Chapter Text
At the reunion
Its been 5 years since since they graduated
5 years since they last looked this goofy
Hand over their shoulders, guitar in hands
Dirty jerseys, weird bracelets
Always one second away from either getting drunk or punching someone
And that someone wh-
‘Aren’t you gonna go inside??’ Korn interrupted Pat’s thoughts while looking at their pictures.
‘Yeah lets go, not like you look any different’ Pat said with a smirk. ‘Huh obviously coz I was perfect even back then’ Korn dramatically flipped his hair while they entered the hall together.
‘Look who decided to finally show up’ ‘Aii satt we just met 1 hr ago. Hope you didn’t leave the bar before Matt showed up.’ Korn settled down after greeting Wai.
‘You know I still can’t believe how great enemies like you started a business together.’ ‘Wrong question ai Pat you should wonder how is it still running, I can’t even taste the beer now, it's so watered down’ Chang joined in teasing them.
Speaking of which, where is your rival?? Not gonna attend the party?’
‘How do I know, last I heard he flew to Singapore for his job, ask Wai if you are so concerned.’
‘Ehh don’t pout Pat your rival will be here soon he said he landed this morning.
As if right on que Pran entered the hall and started walking towards him them. And he looked just the same, an orange shirt a little oversized on him, same khaki coloured pants he wore throughout college, his hair down with a neat partition in between and that dimpled smile. What however was missing was that fire in his eyes, they used to shine just a little brighter whenever they met him even though they were seconds away from punching each other.
‘You know this is the most chaotic table in the whole room right?’ Pran said while taking a seat across from him next to Wai. ‘And whose fault is that?’ ‘If I remember correctly it was you, who proposed this truce between our faculties.’ Korn said while offering him a glass.
‘So how is Singapore? Are you going back?’ ‘Singapore’s been great but I feel like maybe it's time for me to return. Anyways I won’t be changing jobs, the project there is well established now it would be fine if I came back home.’
Home, just that word had Pat’s heart running a little faster.
*Flashback
‘Lets go home’
‘Good luck buddy’
*End of flashback
For a moment the voices around him held no importance, it didn’t matter he was sitting with some of these people after a long time. All his mind could acknowledge was the fact that this person sitting in front of him was back. Back with him, no; but just his presence made him feel a little lighter. And as if Pran could hear his thoughts their eyes met.
It wasn’t brief, just for a sec or two maybe but this was the third time they looked at each other since they sat down an hour ago. Yes he was counting, there is no way anyone would know except maybe Korn and Wai who were looking at both of them with weird excitement like they were plotting something.
The next hour went by quicker, another round of drinks, teasing each other, trying to reminisce about the college days which everyone remembered differently. Yeah maybe adulting was difficult and their lives weren’t perfect but they were glad to meet again. Glad to enjoy this company for a few hours, until they have to go back to their lives.
Soon enough people started to leave and they decided it was time they got up as well. But stepping out of the hall made them realise it was pouring, a lot.
‘Shia now what? Does anyone have umbrellas??’
‘I do,’ Pran and Louis said in unison.
‘Ok so we have 2 umbrellas, Louis you could drop Safe on your way home, I have a car and anyways me and Wai are heading back to the bar so we can drop Chang on our way, and Pran take Pat with you to your condo.’
‘HUHH?’ ‘What? Don't you guys live in the same building? I know you still kept your places as it was easier for Pat to go to work and Ink and Pa moved into Pran’s place for both work and until Pa’s graduation. So it's settled, let's go before the rain gets worse.’
One by one everyone started leaving except these two standing on the stairs like they had just played into their friends’ weird setup.
Pran opened the umbrella, ‘Are you coming or not?’ ‘Yeah’ His voice cracked a bit, I mean seriously those were the first words Pran said to him after 5 years.