Content Warning: This work is intended for mature (NC17) audiences. If you are younger, please kindly leave this site.
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“Dear, here’s the list. Don’t mess up the names on the boxes,” Dream said.
“Got it, got it,” Dear replied.
“Do it right, or if customers complain, I’ll chew you out,” Dream warned.
“Understood, I know,” Dear said.
On a bright Saturday afternoon, Dranphat was hunched over, busily packing items for his sister to ship out on Monday, as was typical for their online business sourcing from China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan (the same place he’d flown to last time to confront someone). His hands worked, but his mind wandered.
It’s been a week, and nothing’s happened. Am I worrying too much? Dear thought.
Nearly a week had passed since he encountered that underwear girl declaring war over Porsche, but he hadn’t seen her lurking around Porsche since.
Maybe Porsche isn’t telling me? Could be, Dear thought.
“Dear, what are you doing?” Dream’s voice cut through his thoughts, forcing him to look at his hands.
Oh no, am I tying straw rope instead of postal string? Customers would love that, Dear thought.
“Uh, sorry, I spaced out a bit,” Dear said, dodging his sister’s glare. She squinted, wondering if he was speeding up or slowing down her work. If the part-time helper hadn’t taken a day off, they’d have finished yesterday.
“Not just a bit, huh? Something up?” Dream asked, narrowing her eyes, watching Dear’s face droop as he tried to act mature. He almost shook his head, but…
“You know what happens when you lie to me,” Dream said.
Good Lord, is my sister a vendor or a mafia? Always threatening! Dear thought.
“And stop cursing me in your head,” Dream added.
Is she mafia or psychic? Knows everything! Dear thought.
Dear stared at his sister’s sweet smile, suddenly suspicious. Has she been reading my mind for eighteen years? She always knows. She’s too good, Dear thought.
“So, you going to talk or not?” Dream asked. Dear sighed, set down his work, and leaned closer, mimicking a five-year-old running to tattle. But Dream pointed at the items around him, saying firmly, “Talk and work. No slacking.”
Dear pouted but spilled his heavy thoughts. “Monday, I ran into your underwear girl with Pond’s gang. She recognized me and came to talk,” he said.
“Wait, that disposable underwear girl? Did she start something?” Dream’s face tensed, eyeing her nodding brother. She sat beside him, ignoring her time-is-money mantra.
No need to witness it to know Dear stood there like a dim-wit
dog while she ranted.
Every word that woman said was relayed by Porsche’s loyal fan, making Dream’s eyes widen, angry for her brother. But first…
“Why’d you let her declare war over your romantic partner? Speak up! Say you’re Porsche’s partner! Ugh, my brother, how can you be this clueless?” Dream scolded.
Dear’s face fell, looking like he might cry. “Dream, what do I do?” he asked.
Dream sighed dramatically, glancing at her sulky brother. He’s been like this since he was young, she thought.
“I should ask you what you want me to do. You’ve already claimed me as Porsche’s girlfriend. Should I announce it and warn everyone off?” Dream said.
“That’d be great,” Dear replied.
Thud! Dream threw a cushion at his face, ranting as Dear gave a dry smile.
“But maybe it’s nothing, Dream. It’s been quiet for a week,” Dear said.
“Are you really my brother? People plan, Dear. That week’s silence? She’s incubating. Soon, she’ll swoop in, latch onto Porsche, and not even saline will shake her off!” Dream said.
What is this underwear girl? Incubating? Wings? Bloodsucker? Gecko feet? Dear thought.
“Human or what?” Dear asked.
“You’ve never seen her cling to Porsche. She’s worse than a leech, not a primate,” Dream said.
Not to argue, but as a science guy, leeches are Annelida, not primates, Dear thought, knowing another cushion would hit if he spoke.
“So, what should I do, Dream?” Dear asked dryly.
“You really won’t tell her you’re Porsche’s romantic partner?” Dream asked.
“Nope. I don’t want people judging Porsche weirdly. Who knows what she’d say? I don’t want him hurt,” Dear said, ears drooping. Dream looked at him calmly, then nudged his head gently.
I wish he’d be tougher, but that sad face triggers my sibling-love, Dream thought.
“Maybe she hasn’t found Porsche yet. If she shows up, call me,” Dream said. Dear’s face lit up, massaging her shoulders eagerly. “Want anything to eat? I’ll make it,” he offered.
“Shumai, red pork buns, har gow, spareribs with black bean sauce, emperor eggs…” Dream listed.
Dear’s jaw dropped, staring at his sister packing but wondering how she thought he could cook all that.
It’s 2 PM Damn it, I’ll barely make dinner. Shopping alone takes forever, Dear thought.
“Who’s here?” Dear asked.
“Who else? Only the neighbor barges in without asking,” Dream said, waving Dear off. “Go get him to help pack.”
Dear sighed in relief, escaping the cooking list, and ran to the front, spotting the intruder closing their gate.
“You’re under arrest for trespassing,” Dear said, grinning, pointing two fingers like a gun at the broad back.
“Caught me,” Porsche said, raising his hands to his shoulders.
He’s playing along, Dear thought.
“Hands on your head, kneel slowly, or else,” Dear said, deepening his voice, stifling laughter.
Blame Porsche. He loves those Western crime series. Now I’m hooked, Dear thought.
“Okay, okay,” Porsche said, playing along, placing hands on his head. But before kneeling…
Grab!
“Hey!” Dear yelped as Porsche spun, hugged him, and pinned his arms behind his back. Dear looked up, meeting Porsche’s charming smile. What’s that grin mean?
“Now the tables turn. Stay still, don’t scream, or else…” Porsche said, leaning close, voice low, lips curling.
“What if I don’t?” Dear challenged, chin up.
“Good question,” Porsche said, nose touching Dear’s, eyes glinting with amusement, glancing at his lips, making Dear’s face flush.
“A light kiss for the cop,” Porsche whispered, lips brushing Dear’s softly, nibbling before pulling back to see a red-faced, speechless Dear.
I’m done with this cop-and-robber game. He’s cheating! Dear thought, sulking, avoiding Porsche’s gaze while still loosely held, nose nuzzling his cheek.
“I didn’t trespass,” Porsche said.
“You entered my house without ringing the bell. That’s trespassing!” Dear argued softly, stiffening.
Porsche chuckled near his ear, kissing it lightly. “Ever heard, your partner’s house is your house? I entered my partner’s house. What’s wrong with that?” he said.
Oh, I give up! Dear thought, face burning, teeth clenched. Porsche is too smooth today. I can’t argue.
“Besides, your house is mine too, since…” Dear stammered.
Say it, coward! Dear thought.
“Right, my house is yours because you’re mine,” Porsche said.
I surrender again! Dear thought, glaring at the shameless neighbor, suspecting Sun’s influence. He’s too slick for a manly guy like me.
“Okay, no more teasing. What’re you doing?” Porsche asked, smiling.
He was teasing! Dear thought, pouting, jabbing Porsche’s lips down in annoyance. He’s so cheerful while I’ve been worrying all week. No way I’m telling him about her. I’d be screwed.
Sulking, Dear circled behind, startling Purin. “Hey!” Purin said as Dear jumped on his back, nearly toppling them.
“What’re you doing, Dear? We’ll fall,” Purin said.
“You teased me, so carry me inside,” Dear said, feigning a stern voice to hide his embarrassment.
Purin laughed, securing Dear and walking into the house. “This is more than carrying. It’s piggybacking,” he said.
Damn, now I’m thinking of that unforgivable carry last time, Dear thought, burying his face in Purin’s back, rubbing to hide his blush.
“What’s up? Acting cute, huh?” Purin teased.
“Dream’s overworking me. I snuck out to find you,” Dear whispered, shivering slightly, making Purin chuckle.
“Want to play at my place?” Purin asked.
“Think I can’t drag Dear back from your house, Porsche?” Dream’s voice boomed, startling Dear. She stood at the door, hands on hips, unnoticed until now.
Purin grinned. “Don’t work him too hard,” he said.
“Too hard? Look at my dear brother, whining the second he has a partner,” Dream said.
Good Lord, her ‘dear brother’ tone makes my arm hairs stand up, Dear thought, scrambling off Purin’s back, flashing a weak smile, and looking for an escape.
“Uh, I forgot the laundry. You hung bedsheets, right, Dream? I’ll get them,” Dear said, sprinting to the backyard. Dream watched with exasperation, then turned to Purin, who smiled faintly at Dear’s retreat.
“Porsche…” Dream said.
“Hmm?” Purin replied.
“Has that Panty girl been to your company?” Dream asked.
Purin froze, turning to meet her knowing eyes, sighing as he followed her inside, away from eavesdroppers.
“How’d you know?” Purin asked.
She sent her venom to me! Dream thought, but since Dear didn’t want to tell his romantic partner, she played it cool. “Her old habits. That day, she was shaking to get back to you. I figured she’d show up at your company. Did she?”
“Nope, I’ve been dodging her. Staying at the factory,” Purin said, sitting in Dear’s spot, eyeing the unfinished packages.
“What’s your plan?” Dream asked, arms crossed.
“Keep avoiding her. Told my secretary not to share my number. She doesn’t know where I am. She won’t go to the factory. She’ll give up when she sees no chance,” Purin said, sighing, not wanting trouble since dating Dear, knowing he’d worry.
Avoiding her is easiest, Purin thought.
“Porsche, listen,” Dream said seriously. “When you broke up, she knew you’d study and work there for a year or two, so she let go easily. But now, you’re not just the handsome Faculty Moon with a perfect record. You’re the heir of the Akramethakorn family, with looks, wealth, status, running the family business, respected in society. You think she’ll let you go easily?”
Purin sighed. “She told me herself, a guy with everything should be kept at a distance,” he said.
“Right, because guys like that are often spoiled, egotistical, unyielding. I’m saying, for real, having everything makes you a target,” Dream said, shaking her head. No wonder Dear’s worried. His romantic partner’s too perfect, attracting rivals.
“I know, but I’m not that great. I just want to be Dear’s Porsche,” Purin said firmly.
“Should I be proud my brother’s so great you’re this smitten?” Dream teased, laughing as Purin nodded.
“More than smitten,” Purin said.
“With that shy act, he must be something in bed,” Dream said.
Dear, carrying bedsheets from the backyard, froze, eyes wide at his sister’s words.
“Hey! Porsche, don’t answer her! Shut up!” Dear yelled, face red, not wanting to know what ‘something’ meant.
“Quiet! I want to know what makes a shy guy like you keep Porsche hooked,” Dream said.
“He’s got a lot going for him,” Purin said.
“No! Stop, Porsche, shut up!” Dear shouted, face and ears red, trembling as he dropped the laundry basket and sat beside Purin, glaring but looking more cute than fierce.
“Spill, Porsche. I’m curious,” Dream said.
“Hey, Dream!” Dear protested.
“Can’t say. Dear won’t let me,” Purin said, as Dear nodded vigorously, satisfied but wary of their sly laughter. That laugh always ends with me dying of embarrassment, Dear thought.
“You really indulge him,” Dream said, pouting, as Purin nudged Dear’s head gently, smiling like a kind adult, though his words were sly.
“Yeah, but other times, Dear indulges me in everything,” Purin said.
Wait, indulge what? Why’s he looking at me like that? Dear thought.
“Ohhh, so in bed, Dear indulges you completely. No wonder you’re hooked,” Dream said, smirking wickedly, ignoring her work.
Dear’s jaw dropped, glaring at Dream’s evil grin and Purin’s villainous smile. No wonder they’re best friends! he thought.
Stomp, stomp, stomp. Dear marched heavily, face as sour as he could manage, though red from head to neck. He dumped the bedsheets, slamming them down, signaling his anger at both. Eighteen years under Dream’s thumb, now Porsche’s too.
Next time, I’ll be on top! I’ll make Porsche speechless! Dear thought, punching the sheets to vent.
“Don’t tear them. They’re not cheap,” Dream said.
“Cheap enough. Rough, not soft like at the condo,” Dear grumbled.
I’m just mad. They’re not that rough, Dear thought.
“Of course. Those are silk. I’m not buying that. Too expensive. Any sheet works,” Dream said, shrugging.
Purin laughed softly. “Want me to buy some, Dear? What size is your bed, Dream?” he asked.
“Five feet. Don’t spoil him, or he’ll get cocky, and I’ll suffer,” Dream said.
“Blue! My walls are blue,” Dear said, jumping at free stuff.
“I told you not to spoil him,” Dream said, glaring as Dear shot her an annoyed look.
“Where’s my dinner?” Dream asked, smirking as Dear gaped, realizing her dim sum list was serious.
Dear paused, set down his work, and sat behind Purin, swallowing his embarrassment. Pat. “Porsche, help me out,” Dear said.
“What’s up?” Purin asked, nearly laughing at Dear’s cross-legged sulking, head against his back.
“Dream wants shumai, buns, har gow, spareribs, emperor eggs… the whole Chinatown. Help me, Porsche. I won’t finish by ten,” Dear said.
Dream, who’d raised Dear, was still surprised by his coaxing. My brother’s this smooth? she thought.
“Please,” Dear said, rubbing his face on Purin’s back, ignoring Dream’s stare, showing he could make Porsche indulge him.
“Alright, I’ll have someone from home buy it,” Purin said, grabbing his phone, eyes twinkling as he glanced at Dear.
“Tonight,” Purin said, and Dear knew what that meant.
“No, back to the condo first,” Dear said.
Smack. “Tomorrow’s fine,” Purin said, kissing Dear’s cheek loudly before calling home to order dim sum.
Dear almost smiled at Purin’s compliance but caught Dream’s stare.
“Why’s Dream looking at me like that?” Dear asked.
Dream eyed him like a freak. “Dear, you’re flirtier than me,” she said.
Dear’s jaw dropped. I’m flirty? Fine, only with Porsche. Who cares? he thought.
After dinner was delivered from Chinatown, Purin returned home to review Monday’s meeting documents. His phone rang, showing his friend’s name, and he answered without hesitation.
“What’s up, Ohm?” Purin asked.
“Bad luck’s coming your way," Ohm said.
“What?” Purin asked, amused by Ohm’s dramatic tone.
“That Patty girl works with Dol. Today, she met him at a team dinner and learned he’s your friend. She’s got your address and number from him now. Just warning you,” Ohm said.
Purin rubbed his temples, not expecting his high school friend to be Patty’s boss.
Sigh. “Thanks. I’ll warn Dear. She’ll probably show up at my door,” Purin said.
Purin wished he could go back and swear never to get involved with that woman.
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