Red Strings

Chapter Five

Satang couldn't help but join in, shouting Winny's name as loudly as the other fans. As the routine unfolded, his cheers were interrupted by the sight of a family seated not far from him, enthusiastically calling out Winny's name.

"That's Winny's family," JJ said, noticing Satang's glance. "They're always here for him. We should go say hi after the competition."

Satang nodded, his admiration for Winny growing as he saw how loved and supported he was by everyone around him.

Winny's team finished their routine with a flawless finale, and the auditorium erupted into applause and cheers. Satang was on his feet with the rest of the crowd, clapping until his hands hurt.

Team after team performed until it was finally time for the results. The announcer's voice echoed through the space, building suspense.

"And the winner of this year's cheer competition is... Team Horizon!"

The crowd went wild as Winny's team jumped and celebrated on stage. Satang's cheers were just as loud, his heart swelling with pride as he watched Winny smile so brightly under the spotlight.

The energy in the room was electric, and Satang couldn't stop grinning. JJ leaned over and nudged him. "Come on, let's go find his family and congratulate them. And then, we've got to find Winny and celebrate."

"Yeah," Satang agreed, already looking forward to seeing Winny again and telling him just how incredible he'd been.

***

"Congratulations, Winny!" Prem exclaimed, pulling Winny into a tight hug.

"Thank you, Phi," Winny replied, smiling warmly as he returned the gesture.

"You did great," Off added, patting him on the back with a proud smile. Gun, standing beside Off, nodded in agreement.

"Seriously cool out there, Winny," Gun complimented.

Book stepped forward and hugged Winny tightly. "You were fabulous, son. I'm so proud of you," he said, his voice filled with emotion.

Force chuckled, resting a hand on Book's shoulder. "He's always been incredible at this. Tonight was no exception."

Winny basked in the warm support of his family, feeling a swell of gratitude as they discussed plans to celebrate. Just then, a familiar voice called out from behind.

"You were amazing, man!" Poon shouted as he bounded toward Winny, quickly joined by Tee and JJ.

"Thank you!" Winny laughed as his friends tackled him in an enthusiastic group hug.

Pulling away from the chaos, Winny noticed Satang standing quietly nearby, watching the scene with a soft smile. Their eyes met, and Winny's heart skipped slightly. Without hesitation, he walked over.

"Congratulations, Winny," Satang said, his voice steady but warm.

"Thank you," Winny replied, his grin widening.

The two of them stood there for a moment, seemingly frozen as they locked eyes, the noise of the crowd fading into the background. JJ, ever the instigator, broke the silence with a loud groan. "Are we invisible now?"

Winny cleared his throat, suddenly self-conscious. "Uh, right. Satang, come with me. I'll introduce you to my family."

Satang's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait—what?" he whispered, but Winny was already pulling him toward the group.

"Everyone, this is Satang," Winny said, gesturing to him. His family's curious gazes fixed on Satang, who managed a polite smile and a soft "Hi."

Book and Force exchanged a glance before Book stepped forward. "Nice to meet you, Satang."

"Likewise, Phi," Satang replied, his voice steady despite the awkwardness he felt.

Sensing Satang's discomfort, Book decided to ease the tension. "Let's head to the restaurant before it gets too late. We can celebrate properly there."

"Good idea," Force agreed, ushering everyone toward the parking lot.

As they walked, Tee, Poon, and JJ couldn't resist teasing Winny. "Wow, we're actually riding in style with Winny tonight," Tee said dramatically.

Winny rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't touch anything in my car."

When they reached the vehicles, Poon made a move for the passenger seat, but Winny stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.

"Satang, you take the front seat," Winny said, waving Satang over.

"What?" Poon blurted out, baffled. "But I was already—"

"Back seat. Now," Winny said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"Fine," Poon muttered, climbing into the back with JJ and Tee.

As Satang settled into the front seat, he leaned toward Winny and whispered, "Why me?"

Winny grinned. "Because it's dangerous for you to sit with them," he replied loudly, earning a chorus of protests from the back seat.

The drive was chaotic, filled with playful bickering and teasing. Despite the noise, Satang eventually dozed off, his head resting lightly against the window.

"Can you believe he's sleeping through this?" JJ whispered, amazed.

"No way," Poon said, craning his neck to look. "How?"

Winny glanced over, shaking his head with a small smile. "He must be really tired."

When they arrived at the fancy restaurant Force had reserved, everyone stepped out, admiring the upscale ambiance.

"Whoa, Phi Force really went all out," Tee said, looking around in awe.

Inside, the group settled into a large table at a cozy corner. The conversation flowed easily, with Winny's family and friends blending seamlessly. Satang sat quietly, observing how naturally playful and close-knit everyone was.

"Satang, you study engineering, right?" Off asked, breaking into his thoughts.

"Yes, Phi," Satang replied with a nod.

"Not just engineering!" JJ interjected proudly. "He's one of the top three students in his department! Face and brain combo."

"Hey, what about me?" Winny protested.

JJ smirked. "I didn't say you didn't have brains, but..."

"But you implied it!" Winny shot back, making everyone laugh.

The rest of the night was filled with good food and lively conversation. When it was time to leave, Force turned to Winny. "Drop your friends off tonight, okay?"

"Got it, Phi," Winny said.

As they said their goodbyes, Book patted Satang's shoulder. "Satang, if you're free next week, come by the house. I'd like to get to know you better."

"O-of course, Phi," Satang stammered, surprised but pleased.

In the car ride home, Winny dropped his friends off first before driving Satang to his dorm.

"Thanks for coming tonight," Winny said as Satang stepped out of the car.

"Thanks for inviting me," Satang replied with a small smile.

As Satang walked inside, his roommate Marc greeted him. "How was the competition?"

"It was amazing," Satang said, smiling softly. "Really amazing."

The night ended with Satang recounting the event to Marc, his thoughts lingering on Winny and the warmth of his family.

End of Chapter