"Why do they call it a crush? Because that's how you feel when they don't feel the same way in return. And I don't know why I am still hoping..."
Story is especially requested by GouriAsokan 💜
Saint woke up later than usual today because he forgot to set his alarm last night. He was so occupied with organizing things for the upcoming school event that setting an alarm never crossed his mind.
"Mom, I have to go," Saint said as he hastily approached his mother, who was preparing breakfast.
"How about breakfast?" his mother asked worriedly.
"I'll have it at school. Where's Dad?" he asked as he pecked his mother on the cheek.
"He went to work early today."
"Then, I'll be going as well. Bye, Mom! See you," he said, rushing to the doorstep.
"All right," his mother replied defeatedly. "Make sure to eat!" she continued.
Saint needed to be at school early today. He was informed the day before that there would be a guest visiting the school and that the Student Council President needed his presence. Upon arrival at school, he rushed over to the Council's office, but the Vice President halted him at the door.
"Why are you so late? Mr. Tong been giving me an earful," Gulf nagged.
"Sorry, okay? Get out of my way, Gulf," Saint said, lightly shoving Gulf to the side.
Saint entered the room in a hurry to put his things down while the Vice President followed him, continuing his nonstop nagging. Paying no mind, Saint searched for the outline of the event.
"Here," Gulf said, handing him the outline. "You know, if you came a little later today, I'd be dead. I don't want to waste my energy talking to the oldies," Gulf fussed, fake-crying while holding Saint's arm.
"Stop your whining. I'm here now, okay? Get off me, I'm going to the office," Saint said, shaking him off.
"Love you, Pres!" Gulf happily shouted.
He rushed to the school head's office and fortunately arrived before the guest. However, Mr. Tong gave him an earful for being late. After a while, the guest finally showed up.
"Good day, Mr. Tong. How are you doing?" the guest greeted.
"I am doing fine, Mr. Chankimha," Mr. Tong replied, waied respectfully to the guest.
Mr. Chankimha, a middle-aged businessman, is the school's main sponsor for the school festival. He covered the expenses for the week-long event. As an alumnus of the school, he decided to share his success with his alma mater.
"Who is this young man, Mr. Tong?" the guest asked.
"I'm the school council president, sir. My name is Saint. Nice to finally meet you," Saint formally introduced himself.
"He is our school pride. Thanks to him and his hard work, the preparations have been smooth," Mr. Tong proudly stated.
"I can see that. Saint, you said. Show me what you have for the fest," Mr. Chankimha said with anticipation.
Saint then showed him the outline for the upcoming school fest and explained it thoroughly. They discussed the details for an hour, until Mr. Chankimha's phone rang.
"What is it, dear?" The guest answered.
It was Mr. Chankimha's daughter on the phone, but Saint didn't pay much attention to who he was talking to. He quietly continued discussing the event with the school head while Mr. Chankimha was busy on the phone. When the call ended, Mr. Chankimha interrupted the two.
"My apologies. That was my daughter on the phone. Speaking of, do you remember her, Mr. Tong?" the guest asked.
"Of course, Mr. Chankimha. Your eldest daughter is currently studying at BKK University, right? I remember her well. She is a smart lady," the school head praised.
"Right. I am thinking of marrying her off early," the guest randomly said.
The school head acted shocked, but Saint wondered if he had the right to listen to these oldies' conversation. He sat there quietly, smiling as if he cared about what they were discussing. He wished he could leave the office as soon as possible, wanting to escape the boring chatter of the older men.
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During the lunch break at Zee's University, Saint's squad gathered at the university's canteen to fill their stomachs. Saint had just completed his unit exam for his major subject earlier that morning, so he was feeling a bit drained from using his brain.
"How's the exam, Nong?" Mew, who was sitting next to Zee, asked him.
"Don't get me started. I al—"
"Oh god, Phi! Zee almost got a nosebleed answering those ungodly questions!" Janis jokingly interrupted him.
"That hard?!" Mew exclaimed.
Everyone at the table laughed at Janis's remark, though Zee stared daggers at her. It was half true because the exam had indeed been challenging for all of Zee's classmates. They were only freshmen, but the professors didn't make things easy for them. Zee and Janis were classmates, while Mew and Billy were in their second year.
"Hey, I remember someone I know from Thai High invited me to their fest next week. You guys in?" Mew offered to the group.
Zee immediately thought of the Thai High School Council President, Saint, who hadn't mentioned anything about inviting him to the fest. However, considering Saint's busy schedule with schoolwork and festival preparations, Zee understood if he had forgotten. Regardless of the invitation, Zee decided he would still go to the fest.
"And I got free tickets!" Mew enthusiastically added.
"We're in, Phi!" Billy replied. "Oh, Jan? Where's Freen?"
"She texted me earlier that he went to call his dad and she'll be coming afterwards," Janis sighed.
Freen is a freshman student majoring in economics and a part of their circle of friends. The five of them are in the same university organization, which is why they have gotten close quickly. They are members of the Photography Club. Despite their different personalities, photography is the common interest that binds them together.
"Let's go have dinner after lecture," Billy suggested, to which everyone simply agreed.
"I can't. I have somewhere to go later," Zee said.
"Hey! You've been ditching us these days. What are you up to? Do you have a lover?" Mew grumbled.
"What? No," Zee replied defensively.
Zee was flabbergasted by what he had just heard, which prompted everyone to start teasing him because of his reaction. Somehow, Zee managed to change the subject and make up excuses, and they let him off the hook, assuming it was something important.
