KongArt Week Stories

Fishy Fishy! - Part Five

"Oi, Arthit! Kongpob! Over here!" Tootah called out, waving the two over, indicating the two empty spots that he had saved for them.

Lowering his voice down to a whisper, he leaned closer to Arthit who had sat next to him. "Are you alright?"

Arthit nodded, thankful for the concern. Tootah and Bright were the class clowns and never once picked on him nor said anything bad about him. But just as he had thought that, Bright had to open his damn mouth.

"So what was that kiss between the two of you about?" He asked cheekily, wagging his finger back and forth between the two. He had been some distance away from the three of them and didn't really witness what had happened at that point. All he had seen was Kongpob leaning down to transfer oxygen to Arthit but of course, from afar it just looked like they were kissing.

"Bright! Shut up!" Knot hissed, smacking the other in the thigh. "It's rude to ask such things!!"

"I'm just stating facts! Their lips met so it's a kiss alright." Bright shrugged, wiggling his eyebrows.

"I apologise for my git of a friend." Knot said apologetically, using a hand to force Bright's head down into a bow as well.

"But Kno-"

"No." Knot held up a hand, as though he was talking to a dog, causing Kongpob and Arthit to laugh.

"Anyway, we've never really talked before so that's Bright my idiotic best friend, Knot the top scorer of our class and of course our local hothead, Prem." Tootah chimed in, indicating to the rest of the gang who were sitting around together. The boys each waved as they were introduced with the exception of Prem who merely grunted.

Arthit waved meekly as Kongpob nodded at each of them. He had heard Arthit talking about this group before, that they were an interesting mix of characters despite all being so different. Although Arthit kept mostly to himself in class, he spent most of his time observing his other classmates. Kongpob knew deep down he wanted friends but just wasn't comfortable enough to put himself out there yet. He let the rest lead the conversation, watching Arthit closely to monitor his expressions. The other boy soon lightened up, easing himself into their dialogue easily as he threw in a response or two with most of the conversation being led by Tootah and Bright.

True to all campfires, Aaron had brought along a guitar and was soon playing song requests, showing off to the rest of the class. Arthit scoffed lightly. It was evident that he was just an amateur. He had learnt from his father, before he had passed and had been playing since he was young. But he hadn't touched his guitar ever since his father passed away a year back and he stared a little longingly at the instrument. That was a good guitar being ruined at the hands of a person who clearly didn't know how to appreciate it. Aaron was simply rich. His little scoff however, didn't go unnoticed and Aaron's brow furrowed in annoyance.

"Oi. Arthit. Why don't you play something if you think you're that good?" He called out, attracting the attention of everyone around. The rest of their class quietened down, watching the situation unravel.

"I didn't say anything Aaron." Arthit sighed, turning away.

"I heard that sound you made." Aaron jeered. "If you think you're so good, why don't you take over?"

"I wasn't-"

"Take it, Arthit? Or are you just all talk and you can't even play?" Aaron growled, now standing in front of Arthit and shoving the guitar in his face.

Kongpob placed a palm on his thigh, comforting him. Arthit turned to look at the other, his expressions clear. 'You don't have to do anything you don't want to,' was what it said and suddenly Arthit felt brave.