The Beginning

Annyeonghaseyo. My name is Kim Hani. Nice to meet you all. Now, sit back and relax while I tell you my story.

I was still an infant when my parents made the decision to relocate to Busan. As you can read, I didn't have a say in wanting to move to Busan or stay in Seoul. That was where it all began.

Before I get any further into my story, I should probably tell you that I am not like most other girls out there. While most girls enjoy makeup, having long hair, and wearing short skirts or dresses, I prefer to wear a white tank or tee with my favorite black Puma jogger pant with my matching Puma sneakers. I have a pixie haircut because long hair always seems to get in the way. It just bugs me and I don't really like it.

Once in a while, you may see me in leggings. Leggings are probably the most feminine clothing I own. I don't like to show off my legs. If I wear shorts, it has to be knee length for me to be comfortable. Don't ask me why I just prefer comfortable clothing. I am an only child, so my parents doted on me a lot. You can probably say I am a bit spoiled. And.... I'm a tomboy.

Now, back to my story.

He was someone who had always been in my life the day we moved to Busan. He lived right next door to me and we practically grew up together. He was my best friend, my Hyung, Park Jimin. I know what you are thinking. Why am I calling him Hyung instead of Oppa?

************

"Hani-ah, my mommy told me that you are a girl. So why do you look like a boy and why do you dress in clothes like me?"

Little 5-year-old Jimin had asked 4-year-old me, who was picking up a rock and throwing it into a little creek nearby.

"I don't know Jimin Oppa. These clothes feel more comfortable than those flowery dresses that my mommy wants me to wear."

"Hani, don't call me Oppa. I want you to call me Hyung instead," Jimin requested while giggling away.

"But Oppa, I'm still a girl. I don't want to call you Hyung."

I remembered pouting back to Jimin while refusing.

Jimin laughed at my little tantrum before he replied to me.

"But I only want you to call me Hyung. I don't want you to call any other boys that."

"Oppaaaa!!" I wailed out loudly. I was against it.

"No Hani. It's Hyung... Jimin Hyung. Arasso nae dongsang?" Jimin protested. He was really persistent and really wanted me to call him Hyung.

"But..."

"No Buts. Hani-ah, you said we are best friends. If you call me Hyung, then I will be the only boy you will call by that name. I want to be special to you. Can you do that for me?"

I thought about what he said. He was special to me. Even though I was only 4 at the time, I liked spending time with Jimin and always followed him around. He was my only friend and I didn't want to lose him.

"Arassoyo Jimin..... Hyung."

I pouted in defeat. I was so upset back then because I didn't want to be seen as a boy in his eyes. I liked Jimin Hyung. Not only was he my best friend, he was my first love. It felt as though he drew a clear line between us that we were only friends and he will never see me as a girl. Ever since then, I started calling him Hyung and hid my feelings away from him.

************

I was 7 years old when Jimin Hyung's family moved away to the states. I was devastated when I first found out. My only friend was moving so far away from me and I had no one else. I cried and cried that day when they drove off in their moving truck. 8-year-old Jimin poked his head out of the window and called out to me.

"Nae dongsang! Ulji ma! I will write to you. I'll miss you Hani-ah!"

"I'll miss you too! JIMIN HYUUUUUNG! Take care!"

I was a crying mess that day. My mom knew how much I loved playing with Jimin. She attempted to comfort me.

"Hani, it's okay sweetie. Jimin said he will write to you. I have Mr. and Mrs. Park's address in the states. I knew you were going to be sad when they left so I got their address beforehand for you. You will still be able to talk to him so don't cry, sweetie."

I sniffle as I wiped away my tears.

"Okay, mommy. But... I still miss him."

I answered my mom and new tears started streaming down my cheeks.

"Do you want to write to him right now? We can airmail express your letter so it arrives before Jimin get to his new house to welcome him. Wouldn't that be a nice surprise for Jimin?"

Thinking that I will be the first person to greet him when he gets to his new house, I stopped crying immediately and ran to grab a piece of paper and started writing my letter to Hyung.

'Jimin Hyung,

How was the flight? Are you shocked that my letter arrived before you? I wrote this letter right after you just left. You said you will write to me so don't forget. I will be waiting for your letters Hyung. I will see you in the next letter. Take care and I miss you already.

-Your Dongsang, Hani'

I gave the letter to my mom in hope that it will arrive before Jimin gets to his new house. My mom immediately ran my errand for me so that I would stop crying.

2 weeks passed by and I lost all hope that he didn't receive my letter. I checked the mailbox every day for a reply but got nothing. I was left in tears every time I opened it up to a blank mailbox. I sulked in tears back to my room.

When I opened the door to my room, I saw a letter on the edge of my bed. I ran towards my bed and grabbed the letter and ripped it open.

'Hani,

How did your letter arrive at my house before I even got there? I sure was surprised. I have been busy unpacking and registering for school so that is why this letter probably is going to arrive a little later to you.

I'm nervous about starting school here. I don't know English. I wish you were here with me. Everything is different and weird here. I miss Korea. And I especially miss you.

My mommy helped me make an email account. I heard it was a faster way to send letters. I will give you my new email and when you make an email, send me a letter through email. That way, I won't have to wait so long for your letters.

ParkJimin@gmail.com

I'll be waiting for an email from you. Bogoshipda.

-Jimin Hyung'

I ran out of my room and down the stairs. I rushed towards my mom and asked her about the email thing. I wanted an email too. I wanted to email him right away to let him know I got his letter.

We didn't have a computer at home at the time, so she took me to the library and helped me make an email account.

'From: KimHani@gmail.com

To: ParkJimin@gmail.com

Subject: I GOT YOUR LETTER!

Hyung,

I got your letter today. I have been waiting for 2 weeks now. I was so sad when I opened the mailbox up everyday to find it empty. I've missed you so much Hyung. I hope you see this email soon. Don't be nervous about school. You will do well. Teach me English too Hyung. I'll be waiting for your email.

-Your Dongsang, Hani'

It seemed like he had been waiting for my email because I got a reply soon after I sent my email.

'From: ParkJimin@gmail.com

To: KimHani@gmail.com

Subject: I Miss You

Hani,

I have been checking my email every day to see if you would email me. You have to email me every day, arasso? I have to go study now. I miss you.

-Jimin Hyung'

Hyung was right. Emailing was a lot quicker. From that moment on, we started emailing each other daily.

To Be Continued...