Red Strings

Chapter Three

But before he could even pass the faculty building, a familiar voice stopped him dead in his tracks.

"Satang!"

He froze, turning slowly to see Winny leaning casually against the wall near the entrance to his classroom. Winny's effortless coolness was almost unnerving. His uniform was just a bit rumpled in a way that looked intentional, and his hair caught the morning light, making him seem as though he'd walked straight out of a magazine.

Satang's heart threatened to leap out of his chest. Why is he here? Why is he calling me? He struggled to keep his expression neutral as he approached, forcing an awkward smile. "Hi..." he greeted, his voice slightly higher than he intended.

Winny straightened up, his hands in his pockets, and tilted his head with a grin. "Can you come to the football field after your class?" he asked, his tone casual but his words striking Satang like thunder.

Satang blinked, his brain scrambling for an excuse. "Uh..." he began, but Winny didn't give him the chance to finish.

"Great. I'll be waiting," Winny said confidently, flashing a quick smile before disappearing into his classroom.

Satang stood rooted in place, staring after him in stunned silence. What just happened? His thoughts spun wildly. Why does he want to see me? What could this possibly be about?

The rest of the morning passed in a blur. Satang barely registered his professor's lecture, his mind replaying Winny's words on a loop. When the bell finally rang, signaling the end of class, his heart sank. It was time to go to the football field. 

***

As Satang arrived at the football field, the rhythmic sounds of chants and laughter filled the air. The cheerleading squad was beginning to form their lines, adjusting their stances and chatting excitedly. Amidst the commotion, Satang's eyes locked onto Winny, who sat casually on the bench, scanning the area as if searching for someone.

Probably not me... right? Satang thought, his nerves bubbling up as he hesitated.

When Winny's eyes landed on him, a warm smile spread across his face. "You're finally here!" he called out, waving him over.

Satang's feet felt like lead, but he managed to approach slowly, his mind racing with questions. "Uh... why did you want me to come here?" he asked cautiously, his voice tinged with confusion.

Winny's grin widened as he stood up and stretched. "I want you to watch me practice," he said nonchalantly.

"Huh?" Satang blinked, certain he'd misheard.

"Just sit here and watch," Winny said with a shrug, as if it was the most normal request in the world. Before Satang could protest or even fully process what was happening, the cheer captain called out, "Winny! Let's go!"

"Gotta go," Winny said quickly, winking at him before jogging onto the field to join the team.

Satang stood there dumbfounded, clutching his bag tightly before settling onto the bench. He glanced around nervously, trying to figure out what this was all about. But as the practice started, his thoughts began to shift.

Winny, as always, was a sight to behold. His movements were sharp yet fluid, each routine performed with precision and flair. Satang couldn't tear his eyes away as Winny executed a flawless flip, landing with the kind of confidence that made it all seem effortless.

The memory of seeing him for the first time during high school came flooding back. That day, Winny had stolen his attention completely, lighting a spark in him he couldn't explain. Now, seeing him up close,Satang felt the same rush of admiration and... something more.