I didn't realise I'd like that! (1 of 2 stories - completed)

I didn't realise i'd like that...

Just to be clear, in this story, Arthit didn't run the laps so Kongpob didn't have to look after him. Also, Kongpob didn't chase after Arthit, so there was no crying behind the bleachers. They had the altercation at the start and some others since, which I may mention, but Kongpob hasn't been discovering his feelings for Arthit. They are simply Phi-Nong who dislike each other.

It's the day of the beach trip and Kongpob awakes early, anticipation curling in his stomach. He knows that today is the last day of the hazing process and that after this he is going to be free to get on with his life as just another engineering student.

Free from the hatred of the head hazer and his gang of Neanderthals, who have spent the last few months making him go through a drastic exercise programme, so that Kongpob is fitter than he's ever been before. He's got a six pack developing from all the crunches and squats, and leg muscles that feel like they've tripled in size.

He knows that he started their arguments when he told Arthit he would steal his gear and make him his wife, but the other man had reminded him so much of a nasty old teacher from his high school who had bullied students for no reason. It had been a natural instinct to fight back.

Sure Arthit had taught him lessons too, he knows that the hazers are just trying to show them that university is about team spirit while also being a solo sport that your friends can't always help you with. But it still stings that Arthit had called him out on having a hero complex and that it's clear he has yet to earn his respect.

The Kongpob from high school would have been chasing after his Phi trying desperately to get his attention and to make him see that he's a nice guy after all. But the Kongpob who's been through the hazing, would much rather steer clear of the head hazer and let him think whatever he likes about him. Even if that reputation follows him through the next four years.

So, he reluctantly rolls out of bed and heads for his shower, thoughts still swirling round his head like water down a drain. He knows his closest friend, Em, is still terrified of the hazers and isn't looking forward to the trip either, and that Wad isn't even bothering to come. But their class president, Tew, who is becoming quite a close friend, had asked him personally to stick with the trip in case other first years decided to copy their campus star and not go either.

So, even though he doesn't want to, Kongpob is committed to this trip. At least there'll be over 200 students there, so he's certain he and P'Arthit will have little contact with one another. He comforts himself with that thought as he goes through his morning routine and then forces himself out of the door.

"Oi! Star bright, I see you!" Oak yells as Kongpob finally makes it to the bus. His group of friends are standing in a loose circle, catching up, with Oak parading his high scores from last night's trip to the gaming store.

Kongpob had declined the invitation as his mother had wanted to have a long chat about one of his sisters and the idiot she was planning to marry (his mother's words, though Konpob agreed) and he's kind of sad he missed it now as the other guys bond over their successful campaign.

After a while, their group expands as the ladies arrive. Prae, May and Maprang are dressed more casually than Kongpob has ever seen them and he's not surprised when May finds a way to slip into the circle beside him. He knows that she has developed a little crush on him, but he's also aware of how much Em likes her and he isn't inclined to get involved in a love triangle when he doesn't have any feelings for her.

Being the campus star has brought him a lot of attention and Kongpob knows that there are several young women who would like to date him. He's not being bigheaded, but he is decent to look at and his reputation is as a generous guy, so, as his mother always says, there will always be bees round the honey where he's concerned.