EASTTAGYOUREMINE, Chapter 13: That Day
As soon as that sentence ended, it seemed to ignite all the chaos in the competition crew.
Including…my heart.
Just a moment ago, I felt like it was going to explode completely…
Oh my god, that crazy brother, that crazy doctor, who told you to say something like that in front of so many people, oh my goodness!!
My heart, my heart, oh my god, my heart can’t take it anymore, oh, T^T
It felt like I had been splashed with cold water and my circuits were shorting out. I reached out with my cold, trembling hand to grab Phii Meili’s hand again to keep from falling, even though my hand had no strength left.
“[Scream], oh my, doctor, you can’t do this, my heart is so faint.” Phii Meili pulled my arm into a hug and acted all shy, “Nong Ter, I’m melting, I can’t handle this.”
I’m the one who’s melting, help me, my legs are all weak!! T^T
“Doctor, [scream], how can someone be this straightforward, oh my.” Phii Napdao said with a loud, screeching voice. Despite that, she couldn’t stop the teasing.
I was surrounded by Phii Mot and almost all the staff below the stage, not unlike Phii Hill who was surrounded by stars, moons, and satellites from all departments in this chaotic competition scene.
“Nong Ter, why didn’t you tell me, oh my. I can’t believe it, we’re this close, and
I thought you were out of reach.” Phii Mot said while gently tapping my shoulder, and before I realized it, all the seniors were teasing me big time.
“Hey, let me see. Is this the junior everyone’s talking about? Oh my, he’s so cute,
I’ll just give him to Dr. Hill.”
“Is it this freshman that Dr. Hill said he cares more about than Mild? Wow, even the medical star has to step back now.”
“Freshie, let me pinch your cheeks a bit. You’re so adorable, the camera loves you, [sigh].”
“It’s a blessing for my eyes to see the person Dr. Hill likes. I can’t believe I’m seeing this in this lifetime.”
I could only give a dry smile to the staff who were mostly friends of Phii Mot, teasing each other. Honestly, every word they said made me embarrassed too, oh my, how did it come to this?
“Did the doctor suddenly say that because he doesn’t want others to bother the freshie?” Phii Mot asked Phii Meili.
“Probably, right? He was trying to keep the attention away, but looked at us. Our satellite divas are really something. Dr. Hill, will you die before you ever date Nong Ter?” I turned to where Phii Meili was looking, feeling a bit embarrassed at the mention of ‘dating Nong Ter’, not sure how she said it, sigh.
The friends of Phii Hill were still teasing each other, but the real chaos came from the satellite divas rushing from backstage, surrounding Phii Hill with screams, making him cover his ears.
“[Scream!] Doctor! You can’t do this to me, Doctor, why, what’s wrong with me, why don’t you choose that one?”
“Rada, step back now, don’t touch my Dr. Hill.”
“You back off, stop it, Pound, did you just sneakily hold the doctor’s hand?” “Who’s your doctor? Dr. Hill belongs to everyone! Wait, no, he just revealed his heart’s owner, so the divas have to back off now.”
“I won’t back off, I’ll fight, please, doctor, give me another chance.”
“My friend the doctor is overwhelmed, stars, please help calm them down, Dr.
Hill can’t take it anymore.” one of the senior stars could hardly contain her laughter. Even so, Phii Hill just smiled, not showing any signs of anger.
“Divas! Girls, that’s enough, I know you’re shocked, but it’s not just you, soon the whole faculty will be shocked.” Phii Napdao said before turning the siren function back on to stop the chaos, and the satellite divas finally stopped pulling at Phii Hill. It seems like the one really overwhelmed isn’t him, but his own kind, with their beautiful outfits from this morning, styled hair, and wigs that took hours to set, all messed up from pulling at each other, and then Phii Hill had to straighten his uniform again.
Should I feel sorry or not…
Nah, no way.
Feel sorry for yourself first, Ter!! T^T
“Wait, let’s clear this up first. Doctor Hill, you have declared your interest in
Nong Ter, right? Where’s Nong Ter? Oh, there he is, hiding his head behind Meili.
Meili, you’re really blocking him out.”
“Mean mother, he’s just smaller.” Phii Meili said in a huff before pulling me to the front, oh my, Phii Meili, don’t do this.
“But they haven’t started dating yet, I understand that correctly, right? And what’s this about thieving cats?” asked Phii Napdao.
“It’s Jijo and Junior, who were flirting with Nong Ter, like Meili mentioned before.” explained one of the moon team members, pointing towards Phii Jijo and Phii Junior.
“Really? I thought Meili was just joking. So, what do you say, Jijo, Junior, let’s clear this up. Was what Meili said true?” Phii Junior didn’t respond, just smiled slightly and gave a small nod.
“Wow, what’s this? Hill, you’re blocking others’ chances, yet you said if you’re not officially dating, you can’t block others, right?” Phii Jijo spoke up, but she didn’t seem angry, just teasing.
“Oh, is this a battle over the boy, Jijo? How bold of you to challenge Doctor Hill.
You never learn from your flirtatious ways.” said Phii Napdao.
“Yes, Phii Dao. We’ve warned him. Give it up, we’ll drown our sorrows in liquor later.”
“Why are there only people from his team? What about my team? Junior, what do you say? Are you giving up?” Phii Jijo seemed to start rallying her allies, turning towards Phii Junior who stood not too far away.
“I’ll pass. I’m not in the mood to fight Hill. It would be a wasted effort. Just look at Nong Ter, he’s already lost in his own world.” Phii Junior said, looking over at me.
And Phii Hill, who sent a sweet smile my way.
With that unreadable look in his eyes, as always.
Gasp!
What’s with that look!
“Junior has already backed out, so you should drop this, what do you say, Jijo?”
“He has no right to block others if they’re not dating.” argued Phii Jijo. Uh…this seems to be getting out of hand.
“Then how about letting Nong Ter say something?” suggested by Phii Napdao. That made me shake my head immediately. Are you crazy? With so many people around, where would I find the courage to speak?
“The freshman can’t handle it anymore, Phii Dao, my hands are shaking, I’m about to explode. So, let’s just leave it at that for now. Doctor has claimed the freshie, but if anyone wants to flirt or get involved, go ahead because they’re not dating yet. Jijo, isn’t that right? It’s chaotic enough right now.”
“Wow, that’s an easy cut-off, isn’t it, Meili?”
“Yep. Why bother arguing with Jijo? She’s nonsensical, and you just asked to flirt. When it comes to dating, I’ll make it grand for you.”
“Actually, I really want to ask more and scream, but tomorrow, the Cute Boy page is interviewing the doctor. Let’s just wait a bit. Those of us who know, don’t tell anyone yet, wait for the page’s interview to finish, then our fan club will get a lot of donations from the page. They say the donation goal is almost reaching ten thousand.”
“But you’ve got to hand it to the doctor for making such a public declaration. It shows how serious he is. Nong Ter, you should consider Dr. Hill, but honestly, there’s no need to think too much. He’s handsome, rich, has a good personality, and is smart. Plus, he’s genuinely in love. A perfect guy like Dr. Hill isn’t easy to find.
Where can you buy a man like him? I’m ready to pay.”
“Let’s take a break for now. Why am I so tired after just one rehearsal? Must be from all the screaming.” Phii Napdao said as she walked off the stage, followed by others. “Remember, don’t spread this news yet. If anyone recorded it, keep it to yourselves. I’ll find and slap anyone who posts it. Let’s wait until tomorrow, or we’ll miss out on the money from the Cute Boy page.”
Many staff members returned to their posts and served water as part of their duties. Meanwhile, I was dragged by Phii Meili to the seating area for a rest. Phew, good, I could use a little time out.
“Hey Nong Ter, do you want some smelling salts?” Phii Meili handed me some. I took it and thanked her quietly, “Dr. Hill is like, let’s not even talk about him. It’s good that Thanmild isn’t here. Otherwise, there would definitely be a scene.”
“…A scene, really?”
“Well, maybe. So, what are we going to do? The doctor has made his intentions very clear.”
“Yes, but we haven’t seen each other for nearly a year, and we’ve only just met again a few days ago.”
“Hmm. Even though you’ve known each other for a long time, you’ve only recently started to understand each other. No need to rush. I believe the doctor can wait.”
“He says he can wait, but then he makes such a big public announcement. He’s really crazy.” I muttered, lowering my voice at the end of the sentence. “Well…who wouldn’t want to claim their prize like that, right?”
“Phii Meili…please stop teasing for a moment, let me rest.” I said, slightly pouting.
“Oh, so cute, I’ll stop teasing for a bit.”
“Hey everyone, listen up.” Phii Napdao’s voice rang out again, making me and Phii Meili turn towards the source of the sound immediately, “We’ll create a little buzz, even if not the whole university knows, but we’ll make them curious by working together. We’ll use the hashtag #RealDoctorMrHill on social media.” “Wow, we’re going all out with the hashtag? Just the issue of who owns the watch has already filled Twitter.” Phii Meili grumbled while picking up a glass of sweet water handed out by the staff, drinking it as she heard the moon team teasing and questioning Phii Hill from a distance. I didn’t dare look, so I just sat with my back turned, continuing to sniff the smelling salts. “Hill, I just saw Fern crying as she walked off the stage.”
“Really?” That must have been Phii Hill’s reply.
Phii Fern…?
“Wow. You really don’t care about anyone else, do you, just care about Nong
Ter, huh?”
“Yeah.”
“Holy cow, our friend is the real deal. We really should start using that hashtag like Phii Dao said.”
“This has to reach Johan’s ears, let Johan close his pub to celebrate us tonight.”
“Hey, but our friend Hill isn’t free tonight, right? Doesn’t he have to take care of someone important?”
“Yeah, try inviting Nong Ter too. We’d like to get to know him.”
“No.”
“Are you jealous? With friends and all. We won’t hit on Nong Ter, you can trust us.”
“I’m not taking him to a bar.”
“But you could take him to a fancy restaurant. If it’s about spending money, I’d rather buy him a drink, it’s much cheaper.”
“Hill, I’m calling Johan and his gang now, Johan’s bringing Fah and Arthit too.” Hmm? …Johan is coming too? And those other two are Phii Hill’s friends, right?
“You guys are making this into a big deal.” said Phii Hill.
“It is a big deal, man. Johan was in bed with some girls, but he said he’s hurrying over to see who you’re trying to woo. He left the girl confused in the room, and by the sound of it, he’s in a big rush, betting he’s flooring the gas pedal.”
Oh my god, why are more people coming? T^T
Rrrrrrrrrr
When my phone vibrated, I was slightly startled because I was focusing on eavesdropping. I pulled out my phone from my pocket to check it.
There was an incoming call from ‘Phoon’.
I answered it.
“What’s up?”
(Where are you?)
“Near the club, why?”
(Me and Foam came to your dorm looking for you. Your roommate North said you weren’t there. We’re bored and had nothing to do, so we thought we’d come find you. Now, I’m riding on Foam’s bike near the university. Can we come to the club?)
Shit! Should I tell them their timing is perfect or not?
On one hand, I didn’t want them to come because if they did, they’d definitely find out what’s going on, but on the other, having friends around would make me feel more at ease.
But I couldn’t tell them not to come. They’ve already come this far on their bikes.
Sigh, whatever, I guess I can’t hide anything anymore.
“Yeah, yeah, you can come in. I’m at the activity courtyard where the stars are practicing for the fashion show.”
(Oh. You’re at the activity courtyard? Okay, Foam, Ter is at the activity courtyard. Turn the other way. What are you doing there anyway?)
“I’m…taking photos.”
“Are your friends coming?” After I hung up, Phii Meili spoke up, her mouth full of snacks. I nodded in affirmation, “Once your friends get here, everyone will know.”
“I guess it can’t be kept a secret anymore.” I said truthfully.
“True, do you want some snacks? They handed out a lot earlier. Not sure why they spent so much budget money on snacks.” Phii Meili complained slightly before handing me a small packet of snacks. The staff holding bags full of snacks were still walking around distributing them. It seemed like the star club had an enormous snack budget compared to the packed lunches.
“You’re really not taking the junior with you? I think Jo would want to come along. He might even close his club for three days and nights.” The gossip from the senior stars wasn’t stopping. Even though I didn’t turn to look, from what I heard, Phii Hill must have been a bit annoyed with his friends.
“Don’t just talk about bedding the freshman, would Hill join too?”
“What, for good news like this, we should celebrate a bit, right?”
“If you just want to drink, just say so. We’re in if someone’s treating.”
“If Johan wants to foot the bill, let’s go, Hill, this is your chance, man. Once we start drinking, the mood takes over, you might not even need to woo him, just take him upstairs and screw his brain out.” Hold on a second…
I don’t know who said that last sentence, But isn’t that going a bit too far?
“What are you afraid of at your level? No need to woo and waste time and money. If it were you fucking them, no woman would get mad. They might even be happy.”
With women, huh?
Does that mean I, as a man, should be even happier?
Hey…
I’m starting to not really like Jo or what the seniors are saying.
Even if it’s just in jest,
Should they really say stuff like that?
And it’s just making me think back to that day.
“Shut your mouth already.” I heard Phii Hill say, but even so, I didn’t want to listen anymore; I’d rather go wait for Foam and Phoon.
I stood up amidst Phii Meili’s confusion, and it seemed like Phii Hill was about to say something more, but then Phii Meili stood up and slammed the table, startling me.
Bang!!
“Dog’s mouth! How does wooing Nong Ter waste time? Are you Dr. Hill, to say such things? How do you know he wouldn’t be angry? Are you looking down on us?” Phii Meili said loudly, clearly furious. I turned to see the moon team members who were sitting not far away looking completely shocked.
“Meili, calm down. We were just joking around.”
“Joking? Is that funny? Is saying ‘take them upstairs’ something to be said!?”
“What, Meili? We’re just joking around, no need to take it so seriously, right? But it’s true, isn’t it? Any girl would fall for Hill, and now that he’s gay, shouldn’t we be even happier?” It seemed like there was only one senior from the Moons Stars club talking like this, and from the voice I heard, the offensive words came from that person alone.
“Tun, you animal! You’re such an asshole, let me teach you a lesson.” Phii Meili seemed genuinely furious to the point where she couldn’t control herself anymore.
She looked like she was about to go confront this guy named Tun.
“Phii Meili, calm down.” Although I was angry, having a fight in the middle of the star club event wasn’t a good idea. Phii Hill hadn’t done anything yet…
Thud!!!
Phii Hill delivered a solid punch right into Tun’s face, making him stumble back. Amid the gasps from everyone around, including mine and Phii Meili’s, who were equally shocked.
“Hey, what the hell, Hill!!” Tun wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, spat on the floor, and stood up, shouting angrily at Phii Hill.
“I should be asking what the hell you’re doing.” Phii Hill replied. Not with a loud shout, but with his usual calm and cool tone.
Phii Hill wasn’t one to yell.
He wasn’t the type to shout loudly at anyone.
He was good at controlling his emotions.
And I…
I had never seen Phii Hill use physical force to solve a problem even once. “Hey, hey, calm down. Hold Tun back!” someone shouted, and Phii Jijo, who was nearby, quickly stepped in to restrain Tun who was about to retaliate. “Why are you stopping me! I’m going to hit back, what the hell is this about, coming out of nowhere and punching me! Let me go!” Tun shouted like a madman, but for some reason, Phii Hill, who was standing there with a calm face yet his eyes burning with anger, seemed much more intimidating.
“You’re in the wrong here, Tun, and you still have the nerve to try and hit Hill back.” Phii Jijo said while holding Tun back.
“What did I do wrong! He’s the one who’s wrong, he hit me first. Why are you siding with him, Jijo? Just because you lost Hill to him, you’re willing to be his underling now?”
“You piece of shit, you want another punch?”
“What, Jijo, are you getting angry because you lost? Just because of one gay guy, you all are swarming around, even Nie is the same, makes my skin crawl. You know that, right?” Then Tun turned to look at me, “With these types, just sleep with them, give them money, and they’ll be satisfied!” Huff!
With that sentence, it looked like Phii Hill’s heavy fist was about to hit that dog’s mouth again. However,
Smack!!
Phii Meili!
Phii Meili, who was just standing next to me, had somehow walked over to Phii Tun, and her hand swung hard across the face of the speaker, making his head turn.
“That’s enough, Tun. I know you’re angry, but some things shouldn’t be said.
Apologize to Nong Ter right now.” Phii Meili turned and gave me a small nod, indicating for me to go over. So, I walked towards them reluctantly. Phii Hill moved closer to me, reaching out to gently squeeze my hand, his expression showing the utmost concern.
“…” Phii Hill didn’t say anything before letting go. There was no need for many words, but I think I understood Phii Hill’s feelings.
He felt guilty…
“What’s happening? What’s all the noise?” Phii Napdao approached. She was visibly shocked, covering her mouth when she saw the scene, “What, did you guys fight?”
“Yes, Mae, Tun was being a dog’s mouth.” Phii Meili explained.
“Hill punched me, Phii!” Phii Tun still shouted loudly as if he couldn’t control his emotions, before trying to shake off Phii Jijo again, which drew everyone’s attention.
“Oh, I said no using force. Otherwise, you’ll be removed from your star and moon position. What’s the story here?” Then Phii Meili recounted everything truthfully. Phii Napdao furrowed her brows, asking everyone if it was true, then told Phii Jijo she could let Phii Tun go.
“Come here, Tun.” Phii Napdao said sternly, “If this is true, Hill was wrong for using force, but the real fault lies with you, Tun. Learn to watch your words, that’s the worst. Apologize to Nong Ter.”
I looked towards Phii Tun hesitantly. He grimaced before grinding out an apology.
“Hmm, good. This time, we’ll let it go, but really, fighting can lead to severe punishment. You could be removed from your moon position. But I’ll pretend I didn’t see anything this time, just a warning. Don’t let it happen again, understand?”
“Yes.” Phii Hill agreed easily.
“…Yes.” Phii Tun seemed to accept as well.
“This kind of attitude won’t do, Tun. I’ll call you in for a talk later. We need to discuss this with the competition committee, this behavior is unacceptable for someone of your position.” Phii Napdao scolded, and Phii Tun nodded, admitting his fault.
“Alright, disperse. Tun, go see the medical team to get your wound treated before you go. We’ll resume rehearsal in fifteen minutes, go on, don’t crowd around.” With Phii Napdao’s directive, the situation seemed to come to an end. Everyone started to disperse, including Phii Tun, who was still visibly struggling to manage his emotions as he walked away.
Without anyone saying anything further, I decided to slip away with the others. I wanted to deal with my own negative feelings first. It’s not like I wasn’t affected; being insulted like that naturally made me feel bad.
I’d rather go somewhere to calm my mind.
I walked out to the parking lot, hoping to wait there for Foam and Phoon.
Sigh…
I slumped down onto a seat under a tree, staring blankly at the dozens of parked cars. I don’t smoke, so there was nothing to help distract from the discomfort in my heart, all I could do was sigh, hoping it would lessen the gloom inside.
“Absolutely disgusting.”
“Do you know that?”
“Guys like these, just sleep with them and leave.”
“Give them money, and they’re satisfied.”
The words laced with contempt from Phii Tun…somehow echoed back into my mind.
Why does just one thoughtless comment from someone…pierce so deeply into my heart?
Or perhaps…
Is it wrong…to love someone,
When I’ve never asked for anything like that, And never wanted a single penny?
“How much compensation do you want, in exchange for not meddling in my grandson’s life anymore!!”
The old, gray-toned memories returned amidst the emptiness in my mind once again. The image of my father in anger, Christy crying, the pained faces of the person I love, the image of brokeness, and the image of Phii Hill’s face full of tears.
The words, so cold yet full of authority, from the tall man in a gray coat. His dark hair styled with sophistication, his face marked by the passage of time.
His left hand reached into his wallet.
Before slapping down a thick wad of gray banknotes on me with force, causing the bills to flutter everywhere.
Yes…
That day.
The day Phii Hill graduated.
And it marked the end of everything between us.
“Nong Ter.” Hic!
The soft, deep voice from behind startled me out of my crazy thoughts, and I turned to find Phii Hill sitting down next to me.
“Sorry.” His deep voice carried a gentle tone.
“I didn’t say anything.” I tried to keep my voice as normal as possible, “I should be the one thanking you for stopping it.”
“Just now, Meili…said, it’s good that everything is clear now.” Phii Hill said with a faint smile, “Because ambiguity hurts a thousand times more.”
“But after seeing Tun act like that…I’m not sure if my clarity was the right thing.” Phii Hill is worried if his clarity was the right choice.
And I, on the other hand, am worried if my own feelings are correct.
Ha.
I must be going crazy…
“But anyway, it’s already happened.”
“I’ll do my best.”
“Ha…Do your best at what?”
“With the problems that will come up after this.” and Phii Hill once again showed a gentle smile, the sadness in his beautiful eyes gradually fading.
“What kind of problems? Do you mean like with Phii Tun?” I asked.
“Partly, but I’m sure there will be even bigger problems coming up soon, I think.” Phii Hill said with a slight raise of his eyebrow, not seeming too troubled at all.
“And what about the effort you mentioned?”
“I just don’t want you to be troubled, that’s why. So, please bear with it a bit longer, okay?” he said while ruffling my hair gently as if I were a child. I frowned slightly, showing my displeasure before brushing his hand away. “Don’t treat me like a kid all the time. You never tell me anything.”
“I’ll tell you when you become my boyfriend.”
“Are you asking me to punch you?” I said with a stern face.
“Not really, but if you want to know badly, you could just…become my
‘boyfriend’.” Phii Hill said with a playful smile.
!!!
What kind of person is he?
He’s so damn infuriating!!!
Before I could say anything more, I heard the sound of a car speeding into the parking lot. Soon, the screeching of tires was loud enough to hurt my ears. Finally, a luxurious red sports car came to a halt, and three men got out in a hurry.
“Hey Hilllllll!!”
If I remember correctly, That’s Johan…
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