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Tinn was freaking out. He was trying so hard to focus on class but that was impossible when Gun was sitting this close to him.
"For the rest of the week, if these seats change during class, I will cancel all club activities,” the teacher added as she moved the final set of students to take their new seats. Gun slammed the table and almost stood up, but Tinn grabbed him quickly making him sit back down.
“You say anything right now, she will cancel club for you irrespective,” he whispered. An adorable frown settled itself on Gun’s face. The music club was sitting in different corners of the classroom, Gun in the first seat from the front dead in front of the teacher. Next to me!!
“All teachers want is for you not to be happy,” he murmured angrily.
“It's a week. I’m sure you can handle sitting with me for a week. Maybe you’ll actually concentrate in class and I won’t have to tutor you before the finals.”
“ Mhm,” he replied lacing their fingers together, “this is much easier than looking for excuses to talk to me in between classes. Maybe you could help me with classes. I’ll have more excuses to talk to you. Share water bottles-” A kick in the back of his chair snapped him out of the daydream. Tiw gave him a get-it-together look.
The real question- How was Tinn supposed to survive this whole week? Let alone concentrate in class and take notes when his crush of two and a half years was sitting next to him.
Case in point the teacher had already filled the board with jargon he had totally forgotten to listen to while staring at the mole on Gun’s left arm. Thankfully it was topics they’d already covered before. But, he still couldn't focus. Because, right at that moment, Gun had decided to lean over him to borrow Tinn’s pouch for an extra pencil.
“I’ll give you the notes later bud,” Tiw whispered from the seat behind him, “You enjoy your moment with your boy.” He sent his friend a grateful smile probably looking as smitten as he felt.
The class continued on with his failed attempts at learning when he heard a pencil drop from behind him. He took the momentary distraction to give another try at resetting his brain to focus. He picked up the pencil and handed it to the girl sitting next to Tiw. She smiled at him and muttered a thank you, he smiled back and turned around.
When he did, Gun was glaring at him. Huh? Did he not like all the staring? Oh my god was he creeping Gun out? He fidgeted uncomfortably, pulling closer to the desk. He tentatively glanced to his left to see the unchanged cold expression. Thankfully the bell put both of them out of their misery. Tinn closed his books, putting them in his bag. He took his own sweet time to get the notebooks for the next class when a voice interrupted.
“Hey, thank you so much for earlier,” the girl smiled sweetly, “Do you want to go out for snacks during the break,” Tinn must’ve looked confused because she added, “-to thank you,” in a hurry. Not that that cleared anything either.
"For… returning your pencil?" He asked.
"No no! I mean that too, but you helped me the other day with the scholarship issue with the administration, and I've kinda been working up to ask you-"
"Oh that," he remembered, "seriously it's no big deal. I mean anyone would have done it."
"Yeah but still, are you free for lunch?"
"Uhhh-" he started unsure how to reply. This was too much for something that was his duty as a council member anyway. She was being too nice.
"Sorry, but he has plans for lunch," Gun answered instead.
"I do?"
"Yes, you do."
Tinn blinked at Gun. "I'm sorry," he offered his classmate.
Her smile falters, "Maybe some other time."
Tinn struggles for a reply but is saved by the teacher walking in. “I forgot my book,” Gun whispers, “share with me?”
Tinn rolled his eyes, “Seriously, how are you in senior year,” he only got a grin in reply. He was about to start complaining when Gun grabbed his book in the centre and their arms connected.
Oh my god. He jerked away only for Gun to link their arms to keep him in place.
“Come on Mr President, play nice.”
***
Lunch break came around and Tinn and Gun found themselves in the fire exit staircase with their respective boxes. Tinn leaned on the railing already tired from all the catching up he had to do once he went home. So much for being a top student. He hasn’t got more than half a page of notes from the past six classes. At least now he didn’t have to feel guilty about giving his attention to only the boy next to him.
“Did you need some help,” he asked.
“Hmm?” Gun’s eyebrows pinched together in confusion.
“In the morning today, you were saying I had something to do at lunch-” he prompted.
“Oh yeah! That. Uh, Por took care of it,” he said not facing him. Tinn frowned. “Anyways, all this sitting has got me all restless, let’s go for a walk.”
“I don’t want to,” he whined only to be forced up. He doesn’t know when Gun got so comfortable with manhandling him but, it was both a blessing and a curse. For one, he got to touch Gun more (rather Gun got to touch him more), which his heart was slowly starting to handle better. It didn’t leave him any less giddy though. The butterflies stayed fluttering in his stomach but he got more used to the frequency. On the other hand, he didn’t understand where the band leader got this much energy from. You could practically see him jittering when he was forced to sit still.
“Yeah yeah, I’m coming. Jees.” he didn't complain about their hands that remained linked.
“You should start exercising more,” he retorted slowing his pace to match Tinn’s.
“I’m a quintessential nerd. What about me tells you I have any interest in sports?”
“You still play most sports fairly well,” Gun shrugged.
“Have you seen me play any sports?” The chances were low to nil. Not that Tinn didn’t enjoy playing. He just wasn’t particularly good at any of it. As long as it was for fun and games, he was down for a match.
“Weren’t you in the blue team for our freshman year match? I was in the yellow team, you guys won.”
Huh? “Freshman year?” Gun knew I existed back then? “What do you mean-” if Tinn wasn’t trained in fake smiles the way he was, the person who interrupted him would have had the deathiest death glare directed at him right now.
“P’Tinn, Hi!” he greeted enthusiastically. Tinn recognised the underclassman.
"Oh, Nong Bok." He waved his hand in a meek gesture, "what's up."
" Nothing P' I just wanted to see if you were free." The kid was nice. Very excitable, almost like a puppy. He was 90% sure he wanted to be a part of the next year's student council. It sure explained why for the third time this week he'd come searching for Tinn.
"Is there something I can help you with?"
"P'Tinn, what are you doing this evening," he asked smiling. He heard a snort to his side. Okay , so Gun didn't like this kid for some reason.
"I have a few council meetings and a little bit of paperwork. Sorry, I'm not free today."
"That's okay P'. Is it okay if I come to the council room though, I just want to get to know you better?" Yeah, he definitely wants to be on the council next year. At least his mom won't have any trouble dealing with him.
Gun, however, became more annoyed. Tinn was confused. What about this kid could possibly make anyone annoyed?
"Uh," he answered before the silence could stretch longer, "I don't think it'll be a problem, but please check with Khajorn once."
"Of course, P' thank you!"
"Tinn," Gun sounded irritable, "we're late for class, let's get going."
There were thirty whole minutes before the bell rang, and ten after that till they could settle in, but he wasn't going to tell that to Gun now. Instead, he let himself be dragged to wherever Gun was going.
***
How was this the result of sitting with Tinn for not even one full school day? Gun knew Tinn was popular. He didn't realise that he was this popular though. He got asked out about four times in less than 6 hours. It had to be some sort of record.
"Your friend is very annoying," Gun said, sitting next to a confused Tiw.
"Tinn?" He asked, moving his bag to make space for his classmate.
"Yeah, he's so oblivious it's painful to watch," Tiw responded with an amused smile.
"Old news, what made you come to that conclusion though?"
Gun groaned in response, "I've had to deal with people flirting with him all day."
"People?"
"Yeah! Seniors, juniors, classmates. And he doesn't even blink."
"Ohhhh," Tiw closed the book he was reading and turned to face Gun. "Are you jealous?"
Gun snorted, "I'm annoyed."
Tiw's smile widened, "because Tinn doesn't realise he's getting hit on?"
Tiw knew it. Of course, he knew it. He was Tinn's best friend after all. But why wasn't he finding this as annoying as him? He should be more annoyed even considering this is probably a daily for the VP.
"He's just so… blind?! You know why he thought Bok was hanging out around him a lot?"
"Coz he is trying to get on good terms with his mom," Tiw chuckled, "it's hilarious! His biggest complaint is that his crush doesn't notice him and he is oblivious to everyone who has a crush on him." Tiw paused, realizing what he'd just said. "Uhhh, by crush I mean," he started to backtrack.
"You mean his crush on me?" Gun interrupted, no patience for whatever story he was gonna make.
Tiw smiled cheekily, "I knew you were smarter than people give you credit for."
"You're not gonna try to deny it?"
"I'm hoping this will put both of us out of our misery- and hopefully my friend too. What I do want to know is how you found out."
"I thought he was mean, and then I figured he's just awkward?" It was true. The first time they touched Tinn froze. Refused to move, and then he immediately broke contact and said he needed to sleep. Then he avoided eye contact the second time they were dancing. “He also blushes very easily,” he added. After a point, it was impossible not to notice the blush. And the busy eyes. And the way he would smile after he thought Gun had moved on from the topic. When Gun realised his own feeling for the school president, it was the easiest thing to get used to. Especially when he realised Tinn didn't have a single mal-intended bone in his body. His settlements became endearing, his silence became adorable instead of frustrating. But-
"So, you're annoyed that he's not noticing you flirting with him," Tiw concluded.
“Yeahhh,” Gun whined. If he cannot see how these people are obviously flirting with him how on earth is Gun supposed to convince Tinn of anything?
“You would think he’d be overjoyed by his crush of two years finally flirting back. But he lacks all brain cells in social situations.”
Gun scoffed till it registered, “Wait, two years ?!” Tiw shrugged.
“You know at least you’re not as bad a Sound,” he added.
“Sound? What does he have to do with anything?”
“I’m pretty sure he liked Tinn in middle school. But, when he tried to tell him, your boy panicked and ran away assuming he wanted to pick a fight for some reason? And then Sound started whatever this rivalry is,” Tiw summarized, “Sad thing is I’m almost certain even the rivalry is one-sided. Tinn doesn’t do hate very well.”
“Wow, he is seriously something else.”
“But it's entertaining,” Tiw offered and Gun rolled his eyes.
“Nah, just annoying.”
***
Tinn was waiting at one of the empty corners with his own special shaved ice. Mystery flavour, Gun told him as he placed the bowl on the table, it was just a combination of a few berry flavours Tinn had mentioned liking before. Gun was waiting tables and his mom was at the counter. Tinn offered his help but was denied at least till he got some rest first. Hence the big bowl of shaved ice. The school president has finished all his meetings and directly comes to their shop.
Tinn smiled at his dessert and Gun couldn’t help his own.
The cafe was busy today, almost fully packed. He handed over the next few orders to his mom when he noticed two P’s standing next to Tinn’s table. They were college freshmen, he recognised the regulars at their place. He looked around once and noticed the lack of empty tables, so he didn’t heed it much attention.
“Good evening, P’. The regular for you?”
“Yes please, Gun,” she replied with a smile, “with whipped cream on the side please.”
“Of course. Tinn you want something else?”
The boy in question shook his head. He was clearly awkward around the two girls. “I’m almost done, I’ll come help out in a bit, sorry about getting in your way P’. I didn’t mean to take this long,” he rambled as the girl sitting next to him placed a hand on his shoulder.
“Nong, breathe,” she giggled, “Take as long as you need, we are fine. The more the merrier, right Port?” her friend nodded.
“I’ll be back in a bit P’,” Gun replied as he went back to the counter.
“You know I used to have about this much competition when I was trying to date your dad,” his mom pitched in rotating the ice crusher. “But Tinn is not at all like your dad.”
Gun’s eyes went wide, “What do you mean competition, we’re just friends. It’s not like I like him or anything, I-” he backtracked looking at his mother's who-are-you-trying-to-foo l face, “Yeah. Yeah, I like him. But it's not like there's anything to do about it.”
Gim laughed and ruffled his head, “Kid, you don’t have to do anything if you don’t want to. But I will say, I’d rather have a crush on someone oblivious to flirting than someone who is a flirt. Don’t get me started on the early days with your dad. Especially as a musician,” she sounded nostalgic. His heart clenched a little.
“You say that. But it is so frustrating to flirt with someone who doesn’t think anyone wants to flirt with him,” he whined.
Gim’s grin got wider. She bumped her son’s shoulder pointing at the table Tinn was sitting at and said, “Maybe you should start by telling him when he is being flirted with.”
Gun frowned. He took the two cold bowls and placed them in front of the freshmen.
“There is this coffee place near here that has a lot of student activities that need volunteers if you’re looking for things to add to your application. I could take you some time, just give me your number,” she winked.
Gun placed the extra spoons and napkins on the table as Tinn looked down, “Thank you P’, I went there with my friend, it's not the kind of volunteer work I was looking for, but thank you so much.”
“Ah, that's sad. Then maybe we could just go there for coffee.”
Gun got a smaller bowl of whipped cream and caramel sauce and placed them next to the cutlery.
“Oh, is that so, I’m not really a big coffee fan though. You’re really sweet.” Tinn smiled shyly.
“No coffee then, how about-”
Gun rolled his eyes. The poor girl was really trying. “P’ can I help,” he asked. She looked up at him confused but nodded.
Gun moved to the seat next to Tinn and dropped his hands on the table, “Ai’Tinn. She is trying to get you to go out with her,” Tinn looked like a deer caught in headlights. His eyes wandered again. Gun couldn’t help but notice the way his ears set aflame. “In fact, she has been trying to ask you on a date very nicely for a while now. She is not being a nice senior helping you with your work, she is flirting with you,” Tinn’s face got impossibly redder, “Isn’t that right P’”
She shrugged. Her friend on the other hand looked amused.
So, Gun prompted him with a look, Tinn broke out of his embarrassed spell, “Uh, P’, I’m uh-,” he stuttered but paused immediately to gather his breath, “I’m flattered P’, but I-” he glanced at Gun who raised an eyebrow, “I like someone else. I’m hoping to be able to ask them out soon, so I’m sorry. But thank you again. I’ll go help with the dishes now. Bye.” he rushed.
Gun rolled his eyes but stood up, “Enjoy your food P’, let me know if you need anything else.”
***
Gun and his mom were cleaning up the last few tables as they set up for dinner. Stay and eat here, I’ll drop you home after, Gim had offered. He didn't have any choice but to say yes.
He sat at the round table he had before with a small buffet of food. Quickly enough the conversations divulged into the usual banter he’d come to expect from the mother-son duo, and they always made it a point to include him. Dinner was done and the two boys offered to do the cleanup.
“You know I was kinda shocked today, I think it's my first time being flirted with,” Tinn said earning a scoff from his crush. “What! It's true,” he insisted. Because it was. He doesn’t think he can point out a single instance where someone had shown interest in him outside of basic kindness.
“I can promise you it's not,” Gun assured. Tinn felt like a kicked puppy, and it must have shown on his face because Gun continued, “When people offer to buy you snacks in the middle of class for work you were supposed to do,” oh? “When people say they want to spend time with you in the council room for no reason,” ohh? That too? “When people tell you they want to be by your side and you assume it's as rivals,” huh? What? That makes no sense, but Gun didn’t stop, “When someone whips you away with fake excuses so they can spend more time with you,” hmm, Tinn thought, he didn't think anyone’s ever done that till it hit him- everything that happened last week, “or when someone leans across you to reach for a pencil they didn’t need,” oh my god, Tinn scrubbed the plate faster in nervousness. The dish soap tumbled sending foam flying on his apron. He spits out as much as he could, “Or when,” Gun continued, a hand reaching up to wipe the foam on his cheek, “someone cleans up your face when you’re fully capable of doing it yourself,” he said maintaining eye contact, “that’s called flirting School President.”
If Tinn had any doubts about what Gun was implying, there were none left. Well, maybe not none. Maybe he’d hit his head and this was his brain was in psychosis. He raised a hand to slap himself awake.
Gun chortled, “what are you doing?”
He forced his hands behind, “nothing,” he shuffled nervously, “but just to confirm… you- uh- are saying you’re flirting with me? Like right now?”
“Thanks for noticing.”
“I mean, aren’t you- uh- not allowed to date? Because of your club rules? Hot wave?”
“And all high school students are known to be perfect by the book rule followers who listen to everything that is asked of them right?” Tinn snickered, “Exactly. And also, I’m the club leader. Who says that’s a rule that needs to exist?”
“Oh?” If his face showed even half the giddiness he felt at the moment, he knew he’d be found, but he couldn’t help it.
“So, what was that about asking someone out soon you were mentioning in the evening?” Gun prompted.