MYENGINEER, CHAPTER 28: Say Something
[Bohn]
“Why do they have to make sophomores do this stuff?”
The complaining voice came from my friend, Bom, another day when we sophomores gathered at the faculty to prepare for the volunteer camp. Actually, we’ve been preparing for several days now. At first, I was going to skip out, but my good friends caught on. Shit. Normally, I don’t get involved in activities like this much. It’s not that I don’t want to. I want to go with my friends too, but laziness wins over…
“I’m more curious about why engineers have to do this, who organized this camp?” Tee asked while cutting ropes. I don’t know what the teacher wants these ropes for. He just said to cut a lot.
Well…
“I don’t know, probably the rector.” Merk answered, wrapping the long rope around his chair leg. We were guessing the length because the teacher only said,
“Not too much, not too little.”
Oh, very informative, very clear.
“Come on. If he organized it, why doesn’t he do it himself?” From the looks of it, Tee seemed to be getting heated. He might look like a joker, but he’s actually got a very hot temper. Back in our first year, he almost fought with Bom. Both of these guys have sharp tongues, but Bom is much calmer.
“Come on, it’s good karma, man.” Initially, Bom was the one complaining the loudest, but now he’s the one calming Tee down.
“Yeah, yeah, damn.”
“Bohn, you haven’t had dinner yet, you can go eat first, we won’t mind.”
Though they call it dinner, it’s almost midnight now, everyone else has eaten, and I’m the only one who hasn’t. I wanted to finish the work first, but as I kept working…when I checked my watch again, it had become like this.
“Heh. It’s fine, I feel a bit chubby lately, so I’m skipping dinner.” Actually, I’m not trying to lose weight or anything, I just said that so my close friends wouldn’t worry. I’m too tired to drive anyway, and importantly…the cut on the corner of my mouth just healed, thanks to some good medicine, it healed quickly as if I’d never been punched, leaving just a small mark.
“Oh, oh, since you started courting that doctor, you’ve become health-conscious, haven’t you, you jerk?” Boss, your mouth, man.
Actually, the mischievous wife; Boss is quite good-looking and funny. When he was the guy in charge, he garnered a lot of popularity points from the juniors, to the point where they compared him to an oasis in the desert. Wow, that’s quite something…but well, the engineering faculty’s freshman welcoming is harsh and stressful, so when they encounter something relaxing like this, they appreciate it, I guess.
“Of course, heh heh.”
“Annoying, you even dragged him to sleep at your condo.”
“I know, you posted the picture because you saw the one that the management kid tagged Duen, right?” King smiled knowingly. As he said that, that guy’s face came to mind. Ha, I’m way better looking, the idiot doesn’t like the soft type like you, he likes someone ‘tough’ like me.
“Yeah.”
“…Damn, you admitted it so easily. It’s not fun at all.” King looked disappointed. What’s with you, you complain when I don’t admit it, calling me stubborn, and now that I’ve admitted it, you say it’s not fun. What do you want from me?
“So, what should I do then?” I sat cross-legged, chin propped on my hands, looking at my beautiful friend. Don’t think we’re sitting on tables here, nope, here it’s all about being ‘down-to-earth,’ really down to earth, but not dirty because the gear yard is paved with smooth stones. There are tables, but not enough for everyone, so when there’s no more seating, we all agreed to sit on the floor, which is pretty cool.
“Well, ideally, you should be the cool protagonist. When friends tease you asking if you’re jealous, you should say, ‘Don’t be ridiculous! Why would I be jealous of her?’“ This time it was Boss who spoke, just speaking, I could understand…but why do you have to act like a Hollywood star, even if your voice sounds like some dubbed superhero.
“Ha, I’m straightforward.” I shrugged before turning back to my work. How many lines do you need, and is this length enough? Cut it off, snip, snip, snip.
“Husband, I don’t want to talk to the thug anymore. Play with me instead.” Boss clung to Merk’s arm, acting cute. This is normal, just like every day when the mischievous wife does this, but what’s not normal is…
“Sure, what pose do you want?”
“…”
Silence. Not just Boss, who was spoken to like that, but all of us went quiet…what’s wrong with Merk? According to theory, when the husband is quiet and the wife is mischievous, if Thanarit teases or acts cute, Sethathik would scold, ‘Go play somewhere else,’ or ‘If you don’t stop…you’ll meet my heel.’ That’s how it should be…
“Why?” The source of the silence asked calmly, as if talking about the weather.
Don’t you realize how abnormal you’re being, you bastard?
“Are you sick or something, Merk?” Boss turned Merk’s face this way and that, looking for any sign of abnormality. At this moment, no one dared to speak to them; let them sort it out, it’s a husband and wife thing.
“No, what’s wrong?” Merk raised an eyebrow. We might look calm, but we’re closely following the situation, or as we say, eavesdropping…
“Why are you going along with my gag? What’s wrong with you?”
“Don’t I usually do this?”
“Yes!”
We all chimed in unison without planning, Merk thought for a moment then smiled at his mischievous wife, crazy…Merk smiled. He doesn’t usually smile much, even around kids he barely smiles, or maybe he does…but does a sly grin count as a smile?
Mmmh
“You’ve been especially cute lately.”
He didn’t just say it; he pinched the mischievous wife’s nose in jest. Damn…I must be dreaming. It’s not just me who’s shocked by this behavior; the whole group is stunned too. Oh my God…look at what he is doing to…
“You bastard, Merk! Are you taking too many vitamins or something? Are you okay, do we need to take you to the doctor?” Tang didn’t answer the question; he just looked at the engineering couple with the same expression as me. Seeing this, we thought there was nothing more to it. There shouldn’t be anything if Merk didn’t…
“I’m normal, but you’re the one who’s gotten cuter.”
“I was joking, damn it.”
“Damn. We were all rooting for you, thought the quiet husband and mischievous wife would really get together.”
“Eh, well…I thought so too, this quiet husband is really funny.” After saying that, Boss went over and hugged Merk’s neck, even playfully pinching his cheek.
“If you don’t leave, I’ll really turn gay, you know.”
“Screw you, Merk, I’m not playing anymore, jerk.”
“Heh heh.”
Forget about their stuff. I looked at my phone screen to check the time and found it was already 21:49. Wow, we’ve been working so long without checking the time.
Has that health-conscious kid gone to sleep yet? I should go tell him goodnight.
Now I’ve changed his name to just ‘Duen’, plain and simple, but even though the name is simple, my feelings for him are not…
Bon Ss: Asleep yet?
No response, he must be asleep already. Alright, I’ll just say goodnight then. Now, when I wake up early, I have to say ‘Good morning,’ and before going to sleep, it’s ‘Goodnight,’ it’s become part of my daily routine.
Bon Ss: Goodnight.
I sent the message, thinking he’d read it in the morning, but I had to raise my eyebrows in surprise when I saw ‘Read’ beside the message. It’s almost midnight, and he’s still not asleep? He usually goes to bed at 10 PM, the latest being 10:30 PM…everyone’s acting strange today, huh.
Duen: About to sleep. You?
A smile immediately appeared on my face when I finished reading the message.
I like it when he asks back like this; it feels like he cares about me.
After that, we kept talking. I told him I wanted to see his face because I missed him. I’m telling the truth, not lying. I only saw him for a moment this morning, it wasn’t very satisfying. Duen scolded me, but what he did next made me smile like a madman.
Duen: You’re crazy [sends a picture of himself sticking out his tongue]
Even if it was just a picture of him sticking out his tongue, I was still happy. It felt like I got a lot more motivation to work.
Bon Ss: That’s a bit better, haven’t even eaten yet.
Duen: Why haven’t you eaten? It’s almost midnight.
He’s worried about me, isn’t he? If that’s the case, I’d be so happy.
After that, we talked about random things. Not much substance, really. I kept flirting with him…the way he asked where I was sleeping, what kind of work I was doing so late, stuff like that, it really felt like Duen was genuinely worried about me. In the end, the other side asked to go to sleep because he was sleepy.
Maybe he’s actually shy around me.
“Wow, you’re smiling big time.”
“Talking to the doctor.”
“Heh.”
I grinned, raising an eyebrow at my teasing friend, one of the people who flirts with me. Duen is the only one my best friend teases me about this much; it’s probably because I made the first move.
“Wow, you’re annoying.”
“Same here.”
“You little flirt!”
Go ahead and scold me, you jealous bunch, I’m so happy today.
We continued working, today being another day where my friends and I would sleep at the university. Actually, we could go home, but we wanted to finish the work piece by piece. Once this job is done, there won’t be much left.
Rrrr
‘Duen’
Huh? Duen…Duen, you say!
Damn, why is he calling at almost 11 PM?
“Hello…Are you sleep-talking calling me, Duen?” I asked, surprised. Seriously, since we’ve been talking, he’s never stayed up past half-past ten.
(Bohn. Where are you?)
“At the gear plaza.” After answering, I raised my eyebrows, curious, why ask? (Still working?)
“Yeah.”
“Bohn, pass me the scissors.” I handed the scissors next to me to Boss, holding the phone with my shoulder while continuing to cut the ropes. So much work, what are we going to do with all this rope?
“Stretch.”
(What’s all this fuss about?)
“There’s just a lot of stuff, are you worried?” I don’t know why either, every time I say this, the corners of my mouth automatically lift. It would be nice if Duen smiled back.
“Wow, I wish someone would call me like that too.” King, the jester, teased while making a playful gesture.
“Yeah. If there was someone, I’d propose with a dowry.” Boss added, raising his hand as if holding a tray and dancing, your face is so serious it’s almost kickworthy, Merk, take your wife away quick!
“Bohn’s already proposed, I’m the best man, haha.” Bom raised his eyebrows, not only is he the best man, but he’s also a wedding photographer, I remember, heh.
(Tell your friends to shut up.)
“Hey, you guys, he’s embarrassed.”
“Why are you smiling, Bohn?”
“Ahem, excuse me.”
(Shh, you crazy people.)
“Did you call for anything? Miss me?” Lately, I’ve been smiling a lot, all because of this idiot who made my friends ask, ‘Are you on drugs?’ Damn, I’m not on anything.
I’m just…in love.
“Done.”
Wait a minute…what’s this shadow looming over me, and was that Duen’s voice just now?
I slowly looked up at the person standing over me. I’m not imagining things; that was definitely Duen’s voice just now. So…why would he come here?
Hey, Duen!
The future doctor said he brought flowers because he wouldn’t be free tomorrow, but I think he must have an ulterior motive. I kept pressing him, and finally got the answer that he wanted to get some fresh air at the university…at 5 PM? The more I asked, the more he started showing signs. Duen isn’t good at lying…not good at all. In the end, when he realized he couldn’t keep up the pretense, he handed me a large Seven-Eleven bag, pressing it against my chest.
“Ah, eat this too.”
I reached up to take the bag from in front of my chest, puzzled. I couldn’t see what was inside, but I was sure there was basil stir-fry because I could smell it.
There must also be some snacks if I’m not mistaken.
Did he buy this for me?
“…”
“I didn’t buy this because you said you haven’t eaten, okay?” The speaker turned to look at a statue of a peeing boy…what’s more interesting about it than me? It’s not even half as good as me.
“…”
“I just brought the flowers, passed by Seven-Eleven, so I bought some food to eat myself, but after riding around, I’m full of air.”
“…”
“If I throw it away, it’s a waste, so-”
“…”
“Are you interested in being the wife of a chief mechanic like me? The dowry is substantial.”
“…”
“Duen, have I told you yet?”
“…”
“I like you, Duen.”
I feel like I like him more every day, I don’t know why.
Don’t make me fall for you, Duen.
[Duenhaw]
Medical Faculty Cafeteria
“Duen, I heard you went to see Phii Bohn at his faculty last night?” As soon as I sat down, the medical faculty moon nudged my shoulder. Huh? What…Hey! How did you know?
“Coming out strong, huh?” Tang nudged my other shoulder. You know too? Or did Phii Tang call Phu, and then Phu told them?
“What?” I pretended not to care, picking up this and that, checking the table edge, looking at the dust.
“Don’t act like you don’t know. You saw his post on his Facebook, right?”
“Damn, Bohn is such a jerk, posting everything on his FB…” I mumbled, quickly checking my phone. Not cool at all, by saying this, it means they already know.
Bon Ss
You said you were going to sleep, what are you doing at my faculty at 5
PM?
Phii Bohn likes Nong Duen, #BohnDuen, #MyPerson, with Krisda,
Duennhaw
That jerk posted three photos with a caption, the first was our LINE conversation where he said he hadn’t eaten, the second was everything I bought for him including the flowers, and the last was a photo of my back in front of the engineering faculty; he must have taken it while I was walking. I was too embarrassed by the teasing to pay much attention at that moment.
Damn!! Never consults before doing anything, where am I supposed to hide my face now?
…Sigh, whatever, I’m used to it.
The comments are the same as always. Mostly from the engineering gang coming to tease their friend, with some women complaining about not having a chance, even though they themselves ship guys together. It’s quite funny.
Tee Phattarawin: Bohn, you friend was smiling all night, must be happy.
I’m a bit surprised that the first comment isn’t from Phii Boss. But the picture he attached is funny; Bohn is hugging a 7-Eleven bag and smiling. I don’t know if it’s staged or not, but I’ve saved it, you buffalo, I’m going to tease him with it, haha.
Boss Thanarit: Damn, Tee, you stole the first comment from me! If you’re tired of Bohn, come find me #BohnDuen #IsThereAnyoneLikeThisLeft #IWantToBuyHim #IWishToHaveNong Duen
Oh, so the guy from earlier was Tee…but what do you want from me, Phii Boss?
Just wait.
Thanthep King: ‘My man’, wow, are you afraid others won’t know or what?
What do you know, I’m sick of these bastards, knowing full well their friend is delusional yet still praising him, damn!
Bom Boomm: I have nothing to say except…I’m annoyed!
Yeah, I’m also annoying, Phii Bom!
Thang Nakrab: I’m glad my friend has found someone stable.
Be glad for the ghost then, Phii Tang…sigh, whatever.
Megha Setthakit: Yeah, got a good wife.
Done!! Reading this hurts my heart, better to go type and scold damn Bohn, scold him right here in the comments.
Krisda, Duennhaw: I’m tired of you, you never ask me before posting anything.
Bon Ss: Didn’t even show your face a bit.
Krisda, Duennhaw: Didn’t show my face, but you tagged me, you bastard!
Bon Ss: I want others to know that I’ve claimed you.
I was about to type back, ‘Come fight me then,’ but a call came in first. And who else would it be but the post owner himself.
“Hello” I answered with a grumpy tone.
(I miss you.)
“I’m tired of that phrase.” I think I was making an annoyed face at Bohn, but why do I feel like the corner of my mouth is lifting?
(Like you.)
“…I’m tired of that too.” I said, turning my face away from my friend who was teasing me, preparing to mock me. You won’t get to me, I’m strong enough… (Then you say those words to me, so I won’t get tired of it.) …Since when?
“…”
(Heh heh.)
“I hate your laugh.” I said in a low, muffled voice, feeling a slight warmth on my face. Lately, my heart has been doing something weird, beating out of rhythm often.
“Oh, my, Tang dear friend, what’s wrong with you Duen? Why is his face so red? We need to take him to the doctor.” Pornapa clasped her hands together and blinked rapidly, pretending to be concerned…I hate it.
“No need to take him, he’s just embarrassed by his husband.” I take back my words, I don’t hate Tingting’s sentence the most; it’s Tang’s words that I hate the most. Go back to playing your psycho games, dude.
“You jerks.”
(Embarrassed, huh?) And here’s another one teasing, go back to your farming game!
“No!”
(Just admit you’re embarrassed, why get angry to cover it up?) It sounds like he’s scolding, but his tone doesn’t show it at all. Bohn speaks normally…like he’s flirting.
“Don’t you like it? Then I’ll do it more often.” I asked, starting to plot something mischievous in my mind.
(I don’t dislike it…anything from you, I like it all.)
“…Bohn, you’re so persistent with your flirting.” I spoke quietly, more like whispering, feeling like I didn’t have much energy to talk.
(Softening up a bit?)
“No!”
(Even then, huh? The food last night was good, heh.)
“Why tell me? I didn’t even make it.” I just bought it from 7-Eleven, shouldn’t the phrase ‘it was good’ be used for food someone made themselves?
(The food was delicious because it was from someone I like//ouch, I’ve been bitten by ants//I know where these ants came from now//even when he flirts with me through the phone…if we were flirting in person, I wouldn’t need to bring Baygon to class, would I?) Help me!
“Ew! Bohn, you’re so annoying, stop flirting!”
“Huh, your mouth says no, but your face is red. And you’re smiling too.” You…!!
“Shut up, King.”
(I want to see your face so badly.)
“No way, I’m going to submit my work.” I said that, but really, I’ll sit and gather my thoughts for another half an hour before going to submit, trembling, Phii Duen is overwhelmed.
(Homework?)
“Yeah, this professor is damn harsh…I’m super scared of him.” As soon as I said it, suddenly, the image of the professor smiling popped into my mind, brrr, scary.
(Why?)
“Last time I submitted work, and he scolded me.” I still remember that feeling well, my heart dropped, like there was a lump in my throat, I couldn’t speak, felt sorry for myself…
(He scolded you to help you improve.) Unexpectedly, I thought he’d say something like, ‘Who is he? Should we let the air out of his tires?’ or ‘I’ll ambush him and give him a head knock.’
I need to look at you differently, you thug.
“I know, but I’m still scared.”
(Where are you studying now?)
“Huh? Me?” I asked, surprised. Normally, he never asks me stuff like this. I really want to answer, ‘At the same university as you,’ but better not, Phii Duen doesn’t want to risk getting physically harmed by the thug, chuckle.
(Yeah.)
“Right now, I’m not in class, just sitting in the faculty canteen to calm down.” I answered while looking at my two best friends. They’ve lost interest in teasing me. (Oh, okay then.)
Click
“Wow, what’s with that?” I made a face of annoyance, looking at the now-dark screen in confusion. Wow, call when you want to call, hang up when you want to hang up, I’ll smack your head for this.
“Acting annoyed when he calls, but when he hangs up, you get irritated.”
“No way!”
You bastard! What’s with you!
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