Gemini

The Bet

"How does it feel to be the Moon for Economics?"

"It would be soooo cute if you dated the Star. You two would win for sure then."

"Is it weird to compete against your own brother?"

"Who do you think will win between you and Singto?"

"I bet you two will get so much attention from this. I'm jealous."

"Everyone thinks you're so sweet Kongpob that I'm sure you'll win. Singto is too much of a flirt."

"Twins competing for the same title. I think this is a University first!"

These are the types of questions and comments that I've had to field all day as it didn't take long for the news to circulate and with that came a piece of news that I could've done without - Singto had been nominated as the Moon for Engineering.

Was that P'Arthit's call?

Anyone on the hazing or medical team could nominate a candidate, even the fourth year's got a say in the selection if they wanted, but the head hazer's choice usually held the most weight.

I came to find out that my selection was because of a fourth year named Jem. If you don't remember who that is, let me fresh your memory.

P'Jem is one of the boys from the old neighborhood where Sing and I grew up along with P'Arthit. I remember P' telling me that P'Jem and P'Chaiya were at this university but I wasn't aware which departments they belonged to, so it was quite the surprise to find out that one of them was not only in my faculty but had also been keeping tabs on me.

At least enough to stir up trouble for me with this stupid stunt.

"But P', why would you do this to me?" I can't help the whine that comes out when I ask P'Jem what the hell he was thinking. This was starting to feel like high school all over again - the constant comparing between Sing and myself, which I could have gladly done without.

The senior had come to collect me at hazing since I needed to have my photograph taken - for the popularity vote that was counted by Facebook likes - and I didn't know the way. We had been reminiscing and catching up when he let slip that he was the one to push for my nomination, with very little resistance supposedly.

"What do you mean? I did you a favor Nong, you just don't see that yet but you will."

A favor? Is he kidding me? I need his favor like I need a shot to the head.

"Besides, Chaiya and I have a bet riding on this."

"P'Chaiya? You two made a bet on me?"

Oh great. So now my misery is being used for the entertainment of others on top of everything else. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, all things considered. I mean, that's why all of you are here anyways. [Quick glare at author and readers.]

"Well, of course we did! This is too good to pass up! Chaiya is in the Engineering department so he gets to see all the drama there and I'll get to see it on this side, then we'll compare notes."

"Seriously, no drama here P'. I am really not that exciting to make a bet on."

"Nong Kongpob, trust me. There is plenty of drama and intrigue, you just aren't seeing it. Besides, the bet isn't just about you. We really just want to see how long he'll last."

"Huh? How long who will last?"

"Chaiya swears that his boy will be able to hold out but I have my doubts. I think he'll break once he sees all the attention you're getting. That guy has always been so impatient and short-fused."