Red Strings

Chapter Four

Satang trudged through the hallway, his shoulders slumped and his eyes fixed on the floor. The weight of the day, paired with the mountain of assignments, felt like a punishment. Checking his watch, he muttered to himself, "Library it is... better start now or I'm doomed."

Oblivious to his surroundings, he passed by a classroom without a second glance. Inside, Winny happened to look up just as Satang shuffled by. A smile tugged at Winny's lips as he watched the other student, who looked like a zombie dragged straight out of a late-night study session.

"Poor guy," Winny chuckled under his breath, recognizing the telltale signs of exhaustion from the rigorous engineering program. He leaned back in his chair, momentarily entertained by the sight of Satang's defeated walk.

Winny shook his head, stifling a laugh. Unfortunately for him, the day wasn't over yet. He glanced at his bag, already packed with his practice gear. As much as he wanted to kick back after class, cheer practice awaited.

"Guess we're both having rough days," Winny murmured with a small smile before turning back to his friends. Still, the image of Satang's zombie-like pace lingered in his mind, bringing a touch of humor to his otherwise packed schedule.

***

It was nearly 9 PM, and the library was on the brink of closing for the night. Satang sat hunched over his notes, jotting down the final answers for an assignment that felt like it would never end. His focus was so intense that he didn't notice the soft footsteps approaching until the librarian's gentle voice broke through his thoughts.

"Nong, it's time to go," she said kindly, with a warm smile.

Satang blinked up at her, momentarily disoriented before he registered her words. He glanced at the clock on the wall and sighed. "Oh... thank you, P'."

Gathering his things, he stretched as he stepped out of the library into the cool night air. The day's exhaustion weighed heavily on his shoulders. The idea of going straight to his dorm and collapsing on his bed seemed more appealing than anything else—dinner included.

As he trudged toward the campus gate, dragging his feet like a zombie, a voice called out from the shadows.

"Just like I thought."

Satang froze and turned to the source, startled. Standing casually near the gate, leaning against the brick wall, was Winny.

"Winny?" Satang said, his tone carrying surprise and confusion.

Winny pushed off the wall and walked over, his brows furrowed slightly as he took in Satang's tired state. "You look completely drained," he said, concern lacing his voice.

Satang gave a small nod, too exhausted to even try and deflect the comment. "It's been a long day," he muttered.

"Come on, let's eat something. You look like you need it," Winny said, grabbing his wrist lightly and pulling him toward the parking lot.

Satang didn't protest. He didn't have the energy to argue, and if he was honest, the thought of food was tempting now that Winny mentioned it. But as they approached the parking lot and he saw where Winny was headed, his eyes widened in disbelief.

"A... motorbike?" Satang blurted out, staring at the sleek black bike parked neatly among the others.

Winny glanced back at him, smirking. "What? You thought I'd drive my car all the time? Gas isn't cheap, Nong."

Satang gaped at the motorbike as if it were some kind of wild animal. "Are you sure this is... safe?"

Winny laughed, grabbing a helmet from the back of the bike and holding it out to Satang. "Of course, it's safe. I've been riding this since high school. Just trust me."