barrier || woosan ✓

0.4

San was awoken by the smell of something unfamiliar. He looked around remembering he wasn't home, but at his grandmas' house which gave him more relief.

He saw slippers placed at the end of his bed and assumed he had to put them on. He walked out of the room seeing even more family members sitting around at a small table.

"San this is your extended family, cousins, aunts uncles, we have one cousin here who can speak English he's right over there," his mom said pointing over to a light brown-haired boy. "Get to know him well because he said he'd take you out whenever you want to walk and explore the city," she said moving past the small crowd and towards the boy.

"This is Yeosang, he's extremely nice, be comfortable with him," she said before walking away.

Yeosang was a light brown almost blonde-haired boy. His face was soft and clear and he had a gentle smile when he saw San in front of him. He stood up and bowed, San still standing there not knowing what to do.

"When someone bows to you you bow back. I figured I could also teach you some Korean, and help you with pronouncion and such. I do know English but I don't know certain words so if we happen to come across something I don't know how to translate I'm sorry in advance!" he said smiling at the boy. San nodded and smiled back relieved.

"Would you want to go out now or practice Korean, I can teach you basic pronunciation for when you're ready to go out," he asked. San nodded agreeing to practice. They both ate while getting to know each other. During that time San was introduced to everyone. They all spoke to him in as much English as they knew and he was grateful.

"Do you like the food? It's different from what you're used to right?" Yeosang asked eating more of his rice. San nodded. "Usually we eat fast food, mom can't cook,"  he said laughing. For the past half hour, San and Yeosang learned a lot about each other. He learned that Yeosang had taught himself and is still teaching himself English.

Yeosang said he would introduce him to some of his friends, promising him they were cool and he would fit right in and he had a friend who also spoke English. San felt happy he had something to look forward to. His trip now became exciting knowing he had someone to communicate with.

"did you get your tattoo?" Yeosang said translating what he said. San widened his eyes. How did Yeosang know?

"It's Korean culture, you get soulmate tattoos. You're 17 right? they usually come anywhere while you're 17, but once you turn 18 and you didn't get one you have no soulmate," he explained. san lifted his sleeve. yeosang examined it. It was a sunflower petal, he's never seen one like that but it looked beautiful.

"That's so pretty, how about tomorrow I take you out, you won't have to do any talking I'll do it for you, and maybe we'll find your soulmate!" San could tell Yeosang was excited. It was a benefit to not have to talk. He couldn't help but think soulmate; that wasn't what happened back home. Maybe this was why he got over his year-long crush once he turned 17. The tattoo had appeared when that happened. He was preparing himself and he didn't even realize.

He started thinking it over. If this was Korean culture how would he and his soulmate get along? would San leave everything at home and stay here? Would they leave everything and follow him?

"Can we go in two days? I'm a little tired," he said gathering his plates and bowls and placing them in the sink and washing them. Yeosang nodded and stood up as well doing the same.

"Hello!" he heard. He looked down and saw a little boy looking around the age of 6. San looked at Yeosang for help. "San here doesn't speak Korean, but he says hi back," Yeosang smiled. this was the first time he heard Yeosang speak Korean. His voice was deeper and he sounded professional. He saw the little kid gasp in excitement.

"H-hello?" he hesitated but still said happily. San smiled and waved causing a big smile to appear on the kid's face. "This is Youngmin, he's the youngest cousin,"

All three went inside Sans temporary room and hung out. They were having a great time despite the language barrier.