Chapter 3. Warming Up

3.

Noah scanned the freshmen and found the three friends sitting at their perfect time.

His eyes caught Conrad just for a while, as Conrad return the gaze equally calm. He saw a little concern in those brown orbs and how he wished he was the reason. But how could he ask for any return when he always insulted him.

The whole first week and the weekend was enough to make him realize that he was hard on Conrad out of no reason. May be because he was stubborn yet perfect. May be he was a true helping hand for his friends. May be he was so much caring as he almost delayed his visit to home holding him as Noah wasn’t letting him go.

He wanted to mend it all. He wanted to at least be his friend. He remembered his direct in line Senior never treated him as he was treating Conrad. His Senior would take care of him although he was much more rebellious than Conrad. He would spat anger. He wasn’t even that helpful to his fellow freshmen other than his four friends. Yet, his Senior took care. He would make sure Noah was having his lunches properly during SOTUS breaks. He always made sure to help him in his busy schedule between study and sports. Even now.

And where was he standing. And what if his attitude pass down to Conrad and Conrad be a bad inspiration too for his juniors? He risked it all. He endangered everything just by being hot headed. And now he realized his Senior was right. Being hot headed won’t lead him anywhere, respect and care will. So he promised himself to set a good example now.

Conrad was looking at him. Intently. He could clearly see the change of expressions on his face. Anger. Concern. Fear. Determination. What was Noah up to now? He still remembered his words when he had to leave on Friday. He wanted to ask why he said like that. Why did he say, he didnt like Eric and Benjamin? Why his mood turns sour every time he is with Eric and Benjamin.

He was so distracted that he didnt enjoy the family get to gather properly. He had planned so many things to tease the two. And there he was standing as the best man for both to exchange the rings. How excited he was when he bought those rings. He had imprinted their names under them. Just how they like. But... He couldn't enjoy the praises due to the thoughts of a certain tan man clinging to his shoulder, asking him not to go.

Conrad didnt want to raise any hope or harbor any feeling considering the fact that Noah only hates him. And why? He doesn’t know a bit. There were moments when he seriously wanted to confront him. But he knew better to stay quiet. He couldn’t bear any more insult.

"Juniors. Today we are giving you some reading material that would help you in your quizzes week coming up. I want you all to read it, mark it and learn it. We will ask you at the end of the day. Okay"? Noah announced as Park, Finn, Tul and Max started distributing a file folder to every freshman. And he smiled inward. For the first time in the week, the freshmen were smiling broadly. May be he can make them understand SOTUS while setting an example.

"Conrad. How are you guys doing? Any problem"? Noah went to the friends who were sitting on the ground looking at their notes.

"Uhmm. Hello. No...no problem at all ". Eric stood up but he found Noah waiting for Conrad to speak. Benjamin felt his gaze too.

"Hello sir ". This time Conrad stood up. He felt Noah's gaze soft a bit.

"Hmmm. How you holding up? Everything okay? I wanted your number". Noah patted his shoulder as encouragement before fishing out his mobile. Conrad looked up to him raising his eye brows.

"Well. You are my direct in law junior; i need to be updated with you. So in case we need to coordinate.  You know the last two weeks are important in SOTUS activities. We might have to stay till late at night. I may need your help. Interacting between your fellows and us. So rather than me banging your door, talking on phone is better. What say"? Noah explained though he was mentally smacking himself. Why does he need to explain a lot?

".. I am always here if you need me. Here it’s my number. I have saved yours too. And i won’t mind even if you bang my door in the middle of the night. I would love to be helpful to you". Conrad smiled softly. And to say Noah was relieved would be an understatement. He felt the burden lifting off his shoulders just to be the reason of Conrad's smile. His first genuine smile for Noah.

"Great. So we will be in touch. Now go and study. And we will have a quiz at the end of the day". He patted his shoulders once more before nodding to his friends and went back to his seat. The freshmen were sitting in groups discussing with each other.

"What’s with Noah today"? Benjamin turned to Conrad who was equally surprised. But he was kind of happy. He shrugged his shoulders and they turned back to their notes.

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

It went well at the end of the day. The freshmen were having a good day. Firstly they were nervous and confused to ask their seniors but the seniors were kind enough to go and ask them and clear their doubts. So at the end of the day the student learnt a lot and it helped them clear their basic knowledge.

"Why do i feel it has something to do with a certain direct in law junior"? Park turned to Noah who was watching the freshmen happily doing their 20 laps instead of whining and crying...

"Huh? No. I am just trying to set a better example like our seniors did to us. I remembered i was much worse than Conrad. But My senior never insulted me. Never degraded me. And i was hard on Conrad out of nothing. He is much obedient than i was. Even if angry he never disrespects me. You were right. I do need to change my attitude". Noah said looking ahead in the field. He could hear the chattering of the students for the first time in the week.

"Guys. Are you free this evening? Dinner together at Aunt’s place". Noah asked as Eric Benjamin and Conrad passed them.

"Uhmm.  no we are not busy. But what’s the occasion"? Benjamin couldn’t help to ask. He was noticing Noah's behavior since morning.

"Well nothing as it is. It’s out tradition. For bonding. I could have opted bar but one its weekday. And second Conrad can't stand alcohol. So dinner is the best option". Noah replied nonchalantly.

And it was another shock for all. Including Conrad. He couldn’t get his mind set. First Noah was super rude. Super insulting. And now caring all of sudden.

"So see you in an hour. Bye bye". Noah and his friends went to go to get freshen up.

"Guys... Something is fishy". Benjamin said as the three friends held their bag packs.

"Hmmm i think so too. Conrad, watch your back buddy". Eric said.

"Well i think you guys need to watch each other's back. I am single so far". He said and ran before his friends caught his meaning and ran after him.

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

The friends reached at Aunt’s cafe where Conrad had first time bought coffee for his seniors.

The air was comfortable around us and Noah's friends were appreciating him for taking a good initiative.

They ordered sea food platter, grilled meat with noodles. Porridge with chicken feet and meat balls.

"I love porridge with chicken feet". Conrad and Noah spoke at same time holding their spoon like little kids and everyone laughed.

"Let’s have food guys". They all chirped in unison and dig in.

It was surely a good idea to spend time together. They discussed so many things for the activities. They had lots of options for the Gear Ceremony.

Campfire. Beach. Mountains. Hiking. And so much more until they felt full and it was getting late. Conrad and his friends tried to share the bill but his senior’s didnt let him.

"Not fair. Okay how about the weekend on us". Eric opted and the seniors agreed to it.

They were back in their dorms. Park and Harry lived in the second building while Max and Tul had their personal condo. Eric and Benjamin were walking ahead of two discussing something personal while Conrad was walking with Noah. They were quiet most of the time but it was comfortable.

"Bye Conrad. Good night ". The both turned to left bidding their goodbye. Conrad chuckled at their antics. He walked to his door with Noah walking by his side. Occasionally brushing their shoulders and arms.

"Uhmm Good Night Conrad. Let’s meet tomorrow. I hope the freshmen get to see me in a better light". He stood in the front of his door. They both were standing face to face.

Conrad didnt speak anything. He just looked into Noah's eyes and stepped forward. He simply hugged Noah. Noah was stiff. His body went rigid at the foreign feeling but then it was like an instinct. He wrapped his arms around Conrad's waist too.

Conrad smiled as Noah went soft in his embrace.

"Thank you ". He whispered before pulling off. Even Noah couldn’t understand why he felt the loss. But he didnt want to do anything to spoil the moment.

"Thanks for what Conrad"?

"For today.  the freshmen, they will listen to you each and everything you say. But with love. You can’t force them to respect you, but today i heard freshmen whispering that they felt it fun. They enjoyed for the first time in the SOTUS. With this you can easily win them. Thank you ". He held Noah's hands.

Noah looked up into his warm eyes and smiling lips.

"Will you listen to me? If i treat you like today"? He couldn’t help but ask. He wanted to let the flame burning in his heart. Conrad was silent for a while. And those seconds were hell for Noah. His heart was beating frantically into his chest.

"Try me ".... Conrad said with utmost respect and that was enough for Noah to feel the immense happiness in his heart.

They both had a sweet sleep that night. Conrad was happy that Noah listened to him. He was feeling really bad previously but now he felt happy that a handsome, intelligent person like Noah would be completely perfect.

*********

"Oh hooooo". Eric whistled as soon as he picked up Conrad from his dorm. Conrad laughed out. Benjamin winked at him and he shrugged his shoulders.

They reached the cafe and there they saw their seniors who smiled at them.

"Hello sir s". They greeted them and went to sit on their table but Max pointed them to bring their breakfast over with them.

Conrad went to order for them while Eric and Benjamin took their seats.

"So it was you that day huh"? Harry said taking the iced coffee and this time Conrad laughed with his friends.

"Yes. It was us". He nodded his head. Noah smiled silently. Suddenly he loved the coffee even more.

"So... You both"???? Park pointed on Eric and Benjamin's hands and they all busted into laughter as Benjamin blushed hard.

"Yes. They are fiancé. We had to go home that day because it was their engagement". Conrad explained.

"Congratulations guys. You two really look awesome together. I was worried for nothing". Noah said the last words just murmuring to himself. But Conrad being seated next to him heard it loud and clear. But he didnt say anything...

They all finished their breakfast. Noah's friends moved to their bikes and Noah was about to hop on too. Eric and Benjamin were in the car waiting for Conrad.

"Yes, you were worried for nothing". Conrad subtly whispered and moved to sit in the car. But yes he didnt miss the happy eyes as Noah hop onto his bike.

He knew what he had to do now.

***********

"Juniors. Today we have a task. There are ten hints hidden around this field. Five in red five in blue. Divide into two teams. Red and blue. Take the bands and tie on your arms. The team who find the 5 tags first will be the winner and then they will be assigned to the next task. You have one hour to find all.

And the time starts nowwww". Max blew the whistle pressing the timer on after the students were divided into two teams.

Noah was observing the team work. He laughed when both teams tried to help each other if they found the other color tag. It was interesting yet tricky. Sometimes they would find tags but they would be empty.

He saw Conrad climbing up the tree to find a paper tag hidden in the branches. He was really amazed to find how keenly Conrad was observing his surroundings. It was the most hidden hint and Conrad found out easily.

He saw Conrad chirping excitedly throwing the hint to his team down. For a fraction of seconds Conrad met Noah's eyes and he winked. This time Noah busted into laughter. He was just shaking his head and the next moment his eyes open wide in shock. Conrad was climbing down the tree but he wasn’t paying attention and before Noah could scream, his jeans pocket stuck into a small stuck out piece of wood and he fell down stumbling on his feet.

Noah ran to him as Eric and Benjamin were holding him. The generals took charge of the freshmen to complete their activities.

Noah held his leg and inhaled a deep breath because his ankle was swell in no time.

"Eric Benjamin, I will take him to the clinic. I think his ankle is strained badly. I have to get it checked. Complete the task and reach there. Go". He turned to Benjamin who was reluctant but none the less complied.

"Can you stand buddy"? Noah wrapped his arms under Conrad's arms to hold him but Conrad hissed in pain. He signaled Eric who gave him the car keys while Noah gave him his bike keys. Without thinking twice Noah lifted Conrad in his arms and almost ran to the car. But with care because every movement was adding pressure to Conrad's ankle...

They doctor instantly checked and too much relief it was just strained and not fractured because Conrad didnt fell from much height but since he fell direct on his feet. Hence the sprain.

The doctor advised Conrad to put ice on it and keep it elevated. Two days in the bed without moving his foot much. He subscribed him pain killers to reduce the pain. And suggested him to sleep after having medicine because it will naturally help his body to relax and heal.

Noah was listening to the instructions attentively.

"Noah. You need to take care of your boyfriend and make sure he rests well". The university doctor said patting his shoulder and left two blushed boys in the room.

"I... Ehem.  I.. Thinkkk we should le..ave". Noah said stuttering. He cursed himself. Conrad was no less different.

"Uhmm. Let me call Eric to in... inform that we are going back to do...dorm. or i should ask him to... Take me". Conrad fished out his phone but Noah held his hand and made the call asking Eric to reach at Conrad's dorm directly.

Conrad was about to say something when Noah helped him standing before picking him up again in his arms.

"Didnt you hear what the doctor said? I need to take care of my boyfriend". This time Noah walked out with confident steps and Conrad could only hide his face in the crook of his neck.

"Boyfriends". He giggled.

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Tabby