ADDICTED

SEVEN

"What do you want to eat, Mark?" James asked. Mark scanned the menu, pointing out a few dishes that caught his eye. James quickly added them to his order. Mark lowered his head, feeling the stares of others. The rumors about him and Vee, especially with Vee visiting his faculty almost every day, had a significant impact. His brother Tin had warned him not to be alone with Vee, which is why James, Pralak, and Team were always by his side these days.

"Oi, Mark!" James snapped, bringing Mark's attention back. He raised his brows in a silent question, and James simply smiled, shaking his head.

"He's talking. Why don't you clarify things so the rumors stop?" Team suggested, leaning on his elbow. Pralak nodded in agreement while playing with his phone.

"Yeah, Vee has already denied it, but he keeps bothering you. Even your brother, who is Vee's best friend, seems to be forbidding you from seeing him," James added. Mark nodded, chewing gum.

"Should I post something clarifying that Vee and I aren't in a relationship?" James and Team nodded in approval, but Pralak tapped his hands on the table to get their attention.

"Think about it. People might still not believe it, even if Vee denies it. You need a plan that will convince them," Pralak suggested, flashing a confident smile. The three boys exchanged looks before turning back to him. Pralak's smirk widened as he leaned back, crossing his arms.

"Then should I tell them that Vee already has someone, or that I have someone?" Mark blurted out without thinking. Pralak clapped his hands and pointed at Mark, as if he'd just hit the jackpot. Pralak's smile grew even wider, clearly proud of Mark's idea. James seemed uncomfortable, and Team was indifferent.

"Exactly! But don't say it's Vee who has someone. Instead—" Pralak paused, stood up, and moved to stand between Mark and James. The three looked at him, puzzled. Sometimes this smart kid could be a bit silly.

"You should act like lovers," Pralak said, grabbing both James and Mark's hands and intertwining them. James struggled to hold back his laughter, while Mark glared at Pralak, clearly ready to strangle him. Unbothered, Pralak took a photo of their linked hands and posted it on Instagram and Facebook.

"What the hell—" Mark started, but Pralak raised his hands triumphantly. The attention of other customers was drawn to them as Pralak cleared his throat loudly.

"Sawadee khrub! Can I have your attention, please? My friend here finally got a lover," Pralak announced, pointing to James. "And this friend of mine here has finally realized that he feels the same way! After so many years, they are now dating! Let's congratulate them!" Mark blushed deeply as the crowd clapped and cheered, and James waved at them as if he were running for office.

"That was heartwarming! Thank you so much!" Pralak said dramatically before returning to his seat. Mark quickly pinched Pralak's cheeks.

"Awwww! P'James, help!" Pralak whined. As James tried to intervene, Mark pinched Pralak's hand, making him whine more. Team laughed at the scene.

"You're so shameless!" Mark scolded Pralak, but the kid just pouted, taking out his phone. His eyes widened with excitement as he showed Mark, Team, and James the numerous questions and comments about them.