my brightness because I increased it to the maximum. I also listened to music. Maybe that's why. I sat inside the train and took in the surroundings all in. I am proud of myself for not getting lost.

My phone rang. It's Ruth.

"Ruth, I'm almost there."

"It's Judy! We are now in the airbnb! The doctor told us that I can be discharged. South Korea's healthcare is amazing!"

"Wait, what? Let me speak to Ruth." I said in disbelief.

"Sorry Elle! We couldn't wait for you. Judy wanted to go out so bad. You know she can be aggressive if she wants something. I also did not have the time to text you because I got busy with the hospital paperwork. It's crazy! Thank god I'm fluent in Korean or it would have been a disaster." She laughed and I laughed too.

"You know what, it's okay! I'm happy she's strong and healthy now. Just text me the address." Korea's healthcare is really amazing. Judy recovered quickly.

"Be safe!" Ruth said. "Hurry up Elle!" Judy added. The call ended.

Oh my god! I' m down to 20%. I should be receiving Ruth's message by now. This can't happen again! I panicked and my phone fell off my hand.

I quickly picked it. Shit! It's lagging. I can't seem to call Ruth. I need 2 taps so that i can call her. I keep tapping the call application but it won't open. Tell me this isn't happening! Suddenly, an unknown caller called. I'm angry now. I'm already having hard tome contacting Ruth and this dumb person has the audacity to bother me at this trying time.I tapped it and it worked!

A male voice answered.

I laughed sarcastically. My phone miraculously worked.

"Oppa!" I exclaimed. Thank god it's him! I take back what I said before, he's not dumb.

"Oppa?" He sounded surprised then laughed.

"Do you want me to say your name out loud? Why did you call?"

"I'm checking up on you. You don't live here, you barely know Korean and you easily get lost." he tried to sound cool but his shyness overpowered his tone.

Why are there tears in my eyes? Oh my god! What is wrong with me? I'm crying?! People are staring at me again. They might report me for being a public disturbance and banned me from riding train. I need to get a hold of myself!

"Yah! Are you okay? Are you crying?" He laughs.

"Yah! I don't know why I'm suddenly crying but I need your help! My phone is broken and my friends are not in the hospital anymore. They went back to our airbnb and I'm still waiting on Ruth's text. She said she'll text me the address but it's been too long and there's still no message! I'm scared and I'm not joking!"

"Calm down, you got this. Just go wait in the hospital and I'll come to you. Okay?" His tone is already assuring me.

"Please be quick, okay? My phone is broken so I don't think you can reach me after this call, understand?"

He laughs.

"I'm serious!, geez!"

"Araseo, see you in the hospital!" The call ended. Why does he sound so happy? I'm really going to beat him up once he arrives at the hospital. He is a weird guy! Are all actors like him! I hope not!

I'm out of the train now. Thank god the hospital is near the station I'm at.

I arrived at the hospital and my phone is officially dead. I went inside the hospital and waited for him in the lobby because it started raining. I hope he comes here.