Kengkla - the wolf in the closet

Chapter 6

Kengkla parks the car in front of their house. "We reached," He says. Techno sits up straighter, looking a little bit dismayed.

"We have, haven't we?" Maybe it isn't Kengkla's wishful thinking that he doesn't sound exactly happy to get off the car. Maybe.

"If you want a longer drive," he says, not wanting to let the opportunity go to waste, "let me know whenever you want to, next time."

Techno takes the belt off and turns to him, "Why not now then?"

"Anytime night is preferable. Day times are tiring."

"Ask your driver to do it instead."

Kengkla gives him a look. "My car, my rules."

"Ah okay, okay. I was just kiddin'. Kids these days, seriously." Kengkla smiles. Techno ruffles his own hair and messes it and opens the door of the car. "Do you wanna come in? Have something before you leave?"

"Thank you." He is thirsty. Techno climbs off the car, slinging his bag on his shoulder. "Is Ai'Nic home?"

"Ai'Ni-oh, N'Nic?" Techno makes this weird expression. "You should know. Anyway, even if he isn't, you can wait for him." Techno shuffles on his feet for a few more seconds before he turns around and pushes the door to his house open.

It takes Kengkla only four minutes to find a suitable parking spot and leave his car there. On his way back, he texts Technic. He deletes the message before he is able to press Send. Somehow, this time the invitation feels like it is by Techno. A progression. There's a slight spring to his steps when he walks to his classmate's house.

*

Kengkla was supposed to just drink a glass of some flavour of juice and make his exit however, Technic walks in with his brother in hearing distance and tells Kengkla that he is heading out to get his brother's motorcycle repaired, would he accompany him. Kengkla gives him a 'are you stupid' look but Techno tells them that he is really pleased that his brother wants to do this for him but it is alright. He can just pay for it. Techno himself will take it for repair. Kengkla isn't able to say no after that. Then he himself insists that both the High School students will accompany him. That's how in the sweltering heat, he finds himself a few streets away, right under the sun, sweating profusely. His shirt begins to start sticking to his skin, the school uniform not the most suitable for the weather. He keeps tugging at his collar,trying to deal with the heat without cursing at anybody. As soon as he reaches home, he is going to straight to the pool indoors. Right now though, he is getting sun burned. Techno is talking to the mechanic, Technic having disappeared somewhere. Kengkla stands a few feet away from the older boy and prays to whoever is listening to end his suffering quickly. Someone bumps into him and he apologises first, because his mother taught him manners but he really wishes to raise hell. He glares at Techno's back who is chattering away with the mechanic happily.

How can he not take pity on Kengkla? Pay him attention? Kengkla is sacrificing his air conditioned hours just on this. Is this what he deserves?

What seems like after forever, Techno comes out of the garage, smiling as ever.

"I'll get my motorcycle tomorrow." Kengkla doesn't ask what was wrong with it. "Hey- your face is red like a tomato!" Kengkla touches his face, conscious.

"What?"

"Why didn't you go stand under the shade?" Techno laughs.

"You were getting your work done," Kla grumbles.