[T/N] I apologize for grammar mistakes and incoherencies
Chapter 12:
[Gene, you have been getting better at writing love scenes during this break.]
“Really!?”
[Hmm, it's starting to look more realistic. Your novel focuses more on the feelings of the protagonist. It's much better than the Brutal Engineering Husband novel.]
After hearing the compliments from the publisher contact Phii Bok, I, who was sitting in front of the laptop, I almost jumped out of my seat. I wasn't holding the phone, it was lying on the desk. If it wasn't for the fear of offending the publisher, she would have already heard the loud sound.
My work was praised and even better than before, so who wouldn't be happy?
...What should I eat tonight? A large pizza sounds good, right?
[It's unusual, did someone teach you this, huh?]
“!”
Lost in my thoughts about rewarding myself, I almost choked. I couldn't help but smile, “Seriously, I have to do a lot of research for my novel but it doesn't have to be that much!”
[Just teasing, why shout so loud, and look so shocked.]
“Well... you're talking as if I like guys.”
[Just because I asked if someone taught you, maybe a woman?]
Fidgeting at the end of the line, my face was getting hot almost to the point of sweating. It was fortunate that we were talking over the phone, so the other party couldn't see my face and current demeanor. I quickly composed myself, trying to bring back my calm demeanor. Finding another topic to talk about instead.
A few minutes later, after hanging up, I turned to look at my own laptop screen. I moved the mouse to the exact love scene that I had sent to Phii Bok the day before to read it over again.
'As Tharn raised his eyes to look, he saw that March's handsome face was now moving down slowly, using the edge of his lips to kiss and follow his skin without stopping. Every time he felt the warmth of those lips, Tharn couldn't help but be shocked. His nerves woke up to feel everything, it's tingling and thrilling, until the other side stopped at the edge of the lip, his eyes swept up to look deeply.'
“...”
I swear to myself right here that... I will never tell anyone definitively that all these scenes come from the hazy memories of the day I got drunk and did something stupid.
I don't know how many times it's been now when it comes to the things that Nubsib and I unintentionally did for the benefit of the ongoing story.
Thinking back, my face started feeling even hotter. I don't know why my face gets hot so easily that sometimes I get annoyed with myself. I absentmindedly shut my MacBook before stumbling out to grab a glass of water to cool down. Phew, that calmed down.
Since the day I had the talk concerning Ai'Tum's finding accommodation, I've been busy again with the novel. I barely have a day off. I went back to visit my mother at home after waking up late, then came back to work all day long for almost twenty-four hours.
As for today, Nubsib went to school in the morning. I woke up in the afternoon, so I missed the other person. Upon waking up, I checked the schedule for filming from Ai'Hin, which had been sent a long time ago. Seeing that there is a filming queue this evening, I realize that it will take a long time to start and finish filming, so... the number eighteen mustn't be coming home too soon.
And then, Out of curiosity, I walked back to pick up the cellphone placed in the room. I wanted to see the progress of the series, so I looked through #BadEngineerTheseries tag instead of the novel's name every time. Maybe I could find someone who posted a picture of the set for a sneak peek.
Popular
FarLaLa @farla14 June 18th
When someone relentlessly asked about this person, and the response was like this, it meant... What does Nubsib means when he answers like this? It is like he has something in his mind #BadEngineerTheseries #SibAey #KinthraNamchaa #brutalEngineeringHusband.
[clip.]
16 Replies 2654 Retweets 1431 Likes
I stopped scrolling when I encountered the first tweet that had received high popularity a week ago. The clip that the account owner would record from the screen during Instagram Live. I clicked it because I was curious to see.
The camera was turned towards Nubsib, who was wearing a white T-shirt covered with a nice denim jacket. From the fast-moving clip, a brief glance revealed that he seemed to be sitting in a famous coffee shop of a big mall. The sound coming through the speakers was conversational and followed by a voice closer to the phone, which was so familiar that I almost... I didn't need earphones to guess who it was.
'Sib, someone asked if you and Nong Aey went to the same university for real.'
...Ai'Tum's voice.
I know Ai'Sib has a social Instagram account, and Ai'Tum is the one who plays... and his voice and the way he speaks words and phrases are very distinctive. No foul language at all, very polite. If it weren't for me knowing he's a manager, I would've thought he had the same job as the kids.
‘Hey, pay attention to the camera a bit.’
This time, Nubsib turned to look at the camera in response. Upon seeing those beautiful eyes, even though they weren't looking directly at me, I couldn't help but feel like they were. In the lower left corner, a heart emoji comment popped up quickly while in the bottom right corner, the heart floated up and down non-stop.
‘Um.’
‘So, are you two pretty close?’
‘I don't know.’
It seems like there's something more to it.
Even though the reply was nonchalant, upon closer inspection, it feels like there's something deeper beyond the simple words “I don't know.” The clip ends just like that, but those who see it may have similar thoughts to the owner of the account and myself. Despite having a high number of retweets and being trending, it also includes a new tag that I just noticed.
#SibAey
I'm looking at these two words, pondering for a moment...
These days, BL series have gained a lot of acceptance, and the actors who star in them have become popular pairs. They have other projects where they act together, entering into many more. Nubsib and Nong Aey seem to be just like that as well. However, what I didn't expect was that some people are using the tags of these two very quickly. The series hasn't even aired yet, and it's already trending. Maybe because I'm caught up with the original source of a new project, I don't know.
Perhaps I'm too lazy to go to the set to watch. I just go, watch them act, and then leave. I feel like I'm a lazy writer.
I think, and then my finger scrolls down to continue reading.
Khun Mae’s sons@tear_1998 June 22nd
Oh no, the picture from their fifth-grade. It looks like they are rehearsing their roles together... teasing each other! I want them to kiss each other #SibAey #BadEngineerTheseries
[Pictures.] [Pictures.] [Pictures.]
37 replies 3654 retweets 1036 likes
Because I zoomed in on the photo, it's a bit blurry, but I can still make out the tall figure sitting on the foldable chair as Nubsib, holding a script ready to continue acting. Next to him is a bottle of water and some rice for lunch. On the other side is the small figure of Nong Aey, smiling widely and talking closely.
After seeing it, I can't control my curiosity anymore. In the end, I clicked on the hashtag SibAey to see a lot of tweets, including videos and screenshots from IG accounts. When Nubsib posts something on his personal IG account, whenever Nong Aey replies and likes it, screenshots are all captured.
Before I knew it, I sat watching the snippets and glimpses of their daily lives for almost an hour. I watched until my eyes were tired, then placed my phone on the table, went to take a shower, changed my shirt, put on some contact lenses, grabbed my wallet with car keys, and headed downstairs.
“Khun Gene, hello.”
“Hello. Are you filming here?”
...The film crew is very busy filming, right?
“Yes, today's scene is in the bathroom. Khun Gene enters through that door over there.” the staff pointed out and I looked in the direction indicated and nodded my thanks.
Walking through the small side door, I saw the crew setting up for the shoot in the gymnasium. The lighting was dim, with several thick black power cords running across the floor. I could see light panels and various wooden tools and equipment installed in that spot. I had to be careful not to disturb anyone working there.
I stopped not too far away, trying to find a spot where the crew wasn't walking around too often. From this angle, I could see the set where Nubsib was getting ready for his scene, with his makeup done nicely, facing another man. The other man was also dressed as a student, but fitted in a more sophisticated manner.
This is the scene where Kinthra and Tawan are arguing over Namchaa...
At the beginning of the shoot, it was all about the main character. The young man playing Tawan hadn't had his turn yet, but now the story was starting to unfold. The Tawan character needed to be added to the scene to show both main characters disagreeing.
“Phii Gene.”
As they both looked at each other with unwavering eyes, a sweet clear voice suddenly rose as he pulled the slender figure of Nong Aey closer to me, “Hey.” he said with a cute smile.
“You're here today.”
“I'm free today.”
“Come by more often. I haven't seen you in a while. Oh! I also bought a novel written by you, Phii Gene.” The small guy spoke enthusiastically, his round eyes sparkling, “I brought it just in case you could sign it for me.”
I heard that his novel had sold out another edition, and my eyes lit up.
“Sure, bring it over. I'll sign it for you right away.”
“Thank you.” Nong Aey thanked me happily and quickly went back to his bag, returning with the book and a purple pink ink pen, which he handed eagerly to me.
After handing the book to Nong Aey, I still didn't leave. We stood there chatting for a while until some of the crew noticed and brought over folding chairs for us to sit on, along with some cool drinks.
“I'm even more excited now that you are here, Phii Gene.”
“You must be going to shoot soon, right?”
“Yes. Scene in the bathroom.” the pale-faced person spoke slowly as the blood drained from his face. At that moment, I looked at him, hesitant.
Scene in the bathroom?
My brain neatly arranged thoughts back to a scene in my novel. Not long after, my eyes widened as I remembered. It was one of the dramatic scenes in the novel. After Kinthra and Tawan confronted each other, Kinthra realized the truth that Tawan slept with Namchaa and a fight broke out. He dragged the co-protagonist Namchaa into the bathroom, closed the door loudly, pushed him against the wall, and leaned in to kiss...
That's it. My face immediately blushed.
“Uh, susuna.”
Oops! I completely forgot. Nong Aey likes Nubsib... It's not unusual to feel awkward when kissing someone you like.
“Yes. Thank you.”
Then there was silence. Neither of us could say anything next, and Nong Aey was no different. The atmosphere changed to tense silence.
“Uh, I'll go...”
“Phii Gene.”
I had to sit back down in the cubicle when a small figure reached out and grabbed my arm.
“Phii Gene, did you know that I like Sib?”
I paused for a moment, my puzzled face turning into a tremble, “No...”
“Can I ask for your advice, Phii Gene?”'
Damn it. Give me some time to lie and deny.
“Phii Gene, what should I do next? Should I tell Sib? I'm afraid that if I tell him, he won't talk to me anymore.” then Nong Aey burst out as if he had been holding it in for a long time. I couldn't find any way out, and my face was sad and lonely, “Phii Gene, do you think that Sib doesn’t care about me at all now?
“...”
“I don't know what to do. I think you, Phii Gene, as a writer, would understand.”
“Uh, maybe it's because Nubsib is a man. If he likes women, it's not uncommon for him not to think like that.” I replied vaguely.
“Does that mean I have no hope?”
“Well...”
I don't know! I don't know... Do you believe it's a question that falls into the category of unanswerable? I didn't want to answer it straightforwardly.
As Aey didn't say anything and I saw his face seemed to cry, I casually asked back to prevent him from actually crying, “Then, Nong Aey, why don't you try… writing down your feelings?”
“Write about my feelings?” He hesitated for a moment, then looked at me as if trying not to laugh, “Phii Gene, you are so cute, is that why you're not traditional?”
“How should you approach him?” I said, feeling awkward at his demeanor.
“Honestly, I've been thinking of making a move on Sib.”
“Move?”
“Yes.” His face brightened up, “After work today, I plan to ask Sib out for dinner. I heard he's staying with you Phii Gene these days. Maybe I can get a ride to your condo after dinner, what do you think?”
As he spoke, his eyes and expression seemed to blossom, waiting eagerly for my opinion. Although he appeared hopeful, I felt uneasy.
Damn this, why did he have to ask me?
I'm not good at these romantic situations. Even though I write love novels, I have no experience in real love. I don't even have a girlfriend. Back in university, when friends sought my advice on relationships, it didn't do anyone any good.
“In that case, could you help me talk to him? Tell Sib to have dinner with me first... something like that.”
As soon as I heard this, I fell silent.
“Pretty please.”
“Actually, I think it'd be better if you talked to Nubsib yourself, Nong Aey.”
It's not that I don't want to help. Nubsib is currently staying at my condo, but I have no right to tell him anything. It should come from his own heart. I explained this, but Nong Aey seemed not to understand.
“Just help me talk to him, please. Or else...”
“Yes!!”
The director's cut interrupted this conversation and was like a bell that saved my life. Nong Aey stopped talking and quickly turned to look for Nubsib. I took a deep breath and saw Nong Aey jumping up to grab water for the person who entered hastily.
“Sib, here's water.”
The tall figure graciously accepted the water but didn't uncork it. He turned towards me and said, “You came today?”
“Oh, um.”
“I've only seen you sitting and talking all the time. Why don't you come and see me act?”
Since I called Sib, I told him to just be himself. But the other side was using sweet talk and playing games more often, like now. When I looked at their charming interaction, I realized that one person was being reserved while the other was being playful, but not insincere.
“Boring, isn't it?”
“Not for me. I can watch you, Gene, for as long as I want without getting bored.”
“Well then, go take a break.”
“Then come with me, Khun Gene. Phii Tum is over there.” As he spoke, he used his thumb to flick the back of my hand that was resting on the armrest. With a slight push from me, he smiled amidst his messy face.
“No, it's comfortable sitting here.”
“Sib.”
While Nubsib and I were exchanging responses, Nong Aey, who had been standing quietly for a while, softly called out in a voice with a hint of pleading. Having just been asked to assist as a supporting actor, I could clearly understand his thoughts and feelings.
Annoyingly, Nubsib only wanted to chat with me.
“Hmm?”
When Nubsib turned to look, Nong Aey quickly put on a cheerful face and reached out to grab his thick friend's arm, “Let's go eat together today, I'll treat. We can go to the M hotel like last time. I'll drive you to Phii Gene's condo later.”
“...But Nubsib's eyebrows furrowed slightly, “Let's do it another day.”
“Why? So, Sib, you're just going to stay here? After this, Phii Gene will be busy. Going back to the room now would just be lonely and boring. I told you, I'll pay for the meal. Okay?”
Nong Aey smiled broadly, his voice trailing off slightly as if he was begging for something, but here I was, with a blank expression, turning my head so fast my neck almost snapped to look at him.
“Khun Gene, do you have something else to do?”
That's what I wanted to ask. When did I say I have something to do?
“I...”
I couldn't finish my sentence. The director's loud voice ordering everyone to get ready grew louder, afraid of exceeding the break time for the actors and crew. The makeup artists hurriedly came in to handle the situation.
Nubsib and Nong Aey had to prepare together, so I kept my eyes on them for a moment. I could see Nong Aey talking Nubsib and gesturing to his friend. Nubsib turned to respond, but I didn't know what they were saying.
The team invited me to sit on the other side as the next scene was to be shot in a cramped bathroom with limited space for equipment. The main focus was the camera for shooting. Of course, all the footage recorded would be sent directly to the monitor outside where the director and many others were watching.
From my position, I could see the rectangular screen clearly. About twenty minutes later, the actors, crew, and equipment, ready at a moment's notice, the director and assistants yelled out orders immediately.
It started with the camera capturing the hallway in front of the bathroom. The sound of footsteps crushing the ground became louder before a tall figure in student attire emerged and pulled a smaller figure along. They opened the bathroom door and closed it behind them, muffling the loud noise. One person flung their arm, pulling the smaller figure towards the wall.
The camera panned to Kinthra, who now clearly displayed a restrained emotional outburst.
“Phii Kinthra... that hurt.” said one of them.
“Hurt in a good way, your brain might get smarter and learn not to provoke me.” Kinthra responded.
Both figures stood close together, with thick arms enveloping the smaller one in the middle. The camera shifted sideways, allowing a closer view of the faces and their proximity.
Everyone watched as their eyes hardly blinked, but I turned away and stood up.
“Khun Gene, what's wrong?” asked the nearby production team, but I turned my head and said, “Nothing. Just feeling a bit hot.”
I resisted the urge to lift the large fan next to me and stepped outside. Although the sky had darkened, this area was still bright due to the large lamp posts.
The air felt much fresher here, so I took a deep breath before exhaling slowly.
What time will this end...
While thinking about what just happened, a familiar voice crept into my ears.
“You, I know, I've been uploading frequently. Isn't it enough? If he doesn't take the job, why not give it to someone else and help him out. I'll talk to that guy, M, he needs money now. Can he replace the magazine model for you?”
I walked up there at once and saw clearly... It was my friend.
“Ai'Tum.”
“Damn!” startle, “Oh... Ai'Gene? Damn, you caught me off guard.” he said as he walked out from the dark place.
“Sorry.”
He turned and gave me a bewildered look first before turning back to continue his phone call, “No, Sis. He's a friend. Okay, I know. I'll arrange for Sib's photo to be taken. I'll upload the schedule on Google Doc and share it.”
After putting away his phone, he turned to me, “What about you? Are you here today?”
“Um, just bored at home.”
“Bored at home? Strange. Someone like you getting bored at home and Ai'Sib still saw you coming.”
“I'm just chilling at home.”
“Chilling at home? The one you would never expect to get bored at home, and Ai'Sib still saw you.”
“I saw him. Before he went to continue filming, we just talked”
“Oh, well, but it's good that you're here today. I won't have to drive to drop off Ai'Sib at the condo anymore”
He and I were standing there talking for a while, then we moved to sit on the chairs near a soft chair. At first, the director invited me inside, but I declined because it was a loud voice, it was hot, and there was no one outside, plus it was an open and comfortable area.
We kept chatting for almost an hour, then suddenly the loud voice of the director's team echoed through the gym wall. That's when Ai'Tum and I went back inside together again.
“Oh shit, mosquito bites. 'Just me staying here alone'
“If your blood isn't sweet, why would it bite only you?”
“Go fooling around with kids, I read that sometimes mosquitoes look for blood by unique smells, like stinky feet”
Ai'Tum jokes, “Oh! You stink”
“Damn it, you just said Ihave sweet blood”
“Khun Gene”
We chatted and laughed with Ai'Tum until we reached the dressing room under the stands prepared for the actors. Nubsib's muffled voice could be heard. When I raised my head, I saw his thick brows moving slightly.
“Where were you?”
“Oh, I was chatting with Ai'Tum outside. Why haven't you changed clothes yet”
“I'm looking for you Khun Gene.” As I spoke, I used sharp eyes to stare, smiling because the conversation with the previous friend changed my facial expression almost instantly. Before the other party could respond, I added another sentence.
“Next, please stay within my sight”
“What!?”
“Otherwise I'll worry until I can't do anything”
“...”
I stood still like a mannequin, Nubsib walked in and changed his shirt in another direction. Just before I could move, my eyes slightly blinked and slowly turned to look.
Just by going outside like this, is it worth worrying that much?
“You are going then?” Ai'Tum, standing next to me, patted my shoulder
“What do you mean, not going to fuck off”
Laughing softly and not seriously, he replied briefly, “I don't know. Hey, are you hungry too?”
“Yes”
“Then help me pack Ai'Sib's things there”
Mr. Ai'Tum pointed to the makeup organizer box that was placed haphazardly on the table, mixed in with other items. The box was covered in genuine leather with the logo of a prestigious brand. The lid was open, revealing its contents. Seeing that people were willing to invest in bringing makeup for the kids in their organization to use, especially the older ones, made him cautiously optimistic. Eventually, he decided to put it in another bag.
Calmly nodding, he waved his hand to indicate that he would handle the rest by itself. I didn't know what to do next, so I sat back in my chair and played with my phone.
“Good, it's done for today.”
“...?”
“I'm just changing my shirt, I'll be right out. I promise I'll look handsome as ever.”
Raising his face again when he heard the abnormal laughter of his friend and seeing him standing there smiling and talking to his phone, he said, “What are you doing?”
“Shh, I am on LIVE.” it turned to speak softly.
“Huh!?”
“Live on Ai'Sib’s IG.” This time, he covered one side of his mouth and moved his lips slowly so I could read and understand, then turned to smile at the camera and joked, “Wait a minute, you met someone? Oh! who is it? They came to watch the shooting. Follow them to find out.” Go search for the username and you'll probably find their page or Twitter.”
I wrapped my mouth as I watched him flow smoothly and professionally... even with ads for me as well.
Normally, when celebrities or famous people go live on IG or Facebook, it's usually the actors themselves who come on camera to talk, play guitar, or do something for their fans to watch. But this is a whole new dimension because the Number Eighteen has turned his IG to his personal manager who takes care of everything, and even the official IG, Ai'Tum is the one who updates the news.
Hmm... judging by their style, Nubsib must be something like this, because waiting for the main character to come and take care of social media would be difficult, plus he doesn't like small talk and likes to keep a low profile.
Click!
“Oh, they're here now.”
As the curtain was drawn open, Ai'Tum offered its face closer to get a clear shot of the kid in front.
I could see Nubsib's eyebrows twitching suddenly, but then he smiled a little and looked like he was about to give in. He said something short before walking over this way.
Ai'Tum turned the camera and walked along. When Nubsib came closer to me, I quickly tried to get up because I didn't want to get involved in the live broadcast, but before I could get up, Nubsib put his body down and hugged me tightly against the opposite side of the wall. There was a folding table in front of him, and I couldn't get up.
“Sib, do you...”
I almost blurted out, but then I remembered and could barely restrain myself. I changed to using my hands to push the arm on the other person instead.
“Would you like to go to the event at Paragon? Um, I have to check the queue first. Are you free during that time, Sib?
“I should be able to make it.”
...Nubsib didn't pay attention to me, he just kept listening to Ai'Tum and answering fans' questions. When I pushed hard to get closer, he seemed annoyed, moved aside, and wrapped his arm around mine, then clasped my hand tightly and pressed it against me.
I yawned more than usual and turned to him and whispered, “Sib, what are you doing?”
“Yes?”
“Move, I'm going to get up.”
“Let Phii Tum end the live stream first. Just a moment.” As I whispered, Nubsib lowered his head and whispered something softly in my ear.
My face was a mess. Finally, I just grabbed my own hand back, turned around, and motioned for him to read my lips instead, 'Don't stick around with me.'
It's okay...
Then Tun started reading comments from the fans and let Nubsib respond enthusiastically.
It seemed like I had to sit here until the short live stream ended. A few minutes later, when Tum said goodbye to the viewers with a cute and charming gesture as if he were a celebrity himself, reaching out to grab hands, I couldn't help but turn away.
“Are you live streaming something right now? Don't go on an IG live at home.”
“I can't live stream with him often now since I'm not with him. I'll do it later, or the girls will go find someone else first to cheer for.”
“You can live stream in the apartment. I never said I will stop you.”
“Uh, don't be stubborn. Go back...”
Knock! Knock!
The sound of knocking on the door stopped Tums speech in the middle. The door to the room had a curtain, but since the curtain was now drawn back, I could clearly see the person standing outside.
A small figure in a student uniform with a checkered hoodie and rabbit ears smiled nervously. As Aey walked over to open the door, the other side bowed slightly to express gratitude and then stopped in front of Nubsib.
With a calm and gentle gaze, he looked at me sitting slightly close to the person I liked a bit before turning to smile brightly at the tall figure.
“Sib, are you ready now? Let's go eat.”
...This happened again.
I shifted slightly, wanting to get up but unable to as usual, so I chose to sit still, floating and trying not to be involved with anyone, but even so, I couldn't help but glance to the side and see Nubsib's eyelashes slightly raised on one side.
“I said we can go another day.”
Nong Aey looked disappointed, “Not today then. If you go back to Phii Gene condo now, what will you eat?”
“...”
“It won't take long, after we eat we'll go to your room soon.” Nong Aey smiled at Sib with a cheeky tone, maybe it's because of his cute face and friendly attitude, so he doesn't seem annoying at all.
“Khun Gene, what do you think?”
When I pretended not to know and acted like I wasn't in the room, Number Eighteen, he called my name and asked me.
“Huh!? What?”
“Khun Gene, do you want me to go?”
“...”
Why do you have to ask me...
As Nubsib turned around, Nong Aey and Ai'Tum, who were staring at me curiously, also became interested in me.
“If you don't want me to go, then I won't.”
“Um...”
“So, if I go, is it okay with you, Khun Gene?”
“...”
My mind seemed to stop working suddenly, and I noticed a faint smile appearing on Nubsib's handsome face.
If Nubsib goes...?
Before I could say anything, Nubsib sent a knowing smile and nodded towards Ai'Tum “If that's the case, have a relaxing bath tonight. I'll try to keep the noise down when I get back.”
Saying this means that he agreed to go eat with Nong Aey.
“Um...”
By now, the tall figure had stood up and walked over to say something to Ai'Tum for a moment. Meanwhile, Nong Aey, who had appeared sullen at first, now looked bright and thanked me with a big smile. He quickly turned and led Nubsib out, and I followed suit, but before that, he didn't turn back to speak to me.
“Phii Gene, thank you. Tonight I'll talk to Nubsib and see you later.”
The sound of footsteps echoed into the distance.
In the room, only Ai'Tum and I remained. The atmosphere suddenly became quiet. I heard the sound of the staff preparing to leave outside, and my mind was pondering something, but as I brought back my other senses, I shook my head and turned to my friend...
“...? What are you looking at?”
“Nothing.” He raised his finger to push up his glasses and walked over to grab his bag on the table in front of me, “The others are not here, let's go back.”
“Go back?”
“No need to send Ai'Sib anymore, just go eat with you, friend.”
“Eat. Oh!” I thought for a moment, then smiled a bit, “I think I'll order pizza to eat, it's on me. I'll pay for it.”
“Pizza!? What the heck are you thinking, damn it. I want to eat, but can we do it tomorrow? I have some business to attend to, I have to go meet my sister.”
“Ai’Tum…This offer is free just today. No other day.”
“Damn it. The one day I'm not free, you agree to pay for food. Okay, let's save it for another opportunity. I'll pay for it myself.”
“I'll pay first, you will owe me but there's no more pizza. Today's quota is only for today, tomorrow I may pay for noodles at the corner of Soi 6.”
We walked out to say goodbye to the other team members, then headed outside the gym together. It's almost three in the morning. As for the university gym that is off-limits for filming today, it seems even quieter than usual. I parked the car next to the gym parking lot. As for Ai'Tum, he parked on the other side of the building, so we had to split up immediately. I felt like having a company and someone to talk to a little more, but he wasn't going to help.
There were still several cars parked quietly, probably belonging to the crew members. I walked in quickly and found the large white light pole near where I parked.
“...”
From where I stood next to another car, under the light pole were the figures of two people standing.
Nubsib and Nong Aey...
My eyebrows furrowed slightly as I looked at them both with confusion. I thought Ai'Tum and I had been talking for a reasonable amount of time. These two have been gone for a while. Why are they still here? Nubsib's tall figure stood with his back turned, so I couldn't see the other side of his face. As for Nong Aey who stood sideways next to him speaking, I couldn't hear anything from this distance. Of course, I didn't want to hear or eavesdrop. I intended to get in the car and quietly drive away when I suddenly turned my gaze back. My eyes widened more than before.
At one point, Nong Aey, who was smiling broadly, moved closer to his conversation partner, raised his arms slightly and hugged the other's neck, then leaned in...
I quickly turned my face back immediately, feeling my heart beating faster from the normal rhythm. I shifted behind a big purple Ford Explorer and didn't turn back.
A kiss?
I stood still, not moving an inch. Even though I was breathing heavily, I couldn't dare move. A tiny part of my brain told me to turn around, but another part didn't want to.
Silence.
The sound of the door closing softly and the squeaking of the moving wheels gradually faded away, and I could see through the car window as the other car drove off.
Did Nong Aey kiss Sib? At that moment, I couldn't see Nubsib moving at all, nor could I see any expression on Nong Aey's face. Was it love? Was it accepted by the other guy? Does Sib like Nong Aey too? Are they dating?
The hundred and eighth question swirled in my head, swirling until my head almost exploded. I unlocked the door and went to sit in the car, not knowing when I made that decision...
Three trays of pizza tonight sounds better.
I'm crazy. Ordering three trays of pizza to eat alone is really crazy.