EASTTAGYOUREMINE, Chapter 25: Freshie Cheer Spirit
“What time does the event start?” Foam asked me while fanning himself vigorously with a fan. Today is the Freshie Cheer Spirit event, where first-year students from each faculty showcase their cheering, there are various performances to welcome the new freshmen, and it ends with a concert by an artist invited by the university, plus the star and moon fashion show is one of the main attractions. The seniors from our faculty gathered us and led us to the venue, which was the university’s large sports field, capable of holding crowds from all faculties, though it was quite cramped. My faculty was positioned to the left of the stage, next to
Political Science, with Business in front, meaning we could barely see the stage.
There’s a tale that something always happens with rain every year on this day. No matter how the date is shifted, rain still falls on that day. So, the seniors prepared anti-rain shirts for everyone, expecting rain indeed. Now, it was starting to get humid and hot, making it very sticky. As it got darker, the light from the lamps illuminated the entire field.
“What are you fanning so hard for, Foam? It’s cool out here, man.” Phoon said. Right now, we were standing on the grass field, with other faculties also waiting.
“It’s hot as hell, I’m all sticky.”
“What’s got you so worked up? Not hanging out with the science girls, huh?” “Not at all, once the event starts, I’ll sneak out. The science girls are on the other side.” Really far
“Distance proves love, man.” said Foam, raising one eyebrow at us. Ugh, so irritating.
“Proves you’re the one who left his friends behind, that’s what.” Phoon retorted, making a face back at him.
“Ter is also the one who left his friends behind.”
“Wonder if this gown is warm at all.”
“…Don’t know, man. Don’t even tease.” I’ve had to endure all these taunts and teases from these good-for-nothings for days, along with numerous questions from friends and seniors in various departments. Even when I went to study in another building, people asked if I was Easter, if I was really dating Dr. Hill, and to top it off, my inbox on Facebook was flooded with friend requests from who knows who…Sigh.
“So, are you guys dating now?”
“No.” I answered truthfully. Only Foam keeps asking every day if we’re dating yet. The truth is, Phii Hill and I haven’t even talked about dating. Honestly, we haven’t talked much at all because Phii Hill is busy with cheer spirit activities, and his studies are heavy too, so we hardly get to see or talk to each other.
And it’s not like I mind, really. Med students have it tough, and I’m no slouch myself; studying veterinary isn’t exactly a walk in the park, T^T.
“When will you be together?”
“Don’t know, man.”
“Are you playing hard to get again, Ter?” Foam asked, looking as annoyed as ever.
“Not playing hard to get, we just haven’t talked about it.”
“Isn’t the doctor too busy?”
“Yeah, probably studying hard.”
“Aren’t you upset?”
“Nah.” I said, secretly sighing, “I get it, no one can be free all the time.”
“Wow, my friend is really growing up.”
After a while, the event started. Two hosts, a man and a woman, dressed in Lanna traditional attire, took the stage. I couldn’t see clearly because the stage was too far and people were blocking my view. Why is everyone so tall, T^T, imagine thousands of freshmen from all departments gathered in one place, how could it not be chaotic?
Luckily, there were speakers set up around the field, so at least I could hear what was going on.
“Freshmen, please sit down, sit down.” ordered the senior from our faculty. So we sat down on the grass field, and other faculties started sitting down as well. “Alright, the cheer spirit event is about to begin. Starting with the Faculty of
Nursing, our dear nurses.” announced the host, followed by thunderous applause across the field. The entire Nursing Faculty stood up, drawing all eyes towards them. They were on the opposite side of the field, quite far from where my faculty was. Then the cheer song of the Nursing Faculty started playing. Each faculty had a different cheer song, different dance moves, and cheers. It seemed like the faculty that sang the loudest and danced in the most synchronized manner would show the greatest unity and spirit.
As the event progressed to our faculty and finished the cheer spirit part, various performances were about to start. Chaos ensued as everyone rushed towards the stage to watch the shows.
“Damn, it’s chaotic as hell.” Phoon complained while we were just standing there, being pushed from behind.
“Let’s move to the side.” I said, pulling Phoon to the side to get away from the crowd. “Hey, Foam?” I turned around only to find that Foam, our dear friend, had disappeared. Don’t tell me he got swept away by the crowd, T^T
“He’s gone to find that science girl. Just let him be.” “Yeah…” I sighed.
“I also want to watch the show.” Phoon said, resigned. “They say the Faculty of
Fine Arts’ show is beautiful.”
“Then should we try to squeeze through?” I suggested.
“Will that work?”
“We have to try.”
Our attempt was only half successful. Although we got closer to the stage, we were still pretty far. Well, at least it was better; at least we could see something.
“It’s hot and cramped, too many people.” Phoon complained.
“Yeah, true. It’s hard to breathe.” I added, noting that we could barely hear each other. I noticed that the standing positions of each faculty didn’t change much, as they were grouped by faculty. The only movement was inward. If someone wanted to go flirt with students from other faculties, they could, like our Foam who had already left with that science girl.
“Please don’t crowd too close to the stage, or it might collapse. Our first show today is from the university’s Star and Moon pageant team.” The host continued with applause and screams filling the air. “Let me tell you a bit, our university is known for having the best-looking Star and Moon, almost like they were selected based on looks. Here are the second-year Stars and Moons from each faculty. We invite all first-year students to join the Star and Moon competition in large numbers. Come and showcase your talents here.”
“And without further ado, let’s meet our second-year Stars and Moons. Let’s see if they’re as good-looking as rumored.” And with that, the screams grew louder as the music started, so much so that I had to cover my ears because it really hurt. It was the same song we practiced with. “First up…introducing the medical faculty!”
“Second-year medical student…Dr. Hill!”
Phii Hill walked out to the rhythm of the music. Even though he was in a regular student uniform, the stage lights and the beat of the music added to his aura, with just a slight hair styling. No need for much else. Just seeing him walk out was enough to elicit massive screams.
He’s as cool as during rehearsals. No, wait…he’s even cooler now. Why is he so cool, man? I give up. T^T, Ohhh…
The screams and shouts were so loud it was hard to make out anything; all I could see were several girls screaming so much they almost passed out.
I felt like I was about to faint as well…T^T
“The one every girl unanimously says they want to have, to have Dr. Hill as their own, everyone melting at the sight of his heart-stealing smile, truly the ‘national crush’, and now there’s a movement to reclaim Dr. Hill.” said the host.
“I heard he already has someone he likes. Though it’s sad, we’ll continue to be his imaginary girlfriend.” another host added.
“Oh, the one who has his heart.” Phoon elbowed me hard with a shy, cringey expression.
Why did you have to elbow me? I’m feeling embarrassed too, man. T^T Then the fashion show continued, with the highlight being the final couple walk where Phii Hill had to walk arm-in-arm with Phii Thanmild, posing closely together.
It’s just a fashion show walk, nothing more…T^T
“And that’s the end of the fashion show for our second-year stars, don’t forget to sign up in large numbers, there are lots of fun things to do, don’t miss out, now let’s see the next performance from the Faculty of Fine Arts!”
“Here comes what you wanted to see.” I told Phoon. The screams and applause rose again as the Faculty of Fine Arts began their performance. It was now past 9 PM; I heard the concert by the artists would start at 11 PM, and the event would end at 1 AM.
“Yeah, I didn’t dare bring my camera, afraid it would get lost with all these people.” Phoon lamented.
“Do you take pictures of anything besides the sky?”
“Nah, I was thinking that taking pictures of the night sky with the concert lights below would be pretty beautiful.”
“Uh-huh, well.” I said, but when I looked up at the sky, it was full of heavy clouds. And the air was getting colder, even though it was dark, you could still see the heavy clouds if you looked carefully, especially if rain was about to fall.
“Do you think rain will fall?” I asked.
“Probably, it happens every year, but when rain falls, it’ll be fun in a different way.”
“Oh yeah, we’ve got the anti-rain shirts now.” I said while focusing on the next performance. As for today’s concert, I had prepared well by learning to sing the songs from this band in advance, because the seniors had told us to practice. If you come to the concert and can’t sing along to their songs, it definitely wouldn’t be as fun.
“Squeal, Dr. Hill, can we take a photo with you?”
“Oh my, Doctor, you were so cool just now, can I take a photo with you please?”
“Wow, Phii Hill, look this way for a moment!” The chaotic noise from behind made me turn to look…
Phii Hill…
Was making his way through the crowd towards me, followed by many fans, and people he passed by were trying to stop him for photos as well.
Wow…the screams were so loud that everyone around here turned to look.
“Excuse me, please make way.” Phii Hill said with a polite smile, and many people slowly moved aside. Some were sneakily taking photos of Phii Hill, and others were trying to hold him back for a photo.
He’s coming this way…
“How’s it going?” Phii Hill asked with an affectionate smile.
Did he come looking for me?
“Uh…it’s fun. But how did you find me?” I asked, puzzled. With so many people and such a vast space, how could he find me?
“From up on the stage, I could see down here clearly.” said Phii Hill. Don’t tell me…
While he was walking on the stage during the show…he was also looking for me?
Wow, stop being so heart-stopping, please, T^T
Phii Hill had changed from the student uniform he wore for the fashion show to a medical faculty shirt and dark jeans instead. For this event, each faculty wore shirts designed by themselves to show unity and make it easy to spot which faculty was where.
The fans were still screaming, but when they saw me, they started whispering among themselves. I thought it might be best not to pay attention. Phoon raised his hand in greeting to Phii Hill.
“Earlier on stage, Ter was staring at you like he was in a daze.” Phoon said with a laugh, but I wasn’t laughing, so I lightly hit his arm. I wasn’t staring at Phii Hill that much!
“Yes, I saw you.” Phii Hill said, sending a small smile my way.
“I wasn’t staring that much.” I replied, making a grumpy face.
“Just not looking at anyone else but me is enough.” The person in front of me said, leaving me at a loss for words, ohhh, don’t look at me with such serious eyes, T^T
“I’m gonna go find North.” Phoon suddenly whispered to me.
“Huh? Why go now?”
“Ugh. I don’t want to be the third wheel, and who knows where Foam is, better to go find North, I’ll be off.” Phoon said, stepping away immediately, but not before telling Phii Hill, “Take care of Ter for me.”
“Hey, wait, don’t go yet, Phoon!” I shouted, but it was too late. Phoon had vanished into the crowd. It’s not that I’m worried, but Phoon wandering off alone…amidst thousands, it’s the epitome of concern, he could get lost, disoriented, does he even know where the Faculty of Engineering is?
I quickly grabbed my phone to send a message to North, with all this noise, calling would be pointless, I hope he checks his messages.
Easter Panupong: North, Phoon is heading to find you. If you don’t see him in twenty minutes, I think we should go look for him.
“Want to find a better spot to watch? We can’t see the stage well from here.” Phii Hill asked. I nodded immediately. If there’s a place with a better view, let’s go.
After agreeing, Phii Hill took my hand and led me around to a different area.
But this place…
Is it really the medical faculty’s area?
I’m not going to argue that it’s close to the stage and we can see clearly. But isn’t it full of Phii Hill’s friends? Ohhh, I’m nervous for some reason, now I have to meet Phii Hill’s friends.
“Wow. Look at our friend, who’s he brought with him.”
“Wow, cuter than in the photos on Facebook, hmm, bringing him out to introduce, huh?”
“Our faculty’s star really isn’t ordinary. Guys, come see our friend’s boyfriend,
Hill’s boyfriend.”
“Let me see, I want to see, so cute, but the junior here didn’t accept my friend request, TT.”
“If Hill doesn’t treat you right, you can come find me, you know.”
“You jerk, don’t hit on your friend’s boyfriend.”
And then there were plenty of playful teases from the second-year medical students, identifiable because they were all wearing the same staff shirts. It seemed like everyone, both male and female, was very interested in what was happening over here.
I could only give a faint smile because I didn’t know what to do. As for Phii Hill, he just sighed in exasperation. I glanced behind and saw Phii Thanmild, also in a medical staff shirt, looking our way with a not-so-friendly gaze. I couldn’t quite tell what her issue was. We made eye contact for a moment before Phii Thanmild walked away.
Phii Hill came to sit with me on the cheering stand because the medical faculty was close to the stage and right next to the cheering stands, where the medical staff had placed some items.
“Water?” Phii Hill offered me a cup of sweet water. I accepted it, not forgetting to say thank you. The person next to me smiled affectionately and gently patted my head. I didn’t shake it off or move away like I usually would, just let that warm hand stroke my hair softly.
Honestly, I kind of like it…it’s warm and comforting.
And I’ve missed it, since we haven’t seen each other much lately.
“Wow, bringing him all the way here is like stepping on someone’s face. Mild, how is she supposed to feel?” someone said loudly from a group of people nearby, perhaps not noticing me and Phii Hill or just not caring.
“Well, it’s for the best. Let her come back to her senses. When the real one arrives, the fake one must step aside.”
“Yeah, holding hands, patting heads. With that level of care, what can anyone compete with?”
“I hope she doesn’t throw a fit again; I’ve got a headache just thinking about her.” I decided to ignore those conversations, thinking that knowing about them would just complicate things unnecessarily. Instead, I turned my attention to the performance ahead, though from our distance, it wasn’t very clear.
“Do you want to go watch the show?” Phii Hill asked.
“I’m fine here, maybe we can go during the concert.” I said, giving him a wide smile. Now, I could talk to Phii Hill normally like before. Previously, I was always scared and shy for some reason. Not that I’m not shy now, but…well, I guess I’ve started to accept my feelings.
The person sitting next to me didn’t say anything, just kept looking at me without looking away…how could I not get embarrassed with that! “Wha…what are you looking at?” I asked, my voice stuttering.
“Nothing, I was just thinking…”
“Thinking…?”
“Must be something that…”
“…”
“I’d give up everything to not lose it.”
“Enough…that’s enough. Do not look anymore.” I couldn’t bear to look into his eyes any longer and quickly turned away, ohhhh. I’ve never lasted five seconds, I guess, T^T, Ohhh. This isn’t good for my heart, now I can feel the heat reaching even my ears.
:
“It’s okay.” Phii Hill asked with concern in his voice. What, after making me so embarrassed I almost had a heart attack, he’s still worried, ohhh, T^T.
“Yeah…it’s fine.” I replied without turning to look at him. “Did your faculty give out raincoats?” Phii Hill asked.
“They did.” I answered confidently. Wait…
But hold on.
Today I didn’t bring my bag.
So I left the raincoat with Phoon.
Phoonnnnnnn!!
“Um…but I forgot it with Phoon.” I answered with a sheepish smile, like a little kid afraid of getting scolded. Phii Hill didn’t look surprised, as if he had expected this from me, ohhh, don’t look at me like that, T^T.
“Our faculty’s raincoats are all given out, there are only umbrellas left.” “Can we watch the concert with an umbrella?” Phii Hill asked.
“Yeah. We don’t have to be too close. I just want to listen to the music.” Yes, my aim was just to hear the artists sing live, that’s good enough for me.
“Does rain fall every year?” I asked.
“That’s what I’ve heard, yes. In my year, it fell around 11 PM.”
“Oh…it’s only 10 PM now.” I glanced at my wristwatch, which was the same one from back then. No money to buy a new one, and I’m not used to not wearing it either.
“It seems like the schedule might be earlier this year because they think rain will fall heavily today.”
“Oh, really?” This made me wonder whether to be happy for an early concert or sad that the event ended sooner. We kept chatting, with people coming over to tease, ask questions, and call me Phii Hill’s boyfriend, which Phii Hill didn’t seem to object to…but we haven’t actually agreed on that, have we?
And being called Phii Hill’s boyfriend…
It’s super embarrassing.
Just hearing it nearly made me faint…
Oh my gosh, am I this serious? T^T
Pat
Pat
Before we knew it, rain started to fall, about halfway through the concert. At first, it was just a light drizzle, but then it got heavier, and the wind picked up. Was this a storm or what?
Phii Hill pulled me into his arms when the wind got strong. Everyone was in a panic with both the wind and rain. At first, the concert was supposed to continue as it had in previous years with rain falling, but as it got worse, everyone had to scatter for cover.
“I apologize. Due to the strong winds and heavy rain, there could be danger, so all students are asked to leave the sports field to find shelter. The Freshy event for today will be postponed.” The host announced. Everyone who was enjoying the event was cursing the weather.
“Students, please leave calmly, don’t push each other. Watch your step to avoid tripping, the grass can be slippery.” Because the rush caused chaos, many professors had to step in to help.
Everyone started leaving around past nine, with heavy rain and strong winds.
Damn, why does the Freshy event of my year have to be so unlucky? T^T
“Let’s head to the parking lot first.” Phii Hill said, as we made our way through the rain to the parking area. Even with umbrellas or anti-rain gear, it was barely helping at this point.
Once we were in the car, we faced the additional problem of traffic jams. Every car was trying to get out. Suddenly, I remembered Phoon, he hadn’t checked back to me if he had met up with North yet. If not, that would be a real disaster. Had he flown away with the wind or what?
North Natchanan: I’ve found Phoon. He was standing dazed near the Education Faculty. How did he get lost? We’re on different paths, this guy.
Almost died trying to call each other.
North Natchanan: Rain is really falling. I’m all sticky, by the way. Are you coming back with me?
These were all the messages left by North.
Easter Panupong: North, where are you? Have you left yet? And what about Phoon?
After about ten minutes, just when Phii Hill had managed to drive through the university traffic.
North Natchanan: Reached the dorm. Me and Phoon look like drowned puppies, what about you?
Easter Panupong: I’m in the car with Phii Hill, heading back to the dorm soon.
North Natchanan: Are you coming back?
Easter Panupong: Well, it’s my dorm.
North Natchanan: I told you I’m with Phoon, how are we supposed to sleep, three of us? Go sleep with the doctor.
Easter Panupong: Are you crazy!!
North Natchanan: Not crazy, three people can’t sleep together. Are you gonna make Phoon sleep on the floor? And I’m not going to walk Phoon back to his dorm, it’s pouring out there.
Easter Panupong: Wait a minute.
Easter Panupong: I’ve been kicked out of my own dorm.
North Natchanan: Come on, just sleep with the doctor, tomorrow’s weekend. You don’t have to go to class anyway.
Easter Panupong: Is this even acceptable? Don’t you guys care about me!? North Natchanan: What’s there to worry about? You’re safest in the world with him. That’s it, I’m done chatting, I’m soaked and need a shower.
Easter Panupong: North, wait, let’s talk about this first.
And then North disappeared from the chat. What should I do? Do I really have to sleep with Phii Hill? What if he doesn’t allow it? Will I have to sleep on the street? T^T And if I do get to sleep, who knows what might happen. It’s like I’m walking into a lion’s den. No, wait, those two pushed me in there. Sure, the bed is small, but I could sleep on the floor.
Wait, but I’m the room owner, it should be Phoon sleeping on the floor.
But I don’t want my friend to suffer by sleeping on the floor either, T^T.
“Phii Hill.”
“Yes?”
“Um…it’s just…”
“What is it?”
“It’s…could I possibly bother you for something?”
“Alright, is there something?”
“…Phoon has to stay in my room tonight.”
“…”
“Because of rain falling, North couldn’t drop Phoon off at the dorm.”
“So I…uh, got kicked out.”
“So you’re going to stay with me?” Phii Hill asked, but with that sly smile, what was that about? T^T, ugh. “Uh, sorry to bother you.”
“Sure.”
I changed my mind.
I might as well go back to sleep on my own floor.
That was my thought, wondering what percentage chance there was that the room owner would let me go back now. The answer is zero…or negative. At first, I thought since we haven’t been seeing each other much, I wanted to spend some time with him, but not in his room, just the two of us, and then rain started falling, seriously?
I was sitting on the sofa, snacking and playing with my phone. I had already taken a shower. Of course, I was wearing Phii Hill’s shirt. Even though it’s a bit big, it’s fine for now. The room owner was currently showering, and inside here, it’s much warmer than outside.
TeerapatTyphoon: I need to borrow your pajamas.
Easter Panupong: Sure, why not from that asshole North?
TeerapatTyphoon: He said he’s too lazy to wash them.
Easter Panupong: Hmm, did you get soaked by rain?
TeerapatTyphoon: Yeah, I rode through the rain on a motorbike. The antirain gear is totally useless.
Easter Panupong: Be careful not to catch a cold, especially since you’re already weak. Tell North to dry your hair before sleep.
TeerapatTyphoon: Got it. You too.
Easter Panupong: Okay.
“Talking to someone?” Phii Hill leaned down to sit next to me and pulled me into a hug from behind, just like he did before. Wait a minute, can we at least ask first before doing anything? T^T
“Phoon.” I answered.
“Right.” He rested his forehead on my shoulder and tightened his embrace. “I’ve missed you so much.”
“Uh, yeah…” I hesitated, wondering if I should say it back, “I missed you too.” Eventually, I held my breath and said it. Phii Hill chuckled softly, then nuzzled his nose against my neck like he used to.
“That tickles.” I protested, feeling the warmth of his breath spread across my chest, ohhh. Don’t tease me like this, “You said you wouldn’t do anything, remember?” I reminded him of what he said before we entered the room.
“I said I would try to not.” He whispered softly in my ear, making me jump slightly. Ohhhh, don’t get this close, where’s the safety North was talking about?
This is the most dangerous situation, T^T.
I let Phii Hill hold me like that for a while. After some time, it felt like I was starting to relax a bit. The warmth in my heart replaced the nervousness, his subtle scent, the gentle touch. I didn’t understand why I felt so happy, I just didn’t want to think about anything else right now, I wanted time to slow down like this.
Ah…Rain has stopped raining.
“Rain has stopped.” I said. Phii Hill lifted his head, resting his chin on my shoulder.
“It seems so, want to check?”
“Yeah.” Phii Hill loosened his hug, and I got up to walk to the balcony behind the room with Phii Hill following. The balcony was wide and not too wet because there was an overhang above. It wasn’t that the rain had completely stopped, more like it had subsided. There were still some light drizzles, and the cool air mixed with the fresh scent of earth. I loved the atmosphere after rain, just like this.
“When the clouds clear, the stars are so beautiful.” I said, looking up at the twinkling stars filling the sky, and from here, the view was already beautiful.
“Indeed.” Phii Hill stood by my side as we leaned on the balcony rail to gaze at the stars.
I love this time so much, I love the stars, the sky, the gentle rain, the pleasant scent, the cool air, and having Phii Hill by my side right now.
As long as he’s with me…I could love anywhere.
“Ter.” Phii Hill called my name. I turned towards the sound.
“Yes?”
“I love you.”
“…”
“Uh.”
“I love you too.”
“Having you here with me now, it feels like a dream.”
“…”
“I often looked out at the sky from here, wondering how you were doing over there, if someone was taking care of you, if you’d come to hate me, I wanted to apologize. Even though we look at the same sky, in reality…we were too far apart for the world to bring us back together.”
“…”
“I thought, if one day you could be here beside me, if I had the chance to meet you again…”
“…”
“Just once more would be enough…”
“…”
“I would be willing to do anything…”
Before his strong hand gently grasped mine, those eyes remained steadfast and serious, never changing, making me feel as if I were falling into them, feeling like my heart was about to float away. The warm touch of his hand, it felt like the world and time had momentarily stopped.
“Ter…”
“…”
“Give me the chance to take care of you again.”
“…”
“Be my boyfriend.”
“…”
“Okay.”
🙂
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