MYENGINEER, CHAPTER 38: Forever
[Duenhaw]
“Daonuea, do you have homework?”
“Yes.”
“Want me to teach you?” I leaned down to look at the little one’s homework. I used to help her with her homework regularly, but I never did it for her because I knew it would make her dependent. I’m such a good brother.
Hehe.
“It’s okay, Mom, I can do it.” After saying that, Daonuea ran to do her homework on the sofa. Recently, she doesn’t let me help at all. She just asks me to check if it’s correct or asks questions when she’s genuinely confused.
And then…there’s one thing I must report, Daonuea has been seriously calling me ‘Mom’, and it’s not going away. But I don’t think much of it anymore, I’ve accepted it because of that one bastard.
Not only has he made her call me ‘Mom’, but he’s also taken my favorite person position from me. But I can’t help it if she sees him as a hero because Daonuea really adores him after he saved her life. Damn, I’ve become the bad dog, sigh.
“Why has Daonuea been calling you ‘Mom’ lately?” My mom came over and asked.
“Heh heh, because of Bohn, that’s why.”
“Was it the senior who you stayed over at his condo?”
“Yes.”
“What did he do?”
“He made Daonuea call me that. And he wanted her to call him ‘dad’, which is annoying, right, Mom?”
“Really, hahaha.” Mom covered her mouth, laughing.
Rrrr
“Speak of the devil…he’s really persistent. I’m going to be in my room, Mom.” The name of the person we were just talking about appeared on my phone screen. I turned to tell Mom before the former famous model nodded in acknowledgment and headed back to the kitchen.
“Hello.” I answered the call after sitting on the edge of my bed.
(Why did you take so long to answer?)
“I was with Mom.”
(Oh, I miss you.) Congratulations, you’ve won the award for the ultimate flirt.
“Yeah, yeah.”
(Don’t you miss me?)
“Tsk. No.” I shook my head to deny it, even though a smile adorned my face, contradicting my words.
(Why not?)
“We just parted less than an hour ago, you crazy.” Before heading home, I did my duty as a good brother by picking up Daonuea as usual. Bohn also went to pick up Ben. Of course, he was whining to drop me off like he always does, and little Ben was helping his dad to the fullest.
Honestly, since we’ve been dating, my routine hasn’t changed at all. The only difference is that every day, Bohn whines for me to leave my bike at the university so he can drop me off, but I always refuse and ride off before he can catch me. I’m amazed at myself for managing to escape without him catching me even once until today when he nearly got me.
(But I still miss you.)
“Miss me so much, did I put a spell on you?”
(Exactly, I’ve been wanting to ask for a while if you’re playing with me because my mind is all about you, can’t think of anyone else.)
“I’m tired of flirts like you.” I said with a smile. If this were a video call, I wouldn’t be smiling like this; I’d be afraid he would see it.
(Heh heh)
“And where are you now?” I asked, even though I already knew, but…well, I wanted to chat a bit. I don’t want him to hang up.
(At home)
“Really, is Ben there too?” Today, I saw him at school like every day, but what was new was that he was carrying a box that looked like a bug container. When I asked, Ben said, ‘I brought my siblings to study, so they can have a good future.’ I was confused about which siblings, and who could be so small to fit in a box. When I looked inside the box…I was stunned.
There were three cockroach babies…
…dressed up.
Dressed up, no less!!!!
(Yeah, does Mom want to talk to her child?)
“Heh. No.”
(Duh, Duen, do you want me to cancel our agreement?)
“Huh? What agreement?”
(The one where you have to bring me flowers.)
“Oh, why? Don’t you want them anymore?” He’s a guy after all; he probably doesn’t want this kind of sweet, corny thing every day.
(I do want them, but I don’t want you to go through the trouble.)
“…It’s not a trouble, besides, it’s only for a few more days.”
(Tell me if you want me, heh heh)
“Well, you’re my boyfriend. If I don’t want you, who would I want…a dog?”
(…)
“I’m stunned, Dee, hehe.” I laughed when I saw Bohn go silent. Tang told me to try flirting with Bohn to see something new, but I don’t see anything now. Can he come over now?
(Now you’re trying to flirt?)
“I just wanted to try. Are you embarrassed?”
(Yeah, I’m embarrassed.)
“Really?”
(Yeah, you could turn on the camera so I can see.)
“No, you’ll see that I’m blushing too.”
(Duen, one of my friends got his heart broken today, so he invited me to drink at the pub near the hospital…no, this bastard has been drinking for several days now.) The last sentence was said quietly, as if Bohn was talking to himself.
“Were you going to ask if you could go?”
(No, I was going to ask if you want to go together.)
“Crazy, why would I go?”
(To keep an eye on my behavior.) Huh? Are you a high school kid with negative points or something?
“No need.”
(Are you not afraid I’ll take someone else to a hotel?)
“I trust you.”
(…)
“Left you speechless, huh, hahaha.”
(Are you trying to make me blush?)
“Yeah, hahaha.”
(Shh, I thought that…)
“I mean it’s about trusting you.”
(…I’m in front of your house now, I am giving you ten minutes to get ready.)
“Hey, hey.”
(Quickly, I miss you.)
“I’m not ready.”
Click
Before I could even refuse, the call ended. Damn you, brute! Even though I was cursing him, for some reason, my legs quickly ran to the bathroom, and I chose the clothes closest at hand. Once everything was ready, I ran downstairs to tell my mom I’d be home late. She was a bit surprised but didn’t say anything. Why don’t my parents worry about me?
“It’s been two minutes already.”
“You’re insane!” I furrowed my brows. Shh, this bastard, this is as fast as I can be.
I looked down to check myself over carefully; a long-sleeved V-neck black T-shirt with jeans…still looks decent. Last time I grabbed stuff randomly, I ended up with a Teletubbies shirt and PJ pants. I thought it was okay, but King probably didn’t like it much, sigh.
“Why do you want to take me there? I don’t want to go to places like that.” Ever since that time I drank alcohol, I haven’t asked to drink again because I woke up with such a headache I felt like my head was going to explode.
“I want you to see that I’m a good boyfriend.”
“Wow, is that all?” Just for that, you have to drag me there to check your behavior? Couldn’t you just call and tell me, you bastard.
“Come on.”
“Who else is going?” Damn it, didn’t I say I’ve only been to places like that twice…three times, counting the last one, and every time I had friends with me.
“Friends, about ten of us.” Oh my! Why do you want to take me there? If it were someone else, I wouldn’t mind, look at how dog-like the speaking skills of your friends are; Phii Duen will faint.
“Too many people. I don’t want to go.” “Oh, come on. Boss and his group are going.” These are the ones I don’t want to go with!
“If someone comes to flirt with you again today, I’ll lock you up in the condo. You won’t be allowed to see anyone.”
“Do you think I’m that charming?” I pouted, asking with irritation.
“Yeah.”
It’s true that lately, a lot of people have been hitting on me…but they’re all guys, your damn guys! Why don’t they go flirt with someone beautiful like Ting? She’s so jealous she might go get her uterus removed out of spite. Why flirt with me, making things awkward? I’m a guy…no way, I have a boyfriend already, damn it.
Oh my, excuse me, is this a pub or a detention center?
Why are your friends so rough? Each face looks like they’re on drugs or just escaped from prison…I followed Bohn’s drag like a child. Wherever he dragged, I followed; the deeper we went, the more I realized, hey, damn Bohn, are you going to sell me?
“Damn it!”
I jumped when I heard Phii Boss’s voice, damn, he doesn’t care about anyone, huh? Oh…looking at his red face and his slurring…Phii Boss must be drunk already. How long have you guys been drinking? I surveyed the people at the table; I only knew Phii Bom, Phii Boss, Phii Merk, and Phii King, the rest were about ten more guys and three women.
“…”
Just one friend with a broken heart, and everyone comes out in full force?
“Here!” The cute senior, who didn’t sit very manlike, shouted back to Phii Boss before pulling up her skirt to sit cross-legged like a chief in a drama. No need to investigate; she’s definitely drunk.
“You actually agreed to this? If it were me…I wouldn’t agree!”
“What?”
“Damn, Bohn brought his doctor’s wife along. And he’s even hotter than your ex! This is clearly a taunt. Do you agree to this, you bastard!!”…Phii Boss, is this coming from the heart?
“Damn, Boss, you’re such a stirrer.” Bohn looked annoyed, and the one being cursed smiled back before going to hug Phii Merk, who was sitting quietly next to him.
“Please sit here, invite Nong Duen to sit here.” Someone, probably a friend of Bohn, spoke, but instead of pointing to the empty sofa, he pointed to his own chest.
“Where on you?” Senior asked cunningly; it was clearly planned.
“Right in my heart, heh-heh.”
“You’ll meet my foot soon.” Bohn said coldly, lifting his foot as a gesture.
“Hahaha.”
We sat down in the available spot before the seniors introduced themselves one by one, but everyone seemed not quite sober, except for Phii Bom and Senior Phii King, who I thought were still somewhat coherent. The rest…
“Is it hard to get into medical school, Nong Duen?”
“Medical school? Super hard.” Saying that made me remember the time I studied until my eyes were black-ringed; I looked like a real student back then. I didn’t think I could do it either. The way he asked, it seems like he wanted to be a doctor before. I think-
“And how hard is it to become a doctor’s boyfriend?” Ugh…help, teleport me out of here.
“Why ask Duen, ask me, I’m his boyfriend.”
“Really?????!!”
“Bohn, you bastard, you rotten custard, you really brought your wife to taunt me, didn’t you?!” Where did your slurred speech go, Senior?
“I didn’t bring him to taunt, just to see how loyal my boyfriend is.” After he finished speaking, he gave me a sweet smile. You smile too much. I don’t pass, I’m suffering!! My heart is working overtime!!!
“Oh, I won’t tease anymore, it’s exhausting.”
“Damn, you’re so dumb, you shrunken dck!” and a bunch of other curses that the friends came up with to insult Bohn, wow. I’ll remember to use some of those insults.
“Duen.”
“Yes?” I turned to look at the person who tapped my shoulder, and it was Phii King. He looked incredibly handsome today, even just in a black tank top and ripped jeans, I’m so jealous.
“Does Ram have any siblings?” After Phii King’s question, my eyebrows automatically raised. Since lunch, he hasn’t stopped being interested in my friend, huh?
“Yes, he has a younger brother named Rut and an older sister named Ramil.” His younger brother is in his grade 4 high school, and his older sister has graduated and is married.
“Really…where’s his family house?”
“His real home is in England. The house in Thailand is around XX. Why are you asking?” Or is Phii King planning to rob Ram!
“No, just saw him walking back and was curious if his house is far from the university.”
“Oh.”
“Does he like dogs?” Why does it seem like you’re asking a lot about Ram…
“Yes, his family has three dogs.” All three are huge Alaskan Giants. The first time Ram took me to his house, I was so scared of the dogs…are they dogs or lions?
“Rory, Sara, Momo?”
“How do you know that?”
“I looked at his Facebook.”
My friend’s Facebook name is ‘Ram, Vera’. He likes to post family photos (including the dogs) and scenery. He doesn’t like taking selfies or having others take pictures of him.
“Vera, what’s after the nickname, his last name?” Isn’t he done asking questions yet…but I can answer since I don’t have anyone else to talk to, sigh.
“Vera is his real name.” When I first met him, I read it as ‘Vira’, which was a bit surprising, but when I found out it was ‘Vera’…it’s not that different.
“It sounds like a girl’s name.” Phii King smiled while looking at the amber liquid in his glass.
“But I think it’s cool. His mom once said ‘Vera’ means truth and faith.” Ram’s mom is a foreigner but speaks Thai very clearly, and she’s nice even though she seems strict.
“Damn, that’s so cool…does he reply when you message him on LINE or on Facebook?”
“He replies, Phii.”
“Really…I read it but he didn’t reply, but whatever, I can talk to myself, hehheh.” After saying that, he mumbled to himself and started typing something on his phone, probably chatting with someone, but judging by the number of blue messages…it’s one-sided, Phii. It means the person on the other end isn’t replying at all, poor guy.
After a while, everyone was drunk except for Phii King and Phii Merk. Bohn was a bit tipsy too, with a slightly red face. Initially, he said he wouldn’t drink much, but Phii Boss got him drunk. You’re so weak, Bohn, how could you get drunk by someone who’s already drunk?
“Aren’t you drinking?”
…Why is my heart beating so fast?
I looked at the tall figure who had his chin resting on the back of the chair while looking at me. His gaze was different from usual. I don’t know how it changed, but I felt like it was making my heart beat irregularly.
“Um…no, I told you if I get drunk, I’ll act crazy.” I averted my gaze and cleared my throat to hide the strange feeling, what’s wrong with me, Phii Duen?
“No, you’re quite cute.”
The deep voice whispered close to my ear, his slender fingers brushed the hair falling by my cheek. We made eye contact for only a moment before I looked away first, feeling all the blood rush to my face.
…Bohn’s gaze was more than I could handle.
“…No.”
His slender fingers were still lingering near my ear, making me gently push them away. I don’t like people playing with my ears; it feels weird when touched.
“As you wish.”
“Why did you give in so easily?” Normally, he would keep insisting until I gave in or even force me…Is it because he’s drunk that he’s yielding so easily?
“I don’t want others to see you drunk.”
“Why?”
“You’re sexy.”
“I live in an era where ‘sexy’ is a compliment for men…” Senior looked at us, holding a glass of alcohol in her hand. She tried blinking rapidly to shake off the drunkenness. Um…just go to sleep.
“Duen”
“Huh?” I made a throaty noise. Today, Bohn was wearing a gray t-shirt with regular jeans, but on him, it looked damn good, like it could tug at your heartstrings.
“What will you do if I get drunk?”
“Don’t get drunk; I can’t drive.” I used my finger to poke his forehead and pushed it back a bit.
“Really…want me to teach you?” I understand what you’re asking…but why are you stroking my hand?
“Nah, I don’t want to learn to drive yet.” I pouted before pulling my hand away. Do you think I don’t know you’re trying to butter me up, you jerk, heh heh.
“I see.”
“I’m scared I’ll hit someone.” The first time my dad tried to teach me to drive, I shifted into the wrong gear and reversed into an old lady’s car. Even though she was fine, I felt so guilty.
“It’s okay, I’ll teach you.”
“Hmph. No thanks, why rush to learn?” Phii Duen is still around for a while, no need to hurry, Nong Bohn, you can practice next year. Right now, Phii Duen loves Supachai.
“So you can drive my car.”
“Why do I need to drive your car?” Don’t tell me you’re planning to blow up my car, don’t do that.
“I want you to use it.” What did the bartender mix for you that you’re smiling like that all the time?
“No thanks, I’d feel bad.”
“Again, I’ll slap you, I’m your boyfriend, why should you feel bad?” Bohn raised his hand as if he was going to slap my mouth for real. Seeing that, I pouted and didn’t say anything more. He wouldn’t dare, trust me. I’m his boyfriend, heh heh.
After our conversation ended weirdly, I looked around aimlessly. Wow, that girl has stunning legs. I’d give her an S grade…oh, she’s with her husband, but I figured as much, someone that pretty not having a boyfriend would be strange. I shifted my gaze to the guy she’s with, oh my, he looks like he stepped out of a home and garden magazine…wrong magazine? Sorry about that.
“Duen, I told you not to look at other guys except for me.”
“I was just looking.” I answered honestly, but my answer probably didn’t sit well with him because his big hand grabbed my face to look at him instead.
“Why look at him?” Bohn asked, his brows still furrowed. What are you so stressed about?
“He’s good-looking.”
Beep
“Hey, where are you going, Bohn!” I exclaimed in surprise when suddenly Bohn got up and made a move to walk somewhere. I sensed trouble and held him back; are you too strong, you wild buffalo with a hundred percent alcohol in you!
“I’m going to kill him!” He answered me while still looking at the person I had complimented, as if he sensed the murderous vibe too, what a nuisance.
“You’re crazy, why would you do that?” I asked while pulling his arm back with all my strength. The seniors at the table wanted to help, but they didn’t have the energy to stand up. Help me!
“Because you complimented him!” Just because I complimented him, you have to get this annoyed?
“That’s all it was.”
“Yeah, I don’t like it!” After saying that, he tried to walk away again, but I dragged him back to sit down, even if it was a struggle.
“I won’t compliment anymore, just sit back down.”
Now I’m certain that Bohn is drunk, and quite heavily at that. Even if he isn’t showing any signs of being unruly.
“Bohn, are you angry?” I asked when I noticed the tall figure was unusually silent. Look at him, crossing his legs one moment, then folding his arms and looking away the next.
“…”
“Hey. It was just a compliment.” I spoke more softly, worried when he didn’t respond and seemed even more silent, why are you so jealous and sulky?
“Well, I don’t like it!”
“What’s wrong with Bohn?” Phii King turned to ask because Bohn was quite loud earlier, even the table next to us turned to look. I bowed my head to apologize to the table next to us before answering Phii King.
“I’ll handle it, Phii.”
“You’re frowning a lot, watch out for crows, man.” I teased while poking between his eyebrows, just like Bohn does when I frown.
“Bohn, I was just complimenting, nothing more.” “I still don’t like it.” Your behavior is so childish.
“Okay, okay, Phii Duen apologizes, let’s make up.” I extended my pinky finger near him, but instead of accepting my silly peace offering and getting over his anger, Bohn became even quieter.
“…”
“Bohn.”
“…”
“How can I make you stop being sulky?” I really tried to act stupid, damn.
“…What will you do?” Why do I feel a strange chill? He must want me to do something weird.
“…If you can do it.”
“I can do it…come sit here.”
“Hey! No way!” I shook my head in refusal. Even if we’re dating, I can still feel embarrassed, you know. If I sit there, won’t everyone in the pub look? I’m not some petite girl, damn.
“…” Are you pressuring me, you jerk Bohn?
“Bohn…I’m embarrassed in front of others.”
“Am I less important than others?”
“Well…no.” I was a bit stunned by that question. Are you feeling jealous too?
“Then come sit.” The former moon of the university slapped his thigh, indicating the space between his legs as if saying, ‘Come to daddy, little one,’ or am I just imagining it…
“I…”
“…”
Bang!
“Damn you, Bohn!” I cursed at him immediately. Look what he did, he just pulled me down to sit there without even waiting for my agreement. Where did you get all that strength from!
“Don’t be embarrassed. My friends don’t care.” Bohn buried his face into my shoulder and spoke in a mumbling, sleepy voice, always managing to butter me up.
“Exactly, just be comfortable.”
“Yeah, like you’re at home, burp, go ahead.” Oh…
“Duen.”
“Huh?”
“You’re not allowed to look at anyone but me.” Bohn said in a muffled voice because his face was pressed against my shoulder. I smiled when I heard him say that; outwardly, this jerk seems like he doesn’t care about small things, but in reality, he overthinks, imagines, and worries about everything.
“I know.” I replied before playfully shaking my shoulder to make him let out a playful grunt.
“And don’t compliment anyone else for being handsome, you can only compliment me.” Should I scold him or laugh?
“You’re such a dictator, yeah, yeah.”
“And don’t act cute for others to like you.” He lifted his head and poked my cheek with his finger. Ouch, that hurts, you brute! What have you been doing with your hands! You uncivilized Bohn!
“It’s not cute. It’s called handsome.” I argued, only he calls me cute. Not just cute, he uses other words that shouldn’t be used for a guy, like ‘sexy,’
‘househusband,’ ‘adorable.’
“Don’t look for trouble.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
“Don’t cheat.”
“…” I knew he was jealous, but I didn’t expect him to say that. Should I be angry that he doesn’t trust me…but why am I smiling?
“Why are you silent!” Bohn shouted loudly.
“Bohn, lower your voice.”
“You went quiet. Are you going to cheat on me?” He hugged me tighter to the point of discomfort, this drunkard!
“So, is it wrong for me to be quiet?” I raised my eyebrows to ask, my lips unconsciously curling into a smile. His childish behavior, like a kid protective of their toys, not wanting anyone else to touch what’s his, it’s probably a bad habit…but I kind of like it.
“Yes, it’s wrong! Are you going to cheat on me?” My conversation partner asked sternly. Now, the people at the table were starting to look up at us. Phii Merk and Phii King, who were still somewhat sober, were preparing to get up and intervene.
“Where would I find the time to cheat?” Just you alone, I barely have time for. If there were one more, I’d have to drop out.
“Don’t let me catch you.”
“So, who’s the husband, who’s the wife?”
“Yeah, I’m starting to get confused. Normally, the wife should say that line.” Who’s the husband, who’s the wife? Just wait, Phii King, Phii Merk, I’ll pull out all your hair.
“Don’t sit on anyone’s lap like this.”
“I know already.”
“Don’t hug anyone like this either.” After saying that, he tightened his embrace.
“Alright, uh…but I’ll make an exception for family and friends.” Bohn nodded in permission…from now on, do I have to ask you before doing anything, my dear boyfriend?
“Don’t kiss anyone like-”
“Don’t be sneaky.” I quickly covered his mouth with my hand. He squirmed a bit before backing off his face nicely, heh heh, always trying to gain something.
Just a moment ago, when I saw Bohn’s friends standing up, I thought we were going home. But no…they stood up to continue drinking. Be careful of liver cirrhosis, bro, Phii Boss drinks the most, I suspect he was dumped pretty badly.
“Is studying hard?”
“Yeah. How about you?” It’s really hard, but when I asked the seniors in the faculty, they said the first year is the easiest. Is this what easy looks like?
“Just a bit. Aren’t you going to move in together for real?” Aren’t you done thinking about this, Bohn…fine, you dare to ask every day, and I’ll reject you every day too.
“No.”
“Why?”
“…”
“If you say it’s because you feel sorry, I’ll kiss you. Give me another reason.” Another reason besides feeling sorry…
“Won’t your parents scold you for bringing someone else to your condo?” Normally, my parents would yell, ‘Why are you bringing someone else into the condo? This is so uncivilized!’ or something like that.
“They won’t scold me, and you’re not just anyone. You’re my boyfriend.” “Have you told your parents?” I asked, surprised.
“Not yet…do you want to meet them?”
“…Would that be good?” To be honest, I’m quite worried about this. I’m not worried for myself since my parents would understand…I think, but with Bohn, does he have siblings or not? If he’s an only child, would his parents have an issue with their son having a boyfriend who’s a guy?
“Yeah, I want to introduce you to my parents.” This act of resting his chin on my shoulder and tilting his head up to meet my eyes, is that you being cute?
“What if they can’t accept it?” Would it be like in the dramas where the heroine’s parents don’t like it and order the couple to break up, but they refuse, so they run away to live on an island in the south of the country, in a perfect, happy life…Oh, come on, Duen, you’re daydreaming.
“Why wouldn’t they accept it?” Bohn asked casually. Are you too relaxed? We’re talking about something serious here, you brute.
“I’m a guy.” I said, looking at him as he made little smacking noises with his mouth, seeming to be half asleep. Wake up and talk to me before you fall asleep, Bohn!
“It’s not important…yawn.”
“It is important!”
After that, he fell asleep on my shoulder. How could you fall asleep here with all this noise, the music, the people, everything, but when I looked at his other friends…they were all asleep, except for Phii King and Phii Merk.
I’m happy about the idea of meeting his parents, it shows he cares about me, but I’m worried…if his family can’t accept it, he’ll be the one in trouble, and Bohn is so stubborn.
“Stressed?”
I flinched a bit when I heard the voice of someone I thought was already asleep, lifting his head to look at me, making me realize I was frowning. Saying I’m not stressed would be a lie.
“Yeah, a little…”
“I like you.”
“Yeah, I know…”
“The fact that I like you…is the most important thing, I don’t care about anything else.”
“My parents will like you, trust me.”
“How do you know?”
“Because you’re naive, heh-heh.” He gently pinched my cheek in jest, as if I’m not called naive! They call me…pure, innocent, like a precious, exquisite gem!!!
“You bastard.”
“Don’t be stressed, I don’t like seeing you stressed.” After he said that, he raised his hand to gently stroke my head. I like his hand because it’s big and warm.
“Yeah.”
“Duen”
“Huh?”
“Don’t ever tell me you want to break up.”
“Oh, so you can break up with me alone?”
“Yeah.”
“Bohn! You bastard!”
“I’ll never tell you I want to break up.”
“…”
“Stay with me forever, Duen.”
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