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Perspective - Ae (Inthach)
"I hate calculus!"
Have you ever felt so annoyed with someone that you wanted to kick them far, far away, but couldn't? Because they're your best friend, your roommate, your classmate, and your major-mate. That's exactly how I feel about Ai Pond, the sharp-featured mix-blooded guy who, as soon as classes end, starts whining in a way that embarrasses our whole faculty.
"I don't understand anything in class."
"Which subject do you even understand, then?" Piing, a cheerful, plump friend I met during freshman orientation who never seems to get annoyed with Pond, asks in his usual good-natured tone.
"None. Definitely none."
"Exactly. Yesterday you said you hated physics. The day before, you said you hated drawing... Honestly, what were you thinking when you chose engineering?" Bow, the only girl in our group, who had once been surrounded by guys but now stands alone after everyone learned she was a black belt in Taekwondo, asks with a teasing laugh.
I'm not surprised in the slightest when Pond grins widely and answers with complete confidence, "Well, the family guardian spirit sent me here."
"Huh?" The mention of that has even the most skeptical among us perking up with curiosity.
"Here's the thing, Bow. The family guardian spirit at my house is incredibly powerful. I prayed for admission to any university, promising I'd run around the house naked if it worked. And bam! The spirit sent me here—with Ai Ae no less," Pond explains, pointing his thumb in my direction, making me let out a heavy sigh.
"Believe that, and you'll give birth to twin buffalos," I snap back, perhaps a bit too harshly, as Bow immediately stops smiling.
Maybe she believes him?
"What? You actually believe that, pretty lady? Let me remind you—buffalo twins, you know..." I say.
Thud!!!
"Owww, my head!"
I didn't feel the slightest sympathy for my mixed-blooded friend wailing down the hallway after Bow's stylish bag, clearly made from some sturdy material, lands squarely on his head.
Instead, I just turn to him and say, "Serves you right."
Yeah, you can't pity someone like him. He only deserves to be mocked. Then sure enough, within moments, Pond starts mouthing words to himself and glares at me with bright, accusatory eyes, making me sigh again.
"Of course. You don't care about me. You only care about that IC kid, don't you?"
And there it was—the new topic.
"What IC kid, Ai Pond? I've never seen Ai Ae hang out with anyone. He finishes class, heads to cheer practice, or goes to the football field. That's his entire routine. Right, Ae?" Piing turns to me, waiting for confirmation.
I chose not to extend the conversation and simply say, "It's my business."
"Oh, wow! You and Ai Pond should really be combined and averaged out. One has a loose mouth, and the other has a sharp, heavy tongue. Mixed together, it might balance out nicely," Bow remarks jokingly.
I figure my friends were starting to get used to my straightforward attitude. Still, I didn't want them prying into this matter. There was already enough misunderstanding about Ai Pete supposedly pestering me, even though, in reality, it was probably more me looking after him.
"Hey, forget about these habits for now. It's almost noon—where should we eat?" Naturally, Piing, who saw food as a top priority, brought up the topic.
Then before I can think it through, I blurt out, "The IC cafeteria."
"There it is! I knew it! You two really have something going on!" Pond yells down the hallway, earning a slight frown from me.
I don't admit to having something as this idiot suggests. It's just... I don't know. Maybe the feeling is concern. I can't explain it, but I worry about Ai Pete. I wonder if he has someone to eat lunch with. If not, I fear he won't eat.
You're too skinny already, Pete.
With that thought, I didn't care whether Piing, who grumbles about the distance, or Bow, who mentions she has plans with friends from another department, will follow. I just grab my phone and dial the number of the person on my mind.
Since getting his number, I haven't called him even once. Knowing him for almost two weeks now though, I am sure he won't dare call me first because of his silly sense of propriety.
"Hey, Ai Ae! I'm coming too! Let me tag along and meddle a bit!"
Predictably, Pond hops onto the back seat of my bike without hesitation, making me roll my eyes.
"You should be pedaling for me instead of me pedaling for you."
"Oh, come on. I know Ae is strong... By the way, Ai'Khun-chai isn't picking up, huh?"
I just nod and put my phone back into my pocket. The call rang until the line cut off, so I figure he is either busy or didn't hear it. Still, I think it would be better to check on him in person.
"He might still be in class. The IC students usually have lessons until noon," I explain, based on what he'd told me. But that prompted Pond to reply in a skeptical tone.
"You can remember someone else's schedule? Hey, that's kind of weird, you know. The Ae I know would never bother with something as trivial as someone else's class timetable."
"Are you calling me bird-witted?"
"I'm not. Oh, wow, don't change the subject, buddy. I'm saying you're unusually attentive to Pete."
"Stop making wild guesses." I cut him off immediately.
"Sure, wild guesses that got me into this university," he retorts smugly.
Truth be told, the fact Pond ended up at the same school as me was nothing short of a fluke.
"Come on, spill it, and I'll cut your punishment for keeping secrets from me by half."
"And why are you sticking your nose in my business?"
"Because it's fun! The group's shortie having a thing for someone—that's definitely marketable," he teases.
I want to kick him off my bike, but since I can't, I chose to keep quiet, even though his words echo in my mind.
Am I really attentive to Pete? Maybe I'm just concerned for him... like a younger sibling, perhaps.
Thump, thump, thump!
"Hey! Ai Ae! Ae!!!"
"What now?!" I almost turn around to snap at the idiot pounding on my shoulder, shouting like a jealous wife.
The bike wobbles slightly as my thoughts are interrupted. Yet, Pond seems entirely unapologetic, pointing past the international building in another direction.
"Isn't that your guy over there? And who's that dragging him away? Hey, this looks weird—it's like Pete's being forced."
Thunk.
I turned my gaze sharply in the direction Pond indicates and spot the target—a pale-skinned Khun-chai in the distance. This time though, he isn't alone. He is being yanked along by another man, a burly figure forcing him to follow. Even from this distance, I instantly recognize who the man pulling him is.
The bloody fucking cur who had punched him before.
"Bloody hell! You're nothing but trouble!" I curse under my breath, which might sound like I am annoyed with Khun-chai to anyone else.
That isn't it though. Right now, I am more worried that he'll end up beaten again. The realization that this guy isn't letting things go only intensifies my concern. The memory of Pete burying his face in his knees, crying, is still vivid in my mind.
"Damn it, Pete! Why didn't you tell me he wouldn't leave you alone?!"
Okay, I admit I was weirdly furious. I already told Pete to let me know if there is trouble, but his cursed politeness—this is what it led to. If he gets punched again, I swear I'll be even angrier at him.
With a build like his, and skin that bruises so easily, one hit would leave him marked for days.
"Ai Ae, slow down!" Pond's shout barely registers as I pedal straight toward them without a second thought.
Perspective - Pete (Pitchaya)
I didn't have any afternoon classes today. Once my morning classes were over, I thought I'd head straight home. Honestly, I was planning to practice making shrimp congee. It's a bit embarrassing to admit outright, but when I found out Ae likes shrimp congee, I secretly asked Auntie Jeab if she could teach me how to make it.
Of course, Auntie is always kind to me and promised to give me a lesson as soon as I got home.
I think I was smiling. My legs moved quickly as I looked left and right. Seeing no faculty vehicles around, I decided to walk—it was just a short distance, after all. Let's call it exercise, like Ae always suggested.
You need to eat more and exercise sometimes. At the very least, your weight should go over fifty kilograms.
Ah, I'm really trying to follow his advice.
Thunk.
But then my phone rings, making me freeze in place. Of course, I have spent ages setting this special ringtone just for Ae. Once I realize what is happening, I quickly rummage through my bag, not wanting to keep him waiting. My hands are shaking at the thought that this is Ae's first call to me.
I must be all grown up now—getting this excited over something so small.
I take a deep breath, determined to answer quickly, if not for—
Grab.
"Hey, Ai Pete."
If not for the force yanking at my wrist, nearly making me drop my phone. I immediately turned and widened my eyes at the owner of the hand.
"Phii Trump."
The man standing before me was the one I once thought I liked. The same person who used that stupid clip to extort money from me for three months. I quickly pull my hand back.
"Let go of me."
"No way. You think what happened that day is over just like that? I'll never forget what your new man did to me."
I frown instantly, wondering how I could've ever liked him. Yes, Phii Trump might have...
He is a handsome man, tall and well-built. Just look at him in those dark jeans and branded shirt. However, the person I remember is the kind senior who once helped tutor me—not this thug wearing a murderous expression.
"Let me go!" I say with a deeper voice, though I am secretly quite scared. A fleeting look of disgust crosses his face.
"You think I want to touch you? Let me be clear—I'm disgusted."
"If you're disgusted, then let me go! You've already taken plenty of my money. What more do you want?" I never thought I'd be so bold, but here I am, speaking right to his face while trying to yank my hand back. Deep down, it stings to be seen as revolting.
Damn it, I really am fragile, just like Ae says. I can't even break free.
"It's not enough! I deserve more," Phii Trump spits through gritted teeth, his voice firm.
"I'm not giving you anything! Not a single baht more," I shoot back, trying to push myself away from him.
Whoosh.
"Ouch!"
"If you squirm one more time, I'll knock you flat," Phii Trump growls, yanking me closer and speaking with a low, menacing tone that shows he is nearing his limit.
I am scared of the pain, of course—I still remember how much his punch hurt that day.
Summoning all my courage though, I reply evenly, "Go ahead. Punch me. Do you think this is some random place? We're in the middle of the university. You don't think someone will see? Or that a security guard might notice?"
"Ai Pete! Are you threatening me?"
"I... I'm not."
Ae, help me! Help me!
I am almost closing my eyes in fear, my mind only thinking of the one person who always saved me. My hand is gripping the phone tight, as if it will give me strength. The more the other person looks like he is about to throw a punch, the tenser I became. It seems that my terrified expression stops him.
"Heh, I thought you were tough. But you're still as cowardly as ever. Come here! Where's your car?"
I almost stumble as he yanks me forward, pulling me toward the parking lot. My legs struggle to hold me back, knowing that once we reach the car, I will be in trouble.
Thud
"Let go of me!"
My eyes widen even more when, instead of dragging me along the path where people might pass by, he pulls me into the building area where no one would be around unless there was an event.
Ae, what should I do?
Crash!
"Bloody damn!"
Right then, I admit my only thought is of Ae. It seems that thinking of him gives me courage I didn't expect, because before I even realize it, I kick full force into the joint of Phii Trump's knee. He curses loudly as I break free from his grip. My heart is pounding wildly with fear as I spin around and run back down the path.
"Ai bloody fuck Pete!!!"
I am scared. I am very scared. My heart is racing so fast that I can't hear anything around me. This is the first time I hurt someone, and I have made him so angry that his curses echo behind me. I have to blame myself for being slow because after just a few steps, my shoulder is jerked back so violently that it sends a sharp pain through my body.
"Don't mess with me!" I grit my teeth and jerk my shoulder back, but he pulls me around to face him.
"You dare kick me? I'll make you wish you were dead!!!"
Swish
I flinch. I can only shut my eyes tightly, seeing P'Trump raise his hand as if to punch me. I am so scared that I can only huddle my shoulders together, waiting to take the full brunt of the blow to my face. In my mind, I can only think of the one person who always helps me, knowing full well that it is not easy for him to show up by coincidence.
There will be no accidental help this time.
Crash!!!
Grab.
"If you're so tough, come fight me!!!"
But just as I brace for the pain, I feel a powerful tug from behind. There is a loud crash, followed by a deep, furious voice cutting through all the noise in my head. I open my eyes wide.
"You again, Ai'Shorty!"
As soon as I open my eyes, I see the back of someone standing in front of me, facing off with someone who is a whole head taller. My eyes widen even more. I can feel that Ae is angry, but even though he is furious, his hand pushing me back isn't harsh enough to hurt.
"Yeah! And you again, you bloody shit-lizard!" Ae's voice is low, but it seems that the way he addresses P'Trump only makes him angrier.
"Don't get involved in my business. I have something to discuss with Ai'Pete!"
"If you were going to talk nicely, I wouldn't have gotten involved. What I saw though was a mad dog bullying someone who had no way to fight back!"
"You're calling me that!"
"Yeah, are there any other dogs around here for me to call that?!"
This time, I am only worried that a fight is about to break out, but I grab Ae's shirt. It isn't because I think Ae can't fight or that I am worried about P'Trump. I just don't want him to get into trouble at the university, because it will lead to consequences.
"Ae, stop it. I'm fine."
Whoosh.
I jump out of my skin when Ae turns to look at me. My heart sinks to my feet. His eyes are full of anger directed at me, just as much as they quickly scan me, probably checking if I am okay. Yet the way he asks makes me scared.
"What do you mean 'I'm fine'? If I hadn't gotten here in time, you'd have been punched already!"
Seeing that I can't answer, Ae turns sharply back to look at P'Trump and speaks in a deep voice.
"Then what the hell are you doing messing with Ai Pete again? He told you last time that he wasn't going to give you any more money. Why are you trying to harass him for cash again?"
"This is my business, not yours!" P'Trump growls loudly, then starts speaking in words I never thought would come out of his mouth.
"Heh, you're the same. You're with Ai'Pete, hoping for money just like everyone else. What's so good about him besides being born a Khun-chai with money to spend every day? So, how much did he give you? Is that why you're protecting him like this, huh? With a face like yours, you've probably been bought for a few baht. How many thousand? Here, I'll give you some money to buy snacks and get the hell away from my sight."
I can't believe it. How did I ever think I liked someone like this!
"You, get lost! Don't talk to Ae like that!" I shout immediately.
I wouldn't have said anything if he had insulted me alone, but he can't drag Ae into this. He's already been too kind to me, and he shouldn't have to deal with this.
"You can't handle the truth, huh, Ai Pete... So, how much do you want?"
It's the first time I've felt this angry, my hands shaking. Now I understand why people use violence. I've never wanted to punch someone as much as I do right now. I'm so angry that my eyes feel hot, and I feel guilty for dragging Ae into my mess.
If Ae hadn't come to help me from the start, he wouldn't be hearing this kind of insult.
"Wow, talking like this makes you look pretty, huh? Planning to take money to slap my friend's head, huh?" This comes from behind me.
I only turn around and glance behind me, just realizing that Pond is here too. Now this friend is twisting his wrist. His sharp face, which usually shows a playful look, is now serious, and he steps forward, looking like he's ready for a confrontation.
Pond's presence, demeanor, and physique probably intimidate Phii Trump, making him pause.
"Are you going to gang up on me, you Ai Shorty!!!"
"I alone will stomp you into the ground!" Ae says in a deep voice, motioning to Pond to stay out of it.
He steps closer to Phii Trump without fear. Then, I get a chill down my spine when Ae... smiles. A smile that makes him, usually so kind, seem terrifying.
"Go ahead, you want to hit me, don't you? I'm letting you start first... but once you start, I won't let it end easily." Ae says.
I instantly felt scared seeing Ae's expression now, and that causes P'Trump to step back. He scans everyone and curses loudly.
"I don't believe you won't gang up on me. Just remember, I won't let this go so easily, especially not you, Ai Pete!" He points at me, spits on the ground, and then turns, quickly walking in the opposite direction.
Everything is left... in an awkward silence.
"Why did you let him go? You should've hit him a few times," Pond says irritably, causing Ae to take a deep breath.
"You want to get investigated for causing trouble at the university?" Ae replies, then turns to look at me, making it clear he is still angry.
He clenches his fists tightly, and that only makes me tremble as I shakily apologize.
"I... I'm sorry... sorry for dragging you into this."
"..."
The more Ae stays silent, the more scared I get. I can only lower my head and stare at my shirt, not knowing what kind of expression he has until he turns to talk to Pond.
"Pond, take my bike. I'm not in the mood to eat anymore."
"Wait, what about you?"
"I'm skipping." He must be so angry that he doesn't want to look at me anymore.
"And another thing... I have something I need to settle with Ai Pete."
At that moment, I can only look up at him, stunned. I thought the events that had happened would make him so angry he wouldn't want to look at me again.
I wouldn't blame him if he didn't want to see me anymore, but I just hope he won't say he hates me.
At this moment, all I can think is just that.
Perspective - Ae (Inthach)
Right now, I was still standing with Ai'Khun-chai, who was sitting with his head down at the edge of the sidewalk. I was standing with my arms crossed, staring at him quietly, seeing his face pale with no color, his hands gripping his knees tightly, turning pale as well. Since Pond had taken my bike, which had fallen in a mess, we had been like this for almost ten minutes.
I was angry. Very angry. So angry that I wanted to punch the one who had humiliated me to death, but I knew well that this is a university. If something happens, it will only make me lose. Right now though, I just know... I am angrier at Ai Pete.
Angry that he is protecting that demon-kin. Even now, he still told me not to cause trouble.
So, I stand there silently, not saying anything, trying to control my anger to the best of my ability.
"I'm... sorry..."
"..." I don't know why I stay silent, even though he has said this to me many times already. When I remain silent, he stays quiet too, and I think he will just go back to looking for his loose change. This time though, he speaks to me, his voice shaking.
"Ae... you must hate me, right?"
Had I ever told him I hated him?
"If you hadn't helped me, you wouldn't have had to deal with this... If you hadn't been kind to me, you wouldn't have been cursed at like that. You shouldn't have gotten involved with someone like me." His voice trembles, but at least this time, he doesn't cry like before.
He just gripped his pants, wrinkled and crumpled.
"I'm sorry... I'm really sorry..." The more he says it, the more his voice becomes shorter, and I notice that he seems to be trembling slightly.
From being angry, I start to feel strange. Maybe... It is my soft heart.
"Sighhh..."
"I'm... really sorry." After I sigh deeply, he looks up at me, which makes me frown immediately.
What the hell, Ae? Just seeing his face makes my heart soften like this?
Now, Ai Pete is looking at me with short breaths, his nose a bit redder than before. His lips are trembling as he mumbles nothing but apologies. That handsome face, which the girls would probably swoon over, but why do I think it looks so pitiful that I have to uncross my arms?
"Have I ever told you I hated you?"
"But..."
"Have I ever told you I didn't want to help you?"
"Ae..."
"Have I ever told you I couldn't stand being humiliated like that?"
"..."
He just looks at me with those red eyes, almost as if he is going to cry.
"Have I ever told you that you're a problem for me?"
This time, he is completely silent, only biting his lips, which turn pale. His body shakes more than before, and I feel like he is so fragile that I am afraid he might actually break. That makes me move to squat in front of him.
"Do you know how I feel right now?" I didn't wait for him to answer, speaking right away. "I'm angry at you."
"I'm angry because you don't tell me you have a problem. I told you before, if you have anything, tell me, and I'll help you. So why don't you come to me when it all starts?"
Yes, I should be angry about this. Fine, maybe I am too caught up in my own business, but no matter how I look at it, Ai Pete could never handle this on his own. Is he planning on keeping it all inside and letting it eat him up?
In the end though, I give him a smile.
"Do you know what friends are for?"
I stare at Pete, wanting him to understand that I truly mean what I say, then poke him in the chest.
"You're my friend. No matter what happens, if my friend has a problem, whether it's to cross water or fire, this bloody shorty will always be there to help. Understand?"
I really consider him my friend. Maybe it is a little special since I feel like he is more fragile than others, so I have to take extra care of him. That makes Ai'Khun-chai look at me like he doesn't quite understand.
"Do you still see me as a friend, even though I make you get humiliated like that?"
"I tell you, I don't care about what others say. If I have not done anything, why should I accept what they say?"
Suddenly, Ai Pete bows his head and buries his face in his knees. I widen my eyes, seeing the short shoulders shaking. I think I know exactly what he is doing... crying.
"Hey, don't cry."
"No... I'm not crying... I'm just... relieved... relieved that you don't hate me... so happy I could cry... that's all... really..." The guy who isn't crying tells me in a trembling voice, not raising his head to look at me.
I sigh, not understanding why he always thinks I'd hate him. He hasn't done anything for me to hate him, except... well... not being able to fight, I guess.
In the end, I sit next to him on the curb. Maybe it is out of pity, sympathy, or just some silly feeling, but I place my hand on his head, turning my gaze elsewhere.
"If you want to cry, then just cry. I won't hear or see anything."
I hate people who cry, but here I am, sitting with someone crying anyway.
Then, I hear his sobs. Despite him doing something I absolutely hate, for some reason, I find myself smiling. I have to admit, it feels good that he trusts me enough to show me this side of his weakness.
After that, I don't do much to comfort him beyond gently stroking his hair, waiting until he stops crying.
"I... It's not that I didn't tell you, Ae. I really didn't know he wouldn't stop. Since that day, it's been quiet, and I thought he wouldn't bother me again... but no matter what, I won't give him any more money. I won't. I won't let you down, Ae, for helping me before." Finally, Pete speaks, even though his voice is still trembling.
I feel he is stronger than when he started crying. So, I stand up, dust off my pants, and extend my hand to him.
At the same time, Pete looks at my hand with red, swollen eyes and a face smudged like a kitten's, then lifts his gaze to meet mine with confusion.
That is when I voice what I've been thinking all the while he's been crying.
"From now on, I'll be your bodyguard."
Ai Pete's jaw drops, and I can't help but laugh. I pull him up by the hand and firmly tell him my decision.
"Yeah, I won't let anyone bully you. I'll take care of you myself."
I have no way of knowing that the words I speak today will become a promise I'm willing to keep... for the rest of my life.
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