Rain looked out of the window. Moving to Bangkok would be one of the biggest steps of his young life, and he was excited. It had taken him a long time to convince his parents that he wanted to go to college in the capital city, but they had finally agreed. They knew that their boy's talents would be wasted in this small town, and despite their misgivings, they had put his happiness before everything else. He had come out to them when he was 16, and they had been very supportive of him. They knew that in this sleepy town, he would not get the acceptance, so that was another reason they had been worried. But their agreement meant everything to him. And now, all said and done, he was entering the big, bright world.

Rain was looking around for a cab and lot of people surrounded him, trying to get him to go with them. Rain smirked internally. People took one look at him and thought he was one of those naïve, innocent persons, who could be easily taken for a ride. He was innocent, but not dumb. People were often fooled by his appearance, but Rain was smarter and sharper than he looked. He had learnt at a young age to use his looks to his advantage, and he really enjoyed that. He gently shook his head at everyone around and stepped away, looking at his phone, as if expecting a call. "Varain!" He looked up at someone calling his name. A black haired boy, around his height, a slender build and a pretty sweet smile ran towards him.

"Are you Varain?" he asked, reaching him. Rain nodded. "I am Sky. I am your roommate, and the one you have been communicating with. Welcome to Bangkok," the boy said, smiling at him. "Hi Sky. I am Rain, more comfortable with that actually. Only my grandmother calls me Varain. I didn't think you would come pick me up though," Rain smiled back. Sky just smiled. "Let's go?" he asked. Rain nodded, and the two boys made their way to the dorms closest to Chula University. "Have you been in Bangkok long?" Rain asked. "Since high school. But I just moved into the dorms. I used to live with my aunt and uncle. They moved back home and I got into Chula as well, so yeah," Sky said. "That's nice," Rain said. "And you? What made you decide to come to Bangkok?" Sky asked.

Rain thought for a moment. "Multiple reasons actually. I always wanted to come to study in the capital. Plus..," he trailed off for a moment, as if thinking carefully about what to say. "I am gay. My parents knew that my sexual orientation would cause problems for me in our hometown. And architecture is not something that is offered in universities in small towns," Rain said. "I understand. It's hard," Sky said. "Do you mind that I am..?" Rain could not bring himself to complete the question. He knew it could be a problem for some people. "Chill buddy. I am gay as well. More power to us," Sky grinned, making Rain smile too.

"Will it be weird then, us sharing a room?" Rain asked. "Well, it's a two unit dorm. Plus, I have a boyfriend," Sky said. "That's awesome. I am glad to have met you," Rain said. Sky looked at him a moment, then away. Usually, when he said he had a boyfriend, people tended to play 20 questions. Who, what, when, where, how, why. But Rain just looked happy. Sky was intrigued despite himself. Coming from a small town himself, Sky knew the issues that a person of their sexuality could face, the biases and the prejudices. If they were lucky, like he had been, and most likely like Rain had been, they found understanding parents who gave them the best of every world and let them live life on their own terms. Coming to Bangkok had been an eye opener for him, and he hoped it would be the same for Rain.

Rain's eyes widened in surprise at the structure that rose in front of them. "It seems really pricey to stay here. Are you sure we are at the right place?" he asked, scepticism clear in his voice. "Of course. I know what it looks like from the outside. But it's like any other dorms from the inside. And very comfortable. I am pretty sure you will love it," Sky said, either not understanding the reason behind Rain's question, or not wanting to give a direct answer. "Sky, will I be able to afford the rent here?" Rain asked, worry evident now. "Rain, I assure you. P'Jane, the person who runs this place, and his partner P'Ryan, they are wonderful people. They made this affordable for students like us. So don't worry," Sky said, tugging Rain's arm to get him to move. Rain reluctantly followed Sky, finding the whole set up amazing, and literally craning his neck to look everywhere.

Sky pointed out the different things, especially rooms of some future classmates who had already moved in. Finally, he stopped in front of a room at the end of the corridor. "This is us," he said, unlocking the door and ushering Rain inside. Rain was impressed despite himself. "This is.. just wow!" he said, turning around in a circle once. Sky pointed to a door. "That's me, and that's you," he said. "We have attached baths, so no worries about sharing space. P'Jane and P'Ryan have a cleaning service that comes in thrice a week. They clean all the rooms in the dorm, making it easier for everyone. We can cook in the dorm, but only simple stuff. There is a large kitchen in the basement level where even we can go and make something if we want to, so a pretty communal space," he explained.

Rain simply nodded. He was not a chatty person, and he sensed that Sky was a bit closed off too. It was clear to him that the boy was just trying to help him orient. There was no way he would let himself be a burden. "Thank you Sky. I will go and unpack now. And will ask you if I have any questions," he said, a small smile playing on his lips. He waiied and disappeared into the room Sky had pointed out. It was neat and clean, and Rain vowed to keep it the same way. He put away his things and he was just clearing the last bits and ends when his stomach rumbled. He looked down at his watch and realised that it was almost 1, which was why he was probably this hungry. He stepped out of the room to go forage when Sky stepped out too. "Hungry?" he asked and Rain nodded. "Kind of. I actually haven't eaten anything since breakfast," he shrugged. "Well, let's get you fed and watered," Sky said. "And drawn and quartered?" Rain said, eliciting a bark of laughter from Sky.

Sky took Rain to an area close to the University, where there were several carts with local cuisines. The air was redolent with the wonderful scents, and Rain was loving it. He felt like a tourist, which in a way he was, and he quickly clicked some pictures to send to his parents. Sky offered to click his, saying that his parents would enjoy that. Rain was a bit reluctant, but Sky expression remained open, so Rain relented, posing cutely. "Thanks Sky. Hope I was not a bother," he said. "Not at all. It's nice to see the city through someone else's eyes once in a while," Sky smiled. They both ordered chicken noodle soup and Rain relished the taste of his first meal, with the (hopefully) first friend he had made on his first day in the city.

The next morning, Rain slipped out of the dorm room before Sky had woken up, choosing to go to a nearby café for his breakfast and coffee. He had a croissant and a latte, then picked up some things from the nearby grocery store, thinking of the little kitchenette Sky and he had in their room. He could easily make a simple breakfast and dinner for the two of them, if Sky was okay with it. If not, he could at least do that for himself. He really did not want to overspend buying breakfast every day. Sky was coming out of his room when Rain entered. "Good morning," Rain said softly, not knowing if Sky was a morning person or not, not wanting to disturb the man. "Hey! You were out early!" Sky said, smiling broadly. "I got you breakfast, and some stuff so that we can make it at the room itself, if that is okay with you," Rain said.

Sky stared at the stuff that Rain put on the counter and Rain's heart felt heavy, hoping he had not crossed a line. "Thanks Rain. That was real thoughtful of you. We can definitely do that," he said, making Rain heave a sigh of relief. "Are you excited about orientation?" Sky asked Rain as he bit into his croissant. Rain looked up from where he was arranging the groceries. "I am I guess. I mean, it has been a long standing dream. I am just not sure if I will be accepted by the people around me, coming from a small town," he replied, some of his insecurities coming to the forefront. Sky scoffed. "Trust me Rain, you will not be the only one like you. Lots of people come here from small towns. I was also originally from Lobpuri. This city has been kind to me. It will be the same for you," he said. Rain nodded, grateful for Sky's words.

The day of the orientation was surprisingly bright and clear. Both the boys got ready early, excited to get to the Uni and meet new people. They had decided to go together, thinking at least they would know one person. The Architecture faculty was swarming with people, old, young and everyone in between as Rain and Sky made their way to the registration desk. They were waiting in line when a girl walked up to them. "Hey guys! Architecture?" she asked shyly. Both the boys nodded. "Great. I am Ple. I hope we can be friends," she said. "Rain, and I am Sky," Sky said, pointing towards Rain first, and then himself. Two other boys turned around from the front. "I am Sig," one said. "Por," the other said, waving. "Wow! It's nice to meet all of you," Ple said. "Same," Por said. Rain and Sky smiled. "We are happy to meet you too," Sky said.

"Doesn't he talk?" Sig asked, pointing towards Rain. "I do," Rain said, smiling. "Oooooo! You have a cute voice. And a bit of a dialect. Are you not from Bangkok?" Ple asked. Rain shook his head. "From a fishing village near Phuket," he said. "That's seriously so cool! I am pretty sure I am signing up for a vacation at your hometown Rain!" Sig said. Rain laughed. "You are more than welcome," he said. "What made you decide to come to Bangkok Rain?" Por asked. Before Rain could answer, they were all called to do the registrations. "Did you guys know that P'Phayu will be coming for the Orientations?" Ple asked excitedly. "Who is that?" Sig asked. "He is a former student, pretty well known," Sky said. "You know him too?" Ple asked. Sky nodded. "He is actually my boyfriend's cousin," he said, smiling.

"Tell us more!" Por said. "So P'Phayu is a former student, the best this faculty has seen. He is so brilliant that there were fights during internships and when jobs were being offered. Plus, he is definitely damn good looking. My brother has the hugest crush on him," Ple said, giggling. "Wow! Sounds like a paragon of virtue!" Sig said, a tad bit sarcastically. Rain stayed silent. He knew that people like the senior Ple mentioned were way out of his league, and that it would be better if he kept quiet. Soon they were all ushered into a great hall, where they were given their name tags and asked to form groups and sit around. The five of them naturally gravitated towards each other, feeling comfortable.

Suddenly, Ple gasped and the whole room was plunged into pin-drop silence. Everyone looked up and around, craning their necks to steal a glance at the man who strode in. And just like everyone else, Rain looked up too, his eyes widening in shock. He stared at the man who walked in, his aura oozing sex and danger, a presence so powerful that everyone seemed mesmerised. Rain shook his head. Yeah! Way out of his league. He turned his head away, preferring to see what else was happening. Post the orientation, as they prepared to go home, everyone kept talking about Phayu, including Ple, who kept saying how she was already having a crush on the man. Rain looked at Sky and both of them mentally shook their heads at Por's forlorn expression, realising the boy had probably fallen for her.