Bad Boyfriend

Taking Roots

Their morning class went into overtime and by the time it ended, Rain is scampering to get his things together.

"Why don't you just eat with us this time?" Sky tells him. "You can just tell Phayu class extended and you couldn't go to the court anymore."

"Can't." Rain replies more quickly than he intended. And upon seeing the shocked look on Sky's face, he slows down a little and explains, "Sky, I've caused enough trouble for you and Som. I know you two are my friends no matter what but I don't want to see you guys get in trouble because of me, especially you. I don't want to risk your scholarship."

Sky looks moved and guilty at the same time, mumbling to himself, "You don't have to think about that."

"But I do." Rain tells him, placing a hand over Sky's. "Because we're friends."

"Rain..."

"It'll just be quick. I'll see you later, okay?" Rain beams, patting his friend's hand then turning on his heel and rushing out of the room. He doesn't have much time left and it's still quite a walk to the court from here.

He didn't lie; his main reason for sticking to Phayu's condition is so that his friends don't get half the hate that's meant for him. But he may have left out the part where he wants to make it up to Phayu after leaving him high and dry the previous night and also, as a thank you for not forcing himself on Rain.

When he arrives, he finds the whole gang there which makes him feel a bit awkward, especially due to how they were "introduced" yesterday. But they welcome him warmly nonetheless, no teasing or sexual jokes whatsoever.

"Hi, Rain. Glad you could join us." Aon pipes up to which Rain lightly bows his head and squeaks, "Thanks, P'Aon. Sorry I'm late."

"No biggie." Saifah chimes in then turns to Phayu who has headphones slapped over his ears and yells, "Oi, boss, your sweetheart is here!"

Rain blushes at the pet name but when Phayu looks over his shoulder and gestures at Rain to sit on his usual seat next to Phayu, the boy follows—rushing past the others in embarrassment.

He sits down and pulls out his lunch; he doesn't have much time left to eat after all. But along with his, he takes out another container and quite timidly holds it out to Phayu who then eyes it as if asking, "What the hell is that?"

And Rain replies, "My mom packed it for you but I forgot to give it to you earlier." He can practically feel blush creeping up his neck as he waits for the other to either take it or reject it.

But after a short pause and a bit of prodding from his friends, Phayu finally accepts the packed meal being offered to him. He averts his face a little too quickly that Rain can't be sure but he thought Phayu blushed just now. Surely, he must be mistaken.

He brushes it off and proceeds to eat. He did a boyfriend-y thing and Phayu didn't turn him down; that's pretty much a win and Rain feels a tad less guilty about last night.

As he busily chomps down his food, Phayu looks back at him with a soft expression rarely seen on his face. He inwardly chuckles, thinking what a puzzle this one is. He could never seem to predict Rain's next move.

But then, he notes that Rain is wearing his PE clothes and albeit shrouded by his damp hair, Phayu can still make out the fresh cut on the boy's forehead. What the hell? He makes a mental note to have Aon find out what happened later.

But for now, he opens the lunch box Rain brought for him and quietly joins him—the two eating together for the first time.

~~~

After their last class of the day ended, Rain looks as though he's been stripped of all his will to live, walking through the halls like the undead with dark half moons under his eyes.