Rain in the Sun

20 - My Roommate, Classmate and Friend

As we enter our house, we are greeted by P'Chai. He's my father's secretary and he's been trusted by the family for the loyalty he has since years ago. He bowed his head and gave us a warm smile. "Well, if it isn't Kongpob. How are you, young man? We haven't seen each other for a while now."

I smiled and gave him a hug. P'Chai is like my second father. He attended some of my school's activities when por and mae were too busy with their work. "I'm doing fine, P'Chai. I just got busy with my studies and other activities that I can't visit here more often."

"Oh, right. Your father told me you rented a dorm near your university so I haven't seen you here."

"Yes, phee. By the way, this is Arthit. He's my roommate, classmate and also my friend," I introduced and Ai'Oon waied to phee respectfully.

"Sawatdee-krap, Khun Chai. My name is Arthit Rojnapat."

"Sawatdee, nong. Just call me P'Chai like Kongpob," P'Chai answered.

"By the way, phee. Is my por home?" I asked wondering why phee is here at this time of the day.

"He's in the office. He just asked me to get some papers for him. And your mother's out as well. I think she's buying something but will be back soon. Why don't you and Arthit go to your room first? I think lunch will be ready in about half an hour or so."

"Alright, phee. Be careful on your way." We bid our farewell and I told Ai'Oon to follow me on my room.

I can't help the smile that made its way on my face as I watch Ai'Oon scan my room. His eyes are twinkling like a child as he looks at my collections. I have a lot of manga neatly organized in the shelves I specifically bought for that purpose. I have more shelves fixated on the wall and I hear him gasp when he sees my favorite limited edition mini robot among the many action figures in there.

"Kongpob! I can't believe you have this!" he exclaimed as he took it from the shelf and examines it closely. "There are only 50 stocks of this and try as I may, I couldn't get myself one," he pouted and boy oh boy. I think I just melted.

"I know. Preorder wasn't allowed either so those who really want to buy it need to wake up really early and fall in line. And the line is oh so long. It's 10 times the number of stocks or more," I said as I close the distance between us. He doesn't even realize it 'cause he's too busy looking at the robot.

"I remember setting my alarm clock really early and you know how I hate waking up early in the morning. Still, my effort is futile. Dang bus broke down on the road. Not to mention the heavy traffic that time. When I got to the place, all the stocks are already bought." He's still pouting as he explained to me what happened. Why does he have to be so cute? Self control, Kongpob. Baby steps, remember? Baby steps.

"If you want, I can give it to you Ai'Oon," I whispered in his ear. He snapped his head in my direction and my eyes automatically landed on his pink slightly parted lips which is just an inch apart from mine. All I have to do is bend a little and I can finally taste his—

"How unfair of you, darling."

We pulled apart quickly as if burned when we heard Nai. He was standing by the door with a wicked smirk decorating his face. I don't know if I should hate him for the disturbance or thank him for I don't know what could have happened if I claimed Ai'Oon's lips that time, which I'm sure I would have if not for him disturbing us. What happened to baby steps? What If he gets angry at me or I scare him away with that kiss? I could have ruined all the efforts I did so far. Self control, Kongpob. Self control!