Just Friends

Chapter Four

So Mew was serious about tutoring. Just like he was serious about being a Math genius. "Seriously Mew, I don't know how you do it but you make Math sound like...not dreadful".

The sound of Mew's crystal clear laughter filled the classroom they were using for the study session. "Thanks, I guess? Coming from you...I feel like it's the highest compliment I'll ever get".

Gulf smiled slightly, giving him a nudge. "I'm just saying...I can see you teaching one day".

Mew's eyes crinkled up in a delighted smile. "Thank you".

Gulf tear his gaze away from him, suddenly feeling a little self-conscious. He cleared his throat, a light heat on his cheeks. "Well, I think you've been tortured enough with all this Math".

Mew gathered up all his books and textbooks from the table and put them back in his bag. Gulf sighed with relief, stretching a little bit, under the amused gaze of Mew. "Speaking of which...how much do I owe you?".

Mew shook his head. "Forget it".

Gulf glared at him. "No way, I'm not letting you do it for free".

Gulf quickly took his wallet and Mew took his hand in his just as quickly. The younger gasped at the warm contact. "I mean it. I'm happy to do it. It's not a burden". Gulf bit his lip, still feeling uneasy. "However, there's something you could do for me".

Gulf watched him closely. "And what's that?".

Mew smiled, stealing a peek at the clock. "I have an audition in a few minutes. For the drama club. Frankly...I could use some company".

For the first time since he knew him – Gulf realised it wasn't such a long time, but still – he had never seen Mew so nervous. It was clearly something important for him, even if he tried to hide it with his cool attitude. "Drama club? You surely are full of surprises". He took his backpack, throwing a supportive glance at him. "Let's go".

The auditorium was not really crowded but everyone stopped to look at them when they entered the room together. Gulf tried not to dwell too much on it, it was not about him after all. He was there to support Mew. The drama teacher lit up as soon as she saw Mew. "Mew Suppasit, I was wondering if you were going to audition this year! Splendid, you can go up on stage when you're ready".

Mew hesitated and Gulf squeezed his shoulder for a split second to give him some encouragement. He was taken aback by his touch but was ultimately pleased. He just nodded and then walked more confidently towards the stage. Relieved, Gulf sat somewhere in the back, where no one could bother him.

Gulf knew Mew could be charismatic: the whole school adored him, not only because of his good looks but because he was nice to everyone, which wasn't something you could say about anyone. However, Gulf had no idea how much he could shine on stage, how the whole room would brighten up everytime he talked and moved. He had never thought about theatre before – he was too shy to even think about talking in front of all those people – but even him could see how good he was. The chattering had stopped because everyone was focused on him, and despite being nervous, he had killed his audition like it was nothing. The drama teacher clapped, a very high-pitched squeal escaping her mouth. Mew smiled brightly, no signs of his previous agitation on his face. Suddenly someone tapped on Gulf's shoulder, diverting his attention from Mew. "Sorry, you're Mew's friend, right?". 

Gulf looked at the girl who just sat next to him. He knew her, they were in the same astrology club but they had never spoken to each other. Until now. "Ehm...". He looked at Mew, who was busy talking with other people auditioning. Their eyes met and Gulf went back looking at the girl next to him. "Yes".

She smiled, clearly pleased with his answer. "Good, I wanted to ask you a favor, since you guys seem pretty close". Gulf didn't know if he liked where their conversation was going. "Does Mew have a girlfriend?".

His throat got dry at her question. Gulf actually had no idea what to answer, because he didn't really know. He had never seen him with someone beyond his friends in the last few weeks but that didn't necessarily mean anything. The girl noticed his confusion, so she smiled shily. "I'm sorry if I was too abrupt. If you don't know either, could you ask him?".Gulf nodded absentmindedly, and she stood up, fixing her skirt. "Thank you, Gulf".

She smiled even brighter seeing Mew approaching the two of them. "Oh, hi Mew. You did great".

Mew smiled back. "Thank you. What did you think about?".

The girl went back to her friends, while Mew sat next to him. "I think you know you did great".

Mew gave him a cheeky smile, brushing his shoulder against his. "But I especially care about your opinion".

A shy smile crossed Gulf's face. "I meant it. You were born for this kind of things".

A mixture of emotions crossed his whole face. "Today you're in the mood for compliments. I like it".

Gulf grinned. "Yeah, don't get too comfortable". They smiled and then Gulf remembered about the girl's request. "Ehm Mew, can I ask you something?".

The older nodded, turning to him. "Of course, anything".

Gulf's hands clammed up, why did he agree to ask him such personal questions? "Do you have a girlfriend?".

Mew's confused expression changed into an amused one, even flirty. "Why, do you want to ask me out?".

Gulf nearly choked on his own saliva, feeling his ears burn violently. "What? N-no, why are you...?".

Mew laughed, getting a little closer. "I know we agreed I wouldn't call you cute but it's kind of hard when you're being like this". Mew caressed a lock of Gulf's hair, almost touching his cheek too.

Gulf's whole body froze for a second. What was going on?  "I wasn't asking for myself. Some girl...told me to ask you".

Mew didn't even blink, just nodding. "Well, for the record...I don't". Gulf didn't know how to feel about their whole conversation. He couldn't even make eye contact, more than usual. Sensing they needed to change the subject, Mew stood up, gesturing to him to do the same. "We should go home. C'mon, I'll give you a ride".