Content Warning: This work is intended for mature (NC17) audiences. If you are younger, please kindly leave this site.
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Why do I feel like the crew for this floating market trip is a bit odd? Dear thought.
“Bulan, grab the hat from the back of the car for me,” Dream said.
“This one, Phîi Dream?” Bulan asked.
“No, the white woven one,” Dream replied. Dear glanced at the other car, where his beloved Phîi, dressed in short shorts, a bright spaghetti-strap top, and a sheer long-sleeve shirt, was talking to Sun’s youngest sister outside the vehicle. Bulan, ever so adorable, crawled into the back seat of the large car to fetch it. Next to her, Janjao was hunched over her phone, reading up on Amphawa Floating Market.
“Âi'Sun! How long are you going to sleep like a bum? Wake up!” Dear shouted.
“Not waking up. I’m sleeping,” Sun mumbled.
“Damned shit-lizard! You’re the one who invited—forced—me to come! Get up!” Dear yelled. Turning to the car he’d ridden in, he saw the two in the back seat shaking each other’s necks like they were trying to kill one another. How the hell did my best friend charm Phîi Ryu? Dear wondered. If Sun were to answer, he’d probably say… Seme style. Grab and go, and it worked.
“Âi'Dear, do they have desserts here? I’m craving thong yip, thong yod, foi thong, thong ek, met khanun, or ja mongkut,” the driver—whose car Dear had hitched a ride in, since Dream’s car wouldn’t fit everyone—turned to ask with interest. Dear scanned him from head to toe.
Whoa, Evisu shirt, Levi’s jeans, Nike shoes, Ray-Ban sunglasses, half-Japanese face, and you’re asking for traditional Thai desserts? Should I order a nine-gold dessert platter for you? Dear thought.
“Don’t trash-talk me in your head. What, a guy with my looks can’t eat Thai desserts? Half my blood’s Thai, you know,” Shin said.
Damn, he even knows I’m roasting him in my mind, Dear thought.
“I’m not trash-talking you, just surprised,” Dear said with a dry smile, eyeing his redheaded friend who looked ridiculously handsome leaning against his BMW like that. And it seemed his handsome face, cool vibe, red hair, and bad-boy ear piercing were drawing the Sailor Moon duo’s attention perfectly.
Grab!
“Who’s that, Phîi Dear? He’s so hot!” Janjao whispered, suddenly clinging to Dear’s back, glancing at the half-Thai friend. Don’t say that where Âi'Sun can hear, or I’ll have to break up a fight again, Dear thought.
The reason for splitting into separate cars, like some gender-segregated arrangement, went back to last Saturday night. When Dream found out Dear was going to Amphawa, his beloved sister grabbed her phone, called Âi'Sun, and after a few threats, it was settled. As for Âi'Shin… I don’t even want to say it, but that handsome jerk was roped into driving by Âi'Sun, Dear thought. Don’t make a fuss, but having a Khun-chai as our driver? If word gets out, Âi'Sun’s getting roasted.
Dream didn’t want to squeeze in with everyone else, so the stingy—er, despicable, don’t tell her—sister paid for gas to drive herself here. So, the trip crew was Dear, Dream, Âi'Sun, the Sailor Moon duo, and the half-Thai guy. But the real shocker was, How the hell did Phîi Ryu end up here? Dear thought. Everyone kind of knew each other, but Ryu?
“Wake up! You dragged me along, and now you’re sleeping like this?!” Dear shouted, turning to the car with its door still open. Âi'Sun was clearly up to his old tricks. Anyone who can wake Âi'Sun without losing their mind, I respect you, Dear thought.
“Ugh, nooo, kiss me first,” Sun mumbled.
What?! Dear flinched, spinning to look at Janjao, who was still clinging to his back. Sure enough, her brows were furrowed. Dear quickly slammed the open car door shut with a crash and said dryly, “Uh, you asked who that hot guy was, right? He’s my friend, Shin, but I call him Shin-jang.”
Shin flashed a smile at the high school girl behind Dear and said, “Khrap, I’m Shin. I’ve heard about Nong Janjao and Nong Bulan from Âi'Sun.” His charming Phîi vibe made the high school girls blush shyly.
I don’t even want to say it, but that smile could outshine a Khun-chai. Where’s the jerk who turns down girls by asking to hook up instead? Dear thought.
“Did Phîi Sun roast us?” Janjao asked, embarrassed.
“Who’s roasting Bulan?” The Nong, in denim overalls, came running back, flashing a bright smile but blushing slightly when she got a clear look at her brother’s friend. Shin grinned wider, rubbing his chin lightly.
“Well, about being… yaoi fans,” Shin said.
“Oh no, did Phîi Sun spill that?” Janjao said, mortified, unlike Bulan, who puffed out her chest, grinning and nodding enthusiastically.
“Why be embarrassed, Phîi Janjao? I’ve dedicated my life to getting guys together!” Bulan declared.
Dear wanted to facepalm. There’s no shortage of characters around here. This fourteen-year-old’s shouting her mission statement. Shin didn’t look embarrassed at all—he laughed and pointed to himself.
“So, do you think I’m the seme or the uke?” Shin asked.
He’s messing with them now! Dear thought.
Gulp.
The shy girl behind Dear and the self-proclaimed matchmaker froze. Dear could swear their eyes sparkled, like, We found prey!
Whoosh!
“Is Phîi Shin really one? For real? Are you the uke or the seme?” Janjao asked excitedly.
“Yeah! But with your looks, you’re totally the seme. You’re tall too… Oh, but Phîi Shin’s not with Phîi Dear, right? Phîi Dear belongs to Phîi Sun!” The two girls practically lunged at the redheaded guy, ready to kick Dear aside, asking eagerly. Shin laughed, glancing at his shorter friend with a sly chuckle.
“I wouldn’t take him even for free, Khrap,” Shin said.
“Damned shit-lizard, what’s wrong with me?!” Dear shot back, rolling up his sleeves, his voice strong. And what did Shin-jang say?
“You’ve already got a Phûa. I don’t mess with other people’s stuff,” Shin replied.
Oof.
You despicable jerk! Do you know how many people are here? You’re outing me! Dear thought.
“Phîi Shin, you’re awesome!” Janjao squealed.
“Eeee, I’m buying that line! Phîi Dear’s got a Phûa! Oh my gosh!” Bulan shrieked.
Dear nearly collapsed, while the two girls screamed in delight, thrilled to bits. Didn’t you say I was your beloved Phîi, more than your actual brother? How could you do this to me after meeting this jerk once? Dear thought.
“Whoa, is this the friend who's winging you hit under when you fought with Porsche?” Dream said, patting Dear’s shoulder and whispering. Dear, face flushed, nodded vigorously. Dream, who was totally ready for the floating market with that hair, smirked.
“Yeah, but a hot guy like this is better under the sheets than under your wing. Why not score some points to spite Âi'Porsche?” Dream teased.
Dear stared in disbelief at his stunning sister, who flashed a sweet smile. Is this really my sister? Not only pushing me to have a Phûa but now encouraging me to cheat with another guy? Dear thought.
“Dream, I’m warning you, Âi'Shin’s not like Âi'Sun. Trying to blackmail him won’t be easy,” Dear said, trying to change the subject.
Dream raised an eyebrow, chuckling and looking at him like he was a kid. “No need to tell me. A guy like your friend’s got to be an ally, not a lackey. You can tell he’s trouble just by his eyes,” she said. I almost feel bad for Âi'Sun. If Tawan actually won Dream over, how screwed would he be? Dear thought.
Creak!
“Wooo, so refreshing! The air’s amazing, perfect for a trip!” Sun said, stretching lazily as he stepped out of the car, looking thrilled. Dear turned to the guy following him.
Phîi Ryu’s lips are bright red, and he looks ready to kill, Dear thought.
Slap.
“It’s sunny, Phîi. Wear this hat, or you’ll burn and don’t say I didn’t warn you,” Sun said, spinning around to plop his cap on Ryu’s messy hair, grinning widely. Ryu looked like he wanted to rip it off, but Sun’s big hand held it in place, still smiling.
“Come on, keep it on, Khrap,” Sun urged.
Whoa, Phîi Ryu’s softening right before my eyes, Dear thought, amazed at Sun’s tiger-taming skills.
But the Sailor Moon duo narrowed their eyes slightly, and before Janjao could stop her, Bulan blurted out, “Phîi Sun, who’s this guy? Why are you taking care of him more than your romantic partner?!”
Oh, crap, am I in trouble now? Dear thought.
“Romantic partner?” Ryu echoed softly. And as if Dear wasn’t already doomed, Bulan threw more fuel on the fire by linking arms with him and turning to Ryu with a displeased look.
“Yeah, here’s Phîi Dear, my brother’s romantic partner. Who are you, messing with Phîi Sun?” Bulan said.
Bulan, I hate to tell you, but what you just said makes us the villains in the readers’ eyes, Dear thought.
Dear swore he couldn’t look his Rahad in the eye. He already loved and respected Ryu, but now being called Âi'Sun’s romantic partner meant he was the main Mia, while Ryu, the real romantic partner, was being pushed to side-Mia status. I’m screwed, Dear thought.
“Dear, Sun’s… romantic partner?” Ryu said.
“Hey! Just joking around, Khrap, Phîi! It’s not true!” Sun said, sweating a bit. It took so much effort to make him my romantic partner—how could my sister ruin it? Sun thought.
The Sailor Moon duo pursed their lips tightly. “But Phîi Sun said you’ve been together since high school,” Janjao said.
I warned you, I tore my mouth to my ass warning you not to joke like that! See? Together, romantic partners, hooking up—now I’m out of this! Dear thought.
Sun read his short friend’s glare perfectly, glancing at the guy in the hat behind him, then at his sisters, who stared back expectantly. Not far off, Âi'Shin-jang was ready to burst out laughing, and Dream—ruthless as ever—had her phone up, camera ready.
“Yeah, we’re together. Who said we’re not?” Sun said. As friends, he added to himself. He couldn’t confess now that the guy behind him was their future sister-in-law, since Ryu had strictly forbidden anyone (except Âi'Dear and Âi'Shin-jang) from knowing they were romantic partners. Ryu would break up with him. And denying he was with Dear now?
This is a national crisis, Sun thought.
“Then who’s that guy?” Bulan asked.
“Âi'Dear’s Rahad, Phîi,” Sun replied with a wide smile.
Gulp.
The reactions Dream recorded were worlds apart. Dear, the beloved little brother, went pale as a plucked chicken. The two girls started smiling. But the kicker was the guy called “Âi'Dear’s Rahad,” who, for a split second, looked at Sun with… hurt eyes.
Though it quickly vanished, replaced by a stone-cold face as he yanked the hat off his head.
“So why’s Phîi Sun taking care of Âi'Dear’s Rahad?” Janjao asked.
“What, you want Âi'Dear to do it? Us two…” Sun said with a grin that sounded somewhat convincing. Bulan sighed in relief, patting her chest, assuming her brother was just helping out his romantic partner’s Rahad. She smiled at the beautiful-looking guy.
“Sorry, Phîi, for being rude. I was just protective of Phîi Dear. He’s my future sister-in-law, been with Phîi Sun for years,” Bulan said with a bright smile, even giving a wai to apologize. But that was like pouring oil on a fire, making Ryu force a strained smile.
If you and Dear are romantic partners, why’d you ask me to be yours? No, calm down, Ryu. If they’re really together, why’d Sun tell Dear we’re together? Or… an ex? Ryu, who’d always told himself he was forced into this, started doom-spiraling. His hand gripped the hat tighter.
“Uh… Khrap, it’s fine,” Ryu said softly, shoving the hat back into Sun’s hands. His look made Sun flinch. I’m so screwed. He’s going to skin me alive, Sun thought.
“Take your stuff back. Your sisters got it all wrong. I’m going to the bathroom,” Ryu said, stomping off toward the bathroom sign. Sun frowned, about to follow, but his Phîi’s suspicious stare stopped him.
Grab!
“Come on, Âi'Dear, I’m craving dessert. I’m low on sugar—take me,” Shin said, barely holding back laughter, grabbing the dazed Dear’s neck to drag him along. Dear nodded quickly, catching on.
“Yeah, yeah, I was going to take you! Dream, let’s go! Sailor Moon duo, didn’t you say you wanted to come? Let’s grab some food. Âi'Sun, I’m leaving Phîi Ryu to you,” Dear said. The two girls nodded eagerly, but Dream flashed a gorgeous smile.
“You go ahead. I’ll catch up. I saw some hats for sale that match this outfit,” the beautiful sister said. Dear didn’t argue, leading his friend’s sisters into the floating market. As soon as they were out of sight, Sun backed away slowly, then bolted after the angry Ryu.
Left alone, Dream laughed, calling her best friend. “What’s up? When you getting here?” she asked.
[“Probably noon, one at the latest,”] the voice replied.
“Hurry up, Porsche. It’s a blast here,” Dream said, hanging up. Instead of following her brother, she turned and trailed his friend, grinning widely.
This trip’s so fun. Learned a ton of juicy stuff, heh heh, she thought.
“Phîi Ryu, listen to me,” Sun pleaded.
“Listen to what? Go find your romantic partner!” Near the bathroom by the parking lot, Ryu hissed through gritted teeth, eyes flashing with anger. Sun grabbed his arm firmly and spoke softly.
“Âi'Dear’s not my romantic partner, Phîi,” Sun said.
“Your sister said so!” Ryu snapped.
Sun paused, thinking. I was too panicked earlier to think straight. Seeing Ryu’s flushed face, sparkling eyes, and attempts to walk away, Sun got an idea.
“Are you jealous, Phîi?” Sun asked.
Gulp.
Ryu froze, eyes wide with shock. His clenched fists, ready to punch the damned nuisance, faltered as he shook his head vigorously. “Jealous, my ass! Why would I be jealous? I’m not your romantic partner, just your romantic partner’s Rahad!” Ryu blurted.
Oh, Ryu, you just spilled everything, Ryu thought.
Sun, who’d been worried, started to smile. Glancing around, he pulled the beautiful guy behind a large van, out of sight. Ryu tried to walk away, afraid someone might see, but reluctantly followed.
Sun faced him. “Okay, listen, Khrap, Phîi Ryu. My two sisters are yaoi fans. Yeah, with faces like theirs, you know what yaoi fans are, right?” Sun asked. Ryu nodded, almost snapping, You think I’m that stupid? but Sun continued quickly.
“And that’s the thing. I’ve been tight with Âi'Dear since high school. In our group, he’s the only attractive one. You can imagine how far my sisters’ imaginations run. And since I’m too lazy to answer their questions, I just nod along. Ask Âi'Dear—he’s horrified every day they pair us up,” Sun explained. Ryu narrowed his eyes, calming slightly, making Sun grin wider.
“And I said you’re Âi'Dear’s Rahad because you told me if anyone else finds out about us, you’d break up with me. I don’t want that, Phîi Ryu. I have to keep it secret, even though I’m dying to tell everyone this beautiful guy’s all mine, Sun’s alone,” Sun said.
Thud.
Sun dropped his head onto Ryu’s shoulder, nuzzling and speaking in a whiny tone. Ryu used to find it kick-worthy, but now… Why’s my heart racing? Ryu thought.
“Say that again, and I’ll crush you,” Ryu threatened.
“See? You’d get mad. I don’t want that, Khrap,” Sun said, forehead still pressed against Ryu’s white T-shirt, whining. He knows the beautiful guy’s weakness—act soft, submissive, and Phîi Ryu melts, Sun thought.
Ryu wanted to shove his head away but only turned aside, saying in a strong voice, “Fine, I’m not mad at you!”
“Really?” Sun grinned, looking up quickly, making the slimmer guy dodge his gaze and grunt.
“Yeah!” Ryu said.
“Then… let’s kiss and make up,” Sun said, his earlier softness gone, replaced by a wide grin. He grabbed Ryu’s cheeks and pressed a hard kiss on his bright lips. Ryu, stunned, pushed Sun’s shoulders with all his strength.
“What are you doing?! Someone might see!” Ryu shouted.
“Come on, we’ve kissed at uni. No one knows us here. Why be shy, Khrap?” Sun said, stepping closer. Ryu clenched his fist, but Sun grabbed his hand first, eyes sparkling.
“Just once… okay?” Sun said.
“Fine!” Ryu relented. Sun grinned, leaning in to kiss Ryu’s soft lips gently, not pushing too far. It was relaxing Ryu, unlike the big hand that moved and stopped at… his chest.
Smack!
“What the hell are you grabbing?!” Ryu shoved Sun away, eyes wide. Just now…
“Your chest, Khrap. Man, I was hoping, seeing you in that white shirt, it’d be all perky and popping out. But you’re wearing a tank top? Still want to touch—your chest’s so soft, but it’s getting firm. If I could taste it… so sweet… Ow!” Sun yelped as Ryu punched his shoulder hard. The psycho junior’s dramatic spiel made Ryu flush, nearly covering his chest like a girl.
Who’d think someone would be into my chest? Ryu thought.
“Shut up!” Ryu hissed through gritted teeth, striding back toward the others, Sun’s laughter echoing behind him. Despite being annoyed as hell and pissed at Sun’s antics, Ryu felt better than when he thought Sun was with his Rahad.
I’m not jealous, okay? I’m not… Ryu thought.
Whoosh.
“Hey!” Ryu’s thoughts stopped as something was plopped back on his head. Turning, he saw Sun’s wide, annoying grin.
“Keep the hat on, Phîi. I don’t want my romantic partner getting sick. The sun’s strong here,” Sun said.
Why’s my heart racing over this guy acting all caring? Ryu thought, looking down at his feet, mumbling softly, feeling his face burn. “Thanks,” he said.
“My pleasure, Khrap,” Sun replied. The two young men walked back to the floating market entrance, all caught by the eyes of someone trailing them, who laughed in amusement.
“I knew it. Sun’s got good taste,” Dream said.
On this weekend, the floating market’s pathways were packed with people relaxing. Food, desserts, souvenirs, T-shirts—everything was dazzling, making the Sailor Moon duo forget their brother and trail Shin, the group’s leader, like ducklings.
“How about this, Khrap?” Shin asked, always turning to check with the two girls at every stall. His kind smile, clashing with his bad-boy vibe, made young and old women stare dreamily.
“Phîi Shin, Janjao wants grilled shrimp and squid,” Janjao said, nudging him. Shin, scanning the market, nodded.
“I’ll buy it. Wait inside—the stairs here are steep. Don’t fall,” Shin said.
“I’ll help,” Dear offered.
“No need. You watch the girls. Their brother’s not here, so do your sister-in-law duty,” Shin said, diving into the crowd to order food without caring about the line. He’s good-looking, so nothing he does is wrong, Dear thought, unlike himself, who gaped, wanting to punch Shin.
Overconfident jerk. He’s mocking me! Should I shout that I’m someone’s Mia? Dear thought.
“Phîi Shin’s so sweet, way more gentlemanly than Phîi Sun,” Janjao said.
“Right, Phîi Janjao? Earlier, when I stopped to look at souvenirs, Phîi Shin came back to get me,” Bulan added.
“Yeah, and he made me walk on the inside the whole time, taking the outside himself. So sweet—why’s Phîi Sun’s friend so nice?” Janjao said. Amid their praise, Dear said glumly, “Don’t let his good looks fool you. He’s the ultimate psycho.”
Instead of believing him, the girls exchanged glances. Janjao smiled sweetly, patting Dear’s face. “Aww, Phîi Dear, we don’t think anyone’s better than you. You’re the cutest!” she said.
Ugh, they think I’m jealous. I’m not… Okay, maybe a little! Dear thought, glancing at the standout redhead. Shin-jang’s great at taking care of people. Even with me, he’s caring, despite his crazy ideas. He loves his friends. If he had a romantic partner, they’d be so lucky. Handsome, rich dad—a perfect guy, Dear thought.
“Honestly, if Phîi Dear was with Phîi Shin, I wouldn’t mind. He’s so caring, but Phîi Sun’s off who-knows-where when we’re here for moments,” Bulan said, pouting.
Dear got an idea. “What if Âi'Sun had someone else?” he asked. The girls grinned instantly, and Janjao declared, “I’d go wild!”
These two have eyes like Dream’s—bloody fucking scary! Dear thought.
“Ow, it’s hot! Don’t drag me to places like this again!” A high-pitched, irritated voice cut through, drawing the group’s attention.
The older girl muttered, “Whoa, a mobile dairy farm.”
Dear nearly burst out laughing at the “mobile dairy farm” label. The woman was fair, gorgeous, with an hourglass figure—plenty up top and below. But her bright yellow boutique dress, with thin straps barely holding her overflowing chest, dragged on the ground, forcing her to gather it while walking, or someone would trip. Pretty stuff, Dear thought.
“She’s dressed more for Paragon than a floating market,” Bulan muttered, eyeing the woman complaining to her friend as she vanished into the crowd.
Shin returned. “Hold this. I’m grabbing more,” Shin said. Dear looked at his hands, eyes widening.
“Hey, foi thong, met khanun, khanom chan… You’re really buying all nine golds?” Dear gaped, not expecting Shin to be serious. With the girls’ orders already filling his hands, Shin was grabbing more. Looking around, Dear saw Shin buying from every boat docked.
I know your family’s rich, but are you eating this or filling the canal, Âi'Fah? Dear thought.
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