The Scent of Life (1)
CHAPTER 19 LIGHT IN SEOUL CITY
At the bus stop, Hye Bin and Shahib stood with other passengers. Hye Bin wears a small floral skirt and blouse, with a casual jacket and a scarf. Her hair was tied back showing her tiny red earrings.
It took her an hour to dress up at home before meeting Shahib. Today, as he promised Shahib, they will go for a walk. Shahib wears regular jeans and wears a jacket. The backpack was on his back.
Shortly after the bus arrived. Hye Bin explains a little in English about bus lines and how they can use public transport. They will go to the course first to register Shahib, then proceed to the Islamic Center in Itaewon. They had planned many places to visit. Shahib was really helped and felt excited to get to know Korea better.
Shahib's gaze could not be seen around. People in buses, buildings, people on the streets and also cherry blossom flowers are blooming.
Hye Bin smiles meaningfully feeling grateful can be helpful and helpful to others. About 15 minutes, they got off at a bus stop. They got off with other passengers. Not far away on foot, they entered the two-story building where the language course.
In the lobby they were welcomed. Hye Bin helps Shahib communicate with the receptionist. After filling out the form, they were given a four-month course schedule.
"Hmm ... almost all are written in Hangeul," murmured Shahib.
Hye Bin smiled then explained the contents of the lesson schedule brochure given.
They continued their journey to Itaewon. Using the subway. Hye Bin helps Shahib buy a ticket and explains the directions of the train line. They were quite crowded in the train, because it was already in the lunch hour.
In Korean culture there is the name pale-pale, which is interpreted quickly. Koreans like to do all their activities quickly. Even on the train track. Time is money and opportunity never repeats itself. That's their principle.
Hye Bin and Shahib arrived in Itaewon. Walking along an uphill path, they reached a mosque where the Seoul Muslim community had gathered. Seoul Central Mosque opened in 1976 as a center of Muslim religious and religious activities in South Korea. The mosque is located in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.
The mosque is located in a high place so visitors must climb the stairs first. Shahib called someone, then walked into the mosque. A narrow-eyed, bearded man greeted and hugged Shahib. Hye Bin put on her scarf as a head covering. Shahib asked Hye Bin for permission to go inside with him.
Hye Bin is alone on the terrace of the mosque. He was curious to know how inside the mosque. He went inside. This is his first experience in entering a mosque where Muslims worship. Stretched carpet lined and in the corner there was a room with the door open. In the sneak peek of activities inside, it turns out there is a group of women in discussion. Feeling that someone was standing at the door, a Middle Eastern-faced woman who was speaking gave the code for Hye Bin to enter. Feeling caught, Hye Bin smiled and went in and sat in their circle. Hye Bin listened carefully and dissolved into their discussion.
"Like my sisters, we were created by God to worship Him. The world was created by God for us as a test of life so that we can do good practices that are in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet and sincerely because of Him. In Korea today everything is rooted in world materials, so many people feel depressed and easily stressed. It is not surprising that today many people decide to commit suicide because of depression. Life is not to take as much world matter. But make the material of the world to reach our afterlife" she explained in fluent Korean at the end of her speech.
Not felt, Zuhur prayer time arrived. Azaan was heard in the building. Their meeting broke up. Hye Bin heads out to the terrace waiting for Shahib outside. While occasionally his eyes saw the Muslims worship in the mosque. Seen by him Shahib followed in that line. Either there is another shiver in Hye Bin watching them worship. Calmness, that's how he feels. Moreover, hearing the explanation of the woman in the room gave a new experience and view in Hye Bin.
"We're having lunch?" shahib's voice suddenly startled the dreamy Hye Bin.
"Yes .. I am hungry" replied Hye Bin.
***
They walk in the Itaewon area. There is a Korean food restaurant there. They sit facing. Hye Bin asks wefie alone with Shahib as a memento.
"The weather is very hot today. Is Indonesia this hot?" ask Hye Bin.
"Indonesia is hotter during the dry season. It's good for you to visit Indonesia" Shahib said.
"How did you get to know Doctor Hyun?" ask Hye Bin.
"He had been to Indonesia some time ago. He was my friend in college. He's a good man."
"Yes, he's a generous man. When I graduated from the middle level and needed a job, only in the PM Cafe received my energy. I hope I can also continue my studies in medicine like him."
The waiter came to bring food.
"Have you heard of Namsan Tower? After you eat, do you want me to go there?" tawar Hye Bin's.
"Can. Today there is no specific agenda to campus or to the hospital. But maybe starting next week I will often go back and forth Seoul-Hadong. You know where that is?
"Owh .. is the center of tea plantations in South Korea. You'll definitely like it. Are there not many tea plantations in Indonesia?" ask Hye Bin.
***
After eating they walk down the sidewalk to the bus stop. Shahib's eyes are attracted to a puppet-capturing game machine. Sahib invites Hye Bin to try the game. Many times Hye Bin tried to catch a stuffed rabbit but to no avail as well.
Shahib felt anxious, then took over. After two failed attempts, Shahib finally managed to get a stuffed cow. They screamed with excitement to make the passersby turn their heads towards them. Shahib gave the doll to Hye Bin. Hye The girl bowed in gratitude and awkwardly Shahib replied respectfully in the same way. They laugh together.
***
The trip continues to Namsan Tower. They bought a ticket and rode on a cable car, looking at the city from a height. Shahib felt a bit dizzy. He gave up and finally sat down wanting to vomit, but he was arrested.
Hye Bin held back laughter looking at Shahib's face that was deathly pale from fear of heights. An hour passed and they finally got to a tower full of padlocks.
Hye Bin explains about a collection of love locks. Koreans believe that the couple who put a padlock and his name in Namsan Tower, then their love will not be separated. Shahib just nodded, and understood the culture of Koreans who still believe in such superstitious things. They ended the trip when the afternoon was over.
"See Hye Bin-ssi" Shahib said with a smile.
"See you soon Shahib-ssi" replied Hye Bin replying with a sweet smile.
They split up in front of the PM's cafe. From inside the Cafe, Hyeo Jin saw the familiarity of the two. Hyeo Jin's eyes stared at them sharply.
***
Hye Bin changes clothes in the locker room. Hae Won came over with a smile.
"How was your trip with Mr. Shahib?" ask Hae Won.
"He's a polite and sweet man" Hye Bin replied with a smile.
"Look at the Boss looking at you guys from inside the cafe. Do you think the Boss is jealous?" ask Hae Won.
Hye Bin just grinned while shrugging her shoulders signifying ignorance and indifference. Hye Bin exited the dressing room, but in the hallway Hyeo Jin was already waiting while leaning against the wall.
"Hye Bin-ssi, do you know what time it is?" hyeo Jin asked Hye Bin.
"Yes Boss, forgive my delay" said Hye Bin, bowing to apologize and leaving Hyeo Jin.
"Hey .. wait," call Hyeo Jin.
Hye Bin turned his head without a smile towards Hyeo Jin, then walked away again.
"Hey .., will I cut your salary? Be polite" Hyeo Jin said.
Hye Bin stopped his steps and turned his head.
"As far as you are," Hye Bin replied as she bowed in respect, then walked away.
"Hey!" call Hyeo Jin.
Hye Bin was annoyed then stopped and looked back.
"What the hell do you want? I have to work," replied Hye Bin ketus then leave.
Hyeo Jin speechless. He walked into his room. At the door he meets Shahib who greets him kindly. But Hyeo Jin was only silent with a face without a smile, thus making Shahib wonder inwardly. What happened to Hyeo Jin?