Community

PP wanted to run away the moment he saw him. How come no one told him? How come he has to serve his first and worst punishment with the person he hates? PP’s hands formed a fist when he saw Billkin, the star football player walk his way.

“Miss, Why is he here? Doesn’t he have practice to do?” PP asked almost pleaded to Miss. Telly. She looked in astonishment as well but ignored. “Maybe he did something wrong as well like you. I think cleaning the playground and gym will make you both reflect on your mistakes.”

It wasn’t just cleaning though! It was cleaning on an early Sunday morning and PP was already hating it. He was the perfect student with straight A’s, the perfect guide to win a debate and a motivational public speaker. And he didn’t regret the punishment because the reason behind it wasn’t his fault until he saw Billkin.

Billkin bowed to the teacher.

“The coach was angry the other day I missed practice so he told me to do community. Sorry you had to come here too.” Billkin explained and Telly was impressed. “PP, look at him. He is already realising his mistakes.” “Just because he is sucking up to you doesn’t mean he is regretting.”

“PP, keep on talking like that and next Sunday also you will be here.” PP rolled his eyes. “So boys, you have to clean the gym and the playground. After that you can leave. Also take this as a lesson and reflect upon your mistakes.”

Telly grinned at Billkin while glared at PP as she left. “Do you argue with everyone?” This was the first thing Billkin asked. He was aware that PP hated him. “Let’s establish some ground rules. “You don’t talk to me. You don’t come near me and you don’t talk to me.” PP was very serious as he said that but Billkin chuckled.

PP was surprised at that reaction. “What are you laughing at? Am I joking?” PP asked folding his arms. He was wearing black shorts and a blue t-shirt. His hair were messy and his brows furrowed as he gave Billkin a pointed look.

“Ok but if we do this as a team, we can get out early.” He had a point but he never wanted to be involved with Billkin in any way. “Guess what! I don’t have anything planned to do today anyways. No late night parties or night out so I might keep cleaning this school till… it sparkles like moonlight.” PP knew he was making absolutely no sense.

Billkin chuckled again and PP rolled his eyes and left to be followed by Billkin who was apologising now.

The school ground was as huge as one could imagine. To make two teenagers clean that ground even in the name of community was outrageous and PP’s insides were screaming for him to tweet about this. It was injustice after all!

“Why are you glaring at that bird?” Billkin asked breaking PP’s train of thoughts. Apparently there was a bird on the ground in front of them. “I thought that I made it clear on no talking.” PP turned to look at the football captain in a sleeveless tshirt and khakis. He flashed a ******ile at him.

PP would have melted at the ******ile only if it was a year back!

“Come on! You planning to be mute for the entire day or what?” Billkin asked in confusion. “Watch me!” And at that PP left to find the gloves and the broomstick. The boy had never even cleaned his own room before! He belonged to a rich family and they had maids for everything.

He saw his phone ringing and it was a call from Leh, one of his best friends. “Before you complain or whine! Don’t be bitchy. Just clean the place as much as you can but no need to stress on it. Listen to some of your favourite music from Tilly Birds.”

PP let out a deep breath. “I am not alone here. Billkin is here to do community as well!” PP heard how Leh choked on something.

“But he is the captain of football team! Doesn’t he have practice or something?” She said with the same shock as him. “That’s what I said!” PP was always happy and proud of how Leh matches his wavelength. They both argued a lot due to their exact same behaviour but were each other’s first supporters.

He knew Leh had a crush on him and he was scared of coming out to her. It had taken a whole lot of courage for him to do that.

2.5 years back
“Leh, can I ask you something?” Leh just nodded while munching her pizza slice. They were watching Pretty in pink. They were suckers for old romcoms. “I know you have always been supportive of the lgbtqa but will you judge if its someone you know?”

“PP, you know me! Have I ever been a diplomat? If I support something its because I do and not because it’s trending or something. Support is black and white for me. I don’t care if a person even hates me then.”

PP knew she was telling the truth.

“I like… boys. I am gay.” PP said without looking at her and waited for her reaction. She stopped munching and did not reply. They spent the rest of the movie in awkward silence. PP was about to regret when Leh turned off the TV.

“You really thought that I would judge you? I feel like I failed to be a friend!” Leh felt guilty and sad. PP could also see her eyes welling up. Leh was anything but a bad friend and PP felt gulitier now.

“I am sorry but if it helps, you are the first person I came out to. Leh, I love you. Of course not like that but yes I do as a friend and don’t wanna lose you.” PP held her hand now.

“I won’t lie. I had a crush on you and I will have to move on. It was like you are the closest person who gets me so much like I don’t know if I ever find someone like you. But PP I will support and always help you.” Now Leh was in tears. The whole conversation had taken an emotional turn.

“PP, just that if I find a real cute guy first then I am calling shots. You are not allowed to flirt with… with him.” Now Leh was crying with her heart out. PP didn’t know how to react. The poor girl’s heart was broken and her friend doubted she might be judgemental.

But Leh was stronger than that, he knew.

That was the first and last time when the topic was discussed. Leh had become his most supportive friend and PP always felt lucky to have her by his side.

“Listen. Ignore him and don’t get all riled up. It won’t help and you might get punished further. Think how Top would have reacted.” Leh tried to put some sense into PP.

Top was their other best friend whom they met just two years back. He was gay and he didn’t hide the fact from day one. He was never interested in anything but his guitar. “You know what? I will call him, I think.” “Don’t! Remember he is practising for the upcoming fest? He will get angry if you call him for petty matters like Billkin.”

Leh was right. Top hated Billkin more than anyone.

2 years back
PP sighed in annoyance when he was teamed with the new kid instead of Leh. Leh shared the same feeling because the two of them went to their teacher for reconsideration.

“Why do you both act like you are attached to the hip or something?” Mia rolled her eyes saying that. She was Billkin’s best friend and everyone thought they were dating. PP didn’t like his entire group at all.

The class burst into laughter not because of Mia but for what PP said next. “At least we act like but you are practically attached to someone’s hip.” PP eyed Billkin who just raised his eyebrows. “That’s it. I am not reassigning partners. You have to work with them as a team for the project and rest of the year.”

PP sighed in defeat when the teacher said that. He knew there was no point in arguing now but he didn’t give up. Next time he was determined to convince his teacher.

Top was not a talkative person but he was ******art. He went to PP’s house for completing the project when out of the blue he said he was gay. “See sooner or later you will get to know about it so I wanted to make it clear.”

“Also I am not attracted to all the guys and think of sex all the time. It’s just such a big myth about us.” Top crossed his arms. “I agree. It’s a myth about us.” Top’s eyes widened at PP. “So you and Leh…”

“We are best friends! God! What century do we live in? Why can’t a girl and a guy be just friends and nothing more?” PP interrupted him suddenly. Top ******iled and knowing PP was gay as well made him relax.

“No offense but you are not my type.” He continued when the work had finished and they laid down on PP’s bed. “None taken because high school boys are not my type as well. All I see is an immature breed wrecking up the planet.” Top laughed at how sarcastic PP was.

“You are a high school boy.” Top pointed. “Nah… I am a high school gay so I am different. I think learning a little more about yourself makes you mature?” PP made no sense to Top but he nodded.

He knew that PP would have an answer to every argument of his. And just like that Top became Leh’s and PP’s friend.

“Yeah, I will ignore and run away like he does at the sight of him. Can’t believe that once upon a time, he had a crush on Billkin.”

A year back
Top had called Leh and PP on the school terrace. It had become their spot since they became best friends two years back. Both Leh and PP knew that Top wouldn’t call them in the middle of a class unless it was something urgent.

“PP, I don’t want to become a mommy of you two again if you both fight so even if it’s like a total waste of time just behave!” PP rolled his eyes. Top and he were both short tempered.

“I have a crush on Billkin.” Top closed his eyes and turned around as the words left his mouth. PP couldn’t react. Billkin was a nice guy he thought. He hadn’t interacted much with him but he knew him as a clas******ate since they were toddlers.

“Sorry to break your heart sweety but Billkin doesn’t date. He has not dated anyone like ever.” Leh said feeling sad about it. “And how do you know that?” PP asked crossing arms and raising a brow at her.

“Christian told me.” Christian was Billkin’s close friend and Leh’s boyfriend. Apparently it started when Leh was partnered with him when PP was partnered with Top for the school project two years back.

PP rolled his eyes. He believed that Leh deserved better and Christian wasn’t even that ******art. And now his other friend has fallen into the trap of the same group he loathed.

Soon he was going to end up alone like Hailee Steinfield from that movie ‘The edge of seventeen’.

“Maybe he has not found the right person?” Top said. Like everyone else, he had become a fan of Billkin’s soulful voice. “And maybe he is not gay.” PP said.

“We don’t know that for sure. The way Mia literally throws herself at him, he should have dated her. You know what? Maybe he’s homo as well and maybe so he doesn’t date.” Top concluded and was proud of himself.

“You sound so desperate!” PP said and Leh agreed. “I just don’t want to see you with a broken heart. He doesn’t seem good for you.” PP continued and Top frowned.

“I swear PP if you are given a chance to control my love life then I would die single because you find fault in every person! What’s wrong with Billkin now?” Even Leh nodded to that and PP thought.

He had at least one critici****** against each person including his friends but strangely for Billkin he had none. He might have interacted with him once or twice in middle school but there was nothing negative.

Billkin was the most lively person in their group and even PP had witnessed it. He would crack jokes but never the ones that could hurt someone. He would always wave at PP when he saw him.

He would often catch Billkin staring at him and his friends but only to be gestured with a genuine ******ile and dimple. PP felt both intimidated and assured when he met eyes with Billkin.

In all Billkin was a nice guy and he was good for his friend. But being PP, he wouldn’t admit it.

“He is not that ******art!” PP said after thinking for an entire sixty seconds. “Arrrgghhh! I am not offering him a job so I don’t care and he is not that bad. I am sure he will get into a pretty decent university.”

Top was right and PP knew that!

Top’s plan did not include any chasing and all. He just wanted few signals which he had received. Billkin cared about Top when he was staying late at the club. He stayed with him to give company.

He followed Top back on IG and Twitter. Their movie taste matched and it was enough for Top to confess to Billkin. He was straight forward when it came to love.

When the actual night arrived for the confession, it was a music fest and PP, Leh were with him. PP was tensed about it more than Top. Top was up for anything, let it be acceptance or rejection.

But after it happened, Top was not the same person. After the confession he straight away went home without meeting his friends and cried for an entire day. There was a point where PP wanted to directly ask Billkin about it but Leh advised otherwise.

Next day when Top came to school, he left the music club saying he was going to freelance and he avoided Billkin everywhere. PP did same.

“He not only rejected me but he laughed at me and also said homosexuals are weird.”

This was enough to trigger PP but Top pleaded to not ever engage with Billkin on that topic. He said it would be more embarrassing for him.

PP respected his friend but he absolutely hated Billkin.

“Miss Telly will punish you more if she catches you on the phone.” PP was about to drop his phone when he heard Billkin’s voice who was picking up all the garbage he could find.

There was everything loitered on the ground from chocolate wrappers to used/unused condoms. PP wanted to puke at the sight of them.

“I don’t deserve this!” PP whined and Billkin chuckled. “Why are you laughing? Right! You must find it funny that I was here because I yelled at the principal when he belittled the homosexual community.”

Billkin looked at PP with a serious face now. “Everyone at the school knows about it!” Billkin said.

Drake and Earn were caught kissing each other by a teacher and since PP was their class representative, he was asked to tag along with them in the principal’s office.

The teacher said kissing but the boys argued that it was just a peck on the cheek. The teacher said even that qualified as kissing for her. The prinicipal held a disgusted look on his face. PP had never planned to intrude but his next words triggered him.

“You people just think of doing illicit things, right? Just because two guys are shown kissing on the television doesn’t mean such behaviour will be tolerated in the school. I am telling you this homosexuality is against nature!”

The boys stared at the ground feeling ashamed and scared if their parents might get involved.

“Sir, are you sure that you are the principal at one of the leading schools at Bangkok? You are clearly narrow minded, judgemental and disrespectful towards others. I am worried what will the students here and your own offspring’s learn from you.”

The teacher’s mouth was left hanging while the boys and principal looked at him with wide eyes. The principal got angry and wanted to ******ack him with the cane he still held.

But PP Krit Amnuaydechkorn was not any ordinary kid. His father had always donated to the school and the boy had always won championship for the school. Hitting him would be the worst decision.

“Sir, if your words were to ever enter the social media. It will be very difficult for you to handle the situation.” PP said this in order to save the boys and so as to not involve anyone’s parents in this matter.

In the end, the principal settled with detention for the boys and community for PP. He had instantly become a hero. A gay hero for all the gays at school.

By everyone Billkin meant that he knew it too. “You are so courageous, I admire you.” Billkin complimented PP as he picked up the dry leaves. PP snickered at him remembering how Billkin thought homosexual people are weird.

“Courage comes when you believe in something whole heartedly. Straight couples are just let off with a warning if caught ******ooching so why behave differently with others?”

Billkin just nodded. “Do you watch Marvel movies?” Billkin said when there was silence between them for almost half an hour. The work kept them busy but it was still awkward.

“Why do you even want to have ******all talk with me? My luck is the worst anyways if I have to do this community thing with you.” PP said with a frustrated face and he regretted it when he saw Billkin throwing his gloves on the ground and hitting the dustbin as hard as he could and running off.

PP was scared of Billkin for the first time. And also the garbage was again lying on the ground. He couldn’t decide if he should follow Billkin or not? But what if he complains about him and his punishment becomes worse?

Instantly PP ran towards Billkin’s direction and he was surprised as Billkin climbed the stairs. No doubt he was an athlete as PP had to stop after every two floors as he lost his breath.

He was surprised to see Billkin on the terrace leaning to the edge and staring outside at the sky. Billkin seemed like a lost kid.

“Why are you always so pissed at me? Did I do anything wrong to you? We both are here to serve the punishment so why can’t we do it peacefully like normal guys?” Billkin said when he saw PP standing beside him.

PP had never apologised a lot in his life. And he never thought Billkin deserved it but he didn’t want to complicate things. He felt relaxed when Billkin didn’t run to the teacher’s office.

“Okay okay. I won’t do that. I promise.” PP assured and ask him to come back. “How about we start by ******all introduction as we barely know each other?” Billkin and his duality. His mood suddenly switched like everything that happened before was just PP’s imagination.

“Well, Football team’s captain here, Billkin Putthipong Assartanakul.” Billkin extended his hand and PP rolled his eyes. “Arrrrgh! So pretentious. I am the debate team’s captain.” He shaked his hand. Billkin’s grip was firm as expected.

“I like singing a lot and I have watched every Marvel movie out there. What about you?” Billkin asked excitedly. “No Thanks. My introduction ended as soon as it started.” Billkin couldn’t help but laugh at PP being sassy.

PP had heard his loud laughter before as well but he didn’t expect to ******ile at it like he did now! ******ile and laughter are contagious. It was so true that they are!

It was 12 in the noon and both the boys were sweating now. “How about we take some rest? I know you had fallen unconscious or something due to heat when we were in 8th grade.” Billkin said filled with concern.

PP was surprised to hear this information from Billkin. It was four years ago and it was just once that had happened. He didn’t know that Billkin had such good memory.

“Yeah I get an allergy and sometimes I pass out but it’s very rare! It doesn’t happen much now. I am hungry though. I have a packed tiffin with me so see you later.” PP walked away but realised that Billkin had come empty handed.

“You wanna share with me?” PP asked and Billkin nodded eagerly. PP’s mother had this habit to pack heavy lunch so in conclusion there was lots to eat. PP ate very little but Billkin munched his food like the poor kid was starved for days.

Billkin burped once they were done and apologised later for it. “You don’t need to do that, we are guys and it’s okay. In my friends only Leh has a problem with burps and farts. Girls have problem with such things.” PP chuckled remembering Leh’s face.

Billkin chuckled too showing off his dimples. “Mia is the same. She hits me on the shoulder every time I do that.” PP felt like asking if they were a couple. “We are best friends you know. I don’t know why people still think that a girl and a boy can’t just be friends.”

PP was surprised to hear this from him. He never thought his words would match Billkin’s. The playground was done and now they had gone ahead to clean the gymnasium.

“She has a boyfriend from different school.” He completed. “She is a little bitchy.” PP said. “Yeah a lot with you. She thinks that you are out to fight me or something so she gets into fight with you wherever possible but trust me she is just a protector.”

Just like Leh’s version for Billkin, PP thought. “She is wrong though. I am not out to get even with you or anything.” He lied through his teeth. After the episode with Top, PP wanted to get even but he was having second thoughts after knowing Billkin.

Suddenly they heard some noise. “************ what was that?” PP whispered and moved close to Billkin. “Haven’t you heard about that dead student walking in the hallways of school? It is so intense.”

PP was about to cry as soon as he heard it. What had he gotten himself into? Billkin chuckled saying he was kidding and PP just sighed in relief.

“So you are literally not scared of anyone you see but a scaredy-cat of something you can’t see.” Billkin reiterated.

“Exactly because you can’t see it, Billkin.” Billkin laughed hard at it and PP first wanted to hit him but later he laughed along.

“You should ******ile more. It suits you than that stern look you always have.” Billkin said and PP’s cheeks turned red as he heard it. No one had ever mentioned something like that to him before.

Billkin insisted on mopping the gym floor alone as he was guilty of throwing all the garbage again on the ground and increasing their work.

PP didn’t like it but he was happy because he had never mopped a floor before. Billkin said he was a clean freak and took pride in it.

“Just play Tilly Birds and sing along with me. That would be great company and I can work faster that way.” PP was surprised to know he had the same music taste.

The gym was filled with their music and both started singing along. Billkin was good at mopping and PP never thought he would ever compliment anyone on their moping skills.

But here he was with the person he hated singing to one of his favourite bands and ************yzing mopping overall!

Suddenly Hidden track by Trinity started playing and both loved it. Both not only sang it but imitated a mic in their hands and looked at each other. Something happened as soon as the song ended.

Billkin stared into PP’s eyes and PP could feel a spark between them. It was hard for him to explain what it exactly was but he couldn’t deny that he felt a strong connection. Billkin was the first to break their staring contest.

There was silence that followed later between them. Billkin was mopping and he didn’t dare to look at PP. PP remembered how Billkin felt about gay people and PP felt stupid.

Stupid to have looked at him like that. He was now lost in his thoughts of how Billkin must feel weird around him. He closed his eyes in regret. Suddenly Billkin’s voice made him open his eyes.

Billkin was standing at the entrance. The floor looked clean and sweat dripped from his face. PP, who would have thought Billkin looked ugly in that sweat was now feeling the exact opposite. Billkin looked sexy he thought and regretted again.

“I have to wash up and meet my friends outside. Sorry but it’s really urgent! I have forgot my notes in our classroom. Can you please please fetch it for me? Please.”

PP trembled in his place as no one had ever used such a soft tone with him. He knew he liked men after watching movies but he never had a crush in real life. It was all new and distracting. PP just nodded at him as Billkin left.

His heart started thumping faster than usual. “What the hell is this!” He swore loudly.

His phone started ringing and it was Top and Leh calling on FaceTime. PP could never share this with them. “Is Billkin there?” Top asked and Leh yelled at him.

Leh: Ignore him, bub. All he cares about is Billkin. Are you fine? I have something to share…

Top: Me first dear mommy… You both might hate me for this but I lied.

PP looked suspiciously at him.

Top: I lied about Billkin saying that thing about homosexual people. He just told me that he didn’t like me but he did things purposely to get close.

Leh: That’s even worse! Right, PP?

PP just nodded thinking Billkin might be doing same with him.

Top: No, he wanted to get close to be my friend so that I can help him.

PP: I swear to god that I will kill you. Why don’t you say everything at once, idiot?

Top: Fine. He liked you. He wanted to get close to me so I can help him to date you.

PP felt that his heart would either stop or come out of his body after thumping so loudly and fast.

Top: But I didn’t trust him then and even you didn’t like him. I didn’t want him to fool you like he did to me so yeah I was selfish and a little jealous. I lied but please don’t stop talking to me.

Leh: It figures now why you would make us run at the sight of him. You selfish jealous bitch but I will get back to you. Now is not the time.

PP had kind of lost his senses but he gathered his thoughts together.

Leh: PP baby, Billkin didn’t get punished for any community service today! I just got off from a call with Christian and he said that Billkin missed today’s practice and is going to get in lot of trouble tomorrow with their coach.

Top: Wait. Did he try something with you PP? Did he make any moves or force you…

PP: Shut up Top! Nothing happened. All he did was help me. And Top don’t you ever lie to me again like that. I will take the decisions for me. Leh, Are you sure?

Leh just nodded.

PP: Umm… is he planning to play a prank on me then? He just told me to fetch his notebook and Top you are not allowed to comment.

Leh: No PP. Billkin doesn’t seem that type of a person. Be rational and do what you think is right. I and this stupid ass will always support you.

Leh held that power to calm PP down. He was just going to fetch the notebook and leave as soon as possible.

There was a book on his desk but it looked more like a diary with a letter on the top directed at him.

Dear PP,
I know writing a love letter is so old fashioned but trust me nothing I plan works out with you. Think of this as my last try.

I like you a lot. So much that I think it must be love. There are things that I don’t like about you but it’s not that bad. I have had a massive gigantic crush on you since four years now.

You must be thinking that how did it start? It was easy. When I was in 8th grade, I was among those hopeless kids in studies. The teacher asked all the ******art kids to help me and no one was willing… well except you.

Though it was of no benefit to you, you taught me for the assignment and tests I was failing at. Teacher gave you some credit points too but you said her to give it to me instead for improving.

Liking you was so easy, PP.

I really tried hard to be your friend. But you would always be around the ******art kids and Leh. When you fainted that day, I carried you in my arms. Thought I would talk to you once but lacked courage.

Frankly I even tried to study harder so that I could catch up with you. Maybe somehow get into the same university as you? I even excelled at football so that if not studies then a sports scholarship maybe?

Not to be your stalker but I have followed you multiple times. You couldn’t spot me because I am good at hiding.

When I saw you always helping the injured dogs on the street and you even took them to the vet for severe condition. I knew it in my heart that I was falling for the right person.

You argue so well, PP. You are the debate team’s captain and you are so specific to your points that even though I am against you, you manipulate me to support you.

Remember that plastic is good or bad thing debate? When you proved how bad it was, I replaced my plastic water bottle with the aluminium one the next day itself.

When Top joined the music club, I was very happy. I did everything to be his friend so that I could get closer to you. I felt sad when he confessed and I had to reject him. But trust me I cannot feel this way for anyone else.

It hurts me now when you don’t look at me or talk to me. Mia says that the 8th grade thing was nothing and you are not good for me but to me I think that maybe I am not good enough for you.

When I heard about the issue at the principal’s office, do you know how proud I was? Again I knew that you are too good to be true! I am sorry but I lied today about the punishment PP.

I really am neither brave enough to say it to your face nor brave enough to let you go without saying anything.

I know you won’t suddenly believe everything and so take a look at my diary where I have detailed about everything that I feel about you. Sorry to have also used your actual pictures that I clicked on my camera.

Will you please date me and see if we can be boyfriends?

PS- I am waiting outside right now. Call me and cut after one ring if it’s a ‘No’ and wait till I pick up if it’s a ‘Yes’.

PPS- XXXXXXXX08 is my number.

PP was in tears as he was reading the letter and the diary made him cry harder. It was all true for all these years. He never knew Billkin observed him so much. Hell! He even knew PP’s favourite color was blue.

PP was never pursued by anyone before like that and it was not easy for him. He was a rational person and love was irrational, he thought. He knew it was getting late and Billkin would still be outside waiting for his answer.

PP thought calmly and made his decision. He dialed the number and pressed the green button to call.