"It's expensive too," she added with an awkward smile when she saw the price. "It's still cheaper if I fly in a week."
She had enough budget money but it's really not practical for her to go to Jeju Island right now. She couldn’t just risk her budget like that.
“You can try your luck for a chance passenger seat. But tourist peak today because there is a holiday and there is a big international music festival on Jeju Island,” Carter explained. “You will fight off with the Kpop fans who will attend, not just the local fans but international fans as well. Even the ferry is fully booked. It will take you three days before you can book a trip.”
She squeezed her nape in frustration. “Ah! This can’t be happening. I am stuck in Seoul. I-I don't know what I will do here.”
Her itinerary was ruined and she didn’t like it a bit. Before she left the Philippines she already planned everything - from the transportation to the hotel accommodation and even the places she would visit, down to the T. She hated changes of plan. She hated being disrupted. She hated unnecessary changes. She was not prepared for the missed flight or for her cellphone to be damaged. Her only focus now was to get to Jeju Island.
“How long will you stay here in Korea?” Manang Selina asked.
"Two weeks."
The old woman touched her shoulder. “Two weeks is a long time. Why not stay in Seoul for a while? Instead of spending your money on an expensive flight to Jeju, how about taking a tour in Seoul instead?”
"I-I guess it’s fine.” And that’s practical too. Even if she stayed in Seoul, she would still have time to go to Jeju Island. "B-but I don't have a place to stay yet."
"We let tourists stay in our house." The old woman pulled out her cellphone and showed the picture of a traditional Korean house, similar to the ones she sees in Korean dramas. “It is close to Hanok Village. Also close to the bus station and the train station. It will be easier for you to travel to different parts of Seoul.”
She immediately liked the house in the picture. The guests who stayed at the guesthouse seemed happy as well. She wanted that homey feel. That feeling of walking barefoot on the wooden floor and sleeping on the futon bed. Very traditional.
"Do you live here too?" she asked Carter.
“Yes. But I have my own quarters. I also don’t stay much at the house because of my other job,” he said.
“He’s an English teacher. English teachers were in demand here in Korea,” said Manang Selina who looked so proud of her son's accomplishments. “But he can tour you around in Seoul. He knew a lot of tourist spots here.”
"Eomma!" Carter's tone has a hint of warning. 
“He knows all the Korean dramas locations here. Yes. He knows all about it. Do you know Nami Island that’s always featured in Korean dramas? It’s beautiful out there during the autumn season. Then you are with my son and you’re single, right? You’ll look like a star in a Korean drama when you’re with him.”
Was Manang Selina trying to matchmake her with her son? Or was she just trying to sell him as a good guide?
Carter forced a smile. "Min Ji and I have a private lesson."
The old woman sighed. “You’ve been teaching that woman for a year now but she still can’t speak English. You’re just wasting your time with her. You’re not even earning enough from her.”
Was that the reason why Carter doesn't want to tour her around? Because he thought she has no money? Does he think she was way too stingy because she refused to take that expensive flights earlier? She was insulted.
“I’m willing to pay for the tour,” she said and gave him a challenging look. "How much?"
Manang Selina held Cheska’s arm. “But you are our guest. Filipinos are still hospitable anywhere they go.”
She shook her head. “I have enough money. And I'm here for a vacation so it’s just normal to pay for a tour guide. So please let me pay for it.” Cheska turned to Carter. “So, how much for your services?” She has a credit card and ATM card in addition to cash. She would lay out everything she had.
"Two hundred thousand won for two days," the man answered.
Cheska didn’t even bother to compute mentally. She didn’t even bargain nor ask for the list of tourist spots included in the tour. 
"Deal," she said softly and held out her hand to him.
She saw a flicker of surprise in his eyes. He probably didn’t expect her to just accept the offer. Eventually, he took her hand. "Deal.”