The atmosphere in the Engineering assembly hall was suffocating. Rows of freshmen sat on the floor, their heads bowed in respect—or fear. In the center stood the seniors, looking like gods in their dark red hazing jackets. Among them, Pete-Wasuthorn stood the tallest, his eyes scanning the crowd like a predator.
"Freshmen!" Pete's voice boomed, echoing against the high ceiling. "In this faculty, we are a family. But to be a part of this family, you must prove your loyalty. Look at the white threads on the table. These represent the bond between seniors and juniors. If you want one, you must earn it."
Wave-Chayuth felt his heart hammering against his ribs. He watched Pete move with a grace that was both beautiful and terrifying.
"You!" Pete suddenly pointed. The entire room went silent. Pete's finger was pointing directly at Wave. "Stand up."
Wave stumbled to his feet, his legs shaking. Up close, Pete was even more handsome, but the warmth Wave remembered from ten years ago was nowhere to be found.
"Name and Student ID," Pete commanded, stepping closer until he was just inches away. Wave could smell his faint cologne—something woody and sharp.
"My... my name is Wave-Chayuth. ID 0918," Wave stammered, his voice barely a whisper.
Pete leaned in, his gaze cold. "Is that how you speak to a senior? Louder! And tell me, did you graduate from a school that didn't teach you how to stand straight?"
Wave felt a lump in his throat. He wanted to say, 'You're the one who told me I was precious at that school's park,' but he remained silent. "I... I graduated from International High, P'Pete."
The moment Wave said "P'Pete," the other seniors started whispering. Pete's eyes narrowed. "I didn't give you permission to use my nickname. To you, I am Head Hazer Wasuthorn. Do you understand?"
"Yes... Head Hazer," Wave replied, looking down at his feet.
Pete picked up a white thread (Sai Sin) from the table. "Hand," he ordered.
Wave slowly extended his trembling hand. Pete grabbed his wrist firmly. For a second, the world stopped. The touch was electric. Wave's skin burned where Pete's fingers pressed against him. As Pete began to tie the thread around Wave's wrist—a Thai tradition meant to protect and bond—he leaned down to Wave's ear so only he could hear.
"Don't think your pretty face will get you special treatment here, Freshman. If you can't handle the heat, leave now."
Before Wave could respond, Pete tied the knot tightly and shoved his hand back.
As Wave sat back down, his best friend, Kao, nudged him with a mischievous grin. "Whoa, Wave! Did you see that? The Head Hazer spent a lot of time on your wrist. Is there something going on? He was literally breathing on you!"
"Shut up, Kao," Wave hissed, his face turning a deep shade of crimson.
"Look at you, you're blushing! P'Pete is scary, but man, the tension between you two was like a drama scene. Did you see how he looked at you? Like he wanted to scold you or... something else," Kao teased, laughing softly.
Wave looked down at the white thread on his wrist. It was supposed to be a symbol of brotherhood, but to him, it felt like a chain. He looked up at Pete, who was already shouting at another student, completely indifferent to the chaos he had just caused in Wave's heart.
Wave realized then: the man he loved was a stranger, and the journey to win his heart was going to be a battlefield.