That's My Woman

*James POV*

The announcement about the public lecture by Prof. Laura which will be held at the FKH auditorium via live video streaming directly from Bangkok is on the notice board in the main lobby of the campus next to the postgraduate scholarship announcements which are usually posted there.

James read it with his best friend Deon after they left the campus library. James already knew that Laura was working on diagnosing the KHV case in Thailand because the girl always talked about her daily activities there every time they made a video call. It was just that he was quite surprised by the announcement that Laura would be giving a lecture at the University of Bangkok.

This is not an easy thing, it takes mental strength as strong as steel when presenting a research result in front of hundreds of people in an international class. That girl is really awesome!

"Woiiii! Just daydream James," said Deon, who was standing next to him reading the announcement of Prof Laura's seminar on the board.

James was a bit startled because his mind was traveling. "Damn, I'm surprised Deon!"

James walked to room 101 where their next lecture was. Deon trailed behind James trying to equalize James's wide and fast pace.

"Woaahh the handsome Brother James is passing by."

"Insanely cute he is, like a K-Pop star."

"Make me have a crush, yes, the nose is very sharp."

The whispers of the female student sitting along the corridor leading to room 101.

James could hear it clearly but he didn't respond to a single one and just wore his usual flat face. Deon also heard whispers of admiration directed at his friend and burst into laughter when he arrived at room 101.

"Ahahahaaa ... please, James, you have a lot of fans, just give me one," Deon joked while hitting James on the back playfully.

James looked at his friend with a smile and raised eyebrows. "Interest? Take it all, why only one?"

Deon pursed his lips as he snorted. "I don't look like a K-Pop star," said Deon, imitating his younger sisters generation's words.

"Plastic surgery ... make it looks like a K-Pop star," said James teasing his friend.

"You're mocking, you're mocking!" Deon exclaimed as he raised his fist to punch James.

They laughed together.

Not long after, the Veterinary Public Health lecturer entered the crowded class and room 101 suddenly went silent. The Veterinary Public Health lecture lasted almost 2 hours and was boring.

After the Veterinary Public Health lecture, James immediately rushed to the auditorium because Laura's public lecture would start in ten minutes, he didn't want to be late. Deon stumbled after James who walked so hastily to the auditorium.

"Bro, just wait! It's like being chased by a demon, the way is really fast!" Deon shouted from behind

James who did not pay attention to what his friend said. So Deon ran out of breath and was covered in sweat when he arrived at the almost crowded auditorium.

James did not expect the attendance to be so overwhelming like this. Almost all FKH UGM lecturers are in the auditorium and students of various levels also don't want to miss seeing the live streaming of public lectures from abroad which is the first time held by their beloved campus.

James and Deon were lucky to be seated in the third row from the front in the center of the room. James wanted to see clearly the girl he missed desperately.

Finally the awaited moment arrived, the live streaming video began to appear on the giant projector screen in the auditorium. James's heart was beating fast, feeling the tension that his lover might be feeling there. James was worried that Laura would get nervous and shake or at worst faint with all the attention on Laura right now.

The girl was standing on the pulpit in a red Chakkri (Thai traditional dress) dress with a golden pattern with wavy brown hair adorned with gold hairpins on the right and left sides of her head. Laura looked like a goddess from heaven who came down to earth.

"Sawadikap," Laura said smiling as she crossed her arms gently in front of her chest with her head slightly lowered.

"Thank you for the chance that given to me, Professor Gwendolyn Laura Carson for sharing my experiences here. Thank you for hospitality and supports from all Thai colleagues in University of Bangkok so we can solve the problem in King Palace fish pond. Today I will represent Koi Herpes Virus case including the way to identify the virus from samples until the treatment of disease. Please kindly keep your question after I finish the presentation. Khob Khun. Thank you," Laura said smoothly without any hesitation or stage fright, her voice is so confident.

James felt a sense of pride welling up in his chest and felt his eyes well up a little. That's my woman, James thought. Not a random woman, a very special woman.

The public lecture lasted for about half an hour with Laura's full presentation followed by a question and answer session by the public lecture participants from Thailand which Laura responded very well. Laura's very explicit explanation made FKH UGM lecturers nod their heads in agreement with what Laura said.

The public lecture finally ended and the live streaming video stopped. Participants in the public lecture in the auditorium also left the room, including James and Deon.

Many of the compliments on Laura were heard by James as he walked out of the auditorium. He smiled to himself too.

"Deon, I'm going home first, bro, I have important business ...," said James looking for an excuse because he wanted to call Laura.

"Ohh okay okay Bro. Take care." Deon replied, patting James on the back.

James walked to his car in the parking lot, put down his backpack and dialed Laura's number. He even suddenly became nervous after seeing Laura teaching a public lecture earlier. It wasn't long before Laura's voice greeted him.

"Hello, Baby Boy!" said Laura.

James smiled at Laura's excited voice.

"Hello, My Honey. Have you just finished teaching?"

Laura was surprised to hear James's question.

"How do you know, Babe, when I just finished teaching here?"

"Hahaha, you know, Honey. I also attended your lecture because just now.... Your Chakkri dress is so beautiful, Honey," answered James.

"Good grief!" cried Laura in surprise.

"Your lecture was broadcasted live in the FKH UGM auditorium as well," said James explaining why he knew Laura's Chakkri dress.

Laura was still a little shocked by the fact that she was teaching lectures in two new countries without her knowing it and she laughed out loud when she realized how crazy the lecture really was.

"Ohhh Honey, when are you coming home? I've missed you half to death now," James said pitifully.

Laura giggled at James's question. This big baby misses her so much. Laura also replied, "I took a plane at 4 this afternoon, Honey, from Bangkok, I immediately got off at Jogja. Want to pick me up?"

"Of course, Honey. I'll be waiting for you at the airport," said James quickly.

Laura burst out laughing at James's spontaneous answer and said again. "The flight is about 6 hours, it could be more, My Dear, don't leave for the airport too early or you'll get tired of waiting too long."

"Okay. Don't worry about me, Honey. Take care Honey, I'm waiting for your return." James messaged before ending the call.

"See you later, Baby Boy!" Laura replied.

James also drove his car back to the Intercontinental Residence. The weather that afternoon was a bit cloudy in Jogja. James hoped the flight would be safe and smooth so he could see Laura again.