Returning Home P2
As part of the government's efforts to combat COVID-19. Before we can join our families, all travellers are required to quarantine or self-isolate for two weeks and produce a negative COVID test. Therefore, I was dropped off by the Ahjussi to a special quarantine hotel, where I will remain for the next two weeks. "God, I hate COVID!" I mumbled to myself as I made my way up to the hotels reception desk.
"Hello am here to check in, name Mr Yong-Smith", I informed the young man before me, who gave me an awkward look.
"Yon… Yong-Smith" he stuttered, as though he had heard me incorrectly the first time.
"Yes" I confirmed knitting my brows knitted, confused as to why he was surprised.
After searching up my details and providing me with my room details, he finally said what was on his mind.
"Your Korean is perfect for someone who's been living aboard and is mixed-race, though you don't look it".
Shocked at his words, I looked at him perplex, "Huh? Mixed-race am not mixed-raced am Korean, what makes you think am mixed-raced?" I asked, never being asked such a thing before. I may not be proud of the place I was born. But I am not an idiot who thinks he's British or biracial because I've lived in the UK for fifteen years, and was raised by a black woman.
"Oh no, your name, Yong-smith, the name Smith is not Korean, s....so I assumed you to be ... erm I am sorry, I didn't mean to offend you sir". He frantically tried to retract is words, upon receiving my unamused expression.
However, for me, this was the first time I had come across such a situation. Never had I had to explain to a stranger that I'm adopted, hence the reason for my name. In the UK, no one cared about such things, nor did anyone ask. People just accepted who I was because all they saw as an Asian man.
After pausing for what seems like a lifetime, I finally returned to my senses, "oh… it's my mother's and father's name combined". I responded, not wasting anytime to leave the now awkward atmosphere.
In my room, I cast my luggage aside and sat on the sofas available, the earlier incident still fresh on my mind. Right, I am no longer in the UK, these questions will be asked and people will be curious. Just then I was flustered by the young man that I felt compelled to give him an answer, but in reality, other's curiosity is not my concern and I shouldn't have to explain nothing to anyone. A simple 'mind your business' will be sure to escape my lips to the next person who asks.
And it is not because I am embarrassed by the fact that am adopted, far from it. It is because it's none of their business. My family dynamics isn't information I need to share to nosey and ignorant people, I love my family, and I could careless what others speak of me, but of them no, that is not acceptable.
Just as I was rationalising my thoughts, my phone began to ring, the special ringtone created for my brother, echoed around the room.
Reaching into my pocket, I answered. "Hey, shouldn't you be sleeping? It's late" I said the moment the call connected.
"Why are you scolding your older brother and besides, I'm checking you arrived safely. Do you want our parents to disown me if anything were to happen to their thirty-year-old favourite son? Mom called me a hundred times reminding me to set an alarm for when you arrived and to make sure I called you straight away. Sorry, I'm a little late, so are you okay? I take it you're at the hotel?".
Chan-yeol's voice was deep and firm, though a little dry, as he had been sleeping before he called. He acts as though he's only following our parent's request, but he is just as bad at smothering me as they are. Undoubtedly, I know he loves and cares about me and would do anything for me. From the very first day I became his baby brother, he has treated me with kindness, even when I didn't deserve it. He remained gentle, and like our parents possessed the same caring and loving nature.
A bright smile spread across my face, happy to hear his voice, "Am sorry my dear hyeong** and yes, I got here fine, and I did not long settle in my room. I also spelt comfortably on the plane, so I won't be able to sleep the remainder of the tonight. Actually, I was intending to find something to eat, then review the files you had sent me yesterday." I replied, reaching for my laptop.
"mmmm... in that case I'll return to bed, make sure to contact mum and dad before they send out a search party. And today we have a Zoom meeting in the afternoon to discuss that file, make sure to come up with some ideas for the interior. Anyway, get some rest, we'll talk more in the morning. Bye". He hung up before I could even protest.
"Hyeong!*" I looked at the screen of my phone in total dismay.
"TSK!, he really needs to fix that bad habit of his…. I was going to come up with some ideas, but does he have no conscience? How can he ask me to work the moment I have arrived" I grumbled begrudgingly, relaxing in my seat.
"Aww" I sighed deeply, not knowing how to feel, still in disbelief of my return. When the image of that man flashed into my head. "What the hell, why did he even pop into my thoughts?" I mumbled, then moments later smiled to myself thinking of how that little baby would have so many people fussing over him by now. His father sure didn't look like someone who would confirm to COVID restrictions and be stuck in a hotel for two weeks. Come to think of it, he looked as though he had an important background. Could it be he's a member of a Korean Conglomerate family? I wondered.
Realising how nosey I was being I arose to my feet, I shook my head dismissing my thoughts, reminding myself that I need not be curious of a person I will never again come across.
Hyeong ** Korean term for older brother