The Unexpected Romantic

Chapter 2: A Cryptic Attraction

Five to seven sticks a day. I am trying to get rid of this bad habit, and you all know it's not easy. Back in senior high, I had no control. These days, I can't help it either.

That's why I'd sacrifice a couple of minutes' rest just to take a few hits. Now, I'm literally rushing to finish at least half a stick before heading to my last class of the day. And whose fault is this?

Bumping into Pha in this secluded area of the campus is one big thing. How long has it been? How long had I been watching secretly? When did I stop? Did I?

And seeing who he was with is another thing. That guy who gaped at me during the competition night. That guy who took my picture.

I met Pha's friends during practice. And that guy, yeah we know each other, and I hear things about him. I hear he is infamous when it comes to women.

Him and there's another guy with chinky eyes who always follow Pha everywhere he went like his servants. Evidently, they all come from the same college. Of doctors. The three of them seem very familiar with one another, so I think those two didn't mind waiting for Pha when rehearsals finished late.

We have also been all in one place sharing drinks more than a couple of times. After the competition, we rarely saw each other.

Last hit and I toss the cigarette butt to the ground, step on it and then I leave for class. I almost become unaware of the time. Coming late to class is never a good thing.

I guess I'll just save this matter for later.

A few weeks later

"Hey Lam, can we skip today's hazing activity?" I ask my friend. "I'm not in the mood."

The last class of the day has just ended.

Spending the entire day in class plus having to go to hazing afterwards really stresses me out. I am trying to do my best here.

"You wanna get your ass kicked?" he answered.

"You know you're their favorite freshman, right?" he's kidding.

Being an engineering freshman isn't easy. Being a favorite? Never mind.

I swear when I get the chance to be a hazer, which is something that I wouldn't pass up, I will listen to this little voice inside me saying that I should get back at those seniors by inflicting the same or worse kind of pain they are giving us right now.

Hold up now! I'm not a bad person. And I'm definitely not going to be a bad hazer. Just thinking of it makes me feel.... uhhhmmm... satisfied?

Hahaha!!! Scratch that.

Another thing, if I really wish to be a hazer, I should never be absent in any activities. The seniors should see something good in me. Long way to go.

"Okay, then. We'll go."

A few more weeks.

A few more meetings to endure then it'll all be over. Temporarily. At least, we'll have a short vacation before we become sophomores.

Besides, there's a lot of things we can do to relieve our stress from hazing activities.

"But don't stand me up later, you jerk!"

The last time we had a deal to grab a beer, he canceled at the last minute. Must've been for a girl, so it's okay. I let it pass. This time he can't say no to me.