Being a matchmaker is also a talent!

      Finally, a significant day – a first day of study at the university – has come for Jeongin! His excitement is quite normal. A new educational institution, new people, a new life and, oddly enough, an ongoing attachment. Besides, he is not alone, and this makes him, though, a little but calmer. It just happened that throughout all the school years of his life, it was always Jisung with him. He stayed by his side not only after graduation from their high school, but also entered the same university with Jeongin… And the same faculty… So their long-standing friendship acquired the next stage - university classmates. In fact, Jeongin did not mind at all, but was even unspeakably glad, because in the last years of high school, Jeongin began to think about their friendship with Jisung, which at some point in their lives became too close... Like probably most teenagers in such a situation, Jeongin would consider it as signs of romantic interest. And there really was something in it.              As time passed, friends began not only to share seats in the same class or bus on a school trip, but also gifts for significant holidays, secrets, and the deepest thoughts. Jeongin's ambiguous feelings were almost the only secret that Jisung didn't know about.       Jeongin remembered a lot of their sleepovers, walks, and trips together. It was hard for him to imagine himself with anyone other than Jisung. It seemed that the name of a friend in his life was written in red as a thread of fate that invisibly passed between them. He was sure his feelings could be mutual or appear from Jisung's side in the near future. The two of them spent all their free and other kinds of time together, making plans. They even had paired things, and their quantity only got bigger every year.              The initiative to continue communication was noticeable on both sides. It was Jisung who asked him where he would like to enrol to go with him. His friend was sure he would be able to pursue his hobbies together with any major, but it would be difficult to find support in the person of Jeongin elsewhere. And in conversations about the future, he often mentioned that they would live together, because it was cheaper and more fun to rent an apartment. Jeongin was only thinking about the second, but agreed on the whole. Long-standing friendship had already allowed them to find out all the possible disadvantages, which were no longer just patiently perceived, but as something taken for granted. Both friends did not want to miss and live separately during the best moments of their lives.              In their near-friendly relationship with Jisung, Jeongin was especially inspired by their shared interest in music. They often stayed at each other's houses, as they stayed up late composing another track. Jisung typically patted Jeongin on the head, praising him for ideas or just to have fun, because Jeongin was younger. At such moments, Jeongin's heart would stop beating, sometimes even a slight blush would appear. He thought it was just a reaction to praise or, on the contrary, dissatisfaction with such a frivolous attitude of the elder to his hairstyle. Therefore, he typically did not remain in debt and, at any opportunity, patted Jisung's cheeks in response, affectionately called him Hannie and told him how cute his hyung was. Much to Jeongin's surprise, such actions did not help to cope with, as he thought, discontent at all, but increasingly hinted at the ambiguity of his feelings.              He was, of course, worried about the fact that the object of this kind of sympathy was his best friend. But as a schoolboy, he decided not to bother his head with unnecessary worries and just tried to enjoy small moments of tactile intimacy, which he still had enough of.              Jeongin was inspired by his childishly innocent, first, but no less real love, and flew into a new student life on the wings of teenage romance. And this life began with the university gates after a couple of steps, which Han wanted to overcome in a special way, at least on the first day. And the manner, for Jeongin, was nothing but mystery. He stood patiently and waited for his friend to voice the details of his unusual wish. And he was in no hurry at all, staring at the upperclassmen who embodied in front of him one of the versions of his ideas – an interview.              “Please tell us about your impressions live on our radio show, special guest Mr. Hwang.”              “So it was an unkind morning. As always. When I woke up, I realized that I had lived in dreams for two days in vain and already knew a future that would never come true. Believe me, you don't want anything same. As for the first day of school, I'm going to live it consciously and make the best choices in everything from now on. Please make a way for me and the esteemed host of the radio show, Mr. Kim. Drop curtain.”              The tall senior bowed while his friend put away the phone, which played its role as a mic.              Jisung, who had been listening attentively to every word, clapped, deciding that this would be enough for the morning impressions. In a good mood, to the applause of the upperclassmen to themselves and in gratitude to the audience, he led Jeongin through the gate and rushed to the main building to start the first day of school.              By the time Jeongin and Jisung had barely found an audience in an unfamiliar building, their future classmates had already gathered there. Someone was sitting quietly and tuning in for the new school year, someone was trying to strike up a conversation with someone sitting next to him. As soon as they crossed the threshold, a bright, slightly dishevelled crown appeared in front of them with a flash. Then they were dazzled by a wide smile on a freckled face unusual for Asian appearance. After such an appearance, it was simply impossible to do anything in time! But after a split second of confusion since childhood, the terribly sociable Jisung was already preparing to say hello, but he was outpaced:              “Hello,” a bass voice came in their ears.              It was something that could not be expected from a person with such a childish face for such an age... Jeongin and Jisung were clearly trying to describe what they saw with at least a word, but none of this could accurately convey the entire spectrum of contrasting, knocking out of the usual world-view of emotions. Out of desperation, they remained standing silently with dancing sparks of genuine surprise and interest in their eyes.              “What's your name?” It sounded completely different, quite ordinary timbre, “Let's get acquainted soon! I'm Felix! What's your name? Well, why are you standing in the doorway! Come on, I'll show you the free seats!”              All that remained was to nod and follow Felix. Felix? What an unusual name…              “I'm Han Jisung! You can call me just Han. And this is  Jeongin!”              He decided to introduce himself first, although, it usually always was so. For this, Jeongin was very grateful to him. Not to say that Jeongin was afraid or shy to communicate, it's just that sometimes such "sharp and assertive" acquaintances took him by surprise.              Han wanted to continue with a question about the unusual name of a new acquaintance, but he was beaten to it.              “Guys, your eyes don't seem to blink in surprise!”              Felix laughed, patting the desk. “My name probably makes you curious?” the guys, without a word, nodded. “It's simple! I was born and raised in Australia. Well, you know, English, blah-blah, so my parents gave me a foreign name!”              The guys were able to relax a little after such personal information about Felix. Obviously, Felix wanted to establish contact, and his communication strategy flawlessly worked.              “Wow! Austra-a-lia!” Han drawled. “It's so far away! Glad to meet you, Lix! I can call you that, right?”              “Of course!” Felix beamed. He was obviously pleased that Jisung made contact. However, he shifted his gaze to Jeongin with a playfully cunning squint and a conspiratorial grin. “You're Jeongin, right? You haven't said a word the whole time.”              Jeongin looked in confusion first at Jisung, who was saying with his whole appearance, like, hey, say something already, then at Felix, who did not hide his interest in getting acquainted. Felix's smile gave him a little confidence. Finally, Jeongin gathered himself inwardly, snorted out and answered in a quite confident tone, smiling broadly.              “Yes, that's right! I am also sometimes called I.N, this is my creative pseudonym. Nice to meet you, Lixie! By the way, me and Hannie, ahem... Jisung are classmates and childhood friends.”              “Oooh~”               While Felix was trying to process the new information, ~Lixi~ echoed in his head. His name was so affectionately called only in his family, and the way his name was pronounced by Jeongin made him feel warmer.              Felix did not have time to recover, as the bell rang for the first couple, and the teacher entered the classroom. It was time to take their seats, so the newly-made friend waved and went to the table with colourful pens already scattered. Jeongin was talking to Jisung about something with a serious expression on his face. Maybe he was worried about how the classes would go. Meanwhile, Felix continued to look dreamily at Ninnie. Yes, that's what he's going to call him from now on…              The first introductory lectures have passed. Yes, now it's not periods, but DOUBLE LECTURES. So unusual. And really, it feels like a new life!       During the lunch break, students rushed into the dining hall in one big crowd. But how else? The dining hall is not only a place for eating, but also a place that provides new acquaintances, especially with seniors, which is to some extent useful and profitable. Okay, what kind of acquaintances are there, Jisung was just beside himself with hunger and was ready to push everyone on his way, just to get to the coveted dining hall faster. Fortunately, on both sides, he was restrained and calmed by Jeongin and Felix.              While Jisung was learning all the delights of the dining hall, Jeongin was discovering a new world, politely continuing to ask Felix about what the guy was doing before university. He wanted to make friends with a new mate, but at the same time to know where he and Jisung would have time for only two of them. If the hobbies of a new friend coincide too much, you will have to come up with new activities. Not that it would be a problem. Jeongin was going to spend the rest of his life with Hannie. The university, of course, would not make them bored, but he needed something more. They were really lucky with Felix. Knowledge of English allowed the guy to play games known to them, as well as many others that they had already agreed to test together. In anticipation, Jeongin began discussing with Felix how they could arrange a weekend of games after the first school week. After that, no one noticed how they had to choose items from the menu.              Already sitting at the table, Jisung was pulled out of his thoughts about food by the already familiar laughter of a passing guy from the morning episode of the radio program. During the break, Jisung was in no hurry and could examine him more closely. Obviously, it wasn't just laughter that was his hallmark. The guy stood out for his tall stature, chiselled figure and stylish clothes. And his long, bleached hair was gathered in a careless ponytail. Well, just like a model who stepped off the cover of a fashion magazine! Next to him was a guy, a brunette, slightly shorter, but no less model parameters. Judging by his grin, he was the source of such a violent reaction of the blonde and, accordingly, an initiative “presenter”.       Jisung loved positive emotions and did everything to ensure that there were a lot of them. He caught every moment of this life. Therefore, he, throwing his hands on the shoulders of Jeongin and Felix, simply could not help but note.              “It seems like it's going to be super fun here!” And laughed as only he could. At least, that's what Jeongin thought. He couldn't take his eyes off his beloved friend (is it a friend, or a loved one?). He still had to deal with this, but now just needed to refresh himself.       

***

      As lectures finished, the professor announced an event in honour of the dedication of first-year students to full-fledged students. Of course, they were already students, since they had overcome the whole first day of school. But it was necessary to pay tribute to the university traditions.              The event is scheduled for next week on the Friday after the end of classes. So on the appointed day, the first-year students, for the most part, dressed up, combed their hair, in general, will try to look as decent as possible. Why, you may ask. And of course, everyone who needs to make a positive first impression will gather there: professors, undergraduates, and of course, newbies. That's how the elders call them disdainfully, because these little kids, who just come out of school, do not know all the "charms" of student life in the form of sleepless nights preparing group projects or writing term papers, do not feel the pressure of the session… In general, they are still such newbies.              The dedication invariably implied the official part – the speech of the president and other important people, then there were several videos about how wonderful their university was and all that. In a word, everything that should awaken a sense of pride in the first-year students in relation to the educational institution, well, and their own pride, too. At the exit from the hall, each freshman was handed headbands with protruding stars on springs, so that it would be easier to navigate the crowd today.              In addition to the standard reasons, such as communication, dating, attracting newcomers to interest clubs and so on, the real reason for a large number of students from other courses is a BUFFET – something that every student is truly waiting for, because of free food!              One of those especially interested in food was a third-year student, Seo Changbin, a guy who did not stretch up, but was clearly growing in breadth. And that was not the chubbiness, these were pure muscles in their relief manifestation! And it’s known, in order to build muscle mass, you need to eat well, what he actively did. It should be noted that in addition to eating food, he especially liked to cook and share his masterpieces with friends. For him, it was a kind of act of rapprochement and manifestation of the highest degree of friendship.              The object of such friendship was his classmate Lee Minho, a handsome, well-built young man. He stood out from the crowd not only by his well-defined profile and bright memorable facial features, but also by the way he moved impressively on the verge of grace, radiating the strong energy. All this entailed the fact that he was a dancer. His professional hobby imposed certain preferences and restrictions in eating for the sake of the figure, and this sometimes upsets Changbin, but he understood and accepted the position of a friend. Still, their friendship wasn't based on food.              Minho was grateful to his friend for all his diet-bento during the busiest time before the contests. It was Changbin who fed him when he ignored everything and especially his nutrition in pursuit of results. He was the only person Minho really gave his time to. Minho was popular and could chat if the conversation was not aimless, but too much social activity overwhelmed him, so he often focused on his friend and comfortably spent time with him at such events. Fortunately, Changbin was a man rich in talents, and skilfully entertained him. And over the years, the developed talent, which Changbin was especially proud of, had a specific character.              “One day.”       Changbin was grinning proudly, waiting for a reaction from Minho while he was choosing a drink to occupy his hands.              “Mm?”              “Behind you. It took me one day to bring this couple together. And this is not a few hours combined in a day, but a few hours after my brilliant performance of my duties. Imagine, a few words to people you don't know. Words that literally changed their lives. At that time, I didn't even talk to the objects individually. They were just standing there, and I was just passing by. But I have an eye for such things, and I immediately realized that they would make a wonderful pair. And why wait then?”              “Really, why?”              Minho sighed, waiting for the end of another story about the everyday life of Changbin the matchmaker to try the chosen drink. The phrase at the end triggered the switch of his thoughts, and now he could drink and listen to Changbin at the same time. This small personal achievement pleased him. He didn't want to turn into my friend who could only do one thing at a time without being distracted. Minho needed multitasking in dancing, so he continued in every way to prevent the adoption of the habits of his friends and their friends. There was, perhaps, a rare exception to this rule in the form of one friend, whom he just expected to meet at the buffet. Infectious laughter almost always announced his arrival, but for now it was too quiet, so it was worth either waiting longer or looking for attention from Changbin. If their mutual friend has been so interested in someone in the crowd for a year that he behaves quietly, this is already serious. Doubts about mutual sympathy fall asleep, the matchmaker wakes up.              Minho, all in his thoughts, laughed softly.              “You weren't listening to me at all, were you?”              “I just thought you'd find your next project here. Or there may be several. Is there anyone in mind?”              “In gratitude for such a friend, I will let him choose my target today. My skills are limitless. And it's going to be something new, so come on, look around. In the meantime, I'll take a break for a snack.”              “I see. All you did was talk, and now you need a ‘commercial break’ to eat. You won't hide your secret thoughts, Seo Changbin. But I don't want anyone to shirk your duties, so I'll serve myself a new fresh, wait until you finish, and we'll get back to your question.              Changbin chuckled and had to agree. He definitely wouldn't have been able to work and eat at the same time. However, he did not throw his words to the wind. And in case Minho doesn't find anyone, he decided that he would make him his next “target”. Although, after a brilliant insight, he no longer had any other goals. The motivation to sincerely help Minho was obvious. So, he needs to make sure that your friend doesn't notice anything, and keep a close eye on him all evening. Changbin was in proximity to Minho. The “object” was not planning to go anywhere. New people continued to approach the table, who had not yet managed to fall out of favour with the object. After determining the action plan, the mission to start eating began with special enthusiasm.              Jisung was undoubtedly pleased with the buffet gift from the university. But he did not take into account that "eating at a buffet at the university" is a task that requires special skills. He was a nimble fellow, so he quickly got used to it and grabbed his cherished piece of cheesecake and went to the drinks area, where there were a little fewer people, so that he could calmly hang out without constant pushing. But here's the bad luck, even here they managed to move it.              Minho silently moved Jisung to the side with one movement of his hand. So he was able to get close to the juice. Jisung, for his part, was too busy with cheesecake to react in any way. Changbin just couldn't help but notice such a passion for food and contact with the “object”. He walked over and tapped his finger on Jisung's shoulder.              “Hello there! I see you're a freshman.”              Han turned with a slight nod, and a picture appeared before Changbin: Han with wide eyes and cheeks stuffed with cheesecake. He literally looked like a squirrel with a hoard of nuts, and the stars on the springs were just instead of tassels on the ears. The elder barely restrained a laugh and with a sharp movement turned Minho to this picture, but he only rolled his eyes in anticipation of his friend's next whim. And then he decided on a very provocative trick:              “Look, newbie, this is a cool sunbae Lee Minho.”        At this moment Han shifted his gaze and met Minho's eyes. Minho looked at Han, grinned (apparently, this is the only way he managed to express emotions? Although it looked more like neglect) and quite angrily glared at Changbin. And he continued as if nothing had happened:              “He, as the eldest, can give you a parting word ... hmm... well, or just give one!” He laughed into his fist.              Minho expected anything, but not such a turn, from which he choked on his fresh. It seems that Changbin has already found his “objects”, and there is no way to stop him. Was he against it? Han, fortunately, chewed and recovered from the joke without loss, even decided to play along.              “Oh, dear sunbae, and what can you give me?” he asked with a note of banter.              Minho had to take a collected look – he definitely could not lose face in front of some newbie. This would only strengthen his position as a victim of Changbin's manipulations, but he was willing to accept his fate and give the freshman one chance if he took it. With these thoughts, he slowly approached the table. He picked up a fork and, impaling it into a piece of cheesecake, brought it to the mouth of the round-eyed Jisung. Jisung, on reflexes and under the influence of Minho's gaze, took a piece and only then, realizing his impulsiveness, blushed a little. Completely not expecting this, Minho blinked and continued to stand with a fork, from which his hand began to tremble a little. The reddening ears also betrayed that he had lost all his equanimity. He had to say something, but his mind was crystal clear, and his eyes were hypnotized by the crumbs left on the freshman's lips.              “Fourth cat detected?”       Changbin was delighted. Minho, mentally thanking his friend for shaking him up, grinned at the incomprehensible freshman.              “I can give you more if I find out your name.”              “Han Jisung or just Ha—”              “Doesn't suit,” Changbin interjected.              “Excuse me?”              “I say, the name doesn’t suit. Everyone calls you Han, right?”              Jisung nodded, still not believing that his name was being insulted in front of him alive. What will happen when they hear his stage name…              “So what?”              “A candidate to be a Minho’s cat should have a different name.”              “What the hell are you doing?” Even Minho decided to cut off a friend who had gone too far in his fantasies.              But Changbin relentlessly continued, “You'll be Sungie.”              “Su—? Oh, is that short for Jisung? Well, I’m not sure.” Jisung didn't seem to mind much, but it was unusual.              “Damn, I like it,” Minho has already appreciated Changbin's idea and conducted an associative series.               The younger one did not know about the importance of cats in his life, so such a comparison at this stage of acquaintance could offend him. Minho decided not to rush things and gain Jisung's trust.              “Will you let me call you that?” Minho asked him gently and smiled.              Jisung still wasn't sure about the new version of his name. At least now, he would definitely not respond to it. But wanted to try something new, especially when Minho didn't put pressure on him, gave him a choice and looked expressively straight into his soul.              “Well, you know how to convince.” Jisung recalled the cheesecake episode, how Minho looked then. He was touched by the sincerity of the elder, so he agreed. “But I will wait for a reciprocal concession. Let me come up with an abbreviated name for you, too.”              There was a fourth cat at stake (and it didn't matter that he looked more like a pet squirrel), and Minho gave up.              “Okay, what do you have there?”              “Lee Know for the all-knowing sunbae.”              The flapping eyes of the confused Minho made him explain.              “It is from the “knowledge”, the first part of the word. Just in case. Just so you're sure, it's not an insult. It's just that I already have a creative stage name in English, and I thought that your Korean name could be supplemented.”              Minho nodded softly. Changbin realized that he would not let this freshman go so easily.              “Are you already coming up with paired names? I thought it all started with SNS.”              “And we'll leave that for the next time,” Jeongin joined the conversation, noticing his friend's long absence, and interrupted strange things, as he thought in the right time.              Jeongin clearly didn't like what was happening. He would like to show respect to sunbae, but his intuition told him to leave the suspicious company with Jisung as soon as possible.