Content Warning: This work is intended for mature (NC17) audiences. If you are younger, please kindly leave this site.
~~~
Oh no, I’m dead! Janjao thought, Coming to the mafia house and running into the mafia himself right at the front door? I’m not fighting this!
Janjao’s courage shrank the moment she stepped out of her senior’s car. The first thing she saw at the edge of her vision was… the demon king, Pakin.
How could he not be a demon king? Pakin stood on the top step leading to the building, framed by the wide-open double doors with the grand hall of the massive mansion as a backdrop. Even in casual clothes, his wickedly handsome face, smiling broadly as if welcoming her, exuded a dark aura that enveloped the entire area, making her legs nearly freeze.
This isn’t me being too into fantasy, but that’s exactly what I’m thinking! Janjao thought.
“Gulp! Don’t let your legs shake, Janjao!” Janjao muttered, as if chanting a spell to ward off demons, making Night, the young man stepping out behind her, nearly burst out laughing. If… Night thought, I didn’t wholeheartedly agree.
Pakin, smiling so warmly, was terrifying enough that Night didn’t even want to face him.
Got yourself into trouble now, huh, Night? Night thought. But fine, if I’m going to act cool, I’ll go all out.
“I’ll handle it,” Night said, as if to reassure Janjao. Then, wanting to look cool in front of the young woman he liked, he took a deep breath and strode toward the house’s owner, Pakin, though honestly… I’m scared to death too, Night thought.
This is a straight-up suicide mission! Night thought.
“Hello, Khrap, Phîi Pakin,” Night greeted.
“You invited him too?” Pakin asked.
Can I snitch to my brother? Night thought.
Pakin’s first greeting made Night want to turn and run, but… Grab
Jerk
“Fight on, Phîi Night!” Janjao whispered, terrified of being killed by her brother’s friend. She froze as her small, soft, pale hand grabbed the hem of Night’s school uniform. She stepped behind him, her closeness practically shouting… Fight on!
That was enough for Night.
“Graph’s an important junior to me, Khrap,” Night said louder. “Knowing he’s unwell, how could I not visit?” He met Pakin’s sharp, menacing eyes without fear… or maybe less fear, as Janjao’s soft figure seemed to press closer to him.
“An important… junior,” Pakin repeated, arms crossed, his simple stance feeling inexplicably threatening.
“Yes, Khrap, an important junior,” Night confirmed.
“Hmph,” Pakin scoffed.
Gasp! Night reacted inwardly.
Night knew his brother’s friend was scary, but seeing those cold eyes and fiery smile in person was far more intimidating than any stories he’d heard.
Don’t make an enemy of this man, Night thought.
“Uh, hello, Khrap, Phîi Pakin,” Janjao said, poking her head out from behind Night, raising her hands in a cautious wai. Pakin’s cold eyes softened instantly, becoming approachable, visibly reassuring Janjao.
“Hello, Khrap,” Pakin replied. “Here to visit Graph, right? I’ll have someone take you to his room.”
“Oh, really? Thank you so much, Khrap!” Janjao exclaimed.
Scared half to death, and Graph’s Phîi Pakin is actually nice! Janjao thought, smiling broadly, letting go of Night’s (now useless) uniform hem, ready to step toward Pakin. If not for…
“By the way…” Pakin said, as if remembering something, smiling again.
“I’m curious what Nong Janjao’s super-important work is. Care to tell me?” Pakin asked, his knowing smile sending shivers down Janjao’s spine.
A knowing smile alone, Janjao could still bluff her way through. But a knowing smile, stepping closer, towering over her, smiling but exuding pressure that felt like it could flatten her to the floor, made Janjao grab Night’s hem again without hesitation, eyes lowered like a bird staring at a snake.
“Uh…” Janjao muttered, tugging Night’s hem repeatedly.
Weren’t you supposed to take the hit for me? Help! Janjao thought.
“Uh, I’ll, uh, tell Graph all at once, heh,” Janjao said.
“Tell me too,” Pakin said softly, stepping closer until he was right in front of Janjao, who practically buried herself in Night’s back. His wickedly handsome face leaned down, locking eyes with a charming gaze that left her hands sweating.
This is straight-up cornering me! Janjao thought.
“Uh, it’s…” Janjao stammered.
“I think, Phîi…” Night began.
“I’m talking to Nong Janjao,” Pakin interrupted. “Didn’t Âi Shin teach his junior any manners?”
Silence… deafening.
This time, Night, the volunteer shield, was speechless. Despite the encouragement from Janjao pressing against him, he could only lower his head, dodging Pakin’s eyes, with nothing to fight back. Janjao’s hands trembled, her mind racing for an excuse important enough to cover her tracks.
What do we have? Janjao thought. Chemistry lab summary? No, that won’t work… English project presentation? No, Graph’s insanely good at that… Thai music instrument report? No way, that’s unbelievable… What else, Janjao? What’s life-or-death right now? Just make something up? But what if he asks to see it? That’s not suicide?!
If Janjao’s brain were a machine, it’d explode in seconds.
“Thought it was someone else,” a new voice said. “Graph’s romantic partner, huh.”
Whip
“Hm?!” Janjao and Night reacted, turning to see… Win, a charming, slender man watching the scene with amusement.
“Romantic partner?” Pakin repeated, narrowing his eyes slightly at his cousin, Win.
“Yeah, last time I picked Graph up at school, I saw them on a date,” Win said.
“N-No, Khrap, we’re not dating, really, just friends!” Janjao said, waving her hands frantically, not wanting Pakin to misunderstand Graph. She glanced at Win, the model-like man stepping closer, flashing a smile that didn’t surprise her would have men trailing after him.
Honestly, even knowing he’s queer, my heart’s still fluttering… Janjao thought. Damn, how’s a guy this pretty?!
Normally, Janjao would’ve secretly swooned, stifling squeals, being near a man who fit her ideal queenly queer archetype, with his fragrant scent tickling her nose. But being mistaken for her friend’s romantic partner, she was about to deny it again when Win placed a hand on her slim shoulder, leaning down to smile.
“It’s not weird for romantic partners to visit each other, right?” Win said. “No need to use work as an excuse, Khrap.”
“N-” Janjao started.
Romantic partners visiting… not weird… Janjao thought, catching Win’s signal.
“Yes, Khrap, I’m Graph’s romantic partner,” Janjao declared. “Please let me visit him, Khrap!”
Her words made Night and Pakin freeze.
Night froze in shock, whipping around to stare at his junior, Janjao.
Pakin froze with noticeably still eyes.
“Here, take Khun-nŭu up to Graph’s room,” Win said to a passing maid, who quickly complied, ushering Janjao, who practically bolted after her, relieved to escape death. She didn’t even glance back at Night, who was quick enough to follow.
“I know I was rude coming uninvited, but Graph’s an important junior to me,” Night said. “May I, Khrap?”
With that, Night rushed after Janjao, willing to be rude out of concern for Kritthee, despite facing Pakin, known for being the last tiger to provoke. Though really, he was just heated…
Graph said they weren’t romantic partners! Night thought.
The two youths dropped a bomb and left, but Win, who lit the fuse, stood smiling, not forgetting to add fuel.
“Pakin’s little Mia has more charm than I thought,” Win said, deliberately using “Mia,” watching his cousin Pakin’s reaction as he stared after Janjao and Night silently.
Yes, Win was intentionally making his cousin jealous, thinking it’d be fun. But…
“Is that so?” Pakin said, smiling—no, laughing outright.
Turning to meet Win’s eyes, Pakin said simply, “No matter how charming, it’s got nothing to do with me.”
Too calm, too unreadable, too… detached, Win thought.
“If it’s got nothing to do with you, why follow them?” Win quickly cut in, making Pakin raise an eyebrow slightly.
“In case you forgot, that’s my room,” Pakin replied. “I don’t want some youth accidentally opening a drawer and waving a gun around… That’s all. Oh, one more thing…” Before heading up to check on his guests, Pakin paused, turning back to meet Win’s eyes again.
Pakin’s eyes glinted wickedly as he said simply: “I never use the word ‘Mia’ with anyone,”
“Just ‘bedmate’… even for that youth.” Pakin concluded.
With that, Pakin strode to his room, leaving his close cousin Win frozen. I hit the wrong nerve, big time, Win thought.
Maybe I put Graph in a tough spot again, Win realized.
***
“Hey, how’d you get here?!” Graph exclaimed.
“To visit you, duh,” Janjao replied. “You okay?”
How could Kritthee not be surprised when Janjao, someone he never expected, appeared at the door? Graph, bored from lying in bed, nearly bounced up to sit, delighted, watching his close friend Janjao stride quickly—almost rushing—to the bedside, scanning him with concern but elaborating a bit.
“This morning, the teacher said you’re sick, your guardian called in,” Janjao said. “I was worried, tried calling your phone. Good thing Phîi Pakin answered. When I asked to visit, he allowed it, so here I am. So, what’s wrong? Don’t tell me you got into another fight.” She spoke rapidly, making Graph shake his head slowly, instantly feeling guilty.
“Sorry I didn’t answer,” Graph said.
“It’s fine,” Janjao replied. “You’re okay, that’s what matters. I was freaking out.” The friend he talked to every night but hadn’t reached lately sounded relieved, flashing a relieved smile that made Graph feel surprisingly good.
This friend’s the one who really cares about me, Graph thought.
“Still feeling feverish, huh?” Janjao said, taking the liberty of feeling Graph’s forehead to ensure he was safe. His warm skin made her speak with concern, especially seeing his paler-than-usual face and him lying in pajamas, making her worry even more. “Flu or something else? Seen a doctor yet? Taken your meds, not just cooling patches, right? Eaten yet? You gotta eat before meds, no slacking, and…”
“Yes, Mâe, enough, Khrap,” Graph teased in a drawl, trying to lighten Janjao’s stress, making her pout harder, no sign of laughing along. Her eyes scanned him up and down to ensure no injuries or fight-related wounds. But…
“What’s this mark?” Janjao asked, spotting a faint mark on Graph’s neck.
Grab
Janjao’s finger nearly poked the mark, but Graph gripped his collar tightly, pulling away with a startled look, making Janjao freeze. She looked down at Graph, whose face and ears were burning.
Completely flushed, Janjao thought.
Graph’s pale face turned bright red in a second, sparking Janjao’s yaoi imagination.
Sick, bedridden, neck mark… definitely not dengue! Janjao thought.
“Don’t tell me, don’t tell me, don’t tell me!” Janjao exclaimed, eyes widening, so excited she climbed onto the bed, wanting to shake Graph’s shoulders for answers. Seeing his flushed, handsome, endearing face, her yaoi confidence soared, repeating the same words, watching Graph turn away, then…
“Mm,” Graph mumbled.
Grab
“For real?! Really, Graph? You’re serious?” Janjao whispered excitedly, leaning in and gripping Graph’s shoulders tightly. “You got with him… him, right?!” Graph avoided her eyes, admitting honestly that her direct question made him super embarrassed. Sorry, but you’re a girl, Khrap, Graph thought.
“Yeah, him… that’s all,” Graph said.
Grab
“Eek! Squeal! Graph, you’re amazing!” Janjao exclaimed.
That was it. Janjao, who’d been rooting for Graph, practically buried her face in his shoulder, stifling screams she wanted to let out, shouting at full volume, thrilled for him beyond control.
Seeing Graph’s shy demeanor, she thought, And think about it, real situation, really bedridden, meaning that night must’ve been so hot and intense my imagination can’t keep up! So freaking thrilling!
“Ahem!” Night cleared his throat.
The two friends’ behavior made Night (completely forgotten) remind them he existed. Graph whipped around, yelling, “Hey, how’d you get here?!”
“Phîi Night came to visit with me,” Janjao whispered to Graph. “See, I told you he likes you… Stay back, Phîi Night!” She shouted loudly, making both men in the room jump, especially Night, eyes widening at her next words.
“Phîi Night, step back five more steps, Khrap,” Janjao ordered.
“What? Why do I have to?” Night asked.
“Please, just do it, Khrap,” Janjao pleaded. At her plea, Night, wanting answers about what was going on between Graph and Janjao, slumped, stepping back obediently. Janjao whispered to Graph, “If Phîi Night sees you like this and likes you more, what then? You’re all cute like this. If he tries anything, I won’t allow it. You’re for Phîi Pakin only, especially after getting with him.”
Look at my friend— Janjao thought, flushed face, messy hair, rumpled pajamas, kiss marks all over his neck… What if another guy wants to try something?
Graph didn’t know whether to laugh at Janjao’s madness or shake his head at her never seeing him as a proper man. But it’s good, Graph thought. We get along because Janjao never saw me as a man meant for women.
“So… does it hurt? Like, sting, Graph?” Janjao whispered curiously, assured Graph was fine, just… penetrated. “How’d it feel? Painful, stinging, thrilling, or unbearable? Tell me!” Her eyes gleamed, making Graph feel embarrassed for her.
Hey, you’re a girl, I’m a guy! Graph thought. Why ask stuff I can’t answer?
“It was… good, I guess…” Graph mumbled.
Good enough to pass out on the bed… Don’t ask, Janjao, I can’t tell you, Graph thought.
“Squeal! Really?!” Janjao exclaimed. “Did he change after you got together?” Though the topic sounded embarrassing, they whispered so softly that Night, at the room’s far corner, only heard murmurs, watching their closeness with unease.
***
Just a bedmate, right, Âi Pakin? Pakin thought, watching for a while, outright annoyed.
Pakin told himself firmly, recalling what he’d told his cousin Win. But his thick brows knitted, watching the closeness between Graph, the damned troublemaker, and Janjao. I’m sure they haven’t gone too far—Graph’s chased me for years, Pakin thought. But… the other youth, Night…
Night, boldly claiming to be Graph’s romantic partner, was what made Pakin oddly irritated.
Irritated over a little young woman? Pakin thought.
Janjao, bold enough to meet his eyes, confront him, would be his type in a few years. Yet Pakin didn’t see her that way, especially as her pale hand touched Graph’s forehead with concern, then… leaned on his shoulder, collapsing into a hug.
I’ve never seen Graph this close with anyone like this young woman, Pakin admitted to himself.
Before Pakin realized, his long legs strode to the bedside, drawing Graph and Janjao’s attention.
Janjao looked shocked, while Graph… looked flushed.
A red face caused by… another young woman, Pakin thought, oddly irritated.
“Phîi Pakin, I’m talking with my friend,” Graph said, sounding like he was shooing Pakin, the room’s owner, making him… smile coldly.
“I’m checking your fever to make sure you took your meds as ordered,” Pakin said.
“I took them, really,” Graph replied loudly, seemingly embarrassed to be treated like a child in front of Janjao. That made Pakin do one thing.
Grab
Pakin pulled Graph tightly.
The action left everyone in the room gaping in shock… Pakin pulled the bedridden Graph up until their foreheads touched, his large hand sliding around Graph’s waist.
Graph’s eyes widened, unable to believe what was happening, while Pakin stared deeply into them, saying softly, “Still warm. Sure you took your meds?” His voice made Graph’s heart race.
“I… took them,” Graph replied shakily, making Pakin chuckle in his throat, eyes dropping to Graph’s lips meaningfully.
“Thought I’d have to feed you,” Pakin teased.
Graph, in Pakin’s arms, seemed dizzy, speechless, flushed red as a boiled shrimp, body and all. Most importantly… he went limp like a deflated float. The moment Pakin let go…
Thud
“Wait for me,” Pakin said.
Graph collapsed onto the bed, exhausted, looking up at Pakin with shocked eyes, probably not expecting this in front of others. “I’m heading out,” Pakin said like a victor. “Be a good youth.”
“Uh, mm,” Graph mumbled.
Whether from shock or not, Graph agreed, letting Pakin turn to leave, meeting Janjao and Night’s eyes as if declaring who Kritthee belonged to.
The actions of a man who just called him… a bedmate, Pakin thought.
“What the bloody fucking hell was that?!” Pakin cursed loudly, stepping out of the three youths’ sight, running a hand roughly through his hair as if venting. His long legs stopped before the stairs, fist pounding the wall beside him, his sharp face tense.
Yes, what the bloody fucking hell did I do, giving that youth hope? Pakin thought.
“Just feeling guilty for letting desire take over,” Pakin told himself.
Pakin told himself firmly, insisting his actions weren’t because he felt anything more for Graph than a youth he’d known since childhood. It’s just guilt for sleeping with him, making him so sick he couldn’t go to school, Pakin thought. That should be it. Since Graph isn’t clinging, it should end there.
But… the more Pakin thought, the more irritated he got.
Because it was his first time? Pakin wondered.
The triumphant feeling of possessing someone pure, untouched by anyone else, made Pakin act like he owned Graph without thinking it might complicate his life. I should restore our relationship to normal as soon as possible, Pakin thought.
Not just his life would get messy—Graph’s too.
Even ignoring the danger of Graph being too close to him, if Graph got used to sleeping with men, he couldn’t return to his old path. I don’t want the reputation of ruining this youth’s life, Pakin thought.
That youth must not end up like Win! Pakin resolved.
The thought made Pakin’s fists clench, and the fuming man strode downstairs, grabbing the keys to his Hennessey Venom GT, heading to his small showroom to take his baby for a hell-speed race, hoping to lift his mood. But…
A sleek BMW pulled up in front of the building, and Shin, the person who should’ve cheered Pakin up, stepped out.
Bang
“Hey, Phîi Pakin,” Shin greeted with a charming gesture.
“Shin…” Pakin said, pausing briefly, eyeing the half-blood man with greenish-blonde hair who’d caught his eye from their first meeting. After a moment, his straight lips curved into a sly smile, long legs striding toward Shin, saying softly:
“Changed your mind, huh?”
Changed your mind to come to me instead of that other guy, Pakin thought.
Shin shook his head, sighing in frustration. “Don’t get me in trouble, Phîi,” Shin said. “Just coming here’s got Phîi Oat freaking out.” Shin spoke wearily, thinking of his masc romantic partner, Oat, who was furious, practically yelling through the phone when he learned Shin asked for Pakin’s address, despite being one of Pakin’s racers himself.
Don’t go near Phîi Pakin, I’ve warned you how many times, Shin! Shin recalled Oat’s words.
Damn it, every face is the same, Shin thought. Think I’d let myself get taken that easily?
Shin shrugged, eyeing Pakin, who teased him playfully, but those wicked eyes… He’s bloody fucking serious, Shin thought.
If I gave in, Pakin wouldn’t hesitate to drag me to bed, Shin thought. But I’m not easy…
“I told you, I won’t cheat on my romantic partner,” Shin said, “and you said you don’t mess with taken people.”
Good thing Pakin isn’t the type to just take, Shin thought. At least he has some sense of right and wrong, knowing not to mess with someone taken or unwilling to play and waste time.
Pakin tilted his head slightly, eyes sharper, chuckling softly. “The more you say that, the more interesting you are,” Pakin said. “But whatever, I’m not in the mood.”
Pakin’s mood lifted a bit, but not enough, which Shin seemed to notice.
“Someone got the great Phîi Pakin upset, huh, Khrap?” Shin asked. “Hope it’s not my Nong.”
Jerk
“Your Nong…” Pakin said. “Don’t tell me…”
I’m not dim-witted, Pakin thought. With just that, he knew why Shin, the blonde man, showed up at his house. The Nong could only be…
“Yeah, Janjao, my friend’s Nong, who…” Shin said, meeting Pakin’s eyes steadily, his voice cold.
“…I hope you won’t mess with that youth,” Shin said.
That’s the look I want to conquer, Pakin thought, looking at Shin with satisfaction, wanting to tame this man into a kitten. It’d be delightful, Pakin thought. But as he thought that, Graph’s face flashed in his mind… The youth I told to be good and wait for me.
Graph’s face turned Pakin’s wicked smile into an annoyed one.
Phîi… Pakin thought of Graph.
Pakin raised both hands as if surrendering, though his sharp eyes… gleamed.
I’m not interested in that young woman, Pakin thought, but rather… displeased.
“For your sake,” Pakin said flatly, as if uninterested, easing Shin’s mind.
“Heard you’re babysitting a youth lately,” Shin said, changing the subject.
“Hmph, where’d you hear that?” Pakin asked, not flinching when asked about Graph, retorting to Shin, who answered readily.
“Phîi Sai-fah told me,” Shin said. “Said you’re busy with a youth, no time for races. I guessed who it might be… Nice BMW at the track.” Shin flashed a knowing smile. Pakin just pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and took a deep drag, holding it between his fingers, not answering.
“How many people know?” Pakin asked.
Jerk
How many know Graph’s here? Pakin thought.
When Pakin asked seriously, Shin matched his tone. “Not sure,” Shin said, “but there’s some gossip floating around that you’re smitten with a youth. Even an outsider like me heard it. Insiders are probably having a field day, saying you’re not racing because of the youth who showed up at the last event.” The more Pakin heard, the sharper his eyes grew, lips curving into a smile… not amused, but vicious.
The cigarette dropped to the ground, Pakin’s foot crushing it hard. A brief silence followed before Pakin said viciously, “Time to squash some rumors.”
Though Pakin’s tone was amused, his eyes and smile sent a danger signal to Shin.
But Shin wasn’t a coward, speaking bluntly, “But I think doing that will make them believe the rumors more.”
If it’s not true, why care? Shin thought. A man like Pakin, who finds everything amusing, wouldn’t bother with mere gossip about one youth.
The subtle warning made Pakin pause, then laugh. “Sure you won’t change your mind?” Pakin asked.
I want to claim the man before me, Pakin thought, admiring Shin’s sharpness, unlike Graph, that other youth.
“You that pent-up, huh?” Shin said wearily. “Go unwind.”
Pakin chuckled lowly, patting Shin’s shoulder lightly, saying simply, “Do as you like.”
“And you, going to track down the rumor source?” Shin asked back, but Pakin’s sharp eyes, meeting his, were so calm they startled Shin, even as Pakin replied half-jokingly, “Nah… going to unwind, like you said.”
With that, Pakin turned to his original destination. Shin’s right, Pakin thought. I might be too pent-up, too close to that youth. Time to return to my world, one Graph shouldn’t step into… a world without attachments, where sex is just stress relief.
A world completely different from that youth’s, Pakin concluded.
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