Moment of Truth

Chapter 43: Youth

We're back in Toronto as Yuzuru and Javier are getting ready to go to the World Championships. I've started classes again. Which is why I am on my special bench with three different textbooks in front of me. I'm still taking Spanish and French, but I've decided to add Korean to the mix as I've decided to dip into some Asian languages. There is a Korean skater here and his language is so fascinating.

"오늘 어떠니? (Oneul eotteoni?)*" I slowly speak out loud.

"I am fine. How are you?" A voice suddenly asks me.

I look up to see the young Korean skater, Jun Hwan Cha with a smile on his face. And can I say that he is just the most adorable thing ever? I've watched him do his programs a couple times and I am in love with his short program. His facials make me smile. I smile back at him.

"Was that okay?" I ask him nervously.

Jun Hwan gives me a thumbs up before skating off. I sigh happily as I recite some more greetings in Korean. Coach Brian skates over to me as I keep practicing.

"Are you trying to be Jun Hwan's translator as well?" Coach Brian asks in a joking manner as he eyes my Korean textbook.

"No, but can I be?" I ask back in the same fashion. "You know, I can't be Yuzu's translator forever. I might need a new person to translate for when he gets too old for this sport. And I think Jun Hwan is just too adorable."

"You might not want to let Yuzu hear that. He is the jealous type."

Coach Brian and I look at one another before letting out large laughs. It catches the attention of a specific Olympic skater.

"What is funny?" Yuzuru asks curiously as Coach Brian and I try to control our laughter.

"Oh nothing," I say in between giggles.

"Coach," Yuzuru whines to Coach Brian.

"Well, Marie might be leaving you for someone else," Coach Brian says with a chuckle.

"What?! Who are you leaving me for?! Coach, tell me!"

"Jun Hwan Cha."

I double over in laughter as I can see Yuzuru's ears turn red.

"He's fifteen!" Yuzuru exclaims, throwing his hands up.

I laugh harder and so does Coach.

"Yuzuru, I'm not breaking up with you for Jun Hwan. I was simply telling Coach that I could be Jun Hwan's translator someday as I am learning Korean and one day you will not need me to be your translator anymore," I explain to the red-face skater as I hold his hand in mine. "You're not losing me to anyone."

"Why must you say things like that?" Yuzuru asks in a distressed tone. "I'll always need you. You're my girlfriend."

"And I will be your girlfriend for however long you want me around, but there will be the day that you will leave this sport and I will have to work for someone else. But I will be your girlfriend even then, if you still want me then."

Yuzuru pouts as he doesn't like my answer. I chuckle at my childish boyfriend. I kiss his cheek to make him feel better. He blushes again and I chuckle.

"Now, I need you to go back to the ice as I have an assignment due tonight and I'm only half way through," I tell Yuzuru as I point over to my notebooks and textbooks open on the bench.

"Okay," Yuzuru says quietly. He skates off with Coach Brian right after him, who is still chuckling to himself.

Jun Hwan skates back over as I pick the Korean textbook back up. I look up at him and smile. He has just the sweetest expression on his face, one of curiosity.

"You are learning my language," Jun Hwan says to me as he points to the book.

"I am and I am in love with it. Maybe I can be your translator someday," I reply back giving him a wink. "Yuzuru's not getting any younger, and I would love to work with a fresh, new face as cute as you."

Jun Hwan's face becomes red as he blushes. He only nods his head and skates off. I shake my head at him and smile. What an adorable kid. I just want to pinch his cheeks. I spy Yuzuru on the other side of the rink giving me a pouty face. I wink at him as well and he turns away from me. I laugh as I turn back to my textbook.

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Foreign Words:
오늘 어떠니 (oneul eotteoni)?= How are you today?