The Smile

3. Mini Reunion

After getting our drinks, we pile into a corner booth away from the few people hanging around in the cafe. We are silently sipping from our cups, glimpsing at each other before studying the vinyl of the tabletop as if it holds the secrets of the universe. I'm about to reach an epiphany that the scratches are actually ancient sanskrit when Phana clears his throat.

"Do you and n'Wayo go to Kantaphat University, too?" He asks, his deep voice hesitant. In the time I knew Phana, I never saw him be nervous over anything. He didn't hesitate. He was decisive and cold with very few words.

"Yes. We are in our second year but in different faculties. I'm in Engineering and Yo started in Science but changed it to Music this year. Thankfully, it didn't set him back much since first year is mostly general ed." Taking a drink of my iced coffee, I look from Phana to Kit and back. "What about the two of you? I don't remember seeing you around campus. Is p'Beam with you?"

"We transferred here as third years after spending the last two years abroad. Kantaphat has an excellent medical school," Phana answers with a shrug. "As for Beam, a pretty girl by the name of Angel dragged him out of the club just before we met you."

"N'Angel?" I have to laugh. She struck out with me but that didn't stop her from finding a substitute. Hope p'Beam has fun and doesn't get caught in her trap.

"You know her?" Kit asks with his brows raised.

"She's a freshie in Engineering," is the only answer I give him. I'm gentleman enough not to reject and tell. "Are all three of you med students?"

"Yes, Boss here dragged us halfway around the world and then dragged us back again so we can keep going to school together and because he couldn't stand being away from a certain person any longer. He's lucky that Beam and I are interested in the Medical field, too."

"Ai'Kit!" Pha gives a warning to his shorter friend but I'm not sure what it's for.

"Who were you missing, p'Phana?" I ask curiously. He glances down at his phone and blushes without answering. Could it be? There were a few times where I thought the almighty Phana had more than a passing interest in my best friend but I quickly dismissed it, especially after what Yo overheard them saying at their graduation. That suspicion comes back when I think about the way the man reacted anytime Yo is mentioned. I wonder... "You know, I bet Yo is done with his event. Let me call him. We can have a mini reunion."

Phana's eyes go wide and he's vibrating in his seat. A weird half smile creeps over his face as he tries to contain his obvious excitement. Bingo!

"Hey, Ming!" Yo answers on the first ring. I have a feeling he was playing one of his games on his phone to answer so quickly.

"Hey, Yo. Busy? I'm at the Lunar Cafe just off campus with some friends. Get yourself all cute and get your ass over here."

"You're buying?" Always asking for a free meal, this kid.

"Yeah, yeah. Pink milk and chocolate cake. I'll have it ready for you."

"Yay! I'll be there in fifteen." He ends the call with a happy shout that makes me chuckle.

"He's coming?" Pha visibly swallows and fiddles with his phone.

"Yep, but don't fall out of your chair when he gets here."

"Why?" Kit asks.

"You'll see." I grin at them both.

"I'll go get his drink and cake," Pha volunteers and hurries to the counter. Guess I don't have to buy after all. 

Just over fifteen minutes later, I see my friend walking outside the wide front windows towards the entrance and lean back in my chair to watch the show. It is probably a little evil of me not to warn Yo of who is here and not to warn Pha that the Wayo he's expecting isn't the Yo he's getting. It's definitely a little evil but going to be so worth it.