I’ve been to a lot of malls back when I was in New York and I mean a lot, but some of them -in my opinion- can’t hold a candle to Dream-Mall.
The building is built with metallic bars and crystal glasses to give the place optimal amounts of natural lights, the inside of the mall is large enough for a steady flow of foot traffic and the large banners hanging from the ceiling portray various adverts.
Looking at the sea of faces crowding the mall my eyes move through every corner as much as they can and a part of me brightens at the thought of exploring more of it.
Jayden and I climb onto the escalator when I suddenly remember something Bora had said back at school.
“Hey Jay, they said they’re going to be waiting at Kai’s Cafe?”
“That’s great,” He grins. “This is Dream-Mal
“Hey, I’m home!” I call into the living room as soon as I step in and pull off my coat, draping it over my hand I pull off my shoes and pick them up so am walking barefoot.“In the kitchen!” Jayden responds, and I head in that direction. Breathing in the familiar smell of brewing kimchi stew, I walk further to see my brother standing behind the kitchen counter with an apron wrapped around his waist.“Well, this is a familiar surprise.” I smile and fold my hands in front of my chest. “I thought you didn’t cook anymore.”Glancing at me briefly with a happy smile, he responds. “Just because cooking isn’t my first love anymore doesn’t mean I stopped dabbling now and then, anyways you’re back a lot later than I expected. Did you have fun with your new friends?” “Yup, after meeting them over at the caf
My days seem to pass by within a blink of an eye as I now juggle school, my new friends, working at dad’s restaurant, and exploring as much of Seoul as I can.I want to get more acquainted with the streets so I don’t have to depend on Google or Jay to get around, I know it must be burdensome to always take me wherever it is I have to go. Anyways, it’s Friday which means it’s the day of the school's music competition. Everyone has been very enthusiastic about today and I think no matter how small competition is said to be here, there’s always a buzz in response.Not many people are performing but I do know that Bora, the twins, a couple of Jayden’s classmates, and someone from class 2-3 is taking part in this competition. For whatever reason Jayden’s been silent, occasionally giving me worried looks whenever I talk about how excited I am to participate in the competition. I’ve tried asking him what’s wrong but he doesn’t respond.Sometimes, I swear he’s about to tell me somethin
I’m so busy agonizing over what the hell I’m going to do when Bora jumps enthusiastically by my side, thereby nudging me forward with a stumble. “It’s our turn now!” She squeals, and I turn to her with an encouraging smile, the queasiness in my stomach easing a bit as I let myself be distracted. “Are you still nervous?” “Unfortunately, but, I’ve decided not to focus on that. Instead, I’ll think about how I plan on kicking it on stage with the guys.” “That’s the spirit.” I grin, and turn to the twins. “Good luck out there.” “Please, we don’t need luck.” Daejung grins confidently, he moves to stand between Bora and his brother, wrapping his arms around their shoulder.“Now come on, it's time to show everyone what we’ve got.” “Hell yeah!” Byung-Ho and Bora cheer simultaneously with raised fists before the three of them bounce on stage as soon as their names are called. I can’t help but laugh as I watch them disappear through the curtain, taking their places centre-s
One month ago… “Good Morning people of New York, this is Radio Splash FM and I’m your girl Miranda Lain. Now I’m sure I told everyone last week, that Splash FM will be having an interview with the sensational, one and only, L.K, aka the Masked Queen of New York City. We’re going to be having an impersonal, phone interview to give everyone a chance to know what’s behind the sudden news of a breakup between L.K and her agency. Please, everyone, hold on while we make this call.”*~*~*~*“Over here, she ran over here!” I increase my pace and barge through the emergency doors, running down the stairs with heavy breaths.I stop on the last stair and wait to hear if they’re still chasing after me, but after hearing nothing except the sound of my heavy breathing I finally relax in relief.Slumping heavily onto the steps of the stairway to take a little breat
“L.K are you sure you’re okay, I can hear heavy breathing and the sound of running.”“Of course, I am,” I reassure dismissively. “I’m sorry but am just exercising right now. Got to work on my cardio, you know.” “Oh of course, well to get this show going I’ll just read out the questions and then you can answer. Hmm, this one is from Kimmy and she wants to know what your plans will be when you’re done with your vacation?”Letting out a sigh, the female host asks. “You know this is such a great question, I also want to know what’s next in store for the Masked Queen?”“When I’m done with my vacation, I’m going to be returning to my home country, South Korea, to continue my career.”“That’s-”I block her out when the exit doors suddenly burst open and flinch
I ignore Miranda’s question mostly because I’m in no position to answer when these guys are so close, I’m not taking the risk of them hearing me.“But-”“Go now or I’ll call security, I have work to do so make your decision quick.”“The f**k, you’re lying to me. We saw her come through here.” The guy responds harshly and I flinch at the sound of aggression in his voice.“You curse at me one more time boy, I’m going to pummel you to the ground!” The old man points and threateningly takes a step forward.“I’ll like to see you try.”“Hey!” A girl suddenly intervenes. “There isn’t gonna be any fighting here. I’m leaving okay, am not getting myself in trouble because of you Kevin.” I hear retreating footsteps and let out a breath of relief.“Come on man let&rsquo
Panicking, I look at both ends of the narrow passage and rush down the left end. I turn down a corner and stop abruptly, staring at the red brick wall in disbelief.Whirling on my feet, I let out a strangled sound when I see the same dead-end on the opposite side.I take a peek past the wall I’m leaning on to see the coast is clear, but judging by the sound of their approaching steps it won’t be long before I get caught.The pounding of my heart drummed in my ears as I contemplated what course of action to make next.I turn in a full circle, trying to think of something when a slightly ajar door on the opposite wall caught my eye. Without thinking I rush inside and left the door an inch open so I can tell when they were close.Hearing them draw closer I swallow heavily, silently trying to keep my breathing steady and low.“Damn it all, I could have sworn I saw her come this way.”&
One month later… “Lana… Lana get your ass up it’s time for school!”I groan and bury my head underneath my covers as I roll onto my stomach in bed. I was trying to get back to sleep when I heard the sound of my bedroom door bang open and felt my brother jump on my body, landing heavily on my back.Feeling my breath get knocked out of me, I struggle but push off his fat body and sit up with a yell. “Jay!”Jayden Kang, my idiot of a twin shrugs and flashes me a teasing grin, his emerald green eyes glinting mischievously as he says in a sing-song voice. “Dad told me to wake you however possible sis.”Pressing a sloppy kiss to my cheek, he sits up and rolls off my bed. “Now get up, we have school to get to.” I watch him walk away without waiting for a response and glare at his back while he scratches his curly bed hair t