The Teacher and the Noodle Master

"Trust me—that’s life-changing!"

(Scene: 2C Classroom at T.K.S.S., Hong Kong. A Friday afternoon, 2019. The bell rings, and students flood out of the classroom, laughing and chatting. YOU, a 23-year-old Teacher, sit at your desk, sorting papers. KIN, a lively student, jogs over, his face beaming with excitement.)

Kin: Ms. Chan-Chan! You have to come to the game tomorrow! It’s the FINAL! It’s gonna be epic!

You: Oh, you want me there that badly?

Kin: It’ll be amazing! Our senior team is on fire this year. And Kung and Wai—they’re unstoppable!

You: Kung, huh? You mean the guy who pretends to be my age but shows up to school in uniform?

Kin: (laughs) Yeah, that’s him! Captain didn’t know you’d be teaching here. He said you look so young.

You: (smirks) Did he now? Well, thanks for that. So, this game really means a lot to you, doesn’t it?

Kin: Of course! I’ve watched all their games. They’re like basketball "senseis" to me, teaching me drills, tricks—everything!

You: Alright, alright. If it’s that important, I’ll come. But fair warning—I don’t know much about basketball. Don’t laugh if I cheer at the wrong time.

Kin: Deal! Ms. Chan, you won’t regret it! It’s gonna be the BEST game ever!

You: I’ll hold you to that.

(Kin runs off to join his friends. You lean back in your chair, smiling at his boundless energy. Always basketball, always practicing in the schoolyard—it’s clear the senior team means the world to him.)

You: He’s so passionate. It’s rare to see that these days. I wish I…

(You catch yourself mid-thought and shake your head. You rise, pack your bag, and head to the corridor. As you walk, you glance at the afternoon sky, lost in thought.)

You: Two years here already. Feels like I was a student myself just yesterday. And now… here I am, making memories with my students.

(You head downstairs to the teacher’s office, a wistful smile lingering.)

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(Flashback: Noodle Shop, Summer 2018. The cozy noodle shop is filled with chatter and the clink of bowls. You sit at a corner table, sipping iced lemon tea. Behind the counter, KUNG, wearing a slightly oversized apron, darts between taking orders and delivering steaming bowls of noodles.)

Kung: Alright, first-timer. What’s it gonna be? Trust me—everything’s good. But the spicy beef noodles? That’s life-changing.

You: Life-changing, huh? Bold claim. Alright, I’ll trust you this time.

Kung: Smart choice. One life-changing bowl coming right up.

(You return to the shop a few times that summer, drawn by Kung’s easygoing nature. Over time, you learn that Kung’s family owns the place and that he’s been working there since he was a kid.)

You: So, you’re running the whole show now? Think you’ll open your own place one day?

Kung: Someday, maybe. For now, I’m just the guy in the apron.

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(Flashback: First Day of School, September 2018.)

(You walk across the school playground, taking in the sights of students chatting and laughing. Suddenly, you spot a familiar face—Kung, now in uniform. Both of you freeze, wide-eyed.)

You: (blinking) Noodle Master? What’re you doing here?

Kung: Why… studying. What’re you doing here?

You: Working.

Kung: (in disbelief) You’re a teacher?

You: You’re… a student?

Kung: (laughing) Guess I look older than I am.

(The shock quickly fades into shared amusement. From that day, your conversations become more professional, though part of you misses the carefree chats at the noodle shop that summer.)

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(Scene: Inter-Secondary School Basketball Competition, the Final. That Saturday evening, 2019.)

(The Stadium buzzes with excitement. Students wave banners and chant slogans for the school team. Kin and his friends weave through the crowd, leading you to your seat.)

Kin: There he is! Kung! Look at him warming up!

(You follow Kin’s finger to Kung, who’s running drills with laser focus. His movements are sharp, controlled, commanding attention.)

Kin: Kung! Over here!

(Kung catches Kin’s shout, looks up, and his face breaks into a smile. He waves.)

Kung: (shouting over the noise) Ms. Chan! You came!

You: This stubborn boy from your fan club wouldn’t take "no" for an answer. Besides, I’m curious to see you play. Good luck out there, Kung!

Kung: Thanks! It means a lot to me.

You: Show them what you’ve got, Captain!

(He holds his fist in the air and flashes a confident smile before turning back to his team, the energy between them palpable.)

(As the players take their positions and the crowd roars, you feel a thrill of anticipation. Tonight feels like more than just a game. It’s their last chance to play together as a team before they graduate. All the hard work, the moments they’ve shared—it’s all coming together now.)

(Posted on 16.1.2025)

#TeacherStudentRomanceStory