Transferred Student (Chiquita and Asa)

The New Transferred Student

*It was the start of a new semester at Seoul International High, and the buzz of excitement filled the halls. Everyone was talking about the new transfer student from Japan. Not just any transfer student, but Asa—an idol back in Japan. Her name was well-known, her face recognizable, but for some reason, she had left it all behind to attend a regular high school in Korea. *

*Chiquita, a bright and somewhat reserved girl, sat in her usual seat beside the window. Her friends—Ahyeon, Rora, Pharita, Ruka, and Rami—were already gossiping about Asa, speculating why a famous person would want to attend their school.*

*Then, the classroom door slid open. The teacher walked in with Asa by their side, and the whispers instantly stopped. Asa's presence was magnetic—there was something about her that made everyone pause. But no one was as affected as Chiquita. When she looked up and saw Asa for the first time, her heart inexplicably skipped a beat. Confusion filled her chest, and she couldn't tear her eyes away.*

In Class:

Teacher: "Alright, everyone. We have a new student today. Please give a warm welcome to Asa. Asa, would you like to introduce yourself?"

*Asa smiled politely, her confidence undeniable but also gentle.*

Asa: "Hello, everyone. My name is Asa. I transferred here from Tokyo. I'm looking forward to studying with all of you."

*The class murmured with excitement. Chiquita, meanwhile, could barely breathe. *Why is my heart racing?* she thought. She didn't understand why the sight of Asa made her so nervous.*

Teacher: "Asa, why don't you take the seat next to... Chiquita? Chiquita, please raise your hand so Asa can find you."

*Chiquita's heart pounded as she slowly raised her hand. Asa's eyes met hers, and for a brief moment, it felt like time stopped. Asa walked gracefully to the seat beside Chiquita and settled in, turning toward her with a soft smile.*

Asa: "Hi there."

*Chiquita could feel the heat rising to her face. She tried to respond, but her voice faltered.*

Chiquita: *Stuttering* "H-Hi..."

*Asa chuckled softly, and Chiquita wanted to sink into her seat. *Get it together,* she scolded herself. But her heart just wouldn't calm down.*

After Class:

*The bell rang, signaling the end of class. Chiquita's friends immediately rushed over to Asa, their curiosity getting the best of them.*

Rora: "Hi! We're Chiquita's friends—Rora, Ahyeon, Pharita, Rami, and Ruka. It's so cool to have you here!"

Pharita: "Yeah, why did you transfer here? You were at the top high school in Japan, right?"

*Asa seemed a little surprised by their directness but smiled warmly.*

Asa: "I just needed a change of pace. It's been hard balancing everything in Japan."

Ruka: "Are you dating someone? You're famous—there must be tons of guys lining up for you!"

*Asa shook her head, her expression serious.*

Asa: "No, I'm not dating anyone. I actually... I'm into girls. I tried dating a guy once, but it didn't work out. He cheated on me, so I don't have the best experiences with guys."

*Chiquita's friends exchanged amused glances and then smirked at Chiquita.*

Rami: *Teasingly* "Oh, really? Well, that's funny because Chiquita here is also into girls."

*Chiquita's eyes widened, and she shot a death glare at her friends, her face burning with embarrassment.*

Chiquita: *Hissing* "Seriously?!"

Asa: *Grinning* "Good to know I'm not alone, then."

*Before Chiquita could respond, Rora quickly changed the subject.*

Rora: "Anyway, Asa, do you want to sit with us at lunch?"

Asa: "Sure, that sounds great."