Beep beep
The black phone, which served as an alarm clock, rang to wake the small figure fromhis deep sleep. Having only slept for a few hours after staying up late to finish a report, Glai raised his hand to lightly rub his face. He wanted to sleep a little longer but feared he might oversleep, so he forced himself to sit up despite his drowsiness.
His slender hand reached for the black phone that was ringing and pressed to turn it off. His pale eyelids closed again before the small figure took a deep breath. Glai hoped that the oxygen filling his lungs would make him feel a bit refreshed.
Because he was feeling very tired...
Slept nearly until 10 a.m.
But had to wake up at noon.
That's the life of a university student.
Buzz
The vibrating sound snapped Glai out of his drowsiness. He looked at the phone screen and quickly shook off his grogginess when he saw the name displayed. Talking to a senior in a sleepy voice wouldn't be a good idea.
"Hello, P'Dear."
[Glai, you're not coming to practice today, right?]
"That's right. Yesterday, I practiced until I could finish the entire song several times."
[So, you're confident with it now?]
"Yes, P'Dear."
[If you plan to practice again another day, let me know, and I'll have the freshmen prepare the zither for you.]
"Okay, let me check my class schedule and let you know again. I have several presentations these days, but I'll try to find time to practice once or twice more before the open house event."
[Okay. Glai... sorry to bother you, but the freshmen said this song is really difficult. No one could play it.]
"It's okay, P'Dear. I'm happy to help."
[You're always so kind to me. I'll treat you to a meal after the event.]
Glai laughed before responding, "No problem. But if you insist on treating me, I'll thank you in advance."
[Alright... I won't bother you anymore. See you at the university, Glai.]
"Okay~."
After hanging up with his senior, Glai placed his phone back beside the lamp. P'Dear was a senior he was close to because they had studied Thai classical music together as children at the same music school. His father had enrolled him to learn xylophone, but since he didn't like it, he told his father, who let him choose another instrument.
Upon hearing the sound of zither that P'Dear was playing in another room, its beauty instantly captivated him. From then on, Glai chose to learn the zither and was in the same class as P'Dear throughout. However, when Glai entered high school, he had to stop studying Thai classical music there to focus entirely on academics. Despite this, he continued playing the zither at home and kept in touch with P'Dear. It wasn't until they entered university that they began seeing each other more frequently.
P'Dear's faculty of Fine Arts organized various performances for the open house event. His department performed singing in a large auditorium, with P'Dear selected to sing the song "Dang Fan Chan Dai" (As Dreamed). This song included zither accompaniment, but since the first-year students couldn't play it, P'Dear had asked for Glai's help last week.
Glai agreed to help without hesitation, thinking it wasn't a big deal—just practicing frequently. Yesterday, he had some free time after class and went to practice thezither at P'Dear's faculty.
So, he missed seeing the moon at 5:30 p.m. yesterday...
The small figure got up from bed and headed to the bathroom without hesitation. He removed his long-sleeved shirt and short pyjama pants, tossing them into the wicker basket. Knowing that he took a long time to shower, he couldn't afford to linger roggily on the bed any longer.
After showering and getting dressed, Glai, now in a navy suit, picked up the report he had printed the night before. His sharp eyes glanced at the two cactus on his desk, standing side by side. A faint smile appeared on his sweet face. Glai reached out to touch the small spines of the cactus gifted by Khun Prachan before murmuring softly,
"Didn't get to see you yesterday... Miss you terribly, Khun Sasin."
After sending his thoughts through the cactus, the group leader, who had to lead the presentation, quickly grabbed his car keys and leather bag before leaving the room. Glai wanted to arrive at the university early to rehearse the presentation with his friends. He walked out of the elevator and headed to the condo's underground parking lot. He quickly made his way to his white Audi A5. Just as his slender hand opened the car door, a notification sound from LINE chimed. Glai pulled out his phone from his pocket after getting into the car.
LINE~
MaMay: Glai, we're already at the university. Should we order a cocoa (not sweet at all) for you?
MaMay: Are you leaving the condo yet?
Ppie: I've parked the car and am heading to the building.
Ah... Today, Glai is the last one heading to the university.
glaijai: Don't worry, May. I'll order it myself. Just left the condo.
MaMay: Okay. Then come and order it yourself.
glaijai: I'm driving now.
Ppie: Drive safely, Glai.
MaMay: No need to rush. We still have plenty of time.
glaijai: (sent a sticker)
Glai sent a sticker of a wiggling bunny surrounded by red hearts to his two close friends before putting his phone aside and focusing on driving.
Today...
After finishing the presentation,
Glai would rush to see Khun Prachan.
:)
Because the traffic was heavy this afternoon, Glai arrived at the university later than expected. After parking his car under the faculty building, he quickly headed to the café where his friends were waiting. He saw May and Pie chatting cheerfully as he arrived.
"Our group leader is finally here!" Pie said brightly as he approached the table.
"The traffic was terrible."
"There are forty minutes left before the presentation. Do you want to eat something first? There's still time."
"I'll eat after the presentation."
"That means you didn't have breakfast or lunch before leaving the condo, right?"
Glai gave Pie a sheepish smile as he pointed an accusing finger at him. "I was in a rush, afraid I'd be late."
"Glai, you should try to eat breakfast. If you get gastritis, it's hard to recover. I've been dealing with it forever," May scolded with concern.
"Tomorrow, I'll wake up early and eat breakfast, I promise..." Seeing his friends shake their heads in disbelief, Glai raised his pinky finger. "I swear!"
"When Glai pinky-promises, he really tries to keep it."
Glai smiled and nodded. "Exactly."
"Alright, you've promised. Let's go to the room and prepare for the presentation."
The small figure stood up, taking the report from his bag and handing it to his friends for a final check. Pie took it and widened his eyes.
"Wow... It's so well done! Even the cover looks amazing."
"When it comes to work, the leader doesn't let anything slide. Everything has to be perfect."
"May, you're exaggerating," Glai laughed. "I just try to do my best."
"Glai's standard of 'best' is incredibly high!"
Glai chuckled at the teasing and said, "Let's go. We don't want to be late for the presentation."
As May and Pie nodded, the group walked toward the elevator. Just as they waited, they saw New and Thot walking from the café. While his friends noticed them, Glai focused on the elevator's arrow display. However, Pie's alarmed voice caught his attention. "Glai, watch out!"
Glai turned to see Pie's wide-eyed expression, signalling something from his left. But before he could look, he felt hot liquid soaking through his shirt. The small figure flinched as the warmth spread across his left chest. Still, he managed to hold the report above his head to keep it clean. Pie grabbed his arm, pulling him close. Glai turned to see the source of the brown stain on his white shirt.
It was Thot... holding a white paper cup with brown liquid dripping from its rim. Upon seeing this, the first thing to do was to stay calm. Glai remained silent, even though his patience was nearly at its limit. His slender hand handed the report to Pie. May gritted her teeth while glaring intensely at New and Thot. The moment Pie received the report, Glai removed the navy suit jacket he was wearing over his outfit to prevent it from being stained with coffee, as just the shirt being soiled was bad enough. His slender hand shook the suit jacket to check its condition before lowering his gaze to the white shirt now stained with coffee. At that moment, Glai understood how it felt to be scalded by hot liquid. It must feel this burning sensation like this, huh?
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to."
"You meant to, Thot! I saw you make New push you into Glai!"
"When are you going to stop accusing me, May?"
"I'm here, accusing you? Seriously?"
"Yeah, you! Always thinking the worst of me."
"Shut up, New! You're the mastermind here."
"May, calm down... causing trouble in university isn't a good idea," Pie tried to stop May, who was boiling with anger.
Even though Glai hadn't witnessed the entire incident from the start, he knew what was happening the moment it occurred. He could piece together the story on his own. Glai looked at Thot, who was holding a coffee cup. Thot tried to meet his gaze but quickly looked away. Glai figured that Thot had conspired with his close friend to play a prank on his group, although it might have gone slightly off course. Judging by Thot's anxious expression and New's constant glances at the report in Pie's hands, it seemed they originally intended to spill hot coffee on the report instead.
Glai let out a long sigh, feeling fed up with the other side. From observing their behaviour, he believed he could handle them with ease. He would never resort to revenge like in dramas—it would be a waste of time and utterly pointless. After analysing everything, Glai thought Thot and New's mentality wasn't much different from children's.
The best way to deal with immature people was to act as a grown-up, teaching the unruly kids to reflect on their actions. He looked at the two of them with a calm, steady gaze before approaching them and saying,
"Our report isn't stained with coffee like New and Thot wanted."
"..."
"Claiming it wasn't intentional makes New and Thot look grown-up in size but not in mind."
"..."
"We won't retaliate by playing childish pranks."
"..."
"Because I don't like conflicts, I've been trying to endure it—even though I know Thot and New have been picking on me all along." Glai stared intently at them before continuing, "But this time, it's gone too far—beyond what normal people would do."
"..."
"If Thot and New don't stop harassing me and my friends, I'll have to tell everything to our advisor. And don't think they won't believe me, because I'll include the reasons why I distanced myself from your group."
"..."
"I'll tell them about Thot, New, and Orn not helping with the work, as well as what happened at the bar that made me decide to cut ties with all of you... Sharing these details will convince the advisor that there are real issues between the groups under their guidance."
"..."
"I think we can't resolve this on our own because Thot and New won't stop. It'd be better to let the advisor step in and mediate."
"I-I really didn't mean to! My hand just slipped when I got close to you!" Thot exclaimed.
"If you don't want trouble, Thot, then don't let your hands slip near me again."
Glai spoke while staring firmly at the two of them. Thot and New appeared visibly worried. They probably thought he'd let it slide like every other time. Bringing this up as a warning seemed to catch them off guard. The smaller figure walked back to his close friends. May was on the phone with someone, looking anxious, while Pie was typing something on her phone before looking up at him with disappointment in her eyes.
"Is there a problem?"
"Glai, I messaged a friend from another faculty to borrow a shirt for you. I planned to have them switch with you before the presentation and then switch back after, but they're presenting at the same time as us."
"..."
"My friend also might not make it to campus in time before our presentation."
Glai glanced back and forth between May and Pie before smiling at his worried friends. He had already thought of a solution for his coffee-stained shirt, so he wasn't very concerned. It wasn't surprising that his friends were, though, since many special professors were attending the presentation today. He figured that if he explained the situation to the professors, they would understand. However, given the remaining time, he thought it better to find a solution first before seeking their leniency.
"Our group is presenting fourth, right?" Glai asked, checking the time on his watch.
"Yes, yes."
"Then I need to go now... May and Pie, go wait in the room first. I'll catch up as quickly as I can."
"Where are you going, Glai?" May asked.
"I'm going to buy a new shirt from the shop across the university. We still have twenty minutes... I think I can make it."
"Oh, I totally forgot there's a shop selling student uniforms across the street."
"Glai want to leave your suit with us first?"
"It's fine. I'll take it with me so I can get fully dressed once I've changed."
"Okay, okay."
"Alright, Glai, hurry up. We'll tell the professor you went to the restroom if they call your name. That way, they won't mark you as late."
"Thanks. I'll head out now."
Glai nodded before turning to walk toward the exit. New and Thot quickly avoided his gaze, facing the elevator doors instead. The small figure shook his head slightly and sighed.
When someone makes a mistake and can't own up to it, they act just like this...
Glai half-walked, half-ran out of the elevator area. He glanced down at the coffee stain on the left side of his chest. His slender hand unbuttoned the first button of his shirt to check the reddish mark on his skin. After the presentation, he figured he'd need to stop by a pharmacy. He looked ahead periodically to avoid bumping into anyone, then glanced back at the brown-stained shirt. That was when he noticed a pair of black Vans sneakers stepping into his line of sight. Glai stopped walking as their owner stepped closer. He kept his gaze on the foor, his brows furrowed slightly, before stepping to the left to make way for the person.
However, he moved to block him again. It seemed as if the owner of the sneakers was deliberately obstructing his path. Still unsure, Glai shifted to the right. The black Vans followed him again. Determined, Glai looked up to see who was blocking his way in such a rush. At that moment, Khun Prachan's smile seemed to soothe the burning redness on the left sid of his chest.
Thump thump, thump thump.
This smile... it always plays with my little heart.
"You're not watching where you're going."
"..."
"Where are you rushing off to, Khun Glai?"
That sweet ending... wasn't it reserved for the adorable women he fancied?
"Uh..."
"What happened to your shirt?"
Panlee... help me. Help change the tone of your speech. Before I completely fail to converse with you.
"My shirt got stained with coffee... there was a bit of an accident."
Khun Prachan furrowed his brows, looking at Glai's shirt. He adjusted the first button of his own shirt slightly, as if hinting at something. "Khun Glai, let me see."
"S-see?" Glai repeated, his eyes widening.
"Yes... let me see the redness."
The smaller figure shook his head vigorously in refusal. Heat flushed his ears and gathered in both cheeks. "N-no way! I'm not showing you."
"The coffee spilled on you... it must've been really hot, wasn't it, Khun Glai?" Khun Prachan asked, his tone and expression serious.
"Well..." Recalling the sensation of hot liquid touching his skin for the first time, Glai replied, "...yeah, it was hot."
"You're rushing because you're going to the doctor, right?"
"No..."
"Do you want to see a doctor? I can take you."
Khun Prachan's gaze and tone reminded Glai of the time he said "so stubborn." Glai looked deep into his serious eyes, which seemed to hold an emotion he couldn't quite identify, before averting his gaze.
"I'm fine. I don't need to see a doctor."
"Panlee..."
Glai turned to look at the owner of the voice. A cute girl holding a small plastic bag walked over to stand beside Khun Prachan. She looked at him and blinked a few times, seemingly puzzled. Glai didn't know who she was, but he guessed she was close to Panlee.
Pressing his lips together, he finally said, "I'm in a hurry to buy a shirt. I need to go now."
"Wait..."
Snap!
The smaller figure froze mid-step as a large hand grasped his arm. He swallowed hard and turned to look at Khun Prachan, who met his gaze briefly before releasing him.
"Glai, where are you going to buy a shirt?"
"The store across from the university."
"Do you really need to change your shirt now?"
Glai nodded vigorously. "Yes, I have a presentation today."
"What time is the presentation?"
Glai glanced at his wristwatch. "I only have ten minutes left."
"If you go to buy a shirt, you probably won't make it back in time," Khun Prachan said, staring at him intently before adding, "Why don't you borrow Lee's shirt instead?"
"..."
"Even though it's a bit big, if you wear a suit jacket over it, it should work," Panlee suggested.
"..."
"Does that sound good?"
Glai took two minutes to decide, calculating the distance between the university and the uniform shop. Then he said, "Sorry to trouble you, Panlee."
"It's no trouble," Panlee replied, then turned to the petite woman standing nearby.
"Can you carry the stuff on your own?"
"Uh, yes, I can."
"If not, leave it by the door, and I'll call Type to take it up to the classroom."
"It's just a little; I can manage."
"Okay."
"Panlee, where are you going?"
"I'm taking Khun Glai to change his shirt."
"Oh."
"Sorry, I just don't want to leave Khun Glai alone right now."
Khun Prachan's words made the world stop for a moment. Everything seemed to slow to a crawl, except for one thing that defied the stillness and leapt wildly.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
It must be the only thing that defied all the laws of the universe—Glai Jai's small heart.
"It's okay. Panlee, you should take your friend to change his shirt."
"Alright."
The tall figure responded to his companion, nodded at him, and then led the way to the parking lot. Glai followed Panlee from a distance, hoping to calm his racing heart. However, the broad-shouldered figure turned to glance back at him and slowed his pace.
"Khun Glai..."
Glai stepped up beside Khun Prachan. "Yes?"
Panlee shook his head lightly before his large hand reached out to clasp Glai's. He smiled, leading Glai to the parking lot, his hand securely holding Glai's. Glai stole a glance at Khun Prachan's face. He wasn't smiling or showing any particular expression, yet Glai's heart raced even faster. Glai's eyes fell on their joined hands. He smiled unconsciously when the other man tightened his grip slightly. Glai finally understood why so many people wanted to be near Panlee. His gentleness and attentiveness made anyone feel safe.
Glai thought...
The journey from Earth to the moon might not be easy.
But it wouldn't be hard...
if the guide were Khun Prachan.
The tall figure brought him to a stop in front of his beloved car. Glai had seen the pearl-white Mercedes sports car from afar, but seeing it up close, it looked as cool as its owner.
"Please wait here for a moment, Khun Glai," Panlee said, letting go of his hand. He reached into his back pocket, pulled out his car key, and opened the door. Leaning in, he did something briefly before turning to nod at Glai to come over.
"..."
"I had plan to watch a football match at a friend's place tonight and early classes tomorrow, so I brought an extra student uniform in case I stayed over."
"Oh..."
"I've tidied up the car. You can change your shirt inside."
Glai, now standing near the car, widened his eyes. "Change in the car, Panlee? I think it's better if I go—"
"If you go to the restroom to change, you definitely won't make it in time." Panlee interjected, tapping his watch and gazing at him. "We don't have much time left. Please hurry, Khun Glai."
Glai looked away from Panlee, directing his gaze at the car. Panlee's car windows were tinted dark, much like the Porsche he'd seen before. Convinced no one would see him, Glai moved closer to inspect the car. Although the windshield was more transparent than the side windows, Panlee had parked facing a wall, which eased Glai's concerns. He stepped back to check if passersby could see inside. A soft chuckle from Panlee made him stop. Glai turned to see him smiling.
"Are you worried about people seeing you change?"
"Yes," Glai admitted. As a child, he had insisted on bathing alone because he didn't want P'Jeab to see him naked. He couldn't imagine letting anyone else see. "I think it's better to spend a bit more time and change in the restroom, Panlee."
"You don't have to worry. If I'm standing here, no one will see you."
"..."
Maybe it was Panlee's serious tone and gaze that made Glai believe him. Without responding, he lowered his head, took a deep breath, and glanced at the open passenger door. A neatly folded student uniform lay on the seat. He grabbed it and climbed in.
"The front faces a wall, so no one will see for sure," Panlee assured him, leaning slightly against the car. "The driver's side window is shielded by another car. As for the back...you're small enough that the seat should block you completely."
"And..." Panlee seemed to read his mind, smiling as he gently ruffled Glai's hair.
"I'll block this side for you."
Glai nodded. Panlee stepped back slightly and shut the car door for him. Glai hesitated before removing his coffee-stained shirt. Though he trusted Panlee, he was still wary of others passing by.
However, seeing Panlee turn his back and stand close to the car window to shield him, Glai quickly removed his shirt and changed into Panlee's oversized one. The shirt was larger than expected, its hem falling past his hips. He tucked it into his pants and adjusted the fit, taking several minutes to finish dressing. He sighed in relief as he buttoned the last button of his navy suit jacket.
Saved, Glai Jai...
Before stepping out of Panlee's car, which he had secretly admired for so long, Glai took a moment to observe its interior. The items inside revealed Panlee's personality and lifestyle:
A pair of branded sunglasses on the console.
A packet of cigarettes by the gear shift.
Yellow soccer cleats near the floor.
And a lingering scent of Panlee's signature cologne.
Smiling to himself, Glai thought the world was being overly kind today. Not only had it sent Panlee to comfort his wounded heart, but it had also allowed him to learn more about Khun Prachan.
And it made Glai believe that no matter how far the distance...
If you keep trying and never stop moving forward...
One day, you'll reach...
the heart of the one you admire.
He tapped the car window, signalling Panlee, who turned and opened the door for him. Glai quickly grabbed his stained shirt and stepped out.
"All set?"
Glai nodded enthusiastically. "If I hadn't run into you, Panlee, I'd have been in big trouble."
"..."
"Thank you."
"Can you change your gratitude into presenting the work to the best of your ability?"
Glai thought he wouldn't smile, but he couldn't help it. He nodded and smiled at Khun Prachan.
"I will present my work to the best of my ability."
"Khun Glai..." Khun Prachan's smile gradually faded before continuing, "Don't forget to apply some ointment."
The petite figure blinked, lowering his almond-shaped eyes to look at his chest area again. "Once I finish presenting, I'll hurry and buy some ointment."
"Alright."
Glai knew well that the chances to be near his familiar moon weren't frequent. He felt a pang of sadness every time he had to say goodbye, but because of his responsibilities, Glai forced himself to say, "I probably have to go now."
"..."
"See you later, Lee."
The time Glai Jai had to be close to Khun Prachan had come to an end...
"Which floor do you need to present on?"
"The eighth floor."
"I have class on the seventh floor."
"..."
"Shall we separate later instead?"
"..."
"Let's take the elevator together first."
...But the kind-hearted Khun Prachan extended Glai's time a little more.His almond-shaped eyes glanced at the watch on his wrist. The only thing in the world that couldn't be stopped was time. Even though Glai wanted to make it to class on time, when he looked up at the numbers above the elevator doors, he had to admit that he wouldn't make it. He had already guessed that he wouldn't be on time for the start of the presentation, but since he knew his group was the fourth to present and that each group had fifteen minutes, Glai was confident he'd make it in time to join his group.
This time, he'd likely be marked as late.
But that's okay, Glai.
People make mistakes...
Glai comforted himself internally. It wasn't unusual for someone so strict about rules and learning like him to be worried. Everyone in the Aviation Business program knew how important time was. Even though he knew he had slipped this time, he no longer blamed himself as he would have in the past.
Because his beating heart always reminded him that... he was human. He had a heart, feelings, and flaws. For any situation where he had done his best, if the result wasn't as expected, all he could do was accept it and forgive himself.
As he once promised P'Jeab...
Glai thought forgiving oneself wasn't easy. In the past, he couldn't do it either. But when he stepped back and looked at himself from a distance, he realized that sometimes problems weren't solely his fault. He wasn't the irredeemable one. The things around him and uncontrollable forces in the world also contributed to problems and imperfections in life.
Thus, the only thing he could do was...
give himself the chance to become a better person from the mistakes in his life.
"Khun Glai probably won't make it to the start of class, will you?"
Glai shifted his gaze from the number two above the elevator doors before replying, "No, I won't make it, but I shouldn't be more than five minutes late."
"But it's okay, right?"
"I'll probably be marked late by the teacher."
The taller figure raised an eyebrow before saying, "The teacher marks you late for being less than five minutes late? in Lee's case, the teacher allows up to five minutes after class starts before marking you late."
"Our program is pretty strict about time... The teacher marks us late immediately after class starts. If you're late three times, it's considered one absence."
"Wow... that's quite strict."
"But I've never been late or missed a class before... This time, it was unavoidable."
Glai only realized he had furrowed his brows when the other person used his long finger to press gently between them. Khun Prachan pushed upward slightly, releasing the deep furrow.
"Don't overthink it..." Khun Prachan offered a bright smile before continuing, "We've done our best already."
"..."
"The things that have passed, don't dwell on them. Even one minute ago is already the past, Khun Glai."
165 | P a g e"..."
"Let the past do its job in its own time. You don't have to carry it. Just focus on doing your best now."
The long finger was withdrawn, and Glai offered a faint smile, nodding. He glanced at the red marks on his chest that still stung before looking at his white shirt stained with coffee.
The petite figure looked up at Khun Prachan before saying, "About your shirt, Lee..."
"Whenever we meet again, you can return it. I'm not in a hurry to use it."
He wanted to ask for Lee's line so badly, but he was afraid of invading his privacy too much. However, because he feared losing the chance, Glai decided to ask.
"Then I..."
"You can give it to me through P'Dom."
"..."
"P'Dom probably meets Lee often."
Glai offered a faint smile in response. He didn't know if Lee could read his thoughts, but it seemed like he wanted to ease the situation. Glai nodded before saying,
"Alright, I'll pass it to P'Dom for you."
"Okay."
Agreeing for now, he'd figure out a way to return it himself later...
Ding!
The chime made Glai look up at the number displayed above the elevator doors. The prominent red number seven reminded him that his time with Khun Prachan had truly come to an end. This time, no one could extend his happiness. The elevator doors opened automatically, and the taller figure turned to smile at him before saying, "Lee is going now."
In the last moment before they parted, Glai spoke up, "Today... do your best, Lee."
"Lee always does my best... You too, Khun Glai."
"Alright."
Glai smiled as he watched Khun Prachan walk away from the elevator. The sight brought him back to that day when they met by chance in the elevator, and today was just the same. All Glai could do was watch the broad back gradually grow distant. But Glai had forgotten that today was the present and that day was the past.
Everything could always change. The tall figure paused in front of the closing elevator doors, turning back. At that moment, their eyes met once again. Lee smiled softly before speaking in a gentle tone.
"Do your best presenting your work, Khun Glai."
Glai smiled back, making an "okay" gesture with his hand before saying, "Okay, I'll present my work with full dedication."
The taller figure nodded lightly, waved goodbye, and was soon hidden behind the elevator doors. Glai stared at his own reflection, smiling widely without holding back.Glai remembered seeing himself cry in this reflection before. Back then, he felt pain and loneliness, almost unable to go on. But today, Khun Prachan had changed everything... and created wonderful memories for him.
From now on, every time Glai was alone in the elevator, he wouldn't think of the bad times from that day anymore. Instead, Glai would think of Khun Prachan...
The petite figure pushed the large door slightly ajar before quietly entering the classroom, careful not to disturb other groups presenting on stage.
"Which group is it now?" Glai whispered softly as he sat next to Pie.
"Still the first group."
"Okay, okay."
"Glai..." May, who sat next to Pie, craned her neck to look at him. "Earlier, during roll call, Pie and I went to tell the teacher that you had a little accident. Coffee spilled on your shirt, and you had to buy a new one. We thought it'd be better to tell the truth."
"What did the teacher say?"
"Nothing much. The teacher said it was good that you decided to change your shirt first, especially since there are guest lecturers watching the presentations today."
"Oh, and the teacher said to meet her after the presentation."
Glai furrowed his brows, wondering why his advisor wanted to meet him. Still, he nodded to his friends. "Okay, okay."
Glai listened to his classmates' presentations until it was his group's turn. Today, he admitted he felt a little nervous because it was a core subject in his program, taught by his advisor. However, the voice and image of Khun Prachan's smile at the elevator gave him some comfort.
'Do your best presenting your work, Khun Glai.'
It was probably because Glai had prepared well and received encouragement from Khun Prachan that the presentation went smoothly. After finishing the presentation, Glai went to meet the professor, who was staring at the computer screen with a serious expression.
"Professor..." the small-framed individual softly called out, prompting the other to look away from the screen to face him. "Did you call for me?"
"Yes, yes. Wait for a moment, okay? Let me handle the data in the system first."
"Alright," Glai responded before stepping back from the professor's desk. May and Pie, who had just packed up their things, approached him at the doorway.
"What did the professor call you for, Glai?"
"Not sure yet. He asked me to wait while he finish some work."
"Ahh."
"Glai Jai..."
"Yes, professor?" The small-framed individual walked back to stand near the professor's desk.
"You've been chosen as the head of the reception team for the open house event, right?"
"Yes."
"Well, our department has just made a mascot outfit that resembles a student in a suit representing our field. I thought it might be nice if the reception team wore it to greet the visitors at the open house."
"Oh..."
"What do you think?"
"That's a great idea, professor. The mascot costume could help draw attention to our booth."
"Good, then prepare to find someone to wear it. The event is coming soon, so it shouldn't be too hard to ask for cooperation from your team members."
It might not be hard...
But it wouldn't be easy either...
"I'll take care of it promptly, professor."
"Alright, as the day approaches, you can submit a request to borrow the mascot costume. For now, it's stored in the faculty room."
"Understood, professor."
"Okay..." The professor nodded with a faint smile before furrowing his brows, as if he just remembered something. "You were late today, weren't you, Glai Jai?"
"Yes, professor."
"Your friends said coffee spilled on your shirt? How did that happen?"
Glai glanced at May and Pie, who were now standing on either side of him. He knew his friends wanted him to tell the truth, but Glai thought it wasn't the right time. The two might stop pushing him, and he didn't want the professor's attention on this matter. "It was a small accident, professor. Someone bumped into me, and his coffee spilled on my shirt."
"Ah... but you're alright, right?"
"Yes, professor."
"Good then... That's all I needed to talk to you about. We're clear now, so I won't take up more of your time."
Glai smiled at the professor, whom he was quite close to, before saying, "In that case, I'll excuse myself and my friends now, professor."
"Okay."
The small-framed individual politely folded his hands in a respectful gesture before nodding at his friends, signalling them to leave the room. Once they were outside by the elevator doors, May and Pie started mumbling to each other.
"What are you two mumbling about?"
"Such a shame Glai didn't tell the professor the truth."
"If I had told the professor about this, it wouldn't just be New and Thot under scrutiny. You'd probably be watched too, since the professor wouldn't side with anyone but would carefully observe the situation themselves."
"Ugh... Those people shouldn't get away with this."
"True. Glai lost both time and money, but they didn't face any consequences."
"I only lost time... not money, though," Glai said with a smile.
Both friends squinted at him suspiciously before moving closer to pry.
"What do you mean, Glai Jai ~"
"Tell us right now, where did you get this shirt?"
The one being questioned smiled before answering, "It's Panlee's shirt."
"0_0"
"Panlee lent it to me... It might be a bit big, but it works when paired with a suit, right?"
"Seriously?" Pai asked, wide-eyed and blushing slightly. "I'm embarrassed for you."
"How did you borrow Panlee's shirt?"
"The elevator's taking so long..."
"Don't change the subject, Glai."
Glai laughed and said, "Fine, May and Pie, take me to the fourth floor first. I'll tell you along the way."
"Okay, okay, let's take the escalator. I want to hear it quickly."
The small-framed person was dragged by both friends toward the escalator. Glai laughed as he stepped onto the black steps moving slowly upward, beginning to recount how he coincidentally met Khun Prachan at the door. He avoided mentioning the part about changing clothes in Panlee's car, as even thinking about it made his face flush.
Now he had to think about it... and tell the story simultaneously.
It was unbearably embarrassing...
But in the end, he told his friends everything. May and Pie were now laughing and teasing each other as they escorted him to a large window.
"I'm so embarrassed, Pie."
"Same here. Panlee is just so cute."
Glai shook his head slightly, smiling before saying, "I guess I don't have to be embarrassed anymore since you two are doing it for me."
"Haha."
Mei, who was smiling, glanced at her watch before saying, "It's two minutes to 5:30. Glai Jai's Khun Prachan is about to appear, isn't he?"
"Mm-hmm."
"Today, can we stay and watch your oh-so-lovely Khun Prachan too?"
"Sure, but..." Glai pointed a finger at both friends, speaking in a stern voice, "Don't you dare fall for him."
"Alright, alright. So possessive!"
The teased person laughed softly. He pretended to scold his close friends before sitting down in his usual seat. His two friends sat across from him. Glai glanced at his wristwatch and began counting down.
5
4
3
2
1
5:30 PM.
Glai looked down at the parking lot but noticed that Panlee's car wasn't there. It seemed Khun Prachan wouldn't appear as he did every day for Glai to admire. Therewas no sign of him showing up at all.
"Looks like today, Khun Prachan is slacking off, not showing up to fulfil his role."
"Aww... So, when the two of us decide to sneak a peek, Khun Prachan doesn't show up?"
"Should we wait a bit longer?" Glai asked.
"Sure, we're not in a hurry today."
and his close friends waited a little longer for Khun Prachan until the sky began to darken. Glai finally decided to say, "I think Khun Prachan really won't come today...
Let's try sneaking a peek at him together some other time."
"Alright."
The small-framed person stood up with a smile, grabbing his leather bag to prepare to leave. Glai descended the escalator to the ground floor with his close friends, thinking...
How fortunate we met earlier.
Otherwise, the feeling of "missing him so much"
Would have overwhelmed me completely.