Sotus Short Stories- discontinued

Knott's Perspective - Chapter 13

Arthit took a few days off from classes and hazing. During that time Kongpob has come to see me every day. Drilling me for information about Arthit's condition, and finally on the last day before Arthit decided to return to class. Kongpob comes to see me in the afternoon with NomYen. He insisted that I bring this to Arthit.

I have never been more confused in my life. Why is this junior, so involved in Arthit life? I quickly grab my books and head over to Arthit room. I knock on the door, but this time he answers. He smiles when I lift the cup of NomYen. This guy... as he was about to take a swig of his favourite drink I say, "Kongpob bought you that" with that, anything that Arthit had swallowed is now being choked on.

After regaining his composure he looks at me "You know why he is behaving like this, right?" I am usually observant of these kinds of things, but this I cannot figure out logically. I shook my head and he continued, "He thinks it's his fault. He pushed my buttons and I in turned punished him. However now, I was punished for doing it. He is feeling guilty. Remember he has this Hero complex." He just smiles like this is the most genius thing he has discovered. He continued drinking his drink.

I know that from the outside it might look like that, but I have a feeling it's not just that. I am not going to be one to deflate this man's pipe dream. "I see. That makes sense. Hey, tomorrow we have booked a study room in the library. We have a couple of group assignments to work on. Plus we need to discuss our Capture the Flag and Off-Campus activities." He just looks at me and just mumbles agreement. I handed him the copied notes from the lectures today and say my goodbyes.

***

We are in the study room. Every one of us is very serious as we have been discussing the game plan for the Capture the Flag day. We have been Hazing the freshman for two months, and the day has finally come. We have decided to go with using SOTUS as the stepping stone. We are each going to guard each level, but the freshman have to unlock it by knowing the meaning of each letter in SOTUS. Arthit seems very determined to make sure it's not too hard. As he reminded us of our painful experience.

The topic has shifted to Off-Campus Activities. We are determined to have our beach outing as it's a tradition for the Engineering faculty. "Hey, Guys. The retrieval day is approaching. After that, we have a seaside trip planned, right? The problem is we don't have permission. Do you think it will happen?" Toota questions us and looks very forlorn. Bright insists "I want to take them there." "Right" "But I don't know how to do it" "What?" "You sound like you know"

"What about we take them in secret?" Prem says quietly. I yell out "Hey, I say it's too risky" "Hold on, That's a good idea. My friends at other universities do that. They go off-site every year." Toota exclaimed, "Trust me, it's too risky" "How so?" "Think about it. The chance of someone find out are too high. Even if we managed to take them, if word got out, our faculty would be in deep shit. So would we. They could cancel everything. I don't think it's worth it" I finish my sentence I can see Arthit rubbing his forehead, he's stressed out. "I agree with Ai'Knott." He said firmly and continued "The best option is to persuade the authorities to let us do it." I immediately respond, "I'll consult with the seniors." "I'll talk to other academic staff."

There was a moment of silence until Ai'Toota dramatically said "And I'll get back to watching my series" then Ai'Bright reached over and slapped his head, "Are you for real?" As he pouted, "I was just trying to lighten up the mood". I looked at all the face in the room, and Toota was right the room was starting feel like a haunted house. "We still have time. Don't give up so easily!" I noticed everyone's head nodding in agreement.

Suddenly, there was robot ringtone going off. We all looked at Arthit. He smiles shyly and grabs his phone from his pocket. "Looks like tomorrow, I'm are having code line get together." "Oh, P'Tum just organized it? Isn't it a little quick to just pick a date?" I responded "No, this date was already mentioned, but they were just waiting for everyone to give the all clear!" Bright interrupts "Do they still get 0206 and 0062 codes together? If so, that means your favourite junior will be there! Lucky you!!!" I glance over Arthit and he doesn't seem bothered by it, "He is not that bad anymore... just nags too much" I was just about to press this further, but Bright beat me to it. "Ooooh really, sounds like the dog has throughly been beaten. Are you two chummy now? I heard from the grape vine, he was a very doting caretaker the other day" his face was beaming with delight as Arthit face became unreadable other than a faint tinge of pink on his ears, "No way!... beaten dog" He just grumbles and throws an eraser at Brights head, however Bright could careless as he is laughing his ass right off of his chair.

Toota looks down at him, "Dearly beloved, we have gathered here today in remembrance of Ai'Bright. He died so young and dumb..." "I'm not dead, Ai'Toot" "Oh, I can almost hear him calling my name" as he dramatically raises his hand up to pretend he is about to faint. The room has returned to its normal chaotic self for now.

***

I received a phone call from Arthit to pick him up after his Co-Code group dinner. He seemed pretty prickly. He must be in one of his moods again. Did they not have enough to eat or his favourite food was no longer served. Of course there was traffic today's day I needed to pick up some drinks, so I didn't make it in time. As I pull up, I see Kongpop standing beside Arthit. It looked pretty intense. Arthit looks like he ready for a fight. As I pull up he calls out angrily at me, "What took you so long?" I just responded to his attitude with "I went to buy something". He just looks at me as he rushes to get on the motorcycle. "Let's go!" I see Kongpop standing there just watching with sour face, as he greets me. I ask Arthit, "How is he getting home?" Arthit is back to his annoyed self as he says, "He can find his way back" I take another look at Kongpop and I could tell he wants to say something. However, I did not want to stay to find out what it was as I really don't want to see them fighting again.

Arthit is quiet the whole trip back to the dorms. It was kind of strange usually he is none stop talking about P'Tum, P'Fon and other code members. When we arrived at his dorm he finally starts talking.

"Knott, call a meeting tomorrow. I have some changes in the activity. I'll really make them work for it." I'm really confused. He was the one who did not want to make it too difficult because of our experience. I am pretty confident that this change of heart had something to do with Kongpop. Just what did this freshman say this time to rile up Arthit this way.

"What did the freshman do to you?" I must of hit the nail on the head. Sure enough, Arthit's face starts frowning and he puts his hands on his waist, "Did you know that 0062 boy wanted to study economics? He came here because his mom made him." I just look at him in disbelief... why was he mad about that. It's his choice, plus we had friends we know that switched majors. "So what?" I just looked at him. "He said he would drop out." Ai'Arthit is fuming as mentioned this.

I am trying to grasp what is his problem with Kongpop regarding this matter. "Heeey, If he doesn't like it here. That's what he should do. Do you remember Ai'Win? He also dropped out to study communication arts. What's wrong with you? Why are you upset? Just because of this?" I can tell he is starting to understand how irrational his behaviour was because his face softened "No. I didn't enjoy the barbecue buffet. I'll get going now" as he pats my shoulder and leaves me sitting on my bike thinking to myself, What the hell is going on! Is there something going on between them that they haven't said? I just shake my head and bike over to my dorm near by. I needed a good nights rest to really process what had just transpired.