WHAT OTHER PEOPLE SEE
1523 Words
Chapter 13 — What Other People See
In the car, Kaal couldn’t stop thinking about Arka.
No matter how many times he told himself to focus on the road, his mind kept replaying that moment — Arka’s bright smile, the way he’d said “See you tomorrow” with such warmth.
What’s wrong with me? Kaal frowned, staring blankly out the window. He’s just an annoying classmate. Why does his face keep showing up inside my brain like a pop-up ad I can’t close?
He shook his head lightly, as if the motion could shake Arka out of his mind.
“Huh? What?” Kaal blinked, realizing Araa had been talking to him.
She laughed softly, clearly amused. “I said my brother’s a little innocent, you know. He doesn’t have bad intentions — he’s just dense.”
Kaal looked away, pretending to focus on the passing street lights.
Dense? he thought dryly. Her brother literally confessed, flirted, and molested me. That’s not ‘dense,’ that’s—
He sighed. —a pervert in disguise.
“Um… I’m sorry about yesterday,” Kaal muttered, changing the topic.
Araa waved her hand dismissively. “Oh, don’t worry about that. I know you were embarrassed.” She leaned back and smiled playfully. “But honestly, you were kind of cute. I get now why my brother likes you.”
“Wha—?!”
Kaal’s entire face turned crimson. He covered his cheeks with both hands. “S-stop it! Don’t say weird things like that!”
She giggled, clearly enjoying his reaction.
Kaal groaned quietly. Why is everyone in this family determined to shorten my lifespan?
He cleared his throat awkwardly. “S-so… where are you going, sis? It’s late.”
Araa checked her phone, a mysterious smile curling her lips. “I’m meeting someone. You can drop me off here — I’ll be fine.”
“But… is it safe?” he asked, frowning slightly.
She opened the car door, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Don’t worry. I’ll be careful. Go home and rest, okay? See you tomorrow!”
Before he could argue, she hopped out and waved. Kaal sighed, motioning the taxi driver to continue.
As the car pulled away, he leaned his head back and closed his eyes. Rest, she says. Like I can rest when my brain keeps replaying that smile…
⸻
Meanwhile, back at the Pranata house, Arka sat at the dining table, slowly banging his forehead on the surface.
“Ah… I forgot to ask for his number again…” he muttered pitifully, his hair messy from stress.
⸻
The next morning, Arka woke up earlier than usual — something his mother would’ve called a miracle if she’d seen it. He rushed through breakfast, brushed his hair (barely), and sprinted to school.
As he entered the classroom, his eyes immediately found Kaal — sitting by the window, sunlight falling perfectly on him like a scene from a cheesy drama.
Arka’s heart skipped. He’s here…
Kaal looked up and their eyes met.
Without a word, Kaal moved his books aside, tapping the chair next to him. “This seat is for you.”
“Huh?” Arka blinked. “Did the teacher change the seating today?”
Kaal nodded slightly. “Yeah. We’re assigned partners for the week.”
The next thing Kaal knew, Arka jumped on him — literally.
“Ah! That’s great! Heaven finally blessed me!”
Kaal stiffened. “Wh— what are you doing?! Other people see us!”
Unfortunately, other people were already seeing them.
From a few rows away, one student whispered, “Oh no… it’s happening again.”
Another nodded gravely. “He’s bullying Kaal again, isn’t he? Poor guy, it’s so early in the morning and Arka’s already trying to crush him!”
To them, Arka’s joyous hug looked like a chokehold, and Kaal’s flushed face looked like he was suffocating.
Kaal struggled, his cheeks pink. “Stop that—it feels weird!”
“See?!” another classmate gasped. “Kaal’s turning red! He’s dying!”
Arka immediately let go, stepping back but not too far. “I’m sorry! I just got too excited.”
Kaal froze mid-breath. Excited?! What the hell does he mean by that?! Does he still think I’m a girl or something?!
Around them, more whispers spread like wildfire.
“Did you hear that? He said he got excited!”
“Oh my god, this is harassment!”
“I knew it — the bully act continues!”
Kaal buried his face in his hands. Great. Just great. Now they think I’m his victim again.
Arka leaned closer, whispering, “No… it’s not what I mean!”
Unfortunately, his idea of whispering meant pressing close enough for his breath to tickle Kaal’s ear.
“Anyway,” Arka murmured, voice low and soft, “The more I look at you, the more beautiful you seem today.”
Kaal froze. His heart skipped. He’s doing it again. That tone… that voice…
He bit his lip, trying to suppress the warmth rising to his face. “Y-you’re doing it again,” he whispered back, “Stop it…”
From outside, it looked even worse — Arka leaning in, Kaal’s face bright red, both whispering.
Someone gasped. “He’s threatening him!”
Arka’s heart was racing now. “What should I do… I think I like you even more,” he said softly.
Kaal’s eyes widened, his breath catching. No. No, stop saying that. He turned his face away and, in pure panic, pinched Arka’s thigh under the desk.
“AA—aaah! That hurts!” Arka yelped.
“See?!” another student whispered dramatically. “He’s screaming! Kaal’s fighting back!”
Kaal let go immediately, face burning as he covered his ears. I can’t hear him. I can’t hear him. Pretend you’re deaf, Kaal.
But Arka leaned even closer, grinning mischievously. “Hey, Kaal~”
Kaal turned slowly, praying for self-control.
“Today’s a daily test,” Arka said. “If I get a good score… can I get a reward?”
Kaal lowered his hands, cautiously meeting his gaze. “What kind of reward?”
Arka smiled and tapped his own lips. “Here.”
Kaal’s jaw dropped. “Y-you mean… a kiss?!”
“Can I?” Arka looked at him hopefully, eyes shining like a puppy begging for treats.
Kaal licked his bottom lip nervously. “Why should I give you a reward?”
Arka shook his head immediately. “To support me, of course!”
Kaal bit down on his lip, torn between mortification and something warmer. He mumbled finally. “Only if you get a perfect score.”
“Deal!!!” Arka shouted, pumping his fist. The whole class turned to look again.
“Look! He made Kaal agree to something!”
“Kaal nodded! He’s terrified!”
“Someone call the teacher!”
Kaal sighed internally. Why am I still alive? I should’ve just transferred schools.
He tried to focus on his notes, ignoring the whispers, but his gaze kept drifting to Arka. The boy was actually studying — pen tapping, lips moving as he muttered formulas.
He’s really trying… for a kiss? That i***t…
But despite himself, Kaal felt something warm unfurling in his chest.
Maybe… Arka wasn’t bullying him anymore. Maybe he was just trying—clumsily—to be closer.
⸻
Arka noticed Kaal’s silence and tapped his pencil on the table. “What’s wrong? You’ve been quiet for a while.”
Kaal blinked, caught off guard. “Nothing. You’re just… suddenly serious about studying.”
Arka smiled softly, his tone unexpectedly gentle. “I have someone to motivate me. Of course, I’ll be serious.”
Kaal looked away quickly, hiding his expression. Don’t fall for it. Don’t. It’s a trap.
But then Arka leaned in again, voice low and teasing. “If you’re not comfortable with a kiss, maybe we can try holding hands instead?”
“Wha—”
Before Kaal could finish, Arka grabbed his hand gently, rubbing his thumb across his skin. “How does it feel?”
Kaal’s mind blanked. It feels illegal.
Kaal yanked his hand away, face blazing. “People are watching!”
Arka blinked, then looked around. Indeed, nearly half the class was staring.
“Oh… right. We shouldn’t do this at school,” he said sheepishly. Then his eyes lit up. “How about you come to my house after school? For tutor me again!”
Kaal sighed. “I already told you — after school I’m tutoring Reo. And you have your own study pair.”
Arka tilted his head, thinking. “Can’t you change that? I could pay Reo to skip his turn, and you could just come to my place instead.”
Kaal’s jaw dropped. “You—! You splendid thug!”
Arka raised his hands in mock surrender. “What? No way, I’m not bribing anyone! I just want to spend more time with you. That’s all.”
Kaal groaned, face half-buried in his arms. Someone save me from this i***t before I start smiling again.
- Writer
