[T/N] I apologize for grammar mistakes and incoherencies
Chapter 3:
“Hmm, with a cool and calm main character like this, it's very popular.” said Phii Bok before placing her iPad on the table and looking at the Word application full of letters, “This one passed, let's move on, Gene, I'll let Ai'Hin handle the contract issue. Oh, but this time, make the love scenes much more provocative. Provocative in a way that is unforgettable, don't hold anything back.”
“What!?”
“Usually, when other writers write, the scenes with sexual relations follow a certain pattern, right? Kissing, kissing on the neck, licking the nipples, then descending to use fingers to stimulate before penetration. It's always the same.”
“Um... Phii....” I furrowed my brows, my neck straight but my eyes darting left and right nervously as the volume of Phii Bok's speech seemed a bit loud. This café was quite quiet at this time of day, but the locals could hear everything.
“I want it to be different, maybe play with the dialogue a bit. Tighten it up, make it look sexier than before. Different styles or poses, don't need to stick to the same old. I love it when people send in more scripts, don't you? Try using some foreign stuff, like plot twists. It's all good now, but if you add in what I suggested, it'll be even more perfect for sure.”
“Okay, I understand, I'll go back and take a look. We'll discuss this further when I've gone through another six or seven chapters.”
“Hmm, okay then. I have other things to do today, so I'll leave now. I wanted to come out here for only two hours.”
“Thank you very much.”
I watched Phii Bok grab her jacket and push the glass door open, then took a deep breath.
The day before, I had finalised the new draft up to the fifth and sixth chapter with the intention of sending the file via email, but coincidentally Phii Bok had a schedule outside today and wanted to talk to me, so we decided to meet in the morning.
The coffee shop that is open for rent under the building on Silom Road overlooks a large road where cars drive by not long after discovering a street vendor standing on the sidewalk selling pomegranate juice. My eyes followed the hand picking the pomegranate seeds. At that moment, my head was filled with continuous thoughts.
Before writing the gay novel... I have to admit that the most challenging scene is the sex scene. I've lived this long so it's not like I don't know that men have sex with each other at some point. However, when it came to writing the description, I had to research, read books, search the internet until I was worried that if my parents saw my browsing history, they would definitely think that their son had turned gay.
I've said that I'm not thick-skinned either. In the end, I ended up following the crowd. It might be the reason why the fear that my current story will come out similar to the original is stuck in my head, so I suggest keeping a cautious suggestion for now.
Taking a deep breath, I still couldn't think of anything. So I slowly walked back, paid the bill, and walked back to my car under the scorching sun.
But just as I was about to change gears to reverse out of the parking lot, suddenly my phone rang loudly.
The phone displayed ‘Tum’ that I had exchanged numbers with the day before. The annoyed mood suddenly turned into relief. I hurriedly answered.
“Uh, what's up, why call me?”
I haven’t talked to my friend from college in many years. When I finally met Ai'Tum, I felt happy and special. I exchanged numbers and Line with him since the party. We talked a bit, and after that, we could find time to meet again.
[Ai'Gene, I have something urgent to talk about, can we meet?]
“Huh!?”
The first sentence Ai'Tum said back made me pause. The tone I heard from the other end seemed anxious, “I'm free now. I'm in Silom. You can come and see me.”
[It's best we meet at your condo, what do you think?]
“My condo?”
[Okay, let's talk when you arrive. Send me the location, I will wait there.]
“Uh, okay, but I'm still outside. If you arrive first, wait downstairs, I'll hurry up.”
[Thank you so much. See you later.]
It was just that before laying the line. As for me, although I was still puzzled by the fast-paced nature of my friends, I couldn't anticipate the answer right now. I tossed my phone onto the seat and stepped on the accelerator to move out of the parking spot.
But why did he want to talk in my room? Not like I was thinking much about it, if a friend was coming to visit, but it was just strange that we hadn't talked much in many years. Just because we met again didn't mean we would suddenly become closer or more familiar with each other. Suddenly, he called me and said there was an urgent matter to discuss in person and asked to meet in the room. Whoever it was, it left me puzzled.
I drove with that feeling all the way until I parked quietly at my usual spot under the condo building. As I walked, holding the keys, towards the front entrance, my steps hesitated and came to a halt.
“Ai'Gene!”
Tum, standing in front of the glass door, waved frantically and beckoned.
I raised an eyebrow slightly, but decided to move forward to stand in front of my friend... and Number Eighteen.
Correct, Ai'Tum didn't come to see just me. There was also a tall figure from their agency standing beside him. In the first seconds, I noticed the handsome face of Nubsib before my own friend. Number Eighteen stood out much more. Seeing someone I didn't expect to see appearing right here made me pause. Not only that, but next to Nubsib was a large black travel bag.
What? Are they going to a photo shoot in another province?
“Um, I'm here.” my eyebrows frowned, “What urgent matter do you have? Why do we have to talk in my room?”
“It's better to talk upstairs.”
“Huh!?”
This time, my eyebrows were tightly furrowed and it seemed like Ai'Tum also noticed something similar, which made them fall silent. His face revealed traces of anxiety, “Am I bothering you or something?”
I took a deep breath through the corner of my mouth and looked at him again, “Come on, if you're here, just come in. The room is still a room.”
“I'm sorry if I have offended you.” He still looked very worried, so I just shrugged.
This damn person called to say there was an urgent matter, asked me to come back, and even requested to talk in the room. And at this point, he still dared to look worried. It made me want to slap him even more.
I waved my hand to take out the key card from my bag and walked towards the glass door, where Nubsib was standing, making sure to turn and greet the other side politely.
“...”
Surely, Nubsib's smile left a small but incredibly charming mark on me.
We both walked in together, even though I wanted to ask why we had to drag our bags along, but deep down inside, my heart told me not to say anything at all. I tapped my card at the lift once again before pressing the button for my room at Sib's floor.
I bought this condominium during my first year of working, borrowing money from my father and brother to make a partial payment. At that time, I had been working at the company for about five to six months. It was located in the city centre, but my family house was quite far away. So, I went around and did house hunting for a good condo near the train station, then worked to earn and pay back the money at home...but now it's all done. The car loan is almost paid off as well, but there's still not a single baht I saved.
My room was at the far end of the hallway. As I tapped my card to unlock the door, I hesitated.
“I'm not ready yet.”
“It's a bit messy there. Just sit down for now.”
“It's okay.”
Ai’Tum rushed ahead eagerly.
“Oh...”
But as I walked in, I heard my friend's surprised voice coming after me, then silence followed by my own hard swallow.
It wasn't a gasp because my room was luxurious or anything like that. It was probably a gasp because my room was messy, even though it wasn't dirty. The centre of the room, which had a low table and a sofa for watching TV, was scattered with crumpled papers. There were also novels and comics about male-male love that I used for study and reading to boost my mood.
Even though I was embarrassed, it wasn't as bad as when someone else saw it, because these two already knew what kind of writing I did.
“Sit here. The water is in the fridge in the kitchen. I'll just put the books away.”
“I'll help.”
As I picked up all the books from the sofa and set them aside, Nubsib moved closer and took the items in my hands without waiting for any permission.
“Where should I put these?”
“...” I stood in the same spot, my hand moving close to my body as I looked at the other side.
But Nubsib smiled back, “Huh...umm, what do you mean looking at me like that?”
“Huh? Oh!” My eyebrows raised slightly, as I was just thinking about where the Number Eighteen would lead me. When I saw the other person's face, I had to divert with a point to the back, “In that cupboard, by the door to the room at the far end.”
The tall figure raised his head before walking over to open and easily place the items in the cupboard. Seeing someone offer to help, I didn't object, so I relaxed and went to sit, waiting for Ai’Tum to return with water from the kitchen. Shortly after, he came back with a refreshed face, handing the bottle of water to Nubsib.
I reduced my mobile phone and looked across at my friend who was sitting opposite, with a child in tow, “What's up now? Your urgent matters.” I said.
“Uh...”
“...”
“Ai'Gene, your condo has three bedrooms, you know.”
“Um.”
Since we exchanged Line IDs with Ai'Tum the day before and kept chatting about our whereabouts, I knew that he was still living at home but occasionally stayed at a nearby model building. He knew that I bought a condo for myself with plenty of bedrooms for my future family.
“Right now, you're living alone as well. So, I suggest Nubsib...”
“No!”
“Damn it! I haven't finished speaking yet.” I glared, staring at my friend. And of course, when I quickly rejected and walked away, I didn't even spare a glance at Nubsib.
I reckoned that Nubsib followed Ai'Tum to look for me because the two of them would soon work in a different province. It's normal to bring along your belongings when moving. But when my friend mentioned the three bedrooms in my condo...
Well, there's no way I would let them stay over long term like that.
“Hey! Ai'Gene, I beg you. We have a small accommodation issue now. Let Ai'Ai’Sib stay for a month, just one month.”
“No.”
“Then three weeks.”
“Not interested.”
“Two weeks.”
“No matter how many weeks, I won't allow it!”
Ai'Tum looked stressed, “I'm begging you, am I not? I'm not asking for anything, nor do I want to disturb you if it's not absolutely necessary. Ai'Sib's place is far. He has to study and work, so I let him stay at the model building. But suddenly, my sister agreed to manage two or three new idols.”
I turned my face away, trying to avoid eye contact and explain on another side.
“Those children are looking for accommodation just like Nubsib. But Ai'Sib, oh! This is because of Ai'Sib. I don't know how he and my sister managed to come to this. Nubsib is now left without a room.” Ai'Tum said, raising his hand to touch his forehead and looking at himself in disgust, “And now, I have to go somewhere. Starting now, he has to film a series.”
“So let him just go back home, it's fine, you said just for a month, right?”
“I said just for a month, roughly, that if we can deal with the issue of finding him a room, we'll quickly find a new one within the month.”
“So go rent a hotel, it's fine, your family company can afford it. Sending the kids to this school should be fine.”
Another thing... from my observation, Nubsib isn't struggling financially at all. Living outside the city can be seen in two ways. If one has enough money for other expenses but not enough to rent in the middle of the city to eat or if one is staying at home without buying a condo, but would probably mean they want a large space that needs to be built outside the city to have more space, which I think is the case for Nubsib's family.
“Are you crazy?” Ai'Tum raised his eyebrow, “Ai'Sib is well-known. Staying in a hotel is just asking for trouble.”
“...”
“There are some fan club issues, stalker issues. Hotels are not private, you know.”
“You can find a hotel that only has foreigners staying there. It shouldn't be difficult.”
“Ai'Gene, there are paparazzi as well. If news gets out that Ai'Sib is coming in and out of hotels, it can cause rumoured scandals. Even if he says it's temporary, no one will believe it.”
I sighed, “It's a big deal. So just let him stay at your place.”
“At first, I hesitated like that too, but my house’s family is outside the city, even further than Ai'Sib's family house. It would be difficult for him to study and work for sure.”
“...”
I listened as each round passed and almost felt like banging my head on the short, low table. Eventually, I didn't say anything.
I tried to think of a way out. At one point, I was about to turn to Nubsib, who sat quietly, but couldn't bear the tense atmosphere anymore and saw that the other side was looking at me.
Number Eighteen’s face looked... cautious and apologetic.
No, don't look at me like that. It makes me look like someone refusing to help the prince who escaped from the palace due to some inheritance issue.
My refusal is my own matter. My condo, my room. I'm not wrong, but somehow I feel like I can be heartless.
“Well...”
“...”
“Do you understand that I'm not comfortable with Nubsib either.” I spoke slowly, understanding that it might make the listener feel bad, “Even though you said it's temporary, my work needs to be done at home. People need their privacy. Not just me, but Nubsib too.”
“Ai'Sib, you have no problem, right?”
“...”
I turned to Nubsib and saw the other side pouting.
Hey! Let's go big now.
“Honestly, do you have nowhere else to stay?”
“I also want to tell you that... in the past two days, before I drove to find you, I had even called other people until the phone line minutes were used for this entire month. It's not like people have time for moving in and out, I understand that we have just started to contact each other. Suddenly bothering you like this is not good, but now I don't have anyone else to rely on, so I have to rely on your kindness.”
“...”
“Gene, I beg you. Ai'Sib is not just going to be hanging around, I offered to help with the water and electricity bills and...”
“...”
“And... and...”
“I can take care of the room if you're busy, Khun Gene.”
My eyes were fixed on Ai'Tum who was speaking automatically.
“Take care of the room?”
“Yes. If you; Khun Gene is busy, I can handle it.”
This time, my brows lifted slightly.
“Wow, this guy is really good at housework, you won't see any dust, he can handle everything like a sewing machine needle. After all, what do you expect?”
“Really?”
I turned my gaze back. I didn't ask anything anymore, I knew it was a lie. My mind was spinning fast, like a sewing machine needle. Confused, I didn't know what to do. I could understand, but I was struggling with myself.
One month...
“Just for a month, Ai'Gene.” Ai'Tum seemed to understand my hesitation, so he quickly brought it up again, “And as Ai'Sib said, let him help with this and that. Order him to do whatever you want, consider it a favour for his staying over.”
“...”
“How much do you want to charge for utilities?”
“Huh! Really generous.” I couldn't help but smirk. When I looked at Ai'Tum with this look, he chuckled.
I swept my gaze over my friends and their child for several minutes without saying anything. Finally, I took a deep breath and relaxed on the sofa, as if I had made a decision.
“Okay you...”
“Oh, don't worry, it's just once a month.”
“Ai'Gene” Ai'Tum called my name with a long, exhausted face. While Nubsib raised his mouth higher than before, it was clear from the corner of his eye that he wanted to thank and speak, but coincidentally I didn't turn to look directly.
“But household chores like this, there is no need for you to do, including water and electricity bills.” I waved my hand, not wanting to be too harsh on the kids. Also...how can Nubsib, who looks like a charming prince, clean these things?
“You're a really good person, Ai'Gene, better than the people I call for help.”
“...”
“Truly generous and kind-hearted.”
“I'm about to vomit.”
Ai'Tum still had a wide smile on his face, his countenance relaxed and carefree, he raised his hand slightly and moved his body, “I might have to help Ai'Sib with some work, but I'll try not to disturb you.”
“Hmm.”
“And...consider Ai'Sib as the hero of your series. If you're unhappy about something or the way he acts, you can tell him.”
Then Ai'Tum explained something about Nubsib's work that might involve living in the condo complex a bit, then he turned to talk to his own charge. I sat there looking at both of them for a moment. Finally, I decided to get up and go rummage through the large keychain that had keys to all the rooms that had arrived when we moved into the cupboard on the upper floor near the TV stand.
It's true that my condo has three bedrooms. The largest one is the one I use. The other room is slightly smaller but spacious enough, with built-in furniture except for the bathroom, which is the shared one outside. If you want to soak in a tub, there's only one bathroom in my room. I usually don't lock it, but because there is no one staying with me, I turned the key and took my room key out of the room in my hand. As I walked back to the sofa, I saw Ai'Tum standing up.
“Ai'Gene, I have another errand. About the room that Ai'Sib took the stuff out of.” he said.
As for me...I was a bit overwhelmed. Why was he in such a hurry to leave? He quickly handed me Number Eighteen, then jumped and left me with this kid?
“I'll stop by again sometime. You can always message me on LINE, or just call.”
“Okay.”
“How about...” Ai'Tum glanced over my shoulder before looking back at me and raising his hand to lightly pat my shoulder, “Take care of Nubsib for me, okay?”
“...”
“I really appreciate it.”
I took a deep breath and answered again, “Sure.”
“Well then, I'll go now. Bye.”
He pushed the door to close it against the frame, but I quickly blocked it with my hand, “What do you want?”
“If you go down alone, how are you supposed to open the building's front door? You don't have a key.”
“Oh, right! Um, yeah, you're right.” he mumbled, then smiled dryly and moved aside to let me walk out of the room.
As I turned back to look inside, I saw Nubsib stepping closer. I tried to say something but couldn't, “You can wait in the room, I'll go down and escort Ai'Tum myself. The bathroom is in the kitchen if you need to go.”
“Alright.”
I stared at his face, trying to hide my amusement before finally closing the door. I silently scolded myself for choosing to ignore and walk away.
Alright, take care then...
Click.
A minute later, I turned my hand to close the door again, but as I took off my shoes and placed them in the closet before stretching, I was startled to see Nubsib standing tall by the doorway.
“Um... Nubsib.”
“You sent Phii Tum off already, right?”
“Oh, yes, he's gone.”
As I replied, Nubsib's slight smile widened a bit more. My heart raced, and I had to look away.
The smiles of actors can be truly overwhelming.
I stood there as if this room wasn't mine at all, feeling like my subconscious mind was yelling to remind me of what was happening, almost as if my conscience was trying to figure out what was going on. I finally shifted and gestured towards him, “Your room is this way, bring your bag.”
This room, where I would let Nubsib stay, had never been opened to anyone before. The bed still had dust covers on it. When I opened the door, I was surprised to see Nubsib dragging his bag in.
“I live alone so I can't clean properly. There might be a lot of dust. Let's go get cleaning supplies to help each other.”
“I can do it myself.”
“I can help. I'm free today. You go get the furniture covers out first and be careful of the dust.” I warned at the end of the sentence. Initially, I was afraid that Nubsib couldn't find it and I would have to do it alone, but thinking about it made me end up doing it all alone.
I went out to grab the cleaning equipment. I didn't know what to use or not, so I ended up calling the condo housekeeping service because I couldn't find anything, and when they came, I stood and looked at it for a while.
“Let me vacuum the dust. You handle the rest.”
If it's too much, I'll call the housekeeper...
“Okay.”
I picked up the vacuum cleaner and checked if the battery was full before starting to clean.
The dust was quite thick, so as I vacuumed, I could see it being sucked away. When the housekeeper came to clean, I didn't usually have them clean the rooms that weren't being used. But it was good that the smaller sofas and beds had covers so they didn't get too dusty.
“Khun Gene”
“...”
“Gene?”
“...”
“Gene”
“Hey!” I startled, pulling my right hand away from the sudden warm touch.
As I happily vacuumed for a while, without realising what Number Eighteen meant, it walked up to me without saying a word, then placed its thick hand on mine in such a disgusting way.
The loud noise of the vacuum cleaner subsided when I pressed the off button. I turned to frown and asked, “What? Is there something?”
“Did I startle you? I called you several times, but you didn't hear.”
As the other person began to explain, I immediately relaxed and looked at the vacuum cleaner in my hand, then understood that it must be because of its working noise, “Oh, sorry, is there something wrong? Or is it not working? It's okay if it's too much.”
“No, I was just about to say...” Those focused eyes glanced down at the device in my hand, “If it doesn't vacuum the floor, you can't take it up like this. Sir, there's a small part that can be removed.”
“...”
Then Nubsib stooped down to press the button and pulled out another small attachment...
“If you're going to use it on the bed or the table, this one is better to use.” The person in front said politely, taking the large base out of my hand and handing me the compact attachment to use instead.
Playing with it made me feel like a strange kid.
“Oh! Uh, yes, I'm a bit confused. Thank you. I'll continue, I won't be long.”
Maybe it seems like I'm changing my mind, but I'm not a technology guy. This vacuum cleaner with a handle imported from Japan, even though I've never used it myself, I know that it has detachable parts and can change heads to be used in various corners of the house. Just forgot.
After vacuuming until I thought it was done, I put it away outside and looked around the room again. It was clean and tidy, and in this state, I couldn't bring myself to find Nubsib.
When he explained, I relaxed and looked at the vacuum cleaner in my hand, then realised that maybe it was because of the noise it made, “Oh! I'm sorry if there's anything wrong, or if it doesn't work. If it's too much, it's okay.”
“No, I was just about to say...” His narrowed eyes glanced down at the device in my hand, “If you don't vacuum the floor, you can't pick it up like this. It has a small part that can be removed.”
“...”
Then Nubsib stooped down to press the button and pulled out another small attachment...
“If you're going to use it on the bed or the table, this one is better to use.” The person in front said politely, taking the large base out of my hand and handing me the compact attachment to use instead.
Playing with it made me feel like a strange kid.
“Oh! Uh, yes, I'm a bit confused. Thank you. I'll continue, I won't be long.”
Maybe it seems like I'm changing my mind, but I'm not a technology guy. This vacuum cleaner with a handle imported from Japan, even though I've never used it myself, I know that it has detachable parts and can change heads to be used in various corners of the house. Just forgot.
After vacuuming until I thought it was done, I put it away outside and looked around the room again. It was clean and tidy, and in this state, I couldn't bring myself to find Nubsib.
“Are you okay?”
“Erg?”
“You did well. Being alone, I have to practise.”
Hearing that, Nubsib fell silent. Finally, a faint chuckle escaped from his lips, “Sir. Just a little more practice, but it's okay.”
“If you're tired, you can rest. There's not much in the room, you can use everything, but the bathroom is not in the room because you have to go to the one outside. As for the kitchen, you can use anything, I don't mind. My room is on the left. If you need anything, just knock and ask.”
Nubsib smiled slightly and tilted his head with my long explanation.
Alright then, no problem.
I tilted my head and walked out of the room to give the other person some privacy, but before closing the door, I turned back to say something else, just a little bit more, after thinking about it.
“Well, my sleeping hours are not like the others. If it's late and I'm still walking outside, please bear with me a bit. I'll try to be quiet, but if I accidentally make noise unbearable, you can come out and tell me, no need to hold back.”
“It's okay, Khun Gene. Feel free.”
“By staying like this, I am definitely the bothersome one.”
“Alright then. Alright, this is the key to the bedroom.”
Nubsib smiled at me again, extending his hand to pick up the key, his fingertips touching the palm of my hand lightly, “Thank you.”
...a good kid like him.
I smiled, closed the door for the other person, and then went to get a simple drink to take back into the room. After wiping the sweat and dust off, I finally decided whether to nap or continue writing.
Chapter 4:
Once I regained my composure, I picked up my phone to check the time for the first time.
...Nine o'clock already.
I remembered falling asleep around four in the morning, almost unknowingly dozing off while seated in front of the laptop screen for hours. After spending the evening working hard in front of the screen, I took a break to cook instant noodles and watched a comedy show around one o'clock. But once I finished eating, I meditated and went back to writing. The scene was finished, leaving me exhausted and ready to turn off the computer and collapse into bed to stretch out my tired body afterwards.
I only slept for five hours, not even eight as I usually did. So I guessed I would definitely need another nap in the afternoon, and I probably wouldn't be able to resist sleeping now. I forced myself to get up to wash my face and put on my glasses.
But as soon as I opened the door to step outside, I was startled to the point of almost screaming.
“Uh... Nub... Nubsib.”
I swallowed my own surprise and fear as I saw the tall figure walking out from the kitchen almost directly.
“Khun Gene?” The other party's eyebrows raised slightly before the corner of their mouth curled into a small smile, “You woke up already, I thought you'd sleep in even later. I saw your bowl of noodles from last night.”
Oh, I forgot that I let Nubsib stay here for a month.
“Um... I'm a bit confused when waking up like this, and here...”
I swept my gaze up and down the other party. Today, Nubsib was in a white shirt and black trousers, looking formal and neat naturally.
“Are you heading off to university?”
“In a bit. But I had to go out earlier to buy breakfast. Will Khun Gene eat? I'll warm it up.”
“Breakfast?”
“Yes. Fried eggs with ham.”
“Ah! That sounds good.”
As the other party walked back into the kitchen, I followed Number Eighteen to the table, where a few plates were covered with a small lid.
Nubsib opened the microwave and grabbed a plate inside. I watched him do it and chose to walk over and sit quietly without saying anything. I thought Nubsib was still in flattering mode. If he wasn't flattering, he would probably be repaying me with vegetables instead. So, I let him serve.
“Here you go.”
As I slyly glanced at Nubsib's broad back, he turned around and placed the glass of fresh milk on the table. His movements were sudden, and I almost didn't manage to look away, “I saw there was some in the fridge, so I thought Khun Gene might like to have it regularly.”
“Ah! I keep it for a late-night snack... thanks.”
“Would you like some toast?”
“Sure, with some strawberry jam. Spread it thick like a mountain.” I answered quickly to a question from the other party, not really thinking much, but then my hand holding the glass of milk paused, and I turned to look at someone who had just inadvertently slipped out a childlike response.
Nubsib was standing smiling on the opposite side of the table, his radiant aura shining too bright. But more than the brightness was the embarrassment with the person younger than him... If Nubsib wasn't an actor cast in the series I produced, but someone I casually knew, I probably wouldn't care much. But because it was work-related, I wanted to keep the serious side of things for now.
“Alright. Spread it like a mountain.”
“...”
The tic tac sound.
A few minutes later, the person in front of me placed a plate of breakfast that had already been microwaved on the table and prepared a fork and knife. I quietly shifted to start eating my own food and, through the lenses of my glasses, caught a glimpse of Nubsib, who walked over to take the toast from the toaster and sat down across from me. He then casually and effortlessly spread fragrant red strawberry jam on it.
“Um... so how are you going to school? Is someone picking you up?” He reached for the toast on the plate that had been slid over. At that moment, I decided to strike up a conversation to avoid the atmosphere becoming too tense.
“I am going by myself. I might take a taxi or the bus.”
“The metro?” I raised my voice in surprise, “You're taking the metro? Is that not difficult for you? If you meet a fan club, it will cause chaos.”
“It's not a problem if I wear a mask.”
“Are you sure?”
When Nubsib was pressed with doubt by my response, he hesitantly revealed, “Not really.”
“Well, with your handsome appearance and tall stature, wearing a mask will make you stand out even more.”
“...”
“Why are you smiling?”
As the person opposite fell silent suddenly, I raised my head and noticed that number eighteen was sitting nearby, smiling faintly and looking at me. It... Well, it felt strange.
“No, I just noticed that you, Khun Gene, complimented me.”
“Ah...”
This time the boy blushed and almost replied incorrectly, “I'm just speaking the truth. And... you don't have to pretend. With this kind of appearance, I'm definitely not the first one to admire you, for sure.”
“I don't know about others, but I prefer Khun Gene's admiration.”
“...”
Here we go again, getting flirty again.
I discreetly glanced over, choosing not to respond and focused on finishing the toast in my hand. The sweetness from the jam provided some relief to my brain. After finishing the milk, I leaned back in the chair slightly, feeling content. At the same time, I was aware that while I was enjoying my food, number eighteen was still sitting across from me, smiling softly the whole time, but I was determined not to pay attention.
Normally, waking up two hours before I would have breakfast would be strange, but today my stomach was warm and my mood was surprisingly good.
“What time are you leaving?”
“Um... I think around ten thirty, maybe?”
I picked up my phone to check the time, “Alright, I'll go send you off then.”
“Huh?” The person listening paused, “Will you send me?”
“Um, well, you just bought breakfast rice for me. I am going to drop you off, and then I'll come back to shower and sleep.”
“Thank you.”
“Um.”
“Khun Gene, you are kind... lovely.”
My half lidded eyes that were preparing to fall asleep once more widened suddenly. As they shifted to meet the gaze of the captivating speaker, I found that they seemed like vast, mysterious oceans that were both deep and impossible to fully describe.
Nubsib's eyes moved down to my nose, then to my lips. His lips curved in a special way, puckered and inviting.
I automatically pursed my lips and quickly sat up straight, “You need to get ready before I fall asleep and you have to use the metro.”
“Yes.”
Nubsib's tall figure walked out of the kitchen, and I followed with a puzzled expression on my face. I quickly realised I needed to get ready too, even though I was just riding in the car.
I grabbed my wallet and car keys and headed down. Nubsib was walking tall, holding a slim file and a book. Once in the car, I waited for the person next to me to settle before locking the car and starting the engine.
“Nubsib you go at university X, right? From here, turn right at this traffic light. Oops!” Before I could finish my sentence, I had to shout out when the person who seemed to be sitting quietly beside me suddenly leaned in close.
I cast a sideways glance at Nubsib who was sitting next to me.
The side of Nubsib's face, which was not far from the tip of my nose and the corner of my mouth, made me freeze in surprise. My body stiffened, leaning back until almost sinking into the car seat.
“Khun Gene, you forgot your seat belt. Let me help you with that.” Nubsib's voice was soft and gentle as he leaned in closer.
The breath of the person facing me brushed against the corner of my mouth, making my body tense. I leaned back until almost sinking into the car seat.
“Well, it's done. In four minutes the first lesson will start. A little traffic is not a problem.” As I pulled away, Nubsib turned to smile slightly and finish the previous conversation.
The person in front felt my breath brushing against the corner of my mouth.
“...”
I could only look shocked and dare not speak, afraid that some part of my body might accidentally touch the other person.
“All set. Another four minutes, Sib will start the first lesson. A little traffic jam won't be a problem.” As I pulled away, Nubsib turned to smile and reply to my previous question.
“...”
I... my heart flutters. As soon as I turn back, my muscles relax, eyebrows twitch together, but as soon as I turn around ready to say something, a handsome face with a clear smile and a slight smirk that reads 'What's up?' makes my heart flutter.
“Alright, you have to guess, come on.” Saying that, I pulled on Nubsib's dangerous safety pin and hugged him tightly by the shoulder forcefully. Then I smiled as if nothing happened before adding, “Get in the car. Sit nicely, don't resist or be difficult.”
“Yes.”
And he responded with a cheerful face!
After almost thirty minutes, I drove all the way to University X.
I knew that Nubsib studied here from his personal history when the other side was casting him as the protagonist in a novel, based on his face, body, height, and voice. The more I know where he studies, the more in awe I am of this perfect person. I admit secretly fawning over the other party at that moment.
Although he looked like a charming prince-charming, he also seems to have a mysterious, not-so-bad side as well...
“Khun Gene.”
“...”
“Gene, are you going to drive?”
“Hey!”
I sighed again, not sure how many times Nubsib had stared at me.
When I happily thought about my own novel, Number Eighteen appeared in front of me again. This time, as soon as I finished sighing, I used my hand to push his strong shoulder away from my personal space immediately.
“Why do you like to come close like this? Do you want to scare me?”
“I've called out several times, but Khun Gene you seemed absent.”
“Why didn't you poke at me?”
When I glared at him, as if to say something, he immediately apologised with a little regret, “I'm sorry.”
Crazy...
“So, what's up?”
“I was just about to tell you that you are driving to my faculty building. If you continue driving on this road, it will be difficult for you to turn back.”
“Oh...”
I quickly stepped off the gas pedal as Nubsib pointed me into the area of his faculty building, knowing that I had to drive in from this road. Trees of various kinds were planted on both sides of the road, the branches swaying with leaves colliding, indicating a comfortable cool breeze outside. I drove a bit further and Nubsib told me to park.
“Park here.”
“Yes.”
I looked out the window, in front of the building was a wide courtyard with various benches laid out. I saw students sitting chatting, eating snacks, some playing with their phones. Some were walking back and forth. Looking at it made me miss the atmosphere of when I was still studying.
The university I graduated from was not a top university like Nubsib. I was not as polite as those kids. My father used to tell me that I was more mischievous than my older brother. But even though I was mischievous, I was still a normal guy. I hung out with friends, played games, and never reached the point of partying all night or hitting on girls recklessly.
Thinking back, I glanced at the Nubsib faculty building. My car wasn't fancy, and parking here didn't attract much attention. But the kid next to me stood out. His aura was eye-catching. Some girls in a group, whose cars weren't tinted, looked through the windows and, when they saw me, started pointing and gesturing. The bold ones walked closer to get a better look.
Huh...
“Do I look weird to you?”
“N-no!” I shrugged, “I already knew you were famous. Oh! Really?”
I remembered and reached into my pocket, took out my wallet, opened it, searched for my card and handed it to him.
“Oh, the card. I forgot to give it to you yesterday. Use it when you enter the building. Use it to call the elevator. If you're lazy, just use the code. Keep the card safe, don't lose it. It's expensive to replace it.”
Nubsib glanced at the card in my hand, then smiled while accepting it.
“From you, Khun Gene, I won't let it get lost.”
That reckless kid.
I thought it was in my heart. I used to be annoyed with him, but now I'm starting to find him endearing, “Alright, go study. You're late.”
“Yes. Thank you for the ride.”
“Alright, focus on your studies.”
I speak politely, but I receive strange looks from people listening, not having time to react properly. Number Eighteen’s tall figure reaches out to open the door, steps in, turns around, bends his head, and smiles.
“Khun Gene, drive back safely.”
“...”
Why do I feel like I'm a lost child being sent away?
My eyes look through the glasses lens at Nubsib who is now farther away. My mind comes up with this thought on its own until it suddenly snaps back to reality, shaking off the dullness, moving my hand to grab the gear.
It's better to go back to sleep.
And then, the result of my midday nap wakes me up again when the sun has already disappeared. The dark, serene sky, I still don't get up, reach for the phone, open it, and then see a message from Ai'Hin.
Hin: Phii Gene, I'll send you the file to fill in the column, I need your help.
I reply with a sticker, then see that Ai'Tum also messaged a few hours ago.
Tum (office contact): Ai'Gene, I'm going to get Ai’Sib, he is needed for a bit of fitting.
Tum (office contact): Tell him to get ready, and call me as soon as he comes down.
Gene: Can't you tell him yourself? Why do you have to annoy me?
I typed this, but I still gazed towards the door, seeing the light coming in from the frame, realising Nubsib is back from university and may have left the light on outside.
As I lay there, I don't hear anything, even though I'm a deep sleeper, Nubsib must be doing something very light.
Ai'Tum didn't read or reply, maybe he's busy, so I turn on the lights and go take a refreshing shower. After completing the number of hours I needed to sleep, I feel much better and make a plan to continue the novel tonight. Heading downstairs to buy food at the supermarket, I grab a box and some snacks to fill the basket.
I put on my glasses, push the door outwards.
This time I remember living with Nubsib. Not surprised ... um...
“Nubsib...”
What on earth! How can he walk around the room like this, bare-chested, swaying his hips in such a manner?
“Khun Gene?” the tall figure pauses, the hand that was about to grab a small towel to wipe his wet hair drops down slightly, “Did I wake you up or not?”
“Not really.”
The sound of my heart beating loudly in my throat. As for my eyes, they are fixed on the beautiful figure in front of me, unable to look away. It's not that I don't know myself that I'm looking, but the other organs don't seem to believe it.
“Khun Gene?”
“Um...”
“I feel embarrassed looking at you looking at me like that.”
The words make me successfully divert my gaze from Nubsib's beautiful abdomen, but when I shift it to his handsome face, I feel like I want to bury my head and escape because his smile and knowing gaze seem to see through me, without a hint of embarrassment.
“You... Well, you have a good figure. Are you going to the gym as well?” – I end the awkwardness with a stupid question.
“Yes, there are some good ones. If Khun Gene is interested, you can join me.”
“That's good. Let's try it. Oh, and...” I quickly change the subject thinking of Ai'Tum's message “Ai'Tum said he will pick you up tomorrow at eleven.”
“Pick me up at eleven.?”
“Yes, he said you have to go do some fitting or something.”
“Oh! Okay, sure.”
“Before the prayer day, didn’t you go for the fitting? How did it go?”
For some reason, I felt like I wanted to know the answer. Before stepping out of the room, I still wondered if I should hurry downstairs because I was really hungry.
“It went well, Phii Tum has a picture of that event. Khun Gene, you should ask him for it.”
“Yeah, I will. Oh! And the protagonist in the novel you are going to be shooting has a tattoo on the upper left chest. Did the team discuss how to deal with it?”
“He said they will add a temporary tattoo. If Khun Gene wants to see it tomorrow, should we go together?” When I asked this question, he smiled.
“I think I'll work back to back tonight, I probably won't wake up early.”
“That's a shame...”
“Alright, if I wake up in time, I'll go too.” I chose to reply before walking straight to the door, while opening the closet to pick out a pair of flip-flops to wear, Nubsib suddenly followed along and asked.
“Khun Gene, are you going outside? Where are you going?”
“I'm going downstairs to grab something to eat at MaxValue.”
Hearing that, he hesitated for a moment “I'll come with you. Can you wait for a moment?”
“Huh!? Wait, where are you going?”
“Buying food, I haven't eaten yet.”
Nubsib's words made me turn to look at the clock hanging on the wall above the TV, “You haven't eaten yet? It's almost three o'clock.”
“I think I'll wait to eat with you, Khun Gene.”
“...”
The next sentence that made me hesitate. I blinked rapidly, “Hey! Why wait, I've told you before that I have a jumbled timetable. I don't know when I'll get to eat. If you are hungry, just eat, no need to wait.”
Also...Nubsib only came to stay for a month. He's not a roommate or close friend. There's no need to wait to eat with me. It's confusing...Is he going to be a good kid or trouble? I'm confused.
“I was determined that if Khun Gene was still asleep, I would go out to buy food at four o'clock, but luckily you woke up just in time.”
“...Um, okay, hurry up and put on a shirt.”
And I had to stand by the phone waiting for the tall kid who had disappeared into the room. Not long after, Nubsib came out with what looked like pyjamas. It was a t-shirt and loose, long pants. He didn't comb his hair or set it yet, he was still a bit wet, but the prince was still as elegant as ever.
We walked down to the bottom without anyone saying anything. When we entered the supermarket, I went straight to the frozen food section. Nubsib followed behind me leisurely.
I picked up each type of food to compare, there were only a few left because it was late, but luckily half of them were half off, which made me happy. Once I made my choice, a basket of discounted items was handed to me right in front of me, very considerate. I followed the hand holding the basket from the sturdy arm upwards to the strong neck, thick cheeks, and handsome face of Nubsib.
He stood there silently staring at me.
“And what about yours, hurry up and choose, you'll get hungry and have stomach pain.”
“I don't know what to eat...”
Nubsib said, looking closely at the food shelf. I followed his gaze and secretly let out a small sigh of relief for someone who seemed worried and needed to be cared for, “Let's choose together, how about this?”
“Khun Gene, that one is almost expired.”
“Huh!?” When I looked at the expiration date, I saw that it was indeed about to expire, “Oh! Then let's take this one.”
“Okay.”
Nubsib smiles shyly, but his face reads as being content, satisfied. I walk over to pick out some snacks and ice cream and add them to the basket. Neatly, I pull the basket closer to hold it myself, saying I will pay first before taking it to the counter, rejecting any help.
The female employee who was arranging items at the back walks over to serve, but as she raises her head and sees Nubsib standing behind me, she hesitates.
“...”
From the look in her eyes, if she isn't in love with the handsome Number Eighteen, she might recognize him.
I resist turning my head to look at the employee, seeing Nubsib smile at me. It seems like he doesn't care at all, making me annoyed. I turn back and still see the employee stiff. So I take a deep breath, reach into the basket, and take out the items myself. But I stumble at one point, where Nubsib steps in closely and helps pick up things by sliding his hand around my waist.
I don't say anything, trying to regain my composure, especially when she hands the bag to Nubsib. He comes out casually.
“I'm sorry. Are you Nubsib!?”
While I'm about to reach for my wallet, I initially think I'll see the surprised face on the other side, but Nubsib may have been through these situations often. So I just manage a faint smile.
“No, I'm not.”
“Oh...really. No, not really, but your face... I thought I remembered...”
“You remembered wrong. Many people get me wrong quite often.”
The female employee still frowns, seemingly not believing, “So... you just moved in here, right?”
“Yes. Just moved in with my boyfriend. I'll excuse myself first.”
“Huh!?”
I stare, speechless.
...The female employee is also speechless, but before she can do anything, Nubsib takes the bag, uses his other arm to wrap around my waist, prompting us to walk out of the shop together.
We take several steps out, and I blink rapidly, trying to process what just happened. I stop walking, turning to another person.
“You were saying that earlier...”
“I said it to make her believe I'm not Nubsib.” Number Eighteen said, seeming like he was waiting for this moment.
His quick response leaves me stunned for a moment, then I start scolding the other person, “What's wrong with you? Acting like this, I'm screwed. You will be moving next month, but I will still be around.”
“I didn't even mention that my boyfriend is you, Khun Gene.”
“We went shopping together. She must be thinking a lot!”
“Well, it's no big deal then.”
“Ai'Sib....” I tersely called out the name of the person next to me based on my mood, slightly pushing his arm off my waist in annoyance.
Instead of looking angry about being called like that, Number Eighteen let out a slight chuckle. His face and eyes now looked even more charming by nature, nearly causing me to forget my anger towards him.
“What's so funny?”
“Nothing, I'm just happy.”
“Happy-my-left-foot!”
I'm not happy, just annoyed...
“I am happy, I like it when you, Khun Gene talks to me so casually like this.”
I hesitated, then continued, “I called you Ai'Sib too.”
Um... looking back, I was clearly annoyed with Nubsib for calling him that, which was definitely uncalled for.
“Yes.”
...but Nubsib returned the smile, seeming satisfied.
“....” I couldn't say anything coherent.
“I want you Khun Gene to relax when you are with me. I want us to be even closer than this.”
“You still call me Khun Gene, though.”
The person beside me raised an eyebrow, then smiled faintly, “Do you want me to call you something else?”
Whatever the plan, whoever doesn't know, I just stayed indifferent.
My mind wanted to argue back, but another part said that arguing would make me look childish, so I chose not to respond. I just turned my head to look at the person walking behind me and exhaled a sigh, then took out a card to unlock the door.
I didn't know what expression Nubsib had on his face, and I didn't want to hear the sound of his faint chuckle floating in the air.
Do you want to be closer to me than this?
Nubsib appeared calm, quiet, dignified, and elegant. His smile was gentle like a prince, but I didn't know if this doctor had any power or magic that made me inadvertently lose my composure when I was determined to show myself as a mature and respectable adult, even though Nubsib had only moved in with me just two days ago.
...Who is this kid Ai’Tum threw at me?