[T/N] I apologize for grammar mistakes and incoherencies
Chapter 4: Preparing for the Battlefield
“Shin-san, why does everyone keep teasing me, I just don't get it!”
“Doesn't your house have mirrors? Just take a look and you'll see why everyone teases you.”
As the clock's hour hand was about to strike ten, Shin-san, the friend everyone knows, was doing something that would surely astonish anyone who saw it, which wasn't him opening his computer screen to chat or Skype with friends back in Thailand. Not mocking the little one making a pouty face, but...there was Shin, the one who was once teased by a senior for being an angel cast down to earth, standing there. He was chopping vegetables with a pop-pop sound in a small kitchen, all while listening to a friend vent.
“Yeah, I was going to message you. You really shouldn't be handling knives and chopping boards, man.”
A demeanor so out of character for him that even the friend in Thailand had to comment, prompting a retort:
“But I'm confident I'm good at stabbing people in the stomach...want to try it?”
Shin pointed the knife towards the screen, making the person on the other continent raise both hands and push his chair back almost to the end of the room. He seemed genuinely scared, almost laughing.
“Whether I'm good at it or not, I'm still human, Dear...Why can't I cook something to eat?”
“When I went to your house, you had a maid.”
“So let me ask, are you in Thailand or Japan right now? Did I bring my personal maid with me?”
The voice on the other end replied, trying to hold back laughter, making Dear gape.
“Who knows, anything can happen.”
He probably wanted to imply indirectly that who would have thought the friend he sat with in class every day had an extraordinary background, which Dear found out firsthand...when he visited his house. And that made the vegetable chopper shake his head slowly. He didn't know how long Dear would be scared, just because his brother looked a bit intimidating.
“But...even if I'm cooking something to eat.”
It seemed Dear couldn't find anyone else to talk to, hence the whining since he called to chat online. That made Shin stop his chopping, turn back to look at the innocent face, big round eyes, cute nose, and pretty lips of his friend, who everyone agreed was cute and...teasingly lovable.
“No need to change the subject, did your boyfriend prank you or what?”
There it was, every emotion showed through his expression.
Shin chuckled softly, watching the one trying his best to avoid eye contact.
“No.”
“Uh, then you must not have anything to talk about, it's already 10 PM in Thailand. You can go have your dinner now.”
“Wait, wait, wait, Shin! Don't hang up yet, please don't.” When threatened with a disconnection, the one who seemed about to seek solace quickly called out, reaching out as if to grab his arm, but he looked at him steadily. Not moving. Not speaking, staring with a look that asked how long he would keep up this act, and then...the voice, the whining began.
“Today Phii Porsche went to a party.”
The mentioned Phii Porsche is the neighbor's older brother whom Dear has been in love with since he was fifteen, and there were incidents, opportunities to be together, until finally, he managed to make him his husband.
“And then...”
“I saw a woman post a picture with Phii Porsche and tag him on Facebook.” Dear continued to whine, eventually circling back to the original topic.
“And about you saying you were being teased.”
That's right, the one in Thailand who seemed about to cry, blinking rapidly, then said in a trembling voice,
“I told my sister, but she said I was just imagining things. Plus, little Alice also said I was overthinking...those assholes. No one is on my side, not even my own child supports me, so I thought!!!.” Dear started to get loud. The listener laughed, responding,
“That's not called being teased. That's called telling the truth.”
Then, the little dog-faced one pouted.
“You're teasing me.”
Oh, telling the truth is considered teasing him, it's tempting to tease him into being jealous of Phii Porsche to death, wouldn't that be nice?
The thought of the one who shook his head slowly, because Shin was just thinking. He didn't really intend to tease him, knowing well that his little friend was the overthinking type, and jealousy wasn't something to be further provoked...even though his cruel sister had already played her part, but it's hard to believe that little Alice, the young girl whom Phii Porsche adopted, would also mix in with this, given that Dear had looked after and helped raising little Alice since when he was in third year of school.
It seems Dear let his child spend too much time with his sister; her nasty traits must have seeped through the skin cells.
“Daddy, Daddy is back now.”
Suddenly, a clear voice rang out, causing Shin to raise an eyebrow, glancing at his friend who looked back, only to realize that little Alice had entered the room. Shortly after, a face that promised to grow into beauty queen status appeared on the screen, revealing bright green eyes that indicated the girl was of mixed heritage. She raised her hands in a respectful wai.
“Phii Shin, hello.”
“Hey Alice, it's been a while.”
The larger man responded to the little girl, making Dear pout even more.
“You never care about me like that. You're not even nice to me.” Ignoring the whining, he continued talking to the child.
“You've grown so much. I almost didn't recognize you, little Alice.”
“Yeah, she is grown enough to tease me now.”
The grown man's whining was louder than a seven-year-old's, causing Shin to roll his eyes.
“Ugh, I wasn't teasing, right? And are you going to pick up Daddy?”
“Heh.. He's sulking.” The man turned his face away, but...he got up from his chair. “I'll be right back.” He said quietly that he wouldn't go pick him up, but his feet...they were already dashing out of the room.
Now, only the two half-breeds of different ages were left, looking at each other, and little Alice smiled sweetly, her voice endearing.
“I apologize on behalf of Papa for disturbing you while cooking.”
Dear, look at your kid, she's more mature than you.
Shin thought, looking at the girl who was now bowing more gracefully than most Thai children, and said with a chuckle in his voice.
“It's alright. I am used to it...but, do you want anything from here? I'll send it to you.”
The question made the little girl's eyes widen for a moment before she shook her head, holding back.
“It's okay, I feel bad bothering you, Phii Shin.”
“Then I'll send you the Disney doll you collect.”
Suddenly, the girl in Thailand beamed with excitement, but still hesitated whether she should accept.
“Consider it a reward that you have to take care of Dear.”
This time, it's not Dear taking care of the child, but the child who has to take care of her daddy, which makes the little girl smile sweetly, raise her hands in a respectful wai, and thank cutely, to the point where one wants to go back and kiss her cheeks a couple of times...even if her daddy gives a disapproving look saying, 'my child.' Oh well.
“Shin...I'm here.”
Suddenly, the room's door opened by someone with the spare key, and Shin turned to look at the large man in a suit, one hand holding a bag of clothes, the other a bag of fried chicken from the shop he was asked to buy from, looking not different from a Japanese salaryman just returning home, prompting him to wave him over.
“Phii Oat, come here.”
“Hmm, who are you talking to?”...Even though he asked, the newcomer set down his things and walked right up to the portable computer screen.
“Hello, Phii Oat.”
“Oh, it's this one, hello Alice.” The newcomer seemed surprised at how the room's owner was talking to the little girl, but the little girl on the other side covered her cheeks with both hands...looking quite shy. Phii Oat is handsome, but not in the way a woman admires a man, rather...
“Daddy said that Phii Oat you went to find Phii Shin in Japan...so sweet, I am blushing.”
There you have it, her dad is like a loudspeaker spreading news, and perhaps because at her home there are also two dads, the little girl didn't find it strange at all for two men to be together or love each other, just like how she was now shyly squirming at seeing the handsome Phii Shin wrapping his arm around the cool Phii Oat's neck.
“What's sweet about that, Alice? I'm all sweaty like this.”
“Hehe, but Phii Shin likes it just like Daddy likes Daddy, right?”
The Thai guy teases, seems like the little one has been with Dear's sister too much, from being shy to now daring to tease, before the little girl raises her hands in a wai, showing she knows her manners well.
“Then I won't disturb you adults anymore, have a good dream, okay?”
“Yes, goodnight.” Phii Oat replied softly, while on the other side, there was a vigorous shaking of the head.
“I am not asleep yet, I'm going to sneak a peek at Daddy and Papa first, but it's late over there. Goodnight.”
The little one said adorably, so innocent that the person on this side didn't think to mention that Phii Shin, the extremely handsome one...was teasingly rubbing his leg, making the person with the warm smile tense up almost to death.
“Yes, goodbye.”
It wasn't until the program was closed that Oat turned to look at the person beside him with a stern gaze.
“Hehe, Alice knows. By now, she's seen Dear and his husband countless times.” Shin said casually, making the listener sigh heavily, knowing he was being teased, thinking it was better to change the subject rather than argue and lose.
“So, what are you making to eat?”
“Shabu-shabu...You haven't eaten anything yet, right?”
“When would I have time to eat? This Golden Week period is brutal.” The one who just arrived muttered softly, but it seemed the work wasn't as brutal as looking at the clock showing the date, meaning there were only two days left before the trip to Kyoto, making his sharp face pale slightly, trying to change the subject to focus on something else.
“And why are you cooking today?”
Shin usually dislikes cooking. If it's ready-made stuff to microwave or deep-fry, he'll do it, but anything that requires preparation and cooking, it's safe to say the one who doesn't look like he belongs with a knife also doesn't belong in the kitchen. This question made Shin smirk, as he placed the newly acquired shabu-shabu pot in the middle of the room.
Then he answered the question,
“I'm fattening you up before taking you to be slaughtered.”
The listener couldn't speak. Moreover, he suddenly felt full...Just thinking about what might happen in two days was terrifying, yet Oat wasn't someone who liked to run from problems...No matter how much he feared his boyfriend's relatives, if they called, he was ready to face them...Even if the thought alone made his hair stand on end.
Oat might race cars, might know the owners of illegal racing tracks who seem powerful, not different from his boyfriend's cousin, but what made him fear Akira was because...this was his girlfriend's older cousin.
The person Shin cared about. He wanted the other side to accept their love.
If Shin cared about someone, he cared too, just like Shin cared about the people around him.
“Hehe, eat first, Phii Oat, there are still several days left, tomorrow we'll prepare for the battle.” The more the half-Thai man spoke, the fuller the listener felt, only able to watch the room's owner manage the instant soup, turn on the stove, wait for it to boil, and then add the prepared ingredients one by one, which he didn't really notice, but...it was evident...the meat used was top-grade.
A fine meal that might feel like a condemned prisoner's last meal.
A thought that made smiling impossible, only able to watch the handsome man who was cracking an egg into his own bowl and stirring it just enough to blend.
“Phii Oat, you don't like raw eggs, right?”
“You know that too?”
When the other pointed out that the senior hazer knew Japanese people liked dipping sukiyaki into raw egg and eating it, he raised his eyebrows at Shin who stepped into the kitchen again, rummaged through a bag, and returned with a familiar-looking bottle, making the observer's eyes widen, “You should like this.”
Of course, it was the imported sukiyaki sauce from Thailand with its bright orange color.
“Where did you get this? It wasn't here before.”
“How I got it doesn't matter.”
Shin doesn't respond. He won't tell you that he went to ask to buy from his senior Thai colleague who works here, sitting in a car almost across the city, because otherwise, someone around here would sternly tell him not to bother next time, even though they eat together. Shin himself wants the other person to enjoy the meal as much as he does. He has noticed several times that Phii Oat can't eat raw eggs...even though they don't smell fishy like in Thailand.
The person who doesn't like it doesn't say anything, because Shin here loves to eat it. His favorite breakfast is raw egg over rice with soy sauce, but Phii Oat always borrow the kitchen to fry an egg instead. Shin knows that the other person can eat eggs that are half-cooked, or even over-easy, but raw, the kind you dip in and put in your mouth, is not his style. So, he finds something the other should like, seeing Phii Oat smile broadly like a child, pouring dipping sauce into a bowl, and eating the meat with a look of happiness...he smiles too.
Damn, am I indulging Phii Oat too much these days? He shakes his head immediately because...in a few days, he'll be as good as dead, so he might as well indulge him.
Of course, he doesn't say it, watching the person who seems very hungry gobbling down quickly, followed by the fried chicken he bought earlier, but he still picks meat and vegetables into his bowl, nodding for them to eat together.
“Delicious.”
“Of course, besides that...I didn't do anything else, it's all ready-made. If I made it myself, you might not be able to swallow it.”
“No matter what you make...I can eat it all.” That's what the serious person says in a serious tone, making him think...next time, I'll really cook for him.
“I'll add cheese to the rice later, my friend said adding cheese and making cheese congee at the end is delicious.”
“Sounds interesting...I like cheese.”
The conversation goes on casually, until...
“Phii Oat.”
“Huh?”
The person who was eating looked up at the half-Thai guy calling out, leaning in closer, his sharp eyes gleaming, staring straight at the face of the former senior hazer.
“Is there something on my face?”
“It's smeared.”
“Where?” Oat reached up to touch his mouth, but the person who pointed it out shook his head and spoke in a low, enticing voice,
“Stay still, Phii.”
The listener complied, lowering his hand, watching the person who
flicked
Didn't wipe it with his hand but leaned in to lick his lips, then pulled back with a charming smile.
“I prefer raw eggs over sukiyaki sauce, but if it's from your mouth...the latter isn't bad either.”
With that, he raised an eyebrow, making the senior hazer...with his intense face...blush deeply.
Of course, anyone seeing that handsome, wicked face raising an eyebrow, smiling charmingly, and licking his lips in a seductive manner would be smitten, their hearts racing, including the big fan who covered his mouth with his hand, suppressing the urge to rush in, because they hadn't finished eating yet.
“You, really are bad.”
His words sounded like a mix of exasperation, but Oat couldn't help but smile as he helped pour rice into the pot, added cheese, and even topped it off with seaweed, unsure if this was a Western or Eastern style.
Then, the intense-faced senior hazer looked at the stretchy cheese congee being served into his bowl and...spoke up,
“I like cheese, Shin, but I prefer something else that's gooey...if I could get it out of you.”
Gulp
This time, Shin was taken aback, turning to look at the person trying to emulate him, and then...
“Hahaha.”
“Go ahead, let it rip, what are you waiting for!
“Oh, Phii Oat, haha, don't tell the juniors, oh, my stomach hurts, where did you get the confidence to say that, seriously...haha. Phii Oat...Phii Oat.”
I don't know what Phii Oat is feeling, whether he wants to get back at him or not, but I'll tell you, it won't work. Plus, it's a complete disaster.
The way he made the person turn deep red and speechless, covering his face with his hand after failing to make his partner blush for the first time.
“Enough, Shin...I'm embarrassed.”
“Come on, keep practicing, Phii. There might come a day when you can make me blush too.”
Shin patted his shoulder hard several times, holding back laughter until his shoulders shook, especially when he scooped congee into his mouth and ate cheese. He couldn't help but think of the crazy words that he couldn't believe came out of Phii Oat's mouth, but amidst the laughter, why wouldn't Shin know that...Phii Oat had already won.
At least this effort won his heart.
From someone who hardly ever talked about anything below the belt, never tried to make him blush, there was only the seriousness that sometimes didn't quite fit, but when he tried, even though it wasn't his style...this time, let's just say he barely passed.
As for the reward...he'll make sure it's so intense that there's no strength left for more, just watch Channon closely !
“Today, I'll buy some Japanese snacks first, my grandma likes this shop's stuff...As for grandpa, I'll buy the cake tomorrow morning before we leave Tokyo.”
“And what about you?”
“Do I have the money to fly to Kyushu to buy liquor and come back?”
“So, your aniki doesn't eat any snacks at all?”
…
The next morning...after lazing around in bed naked for a while, Oat invited his lover to go buy gifts, or rather, bribes, for the elders at the Nirasawa family house, hoping they might soften up and easily agree to let their grandson get official with him. Not force him to prove his love by cutting his stomach to show his heart.
Shin laughed and asked if I watched too many movies. But as Dear said, anything can happen if it's Shin. Now they are on a hunt for the delicious Japanese dessert shop that the grandmother of the half-Thai guy liked. They also learned that the retired former head of the family, Shin's real grandfather, loved Western sweets. So, Shin concluded that they could buy them in the morning before boarding Shinkan heading to Kyoto.
However, the one who was most worried was the problem. “You don't have to stress about the souvenirs; this much is enough. You don't have to buy something everyone likes.” The gesture made the person next to him smile, but it was a comforting smile that felt good, just a little bit...If we count from the time he was punched at the station, Oat has been in Japan for months now. He has learned the minor cultural nuances of this society, like bringing gifts when visiting, as a courtesy. He himself wanted to try his best...even though he knew a single bottle of liquor might not help much.
“Then if the liquor is from somewhere else...”
“Enough, Phii Oat, last time Dear and his gang came to my house without any gifts. No one said anything. They understand that's how Thais are.” Oat wanted to argue that those were friends visiting a house, but his status was different. However, when he saw his partner insisting it was fine, he could only give in.
“If you say so.”
The homeowner insisted it wasn't necessary, so that was probably all there was to it.
“And do I need to prepare anything else?”
“No need; they have everything there. You just need to bring clothes, oh, one more thing.” The young man with beautiful hair suddenly remembered, before turning into a pharmacy where cosmetics are often sold at the front, leading him deep inside.
“Do you have muscle pain?”
“Hand me a basket.”
Oat asked immediately upon seeing what was in his partner's hand...pain relief patches.
The question that Shin didn't answer, only nodding to ask for another basket to be brought over, led senior-hazer to fetch one. Upon returning...
What's that?
Initially, there was just one box of muscle patches, but now in Shin's hands, there were bruise relief creams, pain relief ointments, oral medications, and even minor wound care items like bandages and plasters. The person holding the basket was turning paler by the second.
Shin was just buying these for home use, right? Not preparing for tomorrow morning?
The thought must have shown too much on his face because upon returning...
“Hehe, don't overthink it, Phii...just be prepared.”
Shin chuckled, taking the basket to load everything in, pondering if it was enough. The strange looks from others suggested it was already quite a lot, probably enough for a while. They were only going to Kyoto for three days, right? Was he sure they weren't preparing for something lethal?
“Yeah, might as well take another painkiller.”
With that, the speaker walked off in another direction, leaving the companion with shaky hands.
“Can I still escape back to Thailand?”
Now, the handsome senior-hazer was rubbing his face hard, but his mumbling was loud enough for the other side to hear, as a pleasant voice responded,
“Should I book a ticket for you?”
Oat stepped over to the other side of the shelf, looking at the person who turned to give a...wicked smile, knowing full well what the response would be.
“I won't give up, Shin.
No matter what Shin's family does, or how scary it gets, having come this far, there's no way he'd give up by fleeing back to his country.
The listener stood up, tossed another painkiller into the basket, then walked over, holding it as if to head to the checkout. But Shin stopped beside Phii Oat, leaning in to whisper in his ear.
“Then you should know that...I wouldn't let my loved one die easily.”
Fip
Fingertips brushed lightly against each other. While passing by, the speaker himself gave a charming smile, enhancing his already attractive face to the point where even the counter staff blushed. However, the owner of that smile stood still, then raised a hand to cover his mouth as the worry faded away, replaced by a feeling of...happiness.
Before, Oat thought that being born a man meant protecting the one you love, but after being with Shin, being protected...wasn't so bad either.
However, the joy was extinguished in an instant when the person paying came back with a simple remark.
“So, I bought this for you to take into battle.”
The speaker swung the bag in his hand and then...burst into loud laughter.
How could one not laugh at this? Phii Oat's face changed colors faster than a chameleon!
Red then pale, pale then red, let's just say...we'll find out tomorrow.
Chapter 5: Stepping into the Battlefield
The journey from Tokyo to Kyoto, if taken by Shinkansen, takes about three hours. For some, this time might be boring, for others, a chance to nap, and for some, an opportunity to work. But for Arthit, these three hours were...a time for mental preparation.
The thoughts of someone who glanced at the person beside him, only to find his handsome boyfriend already asleep against the seat. He was left alone, sighing deeply, unable to eat his bento, unable to play on his phone to kill time...even rehearsing the introduction he planned to say was impossible. His stomach churned because this wasn't just a private meeting but...entering Shin's home for real.
Oat might have visited Japan many times, but he had never entered the grand house in Kyoto...this was truly the first time.
Last time was almost there.
The thought that first comes to mind is the first time he entered Shin's house in Thailand...Back then, he didn't like Shin. He didn't like everything about him, his actions, his attitude of not respecting seniors, his attractive looks that drew everyone to want to have sex with him. He didn't want to get close to this kid, but he was brought into his house, and...they ended up having sex.
Looking back, Oat doesn't know why he did it at the time. Maybe it was out of anger, dissatisfaction, or provocation, but it went too far. And he found that...he himself couldn't take his eyes off this junior.
Shin is highly individualistic. He's never cute acting, never weak, never needing protection. But this person slowly entered his heart, bit by bit, into his life, little by little. Before he knew it, his eyes couldn't look away anymore.
Oat thought as he looked at the sleeping face, from the thick, attractive eyebrows, the light eyelids, the well-shaped nose, to the lips that often spoke whatever came to mind. Looking at all of this, he knew well how good-looking this kid was, how charming he was. The one he thought had no common sense, but upon truly getting to know him...Shin was one of the best people.
Shin might not say it, but he cares for those around him.
Shin might seem indifferent, but he knows what he's doing.
Shin might do as he pleases, but he never causes trouble for others.
Shin might have slept with many, but if he loves someone...he stops at that one person.
The person beside him has many definitions, but the definition that Oat feels more every day, every day, is...Shin is the one he loves.
Sigh, how did he even think of this?
Shaking his head slowly, he just thought about entering the other's house, but somehow ended up thinking about the feelings packed in his heart. Until he could only think back to Shin's house in Thailand, including Shin's father, Shin's mother. No matter who, they welcomed him well. No disgust, no scolding for being a man like he understood Shin to be, but this house, it's different.
“Sigh.”
The former head hazer senior sighed again, inadvertently reaching out to hold the other's hand, looking down at a hand that was not soft, not small, not delicate. A hand that was like his own, large like his, but now...Oat found himself increasingly liking and loving it more and more, because hands of the same size...could hold each other more firmly than any other hands.
The thought made him interlace his fingers with the other's, gently hooking them, feeling a hand that had played the guitar intensely, both hard and calloused, yet warmly terrifying, compelling him to intertwine their fingertips. He watched as the two hands gripped each other, and then he...smiled.
“Are you asleep, Phii Oat?”
Startled.
“Are you awake?”
Suddenly, a deep, soft voice sounded, making Oat turn to look, finding his boyfriend was opening one eye to look at him, a mischievous smile playing on his lips, as he asked back. Meanwhile, he was about to release the clasped hands.
“Sorry.”
“I didn't say a word about asking you to let go.”
Suddenly, the same hand gripped him again, making sure they were touching as firmly as before, accompanied by a voice that was still teasingly playful. Then, Shin looked down at both hands.
“Now there's no asking, Phii Oat.”
The listener knew he was being teased about how he always asked before holding, kissing, or doing anything these days, which made Oat just sigh.
“Can I hold your hand for a bit?”
He asked anyway, looking at the person who was smiling amusedly, and instead of answering, Shin gripped his hand even tighter, but still...
“Then I'll ask for something in return.”
Oat immediately made a stern face, knowing the other would surely play some trick. The speaker then pretended to widen his eyes slightly, probably realizing he was being accused, and pointed with his other hand towards the front of the train where the door was opening because a large cart was being pushed in, saying:
“I just want some water, that's all.”
A young man of mixed heritage let out a stifled laugh, raising an eyebrow as if to say, “Is that all you want?” He nodded in confirmation that it was indeed what he wanted, but his hand still gripped the other tightly, conveying, “I won't let go, you know. You really want to hold hands, so let's buy water while hand holding like this.”
Phii Oat probably thought he was being teased to feel embarrassed, and by now, Shin's face must have gone numb...So he turned to buy water, still holding hands. They paid no mind to the cashier glancing at the hands of the two good-looking men holding each other tightly, until they got the water...
“Drink first, you bought it.”
Shin said simply, reaching out to open the bottle for him, nodding for the one who paid to drink first. The other didn't object, gulping down the green tea, and as soon as he lowered his hand...
Thud
“!!!”
The half-breed quickly grabbed the tea bottle to prevent it from spilling, at the same moment his well-shaped lips seized those of the senior-hazer in a firm kiss, his tongue slipping in before the other could react, tasting the aromatic green tea with a bitter edge, their tongues entwined. Glancing sideways, he still saw the cashier's back not far from two seats away.
Everything happened so fast that no one noticed what transpired between the two young men, and then Shin pulled away.
Snap
The handsome, sharp-featured face licked his lips enticingly, his eyes sparkling, looking at the stern face of the one whose kiss was stolen on the train, then whispered softly,
“Thank you for the reward.”
He then took the tea bottle from the buyer's hand, turned to look out the window, drinking the tea with an attractive demeanor, ignoring the stern look and the deep voice of his boyfriend trying to scold him, since...he had gotten what he wanted.
“You are really...”
“Hehe, really what?”
“Whatever, no matter how wicked he is...I...mmmh...”
Well, Shin knows what that ‘mmmh’ means.
No matter how wicked he is, someone around here seems to love his wickedness.
But...this bottle of tea is damn delicious, huh, heh heh.
The thought that kept Shin in a good mood for the rest of the journey. Meanwhile, the two men who never showed public affection in Thailand...held hands throughout the trip as well.
Consider it encouragement for Phii Oat.
Oat has never been to Kyoto; this is his first time in Japan's old capital, and the first impression he got wasn't from the old town's atmosphere, the station, or the bustling crowd, but from the big car and the intimidating-looking man who came to pick them up, bowing to his boyfriend.
No matter how skilled you are, it still gives you goosebumps.
“This is your first time at my house.” The person next to him probably sensed his stress and started a conversation.
“Hmm.”
“My house is just like any other, over there...just bigger than the average Japanese house.”
The listener turned sharply to look at the driver, making Shin laugh.
“That's my person.”
Even though the half-Thai man insisted that his home wasn't different from typical Japanese homes, for Oat, it was strange from the moment he realized that the man had no interest in the opposite sex since they met, regarding sexual desires. Plus, the stern-looking man, sterner than him, sitting upright, driving, and even calling him “Shinji-sama,” made it hard to believe. However, the Thai man still tried to stay calm, comforting himself that he was already here...at most, he just wouldn't return to Thailand.
“My dad managed to get my mom pregnant and survived the Nirasawa family glare, let alone you...Oh, or maybe I'm pregnant; we did go at it several times the other day.”
The person speaking isn't stressed out, but makes it into a joke, while also glancing down at himself, making the stressed person almost raise their hand to their forehead in frustration. It's good enough that the stern-faced driver glances at him every three seconds, unable to hear, because if he could hear what Oat has been up to...the corpse might not be pretty.
“Oh, that's my middle school.”
“Hmm.”
The stressed person looks out the window, seeing the large school building and the school gate in the distance. In his mind, he imagines the person next to him, younger, smaller, wearing a school uniform with a Japanese-style collar, and honestly...he wants to see it.
Shin as a kid, or?
“Do you have any pictures from back then, Shin?”
“I do, they're at my house here, I'll find them for you later.” Shin easily agrees, making the listener smile, probably imagining a cute boy in an oversized school uniform. Then the speaker adds another sentence.
“Oh, but I forgot to tell you, by grade 2...I was already almost 170 cm tall. I guarantee you were much cuter and more huggable than me as a kid.”
Gulp.
“Wait, have you seen?” Oat immediately retorts. The image of the adorable little boy almost vanishes instantly, considering how tall he was. Shin, even if scaled down by just ten centimeters, makes one wonder how the other knew what he was like as a kid. Then the speaker...grins.
Then, Shin says the word:
“Your Mom showed it to me.”
Thud.
The senior-hazer immediately raised his hand to his head. No need to say it, everyone knew his mom just brought it up for a laugh, but the person next to him had probably already taken a photo and saved it on his device. Who knows when Shin will use it to tease him...
“When you were little, you were quite cute, huh? Those school shorts went way past your knees by how many centimeters? Your mom said she bought them big for when you grow. That shirt was so oversized...You looked cute in the scout uniform, but I think...back then, if you just wore the school shirt alone, you'd look even cuter...If it was you back then, I guarantee you'd be done for.”
“When I was little...I grew slowly.”
Oat tried to justify himself. Not sure why, but being smaller than the other at the same age, it somehow felt less manly, which made the person next to him laugh.
“No wonder. If you and I met at the same age...maybe now...” The speaker raised his hands, making a gesture, “would be flipped” and added at the end...
“Permanently too.”
The words implied that if Oat still looked small and cute like that, he'd never get to be the top again for sure. He was thankful he played sports hard; by grade 9...his height shot up quickly, plus his face became more rugged than cute. Otherwise...
Swiftly,
The head-hazer shook his head, thinking about his desires with the person next to him, still wondering why Shin could be so relaxed the next morning. On days when he was the ‘bottom’, he'd wake up needing to rub his hip.
“Good thing it's not like that.”
The older one said, confirming he'd like to be a ‘top’ for a long time, but...
“Don't let your guard down, though.”
Now, not only did he have to fear someone stealing his handsome boyfriend, but he also had to be cautious about sleeping next to him, wondering when he might get-got.
A thought that made Oat swipe his hair back forcefully, yet despite that. He didn't have even a shred of thought about ending things...not one bit.
The feelings he had for the person next to him were immense, to the point where they led him here.
Here, where he was utterly speechless.
Swiftly.
“You call this just a normal big house!”
Now, the conversation flips back to the beginning because they've just arrived at their destination...the entrance gate of a Japanese-style house. There's a long wall stretching out, and when you look up, you see a very traditional, huge Japanese-style house, surrounded by a vast Japanese garden, causing one to turn back and look at the person who's now laughing in another direction.
“Here's your Japanese-style house, just...a big one.”
The laughing person insists, though their lips are twitching, swearing that if Phii Oat opens his mouth any wider, he'll look just like Dear did that one time.
“This is more than just big.”
Oat almost couldn't stop his hand from pointing towards the house, but he managed to restrain himself, because now at the entrance, several men have come out to welcome the young master with joyful expressions, and it would be impolite for him to show even the slightest disrespect.
“There are just a few people in the house.”
The homeowner sticks to his original claim, watching his cousin's men who are bowing, greeting, some calling him “Shinjisama,” others “Young master,” or “Young sir,” letting Shin know that it was indeed his older cousin who ordered this welcome, which could also mean...intimidation.
“Let's go, Phii Oat, my grandparents are waiting for you.”
Upon hearing that both elders were waiting inside, the big hand slapped his shoulder, nodding towards the house entrance, before leading the way in with the gifts they had prepared. The guest hurried to follow, not wanting to keep the elders waiting. Sharp eyes scanned around with interest, then suddenly paused.
The people who came out to welcome Shin looked at him with...unfriendly eyes.
The gaze that would make anyone else shrink in fear, but Oat, having been in the racing scene for a long time, knows influential men in Thailand. Thus, the menacing looks from those who lost the race...those with ill intentions wanting to get back at him outside the track, or those who plan to gang up on him later, he's seen them all. It's like an armor that allows Oat to turn and smile at those people, even giving them a fearless bow.
The young man might be wary of Shin's cousin, but that's because he's someone in Shin's family whom Shin cares about...as for others...there's no reason to be afraid.
The thoughts of someone looking around the house, realizing that this large house is styled like the Japanese houses seen in movies, with a Japanese garden, Japanese flooring, Japanese doors, and it becomes even clearer when stepping into one room, where both elders were already waiting in expensive kimonos.
The atmosphere in the room was so formal that the visitor almost didn't dare to step in, only able to look at the two elders who turned to look at him with one eye...Shin's grandparents looked very old. Yet, their eyes showed no signs of age, their faces formidable. They seemed strict, even...
“Shinji.”
As soon as she saw her grandson, the elderly woman called out his name, and her lips curved into a pleasant smile, reminding Oat of someone...Shin's mother.
Though their demeanor differed, when they smiled, there was a clear warmth in their eyes, and the smile widened even more when her grandson said,
“I'm back.”
The elder responded with a delighted manner,
“You're back.”
Oat knew that if he weren't here, the other would have pulled her grandson into a hug, but because both elders' eyes were on him, he could only move closer as Shin instructed, letting the other present the gifts...while he himself raised his hands in a traditional Thai wai, introducing himself as he had rehearsed all week.
“!$%&%$%^&[]_][*&^.”
Shin's grandfather spoke up, his accent so thick that even those with a basic understanding of Japanese couldn't comprehend, only turning to look at their partner for translation.
“My grandpa says, 'Welcome, you must be tired from the journey. Rest well,'” but Shin didn't mention the sentence his grandfather had forbidden, because...
“Akira is waiting to receive the guest, and we won't interfere.”
The one who added this spoke with a stern face, but why wouldn't Shin notice the amusement in the elder's eyes, clearly indicating the elders had planned with his eldest grandson, just not showing it. Even though Shin didn't translate, the name Akira was clear enough for Oat to fall silent, glancing around the room, wondering when his partner's older cousin would appear.
“Phii Oat, grandma told me to show you to your room.”
“And...okay.”
Initially, the big guest was going to ask about the person who invited him here, but he changed his mind, deciding silence was better. As the old saying goes, don't mention the tiger when entering the forest, don't talk about the crocodile when boarding a boat, so when entering your partner's home, it's best not to mention the big bad cousin...While excusing themselves from the elders, they followed behind along the long corridor.
“They seem like ordinary people,” Oat commented.
“They are just ordinary people, do you think my grandma has tusks or my grandpa has horns?” the homeowner retorted playfully, making Oat shake his head.
“Not like that, but...never mind.”
The two elders' welcoming demeanor was better than being intimidated by someone else.
Oat shook his head as he began to notice they were walking towards a separate building connected by a path from the main house, prompting him to ask,
“Is your room far away?”
No matter how he looked at it, this building seemed like a guest house, which made Shin turn with a feigned look of surprise.
“Are you asking if I plan to sneak into your room or what?”
“That's hilarious, really funny, Shin...I wouldn't dare to make your grandmother's nose bleed.” The serious one said in a stern voice, not amused at all, but the listener found it funny. As they walked up to the separate house and opened the sliding door, he said, “This is your room for tonight.”
Oat stepped into the guest room and had to admit he was quite impressed with the spacious room covered with tatami mats, fully equipped with amenities, an en-suite bathroom, and a lounging area on one side with a large TV. However, the most striking feature was the balcony on the other side, with its wide-open door revealing a well-maintained private Japanese garden.
“Honestly...I can sleep anywhere. You didn't have to prepare such a nice room for me.”
“And who said it was prepared for you?”
“Hmm.” The one who was walking towards his luggage, which had been brought in, turned back to meet Shin's gaze. Shin was standing there, arms crossed, leaning against the wall, his attractive face adorned with a cunning smile. Then he said clearly,
“This was prepared for me...As for Phii Oat...over there, the balcony walkway.”
“...”
Naturally, the guest was stunned, believing it more than half-heartedly, because judging from the current family head's demeanor, sending him to sleep out in the cold where mosquitoes could carry him away seemed quite plausible. This expression was what prompted the questioner to ask in a tone that was hard to ignore,
“Do you believe that?” It seemed the big, stubborn one was about to get upset, thought the person who had come to sit beside him, putting an arm around his shoulder, and said in a tone...
“I talked to Grandma saying that I'll just sleep here in the living room, it's better than you climbing into my room...I'm done for...right?” The speaker raised an eyebrow, making the other person think of wanting to punish him severely for the prank. And Oat didn't feel like ordering a Scot jump for Shin like the old punishments...Now, he wanted to punish him in a different way.
“Do you realize that your face tells me what you're thinking?”
However, the half-breed young man wouldn't give in easily. Shin pushed his shoulder away before lying down, stretching out on the mat that reminded him of childhood.
“I haven't slept here in a long time...When I came back to continue my studies, I just stopped by briefly, then went straight to Tokyo, busy, never got back.”
“Your grandma misses you a lot.” Oat continued, brushing off the prank from his mind, because if he took it to heart like before...they wouldn't have been friends for so many years. As he spoke, his hands were unpacking his bag.
“Yeah, grandma loved my mom a lot, and I resemble her, so even though she sent her daughter away to marry, having her grandson here compensates for it. And it's not just grandma, grandpa is the same, uncle too, my mom was loved by everyone in this house, and that love extended to me...That's why they wouldn't let me go back to Thailand, forcing me to study here.” Shin recounted humorously, though it probably wasn't funny when he was a kid. He pulled out his phone to play with.
“Your uncle?”
“Phii Akira's father.”
“I've never seen him.”
“He passed away several years ago, along with my aunt. So Aniki took over the family...about ten years ago.” Shin wasn't one to talk about himself, but if asked, he would tell. However, his playful yet serious demeanor often left people unsure if it was the truth or just a jest...
“And then when Aniki lost his parents. He poured all his love into his younger brother, me, which meant my boyfriend, you, had to deal with the misfortune. Phii Oat.” The listener wasn't sure if this was true or just a tale, but was about to ask directly,
“Shinjisama.”
The call from in front of the room made the person named jump up quickly, stepping forward to open the door for the caller. Meanwhile, Oat turned to look, but didn't hear the whispered conversation, head-hazer only saw the white outfit being delivered to Shin, causing him to frown suddenly.
A towel or what?
Yet, Shin didn't say anything until the house worker bowed politely and walked away...then he got up to see what the homeowner had brought.
“Phii Oat, have you rested enough?”
“Well...not really tired.”
At first, Oat thought his partner was inviting him to look around the house, but when Shin unfolded the item in his hand, a foreboding feeling surged into his heart. As he looked up to meet the eyes of the young man with unusual hair color, who sighed heavily, looking as if he was about to send him to the execution ground.
“My brother ordered you to change into this outfit and follow him to the training hall behind the house.”
“Training hall?”
Oat repeated the word, then glanced back at the familiar-looking outfit, as if he had seen it even in Thailand, while Shin explained with a weary voice,
“Judo...I hope you brought some self-defense skills from Thailand. Otherwise...”
Shin didn't finish, but the listener knew what the missing words were.
Otherwise...you're dead for sure.