Choices II

~ 16 ~

"You sure?" Phana looked a bit uncomfortable.

"yes" Ming said, "I will pick it up after class from you tomorrow"

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Ming concentrated on the tall figure that was sitting alone in the table only his profile visible from his vantage point. Perfectly jelled hair partitioned neatly, sharp nose and inviting lips, Ming gulped, Phana had rested his chin on the left palm with his elbow on the table. His gaze fixed outside the cafeteria, completely unaware of the havoc he was causing amongst students who were murmuring about him sitting there alone as they pondered their chances with him.

It annoyed him behind comprehension, how people could look only at the handsomeness and completely miss the sadness his eyes held. Was he missing his friends, was is something related to his family... or was he just imagining things Ming could not figure out? He had decided to stop by lunch to pick his bike from the doctor when the sudden plan for a paintball game with his friends came up for which he was blessed with an amazing view as soon as he entered campus.

"What's good here P?" Ming asked as he placed his bag on the table dragging back Phana to reality who gave him a confused look, "why are you here?"

Ming ignored the question, "am hungry P... I had also skipped breakfast"

"Try the last counter... I think it will suit your taste" Phana said, "did you dress your wounds again. You didn't get water on it right?"

Ming smiled, "no and no". He noticed how many had their eyes and ears on them, he shot a quick glare... he just could not understand why people have to be so nosy when it came to the trio. To his amusement Phana seemed oblivious... "does it not bother you?"

"What?" Phana followed his gaze and noticed people quickly looking away, "it does... but I have learned to ignore it"

"Okay... just wait here, I hate eating alone" Ming got up and then stopped, "have you had your lunch P?"

"I am not hungry" Phana said but honestly, he had been feeling tired having not slept the previous night. His grades were slipping again and situation at home was not helping a bit. Pete had been talking to him more frequently but except for that his father was getting stricter by second and he was feeling a whole lot suffocated.

Ming just mumbled to himself something as he walked away and he returned with two food orders, "I hate eating alone... my treat for your help yesterday" he simply placed the food in front of the other.

"I caused it" Phana said, "I truly am sorry... I just didn't think of anythi.." but his words were cut short when Ming finished his statement "except for saving that kitten... it was a stupid move you know... what if you had gotten hurt?"

"I was not thinking that far ahead" Phana shrugged, "and now I am tempted to bring my bike from home... thanks to you"

"why don't you" Ming countered to which the other answered simply "my dad"

"Hmmm" Ming sighed, "You remember Posh and Nick?" he paused as Phana nodded, "we are going out to play some paintball today evening after class... will you come with me please?"

"Why..." Phana was uneasy with the invitation, Ming pouted "Join me na P"

Phana gulped, Ming's words were laced with a soft demand on the contrary to his expression. The way he had leaned in and eyed Phana as if he was trying to read his soul sent shivers down the older's spine, effectively turning into a puddle of emotions.

"okay... pick me up at 5 30" Ming leaned back and started to eat as if nothing had happened when he saw Phana's flustered face and watched him gulp. He licked his lips unconsciously when he eyed the other, "now stop being so damm tempting ... and remember there are many eyes watching us"