Reputation

Chapter 4 - Hey?

The next week arrived with anticipation buzzing through Haneul Academy. It was the week we would finally meet our exchange partners from Matsuri High School in Japan.

After the first period bell rang, signaling the start of the day, we headed into the main hall where the Japanese exchange students had gathered. The hall was abuzz with excitement and curiosity as students from both schools mingled and found their seats.

"The principal said to take our respective seats," Joshua reminded us as we scanned the room.

I glanced around, feeling a few curious gazes directed my way. Finally, I located my assigned seat. "37B," I muttered to myself, making my way through the crowd.

"Hello," a friendly male voice greeted me as I approached my seat.

"Hi," I replied, smiling as I took the seat next to him.

"I'm Hokuto Yoshida, but you can call me Hokuto," he introduced himself with a warm smile.

"Hi Hokuto, I'm Choi Ara, but you can call me Ara," I said, returning his smile.

As we exchanged greetings, I couldn't help but notice how handsome he was. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Jiyeon looking at me with an amused expression.

"He's a total cutie," her text popped up on my phone.

"Shh, not now," I replied quickly, trying to suppress my excitement.

We listened attentively as the teacher explained the exchange program details. We had one month to get to know our partners and collaborate on a report, which would be graded at the end of the month.

"Remember, it's graded, so do your best everyone," the teacher emphasized before allowing us to begin our introductions.

"So, Hokuto, tell me about yourself," I said, turning to him with genuine interest.

Hokuto shared about his hobbies and interests, and I found out that we had a mutual love for fashion and photography. We discussed our favorite styles and shared stories about our respective schools and cultures.

Throughout the introduction session, I felt a growing sense of excitement about the month ahead. Getting to know Hokuto seemed like it would be an enriching experience, and I looked forward to the adventures and discoveries that awaited us.

As the bell rang to signal the end of the session, Hokuto and I exchanged contact information and made plans to meet up later in the week to start working on our report.

"Looking forward to working with you, Ara," Hokuto said with a smile.

"Likewise, Hokuto," I replied, feeling a sense of camaraderie already building between us.

During the break after the introduction session with Hokuto, Jiyeon made her way over to me with a curious expression on her face.

"So, spill the beans, Ara. How's your partner?" Jiyeon asked eagerly, nudging me playfully.

I grinned, feeling a rush of excitement as I thought about Hokuto. "He's really nice! His name is Hokuto Yoshida, and he's into fashion and photography, just like me."

Jiyeon raised her eyebrows. "Fashion and photography? Sounds like you've hit the jackpot."

I chuckled. "Yeah, it seems like we have some common interests. It should be fun working on the report together."

"Any sparks flying?" Jiyeon teased, wiggling her eyebrows mischievously.

I rolled my eyes. "Oh, please. We literally just met. But he's cute and easy to talk to."

"Sounds promising," Jiyeon remarked, her eyes scanning the room as if searching for her own partner.

"What about you? How's your partner?" I asked, changing the subject.

Jiyeon sighed dramatically. "She's nice, I guess. Her name's Eri. We haven't talked much yet, but she seems friendly."

"At least she seems nice," I said encouragingly.

"Yeah, and who knows? Maybe we'll become good friends," Jiyeon replied optimistically.

As we chatted about our partners and the upcoming month, the bell rang, signaling the end of the break.

After school, Jeonghan and Joshua decided to come over to Scoups' and my house to hang out. As they settled in the living room for a gaming session, Scoups and I found a quiet moment to talk.

"So, how's Hokuto?" Scoups asked casually, leaning against the kitchen counter.

I smiled, knowing Scoups had always been protective, especially when it came to guys. "He's nice," I replied, keeping my answer brief.

Scoups raised an eyebrow. "Just nice?"

I chuckled softly. "Well, we've only just met. We're starting to get to know each other."

Joshua, from the living room, called out, "What about you, Scoups? How's your partner?"

Scoups shrugged. "She's cool. Her name's Yumi. Seems friendly enough."

Jeonghan, leaning back on the couch, added, "And what about you, Joshua? How's your partner?"

Joshua grinned. "Her name's Sakura. She's into music and art. We talked about collaborating on something creative for our report."

Jeonghan smirked playfully. "Sounds like a match made in heaven for you, Shua."

Joshua chuckled. "Yeah, she's pretty cool."

Curious, I turned to Jeonghan. "What about you, Jeonghan? How's your partner?"

Jeonghan paused his game for a moment, looking thoughtful. "He's interesting. His name's Ren, and he's really into sports. We're planning to hit the gym together sometime."

"That sounds like fun," I replied, genuinely interested.

"Yeah, it should be cool," Jeonghan said nonchalantly, returning his focus to the game.

Jeonghan glanced over at me. "And what about you, Ara? How's your partner?"

I hesitated for a moment, knowing Jeonghan's teasing nature. "His name's Hokuto Yoshida. He's into fashion and photography."

Jeonghan raised an eyebrow. "Fashion and photography, huh? That's interesting."

"Yeah, we're getting along," I replied, keeping my tone light.

Scoups shot a protective look towards Jeonghan, a silent reminder to keep it respectful. Jeonghan nodded knowingly, understanding Scoups' unspoken message.

As the conversation continued, we ordered pizza and continued to chat and joke around in the living room. The atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable, filled with laughter.