Just Friends

Chapter Two

Gulf tiredly got out of class: there was probably nothing he hated more than Math, it just didn't make sense to him. Still, he had to force himself if he didn't want to get a bad grade on the upcoming test. He decided to postpone those thoughts on a full stomach, heading for the canteen. He went to sit on his usual spot, apart from the other tables, where he could also look out of the window while eating. He also started flicking through the sports newspapers left by someone on the table, focusing his attention on the article about the last soccer match.

Meanwhile Mew was looking for a free table to sit with his friends. "Hey Mew, I found one, let's hurry before someone takes it".

Mild and Run were waving at him but he was distracted by something else. Or rather someone. He felt strong hands squeezing his shoulders, interrupting his thoughts. "Is there something you need to tell me?".

Tong grinned at his best friend, following his gaze. Mew gave him a nudge, smiling. "I'll catch up with you guys later".

Before he knew he was standing before that cute Nong he had talked to a few days before. Well, he did most of the talking but he didn't mind. There was something about him that intrigued him. "Hey there".

He smiled at Gulf, who didn't expect to talk to him ever again. Mew pointed at the seat in front of him, so Gulf reluctantly removed his backpack to make room for him. He also caught one of his friends watching them. "They kicked you out of your table?".

Mew laughed, waiting for his soup to cool slightly. "I just wanted to try a change of scenary". If it wasn't obvious enough he wasn't really talking about the location, Mew also looked directly at Gulf, smiling at him warmly.

Gulf looked away as usual, not knowing how to react to this kind of attention. "Ok, I guess".

He focused on the food again, loosening the knot of his tie. "Why...am I not cool enough to sit with you?".

Gulf almost laughed at the question, glancing at him. "More like the other way around".

Mew just shrugged, leaning his arms on the table and resting his chin on them. "I think you're cool. You should give yourself more credit".

A hint of a smile made his way on his face even if he didn't understand why he was being so nice to him. It's not like Gulf had given him reasons to be. "I told you, I stand alone. It's better this way".

He cleared his throat, trying to go back to his regular self. "Yeah, yeah. But even Kailey managed to convince Garrett to stay by his side in Quest for Camelot".

Gulf paused for a second, amused. "Are you really quoting an animated movie to help your case?".

Mew laughed, nodding. "Why? Too nerdy?".

Gulf shook his head, this guy was weirder than he thought. "Also, I don't think it's the right comparison. Don't they get together in the end?". When Mew grinned in response, Gulf immediately regretted his question, blushing violently. "Well...I should really go now".

He stood up, quickly picking up his stuff. But then Mew stopped him, holding his wrist. "Wait...". He immediately moved his hand away, seeing how tense Gulf looked. "Can you give me your number?".

And now Gulf was looking at him, puzzled. "Why should I give you my number?". He didn't want to be rude, he genuinely couldn't understand the sudden interest in him.

Mew scratched his head, a little smile on his lips. "Because...that's how two people can get to know each other. It'll be fun. You can send me emojis!".

Gulf raised his eyebrow. "I don't do emojis".

Mew just shrugged, hoping to change his mind. "Also regular sentences are accepted in this house".

Gulf bit his bottom lip, trying to keep a straight face. "Has anyone ever told you you're weird?".

Mew burst out laughing, causing him to smile a little. "Yeah, lots of times". Gulf noticed how he was still playing with his phone on his hand. "So...?".

He grabbed Mew's phone and started typing his number. He quickly gave it back. "Happy?".

The older nodded, putting his phone back in his pocket. "Very much". 

Gulf was about to leave but then realized he wanted to clear things up. "Just...don't write weird stuff".

Mew took a long look at him, probably waiting for Gulf to explain himself. Which of course didn't happen. "Weird how? You have to be more specific than that".

Gulf sighed, not exactly thrilled with having this kind of conversation. "You know...those flirty things you say...".

Mew seemed to be having a sudden realization, quickly replaced by a grin. "Like when I said you're cute?".

Gulf tried not to blush for the hundredth time, he really didn't want him to get the wrong idea. "Precisely".

Mew curled his lips, pensive. "It's true though...". Gulf cleared his throat, embarassed. "Ok, ok. I won't say it again".

He looked at Mew carefully, not very convinced. "Somehow I find it hard to believe".

Back at home, Gulf decided to take a long shower. The tiredness of the day began to fade and it was even better after having dinner with his parents. Then he went to his room, preparing to go to bed, after checking his phone. He noticed there was an unread message on his Line from an unlisted number:

Hey Gulf, It's me, Mew! 🐼🐼🐼🐼🐼 

That guy was really something. Why in the hell was he using so many emojis?

You weren't kidding about the emojis.

A few seconds later Gulf's phone vibrated again and before he knew they were chatting:

Emojis are no joking matter.

Says the guy who jokes about everything.

Touché. What are you doing?

I'm falling asleep.

Then good night, Gulf. ⚽️

Why that emoji?

I saw you reading that sports newspaper at lunch. I thought you were into soccer.

I am. You really pay attention to everything, don't you?

That's me. We're friends, right?

Friends?

Yeah, kind of. Don't you want to?

You'd be my first.

I consider it an honor. ♛

I wouldn't go that far.

Even if you don't want me to say you're cute. 😞

Mew...

I was kidding. Sort of. 🤭 

I'm going to sleep.

Ok, ok. No flirty comments. Just friends. Can I call you bro?

Absolutely not.

Yeah, you don't have a bro-kind-of-face.  🤔

There's a bro-kind-of face? Wait, don't answer it. Why am I even trying to make sense of your stream of thoughts?

Because deep down you like talking to me. 😏

Yeah, very VERY deep down.

Ah ah. Watch out, Gulf Kanawut. I'll find my way into your heart. 😌

Don't hold your breath.

Sweet dreams Gulf. 👋

Goodnight Mew. 😊

YOU USED AN EMOJI. 😲

Yeah, don't make me regret it already.

Ok, ok. I'll shut up. See you tomorrow! 😄

Bye, bye.

Gulf turned off his phone, finally resting his cheek on his pillow. He slowly fell asleep with a sweet – and unexpected – smile on his face.