Content Warning: This work is intended for mature (NC17) audiences. If you are younger, please kindly leave this site.
~~~
“Âi'Dear, Âi'Shin-jang, good morning, good morning, ohayou gozaimasu!” the Faculty Moon shouted.
Dear was sitting and talking with Âi'Shin-jang about a new game just released in Japan, completely engrossed, when his best friend yelled from the other side of the building. His handsome face flashed a wide grin, as if he’d just won the lottery. Then he ran over, grabbed both Dear and the half-Thai guy in a bear hug, while they could only stare at him oddly.
“What the hell’s wrong with you? Yelling so everyone knows you’re educated, saying good morning in multiple languages?” Dear said.
“But I think just saying good morning in a bunch of languages doesn’t make you look more educated, you know,” Âi'Shin-jang shot back, his words sharp. He tugged at the neck of the Faculty Moon, who didn’t care about the insult and kept talking, ignoring everyone’s expressions.
“Today’s Japanese word of the day is kawaii! So damn cute, you guys!” the Faculty Moon said.
The Faculty Moon spoke while making a face like he’d just conquered the world, leaving Dear to roll his eyes, scanning him from head to toe, unable to help thinking, Did he stress about exams all weekend and go crazy?
“Stop with the kawaii already, urusai!” This time, the real Japanese guy, Shin, turned to the Faculty Moon with an annoyed tone. The smallest guy in the group, Dear, looked at him curiously.
“What’s that mean?” Dear asked.
“How’d you feel when Âi'Sun was being all kawaii at you?” Shin asked.
“Annoyed. Ear-splitting,” Dear replied.
“Yeah, that’s exactly what it means,” the redheaded half-Thai guy said, shaking his head. Dear burst out laughing, nodding enthusiastically in agreement with the insult, while the Faculty Moon, unfazed, dropped his stuff on the table, still grinning cheerfully and sticking to his original point.
“I mean, he’s really cute, so how can I not say kawaii?” the Faculty Moon said.
Crash!
“Ow, damned shit-lizard!” Before the handsome Faculty Moon could finish his kawaii rant, a heavy fist slammed into his head, making him yelp. He spun around, glaring angrily at the person who’d just rushed in from the other side of the building. His good mood vanished instantly, but as soon as he saw who it was…
“Here comes Sunny’s ultimate kawaii!” Sun exclaimed.
Crash!
“Cute, my ass! You lied to me!” Sure enough, as Sun made a move toward Phîi Ryu, the beautiful guy swung his bag full-force at the Faculty Moon, who staggered back. Ryu shouted furiously, his voice echoing.
Sun, rubbing his arm, turned to look and let out a soft, “Ohhh.”
“So, you said your dorm lost power, huh? I asked my friend, and he said there was no power cut! He was playing games all night! You tricked me!” Ryu fumed.
“Why’d you believe me, then?” Sun muttered to himself, watching the beautiful guy whose face was red with anger, his hand gripping the bag strap so tightly it trembled. If Ryu could’ve killed him on the spot, he wouldn’t have hesitated. But for now, he just gave a sad puppy dog face, looking up with pleading eyes.
“If I didn’t say that, you wouldn’t have met me, right? I’m so hurt. I tried everything to get close to you, and now you’re yelling at me like this,” the taller junior said in a sad tone, which cooled Ryu’s fiery temper just a fraction—only a fraction—when he recalled that disastrous (or maybe miraculous?) night Sun had pulled on him.
Dear scooted closer to his half-Thai friend and whispered, “Do you know what Âi'Sun did to Ryu? Honestly, I’m kinda scared.”
Shin smirked and replied, “You think it’s scary, but trust me, Âi'Sun probably thinks it’s kawaii as hell.”
“Cute, my ass! Kawaii is for cute young women with big chests, not… this!” Dear said, glancing at his Rahad again. Sure, Ryu was gorgeous, with a perfect figure, but those hands and feet… Even as an engineering youth, not an accounting major, Dear calculated that Ryu’s scariness outweighed his cuteness by about fifteen times.
Grab!
“Damned shit-lizard, let me go!” The two best friends looked up as Phîi Ryu shouted. Sun was trying to put an arm around the beautiful guy’s shoulder, but Ryu shook him off. Still, the Faculty Moon held him tight and said with a beaming smile, “You guys, this is my romantic partner. Isn’t he kawaii like I said?”
As soon as Sun finished, everything fell silent. Dear was shocked, and even Phîi Ryu stood there, mouth agape, stopping his struggle to stare at Sun in disbelief. Then, in the next second…
“What?! Romantic partner?!” Dear shot to his feet, pointing back and forth between the two, completely unaware they had something going on. At the same moment, Phîi Ryu snapped out of it, spurred by Dear’s shout.
Grab!
“Come with me!” Ryu yanked the arm of the grinning junior, who winked at his half-Thai friend as he was dragged away. Dear turned back to Âi'Shin-jang, who didn’t seem the least bit surprised.
“You, tell me right now—what’s going on? Why didn’t I know anything? I’m with Âi'Sun all the time! How did I not know? That’s my friend, that’s my senior, and since when does Âi'Sun like guys? And… and…” Dear stammered.
“What, your old Phûa getting a new Mia has you losing it? I’ll help you out, Dear. If you’d just look around instead of obsessing over your Phîi Porsche, you’d be smarter,” the redheaded guy said with a smile, grabbing a pack of Pocky from his bag to open. Dear’s face flushed red.
“I’m asking about Âi'Sun, how’d we get to my Phîi Porsche?” he shot back.
***
Crash!
“How can you say that?!” Ryu shouted.
Sun felt a bit dizzy as the beautiful guy in front of him shoved him against the wall, then grabbed his shirt collar aggressively. Ryu’s eyes sparkled, but Sun only gave a faint smile, his words barely audible.
“You want to take charge, huh? Didn’t say so, and now my back hurts,” Sun said, making Ryu bite his lip, wanting to punch that face but somehow unable to. Instead, he let go and said in a harsh tone, “How could you tell your friends that?!”
“It’s not wrong, is it, Khrap? We’re romantic partners, so I told my friends straight up,” Sun replied.
“Don’t be an annoying fucker! Stuff like this is supposed to be a secret! By now, your friends are probably gossiping about me everywhere. And another thing—you forced me into this relationship. I didn’t agree willingly, so you know!” Ryu’s hurtful words made Sun frown slightly before he let out a heavy sigh, raising both hands to shoulder level.
“Alright, Khrap, I was wrong to force you. I was wrong to tell my friends. I was wrong to be so serious about you that I didn’t want to keep it a secret from those close to me. Yeah, I’m wrong for everything, including falling for you,” Sun said.
Gulp.
Ryu’s anger softened instantly. He’d been furious when his friend said the dorm hadn’t lost power, rushing over to confront Sun. But now, Why do I feel like I’m the one who’s wrong? Ryu thought.
“I… I didn’t mean to snap at you,” Ryu stammered, turning his face away.
“You don’t want anyone to know we’re together, do you, Khrap?” Sun asked.
“Duh, who wants to be seen as abnormal?” Ryu blurted out, instantly regretting his quick tongue. Sun gave a faint smile, sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping, and reached out hesitantly to hold Ryu’s hand. Ryu’s heart wasn’t strong enough to shake it off.
“You said you’d do anything for me…” Sun began.
“You trying to bargain with me?!” Ryu snapped, turning to glare, almost flaring up again, thinking the sneaky guy was up to his tricks. But Sun shook his head slowly and said earnestly, “I just want to ask you to let me tell my friends we’re together. I don’t want to hide how serious I am about you from those close to me.”
Gulp.
Ryu clamped his mouth shut, looking at Sun’s sad face, sounding so hopeless it made him feel guilty. I don’t like you, but why don’t I want you to look this sad? Ryu thought, his traitorous heart pounding scarily, as if it believed Sun was serious about this relationship, even though he kept telling himself, I’m just going along with it, not in love, not liking another guy at all.
“Fine! Just tell your friends, but it’s a secret from everyone else!” Ryu finally softened. Sun’s face lit up, eyes sparkling, and he pulled Ryu into a hug.
“Let me go, you damned Sun! Someone might see!” Ryu shouted, struggling but unable to break free, letting Sun hold him still. He told himself it was just to avoid more guilt from Sun’s whining. The slightly taller guy smiled, pressing his cheek against Ryu’s and whispering, “Can I have one kiss?”
“Eat my foot instead!” Ryu snapped.
“Please, Khrap,” Sun said, then moved to meet Ryu’s eyes before pressing a kiss on his soft lips. Ryu, who’d said no, softened, letting Sun brush his lips lightly before kissing harder. Ryu’s heart trembled, and he gripped Sun’s student uniform tightly.
Sun, who’d been backed against the wall, now pushed Ryu against it instead, their tongues intertwining. As Ryu felt guilty, Sun opened his eyes, sparkling with triumph. Heh, still a softie, huh, beautiful? I told you I’d tame a tiger into a meowing cat! Sun thought.
***
“Ugh, what kind of shit-lizard are you, Âi'Oat?!”
Behind the lecture building, the tall figure of the former Head wák, Oat, was ruffling his hair in frustration. He’d been sitting, lost in thought for hours, until his group mates told him to do something to clear his head. But what could he do? Everywhere he went, he still saw the image of the person he liked kissing someone else.
“He’s already taken, Âi'Oat. Face reality,” Oat muttered, sighing again. If forgetting were that easy, no one would hurt from love, would they? he thought.
He didn’t know why he liked Dear so much. It was a feeling he couldn’t explain. Just seeing that innocent face and wide, harmless smile made him feel at ease, wanting to get closer, to care for him, to pay attention to him. The more they talked, the closer they got, the more he liked him—more every day.
He didn’t care if he was gay or not. He’d never been serious about anyone before, but this time, his feelings had fallen for that attractive young man. Here I go again, thinking about Dear whenever I’m free, Oat thought, shaking his head forcefully. His sharp face showed stress as he turned toward the bathroom behind the building, hoping to splash water on his face to clear his mind.
“Eee… ahh… hack…”
Gulp.
His long legs froze when he heard something from the innermost bathroom stall. His sharp eyes narrowed, telling himself it might not be what he thought.
Gulp, gulp.
Crash!
“More… slurp… good… whimper…”
Damn it! Oat thought.
Oat sighed in frustration again. It wasn’t just the sound of heavy breathing—suppressed moans echoed again, along with something banging against the bathroom door, making it shake. Combined with the sound of flesh slapping together, he knew exactly what was happening.
“This is a bathroom, not a motel!” Oat muttered to himself, walking to the sink and turning on the water loudly to let whoever was in there know others were using the bathroom too.
Splash.
“Uh… someone’s here…” a voice said.
“Ha, you scared? You’re the one who told me to do it,” another voice replied softly. But in the echoing bathroom, Oat heard it clearly, splashing water on his face roughly.
“Mm… keep going… uh… more…”
Goddamn, are you dogs or what, doing it anywhere?! Oat cursed in his mind. He’d planned to leave, but his simmering anger, with no outlet, made him walk to the stall door instead.
Bang, bang, bang!
“If you’re Going to do it, do it somewhere else! This is a university bathroom!” Oat shouted.
The noises inside quieted for a moment. Oat smirked, about to leave, when…
“What’s it to you?” a voice shot back.
Gulp.
Oat froze mid-step, his thick brows furrowing. His already intimidating eyes flashed, his sharp face showing clear displeasure. Instead of leaving, he crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. Guess I want to see which damned nuisance is screwing around in a university like this, Oat thought.
Creak.
After a while, when the rustling inside stopped, the bathroom door opened, and a young man stepped out. As soon as he saw Oat…
“Phîi Oat!” It was clearly a freshman, eyes wide, hair messy, face flushed, eyes watery, clothes haphazardly thrown on—obvious what he’d been doing. The youth raised his hands in a wai, looking mortified, then bolted out of the bathroom.
“Thought it was someone else,” a calm voice said.
Oat turned sharply, hearing the voice from the same stall. His brows furrowed in genuine surprise at the sight of a good-looking freshman with black-red hair, known across the faculty. The youth hadn’t even buttoned his shirt, letting it hang open to reveal a muscular chest, and his jeans weren’t buttoned either, showing the waistband of his underwear.
“What, can’t believe it’s me?” Shin said, smiling as he casually fastened his jeans and walked past his senior to the sink to wash off whatever was on his hands.
“Yeah, I didn’t think it’d be you,” Oat said, not entirely pleased. He’s like this, and he’s so close to Dear—hope he’s not after something, Oat thought.
“That your romantic partner?” Oat asked.
“Romantic partner? Nah,” Shin said, pausing his hand under the water for a moment before turning off the tap. He leaned his hip against the sink, looking at the tall, imposing senior he couldn’t match in stature. Probably as tall as Âi'Dear’s Phîi Porsche, Shin thought.
“Not your romantic partner, but you’re doing that in the faculty bathroom?” Oat said, incredulous.
“Yeah, exactly because he’s not my romantic partner. That’s why I can do it even in a bathroom. Sex and love aren’t the same, you know, Phîi. Sex? Doesn’t matter who, when… no problem,” Shin said calmly, giving a smile like it was no big deal. If it’s love, you cherish and consider the other person’s feelings. But if it’s just sex… it’s just satisfying lust, Shin thought.
“So you’re saying you’d do it with your friend too?” Oat asked.
Shin paused, then laughed softly. “You mean Âi'Dear? Yeah, if he let me, I wouldn’t say no…”
Grab!
“Stop talking like a dog-mouth!” Before Shin could finish, Oat lunged forward, grabbing his collar so hard Shin nearly stumbled. But the redheaded guy just kept smiling, not a hint of fear.
“And you, Phîi? When are you Going to stop… knowing it’s impossible?” Shin said, trying to snap Oat back to reality. It wasn’t his business, but honestly, he didn’t want his friend to get hurt again. If he doesn’t let go, who knows what could happen? I know how it feels to have a romantic partner taken. If Âi'Dear—bloody fucking soft-hearted as he is—gave in to Phîi Oat, I’d feel bad for Phîi Porsche. Plus, it’d be a hassle having to watch my house all the time, Shin thought.
“None of your business,” Oat said harshly.
“Then this isn’t your business either,” Shin replied, prying Oat’s hand off his collar and starting to button his shirt slowly, unlike Oat, whose usually calm eyes now sparkled with barely contained anger, making his handsome face even more intimidating.
“Chonnon! I’m just warning you as your senior. Whether it’s for love or sex, you shouldn’t do it here. If you don’t respect the university, at least respect the person you’re with!” Oat said in a strong voice. Shin just finished buttoning his shirt.
“Then I’ll warn you as Âi'Dear’s friend…” Shin looked up, meeting Oat’s eyes with a mocking smile.
“Don’t mess with him. No matter how hard you try, he’ll never look at you. He’s been in love with Phîi Porsche for three years. He’s not Going to fall for you just because you’ve been hitting on him for three months,” Shin said. The harsh truth made Oat clench his fists.
“I’m not trying to steal Dear from his romantic partner,” Oat said.
“Good thinking,” Shin replied.
“But you can’t stop how I feel about your friend either,” Oat added.
Gulp.
Shin froze, wanting to sigh heavily at Oat’s stubbornness. He’d thought Oat was just charmed by Dear’s innocent face and honest nature, but maybe Oat was more of a dim-wit than he’d imagined.
“You know what a dim-wit is? Someone who keeps pushing even when they know it’s hopeless,” Shin said bluntly, his sharp eyes flashing a clear warning. He’s warned him not to mess with his friend, Shin thought. The warning made Oat go quiet, staring at the slightly smaller guy. His instincts told him this junior had something dangerous about him, and whatever it was, Oat shouldn’t cross that line.
Shin held his gaze for a few seconds before walking past to leave the bathroom. “Fine, I’ll take your warning. No more hooking up in the bathroom,” he said, showing some respect for his senior. But before he could step out, Oat’s voice rang out.
“Then I’ll be a dim-wit, because the heart isn’t the brain. You can’t force it to be smart or stupid,” Oat said.
Shin turned back, meeting Oat’s eyes. That handsome face, which people said outshone Korean idols, showed unwavering seriousness, and his earlier tone was even more so.
Instead of feeling sympathy, Shin just said flatly, “You’re more of a dim-wit than I thought.” Then he turned and walked out, shaking his head in annoyance. Just seeing that dim-wit look in his eyes, I can guess this love triangle won’t end easily. But deep down, I think I understand what Phîi Oat’s saying. Love… nothing can stop it. But… you have to know how to handle it, Shin thought.
***
On a Friday evening, Sun trudged home with his backpack, frowning slightly as he heard the excited squeals of his two Nongs echoing from the living room. They’re probably fangirling over some internet ship again, Sun thought, smiling with a mix of amusement and affection.
No matter how crazy they get, those two troublemakers are the cutest to me, Sun thought.
“Hello, your handsome Phîi’s back, Khrap!” Sun called out.
“Phîi Sun!” Bulan, the youngest, spun around with sparkling eyes, leaping off the sofa to rush toward him. Janjao, still in her high school uniform, pointed at the TV.
“Phîi Sun, take us there!” Janjao said.
“Yeah, yeah! Phîi Sun, let’s go! Tomorrow works, right? You’re free, aren’t you? Last weekend you didn’t come home to make it up to us!” Bulan, the clingy one, pressed her face against his shoulder, rubbing her cheek back and forth. Sun wanted to tell her, You’re getting sweat, dust, and grime on your face—don’t come crying to me when you get pimples.
“Hold on, I’m not following. What? I walk in, and instead of saying you missed me, you want me to take you somewhere?” Sun said, looking puzzled. He glanced at the TV, which was now on a commercial.
“Let’s go on a trip! Come on, Phîi Sun!” Janjao said eagerly, nodding so hard her ponytail swung.
“Wait, just the three of us?” Sun asked.
“Four!” Bulan corrected.
“Yeah, four! Don’t forget your romantic partner, Phîi Dear! We haven’t seen him in a month, and we miss him!” Janjao added.
There it is. They’re just looking to fangirl over the weekend again, Sun thought, shaking his head. He ruffled Bulan’s hair affectionately, knowing from years of being a Phîi that his sisters just wanted to see guys together.
Hmm, guys together… Sun thought.
“How about five?” Sun suggested.
“Why?” Janjao asked, pouting.
Sun grinned, thinking of someone. If my sisters are giving me this chance, how can I not grab it? he thought.
“I’ll invite a friend,” Sun said.
“A guy, right?” Bulan asked.
“Yeah, a guy,” Sun confirmed.
“Then I’m cool with it!” Bulan said, beaming instantly, thrilled at the idea. Sun chuckled softly, ignoring his sisters huddling together excitedly. He headed upstairs, a mischievous plan forming in his mind, with one clear target. Phîi Ryu, come on a trip with me, heh heh, Sun thought.
***
“What’re you watching, Dear?” Porsche asked.
“The TV, Phîi Porsche,” Dear replied.
Purin, who’d just stepped out of the master bedroom, nearly burst out laughing. His little puppy, dressed in a basketball jersey and shorts, was munching on Lay’s chips, eyes glued to the TV, answering in that annoying fucker way people called him.
Grab!
“Being cheeky with me, huh?” Porsche said.
“Hey, Phîi Porsche, don’t hug me yet! Let me watch, it’s getting good!” Purin stepped in to wrap Dear in a hug, but instead of snuggling like usual, Dear pushed his shoulders away and turned back to the TV. Porsche followed his gaze.
“Look, look! This actor’s so hot, right, Phîi Porsche? One of the few guys I’ll admit is insanely handsome. If I were as good-looking as Kim Soo-hyun, that’d be great,” Dear said.
Gulp.
Porsche felt a vein throb at his temple. His sharp eyes narrowed, staring at the big-eyed, red-lipped Korean actor Dear called insanely handsome. His own face was the complete opposite, and his lips curled slightly.
Whoosh!
“Hey, why’re you sliding your hand under my shirt?!” Dear yelped as Porsche’s large hand slipped under his jersey, starting to rub and grope. Dear grabbed his hand, while the bigger guy buried his face in Dear’s neck.
“Punishing you for saying another guy’s hotter than me,” Porsche said.
I didn’t say that! When did I say Kim Soo-hyun’s hotter than Phîi Porsche?! Dear thought.
“Argh, Phîi Porsche, no way! Haha, stop… haha… no… my waist… haha, stop!” Dear screamed as Porsche, still nuzzling his neck, poked his waist hard. The ticklish Dear howled, flailing and collapsing onto the sofa, waving his hands to fend him off, his laughter echoing through the luxurious condo.
“Punishment,” Porsche said.
“Argh, no way! Haha… no… stop… haha… enough…” Dear gasped, squirming and laughing until his face was red, tears streaming, making Porsche take pity.
“Say I’m the hottest,” Porsche said, gently wiping Dear’s tears, his sharp eyes softening as he looked at the panting, flushed little one.
“Hack… no way…” Dear panted.
Purin leaned down, their foreheads touching, and pressed a soft kiss on Dear’s red lips. “Come on, I want to hear it,” he said.
Dear, weakened, looked at the guy teasing him again. He raised his hands, wrapped them around Porsche’s neck, and pulled him close. “Can a kiss replace words? I’m embarrassed,” Dear said, pressing a light kiss on Porsche’s well-shaped lips before pulling back, trying to wriggle out of the embrace—except Porsche hooked his waist, holding tight.
“Phîi Porsche!” Dear whined.
“Heh, no sweet-talking your way out. If you’re Going to kiss, it’s got to be more than just a peck,” Porsche said, leaning closer. Dear closed his eyes, resigned to his fate.
Gasp!
“Oh, my phone’s ringing! Hold that thought,” Dear said, as his phone blared. He pushed Porsche’s shoulders, slipped out, and grabbed his lifesaving phone. Seeing the screen, he grinned, even as Porsche kept his arm around his waist. Saved my ass, Âi'Sun, Dear thought.
“What’s up, Âi'Sun?” Dear answered.
“This weekend, you’re coming to Amphawa with me. If you don’t, we’re done!” Sun shouted.
Dear blinked, confused, as Sun didn’t bother with any preamble, just yelling through the phone. Purin, overhearing, exchanged a look with Dear. What’s this sudden urge to hit up a floating market? they both wondered.
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