The F5 (Fraternal Five)

Sappy

"You're uncharacteristically quiet." Meanwhile, Mix nudges Win, breaking him out of his trance.

"Oh, huh? I'm just ... sleepy, I guess?"

Mix squints at him. "What happened?"

"Huh? Nothing!" Win unintentionally raises his voice, drawing even more unwanted attentions.

"Sus." Mix smirks, as New joins him studying the nong.

"Did your P'Bai do something to you?"

Earth gasps dramatically. "Now that I think about it, you did share a room."

"Hey, hey! Don't gang up on him." Bright quickly comes to Win's rescue.

"Aw! Everyone's already poured their hearts out to you, and you're gonna turn us down, just like that?" Arm draped around Gun's shoulders, Off helps out.

"Just like that." Bright nods firmly. "Now get a move on, everyone!" He shoos everyone away as he pulls Win in a private, hushed conversation.

"Sus." Mix repeats, confirming his suspicion.

*

At night Gun invites everyone to swim. Off, Tay, New, Earth, Bright, and Win all go as Singto, Krist, and Mix hang around the pool.

"So I was thinking of doing something crazy for our last night here." Krist grins playfully.

"Like what?"

"Like jumping on a flight to Bali right this instant!" Gun beams.

"Yeah, not that crazy," Off dismisses Gun immediately.

"Adopting a piglet!" Mix tries.

"Nope, nuh-uh." Earth turns Mix down as fast.

"Um, midnight diving?" Tay offers, trying to help.

"What are you, Aquaman?" New rolls his eyes at him.

"Aw—"

"Actually, can I have a moment of your time?" Singto suddenly stands. "A forewarning: this might get sappy. But, uh, bear with me just this once?"

Everyone nods at him in encouragement.

"First of all, thank you all for coming here and celebrating our anniversary with us." Singto smiles softly at Krist. "Never expected our family would get bigger in a night but, I'm just relieved if it means my Kit will be even less lonely the whole time I'll be away."

"Don't worry, Sing, just leave him to us!" Earth smiles genuinely.

"We'll keep him busy, he won't have time to miss you." Tay chuckles.

Krist blinks in confusion. "Huh? I still get to hang with you guys, even without P'Sing around?"

"Of course, kid! You're welcome anytime." Off winks. "Just start listing all the things Singto wouldn't let you do."

"Like dancing on tabletops!" Gun giggles.

"Hey! You guys are bad news, seriously." Singto chuckles, then turns to Krist. "I know you'll be fine on your own, but it'll really ease my mind if you have them around to accompany you." He says softly.

"Aww, guys ...." Krist whines, holding back a sob.

"Three years will go by in a blink. We'll reunite in no time, trust me." Singto kisses Krist's forehand and buries him in his arms.

"Three years, my ass. You're coming to my and Tay's graduation next year, or we'll come to get you!" Off snaps at Singto jokingly, ruining the romantic atmosphere at once.