☀     EVERY GALAXY HAS its own special star, a sun, maybe even. In our little galaxy, Freizer College, Sunhi was our center. The institution ran on her energy, and my observation had always proven true, just like this moment.

"Assignments are due by Thursday." The professor announced.

Sunhi, among other members of the Travel Club, stepped forward after receiving permission from Professor Levit. She raised a flyer up for us to see, grinning nervously. "I know you guys are probably tired of seeing my face."

I observed how her shoulders visibly relaxed as most of the students denied her assumptions, the others not responding at all. "If you haven't heard already, that's the reason you're being held up." She joked and the majority laughed along with her. I watched as they all gravitated toward her as planets in orbit would. And I was no different, as much as I hated to admit.

"There's a three-day trip to Seoul, South Korea," About everyone had a surprised or shocked look on their face in one way or another. Wait- Seoul?

Sunhi squealed, capturing everyone's attention with her gravitational pull once again. "I have an idea, raise your hand if you were born in Seoul!"

Nobody rose their hand, "If you were born in Korea?"

A few students raised their hands, including me but the raised hands were scattered like stars. "And anyone who has Korean descent?" Compared to before, a galaxy of students raised their hands, even Sunhi.

"And raise your hand if you want to visit Korea," Seeing so many hands, she smiled sweetly. "We have to get all your names on this clipboard!" With a gesture, the room filled with sounds of chairs scraping traveling through the air, though not as fast as Sunhi's bright energy which transferred to everyone in the room - solar energy.

Many students were falling over each other, unable to wait patiently for others to finish signing their details on the clipboard. I spent most of my time seated at my desk, trying to figure out how to pass by the Travel Club unnoticed. But it seems as always, the stars hadn't granted my wish.

"Hey! Dae, right?" One of the members waved his hand to catch my attention. I froze in my seat while everyone who remained shifted their attention to me. I glanced around briefly, ensuring he wasn't talking to anyone else before nodding hesitantly.

"Yea," I softly called back.

His smile brightened at my response, "You signing up?" I took a few seconds to think over his question, am I? Sunhi will probably be there. I gave another hesitant nod, standing up from my chair slowly.

The member slapped my back playfully as I picked up the pen, making me stiffen. "Go ahead, sign it!" When he repeated it, the group started to chant, "Sign it, sign it!"

A light-year later, I shuffled through the hallway headed for the exit. "So don't wait up for me, dongsaeng." Her voice poured through the speaker into my ear. 

I perked up in curiosity. "Eh? Why?"

Mina tutted and I knew that if I had been there, I would've received a painful flick to the forehead. "You dare to question your older sister?"

"Anniyo, josong, yeodong." I apologized with eagerness, she won't remember to flick me if I say sorry.

"Dae!" I heard a shout from behind me, Sunhi.

I shifted from side to side nervously, avoiding her eyes as she jogged to a stop in front of me. "Museun?"

"I just wanted to make sure, we didn't pressure you, right?" She looked worried, concerned, desperate, even. So to ease her and erase that painful expression from her face, I answered how I thought she'd like.

"Anniyo." Sunhi visibly relaxed at the word which seemed familiar to her.

"I, uh," I stammered, pointing to my phone. "I'm in a call right now, josong."

Both her eyebrows shot up in realization, "Ah! Geurae! Jo-josong!" Sunhi waved at me nervously as she strode away.

Mina cleared her throat, reminding me of her presence through the phone. "J-josong," I was startled, still flustered from Sunhi.

"So," She teased slyly, "Who was the girl?"

I groaned, "No one. Just a..." What is she? She isn't a classmate. "A classmate."

"Well, you were speaking Korean with her." Mina gasped, suddenly gathering an idea. "Don't tell me! My snotty-nosed bratty little dongsaeng will get married before his older sister!"

I could feel my cheeks lighten uncomfortably and began to whine in embarrassment. "No, Mina! She's just a friend." But Mina only hummed suspiciously.

"Riiight. We'll have to ask Mom."

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dongsaeng ☀ little brother, younger brother

yeodong ☀ sister, sis

anniyo ☀ no, not

josong ☀ sorry, apologize, regret

geurae ☀ yes, yup, okay

museun ☀ what

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