I went to check for my car the next day. This is for the best, since I really can't imagine wasting my time with the long commute to and from SNU to the loft. I met with Soo-ah at the dealer at 13:00, we drove both the Model S and Model 3 of Tesla and I opted to get the Red Model S. Finally, my public transport nightmare is done. He video called me in the evening when I was at my study planning for my week lectures.
Having a car made a big difference with my day, instead of waking up at 6 everyday, to run, have breakfast, change and catch the train. Then to spend half an hour fixing myself before arriving to my classes. I wake up an hour later and still manage to be at the office earlier without even spending too much time fixing myself. I caught up with Prof Kim by Wednesday and he relay Myeong's invitation for weekend dinner.
"I don't have plan weekend; my flight would be Sunday evening so I would love to come…" I replied.
"Oh, I almost forgot, has it been a month already?" Time flies, I have not even notice it myself, it's been a month already.
"Before we know it, I will be defending my thesis and leaving Seoul again…" the thought of that day no longer excites me. It made me think about him, what will happen then?
"I have not seen anyone who looks dejected while saying they are excited of something…" the professor brought me back to my senses. I smiled, but I also know that it was a bittersweet smile. He shook his head, sometimes, even when he's not saying anything, he knows. It made me wonder how much he can read into my expressions.
I was checking my email when I saw the email from Namdo. It was a proposal of my schedule with their company. I will be meeting them 9am Friday. I am really beginning to get the hang of SNU. Although, I am at the international department, most of my students are Koreans. Among the 10 regular students in my undergrad that are under me, there is only 3 internationals, from China, Australia and Canada. With the 7 master's student, only 2 are Koreans. The really difficult students to deal with are those who are only taking my subjects as general courses for their majors.
I knew my life in this city will be spent mostly within the confines of the university. If I get lucky, I might find Filipino community and make friends within the expat's community as well. I am not complaining but I also know for sure that I needed a cultural experience and I am open to the possibility that I might find a circle within Namdo while I'm doing my work there.
I woke up 6 am Friday, I geared myself for running, Laura and Carlos are already by the lobby when I got down. I am getting the hang of my routine now, running for one and a half hour by the park, eat breakfast and prepare to go to the university. But today, I'm preparing to go to Namdo, my first day of my 'work'. I still haven't heard from him ever since I ditch him that night for dinner. I didn't reply his message either. I know the big possibility of running into him so I'm preparing myself of how I will talk to him then.
I put on my pleated black A-line skirt with big buckle belt and tucked in a white chiffon ruffled sleeve blouse. I finished putting a simple make-up, light foundation, eyeliner, a hint of eyeshadow and mascara, and lipstick. I put some documents, face moisturizer, make-up bag and my tablet in my new brown Mirta tote bag. I reached for the black Loubotin booties and black Zara cape, it's already spring so no need for much layer of warm clothes. Since it only takes less than 10 minutes from the loft to Yongsan, and it is Friday, I decided to just take the cab. A possible company dinner would also be in the schedule so taking the car is really impractical.
I arrived 5 minutes before 9 at the waiting area of the CEO's office. The secretary recognized me from my last meeting. I removed my coat. And she motioned me to put it on the rack.
"I am here for the 9'oclock meeting", I confirmed. She dialed the phone to announce my arrival. Then she stood up and escorted me by the door. After knocking 2 times she opened the door and ushered me in.
Only to be surprised of the people waiting for me inside.
"Come in…" Nan-do is the one who stood up to welcome me.