Between Us (MewGulf)

Mew Suppasit

Mew's POV

It was just a usual day at school which meant being the involuntary center of attention. I'm Mew Suppasit. I'm nineteen, and I have a secret which I'm gay.

The irony isn't lost on me. To the rest of the world, I'm the guy who's effortlessly charming. I have a habit of being lowkey flirty, a lingering look here, a playful wink there, or a smirk I don't even realize I'm giving. It's just my personality, but it's a double edged sword.

It draws people in like moths to a flame, especially the girls who seem determined to get into my pants. I stay in the closet out of fear; I'm terrified that if I step out, the "perceptions" would shift and people would harass me.

I guess I'm lucky, though. When I finally worked up the courage to tell my inner circle which are Kaownah, Nat, and Max they didn't blink an eye.

-

Flashback

"Even if you're gay, you're still our friend," Kaownah had reassured me. "We've been brothers for five years. You coming out isn't going to make us hate you."

"Yeah," Max had added with a chuckle. "Besides, that just means less competition for the girls since you're only looking at the guys."

"Thanks, guys. I really thought you'd judge me, but I feel so much lighter now," I replied.

"No biggie, Mew," Nat said, bringing up our history. "We've got your back. You've always been there for us."

End of Flashback

-

I was jolted back to the present when Max clapped a hand onto my shoulder. "Earth to Mew! You drifted off again," he teased.

"I guess I did. I've been doing that a lot lately," I admitted, flashing him a quick, boyish grin that usually got me out of trouble.

"You really have. Anyway, some of the girls wanted me to invite you to a party this weekend," he said.

"No. Not happening," I replied, my annoyance rising. "You know I hate parties. Why didn't you just decline for me?"

"I tried? They didn't believe me," Max shrugged. "One of them said you gave her 'that look' in the hallway, so she's convinced she has a chance. I guess you'll just have to be a no-show."

"Whatever. Change of subject, where are Nat and Kao?"

"Meeting the Vice Principal," Max answered. "They're trying to get permission to join the upcoming swimming tournament."

"Oh. Well, let's get back to class. Lunch is almost over and we have her next," I said.

"Mew, weren't you supposed to join the sprint team?" Max asked as we walked down the hall.

"Yeah, I'm just waiting for the roster confirmation."

We reached the classroom. It was always a bit odd, there were nineteen of us, yet I was the one relegated to the lone desk at the furthest back. The Vice Principal walked in shortly after with Nat and Kao trailing behind.

They looked defeated. I figured the VP had shot them down, but I pushed the thought aside as the lesson began.

English class was a struggle, mostly because the VP had a harder time pronouncing the words than we did. Our regular teacher was on maternity leave, so we were stuck with this suffering for another three months. When the bell finally rang, the collective exhale of relief was audible.

Since we lived in the same neighborhood, we all piled into Max's car to save on gas.

"Next time, we're splitting the bill for petrol," Max announced as he pulled out of the lot.

"Why? It's your car, you should pay," Nat joked.

"This is exactly why you weren't allowed in the tournament your stingy attitude," Max shot back sarcastically.

"Rude!" Kao snapped.

"Stop it, you guys," I interjected. "Let's just split it. Poor Max has been chauffeuring us for free long enough."

"Ah, the Saint has spoken!" Nat teased, making angelic choir sounds.

"Yeah, listen to the angel, boys," Max laughed. "Maybe your good deeds will get you into the tournament after all."

"We hear and obey, Divine One! Bless us!" Kaownah joined in, bowing dramatically in the passenger seat.

"Oh wow, you guys are really teaming up against me?" I chuckled as Max pulled up to my house. "Same time tomorrow?"

"Yeah, same time," Max replied, and I hopped out.

I found my mum in the front yard, clearing away dead leaves. "Hey Mum, I'm home."
"Oh, Mew! Go wash up. I'll heat some food for you, I bet you're starving," she said.

"How was school?"

"Same as always. Where's Dad?"

"Sleeping. He just got back from Singapore and he's exhausted. Now, go shower!"

I headed upstairs, showered, and spent a few minutes scrolling through Instagram.

My DMs were full of messages from girls I didn't know. I ignored them all, scrolling through the explore page instead before heading down to eat. My dad was already at the table, finally awake.

"Oh, Mew. I have something to tell you," he started.

"What is it?" I asked, feeling a bit of nervous curiosity.

"Hmm..." He trailed off, teasing me.

"Dad, what? You're making me worried."
"Is your allowance still holding up?"

I rolled my eyes. "You could have just asked that directly. And no, I could probably only survive three more days on what I have left."

He handed me an envelope. Inside was 1,500 Baht.

"This is too much, Dad," I said, trying to hand it back.

"Son, I trust you. I know you spend wisely," he said. Then his eyes twinkled. "Besides, it's not like you're spending it on a boyfriend yet."

"Exactly," my mum added, setting a steaming plate of food in front of me. "You should find a nice boyfriend and bring him home to meet us soon."

"I wish," I laughed, digging into my meal.

"Sports and studies are my priorities right now. A boyfriend can come later."

My parents shared a laugh. I sat there eating, wondering why they were suddenly so eager for me to start dating. I just let the thought slide, focusing on the food and the quiet safety of home.