Sotus Short Stories- discontinued

Knott's Perspective - Chapter 11

P'Dear starts shouting his displeasure of our hazing activities and our treatment of the freshman. He said we will be punished the same way we have been punishing the Nongs. This is going to be a long session. I heard Ai'Arthit saying he will be running 54 laps once everything else was completed. I don't know how he will do it, but I can hear that he is confident in his declaration.

I could feel the freshman watching us doing 100 push-ups, and 100 stand-ups. At some point, I couldn't even concentrate on how many I've done, because my stamina was depleted.

We finally finished the punishment and I see Ai'Arthit panting as he got up from his own position. He looks at P'Dear and announces he is going to start running the 54 laps.

I patiently watched as Ai'Arthit left the cheer room, but to my dismay I see Kongpob looking at P'Dear like he was the enemy. Why was he so angry? However, I had to commend him for not acting like a hero today. That's an improvement.

I sat up and stare at Ai'Bright as he lies on the floor like he has just died. Ai'Toota didn't look any better than Ai'Bright. The poblem was I think I heard some wheezing. Doesn't he have asthma? Ai'Prem appears to be fairing quite well with all things considered.
He looks over at me and says,

"Ai'Knott, what about 'thit? Do you think he will be able to do it? My legs already hurt from doing this!"

I grimly reply "I don't know if he should, but with his dedication to his head hazer title. He will not stop it. Something about Honour."

I heard Ai'Bright and Ai'Toota chime in their agreement, but Ai'Bright had more to comment "That guy's stubbornness will be the death of him. No jokes needed" for once Ai'Bright was right.

The juniors had already left before the hazing team had enough strength to move. I heard a few of the students mentioning a couple of assignments that they needed to work on. Our group of friends made our way to the track field were Ai'Arthit would be running.

As we approached I noticed a few seniors watching Ai'Arthit. I walked over greeted 🙏🏻the seniors and ask " P, how many laps has he done?" The senior replied ten. I can't fathom what Ai'Arthit is thinking in this moment, but what I do know is he wants the freshman to understand that our actions have consequences.

I look around for the guys and they have found a seat on the bleachers. I make my way over and tell them. I am going to go get some drinks and snacks, so if Ai'Arthit needs anything just text me the details.

When I returned to the stands there is a number of students from the engineering faculty sitting in solidarity for Ai'Arthit. The rain started to pour heavily, but my friend continues to push through. I can see he is very tired and any moment he could just break down. He really has the heart of a head hazer. P'Tum was right. I remember turning my back for only a few moments to give the bags of food and drinks to my friends when I heard shouting. Ai'Bright says,

"Hey, isn't that 0062? What the heck is he doing!"

I walk down from the bleachers and head to the two man having argument. I could tell Ai'Arthit wants to keep running because if stops he won't be able to finish his punishment. The look I see on Kongpop is not the face of some junior trying to pick a fight, but of person who is deeply concerned or worried. Why would he care this much for Ai'Arthit?

"No! I'm going to stay. I will not stop running with you."

"Kongpop!!" This time is was cry out for help.

I run over now "Ai'Arthit, What's the matter?"

I could see the look of desperation from my friends face as he said "Will you get this kid out of here? I need to keep running." 

I looked at Kongpop whose face had turned to stone unreadable"Freshman, what are you doing?"

Kongpop let's out a sigh "He's been running all day. Why does he have to keep going? Can I run instead."  The Hero is once again coming to save the day. Here I thought he has learned his lesson.

"This is the punishment for the head of the hazers. It's none of your buisness."

His eye shone like he was pleading "But...I.." 

"Stop talking! I do not allow it. I'm ordering you to go wait over at the bleachers!"

As Kongpop turned towards the stands. I could see Ai'Arthit has begun running once more. I walk to where my friends are sitting. They informed me Ai'Arthit has only a two more laps to go. Ai'Bright asked,

"What did that guy want?"

"He wanted to run instead of Ai'Arthit" 

"Oh, that's romantic! I wished he would of asked to take my place earlier. I would've been over joyed" Ai'Toota explained 

Ai'Bright, "You would of been happy if anything that breathes took your place" 

"I'm pretty sure you are talking about yourself there, Ai'Bright" 

"Guys, really! Ai'Arthit is still running, but here you are arguing over something ridiculous" Ai'Prem grumbled.  

"Really, Ai'Prem. Since when are you all high and mighty" Ai'Toota scoffed.

"Well, he's just about coming to his last lap, so you should focus your energy on giving Ai'Arthit your encouragement! He needs it" I exclaimed 

It doesn't take them much convincing to start shouting and instigating cheers from all the students. We make our way down towards the finishing line and I noticed Kongpop right there behind us. What is his problem?

Ai'Arthit trips and falls, but he slowly props himself up once again. He is running for the finish line. Ai'Prem and I grab him before he collapses on the ground again. I mention to him "Don't speak. We'll take you back to the dorm." I looked up and Kongpop was walking towards us. His voice is faltering as he says, "P'Arthit", are you all right?

I feel Ai'Arthit shift to look up at the Nong. "Are you still here? You should leave. This is none of your business" 

"Please let me go with you?"

"Stay out of it. Like I said, this is of no concern to a freshman" 

"As a freshman, do I not have the right to worry about the juniors?"

"Let's go, Ai'Knott. I've done enough talking. As for you, I'm warning you for the last time to stay out of our business. Otherwise, I will punish all of you."

Kongpop just stood there like the words he just heard shook him to the core. As we carry Ai'Arthit away from the field. I could sense the freshman had not moved. I look over at my exausted friend and wonder how he has attacted such an annoying nosy nong.