ENCHANTE CHAPTER 1

 

“Have a nice lesson.”

The man in the black suit spoke, and the automatic car door lock was opened. Theo smiled and bowed to the elderly family driver. He held a leather bag with a few school supplies beside him, and got out of the car with an a stoic face.

Theo - his full name is Theo Asw Ek Anant. The only son of Dr. Thamrong Asw Ek Anant, the director of the university, where he currently stood. Currently, Theo suddenly received a request to leave France and return. Because his father wants his to study the basic higher education system in Thailand. Theo needs to return as soon as possible starting from the 2nd year 5th semester. Otherwise, the number of converted credits will not be enough to pass the university entrance exam at his present age.

He stood there, looking up at the school that he is going to study for an additional year and a half. Before deciding to step through the gate, he walked slowly, taking his time to notice his surroundings. Theo has never studied in Thailand. Or rather, he rarely visited Thailand.

Theo lives with his mother, who broke up with his father 10 years ago, in France. Life over the years has not been so good. But for sure, things are much better than they are. His father paid all the expenses for the mother and daughter until Theo was called back home. Of course, neither he nor his mother have any right to oppose anything because the money for his current life belongs to the owner of the school Theo is going to attend.

He doesn't know anyone here, the language is also not familiar, and it's a completely new educational system. Plus different cultures. All of that made him nervous, unable to breathe, at least until now.

"What are you doing
“…”
"That one."
“…”
“You. Wait a second. "

A screeching voice resounded, along with a light touch on the right elbow. Theo stopped, turning towards the owner of that voice. In front of him was the young man in the school uniform, his face somewhat tired, from running behind. Because he didn't stop, that person called out.

“…” – Theo pointed to himself, as if to ask if he was the guy that the boy was calling.

“Yes, you. N’Theo right? I'm Phupha. " – He replied. Although still panting, still a friendly smile graced his lips.

“…” – Theo said nothing but smiled as if he did not understand.

“I'm your senior code. I don't know if you know the concept of code seniors. For Thai students, the ones with the same course who share their codes with their juniors and seniors, have take care of each other. It's called the code clan. You are my junior, so it is my responsibility to take care of you.” – Phupha said.

“…” – Theo remained silent, just smiling more to show that he understood.

“That's all I wanted to say. My name is Phupha. I'll talk to you later.”

The man gave a warm smile, waving goodbye to him before leaving. Following the shadow of his back farther away, then returning to the reality around him, following the route set out from the beginning.

He strodded through the School Administration and Information department for a while. He was standing by the school flagpole, right in the middle of the aisle intersection of the buildings.

“What are you doing?”

“…”

Theo stopped walking not because of the call, but because something rolled from back and hit his leg. Looking closely, he saw it is a ball. He bent down to pick up the ball, hold it in his hand, raised his head and saw a shadow standing in front of him.

“It's my shadow." – The tall man smiled brightly.

“…” – Except for giving the ball back to the other person, Theo didn't say a word.

“I'm Wayo, the soccer player on the school team. Now, I'm training for the upcoming match. Why have I never seen you before? " – the senior asked the question and frowned.

“…” – Theo responded with silence but the smile still remained on his face.

"Whatever. Good luck. Coach has called, I have to go. "

Wayo turned around and waved to an older man in the field, urging him. He turned and smiled at Theo before he got the ball back. Theo squinted and quickly entered under the shade of the nearby building.

He went up to the 5th floor of the building, then turned right. Based on the list and number plate, Theo's 501 room is just around here somewhere.

“Come on, increase the bass. I want heavier than that.” – The sound through the microphone is amplified. The room appeared to be soundproof, but there was still sound coming out. Theo looked through the glass window on the door, and saw the owner of the other voice, holding the microphone in hand. His whole body seemed to radiate the aura of a celebrity. In that instant, their gazes met. Theo froze momentarily.

“Hey, Saifah, why do you keep changing with music?”

The voice of someone in the band that Theo couldn't see, followed up with a few gestures and dropped the microphone to speak. The young man named Saifah just nonchalantly waved his hand, his eyes still fixed on him.

“I want to tell you my love that the second year seniors love you so much. Beautiful girl, please answer if I want to chase me, will you kick me? " **

[T/N: Saifah sang the lyrics of a Thai song]

A soft, sweet voice comes from the speakers in the gym. The owner of that voice was still staring at Theo, trying to convey the sound to him. He did not avoid his gaze. It was just a moment later, he looks away, turning to leave the 5th floor, ignoring the person in the music practice room.

He followed the left side of the building, count the doors according to the number on each room number. The numbers decreased. If he's not wrong, then room 501 is at the end of the block.

[Knock Knock]

He politely knocked on the door of the room that was already open. The last room of the block, no nameplates or numbering. The room is empty, not furnished. There was only one man, a good-looking face holding a paintbrush on the picture that he could not see. What can be seen is the back of the drawing board with the words written in large, clear black pen ... Natee's treasure.

“…”

He looked at the stranger. He seems to be at the right place, but it doesn't look like a classroom.

“…”

The other person in the room was busy with drawing, not paying attention to him. Theo was trying to find some more signs to see if this was the room he was looking for.

“…”

He walked around in confusion, was about to open his mouth several times to ask but then changed his mind and shut his mouth.

“…”

The other person still did not turn to look at him even once. The brush handle pointed to the wall near the door. Following and seeing the number 500, he nodded this time to show that he understood. He quickly left the room and went to the other side.

------------------

“Oh, the new student you just mentioned is already here. Please stand in front. ”

The woman around 40 years old, a cheerful mood spoke up as soon as she saw him appear. She motioned for Theo to stand in front of the class.

“…”

There are about 30 students in class, focusing all their gaze on him.

“Introduce yourself. Once you have joined, you must smile very brightly. This will help you quickly find the group of study friends.” – The lecturer smiled cheerfully and encouraged Theo, and the students looked intently.

"He's a real hybrid." - There was a whisper.

"Blue eyes too." - Someone whispers.

“Transferring schools from France? Introduce yourself in French. ” – That clear sound came not far from where he was standing. It was the voice of the girl sitting near the door, not understanding whether she asked in a good will or not but he still politely smiled.

“Salut, je suis Theo. Je suis à moitié thai à moitié français.”

(Hi, my name is Theo. I have Thai and French blood.)

“Je sais que cela paraît simple mais j'aimerais vous dire que.”

(I know it sounds simple. But I wanted to tell you this.)

“Ravi de vous rencontrer.”

(It's good to see you all here.)

“Enchante!”

(Nice to meet you!)