[T/N] I apologize for grammar mistakes and incoherencies
Chapter 4: Questioning
“He hit me first.” He blatantly lied.
“You liar!” Ton, standing at the end, was furious, raising his fist, but Au stopped him.
I was getting confused. What did he want from me? Just tell me, I can give you everything, body and soul.
“Those two are not involved. Let them go back to class.” This is personal between me and him, Mangkorn said as he turned to me.
“It's not true, teacher. I'm the one who beat him up.” Ton confessed, “I'm the one who choked him. Mork didn't do anything to him.” Au added.
“So, what's the truth, Mork?” The teacher looked at me.
I stood still for a long time until the teacher started to make the situation serious.
“The punishment for fighting is suspension!” The atmosphere in the room tensed up immediately. I shook my hand, gripping my school pants, digging my nails into my palm. The teacher walked over and stood in front of me.
“Admit it, the punishment will be lighter.”
I looked down silently, then decided to speak in a calm voice, “My two friends are not involved.”
Ton and Au looked at me in confusion. I said it because I didn't want them to get into trouble. It's better for just me to be the wrong person than all three of us.
“Good, then you two go back to class.”
“Oh, teacher.” The two protested before having to leave the room.
I locked eyes with Au, who was supporting Ton as they left. I felt like they were abandoning me, but they were good at saving themselves. Plus, his father is a politician. If he gets into any trouble, his dad would surely kill him. I'm okay, I'll fight for my friends.
I looked around the room. Now it was just me, the teacher, and him.
“Who hit whom first?” The teacher asked him again.
“He kicked me.”
“Why did he kick you?”
“How would I know?”
“Enough with the aggression, Mork!”
“What's with the aggression? I told you I didn't do anything.”
The teacher sighed in frustration. He didn't respond.
“Tell me, did you kick him first, Mork?” I was silent, not answering. I didn't understand. My hand clenched into a fist.
The more I looked at him, the more I disliked him. Just because I cut his hair a bit messy, what's he going to do about it? He's got some guts, kicking me again. Kicking me where, not just anywhere, he kicked my balls. That's the worst. Why didn't I do anything back? The more I thought about it, the more I resented myself.
“Still clenching your fist? Go clean the school restrooms alone for three weeks then.”
“What?!?” I was shocked.
Clean the restrooms for three weeks? Are you crazy?
“Or should I call your parents?” The teacher smiled and chuckled at me, “But cleaning the restrooms for three weeks is better. I've never seen your father come when I call, even though he lives so close.”
Do I have to call my dad for something this trivial? My dad is a barber. If he takes a day off, what will we eat? Kids do things and make mistakes, it's not about the parents. I'm grown up now, I should handle things myself. Not always running to dad. Even if I tell him, he wouldn't care anyway.
I could only think that. As a kid, all I could do was look down sadly, clench my fist tightly, and say painfully, “Thank you, sir.”
The teacher looked at me and shook his head as if he wanted to complain.
“Useless.” Was what the teacher said before walking over to pick something up from the desk.
Now it was just the two of us standing there.
I stood still, sadly looking at him, who looked back at me with guilt. He was startled when he caught me looking, and I took a deep breath. Suddenly, he called my name.
“Mork.”
I was startled that he remembered my name, from when I introduced myself yesterday, telling him to come to my shop for a free haircut until he was satisfied, talking to him one-sidedly. I asked him things, but he never answered. Humph. Don't call my name, I don't want to know you anymore.
“What?” But still, I accidentally blurted out, curious about what he wanted with me now. Come on, I'm ready for a real fight. I furrowed my brows in irritation.
He called out and then went silent, messing with me again. I looked at him, unsatisfied. Mangkorn seemed to try to say something, his lips trembling.
“Uh…now we are even.”
What? We are even? His voice.
My heart dropped to the floor.
Why did he have to say something like that? A short sentence, but it made my heart tremble.
I'm at a loss for words, how can this be we get even? It's not fair. It's clear that what he did to me was far worse than what I did to him. There's no way this ends here. There's no way I'll let this matter end so easily.
No way.
My punishment is to clean the bathroom in the evening for three weeks, but today I have to go to student military class in the afternoon, and I'll be back almost at night. The teacher exempted me for one day, Thursday when I don't have to clean the bathroom.
I didn't tell anyone about my punishment because I'm tired of talking about it. Just thinking about it irritates me every time.
After the student military class, it was almost 9 PM on Thursday. I didn't have to pick up Morn at 3 AM like usual because he didn't sign up for any classes, but today I still have to deliver something to Jae Thonee, a sixth year trans student at the special tutoring building. Thonee is one of my regular customers. This time, she ordered ten Japanese gay porn DVDs, scheduled for pickup at 9:30 PM.
I arrived early, found a seat, and started eyeing girls from other schools. One was fair-skinned, another had a cute smile. Ah, I made a sexy breathing sound, sat down, sprawled on the sofa, feeling relaxed.
I've never had a girlfriend despite being called handsome all the time. Maybe because I'm always working, or I'm not brave enough to approach someone seriously, or maybe because I'm addicted to porn, preferring my hand over real people.
I scanned around, and there was this really cute person. When they laughed, it made me smile shyly. The more I looked, the more embarrassed I felt, almost twisting into a spiral. I pinched my nose, trying to look away, but what can you do? They were just so cute. I exhaled like a fly had entered my nose. I turned back, but hey!
It's him again!
“Here we meet again.” I muttered under my breath with a sly smile, “And you are with a beautiful girlfriend.”
I was surprised. How could this be? He was now chatting intimately with the girl I liked. Even a studious guy like him has a girlfriend? A delinquent like me hasn't had one yet, how frustrating. Look at her, touching his face where Ton punched him, asking if it hurts. I was fuming. I'm so annoyed, I started plotting something evil.
Heh heh, he's done for.
I pulled out Jae Thonee's gay porn DVDs from the black bag I used to hide them, not wanting others to see. I laughed to myself looking at each cover.
I picked out the most explicit cover, with a handsome guy who had a clearly visible large penis on top. I stood up, holding it so everyone could see I had gay porn DVDs.
I straightened up, pulled up my pants to fit my butt, unbuttoned my school shirt to show a deep, gay-looking chest, and called for attention from the boys.
Everyone in the lobby tried to keep a straight face, not to burst out laughing, as I approached his table.
“Ahem, Mangkorn, here are the ten 'gay' porn DVDs you ordered last night. Payment has been received!”
I said it loudly. Everyone in the lobby turned to look at me, then at the marching band drum major, the guy sitting with the most beautiful girl at the table. I couldn't help but laugh as Mangkorn looked utterly confused, exchanged a glance with the girl, and then went silent.
Yes, I did it. Level up, ding ding!!
I acted shocked and remorseful about exposing his secret of being gay and dating a girl, then chuckled as they were caught in the drama, stepping back to watch from a distance.
The girl slammed her book on the table in anger, quickly packed her things, and stormed off.
“Bambi, wait, it's not what you think.” He said, his face pale.
Her name was ‘Miss Bambi’ . My mind quickly noted the good things. His name was “Tee.” huh?
Tee, what a cool name, I thought. Why did I remember his name? I didn't remember it, just remembered Bambi.
The girl ran off, and he stood there, speechless, his gaze lowered, feeling guilty as if ashamed to meet anyone's eyes.
I felt a bit guilty. I didn't think the impact of bringing ten porn DVDs, costing quite a bit, would be this severe. I thought it was just a prank, but what can you do? He wanted to mess with me.
He picked up all ten DVDs, gripping them tightly. Deep down, I was a bit scared of him; he was pretty intimidating.
“Trrr, trr!” My phone rang! Miss JaeThonee was calling! Everyone turned to look at me hiding behind a pillar.
He saw me!
I quickly hung up. He was walking towards me. Oh no, what do I do?
Run, Mork!
“Stop!” His voice was so high-pitched gay, making me laugh. He was running towards me, ready to kill me. I turned back, only to find a dead end, “What do I do now?” No escape, he's coming for me. He spread his arms to grab me, I slid along the wall, cornered by the pillar, no way to run.
He pinned me against the pillar with his arms and moved his face close to mine, like I was a mouse caught by a lion, and he was about to eat me.
We locked eyes, sparks flying between us. He moved his face closer, threateningly as if to kiss me.
“Oh…I am so scared.” I smirked defiantly.
As he leaned in close, seemingly about to kiss my cheek, I refused to let it happen. I quickly slid down the wall, decided to duck under his legs, and then ran out of the tutoring school.
I went to start my motorcycle, but it wouldn't start. I had to push it while running away, and sped home as soon as it started.
…
It was past ten at night, raining heavily outside. The shop wasn't closed yet, but my beautiful Phii Som wanted to go home early because she had a fight with her boyfriend.
I was secretly terrified, came home panting, scared it might come to kick me again. Just thinking about it made me feel sick.
I sat in front of my computer, checking out new porn and watching whatever to distract myself from the awful thing I did earlier.
“Customer's here!”
When I heard someone enter the shop, I quickly told MuadMoo, who was watching a drama, to handle the customer. I was scared it might be him, so I wanted my dad to intercept the drum major first, giving me time to escape. Haha.
Honestly, ever since I got home, I've been on edge. Every time someone walked into the shop, I got chills down my spine. I had to hide under the computer desk, peeking through a small hole to make sure it wasn't him before I could relax and get back to the computer.
I did this countless times, scared he'd come back for revenge. But this time, oh shit, it's really him! Good, I've been waiting. Hehe.
“Shit! I'm screwed. It's really him.” I muttered to myself, seeing him walk in angrily, soaked from the rain like a wet puppy.
He really braved the rain to come here. If it were me, I'd rush to apologize to Miss-Bambi. But no, he came straight for me. Missed me, huh? Hehe.
He's definitely here for revenge. I thought he wouldn't come. Haha, it's strange; part of me is scared he'll kick me, but another part wants him to come. I don't know why, but it's fun.
When he actually came, I didn't know what to do. Should I hide? Yes, hiding under the computer is the safest. I'm not home right now, everyone.
“Oh, you're here. Look at you, all wet. Go change inside first. Sorry about yesterday. I cut a little and thought I won the lottery. I dropped everything, hahaha.”
My dad tried to lighten the mood, and Mangkorn seemed to calm down a bit.
“Go change first, then come back for a haircut. Wait, did you get another cut? That's not how I cut it yesterday. Did you cut it yourself? Hahaha.”
Change clothes? Did he bring two sets of clothes to change into? I'm really confused by my dad.
Mangkorn gave a faint smile.
“Mork!!! Go get your friend to change clothes. Lend him some clothes so he doesn't get sick!!!” MuadMoo shouted loudly.
“My dad again.”
I scratched my head in frustration. I'm not even home, how can I lend him my clothes? I've never let anyone wear my clothes before, especially not him. No way.
“Mork!!! I told you to come out!!! Don't make me drag you out!”
The number you have dialed is currently unavailable. I'm still hiding under the computer desk, everyone. Don't tell anyone.
“It's like this, just bear with it. This is how it is in this house.” My dad said to Mangkorn.
He nodded without saying anything, looking around until his eyes met mine through the small hole in the desk! We locked eyes, and he probably saw my feet sticking out, which made him laugh.
“Did you hear that!!! Bring him some clothes!!!”
“Fuck!!! I can't take it anymore!!!”
I was cramped and tired from hiding for so long, not knowing what came over me. I had to get up from my hiding spot, glanced at him annoyingly before running upstairs to my room, slamming the door loudly and locking it with a bang. I threw myself on the bed, put on headphones, and turned up the volume on some porn.
“Mork, don't make me come down there. Come down!!!”
But MuadMoo wasn't done yet. He used his pig power to shout up to the house, telling my little brother, Morn, to come knock on my door.
“Hia, go see him. He won't stop. Be careful, he might come up here and cause a scene.”
Annoyed and realizing that my enemy probably thought I was scared, which I wasn't! I had to be tough. In the end, I had to grab some clothes from my room to give to him, but found out I had no clothes left because I hadn't washed them, wearing everything in my wardrobe. I only had worn underwear left, which I sniffed to make sure it wasn't smelly.
“Here!” I threw the shirt onto the chair next to him.
He didn't dare look at me, just stared at his clenched fist. Next to him were pieces of a porn DVD I gave him, broken into pieces. I was a bit scared, thinking, “What kind of crazy person breaks a DVD with their bare hands? Did he use a cutter to cut it just to scare me? That's terrifying.”
I quickly walked back into the house safely, sat on the stairs, watching him and laughing to myself.
“Put the shirt on, take off your clothes. Don't be shy. No one's watching you. Take off your pants too, just for a moment, then come back for a haircut so you don't catch a cold.”
My dad said, believing him would be foolish.
And indeed, he was foolish.
He quickly took off his shirt right there, relieved that only MuadMoo was there, who had turned away, so no one was watching.
No one was really watching, the fool. Hehe, I'm watching with my magical eyes, hehe. I actually intended not to care anymore. Really.
But if,
If his skin,
Wow, so white,
His chest looked firm, muscles in knots! His nipples were pinkish-brown, like the trendy ones now, with a bit of soft hair and those abs in waves. Oh, such fine work, how could I not look!!!
I could see every detail, probably from watching too much porn. But that wasn't all, there was more!!!
He looked left and right to make sure no one was watching, before taking off his pants and letting them fall to the floor!!! Wow!!! Seriously? Wow!!!
Quickly!!!
Wow!!!
Such a white, firm butt, oh wow, my nosebleed is about to start. Can I grab a tissue?
And what was in front, so cute,
Really adorable.
“Hia Mork! What are you peeking at? Come help me find the air conditioner remote!”
Snap!!
He turned to look at me.
Our eyes met.
I blinked at him rapidly.
Caught red-handed!!!
Ding ding, level up again!!!
Chapter 5: MuadMoo, Are you for Real?
“Hia Mork, what are you peeking at? Come help me find the air conditioner remote.”
I was shocked and embarrassed. I didn't know where to hide my face. My unloving brother shouted down from upstairs, what should I do?
“Peeking at what the hell! Don't mess with me, you brat.” I quickly stood up on the stairs and shouted back at him.
Meanwhile, he, realizing someone was watching, hurriedly put his pants back on. What should I do? Where can I hide my face?
My younger brother, Morn, always makes me feel embarrassed!
I couldn't go lock myself in my room because that would mean admitting I was peeking at him changing clothes, looking at his chest and butt. Therefore, to act like I wasn't peeking, I had to go out and face it.
I slowly walked out, scratching my head in embarrassment, to the front of the shop where he was standing, then sat down on the chair. He looked at me a bit embarrassed, I didn't know what to do, so I lifted one leg up awkwardly to cover my guilt.
Hmm, I grabbed a nearby pornographic magazine and quickly opened it to cover my face, pretending to read. Better to ignore what happened. Oh, the magazine was upside down with nude men on the cover. I played it off as a prank, above Mork, but hey, those pants...
“Can't you find better pants than those?” MuadMoo looked at the pants I gave him that he was now wearing.
“Go get another pair that isn't stained with your kite water, be ashamed of yourself.” [1] Kite Water is Cum. Flying Kite or Flying A Plane is a slang for Masturbation, so Kite Water is… well you get the picture.
“Dad!!!” I shouted.
“Hey!!!”
I'm really embarrassed, so I quickly ran into the house. Morn came down to snatch the computer, looking nonchalant while I was flustered. He saw a handsome guy at our house and was stunned.
“Hey!” Morn nudged my arm, teasing me.
“What?”
“What's kite water?” The cheeky kid asked with an innocent face.
“Get lost.” I snapped at him as I went upstairs to grab a pair of pants without stains for Mangkorn.
“Check these pants.” I said, starting to feel unsure, “They should be clean.”
He looked wary as I approached, showing a slight disgust but took the pants, shaking them to check for cleanliness, almost sniffing them!
“But don't sniff them!” I quickly stopped him.
“Hehehe.” Morn burst out laughing.
“Go change over there!” MuadMoo glared at me before pointing for him to change in the bathroom.
What's this about? Does dad think I was actually peeking? I'm about to cry. Why doesn't anyone believe that someone like me wasn't actually peeking? Haha.
Not long after, he changed and placed the stained pants on the bench near me. Honestly, I was scared when he came close, quickly grabbing the pants to hold them protectively. But I was surprised he didn't seem mad at me anymore, even though I was the reason he and his girlfriend misunderstood each other.
“What's kite water, should I post it on Facebook?” Morn popped up at just the right moment, breaking the silence.
“Yeah, ask your friends.” I shouted from the bench, trying to cover up my feelings.
“You've changed, come sit here, let's dry your hair.” Moo told the handsome guy to sit on the chair.
“Come here!”
“Me?” I wasn't sure if dad was calling me. Why would he? Or maybe not.
“Come dry his hair, then we'll cut it. I need to use the bathroom for a bit.”
“Dad!!!”
“Oh, hurry up, the enemy is about to attack. Come on.” Soon, dad came over, pulled me from the bench, and handed me a hairdryer!
What's this? In all my life, I've never been asked to do normal work like this. I sell porn, he cuts hair. Never had to help before.
I feel like I'm dying. Why do I have to dry his hair? Disgusting. A guy's head might have lice or fleas.
“Do it well, bro, rub his hair with your hands so it dries faster. You're a guy, bro.”
“What the hell is wrong with you!” I turned around to curse at Morn, rushing to dry his hair. I'm not getting paid for this.
Turning back to look at him smiling, my heart raced. I quickly looked down, realizing the hairdryer was blowing into his ear. He made a face and looked up at me.
“Sorry.” I apologized out of politeness, then regained my composure, gently holding his head. My heart was beating out of rhythm, too scared to look left or right, afraid someone would see me blushing. Can the mirror see? Does the fan know? I felt so tormented because, you know why? His hair was so soft. Ugh.
I gently rubbed his head. As it was almost dry, I sneakily looked at him in the mirror. He was smiling. What's he smiling about?
“Oh, Hia Mork, are you gay?”
“Gay? What are you talking about? I'm not like you. I send you straight porn all the time, but you, little brat, when you watch straight porn you think you're the girl being whacked.”
I hit back hard to make Morn stop embarrassing me, then put the hairdryer back on the shelf in front of the mirror, almost tripping over the wires scattered on the floor. Oh, what's wrong with me? Why do I always have to be embarrassed? Someone like me should look tough, a bit of a thug.
“Here, someone named Princess Ton, a big rascal guy, posted on my facebook page saying that ‘you're gay and didn't tell anyone. Rumors are flying around the tutoring center that you returned gay porn to a friend. And that porn, wow, same taste as mine. P.S. If I dont bring them back ten copies by tomorrow at 3 PM, there'll be drama, Phii.'“
“What the hell!”
I was shocked. What's this? It's not like that at all. I'm not gay, I didn't return porn to a friend like they're saying. Can't you just prank friends? Why do you have to borrow and return porn? Can't you just watch it together?
“Hehe.” Mangkorn laughed weirdly.
Morn, seeing Mangkorn laugh, smiled at me.
“What should I reply to him, Hia?”
“Reply, 'Yeah, I'll add three more copies, sorry, Morn.'“ I sat back on the bench, not knowing what to do, picking up my phone to play.
“Replying 'yeah' means you're admitting it, right?” The annoying kid continued.
Admitting what? I was confused, but Mangkorn, who laughed before I did, MuadMoo walked out from inside. Seeing him smile, he smiled too.
“You look cute when you laugh, better than when you're all serious, you know? Your smile melts old people. Come on, sit a bit lower, my back hurts.” MuadMoo adjusted the chair and grabbed something from the nearby shelf.
“Someone replied to you, Hia, asking what 'kite water' is.”
“Oh, so you really dared to ask, huh? Haha, what did they reply?”
“They replied, 'Wow, you're really daring, my friend.' Hehe.” Morn laughed, “There's another person who replied, 'You bastard, try grabbing Pikachu and moving it up and down, then you'll feel like a volcano is about to erupt. That's when you'll see your kite water!!! Please like my comment if you think it's good.’ Hehe, I'll like this one for you, Morn, you look good.”
“Haha, your friend answered well. What's their name?”
“Which one, Hia? The first or the second?”
“Oh! Either one, I'm really curious.” I said sarcastically.
“The first one's name is A, O, U, don't know how to read it, maybe? Last name in English, too long to read. As for the second one, their name is TonTon, with spaces in between. Oh, it's a fake name, better report it.”
“Hey!!! Did you use my Facebook account to ask that?!”
“Yeah, Hia, I was too lazy to log out. You must have downloaded something that slowed down the internet, so I couldn't access anything.”
“Delete it! Delete it now!”
“Hehe.” He laughed loudly.
I couldn't help but laugh too.
“Delete it if you want, Hia, look, someone else replied.”
“What did they say?” It wasn't my voice, but Mangkorn's.
“They said, 'Thank you very much. For making the truth clear, thank you so much.'“
“Wow!!! My other son is sold!!! What's their name?” MuadMoo, who seemed uninterested but was listening, asked.
I looked at him sitting there, looking down at the floor sadly.
“Their name is B A M B I, don't know how to read it. Bam, oh, Bambi, followed by something unreadable.”
“Uh.” I couldn't say anything.
I felt guilty.
“Shut up, log out, cover it up completely, go upstairs and sleep.” I pushed Morn out and deleted everything that was ugly. This kind of nonsense really gives me a headache.
Morn took my phone and went to play upstairs; he doesn't have a phone, dad won't buy him one.
“Cut it into a skinhead, please.” A voice, sounding like a cold, said mockingly to my dad. Other styles can't be cut anymore; my hair is too thin.
“I will do it. You said yesterday you wouldn't cut it short, right? Uh, where did you go to get more hair from, to be able to cut it?”
“Muad! Hurry up and cut it, the show is about to start!!”
I quickly cut him off; I had to go out to the front of the shop to defend myself again. Yes, MuadMoo is really into dramas. He can't do anything when there's a drama on. I forced myself to sit down and used the same old trick, pretending to cover something with a porn magazine, while actually sneaking looks at him in the mirror for the twenty-fifth time.
“I didn't get a haircut anywhere.” He replied, sealing my doom.
Don't tell my dad. Otherwise, I'm dead.
I stared at him, trying to hypnotize him.
“Oh, you cut it yourself? That's awesome, little one. Haha.”
“Muad!! I am going to the Seven Eleven at the alley entrance!!! What did you want me to get for you?”
“That one cut it for me.”
Oh, really? Wow.
Uh, MuadMoo turned sharply to look at me.
“Damn it.” I muttered softly, scratching my head.
“Wait, you don't need to go to Seven Eleven anymore, I knew it. You're acting suspiciously.” MuadMoo stopped cutting and pointed at me. He made a face like a pig, as if he had figured out something outrageous.
“How about this, I'll cut his hair into a skinhead to look just like yours, okay? That way...”
“Muad!!!” What's this? No way.
No, I don't want to look like a thug. I don't want to be mocked for looking like a novice monk. Please, just kill me. Short hair doesn't make me look like an old-school mafia anymore.
“Hehe.” He nodded, pleased as punch, and I lost all motivation, wanting to die right then.
“Look left, look right, are you handsome from all 360 degrees yet?” MuadMoo asked, and he nodded eagerly.
“There, done!” He patted his shoulder and brushed off the hair clippings affectionately, more than he ever did for me, his son.
Oh, it's done? Good, good, that asshole should hurry home. As for cutting my hair into a skinhead, MuadMoo probably forgot about it. Let's just be quiet and smooth this over. I pretended to walk to the bathroom at the back of the house.
“Next in line! Come on, you good-for-nothing.”
“Next in line for what, dad?”
Oh no, too late. MuadMoo grabbed my arm.
“Are you serious, Muad?” I asked my dad softly, looking dejected.
“Come on! I am dead seriously, sit down now.” Dad dragged me and pushed me down onto the barber chair, turning on the TV.
“Hey, it's good I haven't started cutting yet, kid you come and shave his head smooth, the drama is on. I need to hurry to watch it first. You can do whatever you want, son. You want me to watch the drama so badly, don't you, Mork? I'm going to watch it now!!”
“Dad!!!” I shouted, calling out to my dad for the hundred and fiftieth time that day, “No way!” Please, have mercy on me, Moo.
However, it was too late. That Mangkorn, the jerk, was caught by my dad and had his clippers run all over my head. I felt so embarrassed, I wanted to cry. My carefully styled hair, gone forever. My forehead now looks more like Noong's, getting more pronounced by the second.
My dad sat down to continue watching his drama, his legs hanging down.
Meanwhile, Mangkorn grinned, showing his white teeth, as he cut my hair until it was a mess. He even put his hand on my shoulder, making me jump.
“Damn, I hate this.”
He looked confused, not understanding what was wrong with me. He gently squeezed my shoulder, leaving me puzzled about why he was doing that. Was he crazy?
I tried to grab a barber's cape to cover myself, sitting there trembling like a scared puppy, afraid a big dog might bite from behind. I rubbed my hands together for warmth, pressing them between my legs to keep my composure.
“Are you cold?” Suddenly, he leaned in close from behind and whispered near my ear. My hair stood on end, sending shivers down my spine, making it harder to concentrate. He seemed like he was going to push my head down, but his hand ended up on my chin and mouth. When his fingers touched my lips, my tongue felt something oddly satisfying.
That's too much. Maybe I'm just hungry and haven't eaten. It's like I'm tasting his fingers. Wait, what am I thinking? No, I won't taste it, I'll just eat.
His hand smelled nice, so warm. No, what's wrong with me? I bowed my head willingly, accepting my mistake. Now was the time for retribution.
He pulled my ear aside and cut the hair between my ears. My hair stood up, feeling like a stiff noodle. I had to twist my legs, not liking this feeling at all. I awkwardly smiled, feeling a bit crazy.
“Zzzt, damn, love this.”
“Wait, so do you like it or not?” He grinned at me.
“You jerk, did you hear that?” I was shocked, typing quietly to myself. I pinched myself to stop from smiling or laughing. He continued shaving my head until it was smooth.
“I like it, huh, you look like a novice monk now, haha.”
But it was insanely ticklish when he cut near my ear. What's wrong with me? I'm so confused.
Chapter 6: The Volcanic Eruption Incident
While he was cutting my hair, I kept pinching myself to not smile or laugh. He shaved my head until it was smooth. Now, I look like a novice monk.
Blessings, layperson.
MuadMoo turned to look and laughed heartily before turning back to his drama. My emotions were stuck, not going down, only rising continuously. I sat meditating on the chair. He looked at me, confused. I made a face telling him to stop looking.
Suddenly, MuadMoo turned to me like a startled bird and said something that nearly knocked me off my chair.
“Your haircut done, now go wash your friend's hair too. Do something impressive for the customer, make them want to keep coming back, especially now with the lottery craze.”
“MuadMoo!” I was shocked again.
He looked at my legs.
“Are you crazy, MuadMoo? I've never washed anyone's hair before.”
“You should practice then. It's just a simple hair wash. How can you be a barber's apprentice and not know how to do anything? Hurry up! You're still too slow!!”
“Wait a minute.” I was still sitting there, stunned and motionless, as MuadMoo got up and pulled off the barber's cloth covering me.
“Hey, MuadMoo, don't pull it off!”
“What's wrong?” MuadMoo asked, puzzled, looking at me still sitting on the barber's chair, not moving, “Are you scared or what?”
“Scared, dad!!”
“Heh.” He stood up.
“It's nothing, MuadMoo, I just don't know how to wash hair. I'm not washing it.”
“If you don't know, then learn. Here's your chance to wash your first head of hair in your life.”
“But he doesn't have any hair, look at his head, haha.” I pointed at his head, laughing at him, before turning to look at myself in the mirror and falling silent.
“It's easier if there's no hair, shut up and do what I say! The heroine is about to slap the hero. I told you, it's going to be slap, kiss, slap, kiss, just like this, my style, ho ho.”
“Are you repressing something, MuadMoo?”
“Heh.” He laughed back.
“Go lie on the hair-washing bed, let me meditate for a bit. Man, today's been one thing after another.”
He nodded and immediately walked to the back of the shop.
“Hey, I was joking, are you really going? Don't you feel sorry for me? Please, just be a little disgusted with me, I beg you, a guy washing another guy's hair isn't right.”
He turned back, smiled at me, and then disappeared behind the shop.
“It's not that I dislike it, hey, it's not that.” I managed a cool smile to myself.
“Morn!!! Come out of the room!!”
I planned to have my younger brother wash his hair instead, so I shouted for Morn several times. After telling him not to mess with the computer, he went upstairs to play.
“Hmph, so quiet.” No matter how much I called, it was silent. That little brother of mine doesn't care.
What should I do now? Am I really going to do this? Do I really have to wash his hair? Alright, consider this my karmic retribution. May good things come into my life!
I tiptoed over to where he was lying on the hair-washing bed, his eyes closed but suppressing a smile. He glanced at me for a second before closing his eyes again, as if afraid of my gaze. I looked at his face for a long time, from an upside-down angle, and it was really funny. I laughed to myself.
“Alright, I'll wash it then.” I turned on the water and poured it over his head.
“Ouch!!” He put his hands up to his face. I completely forgot that he had some cuts on his face, courtesy of Uncle Ton’s punches.
“Don't let it get on the cuts.” He ordered.
Since when could he order me around? But I had to give in because he looked at me with pleading eyes, making me soften up.
I continued pouring water over his head, but this time, I placed my hand on his forehead to shield his face from the water. My heart was pounding like crazy.
I grabbed the shampoo from the shelf beside me and poured it onto his head. It was quite a spine-chilling sight.
“Be gentle.” He ordered me strictly.
“Hey, you!”
Even though I acted annoyed, I actually liked him talking to me like that. Though I pretended to be irritated, deep down, I was just embarrassed.
I tried to gently massage his scalp the way my sister, Phii Som, used to do for me. His breathing got heavier, and I felt a strange thrill, but I kept massaging, ignoring it. It was like I enjoyed making him make those sounds. I couldn't help but laugh quietly; I liked teasing him, it was fun.
Wait a minute. Some soap got into his ear, so I took the opportunity to rub his earlobe. He acted like he was ticklish or embarrassed, but he was secretly laughing too, which I saw, and I couldn't help but follow suit.
“What's wrong with you?” I threatened.
He suppressed a smile.
“Hia Mork!!! Come look!!! Come see this!!” Morn's voice shouted from upstairs.
“What now!!!” I shouted back, not hiding on the initial call, now not wanting to be interrupted in our sweet moment.
“Help!!! The volcano water is erupting!!! It's so hot!!!”
“Haha.” I laughed.
“Heh.” He laughed.
“What should I do, it's about to spill!!!” Morn continued.
“Mork, I'm going to order some basil fried rice from another shop, do you want some?” MuadMoo shouted from the front of the shop.
“Yes!!!” I was hungry, and I loved basil fried rice.
“Hang on a bit more, I'll rinse it off soon. Hey, if soap drops into your eyes, just stay calm, okay. Stay still.”
While I was distracted, my hand shook, and I accidentally got soap in his eyes. I slowly pulled up my shirt to wipe the soap away, and he seemed a bit disgusted seeing my abs, probably catching a glimpse of my happy trail.
I felt bad again. Why the disgust? You're a guy, I'm a guy, right? You have it, I have it too, right? We should understand each other.
“Is it better?” I asked.
“Better?” He looked confused.
“What do you mean by 'we are even'? What else could we be even about? Are you dying? Do you want to die or something?”
“Heh, there is.” I furrowed my brows in confusion.
“We've already even.”
Thump!!!
This gag has been used before, but it still works. I dropped the hose, from my hand to the ground, water spraying everywhere.
“Damn it, help me out here!”
“Heh.” He laughed at me.
“Close your eyes and shut up, I'm going to wash your head.”
“Wait.”
“What now?” I acted annoyed.
He teased me, his smile playful, “Do you like it?”
“What!?” I didn't quite hear.
What did he say?
I was a bit confused but didn't understand much.
“Like what?” I was puzzled.
His smile faded.
He thought for a moment.
Then he changed the question, “Are you?”
!!!
Chapter 7: Umbrella
“Do you like it?”
“What!!??”
Like what? What do you mean by like?
How can one guy like another? “Are you?”
What? Am I what?
I was shaken.
It felt like a sharp stab.
What's this about? I'm not okay at all.
“What do you mean?!! I'm totally straight!” I quickly responded as if I had prepared the answer.
He looked into my eyes as if reading something.
“Why?” Whether I am or not, why does it matter?
“I mean, do you want me to wash your hair? Heh.” He laughed, I looked stunned. He was teasing me. I quickly rinsed the shampoo out of his hair as if I didn't want to say anything like that again.
“I'm not okay, but I want to know why?” He teased me with a grin.
“Hey you! This is my house, don't say I didn't warn you.”
I threw a towel at his face and walked out to the front of the shop.
From inside, looking out, it was raining.
MuadMoo was still engrossed in his drama, while I led the way from behind the shop. He used the towel to dry his hair, following me out.
“This leading lady is something else. She acts like she doesn't care, doesn't love him, but looks at her actions.” MuadMoo was deeply into the drama, talking along with every scene.
He laughed at MuadMoo's comments and then looked at me with a bored expression.
“The rain hasn't stopped, but you can head back if you want.” I said, sounding annoyed.
He looked outside the shop, and I followed his gaze to see the rain was still heavy. I started to soften, mumbling to him like someone getting sleepy.
“Or we could sit here and read, wait for the rain to stop, and then go out. Also, wash my shirt and return it quickly, don't pretend.”
He nodded, puzzled, about to sit down and wait for the rain to stop before going home.
“You should go walk your friend to his dorm. Go get an umbrella from the back and take it to him.”
“Then let him borrow the umbrella and return it later. Why do I also need to go?.” I started to whine at Muad, waving him off to hurry up.
“It's just nearby, I told you to walk him there, so walk is what you will do. The customer is important, understand? You'll get in trouble if you don't.”
MuadMoo continued watching his drama, not bothering with anything else.
I sighed.
“Hey, here's the umbrella.” Morn, out of nowhere, came from the back and shoved an umbrella into my hand.
“Ha, you show up for this? Only one? Do you have another one, Muad?”
He didn't answer, just continued watching his drama, ignoring me.
Morn whispered in my ear, “Your boyfriend got a new haircut, he looks so handsome.”
I gave him a light smack, and he quickly dodged behind MuadMoo, sneaking a look at the tall guy next to him who heard Morn teasing. He caught my eye and smiled awkwardly.
“Yeah, there's just one. Take it, you can both share it… walk him there.” MuadMoo said and scolded Morn, “What's with you, you little brat!”
“It's Hia Mork's order, Muad… He said that I should drink my own volcanic water. I am confused, why does it taste so fishy.”
“What! You drank it, Morn!” MuadMoo was shocked.
“Heh.” Tee laughed again.
“I'm getting a headache.” I sighed.
“Why? Isn't your stuff fishy?”
“It's fishy, but I don't drink it.” I replied.
“If you don't drink it, how do you know it's fishy?” My brother asked.
I looked over at that guy laughing at Morn, and I couldn't help but smile along with him until he turned to look at me. I quickly wiped the smile off my face and walked out to wait in front of the house before he could raise his hand to greet my father and then follow me out.
At the front of the house, it was raining heavily, with hardly any cars on the road. I stood under the umbrella, ready to watch him as he walked out of the shop. We stood still for a moment, keeping our distance, looking at each other without a word.
“Come on, get under here. I'll walk you.” I told him. He nodded and moved closer under the umbrella. The air outside the umbrella felt suddenly colder, perhaps because it was warmer under it with him next to me. I felt incredibly good, in a way I never had before.
The atmosphere under the umbrella made us both quiet, not daring to say anything. We could hear the heavy rain and his loud breathing, which was quite annoying. Why couldn't he hold his breath like me? I didn't dare breathe deeply, afraid I might breathe on him, scared he might laugh at my breathing, scared he might hear my heart pounding.
The narrow space under the umbrella made my body tense, not daring to move my face. I could only look straight ahead on the road. I desperately wanted to look at him, to see if he was smiling shyly like me, but if I did, our faces would be too close. If I did that, my nose might touch his soft cheek. Just my hand holding the umbrella, touching his arm, was enough to feel like I was about to die.
It was torturous.
Not long after, whether because we were near his dorm or because I was lost in thought, I felt a sudden realization that we had arrived. I didn't want to get there yet. Despite the torture along the way, I had no intention of moving away from him when we reached the shelter in front of his dorm. He probably wondered what was wrong with me. I regained my composure.
“We're here.” I told him.
If I were to say everything, it would be, “We're at your dorm, I'm going back now. Good luck.” But my mixed feelings made me too scared to say more.
“I know…” He said softly with a slight smile.
“Know what?” Why didn't he finish his sentence? It was confusing. Didn't he want to talk more? His question sounded more like a statement. If it wasn't clear, I wouldn't know if he was asking or just saying something casually.
“Know I live here.” He looked at me timidly before continuing, “Right?” Ah, adding “right” made it clearer he was asking me.
“You told my dad, remember?” I replied. He gave me a broad smile.
His white teeth.
The sparkling eyes of his looking at me,
I look at them, they look at me, as if there's some force pushing us closer together.
Uh, I decided to turn away and walk out, I'm scared, scared of getting too close, feeling really bad right now, he probably knows I'm trembling inside. Don't laugh at me,
How far have I walked now? He should be going back to his dorm by now. If I turn around and he's still there, what would he think if I look back again? Despite my thoughts, I quickly turned to look back. Oh, he's still standing in the same spot, hasn't gone back to his dorm yet, I turned to walk away again, but after a few steps, my heart made me look back again.
“Hey, you!” I shouted.
Why did I call out? What am I going to talk about?
There's nothing to talk about, maybe I should think first about what to say to him.
But why do I want to talk to him? Do I want to talk to him? He's a guy. What's so weird about that? We're friends.
He must be wondering why I called him. I don't know, suddenly, I smiled awkwardly because I didn't know what to say, then I laughed at myself.
I just looked at him, looked at him for a long time, he seemed to be waiting for me to speak. What should I say? Finding something to talk about, I was about to step closer to him, but then I remembered something and stopped. It's about his girlfriend, I almost forgot. Oh, right,
“About your girlfriend, I'll explain it to her.” Just that, and he grinned widely, is he that happy?
“You're so happy about it!” I shouted because we were quite far apart. I wanted to get closer to him because of this, but then I remembered his girlfriend is a woman, and I'm a man, making me realize we're meant to be standing far apart, feeling distant. My legs stiffened, unable to walk further, I looked down avoiding his gaze.
When I said “You're so happy about it.” his smile got even wider, but me, I felt strangely bad, tired, like I was forcing myself not to want to do it. No, it's not strange, I just don't really want to do it, just lazy I guess.
He looked at me quietly, looking at me not saying anything, I looked at him feeling sad. I don't know, I can't describe it. Right now, I'm just looking down, avoiding his gaze. Don't want to look at him anymore.
“I'll go help you clean the bathroom.” He said with a smile.
I quickly looked up, smiled happily at him, “Great! First week we both clean, the next two weeks we'll take turns.”
He gave me a sly smile, “We will clean together for all weeks, we have extra classes every day. If you don't clean, you'll be doing it alone for two weeks.”
“Oh.”
I didn't know what to say next. I looked at him for a long time, trying to think of what to say to him again, but suddenly, he spoke first.
“Good night, Mork.”
I was a bit stunned, he wished me good night? No one has ever said that to me before.
Especially when he calls me Mork, it really irritates me, irritates me that I'm embarrassing myself, smiling shyly. I hate it, I hate myself, hate him too, what's this all about? I'm feeling all uncomfortable now.
“Good night, what the hell! Don't say that to me again!” I was shy but had to brush it off, my irritation made me raise my voice at him.
I didn't know what to do, pretending to walk home, but felt guilty for raising my voice at him, so I glanced back at him still standing in the same spot.
He looked at me in surprise, uh, sorry for raising my voice, what's wrong with me today? I really want to get away from here, I thought and walked off, but soon couldn't help but glance back at him again.
He was still standing there, smiling cutely at me, “See you, Mork.”
And then he turned to walk back to his dorm.
I didn't want him to go yet, “Wait! Wait, wait.”
He turned back with a puzzled look as if asking what's up. Uh, nothing, I didn't know why I called him back.
“Uh, I'm going home now.”
He nodded with a confused look, probably wondering what I wanted to say.
“Your name is, uh.” Hurry up and tell me it's Tee, I wouldn't ask if it's right, it sounds bad, he'll know I'm interested in him anyway.
“Hmm.” What's that? Just a hmm?
What should I do? Alright, I'll ask again.
“Your name is Tee, right?” I asked, raising my hand to scratch my head to hide my embarrassment. He nodded and smiled, showing his white teeth. Hey, don't smile like that. I can't take it, he's about to turn and walk back to his dorm. Hey, don't rush off.
“Hey, wait a minute.” I called him again.
He turned back to look at me, puzzled.
“Next time, if you want you should get your hair washed by Phii Som, I'm not good at washing hair, I'm going home now.” I waved at him, about to turn and walk away.
“Wait.”
I was ecstatic when he called out, turned back to him, “Hmm?”
“Good night, Mork.” His voice trembled, and so did my heart.
Didn't I already tell him not to say that to me?
I couldn't help but smile at the corner of my mouth. It seemed like he was waiting for me to say something, but I didn't say anything, feeling incredibly shy. I nodded okay, said goodnight, and quickly walked back home under an umbrella, telling myself not to look back at it.
I walked back home with a smile. The shop was quiet; MuadMoo had turned off the TV and was taking a bath at the back of the house. I walked in and saw Tee's uniform left on the bench.
I couldn't help but smile, picked up his uniform, and just holding it gently made me feel warm somehow.
That night was the first night I couldn't sleep.
My stomach was in knots.
Because of you, telling me goodnight, I couldn't sleep at all.
Will I get to see him again tomorrow?