Park Tei

Surprise,surprise and surprise

The studio, a place where creativity and freedom can coexist without assumption and prejudice.
"When will the renovation end?"
Ah my sudden enthusiasm vanishes as I remember the state of my house.
"Tomorrow why?" 
Fortunately the damages were not too serious since it was her first time she couldn't be thorough in her crime.
"I thought we should have a housewarming party."
The last I would like to do in this world.
"No thanks."
"Why?"
"You just want an excuse to drink all night."
My uncle is too predictable he thought that drinking in my apartment will be safe for him. 
"Do you have news about the investigation?"
"I know through my lawyer that the investigation ended well."
And I am glad it ended well. I didn't want to face another confrontation with the protagonists of this case.
"How are you feeling these days?"
Something doesn't seem right.
"Do you ask this questions for you or your friends?"
He's caught off guard by my question. I understand my uncle is the only connection between them and me. I suppose that Jinyoung keeps torturing himself with this case. I wonder if he really likes to have all the pain of the world in his shoulders.
"Did you organize all your photos?"
"What do you want to do with them?"
"Just edit some of them."
If I had to tell him the real reason, I would face more hardships than preparing a photoshoot.
"What are you doing tonight?"
"Clubbing"
"Excuse me?"
"I know that you are not too young but I know your hearing is perfect"
"Does your brother know about this?"
"No and promise me to not say anything about this."
I know he can take the first flight just to scold me. I have a brother who overreacts and like to exaggerate everything. I know he just wants to protect me but his love can be suffocating.
"I hope you didn't tell him about the stalker case?"
"Don't worry I know how is your brother."
We all know it, he's not a tickling bomb but he can become like that.
"Be careful, Clubs are not all safe."
The world is not safe.
"Don't worry I am not going alone."
"Friend?"
"Hum"
"Do I know him?"
"No?
"Is it..."
"I will say the short version: he's korean, we have the same age and I meet him during the first photoshoot. Ok?"
"It's really short."
"And enough for you to have a good sleep tonight."
"still...."
"You know that someone can't get me down easily."
"Alright, I hope you will just have fun and not working hard on yourself."
These words again...I may be condemned to hear it untill the end. If my uncle knew all the dangerous situations I encountered until now he would not have the same reaction. With my busy life I don't havemany ways to evacuate this stress and my choice for today is clubbing, I have always done that and at club dancing and listening to music makes me feel refreshed.
"Ah I have to tell you that I will have guests this weekend."
"How many?"
"More than 5"
"So I have to come earlier to prepare everything."
"Sorry."
"It's okay, it helps me keep alive my cooking skills. Who are they?"
"Old friends"
"I hope you didn't  forget your other friend too."
"Did she call you?"
I smile thinking of this couple, I wonder how I will reconcile them again.
"This?"
"If you are worried call her directly."
"Is my situation pathetic?"
"Depending on where you place yourself."
"Oh, I'm hungry. Let's go eat lunch."
Avoiding.....again.


"Are you ready?" Jiyoung screams
"More than ready" I scream too
The music is really loud in this club. I really miss the mood, atmosphere and synergy which flows in a nightclub.
The loud music would hurt any ears but I like it since I can't think about anything else.
Jiyoung takes me right at the center of the dance floor, feeling the rhythm of the song I starts moving my body.
"You didn't lose it"
"You can keep the rhythm too."
Not paying attention to the others around us, we let our body follow the rhythm of the music.

"Please give yourself to the music." Hyoshin advises me.
We are in a club with our friends. I know he's right, all of my problems were solved and I just had to have fun tonight.
"Hyoshin is right, looks downstairs all of them are here to relax themselves and relieve from all their problems." My friend says.
I take a glance to the people downstairs and I have to admit that this scene makes me smile.
"Look at this couple, they don't give you the desire to abandon yourself to the rhythm."
I look at the couple she showed earlier. They really seem to have fun and don't pay attention to others, sometimes dancing side by side sometimes dancing together. Observing them this thought comes to me.
If she can do it, I can too.
"Ok, let's go move our feet."

"You really were stressed those days."
"Yes! And I am going to throw all this stress tonight."
At the same moment one song of Dua Lipa starts to be played by the DJ.
"Shall we dance?" Jiyoung says taking my hands
"With pleasure."
"Where did you learn all this?"
"All these nights in clubs without you really improved my sense of rhythm."
All genre of music was played that night: Pop, R'NB, rock, disco, reggae. A travel in the history of English and Korean music. 
The trip was exhausting but full of energy I think at the end of night.
"Are you not cold?"
We are still in winter in Korea and February is the coldest month of the year. Although I feel the sensation of coldness through my skin I don't care at all.
"I am okay, I am used to it."
I worked in a morgue for 2 years so it's okay.
"Do you want to eat something?"
My stomach answers for me instead.
"Let's go to the market."
The market is one the few place I visit even though they are always a lot of people. Going there is also one of my healing ritual.
"Let's go then"

"So how do you feel now?"
I didn't know that moving all night would help to clear ambiguous thoughts.
"Better than yesterday."
"Mission clear then"
"The couple at the center was all in."
"I think I have never seen someone with so much energy."
"I know him"
"who?"
"secret"

"Why did you call them?"
"I shouldn't have said that?"
"Yes!"
Yeri really knows how to annoy her world. 
"You didn't have to interrupt their vacation because of something which has already happened."
How will I explain to my parents all the story without quoting Tei. She's the last person I want to include in my family matters.
My mother has never understand this business and she never will.
"When will she be here?"
"I don't know."
"Yeri, listen I know you are worried because of this story but....

The door of the elevator opens on Jinyoung who appears annoyed on the phone. How long has it been? Almost three weeks. If just one time I had take the elevator maybe we would have been aware of our presence. Hanging up his phone he gets on the elevator still preoccupied. 
"hello"
"hello"
Awkward situation.
"Isn't it strange?"
"What?"
His awkwardness gives me goosebumps, I don't know why he's acting like that. I know we are not friends but I can feel his trouble.
Focusing my mind I take a look at what's going on in his mind.
What should I do?
She seems displeased.
Is she angry with me?
How the next days will be...
 "STOP!"
"Here!"
Did I scream loudly?
"Jinyoung...."
"huh?"
"Listen carefully, it's not your fault..."
I take a big breath before keep talking.
"I am not angry or have resentment against you. Yes someone broke into my house but I am not the first or the last. So please free yourselves of this feeling of guilt. You were and you are still a good guy no matter what happens. Don't think all the bad things  happening to you is what you deserve. We all have bad moments and good moments."
I hope my thoughts was well conveyed. 
"Did you read my thoughts?"
I am taken aback one second but keep a straight face.
"You're just too predictable."
The elevator stops at my floor.
"This is the end of my scolding, keep your head up and spend a good day."
"Thank you....Really."
I get out of the elevator and leave him with these words.
I just hope he will improve his state of mind, I wonder where coming from his way of thinking. We can't be responsible for all the things happening to us I'd rather leave it to fate. 
Ring, Ring,Ring
"Yes?"
"Tei You have just received by fax some documents from your brother."
"I am coming."
Do I need to go down again?
My brother is still with his project to produce a musical here. I am just a little doubtful about this. Korean audience and american audience have different views on many things and I am wondering if he can have the same success here. I trust my brother and I know he would have thought about all possibilities before starting this project but I remain sceptical.
"Did he send many of them?" I ask to the employee at the reception 
"I don't know if you can say many." She says showing me the papers
"A little... ambiguous"
"This is for what?"
"I don't know myself what kind of surprise he sent to me."
"Where is it?"
Reading through what he send to me only one word came to me:
The person reflected
"Does he really think I have the time to do all this? If you think you will.....
"THIS WHAT YOU WERE DOING DURING OUR ABSENCE?!!?
I froze one site, scream? From my house? 말도안돼!
"AND WHEN DID YOU PLAN TO TELLE ME THAT YOU LIVE WITH YOUR GIRLFRIEND?"
Girlfriend?Live?.
I open slightly the door and succeed to enter without making a noise.
Why do I feel like an intruder in my own house."
"Mum please can you calm down and let me explain everything.
Jinyoung's voice?
"He's right. Don't overreact and let us explain everything."
 Hyoshin's voice now.
"AND YOU? WHY DID YOU LET HIM TAKING THIS DECISION?"
Another unknown voice in the game.
"Mum you don't understand"
Hyoshin's mother? 
So there are 4 people in total in my living room, two who are completely embroiled in their misunderstanding and two others who don't know how to persuade. How do I find myself again embroiled in a story. It's my bad omen was this? 
"IF YERI DIDN'T CALL US WE WOULD HAVE BEEN TOTALLY FOOLED!"
This little brat doesn't waste her time. How did I get on her nerves this time? The last time I saw her was at the police station and I don't recall telling something inappropriate to her.
"This is how you see us? Someone not important?How can you decide to live with someone you just know. You don't know nothing about her!"
"Look, Tei and I...."
"Don't say anything! I suppose this is your apartment, and you let her do the decoration."
"Does she have a job? Doesn't she lay around the house.....
Why do all of them like assuming things? This situation again tells me that I should really be far away from them.
"Did someone call me?" I say 
The faces of the mothers darkened at my view. I am used to not be liked and giving this kind of expression to others.
"Who are you?"
"Don't you know it already? I say putting my scarf on the table.
"Tei....we."
I stop him with a sign of the hands.
"First I didn't know that I would have guests today."
"Your girlfriend is finally out of the closet." 
I advance toward them.
"Second I am pretty sure my job is more stable than his."
"How can you....."
"Shhhht" I interrupt her 
She seems really caught off guard.
"Third Your son and I don't have any kind of relationship so get out of my own apartment."
All of them are taken aback by my last words.
"What did you say!"
"Jinyoung, Hyoshin Take your mothers and get out of my place right now."
"Your mother didn't teach you to respect others."Hyoshin's mother says
"Sorry but not all of us grow up with one." 
The mood suddenly becomes solemn.
"Mom, this house is no joke! Did you see those clothes?"
I turn around slowly towards the new problem, the slender woman moves forward with a bunch of clothes. I let a sigh to hide my anger before this sight.
Ah why this journey is full a bumps these days?
"Who is it?" She says pointing her finger at me.
"The one who will kick you out." 
"Jinyoung, your girlfriend is Seda."
"Sister!"
"5 minutes, 5 minutes before I call the police for violation of property." 
I go straight to the terrace and lock the door behind me. Good you succeed to go out without hurting them. 
Meow, Meow
"The housekeeper was here."
I catch her in my hands and sit on the edge of the terrace. Feeling the winter wind I close my eyes and let my body in the hands of mother nature.

"Jinyoung I think we need an explication."
"Am I allowed to talk now?"
"Yes."
"Tei is the one who was victim of my saseng fan."
I finally succeed. 
"Oh"
"And my apartment is one floor up."
"So this is really her.....
"Apartment yes."
"Aouch" My sister says.
"We should hurry and get out of the house."
"Don't worry I don't think she was seriously thinking to call the police."
"Show?"
"Hum?"
"She's always serious."

Ring,Ring
"What do you want?"
"What happened?"
Did I sound angry?
"Nothing, I have received your documents."
"And?"
"There was nothing but nonsense!"
"why?"
"Did you see what I send you?"
"Yes and I want to keep going."
"I'm busy!"
 "Do you have have other project?"
"Exhibition and  I need to find a studio for my drum and Piano."
"Alright I'll do it"
"Ok I'll resend you the papers"
"No I mean I will find you the studio for your stuff."
"Don't joke with me, You can't find a studio when you are at thousands miles from here."
"Trust me."
"Your confidence scares me."
"Learn to rely on people"
"Next time"
Knowing the conversation was done I hang up and leave the breathtaking view of my terrace.
It's been more than 5 minutes so I hope they have all disappear from my apartment. I know my behaviour was too much but I aspire to not be close from them. They all attract problem.
"Jibsuna did I finally escape this drama?"
Meow,Meow,Meow
"Ok, I will try."

"Are you really sure you want to see all of it?"
"Give me the memory card."I say 
"Don't you have others things to do?"
"If you talk about your dinner, I have already done everything You just have to set the table before their arrival. Now give me the memory card."
"What will you do with that?" My uncle asks me suspicious
"I have put my videos in there."
"Oh, you want to edit them."
"Yes, in the meanwhile you can go take care of your daughter."
"This?"
"huh?"
"be careful"
"why?
"I think there is a problem with the ceiling, some things start to fall off."
I take a glance at the ceiling and understand why.
"OK"
He's finally gone, I don't know untill when I will kept the secret. Of course the best idea would be to tell him that his pictures will be display in an exhibition however I know he would never have the guts to introduce his works to the world and I think it's sad. All pretty things deserve to be seen at least once. 
"Shall we begin?"
Unlike the other days I am really here for editing the videos I took from my last trip. Even if it was short I was able to capture a lot of things. Editing videos and pictures is one of my passion, even though I don't show it to the world I am really fond of my works.
I angle my head back and swing on the chair.
"Ahhhhh, Jae, it's over~!"
Fixing the ceiling I wonder why I didn't notice until now the problem.
"hey."
Still fixing I wait for him to meet my eyes.
"Yeah, you"
"See me?"
"Just come down"
The shadow vanishes from the ceiling before appearing in front of me.
Man in his thirties, there is no sign visible of wounds in his body. 
Why didn't I see him before? He may have died recently? In the house? Impossible, I would have known at my first visit.
"who are you?"
"Hello first"
"hello"
He seems intimidated.
"You listen carefully"
He's taken aback, he may have thought I would catch him or something like that.
"I wish you hadn't said that."
"What sound?"
 He doesn't seem to be aware of it. Sometimes ghost shows their existence involuntarily. Noise or electronic appliances which function weirdly. Not all of this are a sign of anger against us. Unlike us ghost don't have other ways of communication with the human world unless you meet with someone like me.
"The old man who lives in this house can't be cool, so be careful."
"Why did you say that to me?"
"Just, you've had enough."
"huh?"
"If you want to continue living here, I don't care."
"really?!?"
I know my words always surprise them.
"I'll give you food sometimes if you want."
I saved the last edit and turn off the computer."
"Is it over?"
"end."
I leave him still confused by our conversation. Maybe someone else would not have let him here. It was be a risk to leave him in the house of one of my relatives but I trust my guts and untill here it did not give me big problems. The next few days will be crucial for the next step.
"Have you done your works?"
"Yes."
Looking at my watch, I notice we don't have much time untill their arrival.
"You should cook the rice now."
"Oh right."
Why do I feel nervousness in his voice?
"Did anything happened in the neighborhood?"
"What do you mean?"
"I don't know is you neighborhood a quiet one? Or do your neighbors organize activities for you?
I try to assess his reaction.
"Hmm nothing much."
Do I have to call my friend for more research? If he is  really not a safe I will have to take drastic measures.
"Ah! Something did happen last week."
"What?"
"A young man died from illness, Bell used to go to his house to comfort him."
So this is why he doesn't have visible wounds on his body, and his clothes were clean too. Raising up my head I fix the ceiling, at least I don't have to worry for him for the time being.
"And why are you so interested by this now?"
"Don't you like me to take interest in your life? Ok I will take note.
"What are you doing?"
"I am getting ready to leave for my next appointment." I say removing my apron.
"Wait,wait,wait I didn't mean that I just....
"You just...
"Well....
"Go take a tablecloth they will be here shortly."
Humans beings are really fast when they want to run away from future problems.
I just hope I cooked enough of portion for them. It's been a long time since I cooked a huge amount of food. Huge amount? It's exaggerate just enough for 8 people. Now I can say I  able to cook traditional korean food but I don't know if the taste will be authentic since I cooked for korean people.
"How many people is coming?"
"Six."
Luckily, the food will be enough to get them full.
Ding Dong
"They are already here?"
"Calm down, You just have to go open the door and taking them here, simple."
Taking a big breath He walks towards the door outside.
He really needs to calm down, inviting old friends to eat dinner is not a real big deal. New tablecloth, Food already disposed on the table.
All is ready....ah glasses.
I rush to the kitchen and search for the new glasses My aunt bought before leaving.
From the kitchen I can hear my uncle giggling with his friends. He seems less nervous now. 
"Here!"
"I am coming."
With enough glasses in both hands I come back to the dining room.
"Sorry I forgot to put the glasses....
I stop a few seconds before realizing who is standing in front of me.
"....This is plastic one so no risk to be cut." I say putting the glasses in front of the plates.
"Tei I introduce you the mothers of Hyoshin and Jinyoung."
"Good evening."
I hope my voice remains normal, I don't want him to see me confused.
"This?"
"Hum?"
"Why is there only 7 glasses?"
"Because you are seven."
And I can imagine who are still not here?
"And you?"
"I don't stay here."
Ding Dong
"You should go open the door."
My uncle disappears again in the hallway leaving me with the mothers in the dining room.
"You may sit already."
It's best for them and me I don't want unpleasant souvenirs to come out. The atmosphere is really tense and awkward, with this I don't even wonder why this situation occurs again. 
I know that I am not in a drama but the multiple coincidences really look like a scenario of a drama except that I believe in one thing Karna and fate. 
"Uh....Tim"
Did someone call me?
I look behind me thinking is the ghost from earlier but I realize that their only three of us here.
"We....are....
"Don't say anything?"
"What?"
"We should not apologise for trying to protect our own child."
I never was angry with them I am just angry with the one who will appear in 1,2,3.
"Good evening everyone."
"I have to go."
Ignoring is the best solution. If I want to get out of this house safely, it's preferable to not face her.
"Good evening Yeri, where are the others?"
"They are parking the car."
I pick up my bag before returning to the dining room.
"Are you sure you can't stay?" My uncle asks a little disappointed.
"I really can't I have others things to do tonight."
"Like what?"
"Look at my bag."
"Okay, be careful."
"You too, Bye."
When I turn around I am suddenly being forced to face the origin of my problems. 
"And enjoy your meal."
"Oh you don't eat with us?"
"Why would I want to eat with you?"
My last words really imply the feeling I have when I encounter this woman even by accident. Leaving the dining room I hasten myself out of the house, I met too many people tonight.
Once in my car I close my eyes and try to send them a message.

Please, please don't tell me I have to deal with the same story again.