Missing The Sun

Chapter I: Sun

"Sun!"

Kongkwan shouted, catching the attention of the bright, cheerful girl, Prawtawan Ampanlert, who responded with her signature warm smile.

"Chai. Are you all waiting for me?"

Vee smirked at the taller girl, Deer.

"Are you going home with Mint?"

"Nah. He's playing football with his friends," Sun replied, smiling. "Boys' time."

"Then let's have girls' time!" Kongkwan said, linking arms with her. "Next year, we'll be in our fifth semester, and it'll be even busier. We hardly get to hang out anymore."

Sun smiled again. The four friends had entered Chulalongkorn University together, but Sun, studying Communication Arts, had to part ways with Kongkwan in Economics and Deer and Vee in Psychology. Despite their busy schedules, their friendship remained strong.

"I heard there's a cool exhibition at the Faculty of Architecture," Vee said.

"Really? Should we go?" Sun asked, intrigued.

"Let's do it! I heard there's a food bazaar too," Deer encouraged.

As they walked to the Faculty of Architecture, they chatted about various topics, providing Sun with a much-needed break from the stress of assignments and final exams. Their light conversation was enjoyable until it turned to her.

"You and Mint are doing well, right?" Kongkwan asked. "You've been dating for almost two years but haven't said much about him."

"Everything's perfect. He's nice, smart, and caring. I don't have complaints." Sun replied with a smile.

"You two are the perfect couple—the popular Sun from Communication Arts and the handsome Mint from Medicine," Vee teased, chuckling. "Must be an easy ride for you!"

"Yeah, who doesn't envy Sun?" Deer chimed in. "Even back in high school."

"Hey, stop teasing me!"

"Let's not talk about Sun's life; it bores me how perfect it is."

Kongkwan's teasing was deeper.

Two years ago, as a freshman, Sun met Mint, a standout student in Medicine, who was determined to win her heart. His kindness made it easy for Sun to fall for him.

Yet Kongkwan's words made Sun aware of a nagging curiosity she had pushed aside, questioning whether Mint's perfection left her with little to admire.

"Deer, that's Pearl," Vee whispered.

"Pearl who?" Sun asked, noticing a tall girl at a stall.

"Our faculty friend. She's been in the spotlight lately."

"Why?" Kongkwan inquired.

"She's a girl kisser."

"And?" Sun looked confused.

"She got caught having sex in class last month with a junior," Vee laughed. "I can't imagine how many hearts broke for that. She's quite popular with the guys."

"Yeah, she has a lot of fanboys, but she identifies as a lesbian."

Sun continued to observe Pearl, who looked stunning in her beige cropped tee and ripped jeans. She must have broken a lot of hearts, Sun thought.