Chapter 13: The After-Date.

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"Even stars silently smile on souls like you"

-BLISS-

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| I N D A H |

As predicted, the girls were waiting in front of my room with smirks on their faces.

"Well?"

"Let me get in first please" I muttered, tapping my key card on the door and opening it. I slotted the card in the lights slot and the room lit up brightly.

"Tell us!" said Kanak, the ever so impatient one.

I put my bag down and before I took off my sandals, the said girl stopped me.

"What is it?" I asked her.

"Well, it was your first date with your crush and you have no photo with that outfit." she said and I sighed, picking up my bag again. I stood infront of the white wall of my room, randomly posing for the pictures.

Finally she was done and I sighed in relief.

"Give me two minutes, I shower and change before we talk" I told them and they nodded, taking seats around my room.

I took my clothes out of the closet and went into shower. After showering and changing into shorts and one of Kirun's tee's that I had from lord knows when, I walked to the girls.

"Speak!"

"It was a nice date. We went to the weekend market and then dinner at the Japanese Restaurant at Siam Square. And that is about it" I said and they gave me skeptical looks.

"That is it? Nothing more? No excitement?" questioned Asteria and I shrugged.

"I like it peaceful I guess"

"I guess" muttered Asteria and I gave them smiles.

"Oh the contrary, he said he likes me too!" I said and they squealed. Well Kanak did. The rest just grinned at me.

"That is great news darling. Now I have to get back to catch some sleep" I turned to Ayaka who smiled sheepishly at me.

"I know you have a book of equations waiting for you" replied Daw, rolling her eyes and Ayaka laughed.

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I do. Now I am out. Bye"

After Ayaka, Asteria and Kanak followed suite. Daw, however, stayed back.

"So how was it?" she asked me, laying on my bed sideways and looking at me skeptically.

"It was okay" I said, playing with the hem of the t-shirt.

"Uhuh. Spit it out Indah. I know you"

I sighed and looked up to her.

"It was a nice date. But-"

I looked down at the hem of my tees again, playing with it while putting my thoughts in words.

"But?"

"It is not.... what I expected" I said, looking up at the ceiling in frustration. That was not it. There was this feeling inside, something that tugged my conscious but I could not explain it. I hated that feeling.

"What exactly did you expect?" she asked me, sitting up. I sighed, shrugging my shoulders.

A moment of silence passed through us.

That was when it hit me.

"I.....I don't know. I honestly don't know what to expect seriously." I replied and she smiled at me.

"I have this feeling and I can't explain it. It's like I like Ace but at some point, I am like maybe not. I mean I can't make up my mind! And lets not forget that the kiss keeps playing in my mind. Even if it was the worst; not that I would know anyway since it was my first, I somehow can't forget it. Every time I try getting over it, it replays in my mind. Each time I try to forget what Kirun said, his words have a way of replaying in my mind. I just don't get it! I try to block it out but somehow, somehow it just slips out" I heaved a deep breath after my rant, closing my eyes tightly and trying to forget any of that even happened.

"So that is the problem?" asked Daw and I opened one eye and stared at her.

'What do you mean?" I asked her.

"It is simple Indah. Your first kiss was Kirun. It is natural for you to feel that way. But what I also don't get is what about Kirun's words keep replaying in your mind? You don't even like the guy"

I looked up to her and gave a small smile.

Of course I didn't like the guy. He was Kirun Arthit. Someone I always had rows with. Not someone I would fall for. We were entirely different people.

"Exactly. Maybe it's just the guilt" I muttered, standing up and she nodded, also getting up.

"Okay then, I am out. I need sleep"

"Bye" I saw her to the door and then locked my room door before leaning on it and taking a seat on the rugged floor. The lights were dimmed and I set there in near darkness, contemplating everything.

I was happy for today and the fact that Ace liked me.

But on the other hand, I had a guilty feeling. About what? I am not sure.

Maybe I should just forget whatever it was and focus on Ace. I have liked the guy for a year or so and I think it is time I move onto something more. But was I even ready?!

Ah a few dates won't harm me, right?

Right.

I toyed, yet again, with the hem of the tees and sighed deeply.

This was not going anywhere.

I got up and took my phone before laying on the couch. Opening YouTube, I browsed through Bangtan Songneodan (BTS) videos and laughed through it.

Ah good old BTS.

***

"Indah!"

"Don't you fucking dare!"

"Language Daw!"

Daw rolled her eyes at me and I shook my head at her wildness. She swore only when she was really angry.

I looked over to where Kirun stood, his face flushed from the running and Monday morning heat.

"Not the right time Kirun" I replied before being dragged away by Daw.

It was a bright Monday morning that Daw and I had decided to go for a run around the campus before our faculty meet at 9am. It was the last holiday of Songran and I already had assignments due.

Anyway, so when we were on the run, Kirun happened to see me to which he took as a chance to call me. The rest is history.

"Indah, wait!" he yelled behind me and I knew he was running to keep pace with Daw and I.

Daw happened to run faster. I slowed down and eventually came to a halt, waiting for the idiot.

"You-*pants*-run-*pants*-fast*panting heavily*"

Oh great. Now if he has a cardiac arrest, I'd be the one to blame.

"Says the athlete" I muttered and he grinned at me, standing up straight.

"How are you?" He asked and I raised my eyebrows at him.

"Pretty sure you did not run all the way up here to ask me that" I sassed and he chuckled lowly.

"Okay okay. I am sorry about it. The reason why I am here, however, is to ask you if you have assignments due" he said and I looked at him in confusion.

"Why'd you ask?" I asked him.

"Well because..... your hand is still in the healing process. So you probably can't do much but let me help. Is there?" he asked me and I shrugged.

"I thought I called the deal off" I said and he rolled his eyes at me.

Huh. I hope you find that pea sized brain of yours somewhere there at the back.

"Well yes. But that doesn't mean I let it go. I should be responsible for it all" he said and I sighed.

"Kirun. What you did the other day, how can I let you be alone with me when I can't even trust you to not do that again" I said and he looked down guiltily.

"I meant it" he whispered and I leaned in to actually hear what he has to say.

Truth was, I didn't want him near me. It was not because I didn't trust him, no. It was because he made me so confused that it was frustrating. And I didn't want to be frustrated or confused. So I'd rather just stay away from him.

"I really like you. I always have. The kiss was just a reflex, rather instinct and I am so sorry for startling you" he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

"I know" I replied, taking a step back. "-but the truth is that I have no feelings for you"

He looked up to me and for the first time, I saw vulnerability in those hazel eyes. Kirun was never vulnerable.

"Daw is probably calling for me. Bye Kirun"

I didn't look back once to see him as I raced towards where I knew Daw would be. This was all too much for me.

"What happened?" asked Daw and I smiled brightly at her.

"He said he was sorry. Nothing more" I replied and she nodded, running towards the bleachers of the tracks. I jogged behind her, decreasing my pace.

This Kirun thing was getting to my nerves, seriously.

***

The faculty meet was for the upcoming track meet (which, by every mean, must be won by engineering). One of my seniors handed Daw the mic and asked me to guide the freshers about the legacy and thus began her speech.

"Good Morning Engineers!" everyone yelled back a Good Morning to her. I was so proud of these little ducklings.

"Okay so as you all know, each year after Songran, IUST holds a track meet for all faculties. Which means we would be going over to the IUST Central campus for the meet. Also that means we must work our asses off to win. The engineering faculty has been the over-all winner for the past 5 years and there is no way we are going to break that record this year. You all agree?!" she yelled the last part and I flinched when the crowd cheered a yes.

This girl I tell you. Smiling, I leaned on the wall, watching the freshers and second years talk excitedly about it.

"Okay so now, I am requesting all students to sign up for their events. The presidents for each class, please meet the lovely girl on the right-" said Daw, pointing to Asteria, winking at her. "-while the rest, sign up. Remember, no one is to be left out. If you can't play, we have cheer for you. Good Luck Guys!"

The students got up and began walking around to the booths and I took my seat infront of the table that said Cheer. I can't play any sports this year so cheer it is. But hopefully, my cast will be off by then. I can't believe its been over 6 weeks since the incident.

"Heloo senior!" I looked up to the freshman with dark black hair and a huge smile.

"Oh hello. Its Indah by the way" I said and she nodded.

"Sign up" I pushed the paper towards her and she nodded, signing her name.

A few others came after her and signed up. Some boys were hesitant at first but I assured them that it was for fun and nothing more. Engineering had little girl to boy ratio, so boys will have to sacrifice.

I checked the time and it was after 12pm. No wonder my stomach was growling. I looked around for the girls and finally Kanak saw me.

"Lunch!" I yelled at her and she grinned, giving me a thumbs up.

By 1pm, it was all done and now, all I had to do was set up a schedule for their training.

"Lets go eat" I looked up to Ace smiling down at me. I was startled to see him here.

"What are you doing here?" I chuckled, standing up from my seat and dusting my jeans.

"I went to the dorms but they said you'd be at the faculty so here I am" he grinned and I chuckled, pushing the bangs out of my face. I seriously need to clip them up.

"Why were you looking for me?" I asked him slyly and he laughed. But boy, his laugh was melodic. It was like music to my ears. I smiled at his laughing form.

"For lunch. I know this really nice place. You in?" he asked me and I opened my mouth to say yes but was cut off by Kanak.

"INDAH FOOOOD!" I glanced over to the girls and they were looking at me skeptically.

I knew what they were thinking.

I turned to Ace and smiled at him.

"I am so so sorry. The girl already got me lunch" I said and he shook his head.

"Its okay. Mind if I join?" he asked me. I looked at him and then the girls.

I wanted to say no, because I knew it would be awkward. But you seriously can't say no to a guest, right?

"Sure" I smiled brightly at him and he nodded.

We both walked towards where the girls were seated on the grass.

"Hey"

"Oh Hey Ace" they replied and I knew from the tone of their unison 'Hey Ace', it was not going to end well.

| Snippet. |

December meant winter which meant a white Christmas.

But this year, it was going to be different. The girls had bonded over their first year of engineering and were planning on how to spend their Christmas break. It was Kanak's idea that they spend Christmas with her family in England. Since Indah's parents would be out of the country while Ayaka didn't feel like returning to Japan. Asteria was returning to England anyway and Daw's siblings were going to be in America for the season. So basically they had all agreed to spend Christmas in London with the Singhania Family.

The girls had packed their luggage and were excited about the trip but nervous too, for they were meeting Kanak's family for the first time. Kanak was an Indian from Punjab, India and she had two older siblings. From what Kanak had told the girls, her family was chill.

The girls had met the parents and Mr. and Mrs. Singhania were happy that Kanak had made friends in her first year and that too, such decent girls. Much to their surprise, Kanak's parents happened to know all their parents really well. It was because of the Dinner Banquets that they had attended back in the days.

It was a few days before Christmas Eve and The Singhania's had to attend a Christmas Eve dinner party at the small town of Hollyville near the Manchester. They had asked if the girls were interested in the trip and being adventurous that Kanak is, she insisted that they all go. So their trip to London for Christmas turned into an impromptu trip to the small town of Hollyville. They had flew into Manchester three days before the dinner and had taken a truck ride to the small town as it had snowed the night before so taking cars would be risky.

The sight infront of them left them in awe. The town was lit with Christmas spirit and there was lights everywhere. People greeted them as they were the guests of The Huxley Family. It didn't occur to the girls that the Huxley just may be someone they would know.

That is until they were at the large mansion at the end of the town. The Huxley family consisted of grandparent Huxley, Mr. And Mrs. Huxley and their two sons, Cayden and Carwayn Huxley. Of course it was just a coincidence, right?

Indah was astonished to see Carwayn for she had never talked to the guy before and he was by far, one of the handsomest boys she had seen. Of course that would be an understatement the moment the older brother spoke. It was clear that Cayden was the charmer amongst the two.

"I hope you don't mind the plus ones we have" said Mr. Singhania and the woman with lit eyes grinned at them.

"Of course not. I would love to have more girls around. By any chance, are you a Stomerid?" Mrs. Huxley asked Asteria and Asteria gave her a tight smile.

"Yeah"

"Figured by the features" she replied. "-The resemblance is astonishing"

Asteria nodded while Indah sniffled a laugh.

"And you are?" the woman asked before being cut off by screams of a girl.

"Izy mom!!" Mrs. Huxley turned around only to be tackled into a bear hug causing her to laugh.

"Krys, we have guests" she said and the girl looked up to her with puppy green eyes.

"But-But-"

Smiling, Isidore turned to her guests with Krystal Arthit in one arm.

"Come on inside girls. I will have this troublemaker-" she said, turning to the outing girl in her arms, "-show you all your rooms"

Krystal Arthit became good friends with the girls, mostly because she was the only girl around during these dinner banquets and family gatherings.

She guided the girls to the second landing of the mansion, chatting aimlessly. Indah found her presence oddly calming. She likes Krystal.

"I am sorry for the mess. My brothers and I were trying to decorate the tree. It didn't end well so they had to move it down to the ground floor" explained Krystal and the girls turned to each other and smiled. Brothers huh.

"Its okay" said Kanak, throwing the girls a smirk.

"Yeah. You probably know them-" said Krystal, walking to the hall ending. "You guys want separate rooms or just one?"

"One will be good, thank you" replied Indah smiling bashfully.

"Awh. Okay then. I hope you don't mind me popping around your room from time to time? You see, we usually spend Christmas and New Years together. It has been done since before I was born. And since I was born, there was only one girl. Me. So I am just happy that I have more girls this year" she said and the girls nodded. They knew what it felt like to be the only girl in the family. It sorta had been their situation before.

"Its okay. You can alway-"

"YOU GON' DIE, HUXLEY!"

"BRING IT ON DANZEL!"

"THATS MY HUSBAND YOU TALKING TO, YOU OAF!"

"STOPPPPP!"

"NANEUN BABODEUL-EGE DULLEOSSAYEOISSDA!!!" (Korean: I am surrounded by idiots.)

"CAZZO!" (Italian: The Fuck)

"Theé mou óchi" (Greek: Oh my god no)

The girls stood there astonished at what was going on in front of them. Ahead of them were around 8 boys, all fighting each other, four of them on the floor tackling each other while the others were screaming lord knows what in different languages.

"AHEM" All of them stopped whatever they were doing and stared at Krystal. Indah looked at the petite girl beside her and then the bulky boys in front of her. She was amazed, yet again, at the power the petite girl held over the large boys. Then upon scanning them, her eyes landed on the familiar hazel ones.

Kirun Arthit was here.

Not just here but he was one of the boys being tackled on the floor.

"Ah hi" said Kanak grinning at them.

The boys looked at each other and went up to their feet real quick.

"Ah hey" said the dark haired one, stepping ahead. Come to think of it, they all had dark hair.

"I am Adrian Denzel" he said and smiled brightly at the girls. Kanak immediately drooled over Adrian. Who wouldn't? Especially with the dark gray eyes, tanned skin and dark hair looks.

"Cayden Huxley" said the other one, stepping up to the front and giving them all a smile.

"Ah the host" said Asteria and he nodded.

"At your service ladies" he grinned and the girls chuckled. Definitely a charmer.

"And that is Ahren, my brother" said Adrian, pointing to the shaggy haired guy who was in a heated debate with Kirun Arthit.

"Ahren, say hi!" said Cayden and Ahren rolled his eyes before saying hi to the girls.

"That is Carwayn, you will know he's around if you see dark smoke. Trust me on this" said Cayden and Carwayn shrugged, not even denying his brother's words.

"That is Kwan, he is the Korean blood of ours" continued Cayden, pointing to the black haired Asian, standing beside Ahren.

"Must be smart" whispered Kanak to Indah and Indah chuckled lowly.

"And that's Aqua- ignore him because he is the Saadhu of the family. And no, he is not Buddhist."

Aqua rolled his eyes at Cayden's remarks.

"And thats Kirun. The guy is chilled. If you need anything, let him know and you will for sure get it." finished Cayden and the boys gave wistful smiles to the girls.

"I think this Christmas break is going to be fun!" giggled Kanak and the girls rolled their eyes at her.

"Of course, you found fresh flirts" replied Asteria and Kanak chuckled. Daw and Ayaka rolled their eyes at the two.

"So you guys wanna hang out before dinner? We were going to watch a movie" said Adrian and the girls nodded, smiling gratefully.

The whole time, Indah kept her eyes away from Kirun. Maybe it was fate?

*

Guysss. Christmas is around the corner. No I don't celebrate Christmas, but that doesn't mean I can't take advantage of the joys it brings! So here is a little snippet of the guy's Christmas. Enjoy. :) 

| R C V |

-aalihha-