Content Warning: This work is intended for mature (NC17) audiences. If you are younger, please kindly leave this site.
~~~
Perspective - Ae (Inthach)
What the hell am I becoming lately? Every time I'm near Pete, I'm thinking about that kind of thing.
I really wonder if every guy is like me. Before we became a couple, I didn't think too much beyond wanting to hug, wanting to touch his cheeks, wanting to kiss him sometimes. Now that we're together, I keep wondering when we're going to do something.
Ugh.
Before I realized I liked Pete… I think back and realize I always wanted to touch his cheeks, his hands, his hair. At that time, I didn't know why. Now I know that I might have always thought of him as more than just a friend. Still, now that we're together, why has my mind turned so dirty?
Damn it! I really want to see how red Pete's skin would get if he isn't wearing anything.
"Fucking hell, he's a guy just like me. He has the same thoughts. So why the hell am I stuck thinking about this kind of stuff?"
I mutter to myself quietly as I lean against the bed, tilting my head to see the poster on the wall behind me.
Bang.
"Hey, Em, what's wrong with thinking about your partner? Even if it's about the dirty stuff you mentioned." Before I can think too much about it, Pound's voice rings out as he walks in, drying his hair.
He even tucks his phone under his chin, making me wonder if he's crazy for bringing his phone into the shower. I don't even need to guess who he's talking to... Chae-em, his girlfriend.
I don't know what the other side is complaining about, but Pound is laughing loudly.
"Haha! It's too late, Em. You can't stop these things! You just said that every guy has some dirty nature in him. Now you want to stop me from thinking about my own girlfriend? Well, then it's okay for me to think about someone else, right?"
I don't know what he and Chae-em are talking about, but from his smirk, those cunning eyes, and his annoying face, I'm sure he's dragging his girlfriend into conversations he shouldn't be having with a woman. From what I've talked with Chae-em about… How can she handle that pervert Pound? She seems to be broader-minded than I thought though.
"I think it's better for Pound to be straightforward rather than talking behind our backs. Nowadays, not every woman is innocent enough not to know that guys make this kind of thinking a hobby." I could only remain silent when she said this, but Chae-em was right.
Isn't it too soon though for my friend to be discussing dirty stuff with a girlfriend he's been dating for less than a month though?
"Okay, have sweet dreams, and don't forget to dream about your perfect partner!" That creep Pound teases before hanging up, and then he turns to me.
I was about to get up to take a shower, knowing that soon he would...
"Ai'Ae! Listen to me! My girlfriend is so cute! I don't know how we ended up talking about that kind of stuff! And you know, when Em screamed at me not to bring her face into something dirty, I could totally picture my girlfriend's face. She must look so damn cute, making that face, looking down on me, and emphasizing the word ‘dirty,' but she's definitely turning red!"
Here we go again! It's time for Pound to brag about his girlfriend to me, and I can't help but shake my head.
When he was venting to me about their earlier fight, he was letting it all out. Now that he's happy in this relationship, he's boasting to me again.
"Ridiculous."
"What's ridiculous about it? Isn't it strange not to think about stuff like this with your girlfriend? I'm still holding back! If I said I was thinking about taking things further and holding hands, Em would definitely slap me in the face with a tape measure!"
Thud.
This time, I can only stop and stare straight into its eyes. The question in my heart rushes back into my head.
"Is it normal to think about these things?" I blurt out without thinking, but that makes Ai'Pond's eyes go wide as he quickly turns to me, even leaning over the Japanese table.
"Ohhh, don't tell me, don't even dare tell me that you're thinking about... Ai'Pete."
"Fucking shit-lizard, no!"
"Don't even try, friend. Your face is giving it away." I can only push his face away, but I'm the one who accidentally avoids his gaze, so he points at me, acting like he's about to slap his hands and feet down in confidence that he's right. And...
Yeah, the jerk is actually right. So my half-blooded friend takes on the persona of a self-proclaimed expert in a way that's completely infuriating.
"Ohhh, don't be shy, Ae. These things—Khun-chai Pond can tell you—are completely normal. If you're not thinking about them, you might as well shave your head and head to the monastery, because you're done with worldly life. Even though I have no idea what it's like to think about a guy that way, you can consult me anytime... my slogan: ‘I know, I see, I can answer.'"
What is this, a life consultation clinic or a fortune-teller's shrine? Just like Abdul.
I immediately shake my head, my face getting a little warm. I make a move to grab a towel and head for a shower if not for...
"Careful, man. If you don't consult me, you won't even know where to start. You'll be frustrated for three more years."
"..."
I stay silent, listening to Pond ramble while my hands grab my shower gear, even as I think about what he's saying.
I want to touch Ai'Pete, but I... really don't know where to start.
"So, how did you handle it when you lost your virginity?"
[[Translator's Note: "ขึ้นครู" (khuen khru) – Literally "climb the teacher," this is an idiom that means losing one's virginity.]]
And with that, I let it slip out, making Pond's eyes go wide.
"Ae! Ae! Ae! Oi!!! I'm so proud! My friend Ae is all grown up! We need to celebrate."
"Celebrate your fucking dad!" I curse at him right away, incredibly annoyed at how thrilled he looks that I asked him about losing my virginity, but I still don't move, knowing that Pond will eventually answer.
"Alright, alright! I won't joke anymore. Don't be so harsh, dude... You're asking about that? I remember it clearly, man. I didn't start it, the girl did. My girlfriend back in tenth grade—the one who taught me—she was a senior. We had been dating for three days when she invited me to bed out of the blue. Not going along would've been dumb, right? So yeah, I didn't start it. She did." Pond shrugs, and I get why he does that.
His girlfriend back in tenth grade, who was a senior, was one of those fun-loving girls. Even while she was dating Pond, there were rumors she was sleeping with other guys. He doesn't like to remember her much. He even told us that the only good thing about dating her was that she taught him about the world of men.
Pond's manner makes me go quiet. I think Chae-em is different from the other girls Pond has dated. At least Chae-em isn't someone who caters to my friend's desires. I don't think Chae-em will give in to Pond easily, and he seems pretty proud of his girlfriend's mindset.
How do I know? Whatever Pond brags about his past girlfriends... he's done it all.
"As for you, if you want to start, I'd suggest getting him drunk. A soft guy like you doesn't have the guts to coax him into bed..."
"Ai'Ae!!! My face!" As soon as the words leave his mouth, my toothbrush slams right into the middle of his forehead.
I give him a deadly look, though I don't mind when my friends tease me about being short. Sometimes, I just don't like it when someone calls me weak in something every man should know how to do. Okay, I know right now that I am as weak as he says.
"Ha, asking you for advice is a waste of time."
"Then go ahead and keep living your pretty little life by your own hands!" Pond must really be hurt because his tone is sharp. I don't care, though, because right at that moment, my phone rings, and I turn to grab it. I think it's Pete calling, but…
"Hello, P'Nut."
"Whoa, my little bro sounds so polite."
"What do you want?"
"Wow, your tone with your sister-in-law is one thing, but with your brother it's totally different, huh?"
I sigh into the phone right away. Sure, the number belongs to my sister-in-law, but the voice is unmistakably my real brother. I step out of the room because I'm tired of seeing Pond's fake, hurt expression as he keeps rubbing his forehead.
"What is it? What do you want?" I repeat.
My brother bursts out laughing, not taking offense at my curt tone, and gets straight to the point.
"It's really heartbreaking that my kid's uncle forgot his niece's birthday."
Pause.
My body stiffens, and my eyes widen a little. My brother is right. I've been so caught up in my own stuff lately that I completely forgot that it's Nong Yim's birthday this week. If P'Oh hadn't called, I wouldn't have gone home this weekend.
"I'll head home on Friday evening."
"No, no, don't come back just yet. I didn't call just to remind you about that. I need a favor…"
After that, I listen to my brother's request and agree willingly. Of course, if it's about my niece, I'm happy to help with anything, especially for something this important. Then, suddenly, I think of someone else.
If I ask him to visit my niece, will he come with me?
Perspective - Pete (Pitchaya)
Right now, I'm excited, though I'm trying not to show it. However, I'm genuinely excited, because Ae called me a few days ago and asked if I was free on Saturday. What excites me isn't just that I'll get to see someone I haven't met in a week. It's Ae's invitation that makes me feel thrilled.
"Are you free this Saturday? Come with me to pick out a birthday gift for Nong Yim."
I can't really explain how I feel. I just know it feels good. I know Ae loves his niece, and the fact that he asked me to come with him to buy her a gift makes me feel… special, I guess.
I even went so far as to ask my mom what would make a good birthday present for a two-year-old. She asked me who I was buying it for, and when I told her, she laughed. She also said something that made me feel a bit... unsure.
"Pete, you've made a lot of progress, haven't you?"
At least I got a few useful tips.
Knock knock knock.
I'm lost in thought when a sudden knock on the car window startles me a little, and as soon as I turn, I find myself smiling without realizing it.
The person knocking on the window is none other than the one I'm meeting... The one who looks like he just ran down from his dorm. Today, he looks different from other days. I rarely see Ae in anything other than his student uniform. If not in uniform, it's usually a football shirt, football shorts, and running shoes. Today, Ae's wearing long jeans and a gray T-shirt with a print that of course has a football on it.
I don't know how other people see him, but I think he looks...handsome.
Click.
"Sorry you had to come pick me up here." Ae says.
"It's no problem. The mall is right here, and there isn't much traffic leaving the city on a Saturday. I got here in no time."
I try to act normal even though I'm still feeling flustered by my own thoughts. I can't look at him much because I feel so nervous inside for some reason.
"Haven't seen you in a week," he says first, pulling on his seatbelt.
"Yeah, since we checked out the dorms that day." I answer softly, making Ae scratch his head a bit, dropping his usual composed manner. For some reason, I like seeing him act naturally like this. Then, I freeze as Ae continues.
"I think I miss you." His voice deepens.
"W-what?" I quickly turn to look at him, my eyes wide. My heart races even faster.
Even though I heard him clearly, I can't help blurting out a question. He lowers his hand to scratch his neck and says, "It's been a week... It's not strange to miss you."
It's… It's not strange, but it's making me feel like I'm going to have a heart attack.
"Uh... um... I... I mean..." I stutter.
I never expected Ae to say something so straightforward. My cheeks start heating up, and I don't know where to put my hands, but I manage to mumble softly.
"I… I miss you too."
Now I just focus on shifting gears to pull the car out of the parking spot. My hands are shaking, and I'm at a loss for words. I wasn't prepared to feel this nervous. I know Ae is blunt, but this time, I'm worried I might actually rear-end the car in front of us.
"When are you moving your stuff into the dorm?" After a pause, Ae speaks first, making me keep my eyes on the road.
I'm too scared to look to my side, feeling like Ae is watching me. "Probably next Thursday... The semester's about to start," I answer, and he acknowledges with a sound in his throat.
"Let me know. I'll help you move your stuff."
"Okay." That's all I can say, though I can't help but smile with excitement at the thought of Ae helping me. I'm not sure if Mom will come along that day, but I'd really like Ae to meet her.
Not long after, I turned the car into a large shopping mall not far from the university. The crowd this Saturday seems larger than usual, but I quickly find a parking spot. After that, Ae tells me he needs to find an ATM first. Once he's done, he turns to ask me,
"Have you eaten yet?"
"Not yet." I could say that I was too excited and worried that having breakfast would make me late.
I only think that to myself. I'm too shy to admit how happy I am to see him.
"Then let's go. What do you want to eat? I'll treat."
"No, that's okay, Ae." I shake my head quickly, but Ae looks at me sternly.
"How can you say that? You're helping me shop. Let me treat you."
"I'm just keeping you company. Besides, you always treat me at the cafeteria." I try to argue, feeling a bit guilty.
Ae laughs and says with a chuckle, "You're not just here to keep me company. You're going to help carry stuff too. Consider it payment. Or is one meal not enough for Khun-chai Pete?"
I know he's teasing me about being Khun-chai, but I don't want him to bring up my status, especially after what Tinn said.
I don't want Ae to think about our different statuses. For me, I just want to be ‘Ai'Pete' to him. I'm not sure what expression I make, but Ae seems to stop smiling and reaches out to grab my wrist.
"Sorry. Did I say something wrong?"
"N-no, not at all." I quickly shake my head.
Ae then frowns slightly and speaks more seriously. "I've been thinking. I'm a blunt person. If I ever say something that upsets you, please tell me. I don't want to make you feel bad."
I stay quiet, watching him explain. Suddenly, I can't help but smile.
Since we've been together, Ae seems to have softened. Sometimes the way he talks to me isn't as harsh as before, like he's trying to adjust to me. I want to tell him he doesn't need to change anything. I understand that every word he says is sincere, and that's what gives me the courage to reach out and hold his hand, which is still gripping my wrist.
"Well... I want to eat McDonald's." I answer his earlier question, making Ae raise an eyebrow slightly, as if he's about to ask if I'm changing the subject.
After a moment, he quickly responds. "Junk food? Why eat something that's not even good for you?"
I probably should feel a bit hurt since he shoots down what I want to eat. No though, because...
"What floor is it on?" Ae asks casually, and I answer his question.
Then I feel my face heat up because the one who called it junk food is now the one pulling me along to the floor where the restaurant is. I don't know why, but even though Ae doesn't like it, I can't help but feel like...he's indulging me.
Perspective - Ae (Inthach)
Even though I don't care much about how other people look at us, I've known for a long time that Ai'Pete is good-looking. It's no surprise that people glance at him and whisper. When someone's handsome, they look good in anything. Just wearing skinny jeans and a light-colored shirt tucked in with a belt makes the girls swoon and stare at him with hearts in their eyes.
Well, I'm not like Ai'Pond who brags about his partner, so I'm not here to describe how handsome Ai'Pete is. All I want to say is that right now, it's not just his looks that make the girls turn their heads—it's also his cuteness that makes people want to rush over to him.
Yes, including me.
"Ae, Ae, how about this? Does it suit Nong Yim?"
Can you imagine this? A ridiculously good-looking guy—emphasis on "ridiculously"—standing in the middle of a sea of pink children's toys. His handsome face shows excitement, and both his hands are picking up and examining things. Whenever he sees something cute, he lifts it up and turns to call out to me, looking like he wants to buy it for himself.
Cute. Yes, Ai'Pete is incredibly cute.
"That's for older kids," I say with a laugh when he almost lifts up a giant toy house. Phii Nut once mentioned that it's one of those educational toys, but it's definitely not suitable for a two-year-old.
"Then how about this?"
"One-year-olds can play with that. Nong Yim already has a set." I can't stop laughing at my Khun-chai who's completely enchanted by all these things. Even when I tell him "no" about every item he picks up, he just keeps searching for something more suitable. I notice that a few sales clerks seem like they're about to flock toward him.
"What are you looking for, sir?" Finally, one sales clerk with a sweet smile approaches.
He smiles back at her, and I'm pretty sure that smile makes her melt on the spot. Especially since he's so focused on the toys that he doesn't even notice her gaze.
"Two years old, a little girl, really adorable. Her name is Nong Yim. Oh, it's a birthday gift too!"
I laugh, really laugh. Is he bragging about my niece on my behalf right now?
"Your sister's daughter?"
"Niece... um..."
I burst out laughing as soon as he answers all her questions, then suddenly remembers that we're shopping for a gift for my niece, not his. He scratches his cheek in embarrassment and gives me a sheepish grin, like he's apologizing for being so excited that he forgot whose niece it is.
I feel happy though. The fact that he cares so much about Nong Yim makes me even more delighted, in ways I can't quite explain.
Before the sales clerk can pull him into her orbit, I step forward to stand next to him and tell her, "Actually, we're looking for a tricycle for a toddler. Do you know where they are?"
"Huh, a tricycle?" Ai'Pete looks completely shocked, and I can barely contain my laughter.
"Yeah, a tricycle. I was about to tell you earlier that my brother ordered me to come buy one for his kid. However, when we got here, you ran straight into the toy section, so I didn't get the chance."
Ai'Pete's face turns red.
I smile. Of course, I know I like it when his face turns red, so why wouldn't I enjoy seeing that expression? That makes him turn to the sales clerk, embarrassed.
"Uh, we'll look at the tricycles, then. I got a little too excited, haha." His awkward smile probably wins her over even more, as she eagerly invites him to another section, continuing her small talk with him.
"Your niece must be really adorable, huh? Both of you uncles are coming in person to buy her a gift like this?"
I think she's convinced Nong Yim is Ai'Pete's niece too. After all, he looks way more excited than me, the one actually buying the gift. Ai'Pete glances at me, worried that it seems like Nong Yim has become his niece too, as if he's about to correct her.
"Yeah, she's our niece," I say, answering on his behalf as we arrive at the section full of brightly colored tricycles.
"Do you have something like this?" I then pull out my phone and show her the picture of the pastel-colored bike my brother sent me.
She glances around for a moment before handing the phone back. "One moment, let me call someone who manages this section."
The sales clerk steps away, leaving me and Ai'Pete alone. I crouch down, looking at the various types of bicycles with interest when Pete speaks up.
"Can I send a gift to Nong Yim?" He asks.
I turn to look at him and see that he isn't sure. Of course, it must seem odd to tell my brother and sister-in-law that a friend who's never met their child wants to send a gift.
"There's no need, I'd feel bad." I assure him.
"What if I want to?"
I narrow my eyes slightly, watching him try to argue, and firmly say, "Then I'm not letting you."
His face falls immediately, and I think that maybe I shouldn't tease him anymore, so I add, "How about this? I'll let you pick one gift, and we'll split the cost, okay?"
"Huh? Why?"
Pete looks confused, so I explain. "This bike is a gift from Nong Yim's parents. They asked me to buy it because they didn't want her to see it before her birthday. I have to buy it today and bring it over tomorrow for the surprise. However, I have not bought the gift that is from me yet. If you want to, you can split the cost with me. Then we'll say it's from Uncle Ae and Uncle Pete... got it now?"
I know the gift won't cost him much, but what I'm trying to say is… "We're a couple, so one gift is enough."
Thud.
I feel a bit strange saying that, but it's worth the embarrassment when Ai'Pete freezes, his face turning redder and redder. His mouth opens slightly, staring at me as if he can't believe I say something like that. Then he lowers his head, avoiding eye contact. Didn't anyone tell him that the more he acts like this, the more I feel...
"Pete, come over here and check this out. Isn't it cute?" So, I squat down and pick up a set of toy kitchenware for girls, while he crouches on his toes, peeking over, his face still red.
"Wha... what?"
Grab.
I know it's a reckless move, but I lift the toy box to cover both our faces. Then, I lean in and give him a hard kiss on his orange lips. His eyes go wide, his body stiffens. I want to do more, but I know this isn't the right place, so I pull back and flash a wide grin.
"Do you know that you being so sweet to my niece makes me unable to hold back?"
That's all I say before handing the toy to him to hold, standing up, and gently ruffling his hair. Am I embarrassed? Yeah, a lot. Seeing Khun-chai hug the toy box and stare at the shelves below as if he's deeply fascinated makes me feel too fond to care about what I just did.
You can see how his eyes tremble, his lips quiver, and his cheeks, ears, and neck turn red. Anyone who says Ai'Pete is handsome—I'll argue that point to the end. Ai'Pete? If you saw his face hidden beneath the hair that falls across his forehead, you'd see how his eyes shake. Sorry, but I'd say he's adorably heart-melting instead.
Honestly, I feel like I'm falling for him harder than ever.
NEXT Chapter 23 - First Time Entering the Romantic Partner's Home
Comments
Post a Comment