The Curious Theory of Kissing

7: Inaudible Pleas

It's been two days since we've last spoken. A short amount of time shouldn't bother me especially when he told me he'd be busy. But it felt like I was missing something.

I got used to messaging him every day since his number got on my phone. At first, it was to annoy him. After all, he doesn't have the best temper and his sharp tongue could easily heat up one's ear. He is sarcastic and won't let you get away with small mistakes like simple grammatical errors. I'm really surprised that Mild stuck with him. Someone who is a bit low in common sense like him probably had a hard time with Gulf's never-ending lectures.

But as time went by, I started looking forward to his replies rather than the satisfaction I get from knowing he is annoyed. He never fails to reply to my messages, whether it's a single word or one sticker.

There was no response in the last two messages I sent to him. I didn't want to be that guy who looks desperate for attention. I respected his personal time. And as far as labels go, we don't have anything yet. However, I thought something has leveled up in our relationship. Every time my mind is empty I always remember the last words he told me.

"I really think I like you more than Praew."

"I'm really glad that it was with you."

I understand that he was drunk but I know for a fact that no one lies when they're drunk. I'm holding onto something precarious but the hope it instilled in me was unbelievably strong.

I couldn't lie to myself anymore, I was falling in love. And I've taken the rough road again. I should've been wiser not to fall for someone who is unpredictable. He's never been with a man. He's just starting to experience his firsts. And the most challenging of all, he has a girlfriend. A girlfriend he's known all of his life. A girlfriend he really cares about.

"Mew! Oh god, I'm so happy that you weren't absent!" Mild held my arms like I just saved his life.

"What's up?"

"I have a favor to ask you." I didn't really like favors. I never ask for it myself so I expect people not to ask me either.

"I heard you played the guitar and you sing very well too... could you please... please! Perform in the school fest this Saturday!" I didn't know where he got that information since the last time I've played the guitar was when I was in a different city.

"No."

"Mew please don't leave! Come on hear me out some more!"

He was pulling me like a child inside the classroom where everyone is looking. I didn't want to seem scarier than I'm already perceived, so, I gave him a chance.

"Mew, you do know that this class is on the brink of not graduating right? Performing well in the school fest would give us merit that would actually help us pass! You're the smartest and most attractive guy here! Having you as the face of our class would be a great advantage!" The flattering words didn't really work on me. Plus, this class ignored me for months and now they want me to do them a favor?

"Umm... I heard you enjoy Japanese food. My family owns a small Japanese pastries shop. I could give you your favorites for free!" Niya, the girl who probably has the thickest eyeglasses I've seen came up to me timidly.

"My brother works in a bar at RCA, I could have him slip you free drinks anytime you go there." I couldn't help but scowl at In. Do I really have an image of a drunkard?

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to offend you! I thought you would appreciate it!"

"I will pay for your lunch for the rest of the school year!"