The F5 (Fraternal Five)

Teacup

Tuesday afternoon, as usual the gang meets up for lunch. They have this row of tables claimed since Off and Tay's sophomore year. It's on the outer side of the canteen, adjoining the football field. It's this hot seat everyone in university dreams of sitting, seeing that as friendly as Tay is, the rest of the gang mostly keep to themselves. Unlike his name Singto's harmless, too, but it's been a while since anyone has the guts to deal with a jealous Krist. And let's not talk about Mix, though Earth and him have just recently become official.

"Yuck, people in love stink." Off crunches up his nose as he sits opposite of Earth and Mix.

Earth jolts back from whatever world they're originally from and answers back immediately, "Nope, he stinks." Chuckling he points at Bright in his football uniform at the table beside them.

Drenched in sweat and still catching breath, Bright grins. "The seat beside me is very much available, Phi. Just saying."

"By all means, have the table all to yourself." Off sneers leaning away from him. Earth and Mix laugh.

"How's Win?" Mix asks.

"Oh, he'll get it, all right. His skill is no joke."

"Whoa, it's still bright outside, guys! But do spill more, whose skill is no joke?" Krist exclaims from behind Off. Clearly he's the one misinterpreting things.

Off hits his head. "Filthy bastard. We're talking about football."

Krist chuckles, taking a seat opposite of Bright. "It's rare of you to compliment other people, my friend."

"Yeah?" Bright shrugs.

Meanwhile, Mix waves Win over. "Have you eaten?"

"Not yet, why? You got some leftover for me?" Win jokes, before addressing the others. "Hi again, everyone."

"Hi, Nong. Good job scoring a place on the team."

"Huh? Really, I got in?" Win turns to Bright, all giddy and hopeful eyes.

"Hey! Nothing's set yet." Bright scolds Off.

"Like Kit said, rare of you to compliment people." Off shrugs indifferently.

"Aw, Phi! I'm flattered." Win fakes wiping an imaginary tear.

Bright shrugs. "Just stating the truth."

"Phi stoppp!" Win covers his face coyly, making everyone laugh and Bright, facepalm.

"Don't fall in love now, Bright."

Bright glares at Mix. "That's phi for you."

"Heh, dream on. Even I don't deserve a 'phi' these days." Earth scowls.

"Not true! I call you phi sometimes!" Mix glares at Earth, trying to communicate with his eyes.

"Nah, these days? It's mostly 'babe'." Win chuckles, adding fuel to the fire.

"Shut up, Win!"

"No, Nong Win's right. You two do stink." Off backs him off.

"Here, just take my donuts and shut up." Mix hisses, handing over his box of donuts.

"Deal!" Win giddily takes one before passing the box to a very crestfallen Off.

"A donut! In exchange for a mere donut—I feel very cheated right now!"

Win giggles. "Have some, Phi. You'll see it's definitely not just another donut."

"That's really not the point here!"

The rest is still laughing when Tay arrives with New in tow.

"I'm so happy!" Tay announces loudly and excitedly, oblivious to his friend's frustration. "They finally serve shirataki rice! Do you guys know how good shirataki is for your digestion?"

Off rolls his eyes, muttering loudly. "Oh, here we go again."

"And don't get me started on blood sugar and cholesterol. It's basically perfected rice!"

New feeds Tay a spoonful of his food, stopping him from talking.

But not for long. "Hmm! Yummy! See, guys, even the taste is completely the same, if not better!"

Krist speaks up, "Are you filming an ad or something, P'Tay?"

Earth chuckles. "Nah, he must be the brand ambassador. Bet."

"I mean, might as well." New mutters under his breath.

"New ...!" Tay turns to scold New.

"What? They all tease you and only I get scolded?" New protests. They get into their usual banter in no time. Meanwhile, a commotion starts at the far side of the canteen, and is closing in fast.

Off is having a strong sensation of deja vu.

"Kit, hello ...!" Pushing past the crowd, Gun steps into F5's territorial. His followers look torn, and thanks to the gang's infamous reputation, reluctantly disperse.

"Oh, hey, P'Gun! Rare of you to actually show up."

"Hey! I'm still a student here!" Gun chuckles, denying nothing.

"Haha, sure. Come sit, have you eaten yet?" Krist gestures to a seat in front of him.

"Oh, no, I was just passing by—oh hey, Bright." Gun greets another familiar face in the showbiz. Unlike him and Krist, Bright's no actor, but he's quite well-known for a singer-songwriter.

Bright wais then offers Gun Mix's box of donuts. "Maybe have some of Nong Mix's donuts before you go, Phi?"

Gun's eyes bulge as he recognizes the donut shop from the box. "Oh, these donuts are to die for!" He grabs one giddily.

"Right? I always get too excited and end up ordering too many." Mix beams.

"Shut up! Where have you been, my long-lost soul brother??" Gun practically bounces on his feet.

A snicker to his right catches Gun's attention. He turns and immediately recognizes the senior. "You ...!"

"Hi again, Teacup." Off gives him a lopsided smile.

"Huh? What's 'Teacup'?" Krist's interest is piqued.

"Oh, that's because standing on top of table, in an oversized shirt, he looks just like—"

"Gun! It's Gun! Call me properly, will you!" Gun glares down at him, trying hard to look tough, but fails miserably.

Off laughs. "Or what? You gonna climb this table, too?"

"You're the worst! I'm leaving!" Gun marches away without waiting for Off's comeback, but the senior's grip on his wrist instantly stops him.

"Hey. Wait just some more minutes." His voice is laced with genuine concern as Off steals glances at Gun's former followers, still lurking behind some trees, waiting their chances to prey on the little guy.

Following his eyes, Gun chuckles. Twisting his hand free, he winks. "Don't start worrying about me now. Besides, my manager's here." He nods at a white van parked just a few feet from where they are.

Off follows his gaze and frowns, still a bit unconvinced.

"Or ...." Gun gasps in mock surprise. "Is this you trying to drive me home again? Smooth, Phi." Gun says teasingly, leaving Off speechless.

The followers quickly crowd around him like moths as he walks away and just like that, he's out of sight.

"Oh my God, he actually made you speechless!" Tay exclaims a few seconds too late, awestruck. "The suave Off Jumpol is rendered speechless! This day! This day must go down in history!"

"Sat, just go back to your shirataki rice—or New, whichever works faster!"