Chapter 1: The Boy Everyone Knew
The first day of Grade 10 at Suphakorn High School arrived with the usual excitement. The campus buzzed with students carrying new bags, meeting old friends, and searching for their classrooms.
Among the crowd, one student drew attention without even trying.
Kavin.
Tall for his age, handsome, athletic, and wearing his uniform neatly, he greeted teachers with respect and classmates with an easy smile. Before the first period even began, whispers spread through the hallways.
"Isn't he the student who transferred from Chiang Mai?"
"He's so handsome."
"I heard he's really good at basketball."
Kavin smiled politely whenever someone spoke to him, but his eyes weren't searching for popularity.
They were searching for someone else.
As he walked toward his classroom, he noticed a quiet boy standing alone outside the door, holding a timetable and reading it carefully.
His black hair fell softly over his forehead. His uniform was perfectly pressed, and his expression was calm. While everyone around him laughed and introduced themselves, he simply watched, as if he preferred listening over speaking.
For some reason, Kavin couldn't look away.
A teacher approached the quiet boy.
"Khem? You're in Class 10-A. Go on inside. Don't worry, you'll make friends."
Khem nodded with a small smile.
"Thank you, ma'am."
His voice was soft but warm.
Kavin didn't know why, but hearing that single sentence made him smile too.
So... his name is Khem.
The classroom slowly filled with students.
The class teacher entered and welcomed everyone before asking them to introduce themselves one by one.
When it was Kavin's turn, the room immediately became lively.
"Hi, I'm Kavin. I like basketball, photography, and listening to music. Nice to meet everyone."
Applause followed.
When Khem's turn came, he stood up quietly.
"My name is Khem. I enjoy reading novels, sketching, and spending time in peaceful places. I hope we can get along."
His introduction lasted less than fifteen seconds.
Yet for some reason...
Kavin remembered every word.
He didn't know it then.
He had just met the person who would change his life forever.
Kavin sat back in his chair, but his attention kept drifting toward the row near the windows.
Khem had already taken out a notebook and was neatly writing down the class schedule while the rest of the students continued whispering and introducing themselves. Every movement was calm and unhurried, as if the noise around him didn't exist.
"He's pretty quiet," the boy sitting next to Kavin whispered.
Kavin smiled faintly.
"Maybe."
The teacher clapped her hands to get everyone's attention.
"Now that introductions are over, I'd like everyone to spend the rest of the morning getting to know your classmates. You'll be together for quite a while, so don't be shy."
The room instantly filled with conversation.
Groups formed within seconds.
Some students excitedly exchanged phone numbers, while others talked about their favorite sports, music, or weekend plans.
Khem remained in his seat.
A few classmates greeted him politely, and he answered each of them with a warm smile, but he didn't try to join any group.
Kavin noticed.
He wondered if Khem was shy... or if he simply preferred being alone.
Just as Kavin was about to stand and introduce himself, another student reached Khem first.
"Hi! I'm Narin," the cheerful boy said, extending his hand. "You're really good at sketching? I saw your notebook."
Khem looked slightly surprised before smiling.
"I only draw as a hobby."
"Still, that's cool."
The two talked for a few minutes before the teacher announced the beginning of the first lesson.
Kavin quietly returned to his seat.
Next time, he thought.
I'll talk to him next time.
He had no idea that one small decision would become the beginning of countless memories—some that would fill him with happiness, and others that would one day break his heart.
