Chapter 4- New Friends  

Mary’s POV

Ever since I showed Mary the picture of Kevin she’s been teasing me about him ‘How’s your boyfriend Hana? Have you written back yet? When are you moving to Korea Hana? When’s the wedding?’ and it’s been driving me nuts!

To escape from her I went and hid in the back of our college library with my laptop. I typed into Google ‘U-KISS’ and their web page popped up. I clicked on it and started reading, well trying to read the Korean, but I failed and used a translator to decrypt the squiggles in front of me.  I looked at all the pictures that were on their website, and searched around for more online.

Then I went on and downloaded all of U-KISS’s song to my MP3 player because even though at first I thought the songs were okay, they really grew on me and now I loved them.  I also started watching their variety show You Know U-KISS, and I loved watching how Kevin laughing and joking around with his “groupies”.

When I snapped out of watching mode I realized it had gotten pretty late because my stomach was growling more than an angry dog. I shoved my laptop in its case, my MP3 player to listen to, and threw my other things into my bag. Not really paying attention to my surroundings, someone tapped my shoulder and scared the jeepers out of me.

“What?!” I snapped as I whipped around to see who was behind me. (Tapping my shoulder when I’m not paying attention is one thing that I hate, and surprise hugs are close behind in the same category.)

Behind me was a tall and cute guy that was at Kay’s party last week “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“It’s okay” I fibbed even though I was fuming inside ‘No, It’s not okay! Why do guys always sneak up on me?’

“You’re Hana right?” he asked.

“Yeah, so?” I replied

“My name’s Matt. I saw you at Kay’s party, but I didn’t get a chance to talk to you.” He said and I thought to myself ‘This guy has got to be a player.’

“Mmm” I said nodding hoping this conversation would end quickly so I could grab some grub.

“Would you like to get dinner? I noticed you were here late pretty late and I figured you were probably hungry too.” He said.

I thought for a moment ‘Hmm, well he seems nice, but I don’t know? I guess it can’t hurt to go out for dinner with him once.’ “Sure, where do you want to eat?” I said.

“How about Luigi’s? I hear their Pizza is fantastic.” He asked.

“Sure, I like pizza.” I said ‘This could be really good, or it could be bad. Matt is certainly cute –killer smile, wavy brown hair, tall, dark, handsome…but why would he go after a girl like me? I’m not all that special.’

Kevin’s POV

This week I called the girl I had a crush on in high school, but she rejected me and already has a boyfriend. This made me bummed and made waiting for a letter from Hana seemed like an eternity. ‘I should have given Hana my email address and phone number. That way she could talk to me faster. Next letter I’ll have to give it to her.’

September 15, 2009

Annyeonghaseo Kevin,

I know a little bit of Korean, but I’ve lost a lot of it since moving to the east coast. I think I’ll have to start re-learning it again now that you got me interested in K-pop. Your group’s music is really cool, and I’m now a Kiss Me. It’s awesome that you get to do so many things, but I can imagine it does get tiring. When’s U-KISS’s next album or single coming out? I can’t wait for it to come out.

I’ve been watching your variety show You Know U-Kiss and its fun seeing you and your fellow members goofing around together. Do you like all of the other members or do any drive you nuts? Who’s your closest friend among them? What do you guys like to do when you don’t have to work? Where’s your favorite place to visit inside or outside of Korea?

I don’t think Jae told Deanna about getting married, but you can tell her. I’ll ask my sis if she wants to invite her to the wedding, as she wanted a small ceremony with a few friends and family, so if you’d like to tell me Deanna’s address my sis may invite her. The wedding’s going to be at the beginning of July –I hope I don’t gain too much weight as a freshman and have my dress not fit! So far I’m doing okay, but we’ll see how it goes.

Other than being homesick, I really like college. I’ve met some really cool people, but I’m not quite the social butterfly that Mary is. She’s been kind of getting on my nerves at times now that we’re almost always together. It doesn’t help that she keeps teasing me that you and a guy I’ve been hanging out with are more than just friends –some days I want to just sock her, but I’ve restrained myself and have resorted to hiding in our college library.

The dorms are good, but small as I’m sure you can imagine being in a big city. There’s a lot less grass, trees, and general openness like back in ia. Our campus is pretty nice, and I’ve gotten a very part-time job at the school’s coffee shop to help pay my way. When I’m there it seems like there’s always guys trying to flirt with me, including my new friend Matt, but I just wish they’d leave me alone most of the time. I hate it when guys and girls are like that, and I don’t get why they don’t chase after prettier girls –I guess they must think I’m an easy target?

Anyways, as far as fun goes we do a lot of stuff. There are all sorts of parties, but I only go to birthday parties and ones that don’t serve alcohol –ick! Drunk people are no fun to be around. Last week I went to a birthday party for my new friend Kay and I met a lot of people there including Matt. Other times we just go out for coffee or dinner and chat. Sometimes we catch a movie, go dancing, or just go for walks. In other words we just really do ordinary things for fun, and nothing really too crazy.

Well I should go study now! I hope to hear back from you soon.

Your Chingu,

-Hana

‘I’m glad Hana’s enjoying college, but who’s this Matt? I wonder if she is really just friends with him?’ After reading about her hanging out with a guy and having guys flirt with her I felt kind of strange and conflicted inside –it was almost like I was a little jealous. ‘Why would I be jealous of Hana hanging out with guys? It's not like I own her or anything.’

Eli came in and seeing my long face “Are you still bummed about that girl in California?”

“I guess so….I got another letter from Hana.” I said.

“Ah…Did she say something  in it that made you upset?”

“Not really. She did talk about having a new guy friend and that guys have been flirting with her at her new job. I guess I’m feeling a bit jealous?”

“I see,” he said thoughtfully and went to the doorway and yelled “Hey guys can you order some Pizza! Kevin needs a pizza party.”

Soon enough the doorbell rang bringing the pizza-y awesomeness –Pizza’s one of my favorite foods- and all the guys crowded into me and Eli’s room. It really made me feel better not having to think about girls for a little while.

“Great idea Eli!” said Xander “I was getting hungry anyways.”

“Thanks Eli” said Dongho as he was stuffing his face with pizza.

“Why did Kevin need a pizza party?” asked Soohyun curiously as he greedily grabbed several slices of pizza.

I looked at Eli with begging eyes ‘don’t tell them.’

“He just had some stuff on his mind and needed a distraction.” said Eli catching my hint.

“If you want to talk about anything or need help with something let us know.” said Kibum.

“Thanks guys! I’m glad you’ve got my back.” I said.

Chapter Glossary

*Annyeonghaseyo- 안녕하세요- Hello (Annyeong 안녕 means peace or peace be to you)

*Chingu-친구- Friend