Jungwon’s fingers tightened around his phone as he stared at the screen, eyes following the live stream of a football game back at his old university in South Korea.
Every goal, every tackle—it all felt like another world now, something he couldn’t touch. Here he was, thousands of miles away in Tokyo, Japan, buried under academic responsibilities that had nothing to do with the sport he loved.
Engineering studies. His parents' dream—well, mainly his father's since he had lost his mother years back. Engineering was definitely not his dream, but it was too late to argue.
He sighed, leaning back, letting his gaze drift around the quiet backstage.
The reason he was even in Japan was a high-profile immersion program, meant to blend the brightest students from different countries. Now, alongside four other exchange students, each from a different country, he was part of a high-stakes project.
The university expected nothing less than excellence, and this assignment could unlock doors to prestigious internships. For his teammates, that was a dream come true. For Jungwon, it was a far-off consolation prize. Football was what he’d wanted all his life, not equations and calculations.
Today, the usual academic pressure was layered with something else: A university charity event, featuring a popular celebrity, the identity of whom was still a mystery to Jungwon. For every other student? Oh, they have been excited and was already whispering her name here and there for the past week.
However, Jungwon had always glued his eyes and ears to his phone, watching football gameplay. He was too occupied to even take knowledge about this woman who seems to be everybody's sweetheart.
This woman named, Sana.
As part of the student organizing committee, Jungwon had been roped into managing the PA system, ensuring the microphones and speakers worked seamlessly for the event.
His assigned partner was a local student, Yuta, who was known more for his lovesick puppy eyes toward his girlfriend than for his dependability. True to reputation, Yuta had slipped away hours ago to meet his girlfriend, leaving Jungwon alone to handle it all.
He didn't try to argue about it though. He'd rather be his usual easy-going demeanor rather than starting unnecessary fights, especially when he is a foreigner in this huge university.
After hours without a break, Jungwon’s patience, and his bladder, was reaching its limit. He’d been sitting there since dawn, adjusting settings, testing speakers, troubleshooting. He debated whether to call Yuta back or just tough it out a little longer, but the decision was made for him as his phone buzzed.
Jungwon called Yuta, asking him to cover so he could finally take a restroom break.
When he stepped outside for a quick breather, he let himself relax, the fresh air hitting his face. Maybe a small break was all he needed to clear his head. But just as he stretched, shaking off the stiffness, a voice cut through the noise.
“Kim Jungwon!”
The voice boomed across the courtyard, filled with urgency and impatience. It wasn’t just calling him; it demanded his attention, echoing loud enough to make nearby students turn and look. Jungwon’s heart jolted as he tried to identify the source.
Jungwon exhaled as Mr. Akira’s familiar face softened his anxiety. He’d been half-expecting his professor to reprimand him, thinking he might have messed something up in the event while he’d been outside.
"Hey, just grabbing some fresh air," Jungwon replied, running a hand through his hair. "I’ve been in there for quite a while."
Mr. Akira gave him a nod, smiling knowingly. "Did Yuta give you a hard time?"
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