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I know that Phîi's family is very wealthy, but this bloody fucking splendid Aston Martin, is it not excessively wealthy?!
In the parking lot of the condominium, Dear, a young man, stood with his mouth agape beside the car—a splendid specimen from the United Kingdom. It was a car known to require wealth beyond mere affluence to purchase, costing tens of millions. Yet, at this moment, the owner of this splendid car wore only long trousers, a white round-neck shirt, and... flip-flops.
Indeed, I know Phîi is handsome, but this attire warrants driving merely a Japanese car worth a few hundred thousand, that is sufficient.
"Heh, heh, what is it? My daughter is beautiful, is it not?" Purin asked, his voice tinged with amusement.
Oh, such a bloody fucking splendid car! He calls it his daughter.
"Your car, Phîi?"
"Indeed. I borrowed money from Phôo to purchase it and am repaying him monthly through my work. I anticipate it will take another twenty years to clear the debt," Purin said in a cheerful tone, unlocking the car and nodding at Dear, the Nong-next-door, who was stroking and touching the car as if he had never seen such a thing before. This, despite hearing that Dear's home was adjacent to his own, where merely crossing a fence would reveal Purin's Phôo's modest car showroom.
[[Translator's Note: พ่อ (Phôo) is the more general Thai word for Father. It is not overly formal but is respectful. To be both fully formal and highly respectful, one would use คุณพ่อ, which is Khun Phôo or Khun Father.]]
"Good Lord, Phîi need not deceive me. Uncle Sak purchased it for you, did he not? I am aware. Even Lexus complains to me daily about being compared to you, about not being Phôo's favored son. Uncle Sak grants him everything, so for a perfect eldest son like Phîi, would Uncle Sak not purchase it for you?" Dear said, pursing his lips as he lowered himself onto the splendid car with an expression of utter delight.
Ah, genuine leather. It smells pleasant. Truly comfortable on the rear.
"And what else do you know?" Purin inquired, intrigued by what his younger brother had gossiped about him. This prompted Dear, who was closing his eyes and contentedly inhaling the scent of the multi-million-baht car seats, to speak cheerfully.
"He said Phîi is Uncle Sak's most favored son! Everything Phîi does is excellent, unlike him. Merely passing his grades is deemed sufficient for him. He suspects all the family inheritance will certainly be given entirely to Phîi. Recently, he has been planning to charm Aunt Ni, acting exceedingly well-behaved. He claims Aunt Ni's jewelry alone would sustain him without needing to work."
The tale prompted Purin to laugh. He did not believe his younger brother harbored genuine resentment toward Phô; he had observed him jest thus many times. And who claims Phôo does not love him? He sends him substantial sums to spend freely.
"Then inform him not to hope. I shall charm Khun Mâe greatly; not a single gem will reach his hands," Purin declared, causing Dear to turn with wide eyes, observing Purin driving with one hand, the other resting on the armrest, appearing remarkably handsome.
[[Translator's Note: แม่ (Mâe) is the more general Thai word for Mother. It is not overly formal but is respectful. To be both fully formal and highly respectful, one would use คุณพ่อ, which is Khun Mâe or Khun Mother. I suppose in English we convey the Khun part by the tone of our voice.]]
"Phîi is quite something!"
"I adhere to the principle: the swiftest prevails," Purin quipped.
"He is your younger brother!"
"And what of it?"
"Phîi Porsche!" Dear, deeply concerned that his friend would receive no inheritance because those nearby planned to seize it all, could only exclaim in disbelief. His eyes flashed with anger on his friend's behalf. Tonight, I shall connect online and inform Lexus that his brother intends to claim all the wealth alone, Dear thought.
Dear's expression caused Purin to glance at him briefly, then extend a hand to gently push his tousled hair.
"I jest, Âi'gullible-child," Purin said with amusement, causing Dear's jaw to drop. As Purin, the Phîi-next-door, laughed while tapping the steering wheel, Dear gritted his teeth fiercely.
"Do not be vexed. I merely wished to see if Dear has changed," Purin explained.
"And how does that relate to discussing this matter?"
"Heh, heh, I was curious, that is all. And now I know..." Purin met the fierce gaze of Dear, then laughed fondly at the little one, having received his answer.
"...You remain kind-hearted, unchanged, still troubled by others' affairs, as ever," the older person said with amusement, his large hand resting on Dear's tousled head in a manner he found inexplicably pleasant. Perhaps it was because the little one's hair was soft and fluffy, akin to a puppy's fur.
Dear stared back, his heart racing, beating even faster when Purin turned and smiled at him.
"You are always a good person, Dear," Purin said.
The words prompted Dear to turn his face to gaze out the window, murmuring softly, "Phîi Porsche is bloody fucking mad."
He spoke briefly, his ears reddening, while Purin merely glanced with a smile, then drove toward the restaurant he had chosen without further thought. Unlike Dear, the good child, who was inwardly cursing loudly, thinking, I'm not good, but I desperately wish to be Phîi Porsche's good-child. What shall I do?
"Phîi, are you not concerned your daughter will be marred?"
After calming his emotions, stirred by the Phîi-next-door's words about being a good child, Dear reached to tug Purin's arm, glancing at the splendid car parked discreetly in an alley. A wider alley would have been unremarkable, but this one risked scratches from passing motorcycles on the splendid Aston Martin.
"Marred? Who would violate my car?"
Good Lord, does Phîi Porsche delight in provoking me?
Dear could only secretly purse his lips as Purin asked with a wide smile, one hand in his pocket, looking so appealing that Dear averted his almond-shaped eyes and shook his head.
"No, I spoke in jest," Dear said, pouting slightly, prompting Purin to chuckle. His sharp eyes observed the small figure standing with arms crossed, face turned aside. He understood Dear's meaning but enjoyed his expression.
It is rather attractive.
Clasp
"It is well. This alley sees little traffic. Come, I am hungry," Purin said.
What does Phîi's hunger have to do with placing his arm around my neck?
Dear startled violently as Purin's hand locked around his neck, pulling him close. Purin's deep voice spoke with amusement, dragging him toward a medium-sized restaurant nearby. The warmth, almost scorching, pressed against Dear's body, nearly causing him to stiffen.
Do not behave as if no one has ever placed an arm around my neck, Dear. Sun does it, Ae does it, Pond does it too. All friends in the group have done so. And, foolish heart, stop beating so fiercely!
Dear cursed his heart inwardly, yet his legs followed Purin's pull obediently. His cheeks warmed uncontrollably, despite efforts to ignore it. A faint fragrance reached his nose, forcing him to inhale.
Phîi Porsche smells like... gentle sunlight... sunlight that warms until I feel light and at ease.
Dear glanced up at Purin, who looked forward, and a smile slowly emerged.
Phîi Porsche, I truly like you, Dear thought.
Dear told himself this, unaware his head leaned closer to Purin. He relaxed, letting the older person guide him into the restaurant, feeling his heart no longer resisted as it had previously.
If I wish to like Phîi Porsche so intensely, I shall let it be. How can I restrain my own defiant heart?
"The food here is delicious and not overly costly. A subordinate at my factory recommended it. I have visited once or twice and was enamored. Moreover, it is near Dear's university—a useful fact. When your senior takes you out, you may order costly dishes to jest with him," Purin said upon entering the restaurant, striding past several tables of youths, affirming that many students frequented the place. This prompted Dear, following with his head lowered, to speak up.
"And are you not concerned that I shall order costly dishes?"
Purin turned, his words causing Dear's face to flush, uncertain whether from anger or embarrassment.
"No, I trust Dear will order his usual," Purin said.
The usual, known only to those truly close, was what Nai Dranphat favored most.
"I may favor something else now," Dear retorted.
"Heh, heh," Purin laughed.
There it is again, that bloody two-heh laugh. Just wait, I shall order the costliest dish in the restaurant!
Dear declared this inwardly, but when the staff approached, the first words from Nai Dranphat's mouth caused Purin to laugh loudly, drawing glances from other tables. Dear's face reddened as he ordered...
"I shall take... omelette with minced pork, Khrap," Dear said.
What is wrong? It has been my favorite dish from childhood. Challenge me. Who has not eaten omelette with minced pork?
The luxurious car proceeded onto the road before a renowned Thai university, while Dear, sated with the omelette with minced pork he praised throughout the meal as exceptional, clung to the car window like a gecko. His almond-shaped eyes scanned for the building he needed to reach before eight o'clock tomorrow.
"Are you certain this is the way?" Purin asked to confirm, as the little one's university sprawled widely. Notably, the famed engineering faculty comprised multiple buildings, each in disparate directions.
"Certainly, Phîi. We entered via the main road. See, I am consulting the map," Dear said confidently, bending to view the university map on his cherished telephone, fingers enlarging the screen to locate his building. Yet, after circling thrice, he still could not find it.
"Do you not recall? You must have known during your interview," Purin pressed.
"No, Phîi Porsche. I interviewed at the central building. Since reporting last month, I have not returned," Dear said, scratching his head vigorously, perplexed at his error. Despite scrutiny, the building eluded him, perhaps situated where cars could not pass.
Dear's response, as he stared at his telephone until his eyes nearly protruded, prompted Purin to steer the car to the roadside. Dear, still seeking the lecture hall, did not lift his gaze, murmuring softly.
"Turn left here. At the four-way intersection, turn left again. The building must be here," Dear instructed.
"Where? Let me see," Purin said.
Whoosh
Kiss
Thump
Dear froze, his almond-shaped eyes wide with shock. Seeing Purin lean closer made his heart nearly leap from his chest. But Purin leaned nearer, as if to view the map, his large hand resting on Dear's seat's headrest, as though embracing him. Worse, Dear's lips met Purin's cheek squarely.
Silence enveloped the car.
The rough cheek met Dear's vivid lips, and the cabin fell silent. Dear, who had pressed his lips to Purin's cheek, wished to blame the luxurious car's quality—so refined that even the air conditioner's hum was inaudible, leaving only the faint sound of Purin's breath, equally stunned.
I... kissed Phîi Porsche's cheek, Dear thought.
The thought failed to restore Dear's composure, his eyes locked with Purin's sharp gaze, half-hidden in the night's shadow, rendering Purin irresistibly attractive, causing Dear to forget to breathe.
"Phîi... Porsche," Dear murmured.
Thump
His voice, akin to a somnambulant whisper, recalled Purin's senses. Purin smiled and said with amusement, "What troubles you? One kiss on my cheek, and you are frozen?"
"No... no," Dear said, shaking his head vigorously, watching Purin withdraw, his face burning. He was grateful for the dim streetlights concealing his flushed cheeks.
Dear was about to express his feelings, then spoke softly, "I... apologize."
Purin turned, puzzled, his handsome face offering the same kind smile. "Apologize for what? I see no fault in Dear," Purin said simply, then leaned to examine Dear's cherished iPhone, acting as if nothing had occurred moments before. His deep voice chuckled softly.
"How could you find it, little one, viewing the university map inverted? You have not yet begun studies, and already you err," Purin said, returning the telephone to Dear, who accepted it, lips pressed tightly. Typically, Dear would have defended his folly, but not now.
Not when my heart trembles so, Dear thought.
"Indeed... I am merely disoriented," Dear said, lowering his gaze to his telephone, heedless of the lecture hall's location, his heart pounding so fiercely he feared Purin might hear.
This world is unjust. Why am I alone in trembling thus? Indeed, I have kissed others' cheeks, my lips have kissed young women, but it does not compare to touching Phîi's cheek... This world is bloody fucking unjust, Dear thought.
Dear bowed his head silently, prodding his telephone, letting silence cloak the car. Meanwhile, Purin, pretending nonchalance, nearly restrained his hand from touching his chest's left side. His thick eyebrows furrowed, perplexed by himself.
What did I think just now, Purin? Why did I suddenly... wish to kiss him? Purin thought.
Purin dismissed the notion, attributing it to distraction. How could he entertain such thoughts about one he regarded as a younger brother?
I must be inebriated by the little one's omelette with minced pork, Purin thought.
On the first morning of university classes, many students likely lay sleepless with excitement, but not Nai Dranphat, who rose from bed with dark circles under his double-lidded eyes. His sleepless night was evident, his mind replaying the prior evening's events.
"Good Lord, why did I kiss Phîi Porsche's cheek?" Dear exclaimed.
Thump
The young man, sitting motionless like a drained figurine, lifted a pillow and struck the bed. His fair cheeks flushed instantly, recalling the car incident countless times, until he buried his head in the pillow, striking it forcefully while cursing himself vehemently.
Thump
I am mad, Dear thought.
Thump
Stop these thoughts, bloody fucking cur! Dear thought.
Thump
"Oh, Phîi Porsche, depart my thoughts this instant!" Dear cried.
Thump
Finally, Dear's body, having risen to sit, collapsed onto the bed, exhausted from repeatedly striking his head against the pillow. His almond-shaped eyes gazed blankly at the ceiling, unable to erase the previous night's image from his heart.
He recalled even Purin's smile, acting as if nothing had transpired.
"Merely an accident... merely an accident," Dear murmured.
Concluding his thoughts futile, Dear rose to stand beside the bed, resembling a zombie, and seized the student uniform ironed from home. He dragged himself from the bedroom to the shared bathroom, as the master bathroom resided in the condominium owner's suite.
"Seven-fifteen," Dear muttered, estimating he must reach the university by eight. Finding the building did not ensure locating the classroom. He grasped his toothbrush, squeezing toothpaste onto it.
Splash
The sound of water echoed through the luxurious bathroom, resembling one from a home decor periodical, as Dear brushed his teeth languidly, clad in an oversized football jersey, appearing utterly deplorable. His eyes met the reflection of a small, tousled-haired young man in the mirror.
I could not sleep. A romantic partner's rejection heals in a day, but kissing a man's cheek causes me to overthink thus... Dear thought.
"Sigh," Dear exhaled, as if the world were crumbling, then raised a cup of water to rinse his mouth. After completing his oral hygiene, he prepared to remove his large football jersey, but...
Bang, bang, bang
"Dear! Good Lord, Dear, open the door for me!" Purin shouted.
Thump
Good Lord, Phîi Porsche, allow me quiet contemplation during my bath. Last night, I could think only of you until I was confounded, Dear thought.
"Hasten, my eyes sting!" Purin urged.
Hmph
Yet, the words from the one rapidly knocking on the bathroom door caused Dear to frown, then open the door with suspicion. The sight widened his almond-shaped eyes.
"Ha, ha, ha, Phîi Porsche, what are you doing?" Dear laughed.
"It is not amusing, bloody fucking cur! I am nearly dying from the sting," Purin retorted.
Before Dear stood a tall man, clad only in a towel precariously wrapped about his waist. Admittedly, it drew the eye, but it paled beside the white foam covering Purin's head. Purin had one eye closed, his hand attempting to wipe shampoo foam nearing his eyes, his body glistening with water droplets, clearly mid-bath.
"Move aside, let me rinse my head!" Purin demanded.
"Good Lord!" Dear exclaimed, laughing, as Purin pushed both himself and Dear into the bathroom, speaking with irritation.
"The showerhead in my room is some bloody nuisance. Water stops flowing mid-shampoo. Allow me to use this showerhead..." Purin explained, advancing with one eye closed toward the shower area, silencing Dear's laughter.
"Very well, use it as you please. I shall bathe later," Dear said, preparing to flee the bathroom, feeling the proximity excessive.
Clasp
"Do not depart yet. Assist me in rinsing my head. Shampoo is in both eyes; I cannot see a bloody thing..." Purin said with irritation, his large hand gripping Dear's arm firmly, preventing his exit.
"Good Lord, no! Do it yourself!" Dear protested.
"Assist me first," Purin insisted.
"No, bloody fucking cur!" Dear shook his head resolutely, pulling his arm free, until Purin, reluctant to release, sighed heavily and let go.
"Fine, I shall find my way. This damned shampoo remains in my eyes," Purin muttered, attempting to wipe the shampoo from his face, which only worsened the sting, tears nearly flowing. His long legs guided him toward the glass enclosure, stirring guilt in Dear.
Do not act as if Phîi Porsche intends to devour me in the bathroom. He merely seeks assistance, Dear thought.
"Sigh, I shall assist you," Dear said, resigned.
We are doomed, Dear thought, grasping Purin's arm and pulling him into the glass enclosure, consoling himself that it was pity for Purin's frustration. His other hand seized the showerhead.
"Close your eyes and lower your head," Dear ordered, feeling self-conscious about his short stature. Yet, Purin, usually teasing, complied willingly.
"My thanks," Purin said.
"Indeed. I saw your plight and felt pity," Dear replied.
"To that extent?" Purin asked.
"Indeed, I should capture this image to show you later," Dear said, spraying water on Purin's head as Purin rubbed vigorously, his frustration easing slightly. Dear's clear voice feigned reluctance, yet his hands gently assisted in removing foam.
"Raise your face slightly, Phîi. I shall rinse your face," Dear instructed, and Purin complied readily. Dear held his breath briefly, wiping foam from Purin's sharp face, then delicately touching his eyelids, which had stung since morning.
If asked whether I am embarrassed, I would answer... exceedingly embarrassed, Dear thought.
"Is it improved, Phîi?" Dear asked, his voice trembling as his hands touched Purin's face, part by part. Purin responded with a laugh.
"Greatly improved. Hold the showerhead steady, Dear," Purin said, rubbing his face vigorously.
Splash, splash, splash
"Good Lord, Phîi, I am wet!" Dear exclaimed.
Water splashed onto Dear, standing slightly apart, causing his football jersey to cling wetly. His clear voice protested loudly.
"My apologies... Good Lord, much improved," Purin said, opening his eyes for the first time after enduring the shampoo's sting, vowing to change brands. His handsome face shook vigorously, startling Dear, causing the showerhead to sway.
Splash
Thump
"Hmm," Purin murmured.
Both Dear, holding the showerhead, and Purin, newly able to see, turned simultaneously. The water sprayed something already damp, and as it soaked further, the towel precariously wrapped around Purin... fell with a thump to the floor.
"Good Lord!" Dear shouted throughout the condominium suite, his almond-shaped eyes fixed unblinkingly on what was revealed.
Good Lord, is this a cannon barrel?! Dear thought.
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