Seoul to Soul

Seoul to Soul

By Jiani Yu

Copyright

March 2014, Jiani Yu

ISBN:978-1-304-94708-6

Cover Concept by: Jiani Yu

Photos by: FotoSearch

This is a work of fiction.  All characters and events portrayed in this novel are fictitious or used fictitiously.  All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form.

Dedication

This e-book is dedicated to Telecia who has been a supporter and believing in me. More than words could ever say, thank you so much.

Chapter 1

There were only 12 homes neatly tucked behind a high brick wall and the only way in was through security controlled main entrance.  His neighbors consisted of professional couples, some with families and oddly enough one other single person besides himself.

Jihun had just moved in two days ago and was pleased with his purchase.   Most people would call him crazy to buy a house that he hadn’t physically seen.  But the realtor sent him a video, and it was love at first sight. Jihun had just come home from a business trip and was pleased that he would finally get the chance to enjoy his new home. 

He went upstairs, looked through some boxes and found a pair of jeans and found a black sleeveless tee shirt.  In the kitchen, he only found a few bottles of water and several bottles of Soju in the fridge. Making a mental note to himself that he needed to go grocery shopping for tomorrow and order something for dinner tonight. Settling for one of the bottled waters, he walked to the patio and slid the doors open to air out the house. 

Jihun stepped outside and could hear music playing from the house next door.  Although the songs were in English, he enjoyed what he heard. Jihun walked over to the high, thick hedges that separated the two yards and peeked through the dense bush.  He could just barely see the women who were watering her plants.  From what he could see, she was wearing pale pink shorts that showed off her long shapely brown legs and a white sleeveless tee shirt. 

He stood there watching for some time until his conscious got the best of him, ‘This is so wrong.’  He thought, ‘I’m standing around watching someone’s wife.  If I was her husband and found some guy staring at my wife, I’d beat the shit out of him.’ Jihun turned away from the bushes, went back into the house and wondered what he could do to entertain himself. ‘Why don’t you just go over, introduce yourself and ask what songs is being played?  You have nothing to lose.’ 

He slipped on some shoes, closed his door and made his way next door.  Jihun walked up the walkway that lead up to an exquisitely carved wood front door.   He rang the doorbell and waited for someone to answer. The lawn was neatly manicured, with flowers that he had only seen in America. After ringing the bell several more times he realized that maybe they didn’t hear him, so he decided to walk around to the back of the house. 

There, he found her; she had her back to him and was unaware that she was being watched.  He stood there watching her from behind and liked what he saw; a wicked smile came to his lips.  He just had to find out what she looked like if the back was any indication of what the front looked like; she had to be fine.

Hello. He said in his best English not sure if she spoke Korean.

When she didn’t respond, once again he called out to her and got no response.  This time he walked up behind her, taking in every dangerous curve of her body.  He lightly tapped her on the shoulder.  His tap frightened her causing her to spray him with the water hose when she turn to face him. 

Oh, my goodness! She shouted, You frighten me! 

Jihun jumped back trying to avoid getting soaked from the hose. 

I’m sorry.  I didn’t hear you walk up. She said turning off the water hose.

She went into the house and turned down the music, Come in. Let me get you a towel.

Jihun followed the woman inside and watched her disappear from the room.  When she returned, she handed a towel to Jihun.   

I’m so sorry. She said in Korean. She was mesmerized, by the way, his wet shirt clung to his chest. She bit her bottom lip; she could see every ripple in his muscular chest. 

Composing herself, she extended her hand and spoke again to him in Korean, My name is Talia Mitchell.  You can call me Tee.

Jihun shook her hand and introduced himself as Jihun Seung. I’m sorry that I frighten you. I bought the house next door. I came over to ask you about your music.

Was I playing it too loud?  I wasn’t aware that anyone was staying next door yet.  I’ll keep it turned down.  She walked over and turned the music down even more.

Oh no, no the music is not too loud.  I came over because I wanted to know the name of the songs and who sung them.

Talia walked over to the computer and bend over to check the playlist.  Jihun watched her walk across the room; she moved with the grace of a ballerina; she was beautiful.

‘The lucky dog, whoever her husband is.’

You speak Korean fluently. Did you study here or in America? He asked still staring at her firm round behind.

I’ve had four years of college, and I’ve lived here for six years. Talia replied turning to face him, she asked, Was it this song?

Ah yes, that is it. He smiled.

The song is called, ‘Just to be close to you’ by Commodores

I like the music but my English is no so good. I’m afraid that don’t get to use it except when I go to America. He handed Talia back the towel.

I will can print the lyrics for you if you like.  Talia put some paper in the paper tray turned on the printer.

I’d like that very much, if it’s not too much trouble.

It’s no trouble. She replied. She located the lyrics and hit the print button.

Over on the fireplace mantel, some photos were displayed. He walked over and took a closer look at the photo with Talia in a wedding dress standing next to her Asian husband.  Seeing her in the photo, Jihun was disappointed. 

Jihun walked back over to her, I see that you are married.

As she handed the lyrics to Jihun, My husband died four years ago.

Oh, I’m sorry for your lose.  And you decided to stay here after he died? He took the paper, folded it and placed it into his pocket, thank you for the lyrics. 

Talia was silent, she seemed to be lost in her memories.

I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to be nosey.

No, I don’t mind.  I haven’t gone back to America because I have no family.

Your husband’s family is fortunate to have you.

They are also deceased.  My in-laws and my family were neighbors when they lived in America.  They moved back to Korean, but still kept in contact with us.  After my father passed away, they invited me to come to Seoul for a visit.  Needless to say, they talked me into staying and marry their son, Shen.  Talia fixed the wedding picture on the mantel.

They must have truly loved you.  He said watching her as she touched the pictures ever so gently.

They often told me so.

‘She looked so sad just now.  She had to be a strong person, no family, everyone gone and to live in a foreign country.’ He was intrigued by her.  There was something about her that he liked, it was more than being physical attracted. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but he knew that he wanted to know more about her. 

Just then the buzzer to the oven went off in the kitchen that made them both look in that direction.

Oh, my meal is ready.  Have you eaten dinner? Talia asked as she walked towards the kitchen

Jihun could smell the mouthwatering aroma coming from the kitchen; it made his stomach growl.  Talia looked back at him and smiled.

I’ll take that as a no.  Would you like to stay? You’re more than welcome to. 

Jihun rubbed the back of his head, embarrassed by gastric noise from his stomach.

Sensing his embarrassment, she smiled, Oh stay. We both were going to eat alone.  So we may as well eat together.

He agreed because she made a valid point.  Besides whatever she was cooking smelled way better that a pot of noodles.

Talia excused herself and went into the kitchen to finish cooking the rest of the meal. She never entertained at home; he would be the first. She still didn’t feel comfortable around a lot of people; she always felt that she had to be on guard. But for some strange reason, she felt at ease.

Make yourself at home. She called from the kitchen, Do you like fish?

By now Jihun was standing in the kitchen doorway, Yes, I love fish.  Is there anything I can help you with?

You can look in the fridge and take out a large bottle of Soju.  The glasses are in the cabinet next to sink.

Jihun got the bottle of Soju and glasses and went into the living room.  Leaving Talia to her task. When she was finished, she found Jihun looking at her books that were piled on her desk. 

He looked over at