Kengkla - the wolf in the closet

Chapter 5

Meeting Techno on his birthday, changed something. Seeing him changed from being a want to need. Kengkla now needs to see the older boy. Every time after a Lab class, Kengkla hangs back, not returning with his classmates (and, occasionally, without Technic) to watch or look for Techno. He doesn't get to see him much on LB College's campus to his frustration except for sometimes on the football ground. Then, that ends up creating a different type of frustration.

A few times, they almost do cross paths but Kengkla always manages to remove himself from the scene quickly but remaining within distance from where he can watch Techno interrupted. The older boy has two friends that, thankfully, to his relief, aren't his rivals (or, so he thinks.) They're all just good friends who make Techno laugh a lot which he is grateful to watch. When Technic asks why he chooses to watch from far since Techno doesn't have anyone pursuing him and even if he likes anyone, his brother stands no chance so Kengkla could just confess. Kengkla glares at his classmate but doesn't comment.

"It isn't the right time," is all he explains.

"Suit yourself."

Apparently, Kengkla's behaviour is more exasperating than Technic had expected. At this point, he 'pities' him. Because of Techno and their deal, the nature of their relationship begins changing. It is no longer just Kengkla saying and Technic complying. It has become more 'balanced' as some would say. Kengkla always tries to have the upper hand.

"Why do you even like my brother? Honestly? Of all the boys and girls in our class, school and here, you found my brother? Older and stupid."

Sometimes, Kengkla ignores him. Sometimes, he deflects by commenting on Techno's physical attributes. Yes, Techno could be physically attractive. He is but Kengkla suspects that this is not about just that.

What is it though?

*

Techno, from his observations, seems like a gullible, naive person that everyone around him seems to take advantage of. Giving away his seat in canteen to someone just because the other person had been tired and might have looked a bit sick. Techno laughs at jokes cracked at his own expense and he is laughing along. It surprises Kengkla immensely. Kengkla wouldn't do the former and wouldn't let the latter happen without giving a proper dress-down to the other party and reducing them to tears. Kengkla wants to remove these people and grudgingly accepts that Type and Champ are always Techno's better company.

Techno is kind and polite, giving his time to people when they need it (him helping out the relatively new football team players) or, talking to them if he doubts something is up (like in his own case.) Kengkla still can't forget the soft, lowered voice in which Techno had asked if he had been okay. He wants to save that sound in his mind forever. Of all the people in the world, there is this person who bothers asking Kengkla how he is.

Techno is older and maybe 'stupid' but Kengkla needs him. It doesn't matter why. He just does.

*

So that he is able to see Techno, he not just visits his house more happen, he makes Technic call the older boy, to inquire where he is. 'Why are you late?, who are you with? Why aren't you coming back right now? When will you come back?' Those type of questions. Some days, he is away for football practice. Some days, he is preparing for midterms with his friends. One time, he is out having dinner and for a second, because of the way Technic words his question to his own brother, Kengkla thinks the older boy is out on a date and he already despises the girl whoever it is. Technic jokes about someone kidnapping him and making him his wife. Obviously, he means Kengkla. Kengkla, however, isn't prone to anything dramatic and tasteless like kidnapping. No need for forceful abduction. No, Kengkla will make Techno come to him by his own choice.