Sotus Short Stories- discontinued

Knott's Perspective - Chapter 12

Ai'Bright and I are speaking to the head of the Engineering department regarding the issues with our offsite retreat with the freshman. I could hear Ai'Toota expressing loudly over the phone.

"Hey, Ai'Prem! You need to come to the Engineering faculty office! Are you still with Ai'Arthit? There is an issue with our plans for offsite activities. Don't tell Ai'Arthit yet. Hurry. We are waiting for you."

He received more calls as we wait for Ai'Prem to arrive and it just sounds like screeching. I glance over when I heard the door open. Ai'Toota exclaims "You took your time." "How's it going?"Ai'Prem solemnly asks. "Like I said. Let's Go" Ai'Toota responds.

The professor starts discussing with us, "I've told you several times that I won't give my permission."

"But Sir, we organize Sotus every year, and there are never any problems." I state matter of factly.

"There are problems this year, Some parents are putting pressure on the university to cancel the off-campus activities. They say that the older students are mistreating the freshman."

"But you know that we don't do that"

"I know. But you should also know that this year, the anti-SOTUS movement has gained a lot of attention. The thread about your hazing session has been read by a number of parents. So, the dean has banned all the off-campus activities to try and solve this."

"That's total nonsense, sir" Ai'Prem responds "They... They are ignoring the benefits these activities can offer their kids."

I back up Ai'Prem's point with "Exactly. It helps to build relationships between the freshman and us, and helps them grow up."

"Grow up? Grow up by fighting with a lot of you?" We knew we deserved that comment. We had not handled ourselves on numerous occasions with the freshman.

"I understand what you are saying and why you do it, but you can't expect the parents to understand it when it makes headlines every year... he lets out a sigh "I'm not telling you to stop the activities altogether. The best advice I can give you now is to come up with ideas to make the activities more creative. Do something better that will please everyone. Okay? If the Dean gives the green light, you will have my permission." The professor excuses himself from the office to head to his classroom.

I mention to the guys that I will discuss everything with Ai'Arthit and we will brainstorm over LINE about our plans going forward.

***

I made my way out of the elevator towards Arthit's door. When I saw Kongpob come out his room. I was shocked. Why was he inside Arthit's flatlet. Kongpob looked up from his phone and greeted me properly. He spoke in a very serious tone as he said, "P'Knott, could you make sure P' takes his medicine. He already missed a dose today. I'm Sorry about that..."
I looked him over trying to understand this situation, I just replied in kind "No problem, I will look after him. You should get going, Kongpob"
He nodded his head and smiled. I could sense the faint feeling that he was hesitant to leave, but finally he made his way towards the elevator.

I knocked on Arthit's door because I did not want to impose on his personal space. However the problem was I didn't hear any sort of remark from the owner, so I opened the door and walked in. Just than I hear Ai'Arthit call out, "Did you forget something? You better not be back to nag about the medication again!" I turn around the corner and I stare at Arthit. I am surprised to say the lease. The tone of his voice was not of someone who is annoyed, but amused.

I guess, I did not say anything for too long as Arthit starts grumbling,"If you are going to ask why 0062 was here. Go ask Ai'Prem. That bastard took off and gave my food to him."
I smugly responded,"Based on the way you had spoken earlier it doesn't seem you were that annoyed by his presence!" He just looked at me with disbelief and looked away. Interesting. I was planning on pressing more, but now is not the right time.

"Speaking of which, the reason Ai'Prem left was because we were called into a emergency meeting with the Head Professor regarding the Off Campus activities. It seems the dean has been receiving a lot pressure from the Anti-Sotus movement and he won't allow any Off Campus Activities. However, if we can come up with something that will benefit the students and the community we could have a chance. Just need to convince the Dean."

I watch as Ai'Arthit is trying to process the information. He lets out a giant sigh and says "let me contact the past Head Hazers. They might have some ideas." I nodded. We needed as much help as possible if we were going to let the freshman have the Outing they deserve. I noticed Arthit has shifted in his bed, and he's defiantly over thinking. He can be so clueless when it comes to his emotions. He needs to be distracted, so I know just the thing.

"Ai'Arthit, did you find a maid to clean your room? I clearly remember there being many empty take out cups and laundry on the floor.." I watched as his whole face turns pale as he eyes the room. Ha, it appears he was pretty comfortable with Kongpob. He didn't notice the Nong was cleaning his flat. "I take it Kongpob cleaned?"

Before I could react a pillow was chucked at me. I look up and see Ai'Arthit's face was as bright as a freshly picked tomato. He was muttering to himself, but it was too faint to make sense. Finally words I could understand, "Ai'Knott... do not say anything to the others. I am just sick of arguing with him(Kongpob). Whatever I say he does the opposite, so I just let him. That kid even ironed my clothes. Than he had audacity to scold me about my medication."
"I met him in the hall. Something about missing a dose"
"Kongpob, couldn't let it go... I missed my dosage at lunchtime. I was supposed to take it before my meal. It was my fault... he just took it personally." He just shrugs his shoulders. Well, things are sure getting interesting.