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"Dear..."
"Âi Dear..."
"Âi-bloody-fucking-cur Dear!"
Krooom!
"Ouch! Who struck my head?"
Within the expansive, semi-circular lecture hall, the gazes of more than half the students, gradually entering the classroom, turned simultaneously toward the front. The voice of a young man, who had arrived and sat in a daze on the foremost row's chair, resounded loudly. Nearby stood a tall figure who had just struck a thick notebook upon his friend's head, grinning smugly.
"Who do you suppose it was?"
Good Lord, you should discern, Âi Dear, that no dog would dare strike a friend's head.
Particularly one met for the first time, except a hell-sent friend, inescapable, like Âi Sun.
"Âi-fresh-mushroom!"
"Good Lord, your insults for your friend are most bold, Âi-fresh-mushroom."
"Indeed, I have more. Âi-lingzhi-mushroom-stir-fried-in-sauce! Âi-sea-bass-with-chili-sauce! Âi-purple-cabbage! Âi-eggplant, Âi-grass-root-eggplant!"
Good Lord, Âi Dear's insults grow ever more refined. But what is this Âi-grass-root-eggplant? I truly don't understand.
This was the sole thought of the close friend, visibly bewildered. His friend, sitting in a daze, pretending allure to charm young women at the room's forefront, unleashed a torrent of curses. Each word, in truth... does it wound?
"You curse me, do you?"
"Hush, do you know that cursing in the tongue of Phra Khun is forbidden? The ban would scarcely be worth it, man."
"Ban? Dear, I consider you deranged. Absent a mere week, and you have lost your wits. What ails you?"
"My business." He responded, pursing his lips at him, then raised his gaze to his close friend, who stood scratching his head vigorously, unable to follow his temperament. The handsome, long-legged, yet annoyingly fair-skinned young man before Dear was none other than a close friend from their high school circle. Fate had destined them to share the same faculty, the same Computer Engineering course, inescapable for another four years. As for his name and repute...
"What grievances do you have with me, Âi Sun?" A query that prompted clear astonishment from the other, who pointed a finger at the desk, forcing Dear to follow his gaze.
"What?"
"I should ask what. Are you mad? Why sit here causing a spectacle at the room's front? Behold, the entire row holds only you. Are you unhinged? Rise, go sit at the back, man!" Having spoken, Âi Sun delivered his tirade, prompting Dear to glance left, then right, with a startled countenance, before... his face flushed with sudden warmth.
What am I doing seated here?
This was the query of the young man dragged to his feet by his friend, who deftly gathered his cherished shoulder bag. Thus, Dear could only rise and follow, bewildered. In truth, he had been dazed since encountering the cannon barrel that morning, leading him to reflect on events less than an hour prior.
Do you think, seeing a cannon barrel, I would rush toward it? In this plight, I can only flee, Khrap.
After the towel fell, Swish, the outcry resounded instantly. Âi Dear fled pell-mell from the bathroom. As for the young man who displayed his finery so early, was he abashed? Dear swore upon all his honor that Phîi Porsche felt no shame. Laughter pursued him, accompanied by an irksome voice that reddened his ears and face entirely.
What, pretending you have never seen a man's body?
Indeed, among men I have seen, but never one belonging to a man I secretly admire, man!
Dear yearned to retort loudly, yet what could he do but stand, awaiting Phîi Porsche to emerge from the bathroom with a fresh towel? Employing his reserve football player skills from school, he squeezed into the bathroom, bathed in under three minutes, glanced left and right, then dashed from the room, hailing a motorbike taxi to the university.
Finding the classroom alone is a feat, man. What more do you demand of a seat?
His heart longed to curse the friend who dragged him to sit in a corner near the room's middle, tossing him the cherished bag Khun Mâe had sent from England the prior month.
"In truth, what have you consumed? Today you appear utterly dazed. Your state seems..." Âi Sun spoke not idly, sweeping his gaze from head to toe, leaving Dear to raise a hand, rubbing his hair awkwardly. As I said, I rushed through bathing. My hair remains uncombed, struck by the wind. That it appears thus is a boon.
Swoop swoop
"Stop, I shall manage my own affairs."
"Remain still, I say. Come, Nong Dear, Phîi Sun shall do it for you. Stay still." How could he not exclaim, when the handsome young man beside him suddenly raised a hand to comb his hair? Attempting to turn away, Sun locked his neck Clasp, combing swiftly, until Dear, his neck ensnared, sighed heavily but acquiesced.
Why, of late, do so many delight in toying with my head?
"I declared it was him. Certainly him."
"They comb each other's hair as well."
"Good Lord, assuredly! Earlier, he carried his bag too."
Amid Dear's thoughts, still unsettled from the morning's encounter with the great thing, the voices of anonymous young women in another row prompted him to turn, perplexed. Yet, his confusion lasted mere seconds before his lips parted wider, and he snapped his head to glare at the young man locking his neck, fury rising instantly.
"Âi Sun, release me at once. Rumors shall spread afar again." Dear spoke, wrenching his head from the grasp, prompting the tall young man beside him to raise his eyebrows slightly, exclaim Aha!, and laugh loudly, glancing at the young women whispering busily among themselves.
"Not accustomed yet, are you? In our group, only you and Âi Ae are so petite. Listen, I have not yet told you. Last time at Paragon, that petite young woman you deemed attractive, she approached me and asked... 'Is this your romantic partner?'" The listener might have let it pass, had Sun not pointed directly at... Dear.
Pointing as if to pierce his eye, leaving Dear's mouth agape.
"You deceived me! You said she sought my number! Âi Sun, perish!" Having clarified his thoughts, Dear nearly lunged, using both hands to throttle the young man laughing red-faced, shaking him vigorously with deep resentment. I wondered, walking with this group, why would a Nong seek my number? As if!
Ghak ghak! "I yield... I apologize... Well, she asked... I wished not to sadden her." The throttling was mild, but Âi Dear grew earnest, forcing Sun to raise both hands to shoulder height, his mouth making excuses, until the furious, red-faced Dear released his friend's collar and Phuet sat back down.
"Stop, I say. She was attractive. I feared breaking her heart. When she asked, I laughed loudly Gak! and nodded dismissively. That was all. You scarcely had time to raise your phone for a picture. She said, deluded, 'You are so attractive!'"
Indeed, mocking him. Had it been an elder sister, she would have praised Nong as attractive. Having a friend, Âi-friend... no, not so... This Âi-fresh-mushroom friend sold him out, claiming he was gay, again.
"Is 'Ah arang' your Phôo's house?" Dear spoke, irritated, raising a hand to comb his hair roughly. The young women in the room seemed eager to spread the news. Their gazes resembled Âi Sun's cherished younger sisters, lost to fervor. What kind, you ask? Young women enamored of male pairings, naturally.
Thus, everyone, Âi Sun's household comprises four siblings: his Phîi, himself, a junior high sister, and a high school sister. It would not horrify me, were it not for those two fine sisters. Each meeting, they ask...
"Phîi Dear and Phîi Sun, have you united?"
Ask not how stunned I was at first hearing this. Then, his cherished friend, Nai Sun, fearing his sisters' disappointment, answered their queries... Indeed, we were romantic partners... Indeed, we were courting. Worst, he said... Indeed, we have united. I nearly razed his home once. Thus, it became a habit for Âi-friend Sun to care for me specially, reasoning... My sisters entrusted you to me.
"Pardon, is this seat occupied?"
Snap
While the two friends displayed affection, a soft voice, laced with laughter, resounded, forcing them to turn. They beheld the voice's owner, offering a broad smile.
Is this a Korean drama hero? Nai Dear thought.
It fits, exceedingly so. He possesses the looks, fair skin, and height. Clad in a student uniform, disregarding rules from the first day—distressed jeans, shirt untucked, backpack slung over one shoulder. I must concede, the speaker is handsome.
"Greetings. I came alone, knowing no one. May I join you?" He asked with a wide smile, prompting the two listeners to nod, bewildered. They minded not a new friend, but with many in the room, why choose here?
"I am Shin. And you?"
"Shin? Which Shin? Shin-jang? Shintaro? Shinjung? Shinhyung?" Inevitably, the friend beside Dear teased the newcomer. Yet, Shin seemed unperturbed, shrugging and saying jovially, "Indeed, Shin-jang suffices. My Mâe is Japanese, coincidentally."
Good Lord, a half-blood too.
"Heed not this damned nuisance. I am Dear..."
"Which Dear? Reindeer? My Dear? Or from... Darling?"
Bloody fucking cur! Are we from the same hell as Âi Sun? Answer me!
Dear's mouth hung open, gazing at the new friend, still smiling handsomely, oblivious, unlike Âi Sun, clutching his stomach, laughing heartily. Indeed, I know my name seems feminine, but my elder sister is Dream. What name would you have me bear? Dew? Day? Dum? Do? Dee?
"Come, I beseech you." Did his close friend aid him? He did not, instead raising a hand to high-five the newcomer, who slapped it thwap, then sat beside him, embracing his neck, conversing as if acquainted for three lifetimes.
You mocked my name, and now you point fingers.
"Ha, ha, stop, make not that face. I seek only friendship, not to steal your romantic partner, My Darling..."
"Who is my romantic partner?"
Mocking his name was tolerable, but imposing a romantic partner was unbearable. Dear lifted his head, snapped his gaze, glaring fiercely at the handsome Japanese half-blood, face akin to a surgically enhanced Korean import, until Shin looked puzzled, pointing at Âi Sun, laughing uncontrollably.
"I saw earlier. Stop, I am modern-minded. I accept it. No need to conceal."
"You...!"
Dear uttered only that, slumping down, profoundly vexed. His wayward friend merely laughed, offering no aid, patting the newcomer's shoulder Pak pak, heedless that rumors might reach the faculty's young women. The truly distressed Dear gnashed his teeth, wanting to challenge this half-blood to combat, yet could only mutter to himself, turning away.
I despise you all!
Nai Dear deemed this a hellish first day, with troubles since morning. Intending to play games on his cherished iPhone, ignoring the young men now addressing each other familiarly, a LINE notification sounded, prompting him to look down.
Thump
PurinA.: Have you located the room? Why did you hurry out of the room this morning? I intended to drive you.
Stop pretending innocence. Who caused my hurried departure?
Dear wished to reply thus, yet could only type brief messages, deleting repeatedly, before sending a concise response.
Dear: Located it. I feared tardiness. It is well, Phîi. It was near.
Time passed; Dear assumed the other had begun work. Yet, as he prepared to play a game, his phone vibrated, displaying a message:
PurinA.: Study diligently, little one.
Flump
The game vanished from his mind. Dear slumped, pressing his forehead to the lecture desk, unable to restrain a broad smile. He overheard Âi Shin-jang asking Âi Sun what ailed him, staring at his phone, grinning like a madman. Dear refused to answer, lest they tease further.
I am not mad. I am merely... embarrassed.
With Phîi Porsche, I confess to being the little one, man!
The first day held little import. After hearing the professor detail the course briefly, students mingled, attended afternoon classes, and heard grading methods, eliciting collective groans. The seniors were unanimously occupied, sending a senior to announce a postponed First Drink. Yet, the seniors sent word:
We shall provide a grand event later.
It evoked an odd shudder. Ultimately, Nai Dranphat dismounted a motorbike taxi, phone tucked between ear and shoulder.
Initially, Âi Sun invited him to a nearby mall, but Dear, mindful, had neglected his room. Yesterday, he played games all day; today, he resolved to stow all clothes in the closet.
"It is nothing, really. I manage."
"Managing is good. Nevertheless, call and report to Khun Mâe. She fears her cherished son faces hardship." Jae Dream spoke over the line, eliciting a wide smile from Dear. Indeed, I am Mâe's son. My elder sister is Phôo's daughter. When Mâe returns, it is Nai Dranphat's paradise. Jae Dream can command me not then.
Splendid, but in her absence, as you see, I am my elder sister's servant.
"Is residing with Porsche agreeable? You have not played and damaged his possessions, have you? If anything breaks, you pay, understand?"
So, Jae, you called not to inquire if your Nong manages, but whether he has broken anything of Porsche's?
"If Dear breaks it, Jae shall not pay."
"Good, you understand. Then, nothing else... Wait. The series I tasked you to download, you have done so, yes? Saturday, burn it to a disc for me." The elder sister's command made Dear's face droop. Have you no hands, sister, to download films yourself?
"Tch, tch, curse me not in your thoughts. I do not download, lest the computer slow or memory fill. You download and burn it to a disc. You watch it too." Concluding her orders, the swift elder sister hung up, leaving Dear to grimace at his phone.
"Ever thus. An elder sister employs me stoplessly." Grumbling, he ascended the elevator, offering a strained smile to Phîi Fon, whose eyes gleamed as if to approach, before he slipped into his room. While lost in thought, inserting the card and opening the door, a notion flashed.
Very well, so be it.
"What else?" A split-second decision to call his cherished elder sister again, until the line's end, where chewing Ngup ngap resounded, prompted Dear to inhale deeply.
"Jae, may I ask something?"
"Speak."
"If you have anything to say, say it. Time is precious. I must order this month's supplies for the restaurant." Jae Dream grumbled, making Dear feel a tingling Jak jee, compelled to ask thus. Deciding swiftly, he rattled off: "What does Phîi Porsche like to eat, Jae?"
"Porsche eats simply. He consumes all. If you find nothing for him, open a can and pour food. That suffices. I am occupied." She hung up, leaving Dear without an answer, wishing to curse his sister.
Is it not so? Your Nong says pouring kibble suffices. For Phîi Porsche, Jae says pour canned food.
Both are people, Jae!
"Sigh. Then, what I eat, you must follow, Phîi Porsche."
Dear considered preparing extra, but whether Purin would dine with him was another matter.
By the time Purin maneuvered his splendid Aston Martin to its usual parking space, the sky had darkened. His sharp eyes noted the time, nearly seven o'clock. He could not help but worry for the little one at home. Since morning, Dear had fled pell-mell from the room, though it was merely... seeing.
"Heh, why so shy?" Muttering, he gathered the food bag bought for the room, too idle to seek late-night fare, sharing with his roommate. His long legs entered the elevator unhurriedly, his mind on the day's packed schedule.
Tonight, I must prepare meeting documents.
Thup
Crash
Bang!
Hmm Purin raised his eyebrows, surprised. Upon opening his room's door, a loud crash resounded, urging him to rush in, shoes still on, until he saw... the culprit, hiding evidence too late.
"Hee, hee, Phîi Porsche, you return early, Khrap."
"What do you conceal, Dear?"
"N-nothing." The little one, using his back to shield the cabinet before the television, made Purin frown sharply, his keen eyes gleaming. He deduced what was hidden, noting Dear's fidgeting, fearful of discovery. When questioned, Dear denied, lowering his gaze.
Thus, Purin removed his shoes, placed the items on a nearby table, and strode toward the little one, who widened his eyes, glancing left and right for escape, until they faced each other.
"Reveal what you hide." He spoke as an owner scolding a puppy that chewed a shoe.
"Nothing." The puppy denied in a high-pitched voice, clutching the object tightly, prompting Purin to narrow his eyes.
Clasp
"Good Lord, what does Phîi Porsche seize? I said, if nothing, then nothing!" Dear's hairs stood on end when Phîi Porsche extended a long arm behind him. Fortunately, Dear dodged. This seemed to challenge Purin, who smiled broadly, and then...
Clasp
"Good Lord! Release me, Phîi! Nothing! I said nothing, so nothing!" As Purin embraced him with both arms to restrain the Nong, wrestling for something Dear gripped tightly, the young man shouted, thrashing for freedom. Alas, Phîi Porsche was bloody fucking strong as a buffalo.
"Show it to me."
"No!"
"Very well. Blame me not for warning you, little one!" Concluding, Purin, without warning, locked the thrashing Dear tightly, pressing him against his broad chest. Fortunately, Dear's small frame, face pressed to Purin's chest, left only flailing hands and legs attempting to kick free. Purin countered by pressing Dear's legs close. Yet, instead of seizing the object, the obstinate young man persisted in struggling.
"Release me."
"I shall not release you!"
"Release."
"No!"
"I command you to release."
"..."
Dear fell silent, bloody fucking so, ceasing his struggle. Purin looked down, seeing the fluffy puppy nestled, breathing heavily against his chest. At that moment, Dear looked up, their eyes meeting.
Thump
Does he perceive his state?
Purin questioned himself silently, observing Dear, face flushed from clutching the object, hair he enjoyed tousling disheveled diversely. His fair cheeks blazed, lips slightly parted, gasping. Above all, his gaze... like a puppy pleading with its owner.
"If I confess, you must not scold me."
"State the matter first." Though softened by the sad puppy dog face of the young man before him, Purin could not resist a stern tone, making Dear's ears droop further. Were he to whimper, Purin might laugh. Yet, the little one sent a beseeching look, as if still a child.
Fwoosh
"I broke... this." With trembling hands, Dear revealed... a game controller, one part detached.
"I apologize, Phîi. I had nothing to do and wished to play games. I knew it was Phîi's, but thought playing and returning it would suffice. Just now, when Phîi entered, I was startled, you see? I shoved all into the cabinet, it struck the floor Krooom, and thus... it became this." Confessing, Dear spoke rapidly, then looked at Porsche's face, blinking.
This expression must suffice. Even Jae Dream has softened before.
The thought of one who blinked more, as a youngest child who, erring, pleads first.
Purin, gazing at the broken game controller, knew replacement was needed, yet the little one's puppy-like gaze drew greater attention.
"What shall I do then?" He spoke sternly, causing the puppy to shrink further, speaking softly.
"I shall purchase a replacement."
"Replacement is no issue for me. Why damage my room's possessions?" Not pretending, truly. The little one's shrinking was pitiable yet endearing, prompting a sterner tone. Had Dear a tail, it would lie flat.
"I apologize."
"Apology restores its function, does it?"
Dear gritted his teeth, uncomprehending the need for such rebuke. He erred not greatly, and Phîi Porsche was not his Phôo. Admitting two days in his room caused damage, it was unintentional! Until he looked up swiftly.
"What would you have Dear do? Speak! Shall Dear be your servant for a week? Satisfied?" Sarcastic from anger, yet Phîi Porsche's slow nod perplexed him.
"Very well. Be my servant for a week."
"Phîi, are you earnest?" Dear asked, incredulous that Phîi would agree. Yet, Purin laughed, speaking in a milder tone.
"You need not. I shall inform Dream that..."
Clasp
"At once, Khrap, Phîi Porsche! I shall remove your suit, Khrap! Phîi Porsche, weary from return, have you eaten? I prepared extra food, you know!"
Dear swore he feared not his elder sister, nor her wrath if she learned he damaged another's property. His hands swiftly pulled off Purin's suit jacket, prompting the teasing Purin to laugh loudly.
Tease him a day, then we shall see.
Purin permitted the little one to remove his suit jacket. Dear, likely vexed, walked stiffly forward, eyes clouded Kwak, hands touching the tie, yanking it down. Initially, Purin meant to protest, but a fragrance touched his nose, forcing him to lean closer.
What fragrance is this?
Purin leaned nearer, until Dear, unbuttoning his collar, irked at the threat to tell his sister, widened his eyes, looking up to meet Purin's sharp gaze.
"Remain still, Dear."
The soft whisper and serious expression made Dear's heart race alarmingly, as Phîi Porsche brought his face closer. Dear froze.
"What... will you do?"
"Remain still." Purin spoke softly, his face nearing until almost touching. Dear's body stiffened further.
"Fragrant..." The scent alone was notable, but Phîi Porsche brought his nose near Dear's face, causing Dear, rigid, to hold his breath in shock. His almond-shaped eyes gazed at the high-bridged nose, close enough to note Phîi Porsche's long eyelashes.
So near... I must close my eyes in alarm.
Simultaneously, Purin gazed at the little one's face unwaveringly. His breath caught as the fragrance overwhelmed his senses, enough that his nose brushed Dear's cheek lightly.
The warm touch stiffened Dear further, sensing Purin's warm breath on his cheek, holding his breath, eyes shut tightly, an image that made Purin's heart falter.
Thump
"What soap brand smells so fine? I shall borrow it."
Pat
Dear opened his eyes slowly, heart pounding, as the soft voice whispered at his ear, a warm hand patting his head, ruffling gently. He saw Purin's handsome face withdraw, smiling.
"What? With that face, did you think I would do anything?"
"No! I... I shall set the table, Phîi!"
The query startled Dear, who retreated several steps to escape Purin's warm hands, then ran to the kitchen, avoiding the roommate-Phîi's twinkling eyes.
Goose! Why does Phîi persist in this manner with me?
Purin watched the little one amusedly, his smile fading. The hand that ruffled the puppy's head touched his nose, a forbidden feeling arising... What would holding the little one to sleep feel like?
Likely a little puppy snuggling close... perhaps.
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