You were sitting on your bed tapping your phone aimlessly and counting down the minutes to your upcoming dinner date. You met a enigmatic man online. You felt nervous because its your first online date.
You were lonely because you were studying abroad and living alone. You made new friends from time to time but you were in hopes of flourishing a romance. Otherwise, just a summer fling.
Your platinum colored long hair was damp and you were (link: "topless.") [It's very humid and tropical in this east Asian country.]
You brushed you hair thinking how your dinner date is less than an hour away. Currently you felt no rush and it could be because you drinked liquor just now. You had to act and spotted your necessary stockings on the floor. You got off your bed and squatted. You did not balance yourself correctly so you fell on the floor and hit your head at an angle by the wooden bedpost. "Great, I never get myself together", you said patting the back of your head.
You then grabbed your shot of tequila but you didn't grasped it and it spilled on the hard wood floor. You forced out a laughter and shouted "the floor wanted to get drunk with me too!" You slapped the floor a couple of times.
Do you decide to clean up the [[spill->Cleaning up ]] or skip cleaning and get to your date [[on time->On Time]]?
Or will you not attend the [[date->Not Attend]]?You decided not to clean up the spill. Well, it's tolerable since it's a small spill anyway but you were being clumsy and were evading any of your own stupid mistakes any further.
You did another self pep talk while looking at yourself in the body mirror. You left your house completely ready. As soon as you head out to the subway, Nataliya called you.
You picked up the call immediately because you aren't late at all but let out a dragged exhale. It helped you cleared your mind.
You both had a talk about this date in the subway. You were not nervous but insecure about your confidence. However, with her perspectives and positive advice. You on the outside were non-chalant but on the inside it's a turmoil because you aren't the most deliberate person. You accepted yourself now...for the most part.
The restaurant you are going is to one of my favorite American cuisine restaurants in Seoul.
It is called BLT Joint around the photogenic view of the city. It's a modern brick house and had steel silver letters as the name of their restaurant. You see so many people having reserved tables nearly everywhere but your date already reserved for the two of us. It seems very lively in there. There is dim red lights outside and there is a patio of people there. It would be hard to spot your date. You enter throught the front door and ask to get [[seated.....->Meeting 3]]You quickly lied down on your bed whilst opening your eyes. "Agh, so I decided to look pretty and did my hair and put makeup to end up not going ", you talked out loud to (link:"yourself.") [These inner insecurities took toll on your mind to an apex. ]
You were dissapointed in yourself especially in how quickly and easily you gave up. You seriously thought you wasted time for the universe today for not just yourself but for your date. Despite you being an introvert, you've done braver and scarier things than this. "Who cares?", you found this random guy from your phone dating app. As a matter of fact, he could be a catfish. However, this doesn't change a fact that you're a sore loser and this is gameover.You clicked "accept" on the phone call screen. Her name was Nataliya and you knew her since you both were freshmans in high school. Nataliya was super stoked knewing how she was excited about what you told her earlier.
She knew this is your first online date but she understood your almost non-existent real time love life. Yes, you lacked in the social department. Ever since she first met you she was flabbergasted at how you never dated anyone during high school. Nataliya often called yourself a model. She already understood since she was open-minded. You love her for that.
(link:"Hey Yaaaaana!") [Hey Nat, I am going nuts and dropping things.]
(link:"Don't tell me you've been drinking, were you?") [You can't smell me or my breath, aha! Well, I just finished round 1 of drinking. Oops...]
(link:"OMG, I bet, what time is your date? Are you nervous?") [Actually in less than half an hour, Nataliya.]
(link: "Girl, you better be on time. We can talk lat-")[Natalia how should I introduce myself?]
(link: "Look, knowing you, you are an amazing talented woman. Just be yourself and do you. And speak whatever is on your mind... I know you're civil at least, don't worry") [Great.. okay byee!!!! Just kidding, I'll stop acting up, Nat. TTYL. (This concludes the call). ]
Now, it's 7:24 pm. You are frantically wearing your heels and ran out of the front [[door.->Arriving there Late ]]
You went to the bathroom and got your push-up bra. The bra strap was hanging on the cabinet as if it was a bathroom decoration.
These days you had no energy to clean up because of all these homework assignments.
Furthermore, you got yourself a roll of spandex to do some extra bosom enhancements.
You wanted to have a presentable countenance in stark contrast to the disorderly room you have now. You knew you would not make it on time if you cleaned. You rush to the nearby metro since it's the fastest way to arrive [[there->Barely Made It]].
You ran outside to take a 10 minute metro to the downtown area. It sucks that it is humid outside. Your skin's sweat was sticking to your dress but luckily took great precaution with your hygiene following after the hot bath taken today. You are in the subway metro sitting down and mindlessly scrolling through your newsfeed and plans of what you should order. Man, were you feeling famished. You opened your texts and your date replied that he has been waiting for about 15 minutes. You had to reassure you are arriving there in a few minutes and felt slightly guilty. The restaurant you are going is one of your favorite American cuisine restaurants in Seoul.
It is called BLT Joint around the photogenic view of the city. It's a modern brick house and had steel silver letters as the name of their restaurant on the facade of the building. You see so many people having reserved tables nearly everywhere but your date already reserved the seats. It seems very lively in there and outside. There is dim red lights outside and there is a patio of people there. It would be hard to spot your date. You enter throught the front door and ask to get [[seated.....->Meeting]]You asked the hostess for Jay. That is the name of your date; The hostess led you to the booths with dim lights. It looked more exclusive.
One one booth there was a man who was alone as you eyed from afar. You thought that it could be your date since he looked charismatic.. Your heart beats rapidly and you hands start to sweat because you never had an online app dating experience. His head was down and all his thick layered hair to his ears were resting in front of his face by gravity. You saw his hand rubbing the back of his neck. So far it looks like your date's hair. You walked up to him as the hostess pointed out the table. Apparently, you glanced over as he was looking down. He was using his smartphone. He felt like he was being stared at by your precense and looked up.
His face brightened up. He looked exactly like his profile picture and in fact better looking in person.
You apologized after greeting for being non-punctual and he said it was okay because you didn't ignore his texts.
He seemed chill so far.
He is actually half Korean and half Australian. His hair, charm and beauty made him similar to a Kpop star.
He was then holding a glass of Mimosa, took a sip, and said "wow you are very beautiful just like in your photos".
You started to blush. "Haha, thank you", you stated.
Do you start to [[order->Ordering]], [[talk->Talk]] , [[go to bathroom->Bathroom]], or [[text->Use Phone]]? You ran outside to take a 10 minute metro to the downtown area. It sucks that it is humid outside. Your skin's sweat was sticking to your dress but luckily you took great precaution with your hygiene following after the hot bath taken today. You are in the subway metro mindlessly scrolling through your newsfeed and plans of what you should order.
You opened your texts and told him you'll be there before it's late and he replied with "that's cool, take your time".
The restaurant you are going is to one of my favorite American cuisine restaurants in Seoul.
It is called BLT Joint around the photogenic view of the city. It's a modern brick house and had steel silver letters as the name of their restaurant. You see so many people having reserved tables nearly everywhere but your date already reserved for the two of us. It seems very lively in there. There is dim red lights outside and there is a patio of people there. It would be hard to spot your date. You enter throught the front door and ask to get [[seated.....->Meeting 2]]You asked the hostess for Jay. That is the name of your date; The hostess led you to the booths with dim lights. It looked more exclusive compared to the rest of the areas in the restaurant.
One one booth there was a man who was alone as you eyed from afar. "I am pretty sure this is my date", you thought. You heart beats a little rapidly and you hands start to sweat because you never had an online app dating experience. That man looked up and you both glared at each other for a second. It felt a little awkward. He looked like he was tapping on the table. You decided to reach in for a hug to give him an inviting precense. For one, he looked super handsome.
He is actually half Korean and half Austrailian. His hair, charm and beauty made him look like a Kpop star.
He was then holding a glass of Mimosa, took a sip, and said "wow you are very beautiful just like in your photos".
You started to blush. "Haha, thank you", you stated.
Do you start to [[order->Ordering]], [[talk->Talk]] , [[go to bathroom->Bathroom]], or [[text->Use Phone]]? You asked the hostess for Jay. That is the name of your date; The hostess led you to the booths with dim lights. It looked more exclusive.
One one booth there was a man who was alone as you eyed from afar. "I am pretty sure this is my date", you thought. You heart beats a little rapidly and you hands start to sweat because you never had an online app dating experience.
He looked up from his phone and was smiling vibrantly. He scanned the restaurant for a bit and saw you walking towards your way. He confidently stood up and said "Hello, are you Yana?" And you nodded and chuckled. You both hugged each other because he was inviting and such a good mood.
You sat down cheerfully and said (link: "I am glad to arrive on time to spend more time to get to know you." ) ["Likewise", he replied.]
He is actually half Korean and half Austrailian. His hair, charm and beauty made him look like a Kpop star.
He was then holding a glass of Mimosa, took a sip, and said "You are very beautiful just like in your photos".
You started to blush. "Haha, thank you", you stated.
Do you start to [[order->Ordering]], [[talk->Talk]] , [[go to bathroom->Bathroom]], or [[text->Use Phone]]? "Jay, I might get a drink because I feel a little left out", you said. He laughed softly.
You opened the laminated menu and viewed the options for drinks. You were on the verge of being tipsy prior to this.
You decided to get a few more drinks to settle and warm up to get comfortable with your surroundings and date. You believe you can hold your liquor but it's the most efficient way to make the time feel like water.
Boy, do I love my tequila. I love making a fool out of myself.
You ordered a [[ tequila drink.-> Drinking]]"What did I wanted to talk about....", you thought in your head. You decided to start of with school. You remembered he also attended college when you read his bio.
(link:"So where did you go to college and what did you studied for?") [He stared at me intently. He had gorgeous doey hazel eyes. "I went to Seoul National University, a top school of korea after graduating from Stanford with a degree in Engineering", he said.]
(link: "Wow, how phenomenal, I transfered to another top school. I think it was luck honestly.") ["Oh, I'd assume you're intelligent based on your rep and application."]
You thought his voice was beautiful and angelic. His words and mannerisms came across charming.
You replied with (link: "I worked hard in my studies even to this day. Do you think I need to study with my looks?") [You wanted to proceed to flirt with him with a wink but he was oblivious in this instance. ]
You thought you looked obtuse saying that and your face [[flushed.->Conversation]]You had to excuse yourself. You seemed inconsiderate to do it very soon. He eyed you a bit as if you were an odd species coming to a civilized place. Well, because you are. You went to the woman's bathroom right away. You ran into-
...the guy who confessed his love to you. You thought he was weirdly attractive. Well, everything is in the past since you friendzoned him. You pretend not to notice him whatsoever. Yet you you can not help looking away and he caught your eyes.
He immediately was flabbergasted and touched your shoulders. You weren't creeped out since you realized he is a touchy person.
(link:"Hi, Yana! What a surprise to find you here, he said.")[You felt tense and said "well, I'm not a surprise since I come here often Blake...heh]
(link:"You still haven't changed. I am having dinner with my girl.") [You were shocked to hear this. "That's nice, I also have a date I met online."]
Blake looked slightly annoyed for no reason perhaps it was my statement. He stopped smiling and told you to enjoy yourself as he walks off. You stared at him He is so [[weird.->Bathroom Talk ]]
You hated to do this but your general anxiety tied you down and you had to pull out your phone from your case. He already put his on the end of the table. You decided to look down and look at your feed. He stared at you and commented to drift you back into the conversation and into the moment.
"Is this how you deal with new people you meet?", he confronted me.
"I'm sorry..this is how I cope-" "With your fears but why hide inner yourself?" Jay said.
You never thought about it. "Do you want to leave this place?", he said,
You replied with "I am famished and you know you're so handsome. Keep still for me". He laughed.
Thus, he wanted to talk to me and suprisingly comfort [[me->Good Note]].
You decided to clean the spill.
15 minutes passed because you had to rush out of your room with your plush bunny knee length socks to get the towel and water spray downstairs. You got the rest of your outfit town to a T though.
You cleaned up by dragging the wet sprayed towel on the alcohol spill.
Your hair and bangs gets in the way looking down on the floor and you spit out a strand of hair that got attached to your tongue's saliva.
You were also chewing polar ice gum so this is another reason to despair. Your face felt hot and you blew out air through your puffed out cheeks.
Your hot date has texted you and he replied with: "I already arrived and I am about to get seated."
Your eyes shot wide because you tend to stay collected about being pressured until last minute.
You suddenly heard your phone (link: "ring") [Oh snap, it was my best friend who lives back in my home town. Bad timing but you had to decide weather to answer her at the moment or not].
Do you [[respond->Fashionably Late]] or [[ignore her for now to text her later->In a Hurry]]?(link: "My major is also engineering like you and I am nearly graduating here with a bachelor's degre.") ["Oh, really what makes you study here", he sounded playful as his beautiful eyes sparkled more than a rare gem. ]
(link: "You know to find a enigmatic and handsome guy like yourself, haha.") [Lightly chuckling. He looked down and smiled while holding his straw to his alcholic beverage.]
(link: "Yana, you are only 21 right and you accomplished so much?") [He attempted to hide his grin.]
He proceed to buy you any drink you want.
He kept on insisting..what can you do?
"Sure, I'll get a glass of moscato", you were looking forward to having a great conversation with him.
You and him kept engaging and talking for nearly an [[40 minutes->Food]].Your bathroom was your safe haven and can hold all your present anxieties. You are not particularly anxious at this very moment. You decided that the coincidences of meeting your friendzoned guy was a little awkward.
You were leaning your hands and placing your weight on the sink counter. You washed my hands again when it was not necessary and reapplied your mauve chrome lip gloss.
You let out a deep breath.
You left the restroom after being there for nearly 15 minutes.
Do you decide to quickly eavesdrop your [[Blake->Spy]]?
Do you want to go back to your [[seat->Desperation]]??You quickly eavesdropped your old friend Blake and overheard the conversation between you and his girlfriend. You saw he had a face of desperation and his girl looked cute in her plum colored romber. She looked angry and by the way she moved her mouth it looked like she was [[shouting->Breakup?]].Jay's face was disenchanted as he saw you sit and his impatience showed.
(link:"I am sorry-")[He interrupted me and said it was okay.]
You sense that he forced a smile and got tense.
You lighten the mood by talking about your collection of retro video games for the gameboy advance.
He didn't seem to be interested in games at all.
"I used to be into them but I grown up to dislike them because my brother bullied me for being a nerd..", he hesistated.
"Oh, that is mean of your brother. You both were children at the time", you said.
(LINK:"You have a brother..how old is he?") ["If he was still alive, he would've been 27.]
(LINK: "I am sorry...") [He waved his hand nonchalantly.
Now, he is acting super tense right now. Way to go..... I shouldn't have left Jay alone after all [[in the first place-> No Chance Now]].
You ordered a pitcher of beer. (link: "You want to drink all this on your own?") ["You can take it, of course!", you stated].
(link:"No thanks, I don't want to drink too much today."] ["Oh, okay. I understand. I don't want to give out an impression of a party girl. I am trying to relax."]
He chuckled and he looked a little awkward looking away from you. He decided to join in but had one drink of wine.
You both were talking for a while but afterwards you started to get tipsy. You started to feel light headed and dizzy.
You know when you get drunk you tend to be the chatterbox.
He wasn't into your rants about your [[love life.->Bad Impression]]
You got so engaged in getting to know him. You kept on flaying off the server but you had to fill your stomach. You ordered a [[veggie hamburger and melted cheese fries.->Describing the food]]You picked up the silverware to be clean and not make a mess. You bit down to your well done beef that sizzled heat in your mouth. The pepper jack cheese melted and blended with tangy sauces of spice and barbecue. You love barbecue sauce. You've used a fork to bite into your melted cheese fries. You choose seasoned cajun fries and the cheddar cheese oozed as the fries burned your mouth. You almost wanted to stuff [[yourself-> Embarressed Again]]. 10 minutes in you felt a stabbing pain in your stomach. You thought you could handle the cheese this time.
(link: "What is your favorite ingredient for-") [You paused mid sentence. Jay asked you if you were alright. You could only get a nod out. ]
The restaurant noise was dying down as well since it was a Wednesday evening and gotten late.
You proceed to rip out a silent fart. The ones nearly fatal to other human's noses.
The poignant smell didn't come out at first. You wanted to put on your best self.
"You got stomach troubles?, Jay said covering your nose. "No..", you replied. "Girls never fart."
"I see you holding your stomach and I could see the pain between your brows and eyes.."
(link:"let it go...let it go , can't hold it back anymore, you used your best soprano voice") [He started to laugh so loud that he burst into tears.]
[[You were going to cry out of humiliation. He understood but now he was ->mocking me]]
(link: "I like men that show tender vulnerability so intriguing.") [I apologize but you don't know me at all. We just introduced ourselves less than an hour ago.]
He was started to exacerbate the problem.
You did not utter a word for a few seconds. You grasped my red wine so lightly that it ruin his white dress shirt. Worst timing. He thought it was done on purpose.
(link: "Jay: Have a good day Yana.") [He eyerolled you and exhaled. He went up and left so [[quick,->Worst Date]]]
You thought he overreacted despite you frantically apologizing authentically. He never looked back. He also left you the bill. You never thought he could go to this ex†ent.
You had to pay the bill and there was no real date here. You felt guilty that you went to clean your house. You sighed but you knew you would forget about this and hopefully be cheerful again tomorrow. "Jay, you act like a therapist. That's too generous of you", you blush.
"I learmed about people with anxiety and it seems a lot of people are uniformed about mental illnesses", he replied sternly.
"You are very cool and smart", you said. You beamed a grin. You both end up talking about life for almost two hours.
You end up kissing him on cheek right outside the restaurant. You gave each other a second opportunity nonetheless.. You were very ecstatic. A feeling you haven't had in a while. (link: "You are super quirky and cute") [He then said "I'll see you at this cafe sometime next weekend.]
You explained you were lactose intolerant but you didn't mean to "blew him away". He laughed at the pun you gave him. You and Jay walked out and he loved to hear you speaking about your background. "Yana, I can't wait to meet you again, he said. He proceeded to kiss your cheek. I guess being myself was successful after all.(link: "You know you're like a 7/11 Yana..") ["Why? Are you rating me Jay?"]
You did not want to start slurring your words.
(link: "No, because you open your mouth all the time") ["Oh, really."]
You couldn't say much because you were not sure how to feel about the statement. It wasn't offensive at all because you knew it was dry humor.
(link: "Jay: I have to go to the restroom.") ["No worries. "]
You sit at the table bored and drinking your last glass of beer. The water condensed and precipitated off the glass. You waited for him. Your cheeks red and flushed as you pulled out a compact mirror in your purse. You started to cry but that's exagerrated because you're becoming intoxicated. You sobbed softly and sounded like a sea lion in pain. Your tears fall but you wanted to wipe them off. You paid the bill as the server came and your face a monstrosity. You told them it was allergies...yeah right? You left the restaurant and your date did not end well. You have to put a limit in your drinking. You messed up and you wanted to start all over again.He looked away to my side but you turned around behind the row of zebra-plants. You glanced up and saw the woman he was with leaving. He looked down after that. You went to comfort him.
He looked surprised and gave me a weary look and told me that he and his girlfriend broke up.
(link: "But she dumped you?") [Yes, I was tired of her nagging. She was being super possessive and all I was trying to do was love her.]
You wanted to comfort [[him->comfort]].You decide to comfort him because you sat in his ex girlfriend's seat for the few minutes entailing their quarrel. You look back to see Jay glaring straight into your soul. He suddenly showed no interest by pretending you weren't there anymore and walked out of the restaurant. You wasted his time and it slighltly hurt you emotionally. You did not mean to leave him intentionally.
Now, what you have is [[Blake->Another Chance]].
(link: "Did you have a date earlier") ["Um, I think my date left", yuu wanted to be blunt since he is your old friend.]
(link: "What made him leave?") ["I didn't talk to him much yet but I believe he saw me with you]
(link: "Why would you see me at a time like this?") ["You know, I don't want to see you feeling down. In fact, I only found this guy on a dating app. Can I stay here with you then?"]
(link: "That's okay..") [He was hesistant at first. "I will try to help you."]
You guys talked a bit more.
You realize how he was super sweet and lovely to you. You decide to hang out with him on a couple of dates. You applauded at your maturity this time. One step back is two steps forward.