FOREIGN ATTRACTION

CHAPTER 2: EXCUSE ME?

The blaring sound of my alarm rudely rouses me from a deep slumber. We wrapped up work late at 11:30 pm last night, making it necessary to rise early and organize my school materials and belongings. At a mere 6 am, with my class scheduled for 8, the responsibilities of being a college president also beckon.

I swiftly vacate my bed and head straight to the bathroom for a morning shower. Downstairs in the kitchen, I notice my aunt already busy cooking. Shedding my clothes, I stand before the mirror, a smile lighting up my face. Today, I am determined to start the day on a positive note. Surveying my physique, it's safe to say I boast an average body – muscles, a subtle v-line, and abs, though not as chiseled as they once were. My bright skin tone, likely inherited from my Korean father, contrasts with my narrow eyes, reminiscent of my mother. A high-bridged nose and well-defined lips complete the features. Towering above the typical Filipino height, I stand at around 5'9 or 5'10.

"Should I join the team again?" The question escapes my lips, surprising even myself. I was once part of the volleyball team during my sophomore years but had to step away due to mounting responsibilities. Perhaps, the contemplation arises from a fleeting insecurity reflected in the mirror. The physique is good, but there's a yearning for the toned complexity I used to have before. "Work, academics, campus president, extracurriculars – how can I possibly juggle it all?" I chuckle as I turn on the shower, feeling the cold water cascade down my spine. Mornings are particularly chilly, especially without a heater at home.

"Ooy Iho [young boy], I've whipped up some sunny side up and fried rice. Why don't you grab a quick bite before heading out?" urged Aunt Julia.

"Sorry Tita [Aunt], I'm running late for my council meeting," I replied while fastening the last lace of my worn white sneakers.

"Ayy, then just take this bread with you to school. Don't exhaust yourself on an empty stomach," she insisted, handing me a pair of pandesal [Filipino bread] with a generous filling of egg. I swiftly stashed it in my bag, bid Aunt Julia farewell, and sprinted off.

Balancing my backpack on one shoulder, I checked the clock – it was already 6:45 AM, and the meeting started at 7 AM. I hoped this mad dash wouldn't wreak havoc on my outfit. Today, I sported an unbuttoned brown flannel shirt over a white tee, and I could feel the weather conspiring against me.

"Why is it still this hot in November? Or maybe I’m just in a rush" I gasp for air, grappling with the unfamiliar heat. Adjusting to the warmth here is a challenge for me, having grown accustomed to Seoul's chilly climate. I've even battled rashes and skin issues during my childhood because of it.

While other countries are gearing up for winter, it's Christmas Eve here, and the heat is relentless—especially when you're sprinting to school. I glance at the distance remaining; I'm only halfway to the entrance. Normally, a 10-minute walk would get me there, considering we reside in Pansol, Quezon, thankfully not too far from the UP Campus.

7:05 AM

"President Gelo! Good morning, but what's the call time again?" Kai, the college campus' vice president and my so-called annoying friend, greeted me.

"Oh, come on, it's only for five minutes," I defended. "Good morning, Gelo. How was your semester break?" greeted our teacher in charge of the council faculty.

"It's still tiring, Sir Maxwell, but well manageable compared to school days," I smiled and pulled the chair next to Kai to sit. "You still work on your break?" asked Sir Maxwell. "Yes, sir, I really need to save."

Other officers flooded the conference, and we're now all complete. Joshua, our secretary, checked the attendance and handed it to Professor Maxwell, who then commenced the meeting.

"So, you may be wondering why I've called you this early at the beginning of the new semester," Professor Maxwell announced, and with a click, his laptop illuminated the whiteboard. "Well, I would just like to clarify and share the necessary activities for the upcoming year."

"First off, please prepare the freshman orientation for our aspiring young architects. Gelo, assign someone to provide me with the outline of programs that I will be reviewing," he instructed as the slide on the screen transitioned.

"All well noted, sir," I nodded in response. "Are you writing it down?" I turned to Kai, inquiring if she was taking notes. "Leave it to me, I'm always writing," she boasted, playfully rolling her eyes at me.

"You also need to initiate the template for our semester’s financial and accounting plan allocated for charity and other activities," Sir Maxwell continued his presentation, concluding it after a thorough overview.

"Thank you, sir. I'll do my best to organize all the events and submissions required for our department." We all rose from our seats, ready to leave the room and head to our respective classes.

"Oh, before I forget, I heard from the PE head that the university meet has been rescheduled to earlier dates, I hope you can help with facilitating the sports event," he added.

"Is it true, Sir Maxwell, that a transfer student from Korea will be joining our volleyball team?" Aica asked, excitement evident in her expression.

"I heard about this MVP student from Korea who's transferring to our school, but I'm still not entirely sure about it," he responded. "I have to go now," he said.

"Have a great day, sir," we all chimed in unison as we left the room.

"Don't overwork yourself, Gelo. Rest from time to time," Sir Maxwell whispered, grabbing his laptop before leaving.

"Oh God, so the rumor from the community page is real? My Korean oppa," Aica exclaimed with her high-pitched voice, brimming with excitement.

"I can't wait, girl, but it's unfortunate. I heard he's an architecture student, not in our engineering college," Kai added, feeding into Aica's delusional thoughts. It annoyed me to hear this girly talk over someone they haven't even met.

"Come on, guys, our president is also Korean. Why not drool over him as well?" Joshua sarcastically uttered. Kai stopped doing her lipstick upon hearing such a statement, and I shot Joshua a death glare.

"Please, no. I'd rather marry Sir Maxwell than fall in love with this nerd," Kai jokes, adding a vomiting gesture to annoy me even more. "And plus, everyone's drooling over him already, hashtag Mister Architect President."

They all laughed as other members started leaving. "Cut it out, guys," I said calmly as we walked towards the hallway.

We had already parted ways with Aica and Joshua. It was just me and Kai walking towards the pathway. Our classrooms for today were across from each other, so I had to bear a little longer with this so-called friend of mine.

"Hey Gelo, I've been repeating this one math subject for a year now; I need to graduate, you know," she said frustratedly. She was in her fourth year, having completed all her subjects except for this one back subject to finally graduate.

"You're almost there, Kai. I'm sure you won't fail this semester," I said, cheering her up.

"Oh, come on, it's easy for you to say that. You're the top of the class – no, not class; you're ranked one in your department. Sometimes I wonder if you're even human," she said.

"I've been tutoring you in my free time, but you're always distracted whenever boys come near us. Yes, whenever I have the time, I'm helping her with formulas and solutions. But she's such a crazy woman for handsome boys.

"Excuse me? They're not passing by; they're always coming towards us to take pictures with you and give you random stuff," and here she goes again, complaining about me stealing her 'types'. "They can't even see my beauty because you always get in my way."

"Well, excuse me too, bro. As if I like to be surrounded by those weird boys and girls. There's not even love, confession, or attraction in my vocabulary," I explained.

"You're so boring, Gelo. You're hardworking, responsible, and a standout in both academics and sports, but so bitter with love. Yuck," she teased while hitting my shoulder.

"Oh, my room is here. You go away from me now, weirdo," I jokingly pushed her away as I made my way inside.

"See ya, b***h," she flung her hair and ran over to a guy sitting on the bench. Oh, this girl.

As I made my way towards my seat, the room echoed with constant chattering. It was like a continuous murmur, yet every word was distinctly audible.

"Oh God, I heard from our teacher that the new transfer student will be here in our section," one girl exclaimed with excitement. I couldn't help but wonder what the fuss was about; he would definitely be in our section as there was no other option, given he was in his senior year. The nerves in the room, especially from these girls, were unbelievable.

"I heard he's foreign, from Korea, and he will play for the volleyball team," she added, releasing a constricted shout of romantic shudder.

"Girls, back off. I'm sure he'll like me. I have narrow eyes and the perfect skin for him to like," another chimed in, and they all giggled.

"Hey bro, I've missed you," my friend and former volleyball colleague, Randel, greeted me. "What's with that face?"

Maybe he noticed my annoyed expression upon entering the room. "Nothing, I just couldn't understand what the noises are all about," I said, sitting next to him as I placed my bag beside the empty chair.

"They've been talking about that Korean guy since the gate of UP swung open. I think they're more hyped up because he's the same year as us, so he would definitely be here any moment," I don't pay much attention to it, so I simply grab my notebooks where I jot down my agendas for today. "And I guess they're more excited because he's in the same year as us, so he'll probably be here any moment," he added.

"You're not the only Korean oppa here anymore, President," Sophia barged in, leaning close from behind. Oh God, she had been eavesdropping the whole time.

"Hmm, as if it really matters. I'm a pure Filipino by heart now," Ran laughed at my corny statement. Sophia seemed to understand it late, though.

"Can you blame them? Everyone likes you here, but you keep turning them all down," she jokingly bragged about my popularity when it comes to campus affairs.

"Who's not gonna fall in love with my friend? He's hardworking, thoughtful, smart, and attentive. But I agree, he's such a snob," Ran added, and they both laughed.

"Oh, how bittersweet, bro," I deformed his hair, and he got jokingly grumpy all of a sudden. "How's your training, by the way? I heard from the council it has been moved to earlier dates?"

"It's progressing smoothly; we're maintaining a consistent training schedule even during breaks. However, the coach is concerned that we might not secure a slot in the finals, which is why they're keen on recruiting Korea's famous university MVP." I continuously nod in agreement. Ran may be a goofball at times, but he's one of the best liberos here at UP. Though I'm a bit taller, his overall build is impressive. "We might have better chances if we retain the best attacker and MVP of UP. Aren't you considering going back for one last time?" he asked.

"No plan at all; adding the hectic training every dawn might just be the end of me," I responded. Then I realize my pen is missing. I glance at my table, but it's nowhere in sight. I started checking my pockets until I accidentally hit the pendant of my necklace. It triggers a memory of the group of guys who left it. I should've left it in the store so they could find it in case they come back. How foolish of me. Hastily, I conceal the accessory under my shirt to secure both the ring and necklace. The air in the room is getting quite cold; it's November, so it's not as hot as during summer. I was just really in a rush earlier, and this lab is also equipped with an air conditioner.

"Are you looking for your pen, bro? Here." I thank Ran as he hands me the pen just as the bell rings, indicating the start of morning classes. Everyone hastily rushes into their respective seats as the professor enters the room.

He begins with a greeting, inquiring about our semester break. The professor also asks me to lead the prayer before the subject orientation. Shortly after I take my seat, there's a knock on the door. The professor steps out to check, and upon returning to the small entablature, he starts addressing the class.

"As you all know, we have a new transfer student from Kyung Hee University in Korea. He's late, but it's only the start of class. Let's welcome him." He gestures for the boy to enter, and he does.

There enters a boy with the typical Korean haircut, but cleaner and shorter. His skin is brighter than mine, and you can tell he has a tall posture—maybe 5’11 or 5’12. Clad in a black sports hoodie and cargo pants, even with a layered top, his broad chest and shoulders are evident. Though his waist is thin, he boasts a fair size of arms. No wonder everyone is all over him. Wait what, what am I even saying?

"Oh damn, he's such a hottie," Ran whispered with his jaw open wide. And now, I can hear all the buzzing noises from my classmates. Why didn't I hear those earlier? It felt like it was all silent a while ago. Weird.

"Annyeonghaseyo [hello], my name is Lee Sungjin, but you can call me Liam. Nice to meet you all." His voice is deep, as if it's haunting yet soothing. It's challenging to decipher if he's a nice person or a grumpy one. He introduced himself with a touch of seriousness in his voice, blandly yet with an undertone of sincerity. Liam then proceeded directly to the back seat without uttering anything more. Despite the reserved introduction, he offered a small smile, revealing his narrow eyes, pointed nose, and red, puffy lips.

What the hell is wrong with me?

He seems okay, perhaps a bit stubborn and hard-headed, but there's something about his presence that genuinely annoys me.

"Eh? That's it? He didn't even mention his age or hobbies?" Ran questioned, glancing back to inspect the new student.

"Oh my God, he's such a handsome oppa [older brother]," I heard Sophia hyping up behind me. Can they be any more exaggerated?

The class proceeded rather normally. The teacher gave us the introduction, delving into more chit chat about his life. However, those girls didn't stop whispering about Sungjin, and I even overheard some attempting to strike up a conversation with him. The number of students dwindled, probably exhausted from the extended, tedious discussion about our professor's life story. It's our lunch break, though, so that's pretty normal.

"Let's go eat, bro?" Ran suggested. "You go ahead; I have bread here from Aunt Julia," I responded. I'm accustomed to skipping lunch to save money; after all, meals can be quite expensive.

"But that's not a rice meal, Gelo. Come on, eat with us," Sophia chimed in, attempting to persuade me.

"I'm really okay; you guys go ahead." She released a defeated sigh, and they both headed up with their bags. "Okay then, I'll ask Liam then." Wait, what?

"Annyeong oppa [hello, older brother], do you want to eat with us?" she actually asked the new student with her annoyingly high-pitched voice.

"No thanks, I'm good," he responded flatly. I had to hold back my laughter as I witnessed her getting rejected. Frustrated, she stormed out of the room and called Ran to hurry up.

Now, I'm alone at my desk with a few students around. Most of them are probably gathered at the back, murmuring or attempting to talk to Sungjin. I lack the energy to turn back and look at the situation.

I was in the midst of opening the Tupperware containing the bread and eggs when I felt a finger touch my shoulder. “Yes?” I asked before turning around. I was taken aback by the person I saw.

“You're the class president, right?” Liam addressed me. As odd as it may sound, I suddenly heard a static sound, and his voice lingered in a peculiar way. "Y-yes. What do you need?"

“The gyosu [professor], I mean teacher, told me to give my papers to you.” He handed the papers to me, his voice carrying a commanding tone, making it feel as if I were inferior to him.

“Oh, I see. Can you give it to me after lunch? I'm still eating, and I might misplace or stain your documents,” I politely explained. An awkward silence followed my words. Only two students at the back were present, and the atmosphere felt tense. His eyes were locked onto mine, as if his gaze could drown me.

I was shocked when he abruptly placed the papers on my table, displaying such disrespect. “Cham geeuleun daetonglyeong-igun-yo. [What a lazy president],” he uttered in his native language before grabbing his backpack and leaving. I heard those words, and I felt a mix of disbelief and irritation.

“Excuse me? How dare him call me lazy? Naemsaenaneun seong-gyeog. [What a trash behavior],” I whispered to myself, annoyed. I wondered what his reaction would be when he finds out I can speak the same language as him. What a way to ruin my day.