Healing

lee Sunghoon

4th February 2019,

One month has passed since I joined this university, I have slowly started to settle in my life, getting used to the routines, the new faces, the environment around the university campus. Each day feels like a new chapter and I am finally ready to begin with it.

Australia's warmth, both in the weather and the people, has helped me feel welcome. Although there are still moments of homesickness, this new beginning is finally starting to feel like home.

I still can't forget about that one person lee Sunghoon, who helped me on my first day. Since it became 1 month I still can't get him out of my mind. Over the weeks I got to know more about him, mostly through casual conversations and hearing about him from others. Sunghoon is originally from South korea, but he moved here because of his father's job transfer.

Sunghoon comes from a modest, middle class background, yet everyone knows him. He's the type of guy who naturally draws people in, effortlessly friendly and approachable. It seems like everyone has a positive thing to say about him- whether it is his willingness to help others, his sense of humour or the way he makes every one feel comfortable around him.

16th March 2019,

Today there was a basketball match, Sunghoon was leading his team. I really wanted to go and watch and be the part of excitement, but I couldn't afford to skip the class. Joining the college a bit late had already put me behind.

As I sat in the classroom, trying to focus on the lecture, my mind kept drifting to the game. I imagined the cheers of the crowd, the sound of the ball hitting the court, and Sunghoon leading his team with that determination I'd seen before. A part of me felt disappointed to be missing out.

After class, I overheard some students talking about how incredible the game was and how well Sunghoon had played. It made me smile, knowing he had done well.

25th March 2019,

Today was the 1st time Sunghoon and I attended the same class, as i walked in and found a seat, he was sitting a few rows ahead of me. He turned around and spotted me, motioning for me to join him.
As I felt a bit nervous I made my way towards him and sat beside him.

Throughout the lecture, I felt distracting having Sunghoon beside me. Every so often he would glance over me and give me a reassuring smile. At one point our elbows brushed as we both leaned forward to take notes. I could feel my heart race a bit.

His small gestures made me more comfortable around the class as if we were in our small little world despite being surrounded by people. After class we walked out together while chit chatting, laughing and sharing notes. It was such a simple thing, just attending a class together but it felt like a small special moment.

15th April 2019,

Sunghoon was practising for his upcoming basketball match focused and intense. While I sat nearby, watching him with full admiration, his perfect skills, how he tossed the ball in the basket with his usual grace and confidence. I was lost in the thought, enjoying the game. Suddenly while getting up to stretch I felt my foot slip on the edge of the court. I lost my balance, and I fell off.

In an instant Sunghoon dropped the basketball and came over me,

"Are you okay?" he asked with his soft voice filled with concern and looked down at me, his face just inches away from mine.

"Y...eah I... I am okay" barely able to speak, because of the closeness, he helped me while standing up, as I put my next step I scream a little cuz of the big cut I got on my knees. It was bleeding and was hurting like a hell.

Sunghoon took me in his arms even though I protested "Sunghoon I am really fine you don't have to carry me"

But he shook his head having a small smirk on his face "you are not fine, if you are limping let me take care of you"

He held me firmly, my heart raced as he carried me across the court. As we reached the benches, he set me down carefully, still holding my hand as he knelt to my knee he did first aid and helped me. "Be careful next time," he said with a small, teasing smile. "Can't have you getting hurt just because you're watching me practice." My cheeks turned red and I was a whole tomato now. He laughed.

I was a bit embarrassed , but grateful that he helped me.