Deal

                                    

                                          
Days turned into weeks but Sarawat didn't agree to tutor Tine. At first Tine thought he was just shy but as he got to know him from other students it turned he was more like antisocial. Tine wondered why was he like that. Yet Tine didn't give up. 
He would bring treats for Sarawat but he wouldn't touch them at all or he would throw them away. It hurt Tine but he couldn't blame him. After all its not like he had asked for them. Tine wanted to know about Sarawat. He was quite facinated by him. He didn't know why was that. 
It was Monday morning and entire engineering department was going on an industrial trip. They would stay 2 night and 3 days. Everyone was buzzing with excitement. Tine was planning on talking to Sarawat on the trip and get him to tutor him. 
They reached the hostel they would be staying in and everyone was alloted room. Tine was paired with Tharn and Sarawat was sharing with Type. Tine knew Tharn and Type were dating and would definitely love to share room. So he asked both of them to agree with switching. He quickly shifted his stuff to Sarawat's room. He had told Type and Tharn to not tell him because he knew Sarawat would flip out. 
Tine had just showered and was rummaging through his bags for his clothes that's when Sarawat entered in the room. He stopped short when he saw Tine standing there just in a towel. 
"Explain."
"Well, Tharn and Type wanted to share room so I being kind and friendly agreed to switch. So we are roommates for our stay here. I hope you don't mind, Phi. "
"I do. Get out. "
"Why Phi? " Tine whined like a kid. 
"I don't want to share a room with you."
"But I want to."
"Why? "
"Because.... I just want to. I want us to be friends."
"I don't want to befriend you."
"Why? I really admire you, Phi."
"Bullshit. Your are annoying as hell. I hate when you keep following even after I have told you I don't want to talk to you. Don't you have any pride? You look so pathetic and desperate."
Tine didn't say anything. He wanted to cry but didn't want to break down in front of Sarawat. It hurt him that Sarawat had such low opinion of him. 
Maybe he was right. He had been following Sarawat for quite some time. His intention wasn't to annoy him. At first he just wanted Sarawat to tutor him but gradually he wanted to be his friend too. 
"I'm sorry, phi. I won't disturb you again. I'm sorry for being annoying. I can't ask Type to move again. He was really happy to be with Tharn but don't worry I'll sleep somewhere else. I won't disturb you. Good night phi. "
Tine gathered his clothes and went to bathroom. Sarawat was deep in thought. He knew he had been too harsh on the little guy. He shouldn't have said all those stuff. He wasn't good at interacting with people and came off as rude. The crestfallen expression on Tine's face made him hesitate. 
When Tine came out the bathroom Sarawat addressed him, "It's fine. Just sleep here. It's for just few days. Don't go around at night. It's not safe. You are big enough to know that." Sarawat didn't wait for his reply and went to shower. 
Tine smiled at Sarawat's kind gesture. He may not like him but at least Sarawat didn't hate him either. That was a start. Maybe they could be friends some time in future. He didn't know why he wanted to be Sarawat's friend so eagerly. It just felt right. Tine quickly put away his stuff in almirah and got on the bed. 
Sarawat came out of shower in just his PJ and climbed on bed. Tine was startled when Sarawat lied down beside him. 
"Phi? "
"What? "
"You will sleep here? "
"Where else am I supposed to sleep? Floor? "
"No, I didn't mean that. But are we going to sleep together? "
"You can move away if you like. I don't mind. "
"I.... no, it's fine."
"Are you nervous? "
"Yes, phi."
"Why? "
"Because you are so handsome."
Sarawat was startled at such honest answer from the boy he barely knew. 
He didn't know what to make of it. 
"W-what? "
"You are beautiful, phi. I'm sure you know that."
"...... "
"Aren't you nervous? "
"Why should I be? We are just lying beside each other."
"Yes but you never know. "
"Are you gay? "
"What if I am? "
"Well it's none of my business who you prefer."
"Then why did you ask? Checking for future? "
"Look Tine, let me make something very clear to you. I'm not interested in you as potential bf or friend. I don't want to be cruel to you in any manner but I'll advise you to not waste your time and effort after me. You won't get anything in return. I won't be your friend so don't try to talk to me."
"What if I say I'll still run after you?"
"You are foolish. What do you want from me Tine? "
"Tutor me."
"That's why you have been chasing me?"
"Yes, just tutor me for this semester and I'll leave you alone after that. I won't bother you for next 3 and half years. Deal? "
"Why should I even agree to it? "
"Because if you won't I'll keep chasing you, phi."
"Okay fine. Just for this sem. I'll be just your tutor nothing else. Don't try to act like we are friends. And after this sem, let's stay away from each other."
"Okay. Deal. "
"Deal."
"Should we sign a contract? "
"I think you watch too much of drama."
"But having it on paper would be better. Don't you think so? "
"Whatever. Now sleep."
"Good night, phi."
Tine couldn't help smiling. He would have Sarawat for 6 months. Enough time to become friends or something more.