"HAHAHA Wonwoo-ya! I didn't know you can swing a bat like that." Jimin sunbaenim threw his arms around my neck.
"No no. I just caught them off guard so.."
"Huh? You're not just brains but also buff!"
"You're embarrassing me sunbae."
"Bleeeh."
Jimin sunbaenim ran towards our fraternity leader, Namjoon sunbaenim. They were swinging the metal rods around while walking. Later on, our leader turned around and shouted
"Who's the strongest fraternity!"
"QUARTZ!!" We all raised our fists as if patronizing this group.
I still can't believe I'm part of the strongest fraternity in the area. I wasn't really interested in clubs or orgs, and much less of a fraternity. I just want my alone time in school and get over with our subjects.
Jimin sunbaenim understands how I feel, but he was the reason why I joined the Quartz. I first met him in the class he's taking as his back subject.
Our Peace Education subject never experienced peace every time he walks in. He was very famous in the university because he's very charming, friendly, and outgoing.
Then there's me, the introverted one. People were like "Oh, I see you're an introvert. Are you okay?" or "Why don't you try to be more outgoing so you could be happy?". They tell me those as if being like this is a disease or what not. It's kinda getting onto my nerves.
I usually get those kind of comments in this subject, where our professor usually pairs me up with the extroverted ones so 'I could make friends'. I don't have an issue with extroverts, but they're making it look like I need some help.
One time, I got paired up with Jimin sunbaenim.
"Try to make Jeon-ssi more active, okay?" Professor instructed Jimin.
"Huh?" Jimin growled at her.
"Oh, why? You can do it, Park-ssi."
"Do what? You're making Jeon like a mentally ill person. He's absolutely fine."
"But, this subject is about community.."
"Yeah? Then respect the community member's decision."
I was shocked at how Jimin-sunbaenim answered. I don't feel comfortable with those comments but I never intended to explain myself since I thought I don't need their understanding.
Jimin-sunbaenim stood up not only to defend me, it's also because he himself is getting tired of hearing those. This is how he worded it
"Jeon, sorry I spoke on your behalf. I was just getting sick of these ignorant people."
I'm thankful for someone like him. It was really uncommon to meet someone who's not an introvert but can definitely understand someone who is one. Since that day, we greet each other whenever we meet and have small talks.
Some weeks after that, I stayed at the library and almost got locked up because the university's closing. I stayed too late since I want to finish the book and I don't want to bring it with me.
When I'm about to exit the gate, I saw students gathering in the baseball field. I'm not interested in whatever's happening there but I saw Jimin sunbaenim running towards me coming from there.
"Wonwoo-ssi. Why are you still here?"
"Library. You?"
"Well, I'm part of a fraternity."
"Oh.. Like those with initiations and brutality?"
"HAHA! There is, but not as exaggerated as you think."
I am aware that he is an outgoing person but is it enough to drive him to join the frat? Why is he willing to stay up late for this group? I want to know, so I asked.
"Can I join?"
"Sure."
That's why I like how he treats me. If it was another person, they would say "Join? Are you sure? There's a lot of people." or "Is it okay if we hang out many times?" Like they thought I have some people phobia or what. I'm not going to die when I'm with people. I will just need some time to be alone, to recharge.
