Telepathy | Jaywon

1

Just a few days ago, Jay found himself celebrating his 18th birthday, and now in the middle of packing boxes and bidding farewell to his friends as he embarked on a new adventure in Korea. With trepidation and excitement swirling inside him, he now stepped into the unfamiliar school campus. The sight of a flurry of students in their crisp uniforms struck him like an exquisite monochrome painting. As he wandered through the bustling hallways, the aromas of spicy kimchi and savoury bulgogi assaulted his senses, instantly making him hungry. Everyone seemed to be speaking in a language he couldn't comprehend very well—an enthusiastic blend of sounds that did not feel too alien to his ears. He could make out a sentence or two. He looked around, noticing a few students staring at him and he smiled.

Yet amidst the initial confusion, warmth emanated from friendly smiles and curious glances cast his way. Jay realized that he was not alone in his journey of adaptation. He noticed other foreign students, just like him, navigating through the new environment. They exchanged knowing glances, silently acknowledging the shared experience of being outsiders. Determined to make the most of that opportunity, Jay took a deep breath and approached a group of students engaged in animated conversation. With a friendly smile, he introduced himself and attempted to communicate using a few basic Korean phrases. At first, he hesitated but when the boys gave him warm smiles, he felt more at ease.

"Hey, umm, do you know Sunghoon? Park Sunghoon?" The boy looked up at the boy who called himself Heeseung as he watched the taller smile. "So you are the cousin Sunghoon kept mentioning." Heeseung lightly chuckled and then nodded his head, asking Jay to follow him as he showed him around while he also took him to Sunghoon. "Do you think it's different from America?" Jay, who was too busy focused on the computer lab, turned his attention towards Heeseung who asked him a question. "Pretty different. It won't take time to get used to though." Jay shrugged and then mentally noted that Heeseung and his cousin were close. Heeseung seemed to know Jay very well, even if they had just met and he knew Sunghoon was behind it.

"Come around at lunch!" Heeseung patted Jay's back as he stopped and pointed at Sunghoon, who seemed to be conversing with another boy. As Sunghoon recognized their presence, Heeseung greeted him shortly and then left, leaving the three of them alone. Sunghoon greeted Jay with a warm hug and then introduced him to Jake, who already knew enough about Jay. Jay awkwardly waved at him and then they exchanged a few words, Jay noticed how his Australian accent was heavy on his Korean. Then it was time for class, Sunghoon helped Jay to the first one and also tried to make it easier for him to locate the rest. The boy took in a deep breath before waving at Sunghoon and entering his first class unaware of what was to come.