Content Warning: This work is intended for mature (NC17) audiences. If you are younger, please kindly leave this site.
~~~
“Ugh, Payu, I can’t take it anymore. I’m exhausted,” Rain said.
“Who started it, huh? This time it wasn’t me,” Payu replied.
After the race ended, Payu ordered the crew at the garage to handle the race car. Meanwhile, he and Rain returned home. They were kissing and embracing from the moment they were in the car, shedding clothes along the way from the front door, up to the second floor, not wanting to waste a single minute. They ended up on the bed, completely bare. No need to spell out what happened next, right?
This time, it was unclear whether Payu was the one handling Warain or Warain handling Payu. What was certain was that the bed nearly broke.
Their heated activities started while the sky was still bright, continuing until the sky outside turned pitch black. The little one softly groaned that he couldn’t go on, collapsing onto the bed, his body still flushed pink, his breath still hot from the last round that had just ended.
Payu propped himself up, looking at Rain fondly. His large hand stroked the sweat-slicked skin possessively.
“Hmm, Rain started it, but Payu carried it through,” Payu said.
Rain wrinkled his nose. How could Payu blame him, someone with so little stamina and strength? Sure, his mouth teased, and his body pressed close, but how could he possibly drag Payu to bed? It was Payu who initiated the kissing, the carrying, until they ended up on the soft mattress like this.
Well… Rain did take off Payu’s clothes, though.
“Next time we’re free, wear your racing suit again,” Rain said. The way he peeled it off piece by piece was insanely sexy.
“Rain’s got a thing for that, huh?” Payu teased, making the little one pout.
“I just found out myself, okay?” Rain retorted.
At first, Rain thought the suit looked perfect on Payu’s body, but seeing it come off was even better. His response made Payu laugh loudly.
“Well then, should I prepare a doctor’s outfit, a police uniform, a soldier’s gear, or maybe a pilot’s next time?” Payu asked.
“Those aren’t it! I’m not that crazy!” Rain shouted, punching Payu’s shoulder. But as his eyes drifted to Payu’s broad shoulders and strong arms, he couldn’t help imagining him in those outfits. A doctor’s coat wouldn’t suit him, but a fitted police uniform, a sharp soldier’s outfit, or a pilot with a tight… well…
“Might not be bad, actually,” Rain muttered.
Snap!
“Haha, you little pervert!” Payu laughed, pulling Rain’s bare body into a tight hug, playfully nuzzling his cheek. Rain tried to fend him off, but as expected, he was no match for Payu’s strength, especially when he was already exhausted and limp like overcooked porridge. Still, seeing Payu laugh made Rain happy.
The past few days, Payu might have acted normal, but Rain knew he was constantly thinking about the race. Now that it was over and Payu could smile, Rain felt happy too.
Is this what love is? When he smiles, I can’t help but smile too, Rain thought.
“Then I’ll prepare some for you too. A short nurse’s outfit, a Japanese schoolgirl uniform, cat ears, and maybe a flight attendant’s?” Payu teased.
Was Payu seriously getting into this pervert vibe?
Rain couldn’t help but smack Payu’s shoulder again, but Payu didn’t flinch, still laughing loudly. One hand wrapped around Rain’s waist, the other stroking his shoulder, playfully gliding over his skin.
“Your Mia’s a guy, you know. Wanna see something hideous?” Rain shot back.
“Hideous or not, I’ll decide that. So, you’ve gotta wear it for me first,” Payu said. Rain bit Payu’s shoulder in retaliation, knowing Payu wasn’t really into that stuff.
“In a good mood now, huh?” Rain said.
“Been in a good mood since you jumped me and kissed me,” Payu replied, rubbing the tip of his nose against Rain’s.
“Payu, are you gonna race again?” Rain asked curiously. He’d seen how happy Payu looked on the track today. But Payu shook his head immediately, lying down beside him.
“Nah, I prefer being behind the scenes,” Payu said.
“Why?” Rain asked.
“I just like cars, not the competition,” Payu answered.
“For real?” Rain pressed.
“Why would I lie?” Payu said with a chuckle. But when he saw Rain’s clear, bright eyes, he continued, “I love the sound of engines, but I don’t have to be the one driving to hear it. It’s like how I enjoy building houses but don’t need to live in them myself.” Payu’s analogy made Rain let out an “Oh!” as he realized Payu was right. That must be why Payu studied architecture.
“So that’s why you picked this major?” Rain asked.
“Oh! I chose it because my Mâe kept nagging my Bpǎa, saying he could do anything with cars but couldn’t build a nice house like normal people. That gave me the idea to build beautiful houses and cool cars. So, I studied this. This house got a major renovation when I was in my third year. My Mâe wanted certain things, so I sketched and designed based on her requests. I was still young then, so if I redid it now, it’d be way better. You’ve gotta see the house in Korat—I designed that one myself. It’s a project I’m really proud of,” Payu said, playfully nudging Rain’s nose.
“What about you, Rain? Why’d you choose this major?” Payu asked.
“Don’t laugh, okay?” Rain said.
“I’ll try,” Payu replied. Rain shot him a glare but went on.
“My relatives said to my face that someone like me could never pass the entrance exam. So, I got fired up and studied until I got in,” Rain said.
Payu looked at Rain’s sulky face and burst out laughing.
“Don’t laugh, Payu! When they looked down on me like that, I was pissed. I begged my parents to let me take extra classes every day, no breaks, just to prove them wrong. When I passed, I showed them, and they just shrugged and said, ‘Well, my kid got into med school.’ I was so mad, I called them a damned shit-lizard!” Rain mimicked his relative’s voice, but Payu was laughing so hard tears streamed down his face.
“Don’t laugh, Payu! Even now, my aunt keeps saying, ‘Can you handle it? I heard it’s tough. Medicine’s tougher, though. My kid’s so great at this and that.’ I’m competing with my cousin every day, hoping they’ll flunk out and have to retest!” Rain ranted, but Payu couldn’t stop laughing.
Not because he was mocking Rain’s grudge against his relatives, but because Rain’s reason for choosing this major was exactly what Payu had guessed.
Rain never backs down from a challenge.
Did Rain even realize that the reason they were lying here, holding each other, was because Rain had been forced to accept Payu’s challenge?
“No more talking about this. You keep laughing,” Rain said, sulking, trying to turn away. But Payu pulled him back.
“There, there. I’m not laughing at you. I’m just admiring how determined my romantic partner is,” Payu said.
Rain squinted at him, feeling smug at being coddled. He tilted his chin up, wanting more pampering. But this was Payu, so instead of sweet words, he pinched Rain’s nose and shook it playfully, making Rain struggle to breathe.
“I’m mad now!” Rain said.
“Go ahead, I’ll make it up to you later,” Payu replied.
Rain shouted in protest, kicking out, but ended up smiling widely himself. He knew their conversation was pointless, but spending time with your romantic partner didn’t always need to have a purpose, right? Besides, Rain loved moments like this—time spent together without rushing.
“Hey, Payu, what if those guys come looking for trouble again?” Rain asked, suddenly remembering.
“They wouldn’t dare. Pakin was there this afternoon,” Payu said.
“Huh?” Rain looked confused, so Payu explained.
“I don’t know if those guys knew Pakin was watching, but they probably didn’t, or they wouldn’t have acted like they owned the track,” Payu said.
“What’ll happen then?” Rain asked.
“They’ll probably get banned from every track. Don’t worry. If it’s related to Pakin’s events, he’ll handle it. Those guys won’t dare mess with me again. Even if they do, I’m not scared,” Payu said. Hearing this, Rain felt relieved but was now curious to see this Pakin guy.
Payu’s relaxed demeanor showed he wasn’t worried about what troubled Rain.
What Payu feared was that Top might go after Rain instead.
“Let’s stop talking about other people. Are you free mid-next month?” Payu said, hiding his concern and changing the subject.
“Freeeee. Free until the semester starts,” Rain replied.
“Yeah, I know. Once the semester starts, forget eating with me—you’ll barely have time to sleep,” Payu said.
“Don’t say that, Payu! Ugh, just thinking about it freaks me out!” Rain whined, making a face. Payu laughed, not wanting to admit that Rain’s expression made him want to tease more. He wasn’t joking, though—Rain had plenty of time now, but once the semester started, Payu was sure Rain would be whining. So…
“Let’s go on a trip,” Payu said.
“What?” Rain blinked rapidly, then his eyes widened. “A trip! Where? When? Just the two of us?” Rain exclaimed, excitedly shaking Payu’s arm.
“Yeah, mid-next month I’ll have some time. I’m planning to take a break and go somewhere before your semester starts. Just the two of us—no extra baggage, so don’t invite anyone else. Where do you want to go? In the country or abroad, you name it,” Payu said. Rain was so excited he was trembling, nodding eagerly. Part of him wanted to go abroad, but his parents would probably nag if he didn’t invite them along.
So, where to go in the country?
“You can think about it slowly; there’s still time. Hungry now?” Payu asked, affectionately ruffling Rain’s hair. Rain quickly said, “I’m thirsty, Payu. My throat’s dry, but I don’t have the energy to get water myself.”
It was obvious Rain was hinting for Payu to get it for him.
Payu wanted to tease him, but seeing Rain’s exhausted state—caused by him—Payu kissed his forehead and got up. He opened the wardrobe, grabbed a pair of pants, and put them on.
“I’ll be back. Gotta pick up the underwear you took off me too. No idea where you tossed it,” Payu said with a sly grin. Rain’s face flushed, remembering how he’d yanked it off, and shouted back, “You took mine off too! Go pick it up!” They’d definitely need to clean up before Sai-fah came back, or Rain wouldn’t dare look him in the eye. They’d left a trail of clothes, practically announcing what they’d been up to. For now…
“Where should we go?” Rain grabbed Payu’s iPad and started browsing for travel destinations.
Payu said there was time to decide, but with planning, booking hotels, and everything else, next month would come fast. So, Rain had to hurry.
He swore he wasn’t that excited about the trip. Really!
How lucky that Payu’s in the same faculty, Rain thought, scooping boiled eggs from the plop plop boiling pot into cold water. He peeled them, revealing smooth, white, appetizing eggs, and placed them in a bowl. Using an egg slicer, he cut each one, mixed the pieces with mayonnaise, added a pinch of pepper and salt, tasted it, then spread it thickly on sliced bread. He sandwiched the bread, cut it diagonally into triangles, and arranged them on a plate.
Rain made tuna mayonnaise filling too and brewed instant coffee, filling the kitchen with its aroma.
Why was it lucky? If they weren’t in the same faculty, if Payu hadn’t told Rain’s parents he was here for study prep, would Rain have the chance to make breakfast for his romantic partner like this?
He didn’t know what Payu told them, but his parents said staying at Payu’s house was fine.
Having a romantic partner who could charm the adults wasn’t bad at all.
“What’re you making?” Payu asked.
“Sandwiches,” Rain said.
Payu walked in, dressed for work. Rain spoke proudly, but Payu’s sharp eyes weren’t on the breakfast he was proud of but…
“Your Mâe doesn’t mind you wearing that?” Payu asked.
Payu tugged lightly at Rain’s shirt, making him look down at himself.
Right now, Rain was wearing only short boxers and Payu’s sleep shirt.
“She doesn’t care. It’s just pajamas,” Rain said.
“My pajamas,” Payu pointed out.
“Huh?” Rain said.
“My sleep shirt. You know, wearing this at my house is called teasing,” Payu said with a chuckle, sliding his hand along Rain’s thigh. Rain smacked his hand with a slap and tilted his chin up.
“Well, someone once said I was teasing, so I’m teasing for real now. How’s that? Smooth enough?” Rain said.
Rain was thrilled to see Payu stunned, not expecting Rain to throw his old words back at him. But Payu paused only briefly before his sharp face broke into a wide grin.
“If you’re gonna tease me, you gotta do better than that. This doesn’t cut it,” Payu said.
“And you know, Payu, talking like that to your Mia? At my house, we call that being a jerk,” Rain shot back.
This time, Payu laughed loudly, stepping forward to loosely wrap his arms around Rain’s waist and grab a sandwich to eat.
“What time are you back today?” Rain asked.
“Probably late. I’ll let you know,” Payu said.
“Then I’ll have dinner ready,” Rain said. Despite being annoyed at Payu’s teasing, Rain couldn’t help wanting to take care of him. Plus, he had time. Even if he studied like Payu suggested, he’d still have time to prepare dinner for someone working hard. Easy peasy.
But the question made Payu sigh.
“What? Just asking that, and you sigh?” Rain asked sharply.
“Do you know something, Rain?” Payu said.
“No,” Rain replied.
“Haha, okay, okay,” Payu said. The cheeky kid got a hug around the shoulders in return. Payu looked into Rain’s eyes and said, “If you’re trying to tease me, just asking if I want you to prepare dinner almost does me in. Honestly, I don’t even want to go to work right now.” Payu’s serious tone made Rain, who’d deliberately worn his Phûa’s shirt, bite his lip to hide his embarrassment. He hadn’t expected a few words to make Payu look like that.
“Go on, then. Didn’t you say people have to take responsibility for their duties?” Rain said.
Thud!
Got him.
When Rain used Payu’s own words against him, Payu froze, his smile fading. He stuffed a whole sandwich in his mouth, downed the coffee, grabbed another sandwich, and picked up his work bag.
“If you’re going out, take my car. Here’s the key. I’m taking the Ducati today. See ya,” Payu said.
Payu spoke quickly, like a storm, striding out the front door. Rain hurried after him.
“Why’re you rushing like that, Payu?” Rain called.
Payu shouted back.
“Gotta hurry to work so I can hurry back to do my Phûa duties. See ya! Watch the house!” Payu said, stuffing another sandwich in his mouth, backing his beloved bike out of the garage, and speeding off. Rain stood stunned, clinging to the door, but eventually laughed brightly.
“Crazy Payu, always making me blush,” Rain said.
He’d gotten up early with Payu, even though he could’ve slept more, just to spend the morning together. But it seemed like a wasted effort.
“Whatever. I’m just happy Payu ate,” Rain said, looking at the sandwich plate, three-quarters gone, with satisfaction. He grabbed the last piece and headed back upstairs, twirling the car keys in his other hand.
Eat and nap again. Gotta have energy for tonight, Rain thought.
What do I do, man? Your friend feels like such a Mia right now, Rain thought.
But being Payu’s Mia? Felt pretty damn good.
Rain woke up again near noon. After finding something to eat, he sat reading, chatting with friends on the phone, and browsing the internet. Seeing the market was probably set up, he grabbed his wallet, phone, and car keys, heading out. But…
“Not too hot today,” Rain said.
The weather wasn’t bad, with clouds blocking most of the sun. An idea sparked in his head.
“Might as well walk,” Rain said, tossing the keys back. Someone kept saying he lacked stamina, so starting with a walk to the market seemed like a good idea.
Whistling, Rain locked the door with Payu’s key and strolled out of the alley in high spirits. He didn’t notice two men on a motorcycle, not far away, watching him closely.
“Top, sir, the kid’s left the house… Alone, yes… Got it,” one said.
After the call, he pocketed the phone, nodded to his friend, and followed on the motorcycle.
Their employer had given the order: Get that kid for me.
After circling the market once, Rain got three dishes and some grilled meatballs to snack on while waiting for Payu to come home for dinner. He didn’t forget to buy extra in case Sai-fah stayed over. Sure he had enough, Rain swung his bags and headed back, still pondering where to travel.
Sea or mountains? Rain thought.
Payu would probably want to take his big bike, so it shouldn’t be too far, or Rain’s backside would suffer. It should be somewhere with a nice atmosphere and beautiful scenery to enjoy.
“So hard to choose,” Rain muttered.
He didn’t know where big bike enthusiasts usually went, so he couldn’t decide. Best to ask Payu tonight.
Rain was so caught up in these thoughts that he walked back into the alley.
Payu’s house was in an alley with a six-meter-wide road. It wasn’t ideal for cars passing each other, but with only a few large houses, there were never issues with traffic, especially during the day.
Rain had been coming and going from this house for a month but had never met the neighbors. Still, in city life, neighbors not mingling didn’t surprise him much.
“Who’s that?” Rain muttered.
Seeing a large van parked in front of the house made him frown. He strode over to check.
“Got business at my house?” Rain asked.
“Delivery for Payu,” the man in a delivery uniform said casually.
What’d he order? Usually, stuff goes to the garage, Rain thought.
“I can sign for it,” Rain said, not thinking much of it, following the delivery guy to the back of the van.
“It’s a big item. Could you help me lift it?” the man asked. Being kind-hearted, Rain hooked his grocery bags on the fence and followed the delivery guy, who was bending and peering at the back of the van. Rain figured if it was heavy, they’d leave it out front and wait for Payu to help move it inside.
But…
“Hey! Mmph!” Rain shouted.
Before he could yell more, the delivery guy clamped a hand over his mouth from behind, shoving his small frame into the van, where a man in black wearing a balaclava was waiting. Rain struggled with all his might.
“Mmph! Mmph!” Rain tried.
“Got him. Drive!” the man said. Rain fought hard, but the delivery guy pinned his face to the van floor, one hand over his mouth, the other twisting Rain’s wrists behind his back. Another man slammed the van’s back door, shouting to the driver as Rain’s eyes widened.
“Let go! Help! Help!” Rain yelled.
“Shut up!” the man snapped.
“Help… Urk!” Rain tried again.
The man barked at him, but Rain kept shouting. That earned him a punch to the side, cutting off his cries as pain forced a groan from his throat.
In that moment, they tied a cloth tightly over Rain’s mouth, another binding his hands, then his feet. The van drove out of the alley as if nothing had happened, leaving only the grocery bags hanging on the fence.
Strange, Payu thought.
Payu stared at his silent phone. Usually, by evening, Rain would send pictures of the day’s dinner with a message saying he was waiting to eat together. But today, there’d been no contact from the little one. Even stranger, Payu’s messages went unread.
Rain always read messages quickly, but three hours had passed since Payu’s last text.
As he left the office, Payu called, but Rain didn’t pick up.
Asleep? Payu wondered.
Payu tried to think positively, that he was overreacting. The race incident was only days ago, and he hadn’t warned Rain to be careful, not wanting to worry him. He thought Pakin’s involvement would ensure nothing happened to Rain. But…
There was always a but.
Payu had a bad feeling.
So, he revved his beloved big bike and raced home as fast as possible, just as Sai-fah pulled into the driveway.
“Three days of fun, huh, big bro? This little brother even exiled himself to the garage,” Sai-fah teased. But Payu wasn’t amused, his sharp eyes fixed on… the grocery bags.
“Did the neighbor leave something?” Payu asked.
Since their parents moved to Korat, the house was rarely occupied. They only came back to sleep at night. Neighbors sometimes left things hanging on the fence, but grocery bags were a bit much.
“How long have those been out there? The sun’s probably spoiled them,” Sai-fah said.
Payu ignored him, staring at the pitch-dark house. He bolted inside, flicked on the lights, and ran through the ground floor and upstairs.
“Rain! Where are you?” Payu shouted for his heart’s love, but there was no sign of him.
“What’s going on?” Sai-fah asked, running in after him, alarmed.
“Rain’s not here,” Payu said, voice tense.
“Maybe he went home. How many nights has he stayed here? Probably went back to his place,” Sai-fah suggested.
Payu shook his head immediately. He was certain Rain would’ve told him if he went home. Last time, Payu had punished him so thoroughly that Rain learned not to disappear without a word. But now, no calls answered, no messages read, and Rain was gone from the house. Payu’s fists clenched.
He called again, but no answer. Still, he didn’t give up.
Maybe Rain’s just at the convenience store and silenced his phone, Payu thought.
Payu tried to stay positive, even as his gut screamed a warning.
One name flashed in his mind.
Crack!
“Rain!” Payu shouted.
Finally, the call connected, and Payu yelled Rain’s name in relief. But the relief didn’t last long…
“Payu, help! Help me, help… Mmph!” Rain’s voice came through.
“Remember me?” another voice said.
Payu gripped the phone so tightly his knuckles whitened. He recognized that damned shit-lizard’s voice through the phone.
The losing dog had turned to bite Payu’s person after all!
Comments
Post a Comment