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Behind The Scenes Hlangmaan en - Afterday EverY
Behind The Scenes Hlangmaan en - Afterday EverY
Behind The Scenes Hlangmaan en - Afterday EverY
Translator: TULIP
ISBN 885-930-51-1608-2
Published in Thailand by everY,
an imprint of Jamsai Publishing Co., Ltd.
Copyright ฉ Jamsai Publishing, afterday, and –west–, 2021
Cover design by Lulla
This book is copyright under Copyright Act B.E. 2537 (1994).
No reproduction without permission.
All rights reserved.
Jamsai Publishing Co., Ltd.
285/33, Soi Charansanitwong 31,
Charansanitwong Road,
Bang Khun Sri, Bangkok Noi,
Bangkok 10700
THAILAND
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| SCENE ONE |
Pran | talk
"What porridge? I didn't buy it. You said this morning that you
wanted to have spicy glass noodle salad, so I bought it for you after
classes. But you came back so late and the noodle salad got all
soggy. You didn't pick up the phone and then showed up with this
bruised face. Now you're telling me to buy porridge for you because
your mouth hurts? A scumbag like you have the right to make such a
request?"
Here is a corner apartment near the university, with two small
bedrooms, one bathroom, a shared area, and a refrigerator room. I
call it a refrigerator room because the area is far too small to be a
kitchen. Now Par, my precious little sister, is lecturing me about the
same old topic. Hearing her voice nagging here becomes like a
routine.
I mean, I wake up, have breakfast, study, have a fight, come
home to get nagged, then I go to sleep, wake up, and again end my
day with her lecture. Never learned my lesson. If Pran and his gang
saw me standing here meekly with my hands folded in front like this,
they would tease me for another ten lifetimes. Even so, I mumble an
excuse guiltily to my nagging sister.
"I didn't start it this time, Par. Pran did."
"Was there ever a time you weren't the one starting a fight,
Pat?"
"I mean it. I was studying when Gon came to me and said Pran
brought his gang to beat him up."
"Stop acting like you don't know Pran. Your friend must've
started it."
"Whoa, are you my sister or Pran's?" I whine. In this world, I
only yield to Par. This three–year–younger girl, who used to be a
baby toddling after me, is now glaring at me and taking my enemy's
side.
"Wait on the bed," Par orders sharply. She moves a chair to the
front of the crazy tall bookshelf and climbs on it to get the dark–
colored first aid kit kept on the top of the shelf. Still looking annoyed,
she slams the box on the cushion, jolting me. I'm afraid she'll tell me
off again.
"Stop fighting, will you? How's Pran, by the way?"
"That punk got his ass whooped. What do you think? You
should be proud to have a brother like me. Ouch! What was that hit
for?"
"Stop being so pround of being a delinquent. It's not even cool."
"Cool or not, I'm a popular guy. Quit nagging, will you? You're
worse than Mom."
"That's because Mom never nags at you," my little girl scolds,
fumbling for ointments and other materials: mercurochrome, balms,
painkillers, bandages, and gauze.
"There's no cotton ball left."
"What? We just bought it at the beginning of this month."
"Who told you to get into a fight every other day? Your medical
supplies cost more than my tampons."
"You're exaggerating."
"Don't make me feed you with those bills. They'll get your
stomach full." Par puts everything back in the box, closes the lid, and
locks it for good. "Ask Pran to treat your wounds."
"Huh, what?"
"We ran out of stuff. And I don't want to go back downstairs. I'm
already in my pajamas, as you can see."
"It doesn't take long to change."
"Or you can just knock on Pran's door and ask him to treat the
wounds. Which one is easier?"
"Par, come one, go to the convenience store for me, please."
"Don't use that soft tone." The girl rises to her full height and
crosses her arms to show seriousness. "This is your punishment for
getting into a fight. I'm so sick of it. Oh, and if you get into another
fight this week, I won't let you sleep here for real."
"I'm your brother crawling out of the same womb."
"Because you're my only brother." I know she's worried, but I
can't help it. "If you don't break this habit, what will you do if one day
you get jumped by a whole gang? I know you're strong, but strong
people don't always survive. Whatever. I've made up my mind, I
won't go down to buy them for you. Go ask Pran to treat your
wounds and apologize to him as well."
"I'm gonna tell Dad you take side with the son of that family."
"You would've done it long ago if you'd really wanted to."
I hate this sassy little girl for always being onto me. She's right,
though. I would've done it long ago if I'd wanted to.
"Don't forget to apologize to him."
"I know."
Again, I sigh and walk out of our room to stop in front of the
next door. I muster up my courage for a while.
"Knock, knock."
I utter the knocking sound after Par goes back inside and locks
the door. So if my wounds don't get proper treatment, I am banned
from my own place. This is not the first time. I have no idea how
many times things turned out this way, and I can never accept it as
normal.
Pran and I met at pre-kindergarden. He was one of my good
friends back then. But, for some reason, the teachers always tried to
split us up. We even lived in the same neighborhood, but never went
to school or went back home together for once. When we were in
primary school, we were sent to the same all–boys private school. I
began to have an idea that Dad didn't want me to be close to Pran,
that Pran was a bad boy. My parents and his weren't on good terms.
No, they hated each other's guts. I started cursing Pran's dad like my
dad did. Pran didn't take it to heart at first, only frowning at times, but
it was very fun teasing him like that. Then, one day he threw a rock
at my forehead, and began our first fight ever. My head bled and I
got three stitches for the first time. Our moms screamed at each
other at ER, embarrassing us. Pran rested on the bed next to mine
with his broken chin. I don't know how many stitches he got, but we
both cried. I've hated him ever since, as he's also resented me. We
despise each other without knowing why.
"What?"
The owner of the room opens the door. What good ears he
has. He knew I was out here before I even knocked.
"How are your wounds?"
"Not your fucking business."
"I'm worried, you know."
"Fuck off. What do you want?"
I point at the corner of my mouth and my bruised left temple.
They need to be treated at the least.
"So?"
"I ran out of cotton balls."
"Go buy it. The convenience store is downstairs."
"Par told me to steal some from you."
"Again?"
"Yeah. Don't be stingy. Isn't your family well–off?"
"You're the one deserving the insult, Pat. Just go and buy it
yourself."
"Who told you to hurt me, then?" It's all your doing. And look at
you. You're not taking any responsibility. What a jerk. "You have to
treat my wounds."
"Can you not order me and just beg me as your sister told
you?"
"Who said Par told me to beg you?"
Pran turns around. He doesn't slam the door at me, so I take
the chance to slip in. His place is different from mine, a single room
for living alone, not a rental corner apartment costing ten thousand
monthly that Par and I live in. The price is enough to buy a whole
apartment.
"See it yourself."
The latest iPhone flies in the air and I grab it just in time. The
screen displays a texting app, showing Par's messages. She told
Pran to help me treat my wounds in a respectful and gentle manner,
unlike the tiger snarling at me seconds ago.
"She got me again."
"If you want to be treated, come and sit here. And leave right
away once I'm done with you so I can take care of my own wounds."
"Aight, aight," I say and flop on the floor cross–legged while
Pran sits on his bed. He starts by cleaning around my wound with a
cotton ball dipped in alcohol, and I switch off the teasing–Pran mode.
Pran is actually good–looking. I mean, bias aside. He has pursed lips
and narrow eyes, looking aloof, as expected of a guy who hardly
smiles. Many of my friends said this fucker kept pulling a face at
them. I told them countless times that it's just his face, but they never
bought it. Pran gives no fuck about the world and always has this
artistic vibe. To be honest, I wasn't surprised when I learned that he
studies architecture. It seemed to be his thing since high school.
"What are you staring at?"
"What do you think?" I ask, grinning. He knits his beautifully–
shaped brows. The scar on his eyebrow tail moves a little before he
presses the cotton ball hard on my wounds.
"Fuck! That hurts."
"You're a pain in the ass."
"I've done nothing. You got shy because I'm staring?"
"Do you want to get your wounds treated or more wounds?" He
challenges me with his deep–black eyes. I surrender and behave.
"I'll appreciate it if you stop messing with me for ten minutes."
"Okay, I know. I'll treat your wounds in return. There's one on
your belly, right?"
"Don't act like you feel guilty."
"I held back for you, Pran. A lousy fighter like you would've
gone to the hospital if you'd fought with the other guys in my gang.
You gotta be strong to be a leader, you know. Want a lesson from
me, nooby? Ouch! Are you using your hands or your feet to treat
me?"
"Then tell me, are you using your ass to speak right now? I'm
gonna tell your sister to buy you a muzzle instead of cotton balls.
What the hell is wrong with you? Are you like this because being
foul–mouthed is one of the engineering subjects? Go tell your juniors
to watch their fucking mouths."
"You mean the way they tease the girls?" It's the main reason
why his friends were infuriated. Well, architecture girls are pretty. "It's
normal. They do it just for fun. You guys take it too seriously."
"I'm not amused."
"Hey, stress makes you die fast."
"Foul mouths make you die fast as well. Look up."
I obey. Pran takes care of the wound at the corner of my
mouth. It stings a little but bearable. I sweep my eyes over his face
again. His black bangs fall past his brows despite getting trimmed
weeks ago.
"Your hair grows fast."
"Yeah, it annoys me too."
"Want me to tie it?"
"No. Stay still, will you? It's hard to apply the ointment," Pran
mumbles, squeezing my chin in place. It's a pretty rough move, but
not as much as the way he talks.
Honestly, Pran is a good guy to me. Looking back to primary
school days, when the animosities between us began to intensify.
We exchanged blows at every chance we got. One day, Par and I
was playing near a pond in our residential area. I was riding a bicycle
with my sister seated in the back as Pran was also riding his nearby.
We met under the tall Kantali Champa tree and childishly claimed
that it was our personal rest area. I said I owned the place ever since
I was in my mom's womb, but then he argued that his dad reserved it
for him. So, I told him my dad bought my house first. And, He
challenged me to show him the title deed, blabbering nonsense as
he wanted to win. Seriously, I never understand why we kept
hanging out near one another when we hated each other so much.
SPLASH!
The water in the lotus pond splashed. I turned around and saw
a small tire track on the muddy ground. My bicycle was gone. We
were busy pushing each other that I forgot my sister was still on the
bicycle. I remember Par struggled and screamed for help. I froze. I
couldn't swim. My parents always told us not to go near the pond
without any adults around.
SPLASH!
The water splashed again. Pran's bicycle fell down under the
tree without its owner. My eyes fixed on the two figures moving in the
pond while I tensed up in place, unable to even shout. After a
moment, Pran swam back up, holding Par's both hands, dragging
her to the shore. My sister burst into tears and hugged my enemy
tight.
'Par.'
POW!
It was the first time I let Pran hit me with his wet fist, not fighting
back. He was furious at me way more than Par, whom I'd taken my
eyes off, was.
'Why didn't you save your sister? If I didn't jump in, would you
have let her die?'
'No…'
'You're a damn coward!'
Pran pulled his bicycle up, soaked, water roots still sticking on
his shoulder and head. His back looked smaller as he left. I ran to
Par and embraced her the moment I came back to my senses. The
girl still cried out of fear. I had no idea how Pran had done it. My
bicycle had drowned, never coming back. I saw blood on Par's shirt,
but my sister wasn't injured anywhere. Later, I noticed a small scar
on Pran's eyebrow tail. The permanent wound always reminds me of
a question: Is it the mark of bravery from that time?
'Don't tell Mom, Pat. I'm afraid she'll scold us.'
That was the first sign that made me change how I thought of
him. From then on, our relationship was neither enemies nor best
friends. I love to mess with him, trying to change his grim expression
to stifling a smile or frowning. The latter is more frequent, though.
The room owner puts a bandage on me and it's all done.
Besides my face, I have some bruises on my elbow. For the places
under the shirt, applying some bruise balm for two weeks will do, if I
don't get any more hits on the same spot.
"You can go now," Pran says, standing up ready to chase me
away. I grab his wrist and pull him down to sit on the bed again.
"What about your wounds?"
"I can take care of them myself."
"Cut the act. As if I've never treated your wounds before."
"You suck at it, Pat."
"I'm not that bad. Take it as my apology. Par told me to
apologize to you."
"I'll tell her you did it, okay?"
"Whoa, you don't have to be so kind." I beam so widely my
eyes are closed. The smile causes an unreadable expression on his
face. "Let me take responsibility for once."
"Stop saying something disgusting like that."
"What? I mean, I should treat your wounds since I hurt you.
What are you thinking? Something perverted?" Pran raises his fist,
but I'm fast enough to seize his other wrist, ending up holding both of
his hands. We're facing each other with him sitting on the bed and
me kneeling on the floor. I pull him close.
"You look cold but hot–headed."
"Only to you."
"I feel special."
"Shut up. Will you treat my wounds or not? If not, then leave. I
have lots of things to do."
"It would've been over already if you'd let me do it in the first
place. Show me the bruise on your belly."
"No!"
He snatches my hand before I can lift his shirt. Pran frowns.
There's no need to be mad over this. "Very well. Let's switch our
places. It's hard to do it while looking up."
The architecture student rolls his eyes. I repeat my words until
he relents. He lowers himself on the floor and looks up, letting me
put some ointment on the corner of his mouth and jaw. I rub my
fingertip on the scar lightly and look at him the way I love to.
| SCENE THREE |
Pran | talk
Even though I just scolded him a few days ago, this shameless,
nasty asshole still hasn't reflected on himself.
Peeking at the culprit, I heave a sigh. I place the cutter and
bagasse down and speak in a low voice, trying to draw attention
from the rascal on the couch. He's playing on the phone with the
plush bunny in his embrace.
"Pat."
"Hmm?" he murmurs, still not looking up from the device in his
hand.
"Pat."
"Hmmmm?"
"Napat!"
"Whoa!" Getting shouted at, he's startled and turns his
panicked face to me. "Why did you shout? It startled me."
"How many times have I called you?"
"Hot–headed."
"My head's been cool for an hour already."
I frown and nod at the food and snack dishes that have been
emptied for an hour. The guy, who had the food, left it like that until
it's gotten crusty. I've seen them there for a while, and he's showed
no sign of getting up to clean it. Now I finally lost my patience.
"Get up and wash the dishes right now."
"I'll do it in a minute. Playing a game."
"Wash the dishes, then you can play the game."
"Let me deal with this one first. I'm so close to encountering the
boss…Hey!"
"I'm confiscating it."
I used the chance when he was focusing on the screen and let
his guard down to snatch his phone. The phone owner screams as I
lock the screen.
"That's my new record, Pran!"
Pat kicks a fuss like a child, but I don't care. I put the phone
down beside me and continue building the model. The immature guy
mumbles cuss words and sits near me.
"What the hell?" I glance at Pat and ask in a plain voice while
he's staring at me.
"What are you doing?"
"Do I look like I'm washing the dishes?"
"No, there's no water and bubbles."
"Stay away. I'm working, not playing around."
"Can I help with the cutting?"
I narrow my eyes warily. What now? A lazy guy like him offers
help? Did he eat something strange? I hope he didn't eat food off the
floor.
"Are you possessed?"
"Let me help. And you wash the dishes in exchange."
I sigh wearily, knowing Pat was up to something. He would
never offer to do anything for free.
"You eat, you wash."
"You know I hate doing the dishes."
"You never like making anything clean."
"But I like your shower cream."
"Go to hell."
I cut short, and the punk goes quiet. I can tell without looking
up that Pat is plotting something. He won't give up so easily.
"Let me do the cutting for you. You've been doing it since the
evening that your fingers got all red. Moreover, do you trust me
enough to let me do the dishes? How can you know if I clean up the
oily part and all bubbles thoroughly? They're your dishes, you know.
You have to use them."
Why the hell wouldn't you wash the dishes thoroughly?!
"Just cutting on the pencil lines. I can do that much."
I heave another long sigh since he's still talking. I put down the
cutter and look at the guy with an exasperating grin.
"Cut this pile first. Don't push too much pressure on it. Bagasse
is fragile. When you're done, assemble these two piles. The example
is next to you. Don't mess up."
"You can count on me," he exclaims before I finish talking. He
rises and drops into my spot the moment I stand up.
Pat's frivolous behavior aggravates me sometimes, though I
don't know why I can't be mad at him for real. It could be the never–
fading smirk. No matter how hard I lash at him, he always responds
with a beam. And, it calms me down even before I get furious with
him.
I watch him for a few moments then turn to the couch. I take
the stained plates in weariness. How did he scatter food scraps all
over the table? He's the nastiest guy on earth. I grab some napkins,
wet one of them, and wipe the stickiness off the table.
Pat is right. If I let the nasty moron handle this, I'd be greeted
with a grimy table and line of ants tomorrow. The thought almost
knocks me out.
"Pat!"
"Hmmm?" The clueless guy looks up as if expecting a
compliment. "I'm fast, right?"
I scowl and open my mouth, but I can't find the right word. I
washed the dishes and wiped the sink for only a minute, and Pat
could cause such a disaster?!
"What the fuck are you doing?!"
"Working on your project, of course. I copied the example
perfectly." He lifts up the assembly model I left and his piece to show
me.
"Where are they similar? Look at the glue oozing out of the
joints and the black stains. Do mine look like that?"
"But they're the same shape."
"It can't be dirty! Model cutting is a delicate job, not half–
assed." I'm so done with his carelessness. "Forget it. Get up. I'll do it
myself."
"What the hell? I've put so much effort making this much. None
of them are at least fine?"
"Open your fucking eyes, check them in comparison, and think
for yourself if it's good or not."
"They look the same at first glance."
"Just go to bed."
"The room owner's still up. How can I go to bed?"
"Someone like you knows how to be thoughtful? That's new for
me." He never reflects on himself, let alone being thoughtful. I eye
the jerk and see the happy face smiling still. "Stay away from me."
"Come on, I've tried and failed to do it as you did. Don't be
mad."
"What can you do, anyway? You make up excuses because
you don't want to wash the plates you eat off. If you know you can't
do it well, why don't you wash them until they're clean? You're only
good at messing up my room."
"I'm sorry."
I halt upon hearing his apology. And with that voice. He's
pulling this trick again, huh? I have no idea who taught him. He's
been putting this begging face on every time I'm irritated.
"Whatever. Go to bed. I'm working."
"I can help with the cutting. I won't touch the glue. This is my
redemption."
"Glue stains aside, I still won't forget the twisted bagasse. You
couldn't even put them together right. With your skills, you shouldn't
offer help to anyone. Go to bed."
The engineering gang leader mumbles to himself and finally
heads to the bedroom, saying he will hug Fragrant in the meantime. I
look at the model parts he built and let out a sigh. It's as dirty as the
builder. Even so, thinking back to how the shameless dude picked up
the tiny pieces of bagasse awkwardly with his big fingers, dipped
them in the glue, and put them together, it's hard to be mad.
I gaze at them for a while before getting up to search for a
small iron box I believe is on the shelf. There are a few paper clips
inside. I take them out and put Pat's useless, crappy model parts
inside instead. I close the box and place it back on the shelf.
What can I do…? I don't have it in me to throw them away.
"Are you leaving to the uni without telling me again?"
I almost got scared when the guy I thought was sleeping
soundly suddenly spoke as I was going to put on my backpack. I was
about to take off.
"Shit, you scared me. When did you wake up?"
"Since you walked around looking for your stuff."
"Okay. Since you woke up, get the fuck out of here. I'm going to
class."
"I don't have morning classes today."
"So what? Are you going to bury yourself in my bed the whole
morning?"
"Your bed smells good."
As he speaks, he tightens his embrace around his shabby
bunny and buries his face in my pillow.
"Stay away from my pillow. You're dirty!"
"Dirty? I took a shower last night."
"You won't be cleaner even if you shower five times."
"But you've slept on the same bed as this dirty guy for a few
days."
I roll my eyes, sighing, waving my hand to show that I'm too
tired to continue this conversation. When I walk out of the room, Pat
shouts from behind, telling me to study hard. You better say it to
yourself.
"What's up? Look at your dark circles," Wai greets as soon as
our eyes meet. I sit down next to him on the bench on the faculty
building's ground floor.
"Yeah, I got carried away until late at night."
"How's your project?"
"Around fifteen percent done."
"If you're not too meticulous, it'll be done sooner," he laughs.
"Ke and the guys have gone up to the room, queuing to get their
projects checked up. Are you gonna go now?"
"Yeah, let's go. Wanna buy something to eat?"
"I've eaten. Have you?"
"No." I shake my head. I went to bed late last night and also
woke up late this morning. I had no time to fill my stomach.
"Go find something to eat, or you'll be hungry when talking with
your adviser." And so, I stand up.
"What's wrong?"
Ke asks, noticing that I've anxiously rummaged in my backpack
a few times.
"I can't find the thumb drive with my saved work."
"Huh? Did you bring it with you?"
"I'm not sure. I was busy with the project data this morning."
"Search your back carefully, it might be in there. Or you wanna
go back to your place and check if it's there?"
"That case, I'd be allowed to go home by the time the building's
closed." Judging from the long queue, getting in line again is the last
thing I'll do. The worst–case scenario is my adviser leaves before my
turn. I glance at the clock and frown. "I'll be right back."
[Well, hello. Are you worried about me? I'm having breakfast.
Be at ease.] I almost cuss out loud, hearing the irritating words once
he picked up. Knowing I need him to do me a favor, I swallow the
word down my throat.
"You haven't left, right?"
[No, but I'm about to. What's the matter?]
"Go to the desk in my bedroom. I'm not sure if a black thumb
drive is there."
[Wait a sec.] He replies. I hear a clattering sound. A few
moments later, I finally get the answer. [It's there, under a piece of
paper.]
"Bring it to me at my faculty. Don't get caught."
[Hmmm? Why do I have to see you at your faculty? Aren't you
afraid someone will spot us?]
"Shut up. Will you come or not? If you don't, do not show your
face in my room ever again."
[Man, I was kidding. Don't be mad. I'll bring it to you.]
"Keep a low profile. Don't get caught no matter what."
[I know, Pran. You keep repeating it. It makes me want to shout
your name with a megaphone in front of the building.]
"Try it if you want to get stomped into the ground."
He barks a laugh and hangs up. I shake my head wearily,
feeling like I've made a mistake.
After waiting for ten minutes, my phone rings. It shows the
number I dialed moments ago. I tell Wai I'll go to the restroom and
run down the stairs, heading to the building at the back, where Pat
said he was waiting. Running past the wall, I see him sitting there
with the same annoying smile.
"I've brought your possession, Master Parakul."
"Give it to me and go back to your faculty."
"What? Now that you have your stuff, you're kicking me off right
away."
"Still joking around?" I whisper through gritted teeth. "Someone
will see us. Give it to me."
"Why are you so afraid? If someone spots us, we can just
punch each other and you can say I started it."
"Why do you want to get hurt?"
"You're worried about me."
"I'll call my friends right now."
The guy before me sniggers and passes the thumb drive to me
obediently. I take it without thanking him. I know I should, but the
words just won't come out when I open my mouth.
"What? I brought your stuff here, and you won't even thank
me?"
Because I know someone like him will ask for a favor in return.
"Compared to how I cleaned up your mess, this is nothing."
"I don't care. You owe me, Parakul."
"I shouldn't have asked you for help."
"But you did. I'll be off now. Study hard."
I tsk and frown, waving my hand to chase him away. Does he
enjoy it when I'm irritated? Is that why he laughs merrily every time
he's successfully driven me up the wall?
"See you tonight."
I knit my brows even harder when he uses such a gentle voice
and blows a kiss at me before leaving. I suddenly get chills.
Disgusting!
| SCENE SIX |
Pat | talk
I admit I've been mad at Pat for days, so mad that I didn't want
to even catch a glimpse of his face. Besides, I was angry with myself
because I couldn't control my emotions and my words. I just needed
some time alone to organize my mind, knowing I was being
unreasonable.
I was resenting him and thinking of him negatively. I should at
least calm down so I wouldn't let my emotions take over and end up
hurting like the other day.
But judging from his action right now…this mad dog
understands nothing.
My neck is locked and pulled forward. Pat's lips mash against
mine so aggressively that my eyes widen. I can feel his sharp teeth
biting my lower lip. The force hurts my bruised cheek. I try to break
free, but he uses his surprising strength to hold me in place with only
two arms. How long has it been since I fought him seriously? I'm
incredibly exasperated.
The second he pulls back, his words almost trigger my tears of
anger.
"Ask yourself again. You warned me about how I slept with
others because Par asked you to or…you're jealous…?"
His smirk is the final straw.
THUD!!
I strike his jaw with my fist without holding back and kick his
stomach. It sends him flying out the door.
"Get the fuck away from me, Pat!"
BANG!!
The door is banged shut, shaking the ceiling. Some bottles on
the shelf near the door roll down and drop on the floor. The lids fall
off and the liquid inside oozes out, as messy as my mind. I feel the
throbbing in my lower lip. I lick my swollen lips and frown.
THUD!
"Fuck!!"
I slam the wall with my fist and cuss out loud before collapsing
on the floor. I lean my back against the door and look up at the
ceiling, my eyes feeling hot, yet no tears trick down.
Pat kissed me…What the fuck was that?
After submitting the study model and my thesis topic has been
approved with the adviser's signature, I proceed to plan my project
schedule to catch up with the following presentation. With time flying
by, those with disapproved topics are busy meeting up with their
advisers. Ke and Golf have been nowhere to be seen for days. The
last time I saw them was two days ago. Their plans kept getting
rejected, so they needed to call their seniors to ask for new designs.
We have a long free period these days because the thesis
credit is already counted as ten. We spend time principally working
on it and match our free time with the adviser for the assessment.
Today, I've been at the library since afternoon.
"Pran! You're here."
Looking up, I see Wai smiling from afar.
"Done with the topic assessment?"
He nods, beaming. "Yup."
"Smiling like that, it must be good news."
"Yeah, it finally got approved. My knees almost buckled," Wai
says, seated himself next to me. I return a smile and continue
reading.
"Pran…"
"Um."
"Are you having problems with the project?"
"No." I take my eyes off the thick book full of human body sizes
comparing with objects with English descriptions, and look at him.
"Why?"
Wai gives me a sheepish smile. Most of the wounds on his face
healed, but the corner of his mouth is still bruised. The injuries start
to form scabs. The gauze on his cheekbone was replaced with a
small bandage days ago.
"The other guys are scared of you. You've been emitting this
deadly aura recently."
"…I'm fine."
"It's been like this for several days now. You can tell me what
happened."
"It's nothing. I'm fine…I'm just bored."
"What are you bored of? It might not be about this, and I'm not
sure if it's only all in my head. I mean, you've been acting strange
since the day I had that big fight."
I stiffen, recalling the sight of Pat went crazy on my friend, the
sight of me stopping him and getting hit in the cheek, the sight of us
having a serious fight, and the sight of us meeting eyes, ignoring
each other, and going our own ways without exchanging smirks or
glares.
And that absurd incident three days ago…
"I'm just bored…bored of fighting."
"Pran." I don't know if my expression is so terrible that Wai's
voice softens like that. "I'm sorry."
"About what?" I glance at his guilty face and laugh. "Why did
you put this guilty look on your face?"
The person who should apologize…doesn't even feel guilty.
"I was hasty."
"I'm not mad at you. It's not anyone's fault." I tilt my head and
close the book. "But I'm really sick of fighting."
"I know."
I nod, indicating that I won't talk about it anymore, and reopen
the book.
"Wanna go and grab a drink this evening?"
Didn't you hear a word I said? "We always get in fights when
we drink."
"Come on, let's relax since our topics got a pass. We're going
to work day and night from now on. Why not enjoying ourselves for
the last time?" He grins. "I promise I won't cause any trouble."
"As if I can stop you."
"I'll prove to you I'm not hasty anymore."
"…Whatever you say."
We split in front of my apartment building, agreeing to meet up
here at half–past seven. I carry the rolls of my plans and the
borrowed books upstairs in the elevator. As I reach my room, Par
opens her door.
"Oh, Pran."
She greets me with a sweet voice, smiling. Her smile is so
adorable, unlike the annoying smirk her brother has.
I smile back at her. "Skipping classes?"
"I don't have afternoon classes today. I'm here to pick up my
stuff. I'll watch a movie with my friends in the evening."
"How are you going there?"
"A taxi," she replies, locking the door. "I'm seeing my friends in
the lobby."
"Want me to give you a ride?"
"It's all right. Don't bother," Par refuses, waving her hands
quickly. Par is always cute to me. I can't imagine her crossing her
arms and scolding Pat like a mother tiger at all. She's been kind and
polite to me all this time. Maybe it's because of the drowning incident
back when we were kids. It makes me feel like she is my sister, and
she also thinks of me as her brother.
"Be safe."
"Pran."
"Yes?" I lift my eyebrow. Her sweet smile fades, replaced with a
worried expression. "What's wrong?"
"Are you still not making up with Pat?"
"…"
"Are you really mad at him?"
I press my lips together and lower my gaze.
"Pat has been spending the nights at our place, but he came
back late and got drunk every day. He remained quiet even when I
complained…He looks nothing like himself," Par recounts, her voice
filled with stress. Does Pat have any idea his beloved sister feels
troubled because of him? "I'm worried about Pat."
I still don't speak, not knowing what to say, unable to come up
with comforting words. That's because this is not someone else's
matter. I have a part in it too.
"I know Pat is flippant, lousy, self–centered, narcissistic, and
only causes you trouble."
Wow…his sister is better than me in criticism.
"But to Pat…you are really important."
My heart throbs with this inexplicitly weird feeling. My heart
beats faster, to my irritation. I don't remember the last time I met
eyes with Pat. I've been pacing the other ways whenever we
bumped into each other these past few days. I entered my room as
fast I could when we ran into each other in front of the doors, not
risking getting close to him. You can say I've been avoiding Pat. I'm
not ready to talk it out yet.
"I got it. Enjoy the movie and take care of yourself. Don't get
home late."
"It's because you're so nice like this." Par's voice becomes a
little bit brighter. Her smile returns. "I'm angry every time my brother
pisses you off."
"I don't have snacks for you after all the compliments."
"I don't want snacks. It'll make me fat." I glance at Par's waist,
so tiny I might wrap it with the tip of my finger. "I only want you to
forgive Pat."
I ruffle her hair and give her a comforting smile. "Go watch the
movie. Your friends are waiting."
"See you later, then."
I nod, watch her until she disappears into the elevator, and
enter my room.
I unbutton my shirt and throw it in the laundry basket, then I
take off the belt before lying on the couch with my arms under my
head.
Pat and I grew up together. We've been through a lot of things.
Even though I never meant to tell him anything, we ended up
knowing about one another the most. Pat was the first person who
found out my preferable profession, and I knew what university he
wished to get into. Our decisions often turned out similar, which led
to the argument about who copied who. We know each other so well
that we can tell what the other is thinking by meeting eyes. We
understand the other's feelings without having to spell them out. We
hate, fight, and lash out at one another, yet we are each other's final
resources.
There were times when I looked at Pat's face while treating his
wounds and wondered what he meant to me.
We're not best friends who join at the hips or go everywhere
together. We can't hang out together freely. Even so, we're not on
bad terms.
For the record, I once had a meal with Pat. It was in the middle
of the night and the place was far enough that our acquaintances
wouldn't come across. Our relationship is unexplainably odd. As time
has passed, the complicated feelings have become something we're
used to…We're used to having each other around and bickering
without ever holding grudges.
I look out the window, watching the clouds floating in the sky
and letting my thoughts fly away with them.
"It's pretty crowded," I say after sweeping around the room with
my eyes and finding no empty table.
"It's your fault. You were half an hour late."
"I fell asleep. Sorry."
"That's the empty one."
Wai points at the corner of the bar. There's a small table with
no less than four seats. He drags my arm, heading over there. We
settle down and call the waiter to order our regular dishes. The food
and drinks are served before long. Wai and I mix our own drinks and
clink glasses.
We usually hang out at the bar in a large group. We'd enjoy
ourselves and have fun like any other guys. But if the two of us drink
alone without inviting someone else, it means we wish to free our
minds from everything.
Wai starts a conversation occasionally, not all the time. He
allows me some quiet moments with myself and clinks his glass with
mine, from time to time, as if to let me know he's still here. At the bar,
besides drinking, girls are one of the things people come for. I have
no interest in this matter, though. Maybe I'm just too picky that I
never feel like being in a relationship with anyone.
You can say I haven't found someone who intrigues me
enough.
Girls did try to approach me but turned their attention to my
friends immediately after sensing my silent rejection. Unlike me, Pat
is friendly, not flirty, but not unapproachable.
To put it simply, Pat's qualities…are the exact opposite of mine.
My hand freezes in the air before I can take another gulp as my
gaze lands on the person I thought about just now. I don't know how
long Pat has been glowering at me from where he is.
See…? No matter how hard I try to avoid him, this peculiar
world keeps hurling us into each other.
Beside Pat is a pretty girl. She's curling up against him. If I'm
not mistaken, this is the girl Par mentioned to me days ago. It's Nat,
the science cheerleader. Many have told me this girl is dangerous:
She never lets go of her targets.
I shake my head, pitying the idiot who once got tricked and lost
more than a hundred thousand for a girl. Pat has never been smart
enough to protect himself.
Those fierce eyes are fixed on me while his hand caresses the
slim waist. Pat bends down until his nose touches the head of the girl
next to him. Nat giggles and clings to him more closely, nearly
getting on his lap. Her hand traces his chest and neck. I avert my
gaze back to Wai when they're so close to ripping the other's clothes
off and becoming one.
"You all right?" Wai asks and leans down a little to look into my
eyes.
"Yeah."
"You don't look well. Must've drunk too much," Wai observes
and takes my glass away. I didn't know I'd finished quite a lot.
"Um," I mumble and massage my temples. "I'm tired."
"Are you okay? Should we leave?"
"You can go on and drink."
"How can I? You should see yourself in the mirror. Your face is
red like a cooked shrimp."
I force a smile, my head feeling heavy. I might have a fever.
The tightness in my chest intensifies as if I'm allergic to alcohol.
"Let's go. I'll see you home."
I nod. Wai takes care of the bill before both of us leave the bar,
and I don't look back to that guy again.
| SCENE TEN |
Pat | talk
He's left!
In all honesty, I didn't know Pran would be here, especially
alone with that monkey. He knows. He knows the place I'd be to
relieve my stress and get wasted before going back home. Today is
no different. I went to class and came to the bar to hang out with
Gon and the guys. Nat arrived here in advance to wait for me since
she couldn't contact me for days. It's no surprise. How could she
reach me after my sister had blocked her on every platform? Nat
wouldn't lower her pride to borrow someone's phone to contact me,
so she acted like we bumped into each other by chance.
I know everything. Why does everyone think I'm stupid? I made
a mistake once and never again trust others easily. Playing along
with girls doesn't mean I can't figure out their true intentions. I do it
just to check my popularity. I won't let myself be caught. The person I
wish would try to catch me has gotten up and left with that punk in a
sulky face. He didn't look too well and his face was all red. Did that
guy make him drunk?
"Pat, where are you going?"
I leave cash on the table and put a glass on it. Nat holds my
arm relentlessly as I stand up. Jor and the guys glance at us, but no
one tries to stop the fight.
"I'm leaving. I have an errand to run."
"What errand? Are you running away again?"
"Leave me alone, Nat."
"How can I do that when…"
"Nat, sleeping with each other once doesn't mean we're dating.
It was what You and I wanted. I'm not toying with you or anything," I
whisper through gritted teeth, removing her hands from my arm. I
understand now what Par meant when she said I'd be in more
serious trouble. "You know well some people separate sex and love.
I'm one of them. I believe you are too."
"What the hell are you talking about, Pat?"
"What do you want me to do since we can't date?"
I sigh and make my way out of the bar. Nat follows me in her
high heels, jogging through the crowd. She seizes my arm again.
Damn it! This is getting bothersome.
"You can't do this, Pat. People think we're dating. How could
you say you don't have feelings for me when people already
misunderstood?"
"Nat, I have a secret that I want you to be the first person to
know," I snarl, pulling my arm off her grip. It's hopeless to catch up
with Pran now. I feel uneasy, but I have to put an end to this matter.
"I think I might be gay. I was heartbroken and stressed, and you
showed up. The sex that night was great. It was amazing, yet it
couldn't stop me from falling for that man. I can have sex with girls,
but I can't erase my feelings for that man. I'm sorry."
Nat finally drops her hands. Her rouge lips part awkwardly after
I've finished speaking. My eyes, my action, everything shows her
that this is not an excuse. It's the truth.
"Now, it's your choice whether to date me until people find out
I'm gay and break up with me then. Choose the best option for you."
"Pat! You moron!"
"I'm sorry. I can't say anything more. I can't change what
happened. Will you let me go now?"
Her lips are pressed tight. Nat slaps my face as hard as a girl
can, but it can't make me stay to hear the answer to the recent
question. Screams and cussing words are no use to stop me as well.
I've wasted too much time already, and I need to bring Pran back
before that fucker takes him from me for real.
Fortunately, I find a taxi quickly. I try to call Pran several times
on the way, worried for his safety. Is he conscious? Although he
knows how to fight and has enough strength to beat people up, I'm
still not at ease. That punk is weak, but comparing to Pran, Pran is
so much more vulnerable. Plus, when overtaken by lust, one can be
impulsive. Pran might not even give his consent.
Damn it. In other circumstances where Pran and I are on good
terms, I wouldn't be this anxious. Well, I got hit pretty hard when I
kissed him. He might be disgusted with men.
Does it mean he's disgusted with me too?
For fuck's sake. So what if Pran is disgusted with me? I will
make him fall head over heels for me the same way he did me.
Honestly, my mind has never been this messy. I used to be confident
with everything I did. But when it comes to Pran's feelings, I get all
flustered.
If Pran just tries to get back at me like the way I cuddled Nat…
My heart aches just by thinking about it.
The elevator goes up more slowly than usual. My head is about
to explode by the time I reach my floor. The elevator door opens, and
I spot that pale punk standing in front of Pran's room with one hand
on the wall. Pran crosses his arms, leaning against the door flame.
The dark eyes of the guy with reddened skin flick to me. The
moment he sees me, he steps forward and pushes his fucking dear
friend behind.
"Pat!"
"How long are you going to protect him?"
"You're still not over that fight? Wanna get some more?"
"Wai, don't fight him." Pran warns his friend and turns to me.
What's his name again? Wimp? I didn't quite catch it.
"Why aren't you with your girl?"
"Ask that wimp why he tried to pick a fight with me if he's sick
of it."
"You're the one picking a fight, not me."
"Right, I'll tear you into pieces. Got a problem?"
"Pat! Come to your senses!"
"I'll talk to you, but back off for now. I'm not fighting you, Pran."
"You came to mess with my friend right in front of his door. You
think you could show up alone and act any way you want?" Ugh, you
fucking wuss. He pulls Pran out of the way, getting all cocky though
he doesn't know a single thing. "Wanna settle it once and for all?
And stop messing with Pran."
"If you want to talk to me, leave Wai alone."
"Tell this monkey to get the hell away."
"I'm not leaving!"
"It's all right, Wai. He won't hurt me."
"But…"
"Do you want to get admitted to the hospital? Are you really
willing to fight this mad dog? I told you I didn't want more trouble.
You have your project to complete. Don't waste your time with a guy
like this. I'll deal with him myself."
"Pran."
"Don't you get what I said?!" Pran yells, which is rare. His low
voice reverberates. It means the monkey has no choice but to yield.
He eyes me, unwilling to back away, and gives the room owner a
quick nod.
"Call me if anything happens. I'll wait downstairs."
"Just go home. Don't worry about me. He won't hurt me."
"I just want to have a heart–to–heart chat."
A triumphant smile appears on my face as the other guy looks
vexed. Pran's friend walks past me, intentionally bumping my
shoulder. I don't give a damn. The quicker he leaves, the better.
Once the elevator door is closed, Pran opens the door so we can
talk inside.
"Say what you have to say."
"Are you drunk?"
"I'm not."
"Your face is so red." I touch his cheek, and Pran slaps it off as
if getting burned.
"Do not touch me. Go back to your girl."
"You told me not to be with Nat the other day. Why are you
chasing me away now?"
"You looked happy. Didn't think you'd leave so soon." I've never
seen Pran in this scornful mode. He crosses his arm and lifts up his
chin, refusing to look at me. When I move closer, he steps back in
weariness.
"I'm sorry. Are you still mad about the kiss?"
"Huh, a person like you can kiss even a dog. It means nothing
to me."
"Hey, the way you're acting resembles a wife getting upset as
her husband is cheating."
"I'm not upset! Just say what you have to say. This is wasting
my time. And stop joking."
"Seriously, we haven't seen each other in a while. Didn't you
miss me at all?"
"No, I was doing well."
"But I missed you so much."
Pran's eyes flick to me. The moment he puts his guard down, I
step forward and pull him in an embrace. Surrendering, I bury my
face in his shoulder. I was upset and jealous like crazy, but it all
shattered the second Pran sent that bastard away to be with me. I've
acted reckless for days just because I wanted this certain someone
to show some affection or worry towards me.
It's as they say: People act terrible when they need love.
And I need it from him tremendously.
"Pran, I'm sorry about Nat. I was confused. It's a lot of things. I
don't know."
"Don't apologize to me. It's your business."
"How can I not? You were sulking at the bar because you were
jealous, right?"
"You're so full of yourself."
"What am I supposed to think? Your action gave away."
"I wasn't jealous. It's up to you who you want to spend time
with. I won't put my nose in."
"I'll allow that if you're jealous. I'll even let you order me."
"Why would I meddle your business? Let me go. Don't get
handsy. I'm not…"
"No, you're not my girl, but you're mine. Haven't you realized it?
If you're not mine, I'll make you be. One day you'll be mine because I
can't let you go. And I can't be with someone else to forget you. You
know how I feel, right?"
"Quit blabbering nonsense. Keep your imagination to yourself."
Pran pulls himself away from me. I look at his face, sulky yet
attractive. He furrows his brow and rubs his nose. "Your perfume
smells awful."
"It's Nat's."
"Right."
"I'm not seeing her anymore. We've talked it out. I'm really
sorry. I'll do whatever you want me to. I understand now it's no use
getting back at each other."
"You're one to talk," Pran snarls, still moody but less than
before. I know. I've known him since forever. Why wouldn't I see him
through? "You'll find someone new soon. That person should get
Par's approval so I won't be forced to put my nose in your business
again."
"Come on, you're so mad that you're no longer the cool Pran I
knew. You keep repeating the same thing, chewing me out for the
same topic. Just admit you're jealous."
"Don't be so full of yourself. You have no good qualities to be
liked. You only cause trouble."
"You're right. I don't want it to be in love, but I can't help
myself."
Pran goes quiet, still not meeting my gaze. His eyes show
confusion. It's as if he doesn't understand what I'm trying to say.
"See? You can say you're jealous, and you can say you love
me. Just like how I confessed to you."
"You're not making sense."
"I'm speaking the truth."
"Do you always talk this way to others?"
"You know damn well if I'm like this to others or only to you.
You know me best, Pran."
I look into his eyes, pleading with all sincerity. I won't hide it
anymore. I won't keep it inside. My unreasonable and wild behaviors
came from these suppressed feelings. I won't let Pran run away. Our
mutual feelings aren't all in our heads. It wouldn't be this clear if Pran
didn't lose his cool over Nat. No matter how troublesome I was or
how angry he felt, things always ended well after I apologized, unlike
now.
"I was confused. What I've done was stupid and silly. I know
that now. I never wanted to love you, Pran. I never wished to feel this
way. We're both men, but I fell for you. You made me feel
heartbroken. You've known that bastard only for a few years, yet you
care about him more than me. Why? Am not good enough to be
given a chance?"
"So you slept with Nat because the way I cared about my friend
upset you?"
"You know I'm an idiot." And childish. And demanding. I played
around to hurt Pran, but the one who hurt most turned out to be me.
"I did wrong. I mean it. It won't happen again. Please give me a
chance."
"Huh, you think you're good enough to deserve another
chance?"
"Then tell me you've never had feelings for me. That you've
never thought my existence means anything to you. You've never felt
comfortable and relaxed when we're together. And you'll be fine…if I
disappear from your life one day. If that's what you want, look at me
and say it. I'll believe you."
My eyes lock on Pran, begging. I'm all in for him. All those
things I dare him to say are the opposite of my feelings. Having him
by my side and being the first person he looks for are truly precious.
"I can't think of a way to make you stop hanging out with that
asshole and come back to me. I know it's foolish, but I'm infuriated
with myself for being so useless. I can't even be by your side like
him…"
His eyes are pensive and confused. I totally understand. I've
been through this kind of moment. It's a difficult time, and he needs
time to digest it. My aggressive inclination was driven by my inability
to handle this agitation. As I couldn't pinpoint what was wrong with
me, I got triggered easily by the fear of losing Pran.
Pran remains silent. It flusters me like nothing else. If he turns
me down, my world will shatter. I lean my head on his shoulder,
exhausted and worn out. If I solve this matter with emotions and
violence like before, the situation will get worse.
"I can't stand living like this, Pran. I can't have you in my life
without you being mine," I whisper hoarsely, wrapping my arms
around his waist. "If you reject me, I'll probably have to disappear for
real."
"Disappear to where?" His voice is just as shaking. I hear his
heartbeat and mine, which is slower and weaker.
"I don't know, but I can't stay here knowing you choose that
asshole. I'd go crazy. I regret everything I did, even loving you. I
regret it as it makes you uncomfortable." My overflowing confidence
is gradually evaporating since the person in my arms still won't
speak. I can't imagine my life without Pran. "I just need your answer
so that I can figure out my next move."
It feels like an eternity, waiting for his answer. The silence is
deafening, pressuring my miserable heart. I rise my face from his
shoulder to see his reaction Pran is calm and collected as always.
He moves his eyes from left to right slowly, contemplating. I even
watch when Pran presses his lips together, loosens them, breathes
in, and breathes out.
"My friend's name is Wai, Waiyakorn."
"I don't give a fuck! Do you have to bring it up right now?"
"You're asking me to be your boyfriend, Pat. Don't be petulant."
Pran is always composed. It calms me down when my heart is
restless. I break the embrace and face the wall before slamming my
head on it over and over.
"What the hell are you doing? Can you stop being an idiot for a
minute? It's bothering the neighbors."
Pran pulls my shoulder, and I look at his face. Pran is still
worried about me but acting like he cares about others. He frowns
and clears his throat.
"Wai is my friend, and I don't take sides with the person doing
wrong. You were the one picking a fight. I want you to apologize to
him."
"What the fuck, Pran?! I just said I wanted to punch that
bastard in the face. If I ever see him again, I'll beat him to a pulp.
And now you're telling me to apologize to him?"
"Pat, I don't want you to be unreasonable like this."
"I can be reasonable about anything, but not when you're
involved, okay?" Pran goes still, pressing his lips tight, still baffled.
"Pat, you're not joking, right? You're serious, aren't you?"
"Have you ever seen me this serious? This is the first time in
my life," I sigh, massaging my temples. I'm overwhelmed with stress,
and Pran can see it. I can tell from his softened voice as he utters
the following words.
"Since when did you feel…this way?"
"I don't know. How could I? If I'd known, I would've tried to get
over you. Before I realized it, it pained me to see you and that
bastard being all lovey–dovey."
"He's Waiyakorn."
"I said I don't give a fuck."
"You need to give some because he's my friend. You want to
date me, but won't it be terrible if you can't remember a single one of
my friends' names?"
Shit, did I hear it right?
My eyes go wide, my heart pounding. I pull Pran into a hug and
kiss his cheeks, turning them red again after it got paler. Left then
right, right then left.
"I heard it, Pran. I heard it. I wasn't hearing things."
"I said, 'You want…' I'm not accepting your confession."
"Then if I remember your friend's name…It's Wai, right? Okay, I
got it. Will you be my boyfriend now? I remember it so well. I'll dream
about it tonight."
"Your mood swings are crazy!"
"You wouldn't understand." Just now, I felt like the sky was
falling. It's like I was in court waiting for the death sentence and
suddenly getting pardoned. I was a man on the verge of death given
a chance to breathe again. "Pran, did you mean it?"
"Shit, let me go. Why are you so handsy? Damn it, your beard!"
"Oh, sorry. I didn't shave it," I laugh and pull back, watching the
worked–up guy affectionately. Pran is getting all red, even redder
than when drunk.
"Stop smiling. We still haven't talked about how you spit those
hurtful words at me and about the girl."
"Come on, Pran, I'm sorry. I'll say it as many times as you want.
I really feel guilty. You know I can't control myself when furious. The
way I tried to get your attention was messed up. I admit I was an
asshole. Punish me. You can kiss me back."
"Fuck, how shameless."
"My lips are soft." I pucker up my lips, but Pran smacks my chin
gently. It doesn't hurt at all as his hand is soft. "I'm sleepy. Let me
crash here. I've never been able to sleep since we fought."
"You're asking me that but you're already in my bedroom. Pat,
take a shower first. Won't you go back to your room to get Shabby?"
"No."
I spin and smirk.
"I'm a grown man with a lover. How can I play with a plush? I'll
cuddle you instead of Fragrant tonight."
"Who's your lover?"
"You said you'd be in a relationship with me."
"As a friend."
"Praaaaaan," I whine. Pran crosses his arms with an empty
face, trying to get on my nerves. "Be a man. Don't take back your
words."
"You're imagining things."
"All right, I am, but I won't let you go anymore." I wiggle my
eyebrows. Pran glares at me with his arms crossed. He seems in a
better mood now, but it's obvious he's still bothered.
"One more thing."
"Go on."
"About Nat, I'll let it slide since we were just friends before. You
had the right to do anything or sleep with anyone." The sternness in
his voice stops me from teasing him. I stand still, listening carefully.
"You don't like it when I'm with Wai, so I believe you know how I'll
feel if you fool around."
"I swear it will never ever happen again."
"From now on, I won't forgive you if you make a mistake once.
If what you explained with a sad face today is real, I will end you
even when just you look at someone else, let alone sleeping with
them," Pran cautions, and I know how serious he is. "I mean it, Pat.
You can still change your mind."
Despite the sinister warning and the stern expression, as if my
head will be cut off with only one wrong move, I don't feel anxious at
all. I take his hands and give him the most sincere smile.
"I'm not changing my mind."
"And…when I knew you slept with her, it really hurt," the room
owner reveals his true feeling. I can't believe his honest words would
make me feel terribly guilty. Our eyes lock on each other, exposing
every secret in our hearts. "Don't make me regret my decision today,
Pat."
"Never." I lean in, touching his forehead with mine, conveying
all of my thoughts to him. "I will protect the chance you gave me."
"Cheesy." Pran steps back and frowns. I begin to realize he
looks annoyed every time I'm being romantic. Wait…maybe he's
blushing? "Take a shower. I really hate the smell of perfume on your
body."
Pran turns around. I grab the chance to hug him from behind
and instantly get hit in the cheek by his elbow.
"Ouch! Pran, it hurts."
"Why the hell did you do that? You startled me, coming from
behind."
I place my hand on my cheek. Pran removes it and examines
my cheek with his dark eyes, then he sighs and shakes his head.
"Go take a shower. I'm saying this for the third time already. I'll apply
some ointment for you later."
"I don't want to shower now. Stay with me a little longer, okay?"
I grin and grasp Pran's hands, my eyes lingering on his lips. If I
have another chance, I'll kiss him again, gently, slowly, softly, to
make up for the rough kiss last time. Pran reads my mind and
scowls. He pushes my head so hard that I sway.
"What are you looking at?"
I don't reply, keeping my gaze on his face. My heart feels so
full.
Although I got scolded and struck, I can't stop smiling at all.
Damn, am I unconsciously becoming a masochist?
"One more thing, Pat."
"Yes?"
"I hope you know what you did wrong. When I tell you off, don't
apologize just to brush it off as you always did. Can you not do that?"
"Okay."
"You agree just to brush it off again."
Whoa, I finally understand the moral of the Shepherd Boy and
the Wolf. I grab Pran's hands and locks his gaze to assure him I'm
not taking this lightly. I'm not brushing everything off like before.
"Pran, I will reflect upon myself about everything. If I'm wrong, I
will apologize to your friends in person. I mean it."
With those words, the room owner heaves a long sigh with a
relaxed face.
| SCENE ELEVEN |
Pran | talk
"Please."
"No."
"Pretty please."
"I said no."
"Praaaan."
I jerk my arm off the grip that was shaking me like a three–
year–old begging his parents to buy him toys in the middle of the
mall on holiday.
"It's a no even if you roll on the floor."
"You're mean."
"Mean my ass. Take a shower."
"I will…" Pat mumbles pleadingly, moving closer to me.
"Together."
SLAP!
"Ouch! Why did you hit me?"
"Quit joking."
"That was hard. Whose wifey is this…?"
"Watch your mouth, or I'll hit it."
"Your slap is powerful and you are very fierce."
"Go take a shower!"
I frown and move my foot to warm up for a kick. Pat, who has
been clingy and begging me to take a shower with him for twenty
minutes, raises his hands in surrender and paces towards the
bathroom.
"Won't you join me for real? Oh! I won't ask anymore."
SLAM!
Pat had the nerves to ask me again. I was reaching out for a
book on the shelf to throw at him and he quickly ran inside the
bathroom and shut the door! You coward!!
"Pran."
"What now?"
"Won't you go to bed?"
"You go first," I reply, not looking up. I started working on my
project as soon as I'd taken a shower.
"Do it tomorrow. We just made up."
"So? Does us making up mean I've graduated? The project still
exists."
"How cold."
I tilt my head, ignoring Pat's ridiculous complaints, and
continue sketching the plan. A moment later, my concentration is
broken by the vibration from my phone. The screen displays Wai's
name. I glance at Pat. He's stopped whining and is now playing on
his phone. I shift a little and pick up.
"What's up?"
[Are you okay, Pran?!]
"I…"
[Why did that fucker turn up? Did he hurt you? Are you okay?]
"Wait, calm down. Listen to me."
I snicker at Wai's flustered voice. I can hear him take a deep
breath.
[So, why was he there?]
"It's nothing. Just…" I say, shifting my gaze, trying to come up
with something. "It's the fight that day. He lashed out at you pretty
hard, so he came here to apologize for going overboard."
BANG!
The sound of a fist slamming the table startles me. Pat furrows
his brow. Shit…
[Seriously? He was going to tackle me.]
"Come on, isn't it better this way? I told you not to fight again.
We're graduating soon, Wai. Don't you want the juniors to stop
getting in fights?"
[Fine, if the douche doesn't start.]
"You promised you'd be calmer."
[Yeah, I know…]
"Hey!"
[What? What's happening?!]
I almost covered my mouth when I shouted in shock. Just now,
Pat suddenly sat behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist
tightly. I try to shove his stomach with my elbow, but the hug is too
tight that I can't move. Afraid Wai will find out I'm not alone, I keep
my mouth shut.
"N…Nothing."
[But are you sure you're okay? You've been acting strange. It's
weird.]
"I'm fine. Don't worry."
[Are you working on the project?]
Smooch.
What?!
I jumped, getting kissed on the nape of my neck.
[Pran?]
"I…I'm working on it. Gotta hang up now. See you tomorrow,
Wai."
[Yeah, all right. I'm glad you're okay. See you.]
As soon as I've hung up, I'm ready to deal with this ill–
mannered punk. But his embrace glues to me.
"Let me go!"
"No can do. I'm punishing you for telling that wimp I came to
apologize for beating his ass."
"Pat, you shit, don't be ridiculous. Let me go!"
"No."
"Let me go now!"
"No. You'll hit me if I do."
"Pat!"
"Shush, you're too loud. The neighbor will hear us."
I tsk, jerking my head away from the shushing near my ears.
"Your sister will hear us!"
"Right. You want Par to know what we're going to do?"
"Do what?! Let me go right now."
"No."
"Will you let me go or not?"
"Nooooo."
"Wanna sleep outside?"
"I'll let you go this instant."
Pat pulls his arms back and springs up the moment I'm set
free. I can only glower and point at his face.
"Don't get ahead of yourself, Pat."
"What? Was it wrong to hug my lover?"
I grab a cutter next to me and narrow my eyes until the playful
guy gives me a sheepish smile. It hasn't been a day and he's already
this cheeky. Pat is truly the master of being a shameless, handsy
pervert.
"Stay away from me, or I'll slash your face."
"I want to sleep next to you."
"I have a project to work on."
"I can help."
"You think I forgot the disaster you brought upon my previous
model?"
Imagining Pat helping me draw the zones and plan gives me a
headache. Someone like him would locate a Jacuzzi bathtub in the
center of a hotel without considering the system and maintenance,
followed by presenting the activity with girls in swimming suits
serving cocktails to the customers as a special service.
"Don't hold a grudge."
"Go to bed."
"I'm upset that you keep shooing me away."
"Quit blabbering."
"I can't sleep without Fragrant. Only your scent can substitute
for it. I need to hug you to sleep."
"You slept just fine when you left Shabby in my room."
"I couldn't sleep a wink."
"Shut up and go to bed. I'm working."
"I'll wait here."
I glance at him. This brat plops down on the couch and puts a
pillow on his lap. He turns on the TV and pouts, looking displeased.
How old are you?
Pretending not to notice him trying to get my attention, I sigh
one last time, pick up a pencil, and focus on my work. I can't help
smiling a little, hearing him huff from time to time to remind me he's
right there.
Another yawn.
I press my lips together, stifling my smile, losing count of his
yawns. The clock shows it's almost two in the morning. Why is he so
stubborn? He'd usually go to bed first. Why so persistent today? My
project won't be completed at this rate.
"Ha…" I exhale, push the Japanese table away, and stretch,
then I frown at the guy on the couch. His eyes are red, forced to stay
awake. "Get up and go to bed."
"…"
"What's with the sulky face? Won't you go to bed? I'll continue
working on my project, then."
"Damn you."
"What?"
"I've waited for hours, but you only called me once. Comfort
me."
"Don't play hard to get. Get up now." He's still ignoring me.
Since when is he this difficult? "Will you go to bed or not? I won't let
you hug me tonight if you don't."
"Let's go to bed!"
The sulky guy jumps up with a grin and wags his tail before I
can speak another word…You damn pervert!
Who would've thought Pat is such a clingy, whining bastard?
He's quit visiting the bar for the past several days and clung to me in
my room every night. It hindered my working process. He kept
calling, poking, chatting that it was irksome. When I scolded him, he
would sit back for a moment before beginning to disturb me again.
"Oh, Pran."
I open the door and see Par coming out of her room while
putting her backpack on.
"Got afternoon classes?"
"Yes. What about you, Pran? Why are you still in casual
clothes?"
"The afternoon classes got canceled," I explain, locking the
door. "I went to the uni to have my project assessed in the morning. I
just got here seconds ago."
"I see. Is Pat bothering you?"
I shake my head. "Not more than before."
Par laughs. "Where are you going, anyway?"
"The convenience store downstairs. Let's go together."
As the elevator goes down, we chat about school, friends, and
finally, her brother.
"I'm still relieved that you forgave Pat. When he came back to
get his plush, he smiled so hard."
"If not for you, I wouldn't have given him a chance."
"Come on, he'd cry if he heard you."
I ruffle Par's hair as the elevator reaches the ground floor. She
says bye after the steel door opens, and we split at the entrance. I
watch until she's gone and head the convenience store.
We ran out of condensed milk two days ago. I don't know why
Pat loves it so much. It's gone in the blink of an eye every time. And
Pat wouldn't stop grumbling when none was left. I sweep the instant
noodles and porridge in the basket. Next, I open the fridge and take
some juice boxes for Pat and a few cans of coffee for myself.
Judging from my project assessment this morning, I might have to
stay up late tonight.
It takes a while to put everything in the fridge, then I start
cleaning up. The last time I cleaned my room was last Wednesday.
I've been busy bickering with Pat that my room became so messy. I
start from the living room to the bedroom. While pulling the bed
sheet, I spot a shabby plush bunny of the person sharing the bed
with me. I pick up the tip of its dark ear with my thumb and forefinger
and cringe. How could he sniff it every night?
Saliva, dust, and bacteria. Ugh, it feels like I'll break out a rash!
Unable to stand it, I carry the bunny by its ear and head to the
bathroom. I grab a small basin and shake my head at the sight of
this shabby bunny.
"Let's wash you up. Don't be nasty as your daddy."
"I'm baaaaack."
The voice from the door makes my hands freeze in the air. I'm
hanging both ears of the bunny, which is now a lot whiter and
cleaner than ever.
"What are you doing?" Pat asks delightfully, poking his head
around the balcony's door. "I bought the ingredients for sukiyaki. I
remember you have the pot. Can you…Pran!"
"What?! Why are you shouting?" I lowered my hand once the
plush was successfully hung, but I almost knocked it away as Pat's
voice scared me.
"Why did you wash Fragrant?!"
"It was dirty. I needed to clean it since you hug it on my bed
every night."
"I've never washed it since I bought it! It's been ten years. How
could you do this to me?!!"
"Fuck! You've never washed it for ten years. Did you plan to
build a bacteria farm? Ugh, if I'd known, I wouldn't have let it touch
my bed."
"Pran!" Baby Napat yells in irritation. He looks pissed but
doesn't know how to express it. "The smell will be different. I can't let
it happen. Damn it!"
"Don't be silly. I just washed it. Be grateful I didn't throw it
away."
"I don't care. I'm upset."
He stomps inside and slumps into the couch. I follow him in
and close the balcony door, sighing at his attitude. Why is he so
distressed over a plush?
"Where are the ingredients? You want sukiyaki?"
"…"
"Pat."
"…"
Pat still pulls a sullen face and stares ahead like a primary
schooler refusing to eat vegetables.
"You won't talk to me? Well, whatever."
"Pran!"
"What now?"
"You're being too mean to me."
"Mean? You're being so childish."
"Kiss my cheeks to comfort me."
"How about I kick your cheeks?"
"You're in the wrong here!"
"How am I in the wrong for washing your Fragrant?"
"I'm not used to the smell!"
"You shouldn't be used to that stinky smell, anyway. If you're
not considerate of me as the room owner, you should be considerate
of me as the person sleeping next to you."
Pat pouts and stomps towards me, so loud I'm afraid the
neighbors will curse us.
"What?" Why is he leaning his face to me?
"Kiss my cheek."
"Are you crazy?"
"I don't care." Pat looks serious, leaning in closer. "Kiss my
cheeks to make up for it. Both cheeks."
Ha.
I snort while the other guy closes his eyes, waiting for the touch
he desires.
SLAP!
"Ouch!"
Pat gets startled and jumps away. He holds his cheek and
sulks.
"I told you to kiss my cheeks!" He roars. "And you slapped
me?"
"Stop this shit. I'll make sukiyaki for you."
"It really hurts."
"It wasn't that hard. Don't be a crybaby. You didn't whine this
much when you broke your head."
"Well, my wifey didn't break it."
"Pat."
I call his name evenly, scowling to show him this begins to be
aggravating. He should stop joking now. Receiving a warning from
my glare, Pat mumbles to himself. I leave him there and search for
the sukiyaki pot in the cabinet. I wash the container and the
vegetables Pat bought, then I put them on a plate. Next, I cut the
pork into bite–sized pieces. I carry every step on my own without
help from the future engineer. He's cupping his cheek and whining in
front of the TV.
"All right, come and eat." By the time I'm done seasoning the
broth, the evening cooking show has ended. Pat turns my way,
looking unreasonably sullen, but he walks here and sits next to me
obediently.
"Why don't you tell Par to join us? She might be home."
"No, I want to have this with you alone."
"You're stingy even to your sister?"
"I'm not. I just want to spend time with you alone."
I press my lips tightly, frown, and put the vegetables into the
pot without a word.
After the meal, I take a shower immediately to avoid fighting
with Pat. He kept asking to do it together. I know he wasn't serious
about it and just feeling me out. I mean, it's great for him if I say yes.
If I say no, at least he's given it a try. But honestly, it's getting
bothersome. When I've finished, the endlessly irrational guy quits
whining and storms into the bathroom. He must still be pissed about
the now clean and fragrant Shabby on the bed.
Once we're all clean, I continue with my project. I relent a bit
and work on the bed so that Pat can sleep whenever he wants. No
need to stick around like a shadow and worry me with his countless
yawns.
"Put your foreleg away."
I slap his arm as he scooches in and places his arm around my
waist. I'm leaning my back against the bedhead, a pillow on my lap
with a laptop on top. The other guy is cuddling his plush close to me.
"I'm just hugging you. Don't be stingy."
"You're annoying. Go to bed."
"Noooooo."
I'm about to tell him off when his phone rings beside his pillow.
Pat rolls away to check who it is and picks up. I roll my eyes as he
flings his arm back to its recent place.
"What's up? Yeah, I'm not going out anymore."
I glance at the guy who's on the phone and moving his head
closer.
"I'm with my lover. Right, it's none of your business. Hanging
up. I'm going to cuddle my darling. You son of a bitch, so nosy."
Pat laughs and hangs up before throwing his phone away
mindlessly. He takes the chance as I let my guard down to put his
head on my lap and looks at my laptop screen, chatting away.
"What are you working on?"
"How smooth. Get away from my lap. I'm working."
"Go on. I'm not bothering you at all."
"You're not bothering me? Get up!"
"No. Fragrant smells weird. I'm not used to it. I want to smell
your scent."
Pat turns around and snuggles up against my belly. His hand
makes its way to my back and crawls under my shirt. The moment
his fingers touch the skin over the waistband, I'm startled and hit his
shoulder.
"Ouch! Pran, that hurts!!"
"Serves you right. Stop fooling around. If you don't stay still, I'll
work on my project outside!"
"Can't I do this much? What the heck?"
His mumble is indecipherable. Pat strokes his shoulder with a
frown and moves to the side, only a little bit. I glower at him as a
warning and pretend to gather my things to work outside as I've
threatened.
Seeing my action, the greedy guy stops coming closer. I sigh at
his daily mischief.
Although our relationship has changed, he's still the same…but
more handsy!
| SCENE TWELVE |
Pat | talk
Pran: I'm fine now. You leave first. Let's talk later.
After a long attempt to see Pran, I received a soothing, short
message from the person I'm worried about. Pran was distracted
today. I noticed since he'd never been like that. I kept my eyes on
him all the time, and I wasn't the only one catching his vulnerable
moment. The junior from my team did and grabbed the chance to
attack Pran. I was a little angry that Pran wasn't careful, but I was
more upset with myself for failing to block that son of a bitch.
"Pat!"
Someone shouts my name as I walk past the faculty building.
Good grief, I don't want to face these guys right now. I'm not ready to
answer any questions. Jor gestures to me to come, with Poom and
the other kids by his side. It looks like they've been waiting for my
arrival after I ran off with the Architecture players before the match
ended.
"You're all here. How was it? You guys won, right? I scored a
lot."
"Yeah," Poom replies curtly, eyes on me, not even blinking. He
turns to Gon, but he shrugs as if having no idea how to carry on with
the conversation. Of course, I have to say something at this point.
"Why don't we celebrate this evening?"
"That's for sure. But what's the deal with you and Pran?"
"What? I just showed some kindness as a human being."
"Pat, this is not the time to lie."
"Oh, what answer do you want?" I laugh, acting unbothered,
yet these guys don't feel the same. "As the professor said, don't you
think it'll be better if we call a truce? I've been mulling over it, you
know. We work in the same field. What if we end up in the same
company and have to work together after graduation? Wouldn't it be
awkward?"
"It's been this way since the past generations. Why are you
suddenly worried about the future?"
"It doesn't mean the past generations are always right. You
gotta realize it as the professor did. That's why he wants us to stop
fighting with them."
I tilt my head. Judging from each of their expression, it's
obvious they're unable to understand what I'm trying to convey. It's
been drilled in us for over three years. We've been enemies since
the admission until this second. Although things never took a
dangerous turn to the point anyone got admitted, all those rough
fights left quite a long–lasting grudge.
"When did you make up with him?"
"Well…"
"You said your family and his aren't on good terms."
"That's right."
I respond wearily. Our families are on bad terms and our
faculties are rivals. But he had my heart a long time ago. Can you
guys just stop hating each other so I can have more sweet times with
Pran?
"Aren't you fed up with the constant fights?"
"In conclusion…besides you getting along with Pran, you want
us to forget about how they messed with us?"
"Not really." Gon is the only one remaining silent in the group.
He knows the most, but not enough. "I just don't want to fight with
them anymore. I'd rather waste my time with something else."
"Oh, right, you got yourself a girlfriend. The first one ever since
you got in the uni, right?" That's correct. Poom's comment comes at
the right time. The other guys start to agree and drop the
investigation.
"Poom, are you jealous?"
"Jealous, my ass. I'm just trying to make sense of why Pat
wishes to make peace with the architecture guys. He usually tackled
Pran, but he became such a gentleman today. I thought you took the
wrong pill."
"Well, I have sportsmanship. Poom, did you know that the
purpose of Sports Day is to establish harmony? We're from the same
university, after all."
"I'm gonna puke."
The way he turns his face down cracks me up. Some of them
don't look convinced, but they say no more. "Look, think about the
number of times you got hurt from the fights. How much did it all cost
to treat your wounds? And for what?"
"Those guys messed with us."
"We started first several times."
"Pat, what is this? It doesn't feel right."
I heave a long sigh. "Aren't you tired of it? I'm fucking fed up.
Aren't you, Gon?"
I ask my best friend. He hesitates before muttering, "I am."
"Right, Jor, if you weren't busy lashing out at those guys, you
would've become the commander by now," I mention the game he's
into recently. "And Poom, don't you want more time to study?"
"I never fought with you guys. Don't drag me in."
"But you're not fond of how we wasted time with all the fights,
aren't you? So what if we beat them? You don't have to go along with
me. We're all grownups. Just think about it. It's fucking stupid and
childish. Cool guys don't beat people just because of an unknown
reason the seniors use as the cause of the hostility. If you guys still
insist on fighting, I'm out. I quit."
If I can at least reduce the number of those who want to fight, it
might actually be over someday.
"This is too stressful. Let's drop it." The juniors appear to
understand what I mean, their hostile gazes turning friendlier. I have
a question, yes: How long are we going to keep this up? I don't want
to keep my relationship with Pran a secret. I hope these
motherfuckers stop harassing Pran at the least. Our relationship
didn't progress much back then. If I now have to fight with Pran even
as a joke, I don't want to do it anymore.
Instead of beating each other's asses, shouldn't we spend our
energy in bed?
"Hey, guys, where are we going to celebrate?" Gon blurts out
to dispel this pressuring and confusing atmosphere, and Jor chimes
in right away.
"The regular bar. You gotta come, Pat. You turned us down too
many times."
"Okay, I'll go," I promise, scratching my chin. "I might bring my
lover along. See you at nine."
They whistle and tease me. Despite my decision, I'm still
hesitant since I haven't talked to Pran. If he opposes the idea, I'll just
share that I'm gay and in love with an architecture student we often
fought with. Well, I'll give it a go. My friends might hate me from now
on or whatever. It'll be amazing if I can make them quit messing with
Pran at the least. As for the other architecture dudes, if they still hold
grudges against me from all our past collisions, I have to accept it.
It's okay if I lose my backup. Even if Pran will never mention me or
reveal our relationship, I can live with that. He doesn't need to ruin
his social circle for me. Everything I'm doing is to keep him safe.
"Where are you going now, Pat?"
"Home," I answer with a smile and wave them goodbye. Jor
stresses the time again. I catch Gon's eyes and lift an eyebrow
before walking away.
"Are you crazy?"
An expected answer, yup. Pran stares daggers at me, chewing
his food.
"What? I just want to introduce you."
"I'm not going."
"Pran, it's all right if you plan to keep it a secret, but I don't want
to hide it from my friends." I press my tongue on the inside of my
cheek, eyes fixed on him. "Plus, Gon is already suspicious of us."
"It's your fault."
"It's the way I am. I'm not good at faking. You know that."
I look at Pran and hold his hands. Pran is a solemn guy. He
has no problem keeping secrets. But in all honesty, I'm not sure if I
can keep it hidden until the very end. I stroke the back of his fingers.
He tries to pull it back, but I won't let go. I'll beg him a bit more just in
case.
"Pran."
"Don't act cute. Have you thought about the consequences of
your friends knowing about us?"
"I have."
"If your friends give you the cold shoulder or cut you off…"
"Because of something like this?" I tilt my head. If they cut me
off because I'm gay or in a relationship with a student from the rival
faculty, I don't think they're really my friends. "We're not primary
schoolers. We don't hate someone just because our friends do."
"That's the point. Have you no idea how significant friendship is
at our age? I don't want you to face the same situation as mine."
"Why? What happened? Did you have a fight with those guys?"
"No," Pran lies. Well, he doesn't have to tell me. I don't want to
pressure him to talk anyway.
"Fuck it. I'm okay if I only have you."
"Pat, it's not worth it. We're graduating soon. Just keep quiet
about this."
"We're graduating soon, so I want to spend time with you as
much as I can. The problem with our friends is trivial. Our families
also…"
"Right, I shouldn't have gotten involved with you. What a
hassle."
"I'll give you a chance to take back your words. Can you really
lie to your heart?" I lift my eyebrow. Pran closes his mouth abruptly
and turns his head away. "Let's solve this together, Pran. Step by
step."
"Pat, just drop it. Aren't you satisfied with the way things are
right now?" The room owner exhales. Pran despises trouble, never
wishing for any problems. Is our situation that bad? Well, it's not like
we need to rush in head–first to the awaiting problem.
"I am," I mutter with pleading eyes. I lean down over the table
and kiss Pran's hand. "I'm so satisfied with it that I hope I can enjoy it
to my heart's content. I want to hold your hands, look at your face,
and talk to you anywhere, not only in this room. Are we seriously
going to stay cooped up like this forever…? Pran."
"Cut it out."
"Pran."
"Pat."
"Pran."
"All right!"
I love how he's so kind behind that tough fa็ade. His voice was
a bellow, but it was the answer I wanted to hear. My smile widens. I
go in for another kiss and get hit gently in the forehead. Pran
continues eating as if feeling nothing. If my eyes weren't remarkably
sharp, I wouldn't notice his red ears.
"You're cute."
"Shut up before your mouth bleeds too much you can't chew on
food."
You sharp–tongued softie. Whose boyfriend is this?
Pran and I have been the regulars of the bar near the university
since our freshmen year. Looking back, I discovered that he went to
the same university as we stumbled upon each other at this bar. We
were both dumbfounded. Before we could say a word, our seniors
clashed. I was at a loss of why we hung out at the same place when
we were on bad terms, and I found out later that it was a you–leave–
you–lose game. As a result, all hell broke loose at the bar so
constantly that the owner got resigned. He let us fight any way we
desired as long as we paid for the damaged stuff. On bad hair days,
the bar owner would smash a bottle of booze on the table to make a
weapon with broken shards, then he'd threaten to stab whoever
thought of brawling. The engineering and architecture students
would sit quietly and mind their own business until the closing time.
College students' physical fights are anything but brutal, more
like a child fight. The bar owner yells at us and we all get sheepish.
We have to flee outside to brawl, then we split and go home as we're
tired. There really is no victory.
"Are you scared?" I ask Pran once we've arrived. I've
nevercome here or had a normal conversation with him in public
before. However, he's now by my side. Pran shrugs, nonchalant.
"I'm not the one in trouble. You might get kicked out of the
group in a split second."
"How mean," I laugh, catching the hidden worries in his eyes. I
grab his hand and pull him inside the bar. We're late, so it's no
surprise that the others are already here. Gon spots me first. His
eyes shift to the guy beside me down to our clasping hands. The
lively chat dies down. I smile and lead Pran to the two empty seats.
"What's up? What did you order?"
"What the hell does this mean, Pat?"
"Hmm? What? I told you guys I'd bring my lover. Beer?" I ask
Pran, dismissing my friends' confusion.
"Yeah."
"Okay. One beer, please. The small one. Don't drink too much,
or you won't be able to carry me back."
"I'll just leave you here."
"Whoa, you picked me up at the convenience store last time.
You're not a cruel guy."
"What a pain," he replies as my friends slam their glasses on
the table. Gon is the most composed one yet still looked displeased.
"Pat, this is not funny. Are you saying you're dating the guy
who punched us in the face?"
"Pran never punched any of you," I say evenly. It's the truth.
"And I never let you guys lay a finger on him."
"Pat!"
"You all deal with this. I'm hitting the restroom."
Pran gets up and walks off, and I nod in acknowledgment.
When I turn my head to the table, they are gawking at me. "You're all
making me blush with those stares."
"Pat, you betrayed us. Fuck, you let us fight each other to
death just to have it off with Pran behind our backs?"
"Hey, we haven't done it."
"Don't change the subject. You tricked us into brawling with
them. You took us for stupid dogs?"
"I never drag you guys into any fights," I oppose, though it
sounds selfish. "I'm sorry I never stopped you and that I've never
said Pran and I are friends."
"You're not just friends."
"Yeah, that's why I decided to tell all of you," I sigh as Pran's
beer is served. I take a sip and place it back down on the table. "He
once saved Par, so we've kind of had this love–hate relationship.
And since our families are on bad terms, it's odd to call us friends.
But I know now. I actually realized it a while ago that I should be
serious with him before I lose my chance."
"So it means you guys have had feelings for each other for a
long time, right? Why the hell did you realize it now? Why didn't you
wait until one of us dies first?"
"Beat me." As if things like this are supposed to make sense. "I
want to be a better person."
"You've been into each other for a long time, but recently you
were afraid to be dumped. And so, you betrayed us to stick with his
ass?"
"I told you I don't know. If you're going to hate me, nothing I can
do about that. I just want to apologize. As for Pran, can you stop
harassing him? Just take it out on me if something bothers you. I'll
let you do whatever you want without fighting back."
"Pat, you fucker, are you out of your mind?"
Right, maybe I am. I got lashed out at by both my friends and
boyfriend, and I'm willing to take it all. Right then, there's an awful
racket coming from the back of the bar. I count the guys at the table.
Everyone is here except Pran. I spring up, dart to the source of the
sound, and come across these three guys. One of them locks Pran's
arms while the other raises his fist. Judging from the guy at a
disadvantage, Pran has obviously received quite a few blows.
"Hey, hey, you're being unfair."
"None of your fucking business."
"Release my friend."
"Your friend made a face at us first. We can't help it."
My eyes land on the university logo on the unfamiliar color
workshop shirt. It aggravates me because they're from a different
university. It's going to be tricky to deal with them.
"If he kneels before us, I'll consider whether to let him go or
not."
SPIT!
Damn it, Pran, can you not act like a jerk right now? He spit at
the attacker. The asshole is about to punch Pran, but I'm faster,
snatching his hand instinctively and striking him across the face.
"Shit."
"Hey, what the fuck?"
Four more guys join in. Holy crap, six on two. I hop and kick the
closest one. Pran struggles out of the grip and tackles that guy back.
Stuff falls down and shatters on the floor, and the flower vase has
turned into a weapon. I got hit in the head from the back. The attack
sends me wobbly. I hear Pran scream my name.
"Argh!"
I'm slowly losing my consciousness. Amidst the chaos,
someone kicks me in the stomach with such force that I collapse.
Something smacks my cheek and my face jerks back. I can taste the
salty blood in my mouth, hearing Pran's voice from time to time. My
friends follow finally. I see Gon and meet Jor's eyes. I try to get up
but get hit back down since I'm already in a terrible state.
"Pat!"
Pran kicks the guy scuffling with me in the leg and shoves him
away. Lowering his guard, Pran is yanked from behind and punched
in the chin. I try to stand up to help him, but more and more people
are pouring in. The bar owner isn't here, and I don't know when he
will come. Our victory seems impossible. When I catch a glimpse of
a knife, I dash forward to cover Pran, ignoring the spreading metallic
scent of blood from my nape. I don't give a damn despite the pain in
my stomach or even the twinge across my jaw.
"You're quite bold in someone else's territory!"
The shout this time doesn't belong to my friends nor the
outsiders with a backup. It belongs to the architecture students that
cursed me out of the nurse's office in the afternoon. Pran calls
Waiyakorn in a weak moan before all hell breaks loose. We're equal
in numbers and strength until the other group flashes their knives
and knuckles. A gunshot resounds out of nowhere. I pull Pran in my
embrace, smelling smoke and hearing shrieks. The sound of steps
fades away. When I'm sure we're out of the woods, I slide down
Pran's body onto the cold cement floor.
"Pat! Pat!"
"You…Are you okay?"
"I…I'm fine. It's Wai's gun."
I look at Wai putting the gun back into the holster at his back.
He paces here, some bruises on his face but not much.
"Pat, can you really take care of Pran?"
"Mind your own business. I thought you're not friends with Pran
anymore."
"Don't be cocky. If I weren't his friend and didn't follow him
here, you and Pran would've been dead."
"Are you worried about me?"
"Shit, you've got the nerves to smile." Wai looks pissed, as well
as Pran's other friends. Still, they walk up and wrap their arms
around Pran's neck. "I fucking hate Pat."
"Hey, the one who caused Pat trouble this time is your guy," Jor
growls, pulling me up on my feet, but he shows no hostile gestures
towards Waiyakorn. "Pat, there's blood on your head."
"Yeah, I know."
"Let's go to the hospital." Pran forces himself out of his friends'
arms and tugs me to him. I'm not in a state to fight with anyone. My
body hurts like hell. "Thanks, Wai. Thank you guys too."
"Never mind. Are you all leaving now?"
"We didn't come here to save Pat's ass only."
"We didn't want to save Pran from getting his ass crushed as
well."
What's with this argument? Go get a room and kiss and make
up for five minutes, will you? I'm getting moody. Before I grumble out
loud, Waiyakorn hands his car key to his friend.
"Pran, take this troublemaker to the hospital. We'll drink here."
"Wanna join our table?" Gon smirks. I have no idea who that's
for, but someone snickers as a response.
"The one who gets drunk first treats everyone."
"What a pain in the ass. Am I your friend?"
"Whoa, architecture students are a bunch of cowards."
"Wanna get your ass whooped? Look at yourself." Pran's
friend's lip curl. Well, my friends look like a wreck right now. "Prepare
your cash."
"Hey, wait, ain't no one going to accompany me to the
hospital?" I ask. My friends eye me and shrug.
"The wounds are far from your heart. Plus, we're still mad at
you, Pat," Jor replies, glancing at Pran. "I'll let you two flirt with each
other as much as you want. Call me if something happens."
Hold up. This is not what I expected. Are you just suddenly
getting along? I lean over and put my head on Pran's shoulder, my
vision turning dark by the second. My eyes sting from a drop of blood
trickling down from my eyebrow. Pran holds my waist and says
something to his friends, then he takes me out under the familiar dim
light of our regular bar.
"Will they fight?"
"I don't think so," Pran mutters, tightening his arm around me.
"Pat, don't sleep."
"Um." My eyes are half–closed along the way to the car. Pran
puts me in the front seat in the most comfortable posture and goes
around to settle in the driver's seat. He grabs my hand and rests it
on his lap. Pran is shaking from his hand to his voice, yet he doesn't
freak out. "You scared?"
"Yeah."
"It's all right. You're okay now."
The car takes off. I pull back the hand he's holding to pat his
head. Pran brushes it away, insisting on holding my hand instead of
being comforted in a silly way. Our fingers intertwine. It's cold, but my
heart feels warm.
"Does it hurt so much?" Pran queries, eyes reddening.
"It's better than seeing you hurt."
"You fucking idiot! You're a fool. Fucking stupid. Do not sleep,
okay?"
"I got it. Don't be afraid. I'll keep you company until you pull
yourself together. Nothing can hurt you."
"Something can." His sharp eyes stare ahead. I look at his side
profile, and my heart is going to burst by his short words. "Losing
you."
| SCENE FIFTEEN |
Pran | talk
For a whole week, that stupid plush lover wouldn't quit bugging
me, asking and crying for this and that all the time. Whenever my
hand touched the mouse, he'd call my name like crazy that I couldn't
concentrate. I had to turn my attention to tend to the guy claiming his
head and body ached. He kept groaning that he might have a fever.
My project progressed a bit faster than a snail crawling.
Nevertheless, at this moment, even if Pat whines and rolls on
the floor, I won't have the time to even look.
The boxes on my calendar are full. My eyes run over them to
the box with a thick red frame, which means the final submission. I
can only heave a sigh.
Twelve days from now!
I don't remember the last time I took a shower. I'm a clean freak
losing to the endless pile of work. After all the assessments and the
planning process, I needed to cut short and work on what I had on
the laptop. The model is finished. I only have a drawing and a paper
left. Oh…and a presentation.
With all these tasks, let alone glimpsing Pat, I only take a leak
when I can't really hold it. Fuck my life.
Rrrrrrrr
I remove my eyes from the laptop screen and peer at the
ringing phone displaying Wai's name. I pick up, turn on the speaker
rapidly, and switch my gaze back to the screen.
"What's up?"
[Are you going to bed?]
"No, I have to divide every section by tonight, or else I won't be
able to finish the specification."
[Okay. I'm reaching my limit. I had three cans of coffee. Shit,
my heart's shaking.]
"Press a cold, wet cloth on your neck."
[Right, did Pat come back?]
"No, in a while, I guess."
[Can I stop by? I'll bring my laptop. I'm losing my shit.]
"Sure."
[All right, see you in a bit.]
Knock, knock.
"Hey."
I greet the guy I talked to over the phone moments ago. He
carries his work and equipment inside with dark circles under his
eyes, looking bone–tired.
"Hey. Now that I see your face, I feel so much refreshed."
"What the hell?"
"My dark circles in the mirror make me sad. Now I feel better
because yours look worse."
"Moron."
"Just kidding."
"Come in. I set the table for you. Put your laptop and other stuff
on it. The power strip is on the side. Use it."
Not wasting a second, we both settle before our laptops,
pressed for time. The silence is filled with the constant sound of the
clicking mouses. The music is on, working as white noise. We pour
our concentration to the program on the screens and discuss some
parts from time to time.
"Hey."
"What?" I lift my eyebrow, not turning my head.
"Is the height of your counter bar a meter and five or a meter
and ten?"
"A meter and five."
"What about the edge?"
"Ten."
"Can it be five?"
"It actually depends on the design. But I'd say ten, to be safe."
We talk and work without eye contact, only asking mattering
questions and saving time as much as possible. We're not sure how
fast or slow time has passed. But before we know it, we hear Pat's
voice before he even steps in and before the door is fully opened.
"Praaaan."
I press my lips together, eyes flicking to the door. Wai bursts
out laughing.
"Whoa! Why the hell are you here?" Pat's eyes widen now that
he's inside. He points at the guy beside me in shock. "What the fuck
are you laughing for?"
"Can't help it. Who would've thought the engineering gang
leader would call his lover in such a sweet tone? Shit, it's haunting."
Wai won't stop laughing. I ignore both of them and focus on the
screen.
"Shut up. Why are you here, by the way? And why the fuck did
you bring all this stuff? Don't you have a place to sleep?"
"This is Pran's room, and I'm his friend. It's perfectly fine for us
to work together."
"It's no longer fine. Get the fuck out of here. The lovers are
going to have some lovey–dovey time."
"Go on with your delusion. I'm too busy to fight with you."
I try to show no interest and pretend not to hear their bickering,
paying attention to my work. Seconds later, the damn punk stomps
towards me and bawls.
"Pran, why did you let him in?"
"Wai came here to work. Quit whining."
"I'm not whining. I don't like him!"
"Pat, I'm thirsty."
"You're changing the subject!"
"My throat feels parched…"
I turn my head to hold Pat's gaze. The grumbling guy stops
complaining. Still upset, he gets a bottle of water in the fridge, opens
the lid, and puts the bottle close to my mouth.
"Hey, I can drink it myself."
"Just work. I'm feeding you."
"I'm leaving. It's getting dark. I'm not exactly enjoying the sight
right now," Wai says, scoffing. I pull back from the bottle and wipe
the corner of my mouth shyly.
"Hurry and leave." The other guy doesn't hold back at all.
"Yeah, I'm leaving for sure. Cling to Pran as much as you want.
Damn, you're acting like an abandoned puppy."
"Wai, you trash!"
"Enough. Stop fighting. Get home safe, Wai. See you."
"See you. Hang in there. I'll stop by again."
I wave Wai goodbye, not seeing him off. Before he exits my
room, he teases Pat again, making Pat shout out loud for the last
time.
"Can you not get at each other's throats every time?" I mumble,
my fingers clicking the mouse and dancing on the keyboard.
"He started it. You saw it."
"Yeah, I know. Go take a shower."
"You haven't. I won't."
"I can't. I'm reaching the due date soon. Plus, I'm in an air–
conditioned room all day, not anywhere outside." I narrow my eyes at
Pat. "But you were out there rolling in mud."
"I'm not a dog, Pran. I'm your boyfriend."
"Hold up," I cry and grab one of his shoulders as he tries to rest
on my lap. My other hand is still tying. "If you want to lie on my lap,
take a shower first."
"Come on, I just got back and feel exhausted. Can't I rest for a
bit?"
"Just take a shower."
"You haven't taken a good look at my face since I was home,
Pran."
"I'm in a rush, Pat. Please don't whine too much for the time
being. Let me submit my project and finish the presentation first."
Pat groans and slams his feet for a while before finally going
into the bathroom. While he's showering, I work on the project as
much as I can, knowing I'll be distracted like crazy when he's back.
"I'm not going home anytime soon, Par. You can go without me.
Tell Mom I'm busy these days. Yeah, right. Okay. Get home safe.
Call me later. All right, bye."
My eyes are on the screen, ears listening to the conversation,
hands typing. When Pat hangs up, I throw him a question.
"Why don't you go home? You stayed here last week. You
should go and see your parents."
"You're not going. How can I?" Pat grins. He falls on my lap,
presses his face in my belly, and takes a deep breath.
"Shit, it tickles."
"You smell nice."
"Well, I just took a shower." After four days. I'm so disgusted
with myself, thinking about it. How could I go that far? This big pile of
work is to blame.
"You always smell nice."
"I'm telling you to go home. Why are you lying here?" I press
my lips together, changing the topic.
"I want to be here to help you. Even when I'm here, you keep
working without filling your stomach or taking a good rest. Who's
going to feed you if I'm not present?"
"You didn't sleep to keep me company as well. You look like a
panda."
"And you look like a black hole."
"It's my work, my responsibility. Not yours."
"The wifey's work is the husband's work."
"Pat."
"Whoa, whoa, what a glare." Still joking.
"Anyhow."
"Hmm?"
"How do you know I am the wife?" My lip curls up.
"Well, well, do you wanna prove it, little Pran?"
"You're gonna get your head cracked again if you don't stop
joking."
I pick up a scale ruler and pretend to aim at his head. Pat also
pretends to be frightened.
"I won't joke around anymore."
I chuckle and continue working, letting him play on his phone
on my lap. Even though I'm in a hurry, sleep–deprived, skipped
meals, and tired, having this big puppy by my side…
It's pretty nice.
"Fuuuuck, it's finally done!!"
"Let's celebrate. We gotta celebrate!"
"Where should we go tonight?"
"The regular bar? I crave booze so fucking much."
I smile at my friends widely. We're in high spirits now that we've
done the presentations and handed in the papers. We're shouting a
lot that it's impossible to tell who is talking to who.
Now that I've survived the fiendish period, I wish to release my
soul from my body to rest somewhere out of the earth. No more
staying up all day with my eyes glued to the laptop screen for more
than forty–eight hours. I'm going to sleep like a log, stuff my face with
good food, and spend all my money on booze.
"The regular bar at seven–thirty, then. Now, let's split up to take
a shower and have a sweet dream to replenish our energy."
With that conclusion, I drag my heavy body, lacking sleep for
two days, back to my apartment with Wai. We say goodbye at the
entrance and split.
I unlock the door to find Pat slumber on the couch. I smirk as I
step closer to him. He's completely knocked out because he stayed
up to be with me and slept at dawn almost every day in the past
week. Pat collected my plan at the printing shop, got my pictures at
the film shop, and bound my paper with a golden cover. He's been
considerably helpful. Unable to assist me with the content of my
work, Pat made up by doing minor tasks with no hesitation.
Consequently, the sleep–deprived engineering gang leader fell into a
deep sleep on my presentation day.
I squat to stare at his face. I run my eyes from his brow to his
dark circles, the same as mine. Look at his long hair. Isn't he
annoyed? I told him to cut it numerous times. It takes too much time
to dry after washing. Worse still, he's too lazy to blow his hair or dry it
properly. He could catch a cold from that.
"Um…"
The sleeping guy moans and shifts his body when I brush his
bangs off his forehead.
"Did I wake you?"
"You're back?" Pat asks softly. He gets up and rubs his eyes
drowsily.
"I'm back. Go sleep on the bed. Your neck will ache."
"Let's go to bed together."
"I'll be there after a shower."
"Okay…" He must be really sleepy to be this obedient, and it's
so adorable that I smile a little. I touch his cheek. Pat lifts his
eyebrow and meets my eyes. "What?"
"Thank you."
"Thank you?"
"For helping me out."
Pat blinks repeatedly, then he grins and pulls me to sit between
his legs. I try to resist and give up. "I only have you. Who else would
I help out?"
"What a sweet talker. Pat…Hmm!" His lips touch my neck,
startling me. I call his name to make him stop, but he doesn't care.
"Don't."
"I've been a good boy for days. Don't I deserve a reward?"
"…"
Pat wraps his arms around my waist from the back. His hands
trail down to my thighs as his pointed nose nuzzles my neck. I get
goosebumps and swallow hard, feeling the electricity when Pat
nibbles my ear.
"Pat…"
"Don't stop me. I want to touch you."
"Damn, I'm beat."
"No, you're not. You're obviously hard."
I halt, my face heating up because it's true. I frown and bark a
reply. "It's just a sleepy boner."
"Hmm, you must be tired. So am I." Pat grabs my hand and
puts it on his crotch. The thick and firm feeling under my palm makes
me flinch and try to move away, yet Pat follows and pulls me back
into his embrace. He uses the chance when I'm flustered to seal our
lips and thrusts his tongue inside my mouth vigorously. He caresses
my hips and tugs my pants down. My eyes widen and my face
flushes red, but Pat's fervent kiss distracts me.
Pat slips his hand into my underwear. I shiver as my sensitive
part is held and stroked gently. It slowly arouses me. I've been so
busy that I didn't take care of myself. Now that I'm being fondled like
this, it's irresistible.
"Pran…"
And with his raspy whisper close to my ear.
"Hmm, Pat…I…"
"It's all right. Relax. Don't tense up."
"Fuck, don't stroke it like that."
"Your cheeks are deep red." Pat bites my cheek in a mouthful,
so I hit his shoulder.
"What the hell are you doing? Ah!"
"Touch me too."
"No…"
"Pran."
I press my lips tightly, ignoring the soft whisper over my mouth.
I shut my eyes to escape from those pleading eyes, but it only
sharpens my senses. I grit my teeth for a while and finally yield. I
reach out to grasp his thing and move my hand up and down. Pat's
moan and mine echo in my ears embarrassingly.
I'm not sure if it is fatigue that makes my feeling intensify. Every
movement on my skin fills me with extreme discomfort. I want to
release it.
Our faces lean to one another after our eyes meet. Our lips
part, and we taste the heat on each other's tongues. We forget about
everything and focus on the hot temperature from both our hands,
exchanging our breath. In the end, I fall into his firm embrace. We
hold each other in our arms, panting, mumbling each other's names
after the hotness in our bodies is let free in our hands.
| SCENE EIGHTEEN |
Pat | talk
'Weird.'
It's the only word that pops up in my mind as I roll around in my
bed. After waking up, I took a shower, put on new clothes, had
breakfast, and lay down on my bed to chill out. The same room, the
same bed, the same blanket, the same pillow. Everything is the
same, yet it feels different somehow. The air–conditioner feels more
chilling, the blanket is less warm, and the bed seems more spacious.
This strange silence lingers in the air. I've lived here for four years
and never felt this way before. Pat has gone home for only a day, but
why did my room become so lifeless?
I must be used to having the other guy clinging to me too
much. We've been together day and night for over a month. I saw
him whenever I opened my eyes. Worse still, he was always in my
sight since I didn't really get much sleep in the first place.
This kind of familiarity is scary.
I enter the living room and sweep my eyes over the area that is
now tidier than it was in the fiery thesis period. For a month, I ate
and slept before the laptop. My eyes were fixed on the screen. I was
like a zombie getting dug out of my grave, forcing my heavy eyelids
open to complete my work in time. I barely had time to shower, let
alone cleaning up the room. Although the nasty guy like Pat
sometimes swept and mopped the floor for me, it was still a mess. I
clasp the black plastic bag containing the bits and pieces left from
my project model and dump it in the trash bin near the elevator. I
head back to my room, wash my hands, and grab my backpack,
ready to go home.
It's because I haven't gone home for a month already and
missed my parents, not because of that wild dog who got called
home first…
I get out of the taxi cab and enter the front gate of my house,
then I spot Pat on his balcony. He lifts an eyebrow in surprise. I stifle
a smile, not waving hello, and just walk inside in a composed
manner.
"I'm home."
As soon as I step into my house, I see Mom reading a book on
a couch near the balcony. She gives me a sweet smile and opens
her arms for me to embrace her.
"Why do you look so knackered? You lost sleep again, right?"
After a long hug, Mom withdraws to take a good look at me. Her pale
hand strokes my cheek before landing gently below my eye. "Look at
these dark circles."
"I didn't get much sleep, but I feel better now." I smile broadly
and kiss Mom's cheek. "Where's Dad?"
"He went out. He'll be back soon. Put your stuff in your room
and have some food. I'll tell the maid to prepare your lunch."
"All right."
I pull back from Mom's arms and smile one more time before
going upstairs. When I'm about to put my backpack down, my phone
vibrates in my pocket. It's not hard to guess who is calling.
"What's up?" I keep my voice unbothered. I lower my backpack
on the table and take my things out.
[You didn't tell me you'd come home.] Pat whines, putting a
smile on my face.
"You saw me."
[It's not the same.]
"Okay," I oblige and pause. "I'm going home today. Have you
reached home? Happy?"
Pat laughs. [All right.] His answer rattles me a little. Why did he
give up so easily?
"Is everything okay at your place?"
[Nothing's changed.]
"Did your Mom nag at you for not going home earlier?"
[No…]
"What's wrong? You're not chatty today."
[I'm not?]
"Um, are you all right?"
[I must've missed you too much. We haven't seen each other
for over a day. I'm so lonely, unable to cuddle you.]
I frown, sensing something odd in his voice despite his attempt
to sound playful. We've been together for a while. Why wouldn't I
catch it? I don't think he'd admit it, though. When Pat decides to be
stubborn, he's truly something else.
"Have you eaten?" Changing the topic is probably the best
choice right now.
[Yeah. What about you?]
See…? This is unusual. If it were before, Pat would've used a
tiny voice, saying he can't eat much at home because he wants to
eat with his lover and so on. He wouldn't give me such a hollowed,
boring answer like this one.
"I'm going to have lunch now. I'm organizing my stuff."
[Enjoy your meal, then. You're too skinny. Call me once you've
done.]
"All right, I'm hanging up."
Pat mumbles a response. I end the call and stare at the screen
displaying the icons in worry. Did his mom scold him? Or did Par get
chewed out on his behalf that he became so meek? Only a few
things can turn Pat gloomy.
"You're here." The familiar, low voice greets me as I descend
the stairs in my casual clothes.
"Hi, Dad. You're home?"
"I should be the one asking that question. I haven't seen your
face for a month."
"It's the thesis. I almost died in front of my laptop," I laugh and
walk to him. "Have you eaten?"
"I was waiting for you. Your mom is already at the table," Dad
says. He approaches me and pats my shoulder. "You're all skin and
bones."
"I won't be like this for long."
"All right. Eat a lot today. Oh…I also have a guest."
"A guest? Who?"
"You'll see."
I raise my eyebrow and trail after Dad into the dining room.
Once I've passed through the entrance, a surprised smile appears
on my face, seeing the person seated next to Mom.
"Pong, bro!"
"It's been a while, Pran."
"When did you come back?" It's been three years, from what I
remember, since my first year in college. He left to study in England
and never visited us. "You didn't tell me."
"How could I? You weren't active on Skype."
"I've been super busy with school works. Look at me. I'm so
close to being a zombie."
"I know. Did you get skinnier?"
"I didn't even have time to sleep. When could I have a meal?
How long are you staying, by the way?"
"I'm leaving on the day after tomorrow. My best friend's getting
married, so I flew back to congratulate them. I stopped by to say hi to
Uncle and Aunt. I didn't expect to see you here. I was thinking of
visitting your apartment," Pong goes on and on. He bends down to
pick up a shopping bag and hands it to me. "Here, it's yours."
"You've gone for three years, and this is all I get."
"Come on. Anyway, what's your plan after graduation?"
"I still can't figure it out. I want to rest first," I say. I take the
plate Mom passes over and thank her.
"I want you to continue studying. There's no rush to get a job.
You can study business and take over your dad's company," Mom
suggests.
"Or you can study and work at the same time. The quicker you
work with me, the better. That way, the son of that family won't be
able to catch up. He seems frivolous, a lost cause," Dad growls,
feeding himself a spoonful of rice. When the topics about jobs or
business are brought up, the other family will be mentioned without
fail.
Still, I furrow my brow. As flippant as Pat seems to be, he
always gets his jobs done.
"Or do you want to get another certificate in interior design? I'll
set up a company for you so we can extend our business. That
family won't be able to copy us."
"Why don't you talk about this later? Pran looks tired. Let him
eat first."
I want to thank Pong out loud for saving me. With this rivalry
prolonging, I don't think I can barely stand these spiteful criticisms.
No matter how much time has passed, I still can't pinpoint the reason
for their hatred. Not to mention that we live next door.
My eyes flick to my parents enjoying their food. It makes me
uneasy. What would they say when they find out the son of the
family they greatly despise took care of me twenty–four seven during
my thesis period? Would Dad hate me when he discovers that I fell
asleep in the embrace of the person he deems frivolous every night?
"What's wrong? You're frowning." I look up to find Pong sitting
down on the couch and setting a big bowl of ice cream in front of me.
"Isn't it your favorite?"
"It is." I beam and take the bowl of blue–green ice cream, mint
flavor, my addiction. I usually store a few huge boxes of it when I'm
home. "You're not eating?"
"I only need coffee," Pong says, raising a cup of hot coffee.
"What's the matter, though?"
"It's nothing."
"How stubborn. You didn't change at all in the past three
years."
I smile, swallow a big spoonful, and turn to meet his eyes.
Pong is the son of my mother's brother. He's my cousin, five years
older than me. We spent a lot of time together when we were young.
Pong taught me loads of things. He's reliable, calm, sharp, and
brilliant. I can never hide anything from him. We were pretty close
until he traveled to England three years ago to study for a master's
degree and never once flew back to Thailand.
"Did you have fun in England?"
"I did. I've been to various places and made quite a lot of
foreign friends. I've learned new things. There's so much waiting for
me to discover that I didn't want to come back."
"Didn't Aunty scold you? You've gone for a long time."
"She complained every now and then. Well, what could she
possibly do when I decided not to come back?"
"Lucky you."
"Hmm?" Pong lifts his eyebrow as if teasing me. "What? You
were all sullen during the meal. Is there something you wish to do
after graduation but can't?"
"Something like that."
"What is it?"
I press my lips together and turn around to make sure my
parents are nowhere near us. The guy next to me laughs lowly.
What's so funny? Who else can live their lives any way they want
like him? "After graduation, I want to travel for a few months…and I
want to find a job myself. I never think of taking over Dad's
business."
"Why? Who else would it if not you? They only have you."
"I don't want to be on bad terms with anyone. It's distressing."
"You don't have to hate people your parents detest. You can't
change them, but you can change yourself."
"…It's hard."
"You think this is hard? How weak–minded."
"Yeah, too tired to be strong." I lay my head on the headrest.
The son of the other family appears in my mind. I have this feeling
that I wish I could escape from reality.
I want to go back to my apartment…
After seeing Pong off, I head back to my room and make a
phone call to the person who must've sneezed thousands of times.
My parents did curse him a great deal. I thought his easy–going
quality would chase away the uneasiness my parents' conversation
caused as always, but I was wrong. This unpredictable wild dog is
still downhearted.
"What the hell is wrong with you, Pat?"
[Nothing.]
"You're so down but still insist that it's nothing."
[Who's feeling down? I was telling you a joke just now. Not
funny?]
"Did you think I couldn't feel it?"
[No. Of course, you can feel anything. You're human.]
"…" I fucking hate your stupid, distracting joke, Pat. "Are you
looking down on me?"
[I…]
"If I fail to see that something's wrong with you, don't call me
your boyfriend."
[Pran…]
"What happened?"
[It's nothing. I just missed you. I couldn't sleep at all.]
I sigh heavily. Why is he so stubborn? I feel like punching him
in the face. "Pat."
[Yes, sir.]
"Forget it."
[Are you mad?]
"Do I have a reason to be?"
Pat pauses for a while, then he continues. [Can we meet up
after eleven? At the marble bench.]
"Are you nuts? Our parents will kill us if they know."
[But you're mad at me…]
"I'm not."
[Then come to me. I miss you so much.]
"No."
[All right. I'll go alone.]
"You…" I sigh and change the subject. "What are you doing?"
[Talking to my boyfriend.]
"Don't use that voice with me."
[I want to go back to our apartment.]
"Whose apartment?"
[Ours.]
"It's mine. How can it be yours"
[The wife's possession is also the husband's. Isn't it normal?]
"Don't go overboard. Who are the wife and the husband?"
Knock, knock.
"Dear, what are you doing?"
My mom's sweet voice follows the knocks. I turn my attention
from the phone to answer the person behind the door. "I just took a
shower. Wait a minute, Mom." I whisper to the phone. "Gotta go now.
My mom's calling."
[Come and see me after eleven.]
"You don't understand a single thing."
[I don't care. I'll wait.]
I exhale in frustration as my mom knocks on the door again
when the son next door hangs up, robbing off my chance to decline.
It's been a long while since I came home, so my parents have
a lot to catch up with me. It's half–past eleven by the time they let me
go to bed. Pat texted me an hour ago, but I couldn't reply. I call him
as soon as I'm in my room. After that, I stay put until all the lights are
turned off. I tiptoe down the stairs and sneak to the backyard. I wait
for the son of the house next door at the marble bench under the
tree in the dark, not turning on the light. Mosquitos are flying
everywhere at night. Good thing I wear long pants, but the bites on
my arms and shoulders are painfully itching.
A few moments later, I hear a clattering sound from the gate. I
notice a phone flashlight before Pat climbs up the wall between our
houses. He waves his hand happily, and I give him a stern nod. He
should stop playing around and jump down already.
As Pat positions himself on the wall and flings his other leg to
my side, the light in the dining room is suddenly turned on. My heart
drops, and my hands turn cold the second someone shouts.
"Who's that?!!"
FWIP!
My dad pushes the balcony door open and shows himself. He
stares daggers at Pat, not noticing my presence. My eyes widen
when I see the black thing in my dad's grip.
"Dad!" I cry out and jump forward to block Pat, who still hasn't
landed on the ground properly.
"Pran? What are you doing there? Go and get your phone. I'm
going to call the police to arrest him!"
"Dad, calm down. Why did you bring the gun?"
"Because the son of that family dares to be a thief climbing in
over the wall!"
"Hold on, Dad!" I seize Dad's arm when he's stomping towards
Pat. Overwhelmed with shock, I blurt out without thinking. "I'm the
one calling him here!"
My dad goes still and turns his head to me with the gaze I don't
have the guts to meet.
| SCENE TWENTY |
Pat | talk
Pat has left, but his expression still lingers in my mind. I clench
my fists, unable to endure this suffocating feeling. I wish to pulverize
this damn wall, break these adults' stupid prejudice that chains my
leg, and run out to pull the guy who was about to cry into a hug.
Whose fault is this? When did this endless war start? And how long
do we have to wait for it to be over?
"Why did you never tell us you live in the same place as him?"
My lips are pressed so tightly that they hurt as my dad asks the
question brusquely. I keep my eyes on the door and count from one
to ten silently to relieve the fury smoldering in my chest. "Pran! I'm
asking you!"
My patience crumbles when my dad shouts and yanks my
shoulder to face me. I pull myself off the grip, showing displeasure.
Dad seems taken aback by my reaction.
"I don't see how it's wrong."
"What did you say?" Dad whispers lowly through gritted teeth.
Mom calls my name in an attempt to hold me back. I don't think the
one who has to cool down is me, though.
"I said, I don't see how it's wrong."
"How is it not wrong?! Is this why you didn't go home
recently?!"
"It has nothing to do with that, Dad," I shoot back as the level of
my dad's anger climbs up. "I worked on my tasks here and dealt with
my responsibilities. I never once misbehaved as you two believed.
And Pat did nothing wrong. What's so wrong about us being friends
or acquaintances?!"
"Pran!"
"Both of you hate Pat's parents, but what does that have to do
with me?!"
"The apple never falls far from the tree!"
"He didn't do anything to you!"
We're both shaking, our faces twisting in rage. Our words mean
nothing to each other, and we get louder the more we argue. We can
do nothing but shout because reasons don't work with their
resentment towards that family.
"I forbid you to see him."
"I don't care."
"Pran!"
"When will you put down your prejudice, Dad? If you open your
heart for once, you'll know Pat isn't that bad."
"I know it now. You've never talked back like this before. Who
else did you absorb this action from, if not that brat?"
"I just can't stand this nonsense anymore."
"I think we have to talk about studying abroad seriously." My
dad's voice turns cold, and my expression gets stern. I recall Dad's
words during Pong's first year in England. He said he would send me
there to be with him. I didn't care much back then since my parents
always gave me the freedom to decide on my education, and I never
wanted to be far from home. Plus, I have Pat now.
I know damn well that Dad is threatening me…
"What do you mean?" Although I know exactly what he means,
I can only ask the question in a softer voice.
"Don't make me do what I don't want to do." Dad looks into my
eyes quietly. When he's sure I won't say another word, he tells Mom,
who's standing by his side, that he's ready to leave. Dad steps out of
the room without saying goodbye.
The door is banged shut. I don't move, still staring ahead at
where my dad was. A warm touch lands on my shoulder, and I raise
my eyes to meet Mom's gaze.
"You understand him, don't you? Everything your dad did was
for your sake. That family is full of shame. I don't want you to
associate with them."
"…" There's no point arguing.
"I'll be off now. Don't forget your dad's words, Pran."
I neither speak nor nod, just standing there until I'm the only
one left in the room. I sigh wearily and flop onto a couch.
My tears are so close to fall down…
[I'm sorry.]
An apology uttered in a guilty voice without a hint of playfulness
sends a pain in my chest. It doesn't sound like Pat at all.
"Why are you apologizing? I'm the one in the wrong."
[You're not, Pran.]
"If I hadn't been unreasonably mad at you, you wouldn't have
insisted on seeing me."
[You were worried about me. How was that wrong? I was acting
like an idiot.]
"…What did your parents say?"
[They kicked up a fuss as expected. Nothing new.]
"Um…"
[What are you doing?]
"I'm going to bed," I tell him the truth, pulling the blanket over
my waist up to cover my chest. The room is strangely chilly. "You?"
[I'm on my bed. It's not even a big bed, but it somehow feels
empty.]
"That's also how I feel. My bed is big, but now it feels really
big."
Our soft, joyless laughs quickly fade into silence. We both
listen to each other's breathing for a moment before Pat speaks
again.
[I miss you, Pran.]
"…Um," I mumble, clenching my grip on the blanket.
[I want to hug you so fucking much.]
"I also…"
[…Pat!]
I pause, hearing a distant shout from the other side.
[Gotta hang up. I'll call you later. My mom's knocking on the
door…Why don't you open the door, Pat?! In a second, Mom! I'll call
you later.]
Pat explains the situation hurriedly as his mom keeps yelling.
After he's hung up, I put my phone down quietly. I gaze at the ceiling,
waiting for my phone to vibrate again. In the end, I fall asleep and
wake up in the morning just to find no missed calls.
"What's wrong, Pran?"
Wai asks and knocks my knee gently. I look up from the lecture
table. "Nothing…"
"Nothing, my ass. You've been down for a week now. Have a
fight with Pat?"
I shake my head as a response. Things would've been easier if
it was just a fight with Pat.
"Did Pat run away to someone else?"
"What the hell? I'll kick you off the chair."
"Aw, you're worried now." Read the mood, Wai, you asshole.
"Shut up."
Wai laughs, happy to successfully tease me. "What
happened?"
"Just tired."
"What makes you so tired? You've caught up on sleep."
"It's nothing."
I lie and put my face in the cradle of my arms on the table. Wai
sighs, but I have no intention to continue the conversation. I close
my eyes and keep to myself. I haven't talked with Pat since that
night, and I couldn't reach him at all. Our class schedules don't
match and it's not easy to stumble across each other on campus.
"Pran!"
SLAP!
"Fuck! That hurts!" I spring back up as Wai shouts in my ears
and spanks my back.
"I've called you several times. You didn't get up."
"What the hell do you want?" I wince, stroking my back. "Was it
your hand or your foot?"
"Pat's here."
"Huh?"
Wai narrows his eyes and gestures to the door. I follow his
gaze and see the guy in mention hiding behind the entrance. He
cranes his neck and gives me a smile. I straighten up and press my
lips together, sensing how different his smile is. I feel a twinge in my
chest, too anxious to lie to myself. I exhale and whisper to my friend.
"Be right back…"
I pretend to go to the restroom and drag the guy from the
different faculty to a blind spot by the stairs.
"What are you doing here? It's during class. You'll get in trouble
if someone spots you."
"Everyone knows you and I stopped fighting."
"Not everyone knows that. You even wear your workshop shirt.
The professors might come to you."
"I wanted to see you."
His dejected expression as he mutters those words stops me
short. I smile, giving up nagging. "Really."
"Seeing you smile like this, I don't mind getting lectured for
three days."
"You're exaggerating."
"Pran…"
"Hmm?"
"I'm sorry I didn't contact you. My mom's been keeping an eye
on me. She's started eavesdropping recently. Some days, she even
took my phone."
"It's all right. Par texted me. And I'm not mad at you."
"But I'm mad."
"Why?"
"I'm mad at everything that prevents me from hearing your
voice, from being with you, from cuddling you to sleep."
"…"
"From seeing you blush and frown like this."
"Did you take the wrong pill or something?" I brush his hand
away when he touches my cheek. "You're acting weird." My face
feels hot at the pressure of his fingertips.
"I took no pills. That's why I feel sick. When will I get to take my
pill?"
"Pat."
"I'm going to die."
"Still joking." I fail to stifle my smile, feeling a little better as he
can still make jokes. I've been worried for days because he was
horribly downcast. Why is he looking me at like that, by the way?
"What are you looking at?"
"My boyfriend. It's been days since I got to see you. Let me
gawk at you. You won't be stained by my stare."
"What a pain."
"What? I talk sweetly and you tell me off. I tease you and you
tell me off. So hard to please."
"Go back to your class already."
"I won't. I'll be with you."
"Don't be ridiculous, Pat."
"I have to hit home right after classes. I won't get to see you
then."
"Pat, we're in the uni."
"Just one kiss."
This sick, wild dog leans closer and puckers his lips, which
doesn't suit his face at all. I keep my lips shut, not letting him touch
me as desire, yet the guy before me doesn't give up. He steps close,
locks my gaze, and whimpers a little. My brow furrows. I avert my
eyes, trying to ignore his mewl in my ears. Finally, I yield. I press my
lips on his for a brief moment and withdraw.
"There you go. Happy now?"
Pat raises his eyebrow, unable to hide his smirk. I start to blush
now. "No, but it's enough for now," he whispers hoarsely and pulls
back. I step back immediately and look around, worried that
someone might see us. "I'm leaving."
"Okay. Let's talk later."
Pat nods and blows a kiss at me, then he descends the stairs
slowly. My eyes trail after him, and he turns around to wave his
hand. I wait until he's gone and return to the lecture room. My
annoying friends ask me teasingly if I went out to poop, but I don't
care.
After our sudden rendezvous, Pat texted me once in a while.
He kept it simple, only asking what I was doing, and Par would chat
with me on his behalf when he couldn't do it himself. They must be
keeping an eye on him strictly. The thought bothers me. The guy
who loves freedom like him must feel suffocated being grounded.
Besides…one of the reasons Pat chose to move out is he was
concerned about my workload and transportation. After all, it was
either him or me. And I was mad at myself for being so useless.
"Thank you," I say and hand the money to the driver of the
green taxi parked in front of my house. I get out of the car and sneak
a glance at the other house while heading inside mine. I didn't tell
Pat I was going home since he hadn't replied to my text last night.
"I'm home."
I greet my dad, who's reading a book on the couch. He eyes
me and returns his gaze to the book. We haven't talked much since
that day, so the air around us has been tense.
"Oh, you're home, Pran." Mom's voice comes from the kitchen
before she appears. "Have you eaten?"
"Yes."
"Put your stuff in your room and come down to have some
fruits."
"Okay…"
My response is plain. Dad and Mom no longer look or speak
another word with me. It feels awkward standing here, and I'm
uncomfortable starting a conversation. I've never been in this kind of
situation. Now that I think about it, I've never fought with my parents
about that family before. This is going to be tough.
I check my phone once I've changed my clothes. Pat still
doesn't respond nor read my text. His mom probably took his phone.
There's no one in sight when I peek at the other house, so I walk out
to the balcony. I land my eyes on the wall separating our places,
deep in thoughts. Isn't it weird? Two families loathe one another
despite using the same wall. It's even weirder that Pat and I have
feelings for each other. Why do we have to be attached to each
other? Things would've been easier if we'd felt the same hatred our
parents harbor.
I stand there, enjoying the evening breeze and the view of the
birds and the sky. A brand new white Audi soon pulls over into the
other house's front yard. I watch in curiosity until Pat gets out of the
driver's seat. His dad went as far as to buy him an Audi in exchange
for him staying home and cutting ties with me.
My eyebrow twitches, spotting someone else in the car. My
heart clenches as it is a girl, apparently. Pat never had a female
friend nor invited one home before.
It wouldn't bother me too much if Pat didn't open the door for
her and wait for the girl in a sweet–color dress to step out. My legs
feel heavy as they chat and smile at each other. Maybe it's because
I'm too far away from them to read the meanings of the gaze and
smile of the one I call my boyfriend.
Nevertheless, the fact that he took her to his place is solid.
I gasp when Pat notices me. Our eyes meet, but I can't see
clearly. It seems to me that he's in shock. Pat fidgets as if he wants
to say something. The girl taps his shoulder and gestures to his
house. With no second thought, I spin, get inside my room, and slam
the balcony door shut.
The room falls into silence after a resounding bang. I lean
against the wall in confusion, unable to process what I just saw.
What the hell is going on? Why didn't I know a single thing about
this? Is this the reason why Pat seemed to have a lot in his mind
lately? My head is overwhelmed with negative possibilities. I start to
believe he hasn't contacted me for days because of the girl.
What should I feel now? What should I believe?
| SCENE TWENTY–TWO |
Pat | talk
Fuck!
I'm fucking fucked. What would be more disastrous than your
boyfriend finding out you brought a girl home? I freeze, my face
paling, my heart dropping. Pran must've seen everything since he
went back inside once our eyes met. Thousands of words are stuck
in my throat. To him, it all leads to that one conclusion because I've
been busy pleasing my family for the past few days that I had no
time to bother him.
Fucking cheesy. Who would've thought a twenty–two–year–old
guy would be on a tight leash by his family?
Not only they forbade me to hang out with Pran, but they also
ordered me to have meals and watch movies with Par's childhood
friend almost every day. They believed that I wouldn't have time to
think of reuniting with a terrible friend like Pran this way.
"Oh, Punch is here just in time. I'm making a dessert. Have you
ever tried homemade sweet water chestnuts?"
My mom is all happy right now. She's an absolute housewife.
Since our family owns a company, and my dad runs it by himself,
she's got a plenty of time. Therefore, she spends all of her time
organizing our place, making desserts, and preparing our meals. We
once hired someone to take care of the house, but my mom was
dissatisfied. In the end, she dealt with everything in our place like a
perfect angel of the house. I'm not surprised she's fond of Punch, an
incredibly well–mannered girl.
"Before my father passed away, I made it with my mother very
often. He loved it."
I sigh. She's so soft and gentle that my touch might break her
apart. We're not compatible. Mom now drags Punch to the kitchen to
do some housewife things, so I head to the living room with my
restless heart. I sink into the couch and tousle my hair in frustration.
Goddamnit!
"What's the matter, Pat?" Par asks.
"Pran saw Punch."
"And?"
"And? Pran never got to sit in the passenger seat in my car," I
whisper through gritted teeth. Of course, others might see all that as
a commom treatment, a boy should give to a girl. Punch could just
be anyone to me in their eyes. But, this is Pran we're talking about.
He knows I'd never treat anyone like that if they weren't special. I
mean, I opened the car door for her and all. Could I have avoided
that? Come on, my mom would nag at me for a whole night if I didn't
do it.
Why is life so hard?
"Where's Punch?"
"Helping Mom in the kitchen."
"I'm hungry," my sister grumbles and sits down next to me. "Did
you give Pran a call?"
"No. I don't know what to say."
"Where did you go with Punch this morning?"
"We went to the temple to make merit and give offerings."
Par stifles her laughter, knowing those aren't my typical
activities. "Come on, just keep pleasing Mom until she stops fussing
over you. When she's assured that you behave the way she wants,
she'll probably let you go on with your life. Well, you did get caught
so many times in a row."
"You're right," I agree, heaving a sigh. "But I guess I have to tell
Pran about Punch."
"Yeah. It might not be as bad as you think," Par says sweetly
and massages my shoulders to show her support.
Our lunch looks so fancy like Thai royal food, yet anxiety
makes me lose my appetite. I pick at the enormous pile of food
Punch put on my plate, pondering what to do with my relationship
with Pran.
"The food isn't to your liking?" Punch asks me. She helped my
mom make most of the food here. She's timid and speaks very softly
with a sweet voice. I have to listen carefully when she says
something. I assume she's a shy girl from a strict family.
"Not hungry."
"Pat, speak more nicely to her."
I eye my future fianc้e and exhale. I don't hate her, but
everything just feels forced. I've always been a blunt and
straightforward guy. It's uncomfortable when I'm told to act like a
gentleman.
"It's okay. Please be yourself, Pat."
"Look, how kind of her." Mom is ready to give me a long
lecture. To prevent that, I cut her short in a sugary voice.
"I normally skipped breakfast. Since I had a meal this morning,
my stomach doesn't have room for lunch."
"That's not good. Breakfast is the most important meal."
I nod, stopping myself from telling her that the sun was usually
already right above my head by the time I woke up. I end the
conversation by stuffing food in my mouth. Everything seems ideal to
everyone here. I'm the only one suffocating. Par glances at me every
now and then to check if my patience will run out soon.
In the late afternoon, when it's not too bright or windy, my dad
suggests that I should go for a walk in the backyard with Punch.
There is a small garden tended to by a gardener once a day with a
clean, age–old, white pavilion located in the middle. Par loved it here
when she was a kid. She would collect Dad's flowers to play with,
pretending to be a shopkeeper.
"It's been a while. It reminds me of when we were young."
Punch starts a conversation, strolling on the laterite pathway. I
mumble a response in my throat. Every memory in my past has Pran
in it.
"You've grown up to be pretty solemn, Pat."
"Not that much."
"I remember you were so kind when we were kids. You played
shopkeepers with Par and me, using leaves as money."
"If I didn't play along, Par would scream."
"You love Par so much that I sometimes envy that she has
such a nice brother."
If Punch knew of all the hard times I put Par in, she would take
back her words instantly. I sigh and settle on the bench that has
been unused for a long time.
"I like your house. It's cool and pleasant."
"My dad takes care of the backyard. He also chose the
gardener to work in our house himself."
"Your parents are very kind. My mom is scary." Punch smiles
amiably. She's a naturally pretty girl. As Mom said, I could end up
falling in love with this old friend. If I never knew Pran, that is.
What can I do? It's impossible to turn back time. Even if I could,
I wouldn't be able to pinpoint the exact time I should restart.
When I didn't love Pran this much, I suppose.
"Are you okay? You've sighed a lot."
"It's a stomachache." More like a strange heaviness in my
tummy. I can't breathe properly due to stress about a certain
someone. "Punch, I need to hit the toilet. You can stay here or chat
with Par inside. It could take long."
I turn around and jog back inside the house. Once I'm upstairs,
I open my bedroom door, grab my phone, and call the person in my
mind immediately. Pran picks up after a long while. I clench my grip
around my phone as I wait for him to speak. He can yell or shoot as
many questions as he wants. But what I get is a soft mumble.
[Um.]
"Pran…"
I wish I could pour out all the words in my chest. I'm not the
only one feeling uncomfortable with the whole situation. Pran was
obviously torn whether to answer the call or not. Now that we're both
on the phone, we remain silent, knowing our relationship is slowly in
tatters. Pran asks nothing, supposedly waiting for me to confess.
"Pran."
[Yes?]
I don't like his cold voice and distant word. It sounds like the old
Pran, but we know something is different. I press my lips tightly,
seeking the right words to put him at ease.
All because I care about him more than anyone.
"Pran."
[If you're just going to say my name, I'm hanging up.]
"Wait," He's giving me a chance, the last chance before he
won't hear another word from me anymore. "Open the door. I'm
going there."
[Pat! In broad daylight?]
"I need to talk to you."
[We are talking.]
"No." I don't want my words to be just an excuse of a mindless
guy. Everything I'm going to say will only feel real when it's conveyed
directly to another person.
Plus…I miss him like crazy.
"Pran, I'm hanging up now. Keep the balcony door open."
I end the call, not waiting for his permission. From here, I tiptop
over the roof for a short distance and reach the wall. I use my skill to
lift myself onto the rooftop of his kitchen, then I climb over the
balcony of Pran's room. This must be an absolute secret. If my
parents find out, I will have to switch rooms with Par.
Pran glowers when I show up at the balcony with my bare feet.
When I land on the floor without making a sound, he relaxes. He
crosses his arms over his chest and paces away to sit on his desk
chair, and I take the liberty to plop myself on his clean bed.
"So?"
"Do you remember Punch?"
"No."
"She often came to my house to play with Par when we were
young." He must've seen her but didn't care much. Even I, the house
owner, didn't care. "The girl you saw."
"Can Par drive?"
"Yes. Why? My dad bought the car for both of us."
"Then why were you the one picking up Par's friend? Not that
you can't do it. It's just…" Pran pauses. "…unlikely of you."
Pran knows me better than anyone. I sigh heavily. I never
meant to lie to him. I just didn't know how to bring it up without
hurting his already hurt feelings. That's why I kept it from him.
Apparently, it was an undoubtedly wrong call.
Sooner or later, Pran will find out anyway.
"Her family runs a consulting business. She's an only child and
studies accounting in Chiang Mai. She finished her exams and got
back here. She's in the same year as us."
"And?"
"My parents and her mom want us to get to know each other."
"They want to pair you with her?"
His eyes flicker. They're locked on my face before turning
away. I sigh again, my chest about to burst. I still can't find a solution.
And as time passes, it feels like I'm lost in a maze.
"She seems pretty from afar."
"She is."
"Do you like her?"
"Pran, don't ask like you don't know how I feel."
I pull the desk chair he's sitting on towards me and cup his face
to look into his eyes. "You know who I like."
"I don't know. I'm not sure sometimes."
"You think it's going to be like that time with Nat."
"I don't want to bring up the past. But you have no problems
dating girls. Actually, that kind of relationship sounds more possible."
"It's up to our hearts to make it possible or not. Pran, I never
have eyes for anyone but you. I did that because of us, and I'm sorry.
I just can't find the way out yet, but I promise I will solve this
problem."
"Pat, are you an obedient son? I don't know. You can oppose
them. You don't have to open the car door or take care of that girl.
You did all of that, from what I saw. You only do those things to the
person you like, the one you want to do it for."
"You know me so well."
Should I be happy or sad that Pran always sees through me?
Well, I understand his exasperation. If it were me, I would destroy
whoever makes a pass at Pran.
"Forget it. I probably talked too much."
"Pran, you have every right to be jealous. Just hear me out."
"I'm not jealous!"
"Pran, listen to me!" I squeeze his hands and stare into his
light–colored eyes sternly. Pran feels unstable. Our relationship is a
skyscraper without friction piles. No confidence nor safety.
"I have to please my mom to put her mind at ease. That way,
she won't show up at the uni. We can still see each other there, you
know."
We don't have that much time left. I hate myself for not
realizing my feelings sooner. I've taken four university years for
granted. I keep my gaze on Pran's face, my eyes burning.
Uneasiness eats away at me as I'm afraid he would dismiss my
explanation. The possibility that Pran might feel disheartened and
give up on our relationship gives me anxiety.
"I'm not a playboy. You know that. I don't really care about
girls."
"Pat, I know. But what do you plan to do?"
"I will solve this."
Even though it sounds hopeless, I refuse to back off. I loosen
my grips and massage the back of his hands instead, begging him
with all my sincerity.
"Trust me."
"One more thing." Pran takes a deep breath. He now seems to
be convinced that I won't cheat yet still bothered by something. I wait
quietly for him to speak, which he does eventually. "If I didn't see you
two today, would you tell me?"
A simple question. But I have no answer. I go still and avert my
eyes. Pran yanks my shoulder and forces the answer out of me with
his pressuring glare.
"I'm asking you."
I don't have the guts to look at him because I planned to keep it
hidden from him until the end. Pran would definitely dislike the truth,
but I won't lie.
"Isn't it our problem, Pat?"
"I can deal with it."
"If you could, you wouldn't wait until you got caught."
"Things like this take time. Do you seriously think I'd marry
someone else?"
"How can I know what you're thinking?" Pran licks his lips. The
mobile by the window jingles in the wind, but our hearts are burning
to a crisp. "What do you take me for? Do I have to hide behind your
back and let you solve everything by yourself?"
"My mom is the problem. How can you help me with that? It's
tiring enough dealing with your own parents. I don't want to trouble
you with more problems."
"Aren't we supposed to solve the problem together to call
ourselves lovers?"
I say no more, unable to answer the question. The truth is, I'm
afraid he won't get my point.
"I'm sorry."
"I'm fucking sick of your apologies."
"What do you want me to do?" I sigh and place my forehead on
his lap with my arms around his waist. I knew he'd be mad at me
sooner or later.
"Where is she right now?"
"I don't know. You think I'd care?"
"Go back to her."
"Stop being upset first."
Pran exhales. When I look up, he nods. "Leave already. My
mom will be in the kitchen in the evening. It'll be hard to climb back
by then."
I kiss his knuckles, missing his scent. All those days we spent
together run through my mind.
If possible, I'd be with him every second, not letting him out of
my sight.
"I miss you so much, Pran."
Pran is completely still, not responding right away. My phone
vibrates in my pocket, and he gestures to me to pick up the call.
"What is it, Par?"
[Where are you? Mom's looking for you. She wants you to drive
Punch home.]
"Can you do it? Tell Mom I have diarrhea."
[Where are you?]
"Pran's room."
I reply levelly, and Par just gives me an 'um.' [You really did it,
huh? I'll give Punch a lift. Just hurry and come back. Mom will check
on you when I offer to drive her home.]
I note it and hang up, then I release Pran's hand despite
myself.
"I'm leaving."
"Um, be careful."
"Pran." He raises his eyes at me, as cold as ever. "I love you."
I wish my feelings would melt the ice of bitterness in his heart.
Pran nods, not returning those endearing words. He watches me by
the window until I reach my bedroom.
We hold each other's gazes from the opposite sides of the
houses, with a wall and a few yards between us. I hope the wall is
the only thing keeping us apart.
Not our love tiptoeing on a skyscraper that's ready to be
knocked down by the gentlest wind.
| SCENE TWENTY–THREE |
Pran | talk
Hurts…
It's the only thing I'm feeling right now. I almost retreat and kick
Pat away for making me feel like my body is about to split into
halves. I want to escape from this torturing pain. But when I glance
up at the guy above me, at his sweating face full of emotions, at his
frustrated gaze staring at me, at his painful movement—not my kind
of pain but still—at his patience and effort to not succumb to his
desire, I grit my teeth. I can feel his concern for me through his voice
and touch.
"Do you want me to stop?"
Those words make me hold my breath, shake my head, and
speak with an embarrassingly quivering voice.
"Move…You have to move."
I hide my feelings by grasping his neck and give him a kiss. I
suck and grind his lips as much as I am embarrassed. We spend all
night focusing on each other's bodies. We shower each other with
touch and kisses and end up on the lips repeatedly. Pat embraces
me tightly and whispers the word of love in my ears, yet all I can do
is moaning his name.
I don't remember when the night ended nor recall the memory
in detail. I only know that my face and body were burning, and Pat's
sweaty, red face was the last thing I saw before the hours of
exhausting activity knocked me down.
"Ugh…"
I open my eyes because of the heaviness in my body. I shift
and wince with the pain in my lower half. Every part from my waist
down is aching like I have half–body paralysis. I turn to the cause of
this in exasperation. He's in a deep sleep with his arm and leg rested
on my body. Look at how relaxed he is. He must be happy, right?
How could I let it happen?
It was in the heat of the moment.
"Pat."
"Um, Pran…" He murmurs in a daze. I narrow my eyes,
contemplate for a moment, and smack the sleepyhead's shoulder.
SLAP!
"Ouch!" The victim gets startled and opens his eyes widely. He
blinks in confusion before returning my gaze and rubbing his
shoulder. He pouts. "It hurts. Why did you do that?"
"Are you hurt as much as me? You even rested your limbs on
me and made me uncomfortable."
"I wanted to cuddle."
"You treated me like a bolster."
"Come on…" Once he's done whining, his pouting face turns
sly. Pat puts on this untrustworthy smirk. I try to flee when he
scooches closer. "Did it hurt a lot?"
"Go away."
"I was so happy last night."
"Stop it."
"I really was happy."
"Shut up."
"Give me a hug."
"Didn't you have enough last night? My body's full of hickeys!"
"Who told you to have such a kissable body?"
I close my mouth, knowing this is a pointless argument. "…
Really." I cuss in my throat.
Pat laughs and successfully hugs me. If my body was in good
condition, he'd roll off the bed already.
"I love you," he says and puts his chin on my shoulder, rocking
me like a kid. It's not that romantic, but I guess it's not too bad.
"Um…"
"You never say you love me."
Hearing his sad voice, I raise my eyebrow and turn my head to
look at him. He even bends up and moves a little bit away from me.
"What?"
"I said I loved you many times. I did it a thousand times last
night, but you never said it back."
"Why are you kicking up a fuss now?"
"Don't be cold to your husband."
"Pat."
"Yes?"
"Who's the husband here?"
"It was obvious last night," Pat says with a grin, not giving a
damn about my cranky mood.
"I might change the role for real."
"Aw, I was kidding," Pat quickly corrects and acts all obediently.
He comes back closer to give me a loving hug. "My Pran is the
cutest."
"…" I roll my eyes yet still lean against his chest. I let the wild
dog peck my neck and shoulder. I resist a little, but I don't tell him off
or anything.
"I really love you, Pran," Pat says, more serious than before
that I have to listen carefully. "I love you so much that I can't believe I
can love anyone this much. I can't go on without you. You know that,
right…?" He holds my hands and caresses them. "You love me a lot
as well, don't you?"
I sigh, not knowing why he's using that tone. Who's the one
supposed to be uncertain here? "…I let you do this much. Why are
you still asking?"
Pat snickers and tightens his arms around me. He kisses my
cheek with his warm lips and buries his nose in my shoulder.
"Thank you."
I say nothing, secretly smiling alone. I lean against Pat in his
embrace though my lower half still feels heavy. My cheeks burn at
the thought of last night. Even so, I can smile when I'm wrapped in
this warmth.
I close my eyes and take in this pleasant pain.
I just learned how painful sex between males is last night. The
worse thing is the prolonged aching pain. I clench my teeth so hard
they could break as I try to walk as normally as possible. I breathe in
and pray that I won't faint when I descend the stairs or when I'm on
the bumpy bus.
Does the person who caused this pain have any idea what kind
of suffering he put me through?
"What's wrong, Pran? You're sweating a lot. Is it hot?" Ke asks
after I made my way to sit as gently as possible next to him in the
cafeteria. I only force a smile and reply.
"Yeah, a little. I'm okay."
With that answer, Ke just nods and grabs Golf's glass of soda
to drink.
"It's weird now that we've submitted the paper. I mean, we're
suddenly graduates," Wai points out, drawing our attention.
"Isn't it great? Finally. I've been excited," Golf says and
exhales. "Half of my hair went grey."
"It's great, of course, but I feel a little sad. We won't get to meet
each other very often now."
"It's not like we're going somewhere far away. We're not going
abroad. We can always hang out from time to time," Ke explains,
pats Wai's shoulder, and gets up. "Let's get our food. Come on,
Golf."
"You go first. I'll go for a smoke for a minute. You want one,
Wai?"
"I don't care. Not in the mood," Wai replies. Ke is off to get his
food while Golf disappears behind the building with a box of
cigarettes and a lighter. The only guy left turns to me. "What about
you, Pran? Are you going to manage your family business after
graduation?"
"I'm not sure. I'm still thinking about getting a master's degree."
"You said you gave up on it."
"I want to reconsider it now that I'm a graduate. I want to study
more."
"What about Pat? How's he doing?"
"He has two last exams today as well."
"What about the future? Did you talk to him?"
"…No."
"I guess you haven't dealt with the problem you told me the
other day."
"Yeah, what can I do, anyway? Our parents still hate each
other."
"So? Are you going to break up?"
"I never think of that."
Wai sighs and smiles before ruffling my hair. "It must be tough,
Young Master Pran."
"Young Master, my ass."
"Whoa, why so harsh?" He pretends to be offended, a cheeky
smirk still plastered on his face. "Anyway, wish you luck."
"Um…Thanks."
"You can tell me anything. Don't keep everything to yourself.
You might burst one day."
"As if you can help me."
"I may not, but I can listen, sir."
I scoff and shake my head at his playful voice. Wai looks like
he's just joking around, but I know he wants the best for me. "If I
have a big problem, I'll think of you after Pat. I promise."
"You trash. I'm almost touched. Your husband comes first,
huh?"
"You're going to be touched now, Wai, by my foot."
"Aw, just kidding. Don't lift up your foot, Pran. Calm down."
I laugh and put my foot back down. I look at my best friend's
face. Despite all the bad luck and terrible situations I've been
through, having them as my friends…is my best luck.
After the meal at the cafeteria, we're off to watch a movie
together. And when we come out of the theatre, we head to the bar
as our final destination. By the time we split and go home, it's almost
dawn. I narrow my eyes when I open the door to find Pat lying on my
bed with the AC turned on. Now that he can come over secretly, he
sure goes overboard.
FWIP! THUD!
"Ouch!" The guy who got dragged off the bed yells and springs
on his feet. "What the hell, Pran? What if I broke my neck?"
"Who allowed you to sleep in my room?"
"I missed you. Why did you come back so late?"
"You're too spoiled."
"Why does it matter? Your parents are out of town, so I want to
spend time with you." I roll my eyes now that he switches on his cute
mode. He sits on the edge of my bed and pulls me in. He hugs me
loosely and gives me a bright smile, eyes sparkling. "I missed you."
"Why? We saw each other in the morning at the uni."
"How could that be enough? I have to hug you like this." He
plants me between his legs and holds me tightly. "And kiss your
cheek like this." Pat won't stop. He presses his nose in my cheek.
"And kiss your…Ah!"
Before this mad dog can bite my lips, I push his face backward.
"Pran, you're getting violent again."
"Because you keep taking advantage of me."
"Hugging and kissing my lover means taking advantage? Come
here right now."
"Are you nuts? Did you take the pill? Go back to your room."
Ignoring his whining, I wave him off, grab a towel, and go into
the bathroom indifferently. Around an hour later, I come back out and
that shameless punk is still playing on his phone on his belly on my
bed. I knew he wouldn't leave so easily.
"Why didn't you leave?"
"I won't. I'm staying over."
"This is too frequent, Pat. You know it's not safe."
"There's no one else home. It's fine. Your parents rarely went
out of town, so just let me stay. I'll climb back in the morning."
"And this climbing thing. What if you fall and break your neck?"
"Aha, you're worried."
"I prefer my house to be death–free."
"You're not admitting it."
"Leave."
"No. I've taken all my exams, and your paper was submitted
and approved. There's nothing to worry about. Give me a graduation
present, will you?"
"You're the kind of person who wants something in return,
huh?"
"Of course, I want a lot from you."
Pat gets out of the bed and takes three long steps to embrace
me, using his old trick by begging me through his eyes.
"Pat, no."
"It's been several days since we did it…"
"Several days? We did it on Saturday."
"It's already Thursday. Don't you feel sorry for Pat Junior?"
"If you can't endure it for four or five days, just wither and die."
"No can do. If I wither and die, you'll cry."
"Let me be a top, then. Easy."
Pat's eyes widen. He looks around awkwardly. Now he's
scared? He had no problem doing me, overly delighted even.
"So?"
"Can't I do you…? Didn't I make you happy?"
Don't pull this trick on me. "I want to make you happy too."
"I'm happy just by hugging you."
Don't hug and kiss me like this, Pat!
"Hmm! Don't bite my ear."
"Please, Pran. I missed you so bad. Didn't you miss me?"
I turn away from his relentless, warm lips, but they still touch
my cheek, chin, neck, and collar bone. And I know my body and
heart can never resist him.
"Pran…"
I don't know how powerful love is. All I know is that when I am
touched and listen to his pleading voice, my cold heart melts. I sigh
and nod without a choice, letting the spoiled kid lead me to the bed.
Just another night with the burning heat on the mattress. It
goes on for almost an hour and ends with love whispers in my ears.
We hold each other, exchange our breath, and listen to our heartbeat
until we fall into a deep sleep.
The overflowing joy blinds me from the upcoming storm. I
forget everything and enjoy the time when it's only us two.
In the morning, a piercing shriek shocks me out of my sleep.
When I open my eyes, I want to shut them right away and hope that
the sight I saw was just the worst nightmare of this year. However,
no matter how hard I pray, reality won't change. When I force my
eyes open again, I still see my mom looking like she's just seen a
ghost. Her mouth opens and closes, then she screams.
| SCENE TWENTY–SIX |
Pat | talk
Pat ended the call long ago, but I'm still clutching my phone,
unable to release it as if it's the only connecting us. I pray that I'll be
strong enough to not pack up my things and jump off the window to
run away with him.
Pat has always been rash and made decisions based on his
emotions. He takes action before thinking it through. But since I
could clean up all the mess he caused, he never cared about the
unfavorable consequences of his actions.
I tried to protect him, though I didn't say that out loud. I played
the cruel role and hurt the person I love. I let go of his hand and
walked away, abandoning our love. Even so, I wasn't happy with
every decision I made.
Everything…I did it all for him.
I spend the night fidgeting and opening the curtains to check if
Pat has come home. I open and close the curtains and walk back
and forth until the first light breaks. Time feels so slow until I hear a
commotion from the house next door. I press my lips so hard that
they hurt, knowing Pat didn't come back. His parents have started
kicking a big fuss. They scream so loud, and it makes me worry
about Par. I knew this was going to happen…
Pat, come back to take care of your sister.
My eyes get teary as I realize how disastrous our love is. I've
never thought our happiness would devastate others. I can hear
Pat's mother scream from here. I have no idea what's going on
inside. After an hour, everything finally becomes quiet. I knit my brow
and clench my fists so hard that my hands bleed, hating myself even
more for my incapability to do anything. I'm just an ordinary person
who can change nothing.
Pat comes home eventually. He walks inside with a big
backpack, which means the call last night wasn't my imagination. I
let my tears fall again when I see the side of his face. The monster in
my heart is shrieking and trying to rip my chest apart. I want to
scream and destroy everything just because I can't stand the look on
his face.
"Their kid finally showed his true color. How could he run away
from home like that? How did they raise him?"
I munch my food with my head down, listening to those hateful
words towards the other family. It just keeps worsening. I wish I
could cut the chain tied around my legs, slam my fists on the table,
sweep everything in front of me off, and run to the person who is in
agony as I am in the house right next to mine. But I can only turn a
deaf ear to my parents' words. I need to endure it for his better
future. In reality, we have to accept that we can't do whatever we
want.
"Isn't that right? And they even made such a fuss so early in
the morning. How rude."
"He could be a drug addict, running away from home like that."
As Mom chimes in, Dad continues. "In the end, he just screwed up
and came back less than a day."
I wish I could go deaf and dumb if I can't speak my mind when
my mouth and ears work fine.
"Don't associate with him ever again, Pran. Think of the past as
a dog bite."
If Dad views our love as a dog bite, then the bite is an utterly
ugly wound, leaving a huge scar on my chest. It's painful and
unforgettable…
"Have you looked into the universities?"
The conversation moves on to me, but I'm not really in the
mood to answer. "I will."
"Just choose already. I plan to send you there ahead of
schedule within this month. I talked with Pong."
"Dad."
"What?"
He asks sternly and meets my gaze. He even narrows his eyes
to remind me that I should think before I speak.
"If I cut ties with Pat for good, can you not send me abroad?"
"Why?"
"I don't want to go. I want to stay here."
Dad looks at me. We hold each other's gazes. My heart beats
faster, expecting his next words to be different.
"We won't talk about this again."
"But Dad…"
No matter how desperate I hope, my wish never comes true.
"I've made up my mind."
"Did you really make up your mind?"
"Do I have a say in the matter in the first place?"
I answer honestly. At this rate, Wai is the only person I can
speak my mind with.
"Pran."
"Yeah?"
"I had a drink with those engineering dudes the other day."
"How come?" I laugh. "Have you stopped fighting?"
"It's all because of you two."
"…" I halt and meet his eyes, noting the implication.
"Something changed, you see. It really happened. Your
relationship didn't bring only bad outcomes."
"So what? Does it matter? Can it help us?" I raise my voice a
little, feeling pent–up. There are only Wai and me in his room, so no
one would hear us. "Who cares if I am miserable? Who can help us?
Do you think we didn't have a fight with our parents? Our families
were so close to falling apart."
"Pran…"
"I'm all right, but his family…I feel sorry for Par." I calm down
when mentioning Pat's only sister. Sighing, I look out the window.
"Running away together is easy, and it's not like I don't want to do it.
I refuse to do it because I know no one will be happy as we hope in
the end."
Pat's face appears in the sky above. I watch it until it fades
away.
"Pat would never stop worrying about his sister while I'd never
forget my family." Knowing him well, I know we won't have the
happiness we wish for even if we run away to the end of the world.
"…"
The room falls into silence. We're lost in thought for ten
minutes.
"…I sympathize with you," Wai says and grips my shoulder
firmly. I meet his gaze and can only smile at his solemn expression.
"I wouldn't be able to make decisions if I were to face the same
situation. I wouldn't be able to do what you did."
"…I'm fine."
"You're not."
"Yeah, sorry." I laugh. "I'm used to lying to myself."
"Pran, quit joking."
"I'm not joking." It's the truth.
"Really."
"Come on, I even asked for my mom's permission to hang out
with you. I'm sick of being grounded."
"It's really serious. She even drove you here."
"And she'll pick me up."
"Fuck…It's tough being you."
"Someone has it harder."
Wai laughs, knowing exactly who it is.
Who else could it be except the person I'm thinking of with all
my heart?
"Have you started packing up?"
Mom asks during the ride home. We don't look at each other.
Her eyes are fixed on the road ahead while I lean my head on the
window and watch the view outside.
"No."
"I've prepared the suitcases. Just pick one. Maybe the big one
so you can take a lot of stuff?"
"Yeah."
"Pong will look after you there. Since you can cook, I'm not
worried about your food."
"Yeah."
"I heard it's chilly. Let's go and buy some sweaters together the
day after tomorrow."
"Yeah."
I agree with everything, like a robot programmed to follow
orders. I have the right to listen and not refuse. I'm allowed to think
but not make decisions. Everything goes on against my will.
I step out of the car once we've reached home. My phone
suddenly vibrates. I sneak a glance at the screen and it shows Par's
name. My heart paces as I dismiss the call to stop the vibration
before Mom can notice. I slip my phone in my pocket, acting natural,
then I hurry to my room without looking suspicious.
As soon as I shut the door, I pick up the second call
immediately.
"Hello."
[Pran.]
"Hey, Par."
[How are you holding up?]
"Me…? I'm all right." Is Pat all right, though? Didn't she call me
to talk about him?
Despite the uneasiness, not a single question slips out of my
mouth.
[I heard you're going abroad.]
"Oh, you're right. The date is decided. I'll leave on the thirteenth
of this month."
[Thirteenth?!]
I lift my eyebrow at Par's shocked voice repeating my word.
"Yeah, the thirteenth. What's the matter?"
[N…Nothing.] She stutters, but I don't push her. [Why so soon?
It's in a few days.]
"My dad wants me to leave as soon as possible." I laugh,
forcing my voice to sound unbothered. "We've discussed it for about
a month. When everything was settled, he decided to send me there
right away."
[Oh, yeah…?]
Her voice sounds faint. I can tell she has something to say but
doesn't dare to do it. And I don't plan to bring it up first, so let's just
keep it unspoken.
"How are you, Par? It's been a while."
[I'm all right. By the way, since you're going abroad, that means
you're not attending the commencement ceremony?]
"I guess so. My parents care more about sending me abroad."
A piece of paper is nothing comparing to keeping me a continent
away from Pat.
[Oh, yeah…?]
Par repeats. With none of us mentioning what's on our minds,
we say goodbye and hang up. I pull the big suitcase near the door to
the middle of my bedroom. I open it, take a deep breath, and start
rummaging through the closet for the clothes I'd like to bring along. I
won't take many with me since it's easier to buy new ones when I get
there. However, I pack up as they ordered to avoid questions.
I fold my clothes roughly. Other necessities my mom left on the
table are transferred into the suitcase one by one. I've finished
packing pretty quickly, seeing no point in bringing too much stuff.
The last task is buying the sweaters as Mom wants. I sigh and plop
on the bed. My eyes flick to the plush bunny that is now darker than
the last time I washed it. It looked way better back then.
Its owner left it here since the day my mom came in and
screamed. I have no idea if he can sleep without cuddling Shabby.
It's impossible to return it now. I hold it in my hands, stroke its ears,
and smile. Recalling the way that punk snuggled it every single day, I
crack up.
We were so much happier back then, weren't we, Pat?
I exhale, letting the memories erase the smile on my face. I hug
the plush to my chest and close my eyes to stop the brimming tears.
I breathe in deeply and whisper loud enough for only his Fragrant to
hear.
"You're coming with me…"
Three days before the departure, the family next door was busy
preparing for the engagement ceremony. People ran in and out of
the house almost every day. The garden was tended to and
decorated nicely for the important day. I learn that the ceremony is
held on my departure day when I get ready to go out and spot Pat in
a light–color suit in his front yard. This is the first time we saw each
other in a month. He cut his hair short, looking totally different. It
hurts because he wouldn't cut it no matter how hard I begged him to,
but he could do it easily for his future, significant person.
Despite everything, some sort of longing surges in my heart.
He's going to say something and decides not to. We're a few feet
away from each other, from his garden to the front gate, yet the
distance feels so far and unconnected.
When my mom comes out to summon me to the car. No words
have been exchanged between him and me. No goodbyes uttered
as I get in the car, and we drive off. I clench my fists, clasping my
hands together. I tighten them until they shake, afraid that my
patience will vanish at any moment. I shut my eyes, not looking
back, begging the pain in my heart to fade away.
At the airport, I trail after my parents quietly, letting them handle
everything for me without a word. When I'm at the gate, I just say
goodbye to them. We don't hug, express our love, or exchange
emotional words. I turn around and walk into the gate, following the
steps perfectly, then I head to the boarding area to wait for the
departure time. I play on my phone to pass the time, though one
certain thing sticks to my mind. As I scroll through the Facebook
feed, I glance at the clock and find that it's time to board. When I'm
closing the app, my finger brushes the screen and a photo shows up.
It's the photo of the engagement ceremony of a couple. They're
embracing each other with joy.
I wouldn't care much if it weren't Pat in the photo…
I stare at it for a while until I realize I need to board the plane. I
rub my face with my hand to get a grip. Before I stand up, I like the
photo and lock the screen.
I'm off to the country devoid of 'our' memories.
Nor him…
| SCENE THIRTY |
Pat | talk
After that night, I've never given Pat another call. The last
conversation with my dad probably triggered my longing for him and
my wishful thinking, so I unconsciously pressed the number I
remember too well. I even had no idea who I was to call him like that,
what we should talk about, or what I should say. I mean, everything
is falling into place. Pat is getting married to the perfect girl with a
great personality, appearance, and status. At a time like this, I'm the
one who's supposed to disappear…
"Are you going anywhere today, Pran?"
I'm dressing up after a shower. I slide my arms in the sleeves,
put my head through the collar, and pull the hem of the shirt before
shouting the answer to Pong in the living room. "No. What about
you?"
"I'm meeting up with my friends. They changed the time to the
late afternoon. Care to join us?"
I crane my neck out of the bedroom and see Pong pour himself
a glass of milk at the countertop, already dressed up. "No, thanks.
I'm going to watch a movie here."
"I see. I'll join you to pass the time."
Pong says and follows me into my room. He sits on the floor,
leans his back against the bed, and puts a pillow on his lap while I
choose the movies kept in a plastic box.
"What do you want to watch?"
"Up to you."
"I'm staying here all day. I can choose mine later. Why don't
you pick one now?"
"I don't know much about movies. Just pick one for me."
I laugh and keep nodding before looking for the one he'd like.
RING!
The doorbell rings a moment after I've started watching a
movie with Pong on my laptop. We both turn away from the screen
automatically.
"I'll go," Pong says and walks out of my room, leaving the door
ajar.
"If it's Rita, don't forget to return her plates. We've two of them,"
I shout after Pong, eyes glues to the screen.
"Ah…I think I'll leave now, and I might not come back tonight,"
Pong mumbles and speaks faster. That gets my attention. I turn my
gaze to look.
"Pong…" I pause since the one walking here isn't my cousin
but the person I haven't seen for months.
"You look well."
"How did you come here?" I frown and stand up in a split
second. My heart beats so fast that I'm scared it will jump out of my
chest. I clench my fists, feeling how sweaty my fingers are.
"My wifey has been gone for months. I'm here to take you
back."
"Pat…"
"Why are you still standing there? Didn't you miss me?"
"I…"
"I missed you like crazy, Pran."
I press my lips together, my eyes feeling hot, unable to pull
myself together any longer. I feel like I'm about to pout like a child,
and the best solution is to hide my face from him…
By darting forward into his embrace and burying my face in his
shoulder.
Pat holds me. We hug each other tightly, pressing our bodies
together that there is no space left. We convey our longing for one
another as our tears well up.
I missed his body temperature.
I missed his unique perfume scent.
I missed his annoying voice.
I missed his cheeky gaze.
I missed the feeling when we were together.
I missed him so much…
"Pran."
"Um," I mumble in my throat, my eyes still closed. We tighten
our embrace, leaving no gap between us.
"Who's Rita?"
"Huh?" I open my eyes as soon as I heard the question, caught
off guard.
"I'm asking you. Who's Rita?"
"Pat, damn it." I jump when he slips my hands into my shirt and
caresses my back. "Not now."
"Answer me."
"Calm down. Get your hands off." I pull back, making his hands
slide away from my body, but I keep my hands on his arms. We hold
each other's gazes, and that shuts me up.
"Are you seeing anyone here?" Pat's voice is stern, with no
sign of playfulness in his eyes.
"Who would I be seeing?" I press my lips together before
loosening them. I drop my gaze, shy. "I've always missed you."
Hearing his soft laughter, I have the urge to tell him off. But his
next words halt me.
"The way you talk softened after months."
"Shut up."
"Let's see if your mouth is softer as well."
"What the hell…? Won't you tell me how you came here?"
"Can't I tell you after a kiss?"
"…No," I whisper not so firmly. My heart and body have
probably melted the second our eyes met. Pat pulls me close, and
the heat from his skin makes my cheeks flush. I press my lips
together to keep my feelings hidden. Only the tears brimming my
eyes show how pent–up I've felt.
"Don't cry."
"I'm not crying."
"It makes me want to cry too."
"…"
"Pran…" Pat calls my name and I close my eyes. Ever since I
flew here, I've lost count of the nights I fell asleep with his voice next
to my ear and woke up to find out that it was my imagination.
I wish I could make sure that what's happening right now isn't
the result of my repeated imagination overlapping reality.
"Pran."
I open my eyes when he calls my name again with his low
voice. My tears trickle down my cheeks when Pat is still here in front
of me, holding my hand, hugging me, and calling my name.
"…Hic."
"Whoa."
"H…Hic."
"Pran, don't cry."
His warm hand wipes my tears off my face. This is real.
This is actually happening.
"Pran."
Pat calls me louder as I burst into tears and wrap my arms
around him tightly. I press my face on his shoulder, letting my tears
seep through the fabric of his shirt. I've never thought I'd get to hug
him like this again. I've never even thought I'd get to see his face
once more.
"Pran…"
"I'm sorry."
"…"
"I…Hic…I'm sorry." I'm sorry for never doing anything for you.
I'm sorry for being so weak and making you suffer. I'm sorry…
"Sorry. I'm sorry."
Pat exhales through his nose as if laughing. He returns my hug
with his left arm, his right hand supporting my head and ruffling my
hair. "Why are you sorry?"
I shake my head, trying to stifle a sob.
"You did nothing wrong."
Pat whispers to my ear and holds me without another word. We
embrace each other like that, letting time fly. I finally stop crying after
a while, still not moving my face from his shoulder. It's not that I've
missed so much that I can't withdraw from this hug. I've just come to
my senses and feel embarrassed. Why did I break down and rush to
him like that? Ugh!
"Pran…" Pat calls my name and presses his lips on my temple,
then he rests his chin on my head. "Let me see your face."
I remain still. How can I let him see my red, swollen eyes right
now?
"Pran."
"…"
"Sleeping?"
Sleeping, my ass… "No."
"Let go of me, then. Are you just going to hug me like this and
not looking at my face?" Pat asks. Receiving no answer, he goes on.
"I've missed you so much."
I finally yield and loosen my arms. I pull back slowly and keep
my eyes on the floor, not looking up. I jump when Pat strokes the
area under my eye.
"Your eyes are swollen."
"…" I press my lips together and raise my eyes. They widen at
the sight of Pat's red eyes. Despite zero traces of tears on his
cheeks, his damp eyelashes are clear evidence.
We hold each other's gazes, throwing away our stubbornness
and conveying our feelings without hiding. We lean forwards until our
lips touch. We stay like that before starting to grind them, moving
slowly, taking it easy. We don't rush to use our tongues, just nibbling
and taking in the feeling of our skin touching. We kiss and pull back,
then we seal our lips again. It goes on repeat.
When it doesn't seem to be enough, the person before me puts
his tongue in the gap between my lips as if asking for permission. I
simply allow him in, parting my lips to welcome the soft, damp
sensation. He twirls his tongue inside my mouth, savoring the taste
he's missed for a long time, sucking out my soul.
I can never resist him, no matter what.
"Will you tell me now how you got here?"
"By plane."
"Pat…" Still has some nerves to joke, huh?
Hearing my even voice, the cheeky guy scooches closer. "I'm
just kidding. I don't want you to make a stressed face."
"…"
"What's wrong?"
"I thought…you didn't pick up my call because you didn't want
to talk to me anymore."
"How could that be? I didn't know it was you."
"…Aren't you mad at me?"
"I am."
"…" I press my lips tightly upon that answer. Of course, he is.
Who wouldn't be?
"But I love you more."
That makes me raise my gaze. With our eyes on each other, I
get to see the way he looks at me. My cheeks feel hot. How long has
it been since my heart beat this fast?
"I'm sorry."
"I understand." Pat smiles and caresses my cheek. "I'm sorry,
too, for acting so immature and always giving you hard times."
"Not at all…" I mumble, grabbing the fingers playing with my
cheek. "Is it okay for you to be here…? What about Punch?"
"The wedding was canceled"
"Why?" That startles me. "Did you run away here?!" My head is
now full of many terrible situations. I can't help thinking of the worst–
case scenario. Before I lose my mind, Pat pulls me back together.
"Nothing like that. Well, she found out I was gay."
My eyes go wide. "So…?"
"She called off the wedding, of course. Who would marry a guy
who's in love with another guy wholeheartedly?"
"Didn't your parents go crazy?"
"My dad blew up, but my mom helped stop him."
"…"
"Don't make that face. Nothing happened. My parents are fine
with this. Even your dad gave us permission to date. He knew I flew
here. Everything's okay now."
"…What about you?"
"Hmm?"
"Are you okay?"
"I wasn't, but I am now." Pat puts on the smile I'm familiar with.
"Quit joking."
"I'm not," Pat corrects immediately, his voice even sterner.
"You've no idea how tormenting it was for me when you were gone.
Even though we did as we were told and sacrificed our happiness, it
made nothing better."
I press my lips together, not arguing. Everything he said is the
truth I can't deny. I can't lie that I felt okay, not when we stare into
each other's eyes like this.
"Pat."
"Hmm?"
"I love you."
Pat is clearly stunned. He turns to me like he can't believe it.
"What did you say?"
"…"
"What did you say, Pran?"
"Nothing."
"Nothing? I heard what you said."
"Then why did you ask?"
"I want to hear it again. Say it." The cheeky guy starts whining,
shaking my arms. "Please, Pran."
"I said it. If you couldn't hear it, your loss," I say, knitting my
brow. I blush so hard that I don't know how to act.
"I even fought the urge to destroy the engagement ceremony
and follow you to the airport. Don't you feel sorry for me?"
"…"
"I cut my hair for you as well. See?"
"…"
"I worked really hard. I was in charge of several successful
projects, as I told you."
I suppress my smile as Pat goes on with his endless list of
good points. I glance at his hair, which is longer now, with my own
eyes, not on the laptop screen. I touch the back of his head and slide
my fingers through his black hair. I stroke his head affectionately
before leaning closer until I feel his breath.
"Love you," I whisper, raising my gaze at him. "I love you."
"…"
"I love only you…Um!"
Before I can finish my sentence, Pat attacks me with a sudden
kiss. He closes his eyes, frowns, and moans in his throat to keep his
emotions in check. He embraces me, fondling my back and arms so
intensely that it's hard to breathe. He steals my breath, and my heart
skips a beat.
"Hmm, Pat…"
"Let's do it." He pulls back a little and whispers on my lips with
a hoarse voice.
"Whoa…hold up. Won't you tell me everything in detail first? I'm
curious about what my dad said."
"I'll tell you later. I want to hold you," he pleads, rubbing his
nose on my cheek. "I miss you so bad, Pran."
"But…"
"My heart's about to burst."
"Pat…" Gasp!
I shudder as Pat kneads my hips. He does it so hard that my
skin must turn red.
"Wait…"
"Pran…"
"…Lock the door first."
Pat lifts his face from my neck and looks at me with such
joyous eyes, grinning. In a split second, he jumps away and takes
one long step out of my bedroom. I hear a locking sound, then he
comes back and locks my bedroom door. He now pushes my body
on the bed and gets on top of me.
I look at him and sigh…He really never changes.
We've vented the heat from our bodies, but we're still catching
our breath. Our chests pop up and down as we tangle our naked
bodies, cuddling each other. We're no different from two critically ill
patients just receiving medications, like dying fish returning to the
sea.
Pat cups my face, stroking my cheeks with his thumbs down to
my lips. The touch is so gentle that it tickles. We look into each
other's eyes and smile. He moves closer and rests his forehead on
mine.
"Pran."
"Hmm?"
"Don't leave me again."
"…"
"Don't ever disappear."
"Pat…"
"Promise me."
"…I promise." My voice is a whisper, yet it feels firm. I reach
out and touch his cheek. "I'm not going anywhere."
We spend the night cuddling on the bed and talk about what
happened during the months we were apart. We laugh as we
exchange our stories. Listening to Pat grumbling about me living with
Pong alone, I smile at his undying jealousy. There are times when I
turn my head and Pat is already staring at me with such an
emotional gaze that catches me off guard. We keep our hands
loosely intertwined, resting our heads on the same pillow, lying under
the same blanket, and falling asleep together.
We stay together for three whole days. No matter how happy
we are, Pat has to go home eventually. Pong and I go to the airport
to see him off. I actually feel awful because Pong has crashed at his
friend's place while Pat stayed here. He let me spend time with Pat
to my heart's content. I told him it wasn't necessary, but Pong
insisted on not coming back to our place.
"I'll wait for you by the exit," Pong says once Pat has checked
in and is ready to head to the gate. "Good luck, Pat."
"Yes," he replies rather stiffly. Is he still suspicious of Pong and
me? "Please take care of Pran."
Pong smiles and nods. He pats my shoulder softly and leaves.
"Graduate quickly and come back to me in Thailand."
Those words make me turn away from Pong to him. "How do I
rush it?"
"I don't care. Just study hard and graduate quickly."
I beam and nod, taking his selfish yet tempting order. "Got it."
"I'll be waiting for you in Thailand."
"Yeah, be a good boy."
"You too. Don't let anyone flirt with you."
"I know."
"The same goes to that damn Pong."
"Watch your mouth. He even crashed at his friend's for days
because of you."
"That's a different subject."
"Seriously. Go now. It's almost time."
"…Take care of yourself, Pran."
"You too," I smile, patting his cheek. I'm sad, though not as
much as before. "Call me once you get there." Because we can
contact each other whenever we want now, right?
Muah!
Pat smiles and suddenly kisses my cheek. I'm startled, looking
back and forth in shock.
"Pat! What the hell?!" I scold him, slapping his arm. "We're
outside."
Look at his careless smile. "I love you, Pran."
"I know," I mutter. "I love you, too…Go!" I shout over my own
reply and push his back. Pat laughs and finally gets on the escalator.
He spins and waves his hand at me all the way up, and I watch him
until he's out of my sight.
Another goodbye, yet my heart feels no pain like before.
| SCENE THIRTY–FOUR |
Pat | talk
I can't breathe…
I open my eyes just to find that it's hard to move. Turning
around, I glare at the sleeping guy resting his arm on my body. He
puts all the weight on me comfortably without caring about how I
could feel like having sleep paralysis.
"Pat."
I call the culprit who has made my arms and the right half of my
body go numb, but he won't move.
"Pat!" This time, I pinch his upper arm so hard the sleeping guy
jumps.
"That hurts!"
"The pain can wake you up."
"You should've used other ways," Pat grins, grasping the nape
of my neck, pulling me down. "Have you watched Sleeping Beauty?"
"You're definitely the Beast," I sputter, turning away.
"Give the Beast a kiss."
I suppress my smile and yield to his hand pulling me in. I let the
wild dog plays with my lips to his heart's content before nibbling his
lower lip.
"Hmm, we wouldn't be able to get off the bed if you nibbled me
like this."
I scrunch up my nose. "Will you get up now?"
"Yes, sir," Pat says mockingly, holding out his hand for me to
yank him up. He kisses my cheek and pushes me towards the
bathroom. He usually drags me to shower with him on the days we
leave together.
"You're working out of town tomorrow, aren't you?" I ask the
person who buttons his shirt to finish dressing up.
"Yeah, for a week," Pat grumbles. "If you weren't busy, I'd take
you with me."
"You talk like a spoiled kid." I smile. I walk to him and swat at
his hands before buttoning the rest, then I grab the tie to put on him.
"All done," I say, looking up to see Pat locking his eyes on me the
way it makes my cheeks burn.
"I mean it," he whispers. "How do I sleep without you?"
"Quit whining," I mutter, pinching his cheeks. "Get your work
done and come back."
"By the way, how was it assisting your friend at his company?
You didn't tell me last night."
"Who robbed my chance of doing that?" I frown, and Pat rubs
his face on my cheek. "Enough."
"So?"
"It was okay. I trained the younger ones and assessed the
projects. Things will probably be settled in a few months."
"Great. Learn a lot so you can start up your own company
without a problem."
"Stop chatting. You'll be late."
"Okay. See you tonight."
"Will you sleep at your place for once? Your parents will be
upset." He's slept in my room for two weeks straight. It used to be
every other day or every two days, but now he won't go home since
no one says anything.
"Your home is mine. My home is yours. What's the difference?"
I roll my eyes. "Did you ask your dad before saying that?"
"I don't know. I don't care."
"Just leave already," I cut short and push him out of the room.
"Pran."
"Hmm?" I look away from the screen of a trainee to the other
employee. "What is it?"
"Your phone."
"All right, I'll get it," I reply and leave the last message to the
trainee next to me. "Fix where I told you and save the file
separately."
"Okay."
I nod and head back to my desk. When I check my phone and
notice Pat's missed call, I call him back right away.
[Pran.]
"Did you call me? What's the matter?"
[Yeah. I have a favor to ask you.]
I lift my eyebrow, hearing his unusually agitated voice. "What's
wrong, Pat?"
[Par broke her car. She gave me a call just now, but I'm still in
the meeting.]
"Where? I'll go there," I say, checking my watch. It's almost
seven. "Did you tell her not to get out of the car?"
[I did. The car is on the road near the gas station at the XXX
mall.]
"Got it. Hanging up now. I'll call her."
[Drive safely, Pran. I'll give you a call right after I'm done.]
"Okay. Do well."
I end the call and tell the trainees fixing their works that I have
to go, then I gather my stuff and take my leave early. On the way to
the parking lot, I call Par and remind her to lock the car doors and
stay put. I get in my car and hurry there. In thirty minutes, I arrive,
pulling over behind Par's car.
Knock, knock.
I leave my car in neutral and get down to knock on the window
of Par's car. Seeing me, she smiles, unlocks the door, and steps out
to stand next to me. "Thank you, Pran."
"You're okay, right?" I smile, ruffling her hair gently. "I called the
mechanics. They'll be here soon. Wait in the car and lock the door."
"Won't you wait inside together? It's dark. I'm worried."
"They're here. Get in the car," I say, holding out my hand. "Give
me the key."
Par passes her key and walks around the car to get in the
driver's seat obediently. I make sure she's locked the door before
greeting the mechanics. After an inspection, we need to call a tow
truck to transfer the car to the repair center. I deal with the document
and everything for a while before handing Par's key to the
mechanics, then I hop in my car along with her.
"It's all right now."
Par beams. "Thank you, Pran. Things could've gone bad
without you."
"Don't mention it. But you should get your car checked up from
time to time. It's dangerous when you drive alone and your car
breaks in the middle of nowhere."
"Okay."
Once she's promised in a sweet voice, I nod and fasten the
belt.
"Let's go home."
I park the car in my garage, turn off the engine, and open the
door. I am going to open the door for Par, but she's already out.
"Come on, I'll walk you home."
"Okay."
The girl smiles and takes my arm as we walk to the next house.
Before we reach the gate, Pat's car arrives. He opens the gate with
the remote controller and lowers the car window to flash us a smile.
"Who's the girl you're walking with? I'm jealous."
I sigh and put on a fake bored face while the mentioned girl
clings to me and rests her head on my shoulder. "Who's that
gangster? How scary."
"Damn it, Par. I'd smack you if you weren't my sister."
"I'm not scared of you. Pran is my backup."
"Whose side are you, Pran?"
Their joke has gone too far. Damn these siblings. "Cut it out.
Drive inside now. Why are you pulling over right here?"
"Okay. But don't go home yet. Let's eat together."
"Huh?" I raise my eyebrow.
"Right, let's have dinner together. Dad and Mom are home
today," Par says.
"Oh, ah…"
"See you inside, Little Pran," Pat says with a grin before driving
in without hearing another word. Won't any of them ask about how I
feel about this first? What's with their sudden invitation? The last
time I faced Pat's dad was around a month ago, and the tension was
unbearably suffocating.
"Come on, Pran. Let's eat."
Par chirps and jerks my arm, dragging me into the house,
unaware of what kind of expression I have. I match her pace and
take a deep breath.
Let's get on with it, Pran…
As I expected, the dining table is cloaked in silence,
occasionally interrupted with Par's little chat and Pat asking me what
I want to try. I actually joined their meals a couple of times, but
without the presence of Pat's dad. I'm not exactly on bad terms with
Pat's mom. Still, I didn't know what to say to her at first. We filled the
mealtimes with some silent and awkward moments, but our
relationship gradually got better. When we opened our hearts, the
awkwardness kind of melted away. But for Pat's dad…
"Ah…Would you like some more water?" I offer, seeing his
almost empty glass.
"Yes, thanks."
I smile and reach out to take the glass, but Uncle Nui stops me
short. "Par can take care of that."
I halt, my smile strained. I pull my hand back to my spoon and
fork and meet Aunt Kaew's gaze. She gives me a supporting smile.
"Well…What should we do now that Par's car broke down?"
Aunt Kaew changes the subject.
"Right. Pat works out of town often, and I have cheerleading
practice every day," Par chimes in, trying to lift up the mood.
"I can drive you," Uncle Nui suggests.
"It's going to be late, Dad. I don't want you to drive late at
night."
"What should we do, then? Just use my car."
"How would you get about, Dad?"
"Ah…" I mutter in a rather respectful tone after listening to the
conversation. "I can drive her."
"Really? Will it trouble you?" Anut Kaew asks, eyeing Uncle
Nui.
"It won't. The university's near where I work."
"Are you sure? We shouldn't bother you," Uncle Nui says, eyes
on his plate, forking his food.
"Pran won't think it's a bother. These two have always been
close. There's no problem," Pat answers instead. He adds more food
on my plate and says, "We're leaving it to you, Pran."
I nod and smile at Uncle Nui and Aunt Kaew. "Don't worry. I'll
take care of her."
"Why don't you get down here so you won't have to walk far?" I
ask Par once I've pulled over in front of my house gate. The
cheerleading practice was called off today so she could get home
early. It's only been an hour after the sky went dark.
"Go on and park in your place," the girl answers with a smile. I
raise my eyebrow but says nothing, just driving forward as she
suggested. "Thank you for the ride, Pran," Par says when the car
stops.
"Anytime. Come on, I'll walk you home."
"Let's have dinner together. I told my mom you'd join the meal
before we left the uni."
"But just two days ago…"
"Mom said she'd make your favorite."
But I just ate at her place two days ago…
"Let's go," Par grins. She steps out of the car, makes her way
to the back, and gestures to me to come down. I sigh, kill the engine,
and follow her.
Is this family full of dictators…?
As always, the conversations during the meal are mostly begun
by Par, Aunt Kaew, and me. Respectively so. Uncle Nui remains
silent the whole time and leaves the table once he's full. The only
interaction we had since I stepped inside is…
'Good evening.'
'Um.'
It's been like this every time Par got home early and I had to
join their dinner…
"Aren't you going to bed, Dad?"
I ask Dad once I've walked through the hall and spotted him
watching the TV in the living room. Dad nods at me and turns it off.
"Yeah."
"What about Mom?"
"Sleeping," he says. "She told me to tell you to have breakfast
with your family tomorrow."
"Ugh, Dad."
"She must be really upset."
"I had breakfast here two days ago, didn't I?" I crack a smile.
"Why didn't you go to bed with Mom?"
"I was waiting to talk to you. Come here."
I lift my eyebrow in surprise. Why was he waiting for me this
late at night? I walk over and sit on the chair beside him.
"What's the matter? Why do you want to talk this late?"
"It's not like you ever had time for me. Pat stole all of your time,
and you hung out at his place day and night."
I smile. I've never imagined the day I can talk about that family
with Dad without a fight before. "Par's car will be done tomorrow."
"Um," Dad mumbles. "How's your work?"
"It's all right. Running a business is harder than I thought."
"Do you still want to have a go?"
I nod. "Yes."
"I guess SR will be over in my time since my ungrateful son is
pursuing another path."
I snicker. It seems like Dad is upset. "Come on, Dad. I studied
interior design. It's going to be hard for me managing a construction
business."
"I told you to study engineering."
"My heart denied it."
"Your heart is a fool," Dad says, smiling faintly. The trace of
weariness surfaces on his face, making my smile fade
unconsciously.
"Don't worry about the company," I smile again, touching his
hand. "I will not abandon what you built."
Dad smirks, glancing at me. "Save your breath. This is my
company. I can deal with it. Focus on your own thing."
"Ugh, Dad."
I whine, and we both laugh softly. Dad pats my head with his
big hand, tells me to rest, and stands up. I watch his back
disappearing slowly, with some warmth spreading in my chest.
Ever since I was a kid…I've been watching this dignified back.
As soon as I'm in my room, I sigh and plop on my bed. I
massage the area between my eyebrows to ease the tension I've
endured for hours. It drained my energy. I revised the plan all day
and it still couldn't be compared to this. Honestly, when I was
assigned to drive Par home, I wished to use this chance to get along
with Pat's dad. However, it was uncomfortable to talk or even utter a
word. I needed to rethink my words ten times before I said anything.
The tension was so terrible that I had no idea what to do.
My phone rings as I knead my forehead, my eyebrows, and my
temples. I shift and pick it up.
"What's up, Pat?"
[Are you home?]
"I just got back." I smile, getting up. "Have you eaten?"
[Yes, I have. I'm also in my room.]
"Yeah."
[Are you tired?]
"Hmm?"
[You sound tired.]
I lift my eyebrow. What kind of voice did I use? "No. I'm
probably sleepy."
[I'm coming back the day after tomorrow. I'll give you an energy
hug.]
"You'll suck out all my energy."
Pat laughs. I feel better now that I talk to him, so I listen to him
telling me about this and that.
[Anyway, Pran.]
"Hmm?"
[How is it with my dad?]
"Your dad…" I lick my lips, thinking of the softest word to
describe the situation. "Well…Just the same, I guess."
[Did he do something that bothers you?]
"No. I'm just thinking about topics to chat with your dad," I say
honestly. "I don't want him to keep hating me like this."
[He doesn't hate you.]
How could you say that? Didn't you catch his reaction when he
saw me? "I hope so."
[Are you uncomfortable?]
"I'm not," I say quickly so Pat won't be worried. "I just want to
be closer to him…At least we should be able to have small talks or
something."
[Thank you, Pran.]
"For what?"
[For doing this for me.]
"It can't be compared to what you did."
[Hmm? Did you do something wrong? Why are you talking so
sweetly?]
I roll my eyes. "You're crazy."
[I'll shower you with my kisses once I'm back.]
"Shut up. I'll take a shower now."
[All right. Goodnight.]
"Um," I mumble, pause, and decide to say one more thing.
"Hurry back."
I hear him laugh and hang up. I frown when I receive a text
popping up almost the moment the call ended.
'I love you.'
I read the short message a couple more times, lock the screen,
and exhale. I feel like the pieces of my body, scattered everywhere
when I flopped on my bed, are being put back together. I rub my
hand over my face to gain some courage.
All right…
In the morning, I wait for Par at her house an hour earlier than
usual. I enter the house and see no one, so I take the liberty to seat
myself on the couch in the living room. After ten minutes of silence, I
hear Uncle Nui walking down the stairs. Turning my head, I see him
telling the maid to make coffee. Our eyes meet, but his face remains
expressionless. He simply orders one more cup of coffee and strolls
over to sit on the long couch next to my seat.
"Ah…Good morning."
"Um."
Still short and blunt.
"…" Receiving the response that leads to a dead–end, I pause
and search for the topics I prepared since yesterday as best I can.
"Are you going to the company today?"
"No, today I'm resting."
"Oh, I see," I mutter. The coffee is served just in time, so I
thank the maid and sip on it. Pat's dad eyes me before lifting his own
cup.
"You can drink black coffee?"
I raise my eyebrow and turn my head abruptly. My heart skips a
beat. This is the first time he spoke first. "Yes. I stayed up all night
many times back in college days."
"You didn't get a proper sleep that you got knackered."
I smile, recalling the time he accused me of being a drug
addict. "Yeah, there were lots of works to be done. I barely ate or
slept, so I looked that way."
"Um…"
"…"
"I never thought someone like you could be with Pat."
"Pardon?" I look up, uttering the reply in surprise. I thought the
conversation has ended.
"You don't look like the type to be stubborn."
"Oh, no…I am pretty stubborn." And I hurt my parents a great
deal.
"Are you sure about dating Pat?"
"He's a good man. His true self helps me a lot."
"What do you mean?"
My lips curl up as I think of the face of the person I'm
mentioning. "Pat might appear playful and frivolous, but he pours his
heart and soul into what he does. He's blunt but never lies or
badmouths anyone. He could be dirty and messy, but he never
makes a fuss when ordered to tidy up. He's lazy yet responsible. He
never turns trivial matters into big deals. On the other hand, he turns
those big deals into something that can be handled. When I'm
stressed or pressured, Pat always helps me get through those
situations. He doesn't solve the problems for me, but he cheers me
up."
I go on with a smile on my face as Pat's past actions flash in
my mind. Meeting Uncle Nui's eyes, I shut my mouth. Did my
blabbering annoy him?
"Well…Something like that."
Uncle Nui keeps his gaze on me a moment longer before
flicking his eyes away. He sips his coffee and places the cup down.
"It seems he has good points as much as bad ones."
"Right," I laugh. "But that's what makes Pat the Pat we know."
"It sounds like you know each other very well."
"We grew up side by side."
"…Um," he mumbles and frowns as if mulling over something.
"Is that why you think you can accept everything he is?"
"It's not because I know him well that I can accept everything. I
can accept him because I never expect perfection. His good and bad
traits shape who he is," I press my lips together, feeling oddly
embarrassed to compliment Pat in his own house. If he heard me,
he'd wag his tail as his ears perked up. "Pat knows no limit when
expressing himself. He can't control his face or emotions, and his
straightforwardness tones down my stubbornness."
While we talk, Uncle Nui takes a while before giving a
response, and that makes me so excited that my hands get sweaty
as I wait in silence.
"…Are you really sure?"
"Yes, I am."
"I hope it's not a misled inclination."
His reply makes me go quiet. I nod without a word, though my
heart screams otherwise.
"Yeah."
Uncle Nui sighs deeply, leans his back on the cushion, and
stares ahead. We stay quiet for minutes. I decide not to bother him
anymore, letting him pondering whatever is on his mind. Eventually,
he speaks first.
"Pat and I are not so different. We share the same personality."
"Yeah, I know." That's the reason why I believe Uncle Nui isn't
as heartless as he looks.
Because he has a similar personality as Pat…my only lover.
"Oh, Pran." Par's voice cuts in, drawing my attention. The girl in
a student uniform shoots a smile from the middle of the stairs. "Why
did you come so early? Wait a minute, I'll get my shoes real quick."
"It's all right. No need to rush. I can wait."
"I'll be right back," she says, hurrying down the stairs and
turning right to the other room.
I watch her with affection as Uncle Nui shifts and gets up. I
stand up with him.
"I'm going to get changed. Take care of Par."
"Yes."
Uncle Nui nods and spins. Before he takes a step, he leaves
one last message. His words send warmth to my heart, making me
unable to stifle my smile.
"Pat might have an endless list of bad qualities, but please care
of him as well."
I'm stunned, completely speechless, until he walks further
away. "I will!" I shout after him once I've pulled myself together. If
someone saw me right now, they'd think I'm crazy.
Since I'm standing with a big smile on my face in the middle of
someone else's house…
Together
Pat | talk