Blue Neighbourhood

Chapter Seven

Bite

Bright was surprised when Win joined his table for lunch break the next day, Gulf looked even happier because finally he could make Win joined them instead of having lunch in his science club room or in the class with some project excuses. "Funny, Ben" Gulf mocked as Benjamin made a joke about Gulf now uneven bangs length.

"Be grateful I'm not in the mood for your shit"

Win just laughed along. "What about you trim the sides down instead and style the bang backwards?" Gulf raised an eyebrow, thinking "Wouldn't that be weird on me?" Win stood up, running his fingers on Gulf's bang and pulled them backwards carefully, Bright watched as those fingers slipped through Gulf's brown locks, wondering to himself how would it feel if it was his hair. "Someone taught me the tip for a bed hair day"

"Hello, Mr. Bond" Benjamin whistled.

"You could trim it later and use some hair gel to keep it up" Slender fingers slid through skillfully. "Wow, I look fancy" Gulf observed his own reflection on the spoon.

Win's fingers are pretty too.

"What do you think, Bright?" Bright couldn't be more surprised when Win asked the question to him. Bright felt the cat caught his tongue "Uh- it's nice- I mean, suits you well, Gulf" The later glared

"What's with the stutters? Did you just make fun of me in your brain?"

"What? No I didn't, I just . . . mesmerised by your glow" Bright replied. "I know what's in your mind, dick" and they again started the arguments, Win and Benjamin could only laugh at them along with other students who also listening to their childish bickering.

The days were better since the talk, they were not running away from each other at least. Win would occasionally join them to hang out, just occasionally, because Win was still Win and he still loved his 'being alone'. His first high school's championship was in the end of the year. Bright wanted to be in the first string and be a part of the main team by the end of November. He trained hard to prove himself worth the spot. He barely met Win because Win himself was going to participate in a science competition this mid-October and he was preparing for it with the teacher.

But every now and then, Bright could feel Win's companion just like the old days. Sometimes Gulf would drag him to watch Bright's practice which Bright himself was feeling kind of uneasy. Yes of course Gulf's main intention was to watch the cheer-leading squad's practice instead, but then his gaze would find its way to Win's shady eyes, staring at him, Win would smile weakly and when that happened or occasionally it's him who gave the boy a small wave.

Bright would pay Win a visit at his science club too if he wasn't occupied with hectic practice or making up date with Jane after school. Win always be the last person in the club, carefully cleaning the tubes and glasses, Win said once to him he liked doing it and so he volunteered to do that. Bright liked watching Win on his white robe that almost matched his pale reflection. It was nice when it's just the two of them at the quiet evening in the science room, with Win lining the tubes on the lower shelf and Bright placing the rest on the upper shelf.

Bright liked Win's presence.

Maybe except for this special Wednesday afternoon, when Win suddenly appeared at the gym's door with Jane tailing behind. The girl was waving his hand at Bright as he made a small jog to both of them "Why didn't you tell me you're coming?" Jane shoved a flask on Bright's arms. "It won't be a surprise if I tell you beforehand, Lucky for me I meet Win to take me here"

He glanced at Win, "I guess I served my purpose" he jokingly replied. "What? no. Don't go, Win, stay with me here. You said you just finished your club right?" Jane grabbed Win's arm fast before he could walk away. His eyes darted to Bright who was not sure what does that look on Win's face meant. Did Win want him to make excuse for him to leave? Did Win want him to let him stay? But what if he's feeling uncomfortable with Jane?