Mysterious Mr. Park

Annyeong!

1 week before the trip...

"Are you ready for your trip?" Stella asked while I was at work.

"Nope, not one bit." I replied while checking over some drafts I needed to do for a client.

"What? Aren't you excited?" Stella asked sadly. I could seriously hear her pout from the phone.

"I am, it's just that I have a lot of things to do here at work because I'll be gone for a week, that's all." I told her.

"Hey Lily, sorry to bother you but the boss wants to see you" Gerald, my assistant, peaked through my door.

"Stella, I need to go. I'll call you later, k? I promise I'll get ready soon. Love you!" I hung up the phone and went to Rick's office.

Ugh, what does he want now? I haven't had a vacation in 2 years and the one week I ask for it, he gives me piles and piles of work.

I have been working as a corporate lawyer in the mergers and acquisitions department in our company for over 4 years now and I love it. I love being a lawyer and this has always been my dream.

Ever since I could remember, I have always been dead-set on becoming a successful lawyer. I graduated at the top of my class in high school and was able to attend an Ivy League university for my Law studies. I guess you could say that I was the perfect daughter and student because all I wanted in life was to make my parents proud and to achieve my dreams of becoming a lawyer... And here I am now, living my dreams. It's funny how the universe always works in your favor in some sort of way. You will always -- ultimately -- get what you long for one way or another.

I turned the corner to get to Allan's office and I saw him frowning at his computer.

I knocked on the door and let myself in.

"Hey, Allan. You wanted to see me?"

Allan looks up at me and his expression changes as he sees me. "Ah, if it isn't my star lawyer!"

I could sense the condescending tone and felt immediately defensive, mostly because I've been working my ass off for the past couple of days because he gave me a s**t-ton of cases to do.

"Is there something wrong?" I asked.

"Well, now that you ask, yes there is." Allan replied.

"What's wrong?" I could feel that I was getting annoyed by this stupid Q&A session. Why can't he just tell me what's going on so I can leave this godforsaken office already.

"Now, don't use that tone on me, Lily. You're so testy. Just because you are the top Junior Associate here, doesn't mean I can't put you in your place."

"My place? What the hell is that supposed to mean?" I asked frustratingly.

"Well, first of all --"

"Look, can you just tell me what's going on so I can fix whatever the problem is?" I interjected.

He looked at me for a moment, almost as if he was thinking if he would just tell me or torment me some more...

"Okay, then. I know that you have a trip coming in a week, and I think I have shown how disappointed I am due to the short notice you have given us." He says.

Oh god, is he serious right now? I haven't had a vacation nor a day off in 2 years and it's like I committed some sort of crime by wanting to actually get a break.

"Well, as you also may well know, Allan, I haven't had a break from work for 2 straight years. I think I deserve a vacation, don't you think? I mean, me being the top Junior Associate of this firm and all," I quipped.

I saw his eye twitch at my statement and could sense his irritation. I felt a sense of pride seeing him get uncomfortable.

"All of that is well-noted, Lily, but as you know, as the top JA here, you gave us a really short amount of time to prepare for your so-called 'needed vacation'. You have a lot of clients and those clients depend on you to see their cases through."

"Yes, I am very well aware of that, Allan. That's why I have been busting my ass off this past week. But you're no help either, you know."

"Excuse me?" He asked while leaning over his desk.

"You heard me. You practically gave me more work when I notified the office. More work that you know someone else can do!"

He looked at me with indignation for a couple of seconds and stood up from his desk and walked over to me.

It didn't show but I was scared shitless of what he could do to me. s**t. Me and my goddamn temper. I took a mental note of really seeing a therapist about my anger issues.

Allan stopped right in front of me, hovering over me with his 6-foot tall frame. I could feel his anger.

Am I gonna get fired? s**t s**t s**t.

"You know what, Lily, maybe you're right. I did give you all that work, didn't I? But contrary to what you believe, I don't think anybody can just do the work I assigned you. They were complex matters that I knew you were very well-versed on and I was confident that if anybody could fix it, it would be you."

I felt embarrassed by my sudden outburst earlier. All I wanted to do was run out the door and pretend nothing ever happened. I felt my face going beet red from the humiliation I caused on myself...

"I do know that you work harder than any lawyer in this firm, and that is why we value you. I am also aware that you have not used any of your vacation benefits for the past 2 years. That is why I took it upon myself to have them converted into cash, because I knew you deserved at least that much."

Fuck. Seriously, me and this temper of mine... I closed my eyes and swallowed my pride and finally spoke...

"I am so sorry, Allan, I really am. I have just been feeling over-tired lately and sleep deprived. I apologize for my outburst earlier, it was way out of line."

"Yes, it was out of line." He looked at me as he leaned towards the seat behind him, and I just stood there basically frozen, scared shitless that I was about to lose my job and ruin my life.

The silence was deafening, to say the least, and I really needed to pee. I really need to pee. Would he get mad if I just excused myself for 2 minutes just to pee? Ugh, this is what hell must feel like.

Allan walks over to me and places his hands on my shoulder.

"Lily, we have known each other for 4 years. I'm not just your boss... we've also created a bond as friends even outside the office. I know about your split with John and I am very confident that this break is what you need to clear your mind and to heal your heart, and I'm all for it. You can take as much time off as you need. All I ask is you don't forget about the work that we need to do. Although we are facing our own struggles in life, we must also remember that people are counting on us to fix a problem that can be detrimental to their lives."

I was shocked... I never knew Allan had this side to him. I mean, yes, we do have a friendship, but I thought it meant nothing to him because he has always been so aloof around us, even when we are outside work.

Allan walked back to his desk and sat on his chair and looked at me with understanding eyes.

"Look, you may not know this, but we actually have a satellite office in South Korea..."

What? We do?!

"I know that this is a difficult time for you and I want to be able to support you, as a friend. I have already contacted our office there and they are very excited for you to be on board their team. Now, this may all be a bit shocking and sudden, but I want you to know that nothing changes. You will still have your clients here in New York, you will just meet with them remotely. You will also be able to get new clients in South Korea and maybe even broaden your horizons as a lawyer. This is a great opportunity, Lily, and I hope you take it."

I was speechless. I literally didn't know what to say... Everything is just happening so fast and it feels like my life is changing all of a sudden. I feel terrified, but I also know that there is a big part of me that longs for change.

I have always been a planner. I like being organized and structured and I like the predictable things in life. I like being certain and I like routine. All my life, I have set a timetable for every little thing, just to feel in control, but for some reason, right now all I want is to be able to do the uncertain... To be free from everything in my life here in New York. I feel ready. No, I know that I'm ready for a big change...

"I'll take it!" I suddenly blurted.

Allan looks at me shocked and relieved at the same time. "I'm glad, Lily. This will be great for you and the firm."

"Thank you, Allan. And sorry again for, you know, earlier.. I was just so --"

Allan held up his hand signaling me to stop talking, "It's fine, Lily. We've known each other for years, I know how you can't control your temper," he smirked. "Now go, I gave you a lot of work to do before your trip, remember?" He smiled at me.

"Thanks again, Allan."

I walked away from his office and felt my face getting hot all of a sudden. I felt a lump in my throat as I held back my tears.

What the hell is wrong with me? Why do I feel so emotional all of a sudden?

I just couldn't help but remember how Allan looked as I went out of his office. For the first time, he felt like a friend who cared about me. He looked proud and relieved that I was taking this big step towards healing.

I hurriedly walked into my office, told Gerald not to disturb me, closed all the blinds, locked the door, and let my body fall onto the couch and just...cried. I cried so hard and I didn't even care if anyone heard me from outside, I just felt like I needed to let it out. I cried and cried until I couldn't cry anymore, and before I knew it, I fell asleep on the couch of my office.

I woke up and checked the time on my watch and it was already half past 7 in the evening. I got up from the couch and gathered my things to go home. I feel tired from crying, but at the same time, I feel relieved from it.

I went straight home and when I opened my door, I stopped and suddenly felt a wave of excitement come over me.

I'm leaving in a week. I'm going to Seoul. I'm so excited for what's in store for me.

I walked to my bedroom and didn't even think about changing my clothes. There was only one thing on my mind at that moment: Alright, I need to pack!

I packed all night and finished at around 2 in the morning. If only Stella could see me now, she would be so proud...

--------

1 day before the trip...

What else do I need? Let me see my checklist...

I looked over my very detailed list and saw that I was more than ready for my flight tomorrow morning.

I grabbed my phone and called Stella, "Hey, wanna go grab a bite?"

"It depends, are you done packing?" Stella teased.

"Of course I am!" I rolled my eyes and laughed, "Come on, where are you? Let's meet at Riverside?"

"You betcha! See you there!"

I got to the park and saw Stella already waiting for me sitting on a bench reading a book. Damn, she's always early. How does she do it?

I walked up to her and gave her a hug and sat down beside her. "Here, I knew you were gonna be early, so I stopped by at your favorite sandwich place to get us a bite to eat..."

Stella smiled and looked at her favorite sandwich, "Oh please, we both know you just went there to get an excuse to tell me why you're an hour late." Stella said as she took a bite of her sandwich.

I laughed because she knew me so well. "I'm gonna miss you," I said.

"Of course you will. Who wouldn't?!" She said, laughing. I laughed too and ate my sandwich.

"Oh, right. You got my email, right? About Sophia?" Stella asked.

"Yep, I did. How do you know her anyway?"

"It's a long story, but she's one of my closest friends..."

"What? I thought I was your only friend?!" I asked indignantly.

"Dude, correction, I'm your only friend." She rolled her eyes and we laughed.

"But seriously, she'll take care of you. She's the best. What time's your flight again?" Stella asked while she crumpled up the wrapper of her now-vanished sandwich.

"5AM. I'm still pissed at Mike that the flight is that early. Ugh."

"Hey! Don't bring my sweetiepie into this!" She slapped my arm and we laughed more. "Have fun there, okay? And would you please go out when you're there? Promise me you won't stay in your Airbnb all day, okay?"

I rolled my eyes, "Okay, okay, I won't." We spent the whole day there and talked. I'm gonna miss my best friend.

--------

D-DAY.. TODAY'S THE DAY!

I didn't sleep at all last night for fear that I wouldn't be able to wake up on time and miss my flight. I was way too excited to leave.

I got to the airport and waited for my flight. I sipped my cup of coffee and thought about what lied ahead of me. I can't even describe how I feel right now... I have butterflies in my stomach, just like how you feel when you sneak out of the house at 1AM when you were just a teenager... Leaving all of a sudden feels so much like breaking curfew right now. I feel excited and scared.

Lost in my thoughts, I finally heard my boarding call...

I collected my things and my thoughts and felt sentimental at that moment.

This is it. This really is it. I can't believe I'm moving across the globe just to get over an ex... If you put it like that, I sound insane... but I know that this is what I need.

I went inside the plane and looked for my seat. As I sat down, I looked out the window to see the sky still asleep, and at that moment I felt my body finally relax. I can't even remember the last time I felt myself relaxed like this.

"Ladies and Gentlemen. Welcome onboard this flight to Seoul. My name is John Graham and I'm Your In-flight Service Director. Your cabin crew are here to ensure you have an enjoyable flight to Seoul this morning."

I was still looking out the window when I felt a wave of sleepiness come over me. It was the best sleep I've had in a long time.

When the announcement came that we were about to land in Seoul, I opened my blinds and looked out the window. The sky looked so pretty today. It was so clear and I could see the skyline. I remember feeling in awe and thinking how beautiful it was.

I got out of the gates dazed and confused about where to go. Now that I think of it, I have never really traveled alone. I was always with John and he was always the one in charge of everything. It made me realize how dependent I was on him and how angry I am at myself for letting it go that far.

I checked my phone to figure out how to get to the internet so I could contact Sophia, but man, it was hard. Here I am, a top lawyer and I couldn't even figure out how to connect to the internet. I felt frustrated and felt like crying until I heard someone call my name...

"Lily!"

I looked around to find the owner of the voice...

"Lily! Over here!"

I frantically scanned through the crowds of people and finally saw a hand barely waving in the air... I ran towards it with all my bags in tow, afraid that I would lose sight of that hand.

I finally got to it and saw a very pretty petite woman, smiling at me, "Hi! I'm Sophia! So nice to meet you! I'm so sorry you couldn't see me earlier, I'm a bit small, huh?" She laughed and she instantly reminded me of Stella. I can see why they're friends..

"Thank you so much for fetching me. I'm so sorry for taking your time." I said as we found the exit to get to Sopia's car.

"Oh dear, Stella was right! She told me you'd feel guilty, but don't be! I'm very happy to meet you and I'm excited to show you around Seoul!" She smiled her sweet smile at me.

We got into her car and she told me all about herself and how she met Stella. She practically told me her life story and I enjoyed every moment in her company. She reminded me so much of Stella and I instantly felt at home in her presence.

I looked out the window to see all the buildings and the busy-ness of Seoul. In some way, it feels like I'm in New York, but different, you know?

The car stopped at a stop light and outside my window, I saw an ad for a coffee brand. I absent-mindedly watched it and at the end of it -- like a sign from the heavens -- it read "Everything will be okay. You got this."

I'll be okay. Somehow, someday, I will be okay.

It was at that moment I knew that this was going to be a trip of a lifetime. I knew that this trip would change me in more ways than one...

And I am so ready for it.

Annyeong, Seoul! I am ready for you. So so ready...