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Perspective - Third Person
Around the university, there are coffee shops on almost every corner, but the coffee shop that is extremely popular is none other than the one open 24 hours a day. It is a shop open for zombie students who are behind on their reading. However, since this is the break time for Thai Commoner students, it is not strange that the shop looks more deserted than usual, and that turns this coffee shop into... an interrogation site.
At this moment, one table inside the shop is occupied by three people.
One... a mixed-race young man with arms crossed, squinting intensely as if saying, Tell me straight, don't make me choose.
One... a beautiful woman holding her temples because her romantic partner loves meddling in other people's business.
And one... a handsome Khun-chai of high rank, sitting hunched, looking down for loose change.
"Pond, did you call me out for something?" When no one starts speaking, Khun-chai Pitchaya asks softly, unable to bear the discomfort.
"To be honest, Ai'Pete... What did you fight about with Shorty?" Thus, the blunt young man, part mixed-race and part ghost, doesn't beat around the bush.
The directness makes Pete lower his head again and softly ask… "Did Ae tell you… or something?"
"No," Pond waves his hand dismissively, adding more.
"Him? Tell me? You'd need a crowbar to pry that guy's mouth open! Especially if it's about you. He guards it tighter than anything. So, no, I don't hear it from Ai'Ae, but I see things with my own two eyes." Pond emphasizes, pointing to his eyes with his index and middle fingers for dramatic effect.
"So, you are the one who has to tell me what's going on." The three-'S' guy brings the topic back again, leaning forward to show just how curious he is.
Grab!
"Hold on! You're scaring Pete! Just calling him out here is confusing enough. Explain to him first," Chae-em quickly pulls her partner's shoulder before he can jump across the table and shake their friend's neck.
She then turns to Pete with an awkward smile.
"Well, we just dropped by the university a moment ago and ran into Ae," Chae-em explains, nodding enthusiastically, while her partner tries to gauge the reaction of the person across the table.
This guy's expression isn't any less telling...
Pond thinks, lightly rubbing his chin. To explain why he knows about the situation, he has to go back a little bit—to the day before, when a senior from Ae's football team called to ask if he knew what's wrong with Ai'Ae. Naturally, Pond was confused. It has only been a few weeks since they last saw each other, but then Ae seemed perfectly fine, living a great life. Apparently, Ae has been radiating such intense murderous energy that no one dares to approach him.
"Football is a team sport, man! If Ai'Ae just runs around like crazy by himself, how can that even be called a team?"
The senior has a point. It so happens that when Chae-em drops by to visit a professor at the faculty, so Pond tags along. They decide to check in on their friend at the football field, and the moment Pond sees Ae, his decision-making instinct kicks in. He immediately calls Pete to come over.
"If I can't ask Ai'Shorty, I'll just ask Ai'Good-Looking then."
That's the thought of the guy grinning slyly while glaring intensely at his friend from another faculty.
A frustrating reply comes back though. "There's nothing… really."
"With a face like that, you expect me to believe nothing's wrong? You fought with him, didn't you? Ai'Ae looked like a giant ogre." He doesn't just tell the story. He shoves his fingers in his mouth to mimic ogre fangs for added effect, while his partner beside him grins.
"Pond, this is between the two of them."
"But if we leave Ai'Ae to handle it on his own, things will only get worse, Em. Look at him. Judging by his state, they've probably been fighting for days without clearing it up. We're doing a good thing here. We've got to be their mediator!"
"Maybe save yourself first? Who's P'Phrim?"
Gulp.
That's it—Mr. 3S stops dead in his tracks before mumbling in a low voice.
"She's just an upperclassman from my old school. There's nothing between us, I swear."
"Then why are you acting so guilty?"
"Nooo, I'm not feeling guilty or anything, Em. Come on, I only love you! Only you, Em." He nudges his head against her shoulder, but Em pulls away before letting out a soft cry.
"Hey, Pond, I forgot something at the faculty."
"Folder."
"The one I carried with me this morning. I think I left it in the professor's office. Can you go get it for me?" The listener's eyes widen, pointing in the direction of the university.
"Go into the university?"
"Yes. I probably left it in Professor Kae's office. You know the professor… please, go get it for me."
"Come on, Em, it's so hot right now. It's sweltering, and you're asking me to go alone? No way, I'm not going." Even though Em is glaring at him repeatedly, Pond has no intention of leaving the fun here to let his partner listen alone.
He remembers clearly: This morning, my partner only had her bag. No extra folder at all.
"Are you going or not!?" Then his beloved asks in a terse voice, and especially after acting like a jerk last night by not answering her calls… Pond sulks before standing up.
"I wouldn't go if I didn't love you." He sneaks in a line to score some points before rushing out of the shop as Chae-em makes a motion like she's about to throw her cup at him.
Once it's just the two of them left, Chae-em turns to look at their tablemate, who's smiling at her.
"Chae-em and Pond seem to love each other a lot," Pete remarks, but she just shakes her head.
"We fight almost every day," she replies, leaving Pete looking confused. She smiles and continues.
"If there were a record for couples that argue the most in the university, we'd definitely rank high. This month, we're fighting over this. Next month, we'll find something new to argue about… but we never let it carry over into the next day."
"Okay?" The listener speaks softly, knowing that the speaker realizes their friend is paying attention.
"I don't know what you argued about with Ae, but don't let it go on too long. Talk to each other before things get worse," Chae-em says with good intentions.
However, she is different from Pond; she doesn't interfere. She only warns and does not ask about what her friend does not want to share.
Everyone… has secrets.
However, this remark causes the listener to press their lips tightly and make a decision.
"Every time our opinions don't match, I'm the one who apologizes to Ae, but this time I think I'm not wrong. Even so, I've been telling myself for days that I should apologize to Ae."
"Sometimes it feels hurtful… Ae doesn't apologize to me at all. He doesn't come to see me at all, not even to call. Is he angry at me for just going out to buy something with friends?" In the end, the one who thinks they won't share finally lets it out.
"Like this, he's jealous, isn't he?"
"..."
Pete presses his lips tightly before replying softly.
"I know he's jealous, but this person is a friend… a very close friend. A friend I've known since childhood. Then when I say Ae can go with us, Ae says he doesn't want to see my friend…"
It's as if the pent-up feelings inside him explode after several days, while Chae-em just stays silent… letting her friend vent.
"And then Ae provokes me to argue. He tells me that what I do is my business. When it gets to that, I foolishly brought up the issue with Nong Chomphu." At the end of the sentence, Pete looks like he is about to cry because he knows he is wrong for dragging Chomphu into the argument.
All of that makes Chae-em smile.
"I don't think Pete is foolish because if Pete is foolish, everyone in love is just as foolish." The listener looks up immediately as they hear the woman express what they think and have always seen.
"I think you spoil Ae too much. I don't know how Pete and Ae fell in love, but I feel that no matter what the issue is, you always apologize first and always cater to Ae. That's not wrong, but I think you should show it a bit, sulk a bit, get angry a bit, and let him apologize sometimes. Because, Pete, if you keep it all inside, it will be you who can't take it one day… As for Nong Chomphu…" Chae-em pauses.
The handsome man across from her has never considered this perspective before.
Yes, mostly when there are problems, he is the one who apologizes to Ae first because he always thinks… just having Ae love him is the most wonderful thing in life. He also sees that he has become more foolish lately.
Why didn't he go to apologize to Ae this time?
Because I really don't like it when Ae takes his jealousy out on our bed issues.
Meanwhile, Chae-em continues to speak.
"I'm not going to say whether Pete is right or wrong because I am the same. When I argue, I dig up every single one of Pond's exes. Especially when I see them talking on Facebook, I can barely hold back. However, I try to stay quiet because I don't want problems. So I'm not judging Pete. I just want to tell you one thing…" The woman says in a serious tone as she locks eyes with the sharp gaze. If she didn't know beforehand that this man is gay, she might feel a bit flustered.
"Foolishness exists in every couple's love, Pete. When we stop being foolish with each other, it might mean… we have stopped caring."
The many words sink into the heart of the listener, prompting him to ask.
"What… should I do?"
"Talk nicely, and maybe…" The woman lowers her voice slightly, as if unsure whether she should say it, and Pete smiles at her.
"Em, please tell me. I really don't know what to do."
"I think... You should tell Ae that you don't like him doing certain things or what you want Ae to do. I think communication is important. Don't just cater to him alone."
The handsome man lowers his head slightly, pressing his lips together while questioning himself internally.
Should I do that? Ae won't think I'm selfish, right?
"However, it's the same. Pete also has to agree to pay attention to what Ae says too... Love is communication, Pete," Chae-em summarizes at the end, just a bit more, in a way that makes the listener look up and smile, feeling more at ease than before, in a way that can't be explained.
"Thank you, Em, for the reminder."
"No, really. I'm just saying nice things. I can't even handle my own issues." This time, the one giving advice scratches their chin lightly, feeling shy and burdened by their own problems.
Then, they reassure him. "Don't worry. I won't tell Pond… I know Pond is a loudmouth."
It's the first time that day Pete laughs heartily at the thought of his mixed-race friend, wondering where he is now. His sharp eyes look at the woman in front of him with gratitude.
Is this what they say, that sometimes outsiders can see things that no matter how much insiders look, they can't see?
At the same time, while Pete is still troubled by their latest argument, Ae is not indifferent or uncaring. The events of that day and night remain vivid in his heart, expressed through his facial expressions and eyes to the extent that any friend can sense that he is in a bad mood.
~~~
I'm jealous of you… Is that wrong?
Ae has been repeatedly questioning himself for several days now. He thinks he's not wrong for being possessive of Ai'Pete. Throughout his jealousy, Pete has never complained. Why though does it have to be Delee that makes him feel this upset? Why does it have to be this woman who...makes him feel like he can't measure up?
Ai'Tinn... Although he's better than Ae in every way, Ae knows that Pete won't turn to look at him.
P'Money... Even though he feels irritated seeing the pair together, he knows deep down that it's impossible.
But Delee... the woman who has known Pete since childhood, the one he calls important, who comes from a well-off family and is attractive. She has everything, making Ae feel that he simply can't compete.
Not to mention the fact that... this woman likes Pete.
From the first day they met, he knew that Delee liked Ai'Pete. So, even though Ae dislikes it, is unhappy, and doesn't want his partner to go shopping with her alone, he knows Pete has to attend that birthday party for his grandmother... a world he doesn't belong to.
So, how can he not be irritated by everything mentioned?
As for Chomphu...
"Sigh..." Ae exhales deeply as he thinks of the younger student.
He just learned that Ai'Pete is still preoccupied with her, even though it happened long before they started dating. How many times has he said that he never viewed her as anything more than a sister? How many times has he stated that he chose to hold Ai'Pete's hand, not Chomphu? Why, then, is he still so paranoid? Why do they have to fight when it comes to this girl?
Thus, straightforward as he is, Inthach has not contacted Pete for one reason.
If he's going to clear things up, he'll do it thoroughly.
"Chomphu, it's me, P'Ae."
"Screaammm! P'Ae! P'Ae is calling Chomphu!"
As soon as he greets her, the scream is so loud that Ae has to pull the phone away from his ear, frowning slightly, and then speaks with a serious tone.
"Are you free lately, Chomphu? Come meet me sometime."
"Yes! Today or tomorrow is fine. Chomphu is always ready to meet P'Ae!"
After she says that, Ae sets up the time.
If Ai'Pete is worrying about Chomphu, I will do whatever it takes to make you feel at ease.
During the semester break, aside from activity students still coming to the university, there are only IC students whose breaks don't align. So, under the Faculty of Engineering, it is deserted, perfect for talking about things you don't want anyone to hear, and even raising voices without worrying about someone interrupting.
And in the late afternoon like this, Pete, who just finished class, comes as his romantic partner told him on LINE:
...Come meet me at the EG building…
And he is surprised when, upon arriving... he sees Ae with someone.
Someone who makes him panic.
Why is Ae with Nong Chomphu?
The question shoots into his head immediately. The happiness of seeing his romantic partner reaching out to him disappears in an instant. The many words of apology he had wanted to say are swallowed back into his throat as he drags his heavy feet toward his partner, who is sitting next to the high school girl with bangs, dressed cutely as expected of someone her age.
Stop dwelling on how they suit each other, Pete.
This might be one of the reasons Pete is still worried about Chomphu. Ae is straight, and Nong Chomphu is a cute girl... He's afraid that one day... Ae might choose this girl instead.
"Oh! P'Pete is here too? Hello!... But when is P'Ae going to tell Chomphu why he called her out?"
Ae called Chomphu out?
Pete can only look with questioning eyes, and that makes the short man stand up, walk over, grab the taller one's arm, and force him to sit down. Then, Ae sits beside him, now sitting directly across from the confused girl, who is looking left and right.
"No matter how I explain it, you're still worried about Chomphu, aren't you?"
"Huh? Chomphu?" It's not Pete who responds, but the girl who's clearly confused, poking herself as if asking what this has to do with her. No, what does she have to do with P'Pete?
"Ae, maybe we should talk somewhere else..." Of course, Pete softly protests, but the football-player partner shakes his head.
"No, we'll talk right here. I don't like leaving things unresolved."
With that, Pete can only stay silent because... What is there to say? Especially in front of Nong Chomphu.
"Ai'Pete, this is who I am. Asking me to explain things in a roundabout way isn't me. I don't know what I did to make you worry, but if you're worrying, I want to clear it up." Ae continues.
That makes the girl across from them raise her hand. "I have a question."
"Hmm," Ae turns to look and responds while the girl lowers her hand and asks in a dry voice.
"Are you two fighting?" Ae nods, and Pete averts his gaze, not understanding why Ae would tell Nong Chomphu.
It seems the girl is just as confused, tilting her head. "And, um... what does this have to do with me?" The question makes Ae sigh heavily, while Pete looks down, equally confused. But then...
Grab.
"Right now, I'm in a relationship with Ai'Pete."
"I..."
This time, it's not just Chomphu who is stunned. Even Pete, who is now being hugged around the shoulder and pulled closer to Ae, is left with his mouth hanging open, unable to believe Ae would... say something like this. While everyone is caught off guard, Ae continues in a serious tone.
"I don't know why you like me, Chomphu, but I'll say it again—right now, I'm with Ai'Pete. He's my romantic partner. So, I'm sorry, but I can't see you as anything more than a younger sibling. As for why I have to tell you like this..." Ae turns to look at the person beside him, who is now frozen stiff, then looks back at the girl.
"...I don't want my partner to worry. If telling you directly makes him feel at ease, then I'll tell everyone that the person I'm with is Ai'Pete."
This is exactly what the football player intends to do.
If Ai'Pete is concerned or distressed, he'll do whatever it takes to put his mind at ease.
The action causes Pete, who has just regained his voice, to grip his romantic partner's arm tightly.
"Ae, you don't have to do this…"
"And then you'll just keep worrying, right? I've always been this way, Ai'Pete. I'm not one for beating around the bush. If you're not at ease about Chomphu, I'll tell you straight up so you can feel at ease. And what could be simpler than telling her directly that... I only have you."
If Pete had ever been uncomfortable about Nong Chomphu, now he feels overwhelmingly touched.
"I didn't call you because I didn't want us to argue. I wanted you to cool down, and I needed to cool down too. Plus, I was trying to get Chomphu's number so I could arrange to meet and talk."
Pete asks himself how he could have forgotten what Ae is like... a straightforward, rough guy who, when he decides to do something, does it fully.
I've been sitting here sulking for days, while Ae has been trying to solve our problems... Chae-em, it's not that I'm giving in to Ae too much, Pete reflects, feeling a warmth behind his eyes. It's that Ae has done too much for me. The thought makes him bury his face into Ae's shorter shoulder, whispering softly.
"Ae, I'm sorry. I… I was unreasonable again. I was being irrational. I'm sorry."
The apology brings the first smile Ae has shown in days as he wraps his arm around Pete's messy hair and pats it lightly. "I'm sorry too for being so harsh with you. Forgive me, okay?"
"No... it's me. I'm the one who was wrong... I was being stupid. I'm the one who spoke selfishly," Pete's voice quivers, as if on the verge of tears, making Ae smile as he responds.
"I was the one being selfish."
It's as if the tension and anger from earlier vanish in an instant, once both of them open up and share their thoughts. However, they might have forgotten... forgotten that there's still someone else here who…
"Hic... Hic... Sob..." The person who is crying and sobbing makes both of them turn to look.
"P'Ae... is dating P'... Pete... Hic... Hic... P'Ae and P'Pete... P'... Sob, I... why... why?" The cute girl with tears streaming down her face asks in a pitiful voice that makes Pete feel guilty, but Ae is the one who speaks straightforwardly... like someone who doesn't know how to comfort anyone.
"Phii is sorry, Chomphu, but Phii only sees you as a Nong."
"But... but you're men... both of you are... men."
"I don't see Ai'Pete as a woman or a man. I just see him as Pete," Ae says firmly as he looks at the girl who is crying in front of him. Then when he says that, Chomphu covers her face with her hands, sobbing.
All along... all the time she saw P'Ae and P'Pete together, they weren't just friends. "Understand me, okay, Chomphu?" But when P'Ae asks, her hero, her prince charming, the one she has dreamed about for months, all Chomphu can do is wipe away her tears, look up at P'Ae who is hugging P'Pete's shoulder without caring about anyone's gaze. The person who says that as long as it's P'Pete, it's enough.
"Chom...phu... will try... to understand... but I... I like you, P'Ae..."
However, because P'Ae looks happy when he's with P'Pete, Chomphu will try to understand. As if the words she says don't reach the two seniors, Pete softly says, "I am sorry, Nong Chomphu."
"Swish, swish..."
The girl immediately shakes her head, not that she does not forgive but...
"Ai'Pete... is not at fault at all. I did not know... did not know... Hoo... Aang... Please let me... cry... just for a little while... that's enough," Chomphu says with a trembling voice before resting her face against her forearm, looking so pitiful that even Pete feels guilty and has to turn to his own partner.
"Ae... please comfort her a bit," he whispers, but Ae shakes his head.
"No, because I do not want to make you worry too much again." The person speaks directly, as straight flatedge, making Pete question himself... how did he act foolishly for so long when Ae shows his feelings so clearly?
The question makes Pete reach out to the girl, pausing a little before deciding to place his hand on Chomphu's round head, which she doesn't mind, as he says...
"I'm sorry, Chomphu... I promise that I will be a good partner to Ae."
He has this man to himself, even if it means making one girl so sad. He vows to himself that... he will cherish this love the best he can.
NEXT Chapter 54 - My Man
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