Chapter 17

Tong hesitated.

Although they have not been in contact for a year now, Sandee knows his friend because they have been friends for years before that.

"Oh just tell me, Tong. I know you. Why are you hesitating?" Sandee said.

"Sandee, I...it's a long story. Where do I start!"

"From the beginning!" Sandee's suspicions were being confirmed now.

"I've liked Pok since the beginning. It wasn't as strong in the beginning but it grew with time. Our relationship then grew sour one day. I went to teach him that day and he got really drunk. He tried to kiss me in that state and I didn't want my first kiss to be like that. The next day, he texted me saying he doesn't want my help anymore. He cut off all contact. They sold their home off. I went to enquire from the new home owners but found nothing. Then you told me about his mother's death. After that I met him directly on the dissertation day and you know what happened after that."

"Okay and after that results day, what happened? How did you two start living together?" Sandee asked, although he knew the answer already from Pok.

"I remembered when his job interview result would be announced. I went to meet him again that day to ask for his forgiveness. I wanted to wait for you and ask you too but before I could meet you, he laid out a proposal to me in exchange for the forgiveness. I had to come live with him and obey everything he says. I agreed to it."

"That is why I was thinking why would you agree to it if you didn't like him already and would be comfortable living with him!" Sandee announced.

"Oh Pok already spoke to you about this? He once told me you two don't talk about me at all."

"He did. Leave that, you tell me your part." Sandee prompted.

"Living together with him was painful but I love him." Tong felt disheartened.

Sandee showed a sign of triumph on his face, giggling.

"But I don't think he loves me." Tong completed.

"Why do you think that!" Sandee eclaimed,  face-palmed.

"Because the other day when I tried to kiss him, he shoved me aside."

"Then why would he care so much for you?"

"Because he feels good teasing me maybe? He enjoys teasing me all the time and making me obey his orders."

"Don't leave me Tong. Please don't go." Pok's voice was clear now, he was repeating it and crying in his sleep.