Wait Chyou!” Sam immediately held Chyou's legs.
“You're out of your mind!” Chyou gave Sam an angry look.
Shameless Sam immediately sat down to worship in front of her roommate. “Chyou, this is an important meeting, I'm begging you!” Chyou who saw Sam groveling like this, really couldn't understand. He had just found out that people could humble themselves this easily, just to play with friends. He really had no shame.
“Alright Garbage Society, I'll help you just this once. This is for the last time. Also make sure you bring me that abalone you promised me.” Chyou let out his breath roughly. “How important is it to go play outside all the time? You can act like this because you come from a prominent family.”
Sam bit her lip, still feeling doubtful just in case Chyou did not keep her promise. “Okay-okay you're free to call me names. But I hope you really mean what you say. I really hope for you.”
If Chyou did not have more patience, she would have spit in Sam's face by now. “If you feel that I don't want to take back my words then leave. I don't want to look at your face for long!”
“Really?”
And so it was that Chyou's saliva actually landed perfectly on Sam's face.
***
Dormitory Kitchen
It sucked and that was the right word for Chyou. He more or less regretted his decision to help Sam. Repeatedly this kind of incident kept happening. The lure of an expensive gift or some cash from Sam often made it difficult for her. Though it was true that he enjoyed the gift. But it was clear in his heart that he really grumbled at Sam's request.
Sam was really annoying to Chyou. It felt like Chyou wanted to mutilate his roommate when he got home. Every now and then the boy should be taught a lesson so that his brash nature could be overcome.
While busy stirring the soup in the pot, Chyou did not realize that someone was standing behind her and startled her.
“What's for dinner today?” she asked curiously.
The surprised Chyou reflexively wanted to hit the person with her ladle.
“Wait!” The person restrained Chyou's hand. “I apologize for startling you. Please don't hit me with it,” the person pleaded.
Chyou lowered his hand as well as the spoon. He looked at the person who had startled him. “Who are you? I've never seen you here before,” Chyou asked curiously. “You're not a thief?”
The person shook his head. “I'm not. And wouldn't it be stupid for a thief to introduce himself like this?”
Chyou chuckled. “Of course. How could I possibly talk to you if you were a thief. By the way, you haven't answered my previous question. What is your name?” Chyou looked curious about the person.
“Oh... ah... sorry. My name is Kim Gaeul. I'm a new student here. I'm from South Korea, please meet me.” Gaeu extended her hand hoping to be reciprocated by Chyou.
Chyou's facial expression softened. She looked much friendlier than before. “Oh, you're a new student. My name is Huang Chyou, I'm from Taiwan.”
“I'm sorry but you seem to be older than me, isn't that right? Can I call you senior?” Gaeul could feel that his interlocutor, was older than him and his mature aura was radiating.
Hearing Gaeul speak like that made Chyou feel both happy and surprised. For the first time, she had someone who did not immediately accuse her of being a lost child at university.
“How could you not think of me as a child? I guess maybe my words seemed excessive. But I actually feel that you kind of recognize it maybe?” Chyou looked at Gaeul in disbelief.
Gaeul couldn't understand why Chyou looked so moved. She was just saying what came into her head. After all, it was true. What should he admit about the new person he saw for the first time. To be honest, Gaeul himself was confused about what to do with Chyou.
Chyou who realized that Gaeul looked confused because of her, tried to make Gaeul comfortable. So much so that she didn't realize that the soup was spilling out.
“I apologize for making you feel uncomfortable. But can we talk together later?” pleaded Chyou excitedly and made Gaeul worry about her cooking.
Realizing the danger caused by the soup spilling out, Gaeul grabbed Chyou and quickly turned off the stove.
Chyou automatically remembered her cooking. She was so surprised that she didn't realize that the soup was spilling out. She was so caught up that she didn't even realize what she was cooking.
“We can continue this conversation later after everything is over. If you want, allow me to help you. Isn't it getting close to dinner time?” Gaeul had the initiative to help Chyou.
Chyou herself did not mind if she was helped by Gaeul. She allowed Gaeul to help her. After all, dinner time was almost here, making her think not to waste too much time.
***
After finishing dinner, Chyou and Gaeul sat together in the living room of the dormitory. They sat by the window, while enjoying a cup of hot tea.
Chyou felt happy to be able to talk to someone she knew for the first time in the dormitory. All this time, she felt lonely because she didn't have any close friends. Her friendship with Sam was only because of interest, not because they were really close.
“Gaeul, what is your impression of this dormitory? How long have you been living here?” asked Chyou, wanting to get to know more about the freshman.
Gaeul smiled kindly, “I just arrived here a few days ago. So far, I feel comfortable living in this dormitory. Everyone is very friendly and helpful. But of course, I have to adjust to the new environment,” Gaeul replied honestly.
Chyou nodded in understanding. “Really? You know, I felt the same way when I first lived in this dormitory. It takes time to adapt to a new environment and new people. But as time goes by, you'll definitely feel more comfortable.”
Gaeul looked at Chyou with a warm glance. “Thank you for your support, Chyou. I'm glad I got to meet you. Apparently, you're not as bad a person as I heard from some friends here.”
Chyou chuckled at Gaeul's comment. “What are they saying about me? Don't tell me they're calling me Public Trash either,” she teased.
Gaeul shook his head. “It's not that bad, but there are a few negative comments about you. But, I prefer to make up my own mind after meeting the person first.”
Chyou nodded appreciatively. “That's right, don't put too much faith in other people's prejudices. Everyone has good and bad sides, right?”
They continued to chat for a long time, sharing stories about themselves and laughing together. Chyou was happy to be friends with Gaeul who was open and friendly. Gaeul's arrival was a refreshing distraction for Chyou, especially after having to deal with Sam's absurd requests.
Since that meeting, Chyou and Gaeul became close friends in the dorm. They often spent time together, talking about everything from college to each country's specialty cuisine. Chyou even taught Gaeul some delicious Taiwanese recipes.
Slowly but surely, Gaeul helped Chyou to believe in herself and appreciate herself more. Gaeul provides genuine friendship without asking for anything in return, in contrast to her relationship with Sam who is always charged with promises of expensive gifts.