Soo-ah prepared for my housing very well. The penthouse apartment is located in the middle of Seoul, not very strategic place to and from SNU but very attractive city area which is close to everything else. The Loft, as I now call it, might not be as big as my flat in Copenhagen, but this is only for me and for 6 months max. Sometimes, these are the perks of having money, it's like playing house or dress up every time. I could have never imagined a better place to stay for the next 6 months then this house right here and I'm excited of what awaits me in this familiarly strange city.
The loft is a two-level penthouse apartment. The second level consists of a master's bedroom, my walk-in closet and a full bathroom. I am the one who choose all the furniture and I'm glad it came out the way I pictured it, minimal, so Scandinavian. After you came out of the private penthouse elevator, there's a big waiting area with sitting place and a door that leads to the private terrace. The main floor of the penthouse opens with the main door when you enter the foyer, there is about 3-meter hallway with built in cabinets to put guests' coats and shoes. When you finally reach the main room, you will be greeted with huge windows that brightens the living room area, giving an open feel. The floor area of the whole flat is about 180 sq. meters. There's a big den like area in the living room for sitting and relaxing, and the far right by the window is an open room, I made as a fitness area.
The stairs going to the loft room is on the left of the room, under the stairs is a guest bathroom, and underneath the loft is my kitchen island and dining area, the dining table is by the French door leading to a big terrace/garden where you could hang out and have barbecue. The other room by the right of the living room is supposed to be another bedroom but I turned it into a study room, there is a seating area with a sofa bed that could easily turn into sleeping room for guests.
Soo-ah seems to have everything ready and I could not be happier. I still have a day off before going to the University on Monday, so I'm planning to just rest for the rest of the day and just do whatever I feel tomorrow. This is not a bad place to idle off. I woke up with a call from my phone, and I didn't realize it was already 8 in the evening. It's Soo-ah.
"Welcome to Seoul Miss Ara," for the last 3 years that I've known her and lived with her for 2 years in Copenhagen, we became closer. I already considered her my sister, but she still cannot drop the formality of calling me Miss Ara, although she became more open and informal with the way she talks to me since then. I haven't seen her for almost 5 months since she graduated and decided to come back to Seoul. We always talk on the phone when Marcus wanted to chat with her, she became close to my son as they are always together when she's in Copenhagen.
"You woke me up dear, what's up? Anyway, thank you for making this flat ready for me, I could not be happier, you really know my style," I'm not irritated, I'm happy to hear from her. It feels like we are back in Copenhagen, so close with each other again.
¨You're welcome. I'm sorry if I was not able to pick you up today. I'm on my way. I just arrive in Seoul from my parents'. My mom wants me to bring some side dishes, she knew you're in Seoul. I believe you haven't eaten yet. Should I bring some take away?" this girl knew me so well.
"Since, you filled up my cupboard with a lot of noodles and instant food, I was thinking of just having some. Thank God, you're always to the rescue..."
"Be there in 5 minutes..." for 2 years that she's in Copenhagen, this girl has adapted well with the lifestyle and attitude. From the way she talked down to her time management, I could not be prouder.
She brought quite a spread of his mother's dishes. I have met her family first when I talked with them about sponsoring her to Denmark and I visited their little kimchi and chicken place once in Incheon.
"I thought these are all for me. Did I say you can join me?" me and her already knew each other that much to tease whenever possible.
"I haven't eaten yet; I just came from campus before picking up this package from my Mom's, you should start learning to make normal steamed rice while you're here Miss," she noticed the rice I made. Of course, I have a rice cooker and Jasmine rice in the cupboard, but I can't seem to bring myself to making sticky steamed rice. I have been used to cooking Basmati long grain rice ever since I was married. I cooked them with oil and salt as well, Soo-ah always have to make separate rice for herself when she lived with me. We were at the middle of dinner when Prof. Kim called.
"Good evening, Prof Kim," I smiled to greet him on the phone.
"Ara, welcome back to Seoul. I have forwarded the syllabus for this semester on your email. It's very flexible so you can focus on your research plus you're going to have a TA," he is always looking out for me. He is my supervisor for my dissertation, and I am more comfortable than ever. I need only 5 months max until I will finally be called a Doctor Ph and it excites me.
"Do you really need to welcome me with work right now, sir?" how I love teasing this man, who once was my ideal man, still is but it would be awkward to still be dreamy towards him. Long before I fell in love with his family and became friends with his wife. And long before I felt a really strong feeling towards someone else. My heart fluttered and felt a tingle of anxiety. And Soo-ah caught it.
"It's my welcome present, you should at least be ready for Monday, right?" he teased before hanging up.