MYENGINEER, CHAPTER 27: Late Night
[Duenhaw]
Since the pre-exam season started, I haven’t been spending much time with that jerk (which is good). We meet, I hand him flowers, and then rushes off to class. He’s busy too, with school and some kind of work. Just yesterday, he messaged saying he’d be sleeping at the engineering faculty…Engineering is just awesome.
“King, have you submitted this assignment yet?” I showed the screen to my close friend, it was a post from someone in our faculty showing off their work. It’s worth showing off, a nearly perfect score, this teacher is insanely tough. How did you get nearly full marks?
“Yeah, did it already.” the faculty moon gave a winner’s smirk, really makes you want to kick him.
King is a hard worker. If there’s work, he does it right away, unlike me and Tang who need to get in the mood before we start. As for Tang…it depends on whether he feels like doing it at that moment, but he always gets good grades when he does.
Tang must be cheating, believe me!
“Don’t leave me hanging…damn, I haven’t even started.”
“Hey, chill out, the deadline is still a while away. Plus, the teacher lets you resubmit if you’re not happy with your grade after grading.”
“But I…I’m stressed, man, last time my score wasn’t good.” Last time, I submitted three times; the first attempt had the best score. I remember being scolded by the teacher so much that I didn’t feel like doing anything for a while.
“Come on, we’ll help you.”
‘We’, huh, includes the crazy one playing games next to us. Doesn’t he care about anyone? Lately, Tang has been into surgery game again. At first, I thought it
looked cool, but when he plays with that evil grin and says in a cold voice, ‘Come on. It’s in the hands of the doctor now. Trust me…’ I changed my mind before he started dissecting every patient.
“Tang, did you do it?” Dude, can you stop operating on patients for a moment?
“Heh, that one! He submitted it two days ago. He said he was free so he got a perfect score, you know!” Crazy, he finally decides to be diligent for once…What happened, or maybe!! He got some bonus from the shop! I bet he got some protein powder shirts. He won’t share it, will you?
“Tang, you’re not human.”
“So when are you going to do it?”
“How about today, I was planning to go to the library for research.”
“Will you guys come with me?”
“That’s fine. Are you guys free?”
“Free, free.”
Once we agreed, we headed to the medical faculty library, which has been open for nearly a hundred years. It’s a four-story building where the ground floor provides computer services, the second floor is for reading, the third for medical publications, and the fourth is both a conference room and the librarian’s office. We call that floor, ‘The Territory of the Possessed,’ because every time you get close, it gives you goosebumps. Not because I’m afraid of ghosts, though.
The librarian is terrifying.
“I think this book is useless.” The only beautiful girl in our group spoke up, placing the thick book I had just picked from the shelf onto the table. The place was quite crowded but surprisingly quiet; the voice from earlier was the only sound in the library…you guys are too strict about the rules.
“This one, this one is good.” Tang handed me a red-covered book that looked quite intimidating.
“Thanks, Tang.”
I worked with Tang helping out for an hour. Actually, it was almost done; all that was left was to print and submit it…but there was still one thing…
“How far have you gotten…almost done, right?”
“Yeah.”
“Then why not submit it today?”
“No…I’m scared of the professor.” I’m genuinely scared, you know. Last time, I went in confidently, but I got scolded so badly I felt like a dog. He didn’t yell loudly, the professor scolded in a gentlemanly way, but it cut me deep to the bone.
“What are you scared of?”
“Last time I got scolded, so I…”
“So you’re afraid it’ll happen again?”
“Yeah…”
“Why be scared? Just act like you don’t care. Just understand that what he’s saying is out of concern, pointing out the flaws in your work or just scolding for the sake of it. If it’s a concern, take it and move on, but if it’s just for the sake of scolding, then you can scold back.” Uh…
“You’re concerned too, but when I get scolded, it ruins my mood.” I made a face to make them laugh, the atmosphere was getting too dramatic.
“Damn, why be scared?”
“Scary, man! When I look into the teacher’s eyes, it feels like I’m being sucked into an unknown universe, into this vast, infinite space or something, you know!” It’s really like that!
“Damn, Duen, I told you not to watch so much anime.”
“No way!” Lately, I haven’t watched anything except for Conan, which Bohn uses to bribe Dao.
“Alright. Don’t stress, the more you stress, the more…stressful you get.”
“What kind of wisdom is that? There’s no sharpness in your heart.”
“I’ve run out of lines!”
“Fine, I’ll submit it later then…”
…
After finishing the work, I went straight home. Today, my mom picked up Daonuea herself because I really couldn’t manage. I’m so tired now, not so much physically but mentally. Sigh…
“I’m really in good shape.” I stood in front of the mirror after taking a shower, the more I looked, the more confused I got. Why don’t girls drool over a handsome guy like Phii Duen?
“Does Bohn really want a husband? His taste isn’t that bad.” I shook my head in pity. If he liked a cute guy like Tang, I wouldn’t say anything, but whatever, it’s better to sleep. It’s late now…yawn.
tug!
Who is it!!
I got up, annoyed, to grab my phone from the bedside. I was about to sleep, but if I’m being honest, I could guess who it was. It’s probably nobody else but that flirty guy who’s been popping up in my life so often lately, and he just did something big, telling me he changed his number and gave it only to me…for what? To make it hard for others to call or line me, you jerk?
What are you smiling about…what am I smiling about?
Ai-Hia Bohn: Asleep yet?
He asks this every day, believe me, after this, he’ll send, ‘Goodnight.’
Ai-Hia Bohn: Goodnight.
Duennhaw: About to sleep. You?
Ai-Hia Bohn: Not yet. Working at the dorm now.
Duennhaw: What work do you have?
Ai-Hia Bohn: Preparing stuff for the volunteer camp.
Duennhaw: The reforestation camp in the North, right?
Ai-Hia Bohn: Yeah, the professor asked for second-year help to prepare stuff.
Duennhaw: Serves you right, lol.
Ai-Hia Bohn: Duen.
Duennhaw: ?
Ai-Hia Bohn: I miss you.
…Even when not in front of me, he can still flirt with me, come on.
Duennhaw: You little flirt.
Ai-Hia Bohn: Seriously, I want to see your face.
“Are you a puppy or what, ha ha.” I laughed at the message he sent back. Oh, poor him, seeing that he’s tired from work, Phii Duen will send him a picture to cheer him up.
Duennhaw: You’re crazy [sends a picture of himself sticking out his tongue]
Ai-Hia Bohn: That’s a bit better, I haven’t even eaten yet.
Duennhaw: Why haven’t you eaten? It’s almost midnight.
Ai-Hia Bohn: No time.
Duennhaw: Where are you sleeping?
Ai-Hia Bohn: Camping out at the faculty.
Huh! Sleeping at the university again? What kind of work are you doing that keeps you up this late…smuggling cough syrup, crocodile brand, and senna for constipation, Doctor Seng’s brand, number 888?
Duennhaw: Is there so much stuff that you have to prepare like a month before?
Ai-Hia Bohn: Yeah, tons. Need to get it done before the exam because we’re going to the camp during the break.
Why not do it after the exam? Before an exam like this, aren’t you supposed to study? I know a bit that his faculty has quite an unusual curriculum; he once sent pictures from a workshop where he was plastering walls and another from a surveying class checking soil. But…I mean…I’m wondering how he normally takes exams, does he have to study like me, or can he pass by spending time on other things like this?
Duennhaw: Exams are coming up, and you’re not studying?
Ai-Hia Bohn: Asking so many questions, are you worried? Duennhaw: No way…I’m going to sleep [sticker of a sleeping cat] Ai-Hia Bohn: Okay, I’ll go back to work then.
“Still working, huh?” I mumbled to myself about Bohn before flopping down on my pillow. I need to sleep now, or I won’t look good…I really want to sleep, but my body won’t listen, my brain keeps questioning why he didn’t have dinner…If it were me, it wouldn’t be a big deal since I often skip meals. But Bohn isn’t like that; he eats every evening, (not that I care, I know because he always shows off with pictures).
If he doesn’t have dinner, he won’t get enough nutrients for his body’s needs, which can lead to weakness and stunted growth. Wait, this is about breakfast, isn’t it?
“…Hey, but that idiot just said he hadn’t eaten yet, maybe not just dinner.”
Sleep, stop thinking, you idiot.
…
I really want to do that.
“Mom, I’m stepping out for a bit.”
“Where are you going?” My mom asked, surprised, as I opened the front door, my right foot already touching the ground outside.
“…Going to buy some snacks.” What! Did! I! Just! Say!
“We have some at home, though.” Mom looked puzzled as she walked closer to me. What should I do if I tell her, ‘I’m going to buy food for Bohn, he hasn’t eaten anything yet’? That would sound weird, wouldn’t it…
“…The snacks outside are tastier, I like them.” I need to improve my lying skills with a pro like Phu.
“Oh…really? Then go ahead.” Is she pretending to believe me? On this former supermodel’s face, there’s no sign of belief, just “Oh, really, I’ll believe it if you say so.”
“What should I buy for him…” I stood there pondering in front of the freezer at the convenience store. If I take this to him now, he’ll definitely think I’m worried about him, what should I do?
…Let’s do it this way.
After coming up with a plan, I grabbed a box of minced pork with basil and some snacks, placing them on the checkout counter. I’m not worried…just feel sorry for him, scared he might die and haunt me.
I didn’t take long to pay and then rode my bike to the shop where I’d get something to use as an excuse. I didn’t spend much time choosing since they’re all similar anyway.
“How much?” I asked, carefully holding the items I bought.
“Twenty baht.”
I quickly paid the vendor; it was already 12:45 AM! What is a health-conscious guy like Phii Duen doing outside at this ghostly hour!! Damn, it’s all because of you, Bohn. Better hurry to his faculty, or it’ll get even later; on the way, I wonder if someone will try to grab Phii Duen.
Beep
(Hello…Did you call me in your sleep, Duen?)
“Bohn. Where are you?”
(At the gear plaza.) Once I knew the destination, I headed straight there. After the first day being as foolish as a buffalo looking for the gear parking lot but ending up at the administration building, I’ve now memorized the route.
“Still working?” The lights at his faculty are still on, huh? I know now why the university’s electricity bill is so high, it must be because of you guys. I’ll complain to the rector.
(Yeah//Bohn, can you grab me some scissors…thanks.) He’s really working…is there that much to prepare for this volunteer camp?
“What are you doing that’s so intense?”
(Lots of stuff, are you worried?//giggle, I wish someone would call me like this//Yeah. If there was someone, I’d bring betel nuts to propose//Bohn already did that, I’m the one who’s embarrassed, ha ha ha.) See, I knew someone would tease.
“Tell your friends to shut up.”
(Hey, guys, take it easy, he’s embarrassed//Why are you smiling, Bohn?//Oh, excuse me.)
“Damn, you’re crazy.”
(Did you call for anything? Miss me?)
There’s the troublemaker.
Seeing the familiar broad back, I walked straight onto the lot. At the same time, I noticed his friends nudging each other to look, but Bohn was so focused on cutting something he didn’t notice. Even while working, you can still hold the phone with your shoulder and talk to me; your dedication is truly remarkable.
“Done.”
“…” The tall figure slowly looked up at me, standing over him.
I raised my eyebrows at him twice before giving a mischievous grin. Why do you have to look so shocked? Is my pajamas weird? It’s just gray with white edges, covered by a black jacket…It’s not that ugly. Plus, this jacket was just bought by my mom, it’s the latest trend, so why…
Before I could think any further, a loud noise startled me.
“You guys are nuts, I want my girlfriend to come visit me like Bohn does!!”
“Here…ha, ha, ha, huuuuuuu!!!”
“Ouch. No respect at all! I’m a monkey, man!”
“You bastard, Bohn, go away, you two make me so jealous!”
Huh? …I stood there, watching the group of engineering students playfully hitting Bohn’s head, looking confused. What did I do? What’s there to tease about?
I just came around 11 PM. There’s nothing to tease about…
“You guys, be quiet…I’m here, heh heh.” Bohn pushed his friend away before standing up to face me. He was still in the same clothes from this morning when I gave him the flowers, a white T-shirt under a shop jacket, jeans, you could stink, aren’t you going to take a shower?
But why does no one in your faculty care what you wear!
“Nothing…Oh, roses, I’m not free tomorrow.” After saying that, I handed him the pink roses, this was my excuse, really, there’s no urgent work or anything tomorrow.
“Really, you had to bring it this late? Couldn’t you bring it in the morning?” He reached out to take the flowers, yeah, I forgot about that.
“Well…I wanted to get some fresh air at the university.” I wanted to slap myself, believe me!
“It had to be my faculty too?”
“Your faculty has a lot of trees, I like it.” Ugh, arguing beside the point again, but whatever, just don’t look at his face, he must be making that annoying expression.
“Why not go to the agriculture faculty, there are tons of trees there?”
“Forget about the agriculture faculty!” I shouted, at my wits’ end. What a question, you jerk! You know I’m here and you still ask to embarrass me more!
“Haha…”
“Here, eat this too.” I pushed the sturdy 7-Eleven bag towards him, there wasn’t much inside, just one box of rice, two large bottles of water, five family packs of snacks, two cartons of milk, and two more bottles of juice, that’s all.
“…”
“I didn’t buy this because you said you hadn’t eaten dinner, okay?”
“…”
“I just brought some flowers, passed by Seven-Eleven, so I bought some food to eat myself, but after riding around, I’m full of air.” …Duen, Duen! Full of air, your dad! What are you even saying?
“…”
“I would feel bad throwing it away, so-”
“Are you interested in being the wife of a chief engineer like me? The dowry is substantial.”
“…”
“Duen, have I told you?”
“…”
“I like you, Duen.” The tall figure tilted his head, smiling at me, standing still without walking over to hug or tease like he usually does, but my heart started beating fast anyway.
But I couldn’t stay stunned for long because I was startled by the loud noise echoing across the lot…so loud that even the university guard might hear.
“Giggle!!!!”
“You’re so cute!!!”
“I want a husband too!”
“So damn cute!”
“So, what’s your answer? Heh.”
“Woo! I’m leaving!” I turned around and walked back to where I parked my bike. Bohn didn’t try to stop me, but he followed me to my bike, walking behind me, doing what exactly?
“Say good night first.” You could stop smiling for a bit; you haven’t stopped smiling since you came out here, watch out or you’ll get a cramp.
“No, I’m going home.” I would have gone home already if it weren’t for this crazy person standing in my way, preventing me from leaving, what’s with you?
“Say it, I want to hear it.”
“No, I’m going home now. I’m sleepy.”
“Really not going to say it?”
“Ai-Hia Bohn…good night.” After saying that, I revved my bike hard because I didn’t want to hear anything else, but I still heard his deep voice shouting after me…
“Thanks for the late meal! Good night! Dream of me!”
No way!!!
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