My Love Standing Next to Me

Chapter Three

“Clara, what about you, would you please recite your short response?” Mr. Park asked.

“Huh?” I became caught up in my thoughts once again.

“Can you recite your response? That is, if you completed your assignment.” He raised his eyebrow.

“Oh yes, of course I did it. My favorite Korean food is Kalbi. In English, it translates into Korean short ribs. It is delicious and savory.” My voice broke a little because of embarrassment.

“In Korean please!” He added.

“Um, okay.” I stuttered and I failed to conceal my shame, I also hear chuckles from across the room.

“Naega gajang joh-ahaneun hangug eumsig eun galbi ibnida. Yeong-eo eseo, hangug-ui galbi lo byeonhwanhabnida. Geugeos-eun mas gwa pungmi ibnida.”

“Very well said, everyone please give her a round of applause for her amazing pronunciation. Wow, I am impressed. Class, did you know my favorite food is also Kalbi? Who would like me to bring some to try tomorrow?” The whole started shouting at Mr. Park to bring Kalbi, or Korean short ribs.

He is a really nice teacher, it’s maybe just because we’ve had his class for almost four years now. This wasn’t the only time my Korean class tried Korean foods. Throughout the years we got to try foods like Kimchi, Kimbap, Jajangmyeon, and korean ramen, ramyeon. There were all so good, I could just see myself living in South Korea and eating Kimbap all day.

“Don’t forget our written final exam will take place next week! Don’t forget to study every day!” Mr. Park said when the bell rang.

“Arrasso, seonsaengnim!” I assured him saying that I got it.

I would always get jealous when I see couples around campus. I mean yeah it shouldn’t affect me but there’s something about being in a relationship that makes me want a boyfriend. The feeling of having someone care for you and buy you stuffed animals and heart-shaped chocolates. A little too cliché and I think but I don’t care, I think it’s romantic. Cheesy much? Anyway, did I forget to mention I’ve never had one before? Maybe that’s why I’m such a hopeless romantic or like I said before, it’s because of all the Korean dramas I have watched. Some of my all-time favorites that I end up rewatching is Full House, Boys over Flowers, and of course, Heirs! Lee Min Ho for the win! I like the flowers, the serenades and the cheesy pickup lines, I think they are cute and funny. I know that it’s bad to hope for too much, because I might end up disappointed in the end, but there will still be hope within me. I didn’t do a lot of thinking over my relationship status because right now I need to focus on school and homework.

The weekend was here and it is when my friends and I are going to pick our outfits. We first stopped at Forever 21 to look at the clothes.

“Hey guys, we should totally get matching pieces!” Min said out of the blue while looking at one of the racks.

“But how are they supposed to tell us apart?” I said in disagreement.

“What do you mean? They can’t even see us! Do you know how many people are going to be there?” Min countered.

“What do you mean? We are in the first row, we even get to touch their hands and go backstage and meet them! They are definitely going to notice us!” I sounded like a crazy fan already, and I felt like one because of everyone around us turning their heads toward me thinking I was a lunatic.

“Okay, okay. You don’t need to turn on sasaeng mode on, I agree with you but can we at least get bracelets?” She suggested.

“I think bracelets would be more suitable, and I’m sorry I freaked out. I guess I was just over excited.” I straightened up.

“Well, that’s you, seizing every moment you can get.” Naomi chuckled.

We circled the store and found four matching bracelets. The bracelets had rhinestones that were shiny and cute hearts all over the band. It was perfect arm candy for all of us because it was glittery, flashy and attention getting. I don’t think our K-Pop idols would miss our matching and sparkling wrists. We purchased them and we continued our day like planned.

As soon as I got home, I was exhausted from all the walking we did and I just wanted to sleep in. But of course, I still had to do chores, clean my room and make dinner for the family. My family consists of an irritating little brother, and a pair of strict but loving parents. I decided to make my family Kimichi stew, which I knew that they would love. I think I’m a great cook since my parents compliment me all the time. My secret is watching tons of Korean food programs and with the help of Mr.Park’s advice, my Korean dishes become delicious!