SOTUS: Make The Best Of It (The Graduation Series)

In Motion

''P', look at this.'' Arthit sticks the spoon full of yoghurt into his mouth, face scrunching up slightly at the tanginess of the raspberry flavour, leaning in closer to get a better look at Kongpob's iPad. ''I'm still subscribed to the university's newsletter and they sent me this.''

''You're still subscribed to the university newsletter? It's been years, Kongpob. I stopped subscribing to it as soon as I graduated because they kept sending me e-mails. What is it?''

''The engineering faculty is holding a seminar for next year's graduates next month and they're extending an invitation to alumni from past cohorts to share our current working experiences. I guess it's to share what sort of careers we can branch into and what are the options available after they graduate.'' Kongpob shares, tilting his screen to show Arthit the e-poster-slash-invitation. ''Think I should sign up for it?''

Arthit spoons more yoghurt into his mouth with an eager nod, ''You should. Besides, you've got a Masters too, so you're definitely the best person to share your experience.'' He brings his feet up, propping them on the coffee table, ignoring Kongpob's look of slight disapproval as. ''It's next month?''

Huh, the timing couldn't be better actually. He's been trying to figure out when would be the perfect moment to execute his proposal, but it seems like the opportunity has presented itself on a very shiny platter for Arthit. What better place to propose at other than where they had first met in university? Initially, Arthit had considered planning a short getaway for the both of them where he could properly propose to Kongpob, but a quick peek at his boyfriend's Outlook calendar told Arthit that it would be close to impossible to steal his boyfriend away for a couple of days. 

''It's on a Saturday. We can head down together. It'd be like old times.''

''Was it really that memorable for you to get screamed at by me?''

''Hey.'' Kongpob lightly nudges his shoulder against Arthit's, his smile fond. ''It's where I met my first and last love.''

''God, you're so...'' Arthit huffs in return, not being able to find the exact words to retaliate.

One would think that a couple in their sixth year of being in a relationship would have gone way past the honeymoon phase already, but Arthit truly begs to differ. But it's fine. He'll let Kongpob have the upper hand (for now). 

x.x.x

Everything is similar yet different at the same time.

The buildings that Arthit has passed by countless of times during his university days were still standing strong, but it's obvious that it's been repainted multiple times to maintain its appearance. 

Arthit spots the bench that their group would occupy back then in between lessons next to the main building, now attached with a sort of umbrella canopy to keep the heat of the sun away. The vending machine that used to swallow their coins but never dispense the drinks was still there as well, scuff marks and all (still) visible  from when Prem had kicked it in a fit of rage each time he didn't get the drink that he's paid for.

''It's so nostalgic.'' Arthit remarks with a wistful laugh to Kongpob, feeling as if he's been transported to six years ago once more.

''Do you think the drinks stall near the dorm is still there?''

Arthit's expression brightens at the mention of their favorite frequented stall, ''...we've still got time, right?'' He doesn't want to get his hopes up considering that it's been years and the vendor might have changed, but he's clinging on the possibility that the drinks lady would still be around.

''About an hour and so. There's more than enough time.''

''Alright, then let's go check it out!'

''It's been six years and you still get excited over pink milk.''