The Whole Nine Yards

Chapter 32

After their first exams,  Arthit with Kong, bid goodbye to his Uncle.

'0062,'
'Professor.'
' Visit me sometime with Khun'Oon'

Arthit just turned to Kong. The way Kongpob smiled and nodded to his Uncle is whiplash inducing.

' Enjoy your break together.' Penn mysteriously said as he entered his car.

After the Professor drove off, Kong asked,  'What did he mean, P?
'I have no idea.' Arthit answered.

'What is that old man up to this time?' Arthit thought and for some reason, he is feeling oddly nervous.

The next day, Kong and Arthit were called to the Dean's office. They were both chosen to represent the Faculty of Engineering  in the recruitment caravan.

'Recruitment caravan?' Kong asked.
' It'a 3 day tour organized by the university to encourage high school students to enroll here. The delegation is mix of either teachers or students, depending on the faculty. This year, our faculty decided to send students. Prof. Penn nominated the two of you.' the Dean explained.

They blinked at the Dean. Arthit was gaping at him. That old man.

Prof. Penn always accommodate the college whenever a faculty is on leave so as a thank you, the Faculty of Engineering wanted to give him a send off party. For some reason, he declined and instead asked a favor to send Kongpob and Arthit to the caravan.

Having already decided that the faculty will send students and considering Kongpob is the moon of university and Arthit was a formidable ex Head Hazer, the Dean agreed. The suggestion actually solved his dilemma of who will they send.

But seeing close to horror in Arthit's face and surprise in Kongpob's, the Dean can't help but ask, ' Questions?'

' What about our classes?' Arthit asked.
'You will be excused from your classes. But you won't miss much since we just had the exams. That's why the caravan is always scheduled these dates.' the Dean explained.

Kong cannot hide his grin after hearing the news. Arthit on the other hand, seeing the grin on his boyfriend's face, 'I'm gonna kill my Uncle. He thought he is being funny?'
What business does he have nominating the two of them?'

When his friends found out,

'I'm so jealous can I come too?' Bright exclaimed.
'Where are you going? Knot asked.
'The North, then seaside province then Arankara City.'
'So you will visit mountains, the sea and another city? Knot concluded.
'Seems so.' Arthit said.
'So will it be like your honeymoon?' Bright asked.
'What? It's a recruitment caravan with a delegation.' Arthit stated.
'But technically you only know each other there when you go to these places.' Prem added
'Oh.'
'I bet Kongpob is excited, having Ai'Arthit all to himself.' Bright teased.

The dread on Arthit's face was enough that his friends are now bellowing in laughter.

'Don't give in easily Ai'Arthit.' Bright advised.
'I say,  don't resist that much.' Toota countered.

Arthit, at that very moment, just wanted to disappear from his so called friends.

_--_

That Saturday, Kong can be found in Arthit's room. They needed to prepare  their recruitment pitch.

' Kongpob.'
' Huh?'
' Stop spacing out.' he ordered the sophomore.
'You're distracting P?'Kong whined.
'Me?' Arthit asked in disbelief.

Kong nodded. P'Arthit in a white V Neck shirt is drool worthy. Showing off that soft and milky white skin, the sexy column of his neck and collar bones.

Something hit him.

' P!' He exclaimed, PArthit hit him with an eraser.
' Get it together.' Arthit demanded.
' But P, can you change your shirt?' Kong requested.
' What?'
' It reminds me when I kiss---'

Arthit kicked him. Drastic measures are needed to cut whatever crap his boyfriend will say that Arthit is sure will make him blush.

'Quit it.'
'Why P?'
'If you wont stop I' ll ask the Dean to replace me.' he threatened
' So you'll leave me with someone else,  P?' Kong inquired.

Arthit paused. Indeed, if he asks for replacement, someone else will be with Kongpob for four days. No way. Arthit thought. But of course he cant tell Kong he doesnt want anyone else with him.

' Yes.' Arthit bluffed.

Kong bit the bluff, if the shock on his face is a sign. He started cooperating again but after a few minutes, Arthit can tell he is stealing a glance here and there. What will he do with this boyfriend of his?

In the evening, they went to get some groceries for the trip. Kongpob is following him even when he went to get his toiletries.

' Go away,' he told Kong.
' P, I'm a man too. We can share?' Kong offered.
'No.'
'But when I stay at your place--'
'No.' Arthit said with finality.

Kongpob is puzzled. Why is PArthit being difficult? They can save money and space if they share stuff. But still, Kong is watching PArthit like a hawk. For Kongpob, even if they have been together as a couple for months, he feels that P'Arthit is still an elusive creature that he is still chasing and trying to figure out. So he soaks up small opportunities like this to observe his boyfriend. Even an opportunity as ordinary as buying groceries together.

Then, Arthit remembers that his bike needed some grease for its chain. He needed to apply some grease before they leave, otherwise it will be hard to pedal when they get back. The bike shop is already closed, he knows. So taking a chance, he looked for it but when he couldn't find it,  he asked an attendant which aisle the grease is located. The attendant  looked at him and Kong, then with a smirk said,  'Aisle 69.'

It was at the farthest end. To Arthit's surprise, several pairs of guys are there. Then he heard,

' I want the cherry flavored, babe'

'Flavor? Grease comes in different flavors now?' Arthit thought.

Arthit froze and looked up. It was an aisle of condoms and different kinds of lubricants. They have displays like this here? Since when? Arthit thought in horror.

' Wow P, you suprise me.'Kong said as he caught on where they are.
'I'm looking for grease for my bike!' Arthit immediately corrected but his face is red now.
'Well you only said grease.' Kong chuckled as reached out to get one.

He hit Kong's hand.

' Ohhh must be their first time!' the guy from earlier said.
' He's blushing. Don't deny it that hard man.' offered the other guy who must be his fann.
'Don't be shy. You'll need them.' another called out from the middle of the aisle.

Arthit realized the pairs there are couples and they are giving them indulgent and understanding looks. Arthit pulled Kong and bolted from out of there.

'Didn't know you are thinking about it-' Kong teased.
'Kongpob!'
' I'd go for strawberry flavor.' Kongpob whispered.

Arthit's eyes widened that Kong just full on laughed in the middle of the grocery. Arthit can not find it in himself to get angry with his boyfriend. After all, it was his fault for not clarifying what grease he needed.  No wonder that attendant smirked  when he directed them to that place. Did the attendant think Arthit was too shy to call it lube that he asked grease instead? Wait, was it that obvious that he and Kong are a couple? 

Arthit facepalmed. He will be having nightmares of Aisle 69, he's sure of it.