It's currently 2 a.m. in Seoul. I reached earlier than Lexi. She just messaged me, explaining she would arrive hours later due to an urgent matter at her company. As I walked down the bustling streets to reach my hotel, I couldn't help but admire the enchanting beauty of Seoul. The sky is a canvas of vibrant blues with wisps of candy clouds. The streets are alive with the sounds of people, the aroma of street food, and the vibrant energy that only a city like Seoul can radiate.

Upon entering the hotel, I was struck by the elegance of its interior. The lobby is a masterpiece of carved wood, each piece telling a story of meticulous craftsmanship. Delicate flowers hang from the ceiling in elegant arrangements, their subtle fragrance mingling with the polished scent of the wooden decor. The light filtering through the large windows casts a warm, inviting glow over the space, creating an atmosphere of serene luxury.

Tomorrow, well not exactly but after I get some much-needed sleep, Lexi and I will check out of this beautiful hotel. We plan to stay at Halmoeni's house, which promises to be a cosy and welcoming change. Halmoeni's home is known for its traditional Korean charm, complete with a picturesque garden and the comforting presence of a loving grandmother. I can already imagine the warm, home-cooked meals and the peaceful tranquillity of her home. For now, though, I will rest and dream of the adventures awaiting us.

As I head to my room, I can feel the tiredness creeping in slowly, wrapping around me like a heavy blanket. I yawned more than five times already, the exhaustion of the journey catching up with me. After a refreshing shower, which momentarily reinvigorates my senses, I still feel the weight of the day's travel. I set my alarm to wake up at 6, planning on exploring outside the hotel in the early morning. The room is a sanctuary of comfort and elegance. Soft lighting casts a gentle glow over the plush bed, inviting me to sink into its warmth. The crisp, clean linens promise a restful sleep. I can hear the distant hum of the city outside, a soothing reminder of the vibrant life beyond these walls.

With a final glance at the beautiful room, I set my alarm and slipped into bed, letting the soothing ambience lull me into sleep. Dreams of tomorrow's adventures float in the back of my mind, blending with the promise of the morning's light. As I drift off, the anticipation of exploring Seoul at dawn fills me with a sense of excitement, ready to embrace whatever the city has to offer.

Rrrrr... I hear my alarm ringing under my pillow. It feels like I just went to sleep, so how is it 6 am already? With a big yawn, I rub my eyes and check my schedule. There is not much planned for today, but Alexia will be back in Seoul anytime soon. I drag myself out of bed and head for a quick wash. The warm water streams down my body, washing away the remnants of sleep and fatigue. I feel much better, more awake and ready to start the day.

The bathroom is cosy and modern, with sleek fixtures and a large mirror that reflects the steam from the shower. The hot water soothes my muscles and clears my mind, invigorating me for the day ahead. As I step out, the cool air hits my skin, and I wrap myself in a soft, fluffy towel, enjoying the contrast.

I get dressed and take a moment to appreciate the quiet of the early morning. The city outside is beginning to stir, but within the walls of my room, it's peaceful. The soft light of dawn filters through the curtains, casting a gentle glow that promises a beautiful day ahead. With nothing pressing on my schedule, I decided to take a leisurely stroll outside the hotel. I want to experience Seoul in the early morning, to see the city waking up and to breathe in the fresh, crisp air. As I prepare to leave, I feel a sense of anticipation for the unexpected adventures the day might bring.

As I sit in a charming café, the walls painted in a warm beige and gold that catch the morning light, I glance up at the clear blue sky. Life in Seoul seems busy, with people hustling by, absorbed in their routines. From my seat, I can see many business people, their purposeful strides and focused expressions reflecting the city's dynamic energy. There's a sense of pride in being here, but it's also a bit overwhelming. Sipping my coffee, I browse through my phone for places to visit and come across Namsan Mountain. It's a popular spot, especially for couples who fix their "love locks" to various railings around the viewing platforms and toss away the key, hoping their love will be everlasting and unbreakable. The thought is both romantic and intriguing.

Alexia and I have been single since we were born, navigating life's adventures together. Maybe a miracle could happen here in Seoul, I muse, smiling at the thought. The idea of visiting Namsan Tower and seeing the love locks in person sparks a flicker of excitement. Who knows what possibilities await in this vibrant city? I make a mental note to suggest the visit to Alexia once she arrives. For now, I enjoy the peaceful morning, the delicious aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the faint scent of flowers from a nearby florist. The city is waking up around me, and I feel a sense of anticipation for the day ahead, filled with the promise of new experiences and perhaps a touch of magic.

As my eyes scanned the café, they landed on a duck green book cover in the distance. The book looked familiar, sparking my curiosity. I got up from my seat to take a closer look, but just as I started to move, I suddenly bumped into a sturdy body. "Sorry," I said quickly, shocked at how close I came to spilling his coffee. The person I bumped into was wearing a black Puma cap and a black mask.

Our eyes met, and it took about five seconds for me to realize I was staring. His eyes were almond-shaped with a slight monolid, a warm brown that caught the light just right. I became acutely aware of how my neck and ears turned red with embarrassment. His raised eyebrow made me blush even deeper.

"I'm sorry again," I said, fumbling as I pulled a packet of tissue paper from my pocket and handed it to him. He simply nodded before walking away, leaving me to process the brief but memorable encounter.

Feeling flustered, I glanced back at the book that had initially caught my attention. But my thoughts were now occupied with the mysterious stranger, his eyes lingering in my mind. Pushing those thoughts aside, I approached the counter and asked, "Hello, can I please have a look at this book?"

"Hello, sure," the smiling lady said as she handed me the book. "Are you a fan of Mr. Ryu too?" she asked.

"I adore him so much, his words helped me through my most difficult times," I whispered, almost reverently.

"He sure does have that effect," she whispered back. "It's rumoured that he is back in Seoul."

"Wow, I hope he enjoys his time here. Seoul is truly beautiful," I said, flipping through the pages of the book. Each page seemed to resonate with wisdom and comfort, a testament to Mr. Ryu's profound understanding of the human experience.

"You're such a sweet child," she said warmly, her eyes crinkling at the corners with a genuine smile.

"Thank you," I replied, feeling a sense of connection with the friendly stranger. Holding the book, I felt a renewed sense of calm and inspiration. The day had started with an unexpected encounter and now held the promise of more meaningful moments to come. With the book in hand, I returned to my seat, ready to immerse myself in the comforting words of Mr. Ryu and see what other surprises Seoul had in store for me.

"This book is one of my favourites. It saved my life 10 years ago," I said as I handed the book back to the lady. She smiled knowingly, understanding the profound impact of Mr. Ryu's words.

Since I didn't have any friends here yet, I asked her for suggestions on where to go since it was still early, around 7 am. She suggested taking a walk at a nearby park, mentioning that the air is fresh and the flowers are in bloom all over Seoul. Inspired by the idea, I thought it would be wonderful to take candid pictures to make memories. Everything seemed picture-perfect.

As I was about to pay the bill, I felt a gentle tug on the hem of my dress. Looking down, I saw a little girl gazing up at me with wide, innocent eyes. "Hi, little angel," I said, kneeling beside her. She handed me the tissue packet I had given to the stranger earlier. Surprised, I looked around but he was nowhere to be seen.

Inside the folded tissue was a small note. I unfolded it and read the neatly written words: 

"감사합니다, you look cute when you are embarrassed. - NK." 

I blinked several times, rereading the note, trying to process what just happened. What just happened? The mysterious encounter, the note, and the stranger's eyes all played over in my mind, leaving me intrigued and slightly flustered. I thanked the little girl and tucked the note into my pocket, feeling a mix of curiosity and excitement. With a smile, I paid the bill and stepped outside, the morning air crisp and invigorating. The promise of a beautiful day ahead and the unexpected mystery added a thrilling twist to my adventure in Seoul. As I headed towards the park.