Chapter 7

Shuyi woke up in the morning and prepared himself mentally to not be affected by Akira's presence. He had worked hard to get where he was, and he didn't want to miss any part of the university experience because of Akira.

He left before Shide again and met Zack who was waiting for him at the entry gate.

Do you feel better now?

Yes, a-lot better. Guess I just needed a good sleep.

I'm glad.

It didn't take long for Shuyi to notice that everyone was looking at him strangely, some were laughing behind their hands, and some were whispering while looking at him.

He didn't know what was going on until a guy came up to Shuyi and gave him a folded paper note and went away. The note said,

"077-929-4619 is my number. I'm available tonight and I can pay well. Call me."

Shuyi's hands started to shake and his mouth felt dry. Zack took the slip from his hand and tore it into pieces.

What the fuck? What is this suppose to mean?

Zack started looking around and saw posters all around the department with a shirtless Shuyi on them.

Oh god Shuyi what is this?

Shuyi looked at the poster and knew at once what was happening. Akira had clicked that picture of him back when they were dating. The poster mentioned Shuyi's full name and department and said he was looking for paid hookups and one night stands, girls or boys no limitations.

Although, many people who talked to Shuyi knew it was some kind of prank, but in one day, he became a laughing stock for the whole campus. Shide saw the poster when somebody posted it on social media. He couldn't understand how the culprit got Shuyi's naked picture but he felt uncontrollably furious.

This guy must be a slut, otherwise how could somebody have such an obscene picture of him?

I think so too, do you think maybe he's made these posters himself to gain public attention. What a drama queen haha.

Shide heard people whispering next to him. He smashed his fist on the table very loudly grabbing everyone's attention.

You should be ashamed of yourselves for talking such crap about a person. People like you are the reason why victims are blamed in our society. It is pretty clear that someone did this to mess with him, and rather than helping or supporting him as seniors, you choose to make jokes and rumours about him. Pathetic!

The classroom went completely silent for a moment and Shide angrily walked out of the door followed by his friends.

Shide, why are you so angry?

Yes Shide, do you know him?

Guys I need to go. I'll answer your questions later okay, inform the professor for me.

Shide ran to Shuyi's block and saw Zack tearing posters from the walls.

Hey, where is he?

Um..I thought you guys didn't know each other?

Later...please tell me where he is, it's urgent.

I think he went to the washroom.

Shuyi was washing his face when Shide entered the washroom. He silently stood right behind Shuyi and waited for him to finish. He washed his face and looked up in the mirror and saw Shide. Tears started to burst out of his eyes again. Shide turned him around and hugged him tightly.

Heyy, don't cry please. It'll be alright, I promise you.

How will it be alright Shide? People are laughing at me and calling me names. You know how many people have approached me till now. The way people are looking at me makes me feel so dirty.

Alright, for now let's just go home first.

No, I can't. I already missed my lecture yesterday. I don't want to offend the professor now at least.

Okay...but you need to promise me you'll be strong. Meanwhile, I'll try to investigate who did this to you.

I know exactly who did this.

Shide was stunned. He didn't know how to respond to this.

I'll tell you everything at home. Right now, I should go.

Shide's Pov

I don't know who Shuyi could be talking about. Who might he know in Bangkok except for me? Whoever it is, I'll make their life a living hell for turning his eyes so red and full of tears.

Shuyi went to his class and saw Zack waiting for him.

Someone asked me about you, so I told him you were in the washroom. How do you guys know each other?

um..I've just met him very recently.

Zack didn't want to ask any further as for why he denied knowing him earlier because Shuyi already looked very disturbed.

Shuyi opened his locker to get his books and lots and lots of paper notes fell out. He started to gather and read them one by one. Slut, man-whore, attention seeker, faggot, homo.....

Shuyi couldn't read any further and shouted at everyone in the room.

Who did this?

No one said anything. Zack went and stood by his side.

You can do this horrible thing, but don't have enough balls to come and say this to my face? Alright then, everyone listen carefully because I won't repeat, that fucking poster, I have nothing to do with it so don't dare cause me any more trouble.

Before Shuyi could finish, someone shouted from a corner.

It's just the beginning of the college and we barely know each other. If you didn't make it, then how does somebody have such a compromising picture of you?

Other students started whispering too and nodding to what he said. Shuyi couldn't tell them about Akira because blaming another student would take this matter to the college authorities and consequently to his family.

He sat on his chair and put his head on the desk. Somehow, he survived the day and got up to leave.

Zack had to meet his mother, so he left early. Shuyi was packing his bag when he felt a tight grip around his waist.

What the....

Shhhhh! It's me.

Shuyi knew this voice.

You asshole, how dare you..

You still got so much fire in you. Don't worry, this is just the beginning, I'll ruin your image just like ruined mine.

Well there's a difference, you are a whore and I'm not.

Shuyi struck his elbow in Akira's stomach which made him cry in pain and let go of Shuyi. He ran as fast as he could and saw Shide talking to someone in the corridor. He hugged Shide from the back and dig his face in his shoulder.

Shide, take me home please.

Shide was stunned for a moment but after seeing Shuyi so shaken, he held his hand and took him to his car. He could feel Shuyi trembling. He opened the door and got Shuyi inside and fastened his seat belt.

Calm down, I'm right here. Now close your eyes and breathe. You've to tell me everything when we get home.

Shuyi just nodded.