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Part 33

They always say that those that want to make fools of others end up being the worst fools. I guess this applies in my situation – although I'm not trying to make a fool of Kongpob Suthiluck, but I'm trying to make him jealous and his lack of response cuts me to the core instead. So who is the greatest fool here, huh? Me...As always, me!

I tried to push these bitter thoughts away as I waited for Nat to arrive to our house.

"Arthit, let's go."

I smiled when I saw Nat looking really handsome in a white polo shirt and dark blue Levis jeans. Boy, that guy is really good looking. I really wonder what he sees in me.

Before I stepped outside, I quickly snuck a peek at Kongpob Suthiluck in the living room – reading his book and having absolutely no reaction at all. In fact, I doubt if he even noticed that Nat had arrived and I was leaving. I sighed inwardly and then tried to cheer up. It's not fair to keep moping over Kongpob Suthiluck when Nat has kindly asked me out. I should try my best to forget about Kongpob and enjoy this date!

I turned to see a speculative look on Nat's face. "How long have you liked Kongpob senpai for, Arthit?"

"F...four years." I stammered, too taken aback to make up a plausible lie.

Suddenly he stopped walking and the brown eyes looked steadily into mine, "You have liked him and him alone for four years. Then suddenly I appear out of the blue and start asking you to turn your affections towards me. I don't expect you to change your feelings immediately – that's asking for the impossible. However, even if you notice me a little, I'm already very happy."

The understanding, warmth and sincerity in those eyes and that gentle tone... I couldn't control the tears that sprang unbidden to my eyes.

"Thank you," I whispered between my sobs. I didn't trust my voice to say any more than that.

"We have no time to be sad, Arthit. Let's go to the amusement park!" Nat's eyes shone when he saw how affected I was by his words. I blinked back the tears and set off with a renewed determination to enjoy myself during our date.

It wasn't difficult at all. Nat was an amusing companion, intelligent, light-hearted and at the same time extremely attentive. We went on many crazy rides, challenging each other to go on the scariest ones (where I may or may not have screamed like a girl, half-crying, half-screaming). He bought me cotton candy and drinks afterwards to help me calm down and then tried his best to make me smile again by taking me to see baby animals in the zoo nearby. All in all, I had a wonderful time.

After he sent me home, he asked me for another date and I consented this time with a much lighter heart. He didn't try to kiss me – I think he knew I wasn't ready for that yet – instead, he just smiled at me in his warm friendly way, gave me an affectionate pat on my head and left.

Honestly, if this doesn't take us into a relationship in the future, I would definitely like to keep Nat around as a good friend, I was thinking to myself before stepping inside the house.

As expected, Auntie was cooking dinner and Daniel and Kongpob were both reading in the living room. While Auntie ran up to me, asking me about my date, Daniel just stared at us curiously and I could tell he was also eavesdropping.

Kongpob didn't lift his eyes from his book not even once to greet me.

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Nat and I fast became friends. During the 2 week period we were together, we sometimes had lunch together at University and went on a few dates together. I knew that the entire University was speculating why the crazy Arthit previously obsessed with Kongpob Suthiluck was suddenly spending so much time with Nat. Some were even betting if Nat had succeeded in securing my love and affections, and whether I had finally given up on pursuing Kongpob Suthiluck.

I still saw Nat as a friend, but I was happy to have him around and witness him patiently trying to get closer with me.

However, the other main person of this gossip and numerous bets - Kongpob Suthiluck - was obviously totally unaffected by the entire incident. He didn't talk to me (only when forced at home by Auntie) and he didn't ask any questions about Nat or my dates.

So concealing my severe disappointment, I continued my own merry way, enjoying Nat's company and trying my best to like him more than a friend.

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"Hey, what do you like about Arthit?"

I looked up to see Krystal standing over my desk, her hands on her hips as she questioned me with a displeased expression on her face.

"He's cute. I think he's really kind and cute. He might not be one of the brightest people with high grades, but smart guys are just not my cup of tea anyway..." I purposely added the last sentence, knowing that she would fly into her usual rage fit.

What business was it of hers who I dated anyway? I could sense strong jealousy and anger from her as she continued fuming beside me, obviously shocked by my reply. I really didn't like Krystal's aggressive and competitive attitude even though she was intelligent and a very pretty girl. Arthit is much nicer than her. Krystal is full of darkness and evil, just like her older sister. I realized that since the first day I heard her talk mean things about Arthit.

"I mean look, Arthit is kinder than you, nicer than you..." I was about to continue my comparison when suddenly, she slapped me hard in the face and ran out of the classroom. Holding my aching cheek, I couldn't help but shake my head.

And she dares to ask me what I see in Arthit?

After lessons ended, I was wandering in the school grounds when I saw Arthit standing behind a tree, staring at something. I followed the direction of her gaze and realized that she was looking at the tennis courts where Kongpob Suthiluck was paired up with Krystal, playing against Mike and Jessica.

My heart tightened in my chest when I saw the dejected way that Arthit was leaning against the tree, his drooping head and shoulders were slumped helplessly forward and I could see the pain and heartbreak in his face.

And I immediately knew that despite his efforts, his heart had already made its choice.

...

I couldn't bear it any longer and quickly walked towards him. I have to try one last time. One last time.

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I was looking at Kongpob Suthiluck's handsome face in the distance, not daring to go any closer in case he caught sight of me and told me to get lost. He was paired up with Krystal and if that wasn't hurtful enough, Jessica was constantly circling around him, making every small move to get close to him.

Damnit, Arthit, you need to wake up from this stupid one-sided crush! You have already sacrificed too many years to this arrogant, ignorant guy who hates you!

...

Still...

My heart is resolute...and it's not fair to deceive Nat like this...

Uhuh...why I am thinking like this...Now I am making myself cry...

ㅠㅠ

I quickly wiped the tears away from my eyes, but then, heard footsteps behind me and turned to see Nat approaching me.

"Hi Nat!" A smile appeared on my lips as I blinked back the tears quickly. My smile quickly faded when I recalled the decision that I reached last night. "Nat, look, I have something to tell you. I ...umm...I-" I began hesitantly, but before I could finish my sentence, he placed a finger on my lips, silencing me.

Startled, I looked into those warm brown eyes. For the first time, I saw pain reflected in their depths. He knows, I suddenly realized. He knows that I am going to reject him now to spare him the pain of leading him on and then breaking up when our relationship has developed even further. I had underestimated the most intelligent guy among the first years.

"Hush, don't say anything." His voice was hoarse. Then his hands reached out and grabbed hold of my shoulders so tightly that it felt as if his fingers were digging into my flesh.

Shocked, I whimpered a little at the pain, staring at him helplessly, but I didn't move away. His eyes were glittering with a certain emotion, on the verge of desperation, "Forget about Kongpob Suthiluck, please." He whispered softly and I could hear the pain and despair in his plea, then he moved closer to me and I quickly turned my head to one side before his lips could touch mine.

No don't kiss me Nat, please don't... It will hurt you more...

But before I could say anything or push him away, a loud scream pierced through the air and startled us both.

"Let go of him!"

I almost fell when I was sudden pulled away from Nat's hold. I lifted my head and saw Max flinging Nat onto the ground roughly. A vein was throbbing in his forehead as he balled his hand into fists, filled with anger. "Don't you dare kiss MY ARTHIT!"

Although I was grateful for his timely intervention, I wasn't too pleased to be labeled as "his" Arthit. He keep doing that and frankly, it's not fair for the both of us.

It was evident that Nat had reached the end of his tether. He jumped up and pushed Max roughly. Max staggered, then he took a swing at Nat and then, a fight broke out. I stood watching there, totally distressed, not knowing what to do.

"Stop fighting! Please! Stop fighting." I yelled but the two were too engrossed to pay attention to me. Up until today I have no idea why some people love to see people fighting over them. I assure you that it is greatly over-rated.

I was standing there helplessly wringing my hands at them and yelling at them to stop, when someone approached me from behind. I turned to see Kongpob Suthiluck walking past me towards the fighting duo with a sudden determined look on his face.

"Kongpob Suthiluck." I breathed in a whisper and watched as he politely tapped both guys on their shoulder and then stepped back crossing his arms, waiting for them to stop fighting.

I actually ached with longing to brush the stubborn lock of hair away from his forehead. He was still wearing his tennis uniform and his tanned skin was covered with a thin layer of sweat that shone bright under the sun...Oh god damnit, Arthit! Stop drooling over him!

Upon noticing Kongpob's presence, Nat stopped in the middle of taking a swing at Max and Max loosened his grip on Nat's arm as they turned and stared at Kongpob Suthiluck with a mixture of surprise and anger.

"It's no use fighting over him, guys. Arthit will never like you. The one he likes is me....and it will always be only me." His cold emotionless words jolted all of us (especially me to the core) and had the effect of emptying a bucket of cold water over the heated duo. They actually let go of each other with a dejected look on their faces. Ignoring them completely, Kongpob Suthiluck turned to me, his dark brown eyes calm yet there was some emotions in the depth of them that I couldn't quite read at the moment.

"Let's go," he said quietly.

Oh gosh...what just happened...

"I'm so sorry Nat, I'm so sorry Max. I'm really really sorry, truly...I am," I hastily apologized to both of them and then quickly walked to where Kongpob Suthiluck was waiting for me. As I stood beside him, he turned to look at me and then I realized what emotion I was seeing in his eyes - he was satisfied, content, and it was an odd expression I haven't seen in his expressionless face in a while. I couldn't help but wonder if it was because he had been inwardly jealous all this time and after getting rid of all competition, he was...happy again...?

When I turned around for a last look at the two, I saw that Krystal had ran up to them and was handing Nat a handkerchief to wipe his face. He was staring after me and seemed to be looking slightly less upset.

A small smile appeared on my face. Hmm it seems that Krystal is not as indifferent to Nat as she seems to want us to think – perhaps she would be able to mend Nat's hurt feelings. I know how mean she can be, but...perhaps love will change her? I just hope that she's a really nice girl at heart because that's what Nat truly deserves to say the least. I felt a pang of remorse at treating such a decent guy so shabbily.

"Arthit." My head shot up at Kongpob Suthiluck's quiet voice.

"Yes?"

"I know what you and my mother have been planning."

I lowered my head, not daring to meet his eyes. I heard him sigh impatiently. "And I know it's not really your fault." I lifted up my head to see his lips twisting in a sarcastic smile. "I know my mother too well to know that she put you up to this...This dating with a guy you'd never talked with before. It was clearly my mother's plan trying to make me jealous..."

Thankfully, Kongpob was not mad or yelling at me.

"I'm sorry..." I said quietly. I didn't even know why I was apologizing.

As we walked home together, my heart was still racing due to his words from before - Arthit will never like you. The one he likes is me....and it will always be only me. - he sounded so confident, so sure of himself, but...but also...just a little bit angry?

"You know, Arthit..."

Just as we reached our house gate, Kongpob stopped and looked at me. His expression was guarded, face as calm as ever, but his eyes held unexpected intensity that seemed to bore right through me. I froze and held my breath.

"...even though it was my mother's stupid plan and I knew it from the beginning, I'm still happy it's over now..." His voice was calm yet I could hear slight tensity in it, as if he was trying hard to control what he was saying...or doing.

Another pang to my chest. Of course he would be happy about it. He probably hated all the crazy rumors circling around about him and me, and just wanted to cause me more pain by making fun of—

"...You will always like me, Arthit. And only me. Got that?" He stressed his last words carefully, suddenly looking uncharacteristically upset with his hands clenched into fists beside him, and for a moment, I was sure the world stilled around us.

0_0

...

What did he just say???

But then turned, opened the gate and walked inside the house, and the moment was gone.

0_0

Oh my god...

My heart was thumping wildly and I could feel all my blood rushing to my ears, making me deaf and my head spin around. I stared after Kongpob, my mouth open in shock and knees shaking, until Auntie came to the doorway and told me to hurry inside, snapping me out of my daze.

Oh jesus...

Kongpob had just walked into our home and taken my heart with him. Again.

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