Chapter Text
Monday / 1st Period - Social Studies
Gun
Gun's head is lying on his books, eyes closed as he tries to relax the last few minutes before the class starts. It’s not easy in the busy classroom –with students chatting about their weekends and comparing homework– and then there are the damn paper balls, hitting the back of his head at even intervals.
It's Sound and Win competing. Gun being their precious target.
When one hits Gun a bit too hard on the neck, he catches it and turns around to throw it back. The paper ball doesn’t hit Sound or Win, but someone standing between them and Gun. Teacher Ayan catches the ball with a smile. “Gun?”
The student groans. “They started it!”
"And this is your idea of revenge, throwing the paper ball 270 degrees south?" Teacher Ayan questions, dead serious. “Even if I hadn't been in the way, this ball wasn't going anywhere.” He plays with the crumpled up piece of paper, throwing it into the air and catching it.
Teacher Ayan is right, Gun realises. The paper ball had barely hit the older man, and that was also because he was, quite literally, standing next to Gun.
Gun’s having a sucky day. Their band doesn't have instruments and they need to shoot a song for the audition MV –a song needed to be picked, learned and filmed– but instead of brainstorming with him, his friends are goofing around. So sue him, he’s pissed and really not in the mood to play. "You won't tell them to quit?"
The class starts settling down, acknowledging the presence of the elder man.
Teacher Ayan shakes his head, his lips puckered up in thought, 'Nah, I'd rather ask Teacher Win to help you brush up on Projectile Motion."
A couple students laugh at teacher Ayan's remark. Even Gun feels his mood lift up, and lips curving into a small smile.
Teacher Ayan had that effect.
"You all know the rules." Teacher Ayan smiles in response to Gun's relaxing shoulders, turning to face the class, "You're free to relax however you like before my class, plus the few minutes after I'm here, as long as it's nothing that might get you expelled. I prefer my students wide awake and I know how hard that is first thing in the morning."
"Can I listen to songs in a classroom, teacher Ayan?" Winny prompts, standing up.
"As long as it's not blasting through a big speaker, sure. Maybe try having your earplugs on, just in case."
"I did." Winny turns to look at Jorn –the school president's lackey– with a pointed smile on his face. "But Jorn tried to snatch them away. Right out of my hands. He said I wasn't allowed to listen to music in class.
"It's between classes, Jorn. And you have no right to violate a student's assets or his body, for that matter. It applies all the same to the council members." Teacher Ayan pauses, then smirks, and it's one of those mystery expressions that Gun can never quite figure out. "Actually Jorn, consult teacher Akk on this matter and let me know what he thinks."
Jorn just nods, exchanging frowny looks with Tinn. Tinn, the School President, and the bane of Gun's existence. Gun sighs and drops his head back onto the table, only lifting it when he hears the very familiar sound of teacher Ayan putting his bag down on the desk, a bit too forcefully— a signal that the break is over and their lesson is starting.
“Good Morning, students,” he greets formally, exactly like the school rules dictate. According to those, the class is supposed to greet him back in synch. But they don't. Teacher Ayan had stopped them the first time they met him, told them he doesn't like it and doesn't want it in his classes. So, as always, the class just smiles and waits for him to begin.
Gun is not particularly good at school –especially English and Maths being his weak points– but that’s another reason he loves teacher Ayan so much. Phi teaches Social Studies, a subject that actually interests Gun, and on top of that, the man's classes are always engaging. He has this aura that gets everyone to listen and pay attention.
The lesson is a continuation of last week's class, where they had a discussion on equality and how to express it. As homework, they were to write down examples of things that symbolize equality to them. Gun had tried, he really did, but he grew up poor –his mom working to support them both– and looking at his classmates coming from rich families, he really could not find something that made him feel their equal.
“Who can tell me what they found?” Teacher Ayan asks the class.
As expected Tinn’s hand is in the air faster than Gun can blink. The band leader rolls his eyes, of course the school's rich boy wants to talk about equality.
The teacher nods and points at the boy. “Yes?”
“School uniforms. They make us equals, we all wear the same.”
The teacher seems to contemplate Tinn’s answer for a moment, then nods slowly. “You are not wrong, school uniforms were invented to create equality. But this leads us to the next question in this topic. Is it worth it to force equality at the expense of freedom and expression?”
Gun snorts and teacher Ayan who’s evidently heard him, turns around and lifts a brow. “You wanna add something to this, Gun?”
“He…” Gun points at the school president, who is looking at him, “talks as if our school uniforms are equal, but I am very sure that his white button down alone is worth more than my entire uniform.” Gun can see Tinn open his mouth for a response, but he either forgets his words or decides against it, and looks down.
They keep the discussion going, alternating between the opinions that teenagers should be able to express themselves, but also how uniforms make sure everyone is dressed appropriately and that if it might not be the exact same uniform it still doesn't show your wealth straight away.
The bell rings right when a girl in the back starts up a heated debate with Por about how it's unfair that only the girls are allowed to wear skirts as part of the uniform.
So, in the end the class finishes 10 min later than it should have, and Gun’s already sad that teacher Ayan’s leaving.
Monday / 2nd Period - English
Tinn
The discussion about school uniforms ends 10 minutes later than it should have.
From his seat, Tinn spots his teacher for their next lesson already pacing up and down the hallway in front of the classroom door.
Teacher Akk is their English teacher, and probably the teacher Tinn trusts the most. He is responsible for the Student Council and their problems, and in general is very supportive, even though he might not look like it.
When their Social Studies teacher is done with packing his things –set to leave– the door to the classroom springs open and there stands a clearly annoyed teacher Akk. Tinn is all too familiar with the look teacher Ayan receives from the other teacher. It’s the look he always gets when the elder man’s classes are longer than they are supposed to. Which is an almost daily occurrence.
Before the English teacher can say anything, teacher Ayan calls out, “Heads up!” and throws Gun’s paper ball right at him.
Teacher Akk catches it, and it's so effortless, Tinn's slightly awed.
The Social Science teacher mouths at Gun a quick, "See?"
“Can you please end your classes on time, so I can start on time?” Teacher Akk says, frustration evident on his face, as he meets the other man halfway.
Teacher Ayan teasingly grins, “I am very sorry, Mr. Akk. We had an intense discussion about school uniforms.” He then leans closer, to whisper something to the taller man.
Teacher Akk looks like he wants to jump at the other teacher’s throat. Teacher Ayan in response adjusts the other's slightly skewed glasses, pats his shoulder and leaves.
The English teacher sighs, fixes his clothes –to look as perfect as always– and settles down to start his class.
Monday/ Lunch Break - Teachers’ Lounge
Cheum
The teachers’ lounge is busy. It’s lunch break and most teachers are hanging around in their little groups. Cheum is sitting at a table with teachers Win and Ayan, eating her salad for lunch. Win is having glass noodles with a sauce she couldn't identify, and Ayan’s got something that smells heavenly, but his box is closed since he seems to be waiting.
“What are you having for lunch, Ayan?” she asks when she gets too intrigued.
The other smiles softly.
“My love packed food for me today, so I don't know yet.” He receives an eye roll from Win and a coo from Cheum.
“God, you are so disgustingly in love with her!” Win quips at Ayan.
Ayan, staring adoringly at his lunch, just nods.
“Yeah, how can I not, he is the love of my life.” Cheum’s mouth falls open. And looking at Win, whose eyes are wide, she guesses he didn't know this piece of information either.
Their table’s quiet until Ayan looks around, “Everything okay?”
“He?” Cheum practically screams. “He?? Is the love of your life?”
That seems to make Ayan realize that he slipped up, and gave away information he hadn't planned on. As he is about to answer, his phone begins to ring. He looks at the screen, and gives a small smile. Cheum knows what that smile meant, she always sees it when Ayan talks about his wife. Husband, she corrects in her head.
“Hey…” Ayan says softly, looking around. “Where are you, baby?”
Cheum couldn’t hear the answer but Ayan's smile falters.
“I thought you were coming for lunch today.” He listens to the person on the other side of the phone again. “It's okay darling, good luck.” His face softens after a beat as he whispers, “I love you too,” and hangs up his phone.
Cheum stares at Ayan and so does Win. The latter manages to open his mouth first, “Baby… darling,” he teases Ayan, who rolls his eyes and smiles.
“So that was your…?” Cheum asks carefully.
“Hmm. Husband, yes.”
“That makes so much sense!” Cheum suddenly blurts out. “Akk told me he went to school with you because that's where your rivalry started. But you always talk about how you married your high school sweetheart and Akk went to an all boys school! ”
Ayan chuckles, "Quiet a detective you are, teacher Cheum. And yeah, I met my partner in an all boys high school.”
“And just now… you asked him here today?” Win questions.
It’s quite common for partners of the teachers and staff to visit school during lunch time. Sometimes to bring them food, and other times for friendly introductions. In fact, a lot of teachers have gotten pretty close with their co-worker’s partners.
“Uh-huh,” Ayan chuckles, though he sounds a bit sad, “But change of plans, maybe I'll introduce him to you guys some other time.”
Win nods, “What's his name though?”
Before the younger can answer, someone else joins the room. Akk, with his lunchbox in hand, sits down with his work friend and starts a light conversation. His entrance seems to have thrown Ayan off for a second and Win repeats himself—
“So, what's your husband's name?”
Out of the corner of her eyes, Cheum sees Akk go silent at the question.
“Ahh….” Ayan’s eyes fall on Akk for the briefest moment, but Cheum catches it, and she can tell her friend is uncomfortable talking about this in front of the new arrival. “Thua,'' he finishes, nonetheless.
On the other side of the room, Cheum spots Akk frowning. He's clearly unhappy, but he starts eating.
Cheum leans closer to the two boys –out of Akk’s earshot– and whispers, “And Akk knows Thua too?”
Ayan looks confused but nods. “Yeah, we three were in the same friend circle, but then something happened and the group fell apart.” Then the man starts poking at his food.
Cheum gets the hint that Ayan is done talking about this, and so they change topics to the upcoming seniors’ class trip. But in her head her thoughts are running wild.
What could have happened that made Akk and Ayan’s friend group fall apart?
It reminds her of her own college friends’ group and how it fell apart because of… love.
What if Akk had liked this Thua too?
What if that's the reason Akk and Ayan can't stand each other, the reason Ayan seems to make Akk shrink when he comes too close, the reason Ayan doesn't even talk about his husband in front of Akk.
Because Ayan got the guy Akk liked.
Tuesday / Morning - Teachers’ Bathroom
Win
"Hold up, you’re asking me to give a student extra classes, and teach him how to throw a paper ball?"
"Exactly that." Aye nods seriously, next to Win. They're standing in front of the bathroom basin, the pair washing their hands.
"Why?"
"Because it's funny?" They turn to leave, "And I promised the kid that I'll talk to the Science teacher," almost running into Akk who stops dead in his tracks.
"Good Morning, Bigfoot?" Aye greets with a smile. He teases Akk with weird names sometimes, but only if no one is around. Except Win. Win has slowly turned into an exception. Aye trusts him, and Win considers Aye one of his closest work friends as well.
"Aye?" Akk chuckles, shaking his head, and he looks… amused? It's not much but Win's almost surprised at the lack of hostility between the two. It is a rare sight, afterall.
Aye's smile widens and he shrugs his wet hands in Akk's face— water droplets catching the taller man off guard. Then without a word, Aye walks away, leaving a blinking and very confused Akk in his wake.
"What was that for?" Win asks, following his best friend out of the bathroom.
Aye pouts, uncaring, "Nothing. His face was asking for it."
Win sighs, walking next to the shorter guy, and headed to their respective classes.
Tuesday / After School - Hallway
Student Art
Art is walking to his locker to get the books he needs to bring home for some studying. He opens his locker and starts looking for them when he hears 2 sets of heels approaching.
“On the phone, at lunch yesterday—” Art recognises his favorite teacher's voice, teacher Cheum.
“And you sure it was a man? His husband?” The answer clearly comes from teacher Pa.
Teacher Cheum giggles. “Yes, for sure, and I also found out Ayan's husband is Akk’s first love. That's why he is still single!”
Teacher Pa’s steps fade. “That's why they always fight?” she asks.
Art can’t hear an answer but he assumes Teacher Cheum nodded.
“Pa, you think he's cute, why don't we try to set you two up?” The women giggle and walk away.
Wednesday / Lunch Break - Teachers' Lounge
Funny Akk
Funny Akk, as it turns out, has a secret admirer. And he realizes this, one fine afternoon, when he comes across a lunchbox, set on his seat in the teacher's lounge. His name, 'AKK', is written in big letters on the lid.
He looks around the lounge, hoping to spot the culprit. On the other side of the room, Win and Aye are laughing, noses deep in one of their phone screens. Definitely not. The rest of the lounge is empty since most of the teachers are running late after some big school trip meeting.
Funny Akk blinks back at the lunchbox.
Who could leave him a meal with his name?
He sits down, his back to the other two occupants of the room.
He opens the lunchbox.
It's ‘Pad See Ew’ with ‘Khao Mao Tod’ for dessert.
His eyes widen, as he whispers ”OHMYGOD, YOU BEAUT!” at the box. Fair to say, he's impressed. And can he be blamed? The meal looks ducking delicious!
Impatiently, the man digs in.
So, Funny Akk has an admirer, whoop whoop! This was bound to happen. And he'll look into it, he decides, once he devours the heavenly food. It's the gentlemanly thing to do after all.
He finishes the main course first.
“SO WORTH IT!”
Halfway through finishing the dessert, his friend, Serious Akk enters.
Yes, the school had two teachers with the same name, and as fate would have it, they became fast friends. Funny Akk taught French while Serious Akk taught English and the love of literature brought the two together. Quiet poetic of them but slightly challenging. More often than not people would find the two Akks together, and everyone involved would end up in hilarious misunderstandings. So, in order to sort out the situation, their colleagues came up with the brilliant idea of adding Funny and Serious as their prefixes. Self explanatory, so to speak, he was funnier of the two. Funny Akk was, in fact, the funniest guy he himself knew. It was part of his many charms. Serious Akk disagreed, vehemently. But that was part of his many charms.
Funny Akk lights up, stuffing his already full mouth. It feels like half of the food is still in his mouth, struggling to find passage down his food pipe, and yet he speaks, "Frien, I hae a secet admirya, left ma tasy foo!"
Serious Akk chuckles, “Swallow your food, you pig!” and makes his way to the table they always share together.
Funny Akk chews faster, "I saved a bite of the dessert for you, cause you're the only person I'd share my food with. On occasions."
Serious Akk takes his usual seat, while the other continues, "Honestly I'm planning on proposing to them the minute I figure out who made this. Or ask for cooking lessons. Either works for me."
Serious Akk looks at the –now empty– lunchbox. Then looks at his friend, who's grinning while still chewing the final remnants. Then back at the last of the dessert –a little forlorn– picks up the fork and puts it in his mouth.
"Sooooo, wasn't it glorious?" Funny Akk finally swallows.
His friend nods.
"I'm full. And happy." The other man rolls his eyes, and that's when Funny Akk notices something, "Hey, where's your lunch, friend?"
Serious Akk slaps the back of his friend's head. "In your stomach, friend."
Wednesday / Afternoon - Student Council Room
Tinn
“We need a theme for the school festival.”
“It's not as important as the funding, Tiw!”
“But that is boring, Jorn!”
“You are not here to have fun!”
‘Thump’
Both Jorn and Tiw stop their argument and look at Tinn. The president is rubbing his head where it landed on the table harder than he intended while his members were arguing.
“Tinn!” Jorn jumps from his seat to check on him. “Are you okay?”
Tinn nods, “I was attempting to dramatically bang my head cause—” only to look over at his best friend and find him laughing. He softly kicks him under the table. “Tiw! Asshole, it’s not funny!” Tinn scolds him, already smiling.
Tiw tries to hold in his giggles for about five seconds before bursting into laughter again.
“The mood in here seems to be good?” comes a soft voice from the entry of the council room.
In the doorway, stands teacher Akk.
Tinn similes. He almost forgot that the teacher is supposed to join them for today's meeting.
“Teacher Akk!'' He exclaims happily, standing up to properly greet the elder.
The man in the doorframe just smiles and enters. He takes off his blazer jacket, rolls the sleeves up to his elbows, and then sits down at the table with a happy countenance.
This version of their teacher is one only few people have ever seen, and it’s by far Tinn’s favorite. In their meetings –talking about planning and organization and making people happy– teacher Akk seems to be the most free. He’s all smiles –sometimes even giggles– when he jokes with the boys. Tinn even saw him dance once. Teacher Akk made him swear to never tell a soul.
Teacher Akk now fixes his glasses –that has slid down his nose– and smiles at the council members.
“Let's get to work boys! So we can all leave for home soon. Today’s agenda is the theme and funding of the school festival next month. Any ideas?”
The members are quiet. Tinn has, of course, thought about it but he really couldn’t come up with a good theme or any way to make enough money.
“I know it's hard to settle on these things, let's just brainstorm for now.” Teacher Akk encourages them when he notices the lack of response.
“We could make it about cars, and ask brands to sponsor us.” Jorn suggests shyly.
The idea sucks.
Tinn knows it and he knows their teacher does too.
“It's a start but probably not achievable for a school.”
“We could hire a band and collect ticket money for the festival and make it music themed?” Tiw proposes next.
“That's a good direction, but bands for hire are expensive. It won't make enough money from the tickets.”
“I have a good solution for this. This school has an excellent band that is itching for a chance to prove itself.”
Tinn looks up, startled, because leaning against the doorframe –his button up two buttons open, his school blazer lazily thrown over his shoulder and hair slightly damp from the sweat of the afternoon heat– stands teacher Ayan.
Seeing the man in the doorframe, teacher Akk’s smile falters slightly, and he rolls his eyes. “Aye- Mr. Ayan.''
Weird.
“This is a student council meeting. Why are you here?”
Teacher Ayan grins, in the way he always does when he’s about to make fun of teacher Akk. “I didn't know you were a student and part of the council, Mr. Akk?”
Teacher Akk snorts, “I am their support teacher, you know that, could you please leave us to business now?”
The last question sounds almost urgent to Tinn, as if he really wants teacher Ayan to be gone.
“There is no answer about the band yet.” The smaller man in the doorframe replies, rather cheeky.
Teacher Akk opens his mouth and Tinn knows it's to decline the help, he hates accepting his help. But what teacher Ayan is proposing is a chance for Gun, and Tinn would do everything to help Gun. So, before the first sound escapes teacher Akk’s mouth, Tinn responds—
“I love that idea! We should do it.”
Everyone spins around to look at him.
Teacher Ayan’s face looks excited and amused, and the other teacher looks stressed and slightly horrified.
“It's settled then! I will make sure the band and the council work closely together.” Teacher Ayan almost bounces in excitement. “Isn't that perfect, teacher Akk?” he says after a short break.
Tinn can see a clearly forced smile on his favorite teacher's face.
“Perfect indeed, let's have a small talk about some details shall we?” The man jumps from his seat next to Tinn and walks straight out of the door. While walking past the older, he grabs his forearm and basically yanks teacher Ayan behind him, who only manages to give a short wave to the students before he is out of sight.
Tiw laughs. “You didn’t really just make your favorite teacher's day a lot harder, just to help your boyfriend.”
Tinn rolls his eyes but he feels a bit guilty. “Do you think teacher Ayan will give him a hard time?”
Jorn chuckles. “I think he always gives him a hard time. They never get along.”
Tinn looks at the door where the two teachers were just moments before. It can't be that bad, right?
Ten minutes later teacher Akk returns, fixing his glasses again when entering the room.
“Everything went okay?” Tinn asks carefully.
His teacher seems to need a second to orient himself, and then he nods. “Yes, we fixed the details on how to work with the band. So, one problem solved, now it's time for a theme. Any ideas?”
“That day is a solar eclipse?” Tiw suggests, “We could make the whole festival sun, moon and eclipse themed.” Suddenly teacher Akk is coughing wildly.
Tinn jumps to lightly hit his back to help him.
“I like that idea!” Jorn adds to the conversation, and Tinn can't disagree.
Only their teacher looks concerned but he collects himself and says with a smile, “If you are all on the same page, I don't think there is any need for a big discussion.”
Everyone cheers.
“Then let's go home boys!”
Wednesday/ After School - Parking Lot
School Caretaker
Brushing up the autumn leaves around the teachers’ cars, Mr. Jeff hears two sets of footsteps approaching.
“Should I take you home? We can use my car.” A teasing voice asks.
“No, I have my own car,” there’s rustling of leaves, “Behave professionally once in a while, will you?”
It’s quiet for a minute but then he hears a thump and an— “Oops I didn't mean to.”
Mr. Jeff walks around the car he’s standing behind, to find teachers Akk and Ayan, looking a bit startled. It seems like teacher Ayan just crashed into the other man, and ended up having both arms wrapped around the other’s shoulders.
Seeing Me. Jeff, teacher Akk pushes the other teacher away. “It's fine, nothing happened. See you tomorrow.” He hurries into his car and leaves.
Thursday / 1st Period - English
Sound
Teacher Akk is 20 minutes late, as he crashes through the classroom door a little out of breath. This, clearly, is the first sign of the apocalypse. Their teacher, who's always immaculately dressed, looks like he came straight out of a wrestling contest. He keeps running his hands through his hair –that is refusing to stick down– as he beelines for his desk.
"Good morning, students." He settles his bag on his chair as the class greets the teacher back. "My apologies, my alarm didn't go off."
That doesn't explain the state of his outfit, Sound wonders.
The teacher starts scrounging his bag for something. Sound suspects the older man's looking for his glasses since he doesn't have them on.
"I've never seen teacher Akk this disoriented and poorly dressed. Do you think he got mugged?" Por whispers to the group.
"In broad daylight? It's 7 in the morning, friend."
"I wanna know what happened to him. I like him. What if the mugger took his glasses?" Por frowns.
As if on cue, teacher Ayan appears at the door, and Teacher Akk gets that expression he has sometimes when the two are in close proximity— like he wants the ground to open up and swallow him whole.
If teacher Akk looks like a mess, their Social Studies teacher is ten times worse. It's almost comical.
"Akk you forgot these in my, um..." Teacher Aye clears his throat— the English teacher's glasses hanging loosely in the other's hand.
"This explains everything. They were punching the sh*t out of each other behind the parking lot. They're in the exact same state." Winny declares in a whisper.
"Who do you think won?" Yo questions.
"I'm betting on teacher Aye." Por quips.
Teacher Akk seems to have recovered from the initial shock of teacher Ayan appearing out of the blue because he tilts his head at the other man, giving him a pointed look. The shorter teacher, for his troubles, rushes into the classroom and places the glasses on the desk. He almost looks… tame. Almost. Blood under his skin, starkly visible.
Teacher Akk doesn't say a word, and just follows the other teacher with a fuming glare and heated cheeks.
He must be really mad, he wouldn't even react to the shorter guy anymore, Sound realizes.
"It was clearly teacher Akk who had the upper hand. Can't you see how much taller he is." Sound corrects, the only one with brain cells in their circle.
"He's also a Judo instructor." Gun supplies, but he looks concerned.
"Besides, teacher Akk has a reason. Teacher Ayan stole his boyfriend.”
The group turns to stare at Sound, all of them with matching wide-eyed expressions.
"Are you out of your mind? What kind of online fiction are you reading?" Win says.
Sound shakes his head. “They used to be best friends back in high school, until teacher Ayan married teacher Akk's first love. They've hated each other since.”
“Says, who?” Gun asks, incredulous. The boy's too attached to teacher Ayan.
“The entire school.” Sound still can't believe he's friends with these doofuses.
And just like he came, teacher Ayan leaves, unannounced and in a frenzy. While Teacher Akk struggles to put on his glasses and start the class, 27 minutes late.
Thursday/ Lunch - Teachers’ Lounge
Cheum
Cheum, at last, manages to convince Pa, that Akk might be interested in her and she should totally make a move.
Earlier that week, Cheum had found out how Akk and Pa have their hearts set on the same music band. So, of course, she had to set the two up. And fix a little date for them since the band was surprisingly in town next month. A big sparkly sign from the universe, if you ask her! She'd gone ahead and bought them two tickets to the concert, just in case it got sold out. It only made sense.
Oh the things Cheum does for love!
In the teacher's lounge then –on a Friday afternoon– Cheum makes sure Pa and Akk are seated next to each other. The plan's all discussed between the two girls the period prior to their break.
Now, right in front of her gleamy eyes, Cheum awaits for it to unfold.
"Pa, you know our concert tickets to the Tilly Birds next month?" She speaks, a bit louder over their lunch table.
Akk, who's been eating in deep thought as per usual, perks up at that.
Cheum crack metaphorical knuckles.
The plan is in motion!
"They're in town?" He looks around for something. Probably his friend Funny Akk, who’s luckily missing lunch today. When he doesn't find him, he turns to Pa. "That's one of my favorite bands."
Pa, smiling warmly like the sweetheart she is, says, "Mine too."
"Mine three." Cheum chimes in. "But I'm sorry I can't make it, Pa. It's a weekend, I know, but I have to visit my family. It's very urgent." She frowns sadly, adding up to the theatrics.
"Is everything okay with your family?" Akk directs his attention to Cheum.
Off Track, Off Track.
The alarms ring in Cheum's brain.
"Oh totally. It's all good. It's a friendly visit. Urgent but completely casual. Don't worry. The only thing I am worried about is how Pa will have to go to the concert alone now. And the extra ticket will be an absolute waste. You know, since Pa doesn't have anyone to go to concerts with."
Cheum turns to Pa for confirmation but the shorter girl is already looking back at her– a scandalized look on her face.
Very well, no worries, Cheum can ask herself.
"How about Akk going with you, Pa?" she turns to the mentioned man, "What do you say, Akk? It's a free ticket. And you love the band, right?"
"Sounds fun, I'm in!" And Cheum would be giving herself a mental high-five right then, if only it was Akk who had replied.
"There's only one extra ticket, Ayan. And Akk's taking it." Cheum says pointedly, trying her best to get Ayan –who's just entered the lounge– to back off from her beautifully crafted plan.
"Um..." Akk opens his mouth to say something –that Cheum suspects is surely his confirmation– but he's cut off again.
"I heard. I'll buy my own ticket." Ayan replies easily, settling down with his lunch on the empty seat to Akk's right.
Win, on the other side of the table, frowns at the new seating arrangement. Win and Aye are usually joined to the hip.
But that's besides the point because Cheum’s plan crashes and burns right in front of her!
The rest of the lunch is the three of them –Cheum's potential love birds and the persistent third wheel– happily discussing their plans for the concert.
At one point, Pa shyly picks her half of the boiled egg and places it in Akk's lunch box. Also something Cheum had instructed her to do. Akk just gives her a gaping fish face in response.
No wonder the man is still single!
Cheum decides to intervene and comment with something sweet about the exchange, when Ayan attacks the traveler egg in Akk's lunch box with chopsticks. Then he puts it straight into his own mouth. And then, Ayan has the audacity to smile at Pa and Akk, with this face full of food.
It's really unbelievable to Cheum, the whole rivalry between Ayan and Akk. She gets Akk's side of the story. She'd been the one to figure it all out, and Akk's reactions towards Ayan have started making so much sense ever since… but Ayan?
What's his issue with the English teacher?
Why does Ayan still meddle with Akk's love life? Wasn't getting married to Akk's first love enough?
Now don't get Cheum wrong, she adores Ayan, she really does. He's nice and fun, and one of the coolest colleagues she has. But that's why his hatred for Akk is so out of character, and she won't stand for it.
Because Akk, the sad lonely guy, is Cheum's friend too, and Cheum will not rest until he's happy and not lonely!
Ayan might be a menace to Akk's love life but it seems, it's up to Cheum now, to keep the two teachers as far from each other as possible. She'll turn every stone to get Akk a partner, someone even better than Akk's first love.
Challenge Accepted, Cheum exhales, and stuffs a dumpling in her mouth.
Thursday / After School - Parking Lot
Akk
Akk is running down the rows of cars in the teachers' parking lot, when Akk catches up to him, and physically pulls him to a stop.
“I love running around parking lots,” Akk had told Akk in the beginning of their friendship.
“Why?” Akk had asked.
"Because. My friend, it’s freeing! There are so many cars but you just know they won't hit you! You should try it too,” Akk had offered, and Akk had declined, a funny look on his face. But Akk had known right then, he liked his namesake.
“You wanted something?” Akk had received a text from his friend to meet him in the parking lot after school.
“Oh right, yes, can you find someone else for Judo tomorrow? I have an important appointment as a photographer.” Akk raises a confused eyebrow but does not question it. He never does.
Akk sighs, because his friend always assists him in Judo. Akk needs a partner to demonstrate since he doesn't like using his students as subjects. “And you couldn’t have told me that earlier, how am I supposed to find someone on such a short notice?” He runs a hand through his hair, thinking, and then he sighs again. “Worst case scenario, I’ll do it alone tomorrow.” he finally says.
“Do what alone?” Both Akks know who that voice belongs to. The older one turns around, smiling widely.
“Ayan, my friend, my savior, a sight for sore eyes—”
Ayan chuckles, “Just spill what you want, Funny Akk.”
“Are you free to help Akk with his Judo course tomorrow afternoon?”
A mischievous grin stretches across Ayan’s face.
“He doesn't—”
“Of course, I can help out tomorrow.” The shorter man turns to the other Akk. “I haven’t done Judo in a while… it will be good to get back into it.” Then he adds with a wink, “Can't wait.”
The actual Judo teacher looks utterly defeated but can't really find a reason to not let the shorter man help out.