As we lounged in the sun, enjoying the warmth and serenity of the park, Lexi mentioned that her grandmother, Halmoeni, was expecting us for dinner that evening.

"That's great! I can't wait to taste her Miyeok-guk. It's been so long; I miss the taste," I replied with anticipation.

Lexi's face lit up with a knowing smile, familiar with the comfort and love that Halmoeni's cooking always brought. But before we could delve into more about dinner plans, Lexi switched gears, asking about my earlier encounter with that guy from my childhood.

"Ahh, it's Sean Chow, remember that guy from high school?" I recounted, trying to lighten the mood. "The one who was always intentionally flirting with me?"

Lexi nodded knowingly as I continued, recounting the awkward encounter at the cafe earlier. "He said some cheesy lines, and I replied, 'I can see your eyes' shit, bye.' That was it."

Lexi burst into laughter, her infectious joy filling the quiet park and earning us curious glances from passersby. I playfully scolded her to quiet down, but she couldn't help herself.

"Behave yourself, Alexia," I whispered through a snort.

"Yes, mum," she retorted with exaggerated obedience, still chuckling between breaths. "That's the reason you're single—romantic words make you laugh!"

"Maybe," I conceded with a smirk, "but it depends on the person. Maybe Seoul has some surprises for me."

"In your dreams, princess," Lexi teased, nudging me playfully.

"You're in the same boat as I am, so shut up," I shot back, joining in her laughter with a sarcastic edge.

"It's currently 11 o'clock, what do you want to do?" Lexi asked as we strolled back towards the hotel.

"Let's head back to the hotel. I'll pack my things, and we can get set up early so we don't arrive in the dark," I suggested.

"Yeah, that's a good plan," she agreed.

Back at the hotel, I began organizing my belongings. As I sorted through my toiletries, I remembered something important from earlier in the day. 

"Lexi-iiiiii, I have something to tell you!" I called out excitedly, rushing over to her. 

In my haste, my slippers betrayed me, causing me to slip and land unceremoniously on my backside. Lexi saw the whole scene unfold and burst into laughter, so much so that she eventually rolled off the bed and joined me on the floor. We lay there, both of us giggling uncontrollably, the shared laughter echoing through the room like carefree melodies. After a while, our laughter subsided into occasional chuckles, and we picked ourselves up from the floor, wiping tears of mirth from our eyes. 

"Okay, spill it," Lexi said, still grinning widely.

I finally managed to catch my breath. 

"Earlier today I went to a cafe, I met a stranger there, it was complete chaos. I did not see his face nor do I know his name, he handed me this," I said, handing Lexi the tissue paper.

Lexi took it with a playful smirk. "Who is this mysterious 'NK'? Tell me more," she urged, her curiosity piqued.

"He was tall, muscular, and his eyes... the most gorgeous pair of almond eyes. Maybe he's Asian too, I'm assuming," I replied wistfully, sighing at the thought that I might never see him again.

"Maybe that's meant to be?" Lexi mused unexpectedly.

I chuckled softly. "I have no idea, honestly. Now, let's go check out of the hotel. The cab I booked has arrived," I said, showing her the notification of payment on my phone.

Lexi nodded, handing back the tissue paper. "Alright, let's get going. Seoul isn't done with us yet," she said with a grin, ready for whatever the day held in store for us next.

We gathered our things, checked out of the hotel, and hopped into the waiting cab, leaving behind the laughter-filled memories of our stay. 

"To Ilsan, right?" the cab driver confirmed.

"Yes," I replied with a slight smile, settling comfortably into the back seat. 

Koreans are indeed friendly people, and this warmth reminded me of my childhood spent at Halmoeni's place. Ilsan, I recalled, boasts several cultural and recreational facilities, most notably Ilsan Lake Park. Memories flooded back from my visits there during childhood—times when I felt melancholic and longed for my parents. Those were the moments I would escape with books by Kim Ryu, finding solace in the serene surroundings of Lake Park. It had always been my sanctuary, a peaceful retreat amidst nature's embrace. My cosy place has always been amidst nature. I'd choose a walk in nature anytime over Netflix."

Lexi chuckled softly, her eyes reflecting a shared appreciation for the tranquillity found in natural settings. As the cab continued on its route to Ilsan, I gazed out the window, eagerly anticipating revisiting the familiar paths and calming waters of Ilsan Lake Park. The city held a special place in my heart, a blend of nostalgia and the promise of discoveries yet to unfold. The people of Ilsan were warm and friendly, their faces often adorned with welcoming smiles. There was a sense of community, a bond that connected everyone, whether you were a long-time resident or a visitor. 

Neighbourhood markets buzzed with life, where vendors greeted you like old friends and shared stories as they sold their goods. Food was an integral part of Ilsan's charm. Street food vendors lined the park entrances, offering tantalizing aromas that made it impossible to pass by without sampling something. There were crispy hotteok filled with sweet brown sugar and nuts, steaming tteokbokki with spicy red sauce, and skewers of perfectly grilled chicken. The famous Jangsaengpo Mackerel was a local speciality, known for its savoury, smoky flavour that melted in your mouth.

Local restaurants served comforting bowls of seolleongtang, a rich, milky beef soup that warmed your soul on chilly days. Bibimbap, with its vibrant array of vegetables, savoury meat, and perfectly cooked rice, was a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Each meal was a celebration of flavours, a testament to the rich culinary heritage of the region.

As the cab neared Ilsan Lake Park, my heart swelled with anticipation. The park's paths, lined with cherry blossoms in spring and vivid foliage in autumn, beckoned me. The tranquil waters of the lake reflected the sky's ever-changing colours, a mirror to the passage of time. Here, amidst nature's beauty, I felt a profound sense of peace and connection, a feeling that had drawn me back time and again. Lake Park was a 10-minute walk from Lexi's halmoeni house. 

We stepped out of the cab, the familiar scent of fresh grass and blooming flowers greeting us.

 "Wow," Lexi whispered, taking in the view. 

We began our walk along the winding paths, the sound of birds chirping and the gentle rustling of leaves creating a symphony of nature. The lake sparkled under the afternoon sun, its surface shimmering like a thousand diamonds. Families and couples strolled hand in hand, children laughed as they chased each other, and elderly folks sat on benches, enjoying the serene atmosphere.

As we walked, I pointed out some of my favourite spots. "Over there," I said, gesturing to a small grove of trees, "is where I used to sit and read. It was my little haven."

Lexi smiled, her eyes softening. "I can see why. It's so peaceful here."

We continued our journey, stopping at a street food vendor for a snack. The vendor, a middle-aged woman with a warm smile, handed us a couple of hotteok, their sweet aroma filling the air. We bit into the crispy pancakes, savouring the rich, sugary filling.

"Delicious," Lexi said, licking her fingers. "I could get used to this."

As we walked further, we came across a group of children playing near the water's edge. Their laughter was infectious, and I couldn't help but smile. It reminded me of my childhood, of the simple joys and carefree days spent in this very park. We sat down on the bench, taking in the view. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the park.

"It's been three years since I last came to Seoul," I said quietly, more to myself than to Lexi. 

The memories of my parents came rushing back, and a bittersweet ache filled my heart. My mother's words echoed in my mind, "Follow your heart, your intuition will not misguide you. Fight back." They had been my guiding light through the toughest times. Lexi, sensing my melancholy, gently squeezed my hand. 

"Your parents would be proud of you," she said softly. "You've come so far and you've kept their spirit alive in everything you do."

We took our bags and headed down the road. It was nearly 16:00, and the weather was warm yet slightly chilly. Lexi's halmoeni called to check on us, ensuring we had arrived safely. The gala night was expected to be a private affair at Ilsan Cultural Park, promising a posh dinner hosted by the business titan, Mr. Jay Park. I felt a mix of excitement and nerves about meeting him. Mr. Park played a pivotal role in my academic journey, being the one who finally approved my research paper for Harvard Business School. It was my final PhD paper, rejected twice before due to its controversial title. His approval had been a turning point for me.  I will receive my gala night dinner schedule by tonight.

"Welcome home, my babies," Halmoenim said warmly as she wrapped us in a bear hug, waiting for us by the door. I dropped my bags on the ground and rushed straight into her arms.

 "Halmoenim Kang, I missed you so much." Her hugs were my safe haven, a comforting embrace that always made me feel at home.

"Eh, I'm here too," Lexi teased with a playful pout. Halmoeni and I looked at each other and chuckled. 

"Of course, the babiest," I said, pulling Lexi into our hug.

Halmoenim's presence and her loving embrace brought a sense of peace and belonging that washed away the nerves I felt about the gala night. Here, surrounded by family, I knew everything would be alright.

"Halmoenim Kang, your daughters are back home," the neighbour beside us remarked, eyeing Lexi and me from head to toe as if sizing us up.

"Grezel, stop poking your nose at my kids," Halmoenim retorted firmly, her protective instincts kicking in. 

"Your husband is getting drunk by the shop near the lake. Take care of your household." With that, she gently ushered us inside, closing the door behind us.

I couldn't help but laugh, the sound echoing throughout the house. 

"Now that's my favourite lady," I chuckled, looking around at the familiar surroundings.

Halmoenim's response and the neighbour's interference were typical of our close-knit community in Ilsan. Despite the occasional nosiness, there was a sense of camaraderie and care among the neighbours that added to the feeling of homecoming.