Once I am in the terminal, I feel disoriented. It has been a long time since I have seen and been with this many Korean people. I hear the language floating all around me. Large screens project Korean commercials. At first I can’t understand a word, then slowly a sentence here and there makes sense. I guess my Korean is rustier than I thought. I make my way to the nearest gift shop. Auntie Ji An loves candy, weird candy like kids eat. I select a neon sucker. A familiar scent hits my nose. I don’t turn. I can smell him. It’s Ponytail Man. He doesn’t speak as he passes me, yet I am so aware of him. I keep focused on the candy until he leaves the shop and then I look up. I see him walking swiftly away. I watch him until he disappears into the crowd. I suddenly feel confused and flustered by my reaction to him.

Over the loudspeaker, I hear my flight number called and the exit to catch my bus. Quickly, I pay for the candy, and run to the designated exit. Rain is beginning to fall. The steps are slippery. I pull my hoodie over my head. Inside the plane I have reserved a window seat. I always get a window seat. I want to see Jeju Island as soon as it appears. In my chest my heart is pounding, like it always does when I go to Jeju Island. The entire fifty minute flight I keep my eyes focused out my window. When the plane begins its descent, I feel like a kid again. I am practically bouncing in my seat. The island is veiled by the rain. A sudden a shaft of sunlight breaks through the clouds and hits the island. It is magic. From up here, Jeju looks like heaven.

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

The plane touches down on the runway and comes to a slow stop. Through the rain I seethe lights of Jeju Air Port. A bus approaches to take passengers to the terminal.I grab my back pack and duffle bag. I pull my hood over my head and step into the aisle. I make full body contact with someone. I look up to apologize, and can’t speak. It’s Ponytail Man.

For the first time I see amusement in his eyes. The people behind us are pushing us forward. We are so close, not touching but so close. He asks, “You okay?”

That is a loaded question. Inside my head I shout, NO I AM NOT OKAY! Outside, I say, “I’m fine.” Liar.

We exit the plane. Rain hits my face. We dash to the bus. I take the first seat I come to. He doesn’t sit down beside me. I am disappointed.