[T/N] I apologize for grammar mistakes and incoherencies
Chapter 3: His Voice
23:20 PM
I unlocked the door to our room with Ter, feeling exhausted. Normally, we finish work at 10 PM, but it was past that after dealing with the last customers and cleaning up. Phii Hill came to pick us up and took us for a meal before heading back, which he always did when he picked us up. Honestly, it’s quite embarrassing, but Phii Hill insists on treating us.
I quietly asked Phii Hill about Phii Johan, wondering what I could do to soften him up to reduce the interest. Phii Hill said he didn’t know either, and advised me not to worry too much, just to talk to him. Just don’t irritate Phii Jo, especially during this period. That’s the problem...I saw that Phii Johan sent messages around 11 PM, but I hadn’t checked them yet, so I didn’t know what they were about.
“Hey, if I reply late to Phii Johan’s messages, will he get annoyed?” I asked Ter, who looked a bit puzzled by my question. “He sent them at 11 PM, and I didn’t take my phone with me. Even if I had, I couldn’t reply while working.” I explained, wondering why I was even justifying myself to Ter, T^T.
“Oh, that’s what Phii Hill emphasized, not to annoy Phii Jo, right?” Said Ter, “I’ll ask Phii Hill for you.” He then picked up his phone and messaged Phii Hill.
“Here.” Ter said, handing the chat over to me.
HillRatchakit: He won’t get annoyed.
Phew, that’s a relief. I let out a big sigh, I wouldn’t feel this nervous if Phii Hill didn’t keep emphasizing it.
HillRatchakit: If it was me.
HillRatchakit: But if it’s North...not so sure...
HillRatchakit: He bought you the phone. Haven’t you replied to him yet?
Oh my, the sentence from the other side left me speechless, T^T. I handed the phone back to Ter, took a moment to compose myself, then opened the message to read.
Johan: No interest charge then.
Johan: Will you agree to do everything I say?
I immediately made the most puzzled face upon seeing the message from Phii Jo, staring at the screen for a while before my brain started processing.
What now?
No interest charge?
No interest charge!!
And what does he mean by doing everything he says? Does he want me to be his servant or something? This sentence is super suspicious!
North♣: sent a sticker
Not knowing what to say, I sent a confused sticker, but Phii Johan didn’t read it. So I showed the chat to Ter instead.
“What does that mean?” Ter furrowed his brows, looking equally surprised, “What does he want you to do?”
“Exactly, but the part about not charging interest is really tempting, it saves me thousands.” I said, pondering a little, “If it’s about being a butler or something like that, it might not be so bad...I guess.”
“Would it be good? But he said everything, what if he wants you to kill someone?”
“Now, Ter, you’ve made me think. He does seem like someone who could really do that.” I said, voicing what I thought, feeling like anything could happen if it’s Phii Johan, T^T.
...Phii Johan has read it.
But he hasn’t replied.
North♣: What do you mean by everything?
Johan: Not telling.
North♣: Come on, khrap, TT
North♣: Sorry, I was working.
Johan: Who?
North♣’: Who’s asking?
North♣: No, I wanted to tell you.
Johan: Who cares about what you’re working on?
North♣: Come on.
Did I just imagine that you are secretly annoying, at least a little...
North♣: So, what’s the deal with everything? If it’s not too heavy, I can handle it. If I have to pay that much interest, it’ll never be paid off, seriously, T^T
North♣: At least reduce it a bit, man. These days, if Phii Hill didn’t feed me occasionally, I’d be malnourished.
Phii Johan read but didn’t reply for almost ten minutes, or am I making too big a deal out of this? But it’s not that exaggerated. Even if I’m not really malnourished.
“Phii Jo isn’t responding.” I sulkily walked over and sat down next to Mr-Ter.
“Is he working or just annoyed with you?”
“Oh, just annoyed with me, this is a big deal for me.”
“He’s probably working, too lazy to type. I heard Phii Hill say that Phii Johan has been busy lately, so Phii Hill often takes over the duties at the faculty or the labs.”
“What does he do for work?” I raised my eyebrows, asking curiously. Come to think of it, people say Phii Johan works for himself, but I still don’t know what he actually does.
“Lots of businesses, he splits time working at home too, does it himself. I don’t really know much about it.”
“Wow, that’s impressive.”
“You look like you don’t believe it.” Ter turned to look at me, as if he caught me out.
“Well, he doesn’t really show it. If you told me he spends his days partying and chasing girls, I’d be more likely to believe that. That’s why they say don’t judge a book by its cover.”
“Yeah, he parties with girls and works too. They say Phii Jo is quite the playboy.”
“Ah, I can believe that.” I said, not too surprised. He has this bad boy look, unlike Ter’s boyfriend, who’s handsome and rich. So, being a playboy fits the bill. Are all good-looking, rich guys playboys? Not necessarily...Phii Hill isn’t one.
“Would it be bad if I texted again?”
“Go for it, it seems like you’re really anxious.”
“Yeah, he suddenly says no interest, then changes his mind and disappears. It’s stressful.” I said before picking up my phone and deciding to type again.
North♣: Are you working, sir? I don’t mean to disturb.
North♣: But could I have a moment, please?
North♣: sends a sticker
He read it, but still didn’t reply...
Johan: Pick up, don’t take more than five seconds.
North♣: Huh?
I frowned at the phone screen in confusion.
A call from ‘Johan_’ came through.
I quickly answered when I remembered he said not to take more than five seconds, and tried to speak as politely and naturally as possible, “Yes?”
(...)
“Uh, Phii Johan...” I tried to call out when I received no response from the other end.
(What?)
“It’s nothing, sir, you called...”
(Too lazy to type)
“Ah, yes, sir.” I turned to look at Ter for help because I didn’t know what to say, and he seemed equally perplexed by the sudden call from Phii Jo.
“Are you working now, sir?” I decided to ask a general question first.
(Um)
“...”
(...)
“Uh. I’d like to talk about the interest, sir.”
(Are you going to agree or not?)
“Does that mean the offer to do anything and everything?”
(Yeah)
“I want to know what that entails. Like I said, if it’s not too extreme, I should be able to handle it.”
(What do you consider extremely heavy?) the voice on the other end asked evenly.
“Um...Like, if you tell me to kill someone, smuggle drugs, rob a jewelry store, snatch a purse, that kind of stuff, I really wouldn’t be able to do that.”
(...)
“Getting scolded feels better than this.” I said. I was just joking earlier. Even though there was a bit of seriousness in my jest, being met with silence made me feel guilty for playing around.
(Is that so?)
“Yes...but it’s not better.” I replied. Just being called a stupid duck would sting less. “So, what’s the conclusion then? You’re not going to make me do anything weird, right?”
(Such as?)
“...”
(What you just mentioned.)
“...”
(Do you have the capability to do any of that?)
“No, I don’t.”
Ohhh, why is Phii Johan so harsh with me? T^T, I’m already feeling hurt all over.
(Hmm. I won’t ask you to do anything beyond your capacity.)
“Yes, and my capabilities aren’t that extensive either, so it’s all good.” Playing myself down hurts less!
(Then forget it.)
“What?”
(Useless.)
Phii Johan, why do I have to deal with someone like this? Ohhh, I feel like crying again.
“Come on, just kidding, sir. I’m versatile; please waive the interest for me.”
(Sure?)
“Yes, I’m sure...I think, I mean, I’m sure. Just as long as it’s not something weird, right, sir?”
(Define ‘weird’ for me.)
“Well, weird...how do I explain? Just generally weird, you know.” I said...because how else do you explain it?
(Um...okay, weird as I understand it.)
“Yes, just as you understand it. So, to sum it up, no interest, right?” I said with a joyful tone, thinking there’s nothing better than saving thousands every month.
(Yes, but…)
“But?”
(If you don’t please me, I’ll charge daily interest instead.)
“What!? How can you do that?” I protested immediately upon hearing that.
(Why not?)
“Nothing, sir.” I softened my voice a bit when met with the blunt tone of the other party. Thinking it over, it seemed fair enough. Phii Johan was waiving the interest with the condition that I follow his orders. If I didn’t do it well or didn’t follow them, the deal would be off.
“So, if there’s a day when I don’t please you, you’ll charge interest, right, sir?”
(Yes)
“How much would you charge?”
(Five percent monthly, which comes out to what daily?)
“Uh, oh, just a moment, sir.” I said before grabbing paper and a pencil to calculate. Even though I study engineering, not everyone can do math in their heads, and I’m one who always needs to work it out on paper, it’s become a habit.
(What are you doing?)
“Calculating on paper, sir.”
(Drawing lots to get into class?)
Man, why is everyone around me so sarcastic? It’s unbearable, my heart feels like it’s made of tissue now. T^T
“More than three hundred, right?” I said, “It would be bad if I keep upsetting you.”
(Yes, including today.)
“Ohhh, can I negotiate that? I was at work.”
(And you didn’t take your phone with you?)
“Yes, I left it charging in the room.”
(I bought you that phone so you wouldn’t forget it) the voice from the other end reminded me of what Phii Hill had said earlier, “He bought you a phone, and you still didn’t reply?” Okay...I’m at fault. T^T
“Yes, I won’t do it again.” I said, feeling guilty. I wouldn’t feel this guilty if I wasn’t being charged for it. Charging me money just for replying late, really?
(Hmm)
(And don’t use the phone I bought you to chat with others.)
“Huh?”
(Don’t understand?)
“I...understand, I guess.” Why is my creditor so harsh? “Can you tell me what might annoy you?”
(That’s your job to figure out.)
“Oh, okay, then I’ll hang up now, thank you.” I made sure to thank him and was about to hang up, thinking the conversation was over.
(No)
“Huh?”
(Don’t hang up)
“Yes, is there something else?”
(Don’t ask too many questions, just stay quiet.)
“Huh? Oh...okay.” I decided not to ask anything else since Phii Jo said not to ask. After a while, I heard the sound of scribbling and typing; he must be working.
(Stay close to your phone)
“Ah, yes, sir.” I then went to get my headphones and put them on. Initially, I was worried about the noise so I planned to place the phone far away, but with this command, I had to use the headphones. Then I muted the game sounds from Ter, fearing they might leak through.
(No sleeping either.)
“...But I’m starting to feel sleepy.”
(What did I say?)
“Yes, sir. I won’t sleep.” I said, my voice groggy as I tried to keep my eyelids from closing. So he just wants me to stay awake while he works?
“Should I talk to keep you company, sir?” I asked.
(Why?)
“I thought you might get sleepy. Normally, when someone watches over you, they would talk, right?” I said, thinking back to the times I stayed up with my ex while she studied.
(Really?)
“Um, yes, sir. When I used to keep my ex...my ex-girlfriend company, I always talked to her.”
(I’m not your ex.)
Oh, why so harsh again, T^T
“So, I shouldn’t talk then, sir?”
(Right.)
Ah...okay. I’ll just stay quiet.
…
01:17 AM
“North, I’m going to bed now.” Ter said, getting ready to turn off the light. I nodded at him.
“Ah, sweet dreams then.” Ter said before turning off the light and flopping onto the bed, leaving me with just the desk lamp on, scrolling through the computer screen, feeling extremely sleepy, just listening to the sound of the keyboard.
“Phii Johan, sir.” I called out, “I’m sleepy.”
(...) Phii Jo didn’t respond, but if he did, I guessed it would be something like, “Your problem.” Would someone like this really be a playboy? I mean, with such an abrasive demeanor, do women really find that appealing? If I were a girl, I definitely wouldn’t dare approach.
“How much longer for work, sir? Just asking, don’t scold me.”
(A little while longer)
“Do you work like this every day, sir?”
(No, just some days)
“Should we take a break? Seems like you’ve been working for hours.”
(No)
“Phii?”
(What)
“Can we chat for a bit? My eyes are closing over here.”
(You’re supposed to watch over me, but I have to start the conversation?)
“Uh, I can’t think of anything to talk about.” I said with a sleepy voice. Normally, I’d be asleep by now, especially after a tiring day at work.
(Oh, then tell me about yourself.)
“Is that a good idea? I’m quite private, you know.” As I got sleepier, my speech became more rambling.
(Hmm, then something not about you.)
“But you seem so eager to know. I’ll force myself to tell you if you want.”
(No, I don’t want to know anymore.)
“My name is North, my real name is Natthachanan, I’m studying Electrical Engineering, first year. I’m roommates with Ter, who’s in Veterinary Medicine, which is Phii Hill’s boyfriend, and Phii Hill is your friend, right?”
(...)
“I’m pretty laid-back, not too serious, cheerful, bright, but respectful to elders, considerate to others, and I try to be a good friend.”
(Did you get someone else to say that for you?)
“Yes, that’s what my teacher wrote in the parent-teacher notes.”
(Messy, when you’re drunk you’re messy, when you’re sleepy you’re messy.)
“Just a little, oh yeah, I’ve washed your shirt for you, when can you take it back?” I asked, referring to the shirt of Phii Jo that I borrowed to wear back.
(Don’t need it)
“What? I’ve washed it till it smells good.”
(Don’t need it)
“Can I ask why?”
(No)
Ah...okay then. If you don’t want to, you don’t want to. What’s with him anyway? His clothes are so expensive, isn’t it too much to be this annoyed? I even washed them for him.
01:36 AM
(Hey?)
“Yes, sir, I haven’t slept yet.”
(Hmm?)
“You thought I would sleep, right? Not yet, sir, you won’t charge me interest that easily.”
(That’s good.)
“And how’s work going, sir?”
(A little while longer.)
“Until dawn?”
(Annoying.)
“Heh heh.” I gave a dry laugh to the person on the other end of the line. Honestly, I’m easy-going and easy to talk to. That’s probably obvious without me saying it. After talking, I didn’t feel like Phii Johan was that scary or bad. Just that some things about him were more than puzzling, like his temper and sharpness, which made my face twitch several times a day.
“I have something I want to ask, can I?”
(No, I told you to stay quiet.)
“Oh, come on, that’s going to bore someone to death watching over you.” I said, “Do others complain about being bored, sir?” I managed to ask what I was curious about. I just wondered, for someone like Phii Johan, wouldn’t there be a line of people wanting to call to keep him company? Why me? And if he didn’t want someone to talk to, why not just not call from the start, so he could work quietly?
(Not really.)
“What do you mean, sir?”
(I’ve never had anyone call to keep me company.)
“Oh, then why did you have me call?” I asked with a raised eyebrow, even though my eyes were already half-closed.
(They would call, it’s annoying.)
“Oh, so you left your phone on so when someone called, it would go through to me like this?”
(Yes.)
“And you didn’t turn it off or put it on do not disturb?”
(In case of urgent business)
“Oh, so I’m like your emergency contact for dog disturbances?”
(Hmm)
“Alright, I’m also a very sleepy emergency contact.” I nodded in understanding, even though no one could see me. Wait, or could they? I turned sharply to see Ter sleeping, probably because he read too many ghost stories and got scared. ...I’m the type who’s super scared of ghosts but loves to watch and read about them, so I can’t sleep alone. Ter always complains. No matter where he is in the world, he has to come back to sleep with me, or I have to crash with another friend.
“Oh, I was thinking of asking you something, I have a lot of questions.”
(Wait)
“Uh, okay.”
(Are you on your bed?)
“No, I’m sitting at the desk, about to turn off the lamp because my eyes hurt.”
(Why not go to bed?)
“I’ll fall asleep, this way is better, at least I can stay awake a bit.”
(Hmm)
02:06 AM
“Um, on another note, I won’t get beaten up by your girlfriends if they find out you’ve been on the phone with me, right? If I get ambushed, you better take responsibility.”
(...)
“Are you still there? You’re not asleep on the job, are you?”
(Still here.)
“Oh, then why aren’t you answering?”
(What did you say?)
“I said; what if your girlfriend ambushes me and hits me on the head. What if she found out I was on the line with you, sir?”
(You could fight back)
“Oh, come on, sir. I wouldn’t hit a woman.” I said.
(Then just stand there.)
“That’s too much, it would still hurt, and she’d definitely call for backup to beat me up.” I said, unwittingly making a slight grimace, “Would she bring a gang to slap me like in the dramas?”
(Really nonsensical.)
“Hey, I’m serious. If I get attacked, I’ll claim damages and compensation for the scare, and deduct it from the debt.”
(Yeah, yeah.)
“That’s great, then. Tomorrow I’ll announce that I’m the one who called you. If I get threatened, I’ll come for that compensation.”
(You, my friend’s family runs a psychiatric clinic, should I get you in touch?)
“Oh, what? Just kidding. Who would do that?”
(You might.)
“I’m not that crazy, but you, sir...what made you decide to study medicine?” I tried to start a conversation, especially since I was super sleepy now. If we talked a bit more, maybe I wouldn’t be this sleepy.
(Told you to be quiet.)
“Oh, come on, people talk to pass the time. I’m sleepy, sir. Who can be a caffeine addict like you?”
(You know?)
“Just guessing, especially doctors, they’re often coffee addicts. Given you work so much without getting sleepy, it’s pretty safe to assume...I also guessed you like Americano.”
(Smart.)
“Enough with the ‘smart’, thank you. I guess I’ll have to practice making coffee then.” I went on, naturally being quite talkative and good at engaging in conversation, “If I brew a good one, I’ll let you try it, sir.”
(Flattery?)
“You got me, hoping for a little kindness to reduce my debt.”
(Keeping it this low is kind enough.)
“Why, is there anything else you want to charge for?”
(Lots.)
“Okay, thanks for not charging anyway.” Initially, I wanted to say I felt bad, but on second thought, just this is enough. Thank you so much for only charging this much, T^T
(And why are you learning to make coffee?)
“Oh, well...for work. I’m looking for more jobs, got one at a coffee shop, and I’m going to start training there.”
(With Ter?)
“Yes, Ter is quite stubborn about it, he insists on doing it. I guess I’ll have to have a big talk with Phii Hill about this.”
(Hmm, and why do you need to work?)
“Uh, to make money, of course. With the increasing debt, I want to take on two or three more jobs. I’ve got a huge debt on my shoulders.”
(I’m not charging interest anymore.)
(Don’t rush.)
Why does Phii Johan sound so relaxed? There’s no rush for him, he’s not the one in debt like me. How can anyone feel good with hundreds of thousands of debt? T^T
“What if one day you decide to charge interest again?” I said. It’s true, what if one fine day he decides to start charging interest or even increase it? What can I do? He’s quite capricious.
(Where are you working?)
“At a coffee shop near the university, it’s called Marry Me.”
(...) Phii Johan didn’t respond, before the sound of writing on paper came again, he must have started working again. I then scrolled through my Facebook, doing some more reading, and before I knew it, it was 2 AM. I should have been sleeping for a long time now, T^T.
I’m so sleepy, my eyelids are so heavy. I can’t take it anymore...
02:40 AM
‘End of call: 3 hours, 20 minutes’
Johan: I told you not to sleep.
Johan: Go lie down properly on your bed.
03:15 AM
Johan: Don’t take on any more part-time jobs, understand?
Johan: canceled message
Chapter 4: Hot Americano
08:27 AM
“Is it too early?” I yawned and grumbled while swaying back and forth like I might collapse any moment. It wasn’t really early, but it was far too early for someone like me who didn’t get much sleep, and the reason for that lack of sleep was Phii Johan himself. I ended up accidentally falling asleep on the table. And, man, sleeping like that for a long time really makes you sore.
“This job is killing me.” Ter complained as he was mopping the floor. We were now at the coffee shop where we were about to start work. The shop opens at nine, but we had to come early to set up.
“Just a moment, still feeling groggy.”
“Why are you so sleepy anyway?” Tharn, the shop owner who was wiping glasses, turned to ask.
“Oh, he was on a call with someone, who knows who, tsk, annoying.” Ter said with an openly annoyed expression, which made Tharn look at him in surprise.
“Oh? Got a new someone to talk to already? Last time, you were still pining over your ex.”
“No, it’s not like that...” I denied before letting out a small sigh, “It’s nothing, really.”
“Why the long face then? You can tell me if there’s something, I can give you some advice.” Phiii Tharn put down the glass and turned his attention to me, his concerned voice making me want to open up. Really, it wasn’t something that needed to be hidden. Phii Tharn is in his third year at the same university as me. He’s here to help run the shop in place of his sister, who’s busy. We’ve known each other since we started working here, and I consider him one of the trustworthy seniors.
I gave Phii Tharn a brief rundown, skipping the small details. The core of the matter wasn’t much.
“Oh...Johan, huh? I kind of know him.” Tharn said, pondering.
“We’re at the same university. It would be weird if you didn’t know him, he’s that famous.”
“It’s tough, getting into debt like that out of the blue.”
“Yeah, it’s going to be even tougher because the creditor...he’s so damn bossy.” I grumbled, thinking back to last night. What an autocratic bastard. Not allowing sleep, not wanting to talk, couldn’t make noise, and got scolded for anything I said. Honestly, I got scolded so much last night, I was worn out.
“Let me know if there’s anything I can help with.” Tharn offered.
“Then how about a raise? I’m really in need of money.” I said, making a pleading face.
“I don’t think that’s possible.”
“Oh, didn’t you say I was to tell you if I needed help?” I sulked while making a disappointed face, and Phii Tharn smiled slightly at my demeanor.
“You’ve always said you’re frugal, how come you treated your friends to drinks?” Phii Tharn asked.
“I won the lottery. If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have treated them. But now I’m starting to think, maybe I shouldn’t have bought the ticket in the first place.” I sighed. If I hadn’t bought the ticket, I wouldn’t have won, wouldn’t have drunk, and wouldn’t be in debt, “And you don’t have any savings? You’ve been telling me you’ve been working part-time for a while.”
“I do have some.” I nodded, “But I’d rather keep that for emergencies, for anything unexpected at home.” I explained, the main reason I work is to lighten the burden at home, especially since my father passed away. Now it’s just my mom and my aunt. Even if we’re not in dire need, helping out would be good.
“Then I might be able to recommend something. A relative of mine has a shop; they’re looking for more staff.” The other person’s words made my eyes widen, “But it’s more of a bar scene, you might have to work late.”
“I can manage, definitely.” I answered without thinking, only to be stopped by Ter first.
“Can you really? You’re already working at two places.”
“I can handle it, Phii Ya’s place isn’t every day anyway.” I said without much thought, “And which days would I work? If I can alternate with my current place, that’s okay with me.”
“It won’t be every day either, I’ll ask for you.”
“Yay, thank you, Phii Tharn you are the best.” I said happily.
“Of course.” Phii Tharn said, looking at me with affection, then reached out to gently ruffle my hair, “You’re so small but so capable.”
“Oh, Phii Tharn, what do you mean by ‘small’? That’s rude.” I said, looking slightly annoyed.
Ah...and should I message Phii Johan? I haven’t checked the messages since last night.
I forgot, I have to check messages constantly, or I’ll get in trouble for slow replies, not just annoyed but fined too!
02:40 AM
‘End of call: 3 hours, 20 minutes’
Johan: I told you not to sleep.
Johan: Go lie down properly on your bed.
03:15 AM
Johan: message cancelled
There were two messages that Phii Jo left last night, and one other message that was canceled. Canceled what, and why cancel it? I’m so curious, but if I ask, I’d probably just get scolded again.
“Oh, a new phone?” Phii Tharn remarked when he saw me take out my new phone.
“Uh...yes, sir.”
“Wow, the latest model, I was saving up to buy that. You really didn’t have money, huh?”
“Show off a bit, North, since someone bought it for you.” Ter teased while still holding the mop. I gave him an annoyed look. What’s the point of teasing?
“Really, I bet someone paid for it?”
“Yes, Phii Tharn, and he’s pretty generous too, bought it without thinking twice. I’m still wondering why he bought it for me.”
“You sure make a strong brew.” I said, giving him a side-eye. Ter has been teasing me about my connection with Phii Jo since last night. I don’t know what he’s up to, teasing like that. He was told to keep quiet but wouldn’t listen.
“Good crew members are like that. As the captain, don’t abandon ship often.” Ter said. I only understood these terms when Ter explained them to me. The term ‘captain of the ship’ was something he heard from other girls.
“I’m doing my best to stay aboard Johan’s ship, you know.” He said and then chuckled softly, seeing my annoyed expression.
“Oh, so Johan bought it for you?”
“Uh...yes, sir. He broke my old phone, so he bought me a new one.”
“Wow, he must be rich. If I were him, I’d just pay for the repair.”
“Exactly, right? Normally, people would just cover the repair costs. Who would buy a new one? And an expensive new model at that.” Ter teased again. I was getting quite annoyed; it’s like he’s getting back at me for all the times I’ve teased him. Teasing others is fun, but when you’re the one being teased, it’s not, T^T.
“Ter really loves to tease.” Phii Tharn said with a slight smile, “But you know, it’s good to be cautious. I’m not saying Johan is a bad person or anything. He’s friends with Ter’s boyfriend, but he’s known for being a bit of a playboy, right?”
“Yes, sir.” I nodded, “Hey, you think me and him are like what Ter is joking about? That’s funny, sir. No way.” I shook my head vigorously, understanding what he was implying.
“That’s good then. Look at this.” Phii Tharn said before taking out his phone, swiping through it, and then handing it over to me.
It was an Instagram story from someone named Jao.pangg. The screenshot showed an outgoing call, but it was busy on another line, with a message next to it that read:
“Maybe he is stuck on a call with someone, but one thing’s for sure, I really want to talk to him.” : (
Upon closer inspection...
The person Pang is calling...isn’t it Phii Johan?
Oh no, that’s a disaster...
Suddenly, I feel a bit unsafe, why on earth...
“Jaopang?” I double-checked the name I saw.
“Her real name is just Pang, she’s a third-year in the management faculty. She’s been talking with Johan, don’t know if they’re dating or what, but I’ve seen Johan in Pang’s Instagram stories.”
“And this one too.”
Tharn scrolled through his phone again to show me.
This time, it was an Instagram post of food with the caption, “Someone kind treated me to this, thank you, let’s do it again next time ;) #myJ”
“Jay?”
“That’s Johan, he’s another one Johan has been talking (flirting) to, but...it seems like Johan might have dumped her.”
“Wow, so many.” I exclaimed, and each one was so stunning, wow, what a cheater, does he think being handsome and rich means he can talk to anyone? “And like this, doesn’t it cause any trouble? They all seem to be posting and flaunting it.” I said, normally when you talk to multiple people, you try not to get caught.
“He’s an openly flirtatious playboy, even you know about it.” Said Ter.
“Whatever, whether he’s a playboy or not isn’t my business, but using me as his dog guard isn’t okay. I didn’t think someone would actually call Phii Jo. If Flour finds out, won’t she come after me?” I complained.
“North, just don’t call him then.” Phii Tharn said with a disapproving look, “If you refuse and actually listen, it would be better.” I sighed. Soon, it was time to open the shop, and since it was a holiday, it was particularly crowded. We brought our work to the coffee shop early in the morning. Phii Tharn was in charge of making drinks since neither Ter nor I knew how yet, but once we learned, it would be our job.
We work here only on weekends. Someone else works on weekdays, and they study on weekends, so it’s like a switch-off. I didn’t even know there were special programs where you only study on weekends. Tharn comes to check on the place on some days, or so I’ve heard.
“North”
“What?” I responded to Ter’s call while I was busy washing cups.
“I’m really interested in this, you know?”
“Huh?”
“We’re in the same boat now. I’ll row the boat myself, trust me, Captain.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Well, Phii Jo is friends with Phii Hill.”
“So you’re shipping me with your boyfriend’s friend?”
“Yeah, partly, but I like talking to him, he’s kind of cute, I ship it.”
“That’s messed up, he’s crazy when we talk, just scolds me.”
“Normally, Phii Johan isn’t that harsh.”
“Try getting scolded by him, then you’ll see how Phii Hill scolds you.” I said, sighing at Ter again. What’s wrong with him? I’m not usually this headache-inducing, “Wait...how did you hear that? I remember I had my headphones on last night.”
“Oops!”
“Your shocked face is so fake.” I said, annoyed, having to see Ter’s fake shocked expression. He’s such a good liar. “Eavesdropping?” Ter is good at eavesdropping, and he’s probably quite proud of this skill. But is this kind of skill really necessary?
“Crazy, he heard it himself.”
“Come on, tell the truth.”
“Alright. I didn’t hear the conversation, but I heard you muttering to yourself all the time, complaining about how you’re going to curse out Phii Johan, why he hates you so much, why a doctor has such a foul mouth, and how Ter should remove the dog from his mouth or whatever.”
“I was ranting that much? I didn’t even realize.”
“Yeah, and he wouldn’t have heard it?”
“No, I had the sound off.”
“Oh, I thought you were sure, secretly badmouthing him.”
“Who would dare scold him to his face?”
The notification sound from my phone made me check it immediately, and there it was, the name of the very person we were just gossiping about.
Why is it so hard to refuse!
Johan: Where are you?
North♣: At the shop.
Johan: ?
North♣: The coffee shop I told you I work at.
Johan: One Americano.
Johan: sends location
Wait a second...
What the heck is this!!
North♣: The shop doesn’t deliver...
Johan: But you do.
North♣: I don’t.
Johan: In 30 minutes.
Hey! What’s this!! Listen to reason, please!
“Dammit.” I cursed, causing Ter, who was wiping glasses, to jump slightly.
“Hey, why are you cursing at me?”
“Not you, I want to curse someone else...but that hundred thousand debt is hanging over my head.”
“Huh? Phii Jo? Alright, go, go.”
“He’s crazy, and where did Phii Tharn go? He’s been gone since a while ago.” I asked, wanting to ask Phii Tharn to make the Americano.
“He went to the bathroom, why?”
“It’s your dear Phii Jo, he wants an Americano, wants me to deliver it...this is a coffee shop, not a pizza place, since when does a coffee shop deliver?”
“Well, some do.” Said Ter before he started thinking, “Wouldn’t be that strange.”
“Fucking beast!”
“Are you scolding Phii Jo?”
“I’m scolding you, why are you siding with the other side?” I said, irritated. Damn it. From the location Phii Tharn shared, it wasn’t that far, but I didn’t want to go, too lazy.
“Come on, people get angry and then it passes.” Phii Tharn came back after a while. I told him about Phii Johan ordering coffee.
“Our shop doesn’t do deliveries.” Phii Tharn said, frowning in surprise.
“What can we do...I’ll deliver it myself.” I sighed, “It’s hot outside, sitting in the cool air conditioning is nice anyway.”
“Should I deliver it for you then?”
“No, it’s fine. I’ll do it.” I insisted, and Phii Tharn sighed slightly before letting me go alone to deliver the coffee. The place really wasn’t far from the shop. I got a bit lost before arriving.
North♣: I’m here.
I messaged the other party while standing bewildered in front of the condo, still wearing my shop’s apron. What a luxurious condo, how many floors does it have anyway?
Johan: 12th floor.
North♣: Which room?
Johan: Come up.
Not telling me the room number, how am I supposed to know? Whatever...I’ll ask when I get there, better than standing here in the heat. I walked into the condo, feeling a bit tense, and pressed for the 12th floor.
Wait, this is...
Why is it so open?
And here...why is there only one door?
Don’t tell me...
He owns the entire floor? Oh my, I give up. Accepting his wealth, forget about my debt of a hundred thousand or so.
I stood there dumbfounded in front of the door again; should I knock or is there an intercom...Ah, where’s the intercom?
While I was still puzzled,
Click, the door opened, and the room’s owner appeared in a just-awakened state...
But still looking better than me, who’s been up for a while.
T^T
“Uh...I’ve brought your Americano.” I suddenly felt out of place standing in front of him, even though we were just talking last night. Phii Johan is about as tall as Phii Hill, around 180 centimeters. He had just tousled his hair without styling it, yet he looked good in an indescribable way. His thick eyebrows were slightly furrowed, indicating he wasn’t in the best mood.
“Just woken up?” I asked, but Phii Johan didn’t reply before turning around and walking back into the room, “Oh, the coffee?”
“Leave it there.” Hearing that, I took the liberty to step inside...can you even call this a room? It’s so spacious because it’s a whole floor of a condo, complete with a kitchen area, a living room with all amenities. If there could be a shrine room, there probably would be one. Wait...is there one?
I placed the Americano on the table in front of the sofa, feeling oddly out of place having come here just to deliver one cup of instant coffee.
“Did you make it yourself?” He asked as he slumped down on the sofa, taking a sip of the Americano.
“No, the shop owner made it.”
“You said you’d make it for me to try.”
“I haven’t started training yet.” I replied, inadvertently looking away from his gaze. Why am I starting to feel scared? T^T, Is he mad at me because of the instant coffee? That’s not my fault, blame the weather for spoiling it.
“Then I’ll head back now.” I began to excuse myself, feeling so uncomfortable. Why isn’t he saying anything? It’s like he’s angry he should at least say something like yesterday, that would’ve been better.
“You’re not allowed to leave.” I halted immediately upon hearing that, then saw Phii Johan get up and move to his work desk instead.
“Sit down.”
“But I have to hurry back.”
“Why?”
“I have work.”
“Quit.”
That’s easy for you to say!
T^T
“Are you crazy...” I started to protest. Even if he’s my creditor, he can’t do this to me. I’ll lose work time, lose money, and then how am I supposed to pay him back?
“...”
“Wait, you’re not going to deduct this from my debt, right?” I protested after seeing Phii Johan take out his phone and start typing.
“Almost.” The other side gave a slight smirk.
“Oh, come on, how can you do this?” I said with a straight face, secretly sighing once before deciding to message Phii Tharn.
North♣: Phii Tharn, sorry, but I might be late getting back.
T-Than: Why?
T-Than: Something wrong?
T-Than: Did he do something to you, North?
North♣: No, sir.
North♣: Just have some errands to run.
T-Than: He’s not making you do anything weird, right?
North♣: No, no, I’ll be back soon, sir.
T-Than: Alright, don’t be too long, we’ll have more customers soon.
North♣: Yes, sir.
After letting Phii Tharn know, I slouched down onto the sofa, stealing a glance at Phii Johan who was busy with a pile of documents on the table. Ah, so why am I here? To watch him work again?
“Still not done with work, sir?” I asked.
“Do you have eyes?”
His tone was as sarcastic as yesterday, ugh.
“So, I have to sit here quietly again, right?”
“Uh-huh.”
Here I am, just sitting here again. Wasting work time, just like last night when I lost sleep time. After sitting quietly for a while, I started to get bored and took out my phone to play with. As I played on, I unwittingly leaned back and fell asleep without realizing it.
And because of the exhaustion from not sleeping enough last night,
I ended up dozing off without realizing it.
“Umm...” I rubbed my eyes slightly as I groggily woke up. Oh no, did I fall asleep in Phii Johan’s room? What time is it now? Where’s my phone...where did my phone go?
“Looking for this?” Phii Johan asked, handing it over.
Why did he take my phone?
I was a bit startled when I turned to see a woman sitting on a smaller sofa nearby, smiling at me. Even though I was still confused, I smiled back.
Don’t tell me she’s his girlfriend?
She’s been sitting quietly here, waiting for Phii Jo to work? And why didn’t they wake me up? T^T
“Are you done?” The woman looked up and asked, to which Phii Johan nodded in response, “Have you been overworking lately? The work isn’t that urgent.”
“I just wanted to clear it up before the semester starts.” Phii Johan said before sitting down on the sofa next to me. The Americano I had brought had completely dissolved. If he wasn’t going to drink it, why order it?
“And what about what I asked for, did you get it?”
“Yeah, I did.”
“Yay! That’s how it should be!”
“You can go back now, go.” Phii Johan said with a slightly annoyed tone, and the woman’s face immediately soured.
“What? I’ve been waiting for so long, and now that you’re done with work, you’re sending me away...hey, where are you going?” She asked when she saw the person beside me stand up and walk away.
“Shower.” Phii Johan replied before disappearing into another corner.
Leaving just the two of us...
This is awkward.
“Uh...you’re Nong North, right?” I nodded when asked, “I’m Prang.”
“Ah, okay.”
“I came to see Jo and saw a friend sleeping there. Plus, Jo was working, which made me too scared to move, afraid of making any noise.” Phii Prang said, thinking maybe it was too comfortable...Maybe too much at ease. Normally, when people are dating, seeing someone else in their partner’s room wouldn’t make them so casual.
“Stop it already, you thought we were dating, right?”
“Yes.” I replied as per my thought, which made the other person chuckle a bit.
“Sorry, I’m just an assistant...or you could say a secretary. I’m just here to listen and help with work, as Jo’s father asked me to. And I have a kid too, look, cute, right? I left my child at home just to follow up on work.” Phii Prang said before showing her phone screen with a lock screen photo of a baby.
“Your child, Phii Prang?” I raised my eyebrows and asked, “So cute.”
“Right? But lots of people misunderstand that me and Johan are dating, it’s so annoying.”
“Oh.” I nodded to acknowledge her point, “And how long have you been here?”
“Not long, I just got here and saw you asleep. I was quite surprised. Wondered who was sleeping on the sofa like that.”
“Haha, you could have woken me up.” I said while scratching my head in embarrassment.
“Jo said not to wake you.” Phii Prang said before standing up and walking towards Johan’s desk, “Wow, all the work is actually done, that was quick.”
“Uh, but...why were you sleeping on the sofa?”
“I was just delivering coffee, Johan ordered it.” I answered truthfully.
“So you ended up sleeping on the sofa?”
“Jo didn’t let me leave, for some reason. So I just sat there and accidentally fell asleep.”
“Oh, right...Are you the one who owes Jo money?” Phii Prang suddenly remembered. I nodded and sighed, “Ah, I remember now. I went to Jo’s house, but you weren’t there. He said you went back to your condo. Your matter is still a hot topic among the house staff.”
“Really?” I sighed heavily again, oh dear...T^T
“Yeah, heard it was quite a mess, the chairman was pretty upset.”
“What!?” I widened my eyes and turned sharply to her, “Phii Jo’s father?”
“It was about the wine, you know, it was for a client welcome party. It was premium wine, but the whole cabinet got destroyed. Johan got an earful for it.”
“Oh, really?” I felt guilty, remembering Ter saying I knocked over the wine display, but I still don’t understand how I could have done that, T^T, “And why was Phii Johan the one being scolded, not me?”
“Jo said he made it himself, you know. And I have to go find wine to replace it too. Some of the bottles are really hard to find, so it’s not going to be easy.”
“Oh, that’s bad.” I said in a weak voice...guilt creeping up on me until I felt completely deflated...But looking at the price of the wine I have to pay, it’s not that expensive, I mean, not outrageously expensive, right? That’s what Phii Johan said about it being generous to keep just that much.
“Okay, all done...finally sorted out. Hey...have you known Jo for a long time? Why haven’t I seen him before?” Phii Prang asked while stuffing documents into her bag.
“No, we don’t know each other, I met him for the first time when I was drunk.”
“Oh.” Upon hearing my answer, she furrowed her brows in extreme surprise, “You’re not dating, right?”
“No.” I shook my head firmly.
“Oh, now I’m totally confused.”
“Aren’t you going back yet?” Phii Johan, who seemed to have just finished showering, walked out and said, “You can go back now.”
“I haven’t cleared things up with him yet.” Phii Prang said.
“No need to talk, go back.”
“Oh, so strict, see you later then.” Phii Prang said before she grabbed her document bag and left. I waved goodbye, still not having had a proper conversation with her. I turned to Phii Johan, who no longer looked as worn out after his shower.
It’s truly miraculous.
“Sorry, I fell asleep.” I spoke to break the silence, “The work is done, right?”
“Yeah, finally done.” Phii Johan said as he slumped onto the sofa next to me, leaning back tiredly.
“Should I go to bed? I’m about to leave.” I’ve been away from work for a while. Ter and Phii Tharn will definitely complain like hell.
“Who said you could leave? I haven’t had my Americano yet.”
“Oh. Here it is. You didn’t drink it yourself, it’s all melted.” I pointed at the coffee cup on the table.
“You didn’t make it yourself.” Phii Johan said, a hint of annoyance in his eyes.
“I told you I haven’t trained yet.” I repeated, “I’ve never tried making it myself, not even once.”
“Go make some, the coffee machine is in the kitchen.” The person next to me said. Was he ordering me to make coffee? And if he has a coffee machine, why did he make me go out in the sun and wind to bring one here?
I sighed quietly to myself, complaining that it wouldn’t help, so I decided to get up and head to the kitchen corner, spotting the coffee machine on the lower shelf. I picked it up and put it on the counter.
I let out a small sigh, just complaining to myself, then decided to get up and walk towards the kitchen corner. I saw the coffee machine sitting on the lower shelf. I picked it up and placed it on the counter.
How do you use this thing?
Johan had followed me in at some point. He reached out and helped by pressing various buttons.
You act like you’re not going to do it yourself!
“Will my room explode?”
“Oh come on, at worst, it’ll just not taste good.”
“Probably.” I muttered the word ‘probably’ quietly. I’ve seen Phii Tharn use it often, but it’s a different model with lots of stuff I don’t know about. And do you have to pour the coffee beans first or what, you’re supposed to be a barista, right? T^T
“Uh, can I ask something?” I said while fiddling with the coffee machine, without turning to see what the other person was doing.
“No.”
“Uh, about the wine cabinet, did you tell your dad that you did it?” I asked, “If you didn’t say it was me, you got scolded instead.”
“Saying you did it would have made things more complicated.”
“...”
“Uh, thanks, I guess.” I thanked him again, for, uh...can we call it protecting me? And for being kind enough not to ask for more money for the wine.
“...”
Johan didn’t reply.
“But are you going to drink more coffee? I thought you’d rest since you said the work was done.”
“Hmm. Not exactly, there’s some faculty work.”
“Oh, so the work you said was yours, but Phii Hill is doing it for you?”
“How do you know?” One espresso shot was ready. I carefully placed it on the nearby table before turning to look at him. Phii Johan stood there, arms crossed, leaning against the table, looking at me.
“Well, Ter told me, he said if you’re busy...Phii Hill has to do the faculty work for you.”
“Ah.”
“Should I just add water, or do you want milk?”
“Add water.” Phii Johan said before turning to sit on a chair instead. I proceeded to fill the machine with water to make an Americano as instructed. I like coffee too...but I’d prefer it with some milk.
I placed the first Americano I’d ever made onto the table, and Phii Johan looked at it with a slight suspicion before picking it up for a sip.
“How is it?”
“Do you really work at a coffee shop?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Where do you work?”
“Marry Me, why?”
“I’m going to buy that shop.”
“...”
“And then fire you.”
That’s harsh!!
“Why? Is it that bad?” I asked while inadvertently making a grumpy face.
“Uh-huh.”
“Like this, do you think I’d let you make coffee for others?”
“Oh, come on, Phii.” I muttered under my breath, really wanting to shout out why Phii Jo wasn’t gentle with me at all! It was really disheartening.
“If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t believe it, that you’re friends with Phii Hill.” I said with a sigh. Phii Johan took another sip of the coffee, furrowed his brows, and looked at me.
“Why?”
“Well...your personalities are so different. You don’t share any of Phii Hill’s gentleness.” I said, “Phii Hill, he’s incredibly warm.”
“What game are you playing?”
“Huh?” I raised my eyebrows in surprise at the question from the person in front of me. What does ‘what game are you playing’ mean? “Last time, Hill called to yell at me about Ter.”
“Huh?”
“Ter complimented me to Hill, and then Hill got mad.”
“Oh...I see, and then what?”
“And then here you are.”
“Huh?, Oh...where are you going?” I didn’t even finish my sentence before Johan put down his coffee cup and walked out to the balcony. Then I saw him take out his phone and call someone.
(What’s up, is the work done?)
“Hill, you bastard.”
(What?)
“I’m annoyed.”
(With whom?)
“With you, of course.”