Arthit's POV

Remind me to not ever joke like that ever again.

Kong pestered me insistently about it and it was difficult to fend him off.

"Hey it's Friday, let's go to your apartment. Can't let that 100% off go. " he whispered in my ears during our practice.

I thought he had totally forgotten about it because he never mentioned it this morning.

Guess, I was wrong.

As a result, I stayed overnight at Bright's place on Friday and when he sulked the next day and told me he was still willing to avail it. I told him the sale was only on Friday.

I had fun teasing him.

Let's go grab some lunch together, if you're free. - Kongpob

I was currently on the study table under a tree across our department building. I am doing my homework for my lecture later.

I need to finish my homework.

I quickly sent him a message.

Okay. Where are you? - Kongpob

Bench by the engineering building. I hastily typed.

Wait up. - Kongpob

I put my phone down and focused on my report.

We don't usually see each other during classes because their minor subjects as a freshman are usually in the other departments building but whenever he was free he always spends time with me.

After a while, somebody sat beside me. The person just quietly perched himself and made no move as if he doesn't want to disturb me.

I was so determined to finish my report so I didn't look up to see who it was but I was certain it was Kong.

I was touched by his thoughtfulness but still busy to look up, instead I reached for his hand on the bench and placed my hands over his.

"I'm going to finish soon, " I said delightfully, squeezing his hand lightly.

It feels different though. It was bigger than Kong's and rougher too.

I quickly break my gaze from my paper to the person next to me. My eyes went wide open when I saw Knot and I was holding his hands. I quickly took my hand away like I was burnt. Prem, Teet, Vin, and the one with a smile full of mischief, Bright were standing behind him.

Swallow me, Earth.

One by one, they comfortably seated themselves around me.

Bright, who in front of me. "So you're dating, " he said without even trying to beat around the bush. Moreover, it wasn't a question but more of a statement.

I looked down to avoid their scrutinizing eyes. I pretended to be busy.

"So, she's the reason why it is so difficult to hang out with you. " Prem probed.

"And the reason he was always smiling recently, " it was Teet.

"He was very cool headed too, " Bin added.

"And what's with the~" Knot beside me seized for Bright's hand and squeezed it lightly like I did earlier. "I'm going to finish soon, " imitating the voice I used earlier.

Bright in return playfully put their clasped hands together to his lips and kissed it. "Take your time sweetie, if it's you I can wait forever. " he said exaggeratedly.

I glowered at them. "So you all really have to give your piece of mind? It's uncalled for by the way." I rebuked.

"Nah, don't change the topic. " Prem persistently said.

"I kn-new it was you guys.. I-i was pu-pulling your leg. " I managed to sew lies and put them together. I wasn't sure if it was convincing though.

"Try harder, " Knot wasn't buying it for sure.

I laughed hysterically. "Why would I date though? I am in love with Sahit and there's no way I can easily move on. " out of panic, I carelessly said.

"Really? " Bright still suspicious.

These idiots are making things difficult for me.

"Kong! " Prem cried out. "Come here, help us interrogate Arthit. "

I feel like I'm soakin in cold sweats.

And my soul just left me.

Shit.

Did he hear what I said?

Nope, definitely no.

I sounded more like I was convincing myself than believing it.

I turned my gaze at him. His face was unreadable and he kept a stern look on.

Shit. He did.

He should have known I was put on the spot and I wasn't able to think of a proper response.

He wended his way towards us and sat next to Prem. "Arthit has a secret lover, " he started, making me feel more agitated.

He never joined their teasing but his mere presence was enough to make me restless.

I constantly turned my gaze at him and waited for him to look my way but to no avail.

I'm doomed.

"Let's eat lunch, my treat. " I tactlessly exclaimed.

I know it's the only way to distract them. These friends of mine are suckers for free things though they are rich on their own.

"That's what I've been waiting for," Bright spatted.

They all cheered and marched towards the canteen. I shook my head and followed them with a gaze.

Kong stood last so I grabbed his sleeves. "Kong, "

"What? " his voice was cold and indifferent.

I was bothered by it. Before I could answer him, "If you have nothing to say, let's go follow them. "

He footed it towards the others.

It was maybe out of habit because whenever we eat together he lets me choose his meal so I offered to get his meal. "The usual? " I nonchalantly asked.

He nodded, still giving me a cold shoulder.

"What's his usual? " Bright asked suspiciously.

"None of your business. " I walked towards the counter to get us food.

"What's my usual, Arthit? " Prem asked this time.

"The hell I care, "

I saw them at the corner of my eyes smiled at each other knowingly.

I paid no heed to them. All I was thinking was how to make up with Kong. I knew I hurt him but I was caught off guard.

I sighed heavily. It felt like I carried all the burden in the world at my back.

I gave him his meal and sat beside him. I wanted to make a small talk with him to see how mad he is but he was answering me with gestures.

Guess, he's really mad.

While eating a girl approached us shyly. She cleares her throat to get our attention. She was cute, fair skinned, long dark hair and a naturally red lips.

She doesn't need to put too much effort to look good. "Excuse me, " she said.

Bright spoke first, "Are you here to ask for my number? I'm easy to get, don't worry. "

Everyone in the table chortled. I looked at Kongpob, he was busy playing with his food. He couldn't be arsed to look up.

I know I made a mistake but couldn't he trust me?

I said what I said because I just blurted what was on my mind. I panicked, I wasn't sure why I did it.

I heave a long and deep sigh. I definitely need to talk to him later. For the meantime, I decided to go along at teasing Bright.

"Actually, I wanted Kong's. " my smile disappeared instantly.

I can't believe how women could say that without any preamble.

My brows went up and my lips reflexively formed an arrogant smirked.

Kong was still oblivious though. He Prem elbowed him and pointed the woman.

Don't look at her. I ordered him in my mind.

"Huh? " then turned to the woman. "Yes? "

"She said she likes you and wants to get your number. " Vin goaded.

I heard others happily egging him on.

He took a glimpse of me before turning to the woman again, "Hmm, should we talk in private? "

Why do you need to talk privately?

"O-okay, " she blushed.

He reached for his bag and he was about to stand up when I laid my hand on his leg under the table as if my way of stopping him.

He kept still for a moment and I thought my heart was ripped into half slowly when he took my hand away.

Watching his back with the woman, being the gentleman as he is. Something struck me, they look good together.

It hurts.

Nothing hurts more than realizing that there's someone better than you for the person you love.

---
I am still in the middle of my very busy season at work.

How was it?