The week passes quickly with Mew getting to know Gulf better and realizing that he makes a genuinely good friend - the kind who's dependable and actually follows through his promises without fail.

It's surprising to believe all this time Mew considered Gulf as a bad guy - THE ENEMY in his mind, solely because of whatever conflicts the other guy has with Bright. He is understandably wary of keeping his distance even before Bright''s whining came into play cause ... well, Gulf does have an extremely intimidating glower and bitch face going on for him. He certainly changed his views upon figuring out Gulf's default 'I'm thinking of committing murder' face is just a clever ruse to cover up either his nervousness or shy tendencies that crop up unexpectedly. Also, the jock is a giant grumpy cat on first glance but get up close you will soon realise Gulf's simply a playful kitten that never seems to run out of energy. Except in the mornings, of course!

Which brings him to the case in point: Gulf napping in the seat next to him instead of paying attention to the professor in class!

"Psst." Mew tries to subtly wake Gulf up before he's caught by their strict professor, who's renowned for his harsh punishments and tough assignments. Gulf barely twitches, so he resorts to not-so-subtly kicking his shins under the desk.

"Aow! What the fu-"

Mew winces as everyone in class immediately whirls around to stare towards back of the room (specifically in their direction) at Gulf's loud cussing. He grimaces and apologetically wai's on Gulf's behalf 'cause clearly his friend is still in a sleepy haze unaware of the attention he's drawing by stretching his torso and popping his joints. The professor glares but thankfully returns to teaching the lesson and Mew sighs in relief.

He turns to glower at the culprit causing him a headache this early in the morning. Mew never once had their professors even level a displeasing look towards him nor had he managed to draw this kind of scrutiny from his classmates before befriending Gulf. Now though, it has turned into a daily occurrence. Mew huffs, silently lamenting that he would've been spared from being subjected to this annoying gawking if he'd refused Gulf's pleas to sit with him forgoing his usual place at the front of the class.

"Too late for second thoughts now!" Gulf snickers, correctly interpreting his thoughts.

He startles but quickly covers up his shock by twisting his lips in a scowl. ''No, it isn't." Mew has learnt to stop questioning Gulf about the way he seems to always read his mind, baffled by the guy's accuracy. He also stopped denying it after Gulf made one too many wise cracks about Mew's expressive face makes it impossible for him to utter a lie without getting caught.

Initially Mew wanted to wake up Gulf since this is an important lecture sure to feature in their finals and he didn't want him to miss out. But what actually happens is that Gulf and his bickering starts disturbing the students in their front row, so they both resort to passing slips to insult each other like middle-school children. Both of them miss out on taking the notes in the end.

~

"This is all your fault. I would have jolted down the important points at least, if you hadn't kept disturbing me." Mew grumbles as they walk back to the cafeteria. Gulf walks right beside him, an arm casually wrapped around Mew's shoulder while his friend Mild tries to keep up with the pace set by their long legs.

Gulf appears nonchalant, a far cry from his personality on the football pitch, shrugging away the complaints like a cat shedding hair. "Ah, but we can always borrow the notes from someone else."

"From who? Mild? Cause I hate to break it to you but he's hoping to copy it from either you or me. Isn't that right, Mild?"

"Hey! Don't drag me into your petty fights. As a matter of fact, I did pay attention in class ... just not good at jolting it all down like you."

"Yeah and maybe you don't need to read anything, right Gulf? Just listening to the class must be enough. Oh wait, you didn't do that either and took me down with you as well. Nope. Don't you dare level that smug grin towards me! If I fail in this subject, you realise I'm going to be killing you, right?''

''Aww ... don't be like that boo!''

Gulf doesn't stop smiling but he ruffles Mew's hair - his go to gesture for calming him down and Mew grudgingly relents. They reach their usual table by now and Gulf pulls a chair for him to sit. Mild makes a gagging noise and they ignore him as usual.

Mew can't believe he reached this level of comfort with Gulf so soon - it took him nearly a month to let his guard down around Bright when they first met. But then again, Gulf did all the heavy lifting here and Mew acquiesced because of his personal reasons to hold a physical barrier against a certain someone. Also, he missed having friends and hanging out with his old group. Mild and Gulf are beyond doubt good company, but they can't ever replace his old gang. He still meets them from time to time, making sure to catch them one-on-one to avoid raising any alarming questions. Never Bright though. Him, Mew avoided at all costs and stayed a safe distance away, as though Bright's a covid patient under quarantine.

As per norm, his eyes stray to the corner of the huge cafeteria where he's hundred percent sure a sulking figure is situated. Before Mew could make eye-contact though, Gulf gently touches his chin and turns him away. His breath hitches upon finding Gulf's face so close to his own. He gulps, trying to inconspicuously lean back except Gulf has him in a gentle but unyielding hold.

"Don't forget why we're doing this." He reminds Mew with a toothy grin, rough pads of his fingers slightly caressing his cheeks. ''And, we're so close to the goal."

Mew sighs, giving up and lets Gulf drag his chair closer, eyes firmly on his clasped hands under the table. He hears Mild excuse himself to grab their orders that he don't even remember asking for, exhausted as he was with this whole charade. Doesn't understand the point of doing all this. What started as a simple need for avoidance - a break to heal his broken heart - had swiftly overturned into this giant ball of excuses and chase leading him further and further away from Bright. And now they're in this weird limbo that has Mew acting blind where Bright is concerned while the latter is just as determined to get noticed.

"Yeah ... I know.'' He sighs, defeated.

Lunch passes away relatively somber after that - at least on Mew's side. Gulf and Mild try to overcompensate for his gloomy mood, whilst their other friend Boat, who joined their table later keeps the loud conversation going. The entire time Mew feels a piercing gaze on him from the lone presence in the room burning brighter than flames of inferno, demanding Mew to acknowledge him and do something other than hide like a coward behind Gulf's back.

And Mew desperately want to stare back at Bright too. Forget his stupid plan with Gulf and brush away the last couple of weeks as a vivid nightmare and run towards Bright this very instance. He wants to beg his best friend for forgiveness and thank him for not giving up on their friendship - for stubbornly chasing after Mew and staking out at the engineering cafeteria even though he's ignored day after day. Has to apologize for his cowardly act of moving his things from their apartment when Mew knew Bright wouldn't be around and leaving a simple note to find another new roommate. Hates that he succumbed to his greatest nightmare and ruined their friendship over his unrequited feelings. Couldn't believe he was incapable of sucking it up and acting unaffected like he always did.

But then again, things did change for the worse this time around. Maybe Mew staying by Bright's side would have only caused more damage than whatever this is doing to them presently. Consoles himself at least this way, he has some dignity left.

<*>

A few days back:

Mew is bit harrowed from his short meeting with Leo and Gunsmile - a weird combination, yes, but he'd rather deal with a quiet and unassuming Leo than handle both Mike and Gunsmile at the same time. Mike is a menace to the society when he's on his best behavior. Give that guy a mystery to solve (or one that he undertakes as his personal mission) and you've got a monster hell bent on digging into your personal stuff at your trail, relentless and typically successful.

These days, Mew's fairly certain he managed to convince Gunsmile and Leo (to an extent) that his sudden absence has more to do with the duties imposed on by faculty seniors and his new partnership with Gulf for classes than whatever drama they imagined when down between him and Bright. Leo is bit hard to read but he's never been one to ask invasive questions or call Mew out on his sus replies. So, Mew ignores Leo's searching gaze as he bullshits about collaborating with Gulf on an important project and how he'd rather keep the peace and his grades by keeping Bright at an arm's length when he's with Gulf. And Gunsmile, bless him, is such a lovable idiot and pure soul he immediately believes Mew's lies, squeezing his shoulder in support and offering to talk sense into a paranoid Bright to get him to lay off from bothering Mew.

He feels guilty and disgusted with himself. Look what he's resorted to - lying to his friends and hurting them when they have been nothing but kind and understanding. Yet Mew cannot bring himself to stop.

He doesn't know if curiosity killed the cat but it definitely killed a part of him as checked around for Win's information (the person who fit the rumors according to Mew's credible sources AKA Bright's devout fan club) and learned the young master is every inch gorgeous and befitting of Bright's attention as he feared. Once he basically confirmed this horrifying truth, its like a dam burst open and he kept seeing the evidence of Mike's words everywhere he went in the campus.

Mew caught Win and Bright having coffee in a cosy corner at the famous cafe run by former Architecture students on more than one occasion; almost ran into them at the parking lot as they exited out of Bright's car, miserably replayed their friends Insta reels where these two are in the background whispering and laughing together oblivious to the outside world. Hell, Mew once had to walk right behind them for ten torturous minutes (thankfully covered by his face mask and hoodie) as they walked a familiar path towards the music club. He managed to sneak in the borrowed drum sticks to another student going in their direction before hastily retreating. He quit the music club the very next day. It was no longer about avoiding Bright. Mew was running away from the signs of Bright and Win being together and it appeared no place on campus is safe for him anymore ... not if Bright started to invite Win to their shared spaces. Where before he's blind to the fact Bright might be seeing someone, now Mew can practically observe these proceedings with his own eyes and curse himself for being so stupid and obtuse to the events around him.

"Win is hilarious. You missed meeting him just yesterday when we all went out for dinner after the game. That guy can eat! Bright had to share his green curry after Win nearly cleared every dish on the table and still remained hungry. You know how picky Bright is when it comes to food and sharing it with anyone else, other than you of course."

Gunsmile went on and on, gushing about how wonderful, handsome and fantastic this Win, the new transfer student to their class is and Mew just listens, heart sinking to his knees as he realizes how quickly he got replaced by Bright's boyfriend in their group. Gunsmile isn't comparing Mew with anyone or throwing shade - dude's incapable of such malicious intent - he knows that but still Mew has a hard time doing so himself. Specifically hearing how well Bright and Win get along together, it is minor miracle he doesn't do anything stupid like asking his friends 'why didn't Bright see him as a choice for his partner?'. He can't afford to lose his cool in such manner. After all what does Mew have to offer when fun loving extroverts guys like Win are around to charm his friends and steal Bright's heart?

Perhaps he wasn't doing a good job hiding his pain or maybe Leo is just that perceptive? Either way the taller dude swiftly cuts in before Mew could think of a way to excuse himself lest he bursts into tears at another mention of Win's amazing qualities and how perfectly he compliments Bright.

"Enough about Win, you're starting to sound like a fanboy. Just because he agreed to introduce you to some of the girls in his friends circle doesn't mean you have to constantly sing his praises, Gun.'' Leo throws a reassuring glance towards Mew as he argues with Gunsmile. He tries not to read into it too much but still feels a lot better to know maybe personal bias could be responsible for hyping up this Win guy.

Anxiety not completely banished yet, Mew the masochist that he is, goes for the worst topic in the world right now. ''Oh, you've got an eye on someone ... or just looking for dates? Last I remember you're happy with being single. Did something happen to change that?"

''Nah, nothing life altering happened if that's what you mean. I'm just bored I guess, with everyone busy with their own things." Gunsmile shrugs, growing gloomier by the second. ''You're taken hostage by your department responsibilities on account of being a top ranking student. Mike's busy chasing after his guy and trying to woo him with his terrible pickup lines. Leo here, has a junior making the moves on and Bright." He sighs and Mew knew the feeling quite well. In fact, he can predict the next lines with a hundred percent accuracy. It probably has to do with outing Bright's new relationship status - unless he and Win are keeping it a secret for now.

''Bright's got his horde of fans following him - and us by proximity - left and right as per usual. Except he's in a bad mood all the time these days 'cause he is paranoid you're mad at him or something. Really, Win is a lifesaver and a true hero. He volunteered to handle our big bad wolf during one of his moods and walked out of those encounters, a survivor. Hell, he even convinced Bright to join the mentoring program, which you know he rejected at the start of the term taking special permission. At least those tutoring sessions have his grumpy ass out of our hair for couple of hours every week and we get a much needed breather.'' He suddenly frowns making Mew automatically tense up. ''Can't you try talking to him again or find a way to spend some more time with him. Bright is going nuts and I've never him behave this way. Maybe if you explain to him-''

''I tried but he isn't listening,'' Mew cuts in immediately. Its clear these guys don't know the full picture yet and Bright unfortunately is not a simpleton to believe Mews evasive tactics like their friends. ''Besides he has Win now, doesn't he? I'm sure he will soon stop caring that I'm not around anymore...''

''I don't think that's possible.'' Leo points out, again with his searching stares and quiet appraisal. Before he could scoff or respond sarcastically, Gunsmile blind to the awkward vibes lands another devastating blow.

''Pretty sure Bright has hots for someone and is waiting to inform you first before revealing the news to the rest of us. He's always been close with you and your family, Mew. I wouldn't be surprised if he wanted the approval of your Mae before he gets serious with this person. Could be why he's behaving in such an irrational manner and Mike did hint at it several times before Bright shut him up with a kick.''

And that actually makes a lot of sense. Something Mew never expected to associate with words or advise coming out of Gunsmile but crazier things have happened.

Gosh, if that's true - if Bright has been trying to reach out (for blessings to date Win) and suddenly found himself not only ignored by Mew but also blocked from attending weekly dinners at his home with no concrete reason whatsoever - he can sort of understand the frustration Bright's currently working with. His best friend has always been a proud mama's boy and over the years gained the honor of treating Mew's mother like his second mom too. No wonder he's stalking Mew during lunch time and convinced Gulf has something to do with Mew keeping distance from him - always glowering at the fellow player whenever he sees them walking next to each other in the campus.

Although, it just didn't make sense to Mew why Bright thinks Gulf would want to get involved in their drama and by personal choice no less. He gets that football matches are important but who would be insane enough to commit themselves so thoroughly to a rivalry that continues outside of the pitch and well into people's personal lives. That's insane and completely illogical. As it is, that guy is doing a great favor to Mew by playing his shining knight in the armor. Not once did he hear Gulf badmouth Bright in his vicinity or encourage him to spill his secrets in order get an advantage over Bright or nothing like Gunsmile and Mike implied his friend is fearing of their association. It also has other implications like Bright's serious about Win and perhaps thinking of introducing him to Mew's parents, which nope, he just can't handle this right now.

Mew shakes away his thoughts before they could turn any darker and decides to end their meeting early. "I, um, I gotta go. Forgot that I promised to be home early today. See you guys later.''

He smiles through Gunsmile's grumbles that Mew's really busy these days to spend time with all of them. Leo surprises him by giving a quick hug and a back pat before returning to his impassive self. ''Don't be a stranger, Mew. If you can't make it to our regular hangouts or dinners, then at least meet with one of us during your free time. I'm open with whatever call you make.''

Startled by those sincere words, Mew returns the beam to Leo, nodding and agrees to set up a video call at least if nothing pans out the next week. Nearly running from the quaint cafe, he ends up using a shortcut towards the political science department only to land in fire after fleeing the hot pan.

Watches with a sinking horror at the tableau he's greeted with at the middle of the park: Bright locking lips with his Nong, First!

~

Mew isn't aware how he made it the campus dorm building and all the way to the sixth floor of Mild's room. Doesn't even recall if he memorized Gulf's schedule of gaming with his friend or let his subconsciousness direct him to the safest place he knows is nearby.

He must have climbed the six floors instead of taking the elevator, dazed as he was, and the exhaustion must be clearly showing in his face because Mild's yelling - not in his usually cheerful voice but in a panicking kind. It wasn't until he's sinking in Gulf's embrace that Mew even realizes he's crying. No. Sobbing uncontrollably. Gulf bans Mild from his own dorm ordering him to get refreshments for Mew and lets him empty his heart out while generously lending both his shoulder and shirt to console a snotty faced Mew.

Gulf listens patiently as he narrates everything from eavesdropping, his years of secret pining, the panicked impromptu decisions to running into Bright making out with First a few minutes earlier. Mew talks until his throat is hoarse from the repressed hurt spilling out of his lips and his eyes grow numb from letting out too many tears. Shock would be an overstatement to represent what he felt upon seeing Bright with First. He didn't want to jump to any conclusions. Yet every time he tries to come up with a logical explanation for what he saw, his brain draws a blank beyond the obvious conclusion.

But that can't be it. There's no way Bright is cheating on Win. That's just not who he is. What does it mean though? Could Mew be wrong and Bright is actually dating First instead of Win?

It wouldn't be outside the realm of possibility if that's what is going on. Everyone who follows Bright's fan pages knows that First Kanaphan has a massive crush on Bright. That boy wasn't exactly subtle about his admiration last year when he visited the university's open house. Nor did he seem to care. Bright didn't seem particularly interested in First back then but a lot can change over a year. Hell, Mew is the best example that one's entire life can be turned upside down in a matter of minutes. Who knows ... Bright may have liked First from the start or developed feelings along the way when First joined the course as his junior like he promised? One thing's for sure: Bright certainly has a type - the polar opposite of Mew's personality while Win and First both fit the bill.

''Hmm, maybe you should wait for Bright to say something before jumping to these conclusions? From what you said your friends only suspect him of liking someone, right - nothing is said of Bright being in a relationship or dating someone on the down low.'' Gulf's wise counsel stops Mew from heading into another panic attack but just barely.

''I don't think I'm ready to have a conversation with Bright um, about t-that anytime soon.'' He confesses quietly.

Gulf hums, thoughtful. ''Hence the running away strategy you adopted,'' he nods again appearing calculative for a second and then his cheeky grin is back. ''Well, if you're really determined to avoid him until you're ready then I have a foolproof plan to make it happen. I mean, lets face it - you can only play hide and seek with Bright for so long before he catches up with you!''

''Of course, I know that. Why do you think- never-mind, what's your plan?"

He only grins, shark-like. ''I'll tell you on one condition: if you promise to give it a sincere try without dismissing it outright.''

''Okaay.'' Mew narrows his eyes. How bad could it actually be?

<*>

Gulf's gentle hand on his back startles Mew back into the world of living. He gives a tired answering smile to the unspoken question in Gulf's doe eyes. Their silent conversation goes unnoticed by Mild and Boat's bickering over which dish is the best from their faculty's cafeteria and Mew finds himself giggling at the absurdity of their fight.

''Wanna finish your lunch first, so we can get away from your bestie's laser eyes burning holes through my head?'' Gulf teases leaning close in a deliberate move, just as they planned. It was meant to give the wrong idea to anyone observing their interactions - to come across as intimate gestures of people who're seeing each other. And from the dwindling instances of Bright lying in wait for Mew to leave his classroom or stalking near his faculty building, Gulf's plan seems to be working great!

He just wishes Bright would stop altogether and have lunch with either Win or First (whoever he's really interested in) rather than waste them on Mew.

~

The day couldn't end sooner, their last class having a surprise test kills the few positive vibes Mew struggled to dredge up after lunch hour's done.

Bright has always been an obstinate guy once he made up his mind. This strategy he employed, where he no longer tries to approach Mew but simply stares from far away is proving to be quite deadly. Earlier Mew feared running into him - of being corner again and ambushed by those puppy eyes - his resolve couldn't handle a shortening physical distance between him and Bright, not when Mew's dreams are plagued with fantasies far beyond his reach. Well now, he craves for it. A chance encounter that could supply him with a bucket load of fresh memories to thirst over. Bright's unique fragrant scent, the broadness of his back against his hands when he wraps them for a hug, the steady beat of his heart - Mew's favorite music in the world, an uncontrollable itch to caress Bright's cheeks in guise of wiping dirt or whatever excuses he could come up with in that moment...

Nonetheless, this whatever it is that Bright's pulling is completely messing with his head. He knows Bright is not interested in him in that way. Perhaps, his brain is confusing the signals of Gulf's intentional touches when Bright's in an observable space as something more? Or maybe Mew finally lost it? He keeps thinking he hit a new low only to find there's further depths he could sink to where Bright is concerned.

Either way, he wasn't in a proper state to concentrate on his studies these days and it's sure to reflect on the test they're all forced to take, unprepared - apparently the whole point of springing it on them out of nowhere!

Gulf's getting ready to head for football practise along with Mild. This leaves Mew to study by himself in the library. He wasn't really worried about Bright approaching him there because in the last couple of days, Mew managed to perfect a system for keeping tabs on Bright - a reverse uno of sorts. Leo has been a huge help in subtly dropping hints about Bright's general location in lieu of Mew returning to hangout with their group, mostly sans Bright except in few necessary situations. This time round, he has taken extra precautions to mingle with everyone and act like nothing much changed near Bright. Could only hope these steps worked.

''Hey Mew,'' Gulf calls out as they reach the crossroads to go their separate destinations. ''I totally forgot to do this earlier. Can you please help me return this notes to our senior? I promised to hand them over today and if I'm late for practice, the coach will have us do suicide runs.''

''Sure. Where will I find them?''

''Um, actually he will be in the library around now. Second floor, down by the aisles for research materials. You'll be able to spot him easily. I will ping you once we reach the lockers, okay. Gotta run now. Thanks.''

''Wait!'' He shouts but its too late. Gulf and Mild are running like they have a pack of dogs chasing after them and his mumble of words get lost to the wind. ''You didn't mention the senior's name.''

Mew checks over the notes for a name and finding none, stands there baffled. Great! How's he supposed to find the owner of this study notes without no name and face to match? Mew can't go over to every older student there wearing a red jacket and crosscheck ownership with their handwriting.

This is just awesome! He mutters, annoyed walking over to the sprawling library and goes straight for the second floor instead of sticking to the ground floor or the fourth like he usually does. Not his personal choice for a study spot but a change once in a while wouldn't kill him, Mew supposes. Checks his phone to see if Gulf messaged him and finds a simple question rather than the answer he's seeking.

Gulf: you reached there yet?

Mew: yes. But you didn't tell me his name dumbass!

Gulf: yeah, right...

Gulf: I forgot. Sorry.

Mew: name first!! I have assignments to complete.

Gulf: you didn't find him yet?

Mew: searching on second floor.

Gulf: Try the research books corner. He said he'll wait there.

He frowns. Turns around and walks towards the mentioned directions keeping an eye out for a red jacket signaling a senior from the engineering faculty. Assuming of course that this senior is dressed in full department attire today and ditch the coat for the simple white shirt everyone prefers.

Mew types out another reminder to state the senior's name. He's trying not to be mad at Gulf. Clearly the guy's busy at the ground to offer these vague replies but Mew's had a rough day, dammit. He would like to get to studying as soon as possible to make up for the disastrous score he's sure to get in today's test. With that in mind, he steps to the side at the hint of red peeking from a corner table set near a studying alcove.

Yeah, he's going to check this table out. If Gulf still doesn't reply by then and its not the guy he's looking for - Mew's abandoning this mission to find himself a quiet spot and revising theoretical physics till he's ready to recite the entire book out of memory. Gulf can always message him during break and he will resume his hunt of finding the owner of this notes.

He crosses the distance to the partially hidden table immersed in thoughts and eyes glued to his phone screen. Obviously by the time Mew comes in view of the lonely inhabitant, its far too late for him to back out without alerting the senior. And boy was this not really Mew's day!

Because the senior was already watching Mew, hardly blinking - the same way he's been following him around and randomly initiating starting competitions which are totally one-sided. 'Cause if he got a memo that Mew's expected to participate in some silly game with a stranger, he would book it ... faster than a bank robber flees the scene.

His phone pings at the same time Mew takes an unconscious back step. Its a text from Gulf and for a minute he's relived to use it as an excuse to bail from a really freaky situation. But the message has him stopping in his tracks, disbelief and shock cascading in waves.

Gulf: he texted to seeing you.

Gulf: its Luke Plowden.

Gulf: I know, you're mad. But just hear the guy out. He simply wants to talk. Just listen to him once, Mew. You can't keep running every time you're scared. Facing your fears will make you stronger.

Mew: what the hell?!!! You have no right!

Gulf: I screened him for you. Did you really think I will just throw you to wolves like that. He's safe, I promise. Just hear him out. After that your choice. Besides he's our senior and quite a reputed guy. Nothing to worry from him. If you're still not comfortable then ask him to meet you in a place you prefer...in the ground floor near the entrance if you want. Trust me on this Mew. I would never let anything bad happen to you.

Mew takes a deep breathe, worrying his lower lip between his teeth. Well, Gulf does make some excellent points though he feels pretty rattled by this latest turn of events. He gazes back at P'Luke, the senior who's become his second shadow over the past several weeks. Admits to being quite curious as to why a popular third year senior was suddenly trailing after him. Gulf did mention that he spoke with the guy before deciding to allow Mew near him. That must mean something. Gulf has been diligent in taking care of Mew and he wouldn't abruptly turn a one eighty by throwing him under a bus. And really, what's the harm in talking to the guy? Like Gulf mentioned, he could always shift the conversation to a more open and safer place if he wants.

Yeah, yeah. The idiot is also right after how running away from his problems wouldn't solve a damn thing. He sighs, decision made.

Mew: Ok. But you owe me big time for this!!

Gulf: Sure. Dinner's on me tonight.

Mew: Get ready to go bankrupt! I'm picking the location.

Gulf: ofc. Whatever you say boo!!

He hesitates briefly, Wai's and then pulls out the chair opposite to the strikingly hot senior. ''Sawadee krub, P'Luke.''

>*<*>*<

A/N: A long update as more drama unfolds. I had to switch apps mid-way through writing this chapter - so please bear with any weird symbols, change in font etc. I will go back to correct these changes in peace later, its already quite late here.

Please vote and share your thoughts if you liked this chapter. Reading your feedback is always a joy and gives me more motivation to work on the next chapters that much faster!! xoxo