Chapter 6
Damien entered the library looking for John. He found him quietly seated with very old fat book open in front of him. He didn't want to know which book it was since the size itself gave him creeps.
"I've been looking all over for you."
John looked up from his book. "Oh hi. What happened?"
"There's this regional prestige dance competition that couple of us are participating in. We still have a place for one. Thought you might be interested."
John thought for a moment and then nodded. "sure"
He left the library and followed Damien to the basketball court. He had never been inside earlier. It was huge. A group of guys were standing in the center and talking to each other. A music player was placed at one corner.
Damien got them introduced to him. John always considered himself a good dancer. He had participated in school level competitions but hadn't done so over the last few years.
They had practiced for almost an hour when a group of guys entered the court with one of them carrying a basketball. They were Karan's friends.
"Playtime is over kids." one of the guys said. If John remembered right, his name was George.
"We're practicing. Could you give us about half hour?" Damien asked him.
"Of course not! Now buzz off!" George said.
"Hey, he's talking to you politely. There's no need for that tone." John said.
"Oh yeah? So you'll teach me how to talk to someone?"
"If need be, yes." said John sternly.
George got furious and moved forward towards John when his path was cut in by Karan.
"That'll be enough George." Karan said. "We'll come back in sometime."
"Move from my way Karan"
Karan didn't budge. John felt happy. He hadn't expected Karan to stand up for them.
George glared at Karan and then left with his friends.
Karan turned back and smiled at John. "I've bought you guys some time. But better leave in half hour" John smiled back at him. His friends were happy too.
"Sure will! Thanks" said Damien.
That night Damien entered John's room. Their hostel mostly had twin sharing rooms but John did not have a roommate till then.
"You know he likes you right?"
John looked stunned by the sudden question.
"Who are you referring to?"
"Karan. Who else? Look I know you're gay and from the way he looks at you, he seems gay too."
"Yes I'm gay. But there's nothing from Karan's side. He would have told me if there was something."
"Oh come on! You can't be so naive! Look at the way he smiles at you. Takes you places. And now he even stands up for you."
"Today's act was for all of us not just me."
"It was all for you. If you weren't there, he would never have gone against his friends."
There was silence for some time.
