My First Korean Love: A Product of My Imagination?

[adahshemea7]

One Korean Guy.

A young Filipino girl.

A missionary trip.

The year 2007.

It all started 10 years ago. I was just 13 at that time. We were asked to perform a tambourine dance number because some korean missionaries are coming to our church/school to share the Gospel.

There were a lot of them. Both korean men and women. After the Praise and Worship, we all sat down. This korean guy suddenly sat beside me. We talked here and there as we listen to the Word. It was nice talking to him, he's quite handsome. He got these mesmerizing eyes so I developed a little crush on him (thats the 13-year-old me). He even held my hand to help me stand up from where I was sitting. (Wew! What a gentleman). As we talk, I found out that he's already 21 years old and currently in college. Wow! I know right. We are 8 years apart. I was actually shocked because he looked so young! But well, thats korean guys for you. So back to the story. I got his email address and he got mine. (I cant really remember who asked first). Then, their visit soon came to an end.

I wanted to say goodbye to him so I waited for him as he went to prepare for his departure with his friends. He saw me. Went up to me. I wanted to shake hands with him but as I laid my hands, HE SUDDENLY HUGGED MEEEE!!!! *internally screaming*

I got alarmed because of it. Not because I didnt want to be hugged 'cause I really do. But because our school is very strict about boys and girls touching. So I was the one who pulled away first.

After a few weeks, he emailed me. IMAGINE HOW SHOCKED I WAS! We exchanged emails for quite a while and he even made a FRIENDSTER account just so he could contact me further. Of course I was very flattered. I felt special.

Then, THE DAY came when he emailed me saying that he wanted to visit the PH again when summer comes and want me to accompany him. So I said I will gladly do so.

I waited and waited for his next email but NADA. I emailed him again a few times but no reply came.

I asked myself, did I say something wrong? Did he misinterpret my last email?

I was left without answer.

I was hurt.

I was heartbroken.

Because of that, I deleted his emails.

And I moved on.

10 years have passed since then.

Remembering now, I wish I did not delete his emails. I wish I preserved his memory. I wish I could still access friendster. And most importantly, I wish I hugged him a little longer and did not pull away too fast.

After 10 years. These are my thoughts.

Why? Not because I still have feelings for him. But because I wanted proof. Proof that it really did happen. That it was not just my imagination running wild. Because I know in my heart that it did happen.

Realizing now why there are times I still remember him. It's because at that young age, he became my first love.

My First Korean Love.

To you, Lee Jun Geol (or June as I call him), 10 years have passed. I dont know if you still remember me. Maybe now you already have a job and a family of your own. And if that is so, I'm genuinely happy for you. I dont know if you're only toying with me back then, but it doesnt really matter now. Because I would still be grateful to know you and experience that "kilig moment" with you as a teenager.

From all these, I guess what I really wanted to say is "Thank you". Thank you for the wonderful memories. I will forever cherish them. Knowing that it was not just my imagination. That it really did happen. You became my friend, my companion, my first love. I do hope and pray that you are well wherever you are right now.

God bless you June. Continue to serve the Lord.

From your Filipino friend,

Adah