Techno isn't sure when going out for drinks after games became a tradition. Originally, it was only after their team won. "Come on, P'No. Please take me out," Can had said with pleading eyes that Techno couldn't refuse. But then Type and Champ kept complaining they wouldn't have time after graduation, and Techno quickly caved.

He wasn't always like this either. Freshman year included plenty of partying like most of his classmates, but he cut back during his second and third year. But now he's not surprised when he returns to the field post-match that Can starts begging.

"Please, P'No," Can whines, stomping his foot as Techno approaches. "I've had a rough day. Just help me forget about it."

"Yeah, Ai' No," Champ chimes in from Can's side. "Let's go to the usual place. Type says Tharn will even join us."

Normally, this kind of thing would work on Techno, but he doesn't trust himself anymore, not after last weekend. He thought maybe this whole thing with Kengkla would all blow over, and they could pretend as if nothing happened.

But then Kengkla showed up at today's match and all those feelings of guilt and regret came back. His brother had called earlier asking if the game was still happening, but Techno never considered Kenkgla would tag along. An unfortunate assumption to make because Kengkla's eyes never left his the entire match.

Though Techno told himself not to keep looking, he couldn't help but glance up occasionally, and despite Kengkla's smile, Techno couldn't shake the bad feelings. He still couldn't believe it happened. Out of all the times, he's gone drinking, Techno has never done something like this to anyone.

His memories of that night were foggy and certain things didn't add up, but it was his word against someone who was sober. Therefore, Techno tried to accept it and move on. But Kengkla seemed intent on making him "take responsibility." But he didn't understand why this meant he had to be Kengkla's boyfriend. Wasn't there another option? Why was this his first thought?

Even if Techno was into guys, which he's pretty sure he's not, there's probably someone out there better for Kengkla. From the moment he met Kengkla, Techno could only compare him to his brother. Much like Technic, Kengkla was attractive, not just mildly attractive either. He could easily become an idol or model, and according to Technic, Kengkla was at the top of their class while Techno barely passed most subjects. And from the times they've interacted, Kengkla seemed well-mannered and naïve while Techno made crude jokes, cursed, and spent all his time with rude footballers.

But the biggest difference had to be their family backgrounds. While Techno's parents worked normal office jobs with decent pay, Kengkla was heir to a large pharmaceutical company, or at least that's what Technic said. But it did explain why a high schooler was driving a luxury car.

Yet, knowing all these factors, Kengkla pursued Techno, showing up to the game like the "good boy" he said he'd be. It felt like a black mark in his mind, like a weight of guilt over his shoulders. It made the situation even more complicated than it already was in the first place, but it was nothing compare to what happened only moments ago.

Techno thought after the game that he'd pull himself together and try talking to Kengkla, but Kengkla found him in the bathroom instead. He didn't expect the other do that to him, and honestly, Techno hated how aroused it made him feel, on top of guilty and confused. He was completely frozen in shock by Kengkla's demeanor, so he let himself be pleasured by someone three years his junior.

He couldn't stop thinking about the way Kengkla's breath felt on his neck, ample hands gripped him tightly, and the sweet words that left his mouth. Techno's heart skips on a beat at the memory, and it's only Type's hand on his shoulder that pulls him from his thoughts. "You're coming, right?" Type asks, tightening his grip on Techno's shoulder. His brow is furrowed and his lips curl to a frown when Techno turns to face him.

"U-uh," Techno stutters and winces at the crack in his voice. "Actually, I think I'm gonna' head home for once. My parents will be back late, so Technic will be left alone. Don't want my little bro getting into trouble."

Before the words leave his mouth, he knows Type won't believe it. But Champ is the one who steps forward and says, "Isn't your brother old enough to stay home alone by now? You've never cared before."

Techno glances sideways, biting his lip as he tries to search for the right words. Type is watching him with scrutiny, gaze unwavering. Techno knows he's been caught, but he absolutely can't go drinking again. When he turns back to face his team, they're all waiting for his response, and Techno can feel color surge to his cheeks. "Yeah, he is," He says with a wide smile. "But he's been bugging me so damn much to hang out lately. My little brother loves me too much, you know?"

Can is the first to react, grabbing Good by the arm and walking toward the parking lot. "Fine then," He shouts in an annoyed tone. "I guess P'No loves his brother more than us!"

It's not a surprise that Can believes him like always and overreacts, but when the team follows, a weight of guilt settles atop what Techno's already carrying. It becomes unbearable, and his feet move on their own accord after them. "Wait," Techno tries to call out, but the words die in his throat when Type grabs him by the arm.

Type's staring right at him, forehead creased in irritation and mouth drawn into a frown. "What the— Ai Type," Techno complains, tugging out of the other's grasp.

"Tell me what's really going on." The words are like a command, cutting right through to direct Techno's attention.

His eyes go wide in shock. "Nothing's going on," Techno blurts, racking his mind for the perfect excuse. When he thinks of one a second later, he steps closer to Type and forces a smile. "Are you jealous I have a caring brother, Ai' Type?"

Type rolls his eyes. "No," He snaps and points his finger at Techno. "You missed a pass today."

Techno knows exactly what the other is talking about, but he tries not to let it show, shrugging his shoulders. "What?" He feigns innocence. "Are you talking about me?"

"Obviously," Type sighs. "Who else would I be referring to?"

There's a moment of hesitation before he admits defeat. "Oh, yeah," Techno mumbles and clears his throat before adding, "I guess I did. Well, these things happen."

It's not one of his best comebacks, so he's not surprised when the other raises a brow at him in disbelief. "You never miss a clutch pass," Type declares.

Techno wishes he had a moment to take in the compliment. But instead, he needs an excuse. "These things happen... even to the greats?" He offers with a chuckle.

"Okay, fine," Type sighs, dragging out the words. He shakes his head and begins to walk away, but before Type can leave, Techno grabs the back of his jacket to stop him. "What," Type snaps, impatience spilling free at his lips as he turns around.

His hand leaves Type's jacket, and his cheeks heat once again, self-consciousness staining his expression."Um," He begins, rubbing the back of his neck. "Remember when you dropped me off last weekend?" Type nods. "Well, did I do anything weird? Like flirt with you or anything?"

He expects Type to express some concern at the strange question, but he offers a lopsided smile instead. "Flirt with me?" Type repeats. "Uh, no. Is that what you're concerned about— why you don't want to go out?" He would sound legitimately confused if it wasn't for the laughter that follows.

Techno flinches at the words. Type makes it sound like a ridiculous question, and he supposes it's true. But he couldn't help but wonder if Kengkla was the only one affected that night and how things ended the way they did. At first, Techno thought Type could help piece things together, but it doesn't seem like any clarification is coming from him. He takes a breath, deciding to give up on the conversation entirely and blurts "No, that's not the reason!"

And before Type can reply, Techno offers a smile and a quick, "See you later," then hurries past him while he jogs toward his bike. He doesn't pause along the way, but in the distance, he can hear Type calling his name. He frowns at the sound. His friend must be worrying about his odd behavior, but it doesn't make a difference. Techno's mind is already made up. He intends to go home and figure out this Kengkla situation, but he had no idea what that meant.

When Techno reaches the parking, his heart is beating double time. As he hops up on the bike and puts on his helmet, he tries to convince himself it's from running across the field, not from thinking about Kengkla. But he can't stop replaying today's events over and over in his mind. When he closes his eyes, he can still feel Kengkla's fingers tight in his hair; can picture his smiling face all-too-clearly.

It makes his chest tighten uncomfortably, makes him flinch with guilt. He's frowning when he starts the bike, and his hands shake, trying to grip the handlebars. He can't let it happen again. He has to talk to Kengkla.

....

a/n: Thank you for all the hits!