𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 

"Ladies and gentlemen, we've just landed at Incheon International  Airport. The weather is 25.8 degree celsius and the local time is three fifty-five in the Afternoon. We hope you had a pleasant flight with us here at Korean Air and we hope to see you again soon on one of your future flights. Have a nice stay!"

Napangiti ako nang marinig ang announcement mula sa piloto ng eroplano. It's been four years, and finally, I've been back to my beloved country. Nag-inat ako bago napalingon sa katabi kong mahimbing pa rin natutulog.

I giggled when I saw the growing stubble on his jaw. He became even hotter and manly, not only because of his stubble but because of his new hairstyle and hair color. He dyed his hair blonde, and it looks good on him! Bumaba ang mga mata ko sa labi niya kaya napalunok ako. Suddenly, I'm craving for his lips.

Napatingin ako sa mga pasahero na kinukuha ang kani-kanilang mga gamit. Dahan-dahan kong yinugyog ang balikat nang lalakeng katabi ko.

"Hey, wake up."

He slowly opened his eyes, and when our eyes met, I immediately smiled when I witnessed how captivating his eyes were. "Have we landed yet?" he asked with a hoarse voice.

I bit my lips before nodding. "Yup," emphasing the 'p'.

"Oh, sorry if I fell asleep. I should've stayed awake, but I'm too tired,"

I reached for his hand and patted it. "It's okay,"

When almost everyone are getting off the plane, kinuha na rin namin ang mga gamit namin at lumabas na. 

The refreshingly cool breeze greeted us as we exited the Incheon International Airport. Since It's Autumn, I'm wearing denim high-waisted jeans and a cream cable-knit sweater. To complete my look I chose to wear my black leather ankle boots. My trench coat is still hanging on my forearm since the cold breeze doesn't bother me.

"Are you okay, sweetie? Hindi ka ba nilalamig?"

I glanced at the person next to me and immediately smiled when I saw the concern on his face. Pinagmasdan ko ang suot ni Blood. He's wearing black denim jeans, a cream fitted turtle neck, and a Burberry trench coat. Ang gwapo! I shook my head and smiled.

"Hindi naman. Ikaw ba?"

"The weather is okay, but it's better if you still wear your coat," He took the trench coat resting on my forearm and put it on me. Napangiti agad ako.

"Thank you," I stiffened when he lifted my chin and gave me a quick kiss.

I felt my face turn red because we got the attention of other people who were also waiting for their rides. Not all Koreans are fond of PDAs since not all people here are open-minded.

"Uy, ang daming nakatingin..." Mahina ko siyang hinampas pero tinawanan niya lang ako.

He reached for my hands and intertwined them with his. "I don't care. I love you," he said.

"Nado Saranghae, Blood." He bit his lower lips before licking them because of what I said.

Time moves swiftly onward because it seems like we're just in high school and were still enemies yesterday, but in reality, yesterday was our college graduation. Blood took Business Administration, while I took Culinary arts. Blood and I have been in an LDR relationship for almost five years. He studied at Stanford University because his father wanted him to take over their company there. Samantalang, nagtapos ako ng kolehiyo sa Pilipinas at nanirahan ng isang taon sa France para sa isang culinary training program.

"Omg! Look at you! Dangsin-eun neomu gwiyeobda!" I blurted out while smiling as I checked his entire look. I know he was born handsome, but I didn't expect him to be extra handsome in his light blue hanbok, and gat.

"What? I didn't understand what you said, sweetie."

I reached for his hand and squeeze it. "Ang gwapo mo! Hindi ko alam na bagay pala sayo ang nakasuot ng hanbok," I giggled.

"Really? I thought I look weird." He rubbed his eyebrows before looking at me from head to toe. "Damn, This is my first time seeing you wearing a hanbok. It looks good on you, sweetie." He stroked my hair.

"Jinjja? T-Thank you!" Kinuha ko ang kamay niya at pinagsiklop sa kamay ko. "Tara na? We have two hours before our rental period ends. We will go to Gyeongbokgung Palace and some nearby place,"

A smile appeared on his face. "Sure,"

We rented our hanbok for only 40,000 won for two hours. It's a couple hanboks that we rented in Haewadel hanbok rental. Blood is wearing a light blue male hanbok with a traditional hat. Meanwhile, I'm wearing a combination of light-blue and pink hanbok.

©Credits to the rightful owner of this artwork that I saw on Pinterest! Ty!

Pumasok na kami sa palace at bumili ng ticket papasok sa loob. Every tourist who wants to enter the palace needs to pay 3,000 won for adults and 1,500 won for kids ages 7 to 18. I was taken aback when I saw the aesthetic view! Ang ganda sa loob. Nakakapanibago dahil sobrang tagal na noong huling pasok ko dito.

"Wow, this place is amazing!" A smile appeared on his face while roaming his eyes around.

Napangiti naman ako. "I told you! Maganda talaga dito sa Gyeongbokgung Palace."

Mabilis ko siyang hinila papunta sa mga templo na may pagkakaparehas sa mga lumang templo na makikita sa China o kaya'y sa Japan. Gyeongbokgung was built in 1395 by King Taejo, the first king and the founder of the Joseon dynasty, and it served as the main palace for more than five hundred years. Most of the temples here are made of rough, concrete wood with cypress barking shingles for the roof and slippery floors. If you are a fan of Korean dramas, I guess you already know what I mean.

I took my phone out of my bag and pulled Blood closer to me to take a picture. Since he's taller than me, I have to lean even further so that he can fit in on the camera. I heard him sigh and take my phone from me. Siya na mismo ang kumuha ng mga picture namin.

On the tenth shot, I was shocked when he cupped my face and gave me a soft kiss. ''I love you,'' he whispered against my lips. I heard the sound of a camera, and it took me a second to realize that he had taken a picture of it.

"Kiss monster!" I blurted out.

His lips twitched. Parang gusto niyang ngumisi pero pinipigilan niya lang para hindi ko mahalata. I quickly pinched him because of his mischief.

Pagkatapos namin mag-ikot-ikot at kumuha ng sandamakmak na pictures, napagdesisyon na naming kumain. Since it was Blood's first time in Korea, I wanted him to experience eating at the local authentic Korean restuarants. Bumalik na muna kami sa Haewadel rental shop para ibalik ang ni-rent naming hanbok.

Around 6:30 pm noong makarating kami sa Myeongdeong Night Market. Myeongdong  is not only famous as a tourist shopping destination in Seoul, but it is also a street food paradise for food lovers. The long pedestrian-friendly streets are lined with rows of alluring Korean street food.

"What place is this, sweetie?" Napalingon ako sa katabi kong inosenteng palinga-linga sa buong paligid.

A smile appeared on my lips when I saw how cute is he. He looks like a kid who got the chance to explore the outside world for the first time. So cute.

"Welcome to Myeongdong, Blood Jared!"

He glanced at me. "This is the famous Myeongdong?"

"Oo," sagot ko.

"Dito tayo kakain?"

Napatango ako. "Yup! There are varieties of delicious foods here. I'm sure you'll like them all,"

Nakita ko ang pag-iisang linya ng kilay niya. Saglit lang 'yon dahil mabilis niya ako nginitian pagkatapos. "No spicy food, please."

Kinagat ko ang loob ng pisngi ko para pigilan ang pagtawa. Talagang hanggang ngayon ay may trauma pa rin siya sa mga maanghang na pagkain na nagsimula noong kumain siya ng Tteokbokki, almost five years ago.

"Copy, captain!"

Hawak kamay kaming naglakad papasok sa loob ng night market. I chose to bring Blood here to Myeongdong because I want him to experience eating in places like this because I know he has never eaten in this kind of place. Saka hindi kompleto ang Korea trip namin kung hindi kami pupunta sa Myeongdong.

Since Blood has low spicy tolerance, I bought foods that don't contain spicy flavor. I ordered his favorite gimbap, Stir-Fried noodles, and bulgogi. Bumili rin ako ng dalawang Hweori gamja o mas kilala sa tawag na tornado potato sa halagang 5,000 won. Pinatikim ko rin sa kanya ang Odeng, steamed eggs at Eomuk Bokkeum or also known as fish cake.

"This is Hotteok. It's a sweet Korean pancake. Say ahh," I motioned him to open his mouth because I'm going to feed him.

He slowly took a bite of the Hotteok. "It really tastes like a pancake,"

I nodded.  "Masarap diba? Sabihin mo mashisoyo!"

His eyebrows twitched. "M-Mashisoyo? What does it mean?"

"It means delicious,"

Napatango-tango naman siya na para bang inaalalang mabuti ang sinabi ko. "Teach me how to speak in Korean next time, sweetie."

I grinned before I clung to his arms. "Sure!" I can't wait to teach him how to speak in my native languange.

Mabilis na nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang mahagip ang isang stall na nagtitinda ng iba't-ibang klase ng chicken. That's the kind of chicken that goes well with soju. I felt my mouth water just by imagining myself savoring it while drinking a glass of soju.

"Sweetie? Gutom ka pa? Your saliva is dripping,"

Mabilis kong pinunasan ang gilid ng labi ko at nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang mapagtantanong hindi siya nagbibiro. My saliva is literally dripping from my mouth!

"M-Mianhe." I flashed him an apologetic smile.

"It's okay. Just tell me if you're still hungry. So, we can buy another food, okay?"

I nodded. "I love you," nakangusong sabi ko.

He pinched my cheeks and gave me a fleeting kiss on the side of my lips. "I love you more."

Bumalik ang tingin ko doon sa stall na tinitignan ko kanina. "May bibilhin lang ako saglit, okay? Wait for me here." I quickly pointed out the chicken stall. "Doon ako bibili."

He nods. "Make it fast, please. Wala akong kasama dito," I nod and pinched the tip of his nose.

He smirked.

I quickly went to the chicken stall and bought yangnyeom chicken. It's a Korean fried chicken seasoned with a perfect combination of sweet and spicy sauce of gochujang, garlic, sugar, and other spices. Mas masarap sana ito kapag sinamahan mo ng soju. I wanted to make Blood taste it, but I'm sure he would get mad because he doesn't like spicy food.

Hindi lang pagkain ang pinuntahan namin sa Myeongdong, nag-shopping din kami ng mga pasalubong at kung anu-ano pang bagay na dadalhin namin sa pagbisita kina Eomma at Appa.

"Ang gwapo naman ng boyfriend ko!"

Hindi ko mapigilan ang hindi purihin ang kagwapuhan ni Blood sa suot niyang brown varsity letterman jacket with 'b' patched, white round neck long sleeves, black pants, and white Nike shoes. Meanwhile, I'm wearing a short faux shearling jacket, a gray turtle neck long sleeves, denim pants, and Nike air white shoes.

While staring at him, I never thought that someone like him might be able to like me. I look ordinary compared to other girls, so it's surprising that someone like him, who is almost perfect, fell for someone like me. 

He wrapped his arm around my shoulders. "And you're the cutest and prettiest girlfriend ever! How do say it again in your language? Yep-Yepuda?"

My eyes flickered in amusement. "Omg! I knew it! You are a fast learner!" I even tapped his hands that were resting on my shoulders.

Hinalikan niya ang gilid ng ulo ko. "Am I? So, Are we going to Nami Island?"

Nami Island... Blood kept on bugging me since yesterday that he wanted to visit Nami Island because he saw on the internet that it was half-moon shaped, and he wanted to prove if it was true.

"Yes, Jagiya. Today destination is Nami Island!"

Blood lips curved into a smile when he heard what I called him. "Music to my ears," he mumbled. "Ulitin mo nga, sweetie. I'll record it," nilabas niya ang cellphone niya at itinapat sa bibig ko.

Mabilis ko siyang hinampas dahil sa kalokohan niya. But as an obedient girlfriend, I did what he asked. "Jagiya, Saranghaeyo." I immediately smiled when his face bent down and gave me a soft kiss.

"Damn, I'm inlove with you, too," he whispered against my lips.

The combination of golden and orange Metasequoia trees, Korean Pine trees, and Maple trees welcomed us. The Island is filled with natural scenery and endless rows of trees. We walked through the main tree lanes to capture the autumn foliage. Such a breathtaking view.

Nami Island is a half-moon-shaped Isle. The Charm of Nami Island is the trail lined by Metasequoia trees. They are one of the reasons that Nami is perfect for the all-season trip. Nami Island is also called the Island of Love since a very popular K-drama was filmed in the land of Nami named "Winter Sonata." One of the popular attractions is the snowman that the main characters from the drama built together.

"Are you happy now? Nandito na tayo sa Nami Island."

Nilingon niya ako. "Yes. Masaya akong nandito ako kasama ka," Mabilis akong napangiti sa sinabi niya.

I took my phone out saka inopen ang camera app. Kinuhanan ko ng videos at pictures ang buong lugar bago ko itutok kay Blood ang camera.

"Say cheese!"

I took three pictures of him. After taking pictures of him, I gave him my phone while waiting for his reaction.

"I like them all. It seems like Shirley trained you well."

I smiled when he mentioned my cousin's name. Shirley took up a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, and right now, she's working in a magazine company while working as a professional photographer. All of our friends became successful. Not just with their career but also with their love life. Sabrina is now a teacher in the Philippines. Clint started his own company, and Lance became a famous model.

"Let's take a photo, but this time we'll use my phone." He gave back my phone and took out his phone.

"Okie Dokie!"

"Say cheese!"

He all smiles while taking photos of the both of us. It only took him five photos before he let me see all the pictures he took. Napangiti ako ng makita kung gaano kaganda ang mga litratong nakuha niya. I checked the other photos he took a while ago.

"Ang ganda ko dito!" I exclaimed.

Pinakita ko sa kanya ang litrato kung saan nakangiti ako ng malaki habang background ko ang lotte world at nakapwestong pa-puso ang mga kamay ko sa ulo. Napangiti pa ako ng palihim dahil puro ako ang laman ng gallery niya. May pictures akong punong-puno ang bibig ko ng pagkain. May isa dun na natutulog ako sa balikat niya habang nakaawang ang bibig! May isa pa na nakasimangot ako dahil nahulog yung ice cream na binili namin.

"Palagi, sweetie. Maganda ka palagi," 

I looked at him and stared at his butterscotch eyes. I saw the amused look in his eyes as he stared at me. Hindi talaga akong magsasawang pagmasdan ang mga mata niya. He ran his fingers through my hair and stuck them behind my ears.

"Do you want to ride a bike with me?"

A smile apperead on my lips. I nodded. "Oo naman,"

Blood and I rented a bike at the bike center for an hour for ₩10,000. Si Blood ang nagpepedal ng bike habang nakaupo ako sa likuran niya. We went to the Ginkgo trees lane, Dodamsambong Garden, the winter sonata statue, and the Maple Lane of True Love. We also went where they shared their kiss on Glass Sequoia Bridge. Nilibot namin ang kalahati ng Nami habang nakasakay sa bisikleta.

"Jagi, Look! The river! Ang ganda!" turo ko. "Let's take a photo!"

"Sure thing, sweetie."

Kinuha ko ang phone sa bulsa niya dahil iyon ang gusto kong gamitin niya. He shook his head because of what I did. Tumakbo ako papunta sa may bench na nakaharap sa river at naupo.

"Place your hands in front of your thighs, then smile at the camera. One, two, three, smile!"

When I flashed a smile, I heard the clicking sounds of the camera from Blood's phone.

After three shots, I ran towards him to check the pictures he took. "Ang ganda! Jalhaesseo! Come on, Jagiya, It's your turn!" 

He chuckled. "Yes, ma'am."

Hindi siya umupo sa bench na inupuan ko kanina bagkus, He went to the wooden railings that act as a barrier to prevent anyone from falling into the river. Sumandal siya doon habang nakapasok parehas ang kamay niya sa magkabilang pocket ng suot na varsity jacket at ngumiti. I was stunned because he became even more handsome with what he did.

His side lips curved. "Sweetie! Matagal pa ba 'yan?"

I startled. "Ay! Sorry! Eto na, Hana, dul, cheese!" I took three pictures of him before he walked towards me to look at the picture I took.

"You are such a good photographer, sweetie."

I clung my arms to him and look up at him.  "Ako pa ba?!" I grinned.

Ipinatong niya ang noo sa akin at hinalikan ako sa noo. He took his phone from me and motioned me to return to my previous position earlier. Sumunod naman agad ako dahil ang gaganda talaga ng mga kuha niya.

"This time, I want you to copy what I did earlier but with only one hand in your pocket. Lean a little to your side, sweetie. Then look up at the trees. One, two, three, shot!"

I quickly did what he said, and I heard the clicking sounds of the camera. "Perfect! Now face the river and place your hands on the railings." I have a hot, and handsome photographer! I feel giddy with my inner thoughts.

Hinihintay ko ang tunog ng camera pero lumipas ang ilang segundo, wala pa rin akong naririnig. Maybe his phone got drained? I quickly turned to Blood, and I got stunned when I saw him kneeling on one knee in front of me!

My lips parted. A chill travelled down my spine as I felt my goosebumps all over my body. I was hearing the beating of my freaking Heart. Nagsimulang manginig ang mga kamay at labi ko habang nakatitig sa kanya. I had to take in deep breaths para kumalma ako kahit paano.

"Blood Jared-" He didn't let me finish talking because he held both of my hands.

"Mardux Hillary..." his voice was hoarse. "W-When I first met you, I knew I'd met my match." He nervously ran his fingers through his hair. "Having you by my side is what completes m-me..." His voice suddenly cracked.

He slowly opened the small white box he was holding. De javu... His hands are shaking while opening the box. I saw a diamond ring inside. Ilang segundo akong napatulala doon bago ibinalik ang tingin kay Blood na nakatitig sa akin. Hindi maitatago ang kaba at takot sa mga mata niya ngayon.

"Let's elope and spend the rest of our lives together. Mardux Hillary, Will you marry me?''

Tuluyan nang bumuhos ang luha sa mga mata ko. Sunod-sunod akong napatango habang nakatitig sa kanya at patuloy pa rin sa pagtulo ang luha sa pisngi ko.

"Yes, Of course, I'll marry you."

Ilang sandali pa siyang tumitig sa akin bago ko nakita ang panunubig ng mga mata niya. He looked down to hide his tears, yet his shoulders were shaking. I chuckled just to get his attention while my tears kept on falling from my eyes.

"I know you are crying, too." my voice was hoarse, too.

"This is tears of joy, sweetie."

Isinuot niya sa akin ang singsing at saka ako niyakap. Hindi ko mapigilan ang hindi mabigla nang marinig ang palakpakan ng mga tao na hindi ko napansing pinapanood na pala kami. Mas lalo akong naiyak dahil kahit hindi nila kami kilala, alam kong masaya sila para sa amin.

"Mahal kita, Blood Jared." I whispered in his ears.

"Mahal kita, palagi." He cupped my face. "I love you every day. No one else, just you. I love you so damn much, my future wife." he whispered against my lips.

I closed my eyes when he finally claimed my lips.

I'm proud to announce to all of you that I'm marrying the guy I used to hate the most, which turned out to be my one true love and my soulmate.

______♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ______

#HateOrLoveWP