[T/N] I apologize for grammar mistakes and incoherencies
Chapter 7: Warm Milk With Honey
I stared at my phone screen, re-reading the messages over and over to make sure I wasn’t seeing things.
Johan: At your dorm
Johan: Come down
Johan: Didn’t I tell you not to go anywhere?
This is serious!!
“Ter!!” I shouted loudly even though the person in question was right nearby, causing him to jump in surprise.
“What!?, You scared me!”
“Phii Jo said he’s at the dorm.” I said, showing him my phone. Ter’s eyes scanned the screen, his face showing equal shock.
“Seriously!?” I nodded, still puzzled, “How did this happen, did you guys make plans?”
“No plans, he just suddenly messaged me like this.”
North♣: Huh??
North♣: Are you at my dorm?
Johan: Told you.
North♣: Wait, what’s this about?
North♣: Are you here to pick me up?
Johan: Yeah
North♣: Where are we going?
Johan: Hurry up.
Johan: You have five minutes.
North♣: Wait, wait.
North♣: Tell me where we’re going first.
“He doesn’t even read or reply, he seems like he’s here to pick me up, but he doesn’t say where we’re going.”
“Do you need to stay overnight?” Ter raised his eyebrows in question.
“I don’t know.” I shook my head, “I’m confused, what’s going on? Everything feels so rushed.” I raised my hand to scratch my head in confusion. I just got back from work, hadn’t even had time to shower, and now he tells me to come down to the front of the dorm. What’s with him? Why is Phii Johan always like this?
“So, what are you going to do?”
“Exactly, I feel unsafe.”
“But just now, when I asked, Phii Hill said it would be fine.”
“Really? It’s definitely okay?” I was still hesitant, almost forgetting that Phii Johan had given me only five minutes, “What should I do? Can I refuse?”
“Have you ever been able to?” Ter’s question struck a chord, making me clutch my chest. Never. I’ve never been able to refuse Phii Johan. He never even asks for my opinion or listens to me, T^T
Ding!!
Johan: Don’t make me come up there.
Oh dear, T^T, talking with Ter, I completely forgot Phii Johan is in a hurry.
North♣: Bro, just a moment, let me shower first.
Johan: Ten more minutes. Otherwise, I’m coming up.
“Damn, Ter, help me pack some stuff, put them in this bag.” I asked Ter for help with packing before dashing to take a quick shower. Ter looked a bit confused before agreeing to help, not knowing what exactly, but if Phii Johan came up to the room, it wouldn’t be good, especially with just this much time. I’m not the Flash, T^T.
“What do you want me to pack?” I heard Ter shout while I was hurriedly soaping up.
“Uh, what else, my school uniform that’s hanging in the closet, and my shoes too.”
“Where are your socks?”
“In the bottom drawer.”
“I don’t see any.”
“I might have forgotten to wash them, can I borrow some of yours?”
“How many pairs of my socks have you taken now, return some, will you?” I heard Ter mumble before he went silent, probably arranging my stuff. After a while, I finished showering, put on a t-shirt and basketball shorts. Alright, this outfit will do. No matter where Phii Jo is taking me, I’ll go in this! I’ll even sleep in this!
“Textbooks?” Ter asked.
“Got them.” I said while roughly checking the bag contents. “Anything else?”
“Power bank.”
“Yeah, can’t forget that.” And I went to grab the power bank from the desk and put it in my bag. I think I’ve got everything.
“Do you want mosquito repellent?” Ter asked while handing me a bottle of mosquito repellent. I looked at it with a surprised expression, “Hey, in case Phii Johan takes you camping.”
“Are you crazy? Is he taking me camping?”
“Who knows? He hasn’t said where you’re going yet; it could be for stargazing on a mountain, just take it.” Ter concluded like that and stuffed the mosquito repellent into my bag.
“Why so prepared? Even got mosquito repellent.” I grumbled while making a face. Ter stroked his chin, thinking again, “This prepared, we should probably have a flashlight and a water bottle too.”
“Sunscreen?”
“Why would I need that?”
“In case you wake up tomorrow and find yourself at the beach.”
“That’s too much, do I even have classes? I even took my school uniform just in case.” I said.
“What else do you have? You don’t have any regular medication, and you can buy anything else you need.”
“I think that’s about it.”
“You think he’ll really take you to a mountain or the beach?”
“Just in case, you know, just in case. You said yourself that anything can happen if it’s Phii Johan.” Why does Ter always think of every possibility? Is that his good trait? But I agree with the last sentence. Suddenly, my phone notification went off again.
Johan: Hurry up.
North♣: I’m rushing, Phii, just finished showering.
North♣: Almost slipped and cracked my head, man.
Why do people always rush like this? If he had told me earlier, I wouldn’t need to be rushed, right? T^T
“Then I’ll go first, hey, then you’ll be alone.” I said, realizing I’ve never left Ter to sleep alone in the room, “Can you manage on your own?”
“I can’t be alone.” Ter shook his head, “But if I were to ask you to stay...you couldn’t either.”
“Why make it so dramatic?”
“I’ve never let you sleep alone. No matter how busy I am, if you have to sleep in the room, I will come back to be with you, and now...now you’re just leaving me like this.”
“Ter, calm down, you’re making me feel guilty.” I said softly, knowing well that Ter was just pretending, but I was a bit concerned too, “Maybe ask Phii Hill to come over.”
“Wow, it’s late. It’s fine, really.”
“Now what do we do?” I stopped looking for my shoes immediately, turned to look at Ter who was putting on a sad face, clearly just for show, “Hold on, I’ll check with Phii Jo. I don’t want to leave you alone.”
North♣: What about Ter?
North♣:. I don’t want to leave Ter alone.
Johan: Bring Ter down too.
North♣: Are we taking him along?
Johan: Hill is here too.
Johan: Hurry up and come down.
Team?
What’s with these two guys...
I waited for Ter to pack up before we both headed downstairs from the dorm.
“Strange.” I said as we were walking down the stairs.
“Why?”
“Normally, you’d be happy, when I said what about your ship.”
“Oh, so I’m the one who isn’t shipped, huh? That’s for sure.”
“Bastard. I shouldn’t have asked.” I said, shaking my head slightly. Just curious, that’s all.
“Seriously, it’s not that big a deal for me.”
“Really!” I looked at him with wide eyes, disbelieving, “That’s not a big deal?”
“Really. You’re funny when I tease you, but honestly, I do feel a bit chipped.”
“Well, ‘a bit’ isn’t the word I’d use.”
“But right now, I’m more worried about you. If anything goes wrong, call me, okay?”
“Yeah, of course. If anything happens, I’ll definitely call you.” I said.
Walking downstairs, I saw a Benz and an Audi parked in front of the dorm. If it were daytime, they’d definitely draw a crowd. Phii Hill and Phii Johan were leaning against their cars, chatting. Even though they were just talking, there was something about it that felt...like they had an aura. You could snap a photo and put it in a magazine or on a page, it’s like they’re models posing with their cars.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” Ter walked straight to Phii Hill. Phii Hill smiled and ruffled the hair of the person approaching him, why does it look so tender, seriously, it feels like the world has been toned down with pastel colors, T^T
Contrastingly, Phii Johan stood there, not looking too pleased, it felt like the atmosphere was completely different.
“What time did you come here?”
“Since Jo said he was coming here.” Phii Hill answered. I walked over slowly, “Keeps getting strange, I got back to the condo less than five minutes before the text started, I think.”
“Slow.” Phii Johan turned to scold me.
“Come on, Phii, this was as fast as I could.” I said, somewhat exasperated.
“Jo.”
“What?” He turned to the one calling his name.
“Don’t forget what we talked about earlier.”
“I know already.”
“Finally, I’m tired of dealing with your stuff.” Phii Hill said, looking bored. Phii Johan didn’t look much different.
“Yeah, send me the latest work.”
“I don’t have it.”
“Oh, then who did it?”
“Fah did it.”
“Again, now everything is left to Fah. Got a boyfriend and now slacking off?”
“You, who never does anything, shouldn’t talk.”
Phii Hill frowned. I’ve never seen Phii Johan talk to his friends like this. It seems normal, so why is he always so harsh with me? “You have no work left at the company, right?”
“Uh, yeah, everything’s cleared out for now. Taking a break. Just for this once.”
“That’s good, I’m tired of picking up your slack.” He said before turning to Ter, “Are you hungry? Want to stop somewhere?”
“I’m fine, thanks. Actually, I’m starting to get sleepy.”
“Let’s go then. Oh, and remember, class tomorrow at eight.” Phii Hill turned to tell Phii Jo just as he was about to open the car door, “Don’t be late.”
“Why eight in the morning?”
“Teacher’s appointment.”
“Man, alright, see you.”
“Yep.” and then the white luxury Benz slowly pulled away, leaving me standing there confused with Phii Johan.
“Get in the car.” Phii Johan commanded before opening the driver’s door and getting in. I walked over, opened the passenger door, and sat next to Phii Jo without a word before he started the engine, reached over to adjust my seat, then turned to check the back before backing out with one hand on the wheel. Wow, if he had done that move with a girl, she’d probably have melted by now.
!!!
I felt like I was pushed back into the seat as the car accelerated, completely forgetting how terrifying Phii Johan can be when driving. I barely had time to fasten my seatbelt. And then there was Phii Hill’s driving earlier, so smooth. Oh, I miss Phii Hill’s car, could it come back and pick me up please? Can’t take this anymore.
“Phii...”
“...”
“Um, Phii...”
“What?”
“Can you drive a bit slower, please? I’m so tense my legs are numb.” I said. The person next to me didn’t respond immediately but then slowed down to a normal speed. Good grief, it was scary, scarier than last time because the road was empty, “Driving fast at night is dangerous, you know.”
The silence continued throughout the journey until I wanted to put on my headphones and listen to music just to survive, but I didn’t dare. I wanted to ask where he was taking me, if it was to go camping or to the beach like Ter mentioned, but it probably wasn’t, because if I wasn’t mistaken, this road led to Phii Johan’s condo.
If that’s the case, the next question is...why did he bring me here?
Suddenly, I heard the vibration of a phone. I checked mine but there was nothing; it must have been Phii Johan’s.
“Should I answer it for you?” I offered, noticing the phone lying beside him while he was driving and couldn’t pick up. After a moment, he nodded in agreement.
‘Incoming Call: May’
May?
“Who is it?”
“It’s someone named May.”
“You don’t have to pick up.”
“It’s okay, I’ll tell them.” I said, pressing [answer] without waiting for a reply from the phone’s owner.
(Jo, why aren’t you answering my chats?)
“Phii Johan is busy, he’s driving.” I spoke into the phone. There was a pause from the other end before a response.
(Driving? At midnight? And who are you?)
“Uh, yeah...” I paused, would she even know who I am if I told her my name? “I don’t think you know me.”
(Where are you guys going?)
“Back...we’re heading back, I guess.” I replied hesitantly, turning to look at the driver, “We are heading back, right?” But Phii Johan just kept staring at the road ahead, ignoring my question.
(Back to the condo, huh?)
“Yes, I suppose so.”
(Can you put it on speaker? I want to talk to Jo.)
“You can talk to me first, Phii Jo is driving.” I said. Hearing this, Phii Johan immediately looked at me with a surprised expression. I raised an eyebrow at him without saying anything more.
(Is that how it is?) the person on the other end of the line said, laughing, (Ask Johan why he didn’t reply to the chat.)
“Phii Johan, why didn’t you reply to the chat?”
“You didn’t reply to my chat either.”
Oh...
But that’s true, T^T.
Then why the irritation?
“No, not me, I mean, she asked why you didn’t reply to her chat.” This time, Phii Johan didn’t respond. He just shook his head slightly as an answer.
What does shaking your head mean? Not free?
“He said he wasn’t free.”
(Not free? Working? But I saw him at the store.) Oh, then why? Seems like there’s more to it, (And why did he take a photo with Pong?)
“...”
“And why did you take a photo with Pong?” I asked as per what May said, suspecting it might be, yes, that’s a senior, because calling him just Jo indicates it’s my senior.
“...?” The person next to me didn’t respond again, just turned to look at me with a puzzled expression before turning back to the road. Is he really not going to answer? I’ve tried to convey the tone according to what May said.
“He didn’t reply, Phii.”
(Always, he’s always like this. We agreed not to interfere in each other’s affairs, but still, sigh.)
“May.”
(Huh, what?)
“You better stop talking to Phii Johan.”
(...?)
“And talk to me instead.”
“I’m single too, by the way.”
!!!
Hearing that, Phii Johan immediately turned to look at me, then let go of the steering wheel, reached for his phone, ended the call, and threw it onto the console in frustration. He made a sharp turn into the condo, so fast it startled me, and as soon as the car stopped, he got out without waiting.
I quickly got out of the car and followed the other person. Why does he seem even grumpier now?
“Are you jealous?”
“Jealous of May? I was just joking. I didn’t mean to tease you.”
“Hmm.”
That was all Phii Johan said before he tapped the key card to enter the room. I followed him in, still not understanding why I was here, and now I wasn’t even trying to start a conversation or say anything. Once the homeowner plopped down on the sofa, I quietly sat on the smaller one.
“Where have you been?” He asked in a stern voice, which sent a shiver down my spine. Why is he so scary! T^T. He was normal when talking with Phii Hill.
“Just...out.” I answered, just like I did in the chat. Honestly, I didn’t know what to say; I should’ve prepared an answer beforehand.
“Where?”
“A restaurant in town.”
“With whom?”
“Uh, with friends, you wouldn’t know them.”
“Who?”
Oh man, this is so pressuring, seriously, T^T. Someone help me!
“Nao, Skater, Kyu.” I mentioned every friend I could think of.
“...”
“...” Phii Jo didn’t say anything, just let out a small sigh, “What did I tell you?”
“You told me not to go anywhere.” I mumbled, looking down, remembering because that’s what he said in the chat. Even though I didn’t understand why he was so angry, when Phii Johan gets mad, it’s really scary.
“Why didn’t you reply to my message?”
“...”
“Sorry.” How could I tell him I was working?
“What time did you leave?”
“Left...around evening, I guess.”
“Hmm.” Phii Johan simply replied, running his fingers through his hair in frustration, then silence enveloped us again. I couldn’t understand why, but I felt like Phii Johan didn’t quite believe what I had said. That made me feel even more guilty for lying, but I was just going to work, T^T.
“Uh...Phii.”
“What?”
“Oh, never mind.” Initially, I was going to ask if he wasn’t going to deduct money from me, but on second thought, it was better not to ask. It’s good if he doesn’t. No need to bring it up. Then, suddenly, he got up and left without me even getting a chance to ask anything.
Phii Johan walked into what I guessed was his bedroom. Uh...now what am I supposed to do? He dragged me to the condo, for what? What am I supposed to do here? Where am I supposed to sleep? And how am I going to get to class tomorrow? While I had nothing else to do, I took out my phone to kill time, just as I was about to message Ter.
“Hey!” I exclaimed in surprise as I suddenly remembered something, hastily dumping the contents of my bag out. Whenever I’m in a hurry to find something, I just empty the bag like this; it’s convenient. Now, my stuff was spread all over the coffee table in front of the sofa.
“What are you doing?” Phii Johan’s voice came from behind. I turned towards the sound; he looked surprised by what I was doing.
“Uh...looking for my wallet.” After emptying everything, I started going through my belongings. Phii Johan, who seemed to have changed clothes, sat back down on the sofa. “Crap, I forgot to bring my wallet.”
“You forgot your wallet, but you brought mosquito repellent?”
Please, Phii, don’t look at me with that disgusted face. I’d rather you just scold me, T^T.
Ter. You, how could you remember the mosquito repellent before the wallet? We spent so long thinking about what we might have missed.
“And why bring the mosquito repellent?” Phii Johan asked.
“Well...just in case you wanted to take me camping or something.”
“...”
Phii Johan didn’t say anything. He just raised his hand to his temple, sighed, and shook his head. I told you, just scold me, scold me like usual, please. You’re making me feel worse with this silence, T^T.
“Well, you didn’t tell me where we were going.” I said softly, making a slightly pouty face.
“At midnight, I might just take you somewhere.”
“You never know, what if you felt like going somewhere?”
“It wasn’t with you.”
That’s harsh, why? What did I do wrong? Why wouldn’t he want to go camping with me, T^T
“Are you going to work?” I asked while packing my stuff back into the bag, it seemed like Phii Johan wasn’t as irritated anymore, or was he?
“Why?”
“I thought you might want me to keep you company while you work.”
“And then?”
“Huh.” I looked at him, puzzled, “Do you have a blanket for me?” I asked. I didn’t care anymore why he brought me here; whatever he wants me to do, he can tell me later. What I wanted to know now was whether I’d be sleeping cold on the sofa tonight.
“I have one, why?”
“At least give me a blanket, sleeping bare would be too lonely.” I said, standing up, “Where is it, I’ll get it myself.”
“Upstairs.” Phii Johan said, pointing to a large cabinet in the back. So, I walked to where he pointed.
“Is there a chair?” I asked for a chair since the top shelf was too high to reach. Not that I couldn’t reach, just that it was a bit awkward. Phii Johan didn’t reply, just walked over and reached for the blanket to hand it to me.
“Thanks.” I said, taking the blanket. I felt a bit embarrassed, T^T.
“You’re sleeping on the sofa?”
“Yes.” I spread out the blanket, which was thin and had no pattern. If I weren’t so shy, I might have asked for a body pillow too, but then again, Phii Johan having a body pillow would be strange, totally out of character.
“Can you sleep on it?”
“It’s comfortable, your sofa is softer than my bed at home.” I said, moving to sit on the big sofa that was about to become my bed. It was soft, really soft, softer than my bed at home for sure. Saying I sleep on a pig sty would be an exaggeration, but I can sleep anywhere; I’ve fallen asleep on desks before, the floor is no problem.
Phii Johan didn’t say anything, just looked at me with mild surprise, then he walked into the bedroom. So, tonight, I just changed beds, huh? I took out my phone to chat and update Ter. After a while, thinking there was nothing more to do, I went to turn off all the lights except for a small one.
Even though I was super tired from work, I couldn’t sleep...
Because it was strange that
Or perhaps...
Unable to bear the fear any longer, I quickly took out my phone again, scrolling through my contacts on LINE. Ter was out of the question since he was with Phii Hill. I immediately dialed Nao.
(Why are you calling so late?) he scolded as soon as he picked up, and there was a lot of noise in the background, (I’m in the middle of a game, almost died, you know?)
“I knew you weren’t asleep.”
(Yeah, what’s up?)
“Why are you so cold, man? I can’t sleep.”
(And how is that my problem?)
“You’re so grumpy, you must be annoyed by something.”
(No, just trying to concentrate, you call without any sense of time, damn it! Sua, he shot me, Sua. Someone shot me, I’m already hiding.)
(Where? Right, on the right, bastard, I’ve saved him.)
(Heal me, heal me!)
“Oh, you with your boyfriend?” I asked, having heard Tiger’s voice, which Nao calls ‘Sua’.
(Pfft. We’re roommates, aren’t we?)
(Who is it?) Tiger’s voice.
“It’s me.”
(You piece of work, now you know how to use a phone?)
“Tiger, speak nicely.” I said in a low tone, pretending to threaten.
(Tiger, my name is Tiger.)
“Annoying bastard.” I cursed with disdain. Tiger doesn’t let anyone but Nao call him Sua. No need to ask why; when you’re stuck in the friend zone for years, it gets like this, especially when Nao doesn’t even realize anything and genuinely thinks of Tiger as just a friend. “Ter was complaining that you’ve called him ‘Tiger’ since kindergarten, but now you suddenly don’t let him.”
(North!!!)
“Why are you shouting?!” I exclaimed in surprise when suddenly Tiger called out my name, it seems like he got scolded by Nao.
(North, you damn animal, you talk too much.)
“I just suddenly felt like saying something.” I said teasingly. Tiger seemed quite agitated, probably sneaking Nao’s phone to chat outside. “But if I get a cup of green tea tomorrow, I might not feel like talking anymore.”
(Shit, North. You...yeah, I’ll buy you one tomorrow, okay? Don’t be a dick and say anything more) Tiger whispered softly, (It’s weird, right? Suddenly taking out Nao’s phone, but it’s good he’s playing a game.)
“Huh, aren’t you playing too?”
(I’m dead.)
“Why are you so bad?”
(I took a bullet for the wife, so manly, am I not?)
“Damn, that’s so stupid, since when did he become your wife?”
(He’s about to be. I’m trying to impose the husband role on him every day.)
“What the hell?”
(You’re the one who’s hell, knowing my secret, using it to threaten me big time, does it help anything? No, it doesn’t. You’re really something) the voice on the other end said, sounding like he’d been holding back for a while.
“I sent you that photo, didn’t I?”
(Yeah, thanks, Nao is cute, sniff, my heart.)
“You’re whipped, man, what happened to Tiger, the cool engineering faculty football team captain?”
(You don’t understand the cuteness of Duennao.)
“Who would? Do you want me to understand his cuteness?” [1] there is a play on words here khao jai means understand but in the literal sense it means get into someone’s heart khao mean enter and jai mean heart...so understand can alos mean infatuation or falling for someone
(No, no, don’t mess with my Duennao, bastard!!)
“Bastard, yeah, yeah, you can go back inside now, or your ‘wife’ will get suspicious.”
(Sniff. When you call him my wife, it embarrasses me, damn you. Okay, I’m going back in, don’t dare say anything else.)
“Got it.” I agreed. Seriously, I wasn’t planning on telling Nao anything, just teasing Tiger, like friends do, and Nao is completely oblivious to it all.
(I’m dead, Tiger you left me) Nao’s whiny voice came through. If Nao keeps whining like this, Tiger’s knees are sure to weaken.
(Sorry, let’s go for another round.)
(Take a quick break, talk to North first)
“You finally see my point, huh?”
(Yeah, what’s up? Why can’t you sleep? Normally, you sleep like the dead.)
“Well, it’s like...I’m scared, really scared. My eyes are darting all over the place; no matter where I look, I’m afraid something’s lurking on the other side...Do you get it?”
(No, I’m not ‘Ket’, I’m Duennao. If you’re thinking of ‘Ket’, call ‘Ket’.) [1] Ket is Skater (?)
“Okay, I’ll call him quickly. Spit! Let’s see how things are. My tears, they’re about to fall.” I started to rant, my eyes scanning the surroundings with paranoia. Ter knows best that I am extremely afraid of ghosts. I can’t sleep alone, and I totally forgot that. Plus, it’s in an unfamiliar place.
(Where is Ter?)
“He’s not with me.”
(What? Why? Did he abandon you? That’s hard to believe.)
“No, to put it accurately, I abandoned him.”
(How did you manage that? Where are you?)
“Well...You’ll know, just don’t scold me.”
(You bastard.)
“Hey, why scold me?”
(You said not to scold when you know, so I scold you before knowing.)
“Really?” I raised my eyebrows in surprise at the words from the person on the other end. Is that even logical? “Okay, whatever, go ahead and scold me, just don’t...sigh at me.” I think when I recall Phii Johan making that disgusted face and sighing at me just now, being scolded feels better, T^T
(What’s your deal, spit it out, stop playing around.)
“Ah. Well...” I recounted the whole story to Nao from the beginning. From deciding to take on extra work and Phii Johan coming to pick me up, to me sneaking out for work and then Phii Johan coming to pick me up again.
(Oh...)
(Wow...)
“Why does it sound like I can hear Tiger?”
(I had the speaker on.)
“Huh, betrayal, I told you not to tell anyone.” I said. This wasn’t supposed to reach Skater and Kyu, so I didn’t call them. Otherwise, they’d tease me to death. Only Nao is somewhat decent about it. Not that he doesn’t tease, he does, just less than the others.
(You’re too late, I had it on speaker from the start. So, did you guys do it?)
“Het, why would you say something like that?”
(I’m your shadow of spite, so what? I just sent you to change beds, nothing else.)
“I don’t know. He didn’t say anything, didn’t answer my questions. He’s probably asleep by now.”
(Oh, what’s this about? You’re overthinking. If it were me, I’d have forced an answer out of him) Nao said, (And you’re not worried? What if he does something to you?)
“It’s fine, I think he won’t do anything to me.”
(You’re too naive) Tiger commented, sounding more like a jab, (Then why did you call if you’re not worried?)
“Well, I was scared, that’s why I said so.”
(Are you scared of ghosts?)
“Nao, who tells ghost stories at night?” I dragged out my voice, “I...I’m not brave. I can’t even move.”
(Sigh, I get it. If you’re scared, stop reading or watching those things, and you’ll get used to it, it’ll go away on its own, you won’t be as afraid if you don’t know) Duennao tried to explain.
“But I can’t help it.” I replied softly, knowing I’m scared but I like it. I don’t know why.
(I’m telling you, read stories that are far from your reality, not about dorms or stuff like that. Read about forests, beaches, mountains made of cement, or foreign stories.)
“I’ve been following your advice.”
(Then why be scared? They’re far away.)
“They might fly over the country to get to me.”
(Animal, your imagination is...)
“Come on, just talk with me for a bit, I might fall asleep listening to you guys play games.” I said, having called to chat with Duennao and Tiger for a while, before I remembered something else.
“Crap, I totally forgot.”
(What?)
“My student shirt.”
(Why?)
“It’s wrinkled. Ter stuffed it into the bag, must have forgotten to fold it.”
(Oh, so what now? You don’t like wearing wrinkled clothes.)
“Exactly, what should I do?”
(Go ask Phii Johan for a sweater to cover it up.)
“Would that be okay?”
(It would be fine, just borrow it and wash it later. Otherwise, you’ll keep whining at us all day, like last time when you forgot to iron your shirt.)
“Why don’t I just borrow an iron from him? Wouldn’t that be easier?” I asked, realizing it might be simpler to borrow an iron than a shirt.
(Does he even have one? Do you think someone like Phii Johan irons his own shirts? Think, North.)
“Yeah, good point. So what should I do? Should I ask to borrow it tomorrow?”
(If he’s not asleep, ask now, in case you forget tomorrow. Or he might have early classes. We have afternoon classes, remember that.)
“He probably has early classes.” I said, remembering that before leaving the dorm, Phii Hill mentioned Phii Johan had an 8 AM class the next day, so he should be asleep by now.
(Try knocking first.)
“Alright then.”
(Try it, knock softly. If there’s no answer, he’s probably asleep.)
“Okay.” I said before slowly getting up and walking over to stop in front of Phii Johan’s room. I raised my hand and knocked softly as Duennao suggested. After a moment, the door opened...Still not asleep?
No way...
The lights in the room were already off, and he’s still awake after I knocked so softly?
“Uh, like, Phii Johan.”
“What?” His demeanor suggested he was very annoyed, like someone who hadn’t gotten any sleep, “You make noise and then have the nerve to come bother me?”
“Oh...was I too loud? Sorry about that.” I said, feeling guilty. I didn’t realize I was being that loud, don’t tell me he couldn’t sleep because of my loud phone call.
“Yeah, so what’s up?”
“Can I go borrow a shirt from you? My uniform is all wrinkled.”
“Uh”
“Can I?”
“Hmm, I’ll get one for you tomorrow.”
“Thanks.”
“Why haven’t you gone to sleep yet?”
“Well...I couldn’t sleep, so I called to chat with a friend.”
“I see. I can’t sleep either.”
“Really?”
“Make me something to eat.” Phii Johan said, reaching to turn on the bedroom light switch, “You can do that, right?”
“Yes, what would you like?” I asked before telling Nao I’d hang up, “You know, I’m pretty good at cooking.” I said proudly, even Ter often compliments me.
“Anything is fine.” Phii Jo replied, then walked into the kitchen. I followed him closely, trying to think about what to cook at 2 AM. Why did I feel a bit happy? Maybe because I wasn’t just here to change beds.
I looked in the fridge for a bit, then glanced at Phii Johan who was sitting with his usual displeased look. If that’s the case, I’ll just decide that he brought me here to make him something to eat when he can’t sleep, and maybe I’ll even get to cook breakfast.
“Do you often not sleep?”
“Hmm.”
“What do you usually do then?”
“Work, and then I get tired and fall asleep.”
“Wow, that’s not good, what about days you don’t work, like today?”
“Then I can’t sleep.”
“I thought you’d have someone calling you or watching over you or something.”
“Like you, huh?”
“Uh, well...Yes, honestly, I’m scared.”
“Scared of what?”
“Like...scared, you know. I’m too afraid to say.” I said, starting to pour water into a pot, planning to warm some milk first then add honey. I’ve heard it helps you sleep better, but I’ve never tried it because I usually fall asleep easily if I’m not scared.
“You...have you ever made any sense?”
Ouch, that’s harsh again, T^T
“Well, everyone has something they’re afraid of, right?” I said, making a sulky face, though I doubted he could see it, “Aren’t you scared of anything?”
“No, I’m studying medicine, remember?”
“Oh, right, you’re studying to be a doctor.” I always forget that Phii Johan is studying medicine. He doesn’t act like it at all, “I was going to ask, why study medicine when your family already has so much business?”
“You’re full of questions, aren’t you?”
That’s a polite way of calling someone nosy, T^T
“My mom told me to give it a try, I got in, so I had to study.” Phii Johan said, sounding quite annoyed. He didn’t seem to want to be a doctor to begin with. I had guessed from the start that Phii Jo wasn’t exactly doctor material.
After a while, my warm milk with honey was ready. As I placed it on the table, the person in front of me picked it up without asking.
“It’s honey milk. I heard it helps you sleep better.” I said. Phii Johan didn’t say anything before taking a sip.
“Everything you cook is sweet, isn’t it?”
“…?”
“Really. Me, you know, how do you know that?” I was confused by his statement. Phii Johan didn’t answer until he finished the milk in the glass. Me, always cooking things sweet? How did Phii Jo know that? I just once made him coffee, and that coffee didn’t even have sugar.
The other person placed the empty glass back on the table. I took it and placed it in the sink, then when I turned around, I saw Phii Johan walking out of the kitchen.
“Goodnight, then.” I said, stepping towards the sofa, but my wrist was grabbed first. Phii Johan pulled me into the bedroom where the lights were off, and the cool air from the air conditioner hit me.
“Phii?” I called out in confusion before Phii Johan let go of my hand and sat on the bed. Now it was completely dark, I could barely see the bed.
“You can sleep now.”
“You want me to sleep here?”
“Hmm.”
“Actually, I can sleep on the sofa.” I said, feeling apologetic. Even if he dragged me here, sharing a bed seemed a bit much.
“Aren’t you scared? Plus, if you sleep outside, you’ll just talk loudly again.”
“Oh...okay.” I cautiously felt around in the darkness until I found the bed and climbed in carefully. Oh boy, I really wanted to ask Phii Johan a lot more, but the sleepiness combined with the cool air conditioning made me dismiss it for now.
The only sound in the room was the soft hum of the air conditioner. Initially, I couldn’t sleep because I was scared, but with someone beside me, I felt much more at ease. It didn’t take long for me to fall asleep easily due to exhaustion and sleepiness.
“Wake up!” Someone’s voice along with the force of the blanket being pulled away made me jump awake. The bright sunlight forced me to squint my eyes automatically.
“Uhh...” I rubbed my eyes hard, what’s this, so sleepy, it must be very early. I reached for my phone, “Seven forty, go back to sleep.” I mumbled sleepily, trying to fall back asleep.
“Get up, I’m going to be late.” Phii Johan said irritably, quickly running his hand through his hair before rushing off somewhere else.
“But I have classes in the afternoon.”
“Make coffee.”
“Huh?”
“Make coffee.” Phii Johan repeated. I got up in a daze and walked to the kitchen. He woke me up to make coffee? “After that, change your clothes.”
“Change clothes? The uniform?”
“Yes.”
“But I have classes in the afternoon.”
“That’s your problem.”
Come on! Why do I, someone with classes in the afternoon, have to go to university in the morning, T^T
Phii Johan seemed to be in a hurry; one hand was buttoning his shirt while the other was packing things up. Honestly, I like his style. Even when he’s in a rush, he still looks good without needing to fuss over his appearance. His hair and clothing are just effortlessly cool. He doesn’t need to do much to look good. He looks really good.
I prepared the coffee the way I usually do for him. Phii Johan asked me to use a plastic cup instead, one with a lid like those from typical coffee shops, because we were short on time. Once done, I quickly took a shower much like last night, changed into my student uniform, and came out.
“Hey, Phii, the shirt I borrowed from you.” I mentioned when I saw my own student shirt was extremely wrinkled.
“Hanging in front of the closet.” Phii Johan said. I turned to see the shirt hanging there. I had forgotten how expensive Phii Johan’s things are. Even though I’m usually too scared to wear them, right now I couldn’t be too picky because he was in a hurry.
The shirt was way too big, so I had to roll up the sleeves.
I was startled when Phii Johan suddenly tossed a black helmet at me.
Wait...
Don’t tell me...
Like I thought...
Big bike...
“Why bring this bike out?” I asked as we stopped in front of a beautiful black big bike. Even though I don’t know much about bikes, I could tell it was stunning, really cool, but that wasn’t the point. The point is, Phii Johan drives like a maniac...and now with a big bike. Will I even survive until we reach university?
“I’m in a hurry, I hate traffic.”
“...”
“Get on quickly.”
Phii Johan seemed slightly annoyed because I hesitated to get on the bike. But what could I do? I’ve never ridden on such a big bike before. I carefully lifted my leg over.
“Will I fall off, Phii?” I asked nervously even though I was already on. The person in front of me started the bike immediately.
“Hold onto me.”
Ohhh, I’m going to have a heart attack!!
The beautiful big bike stopped in front of the Faculty of Medicine. I let go of the waist of the person in front of me, which I didn’t remember when I had clung onto him, and wondered if I had let go at all. It was rush hour, and watching Phii Johan drive, we made it to the faculty in less than ten minutes. That was deadly. I’m the one who nearly died!! Please, Phii, no more. Just riding in your car is enough to kill me, T^T
“That scared?” Phii Johan asked before taking off his helmet and running his hand through his hair slightly. Wow, why does he look so good? Why is there such a difference from when I take off my helmet, T^T
“I was scared, Phii, my hands are still shaking.” I complained a bit, “Good thing the coffee is still okay.” I said, then took out the coffee cup from the bag and handed it to him. Since he was in a rush, I had to put it in a cup, so I sealed it well and brought it in my bag. He took the coffee cup.
“So what am I supposed to do? I have classes in the afternoon.”
“Just stay around here.”
“Huh? What am I supposed to do around here?”
“Do you want to come up and study with me?” His question made me turn to look at him instantly, and it didn’t seem like he was joking.
“Are you crazy? How could I do that? I’ll just ask a friend to pick me up.” I said, hoping someone would bring their car today. I’d try calling them later.
“Hmm.” Phii Johan only responded with that before walking into the building. As soon as he left, I noticed that quite a few people were watching us. This is bad. T^T, I better find somewhere else to go, or I might get cornered by his fans.
I quickly searched for my phone to call a friend.
:What’s in this shirt pocket?
Money...?
And it’s
three gray banknotes
I messaged the owner of the jacket to see if he forgot it there. Who would forget three thousand baht in a jacket pocket?
North♣: Phii
North♣:. I found three thousand baht in the shirt pocket.
North♣: Should I bring it to you?
Johan: No need
Johan: Keep it
Johan: You forgot your wallet, didn’t you?