Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 17

Mike's POV

Waiting on the bench outside, near the music org room, students are already filing out one-by-one. Standing up as I spot my baby boo went out of the door. Hurriedly strapping my bag, going to him. I also see Krist, that looks gloomy, followed by Podd and Bas, who's scowling. 'Why are they looking like that, like they're having a heated fight inside? Did something happen? Even my baby does not look good.'

"What happened to you?" I asked them. Bas looks at me with his scowling face, next to him is Pod, also with the same expression.

Bas points at me, still with his brows furrowed. "Not a word." As he huffs, stomping his foot while dragging Krist out, who also looks like a kid being scolded for eating sweets without permission.

"What's wrong with them?" My Toptap asks. 'Oh, I thought they were in a meeting? How come he doesn't know what happened?'

"I should be the one asking that. I was not there when things happened. Pod, what happened? Why were they behaving like that? Did something happen at the meeting?"

Podd inhaled then exhaled deeply while closing his eyes, maybe calming his nerves. 'Now, what really happened inside? I need the deets!'

"Just don't ask me. I'm really not in the mood to recollect what happened earlier. Please excuse me, I still have other business to attend to. Later, guys." Podd said, walking away, leaving Toptap and I dumbfounded.

"Okay, what’s with the attitude? Bitchy much?" I scoffed at their behavior. I look at my baby beside me, also with a distress face.

"Baby, what's wrong? What happened inside in your meeting?" I asked, cupping his face. He pouts and sighs.

"It happened, baby. P'Godt regrouped us again, and I'm in a different group now. Good thing P'Guy is still with me, though. Then P'Lee and Sing is with us, too, and a freshman. Although it isn't really that bad, it's not that great either. So, yeah. That's what happened in mine." He sighed looking at me.

He raised his brows, with a baffled face, "I don't know why they were like that either. I was also upset with the new arrangement but, I don't have any other choice. Maybe they were also unhappy."

I kissed his pouting lips. "Maybe. So, you really don't have any idea what happened to those bitchy friends of ours?" I asked, holding his hand, walking through the hallway, going out.

Toptap shook his head. "Nope. I mean, I don't get why would they be upset. They're in one group, unlike me. They even have P'Godt and also a freshman in their band."

Rubbing my thumb on Toptap's hand, telling him that I'm still here for him. He looks at me and I smiled at him widely, returning his smile.

"You know next time, please don't say something or anything so tactless for that matter. You kind of jinxed us of what happened earlier. If maybe, you didn't mention about regrouping, then maybe it won't happen." My baby said as he pats my cheek and walks ahead of me.

I was left there dumbfounded. I went out of my thoughts when Toptap laughed loudly. "Baby! You know that's not what I wanted to happen! I was just thinking of possibilities so that we would know what to do when that possibility happens. Just like this! At least you get to prepare yourself for any inevitable things." I said, catching up to him.

He kissed my cheek and smiled. "I know, you little overthinker. Thank you, for always being there for me. I love you, my baby boo."

"I love you too, my baby boo! And yes, I'm your little overthinker." I proudly said, winking at him.

Toptap lightly pushed me, shying away as I notice he begins to blush. 'Ugh! My heart! I think it's going to explode because of his cuteness!'

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Bas's POV

'How does being discreet, going to be a hard thing to do for those sappy little motherfuckers, who by the way, are eye-fucking the entire group meeting, with not just me as an audience, but THREE of us! And you know what's worse? Please! Ask me! Even if you don't ask, I'll tell you. That's right! None other than Podd and P'Godt! I know Podd has been having this intense crush on Krist since our freshman year, but too coward to confess. Well, P'Godt on the other hand, I thought it was just a special treatment because Krist is our VP in the music org. But nooo... He does that fucking special treatment is because he also has these special feelings for my friend, who all of you knows that my friend is one dense piece of shit when it comes to people who likes him, unless being confessed head-on and personally. That's how he can identify and differentiate being friendly and flirting with him. Ugh! So much stress!'  

I massage my temple as I ranted inside my head because obviously, I can't scold this fucker, sitting far away from me. I look at him, side-eyed. I furrowed my brows more when he sighed loudly for the nth time.

'What could he be sighing for, right now? I should be the one sighing loudly with all the drama unfolded earlier!' He sighed again and I can't help it that I turned to him. "Oh, for fuck's sake, Krist! Stop sighing! I'm the one who should be stressed here, while you're here, slumped, moping like some kid who didn't get his favorite candy in the candy shop!"

He flinched when I suddenly screamed at him. He lowered down his head and was about sigh again when I held both his shoulders and turn his body to look at me. "What do you want to do, now? It seems like Podd has already an idea that you like someone, and a guy for that matter." I said, tapping my foot anxiously.

Krist looks at me and asked, “Wait, don't tell me Podd's homophobic? I don't like that kind of people." His voice low, getting worked up.

I rolled my eyes. "No, you idiot! I thought you're keeping your relationship a secret and yet, you both were so obvious like the daylight, that even the group next to ours can see you and Bright were flirting and eye-fucking. Krist! You know he is the most sought out hottie in the campus this year. Everyone, and I mean, every student with eyes and ears, can see and hear you both. Do you understand what I am trying to say?!" I asked shaking him, to juggle his mind, maybe to let him see the obvious reasons.

"I can't help it, okay?" He whined, rolling back his head. "He was so dreamy earlier and it also didn't help that I felt excited and giddy that we would be in one band and then make music together and have more time with him! You know what I mean?! I get to be with him without hiding anything!" Krist enthusiastically said, with his eyes sparkling, his cheeks slowly blushing.

I look at him in disbelief. 'That's what he's been thinking the entire time? I can't believe this kid. Here I am stressing over his secret love life, while he's thinking of exposing it to the whole campus, heck! To the whole world if that's not obvious enough!'

"So, what you're trying to say is that you're ready to tell, not just our friends, but also the whole campus that you are dating Bright? Not just any student, but Bright Vahirawit Chivaaree, the campus hottie? Is that what you want? Because, hell! We could call our friends right now and tell them what's going on with your exciting love life." I told him, exasperated of the drama and my head is aching with all the things unfolded that are hard to grasp as of the moment.

That's when Krist went out of his daydream and his eyes widen with horror as he is digesting what I just suggested. He slowly shook his head then shakes it faster while closing his eyes, chanting no's.

"What are you afraid of, Krist? You know well that our friends will accept you for who you are. Nobody is going to judge you. We love you.” I held his hands as he was fidgeting.

"You know dating with the same sex is not a problem. Mike is dating Toptap and we accepted them because they love and make each other happy. If loving Bright makes you happy, then who are we to stop you? Always choose your happiness first than the judgement of others. You're not alone, Krist. I support you with your decision. But right now, you really need to decide." I cup his cheek with my hand, reassuring him.

He looks down as he whispers, "Then, help me."

I raise my brows, making him say it loudly and make him continue what he was going to say. "Help you with what exactly?" He cleared his throat then looks at me, eyes determined.

"Help me. Help me to keep it a secret as long as I tell you, that we're ready to come out then we'll tell them ourselves. Can you help me?"

I smiled at him as his determination is oozing and I'm proud of him. I nodded and said, "Yes, I'll help you."

He smiled widely then hugged me tight. I also returned his hug and whispered to him, "One more thing. Jan knows you're dating Bright."

Krist abruptly broke the hug, holding my shoulders, his horrified eyes widen and mouth gaping.

"WHAT?!"

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Bright's POV

"Hey, man. I heard that your boyfriend is quite popular and a music genius for that matter." Gunsmile suddenly said while walking out the org room.

"I know he's popular and a music genius. What's your point, Gunsmile?"

I look at him confused why he suddenly told me that.

He sighed then pats my back. "Just so you know, if you think you're popular, he's five times more popular than you. Better protect and tell other people that he's taken or else..."

"Or else what?" I asked him, annoyed.

"Or else other people will snatch him away from you. You're not the only one that fancies him."

I scoffed. "I don't just fancy him. I love P'Krist. It's him or no one."

Gunsmile scoffed and shrugs. "Yeah, sure. Just giving you a heads up."

“What do you mean, Gusnmile? Is there someone who tries to woo P’Krist?”

We halted at the hallway when he turns to me.

“I’m not scaring you or anything, Bright. As a supportive and loving friend of yours, I’m just giving you a heads up, a warning, that you’re not the only one that likes - or loves, just like you said - your P’Krist. A lot of people are looking up at him. I know P’Krist is oblivious with all of these, I think that’s why his friends are with him all the time. Just think about it, Bright. I know Foei would agree with me with this one. We support you and your relationship. You love him, right? Then take a step forward. Just a friendly advice.” He said as he pats my shoulder.

I look at him confused as he walks fast before me. I was about to catch up to him when my phone rings. Irritated looking for my phone when it stopped ringing. I immediately look at the caller when it ringed again and saw my mom calling.

"Mom? Why the sudden call? Did something happen?" I anxiously asked. I heard a low chuckle on the other side of the line and that's when I sigh of relief.

"Nothing happened, son. Just checking if you're okay. You haven't called lately. Just worried how you're doing. Can't a mother worry about her son?" I rolled my eyes at her question.

"I didn't mean it that way. I'm sorry. I'm fine, don't worry about me here. People don't bother me here, except you know, Foei and Gunsmile." I smiled just thinking of the crazy duo, walking through the park benches near the org room.

"That's good to hear, Bright. At least you're having fun and you're loving it there. Don't forget about your folks here, alright? We may not be the best, but you know we're always doing what we think is best for you. You know that, right?" Mom said as her voice became low and soft.

I silently clicked my tongue when a sudden rough moment came back between my parents and I. I sighed as I sat down, leaning my head on my right hand, as my left holding the phone on my ear.

"I-I know, mom. Uhm... how's d-dad?" I cleared my throat asking that question.

"He's fine, though he's been pressuring your brother with the business. I wish there's something I could help, but you know, business isn't my strongest asset." I could hear mom sighed.

"I know you're calling me about something, mom. What is it?"

"How can you tell, dear?"

“You sound anxious. Is everything really alright?”

A soft chuckle was heard on the other line. “It’s fine, really. Can I request something from you, Bright?” Her voice getting softer.

“I’ll try if I can do it. Cannot promise you anything ahead. What is it, mom?”

“Can you go home this next weekend?”

‘I wonder what this is about. I don’t remember any special occasion on that weekend either. It’s not like she would be hesitant to tell me anything, but I’ll never know if I won’t go so— ‘

“Sure, mom. What time? I’ll try to free my sched that weekend.”

“Perfect! Be here at lunch by then, okay? I miss you, my boy. Keep safe, Bright. Mommy loves you so much, okay?”

“Come on, mom! I’m not a kid anymore, and I love you, too. Bye!” I quickly ended the call before she could talk.

Sighing, I smack my head on the bench table, creating a loud thud.

Thinking back to what Gunsmile said about P’Krist, what did he mean about that?

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Podd’s POV

‘I don’t understand. I really do not understand a thing. How can it be? How did it even happen?! Didn’t I protect him enough that, that freshman got close to him? Too close for my liking. Ugh! Worst thing, they were flirting in front of us! Though, not really that open but if observed closely, it is clear they were flirting. I didn’t even have any idea that he also sways that way! I was very cautious to him, slowly and steadily warming in his heart, but just got beaten by that freshman?!’

I stopped at a secluded alley a little far from the university, knowing not one of my friends followed me behind.

“AAAAAAAHHHHH—”

“You know you shouldn’t scream in places like this. It disturbs other people who are near the vicinity.”

I immediately stopped as I widen my eyes with the familiarity of the voice. ‘No… I know that voice very well. But it can’t be. Shouldn’t he be out of the country for his business? Why the fuck is he here?!’

Slowly turning my head, looking over at my shoulder to look at the person behind me, with his chocolate-colored, three-piece-neat-Armani suit; shiny, black, leather shoes; auburn black, combed hair; standing too formal, clearly not dressed for a place like this. Again, what the fucking fuck is he doing here?!

He softly chuckled as he slowly took off his sunglasses, if I know a very expensive sunglasses, as he looks at me.

I cleared my throat as I slowly turned my body around to fully face him, while he’s slowly walking to me. Stepping back one step at a time as he is also stepping towards me. He stopped as I was already glued to the wall.

“Stop! What is it that you want? Shouldn’t you be out of the country? New York or Switzerland, perhaps? Why the fuck are you here anyway!?” Panicking as his face is near mine, closing my eyes shut, my hands on his chest, stopping his advances. ‘It’s not like I like to touch him, but I have no other choice!’

Slowly opening my left eye when I heard him laugh as he makes distance between us. I huffed and straighten the strap of my bag when he still didn’t stop laughing.

“I’m going now.”

“No, wait. I’m sorry. I’m stopping, just don’t go yet.” He said, still laughing in between.

I sighed again. “To what do I owe this presence of yours? Wait, don’t tell me you were following behind me? Okay, that’s just borderline creepy. I didn’t know you would stoop that low, phi’.”

He looks at me confused at first, then morphed into shock then hurt. “What?! It was just a coincidence that I was going to your university, which I didn’t know at first until you walked out of the main gate, okay?”

I raised my brow, not believing at him a bit. He sighed.

“I’m telling the truth, Podd. You know I’m not the type to lie, especially to you. It was just pure coincidence. My brother’s also studying at the same university you are at. It just happens I was going in, when I saw you in rage and fuming going out. I know your temper and how hot-headed you are, so I followed you here. And please, don’t call me a stalker. You know me very well that I am not, Podd.”

I look at him straight in his eyes, well, trying to intimidate him, but we both know I can’t. I slowly nodded, accepting his reason. He smiled widely, showing his perfect, white teeth.

“Let me ask you again, why are you here, phi’? Didn’t you just said you were going to your brother?” Leaning on to the wall next to me, watching him as he smiled then bowed his head.

“Always so curious. I forgot how of a busybody you are.” He chuckled as I scoffed.

“Yes, I was going to my brother, but just like I said, I saw you. It’s been years since we last saw each other and I was also curious about you. And I’m glad I saw you and even get to talk to you.”

“Well, too bad, I’m not. After this, I hope I don’t get to see you again. I’m really going. I wish I could say it was nice meeting you, but I also don’t like lying, so… Goodbye.” About to walk out when his arm stopped me, his hand on the wall.

“Ohh, that’s bad, because as long as I’m still here in Thailand, we’ll get to see each other, whether you like it or not.” He mischievously smirked.

“I said fuck off, P’Earth. Don’t follow me.” I duck my head under his arm then walked out the alley. Turning my head, sneakily looking at my shoulder, there he is, as he already put his sunglasses back on. He waves at me, grinning at my way. Snapped my head at front as I walk faster.

‘Why do I have to see him today? Of all the days, why today?! This is the worst of them all!’

I thought as I’m grumbling all the way to my dorm building.

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