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Perspective - Third Person
"Ai'Ae, where's that fucking shit-lizard Pond! Does he have his phone just to use as a paperweight? He's not answering my call."
"He's probably on another call, or maybe in the shower."
"Wait, you're not with him?"
"No, what's up?"
It was already past ten when Ae suddenly got a call from his close high school friend (though lately, he didn't feel as close to him). As soon as Ae picked up, Sun started venting with no small amount of irritation. Probably he either had a fight with his Mia or got fed up calling Ai'Pond…
When Sun asks where Pond is, the football player quickly changes the subject.
He doesn't feel like being interrogated.
"Anyway, just tell him we've moved from Hua Hin. I've got a free place for us."
"How so?"
"Has Pond told you yet that Ai'Dīe's bringing his Phua? Well, he doesn't know his Phua's coming either. Now, someone's offering us a free stay at their vacation house in Pran—ride and place to sleep, all free."
"You're asking my opinion?" Inthach asks, still staring at the textbook he has to read, as Sun's laugh comes through the phone, followed by the expected answer.
"No, I'm just letting you know. Only an idiot would turn this down. Tell Ai'Pond, and if he needs the details, he can call me. No need to call Ai'Dīe—he doesn't know anything."
"He's probably just reading again," Sun says with a chuckle, thinking of their petite friend (even though he's technically an inch taller), who always studies relentlessly during exam time as if his grades are on the verge of failing.
Even though, as far as Sun knows, he only ever loses to Ai'Dīe in rankings.
"Hahaha! Don't try to act innocent, Ai'Ae. You should be studying too. For me, not falling into the fish pond is enough to make my family proud."
"Why don't you drag Ai'Pond down with you? I'm not joining." Ae shakes his head at his friend's teasing tone. Sun laughs loudly, in typical fashion. If he doesn't tease someone at least once, he probably can't sleep at night.
"We know how to enjoy ourselves, man! You should let loose a bit too before you burn out without realizing it."
Ae rolls his eyes and sighs again.
"If that's all, I'll leave it here. I've got an exam tomorrow…"
Creaaak.
"Ae, I'm done with my shower. Do you want to go next?" Before Ae can hang up, Pete who had gone to shower earlier steps out, now dressed in pajamas and wrapped in a soft towel. His voice carries into the phone, and it seems Sun hears it too, because he starts laughing.
"Oh-ho! Looks like someone's already found a way to let loose. Staying out this late, and not in your dorm... Wonder who you're with, hmm?"
"Bloody fucking cur! That's enough!" Ae has no intention of continuing the conversation and letting Sun dig for more information. He ends the call and tosses the phone aside before looking up at the person he's crashing with, even though he should be studying in his own dorm.
The real reason Ae has fled his own dorm is because of a certain inconsiderate half-demon-kin who refuses to study but spends hours on the phone with his romantic partner. That doesn't even include the racket from other rooms, which only grows louder during exam season. Fed up, Inthach packed his bag, threw everything into a backpack, and biked over to crash at his romantic partner's place. It's clear he'll be staying there for the entire exam week.
"Ai'Sun called." Ae answers his partner's questioning look. "He said they're changing the destination from Hua Hin to Pranburi because Ai'Dīe's partner has a free place to stay."
"Hua Hin and Pranburi are really close, right?"
"Yeah, about half an hour apart." Ae says while patting the seat next to him, signaling his freshly showered companion to sit. Judging by the look in his eyes, Ae can tell that he's interested in the trip. Still, Ae silently insists to himself that there's no way he'll let him join.
To be honest, he doesn't want him anywhere near Ai'Sun.
"You want to go?"
"Not exactly. I've never been on a trip with friends outside of school-organized camps, so I can't really picture what it's like to hang out with high school friends on a trip."
Ae nods slowly, starting to reconsider whether he should invite him along. Honestly, if Ai'Sun weren't going, Ae would've wanted him to join.
"Besides... I'd like to see what you're like around your friends."
Pete's pale cheeks flush slightly, and the shy smile on his handsome face makes Ae smile. He reaches out to ruffle his partner's soft hair and responds casually.
"It's nothing special. It's just like hanging out with Ai'Pond."
"Who are you closest to?" Pete asks, and Ae hesitates for a moment, frowning slightly.
"That's a tough one. I'm close with everyone in the group, but if I had to pick who I'm most comfortable with, it'd be Ai'Dīe. The rest are all dog-mouths." Ae shakes his head, already imagining the chaos that'll unfold during the trip. Without prompting, he continues his story.
"Back in our last year of high school, Ai'Mai was the ringleader of the group. Out of nowhere, he said he wanted to go camping by the River Kwai for free. We all went along with it, and he really meant the 'free' part. We ended up hitchhiking our way there. It was a nightmare getting there, but honestly, it was fun." Ae's story captures Pete's interest, making him smile as Ae continues recounting more memories.
"The funniest part was Ai'Dīe. He got eaten alive by mosquitoes. By the time we were heading back, his legs were covered in bumps, swollen so much we thought we'd have to rush him to the hospital. Then out of nowhere, Ai'Dīe asks, 'Hey, I'm allergic to mosquitoes? I've got some ointment.' It was like a slap in the face—everyone complained all night, and he didn't even know what was going on." Ae laughs as he recalls his friends.
"In eleventh grade, we went somewhere close—just Ayutthaya. Ai'Dīe thought it'd be a good idea to visit nine temples for good luck before exams, so we went for it. We took the free train. That day, I breathed in so much incense smoke I thought I'd get cancer. The real winner though was the guy who suggested it. He brought back a whole liter of holy water in an empty bottle, saying he had to make the most of the trip. I couldn't believe the top student in our class came up with that plan."
Pete laughs just imagining it.
"And then?"
"In tenth grade, we didn't travel. I guess we weren't that close yet. I think the only place I stayed over was at Sun's house." Ae's words make Pete smile wide, clearly sensing how close the group is. He leans his head on Ae's broad shoulder.
"What's wrong? Are you tired of hearing about them already?"
Pete shakes his head on Ae's shoulder, daring to slip his hand around Ae's waist. Even though Ae pauses in surprise, he pulls the towel away and hugs him back.
"What's up, Pete?"
"I'm jealous."
"Huh?" Ae makes a sound in his throat, looking at Pete's hair brushing against his cheek. He gently strokes Pete's hair.
"Jealous that I hang out with my friends all the time?"
"That's part of it," Pete replies, voice quieter than before. "But I'm more jealous that your friends got to see you back then, when you were in high school... I wish I could've seen that."
The listener remains silent, feeling their face grow unexpectedly warm. Their heart beats faster as they realize how adorably unaware his Khun-chai is of his own sweet gestures. Ae lightly pats Pete on the back.
"I'm no different from how I am now."
"But I still want to see it," Pete murmurs softly against Ae's shoulder, making him smile before indulging Pete's request.
"When I go home next time, I'll bring my yearbook for you."
"Really?" Pete lifts his head, eyes wide with excitement, and Ae nods.
"Yeah, why would I lie? But if you want to see me during activities, you can check Ai'Pond's Facebook. I don't really take pictures of myself."
"Thanks," Pete replies, the genuine excitement in his voice causing Ae to smile wider. He strokes Pete's cheek, enjoying the softness he hasn't touched in days, giving it a gentle squeeze before reluctantly pulling his hand away.
If I touch him any more, my dark side will definitely show.
"If you're tired, go ahead and sleep. I'll be reading for a while, and I'll just crash on the sofa tonight."
"Oh, we can sleep together, can't we? The sofa is uncomfortable." Ae understands Pete's concern but has his own reasons, so he shakes his head.
"I'm afraid I won't just lie there holding you. You know I haven't been able to control myself lately." Inthach fully admits the truth in his heart. He has never been attracted to men before, but whenever he's near Pitchaya, things always seem to spiral out of control. So, the best option is not to share the same bed.
Pete goes quiet for a moment, his cheeks heating up as he understands exactly what Ae means by "unable to control himself." Ae hasn't held back at all before exams... quite frequently.
"I'll get you a blanket. I think Aunt Jeab keeps some in the cupboard." Not wanting to interrupt Ae's reading, Pete stands up and fetches a blanket, placing it neatly by his side. Then, he quietly brings his own reports to work on.
Eventually, it's Ae himself who ends up using the blanket, wrapping it around himself with only his face peeking out.
Tick, tick, tick.
The only sound breaking the silence between them is the ticking of the wall clock, as each person busies themselves with their own work. The short hand moves from ten to eleven, and just as it approaches twelve…
Thud.
The person working on the report, feeling their head grow heavy, leans against the broad shoulder next to them. Ae, who had been focused on his pile of books, turns to look and smiles softly.
Grab.
Ae places his papers down and wraps an arm around Pete's pale shoulder. Pete lets out a soft moan but leans further into the embrace, slowly opening his eyes.
"Sorry… I dozed off," Pete mumbles sleepily and tries to pull away, but the football player only tightens his hold. Ae's eyes drift to Pete's orange-tinted lips before he leans in to plant a soft kiss.
"Ae… mmm…" Pete murmurs at the light touch, a kiss so gentle that it seems to hold back from going further, as if out of caution. Ae, shorter but firm, pulls back and whispers softly.
"After we get back from Pranburi… wanna go on a trip? Just the two of us?"
Thump.
Ae's sudden suggestion comes out of nowhere, causing Pete's eyes to widen in disbelief. He wakes up fully, blinking as if he misheard.
"A trip?... Just the two of us?"
"Yeah, you up for it?"
"Y-yeah, let's go!" Pete nods rapidly, excitement mixing with disbelief at Ae's unexpected invitation, making Ae almost laugh at his reaction.
"Yeah, we'll go on a trip, but for now, you need to go sleep in the bedroom before I do more than just hug you." Ae's words prompt Pete to nod enthusiastically and quickly gather his things. Just before heading to the bedroom, Pete hesitates for a moment, glancing between the room and his partner's face. Then…
Grab.
Peck.
"Sweet dreams, Ae," Pete says softly, pressing his nose firmly against Ae's rough cheek in a quick kiss before rushing off to the bedroom. Ae, left standing there, remains frozen for almost a minute before letting out a sharp breath through his nose.
"Who taught that cocky guy to tease me like that? Now how the hell am I supposed to focus on studying tonight?" Ae grumbles, rubbing his head hard enough to nearly shake out dandruff, clearly affected by the earlier touch. Naturally, his mind is now stuck on the thought of wanting to make Pete moan loudly.
~~~
The next morning, Pete is in a noticeably better mood than usual. Of course, waking up to eggs and sausages already prepared, despite Ae having rushed off to take an exam, would do that. As a result, everyone who greets Khun-chai Pitchaya today gets a warm smile that leaves them a little weak in the knees. Even Jeab, who has seen that charming smile countless times, ends up swooning.
However, while one handsome guy is enjoying his great mood, another arrives at school and continues to build a fortress around himself, just like always. It even seems like today's fortress is stronger than usual, making others too hesitant to approach him.
"Hey, Tinn."
"Mhm." Tinn briefly looks up from his phone, meets Pete's eyes for a second, and then lowers his gaze again as if he's busy with something important. Pete simply smiles back and pulls out his own phone to pass the time before class, only to find a message from Delee.
Delee: Pete, Pete! Do you think this outfit is cute?
The message along with the picture sent by his close friend prompts Pete to tap on it, revealing a stunning image of his beautiful friend in a soft pink one-piece dress, perfectly embodying the charm of Khun-nu Delee.
Pete smiles slightly and quickly sends a heart-eyed sticker back, replying: "Delee looks beautiful in whatever outfit she wears."
He genuinely thinks so. His friend is beautiful; she looks great in any outfit.
"Have you seen him?"
"Huh?" Just then, the person who had been focused on his phone stops and glances sideways, noticing Tinn looking at him before shifting his gaze elsewhere.
"Yes? Who are you talking about, Tinn?" Pete asks, momentarily quiet as if hesitating about whether to pursue the topic further. Then Tinn's deep voice breaks the silence again.
"That guy... Khaen."
"Tinn, you are asking if I've seen Khaen, right?" Pete clarifies to ensure he understands.
"I am."
Eventually, Tinn answers, prompting Pete to immediately put his phone away, even though he notices that Delee has replied. "Mhm." He also wonders about the situation between Tinn and Khaen, questioning whether something is going on between them since Khaen came to him asking for both Tinn's number and his parking spot.
"I saw him before the exam. Oh, they're all taking exams these days."
"And…?"
"And?" Pete raises an eyebrow slightly, causing Tinn to sigh.
"Forget it; it's nothing." Yet Tinn's words of dismissal elicit an involuntary smile from Pete.
"Khaen came to me to ask for your number."
Whip.
This time, Tinn immediately turns to meet Pete's gaze, poised to ask more—if only Pete hadn't been the one to bring it up.
"That's all. He just asked for your number, but I don't know what he plans to do with it." Then Pete falls silent, looking down at his phone for a moment before meeting Tinn's gaze once more.
"Can I have his number?"
"Khaen won't give it."
Suddenly.
The listener halts, his eyes filled with curiosity. As soon as Pete finishes speaking, he counters with a knowing smile, as if he understands something.
"Khaen asked me not to give you his number, Tinn."
"Why?"
"I don't know either. Khaen just asked me to keep it quiet."
Tinn remains quiet, but instead of showing displeasure, his handsome face visibly reflects disappointment. His sharp eyes glint, as if he's made a decision. It is evident enough that Pete, forgetting his manners, asks outright.
"Can I ask you something, Tinn? Since you could have just lifted your phone to get Khaen's number, why come to me and waste time asking?"
The question seems like one Tinn is reluctant to answer, and Pete begins to think he won't receive a response.
Yet, Tinn's voice returns. "I don't want him to be angry."
"Excuse me?" The listener's voice rises in disbelief, while the person next to him elaborates.
"If he finds out that I got his number that way, he would be furious for violating his privacy."
Pete can't help but smile, as a sudden understanding flashes in his mind. Before he can ask anything further, the professor walks into the classroom, prompting Pitchaya to murmur softly.
"Hang in there, Tinn. Khaen is a good person. He'll understand."
"Yeah." Although Tinn only responds with that, the once haughty handsome face now bears a faint smile, as if he is thinking about something pleasant, making Pete smile at himself.
Perhaps I don't need to worry about these two anymore. Pete thinks to himself.
At the same time, Tinn reassures himself. I know he's a good person and sweeter than anyone.
~~~
"Hey, hey, let's grab something to eat before heading back."
"No way! I haven't finished reading my book."
"Come on, lighten up! Don't you guys know that people need to relax? When the body relaxes, the mind clears up, and then you'll absorb the material better. Trust me…"
At that moment, Khaen's classmates merely exchange glances before sighing heavily. The chatterbox is off on another tangent, rambling about ways to relax the body. He stretches the conversation to include ice cream as a stress reliever, prompting many to quickly intervene.
"Seriously, does your method actually help you during exams?"
"Ugh." Khaen shakes his head immediately, grinning as he slaps his friend's shoulder playfully. The guy rolls his eyes, looking at him.
"Where does that work? Ugh, you're just rambling nonsense. Worrying doesn't help anyway. It's already happened. We need to look to the future." Kirakorn gestures dramatically toward the bright sky for each friend.
"Let that bloody shit-lizard keep searching for his future on the horizon. I'm going back to sleep."
"Hey, you guys!!!" The indifference of his friends as they walk out of the faculty without a backward glance makes Khaen chase after them. He wraps his arms around a friend's neck, trying to drag someone along to find food. If it weren't for...
"Khaen."
He turns sharply.
"Waaaah! How did you get here?" Khaen exclaims, raising his hands to his face and looking as if he has seen a ghost, causing the other friends to turn back.
"Who is that?"
"Uh, um…"
"I have something to discuss with you." Before Khaen can respond, Tinn immediately speaks up, leaving the listener furrowing his brow in suspicion.
He remembers well what he did last time. If he's here to call him an idiot again...
"Perfect timing! This is Ai'Khaen, your lunch date. Feel free to enjoy... You're taking him out for ice cream, right? We're leaving." Each friend pushes Tinn forward, showing no concern for Khaen.
Instead of refusing, Tinn lifts the corners of his mouth into a smile and says something unbelievable.
"Treat for lunch? That's great. I haven't eaten lunch yet."
Grab!
"Hey! Don't grab my arm!" Khaen jumps, surprised when suddenly the coldly aloof guy he thought would never stoop to touch a commoner like him (forgetting about that forced kiss) grips his arm.
Tinn then pulls Khaen along, prompting him to protest and attempt to shake free. That is, until Tinn raises an eyebrow.
"Scared?"
"Who!!! Who's scared? Someone like me, Ai'Khaen, scared of you? I'd even challenge you to a fight!" Khaen boasts before realizing he has been tricked.
"Good. Then someone as skilled as you won't be afraid to grab a meal together."
"Not afraid, but I'm not eating with you!" Khaen replies immediately, making Tinn pause slightly, locking eyes with him. Then, Tinn looks past him at his friends, who appear to be curiously observing how someone like Khaen knows a seemingly rich and handsome guy (he grits his teeth at the thought).
Then... Tinn leans in to whisper. "You wouldn't want your friends to know your real name, would you?"
Khaen freezes. His single-lidded eyes widen as he quickly turns to glare at Tinn, then glances back at his friends.
He isn't worried about the name Khaen-ta-lup, but if they find out... they'll tease him to death.
"Fine, I'll go! Not that I'm scared, okay? And don't grab me. I can walk by myself!" With that thought, Khaen shrugs off Tinn's grip, pouting and mumbling in defeat, which makes the person waiting at the front of the faculty break into a smile.
It's a strange smile to Kirakorn; Tinn seems suspicious.
Today, he isn't smirking in a mocking way. Instead, he smiles like he's smiling at my mom. I can't trust that!
Thus, as Khaen follows the cocky Khun-chai (who has his hands shoved in his pockets), they reach the other side of the faculty. Khaen asks, not wanting to leave anything hanging, "What do you want? What are you trying to trick me into this time?"
When he falls silent, the questioner presses on. "What the hell is wrong with you? Suddenly dragging me along, threatening me, and now you won't say a word. My time is precious, you know? I can't waste it on some highborn Khun-chai…"
Before he can continue talking, Tinn interrupts with a question that leaves Khaen stunned, "Why did you apologize?"
Khaen stops, blinking as they recall what they had done.
However, Khaen always speaks bluntly, so he straightforwardly replies, "An apology is an apology. I spoke too harshly that day. I'm just saying sorry. What? Are you going to scold me again? Yeah, even if you tricked me, I can't deny the truth that I insulted you. So, sorry… that's it."
Khaen speaks as he thinks, which makes the person walking ahead stop. He seems to turn around to look but does not. Then, he quietly says, "What if I wasn't lying that day?"
"Huh? So, are you lying or being serious? Make up your mind, man. I'm confused here."
Or is what Mom said true? Is he really a child deprived of warmth? Damn it, and I've already insulted him so much. Wait though, if Tinn tricks me again… Ugh, so confusing! Why can't he just explain everything clearly?
The person who doesn't think much scratches his head, looking at the back of the person in front, unsure of what is real and what is fake.
"If what I said is true… will you believe me?"
"Believe?"
Double-take.
Khaen does not notice that the other person has stiffened, as he quickly responds before elaborating a bit more.
"I easily believe people. Anyone can insult me. So, even if you trick me, I will still believe you. Therefore, it's better if you don't deceive me. I'm too lazy to be a nitwit for you to insult again." The person without any ulterior motives says this, shrugging it off.
In any case, he has been tricked by his seniors all the time when running to buy water, and about hating those engineering students a lot.
"But I have faith in my friends, you know. So, don't insult Ae. I believe in him." Being the talkative type, Khaen adds a bit more.
Just as he is about to continue speaking though, Tinn's voice interrupts. "That's endearing."
"What? Me? Are you saying I'm endearing?" The listener is stunned, unable to believe that he has received a compliment. Even though it's a compliment about being endearing, Khaen accepts any kind of praise. This causes Tinn to turn and, surprisingly, he smiles widely.
"You're a nitwit..."
"What? Are you insulting me again? Are you complimenting me or insulting me? Make up your mind! I want to know what to insult you back with..."
"You're a nitwit, but you're endearing."
After saying this, Tinn walks ahead, leaving Khaen standing there, mouth slightly agape, before he asks himself,
"Wait a minute. Are you complimenting or insulting me? Hey, Tinn! Let's talk and understand each other first. Are you going to be my friend or my enemy?"
Then the person who claimed he would run away from Tinn rushes to follow him and even gets into the car with him. Meanwhile, Tinn smiles to himself.
Just talking to Khaen for a few minutes feels surprisingly nice.
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