REMORSE (ENG)

chapter 4

"Kong, where are you going to apply for your internship?"

"I'm going to apply to Y Company."

"Y Company? They only accept two people there, right? Then, I'll apply there too."

"Really? Kay said you'll be doing your internship in the city?"

"Nah, I'd rather intern here with you. Oh ya, during our internship, you won't have any time off. How about your job?"

"I can take it on weekends or maybe change my shift to the evening."

"Don't push yourself too hard, Kong."

"I know, Olive."

Arthit heard the conversation between Kongpob and a woman named Olive walking through the campus gate.

A week after his meeting at the mall with Kongpob, Arthit's routine after work was waiting for someone besides the front gate of X University.

Even though Arthit didn't know Kongpob's schedule, didn't know if he even had classes that day, and didn't know what time he would be home, he would still come and wait. 

It was already the third day since he did it; he hadn't been lucky enough to meet Kongpob the past two days. He was hoping to meet him today, and he finally did.

Kongpob and Olive walked past him; it seemed they still didn't realize someone was watching them.

"Kongpob.." Arthit's call made the person called turn around, Kongpob flinched slightly at his presence. Kongpob just stood in place without greeting him back; it was obvious that he felt uncomfortable and wanted to get out of there immediately.

"Kongpob? Do you know him?" Olive asked.

"Kongpob, I want to talk." Arthit stated before Kongpob answered that he didn't know him, again.  

Arthit glanced at Olive as if asking the girl to leave and let the two of them talk, it seemed Olive understood Arthit's intention because a moment later she told Kongpob that she would wait elsewhere.

"No, stay here." said Kongpob firmly as he drew Olive's hand closer to him, drawing Arthit's attention to their hands. Seeing the scene in front of him made Arthit uncomfortable. 

On the other hand, Olive also glanced at her hand, which was tightly clasped by Kongpob. A smile spread across her beautiful face. This was the first time Kongpob had held her hand; it felt warm.

"Who is she?" Arthit unconsciously voiced his thoughts; his gaze suddenly turned to Kongpob. Kongpob's face was still expressionless.

"That's none of your business. I didn't expect us to meet here. What's wrong?"

Arthit paused, he didn't like hearing Kongpob's voice, which sounded cold, very different from the tone of voice he used when talking to Olive earlier. 

Gone was Kongpob, who always spoke to him in a soft tone of voice; he used to never raise his voice, even in anger.

Do you hate me that much, Kongpob?

"If there's no need for anything, we'll excuse ourselves." Kongpob and Olive started to walk away but Arthit's words made Kongpob stop his steps.

"Wa- wait." Damn. Arthit's voice trembled.

"How are you, Kong?" Arthit didn't understand himself; of all the things that filled his mind, that was the only question he asked.

"You don't need to ask that. Just tell me what you want and I will leave immediately." Arthit fell silent. Damn! His mouth and mind were not working the way he wanted them to. Arthit was not used to this version of Kongpob; he really felt like a stranger.