Perfect Strangers (formerly My Sweet Superstar)

CHAPTER THREE - Superstar

            My first day at work wasn't really that difficult. New students and teachers were welcomed and introduced, including me of course, during the start of the day. It only lasted for an hour and a half, and then all went to their classes.

            I get to teach junior high school students. I was fortunate that they were old enough to cooperate during discussions. Though, I know that my being Caucasian, was slightly an issue to them. Of course, not speaking in Korean at all was another thing.

            Heard of racial discrimination? Well, that's how it is. But they don't have any choice. I'm the teacher. In your face! Haha!

            Aside from questions from curious students (some of them really came out of nowhere), who can't really help but ask, everything went on smoothly. I only have five classes a day, so I'm not totally stressed out. It's just that, I'm not really used to teaching for a big class.

Group classes in the academy are composed of three to five students only, ten attendees the most. Here, it's around 20- 30 in a class. I guess, I was able to pull it anyway.

In the Faculty office, the principal was there. Mr. Kim is a man of around fifty years old, quite bald. His big belly protruding on his suit and tie outfit. He's giving a few reminders and some pep talk to all the teachers. I actually think it's not necessary. But he's the principal. What can I do?

He suddenly turned to me. He was smiling, but I can see that he doesn't really mean it. "Ms, Mitchell, how's your first day?" he started. "I hope the students didn't give you a hard time." He said ending with a smirk.

"I'm good. We all know that not all people are the same, especially the kids. But, they're all fine." I replied with the same face.

He just shrugged, addressing everyone," I don't want to waste all of your time anymore. You can go home now. See you tomorrow." We bid him farewell, with a slight bow, then he left.

We all went home then.

*************

My first week at school was really great. I was able to get along well with my fellow teachers. They even asked me to go out with them since it's Friday night, but I declined with a promise to make up for next time.

Upon arriving at the apartment, Rachel wasn't home yet. I checked my watch; 6:30 pm.

She works as a freelance tutor for English and Math, only gets to work after school for an hour or two during weekdays. But she gets paid big time. The advantage of being a half native of this country.

Though, at times she needs to work for eight hours on weekends to give extra lessons and help the kids with homework and projects. Well, she knows how to speak their language, obviously. 

I changed clothes and went to the kitchen to make dinner. The sad part is, I get to make dinner Mondays to Fridays because of our schedules, Chel only gets to do it on Saturdays and Sundays, whether she has work or not. I get to hang out on those days, anyway. That's what we agreed on.

I checked the contents of the fridge and decided to make something we can both eat without much ado; beef stew with tamarind or Sinigang in Tagalog. Yummy!

I was almost finished when she arrived. She went straight to the kitchen to check on what I'm cooking, though it's already obvious just from the smell of it.

"Wow! I'm already hungry." She said while lightly rubbing her tummy. She went to get us plates and the other utensils to place on the table, including herself on her usual seat.

I can't help but laugh at what she did. "You're always hungry! Don't you want to change first? This is almost done, anyway. Just a little simmer and you can make the worms in your stomach happy."

She just stuck out her tongue on me as an answer. Turning serious, she asked, "So are you ready to tell me what happened to you last Sunday? I know you're not okay then."

I was taken aback by her question. I thought she has forgotten about it already. But knowing Rachel, she won't easily forget. Especially, if it concerns someone she loves.

I turned the stove off and place the food on the table. I seated myself on the chair across her. I let out a deep sigh.

I know sooner or later I have to tell her. This may be the right time. It keeps on bothering me these few nights already. Maybe telling my best friend about it would help me ease my mind.

"I guess I really need to tell you, huh?" I started. She just nodded. "Well, let me put it this way... Remember the guy I used to Google on the internet before? The one I used to go crazy for?"

Rachel and I are really the best of friends. We tell each other almost everything about us, crushes and boyfriends included. Sometimes, she would even share what she and her boyfriend would do in "private." Even if I tell her I don't want to hear it, she'd still insist.

"Huh?! Who's that? I don't know what you're talking about." She said with a puzzled face.

The Korean guy I really had a crush on before, I actually thought that I loved him." I tried to remind her.

"Oh, yeah... I remember now. He's an actor right? What about him?" She started putting food on her plate.

"Yup. Well, I met him last Sunday." I said. I felt myself blushing. I think I lost my appetite already.

Her eyes went big. "Really?! That's amazing! Did you get an autograph?! A picture together?! Can I see it?!" She said all these without pausing. She's not really a fan of his, but a celebrity is always a celebrity.

I don't know if I'm going to laugh at her or what. "No... Actually more than that..." Then I told her what happened.

I told Chel everything. Except the details of the "i*********e", of course! She almost choked when I get to that part. Then after drinking from the glass of water I gave her, she was quiet.

"You just left after that?" She finally asked. I just nodded, not knowing what to say after revealing everything. How I wish the earth would open up and swallow me whole.

"What do you plan to do now?" She asked. I don't know what to think of her question.

"What do you mean, plan to do? I don't plan to do anything. Just forget the whole thing, I guess..." I said standing up, clearing the table.

She stood up and held my hand before I was able to get her plate. "Forget the whole thing?! Are you sure? It's not a simple thing, Gabby. You just "gave" yourself to him!"

She’s clearly upset, but I can tell that she's just concerned.

"I know what I did! I just don't want to make a big fuss out of it. He's a celebrity, for crying out loud! I don't want to get involved with his kind." I said with finality.

            As much as possible, I want to forget everything about it. It's over and done with. I can't ask him to return what I gave him... As if, that's possible!

            She let go of my hand. She just stood there looking at me. I knew I hurt her. She's just worried.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to shout at you. I know what we did. It's a mistake, a big mistake. It's just a one-night stand. I'm sure I'm not the only one he's gone to bed with. I can't bring it back anymore." Somehow, what I just said hurt me too. I felt a tear roll down my cheek.

I continued. "I-I came here to work for my family, a-and I want it to stay that way. Let's just m-move on with our lives, and pretend that it never h-happened." I'm stuttering with my words already.

Rachel came to my side and gave me a hug. It somehow gave me relief and strength to believe that everything would be okay from now on.

"You don't have to say sorry. I should understand. I'm your best friend. If that's your decision, I respect it." She let go off me and look at me. "Are you sure, you'll be fine?"

"I hope." That's all I can say, trying to smile. "Let's keep this between the two of us, okay? I don't want anyone, especially mom and Max to know."

She raised her hand. "I promise." She hugged me again.

"This is so cheesy! Let's stop this." She said trying to lighten up the mood.

"How will I live without you?" I exclaimed giggling while wiping my tears.

"Oh, I'll just kill you then if that happens." She joked. We both laughed. I really love this girl! She's great!

"Can I ask you one last question?" she asked quite hesitantly. I nodded. "What's his name?"

*************

Lee Yun Ho. The name of the guy I had a crush on or I fell in love, or so I thought years ago.

I first saw him a drama I used to watch. I didn't notice him then, not until the story focused on his character and how it fell in love with its teacher. Coincidence maybe?

I followed him since then. Well, not literally, of course. I searched him on i********: and "followed" him. I tried to leave comments on his account, especially on the pictures he posted.

I became a "fan" on his f*******: account. Well, it's actually just a fan page, since he doesn't have a personal one. Even if he has, I doubt if he's allowed to make it public.

I even used to search facts and download pictures of him on Google. There were times that I'd watch almost every video of him on YouTube. I want to know all things about him. Stalker much?

Believe it or not, I even made a story of us, our very own love story. I even posted it on an online reading platform account. How pathetic of me!

            But that was before, when I still used to go gaga over him. I came to my senses after a few months, realizing the impossibility of "us." The probability of us being together is -0.01%, if there even is such a thing.

After my recognition of giving up, I started to erase all memory of him. I "unfollowed" his IG and Fan page on f*******:, all the things I have about him, I deleted.

I should not cling to things that are not bound to happen, even in my dreams. Not until that one late afternoon. I suddenly thought that coming to Korea is not good at all.

But, I did it, not to see him, but for my family. I'm sure he doesn't even remember me, not even what happened to us. Maybe, that's even his past time! The likes of him are used to that, I guess.

Beside, last I heard, he's busy with his Fans' Day in Japan now, and is scheduled to shoot a movie there too.

As I've said, I need to move on. Life has a lot ahead for me. I should focus on my priorities. My mom is counting on me. Max needs my support.

I need to shove all my memory of that day away. It won't do me any good. Dad, wherever you are, I know this should be none of your business. But, please help me!