[T/N] I apologize for grammar mistakes and incoherencies
Chapter 23:
On a Sunday evening, I was lying on the big sofa in the middle of the room watching a series. In front of me, there was a small table with a laptop open. Most likely, I had been working here before. When the scene finished, I lay down to relax and stretch my muscles.
The new novel is nearing its end. There is just a little more to go, along with some ideas for special chapters. Once I wrap everything up, I'll have some time to rest for a month. In the meantime, I might delve into writing some fantasy or horror in my usual style. It's a shame that I can only write one story at a time because if emotions can be divided, income will also increase.
Eet.
The sound of the door opening filtered through my headphones, causing me to turn and look.
Nubsib, wrapped in just a small towel around his waist, walked out of the room. His well-proportioned body reflected the small and large water droplets under the light, and his jet black hair was still soaked. On the other side, he turned and smiled faintly at me. Meanwhile, he was talking on the phone with what seemed to be AiTum, his personal manager.
Returning his smile, I turned back to my original position just then the sofa cushion beneath me collapsed due to the force of my weight.
“Sib?”
I shifted my body to give him space, as this kid didn't sit on another seat but came to perch himself on the same sofa with me.
Nubsib shook his head and said it was fine, still talking to AiTum, but his other hand, which was free, came to hold my hand, not tightly, just a light touch. His index finger slid gently along my hand, massaging and soothing it, leaving me unsure if it felt comfortable or scorching hot.
“Hmm, a summer concept, huh. The sea?”
“…” I leaned in closer to the other side to observe, noticing his thick eyebrows slightly raised along with a deepening smile at the corner of his mouth.
It seemed like Nubsib was teasing me, so I leaned closer and turned my face in this direction. As soon as I locked eyes, I raised my hand to push that handsome face away. He chuckled softly.
“Hmm? Sure, I'm listening, not joking, Phii... I know it.”
I pointed to Nubsib's wet hair and then to the sofa, which was soaked with water, “All wet now.”
Nubsib just responded with a smile. Finally, I had to get up and walk over to pick up a small towel and place it on the head of the other person.
I see that he is still talking on the phone, so I kindly wiped and dried his hair, smelling the cool, fragrant male shampoo. It smelled the same as my own head. I felt a little strange for a moment. Wait. What's so strange about that? I use Nubsib shampoo too...
Before Nubsib's hair dried, he hung up the phone.
“You're in a good mood today.”
“I'm always in a good mood.” I replied casually as I folded the cloth in my hand onto the shoulder of the other person. I walked around the sofa and sat back in my original spot.
“Oh, then would you dry my hair every day?”
“It hasn't been a month yet, and you are already sulking.”
“...” The other person didn't respond, but just smiled as usual.
“AiTum…just now.”
“Yes. It's about the magazine photoshoot for next summer.”
“Oh!”
I turned my head and noticed, without asking anything further. I picked up my phone intending to continue watching the series, but since the person next to me was still sitting on the couch, I hesitantly glanced over.
Since morning, I had been living my day as usual - doing work, taking breaks for food, looking for movies or series to watch. I'm someone who can stay in my room all week as long as there is food available. It's not until I need some new inspiration that I go out for a walk, but until then, being alone is comfortable for me.
I've gotten used to it but Nubsib... I don't know how he lived before. Today is a day off, but he's been in the room with me all day.
“Aren't you bored?” The words to tell him to go change into a shirt sounded like a question.
“Bored?”
“You've been in the room all day. If you're bored, you can go out with your friends.”
At first, the person seemed confused, but then his voice calmly said, “No, I want to be with you, Khun Gene more.”
“I've been in the room all day... that's why I'm asking if you're not bored?”
“You are here, so I'm not bored at all.”
“...”
“I'm fine anywhere, doing anything. As long as we're together, I'm not bored.”
Our eyes met in a familiar black gaze. The moment he uttered those words, filled with emotions that I couldn't handle, I felt like smiling broadly, but I felt embarrassed if the other person saw, so I turned my face slightly.
“Um, I'm not bored either.”
“...”
“I mean, I'm not bored as long as I have you with me.”
I explain what's in my heart a little more, but when I respond like that, what I see as I raise my head again is the other person's face inclining closer, before I can think of anything else my own lips feel the warmth that has been pressed down upon.
I don't resist, I don't oppose, but let myself flow with the warmth from Nubsib's body that is getting closer.
The thick hand of the person in front moves along my chest, behind my ear, then slips under the collar of my shirt, pushing our bodies closer together more intimately, I feel the tingling sensation near my lower lip from the sucking force, but then it suddenly hurts as if being bitten not too lightly nor too strongly.
“Umm!” I shake my head, “Sib, don't bite...”
“It's green.”
The other person's laughter fades and he forcefully presses his nose and lips against my cheek.
He moves his face closer to my ear and plants a light kiss until my hair stands on end. One hand drifts under the hem of my shirt slowly pushing it up until I feel the bare skin rubbing against each other. Before I know it, from sitting down I'm lying flat along the length of the sofa.
“Ugh.”
The tip of the tongue trails from my neck down to my collarbone. When the skin there is gently sucked, I press my finger against the back of the other person.
“Sib...”
“‘Yes?’
“Are you... going to do it?” When I ask this question, my face almost turns pale.
“And if I do?”
“If...”
Knock! Knock!
“!”
I was startled, lifting my hand to push the person who was covering me on the shoulder, making them back away as the smoke filled the air.
Because I was looking for something like this. When something came in unexpectedly, it shocked my heart and made me almost mad.
“Who...who is it?”
Nubsib frowned tightly, “I don't know.”
“I'll go check myself...you...go put on a shirt.”
“...” I heard a faint sigh before the tall figure moved back, and as he moved his hand to pull my shirt closed over my chest, he said, “Save it for tonight.”
I hesitated, but before I could respond to the person speaking, they had already walked into the bedroom.
I didn't know how to react. In the end, I gathered my senses and returned to the usual spot before walking to the door and the person waiting there softly spoke while looking through the corners of their eyes.
“I'm here no-!”
Damn!
I covered my own mouth just in time, the consciousness I had just gathered dispersed and evaporated into the air.
My eyes almost popped out when I saw the person standing at the front door. After walking from the door, I turned around and had to turn back quickly as the other person hurriedly walked towards me. At this time even if Nubsib was naked I did not care. I went into the bedroom with an alert face, saying, “Sib!”
Nubsib, wearing neatly ironed trousers, looked at me strangely, but still reached out his arms to embrace me.
“Aunt Orn is here!”
“Huh?”
“Aunt Orn is here, your mother; she's here.”
Although his bewildered eyes showed clearly, the stillness in his movements and my nervousness were apparent. As he listened further, the tense expression on the person listening slowly relaxed.
“Oh!”
“Oh? What 'oh'? Your mother is here, man!”
“Yes. Have my mother wait in the living room first, I'll just put on a shirt.”
My face looked confused, “I haven't even opened the door yet.”
Nubsib for a moment, stayed quiet, but then seemed to almost burst out laughing quietly, “So, why make my mother stand there waiting like that?”
“You should be the one to open it.”
“I haven't even put on my shirt properly.”
“Then hurry up!”
“Khun Gene, go open it first, I'll follow.”
“Are you crazy? How can I open it?”
“Then why can't you?”
Nubsib, with his messy hair, probably knew the reason behind my presence, but he pretended not to care, “Well, this is the master's room. I went to open the door for Aunt Orn, and she seemed confused as to why I, who just arrived, are staying here. Hurry up and get out, I'm staying in here.”
“Well, Mom will come into the bedroom.”
“Then... I'll hide in the closet.”
Nubsib chuckled lightly and said, “Gene, why hide?”
“Aunt Orn still doesn't know...”
Knock! Knock! Knock!
The bedroom door creaked open, and the knocking sound from the front room became louder as Aunt Orn entered the room.
Nubsib and I are now in a relationship, but explaining ourselves to our parents is not easy. If I or Sib were with a girl, it wouldn't be a problem, but being in love with each other's son is a different story. Even though our families have known each other since we were young and Aunt Ora liked me, it doesn't mean she would accept us as a couple.
Phii Nueng once said she was okay with me and Nubsib being together, but I still worry and am not ready.
I was feeling restless, worried about confronting Aunt Orn while Nubsib was there too. I turned to look at the person standing nearby, but before I could say anything, Nubsib interrupted.
“It's okay, being in Gene's room next door, mom wouldn't think we were together. Don't worry.”
“...”
“Can you open the door for me instead?”
“...okay.” Finally, I said, letting go of the other person's arm, “You should hurry and put on your shirt.”
“Yes.”
I walked back out of the room, heading to the front room. When I reached for the door handle, I hesitated. But Nubsib's reassuring voice made me decide to slowly open the door.
“Sib, why the heck did you make me wait in front of the door for so long? Why did you just come to open the door now?”
I gulped, “Um, Aunt Orn.”
“Nong Gene!?”
Seeing Aunt Ora widen her eyes and raise her hand to touch my shoulder, I didn't know how to react. My voice and the hand she raised were trembling, but my heart was racing with worry and fear.
“Hello, Aunt.” I pushed the door wider to invite her in.
“Why are you here, dear?”
“Well, actually, my room is next door.”
“Oh, really? Your condo? Sib's apartment is also here, so it's no wonder you two met here, right?” Aunt Orn looked visibly surprised, but there was a smile of joy on her face.
“Yeah, uh... well about that time, Aunt Orn, you had just arrived before Sib changed his shirt.”
On the other hand, the older woman's smile seemed wider than before. As he closed the door, he extended his hand to link arms with me. That's all it took for me to know. I led him to the sofa in the middle of the room to wait before heading to the kitchen.
Aunt Orn could be seen scanning the room with her eyes to observe her son's apartment.
I placed a cool glass of water on the table. As I went to sit down, Aunt Orn patted the space next to her lightly, “Sit here, dear. destiny is here. At first, I thought when would you be free to meet them, Nong Gene. Sib, and Nueng. So I was completely surprised when you opened the door, Nong Gene.”
I chuckled.
“I heard Nueng say that Sib moved to a different apartment, so I stopped by to take a look. Where are you heading off to?”
“Nowhere. I came to accompany Sib on a free Sunday.”
“That's good, son. We haven't met in many years, but seeing you both get along like this makes me happy.”
Aunt Orn asked me a few more questions as I was thinking about whether Nubsib had changed his shirt or had it sewn into a new one. The bedroom door opened just in time. The kid had dressed neatly, and the wet hair I had wiped dry was thoroughly dry.
The other person raised a hand to wave to his own mother.
“I called earlier. Why didn't you answer? I thought you weren't in the room. If I hadn't shown my ID to let them open the lower door so I can come here and knock, I will have to go back home. Wouldn't I just waste time?”
“I was taking a bath.”
Nubsib responded. At that moment, he walked to my left, which was still vacant, but before the other side could sit down, I made a fuss to warn him not to sit there. Nubsib then reluctantly changed to sit on the sofa opposite which was still vacant.
I excused myself to let the mother and son talk, so I retreated to the kitchen, claiming to find snacks to serve.
“You moved in here, son?”
“Yes. It's more convenient here.”
“The old apartment is closer to your university, right?”
“Yes, it's closer here, but there is someone here too.”
I was almost done washing the dishes on the sink. The conversation in the living room drifted into the kitchen clearly, as there was no door separating the two areas.
My mouth pursed, feeling like I wanted to walk out and drown the screaming kid in the sink.
“You still stick to him like when you were kids, nothing has changed.” Aunt Orn said and added, “It's true, you should come back home tonight. Rest for a couple of nights. You have classes. If you don't want to drive yourself, let Uncle Thot pick you up and drop you off. Nong Gene, too, my dear.”
“Yes?”
Aunt Orn called me to carry a ceramic plate and walked out. I tried to adjust my facial expression to normal and kept looking straight ahead, not turning to look at Nubsib sitting on the sofa across from me. Aunt Orn pulled my hand to sit closer to her as before.
“Tonight, we will stay at my house. You and Sib can come back with me.”
“Um...” I turned to look at Nubsib and said, “But Sib has classes and he will be coming to the camp.”
“I have no camp tomorrow, only homework.”
“Then tomorrow, I'll wake up and accompany you while you study, I'll just sit around.”
“Will you be awake?”
“Well, if I am not awake, you can come and wake me up.”
Hearing that, Nubsib smiled, “Today, many things have been good.”
“If you're a good kid, I will be good all the time too.”
Nubsib chuckled softly, and seeing that, I was about to speak. But before I could say anything, I heard Aunt Orn's loud chuckle.
“Seeing you two getting along like this reminds me of the good old days.”
“...”
I froze, returned with a blank look because I had been chatting with the person sitting across from me for so long that I almost forgot Aunt Orn was there too. Luckily, I didn't say anything that might make things look suspicious.
“So how about it, kids? Are you going back to stay at my house tonight, or not? I'll call the kitchen to prepare dinner.”
“Okay then.”
I saw Nubsib raise his eyebrows slightly, but when I turned to ask for his opinion, I refused, and Aunt Orndidn't insist.
Seeing her smile so happily, I felt happy too and followed her happily.
“Great, you'll stay for a couple of nights. Nong Gene, you can stay at my house for a night and then go back to say hi to your mom.”
“Okay.”
“Then let's go back together today.”
Both Nubsib and I had no objections. Once we agreed like that, Aunt Orn told us to arrange things we will need ourselves, grab our important belongings, and wait here. Whenever we were ready to go, we could just let her know. As we saw that, I grabbed my own laptop that had been sitting quietly on the table in front of the sofa. I put it in its case and prepared to take it with me.
I already had clothes at home, but I needed to bring my usual items like cream, contact lenses, and a lens cleaner.
I took a bag from the small cabinet above the wardrobe, it belonged to Nubsib. But when I picked it up and used it to casually stuff it with things, my mind wandered off and I couldn't stop thinking about that incident. Coming back home should be a normal thing, but I feel like there's a shadow following me, making me anxious.
I am now in a relationship with Nubsib, and at this point, I have accepted that I like him and don't want to end things with him. However, when it comes into sight, concerns from elders come to mind, fearing that they might find out and disapprove.
They say love is between two individuals, but both Nubsib and I are not single individuals, we have families. If my parents oppose and do not understand, how will I explain it to them? And if they still refuse to understand, what should I say to them?
“Gene.”
“Jesus, what?”
With a start, I raised my hand, but before I could fully turn around, a strong hand grabbed my wrist.
Seeing that it was Nubsib, my heart, which was wavering, returned to its normal state.
“What are you thinking about? I called out to you but you didn't hear.”
“Hey, what are you doing sneaking up on me like that? If you startle me I might hit you on the head, you know.”
“How strong can a small hand like a hamster be?”
“Are you saying my hand is like a rat’s?”
Nubsib chuckled softly, “And why are you making that face? What are you worried about?”
“You should know why…”
“Don’t worry.”
“How can I not worry?”
“How can I prevent you from worrying?”
My face was a little troubled. Nubsib, seeing this, raised his hand and gently held mine in a fist.
“Yes. We are a couple, and I like you, Khun Gene...”
“...”
“Do you like me too?”
“What? Are you trying to make me say it?”
“Do you love me?”
Wow, this brat upgraded it from liking to love.
“Well…yeah.”
And the corners of the lips of the person in front of me curled into a smile, “That's all I need. My parents are not unreasonable. If you and I think the same way, then that reason is enough to prevent any problems.”
“...”
When the luxurious European car drove into the village and before it could reach the entrance of the large house, I told Auntie Orn that I wanted to go back to visit my mom first and asked her to park the car in front of my house so I could go in by myself. Auntie Orn was trying to get Nubsib to come with me, but I quickly declined. I left my own belongings with Nubsib and went into the house alone.
But when I met Uncle Kham, he immediately looked puzzled and told me that both my dad and mom were not at home. They had gone to a different province since last Friday and would not be back until tomorrow evening. So, the only ones left at home were my brother Phii Jap, but believe me, on weekends when mom and dad are not at home, he stays with his girlfriend and doesn't come back home.
I hesitated for a moment and then decided to go into the house to pick up two sets of clothes for myself.
Since I hadn't informed anyone beforehand, I didn't know that no one was at home, so when I was carrying my stuff out of the house, I picked up my phone and messaged the family group LINE saying that Auntie-Orn invited me to stay over at their place.
“Khun Gene.”
I paused, looked up from my phone screen when I heard the familiar voice, “Oh, what brings you here?”
“I'm here to pick you up. Mom sent me to AuntieRan and Uncle Teep to have dinner at our house.”
“Oh, it will have to be on another day then, both my parents are out of town, and my brother Jap probably won't be coming back home.”
Nubsib raised an eyebrow slightly, “When are they going to be coming back?”
“Probably on Monday morning.”
“Well then, until Auntie Ran and Uncle-Teep come back, you can stay at my house.”
“Oh, okay.”
That's it, Nubsib smiled slightly and seemed satisfied. He reached out to grab the bag that I had used to hold my clothes, then walked back to his house together. Upon arrival, he told Aunt Orn that same thing I had told Nubsib, and she responded with a slight chuckle.
“Oh, that's right. Ran told me yesterday, but I completely forgot. My mind is starting to slip, forgetfulness is taking over. But this works out perfectly, so Nong Gene, you come stay at our house. If Ran and Teep come back tomorrow, I'll invite them for another meal.”
“Okay.”
“I already had them take the bag to the upstairs room, I'll have Sib take you there. You can rest and play for a while. Your Uncle Wat and Nueng are probably on their way back, so it will be time for dinner soon.”
I didn't object, seeing that Aunt Orn wanted to go to the kitchen, so I didn't want to disturb her efforts.
The large house of Thanakitpaisarn family had two floors, but the spacious zone of the large house allowed kindergarten kids to play hide and seek comfortably. Guest bedrooms were also plenty available for use. Nubsib took me to the left wing and stopped in front of a door. As I turned the knob and pushed it open, I saw the bedroom, inviting me to jump and bounce onto the bed in my sight.
As a child, I never saw this room before, but the mauve shades made it easy on the eyes. Nubsib's bag, which he had brought with him, was placed on a small table next to the sofa.
“Okay, would you like to change rooms?”
“No need. You saw me choose a room, so which room will you be sleeping in, the same one as before?”
One side of his eyebrows raised, and the corner of his mouth carried a smile, “Do you want to sleep together?”
“Just asking.”
“The same room.... At the end of the hallway over there.”
“Hmm?”
Hearing that, I was puzzled and surprised.
It was because I originally thought that Nubsib's room would be closer to the room where I was staying, not realizing that I was mistaken about something. Since we became close, Nubsib and I have always been together. If Nubsib stayed at my place, I would have let him sleep nearby for sure.
“Is there something wrong?”
“Uh, no.”
Before I could hide my embarrassment, I could see the look in his eyes as if he knew what I was thinking. Besides the smile still on his lips, it was good that this guy didn't say anything to make me more embarrassed.
Two hours later
Uncle Wat and Phii Nueng returned just in time for dinner, and Aunt Orn gave instructions for people to come and tell us to come down for dinner. As soon as Nubsib and I descended to the bottom, we saw everyone waiting and already seated at the dining table.
I raised my hand to greet Aunt Orn's husband, then the eldest son, as Uncle Wat was sitting at the head of the table. When Aunt Orn gestured for me to sit next to Nubsib, I had to sit with Phii Nueng, accommodatingly.
“Gene, haven't seen your face in a while.”
I smiled and nodded in response to Uncle Wat's greeting.
Nubsib's father was a tall man, and one could tell just by looking at him where Phii Nueng and Nubsib inherited their height from. While he had some silver hair, it was clear that in his younger years, he was considered quite handsome. When facing business partners or others, he appeared stern and imposing, but with family and neighbors like me, he became approachable and easygoing.
As he turned his gaze towards Aunt Orn he asked, “Your Aunt said you live in the same condo as Sib?”
“Yes. Next door to each other.”
“Is that so?” Uncle Wat's expression looked slight as he nodded and then said, “Then please take care of my son, if he misbehaves, discipline him.”
“He can't handle him, as he is already quite rebellious.” Phi Nueng replied.
“Sib is younger than you, Gene. If he dares to misbehave, let me know. I will buy him an electric shock collar.” Uncle Wat proposed.
“Oh, that's not necessary.”
Listening to Phii Nueng and Uncle Wat talk, I smiled slightly, unsure of how to express my feelings. Aunt Orn, who was sitting next to me, chuckled softly. As for those engaged in conversation at the table, I paid no attention to anyone, and then suddenly, there was a plate of fried prawns with tamarind sauce sitting in front of me, along with the continuous sound of pouring soup, Nueng signaling that I was next in line.
“Your turn…”
“...”
Before I could even respond with a refusal, Nusbib continued, “Let me do it for you.”
“No, no, I can do it.” I quickly raised my hand to stop him, Nueng then motioned to share the prawns, saying, “You don't have to serve him like I am a guest. Just eat, relax, I'll take care of it. Thank you very much.”
The kicking legs suddenly became long and firm under the table, wondering whether this guy had ever watched us eat together, but he really made my heart almost jump out of my chest.
It's fortunate that no one paid any special attention. Uncle Wat then brought up another topic to continue the conversation.
“I have heard your father talking about Jap getting married? Is it true?”
“Yes. They've been discussing it since the end of last year. It might happen next year.”
Uncle Wat's face showed clear jealousy as he replied, “He might have a grandson soon, while I still have to wait. One is in unstable relationships, can't find the right woman. As for the other one, he is still in school.”
“Well, I...”
I smiled awkwardly and gave the wrong answer.
“Teep complaining about you staying in the room, right? Interested in having Uncle find someone for you?”
“Dad, Gene already has someone. If you want to arrange a date, it's better to arrange it for me.” Nueng's voice was calm, but his words made my eyes almost bulge out.
“Girlfriend? Does Nong Gene have a girlfriend already?”
Aunt Orn, who had been sitting quietly listening to everything, suddenly turned to look. Uncle Wat himself also looked at me in surprise, because Aunt Orn's question made Nueng feel uncomfortable. He cleared his throat.
“Oops, I have a big mouth...sorry.”
“...”
Damn it, Nueng!
He apologized while shrugging because he didn't feel any guilt at all.
“Is it true, Nong Gene?”
“Umm...well...”
I couldn't give the right answer. My eyes swept from left to right as my brain tried to figure out the best response, because that crazy Nueng had already said that I have a girlfriend. If I said yes, the adults would ask who she is and what she looks like, how should I answer?
I didn't want to lie, so I looked at Nubsib sitting on the opposite side.
Nubsib had already been looking at me with sharp eyes. He raised his eyebrows, signaling for me to understand the subtle communication going on. So, I calmed my racing heart and answered slowly, “Yes.”
“I haven't heard anything, and do your parents know, son?”
“We just started dating. I haven't had a chance to tell them yet.”
“Seriously, am I finding out before your parents? Can you show me her picture or something?”
“A picture...” I hesitated.
“So, what does she look like? Is she pretty?”
“...”
I thought I had to continue answering the question.
If Aunt Orn wanted to see, she could just look to the other side and see how my lover looked. But because I couldn't answer like that and didn't know how to respond, the deeper the questioning got, the more I felt like I was in a big dating game show. Until...
There was another shrimp on the plate.
“I peeled this one for you, Gene.”
“Th...thank you.”
Like Nubsib was determined to help me, I looked at his handsome smiling face and smiled back.
“Nubsib!” The sharp voice of Aunt Orn calling out her son's name in full authority, making his hair stand on end.
“Yes?”
“I never taught you to be disrespectful. Why do you call Nong Gene just Gene like that?”
“…”
My face changed in an instant.
“He's older than you and you must address him as Phii Gene. Lest anyone say that I didn't teach you manners.” Aunt Orn continued.
As Aunt Orn stepped in on this matter, my girlfriend's issue was brushed aside casually, leaving me to glance at Aunt Orn's stern face, then turning to the one being scolded.
He had just come to my aid, thinking that I, the stubborn kid, probably wouldn't agree to call him for sure, so he hesitated, ready to respond that it was nothing. But the soft, hesitant voice that rose in succession made him pause.
“Yes. Phii Gene...”
I never asked the other party to address me as 'Phii' seriously. When I heard it with both ears full, I had to hang my head close to my chest before my face exploded the situation on its own.
Chapter 24:
It was almost five in the evening before I could take a shower and step towards the bed.
After finishing the meal, Aunt Ornpoured me a homemade tamarind juice to drink while we watched a movie together. It was good that there were no more questions afterwards, allowing me to relax. Aunt Ornthen suggested that we go our separate ways to do personal chores and rest. I myself felt sticky and wanted to take a shower right away, so I quickly went to do so.
The guest room bed in this house was soft, as I could feel the mattress sink under my weight. I lay on my back, gazing at the ceiling and the circular pattern of the light. It was quiet and still in the room, with the coolness from the air conditioner gently touching my skin. It wasn't too cold, just pleasantly cool.
...even though Nubsib said not to worry about it, we still haven't discussed when we will tell the family.
From my previous conversation with Phii Nueng, I already knew that I had to tell them, but my level of preparedness was not quite there yet.
“...”
I lay there, lost in thought for several quiet minutes. Eventually, I took a deep breath and turned onto my side. I reached for my phone, which was charging on the bedside table, to respond to some messages from friends who were chatting about watching a series together. Just as I was about to type a response, I heard a soft knocking on the door.
Knock! Knock!
I turned my head to look, swung my legs swinging down from the bed and I walked towards the door to unlock it.
“Sib.” My eyes widened when I saw the familiar figure standing in front of me.
Not too surprised, I recognized the tall and well-proportioned figure of Nubsib, wearing a loose-fitting shirt and jeans that seemed freshly dried and smooth. Some parts of his face were shadowed, making his sharp features harder to see, but as he looked straight at me with a familiar smile and a hint of concern, his familiar scent caused my face to show a hint of discomfort.
“What's wrong? Is there something?”
“Come and sleep with you.” His voice was calm and soothing, but his stance was hesitant, reaching out his hand to hold mine.
“Stop, today it's someone else's room.”
“Why?”
...there was a hint of suspicion in his face as I continued, “We are at your family’s home right now.”
“No one has seen us. I will go back to my room alone this morning.”
“No, I don't want to.”
It felt like we were having an illicit affair...
“Today you have been kind all day, so please be kind to the end.”
“No.”
“...”
“Go to sleep.”
“...”
“Don't be stubborn.”
Encountering Nubsib’s silent gaze, we stared at each other for less than a minute without saying anything. Eventually, I exhaled and released the arms crossed over my chest, saying, “Alright, then let’s go get some water and you can keep me company.”
Seeing things in such a manner, with his eyebrows slightly raised in surprise, when I touched his arm and motioned for him to walk towards the stairs, Nubsib also agreed to follow.
Inviting someone in this way wasn't that profound, I simply softened my heart a bit to let him stay over for a little while longer.
The house was completely dark. Everyone went to their own rooms to rest, with only a few dim lights remaining on all night. We entered the kitchen, and Nubsib turned on a small light on the wall next to the hood. Although I wasn't really thirsty, coming down here made me feel like having a drink until Nubsib opened the lid of the tofu pot made by Auntie-Orn that was still left to look at, my mouth wanted more sweetness.
“Wait a bit, let me warm it, please.”
“Sure.”
I dragged a chair and sat near the counter where the food was being prepared. As for Nubsib, he stood nearby, leaning against the counter.
The kitchen was quiet, with only the sound of the electric stove sizzling. Even though no one was speaking, it didn't feel suffocating at all. Wanting to start a conversation, I asked him, “You're about to take your exams, right? You'll have finals soon as well, won't you?”
“Yes. About a week or so from now.”
“Oh! Good luck!”
“Are you going to invite me to go out somewhere after the exams?”
My face blushed, “I haven't said anything yet.”
“Then I'll invite you myself. Let's go on a holiday together, alright?”
After hearing that, I smiled and said, “...sure.”
The bubbling sound from the kettle startled me, making me jump up to get the two cups that were awaiting but Nubsib, who was standing by the stove, only took one cup. After pouring, he handed it over to me.
“Watch out, it's hot.”
“Alright.” After sipping the hot tofu from the second cup of the day, my stomach felt warm.
I chatted with Nubsib in the kitchen for about an hour. After finishing the cups, we cleaned up and I invited him to go back upstairs. As we reached the stairs, I was about to turn on a small light, but before my eyes could adjust, I moved to hold Nubsib's arm to let him lead the way.
Nubsib grasped my hand back, but the surrounding silence left me speechless.
“Are you sleepy or not?”
“For now, I'm not. You must be getting sleepy.”
“Then let me stay with you for a bit longer.” With that, the other side said. He opened the door and walked back into the room with a blank expression.
I squinted as I looked around, but no one was in sight. I figured everyone must be fast asleep by now. So I lazily decided to walk back in and threw myself onto the bed as usual. I stretched my arms lazily and twisted a little before burrowing under the blanket. I saw Nubsib walking over and sitting down not far away.
“You must be tired, go to sleep. You have class tomorrow. Oh! Wake me up tomorrow. Just in case I don't wake up in time to leave the house for the city.”
“If you can't handle it, I won't force you to wake up.”
“It's okay, I'll go buy snacks from the usual store. If I don't wake up, you can shake me really hard.”
“Alright. I'll give you a big kiss then.”
“Just shake me, please.”
“If I wake you up, the reward will be a kiss.”
“Okay, let's not do this. I'll set my own alarm later.”
“You're so stubborn.”
“Well, you're annoying.”
I looked at the familiar face that appeared close by as I responded softly.
Knock! Knock!
“...”
I squinted, hearing a faint knocking on the door creeping into my ears. It was so unsettling that I had to move my head towards the person beside me.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
The loud sound came again, this time I felt a tall figure slightly shifting his weight. The weight that had been resting on my waist was gone. My eyelids still closed tightly, the drowsiness still lingering, so I mustered up the strength to say softly,
“Sib... go open the door please.”
“Just a moment.”
“Quickly.” I mumbled, feeling like I still wanted a bit more sleep. Even feeling a chill as the warmth beside me was no more. Turning my body to the other side, I grabbed the blanket and bunched it up into a comfortable ball, finding a suitable position to sleep in and getting ready to doze off again.
I was on the verge of falling asleep once more, but the incoming chatter pulled me back. Hearing phrases like 'stayed up all night,' and 'didn't return to the room last night,' I slowly opened my eyes. The first thing I saw was the dark brown curtains blending in with the room, blocking the harsh sunlight. The sliding glass door, my eyes shifted down before turning towards the messy door of the room...
That was the moment my sleepy eyes widened, almost shocked.
“It's fortunate there's nothing more to it.”
With a start, I raised my body quickly, “Uncle... Uncle Wat.”
Besides Nubsib's towering figure standing by the door, on the opposite side was Uncle Wat in a well-fitted suit. His face and eyes were calm, looking at me, then shifting his gaze to his own son.
At that moment, my hand felt cold and sharp.
“Get yourself together and come down to talk.”
“...”
The sound of the door closing echoed lightly but pierced into my ears.
Uncle Wat walked downstairs, but I stood still, unsure of how to move.
Suddenly, I felt a warm hand touching my cheek. Nubsib's familiar handsome face leaned down to meet my eyes, instead of blocking everything behind the door.
As our eyes met, I felt my racing heart start to calm down.
“I... you... how did Uncle Wat find out?” I almost incoherently questioned myself. Now I realized how soft-spoken I actually was.
Even though I didn't explicitly scold or speak directly about it, I knew Uncle Wat must have figured it out already. His composed face seemed more intimidating than expressing his emotions.
“Maybe since last night.”
“...Last night.”
Last night, Nubsib slept here...
I didn't blame Sib for refusing to go back to his room, because we had been chatting all night. I had asked Nubsib about his studies abroad, friends, work, until we both fell asleep. He might have fallen asleep like me, so that's why. Besides, we both knew what was going on, so we didn't need to make a big deal out of it.
“It's okay. Gene, you know my father is reasonable.”
“I don't know, I...”
“It's okay.” Nubsib said, rubbing my cheek gently with his hand before moving to ruffle my hair slightly. He then shifted to hug me, resting for a moment before slowly using both arms to lift me up to stand on the ground, “Go wash your face and brush your teeth. We'll talk in a bit, and then there won't be anything left to worry about.”
“...”
“I'm with you, Gene, don't worry.”
“Um.”
As I walked into the bathroom, Nubsib returned to his room to attend to his personal matters.
I looked at myself in the mirror, seeing a hint of worry in my eyes, but my heart was calmer than at the beginning. How did I feel now that things had turned out this way?
It's natural to feel anxious, but part of me tried to reassure myself that it's okay. I know this is the end of the story so I won't have to worry about anything later on. It might not be as bad as I feared.
I shook my head lightly before reaching for the toothbrush.
Uncle Wat is sitting in another room, which is a more private and quiet room with a large wall-mounted television. As I walk in, I see that besides Nubsib's father, there is also Aunt Orn sitting next to him. This makes me stop in my tracks and almost freeze in place at the entrance to the room.
But as I raise my hand to wave, both of them smile slightly and I walk over to sit on the sofa directly across from them.
UncleWat's face, though not showing any signs of distress, shows wrinkled brows.
“When did you start dating?” Uncle Wat asks immediately, staring directly at us since we walked in until now.
“Two weeks ago.” Nubsib answers.
“I will ask. Sib, are you gay?”
“Nope.”
“What about Gene?”
“No, I am not.” I shook my head in reply.
Uncle Wat pauses for a moment, his hand on his knee moving up to cross on his chest lightly, but his expression remains unchanged, “You didn't like each other at first, did you? Then tell me about the history of your relationship for me to listen to.”
Hearing this question, I glance at Nubsib and see his faint smile sent my way.
“When I was a kid, I liked playing with the neighbor's kid. I liked how kind he was, Inever got bored being with him. When Gene moved out to live elsewhere, I had to move to America myself. Other than studying, there was nothing special, just a period when I had a girlfriend but we broke up repeatedly until...”
“Around the time I got a grade nine, Phii Jap posted pictures on Facebook. When I first saw it, I thought it was Gene...”
“...”
“Didn’t you ask me why I didn't have a girlfriend after that?”
“Are you saying that you have liked Gene for a long time?”
I continue to look at Nubsib, from when we first arrived until this short response. Despite not revealing everything in his narration, it made me gaze at him almost with eyes unable to divert.
The story of Nubsib about himself that I've only started to deeply understand, it's today.
Nubsib speaks everything with such confidence that it makes me feel envious.
Then Uncle Wat turns to me, “Gene, tell me how you two got together.”
“Well....” I shifted slightly, my hand resting lightly against my own leg, while the familiar touch that gently caressed my back was hidden behind. This made me continue, “Actually, I didn't remember Sib at all, not sure if he was this celebrity person, but his personal manager, Tum, is a friend from my university days. He asked me to look after Sib.”
“...” UncleWat interjected.
“I mean... Nubsib is a good kid, he helped me with a lot of things, I... like Sib.”
As the words left my mouth, not only did the blood rush violently, but also because of the fear that people would oppose and refuse, I conveyed everything I felt honestly.
The guest room fell silent for a moment.
“If you're dating, why not tell your parents?”
When this question came, without waiting for Nubsib to respond, I quickly said to them, “I... I'm not brave enough to speak up.”
“...”
“I don't know how Uncle Wat and Aunt Ornwould feel if I dated Nubsib...”
“Are you afraid?”
“Yes...”
“If I may speak frankly, I do not agree.” said Uncle Wat.
My hand clenched tightly.
“Family, work, business, partnerships, achieving success, reputation, and credibility are all important. How would others see it if they found out that my son is dating a man?” Uncle Wat's words made me shut my mouth tightly. The truth and perspective of an elder that I couldn't deny.
“I...”
“But last night, after dinner, I spoke with Auntie.”
My expression changed once again. After dinner?
Both of them knew about it beforehand, didn't they?
“Uncle Wat and Auntie, you know...”
“Yes, him suddenly moving to a room next to you and getting along so well even though you haven't seen each other for years. Eating together and taking care of each other. Even if my mother and I didn't notice, Sib's attitude made us understand. If we didn't understand all that we may not be his real parents.” Uncle Wat's voice remained calm, not showing any emotions, and left.
But it made my mind dizzy for a moment.
Minutes passed. Finally, a sigh of relief was heard, “It's not the same as thinking that two kids who have been close since they were little will have their own thoughts as they grow up and start speaking like this.”
I opened my mouth to speak, but I decided to stay silent...
“Sib is my son. You Gene is my nephew, and you look the same to my kids. In situations like this, I don't want to say much. Kids don't like to listen to long talks. If I insist, it might turn into an argument. Even fathers don't like to force things.”
“...”
“Our family has a business, trade partners, and people we have to negotiate with. Our sons are like our faces. Some people may be interested, while others may not. But in the end, we parents have to pass on the responsibility. We don't know when we'll die, and after we're dead, we don't have to worry about them anymore. If you kids make decisions like this, your mother and I have already discussed...”
I bit my cheek, the rhythm of UncleWat's voice disappeared, but it felt like a minute.
“Take responsibility for what comes next, but don't disappoint us and Gene’s parents.”
“...”
The tension in my shoulders eased. Looking at UncleWat's face, I could see that his mind was far from the worry, showing no signs of anger or dissatisfaction, just the gaze of someone who has made a decision but is still concerned.
Aunt Orn, who had been silent since the beginning, began to smile a little.
I stayed quiet, looking at both of them and feeling a mix of emotions in my heart, including gratitude, relief, guilt, and apology. With all these conflicting feelings, I didn't know what to do next.
Finally, I heard Nubsib's words of gratitude, and I felt myself raising my hand to thank everyone. When I turned to the tall figure sitting nearby, I realized he was looking at me just then.
The right hand, still resting behind me, gave a slight squeeze, “I've already said it's okay, right?”
I looked at him but didn't say anything.
But it seemed like Nubsib's voice reached Uncle Wat's ears, as he spoke up in place of him, “Speak up. If your mother and I don't agree with you two dating, what will you do?” Though his gaze at this moment may not appear serious about the question, there was a hint of challenge in wanting to know.
“What do you say, Sib? If your father and I can't accept it, then what would you have done...”
“The issue of developing the vacant land in Pattakarn area.”
“...”
Nubsib just said that and Uncle Wat remained silent, widening his eyes strangely, not as intense as before, “Who said I wanted it, Nueng that loud mouth brat…”
“Dad, your deal didn't pass, right?”
Uncle Wat clapped his hands, “Good! Then go and negotiate. If he agrees to sell it, I will give you the green light.”
“Are you going back to the greenlight you gave just a few minutes ago?” Nubsib said, but as I looked back at him, alternating with Uncle Wat strangely, I saw a small smile at the corner of his mouth, “Let's say that if Uncle Teep does not greenlight us dating, Dad, you will go to talk to him. If you transfer the money, I will go get the deed for you.”
Uncle Wat went silent again, looking at his son's face before turning to his wife, “...This kind of personality, where did AiSib get it from.”
When Aunt Orn laughed, the atmosphere relaxed, and I smiled along. It seemed like the two burdens that were being carried on each side were lifted from my heart, even though there was still some weight trembling on the other side. But the words of Uncle Wat and the demeanor of Nubsib's parents helped me relax a lot.
Because it was still early, Uncle Wat had to hurry to the company. He left with just a couple of sentences that he knew about this matter. But my own parents should know about this too, so I listened with a slow nod without saying anything.
Once the two adults left, only Nubsib and I remained in the sitting room.
The clock on the beautiful shelf in the wide room struck nine o'clock...
“Gene...”
“Thank you.” I interrupted before he could say anything else.
“Yes?”
“I just wanted to say...”
Listening to my words, Nubsib smiled softly, but he didn't ask anything more. He just said, “You don't have to come with me today. Khun Gene, it's better for you to go to bed. List whatever snacks you want, and I'll have someone buy them for you.”
“I can go.”
“You better sleep here. Wait for me to come back.”
“...Well then, what time will you come back?”
“Probably around three in the afternoon.” Nubsib said, standing up. As he extended his hand, I grabbed it and stood up as well.
As soon as I had woken up, Uncle Wat told us to go talk immediately. Both Nubsib and I just washed our faces and brushed our teeth. I went to the beach to continue sleeping, and the other person who was going to the university had to shower first.
Nubsib walked me to the front of the room, but before he turned to walk away, I decided to call him “Sib.”
“Yes?”
“About telling Mom and Dad...” I paused, “I want to talk to be the one to talk to them.”
“...”
“They are my parents. If anyone should speak, I would rather speak for myself.”
The listener remained silent for a moment. Finally, he nodded and said, “Alright. Khun Gene, you can make the decision whenever you want to, I give Gene the authority to decide.”
I looked into sharp eyes after hearing the acceptance. I thanked the person in front of me with a smile, but the smile lasted for less than a minute before quickly fading because the other person bowed their head heavily, pressing their nose and lips against my cheek firmly.
“Dream good dreams.”
Before I could scold him like this, Nubsub closed the door himself.
I stood there looking at the closed door. Alone, my mind wandered to my parents, myself, and Nubsib. In my heart I was repeating to myself that my parents had to understand...