| Fan Fiction |
by PinkNalgene
I immediately wrapped up the table cloth containing my fake watches and ran for my life. I think I’m a fast runner, well fast enough for the old police oppas in this city. They know they can’t chase after me, they usually give up halfway anyway, I’m just a small player in the industry of pirated goods.
My name is Lee Chae Yeon. I am 21 this year and I have been living in seoul since I was 14. I do not have any parents and I don’t know when my birthday is. Uncle picked me up from the orphanage. According to him, my parents passed away a long time ago. He took me home from the orphanage when I was still a baby. Uncle is my only family. Unfortunately, he died of lung cancer when I was 14. After he passed away, I didn’t have anywhere to go. I have been living on the streets since then, making a living by selling things. I started with food, but realized that it was difficult. Right now, I sell fake watches and wallets.
Today was a good day in terms of sales, the traffic flow was good. The police raid had to spoil it all. I turned into a small alley to hide and rest, when…
“Hello Miss” someone tapped on my shoulder
“Ahhhh!!!!” It was a policeman. I pushed him away and continued running. It was however a dead end alley
“Come with me” The policeman grabbed my goods and my hands. He brought me to the Seoul south police station.
“Oppa, you must be new, I have not seen you before!” I said to the policeman. He is young, quite handsome actually, I would have remembered him if I had seen him before. He must be new.
How great is this, second time this month to the Dae-mun police station. There’s no escape now. But it is fine actually; at most they will lock me up for a night. The good thing about being locked up is that I don’t have to worry about dinner.
“You talk too much” That new policman oppa said coldy.
How unfriendly can he be? I don’t like this person. Its not like I’m some major criminal. I sell fake plastic watches on the street. Was it that bad? I know its illegal but what am I going to live on if I don’t do something that pays?
He dragged me into the station. I finally saw his name. *Lee Minwoo*. Interesting, he has the same last name as me.
“You again!” Policeman Park Myung soo saw me. He frowned. I know he meant well, he is a funny guy, he is my favourite policeman in this station.
“I would like noodles for dinner” I gave him a grin. They usually serve either rice or noodles, I think the noodles are much nicer. I’ve been here so many times, it’s a pity they didn’t take my suggestion of installing a television. I walked up to the lock up area waiting for them to let me in. Policeman Minwoo didn’t seem to know what I was waiting for. He looked disturbed.
“I want to speak to you in the interrogation room” He demanded. So he is an inspector, not some regular policeman oppa. That explains the sick attitude he has.
“Would you like something to drink?” he looked at me. He was starring at my outfit. What does he want? So what if my shoes have holes and I’m wearing a thorn jacket and faded pants? If I could afford new clothes I won’t be selling fake watches on the road. Goodness!
“Some coffee would be great. Creamer and 3 packs of sugar” I replied him happily. Myabe he is nice after all. It’s the first time I got brought into this room. No one ever offered me a drink before.
“This is not a hotel” Inspector Minwoo screamed at me. He slammed his file on the table, looking very angry.
“Well you asked me if I wanted a drink” I rebutted. Just as I thought he might be nice, he gets on my nerves again.
“Why do you have to sell those pirated watches?” Inspector Minwoo asked
“For money of course” Such an obvious question. Would I want to sell the watches because I find them pretty? And to think he is an inspector.
“Can’t you do something else?” He continued to ask
“I could steal, kill, or do prostitution...” His face didn’t look good. He was getting angry, his facial expression was changing.
“But no one would want my services since I look like this” I continued. I really thought so. I didn’t think anyone would be interested in me. I look like a boy.
“If I catch you again I won’t let you off” Inspector Minwoo said hastily and left the room.
“So you are not locking me up today?” I shouted at him. The inspector ignored me.
***
“How unlucky can today be?” I complained to Hyun Young, my best and only friend.
“So you are going to sneak into the station tonight to get your goods back?” Hyun Young asked me.
“I need to make a prank call to see who is on duty. If it is Officer Park, I will go. He keeps the backdoor unlocked” Park oppa is the kindest of all police. He looks very weird but he has a very beautiful heart. He usually falls asleep during night duty, giving me a chance to ransack their confiscated goods which they put aside to burn.
“You should be careful, I heard that there will be a new inspector for this district, and he is here to make things right”
Hyun young is a model. She has been my best friend since junior high. She is very tall and beautiful, she dresses very well and always looks pretty.
“Have you found a place to stay?” Hyun young asked. Finding a place to stay, it is my biggest headache each time. Most of the time I have to move because I can no longer afford the rent, but this time, they are demolishing this block. I have grown to like this place. Although it is the worst district in town, the rent is cheap and the utilities are included.
“I am still looking, there’s nothing affordable around” I sighed
“You know you can always come live with me and my boyfriend” Hyun young suggested. No matter how good and close we are, there are some things I have to reject, even if I have to live on the streets again.
“I’ll find a way” I gave her a smile
“You need to doll up yourself, you are already past 21” Hyun young nagged at me
“I’m 21, not past 21, its late, you should get going.” I chased her away.
Of course I would like to doll myself up. No girl would like to look ugly, but what use does it make to doll myself up? I don’t have a boyfriend and I sell things on the street. Besides, a roof over my head is more important than pretty dresses.
“Dae-mun police station” An unfamiliar voice picked up the phone. Oh dear, why is it not Policeman Park? There must be some changes in that station. I shall just take a walk then. Today is my unlucky day.
I walked to the hangang river, where couples go dating and families bring their children. It is very beautiful at night. I’m usually selling things at this time, this is the first time in years that I’ve been here. Seeing people in love, I want to fall in love too. It must be a nice feeling. I walked closer to the water. I can see my own reflection. Chae Yeon Chae Yeon, who would want to date you when you look like that?
I snipped out of my day dreaming mode and went to the night market.
“I’d like a packet of jajungmun” I shouted to the aijashi of the noodle store
“extra noodles?” he shouted back
“Yes please” I usually eat this much, at one sitting. But don’t be mistaken, I eat only 2 meals a day. Its more economical and time saving this way.
I don’t know why but I cried myself to sleep, seeing everyone at the hangang river being happy, I want to be happy too. Will I ever find happiness, I wonder.