FOREIGN ATTRACTION (COMPLETE)

CHAPTER 10: PRESENTATION

Friday had finally arrived, marking the day of our long-awaited presentation. The classroom buzzed with anticipation, everyone present except for my partner. Though I could manage the presentation solo, the weight of our grades hung in the balance without his presence.

"President Gelo, the professor asked me to remind you about the attendance sheet," Mira whispered from behind, pulling me from my thoughts.

"Ah, thank you," I acknowledged quietly.

Dressed in our finest formal attire, I sported a black coat and slacks paired with a white turtleneck underneath. Ran opted for a beige coat, while Sophia coordinated her ensemble with a touch of brown. Who knew, perhaps there was a hidden grading rubric for best-dressed pairs? Just kidding, of course.

-- messages --

[Group Chat]

Sophia: Where's Sungjin???

Me: I have no clue.

Ran: Call him now, you're up next.

Sophia: Zane and Hiro are already halfway through their presentation, dude.

Me: *sent a photo

Without replying anymore, I shared the screenshots of my missed calls to Sungjin. What could possibly be keeping him? What's taking him so long? So Disney princess behavior.

As Zane and Hiro concluded their presentation and Professor Paula called our names, I couldn't shake the nerve-wracking feeling settling in, not from stage fright but from Sungjin's conspicuous absence.

Gathering my composure, I stepped forward to introduce myself and greet the panel. "Hello, good morning everyone. I'm Gelo Cheonsaneoul Crisostomo, and I sincerely apolog—"

I was abruptly cut off by the sudden creak of the classroom door swinging open, drawing everyone's attention in its direction. There, enters Sungjin, slightly out of breath as he made his way toward me.

Jaws dropped all around the room, including those of the panel members, as Sungjin entered in his formal attire, a classic white sleeve beneath a sleek black coat. Opting for a relaxed vibe, he didn't wear a tie, just leaving the top buttons of his shirt undone, revealing a glimpse of his bright chest.

Even I found myself momentarily captivated by his appearance. He exuded the aura of a high-profile CEO straight out of a Korean drama. But before I could lose myself in the moment, I refocused my attention on the panel, prepared to resume our presentation.

However, I was taken aback when Sungjin stepped closer, his hands finding their way to my waist as he leaned in to whisper in my ear.

"죄송합니다, [I'm sorry Gelo]" he murmured softly, and I couldn't help but choke on my own breath at his unexpected apology. Excusing myself, I reached for the water Sophia offered, her laughter ringing in the background as she watched the scene unfold.

Once I regained my composure, we dove into our presentation, hoping to make up for lost time and impress the panel with our project.

"Aside from the listed considerations, what other reasons led you to choose this site for your project's location?" queried one of the panel members.

"Well, according to Renever's of 2022, New Cabalan boasts rich natural resources and vernacular materials; however, it lacks a safe space in case of a disaster," I responded, pausing momentarily. "That's why our vocational and livelihood school doubles as a multifunctional space for the community during natural calamities. It can serve as an evacuation center, ensuring safety for all."