John F. Kennedy International Airport, Queens, New York. 11:45 am.
Suri got out of the cab as soon as it pulled over. The weather was cold that day, the sun was obscured by the drizzling rain but at length, the pavement was not wet enough for her flight to be threatened to delay. She must have brought the sun with her, wearing her mustard yellow crisp blazer over her simple white dress complemented by her big smile engraved since last week on her face. She had waited for this to happen, to visit Korea... and it was for free.
She never had the pleasure to visit Korea. First, she has so many things on her plate, her work as a Staff Writer for Times was really voracious, eating all her time. Her work must have a fast metabolism, from all the time it had eaten from her, her salary has maintained its weight, never gain a single pound, or dollar to be corrected. Good thing, all the hard work would now be paid off, Times has rewarded her a trip to Korea to interview the first Asian Oscar Best Actress Awardee, Helen or Yoon Gongju for her, one of her best friends.
She scurried inside the airport, her left hand navigating her rolling luggage while her right holding another bag beside her tote hanging on her shoulder. She could have wished for a third hand for her passport and plane ticket but her armpit was a blessing. As she stepped closer to the counter, she bumped into a tall guy and their passports dropped off the floor. His face was almost clothed by his polo neck jacket. She could not tell whether the guy did not see her or his shades was too big and too dark for him. He looks familiar, I must have seen him somewhere. They leaned over to get their passports, she could not take her eyes off the man's face. Upon noticing her, the man looked at her askance. Embarrassed, she just diverted her eyes on the passport nearest to her and absentmindedly picked it up. She stood and head off to the counter without giving the man a glance.
She never had the pleasure to visit Korea. First, she has so many things on her plate, her work as a Staff Writer for Times was really voracious, eating all her time. Her work must have a fast metabolism, from all the time it had eaten from her, her salary has maintained its weight, never gain a single pound, or dollar to be corrected. Good thing, all the hard work would now be paid off, Times has rewarded her a trip to Korea to interview the first Asian Oscar Best Actress Awardee, Helen or Yoon Gongju for her, one of her best friends.
She scurried inside the airport, her left hand navigating her rolling luggage while her right holding another bag beside her tote hanging on her shoulder. She could have wished for a third hand for her passport and plane ticket but her armpit was a blessing. As she stepped closer to the counter, she bumped into a tall guy and their passports dropped off the floor. His face was almost clothed by his polo neck jacket. She could not tell whether the guy did not see her or his shades was too big and too dark for him. He looks familiar, I must have seen him somewhere. They leaned over to get their passports, she could not take her eyes off the man's face. Upon noticing her, the man looked at her askance. Embarrassed, she just diverted her eyes on the passport nearest to her and absentmindedly picked it up. She stood and head off to the counter without giving the man a glance.
The lady at the counter was in her mid-30s. She must have been tired standing all day but she always managed to give everyone who passed by her a smile. When Suri showed her passport, the lady raised an eyebrow that made Suri uncomfortable.
"Miss, you aren't Jeremy Lin, are you?" the lady said in sarcastic voice. Suddenly, she felt a cold tinge down to her spine. The man she just bumped into. That guy was Jeremy Lin. Stupid! she told herself. She should have checked the passport before leaving the man. On the other hand, she felt happy. She bumped into Jeremy Lin! The man she only sees in her fantasy. She has to find Jeremy Lin to ask for an autograph. No, to get her passport.
Meanwhile...
Oakwood Premier Coex Center, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. 12:45pm
Helen, Angelina Jolie of Asia. Who is Brad Pitt? Helen is dating a politician. Newspaper, magazines were scattered on Gongju's bed. She just finished taping for her upcoming series with Jang Geun Suk.
"You are all over the news." Manager Kim told her, mustering all the papers on her bed. Helen gave her a smug. She wanted to laugh, but 12 hours of taping had drained all her energy. "Ya, you should rest. See you tomorrow." Manager Kim left the room.
Helen is not that close to Manager Kim. She is very strict to her unlike her former manager, who is more lenient towards her. Manager Kim always talks about her image. How she should act in front of people. Working with her is like smoking. With every puff, you inhale all the carcinogens in the world. Its suffocating.
She could not complain. Manager Kim's strict character has brought her to the life she is now enjoying. She is Korea's highest paid actress and the first Asian to win Best Actress in Oscars. Quite an achievement, eh? she told herself.
Before going to bed, she took a quick glance at the sky. It was dark as a raven. A raven, it would have been so fun to be a raven. She could fly to different places and no one would notice her. She missed being free. Her mind was adrift when she heard knocks on her door. When she opened it, it was Manager Kim, bad news was written all over her face.
"Gongju! Geun suk ssi met an accident. The production decided to remove him from the cast. He will be replaced by another actor... Gongju, please don't get mad at me. I know I have promised to avoid this from happening." Manager Kim said, sweat is dripping from her head. Flabbergasted. Gongju just stared at Manager Kim. She was confused if its because of her concern to Geun Suk or to the things she was anticipating to hear and would not like to hear.
"You will be working with Choi Siwon." She did not even want to hear this name.
Oh no! Of all the people. Why it has to be Choi Siwon?
Seoul Olympic Park Gymnastics Stadium, Seoul. 12:00 nn
Ara was really hungry and frustrated. They had been rehearsing for straight six hours and this new girl group she was working with was pain in the ass. All beauty. She scoffed. They should thank the food for saving them from her wrath. She could not tolerate mediocrity. If it was not for the contract she had signed with Gongju's management. Bibimbap and kimchi made her forget all the mediocrity and frustration she had. But not the hunger. She was really famished.
She had taken only three spoonfuls of Bibimbap when she heard the news that made her full enough to forget she had not taken her breakfast. Kim Heechul finished his military duty.
Omo! The man who promised her marriage after two years serving the military has come back. What to do? What to do?! Tears started dripping from her eyes. She is very happy. Extremely happy. He doesn't have any idea how happy she is. She has been waiting for this day to come. Oppa, I really miss you.
But wait... the broadcaster continued, "This is very moving, Heechul and his non-showbiz girlfriend reunites." The scene from the TV has come alive in front of Ara's eyes. Heechul hugs the girl, kissing her hair. From his lips, she read, "I missed you so much." Oppa, who is that girl?" Ara asked Heechul with his mind, hoping a mental telepathy between them would be activated. Heechul must have heard her, he withdrew from the hug and examined the girl at arms length, holding the girl's shoulder. The camera was given a great opportunity to close up the girl's face.
"No!!!" Ara shouted. The girl... its Kini. Her best friend.
