Red Strings

Chapter Eight

After class, Satang made his way to the football field, where Winny was in the middle of a team meeting. Tonight, the plan was to head to Winny's family house together, something that had Satang feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. Winny had reassured him earlier, saying that his fathers had been asking to meet him, and now that it was Friday, it felt like the perfect opportunity.

As Satang approached the field, he spotted Winny jogging toward the bleachers, his relaxed demeanor and signature dimpled smile instantly putting Satang at ease. For a moment, Satang paused, his heart fluttering as he thought about how surreal it felt. This was the person he had confessed to, the person who had reciprocated his feelings—and kissed him deeply. It felt like a dream.

"Satang!" Winny called, waving energetically.

Snapping out of his thoughts, Satang smiled and waved back, quickening his pace toward the bleachers. When he reached Winny, he handed him a bottled water. "Hello!" Satang greeted cheerfully.

"Thank you, Tang," Winny said, flashing his trademark grin as he took a sip. His whiskered dimples appeared, and his eyes crinkled in that adorable way Satang loved. "Let's go. I'll just change, and then we'll head to my family's house."

"Okay," Satang nodded, his heart racing as Winny grabbed his wrist and led him toward the locker room.

After a quick change, they headed to the parking lot where Winny's motorbike was parked. Satang's smile faltered slightly. "Again?" he asked, remembering their last ride and how Winny's definition of "slow" was... questionable.

"Don't worry, I'll drive slowly this time," Winny said with a mischievous chuckle, already hopping onto the bike.

Satang climbed on reluctantly, and as expected, Winny didn't exactly stick to his promise. By the time they reached Winny's family house, Satang's legs felt like jelly. As he dismounted, he stumbled slightly, earning a hearty laugh from Winny.

"You!" Satang said, pouting as he swatted at Winny's arm. "You said you'd drive slowly!"

Winny grinned, unable to resist how cute Satang looked when he was sulking. Placing a hand on Satang's head, he gently ruffled his hair. "Okay, okay. I'm sorry. Don't sulk now," he said, his gaze soft and affectionate.

Satang sighed but nodded. At least they'd arrived safely.

Winny hopped off the bike and led Satang to the front door. As they stepped inside, the warmth of the house enveloped them.

"Oh, you're here!" Book's voice greeted them as he descended the stairs, immediately pulling Winny into a hug. "Satang, you're here too. Finally," he added, turning to embrace Satang as well.

Caught off guard, Satang hesitated for a moment before shyly hugging Book back. "Uh, I'm sorry for coming so late. I went to visit my grandma a few weeks ago..." he explained, feeling a bit nervous.

Book smiled warmly at him, his tone reassuring. "It's fine. Don't worry about it. We're just happy to have you here."

"Go ahead to the dining area. I'll call the others," Book said, leaving Winny and Satang alone.

As they walked toward the dining room, Winny glanced at Satang, noticing the nervous energy lingering in his posture. "I told you, you don't have to worry about them," Winny said softly, leaning in slightly.

Satang glanced at him and nodded, taking a deep breath. "I know... it's just... it's your family. I want to make a good impression."

Winny chuckled, reaching out to lightly nudge Satang's shoulder. "You've already made a good impression, Tang. Relax."