**TINE'S POV (point of view)**
I stared at my mobile phone while scrolling because there are posts every minute from the Music Club's IG page. But when I saw the post from Sarawat's paper... He is really a heavy joker and a bastard.
How dare he write's that I am his wife?! When did I become his wife?!
I am very confused because all of a sudden, I have a public figure husband. When I think about it, my tears want to flow. I had to chat with the person handling the club's IG to delete the post. Also, I need to think of compensation or some other ways to lure his wives or else... You know what I mean.
It is also good to have hard friends who will console me in times like this. My friends and I went out to eat at a buffet to remove the stress from studying. Puek has never been anywhere, he is just sitting and picking his teeth. Fong and Ohm are totally different. They are standing at the buffet table less than ten meters away but still calling each other via phone like they are long distance. They are making sure that they will taste all the food that was set up on the buffet table.
The comment section from the Music Club is still continuously bouncing up with a lot of people teasing me and some are cursing me.
"I give up. They refused to delete the post." I said it to my friends then let out a deep sigh. The albino faced person beside me stopped my hand from picking my teeth and looked at me with a caring eye. He patted my shoulder a few times before sending a smile and saying...
"Can I have that grilled shrimp, please?"
"Why can't you just get one over there?"
This time, only the chewing and biting sound can be heard from the albino. I guided him to get the shrimp from my plate. He is a very special friend because he has the ability of consoling a distracted mind and turning it into a headache because of his behavior.
"I saw that picture from Sarawat."
I stopped eating for a while because the person beside me broke out the silence again. Right now, I am not turning to look at my friend's face. I just stared at my phone while listening.
"He dares to write what he truly means. He must be really serious."
"His only intention is to bother me. He is not serious." I answered quickly.
"Okay. I understand."
After a while, I saw that the table was quiet until uncomfortable. My friends then talked about something to debate even though the mouth was full of food.
"It is difficult for people to love each other especially during the beginning of the relationship."
"I don't see any difficulties at all. In the past, if I like someone, I will ask her directly."
"It is because you always started it easily and ended it easily as well. Like you dump them just like that."
"But still that doesn't mean that an easy start will be difficult to finish."
"Then tell me, what part of Sarawat is easy when started but is hard until the end?"
"Fuck off!". This damn albino laughed so hard. I can argue with him but he spoke so loud that even the next table looked at us. Whenever they mentioned Sarawat's name, I felt that they always had the trump card.
"He is a good person." He changed the atmosphere.
"You see goodness in him? He is a psychopath!"
"I can say that he is a good person. You see the things he did to you? He never did that to other people. He transforms into another person when you are together." Peuk picked up the porkchop on the stove and placed it on a plate while looking at the phone screen in my hand with interest. It is the same page that had been the problem earlier until now.
"Let me ask the reason why you complained about the photo; is it because you are annoyed or you are embarrassed?"
"Annoyed. I am afraid that others might misunderstood."
"Oh... that means you don't really like him. You guys are not compatible."
"..." Ahhh!
"I think that Sarawat is suitable for a group of stars, or a cute guy. Both of you won't probably work out for sure regardless of how you look." Looks like he added acting and talked too much.
"Yes. I am not suitable for him." This bastard won't lose at all so I won't argue anymore. I don't want my friends to have the ace so I try to show in every way that I don't care about Sarawat.
"By the way, is it true that Green is now under the control of a husband? If that's the case, I'll help you to tell Sarawat to stop messing with you, okay?"
"..." I am so shocked. I don't want that. I just...
"Hey Fong! I have a tough job for you to do." That's it! It is called mobilization. As soon as the two of them started talking, I was not feeling comfortable. They agreed on each other to help me get rid of Sarawat without asking me first. I did not want to interrupt them but because my friends are really organized especially with this kind of matter.
"Are you still planning? I will do it myself." I tried disturbing them.
Gossiping is over until all of our bellies are big because of the buffet and the two liters of sparkling water. I can say that this buffet restaurant gains a lot of profit from people like my friends.
"I'm so full. Let's leave now."
"Fong, I'll send you back."
"It is going to be like that." Fong's dorm is not very far from mine. Therefore, it is better if I'll drive him off to save energy.
The inside of my car is jolly. I played a song by Scrubb and sang some parts of it. Fong is swaying his hand and dancing like crazy.
"I saw Man and Team one day." And all of a sudden, my best friend cut off the music for some talk.
"So what?"
"They said that Sarawat is really serious about flirting with you."
"Wait... What?"
"What do you say?"
"Friends."
"Damn! Only friends?"
"You heard me. Damn! Why?"
"Then let me ask you as my friend, why do you look like more than friends?"
"No. Seriously. We are just friends. Nothing more, nothing less."
"Okay, I understand. They also told me that since you only think of him as a friend, then tell him. There are stars from different faculties who wanted to hit on him. Man told me that they will set up a date with Sarawat and some stars if you don't like him."
"How?"
"What?" Fong narrowed his eyes as if reading my mind.
"Nothing." Please don't make our situation worse. I mean, I think we're fine like this. Right?
"You have to cut him out of your life since your feeling is not the same as his. I will help you deal with him."
"..."
"That is his guitar right?" I shouldn't have bothered giving him a ride. He grabbed the guitar from the back seat.
"Umm."
"I'll return it to him. Let's just buy a new one." I want to cry...
"But... Sarawat gave that to me..."
"It is not okay if you cut him to your life but you still have some of his items. You have to take out all of his belongings. Besides, that is just a guitar. That won't make your hair fall out."
That guitar has my name on it! That is mine so I won't return it. I only thought about it in my heart but I did not dare to say it. My limbs are now weak.
"Do you have Sarawat's number?"
"Yes... Why?"
"I want to talk to him."
"You know what, you guys are thinking too much. I'll handle this myself."
"It is because you are too slow." Is that it? Okay. I stepped on the accelerator of the car and drove fast. Why can't I just tell this guy about how I really feel? Maybe because I am afraid he won't understand or maybe I am afraid that they will tease me non-stop. It is more painful than the wisdom tooth that grew.
And driving as fast as one hundred forty kms won't help at all.
"Fong, I just drove you to your dorm. Get out of the car now." I said anxiously. I grabbed his bag and threw it to him while both my hands were shaking.
"Wait! The guitar. I'll return it to Sarawat."
"I will do it myself."
"I will help you." Fong grabbed the guitar in its neck the same time as I did. I shook my hand, not letting go of my 'Troublemaker Bastard'..
"Sarawat gave this to me so I will return this myself."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah."
"Well then, good night Tine! Mwah!" He did a flying kiss then walked away. Finally, I am in comfort. I breathed and breathed and breathed, catching up with oxygen that was lost because of Fong. I touched my cheek and found some water flowing down my eyes.
I am crying... Why the fuck am I crying?
The next morning, I dragged my body to school. I did not sleep well last night. We have a class at ten o'clock but I haven't done my assignment yet. But you know, I have my friends so I can just copy their work.
"Want some ice cream? Come with me." Ohm said after I finished copying his homework.
"Umm. How about you two?"
"No. We're good.."
Therefore, it is only me and Ohm who walked straight down to the cafeteria because that is the closest shop where we can buy ice cream. I ordered a chocolate chip ice cream. As for the person who invited me, he still ordered the same odd flavor - four flavors in one cone.
"Look, it is the star of the management faculty!" The deep voice of the person beside me drew my attention to a long-haired woman who was standing with her friends not far away.
Yeah. She looks cute. She is also white with a good figure. "That person?"
"Umm... Her friends are screaming because they want her to be in a relationship with Sarawat."
"..." I just stared at her dumbfounded to the point of shaking. Then there was a soft whistle from someone at the back created by the people you know who.
"Oh look, Sarawat is here too! They look cute together, damn!" Ohm continued talking. I feel like my heart is being hammered with nails.
I could only stand and look at the tall man in front who was walking towards the star of the management faculty. He still has the usual deadpan face.
"Damn! They look so perfect."
"..."
"You won't feel anything if they will flirt with each other, right?" Ohm took a lick with his ice cream then...
"He likes you but you don't like him so you have no reason to be hurt."
The round chocolate chip ice cream fell to the floor but I am still holding the cone. The feeling of losing is something like this.
"It fell off. Damn, Tine! You want to buy again?"
"It is not going to be the same. It doesn't have the chunks of chocolate chips now." "But there are more ice cream shops around."
"The flavor won't be the same."
"So you will pick it up on the floor?"
"..."
"If you really like it that much, then don't let it fall next time."
"..."
I can't keep up.
"It is difficult to pick up because it already melted on the ground but at least you still have the cone." Ohm just said this perfectly. I bit the cone but it tastes nothing. While I am chewing bitterly in my mouth, I am still looking at Sarawat who is standing in front of those girls.
"So, how was the taste of the cone without the ice cream?"
"..."
"If you don't want to lose it, you have to protect it."
"..."
"Or else, it won't be the same anymore because it already fell down to the ground."
I thought my head was almost broken. I am not sure if I can handle Sarawat dating other people. I think I'm going to die. This time, I think I need to focus on myself and on what I really feel.
Sarawat called me a few days ago and he invited me to eat and to watch a movie today. The sound of his voice is still so smooth causing me to listen with all my heart because my heart needs more of him to nourish. But this time, I am scared that this might be our last meal and last movie because he might date that star from the Management faculty.
Yeah sorry. I think I watched too many dramas.
This is also the first time in many days that I get to see Sarawat's face again after the post from the Music Club. My mind is being confused this time. While eating, I made sure that I will not look awkward because he might notice that I am thinking of something. While sitting and waiting before the movie starts, I invited him to listen to music.
The movie was terrible because it has a bad ending. I hated it. The leads are afraid that they won't catch up with their lives that's why they separate ways. My tears were about to fall but were stopped immediately upon hearing the request of this person next to me.
"Let's be together."
The moment Sarawat spoke, I was shocked and felt so helpless. The more I saw that he was waiting for an answer, the more I was anxious. I kept on asking myself what I really want. Until I thought of the ice cream...
It fell to the ground and I saw it dissolving. I felt the pain when I saw that the one I wanted was lost and you can't do anything about it. And then I realized, I do not want Sarawat to be that chocolate chip ice cream.
Therefore, I only have one option left...
"Umm... let's be together."
I want him to know that I don't want to lose another chocolate chip to the ground. That's all.
And that made me count the calendar again in months. To be honest, when the movie finished, I wanted to really cut him out of my life and I don't want to talk to Sarawat again - whether phone call or instagram. It was a good plan because on the weekend, he will return to Bangkok to celebrate his brother's birthday so I don't want to bother him. Today, I just got really distracted.
Another reason that is quite embarrassing... I got to know him before without expecting anything from me - I only wanted him to help me get rid of Green. But now, the tables have turned. I realized I needed him in my life. So, shame on me. I am also afraid of being teased. And knowing that I am dating the university's husband, is there a hope that we can close the streets surrounding my dormitory?
"Dude, what now? Are we just gonna sit here?"
"What's your order?" Said Peuk.
We sit and play at the cafe. The atmosphere is crowded with a lot of students relaxing and eating together.
"Go order for us. I am too lazy to think."
"I will order just for myself. I won't buy you anything." As usual, they want me to order for them and won't accompany me at the counter. That's how annoying my friends are. But this time, I will order only for myself. When I went to the counter, a large group of customers came in.
Their footsteps made me turn to look. The chattering noise of the people in the shop resulted in a lively atmosphere.
The person in my eyes walked in slow motion towards the table with his group of friends. He did not look at me. He just sat down on an empty chair.
It was Man who turned to make eye contact with me. He rammed Sarawat's elbow making him turn to look at me. At that moment, my whole world stopped spinning. My heart is beating with a bang like in a concert.
I can only send him a fake smile.
Sarawat did not respond to me. He is just sitting and looking still. He did not smile, did not speak, did not wink, nothing. Shit! Is the first boyfriend I had in my life suffering a disease?
"What is your order?" The staff at the front counter made me fall out of trance. I turned to send a smile and rolled my eyes to think of the menu I need to order.
"Can I have a mocha frappuccino?"
"What size?"
"Large"
"What's the name?"
I raised my eyebrows suspiciously. Now that the shop uses a system like Starbucks, is it really necessary to write the name on the glass? But when seeing the size of the store and the large number of customers, I quickly answered him.
"Tine."
"Please wait a moment."
I nod to understand. I turned to walk back to the table and at the same time, my phone vibrated. My friends sent their orders to me via Line. They are giving me burden right now so I can look bad, as always.
They really love me.
Ohm wanted a strawberry smoothie. Peuk, fresh milk. And Fong orders two scoops of cookies and cream ice cream. Therefore, after reading their orders, I need to turn back at the counter to order again.
Then... the White Lion gang started talking loudly until I heard their conversation.
"Bastard! I was too lazy to order. Arrange an ice espresso for me."
"Me too."
"Faster! He will finish ordering anytime soon!"
"What are you waiting for? Go! Follow him."
White Lion gang is really composed of crazy people. They are sending Sarawat at the counter to tease me without them knowing that... I am really shy right now.
The tall body went straight at the counter and he glanced at me, despite that deadpan face. This is our first meeting after we agreed to be in a relationship. I don't know what to do and I don't know what to say. So, who will talk first?
"Come... Come with your friends?" Just like that, I started the conversation. When will I win from this guy?
"Umm." His answer is very short. Damn it.
"So... I'll go back to my table now." It's better that way, I guess? "
Wait, aren't you going to wait for your drink?"
"I'll get up to get them."
"Stay with me for a while. Let's wait for the order." Then he started ordering their drinks. After his order, I turned to talk to the staff member so I could order for my friends.
"What are the sizes of the cups?"
"All large."
"Should we use Sarawat's name then?"
"Yes." Wow. Even the staff remembered his name. This is terrifying.
"Classes are over?" It is already two o'clock. If I remember correctly, Sarawat doesn't have any afternoon class that's why they went here to relax.
"Umm." "
"..."
"Are you going to practice today?"
"Don't you have football training?"
"Will practice for a match. Don't forget to cheer for me."
"Okay." At that time, I had to stand in the zone beside the field as always. Being a cheerleader is tiring but there are some things that can make you feel refreshed such as...
"I don't know what to say." Sarawat said. Don't say that because we are the same.
"Umm."
"I am so shy."
"..."
"I also have a cute boyfriend."
"..."
"I am speechless."
Damn! My heart just exploded. My body will break any moment from now. I can only stand and look at the floor and the ceiling while my heart and my mind is having these various feelings. I did not know that having a boyfriend - a strange and weird one, will make you feel weak.
I don't know if he also feels what I am feeling but I really can't control this anymore.
"Tine, your order is ready." Finally! The mocha frappuccino is my hero this time.
"How much?"
"Fifty five baht."
While I am getting money from my wallet, what I saw on the counter is a hideous act of the person next to me. This bastard bent down to drink half of my order while staring at me. Is he serious? Is he that thirsty that he can't wait for his order? Then...
"Sarawat, here are your orders."
"I drank it already so this is mine now. I'll pay you later."
"You don't have to."
"Don't be stubborn." Sarawat then walked back to his table while giving me a nod. He also took my mocha frappuccino and left me with nothing.
Sarawat and our table are not far apart. Of course, many people are interested in him so there are a lot of people secretly taking pictures, gossiping, and screaming lightly back and forth. But Sarawat is not doing anything aside from sitting and sipping his drink with his usual cute, I mean, deadpan face.
"What is the progress on your relationship now?" Ohm questioned me but I just shrugged and refused to answer him.
"What? You really want that mocha drink?" After a while, the sound coming from the White Lion's table echoed in the restaurant. They have a very cheerful voice and seem like everyone is having fun.
"It should be mocha frappuccino. Otherwise, he will not drink it."
"What? The person who brought this is cute?"
"He is too cute? Eyyy!" Are they talking about me?
"You are not as cute as him, okay?"
"You evil bastards." That was the moment when I saw Sarawat's thick hand whipping his friends' heads until Man can't bear to call me too loud.
"Tine! Help me! Help us!"
I just sent them a middle finger. They are all playing like children. The whole store was looking at them before everything turned to normal. They kept on teasing each other until...
Ting!!
My attention was caught by a notification from my phone. They are now teasing in IG.
Man_maman
Whoever gave this drink to my friend #ThankYou
A picture of my drink that was taken by Sarawat placed on the table was posted on IG. Man and his gang were tagged. The problem is, why do they have to tag me as well?
@KittiTee
Go and talk to him to say thanks
Boss-pol
@Man_maman You go over there
@Man_maman
Let me go to play at that table. I will go sit with him.
"Fuck off!"
"Uhh! That hurts!". That one syllable word coming from Sarawat's low voice made his gang laugh so hard. I think it is normal in this store. However, my three friends joined their conversation on IG. I thought they were going to post something like 'what the hell is wrong with this person' on IG but I am wrong. So, I just sighed deeply.
I am just sitting and taking photos of the atmosphere of the shop and checking Instagram. At least I don't have to be distracted by a lot of things because to be honest... I am still shy.
@Tine_chic
@milkbox1998 Mocha frappuccino here is very delicious
@Bigger330
Is that drink free or not?
@I.ohmm
Wait! Is there anything I missed?
@Thetheme11
Come and join us at our table.
Few minutes later, my Instagram feed had another image that popped up on my timeline. It is the same picture of the shop, but in a different angle. Most importantly, it came from that person.
@Sarawatlism
Cute
@Man_maman
Very good. Go ahead and tell him directly.
@Bigger330
What are you doing?
@January_jam
What?
@wiper.few
are you at this cafe? I'll go there.
@Thetheme11
Trash! Say it right to his face.
@Boss-pol
Bastard weakling
@KittiTee
coward
This time, Sarawat turned to look at me and his friends alternately. Don't play pranks on me. Don't.
"Let me see a brave man. Come on. Stop being a coward."
At that time, I quickly turned my face to the other side of the table, checking my phone and at the same time, sweating. I am praying in my heart that Sarawat will not walk straight to me. But everything went wrong.
The tall body stood here. I looked up to him and he still had no emotion on his face. The While Lion smiled together before the low tone with some soft sensation said something...
"Tine"
"What?"
"Stop being so cute. My friends are making fun of it."
"..." What did I do wrong?
"Do you have anything to say to my friend, Sarawat?" This time, the voice came from the person behind me who keeps on messing up with my business.
"I can't control my friends so I have to control what's mine." He answered in a smooth voice.
"What do you mean? I don't understand."
"This is my boyfriend."
"Huh?!"
"He is my lover so he is mine."
"Really?"
It was then my secret world had collapsed leaving no good pieces. My heart...
Ohm, Peuk, and Fong were teasing me for hours. They look excited and do some parody copying me as a difficult person while Sarawat is hitting on me. Later in the evening, Sarawat asked me to help him find a practice room. My friends then enjoyed teasing me and making some faces.
It also looks like the White Lion gang is ready to transform as The Marvel Avengers, ready to protect me and Sarawat. This may sound funny but this is a good thing for me because I'm pretty sure I'll be dead if the national husband's wives knew about us.
And speaking of that, it comes to an agreement that both parties should be quiet about this. Nobody should know what our relationship is. We have to keep this in private.
"Are you looking for a practice room here?" Our status changed so the feelings changed as well.
"Umm. Let's use the club building. Let's not waste time asking for permission."
"What about your bandmates?"
"I already made an appointment. They will come."
So we sat in the basement of the club building. There, I hugged my DC-16 Martin guitar while the tall person only sat still. He grabbed two boxes of milk and handed me the other one.
To be honest, I am not used to this boyfriend-like condition. "What do you want to eat later?"
"I don't know."
"This milk doesn't taste good. I think your milk from your boobs taste better." He said while staring at me.
"Stop being naughty!"
"I am serious."
"Damn you." I grabbed the straw which was plugged into the milk box and stuffed it again. I don't want to listen to him. I want to talk a lot because I am afraid I will fall into his trap. Before dating, he is already perverted and naughty... what more when we are now dating. Maybe, it is more advanced than just kissing.
"You still want to eat together?" Yeah, I still ask him.
"No." It is not surprising why Sarawat is as tall as the Baiyok building. When I went to his room, I saw a box of milk lined up in packs behind the fridge.
"What song will you play in this year's contest?"
"Songs of Scrubb."
"I like that!"
"We will change to other bands then."
"Are you sure you can play a lot of songs? Just play one!"
"You're so noisy. I'll kiss you if you won't shut up."
"Fuck off."
Being in a relationship is not about a matter of saying flowery words, just like today. His answers are still obscenely the same as before. But this time, he has the privileges so I am afraid if he will really do what he is saying.
I don't want to argue with Sarawat anymore so I just picked up my earphones and stuffed it on my own ears. I listen to some songs to kill the time. Sarawat then happily gave me his box of milk. What are you saying? I can't hear anything because the music is loud.
But honestly, I don't want to hear it.
After a while, a thick hand poked my shoulder. You see, I don't care. I heard him gently creeping into my ear but I couldn't hear what he was saying. I am just happy listening to music and teasing him like this.
"..."
"I don't know what you are saying." I went back to focus on my music.
"..."
"Uhh." I answered him without me knowing what he's asking.
For a second, my face was held by thick hands before pressing his lips down deeply. His hot tongue quickly penetrated inside my mouth. I can clearly taste the sweetness of milk from his mouth. In fact, it felt good to have his hands supporting my face or else I will faint here. I am trembling until unable to control it all, letting him lead this moment.
Shit. His tongue is as hard as a rock.
I am dying. Gosh! I won't be naughty anymore. I won't pretend that I don't hear you anymore. I will listen to every word that you say.
"Hey, my friend. Have you waited for a long time?" Damn!
I accidently swallowed my own saliva when the other person broke away. The air that tried to seize me made me unable to breathe normally. I can only look at Sarawat's face at this time.
"If you don't listen to me again, I will destroy your lips."
Fortunately, they did not see us. In fact, they just helped me to break away from this bastard. If they did not show up, I'm not sure what would happen.
"Oh, you're here." I laughed with tears. I looked at his sharp face. He then sneaked his tongue out and licked the corner of his mouth while smiling at me erotically.
Damn bastard.
"Tine, what's wrong? Why are you blushing?" The lead singer of Ctrl S spoke before I stood up and acted as if nothing happened.
"No... nothing at all. We were just sitting here and waiting. We did not do anything."
"Erm... is that so?"
"Yeah."
"I don't believe you."
"..."
"Is that a milk in your mouth?"
"..." I lifted my hand to touch the corner of my mouth before turning to look at Sarawat's face. I want to kick this bastard now. He's deliberately gossiping about me in a way that I'm able to hear.
"He's a grown up buffalo and still drinking milk like a child."
"Well, it is part of growing up. Let him go!" Oh! Bastard! You did this to me and then left me sorry about this Thai-Denmark milk that I didn't buy but got a chance to taste without meaning to. Oh, my heart. Damn you!
The group is now complete. We walked down to the practice room and I was the last to enter the room. I knew all the members of the group.
Currently, Temem is the lead singer. There are two guitarists, Sarawat and Earn. The bassist is a woman who has been with the band since the beginning, Jan. Keyboard is Nont and drums is Boom.
I know everyone's duties as well. But like the villagers, they don't know why I am inside the room. They all know I am just a beginner.
"Tine wants to see us practice." And just like that, Sarawat knew what I was thinking.
"Oh."
"No worries. I won't bother you at all. I will just sit still." I told everyone to make them comfortable.
"Let us help each other to decide what song to choose for the contest."
"We need to think of two songs for the qualifiers. A slow and a fast song."
"What did Sarawat recommend?"
"Here. I got it all."
They sat in a circle and debated back and forth for ten minutes. I separated myself to sit in the corner of the room quietly because I am not a member of their band. Sarawat turned to look from time to time before handing over his own phone for me to play. My mobile phone had no battery an hour ago and he knew that I was getting bored.
And we all know that I am not going to play a game. I will explore his IG and his messages. Though I won't be surprised about the number of messages and comments on his phone. That's given as the national husband.
I slide the screen of his phone. My eyes then stumbled upon the identity of someone who had been chatting with him for several days. I know this guy and he knows me as well. He is the one and only president of the Music club - P'Dim.
@Sarawatlism
Please delete Time's photo for me.
@DimDis
I won't delete that. This is your handwriting, not his.
@Sarawatlism
I'm afraid he wil be mad at mw.
@DimDis
Then what are you afraid of? Oh, he's texting me too. You two are so perfect for each other.
@Sarawatlism
Please dwlete it. I'm afraid he'll cry
@DimDis
Really? Why are you so scared? Why do you care so much?
Are you really serious?
@Sarawatlism
I've had a crush on hin for a long tine now.
I don'r want to lose him P'Dim I'n serious this tome.
@DimDis
But you wrote that.
@Sarawatlism
...
I lifted my head to look at Sarawat then suddenly, my hands trembled. Why do I feel like I am about to cry? I don't know. Once he saw that my tears started to fill up, he quickly walked in front of me, squatting. He then spoke with a soft voice.
"What's wrong?"
"..." I did not answer. I don't know what to say.
"Do you want to leave?" I shook my face and held his shirt until it was wrinkled.
"You really do like me that much?"
"I won't ask you to be my boyfriend if I'm not."
"I am not used to this."
"Then why are you crying like a little child? Do you want to be breastfed by me?" I hurriedly shook my head the moment I heard it. This bastard.
"Go to your friends now. I am now scared of you."
He then went back to his bandmates. I allowed myself to accept the terms that he has lustful behaviors for a moment, then I began scrolling messages again. And then, I read a deep message from their conversation.
@DimDis
Ah! I will delete it for you. But I want to tease Tine.
@Sarawatlism
Thank yiu
@DimDis
Alright. I want to show you Tine's answers.
I intended to give him the paper that has your name on it.
@Sarawatlism
Thank yiu
@DimDis
I am bored of you. Go thank yiu somewhere else! Here!!
It was then that I saw my answer appear in their instagram chat again.
"Sarawat = Lustful"
Shiiittt!
The practice room has been booked for the next session but his bandmates still can't decide on what song to perform. But they need to separate now because Sarawat still has another appointment for tonight...
Training football and studying.
Their match is fast approaching so they have to practice really hard. Aside from that, the final exam as this semester is about to finish next month. "I'll go training now. Should I go to your room afterwards?" "Umm."
"Do you want me to bring you back to your dorm?"
"No need."
His bandmates departed already leaving me and this tall guy inside the room. We turned off the lights and turned off the air conditioner quietly. When we walked out of the room, we saw a group of seniors waiting outside.
Damn, they are the same gang that smashed my mouth too much. Sarawat saw me shaking so he came to cover me first. In front of someone, another senior popped up and he looked familiar. It was P'Mil, the guy who took a selfie with me.
"We are trying to look for a practice room nearby so we get in." The man standing is wearing an architecture uniform. He then slapped the shoulder of the person in front of me while sending an unfriendly smile.
"Thank you."
"Looks like you and I will meet again. Next week's final match is coming."
"..."
"See you then."
~
The real chaotic day begins in the morning. Since the university has a lot of activities, all teaching and learning activities are suspended. University sports league is also coming to an end. Basketball and volleyball finals started from ten o'clock in the morning.
I have to do cheerleading, of course. We have been practicing since morning in the basement of the Faculty of Humanities. We danced to the song after song until sweat covered our body with only a few minutes of resting. We don't have much time left because we must quickly change clothes and wait for seniors to put on make-up on our faces again.
Since I don't have time to eat lunch, my belly is now shouting for food. After they put make-up on my face, I sip water to hurry and practice again with my friends.
Sarawat came to see me at the building. He wore the same white shirt of Political Science that he had always worn. Only this time, he did not bring his footbag.
"I have to rest for five minutes then I'll go practice again." I sat next to the tan man. I saw from his hand a delicious tuna sandwich.
"Why do you need to put on make-up again?" He squinted and stared at me from head to toe.
"Why do you need to put on a deadpan face again?"
"To look handsome."
"I am handsome."
"Have you eaten anything yet? Sandwich?"
"Thanks." I removed the plastic wrap slowly before biting because I cannot contain my hunger. I need to ask for a senior to apply lipstick again because I need to eat this wholeheartedly.
"Are you sick? Why is your face so pale?"
"They have to make my face look soft."
Well in fact, I am really not feeling well. I am now starting to have a stomach ache again. I think I couldn't eat anything because my stomach won't accept anything. "What time is the match?"
"Three in the afternoon."
"Oh. See you." The cheerleaders must dance to the song before the football match. In the meantime, we have to be on the sideline to stand the zone and to show many trivial performances.
"Please cheer me up." Sarawat spoke softly while reaching for my hand and staring at me, making puppy eyes.
"Umm. Let's win this."
"If I will win, what will you give me?"
It is here again. The lustful ghost possessed him again.
"I don't have to give you anything. You will receive the cash prize when you win!"
"Does that even matter? That one, we must divide within the team. I want to have something special from you, alone."
"What do you want?"
"Can I kick a ball into a goal with you alone in the room?" He then smiled lustfully.
"You don't have to kick the goal in my room because I will beat you up if you do that to me."
"Please? Just get to score a goal."
"Still."
"It will be a fun game."
"No!"
"Making you unable to walk sounds like a good idea."
"Stop talking about this!" I want to slap him upside down here. Until P'Led called to practice and chase after Sarawat.
The time comes and everyone moves into the outdoor stadium on the stands full of people on both sides of the court.
In the middle, there are players from architecture warming up their bodies. Sarawat sat with his friends. He glanced at me for a moment before turning to focus on the game with his coach and his team.
Five minutes for the architecture team to go back to their side, then the cheerleaders will do their job. The song used in the opening was the march of the university.
It is really hard dancing in this sunny afternoon. It is very hot and it makes everyone sweat run loose until it covers the face. After we left the field, I inhaled a balm and applied an oil all over my body because my body is really tired. Imagine, I just have to raise both arms straight but it is shaking.
But I am a person with high spirit. I don't want them to know that I am not feeling well. So, I forced myself to pass through the crowd to watch the game.
The sound of the whistle began with the kicking of the ball from one side of the player. On the stand, there was an interrupted scream from people with badges, signages, and posters supporting their faculty.
"Number twelve sends the ball to number seven."
SCREAMS!
"Go Sarawat! Fight!"
"White Lion! White Lion! White Lion!"
"Archi Fighting! Archi Fighting!"
"Right now, Political Science is in possession of the ball... They send to midfield... Number four... Right wing rushing to pick up... Dragging the ball... Boom! Goodbye!" the commentator himself seems insanely cheering with the team.
"Are you ready? Stand in the zone!" What? We have to stand in the zone again? I am really tired.
"Tine, are you okay?" A senior asked me. I hurriedly stood up, shook my head to refuse.
"I'm fine."
"If you are not okay, tell me."
"Sure." Really, I am feeling a little better than earlier. I am confident that there won't be a problem until the end of the game. The cheering song began and we danced again. Song after song after song.
Until now, twenty minutes had passed. The football field is undergoing a full session of the music from the cheerleading team under the sun.
Peep!
The sound of a long whistle was a signal indicating the event ahead. Someone on the Political side fell to the ground.
Boss...
And after that, the game became more intense. Peep!
Four minutes later, another senior from the White Lion was carried away from the field. P'Mil... this person received a red card due to a foul twice. But after seeing its face, it seems like he is not regretting what he did.
The game continued and it is getting more intense than before.
I saw Sarawat run in the middle of the field fall many times but could rise up and continue playing.
My ears started ringing. The sunrays coming from the sun are so bright that it almost looked invisible. My arms were shaking so bad. I want to let it fall apart but I can't do it. I did not hear even the music that was on. I didn't even know what position I am doing now. Sweat is dripping on my face and my skin is burning.
Fighting!
But my body can't handle it anymore...
Peep!
Sarawat's body fell down in the middle of the field with my legs unable to stand the same shape. The image in front of me is changing from dark to bright alternately. I tried to scream and stood myself up but the seniors who are standing nearby swoop in and call my name.
"Nong Tine... Nong Tine!"
"..."
"Staff! He is not okay. Take him to sit under the shade."
My body was supported by someone's thick arm and dragged me into the footballer's area on the sidelines. My eyes are blurry and I can't see clearly, but I knew who it was.
P'Mil gradually unbuttoned my shirt but then his body suddenly disappeared from my sight. It was then replaced by someone who's breathing heavily and holding my face gently.
"Tine..."
"Sarawat?"
"The fuck? The football match is still on. How can you come here?" Another voice from someone rang beside my ears. My face is pressed gently with a cold white towel.
"Move away!"
"Let go of Tine so I can take care of him myself!"
"He is my boyfriend so fuck off!"
He made me feel like fourteen when I had my first girlfriend...