Content Warning: This work is intended for mature (NC17) audiences. If you are younger, please kindly leave this site.
~~~
“We have arrived at the residence.”
Within one of Pakin’s cherished cars, the young man who owned the vehicle addressed the person beside him as he slowed to park alongside the entrance to the residence. However, only silence greeted him, prompting him to turn and observe that... a needy junior had fallen asleep, his neck limp.
Heave
The tall figure sighed heavily, observing the young man in his school uniform, who appeared both disheveled from pursuing the car and pitiable with bandages covering half his body. Moreover, the high-top, short-cropped haircut rested against the car seat, appearing utterly uncomfortable. Yet the steady, rhythmic breathing informed the observer that... he was deeply asleep.
How silent he has been, a relief to the ears throughout the journey, Pakin thought.
Clasp
“Awaken.” Then, a large hand grasped the shoulder, squeezing gently while calling out. Yet the slender figure remained motionless, not stirring in the slightest, offering no sound to encourage further attempts to rouse him, until Pakin sighed heavily.
The tall figure unfastened the seatbelt, leaned forward to examine Graph’s face, and rolled his eyes.
Did he weep the entire journey unbeknownst to me? Pakin thought.
Light from outside illuminated the interior of the car, revealing a pale face marked by dried tear tracks upon the cheeks, presenting an unsightly appearance. This suggested that Graph’s silence throughout the journey stemmed from suppressing his sobs to conceal them from Pakin.
“A youth remains a youth, day and night,” Pakin remarked, shaking his head in frustration, for he knew well that despite this youth’s boastful demeanor, he was still young. Graph possessed such an abundance of childish traits that he irritated Pakin.
Naturally, Pakin harbored no fondness for youths. The more obstinate, mischievous, or exasperating the youth, the greater his aversion. Krittithee embodied all these traits, causing Pakin a headache whenever he was near. Even now, Krittithee continued to create adversity for him.
Graph refused to awake up..
“Graph,” Pakin called again with a strong voice, yet the slumbering figure remained deeply asleep, until Pakin... smirked.
The large hand lifted to grasp the boastful youth’s temples, intending to tap the back of his head against the car seat to vent the frustration of squandering several hours. However...
Thud
“Feverish.” The body’s warmth that met his hand exceeded normal, causing Pakin to frown sharply. He leaned closer to examine Graph’s face clearly and observed that, despite being deeply asleep, Graph’s brow remained furrowed, as though ensnared in a nightmare, likely far from comfortable. Pakin placed his hand firmly upon the forehead and discovered that...
“Damned shit-lizard.”
He had a fever.
Pakin rubbed his own head vigorously. He had forgotten that this junior’s constitution was not as robust as he portrayed. Though recently Graph had grown stronger than in childhood, and with his increased height came a greater capacity to vex Pakin, he had forgotten the truth that Graph’s body was frailer than most.
In the past, the slightest ailment could render Graphic unwell. Just now, Pakin had compelled him to run for kilometers and left him weeping by the roadside for an extended period. Combined, it was unsurprising that he was feverish thus. Pakin could only sigh with irritation.
Slam
However, Pakin was not one to evade responsibility. The tall figure swiftly alighted from the car, closing the door with force—yet the obstinate youth still did not awaken—to walk around and open the opposite door, turning to the housekeeper who stood observing, awaiting instructions.
“Is Khun Phô present?”
“No, Khrap. He is not returning today.”
“And Khun Mâe?”
“She is absent as well, Khrap.” The housekeeper’s response prompted Pakin to nod with relief. At the very least, he was disinclined to feign remorse before those two. Their absence was fortuitous, for besides their ignorance of the matter, by their return, this youth would likely have recovered and ceased to be Pakin’s burden.
“Go ahead to open Graph’s bedroom door. I shall carry him upstairs.”
“What ails Nong Graph, Khrap?” The housekeeper exclaimed, bewildered and alarmed. Pakin did not deign to respond, instead bending to lift the limp form into his arms. No trace remained of the one who once declared... This youth is too large to be carried upon the back... for even bearing him in bridal fashion posed no strain to Pakin’s strength.
“Lead the way.” Then Pakin addressed the household staff with a stern, commanding strong voice, so authoritative that the other could only turn and hasten to guide the guest, bearing the master of the residence in his arms, directly to a room on the second floor in the deepest recesses.
Soon, the housekeeper opened a bedroom door. Pakin strode purposefully toward a large bed adorned with dark blue linens.
Naturally, Pakin nearly threw the youth upon the bed. Though Graph was not overly heavy, the distance carried was considerable. Ascending to the second floor rendered Pakin’s arms weary and trembling. He breathed heavily as the housekeeper hurriedly stammered inquiries.
“What troubles Nong Graph, Khrap? Shall I summon a physician?”
Whirl
“How long have you served here?” Pakin inquired, casting a glance as he seated himself beside the bed, rotating his weary shoulders from the burden. The other responded softly.
“Approximately a year and a half, Khrap...”
“Then are you unaware that this youth falls ill monthly?”
“Well...”
“Heh. You are ignorant that such symptoms are commonplace. Merely a fever. Permit him to sleep fully, and he shall be back to his noisy self tomorrow,” Pakin stated evenly, though his tone carried reproof, staring until the young woman could not suppress her trepidation, yet endeavored to address the query.
“But... Nong Graph never disclosed...”
Glare. Pakin shook his head. “And have you not learned to observe? His tongue argues ceaselessly, yet at times his countenance flushes with fever. Are you capable of observation?” The admonition caused the housekeeper to bow her head lower, as though wholly unaware of this matter. Pakin continued to stare.
“You may leave as you wish. I shall rest briefly and then take my leave.”
“But...”
“If there is an issue, inquire of your employer who I am,” Pakin declared with a tone replete with authority, gazing at the countenance of one who seemed distrustful of leaving him alone in this room with the youth, unaware that Pakin himself had frequently entered and exited this room in times past, likely before he pursued studies in America.
“Leave now!”
“Yes, Khrap! Yes!”
When Pakin growled, the housekeeper hurriedly retreated from the room in trepidation, even closing the bedroom door, prompting Pakin to shake his head.
Distrustful, yet she closed the door. It is commendable progress. Graph’s father chose questionable caretakers for his son.
Pakin scoffed, sighed heavily, then rose. His keen eyes surveyed the room, noting alterations.
Graph’s room had changed little from former times. Once replete with countless toys, it now housed every modern convenience: computers, laptops, myriad gaming devices, a television, CD players... all that his Phô procured with wealth. Yet... it appeared tedious.
This room mirrored its occupant. Superficially splendid, fully equipped, possessing all. Yet what of it? Fair at first glance, tiresome upon the next. It lacked allure, failed to captivate, and upon inspection, stood not above others.
“Too alike,” Pakin mused, leaning slightly to scrutinize Graph’s countenance.
A tall, slender young man lay outstretched upon a soft bed. The form visible beneath the school uniform was comely. Fair skin invited touch. Most notably, a visage adorned with thick eyebrows, striking eyes, a prominent nose, and vivid lips—complete enough to declare Graph a handsome young man. Yet... it never held Pakin’s gaze.
“Perhaps the mouth?”
Pakin shifted his gaze to the shapely lips. Whenever they parted... more than half their charm vanished.
Silent and still, he is fair to behold. Yet when he speaks... Pakin thought.
This reflection prompted Pakin to shake his head. He cast one final glance at a needy junior’s countenance before turning to the drawer beside the bed.
Creak
“Heh.” Upon opening the drawer, Pakin’s lips curved into a smile, for he had anticipated finding what he sought. And indeed, there it was... fever-reducing gel.
Graph abhorred consuming medicine. This was his substitute.
Pakin extracted the fever-reducing gel from its wrapper, unwrapped it, and seated himself beside the bed.
A large hand brushed the soft hair from the forehead, and Pakin could not resist...
Tap
“Oof!” Pakin affixed the fever-reducing gel patch by tapping it onto the forehead, as though venting irritation at tending to a needy junior. The slumbering form emitted a groan of protest, shaking his head slightly as if to evade, but Pakin firmly held the temple with his other hand to keep the forehead exposed. The ailing youth could only writhe slightly, frowning in discomfort.
This demeanor finally elicited a smile from Pakin.
“Indeed, I am likely deranged,” Pakin remarked in a deep voice, for observing this youth’s suffering from illness somehow elevated his spirits.
“Iritating me until my head aches. It is well if you remain ill for long,” Pakin declared, rising with intent to depart, having stayed with Graph longer than anticipated. Yet before he turned to exit the room...
“Phîi... Hic...”
Thud
A faint sob arrested Pakin’s steps. He bent to examine the ailing youth’s body, which stirred slightly as though tormented by a nightmare. The softly uttered words caused Pakin to frown sharply.
Am I truly remorseful? Pakin thought.
Absurd. That a man like me should feel remorse? Pakin thought.
Pakin nearly dismissed the notion from his mind. Yet he knew the sole ‘Phîi’ Graph murmured in his sleep was none other than himself. He sighed and seated himself beside the bed once more, observing the youth who, even in slumber, bore an expression as if on the verge of tears, with a discerning gaze.
He has been overly harsh with him, Pakin thought. He acknowledged this, yet refused to relent. Partly due to irritation, aversion to adversity, and disdain for possessive behavior. Yet at times, Pakin pondered whether other sentiments stirred within him.
Perhaps... concern... for we have known each other over a decade, Pakin thought.
A youth like Graph shouldn't linger near him. Formerly, Pakin was merely a spirited high school student with a few wayward companions. Now, that Pakin pursued not merely amusement but perilous ventures, following his Phô’s path in business. He possessed power, wealth, everything—yet at the cost of... adversaries.
This youth was unprepared for the risks of proximity to him.
The primary reason Pakin disdained Graph’s troublesome antics, he maintained, was reluctance to court conflict with Graph’s Phô should harm befall him. Yet a decade of acquaintance stirred a latent concern within Pakin.
Obstinate, selfish, impetuous, unyielding to any. Proximity to me brings nothing but conflict and annoyance, Pakin thought.
Clasp
The reflection of a stern man as he placed his hand upon the forehead once more, stroking gently.
“Recover swiftly,” Pakin said, his voice distinct from all prior instances, imbued with... tenderness.
A trace of tenderness from this severe man, bestowed upon a needy junior, before Pakin rose and departed the room silently without a backward glance. He desired not to be harsher to an ailing youth than necessary.
Unknown to Pakin, that trace of tenderness quelled Graph’s nightmare. The dream that... he would never overtake Phîi Pakin transformed into one where his hands successfully grasped the hem of Pakin’s shirt.
Though he didn't touch his body... nearing his heart, even slightly, was enough…
***
“Mmm...”
Krittithee was unaware when he had fallen asleep, yet he stirred drowsily when the telephone in his school satchel resounded throughout the bedroom. The vibrations roused his heavy, sluggish eyes from slumber. He reached haphazardly to retrieve it.
“Greetings,” Graph uttered groggily, prompting the caller to speak with deference.
[Is Graph asleep? Good Lord, I apologize. I noted you had not called, and was concerned for your state.]
The familiar, clear voice compelled Graph to force his eyes open.
“Janjao.”
[It is I. If Graph is still resting, we can text later.]
“No... I am awake... my head really hurts,” Graph replied as his friend prepared to end the call. Feeling feverish and achy, aware of his ailment, he halted her, striving to recall how he returned to his room, for his final recollection was gazing out the window in Phîi Pakin’s car.
“Phîi Pakin!” The thought caused Graph to sit upright abruptly. He scanned the room, finding only a dark, frigid bedroom, causing his shoulders to slump. Yet this exclamation prompted the caller to stammer inquiries with concern.
[What's wrong Graph? Did he harm you? Where are you? Have you returned to your house?]
Janjao posed a barrage of questions, for having seen of the man Graph admired, she harbored some fear of the imposing, stern-voiced figure who wielded authority over others. She also fretted that her friend had suffered some ill.
The inquiries prompted Graph to shake his head slowly.
“Nothing. He didn't do anything,” Graph replied. Yet why did his voice tremble?
I am so hurt I could weep again, Graph thought.
The thought compelled him to raise his hands to rub his eyes, until they encountered an object upon his forehead.
“What is this?”
[What? What is it, Graph?]
His forehead again. The caller inquired with concern, but Graph was removing the fever-reducing gel patch from his forehead. His mind, dulled by fever, began to function, recalling a dream vaguely remembered, and he could not resist raising his hand to stroke it.
None knew where he stored his fever-reducing gel patches, for Graph detested the complications of illness. Only one knew he hated consuming fever-reducing pills and that his former caretaker stored these patches in a specific place, a habit Graph continued by purchasing and keeping them there.
That person... Phîi Pakin.
The realization prompted Graph to survey his surroundings anew. He knew he could not have sleepwalked from Phîi Pakin’s car to his room. In this house, none could bear him upstairs, for only female housekeepers and a few frail workers resided here. The sole person who delivered him to the residence and carried him to his room... was Phîi Pakin.
[Graph, are you well? Why are you silent? Have you fallen asleep again?]
Graph’s prolonged silence prompted Janjao to inquire with concern. Clutching the fever-reducing gel patch tightly, Graph could only utter...
“Janjao... I truly cherish...”
[What? Cherish what?]
“I cherish... I truly cherish Phîi Pakin. I cherish him deeply,” Graph said, pressing the patch to his forehead, his other hand embracing his knees, curling into a ball, speaking in a trembling voice.
“I cherish Phîi Pakin. No matter what, I cherish Phîi Pakin... He is the only one who cares for me. He is the only one who remains with me.”
Krittithee could only reiterate to his friend, for though Phîi Pakin’s actions wounded him physically and emotionally, all faded with the small kindness received.
No matter what, I, Graph, cherish Phîi Pakin most, Graph thought.
“Graph, you are truly adorable.”
“I don't want to be adorable in the least.”
“You are truly adorable, hee hee. A touch of kindness from him, and you dissolve into a puddle. Eeeek!”
“Is that laughter, Janjao?”
***
The next morning, though feverish the previous night, Graph, unwilling to have his Phô informed, forced himself to go to school as usual to recount the events to his close friend. Initially, Janjao exclaimed with ‘oh my’ and ‘wow’, but upon concluding, her peculiar smile and gesture of covering her mouth while laughing compelled Graph to avert his face.
In this school, only Janjao deems me adorable, Graph thought.
“Indeed, I possess many laughs. Kik kik, khu khu, ki ki, ho ho ho, I have them all,” Janjao said.
“Is the last a villain’s laugh?” Graph retorted sternly to mask his embarrassment, prompting his friend to grin broadly and nudge his shoulder.
“If I am the villain and Graph achieves his desire, write the script. I am prepared for any role.”
The relentless jesting caused Krittithee to prop his chin and turn away. The inquisitive Janjao’s eyes still sparkled.
“What followed? Was there a kiss?”
Gasp
“You are mad!” Graph started, exclaiming loudly as his friend whispered in his ear, poised to protest. The sound drew the attention of nearby friends, who joined with teasing remarks.
“That pair, have some regard for your friends! Are you two together morning, noon, and night?” Yet rather than slowing Janjao, the young woman turned with a wide grin.
“Admit your envy. I heard you were spurned by the Phîi from M.6.”
“Oho, say that, and we shall fight!” Provoked, the listener feigned rolling up his sleeves. Yet before Janjao could retort, Graph interjected.
“Most valiant, challenging a young woman to combat. Hit Janjao over my dead body.”
After the words of the class’s comely young man, all fell silent, gazing at the pair (presumed lovers). Then, cheers and laughter erupted.
“Good Lord, did you hear? ‘Hit my romantic partner over my dead body!’”
“Eeeek! However passionate you are, consider your friends!”
“Janjao, did you not claim to champion men uniting? How can you abandon us?”
Amid varied cheers, Janjao laughed in acceptance. Graph merely shrugged, for they had agreed to shield each other from suitors.
Graph was far from uncomely. Eschewing Army Reserve Force Training, his high-top haircut distinguished him among male students. Though he mingled with the rear-class groups, many young women sought to be his romantic partner. Janjao, despite her fervent devotion to explicit yaoi novels—known to all in class—drew numerous suitors vying to be her romantic partner.
Thus, neither desiring a romantic partner (one sought a Phûa, the other championed men’s unions), they agreed to pose as each other’s shield.
“Yet Graph is an exception... is he not?” Janjao said, winking cheerfully at her friend, prompting Graph to laugh.
“Indeed, I am an exception.” The reply incited fervent teasing until the teacher entered, silencing the jests. Yet before focusing on studies, Janjao shuffled closer to whisper.
“If he comes to retrieve you today, do not forget to thank him... Perhaps a kiss would suffice, kik kik.”
Concluding with a teasing laugh, Graph turned away, feigning indifference, though... he pondered her words.
I cannot. If I do as she suggests, I may end up a corpse beneath Phîi Pakin’s foot, Graph thought.
The thought diminished his resolve. He sighed heavily. Yet he eagerly awaited school’s end to meet Phîi Pakin.
“Khun Pakin is occupied today. Thus, I shall escort Khun Graph to the physician,” Chai said.
After school, Krittithee stood motionless before a visibly stunning large man in a suit. The person awaiting at the school entrance was not the one he longed to see, but... Phîi Chai.
Pakin’s confidant smiled and spoke kindly.
“Are Khun Graph’s wounds still painful, Khrap? I heard you fell so grievously you lost consciousness.” Yet Graph desired no kindness from this man.
“Well, Graph,” Janjao said softly, noting the slender figure’s stillness, glancing at the large, bearded man who appeared formidable, evoking thoughts of a quintessential mafia subordinate.
Yet, if asked whether yesterday’s or today’s man was more daunting, Janjao would unhesitatingly declare... yesterday’s!
But now was not the moment to compare fears, for she was concerned for her friend’s ardent hopes.
Today, Graph smiled ceaselessly, in such high spirits that even a teacher’s rebuke for quiz scores elicited only a smile. Thus, this encounter left Janjao uncertain of his ire’s extent.
Clasp
“Graph!” Before she could console him, the motionless figure seized her wrist and pulled forcefully, causing Janjao to cry out in surprise. Graph turned to address the escort with a strong voice.
“Phîi, inform Phîi Pakin that if he does not retrieve me, I shall not return!”
Then, the obstinate youth dragged his friend from the school entrance, heedless of Chai’s attempts to dissuade him.
“Graph, I suggest calmness. Phîi may truly be occupied with work. Wouldn't it be wiser to return with that Phîi?” Janjao endeavored to soothe, but Graph shook his head.
He merely failed to retrieve me, Graph thought.
“Hmph. Occupied with work? Entwined with another, more likely, forgetting his promise. Just wait. I shall not return unless he comes to get me himself!” Graph declared firmly, his other hand clenching until his knuckles whitened, knowing ‘work’ was a mere pretext.
Why? When I resolve to be a dutiful youth, Phîi pushes me to this state! Graph thought.
His expression betrayed his thoughts, causing Janjao to pause, then tug his wrist.
“Then, will Graph attempt my method?”
“Method?” Graph asked sharply, prompting the slender figure to nod vigorously.
“Indeed. A method to ensure Phîi retrieves Graph,” Janjao said.
Thud
This time, the incensed youth halted abruptly, turning to meet his friend’s gaze, encountering a smile... brimming with guile.
Chapter 6: When the Fujoshi Takes the Stage
“I will not comply! I absolutely will not comply!” Graph declared adamantly.
“Oh, Graph, I said I would try,” Janjao replied earnestly.
“I will not do it. It is impossible. I would rather perish than say those words,” Graph insisted firmly.
“It is not a matter of life or death,” Janjao countered calmly.
“I shall perish! I am certain of it!” Graph exclaimed passionately.
Within a confectionery shop near the school, a young man and a young woman engaged in a heated dispute, as though their lives depended upon it. One adamantly refused, his language growing increasingly coarse, while the other pleaded, gently shaking his arm. To an observer, it appeared as though a delinquent youth was distressing his romantic partner.
“Please, Graph, I promise,” Janjao urged softly.
“No,” Graph began to respond.
“Hey, Nong! Your romantic partner pleads so earnestly; how heartless can you be?” interrupted the shop’s owner, who approached with two milkshakes, reproving Graph, prompting him to turn sharply and glare.
Ouch! Graph exclaimed, rubbing his leg.
“Indeed, Phîi, I intended only goodwill. Don't doubt my sincerity,” Janjao said politely. Yet before the young man could retort against the intrusion, Janjao delivered a forceful kick beneath the table. She then turned, blinking with feigned sorrow at the shop’s owner, her voice laden with sadness, her face mournful. This caused the kicked youth to abandon his retort, lacking time to address the meddlesome older person.
“There, Nong, you have an attractive romantic partner; you should cherish her. What am I pleading for?” The owner persisted, wanting to act as a kind Phîi before the high school young woman, and inquired further. This caused Janjao to smile and open her mouth.
“I asked him to…”
“Very well! Very well! I will do it! I consent! Are you satisfied?” Graph exclaimed loudly, eyes wide, nodding vigorously, before he realized he had been outwitted.
This made Janjao grin triumphantly, immediately ignoring the shop’s older person and turning to her notebook, filled with pink ink.
I had just written it moments ago, Janjao thought.
“Very well. First, I must say this line, followed by this one…”
“No! No! Not this line! I would rather perish, bloody fucking hell! This is overly sentimental, Janjao… ‘I know Phîi is busy, Phîi has work to do, but I can wait until Phîi completes his tasks. No matter when, I will wait. I only ask that Phîi comes to retrieve me.’ No! Merely reading it causes goosebumps across my entire body. To say it to his face… I will not do it!” Graph gritted his teeth, glaring at the freshly written script and striking the page.
Indeed, Janjao was enjoying crafting lines for me to recite.
The method she claimed would ensure Phîi Pakin came to retrieve Graph… Call and plead.
Graph thought, I will not do it. Does she wish to see me reprimanded? Âi Phîi Pakin will never come due to these theatrical lines.
His resolute refusal caused the young woman to pout slightly, gazing at the newly written script.
“It usually succeeds, however,” Janjao said.
“What?” When she let that slip, Graph, who had refused, turned to face her. Janjao, who nearly revealed that it succeeded in nearly every manga, closed her mouth abruptly and sought evidence to support her idea.
“Such lines truly succeed! If you do not believe me, I shall call my Phîi now!” When she proposed this, Graph fell silent momentarily. She promptly attempted to persuade him, proceeding to call her elder brother.
Her second elder brother, whose romantic partner was male.
“What is it, Sailor Moon?” Sun asked over the phone.
Janjao activated the speakerphone for Graph to hear, until they heard Sun’s voice.
“Phîi Sun, I wish to ask something,” Janjao said.
“What is it?” Sun replied.
The question prompted Janjao to glance at the paper again.
“If Phîi Ryu spoke to you sweetly… ‘Please come retrieve me. No matter how late, I will wait. I absolutely refuse to go with anyone else. I will wait until Phîi arrives’… Would you come?”
“I would go! Moreover, if Phîi Ryu added ‘Na Sun,’ even if I were in Bangkok, I would fly to Chiang Mai to meet him!” Sun replied, laughing, clearly delighted by the notion, prompting Janjao to face Graph, as if to say, “See? I told you.”
“But why? What is happening? Wait—did someone say that to you, Âi Janjao?” Sun asked.
“Oh, I must end the call now. The signal is poor. Static noises… Click,” Janjao said, hanging up.
As her brother grew protective, Janjao terminated the call, dismissing the notion that poor signals exist nowadays. She then turned to smile sweetly at Graph, pointing at the paper.
“Very well! Call him now and read it!” Her words caused Graph to grit his teeth, desperately wishing to refuse.
“Please, can we avoid this dramatic performance?” Graph pleaded.
“Very well, I can revise it,” Janjao agreed. Once Graph consented, the young woman (who relished tales of men pleading with each other) swiftly amended the script. Graph wished the process would take longer, feeling as though he were approaching an execution.
Soon, the stubborn youth (who could not resist this young woman) steeled himself and called the Âi-heartless person. He inhaled deeply, staring at the daunting script, barely able to accept it.
I shall surely be reprimanded, Graph thought.
Ring ring. Click.
“I am occupied,” Pakin said coldly.
After a brief ringtone, a cold voice resounded, causing Graph to grit his teeth.
“You are lying!” Graph exclaimed.
“Graph!” Janjao glared, jabbing her pen forcefully onto the paper.
“Remain calm. Speak courteously,” Janjao whispered, as Graph noted the clearly annoyed tone.
“I sent Chai to fetch you, did I not? If you do not wish to return, then do not. I informed you I have work. I lack time to play shop with you daily,” Pakin said coldly.
The voice was so cold it was palpable. Graph felt a surge of defiance, scanning the script’s letters.
“I am sorry…” Graph began.
“What did you say?” Pakin responded, surprised.
“I am sorry, Khrap. I regret troubling Phîi. I know I am selfish. I am stubborn. Yet I truly desire Phîi to retrieve me… Is it not possible, Khrap?” Graph said.
This time, the other end fell silent. Graph continued without pause, as Janjao underlined for him to proceed.
***
“I sincerely regret yesterday’s actions. I know Phîi dislikes it. I still caused Phîi trouble. Yet I did not intend for events to unfold like that. I only wished for Phîi to retrieve me, to accompany me to the hospital. Phîi knows I detest doctors and nurses. I dislike the smell. Merely thinking of it makes me reluctant to go. Thus, I wished for Phîi to accompany me, just until the treatment is complete and we can return…” Graph lowered his head, speaking reluctantly, his voice soft.
“Na Khrap, Phîi Pakin. I… I beg you,” Graph said.
I shall kill Janjao and dispose of her in a latrine someday! Graph thought.
The listener remained silent, observing the problematic youth with bowed head, disbelieving his eyes. Pakin also distrusted that this was not a scheme to provoke him later. Yet Graph’s overly courteous speech caused Pakin to question its normalcy.
Grab.
Thus, Pakin’s large hand pressed against Graph’s forehead, causing him to startle.
“Bloody fucking hell, you troublesome youth, why have you not taken medicine for your fever?” Pakin said wearily. Graph’s forehead was warmer than normal, suggesting last night’s condition persisted, prompting Pakin to sigh heavily, speaking with considerable irritation.
“I have an appointment with a client at seven precisely. Thus, behave yourself. Do not cause me distress or waste my time as you did yesterday,” Pakin said in a strong voice, seizing Graph’s shoulder and pulling firmly, startling the unaware ill youth.
“Does Phîi mean…” Graph began.
Snap.
“Do not be foolish. We are going to the hospital, naturally. I am too lazy to deal with your dead body,” Pakin said flatly, preparing to exit the shop swiftly.
Gulp. That is terrifying, Janjao thought.
Pakin’s sharp, glinting eyes glanced at Janjao, who lowered her notebook, pretending to wipe a nearby table. The gaze caused her hair to stand on end, goosebumps covering her body. Her back felt cold, damp with fear’s sweat. Yet soon, Pakin merely…
“Heh,” he uttered, a chilling sound, then dragged Graph from the shop, allowing Janjao to exhale in relief.
“Khun Graph has a commendable friend, Khrap,” Panchai remarked, remaining and chuckling softly, prompting Janjao to turn sharply, nearly striking her forehead.
I wrote the script to conceal it from Graph’s Phîi, yet I overlooked that his associate stood beside Graph! Janjao thought.
“Khrap… I mean, it is not so… I did not do anything, truly,” Janjao stammered, her voice softening, glancing at the large man whose daunting face bore a slight smile.
“I do not blame you, Khrap. Regardless, thank you for reducing my tasks by one… a challenging one,” Panchai said, smiling again, then paid for both milkshakes, ordered a coffee, raised the cup as if to say, “I depart now, Khrap,” and left the shop, leaving Janjao nearly enchanted.
“Graph! This Phîi, though not as handsome, is remarkably kind! Why not choose him?” Janjao exclaimed inwardly, stomping her feet and spinning in frustration.
If Graph chose this Phîi, his life would be far simpler! Janjao thought.
Yet none knew that a car in the student pickup area lowered its window, staring at the splendid Maserati, murmuring softly.
“Who is that youth? Why did Âi Pakin pick him up personally? I must report this to Khun,” the observer said.
Thus, what Pakin wished to avoid was approaching.
***
“They are quite perceptive,” Pakin remarked.
“Perceptive about what?” Graph asked.
Within the splendid car, Graph turned to Pakin in confusion when he commented casually. Pakin was thinking of the young woman with this youth.
“That young woman… She will likely become beautiful when grown,” Pakin said.
Thud.
“Phîi, do not meddle with Janjao!” Graph froze momentarily, then, realizing Pakin meant his close friend, spoke sternly, glaring sharply. Pakin merely shrugged.
“I am not interested in youths,” Pakin replied.
“Yet Phîi said if she grows…” Graph countered.
“I referred to you. It is well. If you're involved with someone, you will not trouble me further,” Pakin said. Graph clenched his fists, as Pakin misunderstood that he was involved with Janjao. Yet Pakin showed no possessiveness, instead pushing Graph toward his friend.
“Even if I were with Janjao, I would not stop interfering in Phîi’s affairs,” Graph declared firmly, causing Pakin to frown and roll his eyes in annoyance.
“You have reached the age for frivolous involvements, have you?” Pakin asked.
“I am not being frivolous!” Graph retorted swiftly, glaring intensely. Pakin responded simply.
“If you intend a serious involvement, focus on that young woman. Women do not favor childish youths like you,” Pakin said.
“And Phîi is entirely mature, then?” Graph countered.
“Heh. At your age, I had experienced far more than you,” Pakin said simply, glancing at Graph, causing him to frown further.
“Desire experience? I shall send a kind elder sister to you,” Pakin offered.
Thud.
“I do not…” Graph began.
“Or will you claim that a youth like you has shared a bed with anyone?” Pakin challenged.
Graph fell silent, turning to the window, struck by this sensitive topic.
Indeed, at eighteen, Graph had never shared a bed with anyone, having given his heart to someone at seven… the person now urging him toward another.
“Will you not argue?” Pakin pressed.
Graph remained silent, his pale cheeks reddening slightly. Pakin, glancing at him at a red light, smiled pityingly, knowing Graph lacked the experience he portrayed as a bold youth.
Graph attempted to emulate Pakin at the same age but could not compare.
Pakin discerned Graph’s inexperience with a glance. He detested this, as sharing a bed required someone skilled to make it the most intense, exceptional experience. Yet Graph’s silent, flushed demeanor caused Pakin to consider something novel.
When the stubborn youth appeared innocent and inexperienced, he was more appealing than Pakin had anticipated.
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