Red Strings

Chapter Four

Winny smirked, waving his hand dismissively. "No need to thank me. You looked like you were about to collapse. I couldn't leave you like that."

Satang didn't respond, but a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

After paying for the meal, Winny led Satang back to the motorbike. The ride back was quieter, the streets less busy as the city began to settle for the night. Satang still held onto Winny tightly, though this time it was less out of fear and more out of habit.

When they reached Satang's dorm, Winny pulled up to the curb and cut the engine. Satang climbed off the bike, taking off the helmet and handing it back to Winny.

"Thanks for tonight," Satang said softly, meeting Winny's eyes briefly before looking away.

"No problem. Just don't work yourself to death, okay?" Winny said, his voice carrying a note of concern.

Satang nodded, offering a faint smile. "I'll try."

Winny watched as Satang walked toward the dorm's entrance, greeting the security guard cheerfully despite his tired state. When Satang disappeared inside, Winny shook his head with a small chuckle.

"Such a hardworking guy," he muttered to himself before revving the engine and heading back to his own flat, the cool night air helping him shake off the fatigue from the day.

***

As the day passed, it's finally friday. After being swamped of many assignments, Satang is hardly seen by Winny, but today is different. 

The bustling noise of the corridor seemed to fade into the background as Satang and Winny stood facing each other. Satang had just stepped out of the restroom when Winny spotted him, a nervous energy radiating off the cheerleader.

"Hey," Winny called out, his voice casual but tinged with hesitation.

"Hi," Satang replied, stopping in his tracks to face him.

Winny shifted on his feet, rubbing the back of his neck as if struggling to find the right words. He opened his mouth, letting out a few false starts—"Uh," and "Uhm"—before Satang raised an eyebrow, amused.

"What is it, Winny?" Satang asked, tilting his head slightly.

Winny took a deep breath, his usual confidence faltering for a moment. "Well, uh... Tomorrow's the competition," he began, avoiding Satang's eyes. "I know it's the weekend, and you're probably busy... but, uh... can you come and watch me tomorrow?"

The request hung in the air for a second, and Satang's lips curved into a smile. Of course, he'd planned to go—he always did. For years, he'd quietly supported Winny, attending every competition without fail, even if it meant sacrificing his own free time. But hearing Winny personally ask him felt different. Special.

"Of course, why not?" Satang chuckled, his smile widening.

"Really?!" Winny's eyes lit up, his face breaking into a bright grin.

"Yeah," Satang nodded. "I wouldn't miss it."

Winny's shoulders visibly relaxed, the tension melting away as relief washed over him. "Thank you, Satang," he said, his tone warm and genuine.

Satang waved it off, trying to play it cool. "Just don't forget to show off your best moves. No pressure, though," he teased lightly.

Winny laughed, the sound echoing down the corridor. "You'll see. I'll make it worth your time."

With that, the two parted ways, but Satang couldn't help the subtle warmth spreading through his chest. For once, he wasn't just a silent admirer watching from the shadows. Tomorrow, he'd be there because Winny wanted him to be.