A Sip of the Past (1/1)

Kim Jae Joong and Jung Yun Ho met almost ten years ago at the annual convention of Korean American Scholarship Foundation in Arlington, Virginia. Jae Joong was one of the scholars of the foundation, hailing from one of the poorest orphanages in Chungnam, Korea while Yun Ho was forced by his father (then the South Korean ambassador to the United States) to attend the event on his behalf. Jung Hyun Seung thought it was a good way for Yun Ho to make acquiantances from kids back home so he won't forget his roots. But Yun Ho, being so full of himself, managed to pick a fight with Kim Jun Su at the banquet."Give me some punch." He ordered to the only person he found at the buffet table."I am not part of the catering service." The flat reply."So? Just give me some." He continued in his perfect New York twang."Yah! Don't you dare order me around! And you're Korean too so why pretend? Superficial ass--" Someone covered the mouth of the boy with an irritating dolphin voice."Mianheyo! Mianheyo! He was just having a bad day." Said the girl with boyish clothes."Mmmmmppphhhh!!!" Dolphin boy struggled from the person's hold while Yun Ho just stood there frozen. If Jun Su was Dolphin boy then this one behind him must be Ceto, the mythical goddess of the sea. Before Yun Ho can say anything, the two already disappeared in the crowd. He spent the rest of the night looking for the girl with thick-rimmed glasses but to no avail.******"Do you know who that person is?" He dragged a whining Jun Su to a corner. "He's the son of the ambassador!" Jae Joong was actually eyeing Yun Ho the whole night and was all ears to any information about the boy who got his attention. Unlike Jun Su who's been claiming he's straight, Jae Joong already knew he's gay since he was ten years old."And so? He shouldn't act like like he's son of the only diplomat that walked this planet! Chelsea Noona doesn't even get close!" Jun Su was referring to Chelsea Clinton, the presidential daughter and Jun Su's close friend. Kim Jun Su's son of Kim Sung Gil, Head of President Clinton's legislative staff. But Jae Joong has never heard Jun Su brag about it, not even once. For him, his father's achievements wasn't his to yap about."But Appa wouldn't like it if he found out you picked a fight with Jung Hyun Seung-sshi's son." He said and Jun Su pouted in defeat. Jun Su's family's part of the foundation's roster of foster families and Jae Joong was lucky he got to live with wonderful people. Jun Su treats him like his own brother and his parents like their own son."But Hyung! He's so arrogant! Ordering people around.""I know but didn't I tell you your temper wouldn't get you anywhere, Jun Su-ah?" He messed his hair up like a real big brother and the younger boy pouted more (if that's even possible)."Okay. I'll TRY to be nice." Jun Su prayed hard that he'll not see the windbag again or else he'll disappoint his Hyung."Let us just go home, hmn?""I've been waiting for you to say that! This party stinks!""Kim Jun Su!"******Destiny decided to work again after a year when Jae Joong was sent to New York City alone to study in Dalton High. He felt so isolated amongst the rich students and he missed Jun Su so badly. He didn't know why the foundation sent him to a school of jocks when he was not athletic at all. Sadly, everyone's required to sign up for at least one sports club. He's a fairly good swimmer so he thought he'll sign up for the swimming club.After school, he donned his favorite jeans and shirt and headed to the mall. He was shopping for swimwear when someone approached him. "Please don't tell me that's for your boyfriend or else I'll be totally pissed.""Excuse me?" He looked up to a pair of gorgeous brown orbs and dazzling smile. Jung Yun Ho. The face that haunted him for days when he first saw him at the convention."Hi, I'm Yun Ho Jung." He extended a hand. Jae Joong smiled sweetly. In very rare occassions, opportunity knocks twice and he wasn't stupid to let go of his second chance."Jae Joong and no, this is not for my boyfriend." Yun Ho sighed in exaggerated relief. "But that doesn't mean I don't have one." He added and his face fell. Jae Joong laughed out loud at his cuteness and for the first time since he arrived in New York, he felt happy. He linked his arms with him, swimming trunks totally forgotten. "C'mon, let's have ice cream.""You may not believe it but we've already met before." Yun Ho started while they were waiting for their order. He wouldn't forget faces like Jae Joong's. And 'she' was still the same since she last saw her at the convention except she wasn't wearing her hair long anymore."Really?" Jae Joong faked ignorance. "Is that a pick up line?""No, no! I'm telling the truth." He even raised his right hand. "Does Korean American Scholarship Foundation Annual Convention ring a bell? Last year? In Arlington?""I know most of my fellow scholars but I don't remember being introduced to you.""W-well. . .we. . .we're not really introduced. You--I mean, your friend was kinda angry?" Jae Joong bit his lip to fight the urge to laugh but continued on with his acting. He scrunched up his face to feign confusion. Meanwhile, Yun Ho wished that Jae Joong will figure it out already so he can be saved from the embarrassment of retelling the story."Angry? My friend?""Okay. At the buffet table? Your friend started shouting and you took him away. But I'm telling you, it's just a misunderstanding." His face flushed. Jae Joong found it cute."Was it? Didn't you order Jun Su to get you punch when you have your own hands to do it?" He raised an eyebrow. Yun Ho turned even redder when he looked down."I--I didn't really want to be on that party. I was forced to go so I was being an ass and--""It's okay. Jun Su called you names anyway." He beamed. Yun Ho was pleasantly suprised to learn Jae Joong was going to the same school and since he was a year older, he offered to tour Jae Joong around school and around Manhattan too if 'she' wants. They agreed to meet at the main entrance tomorrow when school ends. Every year level has its own building with their own commons and cafeteria so there really is no way to see each other other than afterschool.And Jung Yun Ho was in for a big surprise.***************************************************************************