Red Strings

Chapter Five

Winny pulled back from the hug, nodding toward the direction of the call. "Looks like it's go-time soon."

Satang stepped back, giving him space. "I'll head to the bleachers now, Win," he said, his voice tinged with reluctance.

"Okay," Winny replied, smiling warmly. "See you out there."

As Satang walked away, he couldn't stop himself from glancing back one last time, watching as Winny joined his team, his confidence radiating. He smiled to himself. Whatever happened tonight, Satang was proud just to be there, cheering him on from the sidelines.

***

Satang finally found a seat after wandering through the packed auditorium. Just as he was scanning for a good spot, he heard someone calling out to him.

"Satang! Over here!"

He turned to see Tee waving enthusiastically, with JJ and Poon seated beside him. Satang made his way over, and they scooted to make room for him.

"Perfect timing, man," JJ said, clapping Satang on the shoulder as he sat.

The auditorium was buzzing with excitement as the crowd's energy grew louder. Cheers erupted from every corner as fans called out their favorite teams—or, in some cases, their favorite performers. Satang's ears perked up when he heard Winny's name being shouted repeatedly, both by boys and girls from different sections of the crowd.

"Wow," JJ said, raising an eyebrow. "Winny's got fans screaming his name from all directions. He should totally be a celebrity with a fanbase like this."

"I know, right?" Tee chimed in, nodding. Then, with a mock-serious tone, he added, "Hey, don't you think if I joined Winny's team, they'd all switch to be my fans instead?"

Poon gave him a disgusted look. "Are you feeling okay? You?"

JJ snorted, clearly entertained. "You? Dancing? That's rich. You dance like a rusty robot, and you think you can join a cheer squad?"

The three of them burst into laughter, and even Satang couldn't help but chuckle at Tee's ridiculous suggestion.

Poon turned to Satang as the laughter died down. "By the way, I didn't think you were into watching stuff like this. What brings you here?"

Satang hesitated for a second before answering honestly. "Uh... actually, Winny asked me to come."

The words barely left his mouth when all three of Winny's friends froze, their eyes wide in shock.

"For real?" Tee asked, his tone disbelieving.

Satang nodded, feeling slightly self-conscious under their intense stares.

"Wow..." Poon said, dragging out the word as he leaned back in his seat.

"That's... not normal," JJ chimed in, making Satang frown.

"Why not?" he asked, suddenly curious.

Poon shrugged. "He's never invited anyone like that before. Not even us. The only people he ever makes sure to invite are his family."

Satang blinked, caught off guard by the revelation. Before he could process what it might mean, the announcer's voice boomed over the speakers, calling out Winny's team.

"And now, the moment you've been waiting for: the campus champion cheer squad—give it up for Team Horizon!"

The auditorium erupted into deafening cheers as Winny's team took the stage. Satang found himself swept up in the excitement, cheering alongside JJ, Tee, and Poon. He couldn't take his eyes off Winny, who stood confidently in the spotlight, his energy captivating the entire crowd.