I Will Go To You Like The First Snow

December 5, 2022 It is our third day in South Korea. Our itinerary for today included Myeongdong and Hongdae. Wendy and I plan to shop today so that we can enjoy the rest of our days in Seoul before we go to Busan. "Magkano dadalhin mo? (How much will you bring?)" I said to Wendy. "Uhhmm, mga 4,500 won? (Uhhmm, maybe 4 bucks?)" "4,500 won?! Talaga ba?! Sigurado ka na ba dyan? Pustahan gagamitin mo credit card mo mamaya. (4 bucks?! Seriously?! Are you sure about that? I bet you gonna use your credit card after that.)" I said teasingly while laughing. "Fine." Wendy giggles. "Magdadala na ako ng 70,000 won. Tigil na ako magshopping pagka naubos. (I'm gonna bring 60 dollars. I'll stop shopping after that.)" she continued. Wendy is my bestfriend since high school. Both of us are orphans, yet we decided to be with and take care of each other after we graduated and no longer in the custody of our relatives. We started our shopping escapade in Myeongdong underground shopping center. It is a long underground hall with lots of shops to choose from. There are also a bunch of items that you can buy as a souvenir or as a gift that you can take home with you for your family and friends. "Hoy Dianna! Tignan mo oh! (Hey Dianna! Look!)" As soon as I darted my eyes to the direction of where she's pointing at, my heart started fluttering. It is Chadwick Jin, the actor that I'm gushing on. I did not expect to see him in here, his poster to be exact, though he is half Korean, it's because he is mainly identified as a Canadian actor. I buy it without any hesitations along with other merchandises that has his face on it. We continued our shopping spree in Myeongdong street, buying gifts like foods and snacks such as Korean noodles and honey almond peanuts. Street foods are everywhere so, we eat while we shop. High quality cosmetic products are all over the place, it feels like heaven for the shoppers like Wendy and I. The time flies so fast that we did not even notice it. The sky is dimming like when a movie is about to start, so we decided to go back to the hotel to drop the things that we bought, and go out again after that. The sun is already set but I can still see the beauty of Han River, the light on its bridge along with the soft city lights. We roam the riverside while holding and eating street foods. "Mga aksidente talaga kahit saan at kahit kailan pwedeng mangyari noh? (Accidents are really anywhere and can happen anytime, isn't it?)" I said to Wendy. "Bakit? May nakita ka ba? (Why? Have you seen one?)" "Oo, nagkalat nga buto't laman eh. (Yeah, bones and flesh everywhere.)" Wendy's nose is drawn up and wrinkled as I said it. "Buhay pa ba? (Is the person still alive?)" "Hindi na. (No.)" "Kawawa naman. Sumalangit nawa. (How unfortunate. I hope his or her soul rest in peace.)" "Kamatis. (Tomatoes.)" "Ano?! (What?!)" "It's a tomato." I chuckled. "You little piece of shit." Wendy said as she cackle uncontrollably with the absurdity of my joke. Chadler Jin's POV: “Hyung. (Bro.) What’s left in the schedule for today?” I asked my friend and at the same time, manager. “Well, let me see. You’ve done your photoshoots today, so check! Uhhh, you have a shoot for a commercial this evening, then… You can enjoy the rest of your night.” “I hope I will still have a night to enjoy.” I said with a deep sigh. “That’s why you need to do your best later. Geurigo, ppalli kkeunnaera. (And, finish it quickly.)” “Arasseo! (Alright!)” It’s been a while since I visit my home country, South Korea. Ten years had already passed when my family migrated to Canada. I always wanted to be an actor, luckily, a director discovered me in the first commercial that I made. I must have done something right in my previous life, that’s why universe is in favor of me. Long story short, I became quite famous. Currently, I return in Korea to do some interviews and commercials. I am casted in one of the upcoming movie as well. We arrived at the filming location, Han River Park, Hangang Park for short. I am discussing with the director on the flow of the commercial, it seems like that the time slowed down as I see her. She is with her friend, they are laughing carelessly. Her smile, her laugh, the way her hair flows down perfectly, everything is beautiful, she is the most beautiful person that I’ve ever seen. But, I think I've seen her before. I'm not quite sure. As I stared at her, admiring her beauty, suddenly, a snowflake fall gently. I caught it with my right hand and for no reason, I held it to my heart. I hurriedly put my gaze at the director when she was about to look at my direction. Dianna Clemente's POV “May shooting dun oh! Tignan natin. (Oh! There’s a shooting over there! Let’s take a look.)” I said with excitement to Wendy. As we approach the filming site, I immediately recognized a familiar face. Chadwick Jin, but this time it is not just in a poster, it's the real person himself! It feels like everything stopped for a moment. I don’t know if I’m hallucinating, but I can see some fireworks flying all over the place while I stare at him. Thankfully there are few people in the park. There is a string around the site to separate the bystanders from the actual filming spot, just like when there is a police line which serves as a barricade in a murder scene. As we draw closer, a snowflake suddenly fall which made me stop for a second. Without giving much of a thought, I grabbed the snowflake with my right hand and held it up to my heart. “Anong ginagawa mo teh? Bilisan mo na! (What are you doing? Hurry up!)” “Okay! Okay!” The step landing is the closest we can get to see him, and to take pictures that can still see him on the background. I finally understand the saying, "so near, yet so far". Even though I cannot go near beside him to take a picture with him, still, having the opportunity to see him and be with me in one frame is enough for me. “Ikaw muna picture-ran ko, sunod ako. Dapat ako last para marami kaming pictures. Naiintindihan mo naman ako diba? (I’m gonna take pictures of you first, then me after you. I need to be the last one so that I can have many shots with him. You understand me right?)” “Oo. Alam ko naman kung gaano ka ka-inlove sa kanya. Tsaka din naman sya pinaka bet kong artista, si Michael Andrews yon, kaya keri lang teh. (Yeah. Yeah, I know how much you love him. Besides, he’s not my favorite actor, it’s Michael Andrews, so it’s okay for me.)” “Thank you! Bawi ako sa'yo pag nakita natin si Michael. (Thank you! I’ll make it up to you when we see Michael.)” “Mag-pose ka! (Strike a pose!)” I took about 5 pictures of her. Now it’s my turn. “Wait. Mag-lipstick lang ulit ako. Siguraduhin mong maganda kalalabasan nyan at maganda ako dyan ha. (Wait. I’ll just re-apply my lipstick. Make sure it will come out good and that I look pretty.)” I said while applying my crimson red lipstick. “Lagi ka namang maganda. Baka nga magmuka pa tong magazine photoshoot eh. (You are always looking pretty. It might as well came out like a magazine photoshoot.)” “Tama na yang pambobola mo. (Stop flattering me.)” She started taking pictures of me. I've done different poses, different heart signs, peace sign, every poses that I can think of. “Uh, okay na siguro yan. Patingin. (Uh, I think that’s enough. Let me see.)” As I’m about to approach her I noticed her face. It’s like she saw a ghost or something. “What’s wrong?” She pointed out at my back with her lips. I turned my back to see what it is. “Put... (Fu…)” I cannot even finish my cursing because I’m gasping for air. I cannot believe what’s in front of my eyes. It’s not actually what, but WHO. My heart beats fast that it almost came out of my body. After so many years of fangirling, I finally got the chance to meet him, it's even for free. “Annyeonghaseyo Jin Chadwick-ssi! Nae ireum-eun Dianna-imnida. Je chin-gu Wendy-imnida. (Hello! My name is Dianna. This is my friend, Wendy.)” This is a once in a bluemoon chance, I will not let my Korean vocabularies go to waste, and of course, I have to impress him. "Oh! Jalhaneyo! (Oh! You're good!)" "Kamsahamnida. Keurochiman, nae ohwineun machi agiege inneun got gatayo. (Thank you. But, my vocabulary is still like a baby's.) “No, you’re really good. That’s why I’m quite surprised.” “Well, thank you. Anado dwaeyo? (Can I hug you please?)” he hugged me immediately upon saying my request. “Thank you.” I mumbled while I burst into tears, spilling onto his chest. Good thing he wears a padded jacket. Still, it’s a little embarrassing. *sniffs* "Uhmm, can we take a picture with you please?” “Yeah! Yeah! Sure. Stop crying.” He said softly with a reassuring smile. Before I even begin to hold my phone, the staff already called for him. “I’m sorry, I have to go. If it’s okay with you, we can take a picture later after our shoot. Will that be okay with you?” “Yeah, no worries. Besides, we will watch your shoot. Hwaiting! (Fighting!)” I said cheerfully to wish him luck and show my support. He waved to us as he goes back to the filming spot. 15 minutes have past already and they haven’t started yet. All of a sudden, the director’s phone starts ringing. He seems upset on whatever on the other line said to him. He approaches Chadwick, then, they both looked at me. Soon after that, the two walked towards me. Chadwick introduced me and Wendy to the director, then we greeted and bow to each other. “Do you sing?” the director asked me. “Uhhh..” “Yes! In fact, she’s a good singer.” Wendy answered it for me. I tapped her slightly and give her the I-am-shy-about-it-look. “Okay! Good! The reason why I asked if you sing is because one of our main extra cannot attend tonight. Can you fill in for her? Gokjjonghaji maseyo. Uhhh, I mean don’t worry, it’s a one time shoot and we will pay you for your time.” “Kol! (Deal!) I guess it’s my luck day. Usually you spend money while you’re in a vacation, I never thought that I will do the opposite.” I said jokingly. “Pwede rin ba kong sumali? Kahit dumadaan daan lang keri na. (Can I join too? Even as a passerby I’ll take it.)” Wendy whispered to me. I ask the director about it and he agreed to it. Then, he explained to us the flow of the commercial and the things that we have to do throughout the shoot. All are set and we started filming. The director told me that I can sing any song that I like for as long as it’s about love, or for a special person. “Annyeonghaseyo yorobun. Saranghaneun ideureul wihan noraeeyo. Ibon keuriseumaseueneun saranghaneun saramdeulgwa hamkke hal su inneun gihwega itkkireul baramnida. (Hello everyone. This song is for your special someone. I hope we can have a chance to be with our loved ones this Christmas.) "It’s a beautiful night, we’re looking for something dumb to do...” As I sing this lyrics, Chadwick walks to the audience while looking at me. My heart and knees are already shaking even before we began the shoot. My heart shakes even faster as I feel his gaze at me. Even though there's a lot of people, he still stands out among the crowd. “Hey baby, I think I wanna marry you...” I pointed to him with a smile. What am I doing? I don’t know anymore. Whatever happens, happens. “Just say I do. Tell me right now, baby. Tell me right now, baby, ba…” he grabs the mic and, “Yes, I do.” Those three words are enough to make my heart stopped beating. “Well done! You did a really good job! I’m sorry I did not tell you beforehand that he will grab the mic and do some adlibs, because I really want to capture that genuine surprise. By the way, here’s your pay and thank you for doing an excellent job.” “No, it’s alright. Thank you so much!” I said as I received the mini envelope. Wendy also expressed her gratitude to the director. “Are you working here, or just for a vacation?” “Just for a vacation, but I do have plans on working here. Maybe 1 to 2 years from now.” “Oh really! What do you do for a living? “I work as an accountant.” “Wow! Isn’t hard? By any chance, are you interested in acting? Because you have a knack for it.” “Hi! We can now finally take a picture.” Chadwick chimed in. “If you ever become interested in becoming an actress, here’s our agency’s contact number.” The director gave me a business card. Wendy and I bid our goodbyes to the director. I bring out my phone and set it on camera mode. “Hana, Dul, Set! (One, Two, Three!)” We took several pictures with Chadwick and thanked him for his kindness. “Wait! Let me take a picture with you too.” He brings out his own phone and took a picture with us. “By the way what’s your i********:?” he asked me. I don’t know what’s gotten into my mind but I prepared a card which has my name and social media accounts on it, almost like a business card. I didn’t expect that it will be convenient for me in such circumstances. I gave him the card and gestured a call-me-sign that made his lips form a smile. Wendy and I leave the Hangang Park. We haven’t gone that far from the park yet when Wendy stop. “Magkano natanggap mo? (How much did you received?)” she asked while grinning mischievously. “820,000 won.” Which is enough to cover my entire vacation expense. “Woah!” “Ikaw? (How about you?)” “500,000 won just for walking and standing.” She said, winking at me. We look at each other for a brief moment, then we shrieked excitedly. “Ano gusto mong kainin? (What do you want to eat?) My treat.” I said to Wendy. “Hmmmmm. Let me thin…” A van appeared out of nowhere and opened its door hastily. I pressed my eyes shut, thinking that people in the van will kidnap us or something. “Diana!” Wait, that’s a familiar voice. I opened my eyes and see Chadwick Jin with his crew. I heaved a sigh of relief. “Would you like to join us for dinner?” “Uhhh. Yes, thank you!” It’s embarrassing, but, I guess it is more embarrassing if I refused. It is a 12 seater van. Chadwick sits on the left side behind the driver. His manager sits beside the driver, his hairstylist and make up artist sit next to each other behind him. Clothes and other things used in the shoot are on the tail of the van. I sit next to him and Wendy sit to my right side, but there is a space between Wendy and I, it’s because of the foldable seat that can be unfolded when needed. While chatting with the people in the van, I noticed Chadwick dozing off. Eventually, he stop trying to fight with his drowsiness. He finally gave in, drifting off, and allowing sleep to embrace him. He fell asleep on my shoulder causing me to froze on the entire 20 minute trip. I don’t want to wake him up so I tried my best to not to move an inch. “Sorry, I slept on your shoulder.” Chadwick said as he lift up his head from my shoulder. “It’s okay, no worries.” “Thank you.” The restaurant serves authentic local foods. If a tourist wanted to try the majority of the country’s dishes, this restaurant is a perfect fit. Our table is filled up with lots of mouthwatering and spicy food, bulgogi, dakgalbi, soondubu, you named it. It’s enough to make our eyes full as well as our empty stomachs. “Hmmm! Mashisoyo! (It’s delicious!)” I couldn’t help it but say those words. The foods are really delicious to the point that I even forgot that I’m sitting on the table beside Chadwick. “Really? Mani mogoyo. (Eat a lot./Enjoy your meal.)” Chadwick said to me. After we've eaten, we stayed for a little while to rest. “We are going to noraebang. Do you guys want to join us?” Park Chi Gun, Chadwick’s manager invited us. I looked at Wendy to see if she wants go. “Sama tayo! (Let’s join them!)” For those people who’s not familiar with noraebang, it is a Karaoke place where you can sing with your friends in a private room. We go to the nearby noraebang, a few blocks away from the restaurant. A front desk greeted us upon entering the building. We selected a noraebang package that comes with drinks and snacks. The room looks like a mini party club with its flashy lights. Chadwick’s crew selected a song right away to set up the mood. Wendy and I picked up the tambourines and shake it while dancing. Everyone is on their feet and having fun. The drinks and snacks were served after the first song. I have a high tolerance for alcohol so usually it’s me that brings Wendy home. While the others are singing, Chadwick and I asked each other about our life, hobbies, just anything under the sun. After a few drinks, as I expected, Wendy became drunk. "Gurl, tulog muna ako ha. (Gurl, I'll just sleep for a little while.)" Wendy said to me as she lays on my lap. "Is she alright?" Chi Gun asked me. "Yeah, she just need to sleep for a moment to sober up." Shortly thereafter, Chadwick began flushing. His warm face eventually fall on my shoulder. As I stared at his angelic face, I noticed that my head becomes more and more light. It feels light as a feather. I reached out to the table to grab my drink. Oh! My arm is light as a feather too! It feels like the gravity left the entire room and my limbs seems to float whenever I'm moving. Then.... I passed out.