Chapter Text
The ticking sound on the computer marks 6 hours of sitting for the man in the office. Wonwoo looks outside the window, it’s already dark, and so far, he has downloaded 20 articles and written 4 sentences. He needs to prepare for the classroom audit tomorrow in the afternoon. His supervisor asked him to read the two required readings and mark the pre-class discussion. Sometimes he is questioning his life decision to pursue a career in academia. Is it really worth the sweat?
Despite questioning the decision consciously, he finishes the work on time. Of course, PhD candidates are expected to do God's work, teaching, doing research, publishing papers, and being the university’s slave in favor of getting the research grant that only covers half of the living costs. Well, definitely, he isn't a drunkard who made dumb choices, yet he ends up in the hellhole.
He takes off his glasses that go down to his nose bridge, then lays his head on the cold table. It’s summer, but the wind gusts still make the room temperature colder than usual. Before going home, he writes a checklist for the class agenda and decides to review the readings tomorrow.
—
The morning comes sooner than Wonwoo expected, and the sun is scorching his skin. His eyes feel so heavy despite hitting the bed before 10. His body is sore more than usual, and his head is dizzy as if he is going to fall. He can’t call in sick since it will be his first day doing a classroom audit. He needs to get things straight and not mess up on his first day auditing the master’s students' class. It has been rough to just prepare the materials—how do even most professors survive this every single day? He then again considers his life decision that he can’t undo under the warm shower in his flat.
He comes into the office just in time. As usual, Seungcheol, a fellow PhD student, had already settled down right at 8 o’clock in the morning.
“Wow, you came early today.” Seungcheol greets Wonwoo with a bit of a huff, crossing his hands in front of his chest.
“I have a classroom audit today, and I haven’t finished all the readings,” Wonwoo replies, putting his bag on his chair.
“Aren’t you also currently working on the research for the conference next month?” Seungcheol asks, and to be honest, the conference isn’t even on the top of Wonwoo’s head.
“Glad you asked. I have so much on my plate right now. Probably will get back to that after I’m done with this.” Wonwoo sighs while massaging his throbbing temple. It’s only 8 AM, and it is overwhelming already.
Seungcheol gets up from his seat and puts a cup of coffee on Wonwoo’s table.
“Here. I hope you can feel better.”
“That’s so nice of you. Thanks, Cheol.”
“No worries. Good luck with your classroom audit!” Seungcheol taps on Wonwoo’s shoulder before he clicks the office door. At least Wonwoo has a friend to lean on. Seungcheol has always been very supportive of Wonwoo’s PhD journey. He is one of his colleagues whom he respects the most.
Wonwoo sighs again as he plops down on his chair, sipping the hot coffee while starting to go through the stacked reading materials.
Wonwoo clicks and enters the classroom door to prepare materials before Professor Gu. He comes prepared to ensure everything goes well, since he doesn’t want to mess up his first impression in front of master’s students. Wonwoo checks the projectors and the materials Professor Gu sent him for the first meeting. He is also skimming through the contents just in case he needs to add further details during the class.
Not long after everything is settled, students start filling the seats in the classroom. It makes Wonwoo more nervous and awkward for no reason. To make up for that, he just sits down behind the desk and tries scrolling through whatever comes up on the slides with an empty brain.
“Good afternoon, Professor!” A tall student with short black hair, pushed to the back, greets him.
Wonwoo is taken aback by the greeting and answers the student in a low voice.
“Good afternoon.” He smiles, not wanting to explain further that he isn’t actually the professor for this class.
“Woah, I’m so excited for this class.” The tall student who previously greeted him wanders around the classroom while talking to his two friends.
“I think you’re the only one excited for this class, Mingyu.” Shouts the brunette-haired student, munching jelly inside his mouth. Wonwoo could only chuckle at the comments. There are two types of students: those who got excited for class and those who wanted to go home the moment the lecture started.
“I went through the readings and assignments last week, and I found it interesting. You should do the same, Seokmin.” Mingyu, the name of the tall student, mumbles as he opens his laptop.
Wonwoo raises his eyebrow as he is eavesdropping on the students’ conversation. Not many students found his area of research interesting, as it’s purely linguistics. Wonwoo hoped that his expertise could spark more interest among the new students.
The clock turned to 1 PM, and Professor Gu enters the classroom. He smiles at the students, and Wonwoo stands up beside him. He smiles as his eyes scan the whole classroom.
“Good afternoon. I’m Professor Gu, and I’m the course coordinator for Discourse Analysis.”
“And if you’re about to ask, ‘Who is this handsome young man beside Professor Gu?’ He’s my PhD student, Jeon Wonwoo.” He follows.
Wonwoo gets a bit shy after Professor Gu introduces him as a handsome young man. Nonetheless, he tries to get along by laughing along and greeting the students.
“Hi, everyone. I’m Jeon Wonwoo, a PhD candidate in Linguistics. I’m in my 2nd year of PhD. I’m here to audit this class and assist Professor Gu. Nice meeting you guys.”
Professor Gu starts the lecture immediately after the introduction. Wonwoo sits at the back of the classroom to observe and write down some important notes for his research. Surprisingly, the classroom is more lively than he initially thought. The students are actively answering Professor Gu’s questions and exchanging opinions with their peers.
“So, let’s say you want to connect language with what’s happening in the real world. You need to understand the discourse of the language. What can you understand from this concept?”
“I believe that language is influenced by the relationship between participants involved in the discourse. For example, the way I talk to you and express my opinions in this classroom can be different from the way I talk to my friends…”
Wonwoo listens and pays attention closely to Mingyu’s answers. He can’t help but show his amazement. He nods several times and writes the key aspects of the answer.
“In a nutshell, discourse is basically how we use language in particular situations.” Mingyu finishes his answer, and Professor Gu nods as a sign of satisfaction.
“Nice answer. Pardon me, what’s your name?”
“Mingyu. Kim Mingyu.” He smiles widely with his canine teeth showing.
“Great, Mingyu. I assume you managed to read all the required readings?” Professor Gu chuckles.
“Well, yeah, I think so. I can’t stop reading, to be honest.” Mingyu giggles.
“In that case, you may want to follow that young man’s path.” Professor Gu points to Wonwoo, who is sitting at the back.
Wonwoo is aghast, and he has no idea what to say.
“Oh? Sorry, do you need something from me?” Wonwoo stutters. Mingyu glances at Wonwoo while he is laughing. Wonwoo drops his pen clumsily to the floor.
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Wonwoo curses himself, showing his clumsiness on the first day of meeting the master’s students is such a fatal move.
Wonwoo heaves a deep breath while picking up the pen, trying to shake off the embarrassment. He sets his attention back to the class and catches Mingyu staring at him. Wonwoo is surprised the moment their gaze meets for a few seconds. He immediately averts his gaze to the class, again, taking messy notes to forget whatever just happened to him.
Good. Now, at least one student knows he is a mess, and his entire day is ruined. Wonwoo can barely focus on what’s happening next in the class because he messes up his plan.
The time passes, and Professor Gu asks him to explain the materials for Week 2 and Week 3 at the end of the class.
“Wonwoo, can you help me guide them through what they will do for the next two weeks?”
Wonwoo nods and stands up from his chair. He stands in front of the class and starts explaining the required readings and discussions for the next two weeks. Wonwoo will be in charge of the lecture, so he is making sure that the students will know what to do and what to expect.
“Come by my office or shoot me an email if you have questions. I am looking forward to reading your contribution on the discussion board. See you next week!” Wonwoo finally concludes the class and thanks Professor Gu. He stays behind to ensure the computer is shut down.
“Hello, Wonwoo?” Mingyu approaches Wonwoo, who is busy with the computer and papers.
“Oh, hello there.”
“I’m interested in your research area. Can you tell me about it?”
“Of course! I'd be happy to tell you about my research. So, um, basically my research focuses on prosodic contours in authentic English conversations. Say, you listen to English podcasts, then you need to analyze the rising and falling intonations, and how those affect the flow of the conversation…” Wonwoo trails off and continues explaining his research to Mingyu. Mingyu nods and smiles the whole time Wonwoo is talking. Wonwoo notices that he keeps on yapping and doesn’t give Mingyu a chance to ask questions or respond to his explanation.
“... Sorry. Did I talk too much? I think I’m the only one doing the talking here. What are your thoughts, Mingyu?” Wonwoo stops talking and asks Mingyu to respond.
“No, go on. I love when people are passionate about their research.” Mingyu tugs a smile.
“I also want to hear your thoughts,” Wonwoo replies.
Mingyu raises his eyebrows and rubs his chin, giving some thought.
“I truly haven’t heard or read your topic anywhere. So, I could be wrong. I think it’s very important to understand that as a linguist. There are lots of movies where the dialogues feel so artificial, you know? You just know that those dialogues won’t take place in real life. I think your area of expertise can be beneficial as well for scriptwriters or movie makers in general.”
“Right. That’s exactly what I’m aiming for. Using language in real life context by understanding the prosodic contours. Sounds very complicated, I know.” Wonwoo giggles, enjoying the conversation with Mingyu.
“It is complicated, but it seems fun.”
“Really?”
“It’s too early to judge, but the way you explained it sparks my interest to learn more about it.”
“Good to know. I will be closely monitoring your contribution on the discussion board if that’s the case.” Wonwoo teased, trying to challenge Mingyu.
“Challenge accepted.” Mingyu shrugs and laughs.
“That’s the spirit. See you next week, then, Mingyu.”
“See you, Wonwoo,” Mingyu replies as he leaves the classroom with a new mission.
—
Another week has passed, and Wonwoo is gearing up for Week 3 while also doing his research. Sometimes, he goes to the campus on weekends to get the job done: Writing his research, preparing for the upcoming conference, and marking the discussion board. Throughout reading the discussion board, he finds himself taking a longer time to read Mingyu’s response. He is reading the tall student’s answer thoroughly and giving lengthy comments compared to other students. His justification is that — Mingyu’s contribution is relatively longer and more detailed, as if he is writing a whole essay. Wonwoo thinks it will be fair if he gives detailed feedback as a token of appreciation. The discussion board only counts 1% of the mark for each post, so most students do not pay too much mind to writing them, except for Mingyu. Wonwoo is thinking about how passionate Mingyu is… and how handsome he looks.
“What am I even thinking about…” Wonwoo mumbles, shoving away his thoughts and focusing back on his work. He still has plenty of work for Week 3. It will be the last week of his classroom audit and teaching. After this, he needs to wrap up the data and do the markings for Assignment 1.
For Week 3, Wonwoo is fully in charge of the lecture. Professor Gu won’t come to the classroom, so he can give Wonwoo the freedom to explore the topic for Assignment 1. Wonwoo spreads the hands-on activity as he takes notes on the students’ attendance.
“Good afternoon.”
“Hi, Wonwoo. Good afternoon.” Mingyu smiles charmingly. Wonwoo tries to avoid his eyes.
“Hi. Your name?” Wonwoo asks.
Mingyu pauses for a while, disappointment appearing on his face.
“Mingyu. Kim Mingyu, this one.” He points out his name on the paper Wonwoo is holding.
“Thanks, and here’s your handout.” Wonwoo smiles and continues taking attendance to the next student.
Throughout the class, Mingyu actively participates in the classroom as usual. Wonwoo can’t help but notice and mention Mingyu most of the time. He praises Mingyu’s answers and pays close attention to the student’s work.
“How’s your analysis?”
“The conversation fragment is pretty difficult to understand, but I’m slowly getting the hang of it. I just need to repeat it.” Mingyu answers confidently, marking symbols and notes on the handout.
“This is already good. Just make sure you write the correct symbols based on the guidance.”
“Really? How about this?” Mingyu asks for confirmation.
“Let me take a look.”
Wonwoo bends down, adjusting his glasses and getting closer to Mingyu. Up close, Mingyu can whiff Wonwoo’s smell. Wonwoo smells sweet, there’s a hint of vanilla and tobacco. Mingyu supposedly takes a distance when Wonwoo gets close to him, but he is doing the opposite. He sets his eyes on the paper while being fully distracted by Wonwoo's smell and side features. Mingyu nods at Wonwoo’s explanation, pretending he understands whatever Wonwoo is talking about. Wonwoo’s smell is distracting him until he realizes his breath is getting faster, and Wonwoo’s voice becomes blurry.
“And you can find suitable theories to support your analysis.” Wonwoo pauses. “Mingyu? Are you okay?” Wonwoo taps Mingyu’s shoulder when he notices Mingyu is spacing out.
“Oh. Yeah. Right.” Mingyu attempts to regain his focus, his eyes blinking and nodding.
“Cool. You can do the rest then. You’re doing well.” Wonwoo praises, shifting attention to the two students sitting next to Mingyu, who looks so lost doing the practice.
“To be very honest, I have no idea what to write. Hey, Minghao, let me see yours.” Seokmin nudges his friend.
“What you are going to see is just me scrabbling this handout paper.” Minghao laughs, the pen in his hands drawing whatever comes up on his head.
“You guys will do anything except do the tasks,” Mingyu utters.
Wonwoo just chuckles. He knows that the course is challenging, especially for those who aren’t into pure linguistics.
“How can I help you, Seokmin?”
“Can you help me withdraw from this course?”
A loud smack echoes, and Seokmin screams until many pairs of eyes direct their gaze to the source of the sounds.
“It hurts, you stupid!” Seokmin curses while screaming in a whisper. Wonwoo laughs it off and eventually helps Seokmin and Minghao, occasionally throwing jokes at each other. Mingyu sits there, hardly focusing on his work as he steals a few glances at Wonwoo, who seems more comfortable around his friends. Ignoring the feelings, Mingyu pouts and sighs, putting his hand on his chin as he continues his work.
“Today’s practice will be your guidance for Assignment 1. I have attached the files on the website for the first assignment. Shoot me an email if you have questions, since this is my last time coming to class. I am looking forward to reading your work. Thank you, everyone!” Wonwoo gives his final remarks, then shuffles to tidy up his papers.
After Wonwoo finishes stacking up his papers, Mingyu approaches him.
“Wonwoo.”
Wonwoo peers up at Mingyu, and Wonwoo just realizes Mingyu looks taller up close. It’s their first time talking face-to-face, and Wonwoo needs to drape his neck to see Mingyu properly. Meeting someone taller than him somehow makes his heart flutter — or is it because he is Mingyu?
“Wonwoo?” Mingyu calls Wonwoo again, and it snaps Wonwoo back to reality.
“Yes? What can I help you with?”
“Are you free after this? I think I–”
“We. We need help for assignment 1!” Seokmin cuts Mingyu off, hands draping on Minghao’s shoulder.
“Wonwoo hyung, please help us!” Seokmin links his fingers, begging Wonwoo to help him.
Mingyu scrunches his forehead the moment Seokmin calls Wonwoo with hyung. Since when did they get close?
“Sure thing. I need time to mark the discussion. Probably an hour or so. Would that be okay with you guys?”
Seokmin groans.
“Unfortunately, I need to go to the archery event in an hour with Minghao.”
“You should go to the event then,” Mingyu responds in annoyance.
“I think so too! Then, hyung, can I ask you through email later?”
Hyung again.
“Of course you can. I will do my best to answer your questions, as long as it’s not too long.” Wonwoo teases, his hand poking Seokmin’s upper arm.
“Then watch out for my non-stop emails! See you next week, hyung! ” Seokmin leaves the classroom with Minghao, leaving Mingyu and Wonwoo alone.
“So…”
“Oh, right. How can I help you, Mingyu? Sorry, Seokmin was cutting you off.”
“No problem. He’s always been like that anyway,” He shrugs.
“I need further explanations to do Assignment 1. I’ve read the guidance you posted on the website, but I’m unsure where to start. Can I come to your office?” Mingyu asks Wonwoo politely.
“Ah, sure. Is it okay if you wait for an hour? I need to mark the discussion. You can go around–”
“Can I wait in your office?”
Wonwoo hangs his mouth open.
“Um.”
“It’s okay if you need time. I can try reading the assignment first, then–”
“It’s fine. Come along.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah.”
Mingyu follows the older behind like a puppy. Wonwoo allows Mingyu to enter his office and asks Mingyu to sit in front of him while waiting for him to finish marking the discussion.
“Your office is nice.” Mingyu comments as he walks around the office.
“Thanks.”
“Choi Seungcheol? Is he another PhD student?”
“Yes. He is my friend. We share the same office.”
“I see.”
They remain silent for an hour, Mingyu with his assignment and Wonwoo marking the discussion board.
“What can you understand so far, Mingyu?” He asks softly after marking, trying not to bother Mingyu, whose eyes fixate on the laptop.
“I’m outlining right now, but I need to clarify something.”
“And what is that?”
“What do you mean by seeing Seokmin next week?”
“What?”
The atmosphere turns awkward within seconds. Wonwoo sounds genuinely shocked by Mingyu’s sudden question. Why does he want to know what he’s doing?
“Why is Seokmin going to see you next week? I thought you were done with the teaching.”
Oh.
“Ah. That,”
“We'll be coming to Pub Night held by the postgrad association next week. Seungcheol is the organizer, and Seokmin happens to know him as well. That’s why.” Wonwoo explains.
“I see.”
“Are you coming too?”
“Can I?”
“Surely. The more, the merrier.”
“Will you be merrier if I come too?”
Wonwoo can feel his cheeks getting hotter after Mingyu shoots the question. He tries to act nonchalantly, but he can’t put up an act, especially when Mingyu directly sits facing him.
“Wonwoo,” Mingyu calls his name, softer this time.
Wonwoo freezes, avoiding Mingyu’s sharp gaze on him.
“Your face is burning, Wonwoo.”
Hands touching his face, Wonwoo can feel his face getting hotter. There is no way Mingyu is flirting with him, right?
“I think… I’m tired of teaching.” Wonwoo spits whatever reason floats on his mind. He can’t come up with anything, not when Mingyu pierces his eyes on him with a smile that makes him go crazy.
“Then get some rest,” Mingyu leaves his seat and shuts his laptop. Wonwoo looks at him in confusion.
“See you at the Pub Night, Wonwoo.” Just like that, Mingyu leaves Wonwoo in his office, freezing on his chair with burning cheeks.