CHAPTER 2

A flyer flew straight my face while going to the streets to get a different scene. I was tired of couped up in the hotel room. The flyer was of depressed people. I wanted to join it but it was in Gangnam- gu. I needed to attend it since I was a author, didn’t mean everything was well with me. Travelling was a way to make me have peace . Nature was one that sooth my depression. I needed someone to talk to . It had been two nights in Korea and I only ate indoors and swam alone. I felt so lonely,I didn’t know how to make friends. It sounded weird but their not even drawn attention to me . The worst part was that I was the one alone.

” Taxi,” I shouted , gesturing with my hand to the cars in street.

A grey ford car stopped in front of me . I opened the door and jumped in. I realized it had no sign of taxi on top and the man wore a hoody. It drove off slowly. My stomach clenched tightly. What if he kidnapped me?

” Is this a taxi?” I asked nervously.

I turned to the window and the night was still young. The whole building had lights that made me feel great. The stars were blinking and shining bright in the sky.The clock showed it was 8 pm. The sunrise was at 7 pm in Korea while Africa it always between 5 and 6pm

” Where are you going?” the voice sounded calm and familiar.

” Gang…..Gang… Gangnam-….. gu,” I spoke worried of my safety. I wondered if I pronounced right though I wanted to laugh,it was humorous hearing the sound of my voice in Korean language.

” I’m heading there… Where are you going?” he asked gently.

I peered behind the seat but he didn’t flinch look back. I wanted to see his face. His voice send electricity in my body.

” At a counseling centre… They have a group chat today,” I showed him the flyer hoping to see his face but he kept his eyes on road.

” Me too,” he chuckled.

” What? ” I puzzled .

How could this be? I didn’t even know him. The fear escaped me and I felt relaxed .On the other hand I was preparing myself for any battle.If he would touch me I will kick between his legs or bite him hard. I hold my pepper spray in my left hand while clenching my hand to fist on the right. The car stopped a blocks away from big building.

” We have arrived ,” he removed his hoody.

He had no undercut but his hair shone and combed neatly. I alighted from the car and handed him 20 dollars in Korean currency. He giggled and looked at me properly without hiding. He looked familiar with guy I met at the hotel entrance. It was my crush. Could I be mistaken? No,I always watched his miniseries all over and again.

” Let’s go… I know you are new here,” he spoke gently and I followed him.

While walking down the corridors I put back my pepper spray in my bag. My afro hair was messed up and I tried to fix it while he opened the door.

” It’s okay,” he winked at me.

My mind couldn’t stop guessing how it could be to be in same car with my favorite actor, Lee Joon.

” Mr Lee Joon…. You are here…. and you brought a visitor,” a tall lady with pony tail spoke and bowed before us.

She was the counselor ,I suspected. Yes ,it was Lee Joon and my heart was flattered . I stared at him with a gleaming smile. I know him very well ,he was the main actor in ‘ My Father Is Strange’ and a short movie called ‘ What the Ghost Up’. At first I watched the movie but he didn’t seem to give me chills. When I saw how handsome he was in the miniseries ,I was obsessed . That was my reason of travelling to Korea.

I also wanted to see the history places,I saw on the miniseries ‘ Jewel of Korean Palace ‘ . I had never liked people with cat eyes with white skin . Only the black one . My celebrity crush was Davido. I recalled how many times I would watch the series all over. Lee Joon’s face made me drool.

‘ He is in my face ,’I smiled and felt a hand lead me.

I came to my senses and saw Lee Joon leading me. His soft hands send chills in my blood.I couldn’t believe it was a celebrity holding my hand,I couldn’t remove my eyes on him. I wanted to scream and jump but it was embarrassing.There were people sitting round making a circle in a centre . The counsellor sat down in the middle and gestured for us to sit.

” Mister Lee..Introduced us to your friend,” she cleared her throat and smiled ,nodding in puzzlement.

He let my hand go and muttered inaudibly but I heard him say,”I don’t know her”.Lee Joon sat on a chair near the counsellor. My legs wobbled and I stood still. There was a echo of hooting ,there must be a subway train nearby.

” I’m Chichi … I am from Zimbabwe but I love your country,” I was scared at first and gained my confidence when I remembered this people were like me.

” I want to join this group to help with my depression”

” Nice to meet you,” they bowed their head and uttered simultaneously.

” Please sit down,” she gestured at a empty chair for me to sit.

I couldn’t remove my eyes on Lee Joon,my crush. He looked down shly until he met my eyes and he lifted his eyebrows in questioning. I was busy ogling his broad chest but I couldn’t see it.

” So , this group chat………. we all went through different challenges but we are here to know we aren’t alone…. Can you find a partner and conspire what can one do to flee depression?” the counsellor ordered.

The people were young as me in the thirties except one fellow who had white hair and frail skin. I wondered if depression only affected him in his old age. Others had made partners except for me and Lee Joon. I rubbed my hands against each other anxiously.

” What happens here stay here? Chichi … Lee Joon is your partner!” She instructed while gesturing with her hand. .

Smile was all over my face but I was gobsmacked. The shock was a making me excited.I had great expectations and already gained one; joy!