Exchange Student: A Dream High Story

A Brush with Death

Tuesday Morning

Throughout the night Eric couldn't help but think about the boy he bumped over. The kid has a look like he wasn't up to good. It was cold, hostile even. It reminded him when he first met Taeil. By his English, it's clear that he wasn't from here, possibly from the same country as Rose. His accent sounded very similar. He tossed and turned at the curiosity.

"I'm letting this stranger rob my sleep. It was probably a one-time thing." Eric yawned drifting asleep peacefully.

Waking up in the morning was the smell of pancakes. Instantly the exchange student jumped up from his bed and put on his slipper before skating down the stairs.

"You woke up pretty quick oppa." Jiwon noted. She was already halfway done with her meal.

The matriarch chuckled at her son's antics. Pancakes were one of his favorite meals to eat in the morning.

"Some things never change with you Eric. It was like this back in DC. Before I dropped you off to school and Sesame Street would air. You've grown up so fast." Siyeon said with nostalgia in her voice.

Eric shook his head with a laugh. His mom had the knack to recall memories from the top of the hat. Sometimes times it would funny, other times embarrassing. That's how mothers are, he wasn't going to argue.

"It's been two weeks since you won against the SM Boys. Don't you think it's strange ajusshi nor JYP-nim have notified you yet?" Jiwon poses the question.

"Oh yeah I forgot about that! Did they forget, oppa?" Sophie asked.

"That's a good question. So far when I tell him, he just says they're working on preparations. It may start tomorrow, it may start next week who knows. From what I've been trough I trust in Mun-nim's judgement that he will let us know when he's one hundred percent prepared." Eric stated.

His time in Galaxy has built a special bond between his trainee friends and his mentor, Eric Mun. Mun is like an uncle figure of sorts and managed to keep him out of trouble. Mun usually makes his business moves quietly. He seldom tells trainees his business plans unless it's something relating to them. He just ate his meal and drank his coffee, DC style.

Afterwards he put on his SOPA High uniform. Adjusting his tie was still a challenge.

"Let me help you there." His mother adjusted the tie, centering it and finishing the process.

"There you go you're all ready? Are you sure you don't want me to drop you off?"

"I'm sure eomma. The metro isn't far and I can count on Jungkook to wait for me." Eric reassured.

"I'll see you later oppa. I'm probably gonna hang out with Dahyun today."

"You really are close with her Jiwon-ah."

"She's my first and only friend I've made here. Sure, she can be a little mean, but she's always been nice to me. At least having her with me makes middle school bearable." Jiwon admitted. Eric smiled at mention of her friend. Dahyun was like the female version of Matthew to a tee. It's comical how Matthew acts annoyed when she acts the exact same way.

"You're gonna be fine Jiwon-ah I'm confident you'll make more friends. Give it more time." Eric said with a gentle smile. Jiwon sticks her tongue out in response. She was still a kid after all.

"Make sure you two behave, arasso?" He said to the twins with a firm glare. He knew those two gremlins weren't going to listen.

"You're not the boss of me hyung!" Jay blew raspberries. Sophie blew one as well. The mom shook her head at the nonsense.