Chapter 6. The Stranger's Flirting
"No matter the order the balls come out, matching the numbers wins. Let the drawing begin!"
In Su-yeon's home, the lottery drawing broadcast flowed from the TV. Su-yeon was intently watching to check the ticket she'd bought earlier that day.
"The first number is 30."
"The second number is 13."
"The third number is 43."
"The fourth is 33."
"The fifth is 3."
"The sixth is 45."
"The second-place bonus ball is 4."
"30, 13, 43, 33, 3, 45, 4."
The numbers were announced. Su-yeon compared them to her lottery ticket.
Ha... not a single one matches.
Su-yeon crumpled the ticket and flopped onto the sofa. Not a single number matched hers.
Ha... guess I'll have a beer... sniff...
Su-yeon headed to the fridge, grabbed a can of beer, and took a swig.
Ha... there were nine pigs... what could that mean?
Su-yeon recalled the dream she'd had earlier. She set the beer on the table and searched her smartphone again.
'Dream of lots of pigs... giving birth to piglets...'
The portal site brought up various dream interpretations, and she tapped the top one.
A dream of many pigs appearing and giving birth to piglets is a classic auspicious dream, signaling a major rise in wealth and windfall luck, foretelling family business prosperity or success in new ventures.
"Hmm..."
Su-yeon scrolled down further.
"Wealth and luck... business and success... fetal dreams..."
What could it be? Definitely not a fetal dream... Min-jun oppa hasn't even touched me...
Su-yeon ruled out the fetal dream interpretation. Ever since their sexless marriage began, having a baby was off the table.
Ha... oppa's off hiking even on weekends... I should just sleep.
Su-yeon crawled into bed and tried to sleep again.
Time flew by, and soon it was April 5th—the day to depart for Togo.
It's finally here!
Su-yeon was buzzing with excitement from morning. Her heart was already in Togo. She did a final check of her luggage before leaving. She didn't forget her favorite dildo, either.
Time to go.
After the last inspection, Su-yeon left the house and headed to the airport bus stop.
"Bzzz~"
Her phone vibrated in her mini bag.
Who's this?
Su-yeon pulled out her phone. It was Jin-hee. She answered.
"Yeah, Jin-hee? On my way?"
"Su-yeon-ah..."
Jin-hee's voice trembled, on the verge of tears.
"Jin-hee-ya, what's wrong?"
"Su-yeon-ah... it's just... this morning... Mom had a brain hemorrhage and collapsed..."
"Oh no... Is she okay?"
"Ambulance took her this morning... I have to head to the hospital now... So I can't make the flight to Togo today... I wanted to go with you..."
"Jin-hee-ya, I wanted to go with you too... but taking care of your mom comes first."
"Su-yeon-ah, you okay going alone...?"
"Don't worry about me—focus on your mom. I'll enjoy it enough for both of us."
"Yeah... thanks... We're going to Iceland with our spouses in October anyway..."
"Yep... we'll see each other plenty... don't worry."
"Yeah... thanks..."
"Yeah... bus is here... gotta hang up."
"Okay..."
"Click."
Su-yeon felt a pang of regret at not going with Jin-hee, but on the other hand, the thrill of total freedom for herself bubbled up.
Yeah, I'll have twice the fun for Jin-hee's sake. Hope her mom pulls through...
"Hiss."
The airport bus doors opened. Su-yeon loaded her carry-ons into the luggage compartment and boarded. She found her seat, and the bus departed right away.
About an hour and a half later, the bus arrived at Incheon Airport Terminal 2 with Su-yeon on board. She got off, retrieved her luggage from the compartment.
Airport at last...
Su-yeon wheeled her suitcase to the check-in counter. She was flying with a French airline. The Dubai route was cheaper and faster, but she'd chosen this one deliberately. There were more flights to West Africa on this carrier, the arrival time in Togo had some buffer, and... she knew a bit of French.
"Here's your ticket."
One suitcase was checked as baggage, and she got her ticket. Su-yeon headed to the gate for immigration.
Twenty minutes later, formalities done, she went to claim her duty-free pre-order. Sunglasses and a bikini for the day in Lome before heading to Koutammakou.
"Here you go."
Su-yeon collected her duty-free items and went to her gate. An hour later.
"Please board."
Boarding announcements rang out, and she finally boarded the plane. Su-yeon found her seat and tried to hoist her carry-on into the overhead bin. But it was heavier than expected. She stood on tiptoe, stretched her arms all the way, but the wheels caught on the edge and wouldn't go up.
"Nngh... almost..."
A small groan escaped her. Then, a warm hand overlaid her right one.
"Let me help you."
The white man behind her spoke in French, his voice soft and low. Su-yeon's body stiffened. The stranger's hand fully enveloped the back of hers—large palm, warm, long firm fingers.
"Excuse me for a moment."
He wrapped his right hand around hers, naturally gripped the handle with his left.
"One, two..."
He lightly pulled with his left and pushed up with their joined right hands.
"Shhhr—"
The carry-on slid smoothly into the bin.
"Thank you."
"My pleasure. A single smile from you is thanks enough, beautiful mademoiselle."
Su-yeon smiled at him and sat in her seat. He looked pleased as he found his own.
We're really going now.
The plane began takeoff. Su-yeon murmured softly, gazing at the runway outside the window.
Ten hours later, Su-yeon arrived at Paris's international airport. Dragging her weary body through immigration, she went to baggage claim. Her legs felt heavy from the long flight, eyelids puffy.
"Fancy seeing you here again. Pretty mademoiselle~"
It was the man who'd helped with her bag.
"Thanks again for earlier."
Su-yeon bowed her head slightly.
"No trouble at all. One smile from you is enough for me. First time in Paris?"
"No, I've been several times. It's romantic every time."
Su-yeon replied with a tired smile, her voice a bit low and soft.
"I see. But it still excites you, from that smile. It's so captivating. I'm Nicola. You?"
"Su-yeon."
"Even your name is beautiful."
As her suitcase appeared on the belt, he stepped forward effortlessly and lifted it with one hand.
"Su-yeon, you look exhausted. Where are you headed?"
"A hotel near the Arc de Triomphe."
"Oh~ I'm going there too... Shall we go together? I have a car."
Nicola grinned brightly. Su-yeon hesitated briefly, but his kindness wasn't unwelcome.
"...Sure, if you don't mind."
His blue eyes sparkled. He smiled contentedly and wheeled her suitcase.
"Wait here. I'll bring the car around."
Nicola winked lightly and strode quickly to the parking lot. Su-yeon stood near the exit, waiting. Five minutes later, a black SUV pulled up smoothly.
Nicola hopped out, opened the passenger door.
"Hop in, Su-yeon."
He loaded the suitcase in the trunk and returned to the driver's seat. Warm air filled the car as the engine started. He smiled watching her buckle up.
"Alright, let's go."
Nicola's car took Su-yeon to her reserved hotel. April in Paris was still chilly, but the heater made the interior cozy. Thirty minutes later, they arrived.
Nicola got out and unloaded her bags.
"Thank you. That was so much easier."
"My pleasure. I enjoyed it too."
Su-yeon smiled at him again.
"Well, I'll head up to my room. Thanks so much."
As Su-yeon turned toward the hotel, Nicola gently grasped her wrist.
"Wait, Su-yeon."
His voice was low and soft. Warm fingers encircled her slender wrist. He drew her slightly closer, looking down with blue eyes.
"Long flight must have you beat, but how about a glass of wine at the lobby wine bar later? A delicious red, and more time to talk with you."
He smiled and continued.
"To be honest, I watched you the whole flight. You've gotten under my skin."
His blue eyes locked on hers. His fingers still warmly held her wrist.
Su-yeon panicked. Min-jun's face flashed in her mind.
Oppa...
She didn't know what to do. Her thoughts grew tangled.
"Su-yeon, let's talk a bit more."
Nicola said. Su-yeon hesitated, thinking of Min-jun.
Hmm... he did help me out... hearing him out once shouldn't hurt, right?
Su-yeon finally sighed softly and replied.
"Okay. Lots of luggage, so I'll check in, drop it off, and come down. Wait just a bit."
"Of course. I can wait that long. Take your time. I'll be at the lobby bar."
Su-yeon bowed slightly and wheeled her suitcase to the front desk. Even during check-in, her mind was a mess.
Sorry to Min-jun oppa... but just one glass of wine... talk and head up. That's fine.
With her room key, Su-yeon headed upstairs.