HEMP ROPE

36.

 

"Breaking down again."

 

The crowd muttered as the sky train stalled for a long time. A tall figure in a university uniform leaned against the vestibule of the train's connecting bogie. He looked up, then texted his friend out of boredom.

 

\(=___=)/: Gonna be late. BTS: The train broke down. I might miss morning class.

Pharm: Wait, you're not driving?

\(=___=)/: The car's on checkup.

 

Team pulled his hair in frustration. He thought it was a good idea to commute by sky train only once in a while, but this accident had to happen. He made random complaints on Twitter and Facebook and played mobile games. Time flew by, yet the train stopped at only one station.

 

Line!!

Ph@rm: Team, there's a quiz! Can you come in twenty minutes?

Oh, screw me.

 

The young man almost smashed his cellphone on the floor. What should he do? The bus isn't gonna do. Taking a bus took too long.. Should I try a motorcycle taxi?* win a motorcycle?

 

Line!!

Pharm, don't rush me.

 

Team made a face, checked the text and his brows raised in surprise.

 

Win: What station are you on?

Win: I ask what station you are on.

 

\(=___=)/: Bang Chak.

Win: Wait for me under the station.

\(=___=)/: Huh?

Win: Come on! Just wait for me under the station; I'm on my way.

 

Team was flabbergasted, but made his way out of the train and went down the station to stand and wait like dorks by the road. In less than five minutes, a familiar big bike parked in front of him, a helmet shoved in his hand.

 

"Get on, quick."

 

Before he knew it, Team forgot about his frustration on the sky train and was now swaying left and right on the road. He gazed at the back in front of him, then leaned on it, wrapping his arms around the rider. When the bike slowed down, a hand patted him lightly.

 

Ten minutes later, Team was at his faculty. He made a cellphone gesture to the man dropping him off, saying he'd call, and then sprinted to his class just in time.

 

"Fuckkk, I'm out of breath." Team gasped for air by his friend's side. "It's a real coincidence Hia was just passing through."

 

Pharm arched his brow and shook his head hard.

"Not, it wasn't a coincidence."

 

"Huh?'

 

"This morning, when you texted me about being late, I was with the seniors. Once P'Win knew what about our class was ours, he said the instructor professor liked to give quizzes randomly and headed out to get you."

 

"A little later, Manow came to tell me that there would be a quiz."

....

 

Pharm beamed. "Nice, isn't it?"

 

Team's lips drew in tight; he propped up his elbow to hide a damn treacherous smile behind his hand. Hia... you bastard.