Freshman forthbeam (copied)

Just Words

Forth picked up one of the attendance stickers and walked over to Beam. Usually, it was the second-year students who gave the stickers to the first-year students, but this time, Forth wanted to do it. For Beam.

Ming froze in place, torn between wanting to fulfill Phana's request to protect Beam and unsure if she could. So, she just stood at a distance, just in case Forth did something dangerous to Beam.

Beam stood silently as Forth approached and took his name tag without letting Beam hand it over first.

Forth glanced at Beam and then handed over the sticker.

Beam blinked. His gaze fell on Forth's thumb, which was now stroking the sticker he had just given there, on the fifth day of SOTUS.

"You're a good junior," Forth said, surprising Beam.

Forth smiled at Beam and gazed at him gently.

Beam was stunned. Forth looked incredibly handsome and hot now, even though Beam wasn't walking that path.

(Note: Meaning even though Beam isn't gay.)

"Crazy, that's for sure. But you'll be a good junior," Forth continued. "That is, if you're willing to get to know your seniors better."

Beam nodded politely. He returned Forth's gaze.

"Especially your orientation leader," Forth added.

Beam blinked.

"Your signature book won't be complete if you don't have their signatures," Forth said gently.

Beam swallowed.

It was five in the evening, the air shouldn't be this hot.

"But well... you only need 40 more signatures. And getting them from others besides us will be easier. So..." Forth returned the name tag to Beam's chest. "... you don't need us."

Forth and Beam locked eyes.

"Good luck," Forth continued as he closed the sticker cap. "... Nong Beam."

THUMP. Beam's heart skipped a beat at the simple nickname.

Forth smiled and then walked away.

Leaving Beam frozen.

Suddenly, Posh and Wai stood in front of Beam. "Are you gay?" Wai asked.

Beam was shocked. "No. Ew! Damn, what are you saying?"

"Posh is gay, not cool to say 'Ew'," Wai added.

"Okay. Sorry, Posh. I didn't mean it like that, both my good friends are gay and they have boyfriends," Beam corrected.

Posh just nodded.

"But you look gay for P'Forth," Wai added.

Beam's eyes widened, and he hit Wai's head.

Posh automatically hit Beam's hand.

"Ouch!" Then he glared at Wai. "You said he's gay! You didn't say he's your boyfriend!"