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Perspective - Third Person
This evening, Ae has returned to the dorm before his roommate (who has a different section of the class today). So, the football player is sitting cross-legged in front of the Japanese-style table, checking Facebook, which he rarely visits. His sharp eyes scan the updates of his high school friends.
"What's up with Ai'Sun? He's only posting cat pictures," Ae mutters to himself as he scrolls.
Today alone, Ai'Sun has posted pictures of Persian, American Shorthair, Scottish Fold, and many other breeds, along with the tag #KawaiiCrush.
What's wrong with him?
Ae can only shake his head before noticing Ai'Dīe, his cute-faced friend, who has once again posted pictures of food he cooked himself. Thinking about it, Ae is starting to miss his friend's cooking.
As he absentmindedly continues scrolling through others' updates, he suddenly stops when he sees football cleats. He has been debating for a while whether to buy them or not. His old pair is still in good condition, and because they haven't worn out yet, he keeps thinking it over and can't decide.
The pair he wants is nearly seven thousand baht. Other people might think that, if it's something you like, that's not a lot of money. However, for Ae, seven thousand baht is nearly ten thousand. As someone who values money, he can't easily bring himself to spend his savings on something he merely wants.
It's not easy to save seven thousand baht, you know? He thinks. My family's not rich.
Ae mumbles to himself, hesitating before letting out a sigh, still reluctant to spend the money. His peripheral vision then catches something that makes him freeze. His hand hovers over the mouse for a full minute before he moves to click.
"What am I even looking at!" As soon as he enters the website, the football player scolds himself in a serious tone.
He is about to close the window, but something flashes in his mind, making him take a deep breath.
"Consider this educational," he says to himself, though after staring at the screen for less than ten minutes, the "educational" student makes a face as if he is about to vomit and stops the video in a panic.
He then vigorously rubs his head with both hands.
"Alright, I can't watch it… but I can read it, right?" he thinks, before ignoring the open window and heading to Google, typing something in…
Knock knock knock.
"Ai'Ae, are you in there?"
Bang!
"Yeah, I'm here."
Ae almost jumps in surprise, his hand moving faster than his brain, quickly closing the laptop before shouting a reply to the person outside the room. He then gets up to open the door, seeing two friends from two rooms down, both looking a bit apologetic.
"Are you free? Can you help me out? The balcony door is stuck again, and I can't push it open to hang my clothes."
The plea makes Ae nod as he grabs his keys to lock the room and walks into his friend's room without a second thought. He spends several minutes helping push the door, which has swelled with age, until it finally pops open.
"Thanks a lot, you've got some serious strength, just like Ai'Pond always says."
"What's Ai'Pond been saying about me?" Ae asks, making the other students laugh out loud.
Hearing Ai'Pond's name is never good news. Ae knows that friend never says anything nice.
"He says if it's office work, leave it to Pond, but if it's labor work, it's Ae's job."
"That empty-headed idiot still has the nerve to say things about me," Ae shakes his head, tired of it, before excusing himself to go back to his room.
Clunk.
Just as he unlocks the door, the fact that the door isn't locked makes him furrow his brow. A bad feeling begins to creep up on him, along with a sense of guilt. So, the first thing he does is open the door as quickly as possible, hoping that Ai'Pond hasn't done anything stupid.
"Ah… Ai'Ae! Ai… Ah!"
Smack.
I knew it.
As soon as Ae opens the door, his idiot friend, still in his university uniform, is pointing at the laptop screen with a horrified expression, turning to him and screaming at the top of his lungs like he has seen a zombie coming to eat him. Ae smacks his own forehead hard, knowing full well that Ai'Pond will always choose chaos.
"Look… I didn't mean to! I saw your laptop was on, and I just wanted to read some comics! I didn't think you'd be… be… watching gay porn… Ugh!!!"
At that moment, the laptop's owner slams the door shut and lunges at his friend, locking his arm around his neck and using his other hand to cover the mouth of the idiot who is about to scream his lungs out.
"You'd better not say a word!" The football player's tone is sharp, and his face even scarier than his voice, making Ai'Pond nod vigorously, nearly choking.
"Whatever you saw or heard, you'd better not say a single word about it!" Ae continues, his face contorting in frustration, while his terrified friend nods again, even harder.
Only then does Ae slowly release his grip.
Thud.
"You… You were watching gay porn, weren't you? GV, right? Ai'Ae, you…"
Bang!!!
As soon as Ae loosens his hold, the freed friend bolts to the other side of the room. The promises he has just made vanish as he keeps repeating the same line, while the GV-watching football player grabs a pillow from behind and throws it straight at Pond's face with deadly accuracy. The pillow hits him hard, while its furious owner's face darkens—though it would have been even scarier if not for…
"Ai'Ae, your face is red."
"Shut up! No, it's not!"
"Don't try to cover it up by cursing. Your face is really red. Okay, even though I'm surprised that my friend has this kind of taste, it's fine. I understand. I can accept it."
"Shut up! Accept it, my ass!"
"That's twice you've cursed me now. I'm telling the truth, though. You were watching guys doing it for real."
Normally, Ai'Pond would be scared, but seeing Ae flustered like this is too tempting not to tease. This time, Ae shoots up to his feet, causing the bigger but less confident Ai'Pond to back away.
"I am just kidding! Calm down. Geez, I was only surprised for a moment. You always reject AV when I send it, and now you're watching this? It's only natural that I am surprised. Are you planning to use this on Ai'Pete or something?" With his curious nature, Ai'Pond can't help but press on with questions.
The silence that follows makes the person waiting click their tongue and then adopt an all-knowing attitude.
"Ai'Ae, don't forget that your friend here has already gained experience. If you're curious, just ask me. I know you're still a virgin. It's alright though, there are plenty of Thai guys who are still virgins at eighteen…"
It is supposed to be a comforting statement, yet for some reason, it makes the listener want to throw the speaker into a toilet. Ae spins around to glare, causing the speaker to clamp their mouth shut and offer a sheepish smile.
"So, if you don't care about Ai'Pete, why are you sitting here researching all this?"
"I'm just curious."
"Straight guys don't get curious about what it's like with another guy."
"Do you want to get kicked?"
Ae's face gives a clear enough warning that if his friend crosses the line even a little more, a fist will soon follow. Seeing this, Pond wisely decides to back off, but not before adding one last remark…
Creak.
"Well, I don't know much, but I'm sure it's going to be tight. Don't forget the lube."
Bang!
The person heading to the bathroom turns around to add this, only to be met with a shoe that Ae throws at the door, barely missing as it slams shut. The sound of the sandal hitting the door makes it clear that if it had hit Pond's handsome face, there'd be some damage.
Ae always resorts to violence. I'm seriously worried he'll fail before he even gets started, Pond thinks to himself.
Pond can't help but think: As Ae's closest friend, should I be tutoring him? I've never been with a guy! Honestly, he'd probably kill me, but if I give him hints indirectly, maybe he won't mind…right?
This thought sparks some mischievous ideas in Pond's head.
Meanwhile, the one who pretends not to be studying is busy closing all the windows on his computer. Yet, he can't help but scratch his head in frustration, embarrassed that his friend has caught him, but mostly annoyed that it has to be Pond offering advice.
Deep down, Ae doesn't even know why he wants to know about this stuff. Maybe it is because lately, he finds himself thinking of Pete in bed.
What the hell is wrong with me? I promised I'd give myself a chance, but now I'm obsessing over being with you.
Yes, he doesn't want a repeat of something like that kiss—the kiss that was only a partial kiss, because he didn't know how to kiss in the first place.
~~~
The following morning, Pete arrives at the university at his usual time. As soon as he parks, he sees someone waiting by the bike rack, making him feel shy. The memory of their cheerleading moment is still fresh in his mind. He rubs his face as if trying to snap himself out of it.
"Act normal, Pete. Act normal," he mutters to himself as he grabs the gift box from his car and heads toward the person waiting for him. Despite telling himself to act normal, he finds that he can't meet Ae's eyes.
"Uh…good morning, Ae."
"Yeah, good morning." The short guy mumbles back, staring at Pete's pale face, his eyes drifting to his orange lips before quickly looking away.
He doesn't want to admit that the kiss still leaves his lips feeling warm whenever he thinks about it, not to mention what had happened the previous day.
Why did I even watch that stuff?
Even though he thinks this, the football player can't help but glance at Ae's slim figure in his student uniform before quickly turning away. The awkward tension between the two, both avoiding eye contact, is palpable, making the atmosphere around them feel odd. Finally, Ae breaks the silence.
"I'm sorry."
"Huh…why are you apologizing, Ae?"
"Just take it as an apology. Get on, I'm hungry." Inthach, speaking quickly, clearly wants to apologize for researching that disturbing stuff and thinking about Pete.
While thinking this to himself, Pete hops onto the bike, as he always does, holding onto Ae's shirt tightly. The gift box rests between them as Ae begins pedaling.
"You've lost weight."
"Huh? Do you think I've lost weight?"
"Yeah, definitely lighter," Ae says in a gruff voice, determined to fatten this Khun-chai up again. Though initially done out of concern, the thoughts from what he's read the night before began to creep back into his mind.
Would someone this skinny get hurt?
"What did you say, Ae?"
"Nothing," Ae replies quickly, shaking his head.
Pete furrows his brow slightly, not having heard what was said. He is too worried about dropping the gift box, all while feeling shy about being on the back of Ae's bike again. Ae, meanwhile, curses himself internally for saying such a thing out loud.
What the hell is wrong with me, Ae thinks. Why am I thinking like this about Pete? Have I caught Pond's disease or something, caring more about sex than people?
"You haven't ridden with me for a week now, right?" Ae changes the subject, looking at the university path ahead, feeling like it is way too short.
Soon, they'll be at the cafeteria. Pete smiles at this.
"Actually, it's been eight days."
"You were counting?"
Pete bites his lip slightly before gathering his courage to rest his forehead against Ae's neck, murmuring softly.
"Of course, I counted. Because it's you, Ae…that's why I've been keeping track."
Even a single day without seeing Ae makes Pete miss him like crazy. His heart has been counting the days they haven't ridden together, even though his brain isn't consciously aware of it. Though it is the same route he takes every day, riding behind Ae with the wind in his face has become a source of joy for Pitchaya.
"I'm happy to be back here."
His words and actions make Ae pause for a moment before his lips curl into a smile.
"I'm happy to have you back riding with me."
After that, neither speaks until they reach the cafeteria, but despite the lack of conversation, their hearts feel warmer than either of them expected.
"P'Ae! Over here, over here! Chomphu saved us a spot!"
The moment they step into the cafeteria, Pete is about to hand over the gift box when he is interrupted by the high school girl, Chomphu, excitedly waving her arms and jumping up and down. Ae sighs loudly and marches over to her, scolding her in a stern voice.
"I told you not to wait for me."
His harsh tone should make the girl frown, but instead, Chomphu simply pouts and says in a sing-song voice: "Why are you mad, P'Ae? I am just trying to be helpful. Besides, P'Pond is here too, which means you were bound to show up."
Ae sighs again and explains his reasoning.
"And what if I didn't come? Would you have waited here until you were late for class? Don't do this again."
Chomphu immediately beams, her round eyes sparkling with admiration. To her, P'Ae is strict but also soft-hearted.
Isn't it strange? P'Ae seems tough, but it's because he cares, which makes Chomphu adore him even more.
The sight of the two of them appearing so close makes Pete, still holding the gift box, let out a quiet sigh. Seeing them like this makes him want to take back what he'd told Ae about giving them both a chance because the truth is… he can't help but feel jealous of Ae.
"Oh, Ai'Pete, come sit down! Oh, judging by the way you're walking, Ae hasn't tried anything yet, has he?"
Clunk.
"Shut up!!"
Suddenly, Pete turns to Pond, confused. Before he can ask what Pond means, Ae has already shouted at him. Pond merely laughs, pretending to zip his lips while his eyes twinkle with mischief.
"What's P'Pond talking about? I don't get it at all!"
"Well..." the speaker glances at Ai'Ae, noticing him putting on a fierce expression and narrowing his eyes slightly. However, Ai Pond can see that Ae's ears were already turning red.
"Ai'Ae is learning techniques and movements to avoid pain."
"Hmm."
The wide-eyed reactions of the two listeners prompt Pond to quickly continue. It isn't because he is afraid they'll misunderstand, but rather because Ae looks like he is about to leap over and strangle him.
"Warm-up exercises before going onto the field. Ai'Ae is learning new techniques. Otherwise, he'd get muscle pain."
"Oh, Chomphu understands now. Teach Chomphu sometime, P'Ae! Every time I play badminton, my whole body aches," the girl says enthusiastically, causing Pond to click his tongue and wag his finger.
"No, no, this is something Ai'Ae must teach Ai'Pete specifically."
"Why only teach the handsome one?"
Chomphu's playful nickname for Pete makes Pond burst into laughter. If she knew that her 'handsome' is actually her adversary, would she still admire his good looks?
"Well..."
"Enough, you! This nonsense, Chomphu, you don't need to listen. Sit down, Ai'Pete, I'll go buy us food."
"Really nonsense, huh?" the mixed-race guy says in a high-pitched tone, throwing a sharp glance, causing his friend to furrow his brows.
He knows well that if he doesn't respond to something, this guy won't stop, especially when there are a lot of people around, and the more there are, the more emboldened he becomes.
"Fine!!! It's not nonsense, okay? I'll teach Ai'Pete myself. Happy now?" Ae says firmly, making his friend laugh heartily.
"You talk like you actually know how."
"..."
This time, the guy who'd never done it falls silent, prompting Chomphu to glance around before letting out a soft giggle.
"You all seem so close. Even though I don't fully understand what you're saying, I will leave now, or else I'll be late. I envy all of you university students. You don't have to line up like I do."
With that, the oblivious girl, who has no idea the conversation has gone deep into below the belt topics, stands up, grabs her school bag, offers a respectful wai to everyone, and skips off cheerfully. Pete can't help but find her endearing, with a twinge of jealousy.
He really wishes he had even a bit of her courage.
"Right, I'll go buy some food as well," Pond says, realizing that one shield has already left. Not though before he passes by his handsome friend, giving him a heavy pat on the shoulder with a sympathetic look.
"Honestly, I feel bad for you... looks like it's doomed."
"Oi!"
"I'm off!" Just as Ae makes a move to charge at him, Pond sprints away into the crowd, leaving Pete looking over at the football player, about to ask something when he is cut off.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm useless. Happy now?"
But I haven't even said anything, Ae.
The thought crosses Pete's mind as he smiles weakly, watching Ae hurry off to buy food. He can't help but feel that Ae seems more rushed than usual—maybe even flustered. He can't help but wonder what these two have been talking about. Sitting down on a chair, his hands feel slightly colder than before as he stares at the gift box on his lap. Taking a deep breath, he hopes Ae will like the present.
Click.
"I was going to ask—what's in the gift? I meant to ask when I picked you up earlier. Is it your friend's birthday?"
After a while, Ae returns with two plates of food. His sharp eyes immediately land on the neatly wrapped gift box with a dark-colored paper and an elegant white bow, prompting Pete, who is gathering his courage, to shake his head vigorously.
"No, I brought it for you, Ae," Pete says, extending the box.
"Huh? For me?" Ae's eyes widen as he points to himself, trying to recall if today was some special occasion.
"Wait, it's not my birthday. I was born in October. What nonsense has Ai'Pond been feeding you again?"
"No, no, it's just... I just wanted to thank you, Ae, for helping me out so many times. It's a thank-you gift," Pete quickly interjects, his mind already remembering Ae's birthday, as his words tumble out rapidly, causing Ae to fall silent for a moment before sighing.
"You know I help you because I want to, right? It's not because I expect anything in return."
"I know, I know. I just... wanted to repay you in some way," Pete nods eagerly. Of course, he knows that Ae isn't the type of person who helps others with ulterior motives. Ae is generous and always willing to help anyone.
Even though a tiny part of Pete's heart selfishly wishes that Ae would help only him. Ah, there he goes thinking like that again.
"Just take it already, Khun-chai brought it all this way for you," Pond chimes in, appearing suddenly, as if he has been waiting for this exact moment. Spotting the handsome Khun-chai handing over the gift box, he hurries over, eagerly offering his opinion. Ae glances at him with a calm expression.
"Who asked for your opinion?"
"You're so cold. I could tell Pete what you were watching yesterday..."
Whack!
"Ouch! Don't stomp on my foot, Ai'Ae! That hurts!" Pond collapses to the floor, clutching his foot after Ae stomps on it full-force—and not just a stomp, but a twist, too. Ae sighs, then places the gift on the table.
"Oof, just open it already. Open it!" Pond urges, even though he already knows what is inside. He just wants to see Ae's reaction when he opens it.
"Can I open it now?" Ae asks, turning to look at Pete's handsome face.
Pete smiles. "Yes, you can," he replies.
With that, Ae tears into the gift wrap, causing Pete's eyes to widen before a small smile tugs at his lips. He already knows Ae isn't the type to carefully peel off the tape, and while the method of opening is a bit rough, it suits Ae's rugged personality.
Rip.
"Come on, open it..." But once the wrapping paper lay in a heap on the table, Ae freezes. The logo on the box is so familiar that it makes his heart sink. Plus, who would use a shoe box as a gift box? He hurriedly opens it, with Pond egging him on from behind.
As expected... cleats.
"Whoa, these are awesome! The exact model you've been wanting!" Pond exclaims, feigning surprise even though he is the one who has told Pete about the shoes when Pete asked what Ae might want.
He'd even provided the shoe size. Meanwhile, Pete, looking uncertain, asks hesitantly: "Do you like them, Ae?"
Why doesn't Ae look as happy as I'd hoped?
"Ai'Pete..."
"Yes?" Pete, startles, glances at Ae, who lifts his head and met his eyes, speaking sternly:
"Who told you to buy something this expensive for me?!"
"Uh... I..."
The angry expression on Ae's face, which is far from joyful, makes Pete feel crestfallen. He watches as Ae, still wearing that stern expression, continues speaking.
"I've already told you that I help you because I want to, not because I expect anything in return. If it were something small, I'd accept it. something this big though, I can't take... I don't know if in your world giving ‘small gifts' means seven-thousand-baht shoes, but in mine, I don't want my friends buying me expensive stuff."
"Hey, c'mon. Pete's already bought it, so just accept it. He can't wear them—they're your size..."
Even though Pond tries to help, Ae remains unyielding, staring at Pete before turning away. His thoughts drift, wondering if Pete has picked up this habit of giving expensive gifts from his time with Trump.
Ae isn't jealous though. He is worried. He doesn't want Pete to develop such habits. It seems like Pete is willing to give anything to someone who is kind to him, and Ae doesn't want him to become a victim of selfish people. If Ae accepts this gift today, what if, in the future, Pete encounters someone even kinder and ends up buying them something worth seventy thousand or even seven hundred thousand?
That's why—
"I'll pay you back for these shoes."
"But I—"
"If it were for my birthday, I might've accepted. However, if your reason is to thank me for helping, I won't take them."
Ae's words cause Pete to meet his gaze before lowering his head, hands clenched tightly as he responds softly: "I understand."
Pat.
"Good. Now, let's eat... You too, Pond. Stop butting in!" Ae ruffles the top of Pete's head slightly before focusing on his own spicy curry. He doesn't notice that Pete is forcing himself to eat, unable to taste anything.
Sigh.
After Ae drops him off at the faculty, Pete, who doesn't actually have any classes this morning, sits alone in the cafeteria, sighing. No matter how hard he tries to act normal, he can't help but feel hurt by Ae's harsh words. Today, he was hoping to see a smile, so he can't understand why Ae is so angry. It leaves him feeling dejected.
"I knew you'd be sitting here sulking alone."
Startled, Pete turns around and sees Pond, who is grinning widely as he approaches and takes a seat opposite him.
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