Content Warning: This work is intended for mature (NC17) audiences. If you are younger, please kindly leave this site.
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Thailand has many racing circuits, but many people probably do not know that on the outskirts of Bangkok, there is one circuit that was completed just a few months ago. Its owner had invested a massive amount of money and was pushing to make it an international-level racing circuit. And the owner's name was none other... than Khun Pakin himself.
Pakin, who was stepping into the circuit and walking straight towards a mechanic who was inspecting a flawless superbike.
Thump
The moment a large hand landed on his shoulder, the mechanic, his two hands smeared with engine oil, turned around. Pakin, wearing sunglasses, nodded at him.
“How is it going?” Pakin asked.
“When Phîi asks ‘how is it going’, does Phîi mean how is the bike going, or how is it going after Phîi shut down that arena event?” Payu raised an eyebrow and asked, causing Pakin to shrug.
“Both,” Pakin said.
“Then let us take them one at a time,” Payu said while wiping his hands, then threw the rag aside. He gestured towards the several flawless bikes parked in a row. “I tweaked a few more things. If Phîi wants to test it himself, go ahead. As for that night.... Phîi’s stature seems to be causing adversity.” When he got to the second matter, the genius personal mechanic who had been handling engines since he was twelve, but who had oddly chosen to study architecture instead, put on a serious face. This made Pakin take off his sunglasses and tuck them into his shirt collar.
“Go on,” Pakin said.
“Did Phîi Chai not tell Phîi?” Payu asked in return, making Pakin just shake his head.
“Hearing from many mouths before making a judgment is my motto,” Pakin said.
“Then many mouths must be saying the same thing by now... There are fellows who are seriously displeased that Phîi called it off midway. They say Phîi is boastful, hot-tempered, has problems with just one youth, and many other things Phîi probably does not want to know for sure.
But.... Phîi is great. So all they can do is bark.” Payu ended by teasing a little, remembering the words of Pakin well.
Here... who is great.
Of course, no one dared to have a bigger mouth than that.
“If all they can do is bark, then let them bark. If any face dares to snap and bite... then we shall talk again,” Pakin said simply, even though his sharp eyes were not joking in the slightest.
He could let it pass if they were only good at gossiping about his actions, because it meant they were all talk; every single one would stop dead in their tracks when faced with the real deal. But if any one of them thought to scorn him, more than that..... a man like Pakin definitely would not let it slide.
“And that junior’s bike?”
“That junior?" Payu frowned immediately, making Pakin elaborate.
"BMW HP4," Pakin said.
“Oh, that youth’s? I was wondering since when Phîi changed his taste to like these commonplace bikes,” the personal mechanic said amusedly. Honestly, he had been oddly surprised ever since Phîi Chai called and asked him to take a look at the engine of a BMW. Because no matter how high-performance it was, those who focused on speed generally did not favor them.
Flawless engine but slow to accelerate, safe, but not suitable for high-speed racing.
“A kid’s toy,” Pakin said mockingly. He was not looking down on the bike, but was instead thinking of that youth.
A remark to which Payu just smiled, but pointed towards the mechanic team on the other side of the circuit. And there, a flawless superbike from the brand with the blue propeller was parked majestically.
“The engine itself has no problems. The DDC (Dynamic Damping Control) system already makes the bike safety-focused. The bike is light, seems suitable for that youth as well. If it is just for casual riding. Oh, a level even an elementary youth could ride, as Phîi ordered. I do not think any more modifications are needed. But, all that depends on the owner himself if he wants anything added. I cannot decide that for him,” Payu said in one go, making Pakin nod.
But... Pakin had no intention of returning it anytime soon.
The sooner he returned it, the sooner his headaches would intensify.
However, this thinking was monumentally mistaken when.....
“Hey, Phîi Pakin. Good day, Khrap,” a voice called.
Snap
“Hey, Sai-fah...” Pakin said.
Silence
The moment he heard the greeting from behind, Pakin turned around. But it was the person walking behind Sai-fah that made Pakin freeze completely.
“Oh, this junior was looking for Phîi. So I brought him in,” Payu’s twin named Sai-fah pushed a certain junior forward.
Good Lord!
Pakin roared inwardly. His good mood vanished in an instant upon seeing who had come with Payu’s twin... Krittithee.
A youth in casual wear: dark jeans and a branded t-shirt. A youth whose mere hair tips made a headache instantly bloom.
“How did you get here?” Pakin asked.
This time, Pakin stepped in front of the youth, making Graph look up at him.
“I went to look for Phîi at the office. Phîi was not there, so Phîi must be here,” Graph said.
“Are you a stalker or what?” Pakin raised a mocking smile, making Krittithee, trying to stay calm, clench both fists tightly, chanting only Janjao’s words in his heart.
‘Graph, try to be calm and talk to him nicely. Try to be a well mannered youth like you are with me,’ Janjao had said.
‘I am not a well mannered youth at all,’ Krittithee had replied.
‘Oh, Graph is quite an attractive youth. Try showing him your attractive side. You have been stubborn for so long, try changing your approach, all right?’ Janjao had said.
Janjao had told Krittithee that, and today, Krittithee was trying to follow her advice.
He would be calm. He would not be impulsive. He would not dance to Pakin’s tune.
“I am not,” Krittithee said, trying to say in an even tone, even though he was very angry at the accusation being thrown at him.
“Then what do you want?” Pakin asked, not cooperating at all, because Pakin still asked in an annoyed tone, making Krittithee have to suppress his temper.
“I just came to get my bike back,” Krittithee said.
“I shall return it whenever I feel like it,” Pakin said.
“But that is my bike,” Krittithee said. Even though Krittithee was trying to be calm, Pakin’s expression and attitude were not cooling him down at all.
Why did Pakin have to act like seeing my face was the worst part of his day?
“And then let you go cause more conflict? I am not your nanny, you know,” Pakin still said in an even tone, but it seemed... coldly-aloof.
“I can take responsibility for myself,” Krittithee said. Pakin’s eyes swept over him from head to toe, then gave a coldly-aloof smile.
A smile that made Krittithee feel a hot flush from head to toe... hot with anger.
“I guess so,” Pakin said, even though Pakin agreed, the tone made Krittithee well aware that it was sarcasm.
Yeah, right. I am only good for causing adversity. But if I did not cause adversity, would Phîi ever pay attention to me? Krittithee thought.
“Today, I just came to get my bike back,” Krittithee said.
“Once you get it back, shall you get the hell out of my sight?” Pakin asked.
Silence
Krittithee fell silent immediately. Both fists clenched tightly together. He could not explain if this was anger or hurt, because hearing words like this was incredibly discouraging. But....
‘Graph, remember this. You must be very calm. If you do not want him to scold you, you must be calm to the extreme,’ Janjao had thought.
Janjao had said that, which made Krittithee take a deep breath and say simply,
“If Phîi returns the bike to me, I shall go back,” Krittithee said.
Pakin was silent for a moment, as if not believing Krittithee's words, until both pairs of eyes met silently, to the point where even the twins did not say anything, besides crossing their arms and watching the two men of different ages waging a war of nerves.
No, it was Phîi Pakin who was waging a cold war, pressing on Krittithee's nerves until he was almost sinking into the circuit ground. Then, Pakin turned and nodded to Payu.
“Give his bike back to him. And do not let him come here again,” Pakin said. Words that made Krittithee press his lips together tightly, staring at the back of Pakin, who had turned away... indifferent to him.
A demeanor that Sai-fah also noticed enough to make eye contact with his twin brother, then he nudged Krittithee.
“Nong, your name is Graph, right? Want to test it before going back?” Payu spoke up and asked, making his twin brother add.
“Phîi thinks Nong should try it. This is a racing circuit; it is much better than the roads outside,” Sai-fah said.
Krittithee perceived the pitying looks from both of them, and since there was a chance to stay here a bit longer, he nodded.
“Can I try it?” Krittithee asked.
“Yes. And if you want any additional modifications, just say so. Consider it you let Phîi see something good,” Payu said amusedly, making his twin continue.
“Phîi really wanted to see Phîi Pakin show his might. Too bad I was not there that day. After hearing Âi Payu talk about it, I wanted to meet the youth who could make Phîi Pakin lose his cool. Nong’s face is attractive, but you are quite a handful, are you not?” Sai-fah laughed loudly, true to his name, making Krittithee try to force a smile, glancing at Pakin, who was giving orders on the other side, wishing Pakin could be just half as kind as the twins.
What do I have to do for Phîi to like me? Krittithee thought.
And right at that moment.
“Âi Payu! I am here,” a voice called.
“Hey, Âi Oat! Perfect timing. Phîi Pakin just arrived too,” Payu replied.
Someone else stepped into the circuit, greeting the twins, making Krittithee turn to look. However, the person who caught his eye was not the man in a dark leather jacket holding a flawless helmet in one hand, but rather the man walking beside him.
A man with an attractive, sharp face and greenish-blond hair that, reflecting the late morning sunlight, made his facial features stand out even more. His sharp eyes, prominent nose, flawless mouth, skin tone, height—everything looked perfectly harmonious. Besides that, the look in his eyes that clearly showed he loved fun but was not tied down made Krittithee stare without looking away.
Krittithee had known Phîi Pakin for over a decade. How could he not know what Phîi Pakin liked?... This type, of course!
Someone who knew how to dress. Someone with a challenging smile. Someone with a worldly-wise look in his eyes.... This is the kind of person Phîi Pakin likes!!!!
Someone who, at just a glance, made Krittithee feel incredibly inferior.
“Phîi Pakin is here? Then I am leaving,” Oat said. Meanwhile, the man in leather next to him raised his eyebrows, made a troubled face, and said flatly to the twins.
Grab
“Hey, come on, Âi Oat. Did you not come to help us test the bikes?... Phîi Pakin shall not bother with your stuff,” Sai-fah grabbed Oat’s shoulder first, making the man named Oat sigh deeply. At that moment, the man next to him put an arm around Oat’s shoulder again.
“Heh, what is Phîi afraid of?” The youth with greenish-blond hair said, making Oat sigh again, turn around and meet his eyes.
“It is not that I do not trust you. I do not trust him,” Oat said.
“Then Phîi should know I can take care of myself,” the youth replied.
“Sigh,” Oat let out a heavy breath.
“Well, well, Âi Oat concedes defeat just like that!” Sai-fah said amusedly, while his twin brother also added.
“Here to cheer him on or, Shin?” Payu asked.
The question made the man named Shin, owner of the flawless hair, turn to meet Payu’s eyes, then laugh softly in his throat.
“No, Phîi Oat does not need encouragement from me. I am just here to find some excitement to watch. Tonight shall not be as heated as for those who just hit the circuit....” Shin said.
“Chonnon!” Before Shin could finish, Oat called his name sharply, making the man whose name was Shin (or Chonnon) raise his hands to shoulder level, as if saying ‘I give up'. But his eyes... were filled with challenge. And that pair of eyes turned to see Krittithee.
“Oh, this is the immature youth who ruined the arena, right?” Shin asked.
“I am not an immature youth!” Krittithee did not know why, but he did not want to be nice to this person. Hearing Shin talk as if he were some little one made him speak up and argue in a strong voice, causing Shin to freeze.
“This is Graph, he is...” Just as Payu began to introduce him, but when about to say who he was, the young mechanic froze, making Sai-fah continue.
“Phîi Pakin’s junior, right?” Sai-fah said.
The person who was not present that day said amusedly, and that made Krittithee's face flush with heat, though he knew he had to deny it. However...
“Not my youth,” Pakin said.
Before Pakin, who had walked back over.
Pakin, who glanced at Krittithee as if he were insignificant, while emphasizing...
“Just a needy youth who likes to seek attention,” Pakin said.
“Phîi Pakin!” Krittithee shouted.
Grab
“Hey, Phîi thinks Nong should calm down. Going up against someone as great as that, your corpse shall not be pretty later. Come with Phîi Sai-fah, Nong. Let us go test the bike. Phîi shall lend you a suit and helmet. Come on, come on,” Sai-fah said. The moment Pakin finished speaking, Krittithee, who had vowed to be calm today, almost lunged at Pakin. Luckily, Sai-fah, who had been observing from the start, grabbed Krittithee's collar first, even exerting force to pull him while trying to speak and diffuse the situation that had clearly become awkward.
Right now, anyone could see that Phîi Pakin, who was usually so easy-going, had something with this junior, but it was something that seemed more negative than positive. Only after Krittithee was dragged to the other side of the circuit did everyone turn to look at the great one of this circuit with one accord.
“Just found out a great fellow like Phîi bullies a little one like this,” Shin spoke up first, making Oat chime in.
“If we are talking about size, I do not think he is that small. But judging by the demeanor... I think Phîi was a bit harsh with that youth,” Oat said. Words that indicated Pakin’s golden racer also felt it clearly... Even if he did not look like an immature youth on the outside, Krittithee was still full of youthful stubbornness.
“Since when have you fellows had the duty to lecture me?” Pakin asked flatly, making Shin laugh softly in his throat.
“Not calling it lecturing Phîi. Just saying what I see,” Shin said. Words that made Pakin take another step forward. The pair of sharp eyes that had looked upset earlier changed instantly as he looked at Shin.
Someone Pakin had once wanted so badly it made his body tremble, but who had rejected him with indifference.
“Then I shall listen, if you think you are going to teach me outside of hours...” Pakin said.
“If Phîi has forgotten, this fellow... is mine,” Oat interrupted.
Before Pakin could finish, Oat stepped in between the two of them. Oat’s pair of sharp eyes, showing a serious intent, stared directly at Pakin’s face, making Pakin glance towards the blond youth who was laughing softly.
“If Phîi wants me, you have to get through this fellow first,” Shin said.
“I am not laughing, Shin,” Oat said.
“I was not speaking to make Phîi laugh,” Shin said. The demeanor of the romantic partners made Pakin laugh softly in his throat.
“You know I do not mess with people who are taken,” Pakin said amusedly, making his favorite racer turn to meet his eyes.
“But Phîi is ready to play along if the taken person builds a bridge for Phîi.... right?” Oat asked.
This time, Pakin and Oat looked at each other silently. Pakin found it amusing because he could stop right here. But seeing the usually coldly-aloof face showing jealousy... was amusingly entertaining.
For Pakin, love is a laughable matter; intense sex is what he wants instead.
“Shin, since when did you build a bridge for me?” Pakin asked.
“That is right, Phîi Oat. How can you say such dog-mouth things?” Shin said. This time, the blond youth joined in the fun because he also spoke in an amused tone, making Oat, who had threatened Pakin, sigh heavily.
“I was not referring to you. I was just making a comparison,” Oat said.
“Comparing that I built a bridge for Phîi Pakin... is that it?” Shin asked in a slightly more serious tone, making Oat, who had spoken out of jealousy, meet his eyes, then sigh in defeat.
“Sorry, I spoke without thinking earlier,” Oat said.
“Heh, then how about trying with someone who thinks before he speaks, like me?” Pakin asked.
“Phîi Pakin!” Oat growled. Each person was still messing with his nerves without stopping, while Shin himself stepped forward to confront Pakin, the great one of this circuit. The two pairs of eyes met as if sizing each other up, a scene Payu watched with amusement.
These two are too similar. They shall not be able to get along, Payu thought.
“No... Phîi is not my type,” Shin said.
Then the attractive youth, owner of that striking presence, said simply. But... it cut deep to the heart.
A rejection that made Pakin laugh out loud.
“Rejecting an influential fellow like me twice in a row... Are you not afraid of being targeted by that influence?” Pakin asked.
“I know fellows like Phîi well... Phîi probably shall not waste valuable time bothering with someone who just refuses to go to bed with Phîi,” Shin said. Shin’s gaze was challenging, full of confidence, and deeply cunning in a way that made Pakin sigh with regret.
Pakin wanted this cunning type. It was a pity Shin would not play along.
“Heh, no matter how many times we meet, your romantic partner remains just as cunning, unchanged,” Payu said. A demeanor that Payu also commented on to Oat, his close friend, amusedly, making Oat look at the two men in front of him and shake his head.
Oat was not afraid Shin would be unfaithful, but he was afraid of Phîi Pakin... No matter how you looked at it, that gaze clearly showed Pakin still wanted Shin.
However, before Oat could step in to intervene, this sound occurred.
Crash!
Snap
This time, everyone around the circuit turned sharply towards the track immediately. And the image they saw was... the image of a flawless superbike slipping and sliding across the racing circuit, while the rider himself tumbled another way. And a bike of that blue and white style...
“Bloody fucking shit-lizard!” Pakin shouted.
The person who dashed out first, running towards the track before anyone could even collect themselves, was Pakin.
Pakin, who ran to the body of that troublemaking youth who had fallen unconscious the moment his body hit the road surface. Upon reaching him, both hands quickly checked Krittithee's body rapidly, even though Pakin’s deep voice was shouting almost like a roar.
“Damned crazy youth! Every time I meet you, my life is just full of troublesome things!” Pakin shouted.
The roar echoed loudly into the heart of Krittithee, who was about to lose consciousness.
I... am just a trouble to Phîi again, huh? Krittithee thought.
Krittithee had no concentration... not a single bit. While looking straight ahead on the track, he saw that Pakin was talking to the youth with greenish-blond hair. Even though he told himself he had to focus, had to show that he was also good enough on this flawless bike, had enough ability to control this flawless bike.... his eyes could not tear away from the scene by the track.
Seeing from afar, Krittithee still knew.... Phîi Pakin wanted that youth.
Krittithee had seen that look before... the look that wanted to tame a wild spirit.
“Have some concentration, Âi Nong. No matter how safe your bike is, do not be careless with these big beasts,” Sai-fah said. Krittithee turned back again when Sai-fah patted his shoulder heavily, warning him with concern, making him mumble a reply.
“I know,” Krittithee said. He knew he had to be careful, but his heart was not on safety. It was on another fellow.
Krittithee took a deep breath, telling himself this might be one of the few chances he got to prove himself. If he showed Pakin that he could take care of himself, that he could ride this thing without problems, at the very least, he might get a pass to enter arenas, not have to sneak in every time. His eyes turned back to the road, getting into a ready stance.
Vroom
At first, everything was normal. The engine worked excellently. The acceleration had no problems. The balance was good. Even when Krittithee gradually increased its speed and glanced towards the side of the track.
Krittithee hoped Pakin would look this way... at least a glance would be good.
However... The image seen behind the helmet visor turned out to be Phîi Pakin turning his back, moving closer to that Phîi Shin. That made Krittithee lose concentration. Even though his body still commanded the beloved bike to accelerate without stopping, his eyes refused to turn and focus on the road. The result was.....
What he saw after turning back was a curve rushing towards the barrier separating the spectators. Both hands tried to steer the bike to lean into the curve, but because the timing was off, the speed was too much to control. The only thing his body could command in time was... abandon the bike.
Crash
That was the last thing Krittithee remembered, as his body flew and tumbled, hitting the circuit surface, and the loud shout of Pakin that hurt his feelings.
He was just someone who caused Phîi Pakin adversity. Krittithee thought.
“Oh, awake already?” Shin asked.
And Krittithee woke up to face the person he least wanted to see.
Shin, owner of the flawless hair who called out, making Krittithee sweep his gaze around to find himself in a room resembling a medical room.
“Hey, do not move yet. Lie down first... Nong is lucky it is nothing serious, just some scrapes,” Shin said. But before Krittithee could sit up, Shin pushed his shoulder, making him lie back down as before. Then Krittithee had to frown because his elbow hurt so much tears almost leaked out.
“I...” Krittithee said.
“Do not tell me you do not remember,” Shin paused, asking uncertainly, making Krittithee shake his head slowly.
“I remember... I stupidly crashed the bike in the middle of the circuit,” Krittithee said while raising a hand to touch his elbow, biting his lip tightly upon touching a pain he had not experienced much in this life, then hissing through his teeth when just moving his leg, he found it stung from his side down almost to his knee.
“It was not because you were interested in something else and lost concentration, was it?” Shin asked.
Silence
Krittithee frowned sharply, immediately turning back to meet Shin’s eyes, and found he did not like this fellow’s gaze one bit... a gaze that seemed to see right through him.
“It is none of Phîi’s business!” Krittithee said, having to say in a strong voice, making Shin shake his head.
“It really is not, is it?” Shin said. Shin did not pursue the matter, acting as if Krittithee's affairs were not interesting, which made Krittithee feel resentful.
Krittithee was not resentful from lack of attention, but resentful that he could not be this kind of fellow. The kind who, with just a shrug, had more charm than an annoying youth who only caused adversity like him.
“Then...” Krittithee said, having to try to change the subject, making Shin raise an eyebrow.
“Then what?” Shin asked.
Bloody fucking shit-lizard, I hate smiles like this, Krittithee thought. Krittithee roared inwardly upon seeing the knowing look in front of him until he had to bite his lip and ask.
“Then Phîi Pakin...” Krittithee asked.
“Is still at the circuit,” Shin said.
Even after my bike crashed, he still does not care about me, Krittithee thought.
Krittithee clenched his fists, reinforcing to himself that he was unimportant. Because even injured like this, Pakin still did not show his face. But thinking again, he did not want to see Phîi Pakin right now that much either, because he could guess that all he would get was stinging pain and scolding words that would surely discourage him.
“And my bike?” Krittithee asked. Even though injured, Krittithee knew he had to hurry home before it became a big issue.
Words that made Shin raise an eyebrow slightly.
“Injured like this and still worried about the bike?” Shin said, sounding almost weary, then continued. “Do not expect to get it back anytime soon. Phîi Payu took it to check its condition, to see why you crashed. And judging by his demeanor, Phîi shall probably have it repainted. If it is not flawless, he shall not return it,” Shin said, sounding weary of these men who loved bikes beyond expectation. Even if it was not their own junior, they could be like this. Then imagine when Phîi Oat used to send his darling for repairs... he would stop by to check morning, noon, afternoon, evening.
“Whatever. I can take it to the shop myself,” Krittithee said. But it seemed Krittithee did not love the bike as one might think, because he was clearly flustered.
“Get it back. I have to go home!” Krittithee said in a sullen voice, making Shin glance at him for a moment, then nod.
“Getting the bike back shall be difficult. How about this, I shall give you a ride later. Anyway, Phîi Oat shall be here for a long time,” Shin said. No matter how much Krittithee wanted to refuse, he knew he had no choice, until he reluctantly nodded. One could say he was fleeing responsibility, but he had to flee.
“Can you get up?” Shin asked. Meanwhile, Shin also moved to help support Krittithee, making Krittithee grit his teeth tightly, aching all over, but he had to get up.
However...
“Where are you going?” Pakin asked, coming to stand in the doorframe.
“Phîi Pakin!” Krittithee called out in surprise, almost jumping back, luckily Shin caught him in time.
“I asked where you are going,” Pakin asked coldly-aloofly as he took three steps inside, making even Shin feel oddly surprised.
Oddly surprised by the coldly-aloof, irritated eyes and the annoyance that was not often seen.
“I am... I am going home.... What is it to Phîi!?!” Krittithee also tried to speak in a strong voice, but the words that came out were halting, making Pakin smile frighteningly.
“Whether it concerns me or not, you came here and created trouble,” Pakin said.
“I am leaving already!” Krittithee shouted. Once scolded, Krittithee retorted without backing down, making Pakin press his gaze down on him.
“And you think that is the end of it?... You think like an immature youth. Your Phô probably has no idea, right, that I have no involvement in this matter!” Pakin said.
“Phîi is not involved. I was dim-witted and crashed it myself,” Krittithee said.
“If you know you are dim-witted later, then do not act dim-wittedly in the first place, bloody fucking damn it!” Pakin shouted.
This time, Pakin roared into Krittithee's face furiously, making Krittithee tremble but unable to say anything. He could only clench both fists resentfully but could not find any words to retort.
Grab
Having said that, Pakin grabbed Krittithee by the shoulder and pulled, making Krittithee grit his teeth tightly.
“I shall take you,” Pakin said.
“Phîi does not have to...” Krittithee began.
“Shut up and do as I say! You probably do not want me to have more problems with your Phô than this, do you!” Pakin cut Krittithee off with an irritated tone, not trying to hide it even a little, making Krittithee, who knew he was causing adversity, fall silent.
Krittithee knew. His bike crashed here. Even if he did it to himself, it was within Phîi Pakin’s area of responsibility. And Phîi Pakin would never let minor matters destroy his own interests. With Krittithee's Phô, Pakin would have to step forward and take responsibility. Even if his heart... did not want to at all.
If Phîi really cared about me, and not because of saving face with Phô... I should be happier than this, Krittithee thought.
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