Content Warning: This work is intended for mature (NC17) audiences. If you are younger, please kindly leave this site.
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“Sky, Sky, Khrap! I’m hungry,” Phra Phai said.
“Then go home. Your stomach isn’t attached to mine,” Sky replied.
After spending half an hour in the bathroom cleaning off the grime accumulated since yesterday, Sky adjusted his mood to stability. Combined with the refreshment from sleeping for hours, he began focusing intently, diligently correcting designs, trying to ignore Phra Phai, who was still rolling around on the bed.
Sky did not understand why Phra Phai would not go home.
The first hour was quiet, but the next hour brought annoying noises.
“Sky hasn’t eaten since morning. It’s getting dark now,” Phra Phai said.
“I’m not hungry. I want to finish this work,” Sky replied.
“Fine, I’ll sulk now,” Phra Phai said.
“Hmph, sulk then. Don’t stop sulking. Sulking long, disappearing far, even better,” Sky replied. Realizing he was softening toward Phra Phai, Sky raised his guard firmly again. He did not care, despite the large man acting cute, hugging a pillow, with wide, sparkling eyes on the bed. This expression was not pitiful; it was annoying.
“I should get used to Sky’s heartlessness,” Phra Phai said.
“No need. Just go home,” Sky replied, continuing to dismiss him the same way, while Phra Phai kept talking with the same thick-skinned attitude.
“When we’re romantic partners, how will I prepare myself that Sky won’t beg for my attention?” Phra Phai said.
This thick-skinned continuation made Sky falter. His hand, drawing a line, hesitated. After a moment, Sky shook his head, not responding further. He knew the more he struggled, the more it pleased Phra Phai. Better to stay still and let Phra Phai talk until he ran out of words; he would quiet down eventually.
“The more I talk, the hungrier I get. Hey, have I told Sky I like meat? Pork, chicken, beef, I eat it all. Grilled meat’s my favorite. Hardly anyone at home eats with me. My parents say they’re old, need to stay healthy. My younger brother’s watching his figure; says he can’t hunt prey. My younger sister doesn’t eat beef. Only my Khun Uncle shares my taste, but he’s been busy lately, not eating with me much. The more I talk, the more I crave fragrant meat grilled on charcoal, dipped in spicy sauce, with steamed rice. Oy! My stomach’s rumbling,” Phra Phai said.
Sky remained silent, ignoring Phra Phai’s rambling. He kept working. It was enough that he did not turn to say he was annoyed. Eventually, Phra Phai concluded.
“Let’s find something to eat,” Phra Phai said.
Sky stayed silent. Phra Phai, on the bed, smiled faintly.
“You used to show some consideration. Now you ignore me outright?” Phra Phai asked.
Yes!
Sky heard Phra Phai get up from the bed but did not turn, focusing on his work. He knew the large man had walked close to his chair.
“Sure you’ll ignore me?” Phra Phai whispered by Sky’s ear. Sky stayed silent, suppressing a startle as warm breath brushed his cheek. His heart itched intensely. A large hand loosely embraced his shoulders, deliberately pressing a warm body close. As long as Sky stayed silent, Phra Phai could do nothing.
“Sure?” Phra Phai asked.
Scritch! Scritch!
Sky continued drawing lines.
“Hehe, I told you, I like meat. All kinds. Especially soft meat,” Phra Phai said. His laughter jangled Sky’s nerves, but not as much as the hands sliding to caress Sky’s bare shoulders, exposed from his tank top. Dark, warm lips moved close to Sky’s soft skin.
Smack!
“I like meat like this too,” Phra Phai said. His warm mouth touched Sky’s shoulder, but Sky shrugged it away.
“I told you, if you want to play, play with someone else,” Sky said.
“No, I want to play with Sky… Smack!” Phra Phai said. Another kiss pressed on Sky’s neck, making Sky struggle to stay still. Sharp teeth bit his lower lip. He hesitated whether to keep ignoring Phra Phai, knowing Phra Phai’s shamelessness rivaled cement. If not careful, Phra Phai might really devour him.
“This meat’s sweet, looks delicious,” Phra Phai said.
Sniff!
“Especially here,” Phra Phai said.
Nibble!
“Phra Phai!” Sky exclaimed.
Phra Phai not only pressed his nose onto Sky’s cheek but nibbled the skin, making Sky, trying to stay still, jump, unable to bear it. He turned sharply, shouting, pulling his face away, firmly holding his cheek. His shining eyes, Unclear if angry or flustered, groped for equipment on the table, finding the familiar cutter.
“I think I’ll go find something to eat outside,” Phra Phai said.
As Sky slid the blade up, Phra Phai reacted in time, smiling coaxingly, raising both hands in defeat. But grabbing Sky’s shirt to wear suggested he’d return after eating.
“That’s my shirt,” Sky said.
“Come on, I’ll borrow it. Sky, lock the room for now. I’ll knock when I return,” Phra Phai said, not asking if Sky allowed him to stay. He finished talking to himself, then opened the door. Before leaving, he turned as if remembering something.
“Oh! Know what drink’s tastiest with meat?” Phra Phai asked.
Sky stayed silent, trying not to engage. His cheeks were already hot. Phra Phai, not waiting for an answer, lowered his gaze with a sly smile.
“Milk,” Phra Phai said.
Slam!
Phra Phai knew another minute would have a cutter flying, disappearing quickly, leaving Sky holding the shirt high, staring at the closed door in frustration. He lowered his hand, cheeks red beyond their original color.
Sky wasn’t dim-witted. Phra Phai wouldn’t eat grilled meat with cow’s milk.
Forget grilled meat; Phra Phai meant Sky’s flesh!
“Did I sleep with a crazy person?” Sky muttered, tossing the cutter onto the table. His hand rubbed his cheek absently, feeling his mouth curve into a wide smile. Soon, uncontrollable laughter followed.
That crazy person made him smile too.
Sky should have used this quiet time to finish work, but instead, he scribbled on nearby sugar cane paper with a wide smile.
Likes grilled meat… parents care about health… two younger siblings… Khun Uncle… likes racing cars… impudent person.
Sky didn’t want to know, but when forced, he remembered.
Sky finished correcting his design. Soon, a knock came, making him question the building’s security for letting outsiders up easily. He opened the door, knowing if he didn’t, Phra Phai would embarrass him publicly. The dorm likely knew who the black big bike’s owner was visiting.
Sky wasn’t surprised Phra Phai grabbed plates without asking; he’d even rummaged for Sky’s clothes. But Sky was surprised Phra Phai poured dishes onto plates, added two bags of steamed rice, and beckoned Sky to eat together.
“Come eat quick. It’ll get cold,” Phra Phai said.
It felt oddly good.
Phra Phai didn’t eat alone but bought food for Sky too. Sky, who’d refused to eat, sat on the floor beside him.
“Seriously, don’t you think of going home? Doesn’t your family think you crashed and died?” Sky asked, unable to resist, as Phra Phai acted like he’d live in Sky’s room permanently.
“Chasing me away?” Phra Phai asked.
“Hmm,” Sky nodded, not saving face. Any consideration for Phra Phai being Payu’s friend vanished. Phra Phai lounged in Sky’s room without care; why should Sky care? Instead of being dejected, Phra Phai laughed cheerfully, grabbed his phone, and called someone.
“Âi Praiphan, it’s me,” Phra Phai said.
Sky bowed his head, scooping green curry with chicken over rice, but his brain noted the name Praiphan.
“I’m calling to say I won’t be home tonight,” Phra Phai said.
Hmm?
Sky couldn’t ignore this. If not home, where would Phra Phai sleep if not Sky’s room?
Phra Phai continued calmly.
“I didn’t take the wrong medicine; I’m reporting. Sky’s worried my family wonders where I am. So I’m saying don’t worry, I’m safe,” Phra Phai said. Sky swore his words were to chase Phra Phai away, but Phra Phai annoyingly acted like Sky spoke from concern, making Sky furrow his brows. Phra Phai poked between Sky’s brows affectionately.
“I called just for this,” Phra Phai said.
After hanging up, Phra Phai reported.
“I told my younger sister. She said I didn’t shake the medicine bottle,” Phra Phai said.
“I didn’t tell you to call home, and I didn’t let you stay here,” Sky said, playing it straight. Phra Phai pretended to widen his eyes, acting anxious.
“What! Serious? I told my sister. Tonight, she’ll tell the family to lock up, not wait for me. Where’ll I sleep? I brought the big bike, no roof. I’ll have to stay here a night. Sky’s partly responsible for making me call home,” Phra Phai concluded, prompting Sky to ask.
“Very funny?” Sky asked.
“Should I laugh for you, Khrap?” Phra Phai replied.
Sky wanted to glare coldly but knew his mouth twitched. Looking at Phra Phai’s fake innocent face, with a slyly hidden tail and nine tails at that, anyone who believed him was crazy. Sky ate rice to change the subject.
“Okay, not forbidding means allowing,” Phra Phai said.
Even if Sky forbade, would Phra Phai listen?
Sky knew it was risky letting someone he desired stay over. But if it was to be lost, it was lost since the sick night. Sky had nothing left to lose. If Phra Phai forced him, Sky would just keep him at a distance. Besides, Sky hadn’t repaid Phra Phai for watching over him when sick.
How soft-hearted have I gotten? Sky thought.
“You’re close with your siblings, right?” Sky asked in the quiet room, sensing Phra Phai’s closeness with his siblings. Phra Phai nodded, not teasing, and explained.
“Very close. I’m the eldest. The middle one’s in third year. The youngest just entered first year. Not much age difference. They’re identical in personality. Spoiled, must get what they want. Stubborn. Use every trick, coax or bully, to achieve their goal, no matter the method. Sometimes they give me headaches,” Phra Phai said.
It sounded familiar.
“You’re wrong. It’s not just those two with that personality. And the one with a headache is probably me,” Sky said.
They’re all from the same mold! Sky thought.
Phra Phai didn’t argue, laughed in acceptance, and asked.
“What about Sky?” Phra Phai asked.
“What about me?” Sky replied.
“Any siblings?” Phra Phai asked.
Sky rarely shared about home. He knew many people, but only Rain knew his home situation. Since it wasn’t secret, Sky answered.
“No. I’m an only child. I don’t understand how siblings feel. I don’t live with my parents much. They’re divorced. Mâe’s in one place, Phô’s in another. I haven’t seen Mâe in years, but we talk by phone sometimes, rarely,” Sky said. He wasn’t sad about the divorce but didn’t deny loneliness. Phra Phai set down his spoon, sat closer until their shoulders touched.
Sky almost said it was hot but stayed put when Phra Phai patted his head. “Someday, I’ll introduce you to my siblings. I’m sure Sky will like them,” Phra Phai said. The loneliness vanished, leaving warmth from Phra Phai’s concerned eyes. That was likely why Sky said.
“If they’re like you, I probably won’t like them,” Sky said.
“Hahaha! Not a little, but a lot, right?” Phra Phai replied. Sky pulled away from the egotist and ate again. He had work to finish and more due next week. Phra Phai didn’t tease, ate voraciously, and opened another rice bag, looking hungry.
Sky realized Phra Phai might not have eaten the club’s food that morning. Has he been starving since last night? Sky thought.
Suddenly, something swelled in Sky’s chest. He ate quietly, ignoring Phra Phai devouring food nearby. Near finishing his plate, Sky remembered.
“Phra Phai, I want something,” Sky said.
“Many things are fine. Slap, hug, kiss, I’ll give all,” Phra Phai said, offering everything cheerily before Sky asked something unexpected.
“Stop calling me Nong Sky,” Sky said.
Funny, he’s stunned, Sky thought.
“Then what should I call you?” Phra Phai asked.
“Sky’s fine, Sky’s fine. No Nong,” Sky replied.
Phra Phai seemed confused about his mistake, but Sky had felt this way since first hearing Phra Phai call him that. A month ago, he wouldn’t have said it, but now it was different. Phra Phai was used to Sky’s indirect scolding. A direct scolding wouldn’t change much.
“It sounds fake,” Sky said.
“Huh!?” Phra Phai exclaimed.
Sky noticed when Phra Phai said just “Sky,” it felt sincere, not fake. But “Nong Sky” seemed like teasing. After speaking, Sky took a big mouthful of rice, leaving Phra Phai stunned, then got up to wash dishes.
Phra Phai regained composure.
“You’re not embarrassed when I call you that?” Phra Phai asked.
“No,” Sky replied.
“What the hell? I’m handsome, stout, fit, with sharp, thrilling moves,” Phra Phai mumbled. Sky glanced back, hearing Unclearly but guessing it was Phra Phai’s confidence. He ignored it, collecting empty dishes and a glass to wash, disregarding Phra Phai’s stare.
Unnoticed, Phra Phai stepped close behind.
“Sky,” Phra Phai said.
Much better, Sky thought.
“Khrap?” Sky turned, meeting beautiful, thoughtful eyes.
“Sky, Khrap,” Phra Phai said.
“What now, Phîi?” Sky asked.
Sky felt the situation was familiar, clear.
“Sky’s so cute,” Phra Phai said.
Sky, about to ask what was up, closed his mouth, staring confusedly, not annoyed as before. Something in Phra Phai’s eyes warmed Sky’s cheeks, not from fever.
Phra Phai smiled after a moment.
“Okay, ‘Sky.’ Calling you this makes you embarrassed,” Phra Phai said.
“Nonsense. I’ll work,” Sky said, pushing Phra Phai’s chest, returning to his desk, ignoring the soft laughter behind.
“Not washing dishes anymore?” Phra Phai asked.
No, I’m embarrassed! Sky thought.
Sky didn’t know if the new address sounded more serious or if his feelings for Phra Phai were changing. Confident he wasn’t cute, his face and ears burned, feeling steam rising from both ears.
I’m crazy. Knowing being called cute means he’s lying, why am I flustered? Sky thought.
“If you’re staying, help with my work,” Sky said.
Phra Phai looked at the cutting mat and cutter, puzzled. He thought Sky might stab him for playing too much, but no. Sky placed both items on the floor, set drawn paper beside them, and repeated.
“Cut along the lines,” Sky said.
“Me? I’ve barely used a cutter,” Phra Phai said, but sat on the floor, leaving Facebook, listening to Sky, silent for hours. When Sky spoke, Phra Phai was tasked. He was great at calculations but terrible at art.
“Everyone’s unfamiliar at first. Practice, you’ll get used to it,” Sky said.
So be it.
Phra Phai’s eyes said that; Sky nodded firmly.
Sky likely couldn’t finish work on time. Phra Phai, with nothing to do, agreed, avoiding play since Sky held the cutter. He nodded, watching Sky cut deftly, memorizing not to tease while Sky held sharp objects.
Minutes later, Phra Phai began.
“Don’t forget the cutting mat. Watch your fingers,” Sky said, returning to his laptop. Phra Phai narrowed his eyes.
Done using me, no attention? Phra Phai thought.
Phra Phai stopped wondering why he wasn’t bored. The closer to Sky, the more fun he had. Observing Sky’s calm face, showing loneliness, softness, or embarrassment, made him want to look more. Since Sky wouldn’t turn, Phra Phai teased.
“So, this is having an architecture romantic partner, cutting models for them,” Phra Phai said.
“I’m not your romantic partner. Friends can cut models,” Sky said. Should Phra Phai be happy or sad, promoted from stranger to friend?
“Can I be more than a friend, Khrap?” Phra Phai asked.
“Then go home, Khrap,” Sky replied.
Heartless damned animal, Phra Phai thought.
Phra Phai laughed, didn’t leave, and worked diligently on Sky’s task, worried for the recently recovered Sky. Helping a bit was no issue. He felt he was such a good person; why didn’t Sky see his value?
Payu would sigh, saying I’m not good enough, Phra Phai thought.
“Today, I’ll be Sky’s assistant,” Phra Phai said.
Sky glanced, his mouth twitching into a pleasant smile, saying nothing. That smile was worth it, making Phra Phai, confident in calculations, think he needed to relearn.
Fine! Just a cutter. I’ll master it, twirl it for you! Phra Phai thought.
Am I doing too much for one smile? Phra Phai thought, a question he’d stopped answering.
Am I doing too much for one smile? Phra Phai thought, a question he’d stopped answering.
“Don’t say you’re making me sleep on the floor,” Phra Phai said.
“What are we to sleep in the same bed?” Sky asked.
At least we’ve been Phûa and Mia, Phra Phai thought.
Phra Phai wanted to say it but knew he’d lose the smile and gain wary eyes. His sharp eyes glanced at the thin floor mattress, pillow, and blanket beside the bed, then at the large bed two men could share comfortably, where he’d slept often.
He didn’t want to claim favors, but they’d done more than sleep together. Sky hugged me tightly, Phra Phai thought.
He could speak but didn’t, fearing he’d ask about Sky’s nightmare, instinct screaming to avoid it. He’d made Sky smile, gained room access, not needing the secretly copied key. Demanding more might reset progress. With Sky’s strong will, another illness for points was unlikely.
“Okay, I’ll sleep on the floor. I’m not picky,” Phra Phai said.
I’ll sneak onto the bed after he sleeps, Phra Phai thought.
“Oh, and don’t be on my bed in the morning,” Sky said, turning off the light, getting into bed, ignoring Phra Phai, who’d finished his bedding. Phra Phai lamented.
“Whoa! I bought food, cut models for hours, and still sleep on the floor? Not an assistant, but a servant, Khrap,” Phra Phai said.
“I didn’t say you’re not,” Sky replied.
Phra Phai, just lying down, sat up straight, looking at Sky, lying on his side facing him, cheek buried in the pillow. In the outside light, Sky’s eyes were open, watching him. Damn, this mischievous, grinning youth is so cute! Phra Phai thought. And that soft voice…
“You came to be used by me, Khrap,” Sky said.
Phra Phai knew he was being teased back.
He lay down, hearing laughter from the bed. The man who never served anyone thought being a servant wasn’t bad, especially for a youth with sparkling eyes, secretly smiling sweetly, thinking Phra Phai couldn’t see in the dark.
“Okay, Khrap. I concede this round,” Phra Phai said.
“I won fair and square,” Sky said, amused, turning to the bed’s other side, leaving Phra Phai, who never let prey escape, cold under a thin blanket. Phra Phai laughed, fiercely.
I’ll concede now, then collect all later! Phra Phai thought.
One of few times sharing a room without excess, mostly with Sky. Phra Phai wasn’t anxious; taking it slow was good. He wanted to cherish Sky.
My condition’s critical, Phra Phai thought, but he welcomed it if he heard questions like this often.
“Cold enough, Phra Phai? Should I turn up the air conditioner?” Sky asked.
Having a youth care isn’t bad. Maybe act sick tomorrow, starting with being forced to sleep on the floor… then get on the bed with him, Phra Phai thought.
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