For the Love of Seoul

Today is the day. Today. Today is the day I finally come out to my parents as Pansexual. What is pansexual you may ask? Pansexual means you can love all genders. In other words, you care more about the person not what’s in their pants. You can love male, female, non binary, gender fluid, anyone.

The only problem is my parents. They don’t even understand bisexual people how will they be able to understand pansexual? I’m terrified! Living in Texas a lot of people either don’t understand the LGBTQ+ community or they don’t accept it. I’m 22 and in college at the University of Texas at Dallas. My name is Jade Lynn Davis. My roommates are Mariesha and Cai. They have been so supportive and are helping me get the courage to talk to my parents.

At noon I start the hour drive home to my parents’ house. I’m a nervous wreck. I don’t know how my parents will take the news. Will they be supportive? Or be mad? I don’t know.

I arrive at my parents’ house and they aren’t home. I sit on the couch watching tv and studying for my Korean test tomorrow. After about 2 hours my mom and my dad walk in.

“Hey Jade! We didn’t expect you today!” My mom said

“Yeah, I thought I’d surprise you guys. Hi mom” I said hugging her. “Hi dad.”

“What are you doing kiddo?” My dad says.

“Oh, I’m studying for my Korean test.”

“How are you doing in that class? I know you were struggling at the start of the semester.” Dad said

“I’m doing much better now.”

“That’s so good! I’m so glad that you’re doing better.”

A few hours later we were sitting down to eat dinner. I’m going to tell them now. It’s time. I reach down to my phone and I see a text from both Mariesha and Cai with words of encouragement.

“Mom dad there is something I need to tell you guys.”

“What is it honey?” My mom says.

My dad gives me a concerned look. I take a deep breath in.

“I’m pansexual.”

“W-what is that?” My mom says.

“It means that I love all genders. Male, Female, Non-binary, any gender identity. It means that I care more about the person than what’s in their pants.”

“So basically, you’ll just fuck whoever comes your way?” My dad says.

“No dad it’s about love not sex.”

“Oh, honey you’re just confused. Some girl was just really nice to you and now you’re just confused.”

“No. I know what I am.”

“Well, I don’t approve of this. You should love a man and get married to a man.” My dad says.

“No dad that’s not for sure going to happen. I will marry whomever I see fit to be my spouse.”

“No!” My dad yells.

“Fine. I see I’m not accepted here. I’m going back to my apartment. Thanks for not accepting your only child for who they are. Thanks for showing me what shitty people you are.”

I hop in my car and start the drive home. I call Cai and talk to her about what happened. My parents don’t accept me for who I am. How am I supposed to go on from here?

——————

The next day I walk into my Korean class and I see the Teachers Assistant Byeol at the white bored writing out helpful tools for the quiz.

“Hello Byeol.”

“Ah hello Jade. Oh, what’s wrong? You look sad?

“I came out to my parents.”

“Oh no! They didn’t accept you?”

“No, they didn’t”

“I’m sorry. What are you going to do? We graduate in 2 months.”

“I’m not sure. I can’t move back home.”

“Oh! I have an idea. Go to Seoul!”

“Why would I go to Seoul?

“Well, you can escape your parents and there is really good money to be made if you want to teach English. I know a few people who could help you out. I can give them your KakaoTalk ID and you can talk to them about it. What do you say?”

“Sure.”

“Great! Now take your seat the test will begin soon.”

“Ok.”

——————

Later that night I am eating dinner with Mariesha and Cai when my phone goes off. It’s a message from someone on KakaoTalk.

Sehun: Hi is this Jade? My name is Sehun (like the guy from EXO. But I’m not) I’m one of Byeol’s friends from Seoul.

Jade: Oh, hello yes this is Jade. What can I do for you?

Sehun: Well, isn’t that what I should be asking you? Byeol told me about how you came out to your parents and they weren’t accepting. She said you didn’t have a plan after graduation. She told you about the teaching program, right?

Jade: Yeah, but not much about it. Can you tell me more?

Sehun: Of Course! So South Korea is always looking for English teachers. It starts out in Elementary School. They pay a lot and provide housing. Normally you would start in a more rural town but since you now have me at your disposal and I’m well liked in this industry I can get you started in Seoul. Jade, this could be a great restart for you. You could meet the man or woman of your dreams here. All I need is your transcript up until right now, 1 recommendation letter saying you will be graduating, and proof of a passport. (This is not the actual requirements of this REAL program) Can you provide those?

Jade: I can. Yes, Sehun I can.

Sehun: Jade, do you want to do this?

Jade: I do. I’m not accepted here, and I don’t have anywhere else to go.

Sehun: Alright, then get everything I said as quick as possible and email it to [email protected] and we can get this started. It’s better to send it all in one email so I only have to forward it once.

Jade: You got it. I’m emailing a professor now about it. I should have everything for you tomorrow.

Sehun: Awesome. I look forward to talking to you more. Let me know when you send it over.

A few days have gone by and I have everything gathered. I scan it all into my computer and then email it over to Sehun.

Jade: Hey Sehun, I sent over all the info you asked for.

Sehun: Great! I will send it over to my boss and he should be in touch pretty quick.

“Did you do it?” Cai asked.

“Yeah. I won’t be able to survive living in that house with them.”

“Well let’s go do something?” Mariesha said

“Yeah, lets go to Korea town and I can practice my Korean more.” I said.

“Sounds good.” Cai said.

We hopped in Cai’s car and headed to our local Korea town. Once we got there we went into our local K-pop shop where we know the owner Ji-hoon. He is a very sweet 45-year-old man. We’ve known him for 2 years ever since we started coming here. He’s always so nice and corrects my Korean if I pronounce something wrong.

“Hello. Oh! Look honey it’s my favorite ladies.” Ji-hoon said to wife Cho.

“Hello Ji-hoon. Hello Cho.” The girls and I say.

“What brings you guys in today? Browsing? Practicing?” Ji-hoon said.

“No, I am going to be moving to Seoul to teach and wanted some advice before making travel arrangements” I said.

“Ah ok ok. Do you know where you will be staying yet?”

“I’m not sure my friend has a friend in Seoul who is hooking me up and I should be pretty set.”

“Well, if you need a friend our son, Min just moved back to

Seoul. You remember Min, right?”

“Of course!”

“Here’s his KakaoTalk ID. Let him know I gave it to you that way you won’t be alone.”

“That would be great!”

Ji-hoon and I continue talking while Cai and Mariesha browse albums. Eventually, the store started to get really busy, so we went to get some food. While we were out my phone rang and it was a Korean number. So, I answered in Korean.

“Hello?”

“Hello is this Jade?”

“Yes, it is who is this?”

“My name is Yun-Jun I am Sehun’s boss.”

“Hello Yun-Jun.”

“I am calling today because I would like to offer you the position of Kindergarten English teacher in one of our Elementary Schools in Seoul.”

“Yes, I accept.”

“Wonderful. When is your graduation?”

“It will be June 6th.”

“Ok we’d like to have you out here by June 30th if that is possible for you?”

“Of course!”

“Wonderful. So we will set you up with a plane ticket with 2 free bag vouchers. If you need more than that you will need to pay for them, we will get your apartment ready. Sehun asked us to provide you an apartment by yourself so we have done that for you. Would you like him to pick you up from the airport?”

“Sure, that’s fine.”

“Well ladies it looks like I’m going to Korea!”

“CONGRATS!”

I then messaged both Sehun and Byeol and let them know. In just 2 short months I would be moving to South Korea to be away from my family.

Chapter 2: Graduation

“Jade Lynn Davis. Dual Major: Education and Korean Language.” The dean said right before I walked across the stage

to receive my diploma. My parents aren’t here. They told me they wouldn’t come since I was moving to Korea without their blessing. That’s fine I had Mariesha and Cai’s family there to support me. Plus, we had plans with Byeol after the graduation Ceremony.

Shortly after graduation we found Cai and Mariesha’s families. We talk with them for a little bit while the parking lot clears out so that we can leave to go meet Byeol.

We arrive at the restaurant Byeol told us to meet her at. When we walk in, we are escorted over to a private room. We walk in and see Byeol right away.

“Hi Byeol! We did it!”

“Well, aren’t you a spit fire.”

“Um excuse me. Who are you?”

“Sehun. Hello Jade.”

“OH! Hello Sehun. I didn’t know what you looked like.”

“It’s fine. Let’s celebrate then tomorrow we will talk business. Sound good?”

“Of course!”

The next day I wake up at 1 pm severely hung over. I

check my phone and I have a few messages on Kakao talk from Sehun.

Sehun: Good morning Jade. When you wake up lets make plans to meet somewhere for lunch to talk about getting to Seoul. (8:45 am)

Sehun: Jade are you still sleeping? (9:35 am)

Sehun: Dang Jade you must really be hung over. Message me when you are awake. (12 pm)

Jade: Sehun, good afternoon. Yes, I am very hung over. I just took some medicine so hopefully I will be ready to go in about an hour. After the medicine kicks in and I’m dressed.

Sehun: Ok that works. Where should we meet?

Jade: How about the Café on Main street?

Sehun: That works. Let me know when you’re ready.

About an hour later I message Sehun that I am on the way to the Café. He orders an Uber to get there. I arrive first and order myself a latte and slice of coffee cake. A few minutes later Sehun arrives. He orders himself an Iced Americano and a croissant.

“Feel better?” Sehun says sitting down at the table with me.

“Much better thank you for asking.”

“So to practice your Korean more lets speak in Korean.”

“Ok that’s fine.”

“So we have 3 days to get your stuff packed. Are you going to be bringing any furniture? Or just waiting to buy things in Seoul?”

“I probably will only send over my bed if it will fit in the apartment. It’s a queen size bed.”

“Yeah that will fit. The company will send a moving truck in 3 days as well. The truck will bring your bed to the airport to be brought over. It does take more time though. It’ll take about a week for everything to get over. The plane will take your stuff to the docks in South Carolina where they will be loaded on to a ship and brought over. You will need to pack all the clothes you want to bring in suitcases.”

“That’s fine I can do that.”

“So I will stay here and then we will fly back together. I’m staying with Byeol while I’m here.”

“Ok. I’m ready to get out of here. I can’t take it anymore.”

“If you don’t mind can I see what your parents have sent you?”

“Sure”

I took out my phone and opened up my text messages. I told him to look at the messages from Mom, Dad, and The Family. Which is our families group chat.

In there, Sehun found texts from my family that Pansexual doesn’t exist and calling me awful names. When I told my family, I was moving to Korea to teach English. They called me even worse names. I saw his face drop and that’s how I knew where he was in the messages.

“Your mother said this to you?!”

“Yeah.”

“What the hell kind of mother says this their child?!”

“I don’t know.”

“How about we start packing right now. If we finish early, we can leaver earlier and get you the hell out of here.”

“Ok sounds good. Let’s go.”

We head to my car and I send a text to Cai and Mariesha letting them know that I would be bringing Sehun home. Once we got to my apartment, we greeted the girls then went into my room to start packing.

As I’m packing things up, I see the fond memories of when my family was actually my family. Before they practically disowned me. They don’t believe my sexuality is real and they don’t like that I want to do something for myself, get a fresh start somewhere else. I didn’t realize I had started to cry until Sehun spoke.

“Hey hey hey. Why the tears?”

“Oh. Um just looking at these pictures reminds me of the good memories we had before.”

Sehun pulled me into a side hug and just rubbed my arm for a moment.

“Look, I might not know about any of these or how this feels but I do know that you don’t deserve any of the things they said to you. We are going to prove to your family that you can be successful without their support. Okay?”

“Okay.”

At about 2 am we finish packing all of my stuff. I have an outfit set aside for the airport tomorrow and I left instructions for Mariesha and Cai to have my bed sent with the moving company. They both agreed and Mariesha took off of work to be here on the day they will be arriving. Sehun reached out to Yun-Jun to get our flight moved up.

Sehun ended up sleeping over. We woke up at 9 am after

very little sleep. We packed up my suitcases in Mariesha’s car. Sehun and I got in my car and Mariesha went in hers. We drove to Byeol’s house so Sehun could change and get his things. We said goodbye to Byeol then headed to my parents’ house. They were both at work. I parked my car on the street and put my keys in the mail box and left a note on my car that said:

Dear mom and dad,

I know you don’t approve of me going to South Korea, but I am going. Here is my car that you have paid for. I will find new transportation in Korea. If you ever decide you want a daughter again and can accept me for who I am, then we will talk. I will not speak to you until you can accept me for who I am.

Bye,

Jade.

“I’m proud of you Jade.” Mariesha said.

“Me too.” Sehun said.

“I wish Cai was here to see me off.” I said/

“Me too but she couldn’t get off work. Buy wifi on the plane and we will video chat later tonight when she is off work.”

“Ok.”

“Well, ladies should we head to the airport?” Sehun said.

“Yeah, we should.”

We hop in Mariesha’s car and she drives us to the airport. We make a quick stop by Ji-hoon and Cho’s kpop shop to say goodbye. After 45 minutes we arrive at the airport.

“I’m gonna miss you so much” Mariesha says.

“I’m gonna miss you to.” I said.

We hug for a few minutes before Sehun interrupts us.

“I hate to break up your sweet moment but we need to head in.”

“Alright alright.” Mariesha said with tears in her eyes. She then turns to Sehun and pulls him into a hug and says. “Take care of my best friend. Make sure she stays safe and don’t let her get hurt by anyone.”

“You got it.”

With one last hug Sehun and I wave goodbye to Mariesha and walk into the airport. This was the last time I’d see my best friend for a long time. Who knows when I’ll see her again. The only people I have in Korea are Sehun and Min. Speaking of Min I should message him when I get to Korea.

“Ready?” Sehun said as we walked through security.

“Yeah, I think so.”

“So, we will probably be spending a lot of time together. It looks like I might be your co-teacher.” Sehun said looking at his phone.

“What?”

“Every non-Korean English teacher always gets a Korean co-teacher. The one they originally had you assigned to just resigned so it looks like I will be your co-teacher.”

“Oh cool!”

“So familiar face every day.”

“That makes me happy.”

“But I think there are a few things we should discuss before I actually accept the position. Let’s speak in Korean.”

“Ok what should we discuss?”

“I’m sure you will accept it but just so you know. I’m gay and have a long-term boyfriend.”

“Oh cool! So, you know all the spots I could meet someone?”

“Oh yes!”

“Wonderful!”

“Actually, my boyfriend will be picking us up from the airport. I’ll email Yun-Jun back and make sure your apartment is ready.”

“Ok.”

Chapter 3:

We arrive in Seoul at 12 am local time. I’m exhausted. My apartment isn’t ready yet so I’m staying at Sehun’s place tonight. We get off the plane and go to baggage claim. Sehun is looking around as I’m waiting for our bags.

“Sehun-ah!” I hear someone yell.

“Sung-ho!” Sehun yell’s back.

“I missed you.” The man called Sung-ho says to Sehun while hugging him tightly.

“I missed you to love.” Sehun says as I watch from the sidelines. This is the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.

“Oh is this the new teacher?” Sung-ho says.

“Yes, her name is Jade. Her apartment won’t be ready until tomorrow so she will sleep at our place tonight then tomorrow we will take her to her place.” Sehun says.

“Hi nice to meet you.” I said with a bow.

“Oh! No need to be so formal. If you will be working this closely with my love than we can be informal. I’m Sung-ho.”

“Alright.”

“Ok ok let’s head home I’m tired.” Sehun said.

“Alright honey let’s go. Jade let me get your bags.” Sung-ho said.

“Oh! A gentleman ok.”

We take our bags to Sung-ho’s car. We load our bags into the car and get in. We decide to drive around Seoul just a little bit.

By the time we arrive at Sehun’s apartment it is already 1 am. Sehun tells me to leave my big bags in the car and just to bring in my backpack that had an extra change of clothes inside. We go inside and the Sheun shows me to the guest bedroom where I will be staying for the night.

The next morning, I wake up at about 8 am. I get in the shower, and then get dressed. After my shower I walk into the kitchen in search of coffee and food. When I get into the kitchen I see Sung-ho already in there making breakfast.

“Good morning Sung-ho.”

“Oh! Jade Good morning. Would you like some coffee?”

“Yes please.”

Sung-ho pours me a cup of coffee.

“Here you are. Here’s some sugar. I’m making an tost-u. I’m a Korean breakfast sandwich. Similar to an American egg sandwich.”

“Oh that sounds wonderful! Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. After Sehun wakes up we will head over to your apartment.”

“Sounds good.”

After about 20 minutes breakfast was ready and Sung-ho and I sat down to eat. We are just chit chatting and eating when I get a text from Mariesha asking if I made it safely. I forgot to text her. I message her back that I made it safe and would call her later. Shortly after that Sehun wakes up. He comes over to Sung-ho and gives him a kiss then makes a cup of coffee.

We discuss what the plan is for the day. Sehun had gotten a call from Yun-Jun saying he wanted to meet with us today. We will go to my apartment and then head to the school to meet Yun-jun. I won’t officially start teaching until Monday. Today is Friday so I have all weekend to explore the city.

At noon we head to my apartment. Its right in the center of the city. It’s a 1 bedroom apartment with a great view of Seoul. My favorite part of the entire place is a beautiful seating area right in front of a window. This will be the perfect place to read in the evening.

“What do you think?” Sehun says

“I think it’s beautiful!”

“I’m glad you like it. The other apartment Yun-Jun had chosen for you didn’t have a view. I told him this one would be better.”

“You picked my apartment?”

“Yeah of course! Byeol told me to take care of you while you’re here.”

“Who knows I might be here for life.”

“That is actually what Byeol is hoping for. She thinks you will find your happiness here. Actually, she’s pretty certain that you will find the man or woman or non-binary person of your dreams here.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.” Sehun said with a soft smile.

“We will let you get settled today but maybe tomorrow we

can go out and check out the LGBTQ scene. How does that sound?” Sung-ho says.

“I love that idea!”

After looking around my apartment some more we head over to the school. Sung-ho waits in the car while Sehun and I go and meet Yun-Jun. We talk about teaching and how exactly that will go. Yun-Jun gives me a sample lesson plan from another teacher. My first day I will be teaching the kids about animals and colors. I’m really excited. My new start is happening so fast. I can’t wait to see what else lies ahead.

The next day was Saturday and Sehun and Sung-Ho are taking me out to the local gayborhood. Haha get it gay neighborhood. I have no clue what to wear tonight. So I text Sehun.

Jade: Sehun, I don’t know what to wear tonight. Any ideas?

Sehun: Um Clothes? If you haven’t noticed I’m the masculine gay while my boyfriend is more feminine and knows about cute stuff. How about I have Sung-ho come get you and you guys go shopping?

Jade: Oh that would be wonderful!

Sehun: Alright get ready Sung-ho will be there in 20 minutes.

I quickly get dressed in jeans and a plain black t-shirt. I grab my purse and throw on some comfy boots. *knock knock knock*

perfect timing. I open the door expecting Sung-ho but it’s a tall muscular man.

“Yes?”

“Oh you speak Korean?”

“Yes. Can I help you?”

“Oh I just saw that you moved in yesterday and wanted to introduce myself. I’m Dong-hyun. I live 3 doors down.”

“Oh it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Jade I’m from America. I just graduated college and moved here to teach.”

“Very cool. What school will you be teaching at?”

“Seoul primary.”

“That is a great school! My son went there. He’s in Secondary school now. The staff there is very nice and helpful.”

“That’s great to hear. Thank you Dong-hyun.”

“You’re welcome.” As he said this I saw Sung-ho walking towards us looking concerned.

“Oh also my wife wanted to invite you to dinner tomorrow night. Are you free?”

“Sure. I’d love that. Thank you.”

“My pleasure. You’ll probably end up eating at all of our apartments on this floor within the next couple of weeks. We are all very friendly and like to welcome any new residents. Especially the foreign people. It seems to make them more relaxed and feel more welcome in a new country.”

“How wonderful.” I see Sung-ho standing right next to me “Oh hey Sung-ho. Excuse me Dong-hyun I must be off. My friend Sung-ho and I are going shopping. It was pleasure to meet you.”

“You also. Bye.”