Femme Fatale

Chapter 11: Out of Character

Seaof and I had a few drinks with Dr. Tranter and the unexpected guest, Hammond. After we finished six bottles of soju and one-liter bottle of beer, while talking about Hammond’s love life, Dr. Tranter had us to stay for the night. Seaof slept in Dr. Tranter’s room and I went with Hammond who’s staying in Nene’s late father bedroom whenever he sleepover at the house like he’s also part of their family.

“Rise and shine, boys!” Nene opened the curtains widely as she let the sun light up the room “Geez, this room reek of alcohol too.” Open the windows

“What time is it?” rubbed my temples and stretch my arms and legs before I sit up on bed

“7:35 am.” Nene turn to look at me “Breakfast is ready.” walked out from the room immediately “How come he’s still handsome when he just woke up?”

“Hey kid, wake up!” waking up Hammond who slept at the floor before I hop onto him “Hey, wake up!” shaking him up once again

“I’m awake!” Hammond opened his eyes but get back to sleep again

“Seriously, dude, wake up!” shaking him up one last time “I don’t want to hop onto you.”

“Handsome face …” Hammond still half-asleep “You look like my professor who only knows how to give hard time with his students …”

“What’s the name of that professor?” talking sense to him

“Prof. Poseidon Nevaeh, he’s the most love by every female in the campus but he’s also the most hated professor by his students.” Hammond finally opened his eyes and I almost burst out laughing when he realized that it’s me, he’s talking to “Prof. Nevaeh?!!” wide awake as he sits up “Oh, crap!”

“Good morning to you too, me dear student Swanneli, Hammond.” about to walk out from the bedroom “Should I make you solve one of the problems at the board, later?” look back to him who really look anxious at the moment “Come out after you fix the bed.”

“Yes, professor!” Hammond stand up immediately and bowed to me politely

“Oh, you woke Hammond up?” Dr. Tranter getting out from his bedroom “That kid is hard to wake up, Nene and I had to sprinkle water on his face sometimes just to pull him out from dreamland.”

“I took him by surprise.” smile a bit “Where’s Seaof?”

“Washing his face, I don’t know what’s gotten into him that he suddenly worried about how he looks before he gets out from the room.” Dr. Tranter

“He’s always conscious when there’s a lady around.” pointing my lips at Nene who’s sitting at the dining area while reading a newspaper

“While you are too confident with your looks.” Dr. Tranter smirks “What can I say you were born with that kind of visual, such handsomeness that could make every girl heart flutters.” sit beside Nene “Am I right, Nene? Isn’t Don handsome even if he just woke up?” putting down the newspaper

“What are you talking about Justin-samchon?!” Nene trying hard not to look at me “It’s just that, this is the first time I’ve seen him in the morning.”

“Hahaha, fine I’ll stop from here, so what’s in the news?” Dr. Tranter stopped teasing Nene as if he just read what’s on her mind

“There’s a gang who abducted people and taking out their internal organs, the police report said that every victim’s body were found in front of their respective residences with money in their bellies.” Nene didn’t even hesitate to talk about horrible crime in front of the food at the table

“Sorry, did we startle you with the news?” Dr, Tranter turn to me when I almost choke up with my meal “Nene reads all the article in the newspaper.”

“Are you sensitive with this kind of articles?” Nene looking at me as if she’s telling me I’m vulnerable

“No, it’s just that I thought you’ll be interested more with the entertainment section instead of those kinds of news, I guess you’re not a typical lady.”

“I was raised by my father when I was nine along with Justin-samchon, what do you expect from me?” Nene replied to me sarcastically

“Hey, I didn’t mean that as an insult, why are you being like that?!” trying not to get irritated at her

“Because you just it yourself that typical ladies are interested more with entertainment, are you saying women can’t be interested with other news?!”

“I didn’t say that you’re just making it up, look I’ve got three sisters so I kind of know what women likes, typically ladies are more interested with fashion and news about celebrities but I never say that they can’t be interested with other news.” getting worked up to clear the misunderstanding

“Don, what’s happening?” Seaof taps my shoulder “What’s with you first thing in the morning??” sits right next to me

“They suddenly start bickering because of a misunderstanding, don’t mind them, just eat your breakfast.” Dr. Tranter gesturing me to eat up

“I’m done, fixing up the bed, Prof. Nevaeh.” Hammond also walk in and sit beside Nene “What did I missed??”

“Since, you’re the last one to come, you wash the dishes.” Dr. Tranter said to Hammond “Kids, finish your breakfast, stop the glaring contest.”

I’m not a type of person who get mad easily, I like to solve problems with peaceful conversations, but this lady makes me act out of my character. No one talked to me the way she does and no one glares at me like her, she’s provoking me to be rude and making me look like inconsiderate.

Seaof and I returned to our dormitory after we had breakfast with Dr. Tranter and his annoying pretend daughter. Because I’m a professional, I have to keep my personal issues separated from work, even if I want to cuss those students who are badmouthing me and this Nene L. Puth.

Since it’s the final week before summer vacation and the students will have their final exams on Thursday and Friday, I had to wrapped up the last two chapters of the book to make their Wednesday free from lessons. Same goes with my class the next day, they’re all determine to passed their first semester subjects and avail the reward Seaof and I told them, well who wants to spend summer on school and attend class instead of a vacation?!

During the exam days, all the professors are being shuffle to other professors sometimes in different departments to be the proctor of a designated class. I was assigned in Maritime Law, Ocean Science, European Studies, and Data Information, on the first day of the final exams. And on the last day, I spent the morning with NA31OSE1 and also ended up with them in the evening.

“What a Friday the 13th?!” looking at the moon outside the window “I think we’re the only class left in this building, aren’t you done yet??” looking at everyone who seems to be struggling with the exam I made

“Don, aren’t you dismissing this class??” Seaof walk in to the classroom “The guards are turning off the lights in the corridor.”

“I gave them a half hour since they’re the last, I didn’t expect they’re going to maximize it.” starts to roam around the classroom again “They still have ten minutes more, I started my day with this class but I also ended up with them.”

“Then you’re being generous for giving them extra time for their exam.” Seaof looking at the test paper of Hammond “Since this class is my favorite, should I solve the last problem?” getting the class attention to him “May I borrow your test paper?”

“You’re such an angel, Prof. Godeth.” Hammond give his test paper to Seaof

“You’ll be giving away five answers to them if you do that.” scratching my forehead as I look at Seaof solving the problem at the board “And he really shows off to impress someone.” muttering to myself as I look at Nene’s direction who seems to confirm her answer with Seaof’s solution

“Please don’t tell anyone, I’m doing this for you, it’ll be unfair to other class if they found out.” Seaof almost done with his solution

“Yes, Prof. Godeth!” everyone answered him in unison “What happen in NA31OSE1 stays in NA31OSE1.” Student A said in a loud voice and all nodded

“That motto seems familiar to me, anyway I’m done, it’s all up to you to mark your answer sheets.” Seaof returned the test paper to Hammond

“Uh-huh!” Nene stand up from her seat and walk up to me to pass her paper “I got it wrong with the two but I don’t want my answer sheet to be messy, so I won’t change my answer.” stepping down to the front to get her bag

“Last two minutes everyone.” going back to my desk in front “Finish or not finish you have to pass those papers; I won’t accept late answer sheets.”

“I don’t know anymore, at least I already have five correct answers.” Hammond pass his paper a minute after Nene

“Separate the questionnaires from the answer sheets children.” looking at everyone rushing to put their papers at my desk

“Be careful on your way home, everyone.” Seaof standing next to me “Have a great weekend!” smiling like a saint to everyone

“Erase what you written on the board; we can’t leave an evidence of their cheat.” arranging the papers properly “You violated our alma mater’s motto.”

“Are you mad that I gave them bonus to your bloody exam?!” Seaof cleaning the board “I’ll be damned if you’re my professor when I was a student.”

“I want them to learn the hard way for them to find it easy going forward.” telling him my intention “You are way too nice as their professor.”

“I just want to lessen their stress on their studies, being rough on them isn’t healthy for their mental health.” Seaof making his point clear to me

“Fine, you’re the good teacher and I’m the bad one, let’s go, these kids are having fun walking in the dark.” hearing the boys making fun of the girls

“I didn’t say you’re bad.” Seaof turning off the lights in the classroom as he closes the door after we pass through it “Would making the students’ lives lighter too hard for you as their professor?”

“Maybe, I’m really not cut out to be a professor, that’s why after the next semester, I’m out of here.” not in the mood to get scolded by the person who signed me up as a college professor “Shall we go to the Japanese restaurant instead of the Chosun Beach Hotel?”

“To whom do you think Meghan would throw the party for?” Seaof mockingly said “She reserved the whole hotel and invited everyone like it’s a prom night, my job is to secure that you’re going not to help you ditch the fun.”

“Whose side really are you on?” climbing down the stairs with Seaof “You just met Meghan recently but it seems you’re also pushing me to her.”

“We both born on the same month so I feel somewhat connected to her.” Seaof accompanying me to the faculty room to drop off my papers

“What does it have to do if you’re both born on December??” put the papers in the drawer where I have stored the other answer sheets

“Nothing, just saying, but aside from that we’re also from Massachusetts, so as a fellow citizen we should help each other, don’t you think?”

“Did you just admitted that you made a deal with Meghan?” figuring out what’s happening “Did she promised to help you with Nene in exchange of helping her to me??” giving him a suspicious look

“As if you’re going to date her, you even defy your family so what can I do to change your mind?” Seaof scratching the back of his head “I’m just helping her out with little things but still it’s up to you.” following me out as if he doesn’t want to lose his sight on me

“At least we’re clear about it, I thought I’m your best friend but I guess you found a new one.” a little bit upset but I do understand his standpoint

“Nah, you’re still my best buddy, where else could I find someone like you??” Seaof put his arm around my shoulders “But who knows Meghan can also be my best gal, after all we have the same purpose.” Walking towards the parking lot

“Geez, I’m driving my own car, so I could turn around when you’re not looking.” joking around but I kind of half-mean it

“No, you’re not, you won’t let me fail my mission, go ahead and drive, I’ll be right behind you.” Seaof have a worried smile on his face “You won’t, right?”

“Hahaha, you can’t still tell if I’m joking or not?” getting in to my car

“Because your jokes aren’t funny.” Seaof gets in to his car beside mine

“Yeah right, voice cracking and falling over aren’t my forte.” muttering to myself “I’m joking a lot but no one have the same sense of humor as mine.”

We arrived at the party and the American band that composed of Whittle, Lawless, Lee, and Jonas, performance was about to end. The students were having so much fun as they dance with the band’s music and having a blast with the liquors.

“This is what I like about college, parties are wilder than you’re in high school.” speaking louder with Seaof as we take our seats to order dinner

“Tell me about it, Meghan is really going all out tonight with everyone.” Seaof shouting at me because of the loud dance-rock music

“Well hello boys!” Meghan appeared and make her way to sit next to me at the arc couch “I already have your food prepared.” raising her right hand “You always crave for sushi after exams, right?” letting the waitress put the varieties of sushi at our table “Though you’re the one who gave the exams now and not the one who took them, and of course sake, sometimes you make me wonder if you’re a Korean or a Japanese.”

“What can I do I like Japanese cuisine better than others, basically because of their food presentation, they all look like art pieces to me.” starting to dig in “Fresh fish is really the best when you’re tired, the sauce complements the taste very well.” enjoying the good food I’m taking in

“Let me do it for you.” Meghan pouring the sake in my cup

“Hey, I’m still here!” Seaof seeking our attention “I better leave you two alone together, you’re making me realize that I’m single.” stands up

“She’s at the second floor along with her classmates.” Meghan told him Nene’s location “Thanks for bringing Don here.” smiling sincerely at Seaof

“Of course, were allies in the name of love.” Seaof smile back at her “Don’t worry I’m joining them as their friendly professor.” turn to me

“I believe you won’t do anything stupid, but I can’t believe you’re leaving me here alone with Meghan.” drinking my sake out from my disappointment

“You’ll be fine.” Seaof smile at me like he’s teasing me more “He’s all yours, I’m out of here.” walks off

“Don’t you think it’s pretty convenient for you to have me on your side?” Meghan crossing her legs “No one would dare to bother you and you don’t have to turn down those girls because me alone do the trick.”

“You have a point, we’re both benefitting from being seen together.” looking at the males who’s eyeing at Meghan “But it’s you who always getting carried away, now you even make a deal with Seaof.” continue eating the sushi

“What’s wrong being friends with your friends??” Meghan put too much wasabi on her sushi but didn’t realized it until she gets a taste of it “S**t!” spitting the food on the tissue “How could you eat this??!”

“Drink this.” pouring sake to her cup “That’s not the right way to eat sushi, here try this one, it’s the sweetest among others.” dipped the sushi to the sauce and skipped the wasabi to let her taste buds recover from the taste “Ah …” gesturing her to open her mouth

“How am I able to resist if you’re the one putting it in my mouth?” Meghan eats the sushi I gave her “Oh, this is the sushi I like, the one with a mango.”

“California maki, this is what I brought you when you told me you wanted me to give you my favorite food though I eat any kind of sushi, this is the only flavor I think you might like.” proceed having my dinner

“Now you tell me not to fall in love with you if you’re this considerate of me.” Meghan staring at me “I won’t give up on you until you found the girl you’re searching for; I need to see her face for me to understand why you’re rejecting me.”

“If only my mind chooses the one I love then there’s no doubt it’s gotta be you but it’s my heart who makes the judgment, no matter how hard I tried to love you back I just don’t feel the same way as you do, I only like you as a friend and nothing more.” drinking another cup of sake

“I’ve heard it from you too many times before so I’m used to it, being your girl best friend isn’t bad after all, I could be this close to you.” Meghan clinging onto my left arm “Just let me stay in your arm for a while, please?”

“You’re making me feel uncomfortable, you know that?” trying not to mind her chest rubbing on my arm “I’m still a man, you shouldn’t do this to me.”

“As if you’re going to take advantage of me.” Meghan scoffs as she pulled away “You even saw me naked and I’m willing to give you my everything at that moment but you never lay a finger on me instead you told me to respect myself.”

“Are we seriously talking about that night??” reminding me of how I tried to pull myself together that night by not letting my instinct as a man win

“Why not, I was hurt the most that night?!” Meghan smiling at me “It was late when I finally realize how much of a good guy you are, I’m in love with the right person, so no matter how many times you told me you don’t love me, as long as you don’t hate me, I’m fine with everything we are now.”

From the lively music, the British band that composed of Martin, Buckland, Berryman, and Champion, performed a song where everyone could dance in a slow motion, just like a romantic dance in a prom. Meghan asked me to dance with her in exchange of spending her money to reserved the whole hotel for everyone in the campus who attended the party.

The morning I woke up in the same room with my roommates in the campus, I washed up first before I went down to the hotel’s restaurant to have breakfast. I only had formal suit as spare clothes at the compartment of my car so I had no choice but to wear them on.

“Well, good morning handsome!” Meghan joined me on my table “Aren’t you too dashing with your looks this early?” putting sugar to her coffee “You’re gracing everyone with your ethereal visual, look how they’re staring at you instead of minding their real breakfast.”

“I’ll put some casual attire as spare clothes next time.” trying to ignore everyone eyes on me as I mind my own business “You want to go to the capital with me today? … since I’m in this outfit already, might as well utilize it.”

“Are you asking me for a date?” Meghan smiling as she slices the bacon on her plate “If yes, I’ll go with you, but if you just want to get rid of me by leaving me at the capital, then no, I’m going back to America on Monday you don’t have to push me away from you.”

“I’m buying you gifts, uncle Svensson would be mad if he found out that you spent a lot of money just to throw a party for us.” eating my breakfast

“Well if you insist then let’s go shopping at Gangnam later, it’s an honor to make Poseidon Nevaeh spend his money on me.” Meghan said excitedly

“Meghan-unnie.” Nene approached Meghan “May I join your table? My friends are sharing with the guys in other tables, sorry for disturbing your date.” smiling shyly at Meghan “No one wants to intrude this table but this is the only table that still have more available seats.”

“It’s alright, it’s actually his spot first, but no one dares to sit with him because look at how he’s so dressed up this morning.” Meghan replied to Nene

“He’s showing off, so who could possible have the courage to get near him aside from you unnie and the foreign professors?” Nene sit down beside Meghan after she quickly glanced at me “Boys will just get compared to him and girls can’t get near him, in short he’s intimidating.”

“Showing off??! Intimidating?!!” frowning at Nene’s statement “Hey, for your information I never show off, I’m only using what I have, and since when I become intimidating, anyone can talk to me anytime, right Meghan?!” turning to Meghan who looks surprised at me when I yelled at Nene

“Right.” Meghan nodded in response “Don is very polite and considerate to anyone so he’s approachable, but why are you getting worked up right now?”

“This kid came here and saying things about me that I’m not, how do you expect me to stay calm?” pointing my fork at Nene’s direction

“Kid?!!” Nene scowls at me “Don’t point your fork at me, you’re not my professor now so I can talk casually to you since you started it!”

“I started it??!” loosing my cool “Hey, you sit here and badmouthed me first!!” still pointing my fork to her

“You’re calling me a kid when you’re childish than me.” Nene also point her fork on me

“Alright children, settle down, stop pointing your fork to each other.” Dr. Tranter come at the right moment “Put it down Don, you too Nene.”

“What happened?” Seaof sits next to me “Why are you two fighting again??” glancing at me and Nene

“Are you two usually like this?” Meghan broke her silence as she looks at me and Nene with worry “I never seen you like this before Don.”

“Yeah me too, I even don’t understand myself how this brat makes me angry.” glaring at Nene

“What’s wrong with saying what’s on my mind??!” Nene turn to Dr. Tranter as if she’s asking for his support

“That’s enough Nene, you two are like cats and dogs, why do you always make things complicated?” Dr. Tranter scolding me and Nene

“It’s just a simple misunderstanding but they start arguing like it’s a serious matter.” Meghan added

“Your father and I didn’t raise you to be disrespectful, Nene, apologize to Don, right now.” Dr. Tranter sternly said to Nene “He’s still older than you.”

“Just because he’s older I can’t talk back to him when he offended me first?!” Nene not backing down

“Look, I’m sorry if I pointed my fork to you first, I admit I’m at fault there.” initiating to apologize “But you were wrong too on badmouthing me.”

“Apology accepted.” Nene still proud of herself “I didn’t know that you’re immature, I’m sorry.”

“Hey, Nene!” Dr. Tranter shouted “You’re not sorry at all, why are you acting like a spoiled brat right now?”

“Because you’re taking his side when you should be taking my side since you’re my guardian.” Nene glared at me before she turns to look at Dr. Tranter

“How do you expect me to be on your side when you’re like a rotten tomato?!” Dr. Tranter continue scolding at Nene

“Geez, fine, I’m sorry!” Nene pushed her chair back and stand up

“Young lady, you’re not done eating yet, are you going to waste this food on your plate because you’re not in the mood??!” Dr. Tranter looking at Nene

“Urgh!” Nene got back to her chair and ate her food fast “I’m going back to my hotel room, now.” speaking with the food in her mouth

“She’s cute.” Seaof softly said but I heard it clearly enough to get back at him

“What’s cute about that?!” raising my eyebrows at him “There’s nothing cute with a spoiled brat?!!”

“It’s probably her time of the month, girls get moody when it comes you know.” Meghan defending Nene’s attitude

“You’re probably right, but Nene only get worked up when she’s dealing with Don.” Dr. Tranter look at me

“I know I’m the most hated professor of every students but her hatred is getting personal.” trying to have a peaceful conversation

“I’ll talk to Nene about that, I should’ve given her a counsel when I first saw you two argue.” Dr. Tranter said

“Aside from students, I think you should also talk sense with Don for him to get rid of the title being the most hated professor.” Seaof making fun of me “You need professional advice bro, since you’re not listening to me.” taps my right shoulder