AAE Fictions, MARGIE

:: My Beloved Coach ::

***

The heads of the onlookers swiveled from side to side as they watched the argument between the Professor and the coach. How many times has it been this month that both of them had locked horns? No one had kept count -- yet everyone could tell it had been quite a number of times since the Professor joined the teaching faculty of Seoul National University six months ago.

To be fair to the Professor, it was usually the coach's hair-trigger temper that started the arguments. Looking at the coach's cherubic face, one would never believe that she possess such a volatile temperament. The Professor is just the opposite. An easy-going and pleasant man, he is always civil, no matter how heated their argument becomes.

Removing his glasses, the Professor rubbed his tired eyes and looked directly at the coach. 'Coach Jin, I have explained to you that Yu-Ri will have to sit for her semi-final math exam on that day. I'm sorry, but my decision is final'.

Sun Mi crossed her arms against her chest and glared at the Professor. She knew what he was trying to do. He was trying to break down her defenses with his 'doe eyes'. He knew the effect those eyes had on women, especially when he removes his glasses and looks at them through half-veiled lids.

'And I have told you that I need Yu-Ri because she is the best scorer in this University. The opposing side is very strong and if she misses out on this match, we would definitely lose. Don't you want our home team to win?'

Professor Yun Hyun Chul offers the coach his irresistible smile. Although not directed at them, all the other female lecturers could not help feeling weak at the knees whenever he does this. Sun Mi however, seemed unaffected by his wily display.

'Of course, I want our home team to win. But I have confidence in your coaching ability and I believe that even without Yu-Ri, we will win the match'.

'Well, thank you very much for your confidence in me', Sun Mi said sarcastically. 'It would not be a problem for you to reschedule the exam'.

'I can't do that just for one student. That would not be fair to the other students. Moreover, it would set a precedent for other students. Why don't you reschedule the match?'

'Don't you think I would if I could? Our opposing team refused to reschedule the match'.

SM gave HC angry looks while HC looked pensive -- trying to think of a way to solve the problem.

The Dean entered the room and sensing the tension between HC and SM, he raised inquiring eyebrows at Ms. Park, the University's administrator. After she had told him what the argument was about, he called both HC and SM into his office.

'Professor, Coach Jin -- Is there any other way you can solve this problem?' When both of them shook their heads, the Dean smiled. 'I have one way but I do not know if you'll agree'.

HC and SM looked at the Dean with interest and suggested he tell them his idea.

'Since both of you refused to compromise, I suggest that you compete with each other. If Professor Yun wins, Coach Jin will have to find someone to replace Yu-Ri. And if Coach Jin wins, Professor Yun will have to reschedule the time of the exam'.

When HC protested that he cannot reschedule the date, Dean Park said he needs only to reschedule the time of the exam, not the date.

'Coach Jin, you have always said that what men can do, women can do better, right?'

'Definitely'.

'OK, then. Now I want you to think of what 'womanly' task you would like the Professor to do?'

SM looked devilishly at HC and grinned. 'I would like to embroider a motif!'

HC nearly jumped from his chair. 'Embroider as in needlework?' He blustered. 'I'd look ridiculous! I've never held a needle in my life!'

'Then it's time you did! Besides, there's a first time for everything, Professor. Maybe, after this, you'd even be able to darn your socks!' Sun Mi gloated. She was already doing the victory jog in her head. She felt like giggling out loud when she envisioned the staid and composed Professor of Mathematics doing needlework!

Feeling a bit sorry for him, Sun Mi offered him an olive branch. 'OK. I'll grant you a concession. You can get any 2 of your students to help you -- BUT, you cannot ask Chen Sui'.

'Who is Chen Sui?'

SM looked at the Dean who had been watching them silently all this while. The Dean laughed and told HC that he will send Chen Sui to meet him after his last class.

'Dean Park will ask one of the fashion design lecturers to judge your work. If she says that any one piece of your needlework is acceptable, then I would concede defeat.'

HC agreed to SM's terms.

'I might as well get it over with. What 'manly' job do you want me to do?'

'Oh... Hmmm, just give me a few seconds to think'. He pretended to ponder to make SM fret a bit. 'Yeah! I got it!' He rubbed his palms together gleefully.

'What? What? Spit it out!' SM was getting frustrated at his antics.

'You will play football!'

'You want me to play football against another football team?'

HC held up his hand. 'No, not with another team. With me. If you can dribble the ball past me and into the goal, then I will concede the match to you'.

SM was elated, but a bit suspicious 'No sweat at all. But are you sure you know the rules? You don't look as if you are into sports'.

'Don't judge a book by its cover'. HC warned SM. 'Do you need to borrow my football boots?'

'You really play football?'

'You bet your tutu I do'.

'I'm a coach, not a ballet teacher'.

'I'd like to remind you that if you commit a foul, you lose. For example, 'Man' handling is a foul'. HC stressed on the 'man', giving SM a broad hint what he meant.

She retorted immediately, 'Huh! Don't flatter yourself that I would manhandle you.'

HC grinned, 'Thank you. You don't have to worry too. I'm a gentleman. I'll keep my hands where you can see them'.

They decided on holding the football match first to give time to the Professor to look for his 2 'helpers'.

Later that day, just as HC was coming out from the lecture hall, a voice hailed him. 'Yoohoo, Professor!' HC looked back. A young man was hurrying down the hall waving a handkerchief. When he reached HC, he panted, 'Ooh, Professor. Thank goodness, I managed to catch you. I'm Chen Sui.' He daintily held out his hand to HC. 'Dean Park said you wanted to see me?'

Wiping his brow, he smiled at HC. 'Oh, you're Chen Sui?' HC muttered under his breath, 'No wonder.'

'Pardon, Professor?'

'Sorry. Sometimes I have a habit of talking of myself'.

'Professor, you're so handsome'. The effeminate young man leaned closer to HC who backed away. 'You have beautiful eyes. Oh my, and those eyelashes. How I wish mine were as long. You know, the girls are always talking about you. When I tell them that I talked to you, they'll be green with envy.'

HC himself was already feeling a bit 'green'. 'You can do needlework?'

'Of course, I do. I just love needlework and I'm very good at it too. Oh, I know. You want me to sew something for you?' He clapped his hands excitedly. 'I'll gladly do it. What is it that you want me to sew for you?' He touched HC on his shoulder.

Removing Chen Sui's hand, HC replied that he merely wanted to know if Chen Sui knows any of the other male students who can do needlework. Looking hurt, Chen Sui pouted. 'But why not me? I'm very good at needlework. I won't charge you a cent. Please let me do it, Professor. Please?'

HC was feeling a bit angry with Dean Park for foisting this man on him. He felt that the Dean should have at least given him a warning first. It was also that Coach Jin's fault. She had to make him do needlework of all things. He is definitely going to take his revenge during their match.

Thinking of her, HC could not help smiling. Although they had been arguing practically since day one, HC secretly harbours a soft spot for the Coach. He likes her very much -- bad temper and all. He has never met any another woman who captivates him as much as the temperamental Coach Jin Sun Mi.

'Earth to Professor, Earth to Professor!' HC thought Chen Sui sounded like a broken record.

'Stop waving your handkerchief in front of my face, Chen Sui.'

'You okay, Professor? You were miles away.'

'I'm fine, thank you. I asked if you know of anyone who could help me. I appreciate your offer to help but Coach Jin said I cannot ask you because you're too good at needlework'. He explained briefly to Chen Sui about his deal with SM. Knowing the reason why HC does not want his help, Chen Sui was feeling much happier and very anxious to help.

Both HC and SM decided on holding their match on a public holiday as they wanted to keep this as private as possible. They had sworn those in the know to secrecy. The fewer people knew about it, the better. Chen Sui was the sole witness to the match. Dean Park had volunteered to be referee.

HC, in a sleeveless T-shirt and track pants, took position near the goal post. SM, in her usual coach's track suit, had not bothered with any football regalia. She was confident of scoring a goal in 10 minutes' flat. However, she had not contended with HC's extra long arms and legs that seem to cover the entire goal mouth. She was soon frustrated that all her attempts at scoring were thwarted by HC.

Desperate to score after nearly 40 minutes' of futile attempts at goal, SM pushed HC hard to try to prevent him from getting the ball. Not expecting SM to resort to tricks, he twisted his ankle when he tripped on the ball and fell forward. HC also sprained his wrist when he tried to brace his fall with his palms. HC uttered an agonised 'Ouch' and rolled on the grass holding both injured limbs with his good ones.

Although it was not intentional, SM was horrified by what she had done. She rushed to his side, as did Dean Park and Chen Sui. 'Oh my gracious! What have I done? Oh.... Oh, Professor, I am so sorry!' SM was so mortified that she was on the verge of crying.

Beads of sweat dotting his forehead, HC tried to stand with help from Dean Park and Chen Sui. He sat down again on the grass due to the excruciating pain on his ankle.

When he noticed how upset SM was, he reassured her. 'Hey, it's okay. It was an accident.' He lied, 'It's not that painful. But I have you remind you that you lost'.

Dean Park left SM with HC while he and Chen Sui went off to get a stretcher and assistance. The guilt-ridden SM avoided eye contact with HC. She doesn't know why she feels vulnerable when he looks at her without his glasses. She feels as if he's able to look deep into her soul and how affected she was by him.

'I'd never forgive myself. I don't know what came over me.' Lips trembling, she finally looked at the amused HC. 'I'm sure your wrist and ankle must be hurting, yet you can still smile?'

'Would it be less painful if I cried?'

'I don't expect you to cry, but be serious at least'.

Dean Park and Chen Sui returned with the stretcher and extra pairs of hands. Fortunately, there were some other lecturers doing research in the library.

After the doctor had bandaged his wrist and ankle, he ordered HC to rest his injured limbs. He reminded him to keep his bandaged appendages dry and to return for further treatment every day. 'If you live alone, I suggest that you get someone to help you. You must rest your foot as much as possible. I do not want you hobbling around on your injured foot, okay?'

Without even asking HC, Chen Sui took the opportunity to offer his services. 'Oh, don't worry, Doctor. I will take good care of the Professor'. He turned a hopeful face to HC and suggested, 'How about if I come over every day after my classes and tend to your needs? I can even stay in until you have recovered.'

Dean Park covered his grin with his hand and pretended to ponder over Chen Sui's suggestion. 'Unless you have someone else in mind, I think that's a good idea, Professor.'

HC looked at SM as if expecting her to offer. SM turned her head from side to side, thinking he was looking at someone standing beside her.

'You can't mean me? Even though your injury was my fault, it wouldn't be convenient for me to go in and out of your apartment. What would your neighbours think?' She blushed, 'Besides, I can't help you with your personal needs but Chen Sui could.' Chen Sui was looking gratefully at SM.

'I can handle my personal needs. I just need help with other chores. Do you want me to starve to death in my apartment?'

SM hedged, 'You won't starve. You can always order in. I have to prepare for the match and I do not know if I have the time.'

'I do not like ordering in. I had always preferred home cooked meals'.

When she would have protested further, Dean Park helpfully suggested that he could find easily find an assistant to help her. In truth, Dean Park was fond of both HC and SM and was aware of underlying attraction between his two favorite staff.

When they arrived at his apartment building, Dean Park and Chen Sui helped HC into his apartment.

Chen Sui asked HC, 'Do you need to use the toilet, Professor? I can help you if you do.'

'No, thank you. I can still hop on one foot.' He hobbled to the bathroom conveniently forgetting the doctor's orders.

Dean Park said he had to return to the university and asked SM if she would like a lift back. She was not sure what she was supposed to do. She had wanted to go to pick up her things and return to her own place to shower and changed. But she can't leave HC alone because he needs someone to run his bath.

She decided to catch a cab back later. When HC came out of the bathroom, he saw that SM was taking out his clothes from his sports bag.

'I will do your laundry and run your bath for you. You had better sit down and take a rest first'. Without waiting for him to agree, she hurried into the bathroom. She turned on the taps, adjusted the water temperature and went to the sink to splash water on her flushed face.

When the tub was adequately filled, she went back to the living room. HC was reclining on the sofa with his foot propped on a footstool and eyes closed. He looked so young and boyish that SM felt a tug at her heartstrings. She touched his arm to rouse him. He was burning up! She placed her hand on his forehead -- he was running a temperature!

She rushed to the phone to call the doctor. However, the doctor reassured that a mild fever was quite normal under such circumstances. He told SM to get HC into bed and to make sure he took his medication. If his fever did not subside at midnight, she should call him again.

SM tried again to rouse HC, 'Professor?' She patted his cheek lightly to wake him. 'Professor, wake up. You have to take your medicine'.

This time, he opened his eyes. 'You're running a fever. I have to get you into your bed. Come on, you're too heavy for me to lift you -- you have to help me. Please?'

HC slowly got up and SM helped him up by placing her arm around his waist.

'Don't put your weight on your foot -- just lean on me.' She was careful not to touch his wrist.

By the time they reached his bedroom, they were both sweating profusely. When he was in bed, she removed his shoes and went to get a towel from the bathroom.

HC lifted his head from the pillow and asked, 'Where are you going?'

'I'm just going to get a towel to clean you up.' She went into the bathroom, wet the towel and returned to HC's room. She propped pillows behind him and helped him to sit up.

She took the towel and handed it to him. 'Can you clean yourself?'

'I'm too weak. Can you do it for me?'

Although feeling embarrassed at having to touch him so intimately, she could not refuse. After all, his predicament was all her fault. She took the towel and gently wiped his face and his neck. She returned to the bathroom to rinse the towel.

'Can you help me to change this shirt?' He told her to get a fresh shirt for him from his wardrobe.

SM went to his wardrobe and took out a clean shirt and sweat pants. She helped him remove his soiled shirt, keeping her eyes averted from his bare chest.

'What about my pants? I need your help to remove them.

'What?' She sputtered. 'You can't expect me to help you with those?'

'They're uncomfortable. I need to get out of them. Don't worry -- I'm in no state to ravish you'.

'I'll just leave the room and you can take your time to do it, okay?' She would have left the room if he did not start groaning.

'My ankle and my wrist hurt like heck. It would take me the whole night just to remove them'.

'Oh, all right!' SM had to give in. 'Don't you dare tell anyone of this or you'd better believe I would do more than cripple you!' Taking his blanket, she placed it over his lower anatomy.

'Ok, I'm going to place my hands under the blanket and... and... tug off your pants'. SM was blushing furiously.

He merely looked at her without saying a word or helping her out.

'Well?' SM demanded when he did not move a muscle.

'Well what?'

'How am I going to pull your pants off when you're lying on them? Lift up your hips or do something'.

'You don't need the blanket. Just turn off the light and you won't see a thing. But be careful where you place your hands'.

He was laughing at her for being so prudish. Hasn't she seen a man in his underwear?

She took a pillow and threw it at him. 'I'm doing what you wanted me to do and you're mocking me. Fine! You can do it yourself. I'm leaving!'

Before he could say anything, she stormed out of his room, slamming the door behind her. But she knew she could not leave him. She just wanted him to stew a bit for teasing her.

She ignored him when he called out for her to come back. She went to the kitchen and made him some sandwiches. Taking his medication, she placed the sandwiches and a cup of hot chocolate on a tray and went back into his room.

He had switched off the bedside lamp. SM carefully made her way around the dark room and placed the tray on the side table.

In spite of the dark, she could see that he was awake and looking at her. She switched on the lamp.

'Here, I've made sandwiches for you. You have to take your medication after that, okay?'

'Later, I'm not hungry. Sit down'. He patted the bed. 'There's something I've been meaning to say to you but you always seem to be running away.'

'I've never tried to run away', she protested.

'Yes, you did. Do you know why I returned to Korea after so many years in England?'

'Because you were homesick?'

'It was because of you'.

'Me? But we've never met before.'

'Actually, I was here on a familiarization tour a year ago. You didn't notice me but I had noticed you. You were with one of your students and you were laughing at something she had said. And I don't know why but when I saw you, I felt a very strong attraction towards you. A feeling I've never experienced with another woman. Even when I returned to England, I could not forget you. So when Dean Park offered me this position, I jumped at the chance to see you again.'

SM tried to recall having had seen him but could not. If she had seen him, she would not have forgotten a face like his.

Capturing her hand, HC continued, 'I was so smitten when I was introduced to you, I thought I was going to make a fool of myself. But you seemed so antagonistic towards me at first sight. Is it because you do not like me?'

'I don't trust men like you.'

'What do you mean men like me? You haven't even given yourself a chance to know me.'

'I mean men with your kind of looks. Have you seen the trail of swooning women I had to resuscitate in the campus? Are you sure you'd be satisfied being with just one woman?'

HC grinned. 'Ah! You're jealous?' However, in an instant, his expression was dead serious as he said, 'I'm a one-woman man. I need only one woman in my life -- a woman I've been waiting a lifetime for. She's now in front of me -- on my bed and in my life where I hope she will stay forever'.

He looked questioningly at SM. 'Will you?'

'Do you have to ask?'


The End.