Chapter Text
Jai entered into college with one mission. Never to fall in love, and live the last of his teens to the fullest. He avoided getting close to just one particular person, and never showed his interest in anyone simply because he wasn’t there to love. He just wanted time pass. His friend group was big enough for him to never be alone, always having someone who didn’t have classes to keep him company, and he truly believed he had it all. That was, until Sanit appeared in the picture. The first time Jai met Sanit, he found him odd. Masked, hair down falling into his eyes that didn’t look like it was bothersome, and giving clipped answers to everyone. Jai didn’t understand if it was ego or disinterest. But he for sure, was interested.
However, he forgot about it. He forgot about Sanit faster than he was intrigued by him. And that should’ve been their last interaction. But fate had other plans.
Freshman year,
“This guy I’m seeing is so cute, Jai. You have no idea. His hoodie is so small, it doesn’t even fit me. But he’s so fucking cute I never want to give it back.” Jai’s friend, Anita blabbered. Jai tried so hard to appear interested. Or at least, pretended to listen. But Anita had been going on for about a while.
“Dating yet?” He asked, unusual of himself. Anita’s eyes glint with surprise, unable to believe Jai finally asked her something.
“Not yet. He’s shy.” She smiled to herself.
“Then what are you waiting for?” Jai lit up a cigarette and held it between his fingers, casually turning towards his friend and raised an eyebrow.
“I’ll ask him out after our media project is done.” She nodded, picking up her things and leaving without giving Jai the chance to inquire further.
Jai didn’t know what Anita’s situation-ship looked like. All he heard from all his friends was that the guy was cute, and small, and just… Unforgettable. Nothing that concerned Jai. He never put a finger on what belonged to his friends or interested them. That was his number one rule. Never date someone your friend is in love with. And that followed by: Never date a friend.
All he knew was that guy was named Pik. Or Sanit. What an odd name, he thought, puffing out a big smoke before crushing the cigarette beneath his boots and going to class, himself.
Sophomore Year:
He met Sanit. For the first time - Or so he thought. Sanit was sitting with his friends, looking like he was out of place before Jai made his way to the group, his eyes never leaving the boy even as he settled his bag down on the table, shaking hands with Otd.
“Who’s this?” He asked, his eyes boring holes into the boy, an unfamiliar feeling building up in his chest he refused to put a name to.
Anita’s arm sling around his shoulder, pulling him down, as she whispered. “It’s him. The guy I was seeing. He dropped out of Media and he’s studying Physics in its stead. Boring mf.” She snickered, lightly kissing Jai’s helix before letting him go. Jai hummed, his hand making way down Anita’s waist to hold her still before he broke his eye contact with the un-named guy’s forehead.
The boy looked up, his eyes watching Jai’s hands resting on Anita’s waist, where they stayed for a few seconds before he caught Jai’s stare. “Sanit.” That’s all he spoke. And that was enough to annoy Jai for the rest of the day. Rude, he thought.
After that, no matter where Jai went, Sanit was there. To the point of Jai convincing himself that Sanit was his stalker. But he knew better. Sanit wasn’t his friend, they barely talked, and he didn’t look like someone who looked for trouble. So, Jai decided. He will get to know Sanit. And crack whatever pressure the boy was carrying on his shoulders.
Charity event at the college was busy. Jai finds Sanit sitting on his stall during the break, counting the money his team made.
“Is this seat taken?” He asks, his tone teasing yet hopeful. Sanit gives one look up, sighs, and drags his chair further away to make way for Jai to drag his right in front of him. “Busy?” He can very well see Sanit is trying to count the money, a focused expression on his face, as he unconsciously bites his lips to think what number comes after. Sanit doesn’t reply. This prompts Jai further. “Need help?” Sanit slams the money down, clutched tightly between his fist and his eyes dig into Jai’s. Got ya, Jai smirks.
“Can I have your insta?” He says again, after Sanit’s silencing stare, watching the boy click his tongue before sighing long and hard.
“Deleted it.” That’s it. Another shirt, clipped answer from Sanit. Wait- That’s familiar, Jai pasues.
Their First Meeting
Jai just got out of his Literature class. He spotted his friend, Grey, seated on the bleachers looking like he was having a heated debate with the person in front of him.
“Hey man, what’s up?” Jai carefully stepped in, trying not to sound imposing. Grey looked up at him, nodded, and patted the space beside him, going back to discussing about trans-rights with the guy in the mask. His eyes were covered, hair falling in all different places, like the guy badly needed a cut. The guy looked scared, or uncomfortable, his hands resting in front of his pants like he was being disciplined, as he nodded to everything Grey said. Jai smiled softly. Grey was passionate. He was waiting to transition, working overtime to save up money for the surgery.
Jai wanted to take the guy out of this position simply because he felt bad. He was sure the guy had probably done nothing but been available when Grey was in the mood to debate. “Hey..” He started, startling the boy, who spared him a short glance before looking back at Grey, nodding furiously, adjusting his mask like he was sweating inside it. Okay, Jai thought, I was just trying to get you out of it.
“Do you get me now, Sanit?” Grey finished, reaching for his water bottle sitting beside Jai, chugging down the liquid in one go.
“Yes, I understand.” Sanit replied, his voice cracking at the end. “See you soon.” And then he was gone.
“Who was that?” Jai questioned, facing Grey who wiped his forehead with a tissue.
“Oh, that. His name’s Sanit. The one Anita won’t stop talking about last month. He studies in my Physics class.” Grey replied, rolling his eyes, and zipping up his bag, slinging it over his shoulder.
“Does he have a grudge against me or something? I just said hi and he looked at me like I asked him for his address.” Jai made a face close to annoyance and Grey laughed, his hand coming to rest atop Jai’s shoulder, giving it a brotherly squeeze.
“He’s introverted. Just like that, ignore it. Probably means nothing.” And Jai nodded, hoping it didn’t. Because he didn’t even know this Sanit guy.
Present
“Deleted it.” That’s it. Another short, clipped answer from Sanit.
“Make it again.” Jai retorts.
“And why would I?” Sanit stops what he is doing, rolls the money in his hand, and rests his hands on the table. His eyes look deeply into Jai’s, making the boy gasp inaudibly. A challenge.
“Because I said so.” Jai smirks, shrugging once before leaning back against his chair, with an eyebrow raised at the guy who just challenged him. “I know you will.”
“In your dreams.” Sanit snorts, standing up from his chair, and adjusting his collar before walking away.
So, it started. Their secret little friendship.