Content Warning: This work is intended for mature (NC17) audiences. If you are younger, please kindly leave this site.
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As soon as Dear stumbled into the lecture room and collapsed onto a chair, his half-Thai friend, engrossed in his Nintendo DS, paused the game, glanced at him for two seconds, and left the room without a word. Dear didn’t care where he went; he just wanted to rest his head on the cool table. Two minutes later, a chilled drink was set in front of him, forcing him to look up.
“Electrolytes?”
“Yeah, electrolytes. Drink it,” Shin said.
“Why’d you get this for me?” Dear asked, prompting Shin to chuckle and reply deadpan.
“You look dehydrated. Lost a lot last night, huh? I’m just topping you up. How many rounds was it?”
Whack.
“Shin, you shit-lizard! Why’d you say that? Want the whole section to know I have a romantic partner?” Dear shot up, clamping a hand over his friend’s mouth, his face flushed red, eyes darting nervously as if someone might overhear.
Shin pulled Dear’s hand away with a grimace. “What, you think my face is cement? Hit me like that again, and you’ll be shaking.” Dear grinned sheepishly, noticing the red mark on Shin’s cheek, but tried to act tough.
“You were messing with me!”
“Helping and messing with you aren’t the same, little one,” Shin said, shoving Dear’s head hard. Dear pouted and muttered back.
“Can’t you help like a normal person? You’re always picking on me.”
“That’s my normal. Or you want me to say, ‘Dear, Khrap, please drink some water, you look tired’... like that?” Shin leaned in, hands on the table, flashing a charming smile, his voice impossibly soft.
“You’re an annoying fucker. Gives me chills,” Dear said. No matter how good-looking Shin was, no matter his Khun-chai charm or heavenly aura, he couldn’t make Dranphat’s heart race. All he got was a mock shudder and another head shove.
“Thanks for the drink, but you should’ve asked me. I didn’t want electrolytes,” Dear said, twisting the cap and taking a sip to humor Shin. He knew it was Shin’s way of showing concern. Shin chuckled again.
“Guess you prefer a different kind of drink... like Phîi Porsche’s juice.”
Splutter.
“Cough, cough!” Dear choked on the water as Shin whispered close, his face turning red as he glared at his nuisance friend, who dodged with a laugh and had the nerve to call him filthy.
“You... cough... it’s your fault!” Dear gasped, rubbing his chest, cheeks burning. Not from anger, but because his mind drifted to Phîi Porsche’s juice—exactly what he’d been overwhelmed with last night. I was overwhelmed with it just like this, Dear thought, wiping his mouth with his sleeve, glaring at Shin, who grabbed his bag and tossed it at him, nearly making him miss the catch.
“Want to play my game? Stop sulking,” Shin said.
“I’m not sulking,” Dear muttered, setting the bottle aside and rummaging through Shin’s bag. He’d heard Shin got the latest game. If this was Shin’s way of making up, I’m thrilled, Dear thought.
“Found it... whoa!” As he pulled out the handheld console, he accidentally dropped the bag with a thud. Setting the console down, he bent to pick it up.
Clatter.
Something spilled from the bag, making Dear’s jaw drop, eyes wide. “Shin, you bring a ton of condoms to uni like this?!” he hissed through gritted teeth, looking up as Shin hurriedly stuffed the evidence back, cheeks red, clearly flustered. You look so innocent, Dear, Shin, thought, laughing.
Whack.
“Yeah, I carry them. Want to try using one with me?” Shin grabbed his bag, leaning close to Dear’s pale cheek, making him jump back, eyes wide with panic. Shin shrugged, smirking. “Kidding. You’re too gullible.” He shook his head as Dear scrambled back to his seat, whispering eagerly.
“Why so many? Don’t tell me... you have a romantic partner? And why didn’t I know?”
“Nope, no romantic partner,” Shin said.
“Then why...” Dear pressed, curious why Shin carried so many without fear of being seen. Shin met his eyes, looking exasperated.
“You’re going to ask who I use them with if I don’t have a romantic partner, right? Listen, Dear, carrying condoms isn’t wrong. I hate how Thai people get so embarrassed about it. They see someone with condoms and think they’re some juvenile-hellspawn out to get a romantic partner while still mooching off their parents. At least carrying condoms means I won’t give my parents grandkids or diseases to worry about before I’m independent. That’s my answer—I carry them to protect myself. You never know when you’ll hook up, and when you’re desperate, you’re not going to say, ‘Hold on, Dear, let me run to 7-Eleven for condoms, Khrap.’ You just use your hand instead.”
Dear went silent, staring as Shin mimicked a dramatic tone, eyes blinking. “You’re that serious about it?” Dear asked, voice dry. Shin nodded slightly.
“I’m serious about things that matter for my future. You’d be embarrassed if people knew you carried condoms, but for me, if I’m ready for sex, I’m ready to protect myself. I don’t care what others think. I’m better than those who chase fun but don’t care about their lives after a wild night,” Shin said. His unusually profound words made Dear pause.
He’s right—plenty of youths are ready for sex but not for protection. Today, I learned how much Shin cares about his parents. Maybe the dramatic Shin is more serious than I ever realized, Dear thought.
“But I’ve never...” Dear mumbled, voice low, a bit shaken.
“Phîi Porsche never wears a cap?” Shin asked.
Thud.
Dear pressed his forehead to the table, rattled by Shin’s lecture. Shin gave his head a light shove.
“You know what condoms are for, right?”
“Prevent pregnancy and diseases,” Dear answered, straight from health class. Shin grinned, holding up two fingers.
“Then you’ve got nothing to worry about. No pregnancy risk with you, so scratch that one,” Shin said, lowering one finger. “As for diseases, I bet Phîi Porsche isn’t reckless because of lust. He trusts you’re clean, and he is too. So both reasons? Gone.”
Dear felt a wave of relief, but it was short-lived as Shin continued.
“But I don’t think that’s why your romantic partner skips them.”
“Then what?” Dear asked, voice curious. Shin laughed softly, leaning in.
“In my eyes, someone like Phîi Porsche is mature enough to control himself. He wouldn’t act unless he’s sure, wouldn’t let go unless he’s thought it through. If he’s like that with you, it means he’s got no one else... just you.”
Whoosh.
Dear’s cheeks flushed bright red, his trembling eyes meeting Shin’s, silently asking, Really? You’re saying Phîi Porsche won’t mess with anyone else? he thought.
Smack.
“Stop looking at me like that, or I’ll pin you down myself,” Shin said with a sly grin, shoving Dear’s head hard.
“Shin, you shit-lizard! Stop doing that! Answer me first! And stop pushing my head—it hurts!” Dear snapped, glaring after being shoved. Not only did Shin call him tempting, but he wouldn’t finish explaining. I need to know what Phîi Porsche thinks! For some reason, Shin seems trustworthy, Dear thought.
“Ask your romantic partner yourself. I’m not him,” Shin said.
“Yeah, I wouldn’t take you as my romantic partner!” Dear shot back. Their banter had the young women in the room imagining wild scenarios, especially with their heads close, whispering. But then, the lecture room door swung open, and the handsome Faculty Moon, Sun, strode in with a grin.
“You guys!”
“Shut it, Sun. Shin, answer me first,” Dear said.
“Got a new romantic partner and ignoring your old one, huh?” Sun teased, making Dear, who seemed to have three suitors, glare and snap.
“What’s your deal?”
“Paragon this afternoon. Pond’s treating us to MK Gold, man!” Sun said.
“Treating? What’s that black-guy celebrating?” Dear asked. Sun looked puzzled, then laughed loudly.
“Oh, right, you forgot like me! Tomorrow’s Pond’s birthday, so he’s treating today. Tomorrow he’s with his romantic partner,” Sun said, winking. Dear jolted, completely forgetting his half-Italian friend’s birthday. I swear he’s more than half-Italian, though. The rest? Definitely not human, Dear thought.
“He’s got a romantic partner?” Dear asked.
“Ae said he just started dating someone the other day. Don’t you check Facebook? Pond posts pics every two minutes. So, you in?” Sun asked. Dear nodded eagerly, while Shin waved his hand dismissively.
“I’ll pass. Don’t know your friends,” Shin said.
“Why you so hyped, Sun? Just Pond’s birthday treat,” Dear asked. Sun grinned mischievously.
“going to make Phîi Ryu jealous,” Sun said with a chuckle.
I feel so bad for my Rahad, Phîi Ryu. Make him jealous? I’m laughing till my teeth fall out, Dear thought.
Dear scanned his close friends, then glanced at Shin, as if asking who Sun could possibly use to make Ryu jealous. The birthday boy, Pond, was tall, sharp-featured, with Latin blood. Next, Ae—small but fierce-looking today. Then Diew, the tall, bespectacled engineering student from a nearby uni. Sure, Diew could spark jealousy, but sorry, Sun—he’s taller than you, even if not as handsome.
Dear’s judgmental look screamed idiotic plan, making Sun squirm.
“Flirt with the young women around here. Tons of pretty ones,” Sun said.
“Then Phîi Ryu elbows you, stomps your groin, and crushes your boys with his foot. Idiotic!” Dear said, giving Sun a disdainful look. Sun sighed heavily, but his thoughts were miles apart from his friend’s.
If I flirt with young women here for Facebook pics, Phîi Ryu won’t get jealous—he’ll dump me, Sun thought.
“Are you guys done whispering? I’m starving,” Diew said, the last to arrive. Pond jumped up, hugging Diew’s neck, eyeing the group’s little one.
“Wait, Ae’s waiting for his person,” Pond said.
“His person? That international youth you mentioned?” Dear’s curiosity flared, scooting closer to ask. Ae, looking away, sighed at him.
“Believe Pond? You’re dumber than a buffalo,” Ae said.
Clunk.
Clunked me good, Dear thought.
The group went silent, knowing better than to mess with the former school football player turned university star. Just then, another figure stepped in.
“Ae, Khrap,” the newcomer called.
Whoa.
Good Lord, he’s insanely good-looking, Dear thought.
Dear stared, slightly awed. The newcomer wore a pristine student uniform, every detail perfect, his face screaming Khun-chai. Pale skin, handsome, taller than Dear and Ae. Young women turned heads as he walked in. If he stood next to Sun, they’d be a perfect pair—two styles, equally striking, Dear thought.
“You get the stuff for your Mâe?” Ae asked, glancing at the bag of snacks from a fancy shop in the newcomer’s hand. The dashing guy nodded.
“Yeah. Let’s head back then... Happy birthday, Pond, Khrap. We’re off,” he said. Dear felt an aristocratic aura radiating from him. Even his use of “we” sounded charming, unlike others who’d seem peculiar saying it.
I can’t help but be impressed, Dear thought.
Whack.
“You said your Mâe’s errands wouldn’t be done till eight, Pete,” Ae said, grabbing the arm of the guy named Pete, who looked down at the hand, offering a faint smile. But Dear sensed a hint of... shyness?
“No big deal. I’ll wait at the hotel,” Pete said.
“Why a hotel?” Pond, the birthday boy, butted in tactlessly, smirking as if imagining something wild. Ae shot him a glare.
“Pete’s Mâe owns a hotel nearby. Where else would he wait? The mall fountain?” Ae snapped.
“Wow, you know his family tree, huh?” Pond whispered loudly to Diew, making Pete scratch his neck awkwardly, glancing at the football player.
“Alright, we’re heading out,” Pete said, smiling at everyone. I can’t help but feel dazzled, Dear thought.
“No way, you can’t leave! Stay for my birthday. You drove all the way from your uni to drop him off,” Pond insisted, as Pete almost politely declined, but...
“Ae probably wants you to stay. Ask him,” Sun said. All eyes turned to the football player, who spoke calmly.
“Stay. You’re always getting into trouble alone. Let’s go in, guys. Didn’t you say you were hungry, Diew?” Ae asked, turning to the bespectacled guy, who rubbed his chin thoughtfully, eyes on Ae’s hand still on Pete’s arm, then laughed.
“Mái missing out not coming today,” Diew said, leading the way into the restaurant as Pond laughed loudly and followed.
Dear glanced at Pete’s handsome face and couldn’t help thinking, Pete’s blushing.
The low-EQ Dear slowed his pace, catching faint voices from behind.
“Me staying here doesn’t make you uncomfortable, right? Since...” Pete started.
“I want you here. That’s it,” Ae cut in.
Bloody fucking hell, why interrupt? What was Pete about to say? I need to know! Are you his Mia, or is he yours? It’s so unclear, I’m dying to know! Dear thought.
“Eat up. You’re getting skinny again,” Ae said.
“Uh, okay... thanks,” Pete replied.
Everyone at the table sneaked glances at Ae, who Dear remembered was usually annoyed by everything, caring only about his ball and favorite team. Yet here he was, piling pork, veggies, and tofu onto Pete’s plate—someone who didn’t seem to eat much of this stuff.
Pete, ever polite, ate everything Ae gave him. How do you know he’s gotten skinnier, Ae? Dear thought.
“How’d you know Pete’s skinnier?” Sun asked, echoing Dear’s exact thoughts.
Ae looked up, unfazed. “I could tell when Pete rode my bike. He’s maybe two kilos lighter than last month,” Ae said.
What are you, a football player or a scale? Don’t you see Pete’s blushing? Is it the hotpot or embarrassment? Dear thought.
“Was going to ask, how’d you and Pete meet, Khrap?” Dear said, not the only curious one. Even Diew, busy eating, couldn’t resist being polite to the newcomer.
“Ae helped me out with some stuff... that’s how we met,” Pete said.
“You got a romantic partner yet, Pete, Khrap?” Sun blurted out.
“Hey!” Dear yelped, eyes wide, nudging Sun, who ignored him, staring eagerly. Pete glanced at Ae (again) and shook his head.
“No, Khrap,” Pete said.
“Then be my romantic partner for a day,” Sun said.
“Hey!” Dear shouted, glaring as Sun shoved his head.
“Why are you freaking out, Dear? Look, Pete, help me make my romantic partner jealous. Just one pic together. With you, my partner’s sure to get jealous,” Sun said.
“Uh... well...” Pete stammered, speechless. But the quiet eater spoke up.
“Find someone else. Pete’s a young man, not right for your romantic partner,” Ae said.
“No problem. My romantic partner’s a young man too, so Pete’s perfect,” Sun countered.
Crackle.
Good Lord, it’s like lightning’s sparking between them, Dear thought.
“You’re dating a young man? For real? What about Dear?” Pond asked.
“Annoying fucker! I told you I’m not Sun’s romantic partner. Keep it up, and I’ll shove a ladle in your mouth,” Dear snapped, laughing loudly as he argued back.
“Harshing on the birthday boy’s a sin, Shorty,” Pond said.
“Your birthday’s tomorrow, black-guy,” Dear retorted. Their bickering made Diew, the neutral party, scan the table.
“If you’re going to fight, do it outside. I study here, and I’m embarrassed for you. Ae, if you’re protective, just say no. Sun, if you want something, ask the person first,” Diew said.
Clunk.
The table went dead silent.
As Diew adjusted his glasses slightly and spoke calmly, everyone froze, staring at him, then at Ae and Sun, who locked eyes. Ae was still, Sun raised an eyebrow.
“So, can I borrow Pete for a bit?” Sun asked.
“Pete’s not mine. Ask him,” Ae said, looking away, picking up tofu as if nothing happened, missing Pete’s slight head dip and faint smile to Sun.
“If Sun thinks it’s okay, I’m fine, Khrap,” Pete said. Sun practically leaped over Dear to sit next to Pete, raising his phone for a selfie, their cheeks nearly touching. I’m sure the young women at the next table are squealing. Life’s tough for young men these days. Sitting close gets you shipped, Dear thought.
Click.
Whack.
The camera’s soft snap ended, and Ae reached over, grabbing Pete’s arm and putting chopsticks back in his hand.
“Done snapping. Eat,” Ae said simply, piling food into Pete’s bowl. Sun chuckled, exchanging a knowing look with Diew. Only Pond seemed used to Ae’s peculiar behavior.
From then on, Ae didn’t let Pete’s hands or mouth stay idle, talking to no one else. Pond’s right—that fierce Shorty’s not just stubborn, he’s super protective, Dear thought.
After parting with the high school gang planning to drink more, with another friend joining later, the burdened (super handsome) Dear excused himself, carrying a bag of snacks for his roommate. Beside him, Sun grinned, editing photos on his phone.
“I’m warning you, Sun. Don’t post that pic on IG if you don’t want to die,” Dear said.
“Chill, I’ll handle it. So... between Pete and me, who’s better-looking?” Sun asked.
“Pete. Hands down,” Dear said bluntly.
“Damn, are you really my friend?” Sun asked.
“Yup, that’s why I’m honest. You’ve got looks, but Pete’s got it all—handsome, classy, polite, respectful. Every young woman’s dream,” Dear said.
“Yeah, but he’s fallen for Ae’s charm,” Sun said, laughing. Seeing how the usually annoyed Ae cared for his new friend, Sun couldn’t resist teasing. “You're not joining them for drinks? I can get back alone.”
“No way. Phîi Porsche told me to stick with you. If I let you go alone and you get snatched, it’s trouble,” Sun said.
“Damn it! I’m a young man, Sun. No one’s desperate enough to snatch me,” Dear said, annoyed at being treated like a young woman, especially since making up with Phîi Porsche.
Sun glanced at him, not wanting to say it. Yeah, you’re a young man, but lately you act like you need protecting. Your smile’s sweeter, your face cuter. You probably don’t notice, Sun thought.
“Sun, swing by Kinokuniya first. I want a book,” Dear said.
Agreed, the two walked side by side to the third floor, chatting and laughing loudly, ignoring everyone. But as they approached the bookstore, Dear’s arm hairs stood up, a strange chill hitting him as a high-pitched voice called from behind.
“Nong!”
No way, it can’t be that bad, Dear thought.
Whack.
“It’s really you!” Dear wanted to scream in Spanish. As he grabbed Sun’s arm to run, a slender hand with pink nails caught his, pulling him to face... Khun Underwear.
The stunning young woman in a tight work outfit hugged her curvy hips and chest, accentuating her cleavage. Her hair, loose when they’d met at Amphawa, was now stylishly tied up, with delicate strands teasing her elegant neck, amplifying her sexiness.
Even if I hate to admit it, Khun Patty is gorgeous and sexy, Dear thought.
“Well, if it isn’t Miss Panty,” Sun teased.
“Patty, Nong. Good Lord, I hate that Phîi Dream girl,” Patty muttered, annoyed, as Sun deliberately misnamed her. She then turned to Dear with a sweet smile. “Just call me Phîi Patty. Are you Dream’s Nong?”
“Yes, Khrap,” Dear said, goosebumps rising at her sugary tone.
“Wow, really? You’re... hmm, much cuter than Phîi Dream,” Patty said, her eyes scanning him head to toe.
What does that look mean? Dear thought, irritation surging, unable to read her intentions. “Do you need something, Phîi, Khrap?” he asked, voice sharper than usual, even to himself.
“Oh, yes. I wanted to ask... are those two really dating?” Patty’s eyes gleamed with insistence, making Dear want to snap.
Phîi Dream’s not Phîi Porsche’s romantic partner. I’m his romantic partner! Dear thought.
“They’re dating, Khrap,” he said through gritted teeth, voice flat.
“I don’t believe it,” Patty said bluntly, then continued as if she’d thought it over. “I don’t believe Phîi Porsche would date Phîi Dream. And even if they are, they’ll break up.”
Clunk.
“Why tell me this when I’m Dream’s Nong?” Dear shot back, clearly angry. Patty laughed, her eyes glinting slyly.
“Because I want you to tell Phîi Dream I want Phîi Porsche back, and I will get him,” she said.
Dear froze, staring at the young woman smiling sweetly, his hand trembling around the snack bag, gripping it tight. As she turned to leave, something pushed him to blurt out.
“You can’t. Phîi Porsche loves his romantic partner too much.”
Yes, Phîi Porsche loves me, Âi'Dear, he thought.
“What would you know? You’re just Dream’s Nong,” Patty said.
“I know! Because I...” Dear almost slipped but stopped, swallowing his words as she looked at him curiously.
“Because I’m Phîi Dream’s Nong. Why wouldn’t I know? And I’m warning you, someone like Phîi Dream won’t lose to you,” Dear said, hiding behind his sister’s name, though I mean myself. I won’t lose Phîi Porsche to anyone, he thought.
“Then tell Phîi Dream I won’t lose to her either. See you around,” Patty said, a bit annoyed, knowing she was dealing with Darinphan, the famously beautiful and intimidating former faculty queen no one dared cross.
But for a young man named Purin, why wouldn’t I take the risk? Patty thought.
As Patty left, Dear stood frozen. Sun sighed, clapping his shoulder hard.
“You okay?” Sun asked.
“Yeah... yeah, I’m fine. Just didn’t expect someone to declare war on my romantic partner like that, even if it was aimed at Phîi Dream,” Dear said softly, looking dazed.
Sun slung an arm around him. “Don’t dwell on it. She’s just an ex. Besides, Phîi Porsche is hooked on what’s behind, not what’s in front,” Sun said, trying to comfort him.
But Dear couldn’t help thinking, What, Khun Patty doesn’t have a behind or a front?
“You said you wanted a book. Let’s go,” Sun said.
“Nah, I’m tired. No, I mean, I’m full. I just want to go back and sleep,” Dear said.
“Whatever you want,” Sun said, glancing at him. He knew Dear was lying, his mood shaky and hollow. Dear let Sun drag him along, feeling scared.
What do I have to compete with her? I’ve got nothing, Dear thought.
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