Chapter 1.

It was winter. The snow covered almost everything in the city.
Korea had changed a lot since those early years. The buildings were bigger and there were more people than before. The Hangang, though, still retained his majesticness like the pictures that dad used to send me.

It was 1 pm. I had arrived in Korea just 40 minutes ago. Even the airport had changed; it was now bigger and more modern. It seemed to me that the time that had passed was so short since the last time I was at that place, but it had already been 12 years since that day. I was carrying my suitcase and dad from the distance was giving me a farewell wave with his hand while a flight attendant helped me board the airplane.

When mom died, my dad and I were forced to live with my grandparents from dad's side. My dad's working schedule was too busy and it took up most of his time, resulting in him being unable to dedicate time to me. Living with my grandparents made his life a bit lighter. My grandfather used to spoil me. He became my refuge after mom's death. Every day he played with me, and also included me in his activities... things that bothered my granny. She never could hide her dislike towards me. She never liked my mother, and had never agreed to the marriage. For that reason, she never loved me, for being a youth's ''error'' and the offspring of ''that woman'' whom she hated so much.

Three years after mom's death, my granny became unbearable. She didn't stop making me feel uncomfortable, telling me bad things about mom and treating me as nothing. She seemed to like making me cry. All these things ended when my dad sent me to live out of the country, and away of them.

But now I'm back. Only dad knew about my return., so this will be a surprise for my grandparents. Especially for my granny.

-Annyeonghaseyo? - I said answering my phone.
-Yeodongsaeng!
-Seung Ji?

That voice was unique.
Seung Ji was my best friend. I could even say that she was my only friend. Despite our separation six years ago, we kept in touch via letters, until the arrival of the internet, the computers, messenger, and our life simplified. There wasn't a day we didn't communicate with each other. Thank to her I didn't feel so lonely in that country.

- Hye Sun! Are you here? How was your trip?
-Yes, yes, I just got here- I answered smiling- A bit tough, you know. Plane seats never quit being tiny and uncomfortable to sleep in.
-Sure sure! – She said laughing – Where are you?
-I'm on my way downtown; I want to buy some stuff before going home.
-Meet me! I have to do some things at the bank, is 2.30 at the park ok to you?
-Alright, I'll ask them to bring my suitcases home in the meanwhile. But, don't be late, huh?
-I'll call you if anything happens, Annyeong yeodongsaeng!
-Annyeong gaseyo!

In 20 minutes I was already walking down the street paths of Seoul. I don't remember so many people going around here. Well, I never really went out so much to downtown; Dad didn't have enough spare time to go out with me, and usually we went to specific places.

I must admit that even I didn't know where I was. I really feel like a tourist. I walked by many stores, until I got to the one I was looking for. A place where my dad's favorite cakes were sold, which were the truffle ones. When I went out, I looked my watch: it was already 2.25 pm. I was late. It was many blocks to the park and even if I took a shortcut I would take about 15 minutes to get there. The only solution was to run.

-Mianhe! - I answered with an apology immediately and making a small bow
-No, don't worry - a young man said

I was so hasty that I collided with someone. I just only realized it was a guy, and he laughed at my troubled face. As I apologized to him, I turned around and continued my way.

2:35.

-Damn it!

I tried to be faster. The only thing that I could hear, besides the noisy crowd, was my ragged breathing. I don't know how I didn't fall. Snow made the ground slippery, which made running a valiant action.

2:45.
I looked everywhere for Seung Ji. I walked around the park. Nothing. There were no signs of her.

2:55.
Something must have happened to her. I told her to be on time, and even I was late. At the moment, the easiest thing was to call her. My hand went into my pocket, seeking my phone, but it wasn't there. The other pocket. Nothing, also. My purse. Nothing.

-Are you looking for this?

I turned around to see was speaking to me. A guy way taller than me, was standing behind me, my cell phone in his hand. If I wasn't wrong he was the same guy that collided with me.

-You're quite fast- he said, handing me my cell phone- I had to follow you through all of those blocks to give it back to you.
-Thanks.

His voice was sweet and deep. I never really registered his appearance when we collided. I looked at him, a bit surprised. He was very handsome and had eyes that told me of his unique inner warmth. His hair, curly and chocolate colored, had some snowflakes on it.

-Are you waiting for someone? - He told me, seating on a bench in the park, always looking at me.
-A friend. But it seems she's late.
-Oh... I think you had a message from her. Your cell phone ringed while I was chasing you.

I looked at my cell phone. He was right. Seung Ji had sent me one.

"Nee yeodongsaeng, I'm sorry. I have some problems and I can't meet you now. Can I visit you later at your home? Don't be mad with me, nee? I love you!"
Seung Ji.

What was I going to do now?
I sighed and I could see my breath in the cold air. I was really cold and my body trembled. I wasn't too well-wrapped up because I wasn't to know that Seung Ji would call me to meet up in a park. And even less that she doesn't come.

-So, she it's not coming – he said looking my frustrated face- Are you cold?
-Yes- I answered a little shyly.
-Wait for me.

Then, he stood up and without taking my eyes off him I i saw him walked away in the opposite direction. After a while he appeared holding two coffees.

-Take this –He said, giving me one- this will warm you
-Thanks- and I sat next to him.
-You... aren´t korean, right?
-Eh?
-Your your accent, it's weird – and when he saw my face he blushed and started to apologize- I mean, it's not weird in the weird way, it's just…arrgg… I'm trying to say…that is…. Cute.

I could feel myself blushing. I drank a little bit of coffee and I watched him smiling.

-No, I'm not. I'm English – and I sipped the coffee again- And, I didn't knew that she would want to meet me here, that's the reason why I'm not too wrapped up. And even lesser that I'd be drinking coffee with a man in the park.
-I see- he laughed- Did you arrived a little while ago?
-Aha- I confirmed the news- Exactly 3 hours ago.
-Then, welcome to Seoul! –he said standing up and making a bow

I couldn't do anything other than to smile at him and laugh a little as I looked at him. After that, we looked at the snowflakes that were falling on us.

-So you are English.
-By birth. My father is Korean. Mom…- when I mentioned her, I was looking at the sky- she was English.
-She was?- it asked curious.
-She died - and I smiled.
-I'm…. I'm sorry…
-No no, don't worry, it happened years ago – I sighed- It's late . It's better that go home now before it starts snowing more.

We both stood up.

-It was nice to share this coffee with you- he said, extending his hand.
-I agree- and I took his hand, blushing as he gave me a sweet kiss on the back of my hand.
-Can I at least know the name of the girl whom I pursued for more than 5 blocks?
-Park Hye Sun- and I laughed.
-Kyuhyun. Cho Kyuhyun.
-Maybe someday we'll meet again- I added, giving a farewell wave with my hand.
-Don't doubt that- he said moving off- even if I had to run again through many blocks to reach you, believe me, we will meet again.

And then he turned and gave me the most beautiful smile I've ever seen in my life.