3. Friends

Friends.

"Noah. Uhmm hiii". He called out his name, who was stunned for a moment before turning back to him. Only then Benjamin was faced with four pairs of eyes other than Noah, gaping in shock. 

Benjamin, here, in their faculty. 

"Be.. Benjamin. You here? What happened? Is everything okay? Need anything? Wait.. Did you have lunch? Come we serve the best oxtail soup and tomyam and ramen too. But..". Noah was blabbering only to be shut up by a hand placed on his mouth. 

"Noah Gabriel, breathe. Breathe in, breathe out. Calm down, calm down. I am okay, everything is okay. But can I sit first"? He smiled looking at Noah looking all confused and happy.. Wait, happy??

"Oh I am sorry. Please have a seat". He pulled his hand to sit beside him, between him and Finn. 

"Hello guys". Benjamin waved before turning to Noah. "Actually I have to see Prof Will from Electrical. Umm. My professor handed me some documents to deliver to him. And I don't know the way...". He smiled pointing at the documents in his hand. 

"Owh Prof Will. He is Park's professor. He can give it to him". Noah took the documents but Benjamin was a bit reluctant. Park saw too. 

"Hold up Benjamin. I will just hand him over these now, and will get the signed slip of acknowledgement okay"? Park stood up motioning Finn to come too. Benjamin nodded as a gratitude. 

"So what do we have for lunch? Am hungry". Benjamin turned to Noah as he was free for the day. 

"Ohh. We have oxtail soup and ramen. And yes, tomyam soup too. What do you want? "He asked , standing up. 

"I want tomyam and tell me I will buy it myself". He stood up too just to be pushed gently to sit again. 

"This is the Engineering court Benjamin. We are not as civilized as the doctors. What do you want to drink? Coffee, latte? He asked again. 

"Just.. Umm, bottled water please. I don't like coffee or soda with food". He told and saw Noah turn around to get him food. 

He was unaware that someone noticed everything in his eyes. Happiness. The joy. And the sadness too. 

***************

They finished their lunch and by then Park came back too with Lam. He handed Benjamin the signed slip that the professor had received the document. 

"Uhmm thank you Park and Finn. Thank you Noah for the lunch. I guess I would be going then. See you around". He smiled thinly standing up. 

"Hey Benjamin. Do you have any lectures"? Even Noah didn't know why he asked. He was crossing his fingers that Benjamin was free. 

"No. I am free now. Will be going to my dorm". He said casually. 

"Ac.. Actually I am free too. Ca..can you accompany me to the mall nearby. I have to get some gifts for my family". Noah came up with the excuse to spend some time with Benjamin. 

Benjamin stared back into those dark eyes for a while before nodding a yes. 

"Great.  Let's go". He turned to signal his friends to take care of his last lecture for today. And he was glad they already had their Sotus meeting in the morning. 

Benjamin waved off his friends and left the food court beside Noah. Calm, composed and content. At least he could steal some moments with him. 

"Hop up". Noah handed him a helmet gesturing to him to ride his bike.

Benjamin chuckled before hooking the helmet on his head. 

"And my car"? He questioned. Noah thought for a while and asked for the keys. 

"Finn will drop by your dorm if that's okay with you. Or do you want me to drop you here and then you can go back". He opted. Benjamin thought for a while before giving him the keys. 

"Ask Finn to drive my baby carefully". He instructed and Noah chuckled. He ran up to the court again giving the key to Finn and ran back to the parking lot. 

"Lets goo. Hold on tight Brian". Noah tilted his head. A smile creeped on his lips when Benjamin looped his arms around his waist. 

"Drive slow okay". With that Noah turned the key on and the beast was alive. 

************

The shopping was fun with Noah. He would drag him from one shop to another. And then back to shop one. He was laughing at Noah being confused. He would naturally pout when in a dilemma. 

It was okay until Noah grabbed a couple shirts. It wasn't that big but bigger than Noah. 

He couldn't stop himself from envy. He knew he was buying the shirt for the same person he spent his weekend with. 

Suddenly all the charm and excitement was gone. 

"Benjamin. How's it? Cool?" Noah turned to him with the shirt. It was maroon paired with deep blue for the spouse. He was so busy checking the size and design that he didn't notice Benjamin's mood. 

"Uhmm i guess it's okay. People these days don't feel comfortable to wear a couple things". Benjamin said, trying to sound okay, but inside, he was burning. 

So now Noah had to show off that he was in a relationship. Fuck.

"Owh. Is that so". Benjamin instantly regretted it when he saw Noah sad and down. Maybe he really wanted to buy it. 

Cursing himself, he turned to Noah. 

"But it's beautiful. I think you should buy these". He said and he saw Noah's face lit up instantly. 

"Really. Thank you Benjamin. You are the best". He was back again. The same excited Noah. And Benjamin smiled automatically. 

*******

It was 7pm in the evening when they both exited the mall after lots of shopping and dinner. 

Noah parked the bike at Benjamin's dorm. 

"Thank you Noah for the beautiful time". Benjamin was sincere. He did enjoy his time with Noah even if it was for the first time. 

"No. It should be me thanking you Benjamin. You accompanied me to the mall. I had to buy gifts for my family. And.  Ummmm". Benjamin saw Noah sheepishly scratching his nape..

"What"? Benjamin raised his bushy eyebrow. 

"Uhmm i.. I bought.. This for you". He handed him a small bag. Benjamin didn't accept it, rather he was looking intently in his eyes. 

"I.. Actually this is the first time we spent time together. We know each other for long as drinking buddies or just hello hi. But today I want to offer a little gift to ask if you would be my friend please"? Forth stuttered a bit but regained his confidence as he recalled what Conrad told him. 

It's better to say. And now he was nervous. His heart was beating frantically. What if Benjamin rejected? 

Benjamin was just reading his expressions and then a smile erupted. He took the paper bag from him. 

Noah sighed in relief. At least Benjamin wasn't angry. 

"Stupid. I thought we were already friends. Thank you for this". Benjamin said and he chuckled looking at the goofy smile of Noah. He was standing there grinning ear to ear. 

"Thank you thank you thank you". Noah shook his head before hopping back on the bike to go to his dorm. 

Benjamin turned around and walked to his floor too. His heart was blooming with so much happiness. 

Noah bought him a gift. His first gift. 

Noah reached his room and he was dancing around. 

"Benjamin accepted my gift. Benjamin is my friend yayyyy". He fisted in the air and fell on the bed. 

"I will make you mine Benjamin. One step at a time". He spoke to himself and closed his eyes.

*********

The days were busy for the engineers. Sotus was hell and for him his head hazer was a devil. Not that Noah was incompetent to the challenges but he hated it when Jasper would channel all his dark aura at him. 

They had just finished a long day of 100 laps and pushups. Noah saw his fellows panting hard. It wasn't easy to stay up the whole day in scorching heat under the sun. He tried to negotiate with the hazers but to no avail and that triggered his anger. He bursted out totally forgetting that his seniors were taking notes of his behaviour. And now.  

Payback time..

He had to run another 100 laps bare feet. No one was allowed to stay in the field. No one was allowed to pass him a bottle of water. The head hazer along with his four scary generals were standing in the tent at the field. 

45.. 46.. Noah felt his head spinning. He kept dragging his feet. 

50.. 51.. He was feeling dizzy. His vision blurred. Dark spots were dancing in front of his eyes. He was sweating from top to toe. His feet were aching and burning with the blisters. 

63..64.... Jasper could see the faint spots of blood wherever Noah left his footstep. His heart was aching too.  But discipline is discipline. 

He could tolerate anything but misbehave. 

70.. And Noah collapsed. It was his limit. He fainted in the middle of the track.

The hazers quickly lift him to take to the medicals. But halted when they saw four of Noah's friends standing by the exit. Without saying a word they politely nodded even when Park wanted to punch those hazers in the face. But he controlled himself. For now he had a different priority. 

They quickly took him to the hospital and the medical team attached him with IVs. He was badly dehydrated and not to mention he had an empty stomach since 7 and it was more or less 12 hours now. 

His friends were waiting in the lounge when Jasper came with Theo. 

"How's he"? Theo asked in his ever calm yet cold tone. 

Finn looked up to him to answer but just then his head turned to the clinking sound of heavy boots coming their way. 

"How's Noah? What are the doctors saying"? It was Conrad. Finn had informed him and luckily he was in the surroundings or else he would have to wait for 4 hours to see him. "I said how is Noah"? This time the waiting lounge echoed with the roar. The nurse at the station had to interfere in order to let them stay. 

"Calm down Conrad". Daniel patted his shoulder before turning to the boys. Conrad Gabriel was scary when angry but Daniel was hell when cold. 

"He fainted in the field, Con. A hun.. Hundred laps". Finn licked his dry lips. 

Daniel clucked his tongue not buying the half truth. 

"Noah is not weak. Spit it". He spat in anger. 

"Actually, we were just free from 100 laps and push ups when.. When Noah stood up because our fellows were not able to cope with the activities. And he.. And he..". Finn fell silent. 

"He must be angry. For his friends. Right. Hence punished. Tsk. Bullshit". Conrad was raging in anger before he turned to Jasper and Theo. 

Not to mention he was the engineer from the same university and their head hazer too.

"I don't remember if I ever stepped on the boundary of the self limit of a person. I don't remember anyone disobeying me. I don't remember if I pulled any freshman to exceed their limits. Are you that incompetent that you can't handle your juniors? Theo, you have spent four years with me. Did I ever go this tough? Or you couldn't handle your in line junior to guide him? Just leave before I lose everything here. The boy lying inside, attached to machines, is my baby. If anything happens to him, am gonna pull the university down. Leave". He was scary. Too much in anger. Only if Daniel had not held him. 

Jasper turned to Theo and he felt ashamed of letting his head hazer down. Maybe he truly was not suitable for the job. He had seen Conrad Gabriel in the faculty when he was a freshman and then occasionally while he was doing his masters. He was never in conversation with him before. 

Even now he did not spare a glance to him, rather he only spoke to Theo, but he felt a chill passing down his spine. The cold tone was in their blood stream. 

Theo held his hand and took him to the seat in the waiting room. Even if Conrad Gabriel had him to leave, he couldn't. He knew Conrad was too angry and he would cool down once the doctor told him about Noah, and he wanted to know about the condition of his junior too. 

Daniel was on call. Most probably to his parents and in-laws. Explaining them about Noah in such a calm and loving tone. Only if the boys had not heard him speaking in a cold tone, they would never believe a person like him would be so scary. 

Just then the doctor exited the room where Noah was admitted. 

"Mr Gabriel". He called for Conrad who stood up abruptly. 

The doctor bowed his head in respect as Conrad was in uniform. He was around the corner to attend an Officer's dinner with Daniel, who also was in uniform displaying all the badges. 

"Call me Conrad. How's he"? He stepped forward holding his hands gently. He was not an officer, but a brother for now. 

"He is fine. Just dehydrated. We have transfused IV with essential liquids. He needs to stay for three more hours and then you can take him home Officer. He just needs rest. Take care, excuse me. I will be in my chamber if you need me". The doctor smiled warmly and went to his room. 

Conrad slumped on the chair while the boys sighed in relief. 

"How many days left"? He asked no one but Jasper knew the question. 

"Next week is the last. And then the Gear Ceremony on Saturday". He told him. 

Conrad hummed. 

"Finn, Park, Max, Harry, you guys go home and take a rest. It's late and tomorrow you have to attend activities too". He turned to Finn but before he could answer...

"They....They are free tomorrow. No Sotus. They have to resume on Monday". Jasper said again, gulping a lump in his throat. He was scared of the Alpha .

Conrad turned to him with some judging gaze before he sighed. He was calm now. 

"Bring coffee and snacks for everyone please". He handed his wallet to Park but he refused politely. 

"I will get it, sir". They all left the waiting area. 

"I'm sorry for the outburst. Noah is like my own son. He is rude, cold, and hotheaded. He misbehaves too. Because we have spoiled him too much. But he is not weak. He is never afraid of anyone. Am sure he would have tried to finish the punishment till end only if he had not lost his strength. 

SOTUS, means to bring everyone together. The freshmen need to understand the meaning of the activity that it's a symbol of unity. You are scaring them. They need to be punished only if they don't obey the rules. Not if they stand for each other. This way no one will attend SOTUS. It's a tradition passed on to every freshman for decades. You guys are ruining it. 

The next year, the new hazers will think the only way to tame everyone is by punishing. And it's wrong. You guys are making freshmen hate it. You have to preserve the legacy. You are the flag bearers. Raise it high. Don't let it down. Don't let your seniors be ashamed of who you are and how you are treating your juniors.

Let your juniors feel the love and care from their seniors. Let them know that you guys love them. Be strict, if they don't follow. But don't test their limits". Daniel was silent. Even if he was not from the university where Conrad studied. Even if he had never attended Sotus. But he heard about it all. And he knew what it meant. 

"I am sorry sir. I pulled it too far. I will always remember what you told. I am really ashamed that i let my own head hazer down. I will take care that my juniors will always look up to their seniors with respect and not fear and hatred". Jasper said with a determination in his eyes. 

Daniel smiled nodding his head when the boys returned with coffee and snacks. 

Conrad and Daniel excused themselves to check on Noah for a while. 

"I am bringing Noah home. He will be back on Monday if it is okay"? He turned to his friends and Jasper, who nodded in understanding. 

It was almost dawn when the nurse informed me that Noah was awake. 

Conrad went inside with Daniel wearing the masks and gloves. 

"Noah. Baby". He blinked his eyes to keep the tears away. 

"Con. Daniel. How. Why am I here? Con I…I..". He was shushed as Daniel held him in his arms, racking his hair. 

"You fainted. Finn called us. We were just around the corner. And you are fine now. We are taking you home with us". Conrad explained holding his hand. 

"But Con..". 

"Your seniors told you that you don't have any activity tomorrow. We will get back on Sunday night okay"? He explained again. Noah sighed before nodding a yes. He had to leave for home tomorrow anyway.

The doctor examined him before allowing him to leave. Conrad thanked his friends for taking care of him. 

"I'm sorry Jasper. I couldn't finish. But that doesn't mean i cant do". Jasper smiled looking at the same fierce Noah Gabriel. 

"Yeah. We will continue on Monday. Now leave or I will make you do 20 push ups here". He smiled and a small smile erupted on Noah's face too. 

"See you guys". He bro-fisted every one before Conrad called for a wheelchair as he couldn't walk properly due to the bandage on his feet. 

----

Tabby