[T/N] I apologize for grammar mistakes and incoherencies
Chapter 33: It Must Be Love
“Wait... do you mean you are gay?” Pati asked, but I couldn't see Korn's expression because we were sitting back to back.
What the hell is he going to say?
“Not at all. If someone asks if I am gay, I would say I am not. I don't like just any guy. I only like my boyfriend.”
I suddenly felt a rush of warmth, and Yihwaa had to nudge my arm gently.
“Wow, so cute.” She whispered with a chuckle, making me bare my teeth at her.
“Shut up.”
“Korn is so cute, I'm jealous, I want one too.” Yihwaa kept teasing me.
“Then take him.”
“He doesn't want me, haha.” She laughed so loudly that I couldn't help but laugh too, but then suddenly Yihwaa's face went blank. She reached over to squeeze my arm.
“Hey!”
“What?” I looked at her puzzled.
“Isn't that Pleng the disaster with Cho, Korn's friend?” Upon hearing Yihwaa say that, I immediately looked over and saw Cho and Pleng eating in the same restaurant, but we hadn't noticed them earlier. Cho's face was calm, watching Pleng intently while she was saying something to him with a serious look.
“Once, Korn and I saw those two together. Don't you think it's weird?” Yihwaa asked for my opinion.
“Weird how? Cho is handsome. If he's dating Pleng, I don't see what's strange about it. They seem to match.”
“Cho once acted like he was trying to flirt with you, didn't he? Kind of like a rockstar or something, I guess.” Yihwaa continued to analyze the situation, staring at them intensely.
“I don't think so. You're overthinking it. Cho is definitely straight, he's quite manly.”
I furrowed my brows, trying to figure it out but couldn't.
“Korn is manly too, and he likes you.”
“I don't see anything worth liking, take a good look. I'm still better looking than them, I don't know what they're thinking, or maybe my handsomeness is the reason.” I guessed randomly, and Yihwaa pushed my head so hard that my face almost went into the rice bowl!
“Hey! Don't play like that, it's scary!” I complained.
“I think Pleng is looking for allies. Even though I slapped her, she's not the type to give up easily.” Yihwaa said, crossing her arms and squinting at them. I looked over again.
“I really can't figure it out, man. Maybe those two are already together. And they don't care about me and Korn anymore, because ever since the day you slapped her, Pleng hasn't contacted me again.” I said honestly with a relaxed tone.
“You've always been this dense. I'm too lazy to explain. Let's just say my woman's intuition tells me these two are up to no good!”
“Really?” I made a puzzled face at Yihwaa.
“Don't worry. If something happens, I'll handle it myself.” Yihwaa raised an eyebrow.
I just shook my head...
Oh well. No matter how far Yihwaa thinks, I don't want to overthink and clutter my mind even more. I just glanced at my ex-girlfriend from time to time.
Pleng probably didn't love me that much...
But if she wants to win, who knows, man.
KNOCK PART, END
START >>> CHO PART
“I'll pass.”
I declined the woman in front of me with a calm but clear expression. After hearing the whole story from her, this was the second time ‘Plernpleng’ tried to pull me into her love drama involving multiple hearts. We've known each other casually. I've heard some things about her and Knock because I'm bisexual, meaning I can date both men and women, and Knock is a guy I'm interested in. I don't know how Plernpleng found out I'm interested in Knock, but she was quick enough to meet me to discuss breaking up Korn and his boyfriend once before.
Now I know for sure that Knock and Korn are actually a couple. I've had my suspicions ever since I returned a manga book to Korn's room. Even though they claim to be just friends, the way they look at each other is definitely something more, maybe because my instincts are sharp. That's why I like Knock, I don't know why. He looks handsome but is genuinely nice from the inside, being around him is refreshing. The first time, I told Pleng that I like Knock, yes, but the idea of stealing him from a friend hasn't crossed my mind. I'm not that into him to the point of risking anything that big, I am just interested, if it happens, great, but if I have to try to steal him, then no.
However, Plernpleng seems like a woman who doesn't give up easily, because today she's here bugging me about the same old thing again.
“Why? Didn't you say you like him?” She frowned at me, clearly showing her displeasure.
“I'm so confused. Isn't Knock your ex? Why are you pushing me to steal him? If you're so good, why don't you do it yourself?” I said bluntly to her, making Pleng look upset.
“I can't do that because he's gay now.”
“Just tell me straight up why I need to team up with you. For what? Even if Knock starts liking me, I don't see what you gain from it.” Upon hearing my question, Plernpleng immediately smirked.
“What I want isn't to get back with Knock, but I hate Korn. So, I want to see this man cry his eyes out! Listen, Cho, if you help me, it's just like you said, you only gain. And not every guy likes the type like Knock, others probably wouldn't go for him.”
I almost laughed when I heard Pleng say that, because Knock is very handsome.
“Why don't you find a woman?”
“It's harder than with a man. Women can't compete with Korn. I need a man, and that man has to be effective enough to make my plan work, and you're the only one who can do it.”
Plernpleng locked eyes with me, making me push my cheek with my tongue.
“I'll be honest with you.”
“...”
“I'm not afraid of Korn, but I don't want to have problems with Yihwaa.”
!!!!
It seemed like mentioning another woman's name made Pleng's expression change immediately, and I didn't know why. So, I continued.
“I've only met her a few times, but I've got her figured out. She must be very fierce. My life is currently peaceful, I'm not ready to deal with her wrath right now. Korn is her close friend. If I mess with Knock, I'll definitely have problems with her. I don't want her to hate me.”
Plernpleng immediately looked at me when I said that.
“Oh, don't tell me you like that woman.”
I chuckled when I heard that.
“She's another one worth chewing on.”
Plernpleng chuckled.
“You said it yourself, if you mess with Knock, Yihwaa will come after you, but haven't you thought that it might make you closer to her?”
“You're so persistent, it's annoying.” I licked my dry lips, “But I admit, it's interesting, I'll think about it.”
“I can't wait for you, Cho.” Pleng said with a tense look, “Tell me now, are you going to agree or not?”
I chuckled under my breath at the question.
“Someone like me doesn't fulfill others' desires but my own. You think you can order me around just because we've met a few times? I'm more interested in Yihwaa than Knock. I have hundreds of ways to get close to her, even if it's the way you suggested. I'm not in a hurry.”
“Cho!!”
“If that's all you have to say, I'm leaving. This is boring.”
With that, I pulled out a thousand-baht note, placed it on the table, and walked out, hands in my pockets. But I hadn't gone far when a slender figure with pink hair, contrasting with sky lighter shade, blocked my path. I raised an eyebrow slightly as the woman I was interested in stood in front of me like this.
“Hello, Yihwaa.”
“I need to talk to you.”
Yihwaa got straight to the point, making me smile at her.
“About what?”
“You'll find out soon enough. Follow me.”
I followed Yihwaa quietly, observing her from behind. She seemed unremarkable at first glance, about 170 cm tall, but she was quite 'petite' in her figure, not lacking where it counted. I'm not being lewd, but I'm a man, looking at women is natural, face, chest, hips, it's all normal. Nature makes a man's eyes focus there automatically, even if we don't want to seem like a creep in her eyes.
Before I knew it, Yihwaa had stopped and turned to look at me.
I almost didn't stop in time, our faces were less than an inch apart. Yihwaa looked slightly uncomfortable before stepping back a few feet.
“Do you have something to discuss with me, khrap?” I started the sentence. I'm the kind of guy who talks to women with 'ka' and 'kha', it's a habit I've had for a long time. Except with certain women, like Plernpleng, who I find annoying. Very few can make me feel the way she does.
Because honestly, I love women...
Just as much as I love men, hehe.
“I'm not one for beating around the bush. Let me ask you directly, what did you talk about with... that woman?”
When Yihwaa asked like that, I raised my eyebrows high.
“Who?”
I'm not second to anyone when it comes to gossiping stories, but hey, if we're rushing to finish, we'll only talk for a moment. Gotta play innocent and dumb. Who said men don't have charm? Some rough-around-the-edges guys have more charm than women.
“I mean Pleng, Knock's ex. I saw you sitting there eating ramen with her. How can you say you don't know anything?” Yihwaa crossed her arms and started giving me a disapproving look.
“Ah... Plernpleng, there's nothing to it, we're just acquaintances, she invited me to eat. So, I went.”
“Wow, you're so easy. Do you go with anyone who invites you?” Yihwaa seemed not to believe me and retorted sarcastically.
“Well, it's not certain. Why don't you try inviting me first?”
“Don't try to be slick with me. I'm onto you, just so you know.” Yihwaa looked at me seriously.
“Onto me about what?” I put my hands in my pockets, “I'm not thinking about anything.”
“I know you're interested in Knock, my friend's boyfriend. I hope you're not planning to pair up with that woman to break them up.”
I smiled slightly, seeing she was smarter than I thought, figuring out in just a few meetings that I'm not a hundred percent straight.
That's interesting...
“No, but you're quick, knowing I like Knock.”
“...”
Yihwaa squinted at me.
“Yes, I am interested in him.”
“Aren't you going to deny it? Korn is your friend, isn't he?” Yihwaa's expression darkened, looking like she was about to punch me.
Oh, women who love their friends.
Love, adore, cute, want~, fun to tease.
“I'm the type who likes to compete. You better watch your friend's girlfriend. If she slips, I'll swoop in for sure.” I smiled and shrugged before walking past Yihwaa, but she called after me.
“Try it, and you'll have problems with me. I'll teach you what hell is like, just you wait!”
Yihwaa seemed genuinely angry. I turned to look at her with a smile.
“Sure, see you around.”
“Such a shameless face!”
I heard Yihwaa mutter under her breath, but I just walked away, smirking. A straightforward approach with a woman like Yihwaa would be tough, but using some annoying, drama-filled tactics like in Korean dramas might work.
CHO PART END
“How do you feel, more at ease now?”
Knock asked as we strolled through the mall, looking at things casually. After I cleared things up with Pati, she excused herself, and I went to find Knock at the table, but Yihwaa was gone. I asked him where she went, and he said she had something to do and left. So, we ended up walking just the two of us.
“It's good, I guess I'm done with that.”
“If there's anyone after Pati, I'll knock your head off.” Knock said, pushing my head hard.
“Haha, are you jealous?”
“Hey, you're a strange one. When I'm not jealous, you complain, when I am, you say I'm jealous. What do you want? A handsome guy like me is confused, doesn't know how to act.”
“You really are handsome, very handsome.”
I retorted, and we happened to walk up to a karaoke booth in the mall. Knock turned to look at me.
“Do you want to sing some karaoke?”
“What age are you to be singing karaoke? We're grown-ups now, no thanks, not acting like that.”
“Wow, Korn, to relax! Plus, I haven't sung in a long time. Since middle school, I used to come with a group of friends, sitting there watching the girls sing, especially Pleng, it was fun and exciting. But from high school to now, I haven't sung again.”
“So, you want to?” I raised my eyebrows at him.
“Yeah, let's go.” Finally, Knock dragged me inside.
“Just an hour.” I told him as we paid at the counter.
“Come on, let's have fun, I won't sing for two hours.” The staff at the counter looked at us with a lusting gaze, but when Knock smiled, the staff blushed and got flustered. Wow, this guy, he's really handsome, damn it.
“Room ten is to the left.” She said, handing the change to Knock, even though I was the one who paid =_=
“Okay, thank you ^+++^.” Knock grinned widely before leading the way. If he weren't my friend's boyfriend, I'd kick him for being so charming.
“You're such a flirt.”
I said to him as we entered the karaoke room. Knock sat down and chose Pleng with a flirtatious look.
“What do you mean, flirt? I was just being polite.”
“Be honest. If I catch you cheating on me, I'll make you regret it before you even realize it.”
Knock laughed widely when he heard that.
“You wouldn't dare.”
“Why wouldn't I?”
“Because you love me.”
Damn, he got me there.
“I've got a song.” Knock said, looking at me with a big smile, making me feel a bit uneasy inside, weirdly. [1] Pleng means a song
=_=
“What song?” I asked, leaning in to look, but he pushed my face away, then moved to press the number for the song on the machine. After a moment, the song name appeared.
12345 I Love you the bottom blues.
Wow...
This song is really cute.
Before I could think of anything, the song tune started, and the dark-skinned, no, the good buddy next to me opened his mouth to sing with a terrible voice, like a pig being slaughtered.
“I don't know what, but it makes us pass through days and nights still thinking of you, my heart still dreams and rambles, and it's lost in thought with each day and night that passes, oh heart, have you ever listened to me?”
Knock sang the song while gently swaying, looking quite cute, then he turned to me.
“Saying there's only me and you together, in this world, it's just the two of us, whisper to me softly, come on, don't be shy, tell me how much you love me.”
Then he handed me another mic. I smiled a little, feeling awkwardly shy, but I sang along. Pleng and he started from the hook together, with him hugging my neck.
“One, two, three, four, five, I love you, Six, seven, eight, nine, I love you everyday and night, I love you, Oh, my daring, oh oh my darling you.”
Ah... so mushy, like never before: /////-
After that, we sang many songs together many times until our throats were hoarse. When the hour was up, we finally got out of the booth. I was out with a sense of exhaustion; I usually don't sing much, just casually with a guitar sometimes, but not like this. Singing for an hour made my throat dry, and I wanted water.
“Thirsty.” I said.
“Thirsty, thirsty, what would you like to drink?” Knock teased in a small voice, mimicking the sounds from the nearby vending machines and the night market we used to walk through. I gently pushed his head away.
“Really thirsty, not joking, because of you, forcing me to sing songs = =.”
“But you sang. You did it willingly. You could've not sung if you didn't want to, right, Kornhol?”
“Think about why I had to please you even though I didn't have to.” I asked, staring into his sharp eyes. Knock paused, seemingly knowing the answer.
“...”
“You know, right?” I asked. He then raised his hand to rub the back of his neck, which I knew meant he understood and was feeling embarrassed.
“Yeah.”
He answered in a muffled voice.
“Knowing is good then.” I smiled faintly.
“Same here.”
He retorted, making me look at him in surprise.
“...!!”
Knock smiled and winked at me.
“You know, right.”
Oh well.
Seems like he's getting back at me!
I turned away and nodded with a grunt.
“Uh-huh.”
Oh, why does my face feel so hot!
“Haha. You're embarrassed, aren't you? I know, heh heh.”
“Annoying.” I turned away, dragging my voice, scolding him.
“Oh, acting tough to hide your embarrassment.”
“Can you stop now, or I'll kick you over.” I was starting to get annoyed with him and his teasing, always like this. Who's the wife, who's the husband here!
“Wow, so fierce, can you really do that to your boyfriend?” Knock said in a cutesy voice, making me want to puke.
“Stop it, it's nauseating.”
“Are you going to have a baby? You look so happy.” Knock grinned widely, causing a few women passing by who overheard to turn around with wide eyes, looking at me in shock.
“You little brat. Stop creating negative rumors about me right now.” I scolded him and slapped his head hard.
Pfft!
“Ouch!! That hurt, man, it's just a joke, you're so mean.” He pouted.
“I really pity you, man.” I said straight to his face.
“Oh, really?” Knock pretended to speak in a high-pitched voice before he glanced at another guy passing by. He stared with wide eyes, mouth agape, following him with his gaze until he turned away, and the guy gave a slight smile to Knock.
“Hey!” I snapped at him, “What are you staring at so intensely!”
“He's hot, man.” He said, hurting my feelings, then turned to me with an excited look.
“Hotter than Jen, wow, I never thought anyone could be hotter than Jen, except for me, of course, there's nothing I can do about that.”
“Keep calm =_=.” I said with a straight face.
If you keep calm you die.
“Haha, hey, I'm not into him, just that he's so hot even guys have to be stunned.”
“...” I looked at him angrily, then turned away to walk ahead. Knock ran after me, grabbing my arm.
“Wait, wait, Korn, don't be mad at me yet. That guy, he's just hot, just hot, but you, you're like, how can someone be this hot, supernaturally hot, hot enough to kill cows and bulls, hot enough to make me beg for my life, right?”
I didn't want to stop being mad at him.
His compliment was clearly sarcastic, but why did I have to hold back a smile?
This annoying wife!
I really hate his face!
Chapter 34: Doctor, please
After returning from the mall, I dropped Knock off at his house, and his mom invited me to stay for dinner. Knock's parents are very kind to me, which is understandable because they don't know what Knock and I are to each other. If they knew, there'd definitely be... an explosion.
“Korn, is the new semester starting soon?” Knock's mom asked while serving me rice.
“Almost, my university and Knock's start at the same time.” I answered with a smile. Knock leaned in to whisper beside my ear.
“Acting all polite in front of my mom, huh, you jerk, putting on an act.” I smiled at him before gritting my teeth.
“Wait till you meet me outside.”
“Whatever~.” He grinned at me, then laughed, causing his mom to shake her head in exasperation.
“You always tease others, Knock, and then you argue when they retort.” Knock's mom gave him a wide-eyed look.
“Korn isn't mad, mom, he loves me to death.”
“Ha ha ha.”
Knock's words made me choke on my water, but it seemed his mom took it in the context of friendship, just laughing lightly with some annoyance before Knock's dad spoke up.
“By the way, Doctor Bright will be joining us for dinner today.”
The mention of someone I didn't know made me look up with curiosity.
“Has Phii Bright returned from Japan?” Knock asked while reaching for the food without manners.
“He came back yesterday. He's driving over now, just wait a bit for him. He'll be staying with us for two weeks, so take care of him, will you?” Knock's dad instructed, making me even more puzzled.
“Who is he?” I whispered to Knock quietly, out of respect for his dad.
“Oh, he's a distant relative, we used to play together when we were kids, but I can't remember his face now.”
As Knock was explaining, there was a sound like an engine approaching from the front gate, making Knock's dad look out.
“Oh, he must be here. Knock, go open the gate for him so he can park inside.”
“Alright.”
Knock dragged his voice in annoyance before getting up and walking out to the gate, opening it for a luxurious BMW to drive in. I raised an eyebrow slightly, thinking that this Doctor Bright must be quite wealthy.
“Now Korn, you must finish in your third year, right?” Knock's mom asked, making me turn to look at her.
“Oh, yes, this semester I'll be in my fourth year.” I smiled, making Knock's mom shake her head.
“Look at Knock, if he hadn't wasted time transferring universities, he'd have graduated with you Korn. Sigh, my son is really stubborn, so rebellious that he gives me headaches. Anyway, Korn, please look after Knock for me.” Knock's mom entrusted him to me, making me chuckle.
“I'll take good care of him in every nook and cranny, mom.” I said, then smiled mischievously.
“Thank you so much.” It seemed Knock's mom didn't get it, quickly thanking me profusely.
If she knew I was making her son my wife, she'd probably kick me out of the house faster than you can say “go”.
“Hey, what are you guys gossiping about?”
Knock's voice boomed before his dark figure appeared. He shouted as he entered the house, and not long after, he showed up with a new guest who made me gape in surprise...
Hey!!
Isn't this the guy Knock was looking at earlier?!
“The world is round, isn't it?”
Knock seemed to read my mind as he said, sitting down next to me.
“Very.”
I nodded, eyeing the handsome man from head to toe, who was sitting opposite Knock with a polite demeanor, before he turned to give me a slight smile.
“Introduce your doctor friend to your buddy.”
Knock's dad spoke up when he saw me and Knock's doctor friend looking at each other.
“Oh, this is Dr. Bright, and this is Korn, my close friend. Korn, this is Dr. Bright, a relative of mine.”
“Hello.” I said with a slight smile.
“Hello.” Dr. Bright nodded with a smile.
“Come on, let's eat, you can greet each other later, boys.” Knock's mom said. We all started eating, and during the meal, Knock and his doctor friend were chatting away, hitting it off so well that I kicked Knock under the table out of jealousy.
“You're jealous, huh?”
He raised an eyebrow and smirked at me.
“At least you're not completely stupid.”
“Now you know. Try not to make yourself more kickable than you already are.” I whispered back to him.
“Hey, don't be like that, I love you the most, my white bear.” He whispered back, chuckling.
And a new nickname, huh?
“Yeah, you buffalo bear.” I chuckled quietly.
“Harsh… Can't you come up with a better nickname for me?”
I shrugged and pretended to continue eating. Then, I accidentally caught Dr. Bright's eye, and he smiled at me. I smiled back...
Maybe I'm just overthinking it.
They're relatives, it should be fine...
After we finished eating, Knock took the initiative to clear the dishes, with Dr. Bright, (whose title changed with my growing dislike), helping him closely. This made me stand up in frustration.
This is too much!!
I'm getting angry!!
I want to beat the crap out of my wife!! How dare he act like this with another man while I'm sitting right here!
Don't even think about sleeping tonight, I'm going to make you regret this in bed!
I gnashed my teeth, glaring at the two backs side by side with hatred, and at the moment Dr. Bright leaned in to whisper something to Knock, I lost my patience. I jumped up and rudely inserted myself between them.
“What the hell are you doing?”
Knock looked at me in shock, and Dr. Bright was stunned too. Without a word, I snatched the sponge from his hand and said in a flat tone,
“Wash your hands.”
“Huh? =[]=“
“I said wash your hands.” I ordered him, and it seemed Knock sensed my destructive level of jealousy. He quickly washed the soap off his hands.
“There, I've washed them.” He turned to give me a forced smile.
“Go sit down, I'll do the rest.” I said.
“No, you go sit down, this is my house, I'll do it.” Knock looked at me, then gave me a dry smile. Dr. Bright probably felt awkward.
“No need! Your house is like my house! Do you want me to elaborate?” I smiled sweetly, but it was laced with venom, and Knock quickly withdrew his hands.
“Okay, okay, uh, Dr. Bright, why don't you go watch TV with Knock?”
“No need, he wanted to help you just now, right? Now that I'm here, he's going to change his mind and not help?”
I asked, looking for trouble, damn it. I was about to explode if Knock kept calling for another man!
“It's okay, Knock, I can help Korn, go sit down.” The gentlemanly Dr. Bright said, and I slammed the remaining dishes into the sink with a loud bang out of irritation. Knock gave me a forced smile and patted my shoulder.
“Hurry up, come on, I'll wait outside.”
He winked at me and then left. I furrowed my brows, watching him go with suspicion, but Dr. Bright's voice rang out,
“Do you go to the same university as Knock?” I turned to look at him with an unfriendly gaze.
Before assessing him with my eyes.
Hmm, face-wise, I admit he's much better looking than me:
But in terms of height and build, we're pretty even, man!
I'll fight to the death!!!
“Why do you want to know? It's none of your business.” How's that for an answer, pretty destructive, huh?
“Hehe, just making conversation, nothing special.” He said.
“Different universities, but I keep an eye on him every step, guaranteed not to miss a thing.” I slammed the dishes again, emphasizing heavily to make sure he knew that if he ever sneaked around with my wife, there would be trouble!
“And do you study in the same faculty as well?” He asked again.
“Yeah, same faculty.” I nodded and reached out to grab a glass to wash, but my hand met his in a scene straight out of a cheesy movie. We looked at each other, and I quickly pulled my hand back.
“Go ahead, Phii, if you want to wash, go for it.” I then washed the dishes in front of me, and he chuckled.
“Have you been close to Knock for a long time?”
You're asking about my wife? I'll punch you so hard your face flips over!
“Very close, Phii. We sleep together all the time.” Hoping he'd get what I meant, “Sleep together, as in sleep, not sleep together!”
“That's good, having a close friend who understands you.” The doctor nodded, making me a bit annoyed.
“Yeah, it's good.”
I cut him off, just as I finished washing the dishes. During that time, I saw the doctor helping me, turning over the dishes with a normal expression. Damn, was I being too harsh? He was talking to me nicely, after all. Alright, let's ask him something.
“And where do you work as a doctor?”
“Hospital N, I'm a general surgeon. In layman's terms, I'm a cutting doctor.”
His profile is way out of my league. If Knock were a woman, I'd be shedding tears inside.
“You're impressive.”
I said in a flat tone. Would Knock fall for this doctor?
“What are you thinking about, furrowing your brows like that?” The doctor leaned in close, almost making me jump.
“Nothing, Phii, nothing. I'm going to find Knock.”
I quickly walked away from there, hearing the doctor's soft laughter behind me. What's so funny? Annoying! I walked to the living room and saw Knock watching TV. When he saw me, he looked extremely relieved. I didn't see his parents; they must have gone upstairs to rest. I grabbed his collar and dragged him away.
“Come talk to me.”
“What's up, yeah, yeah.”
Knock seemed confused but followed me willingly. Once we were out of sight, I laid into him.
“You need to stay away from that doctor, far away. He's been asking about you a lot; he must like you.”
“Really?”
Knock looked at me with a dull expression.
“Yeah! I'm serious, don't mess with him.”
“I have good news, though. My mom just told me the doctor will be staying at our house for two weeks.”
“Great news, huh.” I said sarcastically.
“I have to stay home to take care of him, but don't worry about me. The doctor definitely doesn't like me, but while he's here, you shouldn't come over.”
Knock patted my head, looking troubled.
No way I'm agreeing to that!
“Yeah, fine, I'll go home then.”
I turned my back to him, but Knock quickly held me back, “Don't be mad at me, I have my reasons. I'll tell you after the doctor leaves.”
“Yeah.” I nodded. Knock looked around, and seeing no one, he quickly kissed my cheek with a loud smack, making my face flush.
“Go home safely, okay.”
He even winked at me. Oh, I couldn't stop smiling.
“Yeah, I'm going home.”
I waved at him and walked out of the house with a big smile, but about that doctor, forget it if you think I'll just give up. That's right. I'll have to keep an eye on them for the next two weeks without Knock knowing. If he's not loyal to my wife, he's dead!
But for now, I should call a friend first.
Who should I call? Yihwaa first, I guess.
I dialed Yihwaa's number, and she picked up soon enough.
(What's up?)
“Can you spare some time to stick with me for the next two weeks?”
(I'm not free, I'm having some life issues right now.)
“What kind of issues?” I furrowed my brows.
(I can handle it, but I just don't have time to get involved with you right now, understand and don't get mad, okay?)
“Um, it's okay. If you need any help, just tell me.”
(Okay, that's it for now.)
“Alright.”
I hung up with Yihwaa, feeling quite down. My best friend isn't available, so I need to find another friend. Jen is tied up with his wife, Na is tied up with his wife, Dream is with his husband, Pai is stuck with his husband! Oh, I have no one to rely on at all! Bom and Boat aren't close enough. Oh, how could I forget about Farm?
Farm is a friend from... high school. We graduated from the same school, and he often copied my work. He likes this kind of stuff; he should be able to help. With that thought, I called him immediately, and he picked up with a hurried voice.
(What's up, you jerk?)
“My name is Korn, you idiot!”
(My name is Farm, not an idiot.)
“I don't have time to play around with you all day, damn it!” I snapped at him, annoyed.
(I don't have time either! Just spit it out, the online game can't be paused, damn it.)
“You have to help me keep an eye on someone for two weeks.”
(I'll help you, but...) Farm agreed faster than I expected, but his “but” made me annoyed too.
“But what?”
(But I'm broke right now. If you want me to help, you have to pay me.)
“Fine, I'll pay.”
(So, what do you want me to help with?)
“You and I have to keep an eye on this guy who's trying to hit on my wife, and if he does anything wrong to my foot, we'll have to intervene!”
(Oh, who the hell likes Knock anyway?)
Farm was so confused he lost his voice.
“This guy is a formidable rival, a handsome doctor from head to toe.”
(Oh, give up. You've lost.)
“You're not going to use the money, right? I'll just let you go bankrupt.”
(Yeah, yeah, I'm just kidding. Don't take it so seriously, or you'll age fast. So, when do you want me to start?)
“Tomorrow at ten, meet me in front of my condo, not being late, that's all.”
(Alright, see you then.)
That damn doctor, you're done for!!
Days later~
At a small coffee shop 500 meters from S University:
“Look, Farm. Look, he's holding my wife's hand, I can't take it anymore!!” I jumped up, unable to bear it, and Farm barely managed to grab my arm to sit me down, even slapping my head hard!
Ouch!!
“That hurt! Whose side are you on?” I turned to glare at him.
“Can you spell 'calm down'? Is that what you call holding your wife's hand? Where I'm from, that's called holding your brother's hand.” Farm said, and it seemed my jealousy had clouded my vision because Knock was indeed holding the hand of that psycho doctor.
That unfaithful wife,
So frustrating!!!
“Still gnashing your teeth?” Farm scolded me.
“...” I kept staring at the couple without responding.
“From what I've seen, they're just talking like siblings. We've been watching for almost two weeks, and no matter how you look at it, the doctor only sees Knock as a little brother.” Farm patted my shoulder. “Are you overthinking this?”
“You think I'm overthinking, but he's been sticking to Knock like glue. And Knock won't let me see him. Should I be thinking about this?”
“Your wife hasn't gone after him, has she?” Farm commented.
“I'll kick you over. Knock isn't for everyone to stick their nose into, he's not as wild as you, trust me.”
Let me recount the events before we ended up sitting here. After that day, Farm and I staked out Knock's house from seven in the morning (we seem to have a lot of free time), watching where the doctor and Knock went and what they did each day. I would call Knock whenever I saw the doctor touch him or do something I found suspicious, to get Knock to step away to answer my call.
Luckily, they weren't home much, which I guessed was because Knock's dad probably told him to take the doctor out to see the world. So, Knock often took the doctor to various places where the doctor wanted to go. Today, I guess he wanted to see where Knock's university was, so Knock brought him around his university.
---
“Look, he's pushing too far with my wife.”
“Hey, why are you blaming me?”
Farm scratched his head, looking puzzled. Actually, he's not that wild. Farm is quite a decent-looking guy, with a sharp nose, big eyes, and a slightly sweet face, egg-shaped. He's tall, about 176 cm, with a generally lanky build like most guys, but compared to me and Knock, he's still like a kindergarten kid. Yet, he thinks he's bland like tofu, which is why he's still single.
“I think we need to have a one-on-one talk with him.”
“Huh, =[]= “
“I'll call Knock. When Knock steps away to answer my call, you go in and tell him that i; Korn sent a message to meet at the front of the pub M tonight at eight.”
“Why do you have to meet at a pub, and why so late?” Farm looked at me in disbelief.
“When should I meet him if not late at night? During the day, he's stuck with my wife. At night, what else is open? Would a coffee shop stay open for your dad to sit at eight or nine at night?”
I'm getting worked up here.
I'm getting worked up, and Farm is just sitting there.
“Oh, you always hurt me, T^T.”
“Alright, when I call, you get up.”
“Yeah, yeah, just call already.”
When Farm cut me off, I immediately grabbed my iPhone and dialed Knock. It wasn't long before Knock picked up. I nudged Farm's leg with my foot. He nodded and looked over at Knock's table. Just as I thought, Knock stepped outside to take the call. Farm quickly got up and walked over to the table where the doctor was sitting alone, drinking coffee.
FARM PART
I got up from the table and walked over to the table of Korn's love rival, feeling a bit confused. I kept looking around, afraid Knock would come back, and then I'd be in trouble. If it weren't for the fact that he's a friend, I'd pretend not to know anything. (I mean, I need the money, right?)
I admit it; I'm broke right now. I've spent all my money on games, and currently I am eating instant noodles every day until I'm yellow from malnutrition. When Korn hired me in this situation, there's no way a money-hungry guy like me would just sit still. I'll do it.
I walked over and stopped in front of Korn's doctor, feeling a bit nervous. At first, I had some confidence, but the closer I got, the more it faded.
This guy is so handsome it's almost unfair, =_=.
Suddenly, he looked up from his black coffee to meet my eyes!
Gulp!
I froze on the spot as if someone had pressed the pause button. It seemed that when he saw me stunned, he got stunned too (?).
“...”
Everything fell silent, and then a deep, charismatic voice, rated seven stars, (?), spoke up.
---
“What do you want?”
“Korn asked me to tell you to meet him in front of Pub M at 8 PM tonight. He has something important to tell you.”
I quickly finished my business.
“Korn? The friend of Knock?”
“Yes, that's him. I'll be off now, Phii, goodbye.” I quickly raised my hands in a wai and dashed back to my table just as Knock hung up and walked back into the shop.
I sighed in relief.
Before realizing I had dropped my handkerchief there, the doctor had just noticed it too, picked it up from the floor, and scanned the room looking for me, but Knock sat down just then. I quickly ruffled my hair in frustration.
He must think I'm flirting, and dropping a handkerchief as a flirting method? Oh, my reputation!
“Did it work?” Korn asked. I gave him an OK sign with a sheepish look.
Whatever. There's no need for me and that doctor to get to know each other more than this anyway.
FARM PART END