Claiming Our Rights

Chapter 6

Daeng's POV:

Morning came and the day went by rather quickly. But then came the freshmen gathering. This time we had to gather at the field. Despite living in Australia most of my life, this heat is killing me. At this rate I won't be surprise if I get heat stroke. And sitting huddled up together is not making it any better. We are sitting cross-legged on the grass with our heads down and hands on our friends' shoulders.

After yesterday's event I could feel more tension in the air. I did not even dare look in P'Arthit's way when I got here earlier just now. Although I had fun getting on his nerves yesterday, a small tinge of regret and fear appeared in my heart today. I hope today goes better than yesterday.

I also pray that P'Kong won't get on his nerves. I could tell that P'Kong is quite the gentleman but he can't stand the sight of unjust treatment or being challenged.

"What time were you supposed to be here?" P'Arthit's voice echoed throughout the field. Damn what a loud set of lungs. I would need a daily jug of honey lemon to sooth my throat if I shouted like him every day.

"4pm Khap" we answered him faintly.

"What time?!" he demanded us to answer louder.

"4pm Khap!!"

"Do you know what time is it now? Don't answer. I'll tell you. It is 4.18 and 57 seconds. Do you not know what punctuality is? Do you realise how it is linked to being responsible? Do you think it is responsible for making your seniors wait for you under this hot sun?!"

He went quiet for a while. I could see him pacing from left to right then left again in front of us. "Considering this your first time I will let it slide but I will ask your friend a question and if this friend can't answer me then you all will be punished." Then he stopped. "Kongpob, code 0062!" P'Kong let go of me and stood up. "Do you remember what I asked you yesterday?"

"Yes P'Arthit. Faculty of Engineering, class of 2018 have 1118 students of which 216 are majoring in industrial engineering." P'Kong answered confidently. And I'm just thinking to myself when the hell did P' get that info. I could've sworn he was with me the whole day. You cannot underestimate P'Kong indeed.

"Er good. But that is not my question." P'Arthit responded. "Why don't you count how many students there are here today?"

P'Kong patiently counted each and everyone of the freshmen. I aspire to have the level of tolerance and patience as P'Kong. He finished counting and reported.

"There are 162 students present."

"Now my question is where are the remaining 54 students?" What the- is he serious right now. How in the world would anyone know. I bet even he doesn't know. P'Kong was silent for a moment. And before P'Arthit could continue, he replied,

"They are not missing P'." I looked up at P'Kong. 'What?' I thought in my head. Shia P' I don't want to attend your funeral yet.

"Are you blind? Look around you. Where are the 54 students then?" P'Arthit fumed.

"They may not be physically here but they sent their hearts." Shia P' you hopeless romantic, this is definitely not the time to flirt with your wife.

"They must have a lot of heart to spare. Enough to keep you all running 54 laps around this field-"

"No P'. They only sent their hearts to me." P'Kong interrupted P'Arthit mid-sentence.

"And why would they only send it to you?" Ya P' why would they send it to only you P'. I felt like shouting these words to P'Kong and probably slap him too. He's going to get us all in trouble.