CHAPTER 8: Unexpectedly Connected

WOOYOUNG
•••

Seeing San get up so early for class was surprising, considering how he barely made it on time for our Biology class yesterday doing who knows what. However, all I could think about was our shared meal last night. After explaining to my mother about my current living dynamic with said male, she was the one who suggested making a peace offering with food. Of course that meant me actually telling her where to purchase the meal, since I didn't trust her to cook without my supervision. All in all, it seemed to have worked as the tension between us alleviate a bit. It doesn't mean that I'm just going to get comfortable with him.

The time now was only after nine in the morning, and my Art class was to start at 12. Laying face up toward the ceiling, my thoughts went to brief conversation I had with Yeosang after my shared class with San. Within a span of a minute, I blabbered my insecurities about myself and all I received in return was Yeosang's usual words of comfort, words I desperately needed to hear. It was enough to carry me over until the evening, as he had to quickly leave and visit Seonghwa before his class about something urgent. Part of me wanted to tag along, but another part of me didn't want to feel like extra baggage or unwarranted company.

Huffing, I sat up in bed and stretched my arms, contemplating on what to do in order to make time move faster. It felt too early to shower, but I found myself bored with two hours to spare.

"Might as well just get ready, then use the rest of the time looking for more jobs." I mumbled.

Hopping off, I made my way to the bathroom. Today was my second day and I was looking forward to both of my classes. Dance was my passion that I started from the age of 6 as a way to express myself freely without words, and Art became my form of therapy in a different way. Both have grown to be my escapes from the outside world, as well as my inner demons that torment me from time to time.

Finishing through my shower routine quickly, I stepped out with my towel wrapped around my waist to a sound of ding on my phone. Raising an eyebrow, I walked over and picked up the phone, noticing a notification from one of my job applications.

"Jung Wooyoung, this is the manager Sunwoo from the local Diner. Please come in for an interview today at four in the afternoon. The attire is white shirt and black pants!"

"Today at four? That's so soon!"

The distance from campus to the diner was about 20 minutes, which meant that as soon as my dance class ends, I'd barely have enough time to change and head over there. It also didn't make sense to wear the clothes to class, as dance would definitely make me sweaty.

I groaned. "I guess I have no choice but to quickly change here and then head over..."

Since it was only half past ten, I decided to check out the campus to kill time. Dressing in comfortable clothing, which consisted of just a grey sweatshirt and matching sweatpants, I grabbed my backpack and dorm keys and made my way out the door. Outside, the hall seemed to be busy with students either lounging around in conversation with each other or rushing through to make it to their own classes.

Reaching the elevator, I noticed a few other students waiting for it as well. However, it didn't take long for the cart to make it to our floor and open its doors. Instantly, I saw Seonghwa inside with a shorter blonde-haired male with multiple ear piercings standing next to him, hands intertwined.

"Wooyoung!" He smiled as I stepped inside next to him. "You have class this early?"

I shook my head. "No, it actually starts at 12. I just wanted to explore the campus more since I didn't get a chance to..." I peered my head to the male next to him with an amused smile. "I take it that he's the lucky boyfriend?"

He grinned and nodded. "Woo, this is Hongjoong."

Hongjoong nodded with a small smile as we reached the ground floor. "Nice to meet you..."

"Same to you."

We stepped off the elevator and walked towards the building doors. "What classes do you have today?" Seonghwa asked curiously.

"Art and Dance. Two of my favorites." I grinned.

Hongjoong raised an eyebrow. "When is your dance class?"

"At 1:30...Why? Do you have dance with me?" I wiggled my eyebrow playfully at him, causing a laugh in return.

"Nah, dance isn't really my thing. I think you have class with Yunho though." He smirked. "He's practically a dance machine."

My eyes grew wide with excitement. "I can't wait to see that, then."

We said our goodbyes and went out separate ways, leaving me with about an hour of free time before my class to leisurely walk around campus. The weather was warmer than yesterday, the sun shining brightly above providing hints of warmth to cascade on me below. The breeze still brought back a subtle chill, but nothing that could be considered true cold.

The entire campus was massive, with different buildings for classes and dorms alike. One common theme amongst them all was the color scheme, creating a sort of uniformity to the whole university. Amongst the normal buildings were other things such as the soccer field with the track circling it, the famous hospital, and the Main Gate Square Project. Overall, the school's design only elevated the prestigious aura surrounding the name.

Realizing how much time had passed, I decided to stroll over to the building where my art class would be kept, the same building as my advisor's office was in. There was still thirty minutes until class was supposed to begin, so I knew I would be early. All I wanted to do was get through the day and head toward my first interview.

Hopefully, I get the job...

"Positive thoughts, Woo. Positive thoughts." I mumbled to myself. Entering the building, I found the nearest stairway and climbed up to the fifth floor. Luckily for me, the studio was right across of the stairs. Stepping inside, I saw only two male students seated inside: one had a brown bowl-cut hairstyle and the other had grey hair with glasses. Both of them had taken a stool in front of an empty canvas and easel, with faces that looked like they were not in the mood to even be in class.

Choosing to follow suit silently, I made my way over to another empty stool and sit. The grey-haired male sized me up and down before speaking. "Hey. What's your name?"

"Wooyoung...?" I raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Why do you want to know?"

He smiled. "Just curious. The name is Mingi, and that," he pointed to the other male, "is Jongho. Don't mind him, he's actually really quiet but nice."

My eyes darted to the male, fighting back surprise at the realization.

Thats Sangie's roommate...

Clearing my throat, I nodded. "So that makes you Yunho's boyfriend?"

"Guilty." Mingi laughed, putting two hands up playing defensive. "You know him?"

"More or less." I smiled. "We met on Sunday. My best friend Yeosang introduced me to him and a guy named Seonghwa."

Jongho's ears perked and quickly, he turned his attention to me. "Wait, you're Yeo's best friend?"

I smirked. "Well hello to you too. Yes, I am. Why?"

"Just wondering..." he murmured, a faint blush on his cheeks that didn't go unnoticed by me.

Interesting...

Mingi gasped. "Wait, you met Seonghwa too?! How about Hongjoong? He's my best friend and roommate."

I nodded eagerly. "I actually met him this morning, an hour or so ago."

"Wow... you basically met all of my friends. The only one missing is San then." Mingi smiled brightly.

"Actually no... he's my roommate." I sighed, rolling my eyes. "He's your friend? That's surprising to hear that he actually has friends..."

Jongho chuckled. "You want to know something even more surprising? He's my cousin..."

I gasped loudly. "You're lying..."

Mingi shook his head silently, noticing other students begin to walk in. "I am so glad I came to class early. All of this is just crazy."

"Mingi, what are you talking about? You knew that already." Jongho stated with a raised eyebrow.

"I know that! I'm talking about meeting this kid here." He rolled his eyes. "He's practically in our friend group!"

I scoffed. "I think that's a bit much... I don't get along with San enough to consider us friends."

Jongho sighed. "I don't blame you. Only a few people know about our family connection, but that doesn't mean we actually speak to each other unless needed. I rather keep my distance."

The instructor cleared his throat. "Good afternoon everyone. My name is Professor Min, but you can just call me Min. I also teach Photography 101 in case you were wondering why I was late. In this class I'm all about freedom of expression, within reason of course. At the end of the semester, you need to turn in a painting that expresses your inner child. Until then, feel free to paint as you please. However, at the end of every week, you need to turn in a progress report of your project. Basically, I need to see some type of improvement or change to your design. Makes sense?"

Everyone nodded, causing Professor Min to smile. "Good. You may begin. I'm here if you need any assistance."

The time blurred and before I even realized, class was over. Mingi and Jongho decided to walk out with me, with Mingi wrapping an arm around my shoulder. "What class you have next, Wooyoung?"

Playfully swatting his hand, I smiled. "I have Dance. How about you guys?"

"I'm done for the day. I had History at 8 this morning, so I'm going back to my dorm room to sleep." Mingi yawned. "You have class with Yunho, so have fun with that."

Jongho sighed. "I have Music Theory, which is in the same building as you Wooyoung."

I nodded. Mingi waved the two of us goodbye before we continued our way to class. Deciding to take this time to do my own investigation on the male, I smirked. "So, Jongho... what do you think of my best friend?"

Instantly, I watched as his cheeks grew a blush but he cleared his throat before speaking. "He's really cool. A bit of a neat freak, but I don't mind at all..."

"Uh huh..." I said teasingly. "Anything else?"

"N-No..W-Why do you ask?"

I grinned. "No reason, just curious that's all. Anyways," I pointed to the dance studio door. "This is my stop."

Jongho exhaled deeply, nodding in confirmation. "Right. I guess I'll see you around?"

"Definitely. Not only in class, by the way." I smirked. "See you later!"

With that I entered the studio to prepare for class, leaving a flustered boy in his thoughts alone. I fought back a laugh as I noticed Yunho already inside stretching.

Yunho glanced up at me and grinned. "Woo! Come on this side!"

Making my way over to him, I smiled and placed by backpack on the wooden floor. "I met your boyfriend."

"Wait? Really? When?" He asked curiously.

"We share a class together: Art class."

Yunho squealed. "Well that's amazing. Now all I have to do is introduce you to Seonghwa's boyfriend."

I smirked, already knowing. "No need, I actually met him this morning in the elevator with Seonghwa. Not to mention also meeting Sangie's roommate Jongho, as well. Him, Mingi and I all share art class together."

"Wow.." Yuhno gaped. "You basically met everyone then...By the way, how is it dealing with San? I know he's not easy to get along with."

"Honestly, I think things are tolerable."  I said with a shrug. "We'll just see how the semester goes."

He took that as a cue to end the conversation, just in time for the dance instructor to enter inside the studio and gather everyone's attention. "Good afternoon, everyone. Call me Instructor Kim. Welcome to Dance, let's begin with just introducing ourselves and a simple routine."