NORTHHOWMUCHISYOURLOVE, Chapter 11 part 2
(Holy shit! And how did it go?)
“I explained everything.”
(What?)
“From when Ja asked to get back together, asked about Temp, I asked you, and then told Phii Johan that you told me everything.”
(That’s perfect.)
“Will there be any consequences for me saying you told me?”
(No, he already knew I might tell you. When we talked, I promised I wouldn’t tell you if you didn’t ask, but if you did ask, I had to tell because you might threaten me.)
“And what did Phii Joe say?”
(Nothing much, but the one who made you find out about this is going to be in trouble.)
“The one who made me know, is it Ja?”
(Yeah, say goodbye to your ex then.)
“Really?” I raised my eyebrow, puzzled. “What are you going to do to Ja?”
(Don’t know, but thinking about her trying to get back together with you, what do you think?)
“…” I sensed another disaster coming. “Really? But that’s a woman, should I do something?” (I suggest you don’t. If he knows you still care, it’ll be worse for you.)
“Sua, I’m scared, man.”
(You should be. Be careful with what you do. Not just for yourself, but for others too. Didn’t you just warn her?) Tiger said, but his tone was far from troubled, unlike me whose heart was now in the pit of my stomach.
“If it were you, and Nao’s ex came back to get back together, what would you do?”
(Hmm…just thinking about it makes me mad.)
“Would he get mad like you?”
(You’re the one who talks to Phii Johan. You should know.)
“I guess I have an idea.”
(So, would he get mad?)
“Really angry, finally, they even hung up on me in a hurry.”
(What did they hang up to do?)
“…”
“Don’t want it, don’t threaten me like this.”
(Not threatening)
“Then you think…”
(At this point, your ex might still be fine, huh?)
@SOUL OUT!
“You are here, little one.” As soon as I walked into the shop, Phii Day, who is also one of the employees at Soul Out, immediately came over to greet me. I made a displeased face in response to that greeting.
“Not small.”
“Then I’ll call you short.”
“Not short.” I argued. “Then I’ll call you small. You are small.” Phii Day said, ruffling my hair with his hand. What’s with playing with my head? It started with Phii Tharn.
“I’m not a dog, you know.” I said, making a grumpy face. Phii Day started working here around the same time as me. I heard from Phii Pan that Day’s family is quite well-off. He has no money trouble, but he has to work because Phii Day doesn’t behave very well, so his father made him work on his own for once.
And Phii Day…
He started flirting with me right from the first days at work, saying something about being drawn to me, the more he knew me, the more he liked me. And of course, I outright rejected him, suggesting we should be like siblings instead.
I’m not sure how well Phii Day understands the term ‘Phii-Nong’…
“Didn’t see you for a day, I missed you.”
“Well, I don’t come to work at the shop every day.”
“You work in many places, right?”
“Yes”
“Then should I follow along and do it with you?”
“No need to go that far.” I said before turning towards Phii Pan who was just walking in, “Oh, Phii Pan, you’re late today.”
“Just a little, is the shop ready to open? Or are you just standing here flirting?”
“This one doesn’t even grant me a little flirting.” Phii Day said, playfully pushing my head. “Are we not getting along or what?” I sighed, this guy is so open, stubborn too, damn it. I don’t like it.
“I’ll go help in the kitchen.” I said, heading into the kitchen. There wasn’t anything to do there, but it was better than being teased out there.
“Are you upset with me?” Phii Pan followed me into the kitchen, “I was just teasing a bit.” “No, Phii. I’m fine, but I’m not into Phii Day. I don’t want to give him hope, so please don’t tease me, or else Phii Day might get the wrong idea.” I explained.
“Sorry, I got carried away. So, have you already rejected him?”
“Yes.”
“What did you say?”
“I said it’s better to be Phii-Nong.”
“Day is good-looking, comes from a good background, and seems to really like you. Why not give it a try?”
“No.” I shook my head slightly, “Are you cheering for me and Phii Day, Phii Pan?”
“Not really, just asking. Actually, Day doesn’t have the best reputation, or else his father wouldn’t have sent him to work here.” Phii Pan added, “Fights, women, drinking, smoking, bad friends, stuff like that.”
“Oh. I already wasn’t interested.” I said before turning to do something else. Another reason I felt uncomfortable was because Phii Day liked to be touchy-feely, patting my head was one thing, but later he started touching here and there, holding hands, pinching my cheeks, my lips. So, I tried to avoid being too close to him.
After ‘Sua’ threatened me about Phii Joe, I rushed out of the dorm to get to work, fearing I’d be late. I was still a bit worried, but Phii Johan isn’t that cruel, surely. That was just a woman, and Tiger might have exaggerated his threat out of spite because I had been threatening him for a while.
Once the shop opened, customers started trickling in. I did my usual work, with the added caution of avoiding Day, making life a bit tougher.
“Little one, take the order for table three.” Day shouted. I hurried over to table three. As we passed each other, Day unexpectedly pinched my cheek.
“Hey, Phii!”
“Surprised?” “Quite surprised, what are you doing?”
“Angry? Your face is all messed up. It’s because your cheeks are soft, I just can’t help but want to squeeze them.”
“No thanks, Phii.”
“Oh, oh.” before he could ruffle my hair again, this time I dodged in time.
“Let’s go clear the tables.” I said. Day gave me a playful smile as if to humor me before walking off to clear the tables. Seriously, I meant it when I told him to go. Not to hide my embarrassment.
“You seem really annoyed.” Phii Pan teased me when I went to sit near the counter.
“I’m not really okay with it. Does it count as harassment?”
“I don’t know, but if he grabs your butt, it’s definitely harassment.”
“Let’s not go that far, please.”
“You really don’t like this, huh?”
“Exactly. Who would like that?” I said, making an annoyed face. Seeing Phii Day standing there chatting playfully with customers, he really has such a good disposition, “I’ve made it clear, I’ve shown it clearly that I don’t like it. This touching is too much.”
“He’s persistent, this type is scary.”
“Why does he have to like me, anyway?” I bit my lip. There are so many people, why me?
“Because you’re cute.”
“Phii Pan, when you compliment like that, I get embarrassed.”
“Phhht! Oops, sorry, I wasn’t complimenting. Just thought you’re quite cute, your personality too, talking to you feels comfortable. Anyone would like being around you.” Phii Pan said. I raised my eyebrows and gave her a mischievous smile.
“Of course. I talk to myself, and even I feel comfortable.” “Annoying, who would talk to themselves?” But many people have told me this, that talking to me feels comfortable. Not stressful, can be playful or teasing, because I don’t get mad easily, which is good. Even now, being alone, I feel super comfortable.
Ding!
Notification sound…
Now that I’m free, I picked up my phone to check it.
Tg.: sends picture
Tg.: So cute
Oh wow…You even take and send a picture of Nao sleeping? And the picture is super blurry.
North♣: You send this even though it’s this blurry, Sua.
Tg.: Cute. I won’t let you see it clearly, I’m jealous.
Tg.:. I don’t want you to see it, but I want to show off how cute he is.
North♣: Seriously, you look like a psycho, taking pictures while someone’s asleep.
Tg.: Just admit you’re jealous.
Tg.: Your house doesn’t have a Duennao anyway.
North♣: What the hell, LOL.
North♣: My house doesn’t need one of those.
I’m stressed out. This guy Tiger is such a show-off, loves to boast, spouts nonsense. Not many people know about this situation, so he can only brag to a few, and he often brags to me about how cute Nao is (whom I don’t have access to).
North♣: So, in summary, you’re messing with me, aren’t you?
Tg.: Messing with what? I’m not messing with you.
Tg.: I’m serious.
North♣: Are you like the national champion of messing around, four-time winner?
Tg.: Well, I’m messing with you then. Not threatening though.
North♣: Wow, that’s not threatening, but Tiger, I asked if you think I am still safe or not?
Tg.:. Let’s wait and see. I know him better than you do.
Tg.: I mean, I know his bad side.
North♣: Because you’re bad yourself.
Tg.: Not as cool as you.
North♣: So, he really likes me?
Tg.: Asking again for what? You’re off-topic, asshole
North♣: Off-topic about what?
Tg.: The point is the cuteness of Duennao.
Tg.: Don’t bring up irrelevant matters.
North♣: Phhht. You’re the one being irrelevant.
North♣: Since you’ve messaged me, give me some advice.
Tg.: Nope.
Tg.: I’m leaving now, bye.
North♣: Wait, listen to me, I’m feeling really uncomfortable right now.
Tg.: Is his name Duennao?
North♣: No, why?
Tg.: Then don’t call me ‘Tiger’.
North♣: Can’t I even do a little?
North: I seriously don’t know what to do anymore. There’s this senior who works part-time with me, he started flirting with me, and I’ve rejected him, but he keeps buying stuff, recently he’s been getting physically close, and I’ve told him I don’t like it, but he won’t stop.
North♣: What should I do?
Tg.: It’s not complicated.
Tg.: Tell Phii Joe.
North♣: Funny.
Tg.: I’m serious. What can you do? Or just quit, that’s all.
North♣: Come on. Don’t you have any good advice?
Tg.: Tell Phii Joe, that’s it.
North♣:. No, tell him.
Tg.: Then keep feeling uncomfortable.
Tg:: sends picture
Tg.: So cute
North♣: …
Is my friend this obsessed? I guess I might need to take him for a brain check to see if there’s anything else in his head besides Nao.
Sighing deeply, “Stressed out by this too?” Phii Pan asked immediately after I put my phone back in my pocket.
“It’s my friend’s nonsense, it’s giving me a migraine.” I answered, shaking my head slightly. “How much can one person like someone else, Phi?”
“Hmm, strange question.”
“I’m just wondering, my friend likes someone so much it’s almost like his whole life.” I said, thinking about Tiger, “What makes someone like that?”
“Well, they just like them. There’s nothing to it, liking is liking, I’ve been there too.”
“Really. I’ve liked someone too, but never to that extent.”
“Liking them, you like their face, their voice, their character, their words, their thoughts, their gestures, their actions, you like everything about them. It’s like this person was born for you to like, they’re the epitome of more than just a spec.”
“Oh, I understand now.” I nodded, indicating I understood. I’ve heard of the term “more than a spec” before, but never really got it. I’ve never met someone like that, nor thought I’d be like that for someone else.
“Go help Day clear the tables, don’t just stand there pretending to work.”
“Oh, is this pretending to work? I’m not even sure if I’ll get paid.” I teased.
“Chain would definitely cry if he heard that.” Said Phii Pan. I chuckled a bit before going to help out.
I wearily took off the apron from the shop; today was unusually busy, so we closed later than usual. The other employees were equally exhausted. Now we were in the process of cleaning up the shop.
“It’s good when there are so many customers.” Phii Day remarked as we were sweeping the floor.
“But the salary stays the same, Phii.” I said.
“Then you’ll have to stay with us longer.”
“Oh, the gold-dropping house is selling now?” I teased, and Phii Day dropped another one on me, that must’ve been the hundredth time today.
“Keep dropping until you soften up.”
“Phii…”
“If you don’t soften up, I’ll force you to.”
“Phii!” I said, shaking my head slightly before quickly walking away, what’s with him anyway? After a while, he finished packing up the shop. I went into the staff storage room to gather my things to head home, knowing I’d be in deep trouble if Ter caught me leaving this late.
“I’m heading out, see you.” Phii Pan popped her head in to say goodbye. I nodded and smiled back, everyone else had already left. I was the only one still here.
Where did my phone go… It was just in my pocket!
I emptied out my bag, checked under the table, at Ter’s counter, in the bathroom shelves, searched all over the store, but still couldn’t find it.
“Damn it.” I muttered in frustration, where could it have gone? I always keep it in my pants pocket. If someone else picked it up, that’d be disastrous, especially since it was a gift from Phii Joe. If Phii Johan found out I lost something he gave me, he’d be furious all over again. Just the thought of him being angry was terrifying enough.
Oh my God, where could it be!!
Why does it have to go missing when everyone’s gone home? The shop closed, and it’s so dark, it’s super creepy.
“Hey.”
“Whoa, Phii Day.” I called out to the person who just appeared. I thought you had already left, “You haven’t gone home yet?”
“Nah, what about you?”
“My phone’s gone missing, dunno how.” I said, pouting in annoyance.
“This it?” Phii Day held up my phone, smirking, waving it like he planned this all along.
“Yeah, yeah, that’s mine, how did it end up with you?”
“You didn’t take care of your stuff, did you?”
“Did I drop it? Thanks for picking it up.” I sighed in relief, thinking I’d never find it.
“No good?”
“Give it back.”
“Come get it then.”
“Are you messing with me?” I furrowed my brow, wondering if this was some kind of game, especially now that it was just me and Phii Day. I was starting to lose trust, but since he didn’t seem ready to give it back easily, I had to approach him.
I reached out to grab my phone from his hand, but Phii Day dodged.
“Phii, I’m not playing, I’m going home.” I said, not in the best mood. Phii Day still wouldn’t give me back my phone, dodging here and there.
“I’m not playing either.”
Suddenly, Phii Day pulled me in, one hand gripping my neck, the other arm locking around my waist, and he pressed his lips hard against mine, making me jump. His hot tongue invaded my mouth without permission.
!!!
“What the hell are you doing!” I pushed him away in shock, then threw a fullforce punch at Phii Day’s face.
Damn…what disgusting trash.
“Is this too much?” I shouted angrily, while Phii Day, unfazed by the punch, wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, then smirked again.
Forget the phone!
I immediately spun around and ran out of there.
!!!
What now!!
Suddenly, someone grabbed me from behind, and no matter how much I struggled, I couldn’t get free. When I saw Phii Day approaching, my heart sank. What now, what are you going to do?
“Phii Day, not like this.”
“Scared?”
“No, I just don’t like you. Do you really have to go this far?”
“You keep saying you don’t like me.” I kept struggling to break free, too focused on the person in front of me to notice someone else coming from the side.
“Ugh!!” I cried out as something hard struck my stomach.
Sore…
I felt so sore I doubled over, but there was nothing I could do; the pain spread to my chest. I grimaced in pain, and then the guy walked over to Phii Day, holding a PVC pipe. Did he just hit me with that?
“Don’t be too harsh.” Phii Day said, turning to look at the newcomer.
I didn’t recognize this bastard at all.
“Fighting, women, booze, cigarettes, hanging with the wrong crowd, that sort of thing.”
Phii Pan’s words echoed in my mind. So this must be his friend then.
I started to feel more scared, my stomach churning with fear. Who wouldn’t be scared in this situation? It was weird; there were two strangers and one utterly untrustworthy guy, I was almost immobilized, and that hit from earlier was not gentle at all. Damn it. I shouldn’t have been looking for my phone while everyone else had already left; it gets so deserted here at night.
Why do I have to go through this?
“Why are you making that face? Scared of me? If you had just let me hit on you from the start, we’d be done by now.” Phii Day said. I stared at him without blinking, yes, scared and angry. “I told you if you don’t give in, I will rape you.”
“…” I wanted to shout again, but just breathing in made my chest hurt.
“Day, you want to go first?”
“I’ll go first. You guys can follow.”
“Get away from me, you bastards.”
“Hey, are you fighting with your future husband?” the guy said, swinging the pipe again, hitting my stomach once more. “Ough!!” I clenched my teeth against the rising pain, my legs weakening to the point where I could barely stand, but the one holding me didn’t let me fall.
Damn it.
It hurt.
And I was scared.
I’m done…
The next thing I knew, I was released, but my legs had no strength to stand, so I collapsed without warning. I instinctively clutched my stomach with both arms due to the pain, and with great difficulty, I glanced up because now my consciousness was nearly gone.
What?
I can’t see clearly.
The noisy sounds grew so loud that I couldn’t grasp what was being said. It sounded like Day and his friends were yelling, there were other voices too, and it seemed like people were arguing.
Damn it, I’m about to pass out…
Soon, all the noise calmed down. After a while, it seemed like someone was approaching; the sound of car tires screeching on the road hurt my ears until the engine cut off. Someone must be coming over.
“It’s all taken care of, Young Master.”
“Um.”
“What should we do next?”
“…”
Footsteps approached and stopped near me. I tried to lift my head to look. Even though I couldn’t see clearly, I knew who it was.
“Phii Joe…”
The other person crouched down in front of me. “I told you not to come work here, didn’t I?”
“Yeah.” I could only manage a soft response due to lack of strength, and the person in front of me didn’t say anything more. He just reached out to hold me, as if trying to help me up.
“Ugh, I’m okay, Phii.” I said before gently pushing his hand away.
“I can get up.”
“North.”
“Don’t be stubborn with me.”
Leave a Reply