Coffee Talk | OhmNon AU

chapter 0: is it raining?

Rumours always tend to go awry. Proportions will go amiss, and details will get lost in the translations.

Just this, a collation of small deviations from the truth, and then everyone sees you differently.

The sad reality of society and the people around you always wanting to have a say in what you are is just inevitable. Even if you're not exactly doing anything wrong, they will always find a way to make your actions seem wrong.

Such was the life of Nanon Korapat Vihokratana.

Nanon never thought he would feel so alone in a crowded hallway, one flooded by students; all avoiding to meet his eyes. It was like the olden days when one was met with a leper. None would spare even but a glance of pity. There were only those filled with disgust and disdain.

Some were even from people who promised to stay by his side no matter what. "To true friends!" they used to say. Former friends now it seemed, as they had completely cut ties from him.

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tiktok, all blocked, and every picture and story with him deleted. It was as if those were more important to his former friends rather than what they and Nanon had built since highschool.

Not even his twin brother, Frank, was spared from the judgment, as he was forcefully coerced into joining those who scorned him. In fact, he wasn't supposed to be part of that crowd, but the youngest Vihokratana had told his older twin to follow through with his short-term fix; something Frank despised. It was just a small twist to the truth, just to protect him from the conjoined hate speech.

A shining example of how Nanon had too much love to give to others and too little to keep to himself. A curse that may have easily been the root of his situation, but no. To Nanon, there was no use crying over spilled milk. That which had already happened cannot be overwritten. Such are the laws of this world. Thinking over what could've been done to prevent it was futile, as it was simply just denial of the reality in front of him.

All he could really do now was leave. Other than Frank, there was no one else to really return to in that university. Not even him.

The one thing he was not going to like about leaving though was saying goodbye to his brother.

The Vihokratana could already see how the conversation was going to be difficult, and he knew that it might take almost forever to convince the guy into letting him go without the latter also joining his transfer.

~

Nanon's predictions weren't wrong. Frank was quietly waiting at the dining table, having his morning tea much earlier than his usual at 6:30 am; eyes full of fatigue and worry, along with hues so grey and bland like the ashen remains of a burned-out campfire.

He was sure about not liking this, but now he was sure about hating it too. The look on his brother's face felt so lifeless and broken as if his twin had already played out all of the possible scenarios in his mind the whole night.

But Nanon had to push through, no matter how painful it would be for Frank. He reluctantly walked down the stairs of their apartment, with his bags in hand, while waiting for the other to notice him.

"I'm sorry I couldn't do anything about the rumours. I even added up to the problems you already have." Frank muttered begrudgingly, finally acknowledging his brother's presence as he placed down his cup of tea.

The older of the two then gestured for Nanon to take the seat across him, which the young man declined. Instead, he took the seat beside his brother. Nanon couldn't help but feel regret for how much he was going to hurt his twin even more with the facade he had prepared the night before to act out.