Arthit's POV

Why the hell is he here?

Moreover, why did I act like I was caught red-handed at something that I reflexively took my hand away from Aat?

So what if he saw us holding hands?

It was just a handshake.

Why do I care if he misunderstood?

Why do you care,  Arthit?

I snorted at my own thoughts.

I refrained myself from gaping at him so I turned to Knot to seek for answer as to why he was here.

Knot acted like he doesn't know anything but the sly smile on his lips was telling me otherwise.

I reluctantly veered my gaze at coach in front. I deliberately fixed my focus on him,  trying to ignore Kong's presence beside him.

"It's okay, but make sure to inform us ahead next time. Being here on time is part of the discipline I want you all to practice.  Anyway,  we're glad to have you on board." coach patted his shoulder.

Coach then shifted his attention to us especially the part where the freshmen seated themselves. "This doesn't only apply to Kong but to everyone as well. Your seniors are fully aware of it already," he paused. "but tardiness will be punished depends on the number of minutes you were late. " he smiled wickedly.

"This is just a friendly reminder but the punishments are kinda severe if you want to find out, try to come late next time. " a sarcastic smile was on his lips.

"Coach, it doesn't sound like a friendly one to me. " M commented. I heard others chuckled.

"You can take it however you want,  M. " 

Coach is notorious for having a twisted kind of humor. Nevertheless, he could definitely manage us in a way where he wasn't so strict but at the same time his words are laws we needed to abide. We all gladly followed them.

He turned to Kong, "I'll let you off the hook for now. "

"Thank you,  coach. " I heard him say.

Why the sudden change of mind?

He was so adamant of not joining last time.

"This is Kongpob," coach seemed to hear my thoughts and formally introduced Kong. "he will be officially joining our team from now on. " he added.

"What? " I muttered loudly.  Why?" before I could stopped I asked with an unfriendly tone.

I knew I sounded rude but it was too late for me to take it back now so might as well own it. 

"You don't want him to?" he responded with a question.

Having him in the team would mean trouble for me

"Not really," I kept the rest of my thoughts to myself. I looked at Kongpob who had his eyes set at coach.

I've noticed he never met my gaze even once since he arrived.

As if you care. I told myself.

"All set, then. "

Coach considered the conversation was over. "Well, let's do our best this season along with the other freshmen. Let's go win that championship together."

"For winning that championship, " Prem yelled, he had his fist up in the air.

"For winning that championship, " others followed suit, their spirits up.

Their enthusiasm were infectious, it made forget about the brewing trouble for me.

I cheered with them.

Knot stood up and tapped Kong's shoulder.

He smiled at him in return. "Thank you, " his mouth motioned.

"You can take a seat anywhere you want," coach told him.

"Kong!" M exclaimed. "Here, here." patting the space next to him.

Kong headed towards M. I saw the latter was so pleased. I couldn't help but smirked. "Glad you're here." they were barely audible.

"Of course, I can't leave you alone." Kong responded.

I rolled my eyes and made face at the same time making no effort to conceal it. 

It bothered me that he never even glanced at me.

It is good for your plan on staying away from him, Arthit.

A voice inside reminded me.

Still, I don't feel good about it.

I continued to watch them from a far. I saw Kong tilted his head so it'll be close to M's mouth.

M was whispering something when Kong laughed out loud.

"Be quiet,  coach's talking in front. Don't be rude! " I shot at both of them.

Kong side glanced at me but never look at me directly. I saw his lips perked up.

It upsets me even more.

When I turned around I was embarrassed when I saw others looked at me with a strange eyes.

I won't be surprised though.

Firstly, I don't know why I did that. I just did.

Secondly, coach was reading a document that was given to him earlier so there is no way he'd be bothered.

"Kong, I told the team that we will be having a team outing on Friday to Sunday. Will you be fine with it?" I was so grateful at coach,  their attention turned to him.

Shit.

What's wrong with you, Arthit?

I rested my arms on my knees and looked down.

I don't want to rub salt to my already injured guts.

Kong took his time to repond. "I think so,"

"Good, I'll have Knot or Arthit to fill you in with the details later. For now, let's call it a day."

Everyone cheered. 

M and Kong stood up and met Knot halfway. 

While walking towards Knot,  the two seemed to have the continuation of their interrupted conversation earlier because Kong kept chuckling at what M was saying. 

It set me on a foul mood.

My eyes were still fixed at them when a hand blocked my line of vision. I was irritated by it. When I looked up, I saw Aat offering me a hand to help me stand up. "Need help, Captain?" he was wrestling with smiles.

I took his hand and put a little force to stand myself up. "Thanks, Aat. "

"I am glad you remembered my name." his eyes were sparkling. He had this pleasant aura that will make you feel at ease.

I returned his smiles equally.

"Thanks again, Aat."

"No, problem. You're heading out?"

"Nope, I gotta drop by the locker room."

"I'm on my way there too, wanna walk me there?" he joked.

"I'd love to but I gotta wait for the others."

"You sure?" he asked again, he was obviously kidding based on his tone.

"Yeah," I smiled.

"I don't mind you walking me there." he chuckled at his own humor. "You know, a lot would really want to be caught walking with me."

I laughed softly then push him gently. "Thank you for giving me that honor but I have to refuse. Let me take a rain check, okay? " I am surprisingly having a good time with our conversation.

"Okay, I can't guarantee if there will be next time though. I have a long list of names waiting. "

My smile broaden. "I guess,  I gotta start from the last then? "

His expression suddenly change into a serious one. "How smart are you, Arthit? " he asked.

"I was told I am pretty smart." I joked. "Why? "

"Then why is it taking you so long to figure out that I am trying to ask you out? "

I was speechless.

"Gotcha! " then laughed. "Don't tell me you took it seriously? "

I felt relieved. I was glad it was just a joke. "Of course not. " I denied.

"Okay,  see you Arthit. " he winked at me before he left.

I watched Aat as he go with a smile on my face. I shook my head. He is very entertaining.

My gazed unconsciously run down at Kong's direction.

My smile faded when I saw him with his jaw clenched.

Did Knot say something he didn't like?

Talking to Aat put me in a good mood so I shrugged my shoulder then left, might as well wait for them at the locker room. They looked like they won't be finished anytime soon.

I headed straight to the locker room. I got all my things in the locker and put it all in my bag. Satisfied, I zipped my bag and walked out.

"Who was that?" I was fazed by it.

When I turned, I saw Kong leaning his back on the wall with his arms crossed in front of his chest.

What the heck?

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