The sun on Tuesday at noon shines brightly in the centre of the sky. It was when the students of Global Cyber University (GCU) kept themselves busy with group discussions, classes, and club gatherings, followed by the time when most students decided to go for lunch before attending afternoon classes.
Meanwhile, Diana and her classmate, Hye-rin had just finished their classes. They were walking towards a nearby cafeteria for lunch. Before long, Hye-rin stopped in front of the faculty's notice board in the corridor, followed by Diana. Perhaps, something might have caught Hye-rin's attention.
"Look, Diana! There will be a championship at our campus, and will be held in the next three months," she said, with her index finger pointing at an advertisement.
"What kind of championship?" Diana asked. She was also curious about one of the notice board's contents.
"It's a national taekwondo championship among universities and high schools. The best part is that our campus is the home location," said Hye-rin. She was thrilled to see the championship at Global Cyber University.
Diana couldn't believe what she had said. For her, it's better if the championship is done in the same institute. That way, all of her friends and family can come and watch. Later, she found something that increased her interest.
"Well, that sounds great. Even the winners' prizes are cash and trophies, which sounds interesting. Do you want to participate, Hye-rin? I can teach you some of the moves I know," said Diana. She began to feel interested in what was written, and she wondered if Hye-rin wanted to join.
"I would love to join you, but yeah. You know what's going on right now. As the semester is ending soon, the busier we get. So, I don't think I can," said Hye-rin. Although she was highly interested in taekwondo, she was quite worried about her tight schedule.
Diana thought about Hye-rin's words, which turned out to be true. "Oh, dang it! Things like this shouldn't stop us from doing what we love," she said, slamming a fist onto her left palm.
Later, a man's voice began to approach the girls from their backs, saying, "Hey, girls! What are you chatting about?"
"Oh, it's the taekwondo championship in the next three months. I thought about participating with my friend here, but…," before Hye-rin could finish her words, she turned, looking so surprised.
The man turned out to be Justin, Diana's boyfriend and guardian.
"Oh! Hey, Justin! I didn't know you were here," said Hye-rin in surprise.
Diana then turned around and made a huge smile toward Justin. "Well, that's a big surprise! Did your class just end?" She said.
"Yes, Diana. Plus, I was heading for lunch with my friends. But somehow, I bumped into you," said Justin. To be fair, he was just as excited to meet Diana. But, he had to control his feeling, especially when Diana was with her classmate.
Then he added, "So, you're saying you want to participate in the taekwondo championship?"
The girls nodded, and then Hye-rin said, "I thought about joining her, to be honest. But since our schedules are quite packed, we may not have much time to practice."
Justin quickly understood what Hye-rin's concern was, then he explained, "Oh, but for me, that's not a problem. If I were you, I can still participate in it although I'm busy. Besides, we have 24 hours a day, so why waste it? Am I right?"
Again, the girls agreed with his words, and then Diana said, "I agree with you, Justin. However, I don't know if I want to join, because I thought about winning the championship for us." She was worried that she'd humiliate the whole university if she didn't win.
After hearing her concern, Justin grabbed her shoulders softly, and said, "Diana, listen to me. Being in any competition is not about winning, but it's all about experience, taking part, and most of all – having fun. It's okay if you want to try. I'll support you whenever you need me."
Diana had never been better after hearing his words. Of course, Justin is her boyfriend and guardian after all, so it's no doubt to hear his good advice for any of her problems. With a sweet smile, she finally said, "Thanks, Justin. That means a lot to me."
"Okay, then. I better go now; my friends are waiting," said Justin, and left.
"Maybe I should try participating in this. Besides, I may not get a chance like this again," said Diana. Somehow, she got inspired to enter the championship. Besides, she did have the basic taekwondo moves, so for her, why not give it a shot?
Before long, Justin came back to the girls and said, "Ah! Before I forget, can I have your student's ID and phone number? If you're still interested, I can hand them to one of my friends. They are from the Taekwondo Club, so I'm sure they will help." He had to make sure he didn't miss a chance to see her before classes.
Hye-rin can only be silent, while Diana said without hesitation, "Oh, sure. Give me your phone." Required details such as Diana's full name, student's ID and phone number were filled on Justin's phone using Google Keep Notes. Once Justin's phone had been returned, he said with satisfaction, "Sweet! See you later!" Justin then kissed her forehead before he left.
Hye-rin said with a smirk after seeing what happened between Justin and Diana, "Damn, girl! You're so lucky to have a man like him."
"Oh, that's nothing, girl. That's just how we are," said Diana. For her, that's how she is with the person she loves.
"Also, are you sure about participating in the championship? What if you end up quitting halfway?" Hye-rin began to feel worried about Diana's decision.
"Relax, Hye-rin. I will be just fine. Come on, we should rush for lunch," said Diana and left. All Hye-rin could do was just be silent.
~skip to evening, at the Xiang Twins' house~
"I'm home," said Diana. While she entered the house, her twin brother, Danial is seen lying down on the sofa. He was texting with his classmates on KakaoTalk.
Danial then turned around and said, "Oh, you just got here?"
"Yeah, there was a class being dragged. So exhausting," said Diana with a huge sigh. She then landed herself on the sofa.
Danial could see her sister looking so tired of the whole day on campus. So, he cheered her up by saying, "Nah…it's fine. That's how a student's life is. Are there any assignments you need to complete?"
"Yes, there are. Some of their deadlines are getting closer, while others require presentations in class. Does every end of the semester have to be this hectic, bro?" She said with exhaustion.
"Maybe. But anyway, do you want anything to eat?" He asked.
"Well, cooking is quite a hassle. So, let's just order some black bean noodles and honey fried chicken, shall we?" Diana said. She thought they should at least replenish themselves with some good food.
Danial's eyes began to shine and said, "Nice! I'm going to order it right now. It's my treat today!"
"Awesome! Thank you, bro," said Diana happily. Hearing her brother treating her for dinner made her feel so much better.
Before long, Danial began to order food for them. As the delivery man arrived, two bowls of black bean noodles and a plate of honey-fried chicken were served on their dining table.
"Hey, I don't recall you saying we're going to have chicken for dinner," said Diana in confusion. How could there be an addition in the order?
Danial started to laugh, saying, "Oh, surprise! I even ordered honey-fried chicken for us. I can see how well you have been doing."
Diana was overwhelmed. That was so nice of Danial; he knew that Diana loved honey-fried chicken the minute they first arrived in South Korea. So, she hugged her brother and said, "Thank you, Danial. I love you so much."
He chuckled and replied, "Love you too, sis. Come, let's eat."