Juniper enters the coffee shop and she is stunned. She receives a phone call that she didn’t expect to get, ever. It was Caleb calling. She stared at the phone as she walked through the door. She stopped immediately and stared at the phone.

What the fuck? Why is this motherfucker calling me? Ignore. I’m not dealing with this right now. I just got to South Korea a few weeks ago and he was not in any of my thoughts until now. Why the fuck is he calling?

Juniper walks up to the line. Her phone rings again. There are two lines to place an order. Juniper is distracted. Min Jun is in line next to Juniper and notices her having some kind of issue. He was walking behind her, when she entered the store and then she suddenly stopped. He bumped into her a bit and he was going to apologize even though it was her who stopped in front, but he saw her face and it looked as if she had seen a ghost. She didn’t expect that call and a person could tell that the person who was calling meant something to her at one time.

The phone rings again. She just looks at the phone. He won’t stop calling. Why is he calling? Juniper answers the phone. Min Jun is placing his drink order as the barista asks Juniper for her drink order. She is engrossed in the conversation but she places her order for a caramel macchiato. Min Jun's barista gives him his total and suddenly Juniper is giving her card to the barista for payment. Min Jun and the barista look at each other as Juniper is so involved with her conversation that she doesn’t pay attention that she is paying for Min Jun's order and not her own. The barista takes the card, swipes and gives it back. Juniper walks away; by this time she was arguing over the phone. Min Jun sees she is physically distraught while dealing with whomever she is talking to. He pays for her drink and takes the receipt. He goes to find Juniper. He finds her sitting at a table, with her head in her hands and her phone facing down. She sniffs but she doesn’t see Min Jun.

Min Jun

“Excuse me, are you okay?” I asked. Juniper keeps her head in her hands and sniffs again. She looks up and her teary eyes meet mine looking back at her. I'm amazed; she is every bit of beautiful brown butter pecan that I have ever seen. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying. Her face was flushed too, but she had the most amazing brown eyes and dark, curly brown hair. I had never dated a Black woman before, but I was always open if the opportunity came along. I loved everyone; I don't discriminate, it’s just not like there are a lot of Black women in South Korea that I can come across and this was an opportunity I felt to at least make a friend if possible.

Juniper

I looked up and there he was. I couldn’t speak but it seemed as if he was speaking to me and I was answering. My thoughts raced as I was trying to figure out why I was having to deal with everything at that moment and here I was in a new country with this beautiful man standing before me and me looking like a dragon right now. I didn’t care, for a moment because I’m thinking, here is just another man who would probably do the same thing to a woman. All I knew was that I didn’t want to feel what I was feeling at the moment. I realized that I had been looking at him for quite some time and never answered. I think I need to say something before he thinks I’m crazy.

“I’m sorry, were you speaking to me?” I managed to say.

“Yeah, um, you were crying and you seemed like you had a fight with someone on the phone. You were a bit distracted and you paid for my drink.” I stared at him. Is this some type of pick up line? Is this how Korean guys pick up someone? I wasn’t thinking rationally. My phone buzzed again; not again. I didn’t want to deal with this idiot anymore. While I looked at my phone ringing, I received another phone call, it was my sister. I just put the phone face down and just started crying again. I didn’t want to deal with this right now, not here.

“Hey, um. Let me get your drink.” He said as he put his bag down beside the empty seat and picked up my receipt that laid alongside the table. I didn’t move, as he walked toward the counter.

I heard his footsteps travel quietly away from me in the direction of the pick up counter. I didn’t hear what he was saying. My head was ringing and I didn’t understand what I was really doing there. Was I running away from my problems or did I want to be a foreigner in a different country dealing with my problems, long distance? It didn’t matter, because the latter was happening. By the time I collected myself to sit up, he had returned. He slowly placed my drink in front of me and placed his across from me on the other side. He sat down quietly and waited for me to speak.

I looked up at him, without him knowing. I paid attention to his face. He was cute and sexy. He had a nice haircut, one I liked a lot on Korean men. I noticed that every culture has a thing, and in Korean culture, I noticed the guys have bangs. I completely understand though. The hairstyle is completely versatile. I’ve seen a lot of K-dramas to understand this fact. It’s cool though. I’ve never dated outside of my race before, Black was all I knew. However, God made them all, so I’m sure his equipment would fit mine; It’s all a matter of how you use it.

His face was chiseled as he had a model type look yet he looked more down to earth. His slanted lids graced his milky brown eyes as they met mine as I glanced at the features of his face. His eyebrows were tamed and even while his skin was pale there was a soft warm glow and it was smooth like butter. The lines that created his face seemed to go on forever. Finally I paid full attention to him as he looked directly in my eyes. His eyes spoke to me; they seemed direct yet there was a caring ability about his look. As we sat for what seemed to be an eternity, gazing at each other, he smiled a bit and glanced away. He blushed. Dimples. Oh shit, I love dimples.

“Are you okay?” he asked, breaking the silence and awkwardness of us staring at each other. I wanted to say ‘Hell naw, I’m not okay, but I didn’t want to unload my baggage on someone who was a stranger I had just met. Then I thought maybe this was something I needed to do, who knows if I’ll ever see him again. At least I could get it out and clear my head.

“I wish I could say yes, but I don’t feel like lying. So no, I’m not okay.” I said looking at my drink. It looked so nice and perfect. The caramel drizzles on top of the whipped cream just like home. I ran my finger down the side of my cup as the whipped cream began to mix with the coffee.

“Ok, so don’t lie to me. Tell me, what makes you cry? Or should I say, who is making you cry?” He said bluntly.

I looked directly in his face and straightened up a bit. Did I give that much information by being distracted? Did I give that much information across my face? I was embarrassed to be honest. However, I liked his directness. It made me feel that I could tell him the God to honest truth and he would give me a response that would be just the same, the truth, or how he would see it to be.

Min Jun

I looked at her and she was so beautiful. She seemed as though her soul had been crushed. She had invested deeply in someone who just simply didn’t care to take care of her heart. I didn’t want to pry but I wanted to know more about her and who did this to her. She made me curious to find out what someone could do in order to make her cry so much and so hard. Her beautiful, brown skin flowed effortlessly. Her face was a bit puffy around her eyes from crying and her skin had a reddish tint.

Her curly dark brown hair draped over her eyes a bit, but I could still see that she had been crying. Her smooth brown skin looked like the sun had kissed her ever so gently until she turned a nice bronze color. It was like she was Golden. I wanted to help and I wanted to know who did this to her. She was dressed as if she worked nearby, as she only had a small, tan fall jacket on. She wore a pair of light blue jeans with the cuffs frayed paired with a nice brown, leather boot and a crisp white button up shirt. She had a black and red messenger bag sitting in the seat next to her.

I wanted to wipe her tears away and tell her it was okay. But just by the way she looked, she wouldn’t believe me.

“My now ex-boyfriend. I’ve allowed myself to get to a point in which I am crying clearly across the other side of the world and this asshole still has a hold on me.” She said, grabbing her straw from the wrapper and sticking into her drink. “I should have known better.” She said to herself, in a lower tone, in the hopes that I didn’t hear, or would ignore if I did.

“I’m sorry, but how would you have known better unless there were things you overlooked or avoided to speak about.” I said. She looked at me as if I had slapped her in the face. I had said too much, too soon, and too honest. That was my flaw, I have no filter. I call it how I see it. I sometimes put my foot in my mouth right after it spills from my lips. “ I’m sorry, I misspoke.” I said lowering my eyes. I didn’t mean to be so forthcoming, but I hate it when I see women crying over an idiot guy because they chose to overlook something odd because they would rather be in 'love' than to be honest with themselves. I’m not saying women do this all the time, but sometimes, women will overlook something a guy does just because she’s infatuated with him, and that’s not love.

“No, but you’re right. I knew some shit was going on and I just overlooked it. I felt it in my guts and I just let that shit pass. I feel so dumb.” She said looking into her drink. She felt as if she was the dumbest person in the world. Honestly, I think she was just coming into her own truth and how to embrace it. It hurts sometimes, but it’s something that we always know to be correct.

“I’m sorry though, really. I didn’t mean it like that. I can be very outspoken at times and say things that shouldn’t be said sometimes.” I had to clear things up. I didn’t want to be that person, but I didn’t want to lie to her. Even if I may not end up with her, I wanted to be honest with her. As I look longingly at her, I feel something stir inside that hadn’t been stirred in a while. I wanted to protect her, I didn’t want to see her cry again.

“It’s okay. To be honest, I needed that. It was my own fault and I should have known once I had that feeling, ya know. But I didn’t want it to be real, so I figured if I pretended like nothing was wrong, then I would be okay. I just didn’t want to start over again. I had invested years with that motherfucker, and I didn’t want to start over.” I knew exactly what she meant. I had broken up with someone and I had invested my time into that relationship, just to have her turn around and move on to the next big thing. She was with me when I started my journey of becoming an Idol artist, but when I wasn’t chosen for the group, she moved on to someone who had been chosen. I knew she wasn’t there for me, she just wanted to be in the spotlight and she was willing to use anyone who could get her there, regardless if feelings were involved.

Juniper

“Here’s your receipt.” He said as he slid it over to my side of the table. “Remember? You paid for my drink.” He said smiling and sipping his black sugar milk tea.

“Oh, thanks.” I said sliding it over to take a glance at my charge.

“My name is Min Jun (Min-Joon). Some people call me Mike.” He said leaning forward, being attentive and wanting to have a full conversation. I believe he wanted to have more than one liners.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

“Hi Min Jun. I’m Juniper. Some call me Juni.” I looked at him and he was looking back at me with a satisfied grin. He was happy that I had given my name. He really seemed interested in me. And then I thought, wait This is one of those moments that he could be taking advantage of me and I just look the other way because he was cute. 'Juni pull it together girl!’ I thought, you don’t know this man. He saw a crying Black woman in a country where she stands out - The Most. I straightened up and had some dignity about myself. I put my phone on silent. I just wanted to have a conversation that didn’t evolve around what I was going through at the moment.

“So, Min Jun, what brings you here? You don’t have a job or something? Don’t you have to be somewhere? Or is your God given duty to help crying foreigners find their way home?” I joked. He smirked.

“Well, I usually come here before I get to the office. But I ran into this person who seemed like they needed a friendly ear and I had the time, since one of my meetings had been moved to the afternoon.“

“Oh, ok. Nice flexibility in the workplace. That’s a good sign, you are a good employee.” I said trying to save face.

“I’m the best.” He said staring right into my soul. He blushed again and smirked as he looked away. He made me smile. What was it about this man that is taking my mind off of….Shit, he actually took my mind off of Caleb.

“So Juni, what brings you here?” He asked. I had totally forgot, that it was only my third week in Seoul and I had just started a job for an advertisement agency.

“I am three weeks new and I landed a job for an advertisement agency. I had just finished for the day and I was just taking time out for myself. I’ve been running since I landed.” I said exhaustingly. I took a sip of my drink and closed my eyes. It was like I was back at home sitting in my friend’s coffee shop she and her husband had opened.

“Oh, so you’re 3 weeks new huh? Interesting.” He said, sipping his drink.

“I’m sorry for earlier, I wasn’t really paying attention. I was all caught up in a moment and I can’t believe I allowed myself to sink so deep where everyone and everything was invisible. It felt like it was just me and him, going through the motions. Feeling every bit of anger creeps across my skin like ants on a trail.” I said looking at my phone. It had finally stopped ringing. I had 12 missed calls and 4 voicemails.

“No worries. At least you have come back to us for now. So you work for an advertising agency? What do you do? Find people to place in commercials or are you one of those who directs them?” He asked.

“Uh, no, I work in the design department. I create picture boards or designs for commercials. My true calling is becoming a game developer. I have an amazing idea for a great game.”

“Good to know. You know, it’s good to see you smile. From that phone call, it seemed as if you didn’t have one. A smile, that is. But you have a beautiful one.” Min Jun said as he looked directly at me. Just his look made me feel that I could tell him every damn thing that I had ever done. He looked so sexy and sweet at the same fucking time. How is this possible?

“Thank you. I appreciate that. It wasn’t one of my flattering moments.” I said looking from under my curly bangs. He smiled back at me which made me smile again.

“It’s okay. If you don’t mind me asking. You said your now ex-boyfriend. Does he know this, that he’s an ex, I mean?” He said sitting curiously intriguing. He was asking an honest question. An honest question from a person who may have a motive. I didn’t give a fuck anymore, it was about the fuckboy who just fucked me over. I started replaying the shower in my head. Fuck!

“Oh, um, well. When you saw me earlier, I was telling him I was done. Of course, he was saying all the things I wanted him to say, but I was just tired of the lies. He had lied to me too much and I was just tired of accepting them. I made the mistake of accepting the first lie and it just snowballed into a huge, out of control response that I would just simply overlook because I didn’t want to have to start over after investing all of this time from my life.” I just unloaded a whole lot of shit. This motherfucker here got me out here talking like I’m on a couch, telling my life story and we were just in a coffee shop in the corner booth. Where did he come from?

Min Jun

She just unloaded some shit. I didn’t think she would be so open and honest. Not many women are. It’s like they play a game with the mind, but we just don’t understand it. But seriously, some of us know how to tap into our mental side in order to connect mentally with with a woman. Women are emotional creatures and their emotions can just run wild inside which creates friction that makes her react in ways that some men would never understand. But it's all about adapting.

“Oh, wow. Okay. So he wants you back, is what you’re telling me.” I said jokingly. She looked at me and giggled.

“Yeah. I guess if you look at it like that.” She said looking at her phone. She had a picture of them together as her lock screen. She was in deep thought as I just watched her; so many emotions waved across her face and in her eyes. She was reminiscing and it was a nice moment, until she realized that it was never going to be like that again. I could see her get a bit stressed as she unlocked the phone and made the gesture of changing her settings.

“So what have you done since you’re 3 weeks old?” I wanted to know where she has been, who she has met. I wanted to know if there was another person who even had a remote chance of stealing her looks from me. I didn’t want her to stray away from me.

What the Fuck?! What is up with this girl that wants me to just find out all about her. Where did she come from? What goals does she have in life? I know it’s too soon to date, but would she think about giving me a chance? She seems pretty open. I would love to spread some butter on those golden biscuits. But I digress, I don’t want to be that guy; that guy usually has a mission for his own reward. I really want to make her happy. She seems like she is a pretty cool person to hang out with when she’s not crying and emotionally drained.

“I haven’t done much of anything to be honest. My friend and neighbor, Jina, has been showing me around, but with our work schedule we haven’t been able to hang out much; it’s just the timing of everything. She works in the accounting dept for a noodle company and they are working on a big project.”

“Oh, ok. Well, I haven’t made plans for dinner. How about I treat you to a meal tonight?” I could use some company at dinner sometimes. No matter how much I enjoy hanging with my friends, I couldn't pass up this opportunity.

“Uh, tonight?” She was caught off guard. She wasn’t planning to hang out tonight. She wanted to wallow in my misery, I thought. I didn’t want to rush her if she wasn’t ready. I’m sure she will let me know. She hesitated and seemed to be thinking. To be honest, I am a stranger but this could have gone the wrong way a long time ago. Yet, I didn’t want her to feel rushed.

“If tonight is too soon....” I started. It looked as if she was not feeling the thought. Maybe I was thinking too fast for her right now.

“Uh, sure. Why not.” She said casually interrupting me. She was taking a chance and I was going to take this opportunity and run. I looked back at her as she was sloshing around her coffee and ice with her straw. She looked at me and smiled. She knew it could only get better from where I first met her, or at least it will be different.

“Great. I know a place that has good food. It's near the Lotte Tower.” I replied.

“Oh, I’ve heard of the Lotte Tower. I haven’t gone but I’ve heard of it from my neighbor in my building and from one of the girls that I work with. There’s a Lotte World too right?” She asked.

“Yes, there is. I’ll have to take you there one day.” I said, knowing that I will. It should make her smile. She has one of the most captivating smiles I have ever seen. Her lips had a little curl to them at the corners when she smiled. Her brownish pink lips glistened as she licked the whipped cream from the straw. I saw her curl her tongue around the straw and I felt my mouth open. She looked at me in mid-lick and I couldn’t take my eyes away. It was at that moment, I was supposed to look away but I couldn’t; I wanted to watch. Her eyes met mine and she froze. For a second we stared, it was as if she was speaking to me because I heard words.

It was like she was speaking to my soul and at that moment she saw through me. I couldn’t lie to her if I wanted to. I felt as if she could hear my heart beating as she licked the straw. She saw me staring at her and she stared right back. She continued licking the straw until she retrieved every bit of the foam. She smiled and I blushed.

“I’m sorry.” I said, but I didn’t lower my eyes this time, because I wasn’t sorry. I wanted her to know that I liked what I saw.

“It’s all good.” She giggled. “You’re cute.” She said, I looked at her and smiled, she made me blush again.

“So are you.” I said in response. She stopped and looked at me with a look that made me wonder what she was thinking. I silently hoped she was sizing me up.

My phone rang, it was Jin, my co-worker. He and I usually eat together after work, but he will most definitely understand why I won’t be available tonight.

“One moment, please.” I said as I got up and to take the phone call.

“Sure, no worries.” She went back to her drink and picked up the receipt. Her phone buzzed as I walked away. I turned around to see if she was picking it up. She looked at it, rolled her eyes and placed it face down. It must have been him. I wanted to know what exactly he did, but for some reason, I already knew.

Juniper

Min Jun had a call he had to take, and I watched his swagger as he walked away from the table. Smooth, nice, sexy, almost bowlegged walk. His clothes wore his body well. Even in the chill of fall, I could almost imagine his body underneath, the way his clothes swayed with his movement.

The fucking phone rang as he was walking away, I glanced at it and of course, it was idiot for the up-teenth time. I just laid it face down. I really didn’t want to deal right now. I needed to get my head straight. I was tired of his bullshit and this was the last draw. My mind wanted to know how long had they been fucking behind my back. I wanted to know, did he actually go on those trips alone or was she with him. As I started to think about it, I started to think about a trip that he was going on and my sister was ironically going to the same place. I thought wouldn’t it be fun if they hung out together, unbeknownst to me they did, in more ways than one.

I heard the message notification come across my phone, he had left yet another message. I didn’t want to hear his voice at all. I just wanted to disappear and come out when I was ready to face the world. Why does it seem that everyone knows you are going through something when you are actually going through something, but you think you are the only one going through it? I didn’t want people to watch me cry and I definitely didn’t want to be a foreigner crying in public.

I looked at my messages, and my mother had called as well. I wonder what they are trying to conspire with now. I’m sure he’s talked to my mother and she’s sucked into his words. Min Jun had completed his phone call and he was returning to the table. I was mesmerized by his walk. He walked with such confidence, it’s like he knew he looks good and he feeds off of knowing, but not in a narcissistic type manner.

“Ok, so I gotta run to the office, there are some things I need to take care of before my meeting.” He said as he picked up his bag. “So tonight, right?” He said, expecting an answer.

“Yes, tonight. Here’s my number.” I took his phone and put my number in it. He watched me silently, my every move. I could feel his eyes watching me as I called my phone after saving my name as Juni. My phone rang and I handed him back his phone. “Now, I have yours as well.” I denied the call.

“Nice. Well it was nice to meet you. I’m sorry for having to leave first, but I will contact you later on. Trust me, it's a nice place. I’m sure you’ll like it.” He said putting his phone in his pocket and placing his bag on one shoulder.

“No worries. I’m sure I’ll enjoy it.” I responded. He had packed up all of his belongings and waited just a sec before heading out the door. He looked back when he got to the door and smiled, then he was off. I can see his hair bounce as he jogged down the street. Interesting. I didn’t think this would go in this direction.

At this point, I’m ready to try something different. I’m tired of feeling that I’m not worthy enough for my man to be good to me. I deserve so much better. I needed this change because I needed to live for myself this time.