THE BET 🦋

IV.

On the morning of my first day of college, I woke up early, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. I took a long shower and carefully ironed my outfit, wanting to make a good first impression. I chose a pair it with my favorite white sneakers and black backpack.
You can do it Nabi! Hwaiting!
Bitna and I agreed to go to school together, as she knows how uncomfortable I feel in large crowds. She arrived around eight thirty and school started at eight. We had enough time to move and to familiarize ourselves with the new environment.
As we walked towards the college campus, I couldn't help but feel my nerves building up. I tried to keep a calm face, but my heart was racing with anticipation.
Bitna could see that I was very nervous, so she tried to calm me down at least a little.
"Don't worry, it'll be okay. Today is just an initiation day, we'll just introduce ourselves and maybe make some new friends."
"Well, that's exactly it," I said, "We're going to introduce ourselves. You know how things like this stress me out even without having to stand up in front of everyone and say who I am."
Bitna smiled encouragingly at me and took my hand. Together we stepped towards our new school.
When we arrived to the registration table, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. I was one step closer to starting my college journey, when I heard very familiar voice.
"Nabi! Is that you?" the voice said.
I turned around and saw my childhood friend, Tae-jin, standing in front of me. Tae-jin had always been outgoing and confident, next polar opposite of me, but we had been friends since we were young, because we lived in the same neighborhood. He moved away when I was in high school and I haven't seen him ever since.
"Tae-jin! Oh my gosh, it's so good to see you I didn't know you are going to this college.!" I exclaimed, relieved to have someone I know here.
"Come on, let me help you with registration," Tae-jin said with a smile.
"Thanks." I said and smiled.
"And by the way, who is this?" he asked interestingly.
"Ah, that's Oh Bit-na, my best friend. We applied to the same major and we were so lucky that we were both accepted," I said with a proud smile.
"Nice to meet you," Tae-jin said, the smile still on his face. "I'm studying architecture. I'm in my last year, so feel free to contact me whenever you need anything."
"Thank you very much," I said again. I had the feeling, that I already sounded like a broken radio from all the thank yous.
"Come with me, at least I'll show you the way to the auditorium, I'm headed there anyway. I'm a member of the committee responsible for today's welcome day, so I know you have a lot of thing to look forward to."
I tried to create the most convincing smile possible, even though inside I still felt tension and nervousness. I hope he didn't notice that about me.
As we walked, we talked about many things. He tried to show us around the Campus and talk as much as possible about the professors and the history of the school. Of course I was searching something about the Korea State University of Art and Design before I and Bitna signed here, but it's different to hear from someone who actually studies here and can give you a lot more details.
As we entered the auditorium, I felt my nerves creeping back up.
Tae-jin noticed my unease and put his arm on my shoulder. "Don't worry," he said. "You will have a great time today."
It seems to me that he doesn't quite remember how shy I am and what a problem I have with socializing. Or maybe I wasn't always like that.
Teajin's phone started ringing and he looked almost disappointed as he looked at the display.
"I'm sorry, but I'll have to go now, they're looking for me."
"It's totally fine, just go," I said and smiled.
"I hope to see you later." He waved us goodbye and left us to the mercy of the auditorium.
"He's cute as hell," Bitna squealed.
"Yeah, I guess he is." I never looked at him as anything but a friend. He had always been very well-mannered, but now, I have to admit, he had grown into a beauty too.
"Let's find a place somewhere," I said and pulled Bitna out of Teajin's sight.

*****

The auditorium slowly began to fill up. I don't think I've ever seen so many people in one place. The seniors gave us all the same T-shirts, probably to give us a sense of familiarity.
Then I registered someone standing on stage in the middle of the auditorium and clapping to get our attention. It was Taejin.
"So, I think it's time for us all to get to know each other better. You will come here on podium and all you have to do is say your name, what field you study and maybe what you like to do in your free time, so we have some kind of idea about who are you."
The majority of people began to move in a circle around the stage with tremendous enthusiasm. I didn't have much of a choice. I was really shaking with fear, but I tried very hard to hide it. I was very grateful to Bitna for coming with me to keep me company. I know I shouldn't worry too much about such things, but it's been ingrained in me since I was little. I was bullied for my looks in elementary school, so it's more than natural for me to feel insecure now.
Our seniors started introducing themselves first, so that we probably had less stress. So it didn't help me much. The people who followed after them were chosen either randomly or they knew each other and were friends. When Taejin came on stage and introduced himself, I really hoped he wouldn't choose me. I would prefer to go somewhere among the last, when almost no one will pay attention anymore, or I would not go at all, but that will not happen.
To my luck, or rather misfortune, he looked directly at me.
"Yu Na-bi come here," he said.
It happened exactly what I feared, but I had no choice. I stood up. My entrance on the stage was accompanied by applause, as well as loud "Wuaa" as they did for everyone who knew one of our seniors. Bitna clapped the loudest of all and did not forget to encourage me.
As I stood there, I bowed.
"My name is...," I began quietly.
"We can't hear, you need to speak louder," someone called out.
Then I started again.
"My name is Yu Na-bi and I study art drawing..."
My speach was interrupted again, this time by the opening of the door.
I stood frozen still and felt as if time had stopped. Bitna and most of the others first looked at me and then turned back to the place where I was staring.
I couldn't believe my own eyes.
My secret stranger was entering the door.