Femme Fatale

Chapter 12: Just Friends

I don’t hate Prof. Nevaeh like everyone else because he’s just doing his own way of teaching us students, but it started when he and Prof. Godeth spent a night in our residence last week. He’s extremely handsome even though he just woke up and maybe I just panicked when Dr. Tranter teased me about him that I became sensitive. I couldn’t help but to think whatever he says or do, and it’s the second time that we argued over simple matter.

“Justin-samchon.” opened the door and let him in “If you’re here to scold me again, I already had enough earlier, please stop nagging me.”

“Shouldn’t you be working on Seaof instead of Don?” Dr. Tranter sits on the couch across my bed “I’ve never seen you so distracted, Nene.”

“What are you saying distracted??” denying his accusation “I’m just a bit irritated to Don because he’s too immature.”

“And do you think you’re not the same??” Dr. Tranter crossing his arms “Don was definitely mad at you when you judged him but you … you just want him to notice you, you never seek attention from a boy Nene, you’re attracted to Don.”

“I guessed you read my mind wrong, Dr. Tranter, you’re not my samchon now but a doctor, right?” figured out what he’s trying to do “I’m not attracted to Don, no, not at all.” shaking my head

“It’s normal to be attracted to him, he’s a good-looking guy, everyone wants his attention and you’re no exception, you unconsciously like him Nene.”

“Like?!!” chuckles “What are you talking about??! I clearly dislike him, he’s too full of himself!!” clenching my fist as I picture him on my mind

“As your doctor, my diagnosis is you have a crush on him.” Dr. Tranter smiles at me “Now, I won’t be worried if you’re normal or not, you’re a girl Nene.”

“Well, I’m biologically female, but I can’t accept what you’ve just told me, what crush??” sneers at him “Am I a kid to have a crush to someone??!”

“You’re acting like kid for someone who have a crush.” Dr.                 Tranter insisting his conclusion “I can’t blame you, it’s your first time anyway, but at least do it in a grown-up way, you don’t have to pick a fight with him just to get his attention, that’s too childish.”

“I don’t have a crush on him!!” getting worked up “He’s just a handsome face … and also smart … but I’m not like any other girls who adores him!!”

“You just said what you like about him, it’s alright I understand.” Dr. Tranter stand up with a smile on his face “Your mouth can deny it as much as you want but your mind says it all, when did you even lied to me?” about to leave the room “You have to conceal it unless you want everyone to find out.”

“What am I to conceal when there’s nothing to begin with??!” walk to the opposite direction to stand by the window “I don’t like him, I’m sure of it!”

“There’s nothing wrong about it, Nene, you don’t have to deny it, specially to me, you’re just wasting your time and effort to make up a lie.” walks off

“You can read my mind but I know myself better than anyone else.” muttering to myself though I know he also heard it with his ability

Everyone checked out from the hotel in the afternoon and went to their respective way home. First semester’s over and it’s the start of summer vacation, my dormmates go back to other provinces to spend their vacations with their families. As for me, I could go undersea and travel the world without booking a flight or boarding in a ship, but because I have a mission on land to defeat the bad guys, I had to stay on land.

Monday morning, Dr. Tranter went to work, all professors are busy this week, they have to check all the answer sheets for the final exams and compute the students’ grades. Whether a student passed to continue their vacation peacefully or failed and they have to spend summer in school, the result will be out next Monday. My job for the week, aside from planning how to eradicate the gang who sell people organs, is to cook lunch for my sidekick who’s working hard to have a normal life like other adults.

“Nene!” Prof. Godeth running towards me “What are you doing in the campus? Shouldn’t you spend the vacation somewhere like everyone else??”

“I delivered Justin-samchon’s lunch in his office; I can’t go on a vacation when he’s here working but we’ll travel together by next week.” I said

“I see, are you going back home now?” Prof. Godeth walking beside me “I can give you a lift, since your place is on the way to the restaurant.”

“Are you having a lunch out alone, Prof. Godeth?” noticed that Prof. Nevaeh isn’t around to accompany him

“No, I’m actually buying lunch for everyone.” Prof. Godeth replied “We’re the only people here, do you really have to call me Prof. Godeth??”

“Ah, sorry, I forgot, should I help you with your errand, Seaof?” being casual to him as he wants me to

“If you’ve got nothing else to do, then I’ll ask for your assistance.” Seaof smiling at me like a shy boy “My car is over there.” pointing at the slot where he parked his car “Don wants to finish checking all the papers as soon as possible to compute the grades of the students earlier.”

“Well many students sense an impending doom on his subject that’s why they’re all preparing themselves for the worst scenario.” walking with him

“And you’re not one of those many students?” he glances at me as we walk towards his car

“I’m confident enough that I passed his subject, even if I got 76 in the final exam, I could still make it.” I replied without hesitation

“As expected with the best student of NA31OSE1, you’re computing your own grade, aren’t you?” Seaof open the car door for me

“I’m maintaining my grade from first year so I don’t have to pay for my tuition fee, computing becomes a hobby.” gets in to his car “Thanks.”

“So, you’re pretty consistent getting high grades.” Seaof sits on the driver’s seat beside me “Are you running for summa c*m laude?” put his seatbelt

“Nah, I don’t even know if I could be magna c*m laude, but as long as I don’t have to pay for my whole tuition fee, I’m definitely fine with it.” I said

“Oh, but you don’t look like someone who’s in dire need of money.” Seaof starts the engine and hit the road

“My father saved up enough for my college that’s why I don’t need to acquire student loan, but still the money I could save by maintaining a high grade, I can use it for my other expenses, the reason I also don’t have part-time jobs.” staring ahead on the road

“I see, you’re also a lucky one to have a life without worrying about money.” Seaof glanced at me for a while

“Coming from you who never and will never worry about money.” turn to glance back at him “I don’t even have a US$100,000 in my bank account.”

“It’s my parents who are rich not me, I’m merely benefitting from them because I’m their son.” Seaof trying to be humble

“Well at least both of your parents are still alive, you can take more from them.” turn my head to the window “Unlike me, I only have what’s left for me by my parents.” clenching my fist as I try to calm down not to hurt him

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have mention about my parents to you.” Seaof said awkwardly

“It’s alright, you don’t have to be sorry.” I replied “It’s me who’s feeling sorry for you.” muttering to myself

“What?? I didn’t catch that.” Seaof look at me “You said something after you told me that I don’t have to be sorry.”

“Huh? What are you talking about??” feigning innocence “By the way, may I see the order list of what you’re about to buy?” changing the topic naturally

“Oh, it’s in my pocket, they’ve order almost everything in the menu so I think it’ll take time to get the orders complete.” Seaof response

When we arrived at the restaurant, Seaof gave the list to the counter and told us that it’ll take half an hour to complete the order. Rather than waiting in the restaurant getting full by customers, we went to the coffee shop across instead.

“Thank you.” taking the latte and macaroons Seaof bought for me “Shouldn’t you buy something for you too?”

“I’m good with tea.” Seaof sits across as he stares at me “So, are you going to the campus again tomorrow to bring Justin’s lunch?”

“Yes, that’s my job for a week, why are you asking?” savoring the macaroons “Mmm … this is delicious, I think you should try it too.”

“Will you give me a bite of that macaroon?” pointing at the macaroon in my hand

“But I already bit half of it, are you sure you want this?” hesitating to hand my macaroon at him

“I can eat that.” Seaof pulled my hand to take the macaroon with his mouth “You’re right, this is delicious.”

“…” I’m completely stunned of what he just did “You, you want more??” pushing the macaroons plate at the center of our table

“No, I’m good with half of yours.” Seaof giving me his sweetest smile

“Then, I’ll take one.” a young man suddenly appeared between me and Seaof “Mmm … chocolate flavor.”

“Excuse me, who are you??” Seaof asked the man who weirdly approached us

“Ah, sorry, where are my manners?” man chuckles “I’m Philip Lee, are you Nene’s boyfriend??” reaching out his hand to Seaof

“Philip Lee??!” getting familiar with the man “You’re the Philip Lee from Andong Elementary School?!” stand up from my seat immediately

“Let’s do the shake hands later.” Philip said to Seaof “I understand I’m more handsome now, I can eat almost everything so I gained these too.” showing off his muscular body “You miss me, Nene Puth?”

“Oh my God!” can’t hide my excitement that I throw my arms onto him for a warm embrace “I thought I won’t see you again, I’m glad you talked to me first, I won’t recognized you if you didn’t come to me first.” pulled away to look at him better “Wow, Philip! You’ve changed so much.”

“Yeah, I’ve changed for the better, long time no see my best friend.” Philip patting my head “I’m taller than you now.”

“So, this is what America did to you, huh?!” smiling at him “Gosh, you’re not the Philip Lee I know.”

“If not for that cat face of yours I won’t recognize you too, you used to have a long hair, why did you cut it this short??!” Philip brushing my hair

“I cut it when I entered college.” noticed Seaof staring at us “Oh, by the way Philip, please meet my professor, Prof. Godeth.”

“Professor??!” Philip looking at Seaof in surprised “Come on, Nene, I just saw how you two romantically shared that macaroon earlier, you don’t have to be shy, it’s just me, you can tell me about your love life, it’s normal in our age.” reach out his hand again to Seaof “You’re Nene’s boyfriend, right?”

“I’m her friend who’s a boy, but I’m also her professor.” Seaof take Philip’s hand “I’m Seaof Godeth, it’s nice to meet you, Philip Lee.” shaking hands with Philip “Do I look like Nene’s boyfriend??” smiling at him as he pulled out his hand from Philip’s grip

“Ah!” Philip grasp the situation “Sorry, about that Professor, I guess he’s your boy best friend this college, that explains what I saw earlier, right?”

“He’s just a friend, as for my best friend, his name is Hammond Swanneli and he’s currently in Malaysia.” pulling Philip to sit right next to me

“I see, so your professor who’s also a friend likes to do something fun with his students.” Philip looking at me and Seaof

“What are you doing here in Busan?” changing the topic naturally “Are you back here in Korea for good?”

“I’m only here for a vacation, I’ll be back in America before September.” Philip replied “Wait, I’ll buy my iced coffee first.” walks off from our table

“Do you usually have male best friend with you?” Seaof taking a sip from his cup of tea

“I guessed so, I get along with boys better than girls, he’s my best friend in elementary, he migrated to America after our graduation and I haven’t seen him ever since that day, he used to be the weirdest guy in class before but now I think he loosen up a bit.” drinking my latte

“I can’t believe he mistaken me as your boyfriend.” Seaof laugh a bit “Does it mean I don’t look much older than you?”

“Because you’re only wearing a shirt and jeans, you look so casual like me but those brands cost a lot of money.” I know a bit about fashion

“It’s summer, we’re allowed to wear casual attires.” Seaof looking at his clothes “The clothes in these shops are comfortable to wear so I’m a regular customer, but I do shop in department stores too, I’m not like Don who have his own fashion designer.”

“Figures, I don’t see his clothes in any magazine at all or even in luxurious stores.” done eating the two more macaroons on the plate

“I think it’s time to claim our orders.” Seaof noticed his wrist watch “Are you done, I can go alone and get it if you’re not?”

“Then help me finish this.” put a macaroon in his mouth and take the other two remaining before we stand from our seats

“Ah, I see that, you feed him again!” Philip holding his ice coffee “Why don’t you just tell me that you are …” munching the macaroon I put in his mouth

“Satisfied?” eat the last macaroon and drink the rest of my latte before we walk off at the coffee shop “You want to tag along?”

“Oh, I already had lunch so I’m still full.” Philip come along to the restaurant across with us anyway

“Shall we put those muscles into work, Philip?” gesturing him to help us in carrying the plastic bags of meals

“Where are you two going with this lot of foods??” Philip carrying two plastic bags that I should be carrying

“These are for my colleagues, we’re having late lunch because of work overload, I’m their deliveryman.” Seaof opened the compartment of his car

“You must be the maknae in your office, you do all the chores when you’re the youngest, that’s why I like America, you get and do your own.” Philip said

“Actually, I’m not the maknae, but I’m the second youngest, the real maknae have important things to do and he can’t be bother.” Seaof replied

Philip tagged along with us to the campus, because I’m one of the students in the college I’m not allowed to go in to the faculty room where professors are currently checking the finals exams. Philip helped Seaof to deliver the food inside and I waited for him to come out and have him tour around the campus. He’s attending a culinary school in New Jersey so the interior of my college school is completely different from his.

“So, Jack, influenced you this much, huh?” Dr. Tranter eating dinner with us as I invited Philip to our residence and have him cooked for us

“Yeah, and I’ll have my own house get the same interior as your residence in Andong, kitchen should also be the center of my own home.” Philip said

“You need a great architect for that, I told you before the architect who designed that house is one of Korea’s top architect.” eating with gusto

“I remember, it was Rhea Opso-Nevaeh, right?” Philip replied “I just saw one of her children in the faculty earlier and his looks are no joke, I’m a man but he’s extremely handsome and I couldn’t help but to stare at him until I snapped back to reality.”

“You’ve said it for the nth time now.” rolling my eyes to him “And I’m going to say this for the nth time too, stop talking about him!”

“I don’t get it, what could possibly you don’t like about him??!” Philip continue to talk “He helped out to distribute the food among his colleagues and he’s very polite to everyone even to me, he thanked me and even introduced himself to me when I’m looking like an i***t who’s staring at him.”

“That’s what he only shows to everyone but he’s not a saint like you guys think of him.” recalling the times Poseidon and I argued

“Really??!” Philip doubting my words “But I could see how genuine he is, I don’t think he’s just playing pretend, I don’t see what for he should do that?”

“Don, is very polite and considerate to anyone but he could be the exact opposite when provoked, no one is perfect in this world.” Dr. Tranter said

“You’re defending him again Justin-samchon, don’t I have a freedom of speech even in my own home??!” getting upset with him

“Would you stay still if your friend is being badmouthed in front of you??” Dr. Tranter get back at me “Everyone can say out loud what’s on their mind but it’ll be better if you think first before you speak, you don’t know the person very well to speak ill of him.”

“I’m on Justin-samchon’s side on this one.” Philip added “I don’t like a lot people but I never talk it out loud that I dislike them, because words are powerful, you can’t take back what you’ve said and sometimes it could hurt more than you can imagine.”

“Wow! Are you still the Philip who used to say that he doesn’t make friends to someone who doesn’t beneficial to him??!” looking at him in amazement

“Well, I’m still like that, but I never tell anyone exactly what I don’t like about them, I just stay away or ignored them like the usual.” Philip said

“You’re still the boy who thinks that friends always ask something from you, that’s why you’re only befriending someone beneficial.” Dr. Tranter replied

“Exactly, but I’m a loyal friend, see I’m still friends with Nene.” Philip smiling at me “Anyway, about that professor of yours, Seaof Godeth.”

“What about him? You want to befriend him because he could make you friends with Don??” figuring out his agenda

“You got a point, aside from both of their families are well-known in America when it comes to transportation industry, the Nevaeh in the sky and the Godeth at the sea.” Philip touching his chin “But that’s not what I wanted to say, I think Seaof likes you Nene.”

“What makes you think about that rubbish??!” I already know about that because of Dr. Tranter’s ability to read minds

“It takes a man to know a man, the way he looks at you during our transit to the campus, he sees you as a woman Nene, and I’m sure of it.” Philip said

“Nah, he’s just being nice, he’s also like that to his students, please don’t start a rumor that could tarnish his reputation as a great professor.” I said

“What if he couldn’t say that he likes you because he also thinks the same way as you??” Philip insisting his idea which is consistent with Dr. Tranter

“Then it’s not my problem anymore, as long as it doesn’t come directly from his mouth, I’ll regard that as rubbish.” trying to end our conversation

After dinner, Philip left and I told him that I’ll give him a tour around Yeongdo-gu after I delivered Dr. Tranter’s lunch to the campus. The next day, after I delivered lunch, I meet Seaof while I’m waiting at the bus stop.

“Are you going home?” Seaof car stopped in front of me “Come on in. I’ll drive you home.”

“I’m actually meeting Philip at the next bus stop; we’re going for a tour around Yeongdo-gu.” looking at his reaction and his smile fade away for a while

“Then I’ll drive you to the next bus stop, come in.” Seaof opened the door for me

“Alright, thanks.” get in to his car “Are you buying lunch again for everyone?” putting my seatbelt on

“No, Don is in charge for today, I just went out for a drive when I saw you at the bus stop.” Seaof driving carefully

“Today’s the last day of checking, right?” trying to make a conversation with him “We’re you stressed out that you needed a drive?”

“Yeah, I couldn’t help but think of what will be the results tomorrow, by the way congratulations!” Seaof said in a delighted tone “You’ve got 87 at Don’s exam, I asked him yesterday about your score and you definitely passed his subject!”

“Thanks.” felt relieved that I got higher than I expected “But what about my score on yours??”

“95, I think you’ve done well to all of your subjects; you’re absolutely going on the vacation trip that we promised to everyone.” Seaof said excitedly

“That’s two weeks cruise trip from America to Europe, right??” looking at him “All expenses paid plus a pocket money will be given according on our general weighted average.” imagining how luxurious the trip might be

“Right, after this week I have to finalize that trip, fortunately, Don and I are exempted to conduct the summer class because we’re both new, so the professors would be the oldest in the department.” Seaof pulling over at the bus stop “Good luck with the tour!”

“Thanks for the ride!” about to get off in his car when I turned to him to say something “Good luck with …” his face is too close to mine that I’m completely stunned at the moment but he broke off the awkwardness immediately

“I’m going to close the door when you leave.” Seaof pulled slightly away from me “I’m sorry did I startle you?”

“A bit.” getting it together to act normally “Thank you again, goodbye.” get off immediately from his car

“Philip, take care of Nene, will you?” Seaof leaned over to talk to Philip who’s standing next to me

“Of course! Take care, Seaof!” Philip waving goodbye to Seaof as he drove away from us “Did you just kissed before you get off from his car?”

“No!” walking away from him “You’re just imagining things so stop making fun of me!” trying to calm myself down

“Oh, come on!” Philip walking backwards to tease me “I saw everything don’t try to deny it!”

“I told you we didn’t!” holding out my anger before I punch his face “You saw a different angle but our lips didn’t even touch each other.”

“But you wanted to kiss him??!” Philip testing my patience “You’re about to get off but you turned to him as if you forgot to kiss him.”

“I’m telling you, Philip Lee, if you don’t stop your rubbish then I’m resorting to violence to shut your mouth.” clenching my fist

“I know you’re great in martial arts but I’m not afraid of you.” Philip stick out his tongue on me “I’m so proud of you to do the first move on a man.”

“You’re really asking for it, huh?” reached my limit “Come here! Let me teach you a lesson!! Philip Lee!!!” chasing after him who’s on the run

I was caught in the moment and I didn’t know what to do or say when Seaof’s face got too close on mine. If I’m wearing the catface’s mask I might have stabbed him at that distance because he crossed my safe space but he’s not imposing any danger towards me so I stayed still like an i***t.

I went home after I let Philip experienced some of the cultures in Yeongdo-gu and we decided to go for a mountain climbing the next day. Because I had to get out from the house early morning, I already cooked Dr. Tranter’s lunch along with our breakfast and the sandwiches I prepared for my long day activity. It’s summer but we’re going mountain climbing to sweat more just to appreciate the nature could offer.

 Philip and I reached the peak of the mountain after five hours trail and we had lunch as we enjoyed the view. It’s easier to get down than to get up, so we arrived at the foot of our trail before the sun sets. We decided to go on our separate ways at the train station, he rode a cab while I took the bus to get home, it’s still rush hour that evening and the bus got full of passengers. I’m tired from a long walk but I had to give away my seat to a senior citizen, I did a good deed but my foot got stepped on when the bus driver stopped because of someone who suddenly crossed the street.

It’s still ten minutes’ walk from the bus stop to my home but my foot took a huge blow from being stepped on even though I had to drag myself and get rest. I’m calling for Dr. Tranter’s help on my mind but instead of him, Seaof comes to the rescue.

“Nene, are you alright?” Seaof looking at me worriedly “Can you walk?? I was about to go to the store to buy some ramyun, Don and I were staying for the night at your house.” trying to support me but he just grabbed my arm and carry me like a princess “I can’t watch you anymore walking like that so I’ll just carry you like this.” staring ahead of the road “You’re eating well but why are you so light like a feather?” carrying me with ease