Kyung Mi squeaked when Tessa hugged her. “I always knew you were awesome.”
“Come on, everyone. I’m starving!” Tessa’s mother flagged them all towards the dining area. “I spent way too many hours on a plane, and Kelly has been tempting me with samples. Someone please feed me.”
They filtered towards the table that was laden with extra chairs. Tessa glowed when surrounded by her parents and Kelly. She pulled him along with her, fingers entwined with his. “I’m glad you liked the surprise. It was hard to not ruin it.”
Tessa’s mother tapped her chopsticks against her glass, then her father joined, followed by Kelly.
“I didn’t get to clink at your wedding!” Tessa’s mom grinned.
“Clink?” Eun Gi turned to Tessa for explanation, but instead she pressed her mouth to his and leaned back smiling.
“Wedding tradition. You have to kiss when the guests clink their glasses and cutlery.”
Chun Hei whacked her glass with a chopstick and grinned. “I want to clink too.”
Eun Gi laughed and kissed his wife again.
Voices climbed over one another, conversation moving in a swirling flow between everyone crowded around the table. Eun Gi looked at them all in turn. His wife, his sister, found brothers, friends, and in-laws. He was surrounded by people who loved him, and it was everything he’d ever wanted.
“You okay?” Tessa asked, squeezing his hand.
“Yeah.” He tucked his hand into her hair and drew her closer for a kiss. “Just happy.”
Glossary
In alphabetical order:
-nim (님) - a Korean honorific suffix. It is typically used for those of a higher rank (including family members).
-ssi (씨)- a Korean honorific suffix similar to Mr., Ms., Mx.
-ya/-a (야/아) – a Korean suffix used in a friendly manner towards those younger than yourself. -ya is applied to names ending with a vowel and -a is applied to names ending with a consonant.
Abeoji (아버지) - “Father” in Korean.
Ajumma (아줌마) - a Korean term that can be used to respectfully refer to any woman who is married, or of an age to be married.
Appa (아빠) - “Dad” in Korean.
Baji (바지) - the lower garment component of a hanbok. Men typically wear it as an outer garment, while women wear baji under the chima (skirt) of the hanbok.
Banchan (반찬) - small side dishes that are typically served alongside Korean cuisine.
Bingsu (빙수) - a summer treat made of shaved ice with toppings such as fruit, chocolate, red beans, and nuts.
Budae jjigae (부대찌개) - Korean army base stew. It is an amalgamation of Korean and American cuisine developed during the Korean War. It uses ingredients commonly found at the American army bases, such as Spam, hot dogs, American cheese, and baked beans, all mixed with traditional Korean ingredients such as kimchi and gochujang (Korean red pepper paste).
Busan (부산시) - the second most populated city in the Republic of Korea.
Canjica - a Brazilian porridge made with maize, milk, sugar, and cinnamon.
Dak juk (닭죽) - a Korean chicken and rice porridge.
Dongsaeng (동생) - “younger sibling” in Korean. It is used for any older sibling to a younger one, regardless of gender. This term is not exclusive to blood relatives but is also used among people you are close with.
Eomeoni (어머니)- “Mother” in Korean.
Eomma (엄마) - “Mom” in Korean.
Eonni (언니)- “older sister” in Korean. It is used by younger women to older women. This term is not exclusive to blood relatives but is also used among people you are close with.
Gangnam (강남구) - a district of Seoul. It is one of the most expensive districts in the city.
Gat (갇) - the hat component of hanbok worn by men.
Gochugaru (고추가루) - Korean red pepper powder.
Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문) - the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) - the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. Today it functions as a museum.
Halmeoni (할머니) - “Grandmother” in Korean.
Hanbok (한복) - Korean traditional clothing. It typically refers to clothing worn during the Joseon dynasty. Most people today wear it for festivals and ceremonies.
Hangul (한글) - the Korean alphabet.
Hanok ( 한 옥 ) - a traditional Korean house.
Hwarot (활옷) - Korean traditional clothing. This elaborate garment was once only worn by royal women, but commoners adopted it for weddings. They are extremely expensive and tended to be passed down through families.
Hyung (형) - “older brother” in Korean. It is used by younger men to older men. This term is not exclusive to blood relatives but is also used among people you are close with.
Imjin War (임진왜란) - the Japanese invasion of Korea from 1592-1598.
Itaewon (이태원) - a district of Seoul that is popular with expats and tourists.
Japchae (잡채) - Korean “glass noodles” made from sweet potato starch. The dish is often served with vegetables and meat.
Jeju Island (제주도) - an island in the Jeju Province. It’s a popular place for vacations and is sometimes referred to as “the Hawai’i of Korea”.
Jeogori (저고리) - the upper garment component of hanbok.
Joseon (조선) - the Joseon dynasty ruled the Korean peninsula from 1392-1897.
Kimbap (김밥) - a Korean dish of rice and other ingredients rolled in seaweed. It is similar to a sushi roll.
King Gojong (고종 광무제) - King of Joseon from 1863-1897 who restored Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Maeuntang (매운탕) - a Korean spicy fish stew.
Makgeolli (막걸리) - a Korean milky rice wine.
Maknae (막내) - a Korean term meaning the youngest person in a group.
Mamãe - “Mom” in Portuguese.
Meu amor - a Portuguese endearment meaning “my love”.
Meu filho - “my son” in Portuguese.
Mukbang (먹방) - videos in which the host binge-eats on camera. Sometimes the host will prepare the food on camera, and they will talk to the audience while eating.
Noona (누나)- “older sister” in Korean. It is used by younger men to older women. This term is not exclusive to blood relatives but is also used among people you are close with.
Ojingeo muchim (오징어 무침) - a Korean dish made of boiled squid and vegetables, served with a sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce.
Oppa (오빠) - “older brother” in Korean. It is used by younger women to older men. This term is not exclusive to blood relatives but is also used among people you are close with.
Ramyeon (라면) - Korean instant noodles.
Sasaeng (사생팬) - a Korean term for obsessive fans who stalk, and/or invade the privacy of public figures.
Seoul (서울) - the capital city of the Republic of Korea.
Soju (소주) - Korea’s national drink. Soju is a clear and colourless distilled liquor, and is extremely popular in Korea.
Tteokbokki (떡볶이) - a Korean dish made of rice cakes, and a spicy sauce.
Won (원) - the currency of the Korean Republic. ₩1,000 is roughly equivalent to $1USD.
Yachae juk (야채죽) - a Korean vegetable rice porridge.
Gratitude
There are so many people involved in getting a book from idea to publication, and I want to give a shout out those incredible humans for helping me!
To my husband: Chad, you’re the ultimate enabler of my dreams, and the best husband I could possibly ask for. Thank you for supporting my many late nights and for getting me out of the house to interact with humanity so I don’t become a hermit during this whole process. And for publishing my book, obviously. :P
To my critique partners: Jenna and Cat, you two are incredible. You helped make this story blossom, and I am forever grateful to have friends as amazing as you.
To my editor: Sasha, you’re literally the best. I had t
he absolute best time working with you. Thank you for making my book baby shine. Cheers to a long and wonderful partnership with many more sparkly books between us.
To my artist: Odette, I admired your beautiful art for ages before I finally had an excuse to get some for myself. Thank you for bringing my characters to life so everyone can see them like I do.
To my inspirations: Deanna and Joanna, you two introduced me to K-pop and patiently fostered that love. Without you, even the idea for this book wouldn’t exist. Alek, you suggested that the book be a series instead of a stand-alone. Thank you for turning this book into the beginning instead of the end.
To all my beta readers and street team members: Every single one of you is an awesome person. Thank you for taking the time to polish this book with me, and helping to introduce it to the world.
I am more grateful to all of you than I can ever express. Thank you for everything.
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