SeoulSeekers

Chapter 1

"We're just not looking for anymore tattoo artists, sweetie," the lady reading over my application drawled out lazily. There was a cigarette between her fingertips, and the ash on the end threatened to drop onto her pants. "We do need a secretary though. You know, someone to work the desk and check in customers for appointments."

"That's not why I'm here, Ms. Lee," I sighed, handing her one of my tattoo designs that she took from me reluctantly. "Please, I've tried everywhere and no one will take me. You're my last chance."

She glanced over my drawing as she tapped the edge of her cigarette over the ashtray next to her before bringing the stick to her lips. "Look, darlin'. You've got a gift. And as much as I'd like to hire you, I've got no space. I'm already overstaffed and gotta let some people go, so there's no room for you here."

I pursed my lips, sighing heavily as I took my drawing back from her. "There's one shop you probably haven't tried, though I wouldn't recommend you go there alone."

I looked up at her, already knowing what she was about to say as she wrote down an address on a sticky note nearby. "SeoulSeekers Tattoo Parlor. It's a good parlor, but it's in the bad part of Seoul. If you go there, bring someone with you. Pretty little thing like yourself would be as good as dead going by yourself."

She handed me the sticky note with a puff of cigarette smoke, before getting to her feet and ushering me out. I gathered my things and quickly left the building, my heart heavy as I clutched the sticky note tightly between my fingertips.

Everyone had warned me about SeoulSeekers parlor. Not only was it in the bad part of Seoul, rumors were that it was run by gang members. Cruel, ruthless beings that showed people no mercy. Many people avoided going there for tattoos, which is why many wonder how they're even still open.

I shook my head, walking towards my car with a beating heart. If this was my only shot left at pursuing my dream, then I would be stupid not to take it. I climbed into my car and immediately went onto their website to fill out an application.

However, they didn't have a website. Only a phone number, and I hesitated over the call button.

I should've stayed in America.

For the last 3 years of my life I was living in America to pursue my dreams of becoming an amazing tattoo artist. America had tons of opportunities and it would've been perfect for me.

Unfortunately, my father recently became very ill, and upon my mothers request, I came home to help her take care of him when she is unable to.

There was still opportunity for me to become a tattoo artist, but because I was only limited to parlors in Seoul, my options weren't as large as I had originally hoped.

Taking in a deep breath, I pressed the call button and brought my phone to my ear. With each ring my heart pounded faster, and a small part of me prayed no one would answer.

"We're sorry we've missed your call. Please leave a message after the tone, and we'll get back to you as soon as we are able," an operator said into my ear. I groaned as the beep followed soon after.

"Hello. My name is Kiara Kim, I'm looking to work for you as a tattoo artist," I said, rolling my eyes and taking in a deep breath. "I've traveled all over Seoul and no one will hire me. I really need this job, and I'm very good at what I do. Please give me a call back at xxx-xxx-xxxx. Thank you."

I hung up the phone, shoving it into the cup holder beside me and sighing. They might not even call me back, which will probably mean I'll have to go there myself. The woman said to bring someone with me when I go, but I knew for a fact not a single soul would go near there.

My phone started ringing, and I glanced over to see my best friend video calling me. I answered her call, exhaling sharply. "Hey, Ilene."

"Girl, I'm just gonna go ahead and assume you ain't get that job," she sighed in English. Ilene was my best friend I had met while living in America. She was the only real friend I had made while I was there. "I told you, come back here! My cousin will set you up pronto!"

"You know I can't," I answered in English, starting my car and placing my phone in the mount on my windshield. "My dad is sick, and my mom is too old to take care of him on her own."

"I get that but you had it made here, babe," she tsked as she went back to straightening out her hair. "Do you think she'll let you come back when's he's okay?"

"Honestly, I have no idea," I sighed as I stopped at a red light. Since my parents were older, they probably would need me around now more than ever. "I told you how it works over here. When our parents get to a certain age or time in their life, us kids have to go back home to take care of them."

"Yeah well, at least they let you come to America. My mom's crazy ass still won't let me move out on my own," Ilene groaned, hissing as she burned herself with the flat iron. "Like I'm 25 why the hell am I being forced to stay here? And then she get mad when I lash out on her. None of this would happen if I moved out!"

"I'll fly you out to come live with me," I joked, glancing over at my phone. "I really miss you. It's so much quieter without your loud ass."

"Bitch, I miss you, too!" Ilene whined, leaning close to the camera and pouting. "We used to light up the room at all those parties we went to! We were the baddest bitches. I'm still a bad bitch, but us together were like...perfect!"

I turned into the driveway of my apartment, shutting my car off and grabbing my phone off the mount. "Okay well, I'm home. I'll call you later and explain what happened today. I love you, bitch."

"I love you too, hoe," Ilene stuck her tongue out at me and I laughed before hanging up and sighing.

I knew for a fact that if Ilene lived in Korea, she would without a doubt come with me to SeoulSeekers. It was just the American in her, I guess.

Shaking my head, I pushed open the front door and decided to just forget about today.