As I stepped outside, the cool morning air greeted me, a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the café. I started walking towards the nearby park, my thoughts still swirling around the mysterious NK. The park was just a short stroll away, and as I approached, I could see the vibrant colours of blooming flowers peeking through the trees.

The park was even more beautiful than I had imagined. Flowers in various hues decorated the landscape, and the scent of fresh blossoms filled the air. I took out my phone and began snapping candid pictures, wanting to capture the serene beauty around me. Each photo seemed to frame a perfect moment, the city waking up and coming to life.

As I wandered through the park, I couldn't help but think about the note and the stranger. Who was NK? The memory of his almond-shaped eyes and the brief connection we had made my heart race a little. As I strolled, I thought of buying a gift for Halmoeni. She loves straw hats, and it would be a lovely gesture to bring her one. Alexia had messaged me that she would reach Seoul in about three hours, giving me plenty of time to shop for a hat and perhaps a dress for the gala night tomorrow. Since it was still early, I decided to continue walking and exploring the city a little more.

After a short stroll, I reached a fancy-looking coffee shop with an exterior adorned in gold with dashes of red. My tummy grumbled a little as I approached the door, and I felt a bit embarrassed. I looked at the sign again, realizing it said "Push." Glancing sideways to ensure nobody saw my little mishap, I pushed the door open and walked in, feeling a bit hungry.

"One pair of Belgian waffles, one cheesy oatmeal cupcake, and a walnut brownie with an iced Americano, please. Thank you," I said, scanning the room for a place to sit.

The interior of the coffee shop was as elegant as its exterior, with plush red seats and golden accents that gave it a warm and luxurious feel. I spotted a cozy corner table by a large window and made my way over, placing my order slip on the table. The view outside was picturesque, with people strolling by and the morning light casting a gentle glow on the street.

As I settled into my seat, I took out my phone and started browsing for shops where I could find a nice straw hat for Halmoeni and a dress for the gala. The anticipation of seeing Alexia and attending the gala made me smile. It felt like everything was falling into place perfectly.

A few minutes later, a waiter brought my order. The waffles looked delicious, with golden syrup drizzling down their crispy edges. The cheesy oatmeal cupcake was intriguing, and the walnut brownie looked rich and decadent. My iced Americano was the perfect accompaniment to this feast.

As I enjoyed my breakfast, I couldn't help but think about the unexpected encounter with that stranger earlier. The note he left replayed in my mind, bringing a smile to my face. Maybe I would see him again, or maybe not. Either way, the day was off to a wonderful start.

After savouring the last bite of my breakfast, I heard someone speak, the voice said dreamily

"I see forever in those gorgeous eyes of yours," he said.

Startled, I looked up to find the source of the voice, it was my childhood friend. I instantly knew him since he was always cringe. Sighting while stuffing the last bite in my mouth. 

"And I can see your eyes' shit. Ew, bye," I said to him, slamming the door.

As I walked away from that memory, I could hear the buzzing sound of my phone in my bag. Despite my frustration and wanting to throw the phone away, curiosity got the better of me. Without even looking at the caller ID, I swiped to answer.

"Good morning. Why did you take so much time to reply?" the voice said.

With a yawn, I replied, "It's still early. I just broke up."

"Come on, you weren't even dating that guy; he was your neighbor," the other person replied, laughing.

I smiled at the familiar voice. It was Alexia. Her timing was impeccable, always knowing how to lighten the mood.

"Yeah, but it felt pretty dramatic. What's up? I thought you were busy with work?" I asked.

"I managed to get away earlier than expected. I'll be in Seoul sooner than I thought," she said excitedly.

"That's great news! I'm in a cab heading to the shopping mall. We can meet there," I suggested, feeling a renewed sense of excitement at the thought of seeing her soon.

"Perfect. Send me the location, and I'll be there in an hour or so," Alexia replied.

I quickly sent her the location and settled back in the cab. The streets of Seoul were bustling with morning activity, and the vibrant energy of the city was contagious. As the cab moved through the city, I thought about all the things I wanted to do with Alexia. Shopping, exploring new places, and maybe even visiting Namsan Tower.

Soon, the cab arrived at the shopping mall. I stepped out, feeling a rush of excitement. The mall was huge, with an array of shops that promised endless possibilities. I decided to start with finding a dress for the gala night. As I wandered through the mall, I spotted a boutique with elegant dresses displayed in the window.

Inside, the boutique was filled with beautiful dresses in every style and color imaginable. I browsed through the racks, pulling out a few options that caught my eye. As I was trying on a sleek, midnight blue dress, my phone buzzed with a message from Alexia: "Almost there! Can't wait to see you!"

When Alexia finally arrived, her face lit up with excitement. We hugged tightly, both of us laughing and talking at once, eager to catch up.

"So, where to first?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

"Let's start with finding a straw hat for Halmoeni, then maybe grab some lunch?" I suggested.

"Sounds perfect," Alexia agreed.

As we ventured into the mall, eager for our shopping spree, Lexi and I quickly gathered what we needed: shorts, shoes, and thoughtful gifts for our colleagues. After our successful haul, hunger beckoned, and I turned to Lexi, asking her what she fancied for lunch.

"Just trust me with the order," she replied with a mischievous grin. I nodded in agreement.

At the restaurant, Lexi confidently ordered Buchimgae (Korean pancake), Bibimbap (mixed rice with vegetables and meat), Kongnamul Muchim (seasoned soybean sprouts), and Kimchi (fermented vegetables). We paid for our meal and headed to the park, a usual spot for us to relax and enjoy our food. Lexi and I had an unspoken tradition of sharing our meals, each of us taking half of every dish. It was our way of maximizing variety and enjoying each other's favourites. Lexi often joked about "girl math," where sharing meant paying less for more food—a notion we both found amusing and practical. 

The hot summer sun reflected off the cityscape, making it clear how intense the heat was in Seoul. Despite the warmth, the morning breeze still sent chills down my spine. The goosebumps on my legs were clearly visible through my workout shorts. As I walked through the alley to the park, I couldn't help but admire the beautiful white clouds drifting across the sky and the fresh scent of blooming flowers. It reminded me of Switzerland.

Switzerland is one of the most gorgeous countries in the world, with its crystal-clear waters and landscapes that look like they belong in a Polaroid capture. Although this is my second time in Seoul, I still haven't mastered Korean fully. The language is difficult, but I'm learning. Lex has been studying it for years now, so she's able to have proper conversations with everyone.

The park was a haven of tranquillity amid the bustling city. The vibrant colours of the flowers and the lush greenery provided a serene backdrop. We found a shaded bench and sat down, taking a moment to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

"Look at those flowers," Alexia said, pointing to a cluster of bright red blossoms. "Aren't they beautiful?"

I nodded, taking in the sight. "They remind me of the flowers we have back home. It's so nice to find a bit of nature in the middle of the city." I said while taking a big bite of my buchimgae.

Alexia smiled. "Yeah, it's amazing how places can remind you of home. Speaking of home, have you been keeping up with your Korean lessons?"

I chuckled. "I'm trying, but it's hard. You make it look so easy."

She shrugged. "It just takes practice. You'll get there."

"True," I agreed. "I just hope I can manage to learn enough to get by on my own."

As we finished our lunch, we decided to continue our exploration of the city. We strolled through the park, admiring the vibrant flowers and enjoying the cool breeze. The sun was high in the sky, casting dappled shadows on the ground through the trees.

"Where to next?" Alexia asked, glancing at her phone.

"How about we visit one of those traditional tea houses you mentioned?" I suggested. "I've never been to one, and it sounds like a fun experience."

"Great idea!" she exclaimed. "There's one not too far from here. Let's go."

We made our way through the park and into the bustling streets of Seoul. The energy of the city was contagious, and I felt a renewed sense of excitement as we walked. We passed by street vendors selling an array of colourful goods, and the smell of delicious street food filled the air.

Eventually, we reached the tea house. It was a charming, traditional building with wooden beams and paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling. The interior was cozy and inviting, with low tables and cushioned seating.

We settled into a corner and were greeted by a friendly staff member who spoke perfect English. Alexia ordered for us, using her impressive Korean skills. Soon, we were sipping on fragrant tea and nibbling on delicate pastries.

"This place is wonderful," I said, looking around at the beautiful decor. "Thank you for bringing me here."

Alexia smiled. "I'm glad you like it. There's so much to explore in this city. I can't wait to show you more."

As we sat there, enjoying, I felt grateful for the opportunity to experience this amazing city with a friend like Alexia. Despite the language barrier and the challenges of being in a foreign country, moments like this made it all worthwhile.