The Transfer Student from America
As time passed, the classroom gradually filled up with students. Class 3 had a total of 32 students. The atmosphere was bustling, not much different from what he'd experienced in America. Even though it was a new school year and a new class for third-years, there were bound to be familiar faces, so the students had gathered in groups with their friends, chatting away.
Yoo Min-hoo couldn't recall ever seeing peers his age chattering in Korean like this. The sight felt a bit alien to him.
'And some of that slang sounds pretty weird.'
He wasn't hopeless with Korean, but current slang and trends were a blind spot. Yoo Min-hoo chuckled inwardly.
As he sat there feeling a touch awkward, a few students glanced his way and whispered among themselves.
Among ordinary people, Yoo Min-hoo stood out. He'd been athletic since childhood, with a solid build, and his handsome face only added to it. Back in his previous school days, he'd been pretty popular with the girls. A standout like him naturally became known after three years at any school. The sharper students had already picked up that he was something of an outsider here.
With his chin propped on his hand, gazing out the window, Yoo Min-hoo noticed the teacher who seemed to be their homeroom instructor enter. She looked to be in her mid-to-late twenties, introduced herself as Lee Eun-ji, and smiled warmly. English was apparently her subject.
Lee Eun-ji, who was quite popular with the boys, briefly outlined the day's schedule. There would be an opening ceremony and entrance ceremony in the auditorium shortly, then they'd settle into seats and wrap up classes by late morning.
Listening from his seat, Yoo Min-hoo thought to himself that he could head straight to the baseball team after classes ended.
Soon, the school broadcast announced for everyone to gather in the auditorium. Under Lee Eun-ji's lead, Class 3 headed out. Yoo Min-hoo was at the back of the procession, following the others, when someone tapped his shoulder.
He turned with a puzzled look, and there stood a female student.
"Hey, who are you?"
"What's that supposed to mean all of a sudden?"
Yoo Min-hoo shot back, and the girl grinned.
"You weren't here in first or second year, right? Your face is totally new."
"Ah."
Scratching his head at her words, Yoo Min-hoo replied.
"I'm a transfer student."
"That explains it."
She nodded as if it made sense, flashing a friendly smile as she fell into step beside him.
"I'm Park Soo-yeon. Nice to meet you."
"Yoo Min-hoo. Nice to meet you too."
He introduced himself naturally in return.
"So, where'd you transfer from?"
"America."
"Huh?"
Her eyes widened at the unexpected answer.
"From Seattle."
"America?"
Park Soo-yeon gaped, and Yoo Min-hoo nodded. She stared at him in stunned surprise before her expression shifted to one of curiosity. She then hurried to catch up with her group of friends ahead and started talking about him. It seemed she'd come as their representative to satisfy their curiosity.
Her friends, overhearing as they chatted with her, glanced at Yoo Min-hoo in mild shock before whispering among themselves.
Watching the class buzz, Yoo Min-hoo let out a soft chuckle.
'Kids are cute, alright.'
It might not be something a peer should say, but considering his mental age was 28, it wasn't strange at all.
By the time the opening ceremony—which Yoo Min-hoo found excruciatingly boring—ended and they returned to the classroom, Class 3 was abuzz with talk about him. The students seemed quite intrigued by the transfer student from America. Of course, none had the guts to approach a stranger right away, so they just gossiped among themselves.
The one exception, Park Soo-yeon, who had actually spoken to him, waved and smiled whenever their eyes met.
'She's the popular type.'
Pretty face, great personality. Judging by her all-female friend group and her sharp vibe, she probably excelled at studies too.
As he drew the attention of his classmates, homeroom teacher Lee Eun-ji returned.
"Everyone, quiet down. Time to assign seats."
She clapped lightly to get their attention, had them sit, and decided on the method after hearing suggestions. They settled on a draw.
Yoo Min-hoo drew the back window seat he'd been in originally—no need to move.
As classes ended and students gathered with friends, Yoo Min-hoo was packing his bag when Lee Eun-ji called out.
"Min-hoo, mind coming to the staff room for a bit?"
He looked puzzled but nodded.
"Sure."
Following her to the second-floor staff room, she sat and said,
"It must be a big change from America. Feeling out of place?"
She knew he'd lived in the States, and Yoo Min-hoo replied,
"A little unfamiliar, but I should adapt fine."
"Good to hear."
She nodded, then continued,
"You mentioned skipping night self-study due to family reasons?"
"Night self-study?"
"Yaja—night self-study."
"Ah."
He nodded awkwardly at the unfamiliar abbreviation.
"Yes, I'll have to sit it out."
She nodded again, not prying further. Yoo Min-hoo ventured,
"Teacher, I have a question."
"What is it?"
"I was on the baseball team in America. I'd like to join here too. Should I just go talk to the coach?"
"Baseball team?"
Her eyes widened in surprise. Frowning slightly, she said,
"I don't know about America, but in Korea, high school baseball isn't just a hobby—it's for kids aiming pro. It's tough to join."
Yoo Min-hoo replied calmly,
"That's fine. I came back for injury rehab anyway."
"Pardon?"
Lee Eun-ji's eyes went wide.
"I'm aiming for pro too."
"……."
Blinking at the smiling Yoo Min-hoo, she continued,
"I see. Then talk to the coach first. I had no idea—I'll need to discuss with your parents."
She fidgeted a bit. It was her first year handling third-years, and her rookie nerves showed. Yoo Min-hoo chuckled at her.
After he left, as she looked up his home number, Lee Eun-ji tilted her head.
"Maybe it's because he lived in America? He seems so mature for his age."
Chatting with him had felt like talking to an adult. She just shook her head awkwardly.
North Myeong High's baseball field was tucked behind the main athletic field. The main diamond was covered in artificial turf, with a dirt practice field beside it. Together, they were the largest in Busan. The school chairman, a baseball enthusiast, had invested heavily. The facilities were top-notch.
Entering the practice area, Yoo Min-hoo spotted club members training in the distance and paused. Some were running, others pitching, hitting, or warming up. It looked chaotic at first, but coaches were guiding the key drills professionally.
His expression turned peculiar. The vibe was nothing like he'd expected.
From what he'd heard, Korean and Japanese high school baseball was strict and disciplined. Even teammates from U.S. youth national teams had described it that way. But North Myeong High felt worlds apart—extremely free-form, freer than even American teams.
'Feels just like a pro training session.'
As he mused, someone approached.
"Huh? What brings you here?"
It was a familiar voice—Lee Ho-seok.
Turning, he saw Lee Ho-seok in his baseball uniform.
"Got business with the coach."
"Oh?"
Lee Ho-seok wondered why the American transfer wanted the coach but shrugged it off.
"The club's pretty laid-back, huh?"
"Yeah?"
Lee Ho-seok crossed his arms, surveying the field with a sigh.
"Takes some getting used to for me."
He'd always trained in structured, controlled environments since starting baseball. This self-directed style was alien.
"Feels too loose sometimes."
Scratching his head, he added. Yoo Min-hoo replied,
"You'll get used to it. This freedom might boost skills more in the long run."
"Hm?"
Lee Ho-seok paused, eyeing him.
"You thinking of joining?"
Yoo Min-hoo nodded at his quick read.
"Ah, that explains the build. Pro baller in America too?"
"Something like that."
"Position?"
"Pitcher."
"Nice."
As captain and starting catcher, Lee Ho-seok was thrilled. He knew the coach was stressing over pitchers. Even objectively, their pitching staff had issues.
'Looks like he's got real experience.'
Appraising him without offense, Lee Ho-seok grinned brightly.
"Let's go see the coach first."
Yoo Min-hoo chuckled once more, following the leading Lee Ho-seok.