[T/N] I apologize for grammar mistakes and incoherencies
Chapter 01: Khabkluen.
“You do not need to say anything.”
A genuine smile appeared on the face of a person holding a slightly crumpled hundred pound note in their hand, wearing a school uniform adorned with various ink stains, not looking very neat. The owner of the house had a natural brownish color and full lips, gazing deeply into eyes of the same color as the sky at dusk.
Last night, he prepared countless words in his mind, storing them in his brain, deliberating over them multiple times, hoping that they would come out as the best and most memorable. Even though deep down he knew it would only be a faint dust color lingering in the realm of memories.
“I...”
“...”
“I like you.”
The listener didn’t show any facial expression because he was used to this type of confession. His eyes followed the words written on the school uniform. It wasn’t surprising since they were in the same grade, but at their school, they exchanged shirts every time the semester ended.
‘Don’t forget about me, Nuea! Come visit me sometime.’
‘Without you, who will help me with my homework? TAKE CARE, alright? I won’t forget about you.”‘
‘From now on, who will take care of our cutouts, Nuea? Love you. Take care of yourself.’ Just...
“ I know you’ve never seen my face before.”
The words on those shirts... They seem like farewells.
“We’ve never talked before. You don’t know me.”
“...”
“But I know everything about you.”
A drop of water warmer than rain trickled down the cheeks of some people. Not even a whimper escaped the lips of the man who stood slightly shorter than him, holding out a tightly rolled hundred pound note that tremblingly resembled a cylinder.
“Thank you for making me smile everyday, even though it’s impossible not to smile around you, Klabkluen.”
He spoke those words along with a faint smile in his eyes that made the listener understand but let silence work its magic as usual. The wind, now blowing too strongly, passed by both of them, and when the long hand of the clock moved forward, some people had to move on.
Every word of love which was heard seemed completely forgettable, floating away with the wind. The slightly shorter person wiped his tears with the sleeve of his shirt before turning around to find the car where the only son of the Wathanawattana family might be waiting anxiously.
“Have a safe journey.”
The corners of his mouths formed beautiful movements, and the low toned, cool whispers came from someone who was a father. No matter when he talked to anyone, even if it were the mother, his father would speak with such a voice... and of course, Khabkluen imitated it perfectly, without flaw.
The person who is both a listener and a love confessor didn’t say anything in response. They only quickened their pace to suppress the overflowing emotions.
Humans have categorized Kluen into various types. A free wave is the one born from the actions of wind, storms, or typhoons. Some types of wave must follow the force of attraction or the rotation system of the Earth, the Sun, and the Moon.
However, there is one type of wave for which the Earth’s gravitational force is not powerful enough to pull or destroy.
The longer the tendrils of Kluen, the less clear we can see it. By the time we realize its existence, it has transformed into something that crashes into the shore, leaving behind only shattered remnants that are not worth gazing at.
“Why are you crying like that, Daonuea?”
“Uncle Ya, I want to go home.” And that’s a wave.
That kind of wave without a name, born from an overly long wave.
It swirls within his heart incessantly.
And forever.
Chapter 02: Daonuea.
“Alright then. Before I announce the schedule for the Star Moon contest, I need to talk to all of you about how our university is a bit peculiar, meaning we take the contest very seriously. It will take up a whole month of our time, and it’s certain that it will make all of you become close friends.” The cheerful voice of the team leader in the competition department exclaimed.
“Kluen Khanaruj Wongthampanich...” Khabkluen turned to the person who called him, raising his eyebrows slightly inquisitively, asking what was going on. The friends from different faculties didn’t respond except for smiling at him, gesturing towards the Faculty of Fine Arts Moon and Star they had just walked into and sat down in a circle.
Even though the Faculty of Fine Arts Star and Moon were running late by almost half an hour, they weren’t scolded. That’s because this faculty always has to welcome the incoming freshmen every year before entering the competition, often accepting them even before the semester begins. That’s why no one else has ever seen the faces of the Fine Arts Moon and Star students before.
But even so, don’t tell anyone because it’s been heard that their appearance is unbelievably good, both the stars and the moon alike.
“Do you think the Moon is more handsome than Kluen?” Maithee whispered to Sean, the Management moon star, who was sipping on a large cup of black coffee. Naon raised his head slowly, responded with a slight grin, and whispered back? That’s an unexpected conversation while we’re having a meeting. Isn’t it wrong?
“I’ve met him before.”
“Seriously?” The senior looked so serious because it’s the Moon who was so hard to find. It’s hard to find him around. I don’t know why I’ve never seen them before. Maybe it’s because this faculty accepts only serious and dedicated students.
“He is smallish.”
“...”
“And super cute.”
“Fuck.” Kluen, who is sitting quietly, doesn’t express any opinions but looks out of the building. The tree outside sways in the wind, and he is confident that it will rain soon.
In fact, when he thinks of the Faculty of Fine Arts, he imagines a group of talented people. Since joining the university, he has never seen the faces of the students from that faculty. It’s the opposite of the Dental Faculty students who always have their noses in books, must be punctual, and must concentrate... It’s really annoying.
“I’ll make you get to know each other better through activities from now on. Starting from today, you will come and stay at the university dormitory to start bonding fully. Let’s meet at the usual place at six thirty in the evening with all the responsibilities for living together for a month. Oh... the bedrooms are shared, but separated by gender...”
“Sorry.” The pleasant voice of someone gets louder, causing everyone to turn and look in the same direction, probably the person that Tueng likes and thinks is cute.
The tall speaker was about 176 cm, wearing a large student shirt and well tied hair, clearly indicating his artistic nature. The cheeks of the newcomers turn slightly red due to the hot weather. The mythical Faculty of Fine Arts Moon bows and greets his head, apologizing to everyone for being late and looking messy.
“Alright. This is Moon from the Faculty of Fine Arts. I will let Moon introduce herself since she doesn’t have many friends yet.”
“Wow, really?” The excited voices of other faculty members who are not sure if the Faculty of Fine Arts has stars or moons become more pronounced.
“Hello. Tingting here, nicknamed Ting. I’m a drama major in the Faculty of Fine Arts. I’m sorry for not being able to participate in the activities much, and I’d like to introduce myself to everyone.”
“She looks very beautiful.”
“Her face looks like a celebrity.”
“Maybe they’re related.” The suggestive tone made everyone’s eyes widen. Women like her who enjoyed teasing others with their beauty were considered stunning. She looked like a mischievous child, and her face resembled a celebrity from another faculty. That’s what they thought.
“Hello.”
When looking at the face of the person from the Faculty of Fine Arts, one must admit that he is captivating. How should one put it? He is not overly sweet but not sharp either. It’s just right. It’s in the middle, and because of his fair skin with a touch of pink, it makes him appear irresistibly alluring.
“...”
“Hey, Kluen, if people like the Sailormoon type this year, you’ll probably have to give up on being the university moon.” Khabkluen didn’t say anything in response. He simply looked at the other side quietly... when his gaze met hers.
“Daonuea Wattanawawattanachot, nickname Daonuea. I’m in the Faculty of Performing Arts. Nice to meet you.”
“Nong Daonuea moved here from Germany. Can you give him some advice? Is that okay?”
“Well, according to the records, when he was in Thailand, he studied at the same high school as Khabkluen. So, there will definitely be more questions. Anyone could guess that.”
“Do you know each other?”
It’s windy with long haired cows staring at the face of a man who seems as calm as a morning pond without any birds stopping by? Going down to sip water, not even a single fallen leaf to create a wide circle for Kluen...
nothing else.
“No.” Daonuea smiled sincerely.
The same old smile.
“It’s okay. You are school friends, so please take care of Daonuea, Kluen.” The same smile... as usual.
“Ne, I’m excited.”
“Well then, I want to send you off.” I raise my nose and walk behind him, teasingly, with Ne. ‘Actually, his name is Noen, but he doesn’t like being called Noen because it sounds like a dick. So I don’t want to disturb anyone’s wishes’ Heading towards the building that houses the stars and moons, which is the university dormitory. I heard from the seniors in previous years that it’s fancy, but the bedrooms are shared. I have no problem sleeping with others, but...
“Did you see it or not?”
“Well... uh, I saw it.”
“You’re as pale as a sprouted bean on a dry day.”
“Imagine that.” I sigh as I gaze at the sky while my legs keep walking, the Thai and German skies are different... if the color there is three shades darker than this, the clouds are not as abundant, and the stars are prettier.
“Stay there, even if you cry, call me.”
“Hey, I am tough, no crying.”
“Then I won’t answer your calls, alright? Even after you call after two or three times.”
“Oh, hey, did you do your hair? Look into my eyes.” I hug him tightly, he is one of my few close friends in life. We’re so close that when I moved to Germany in grade 10, we still kept in touch throughout. He quietly whispers in my ear to take care of myself and not let anyone worry about me.
“Hey, get the food. Eat it on time. Wash your hair at midnight and dry it. Your pillow will get moldy. Other faculties won’t want to be friends with you because you’re messy, understand, Nuea?”
“Yes.” I responded with a nervous voice, the kind taught to protect another friend. Protection, meaning protecting the bewildered, chaotic nature of my friend who now has the responsibility of buying things for the faculty. He’s a talkative person, enjoys talking nervously, and even teaches me to say funny things, no matter how chaotic he may be.
“You’re good at being annoying. Go, go fight.”
“Fight against what?”
“Just the whole world of yours.” He made a bored face before waving goodbye to me and handing me the travel bag. I took a breath, jumped up and hugged Nuea again, wrapping my legs around his waist like a monkey. Sticking together just like that. If he gets a girlfriend, how am I going to survive?
“See you, Nuea. You’re the face of the faculty now. Do your best.”
“I love you, dude.”
“You are acting like you are going to die, damn it. People are watching from the entire building.” Ne brushed me aside like a grasshopper. I smiled multiple times before saying goodbye, irritating him, and flicking my middle finger before turning around and quickly walking away.
I took a long, deep breath. What was that? ... Let’s try that again, Phii Fah must be proud that I’m a Sailormoon type in the faculty! I dragged my bag and suddenly noticed the irritating sound of the wheels hitting Kluen’s child on the road. Damn it.
“Need help carrying it?” The voice of someone behind me suddenly became louder. I turned to look before thinking, what’s their name... um...
“No worries, I can carry it. Thanks, Yorn.”
“Sean “
“Haha, sorry, Sean.” I apologize with a bow, worried about getting punched because my friends from each faculty are all big and strong. They are all taller than me; I’m the only one who falls short. Well, what can I do? The seniors last year played palmistry and predicted that the person who would become the ‘Faculty Moon’ must come from a faraway place ‘I moved from Germany’ and their name must start with a ‘D’ . It’s crucial to be tall, not exceeding 177 centimeters ‘I’m tall’.
Ohhh, so I became the ‘moon’ of the faculty because of the prediction made by the senior head last year, written in a small note. But when Auntie and Grandma asked, I would say it’s because I’m handsome every time~.
“Why do you have so many things?”
“I don’t know, Ne gave them to me.”
“A girlfriend?”
‘A man, Ne made me say this.’ I pause with a puzzled face. When we got in the car together, Ne taught me well. If anyone asks if I have a boyfriend, I should answer that my boyfriend’s name is Ne, a Fine Arts first year. We’ve been dating for five years, and our anniversary is on my birthday ‘because it’s easy to remember.’
“Heard that, Thee? He has a boyfriend now.” Sean turned and told the friend I just saw, the Architecture Faculty’s moon. I smiled and greeted Maithee, whose name I remembered accurately because it’s unique. He looked disappointed before dragging his backpack and walking away under the building’s pillars.
“Are you mad at me?”
“No, not at all.”
“Let’s go.” Finally, Sean and I arrived under the building’s pillars, where senior students were waiting. We both got splashed with fruit juice before being pushed forward to join our big group of friends.
“Hey, Nuea, I thought you got lost.”
“Ting, not at all. I had to speak up.”
“Well, I thought you were lost.”
“Ne sent me, so I didn’t get lost.”
“A real husband.”
“Something like that.” I dragged out a long, irritating sound before getting my ear flicked once. Actually, it’s quite annoying that our faculty talks to each other every day, but the seniors insisted that we should talk a little more so as not to look too awkward in front of girls. In that case, my score from the senior judges in the competition might not be good.
But for me, I’m not really worried because I don’t usually think like others. Most of the time, I don’t give direct answers to questions. It shouldn’t be a problem for anyone.
“Nuea I want to ask you, honestly, does Ne not think anything about you...Well...about more than friendship?”
“Of course, he has a hidden love already.”
“Who is it?”
“A friend of Phii Fah.” I said while chewing on the bread that the seniors brought to share. Whatever they gave me, I put it all in my mouth. I don’t want anyone to feel bad. I will eat equally!
“His name is Fa, right?”
“Alright, everyone. We’re all here. I’ll announce something and then you can go and collect your belongings.” I was about to answer but had to swallow it. Every word went down the same way as Ting who had to go back and sit next to me. I sat next to Maithee, who acted like he didn’t care even though we hadn’t really talked seriously yet.
On the other side, it is a Moon.
“My name is Typhoon”
“My name is Daonuea” I smiled back immediately when the other side introduced themselves. They probably knew that I was already looking and couldn’t remember their name, so he just said it. It’s cute, heh.
“Wait, I’m going to announce who is sleeping next to who. Those who sleep against the wall don’t have to worry, right?”
“Nuea, can I ask you who would win the competition?”
“Um... Maithee, Phoon.” I pouted my lips for the person who made a funny face at me.
“Khabkluen, a hundred percent.”
“Oh, that’s right. Forget about it.”
“Nong Daonuea raise your hand, son, hehe.”
“Hey hey, he is calling me over.” I stopped waving my hand before giving a dry smile, engrossed in chatting with friends and forgetting to listen.
“Daonuea, lock number four.”
“Okay, thank you.”
“Typhoon, lock number five.”
“Hey, we get to sleep together. Sorry in advance. I’ll be tossing and turning.”
“There’s a partition. Sleep without restrictions.”
“Whatever.”
“Hey, Phoon, I know. You like pranks. Stop it.” Maithee laughed.
“Tell me, I want to know.”
“Ah, then let’s start a new conversation.” I paused, amused, before starting anew, saying...
“Sorry in advance. We’ll be tossing and turning.”
“Then I’ll hug myself to sleep so I won’t toss and turn : ).”
“Whoa, damn you.” I burst into laughter until my eyes teared up. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed some people sitting on the far left... It felt like ants were marching inside my heart, making me tap Maithee’s leg before asking.
“Locker number three, who’s that?”
“I wasn’t paying attention, Nuea.”
“Well, Phoon is blabbermouth.”
“Impressive throw.” Phoon said.
“Tell me, I want to know who sleeps on my right side.” I prayed in my heart, pleading to God! Could it be anyone? In this world, except... Except for a certain someone, damn it. Otherwise, I would end up shedding tears and calling Ne every day. “Who else other than Kluen?” That’s right, he even said...
“Khabkluen, handsome guy with sparkling teeth.” Don’t pray to God because he won’t talk back.
“...”
I looked at the wide back panel in the tight T shirt and jeans that the owner had just changed into in the changing room, fidgeting with the locker. He was in a mess, organizing his belongings in the cabinet. I sneaked a peek and saw Khabkluen placing a bottle of perfume named ‘Joma Lone’ and a stylish eyeglass frame.
Fuck, Nuea...
“Alright, everyone gather here. After we finish exercising, let’s go have steak at Aunt Nua’s Spoons & Sizzlers. Ne, today’s activity isn’t too exciting...”
Crun~
“Looks like it’s going to rain.”
“Damn it, how are we going to do the activity?” I smirked because I didn’t like exercising. If it rains, that would be great. Even though I’m afraid of thunder, it’s worth it to avoid having to exercise, no matter what.
“It looks like rain will fall in a few minutes. So, um... “ the staff team member dragged out their voice before turning to whisper to their friends.
I guess they must have changed plans abruptly.
“So let’s change it to watching a cozy movie in the living room, right. Now, excuse me, team members. I’ll go prepare the room so that you all can relax under the blankets and make yourselves comfortable. Oh, by the way, Plaa will bring some snacks for you to enjoy. Sorry for the inconvenience.”
“Nong Daonuea, are you hungry, kiddo?”
“No, I’m full.” I patted my own stomach, showing that my expression had turned sour from the staff members.
“You look familiar, don’t you? Do you have siblings?”
“Yes, I have an older brother.”
“Are they studying here?”
“They used to, but we don’t have the same surname.” That’s right, me and my older brother are not from the same father. It’s because Phii Fah’s father passed away three years ago, and then our mom remarried to my dad now. But me and Phii Fah love each other very much. Phii Fah took care of me since I was young. I miss him so much, I almost haven’t seen him at all.
“What’s his name? Can you tell me? Maybe some of the team members know him.”
“Oh, sure Phii. His name is K...”
“Nong Kluennnn.”
“Okay.” I turned to look immediately when someone called the Medicine Faculty Moon Kluen, who was holding a glass of water before getting up to stand. I couldn’t catch what they were talking about, but the Medicine Faculty Moon pointed his finger and hand outside the building. I looked slowly and thought to myself that it didn’t seem worth to look at all.
She was as beautiful a woman as ever, almost untouchable. My eyes wandered and lingered on her tall, slender figure in the middle of the crowd. Her long, gorgeous flowing hair cascaded down, and your white sneakers completed the look, making it obvious to anyone that she is a determined and fierce young Georgia carrying a Chanel bag, smiling widely at the approaching person.
Really? Kluen’s pace of walking doesn’t appear hurried, but I know... that’s already fast for someone who displays so little. Believe it or not, Georgia and Khabkluen have been together since the end of first year in high school until now. It can be said that it’s a long lasting love without any doubt.
The highlight of their love story must be a suit, a long white dress, and beautiful wedding songs in such stunning churches, right?
I bowed down and tied my shoelaces after seeing Kluen sneak a kiss on his girlfriend’s head, who came with a bag of food and pastries in her hands. My mind wandered to the cute conversations of people who spoke less.
Have you ever heard of it? Not very articulate but full of love. I think Khabkluen is that kind of person.
“Can I make a phone call first?”
“Go ahead.” I walked away, feeling disappointed, trying to control myself from falling.
I missed the conversation when Phii Fang asked.
‘Do you know each other?’
‘No.’
Not with that face, Nuea! It’s Khabkluen... Khanruj,
Wongthampanich born on November 7th, height 185 centimeters, likes gray color, wears size ten and a half shoes, always arrives at school at seven o’clock, breakfast is bread and apples, which don’t go well together.
Student ID 22092
“Ne...”
[Nuea, it’s not even three o’clock yet. You can’t cry.] Khabkluen.
“Damn it, I don’t know why. If we meet on the first day, it’s almost good enough...”
“I guess. Did you meet him with his girlfriend?”
“Oh, call an ambulance for me then.”
Khabkluen, someone whom I haven’t stopped liking for four years.
[What’s wrong with you?]
“A sudden heartbreak.”
Daonuea opened his mouth wide without shame. He yawned until tears fell and was teased by Typhoon, who was lying on bed number five. In fact, it was almost impossible to tell which bed belonged to whom because they were all stuck together like a raft.
“Take a shower first. And please bring your blanket with you, I want to stare at it all the time.” The smallest person in the group quietly whispered to Typhoon from a close distance before unleashing a deadly gaze. On the other side, Nuea responded well by falling down on his own bed as if the other side were shot on his own bed, which was on the opposite side of Nuea’s bed.
I secretly lay down on his pillow before smirking and wrapping myself in the blanket, saying that it smelled so good like this. I don’t know if he was playing or being serious, but Typhoon told Daonuea that Maithee would tease him, provoke him, and annoy him until he breaks up with his boyfriend.
“Nuea, can I come take a shower too?”
“No, mama said I can’t take a bath with anyone.”
“Mama said no, I can’t play with you~.” Maithee sang a nerve wracking song to annoy Daonuea, who was walking ahead with messy hair, wearing only shorts and holding a blue towel and a blue hairbrush in his hand.
What a crazy man! If anyone asked if Daonuea looks manly. Well, he does, but a softly man. It’s not because he’s small or cute, but because he has a habit of doing things slowly, answering questions vaguely, and using sweet language excessively. As for his facial features, let’s just say they are full of perfection—a small mouth, a slightly crooked nose. He’s a man with cheeks but a narrow face.
Put them together, and boom!
“Do you think it’s slippery in the bathroom, Nuea?”
My mind is lost, wandering among the stars and the moon.
“My head cracked on the first day I couldn’t hold myself. It started when I squeezed ketchup on my own tomatoes.”
“Once you crying you will go apologizing to Phii Plaa.” At that moment, I chuckled softly, thinking about the time we had steak together in Germany when I squeezed sauce on myself. If my friends didn’t yell at me, I would probably be crying right now.
Such a child.
Daonuea, who walked casually to take a shower, had no idea that it became a topic of conversation among the group of moons. Just as he was about to push the bathroom door, someone opened it along with the sound of thunder outside the window.
Tense!
“Oops!” Nuea blinked his eyes and let go of the towel he was holding in his hand, dropping it on the floor in front of Khabkluen, who had just finished showering. His naturally brownish hair stuck to his face as he looked directly at Daonuea with eyes that Daonuea had never seen before.
The taller person bent down to pick up Daonuea’s peculiar blue train patterned towel.
The frightened person’s wide eyes forgot to blink while standing in front of the bathroom door, not allowing others to pass by to their own beds. Kluen stood still, doing nothing but staring back.
“I left the shampoo in the bathroom… Feel free.”
“...”
“A silver colored bottle.”
A larger hand reached down to return Little Mouse’s fur towel... Yes, returning Little Mouse’s fur towel by placing it on the head of the smaller person, then lightly patting it before walking past another person.
The smell of Klabkluen’s aftershave made Daonuea quickly walk into the bathroom, closing the door and leaning his head against the bathroom wall as if he were unconscious. As his vision cleared, he saw the blue shampoo bottle and blushed.
What a crazy person, jabbing a shampoo bottle.
“Meditating... being conscious, no longer lost. Gone.” Daonuea pondered to himself before realizing that if he took a picture to show off to Noen, it would definitely be a lot of fun. And then, the white iPhone would be pulled out from the pocket, along with a bottle of tomato ketchup.”
Sigh. dn.: Guess whose shampoo.
nayyy: Varit.
dn.: Screw you, Ne. That is my dad.
While waiting for a response from Ne, Daonuea took off his shirt.
nayyy: He must have sent this to show off. Even looking from Rama VIII Bridge, I can tell it belongs to that Kluen.
dn.: Clever as always, like someone we know. You, my friend.
nayyy: Are you Pawini?
dn.: Screw you, Ne. That is my mother
And there you have it. A chaotic day in the life of Daonuea.
Chapter 03: The car is stuck.
The last light in the shared bedroom on the men’s side was turned off by the skillful hands of Khabkluen, a tall man in comfortable pajamas, wearing gray jogger pants and a white T shirt. He walked straight to his own bed, reaching out to Tide Agriculture Faculty Moon who was lying diagonally playing with his phone at bed number one, suggesting a good dream.
“Oh, have a good dream, my dear.” The irritating voice of Maithee became louder, disturbing his grumpy friends. The person who was pranked and made an embarrassed face under the darkness turned, facing the wall, only to find Typhoon looking at him.
“Have a good dream, Phoon.” Daonuea whispered.
“Just sleep and stop talking.”
“...”
“So I can hug you in time.”
“Hey, Phoon, I heard you, you know.”
“Damn it, Maithee, if you don’t shut up, I’ll kick your mouth with my foot.”
“Can you all shut the hell up?” The owner of the four poster bed laughed heartily at the chaos among friends after watching a hilarious movie together. Everyone’s bond grew stronger. The team members organized an animation show called “The Mysterious Haunted Mansion” to watch. Surprisingly, not a single beautiful star from each faculty shed a tear, except for the cool headed Maithee who opened the floodgates and cried first.
In seconds, when Tingting handed Maithee a tissue and lightly patted his shoulder with a sympathetic face, her eggshell colored eyes slowly closed. It was the sound of Typhoon’s rhythmic breathing entering and leaving that made it clear. Khabkluen, who actually preferred sleeping on the right side, had to choose between Khabkluen and the left side.
Would he be willing to sleep on the left side?
“...”
Daonuea, who was confident that everyone was already asleep, slowly opened his eyes and looked around, only to find no one secretly playing with their phones under the blankets. A small smile appeared on the face of the person who sat up on the bed to reach for their travel bag.
It’s unbearable. Can’t sleep without a hug.
The calm and adorable banana shaped doll that Phii Fah bought for Daonuea on his birthday in kindergarten was picked up and hugged. He took a deep breath, filling his lungs with the faint fragrance, and smiled contentedly. Daonuea fell back on the bed with a joyful pose, not daring to show it to his friends. He would probably be teased—the guy with a doll.
But he couldn’t stop there.
“There’s one or two.”
Someone who were still awake for a while saw every movement of the owner of bed number four, whispering softly in the silence. The act of closing eyes abruptly by Fine Arts Faculty Moon, the fine arts student, was so hilarious that it made you want to burst into tears, didn’t it?
“Yeah, don’t tell anyone.”
“Hmm.” Khabkluen said when his gaze met Daonuea’s. They let the silence continue, observing each other in the darkness, their faces barely visible and their smiles concealed.
“B2.”
“...”
“It’s a doll.” The taller person in front acknowledged it as a sign that he was aware. He wasn’t sure if Nuea saw it or not. They didn’t talk to each other anymore, just lying down and listening to the sound of rain outside that window.
Daonuea sighed inwardly, unsure if he should tell the other side good dreams. He felt like drowning, but Kluen pushed him back to the shore. He didn’t survive for long before Kluen pushed him out again... It seemed he was just someone who couldn’t swim well, and Kluen’s son couldn’t handle it.
He never could handle it.
I started the new morning with Tingting pulling the blanket. I don’t know how a woman came into the men’s dormitory or if anyone noticed a woman. I put on the gray T-shirt I got from the team leader. It seemed like today’s activity would be cooking lunch together, divided into teams like a TV competition. A chef’s pan, instant noodles, something like that.
I groaned lazily and yawned, following the sluggish crowd that never seemed satisfied no matter how much they slept.
“Not enough sleep, Nuea?”
“Oh, I didn’t sleep well.”
“Maybe because it’s strange? You can come sleep with me today.” The old one Maithee, the one friends like to tease he had super hearing, muttered something. I don’t know what he meant. Even though I’m handsome, I’m not interested in him.
For me, the most captivating star is Paphaeng. She comes from the Faculty of Communication Arts. She has experience in morning modeling for older students, so she asked me to try walking. I gave her eighteen Paphaengs. As for me...
‘Nuea, be more confident when you walk.’
‘Don’t make that grumpy face, Little Daonuea.’
‘You look like a kid forced by a teacher to go on stage during Mother’s Day,
Daonuea.’
Finally, that comment from the senior moon from last year at university. I almost fainted. I can say that being cool isn’t the real way. I’m not very confident in myself, but because of my artistic blood, I have to fight.
Nobody wants to have a pale face.
“Okay, notice that everyone had breakfast differently today.”
“No way, dude.” I replied with a cheerful face, and my friends turned to look at me with a single eye. Sean leaned on my shoulder forcefully and moved his mouth to say that I had to answer with an observation.
“Oh, yeah, observation, dude.”
“Yeah, right. Whoever eats shrimp carbonara every morning comes out in the front. So I have to say goodbye since I lost to the shrimp.” I looked at Khabkluen as he walked out in front. Today, he was wearing round black framed glasses. Normally, if an ordinary person wore them, they would look geeky, but not Khabkluen. Oh my, it looked great on him. Don’t think I’m jealous.
“The first group is the health enthusiasts. Khabkluen is on time. Dentistry
Science, then Social Studies, and finally Management. Alright, next group...”
I stretched and looked around, not knowing who I would be grouped with. But let me tell you, whoever ends up with me is unlucky because I suck at cooking. The fried eggs never burn, but the kitchen does. I’m not kidding.
“Roasted chicken rice, anyone?” I stood up before looking around for real, and without Maithee, I felt relieved. That guy is so talented and clever at teasing. I walked out to the very front and got tied with a yellow scarf like a backup lion cub. Today, I’ll probably get to talk to friends I don’t usually talk to.
“Hey, why aren’t you standing up?”
“How do we get Nuea to stand up?”
“Shh.” I tapped Sean’s shoulder, who had just agreed to stand up, because he was about to tease me. We sat next to each other, eating together, but for some reason, I didn’t stand up. I completely forgot.
The yellow group was asked to sit together for a briefing on what we had to do today. All I knew was that we had a budget of 2,500 baht to buy ingredients for lunch. If someone’s group’s food pleases the majority, they will have the privilege of going for a facial massage at a certain clinic.
I rubbed my temples in confusion while the girls in the group were very happy... Why do we have to get a facial massage? :|
“Alright, everyone. In this group, let’s have Sean be the driver, or we can vote for someone else. Let’s vote first before we go. The team will have a camera to shoot along with us. Don’t worry, you can start the journey.”
“Thank you.”
“Thank you.” I listened as my friends planned together what menu to make, which was the delicious homemade ham steak recipe “from the Faculty of Dentistry). With the remaining money, we might buy some fruits to make smoothies together. I just pretended to be interested, at most I would volunteer to drive instead of Sean.
“I’ll drive then.”
“Sure.” Sean replied almost immediately, while the other friends seemed somewhat worried.
I’m good at driving because Phii Fah likes to drive... he drives very fast. If it weren’t for the fact that he had a class, he would probably be a race car driver by now, and that’s true. He taught me how to drive since I was little.
You could say I secretly borrowed my dad’s car to practice.
“Hey, I can drive. I can drive the sedan.” I confidently said, holding the car keys in my hand and walking towards the parked white Toyota. The group ahead of us, or the blue group that was talking tensely, turned to look at me slowly leading the way.
“Are you a spy?”
No way.” I widened my eyes and let out a loud voice. It’s even more unbelievable when I step into something big.
“Hey, Kluen. Let Nuea go first, don’t let him leave before us.”
“Is that so?”
“What?” My eyes grew bigger when the taller person with a blue scarf walked straight towards me, his bigger hand grabbing the arm that held my keys.
Kluen has really big hands... and is warm.
“I am not a spy.”
“We need to go first, make sure everyone is ready to leave.” Khabkluen said before playing a staring game with me, and even though the other side wore glasses, it didn’t make my heart beat any less.
Last night I knew that we were staring at each other, but... it was a double edged knife.
“...”
And the longer I looked like this, various stories came back to my mind.
Things that I almost forgot suddenly resurfaced.
At first, I didn’t understand myself at all. I didn’t like men, but I liked him.
He arrived at the school at seven o’clock in the morning with toasted bread and the same old guava juice. He slipped under a Malaba tree behind the library and put his headphones on, along with some notes for studying... I’ve heard that Kluen passed the medical school quota at one of the faculties in the Northern region, but in the end, he chose to come here.
He practiced seriously enough with his reading that it seemed like the number 22 was Kluen’s lucky number. Sometimes he would play football with the color faculty, and Kluen would choose the number 22, just like before. And I somehow knew why he liked the number 22.
It’s because it’s Georgia’s birthday.
“What are you thinking?”
“...Nothing.” I said, letting the other person grab my arm like that. I heard Sean muttering that blue is a dirty color. Are we playing pranks on each other again? But just like that, I had an answer to my own question... Why do I have to pretend to be Kluen? Why do I have to act like I don’t know him?
Why do I have to respond with a denying sentence when asked if I know Khabkluen?
It’s not because I’m embarrassed about unrequited love.
“Drive well.”
“Oh.”
But it’s because I’m afraid that he’ll be uncomfortable... that someone likes him so much.
Daonuea was diligently cutting the strawberries. That’s the only thing he and Sean can handle. Mixing smoothies is the responsibility of the two guys who aren’t skilled in cooking even a little bit. As for the proportions of water, ice, and various jams, they already wrote them down on small pieces of paper.
The smell of simmering shredded beef sauce makes Daonuea so hungry that he has to send a strawberry into his mouth for the tenth time.
“Hey, you! Kluen.”
“What?”
“You are stealing and eating from the nearby dishes.” Sean said, pointing at the person who stopped by. He came to wash vegetables near the sink close to the yellow team’s kitchen and sneakily took a strawberry that Daonuea had cut. That guy just handed it over.
I don’t know his honesty or what he’s hiding.
“Nuea, don’t let anyone else eat it.”
“Sorry.” Khabkluen raised his eyebrows and picked up another strawberry while the smaller person couldn’t react in time. Daonuea’s messy eyebrows and his pouting face were starting to get longer, tempting me to cry and complain to my mom.
“Before we go, what are you guys doing?”
“Making shrimp soup.”
“Then where can Nuea eat that?”
“I will find some separate fish for him too.”
“Seriously?”
“Oh... Can he eat it?”
“Well...yes.” The Dentistry Faculty Moon sighed and turned to say that he understood.
“Make it not spicy for me.”
“How do you know that this jerk doesn’t eat spicy food?”
“Pinn said so.”
And how do you know?”
“Nonsense.” The taller person with the vegetable basket walked away, and Sean muttered to himself about Kluen’s annoying behavior. It’s better not to get too close to him. He knows him well enough because they used to play basketball together.
Together at the nearby field.
“Alright, we can contact each other now, mister short.”
“I am just a little taller, that’s all.” Daonuea fought for his life. He was born only once and wouldn’t let anyone say he was shortie otherwise just because of Phii Fah, as if one person was more than enough!
“Nuea, oh oh oh, we’re defeated, oh we are missing Oregano.”
“I’ll drive out and buy it soon, not too far, right?”
“Alright, here’s the money, hurry up, Nuea. As for Sean, cut the fruits.
Nuea, can you go alone?”
“Oh, I have to hurry.” The Fine Arts Faculty Moon showed off his driving skills when he went to buy ingredients and received compliments from all the passengers, unanimously agreeing that he’s a skilled driver. He drives smoothly but doesn’t really know the way, which may be because Nuea has been living in Germany for a few years.”
Daonuea was running swiftly, about to pass by the kitchen of the blue team, but then he was grabbed by the collar like a puppy.
“Kluen, no. I am a bit busy right now.”
“Where are you going?”
“To the mall. Ham forgot to buy important things. I am in a rush, so don’t tease me. Let’s go together.” The little guy who was causing trouble raised his hand like a child, and Khabkluen let go of his collar. He changed his posture to a round headlock and walked towards the car.
Someone who was rushing became still because he didn’t know what to do and had a big hand that was holding his head and made his face turn pale. He didn’t know if Kluen would work hard or play tricks on him. It seems that the more he tries to avoid talking to the other party, the more he encounters him.
“Let’s go together... So don’t forget to buy things.”
Speaking like that, he stopped at the car. Daonuea couldn’t fight anymore because he was in such a hurry. All he could do was unlock the car and go up to sit in the driver’s seat while Khabkluen sitting next to him turned on the air conditioning first as soon as he got in the car.
It’s too hot to change positions.
“Is it because we’re in a hurry? What are you looking at?”
“Sorry, it’s okay.”
“Even if you are in a hurry, don’t drive fast.”
“No, my friends are waiting.” Before reversing to exit the parking space, Daonuea drove at a moderate speed because he hadn’t entered the main road yet. Khabkluen tapped his hand against a person who had a habit of tapping his hands against his legs while driving.
“You are behaving like my dad.”
“The argument doesn’t stop with you.”
“Drive and don’t crash a car? Who am I? it’s Daonuea.”
“Well, that’s because it’s you, Daonuea.” The person wearing round glasses because they were too lazy to wear contact lenses spoke softly and didn’t have time to say that the car in front was accelerating when suddenly this car cut in. The phone in their pocket trembled.
The name that was written on the memo made my heart skip a beat when
I received the call, but it was a call that I couldn’t reject... It’s just inconvenient to talk to someone else in this cramped two seater car like this. Kluen took a shallow breath before answering.
“Yes, what’s up?” The warm tone of voice immediately relieved the person who was listening in the narrow car from wasting time guessing who was on the other end of the line. A small smile appeared on the face of the person who found it difficult to smile.
The owner of Khabkluen’s smile.
“Oh, this Kluen will try... really try.”
The speed of the car slowed down almost to a stop. Daonuea grabbed the steering wheel with both hands, wondering why Khabkluen had replaced the pronoun I with his own name Kluen and became so adorable. But what’s so strange about it? After being together for many years, they never called each other “beloved” or “chubby.” What does it matter if he calls him something that hurts his heart more than that?
Daonuea turned the steering wheel to enter the mall, taking the parking card from the attendant before looking for a parking space.
Kluen went out to buy something... Oh, right, with Daonuea.”
“...”
“Let’s talk later, Gia. Okay, before bed, if Kluen has time.”
The smaller person successfully parked the car, although lacking concentration. That conversation felt as if the other end of the line knew him...
“Is your girlfriend studying in a different university?” Daonuea asked as they walked together into the mall to take the elevator, as they parked the car on the sixth floor of the mall. Khabkluen pause before answering.
“University C.”
“Didn’t think you would not study at the same university as your partners?”
“Not necessary.”
“We both think the same way. Distance isn’t the main factor.”
“...”
“You and your boyfriend are so cute.” He said it sincerely, accompanied by a smile.
The same old smile.
“Oh…” There’s a big hand covering the mouth of someone smaller, causing Daonuea to struggle slightly, his forehead creasing and his eyes flickering, clearly indicating that the person was being silenced for no apparent reason. Kluen didn’t say anything. As soon as the elevator opened, he took his hand off and walked ahead, leading Daonuea with a stubborn attitude.
“What’s wrong with him?” The smaller person complained to themselves, walking behind with a wide back in a gray shirt.
He never thought they would meet again one day. He never thought they would walk so closely together like this, and he never thought they would have casual conversations about everyday life like they were doing now.
It might be good that it turned out this way, not knowing the other side, not knowing the image of love... never crying in front.
“Nuea?”
Because damn, it’s really embarrassing.
“Well, what is it?”
“Oregon.”
“Thank you.” He accepted the Oregano in a puzzled manner before stopping his forehead from questioning further.
“Did Ham tell you to buy anything else?”
“Nah, nothing else. What will you buy, Kluen?”
“Strawberries.” Saying that, he walked briskly towards the fruit section where Daonuea had regained composure and quickly followed along. Kluen chose a large box of strawberries and also picked up some blueberries.
It seems like he really likes fruits.
“Why do you buy so many different things?”
“To share with others.”
“You are that rich, so why not?”
“Oh, if you want anything take it or whatever I will pay for it at the cashier.”
“True.” The Fine Arts Faculty Moon, with wide eyes, paused before returning to a calm expression, as always, to choose fruit. The person who understood that he could buy anything ran to the ice cream freezer. He had secretly kept an eye on this freezer since they entered the mall with their friends and bought groceries for the kitchen, but Sean said not to buy it. It wasn’t on the list.
It’s not just ordinary ice cream. This is imported ice cream!
Daonuea reached for the chosen item and held it up.
So, he held it up before running back to find Kluen, who had a basket full of fruits in his hand. The shorter person smiled so much that his eyes closed, showing off the ice cream he had picked as if he was a boastful child.
“This one is the most expensive!”
“Wow, gotta pay for this.”
“Thank you, Kluen, thank you.” He said with a triumphant tone, following behind the taller person to the cashier to pay. The sound of the barcode scanner was more pleasant than any other day because Daonuea didn’t have to pay a single baht.
He took out a black leather wallet to retrieve his credit card. Daonuea, who wanted to know and see everything, couldn’t help but notice that Kluen had a picture of himself as a child tucked in his wallet. And because
he noticed a little too much, his head almost bumped into the owner of the photo.
“Nuea... you are naughty.”
“I am sorry but I was curious.”
“If you ask, I will let you see.”
“Can I then?”
“Can you then what?”
“Just let me see a little.” Nuea unintentionally blinked his eyes and made an innocent face, like when he was with Phii Fah and Mama and acted innocent... a face that anyone would have to say yes if they were to look at.
However, Khabkluen showed no signs of being touched by anything.
It’s the very last straw.
“Nuea wants to see a little, na khrap.” He extended his hand forward like a dog asking for a treat. That adorable gesture made the cashier smile, and then the black wallet ended up in the hands of Nuea.
Kluen carried all the food bags himself, letting the smaller person enjoy posing as his younger self. A soft chuckle escaped, resembling the mischievous laughter of a mischievous little boy, making heads turn.
“Nuea, hurry up and follow.”
“Kluen, to be honest, who cut your hair?”
“...”
“Look, there’s a horse face right ahead~.” They laughed at the picture of young Khabkluen, a small boy with an innocent face just like when he grew up. Kluen’s face hasn’t changed at all since he was a kid. The same hairstyle that was popular among boys during kindergarten days was still there, but it was more mature now. That straight face with messy bangs was truly something.
“If you give it back. I will let you eat the ice cream, deal?”
“Sure, wanna eat!”
But for the person speaking, it was a thank you for unexpectedly coming to the mall together like this, just the two of them.
Thank you for buying ice cream even though it wasn’t necessary at all.
Thank you for driving and letting me enjoy my ice cream comfortably.
Thank you for not bringing up the past, whether I remember it or not.
Thank you for not making his heart feel congested.
Thank you for your kindness.
“You eat ice cream like a child.”
“It’s delicious.” The person being spoken to wiped their mouth with the back of their hand. Khabkluen, who had put everything in the trunk and furrowed his brow, looked at Daonuea standing there eating ice cream, feeling neither hot nor cold.
“Delicious to the point where I want to share it.” Even though it’s tempting to split it, there’s no way to do that, as Khabkluen forcibly pushed his head forward, almost toppling Daonuea’s short stature.
“Hey, are you a bully?”
“Are we going to go back?”
“Say you are sorry if you want to.” And just like that, you always lose
Daonuea
Actually, having the car stuck in traffic like this is good. Even though it’s slow and might make friends complain.
“Hurry up and eat, hurry up and sleep.”
“You’re really complaining, Kluen!”
But it allows me to spend more time with Khabkluen, isn’t it?
“You are really loud, Nuea.”
“Why imitate... Hey, answer first!”
“Shhh.” Daonuea, who has finished licking all the ice cream and stopped teasing Khabkluen, who is trying to maintain composure in the traffic jam, leans against the car door, looking as though he’s about to fall asleep but actually smiling widely.
Thanks for whatever it is that allows us to be together like this : .)