It’s been a couple days since I got here in South Korea and to be very honest it had already been stressful on my part. I’m technically new to this country even if I’m full Korean I feel like an outsider, it’s like starting a new life. I took two days to rest and get used to the time difference, although I had sleeping problems ever since; it still took me two days to adjust. On the other hand, I was able to arrange what I need like my bank account, getting my medical forms submitted and registering for an ID which was actually so fast to do. If I was in US I’m pretty sure it will take half a month just to get a government ID. I also visited my relatives which is nothing special as I was never really close to them, me visiting them is merely a form of respect. Ae Ra went back to Yeosu the day after I arrive as she had an emergency to attend to, whereas Maya had been very busy for their conference today.

Since I arrived this is actually the first time I’m gonna be going around alone, which is also my last free day as I’m supposed to report to work tomorrow which reminds me I have to drop by the office to get my access cards and finalize my legal papers. ‘I might as well walk around to see my workplace.’ I thought to myself. I picked out my outfit for today since I’m going just to pick up my access card I decided to wear a casual outfit, also to see how differently they would treat me if I’m not all glamour up. I chose to wear a simple baby pink ruffle dress that’s just above my knee and a black stiletto.

Before I left my apartment, I decided to send Maya a text ‘Hey! I’m headed down near your workplace, was hoping you’re free to grab some drinks maybe?’  I didn’t bother waiting for her response since I’m pretty sure she’ll call me instead of replying through text, besides I planned to walk along the area after all it’s the shopping district of Gangnam. As I got off the elevator I heard my phone rang, of course it’s Maya I rolled my eyes at the thought that it might be someone else, only Maya and Ae Ra knows my phone number so far.

“Hey babe.” I said excitedly

“Well someone’s excited.” Maya replied

“I feel better today compared to 3 days ago.” I said as I turn my car on

“You must be heading out huh? I got your text by the way, I won’t be able to go out at all I only have 15-30 minutes interval this morning.” She said, I can hear her typing on the other end.

“Want me to drop by and get you coffee? You seem like you’re gonna have a long day with the conference later and all.” I offered, good thing I don’t have to focus on using GPS anymore as I’m kinda familiar around the area already.

“Would you? Thanks, you’re a life saver! Hey I have to go my next appointment’s here. You can just let the reception know when you arrive. Okay? Thanks! Be safe driving! Love ya!” she hurriedly hanged up after. I shook my head and focused driving.

When I got there, I decided to park my car beside the café shop we went to the other which Maya claims is secretly mine.

‘Don’t you feel like this whole café gives you a Hera vibe?’ Maya said

‘What are you talking about it is not.’ I replied

‘She does have a point, it feels like it’s screaming all of you Mira.’ Ae Ra added

‘Honestly though, you don’t own this right? I mean it also just opened the week you arrive here. I mean I won’t be upset if you just tell us now you know.’ Maya teased

‘Haha I really envy your imagination.’ I said as I try to brush off the ridiculous claim of Maya.

I got off my car and noticed that manager Ji Soo smoking from afar, she seemed to have noticed me and greeted me with a slight bow. I gave her a smile and entered the café as the smell of smoke is really something I hate.

“Hi! Can I please have 2 iced americano and one cheesecake? To go please.” I said to the cashier, he nodded and didn’t say a word. ‘Wow so welcoming’ I thought and sighed. He handed me this coaster pager then turned his back to start on the order. ‘Probably why he has the morning shift since its less customer and seems like his allergic to people’ I thought to myself.

I decided to take a sit next to the window where we last seated and just analyzed the bystanders outside when I heard a boy cried out “I want that doll!” he cried as he points to the claw machine and looked at his mom who seems to be a lot older to have a kid that looks like 4 years old. “Manse please calm down we don’t wanna cause a scene, do you want your dad to get angry again?” the lady said calmly “Ahjumma if you don’t get that doll for me I won’t eat my lunch today.” The kid demanded, ‘Ah she must be his nanny.’ I thought. I felt bad watching the situation so without knowing I was walking towards them. They both were surprised with my appearance, I smiled at the Ahjumma and squatted to meet the kid’s eye

“Hi baby! You know it’s not nice to talk to your elders like that right?” I explained calmly, he glared at me for a bit and sighed giving me a pout.

“But I just want that cat doll so I can give it to my appa.” He whined

“I’ll tell you what, I’ll get that doll for you but you have to promise me you’ll be nicer next time when you want to ask for something okay?” I said and gave him an assuring smile, I can see that it lifted his mood up and is not smiling brightly. I grabbed some coin on my purse and with only 3 tries I was able to get the doll he wanted. “Wow noona! You are good at this game can you teach Manse how to play?” the little kid asks. I smiled and pat his head as I felt the pager vibrate. “Maybe next time. Remember our promise?” I asked, he gave me a nod and a quick hug. I waved bye to him as I got my order and left.

When I got to Maya’s clinic, the receptionist Soonhee told me that she was still with a patient. So I decided to send her a text instead, ‘Hey Soonhee said you’re still with a client, I left the coffee in your desk. I’ll be back in 30 minutes I’ll just grab my access card.’

Since the office building is just close I decided to walk there and just enjoy the wind, I don’t know how I should feel about my first day at work tomorrow. I know it was a big deal but am I ready to meet his family again? Of course, I never met all of them but I heard majority of them are still in that office. As I walked in I noticed the girl from the reception looking at me from head to toe judgingly, ‘Ugh here we go just what I thought.’ I gave her a confident smile as I approach her desk

“Hi I’m here to see Ms. Jung Lina?” I smiled which made her raised her eyebrow on me. 

“Do you have an appointment?” She said boringly

“No, she just told me via e-mail to look for her when I arrive.” I explained calmly.

“I’m sorry ma’am if you have no appointment I’m afraid I won’t be able to let you in her office, maybe you can send her an e-mail to confirm an appointment?” She scoffed as she looked at me in the most annoyed way.

“If you can just page her for me that will be fine thanks.” I replied this time in a demanding tone. She looked at me and I stared straight back at her eyes, I can see her burning out of annoyance so I smiled innocently mocking her. She aggressively grabbed the phone and dialed an extension, she sighed as she got connected and started speaking ever so kindly now that she’s talking to a higher up. I turned my back as I let her talk on the phone observing the place, the surrounding doesn’t exactly give that welcoming energy you want when you walk in.

“I’m sorry ma’am, may I ask who’s visiting?” the rude receptionist ask, I turned to meet her eyes again.

 “Mira Kim.” I replied shortly