My first and greatest love happened to be living 3,000 kilometers from me. It was a fateful time when I finally packed my bags to seek an adventure in South Korea, which led me to him. He came at a time when everything was unknown and when my world suddenly turned into a different language. Despite all, our similarities overcame the language barrier and cultural differences to the point that we became genuine friends. We talked and talked for hours, watched so many movies and went to many places, then one day we realized we have something greater than friendship.
At the beginning of our relationship, we tried really hard to be like normal couples: we went out on dates, hung out in cute cafes, took plenty of photos and celebrated relationship milestones -- all these while my expiring student visa loomed in front of us. Eleven months into our relationship, I had no choice but to go home taking comfort with the promise that we will fight for our relationship despite the distance. In the next five months, we searched for ways to continue our academic careers in the same place. After several emails, applications, and buckets of tears, we found ourselves in Australia. While I was waiting in line at the immigration, with Jay waiting to meet me at the other side of the airport, I remember thinking "I really, really, really just want to be with him." After the immigration officer stamped my passport, smiled and waved “Welcome to Australia!” I collected my suitcases and went out in a sea of new people, searching for the face I yearned the most.
Nine months after our happy reunion yet we're still finding our feet in this country as we still struggle day by day. And I could write about our struggles forever, but I couldn't care less because I’m just so grateful that I'm with Jay now so everything else doesn't matter. Time and time again, I always find myself thinking along those lines and it always proves true. The past two years with him has been challenging yet beautiful, and I'll do it all over again if it meant being with him through and through.
