The Curious Theory of Kissing

9: Malicious

WARNING: Includes themes of suicide

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"Care to explain what this is?" The mobile phone was tossed on the table but no one dared to look at it because both of them exactly knew what was playing.

"Mr. Lhom, I swear nothing happened!"

"Ms. Chantana, this is not nothing!"

"We just kissed! We didn't even make out! It was a smack on the lips! Nothing more! That video didn't even show that I walked out!" Praew defends both of them. She always fights for her truth and she didn't have tolerance for false accusations.

"Ms. Chantana that is not the point! You were caught doing something obscene in a school toilet! It doesn't matter if you did it or not because this video is already circulating all over campus!"

"I promise that I'll have someone take all of those down. But that is really nothing. We-"

"Ms. Chantana that is enough! Both of you are suspended for 1 week. But if another video pops up, I'll assure you that you'll receive maximum disciplinary punishment." The principal didn't feel that furious in a very long time. And to think that it would come from one of the smartest and most behaved students in the institution was very disappointing.

"Mr. Kanawut do you have anything to say?!" Gulf was being awfully quiet. It wasn't because of the guilt. He already knew explaining wouldn't make a difference. However, he was contemplating on what had happened. Only one person was there that day. And even though there wasn't an outright admission that he took a video, there wasn't anyone else to blame.

"I apologize for the inconvenience, Mr. Lhom. It won't happen again." He politely bowed his head and took his leave. There wasn't a hint of sincerity in his apology. It was almost as if he was apathetic.

Praew followed Gulf while discussing how they could get through the dilemma. But she was being ignored and left behind by her absent-minded friend.

"Gulf, do you know who did this?" She pulled his arm so he could stop walking.

"No." He lied but it was the truth he wanted. It was much easier if he knew nothing. It would be more acceptable if he didn't suspect the man he loved.

x

Gulf knew eyes were glued on him. He knew they were talking about him behind his back. But nothing bothered him more than the doubt he was having. Please tell me you didn't do it. Please tell me you didn't hate me that much.

What scared Gulf the most was the fact that he might never hate Mew even if he did the unthinkable. He was scared that he might have fallen deeply in love with him that he would forgive him despite the circumstances.

He was beating himself with what ifs and negative thoughts. Then he asked himself. What if I still want him even if he doesn't want me anymore?

"Gulf?" Tan came up to him. Gulf was so preoccupied with his thoughts that he didn't realize he was the only one left in the room.

"How are you holding up?" Gulf looked at him and shook his head. He wanted the tears to flow freely on his face. He wanted to let go of his guard and just let the pain out but he didn't want to become more pathetic than he already is.

"Look, I don't want to add up to the burden. But I think Mild was called by the disciplinary committee because he punched one of his classmates." Gulf immediately got off his seat and ran to where Mild was. He left Tan without hearing the rest of what he has to say.

Gulf knew Mild too well. He did all kinds of trouble but violence isn't one of them. However, he does remember Mild promising that he would take a punch for him. Mild declared it at that time when he got bullied by some arrogant elite students in their elementary school. All Gulf had to do was appear in front of them and mention his name. He was someone untouchable because of his high status after all, and even though Mild didn't care for any of that, he was still thankful that Gulf stood up for him and saved his elementary memories from all the possible torment.