I sent a picture of the hot pot, “Your
recommendation was spot on!”
Pro gamer: “Chen’s Hot Pot?”
was impressed. He’d clearly been at MIT for two years, recognizing the place instantly.
My roommates suddenly got excited, squealing softly, “Oh my god! Ethan’s looking over here!”
<
I instinctively looked up and saw the guy across
the street glance in our direction.
But before I could get a clear look, a car
stopped in front of them.
One of his friends patted his shoulder, and he
put away his phone and got into the car.
As the car drove away, my roommates were still gushing.
“We saw Ethan on the first day! What luck!”
“He’s so handsome! The definition of a prince charming!”
I timidly interjected, “…Do you all know him?”
The three of them stared at me in shock.
“Seriously, Sarah? He’s a legend in EECS! How do you not know him?”
<
“He’s super handsome, gets perfect grades
every semester, and is amazing at badminton!
So many girls have chased after him, but none
have succeeded!”
“We were hoping you’d try your luck with Ethan!
How can you not know him?!”
Me: “…”
Back in the dorm after showering, I logged into
the game, surprisingly.
The pro gamer was online, “Shouldn’t you be busy with orientation? You have time for games?”
I was honest, “Orientation’s over. Military
training starts the day after tomorrow, then I
won’t have time.”
Pro gamer: “…”
<
10:49
I remembered my roommate’s words and
couldn’t resist asking, “Hey, do you know
Ethan?”
Pro gamer: “?”
“Who’s better, you or him?”
Pro gamer: “???”
5
The pro gamer didn’t reply for a while, and I
started to overthink.
Guys care about their image, especially
someone as skilled as him. It was so
inappropriate of me to ask such a direct question!
46%
“Don’t worry! I was just curious, I’m not shallow!
In my heart, you’re the best in EECS!”
<
He finally replied, “…Who taught you to use
metaphors like that?”
Why was I being criticized for expressing my loyalty? I genuinely thought he was more. skilled!
So I changed tactics, “Let’s grab dinner after military training?”
He sent an “OK” emoji.
:
Unexpectedly, on the first day of military
training, I completely embarrassed myself – I
couldn’t march in sync!
“Alright, you there, step out!”
The drill sergeant couldn’t stand it anymore and
pulled me out.
<
10:49
“Everyone, at ease! You, extra drills!”
2837
Under the watchful eyes of everyone from
EECS, I walked out, mortified.
今 45
EECS had way more guys than girls. There were
only eight girls in our entire class, and now I was singled out for being clumsy. There was no way to avoid the attention.
The more nervous I got, the worse I marched. After correcting me countless times, the drill sergeant finally started marching out of sync
himself.
I couldn’t help but point it out, “Sergeant, I think
you’re doing it wrong too.”
A suspicious blush appeared on the sergeant’s tanned face.
Suddenly, a low chuckle came from nearby.
<
I froze. That voice… sounded familiar.
I turned and saw a tall, athletic figure walking
past the field, holding a badminton racket.
I recognized him. Wasn’t that the legendary
Ethan Payne?
He must have just come from the badminton court. His dark hair was slightly damp with
sweat, and his t–shirt clung to his toned physique.
I had to admit, the girls at MIT had good taste.
He was incredibly good–looking.
Our eyes met.
He probably didn’t expect to be caught
watching, raising an eyebrow slightly before
nodding in acknowledgment.
My heart skipped a beat. I immediately looked
く
away, clenching my fists.
-He was laughing at me too, wasn’t he?!
My eighteen years of dignity, gone in a single day!
The news of my extra drills spread like wildfire.
Even Chloe called, “Hahahahaha! Sarah, did you see the video of you at military training? You even got the sergeant marching out of sync! Hahahahaha!”
The video was taken from the stands. It was a bit far away, but you could still clearly see my awkward, uncoordinated marching.
I closed my eyes in despair, “That wasn’t me.”
Chloe giggled, “Your training is so strict, unlike
10:49
464
1000
Chloe giggled, “Your training is so strict, unlike
ours. We spent half the day singing! By the
way, can I borrow your game account? I’m so bored~”
Since I wasn’t in the mood to play, I gave her the password.
I felt like the drill sergeant was personally offended by my clumsiness and was determined to whip me into shape.
So for the next week, I had extra drills for half
an hour after every training session.
After training one day, I took out my phone on
the way back to see the confessions page
buzzing with activity.
“Update: Campus queen is having extra drills
again today! Just saw her leaving the field! Nobody’s perfect, I guess. God must have completely sealed off her athletic abilities.”
く
“Gotta say, she’s still gorgeous. Even when
she’s a mess, she’s the prettiest mess.”
“I heard she got a 1480 on the SAT! Even
geniuses have their weaknesses. I feel so much
better now!”
I sighed dejectedly and turned off my phone.
Just as I was about to enter a boba shop, I got
a call from Josh.
“Hello? What’s up?” I said listlessly.
His voice was hesitant, almost nervous.
“Sarah, you got a 1480 on the SAT, right?”
- 6.
Was he seriously asking?
Wasn’t that the reason he dumped me?
10:49
く
rean, so?
I was yelling impatient.
464
Josh was silent for a few seconds, seeming to
choose his words carefully, “Then, are you
currently-
11
Suddenly, another guy’s voice came from the
phone.
“Hey, Josh! You died again! I can’t hold them
off, this ‘Sarah‘ player is insane! You gotta play
yourself!”
???
I messaged Chloe, “Are you fighting Josh?”
Chloe: “That jerk, I’ve wanted to take him down
for ages! I’ll protect my girl!”
Me:
11
“1
Chloe: “Gotta go! Time to kill him o bundles
Me: “…Don’t overexert yourself. I’ll bring you
boba later.”
Just as I replied to Chloe, I heard Josh say to
the guy, “Coming!”
He seemed to have returned to his computer,
the sound of keyboard clicking filling the air. He muttered something under his breath:
“…It must be a coincidence, they can’t have the
same…”
I didn’t quite catch it, “What did you say?”
His tone suddenly became light, “Oh, nothing,
my roommate was playing for me. Want another round?”
Me: “Sure.”
Chloe’s waiting for your head.
