Mid year exams passed minus any fanfare and Tanaka-sensei praised me for my hard work. If it wasn’t for university and employment I don’t know how I would have managed during this time. On autopilot, I followed a routine that barely kept me focused.

One evening, Shin pulled me to one side before my shift. His nephew would dine that evening and he wanted me to look after his table. Honoured Shin thought highly of me, he informed me the girls had gone crazy on his arrival. They had taken a liking to him and Shin wanted none of them harassing him while he visited.

"Don't worry Shin, I will see he is looked after."

"I know you will Cody. This is why I ask you."

At eight o'clock Shin called me over to introduce his nephew Gun-woo Kim, whose English name was Ken. In his fifties he looked much younger, dressed in an expensive suit, his black hair slicked back from his flawless features. He wore rings on his fingers and a gold Rolex. He gave me an uncomfortable feeling but his manner could not be faulted. I greeted him with a bow and I showed him to his table. I served his drinks and took his order. I waited to one side during his meal, removing dishes and replacing with new ones. Neither of us spoke until I served his tea and he asked me in Korean how I liked working for his uncle.

"I like it very much, thank you for asking."

"My uncle speaks kind of you."

"Again, thank you. I have noted Shin's respect for me and I am humbled."

"You are an unusual man. Thank you for serving me this evening."

"My pleasure, enjoy the rest of your evening." I bowed and left.

From behind the bar Shin gave me a slight nod indicating to take over. As I did, Shin made his way over to Ken. He sat, and they spoke before one of the waitresses came up with a drink order, distracting me.

I remember glancing Shin’s way during the remainder of the evening but gave little thought regarding him or Ken. When the last of the diners left after ten thirty, I helped the girls clean the tables and chairs. When done, I looked towards Shin and seeing him watching me, I gave him a salute to show I was leaving and he nodded in response. I looked at Ken who nodded, which I returned.

Saturday night, I waited on Ken once more. When I was giving him his tea at the end of his meal, he asked me questions regarding my studies and childhood. I kept my answers short - not keen to share details. On Sunday night, he spoke Mandarin, surprising me. I guessed Shin had mentioned I spoke several languages, and he seemed genuinely interested.

"What do you intend to do once you graduate?" Ken asked, his English flawless.

"I haven't thought that far ahead."

"You must have an idea?"

"I hope to travel overseas to teach."

"Is there anything stopping you?"

The visa denial. But I didn't tell him that. Ken didn't need to know the real reason I couldn't leave the country.

"Afraid of flying," I told him before I bowed and moved away.

I’ve always disliked people prying into my life. What I did and how I did it was my business. For all I knew at the time, I'd be working for Shin for the next few years or until I could get a visa to anywhere.

The following Friday night, Ken wanted to speak with me. A little dubious, I joined him at the table.

"What do you intent to do when you graduate?"

"I told you, I don't know yet." My tone defensive drew Ken's attention.

"Then I won't waste your time Cody. You spent three years in jail for breaking and entering."

"That's none of your business."

"Does Shin know?"

My temper was getting the better of me but I held firm.

"That's between Shin and I. It has nothing to do with you."

"What if I told you it has everything to do with me? You interest me Cody. Work for my organization as a translator?"

"I can't go with you."

"Why? It's not because you are afraid of flying."

I hated showing any type of vulnerability but at that moment defeat washed over me. My fists clenched on the table, my eyes closed in the effort to find composure. I questioned my doubts and insecurities, knowing I was caught in a moment when another opportunity might be opened to me.

"I can't. I applied for a Korean visa and it got rejected."

When I looked at Ken I expected to see an expression of surprise but he stared at me unfazed.

"Why did you apply?" Ken asked.

"My friend, Lee. The one who taught me the languages lives in Seoul. But I haven't heard from him in months and I don't know what's happened to him. I want to find him. Make sure he’s fine."

Ken’s steady gaze did not waver. As his eyes bored into mine, I recalled my first impression of him. This man could be dangerous.

"If I guarantee you a visa to Korea will you agree to work with my organization?"

"If I can find Lee when there?"

"I can make enquiries. Will that satisfy you?"

"Yes."

"Very well, we agree when you have completed your degree you will come to Korea. In return, I will locate your friend and inform you of his condition. Do you accept this agreement?"

"I do."

There was no reason I would not agree. I didn't care what organization Ken worked for. If he got me to Korea, I'd do anything.

Ken raised his hand towards me and I took it and we shook.

That night I emailed Lee.

Lee,

I'm coming, by the end of the year. I'll find you. Wait for me.

Love Cody.

I hoped Lee received my email. I wanted him to understand I had not given up.