Every other day during November, I received parcels from overseas. I took great care storing the manhwa ready to take with me when I left. Obsessed, I stopped taking my pills and soon threw them out as I prepared for my final exam. The pressure this time not as severe as the midyear exam but I still studied hard.

I heard nothing from Ken after his departure and I quietly mentioned this to Shin one night at work. Shin informed me when the time came, Ken would contact me. I sometimes thought it would never happen. But clinging to the knowledge I would see Lee soon, I managed.

My last conversation with Tanaka-sensei in mid-December would be the last time we would speak. Tanaka-sensei praised me for my efforts and informed me of my high distinctions. She gave me the letter she mentioned for employment in Japan. Humbled, if things did not go as planned with Korea, I would have considered Japan. For the rest of my life Tanaka-sensei would be one of the few people I respected. Her faith in me was unconditional and for that I was forever grateful.

Saturday night saw a small celebration held in my honour. We sat around a table in the restaurant as everyone talked about how much I deserved my diploma. I said little. Shin was the only person I ever spoke to in length. When everyone left for the night Shin indicated with a nod for me to stay behind. Once the front doors were locked, we moved over to the bar, and Shin poured us drinks. Together we saluted our glasses and drank.

"Never have I met a man as dedicated as you, Cody."

"I'm not sure it's dedication, Shin."

"For you friend, I think it is."

I stared at Shin. Did he understand my feelings for Lee and the extent I would go too?

"He is your dongseongaeja."

Shin shocked me with that word. He was telling me Lee was my same-sex lover.

"We do not consider ourselves lovers. Yet, I could not feel this way towards another, male or female. Only for Lee."

"Such things happen. As a young man I served in the military. Sometimes things occurred between men. It is punishable in Korea if discovered. Though becoming more acceptable many still look upon such relations as criminal."

"I am a criminal."

"You will pay for your mistakes twice over in your lifetime Cody. Do what you can to find peace."

"I don't know what will happen Shin. Lee needs me now and I need him. Even if he never understands the full extent of my feelings, I will always be there for him. Lee is all the family I have. I can’t lose him again."

"It has been my pleasure to work with you Cody. You shall become a man of honour. Those who have the pleasure of meeting you will respect you. And none shall ever walk in your shadow."

Honourable words from Shin gave me, for the first time in my life, a feeling of belonging. My eyes glaze over and I blinked several times to clear them.

"The honour is mine. I will always speak in high regard of you. You have been a mentor. I can never return to you what you have given me this last year."

Shin smiled, and said, "I have something for you."

He retrieved a large yellow envelope from behind the counter.

I didn't hesitate to open it. Inside, an airplane ticket to Seoul. Korean documentation and a letter detailing my itinerary for the flights and transfers. The flight booked for departure in three days' gave me little time to get organised.

I looked up a Shin, and he gave me a sad smile. "We will not meet again Cody. Your life is no longer here. It is with your friend."

"Thank you Shin. For everything."

"My pleasure. Now go. I need to get home before my wife calls the police because I have not returned."

Yet another persons whose faith help me to get were I was. Never would I forget these few people who impacted my life. I returned the papers to the envelope, followed Shin to the door as Shin unlocked it and let us both out. We parted ways at the entrance and holding the envelope to my chest I returned to my apartment. Once home, I lay the ticket and documents out on the table. Soon I would be in Korea. Unsure how it had been arranged, I would be forever grateful.

Sunday, I made my way to the shops and bought a large sturdy suitcase and a small travel bag. Only days before Christmas, I was going from our summer to winter in Korea. The sales made purchasing the items I needed less expensive. I spent extra on a new long black woolen coat and black scarf and leather gloves. Back at the apartment, I went through my things I would take. Most possessions I owned I would leave behind. My itinerary informed me Ken would meet me at the airport once I reach Seoul and I wanted to look professional on my arrival.

I went to work Sunday evening and informing no one of my departure. Shin and I said our goodbyes at the end of the night. He pressed into my hand a small black pouch, which he told me to open when I returned home. We shook hands, and that was it.

Once home, I opened the gift Shin gave me - a gold chain with a Korean amulet containing the fu dog for protection. I fingered the amulet and thought how Shin had become the closest to a father I ever had. I would miss him. With the chain around my neck I reflected how much I had changed over the short time.

On Monday, having had little sleep the night before, I once more went shopping. Anything to keep me occupied. I purchased myself a new black suit, three new shirts - all black and two ties, one emerald green and the other deep maroon. I planned to adopt a professional appearance in Korea and given my nationality, making a good impression was important.

The last thing I did was notify the university tenancy of my departure. With no time to clear the apartment an extra payment was made to have it cleared and cleaned. It was money I had no qualms paying.

That night, I packed the manhwa into my carry-on bag and my clothes and laptop in my suitcase. My suit hung on the back of the bedroom door ready for the following morning. I spent the rest of the evening sitting in silence at the kitchen table. My heart beat heavy, adrenaline pumping fast through my body. I was ready to say goodbye to this part of my life.