The assembly hall slowly became noisy again as students stood up, stretching and talking after the announcement ended.
"Finally," Tee said, standing up and rolling his shoulders. "My ears survived."
"You talk more than everyone here combined," Ryu replied calmly.
"Thank you," Tee said proudly.
"That wasn't a compliment," Ryu added.
"Still counts," Tee said.
---
Peem stood up with a small sigh, still processing what had just happened.
"…Roommate," Peem murmured to himself.
"Peem," Nont called, walking closer. "Don't look so serious. It's just a roommate."
"Easy for you to say," Peem replied.
Nont grinned. "At least yours is a guy."
"…That's not helping," Peem said immediately.
---
Tee suddenly leaned in, lowering his voice dramatically.
"Good luck, Peem," Tee said.
"Why do you sound like I'm going to war?" Peem asked.
"Because you are," Tee replied.
"With a roommate," Peem said flatly.
"Exactly," Tee nodded seriously.
Nont laughed. "Don't fall in love too fast."
"I'm not going to fall in love!" Peem said quickly.
"Relax, we're joking," Kawin said calmly.
"You better be joking," Peem muttered.
Ryu glanced at Peem. "You're defensive."
"I'm not," Peem replied immediately.
"You are," Tee said.
"Shut up," Peem said.
---
The group walked out of the hall together, following the stream of students heading toward the dorm buildings.
The sun was still bright, and the atmosphere outside felt even more alive than before.
"Room numbers are probably assigned by building," Nont said while checking his phone.
"Mine's building B," Kawin said.
"Mine too," Nont added.
"Lucky you," Tee said. "I got building A."
Ryu nodded slightly. "Same."
---
Peem looked at his key again.
"…Building A," Peem said.
Tee immediately gasped. "Wait."
"What?" Peem asked.
"You're in the same building as Ryu and me," Tee said.
"…Great," Peem replied dryly.
"That sounded sarcastic," Tee said.
"It was," Peem confirmed.
---
They reached the dorm area after a short walk.
Buildings stood neatly aligned, each labeled with clear signs.
Students were moving in and out, carrying bags, chatting, some calling their parents.
Peem tightened his grip slightly on his bag.
"…This is it," Peem murmured.
"Room 203, right?" Nont asked.
Peem nodded. "Yeah."
---
They entered the building and walked through the hallway.
The corridor was long, with identical doors lined up on both sides.
Each step Peem took felt a little heavier.
"…Why am I nervous again?" Peem muttered.
"Because your life is about to change," Tee said.
"That's dramatic," Peem replied.
"It's true," Tee insisted.
---
They stopped in front of a door.
"203," Kawin read.
"This is it," Nont said.
Peem stared at the door for a moment.
"…Okay," Peem said quietly.
"Go on," Tee said, nudging him slightly.
---
Peem held the key in his hand.
For a brief moment—
He hesitated.
"…What if he's weird?" Peem whispered.
Tee leaned closer. "Then you'll suffer."
"…Comforting," Peem said.
---
Nont smirked. "Or worse…"
Peem turned to him. "Worse?"
"What if he's handsome," Nont said, "and falls for you at first sight?"
Peem immediately frowned. "That's not going to happen."
"You never know," Tee said.
"I know," Peem replied firmly.
"I'm not into guys," Peem added quickly, as if to make it clearer.
Tee raised an eyebrow. "Nobody asked."
"I'm just saying," Peem said.
"Sure," Tee replied with a knowing smile.
"Shut up," Peem muttered.
---
Ryu stood quietly beside them. "Open the door."
Peem took a breath.
"…Okay."
Click.
The lock turned.
Peem pushed the door open slowly.
---
The room was quiet.
Clean.
A living space area was visible first—couch, small table, and a couple of bags placed neatly to the side.
Someone was already inside.
Sitting on the couch.
Relaxed.
Arms crossed.
Looking straight at the door.
And directly at Peem.
---
Peem froze mid-step.
"…Huh?" Peem murmured.
The person on the couch didn't move.
Just watched.
Silently.
---
Peem's friends, still behind him, leaned in slightly to peek.
Tee's eyes widened a little. "Oh…"
Nont grinned. "Interesting."
Kawin stayed quiet.
Ryu observed calmly.
---
The guy on the couch tilted his head slightly.
His gaze locked onto Peem's.
No words.
No greeting.
Just eye contact.
---
Peem swallowed slightly.
"…Who…" Peem started, but stopped halfway.
Because somehow—
Something about that gaze felt familiar.
---
Across the room, the guy finally spoke.
"…You're late," Phupha said calmly.
His voice was low.
Relaxed.
But firm.
---
Peem blinked.
"…Huh?"
Phupha's lips curved slightly into a faint smirk.
"I've been waiting," Phupha added.
---
Silence filled the room.
Peem stood at the door.
Phupha sat on the couch.
Their eyes still locked.
---
And in that moment—
Neither of them looked away.