SOUTHBESIDETHESKY, Chapter 40: A little child
Tonfah
I fell asleep hugging the drunk person until I drifted off too. The faint sweet scent mixed with a slight smell of alcohol made things feel a bit strange, but it was still Phoon’s scent. I woke up in the middle of the night to find the person I was hugging was gone.
“Phoon,” I called out softly, got out of bed, and went looking for him, thinking he might have gone to the bathroom. When I saw the small figure sitting in front of the fridge, I hurried over, “Are you okay?”
“Ouch, it hurts.”
“…” I didn’t respond, reaching out to pick up the person in front of me, placing him on a chair first, “Did you fall?”
“Hit my head.”
“What? Let me see,” I asked worriedly because we always leave a small light on in case Phoon wakes up in the middle of the night. With the dim light shining, I saw the red mark on his forehead, “Oh, that looks bad. Did you hit the fridge?”
“Uh, I will get back at it.”
“?”
“How dare it hurt the one who cleans it.” I couldn’t help but smile, feeling endeared by the person still not sober, before going to fetch first aid supplies, thinking a little massage might not hurt much. He must have hit the top of the fridge door, “Come on! You’re crazy!” Wait…
Arguing with the fridge now…
“Unhappy, huh? Ha, just putting some chicken in. If you don’t like it, don’t be born as a fridge!”
“…Phoon.”
“You siding with it?”
“No, I am not taking sides. Come on, good boy, let me treat your wound quickly.”
“No, no, no, no.”
He was a slow-acting drunk, wasn’t he? At first, I thought he’d be out for the count, but no. I had to carry him back to sit on the chair again and gently apply ointment and massage his forehead wound.
“Phii Fah you is good at treating wounds, impressive, as expected from a medical student.”
“…Yes.”
“As expected of someone who studied to become a doctor!”
“…” I inadvertently furrowed my brows, unsure how to respond.
“You’ve studied hard, haven’t you?”
“…Yes.”
“…”
“I will take you to bed now.”
“Doctor.” “?”
“Doctor Fah.”
“Yes?”
“Uh, don’t let me know.”
“Know what?”
“Don’t let me know that while studying, you were looking at others.”
“No, I didn’t, but why bring this up now?” I asked while carrying him back to bed, “Did you go to the fridge because you were thirsty?
Did you get water?”
“Don’t change the subject, there’s something fishy here.”
“…”
“Phii Fah you were looking at someone else, right!”
“No, I wasn’t.”
“I know, everyone likes you, the whole world does.”
“The whole world?” I asked back, smiling at the person who was sulking on the bed, his face flushed red up to his ears, eyes slightly narrowed, speaking sweetly and slowly.
He’s really cute when he’s drunk.
“The whole world, even when Phii Fah goes to the convenience
store, the dogs follow you, I saw.”
“…” I never noticed, “Maybe they followed because I was buying food?”
“No, really, don’t argue, you are the type that everyone likes.”
“Oh, I see.”
“Phoon, there are always people looking at me, even taking secret photos! I don’t like it. Don’t like it at all, I’m going to poke their eyes out.”
“You don’t like it?” I asked, frowning. Saying he doesn’t like it when people look at me, does that mean he’s jealous? I never knew Phoon could be jealous or possessive, because he never shows it, but there’s never been a situation where he would be, I guess.
“Don’t like it. They take ugly photos of you Phii Fah.”
“Huh? Because they take ugly photos?”
“They take ugly photos. They don’t need to take photos. I won’t let them.”
“So, the conclusion is they shouldn’t take photos because they take ugly ones?”
“No photos because they shouldn’t take photos. I will take photos of you Phii Fah alone.”
“Oh…”
“I remember! That person named Mona, she used to call and chat with you all the time, asking for tutoring. What was so hard to tutor about? It wasn’t even the start of the semester, what was she trying to learn? If she’s so eager for knowledge, why doesn’t she read by herself! And Phii Fah you were always on calls with her!” “But that was a long time ago, even before you went away.” “I don’t know, then there’s this person and that person, everywhere.”
“I am not involved with him at all.”
“I don’t know, why do you have to be so handsome too?”
“…”
“I knew you first, knew him when he was this small,” Phoon said with a frown, acting as if comparing our heights from when we were kids, “Knew you since we were little squirts.”
“…”
“When we went to kindergarten together wearing overalls, I knew you before anyone else. And now they dare to say they like you Phii
Fah? I have loved you since we learned to write ‘gaw gai’ together.”
“…” I didn’t say anything, just watched him whining in front of me, feeling so fond I wanted to hug him right then.
“And why did you grow up to be like this? Why so handsome, why so smart, why so kind, why do so many people like you? When we were kids, you didn’t have this many admirers.”
“…Uh, so what should I say to that?”
“You don’t have to answer, it’s just…I am just complaining.”
“…”
“Do you like kids?”
Changing the subject like this now…
“Yes…I do, why?”
“I like them too! I Want a lot of kids, filling the house, running around all over the place, but you are a doctor, you might not have much time to play with them, and they’ll love me more.”
“…” I started to furrow my brows when the drunk person in front of me mentioned children.
Oh, so you want a lot of kids, huh?
Then it’s going to be quite tiring.
“…”
“I will be the most understanding dad, won’t let the kids get bullied, will take them to good schools, introduce them to good friends, and give them lots of warmth.”
“…”
“Why don’t you answer me?”
“Well…Phoon you didn’t ask anything, did he?”
“What should you name the child?”
“Uh…yes, what should we name them? Whatever you want, I guess.”
“But Phii Fah you have to work hard, right? Will you have time for the child and Phoon?”
“Of course, I will try to make time to be with you and the child.”
“Phii Fah you have to be a cute dad for the child.”
“Yes.”
“And are you hungry?”
“Huh? Well, it’s already two in the morning.”
“I will make something to eat.”
“Wait, we better just go to sleep,” I held him back when I saw he was about to get up for real. What’s with Phoon when he’s drunk? Talking about this and that, completely unrelated, saying whatever comes to mind, “It’s late, let’s rest.”
“Not sleeping. No. Not sleepy.”
“But you are drunk.”
“Not drunk, why does papa have to argue?”
“…papa?”
“You are arguing with me!” “Phoon, don’t be stubborn.”
“You are scolding me, will you scold the child too like this?”
“…If they’re stubborn, I’ll have to scold them.”
“No, if you scold the child, I will take the child and run away.” He would run away with the child?
“He won’t let the child see your face anymore.”
“Mama, don’t be cruel to me.”
“…”
Asleep?
Completely silent.
I let out a small, unintentional sigh; he’s quite a handful when drunk. So, I adjusted his sleeping position to make him more comfortable, lay down beside him, gathered him into my arms, and covered us with a blanket, slowly closing my eyes and drifting off to sleep again.
…
“Does your head hurt?” I asked the person sitting across from me eating breakfast, whose face didn’t look too good after waking up, probably because of how much he drank last night, and even waking up in the middle of the night to whine.
“Uh, yes, a little.”
“Take some medicine later.”
“Yes, what time are you going to class?”
“Ten. Are you going to see Ter?”
“Yes.”
Phoon nodded slightly. Today, I had classes as usual, even though it was a holiday. While getting ready to leave for class, something came to mind.
“Phoon, do you remember what happened last night?”
“!!!”
His face turned pale and then red, which means he remembers, doesn’t it?
“What’s the answer?”
“Uh…what do you mean, what happened last night?”
“Oh, nothing. It’s just that last night you asked about kids.”
“Kids!!”
“Asked about their names.”
“Ah, oh, really? Haha, I was just drunk, so I was just talking nonsense.”
“How far have you thought about having children, Phoon?” I asked, ignoring the fact that he claimed he was just drunk earlier.
“…Well, I just thought about wanting to adopt a child. That’s it.” “Hmm, and have you thought about what you want the child to call us, like ‘papa’ and mama?”
“…”
“If I scold you, are you going to run away with the child too? That’s cruel.”
“Then how will papa live?”
!!!
…
Typhoon
When I first woke up, I didn’t remember much. I just felt a slight headache and a sore spot on my forehead. I touched it and found it was swollen, so I tried to remember what happened last night because I tend to be quite clumsy when drunk, bumping into things, talking nonsense. I remembered waking up in the middle of the night because I was thirsty, then I hit my head on the fridge door and collapsed to the floor.
Then…I argued with the fridge.
So embarrassing!
And in front of Phii Fah too, plus I went and picked a fight with him! Not only that, I even called him ‘papa’ and said I’d run away with our child!
Phoon, oh my god! If I could go back in time, I’d knock myself out so I wouldn’t wake up. Why did I even wake up? I was already embarrassed enough with my tantrums at night!
“Did Phoon really say that?”
“Should have recorded the sound, like how Phoon said you wanted to record me voice.”
!!!
“I don’t remember anything, Phii Fah, you should go to class. Don’t be late.”
“There’s still thirty minutes left.”
“No, no, you need to leave early.”
“Oh, were you saying that I should focus on studying?”
“Phii Fah!!”
“Yes, what do you say?”
“I will get sulky and run away with the kids!” Damn…I said it!
I accidentally said it out of embarrassment and awkwardness. It seemed to please Phii Fah a lot; he laughed heartily, which made me furrow my brows in annoyance.
“Oh, oh. I won’t tease anymore. don’t run away with the kids; that would be too cruel,” Phii Fah said in his usual gentle tone, not the teasing one from before. Then he got up from his chair, walked over to where I was washing the dishes, hugged me from behind, and leaned in to give my cheek a gentle kiss.
“Hah! Why do you always tease like that?” I complained in a muffled voice while scrubbing the dishes harder, feeling my face heat up completely.
“Don’t be sulky.”
“Fine, I won’t sulk if you stop teasing.”
“I won’t promise that,” Phii Fah said before letting go of the hug,
“Oh, and about the kids.”
“…”
“I will be a good father to our kids. Don’t worry.”
Phii Fah’s words made me turn around quickly. How can he say something like that so effortlessly, without any sign of embarrassment!
Phii Fah leaned in, giving me a soft kiss on the lips before pulling away slowly. I was a bit stunned, caught off guard, as a sweet smile spread across his handsome face.
“Let’s go, I’ll take you to see Ter.”
“…Yes.”
I reached out to hold the hand that was waiting for mine, and we left the room together. While waiting for the elevator, my mind kept circling back to last night, as if it wanted to make me feel even more embarrassed.
“Is something wrong?”
“No. Nothing’s wrong!!” I accidentally shouted, our voices echoing in the elevator where we were alone, making the person holding my hand look puzzled, “Sorry, I was just thinking about something.”
“Is it about last night?”
“!!!” In shock, I inadvertently glared at him.
“You’re making those big eyes at me again.”
“Uh, sorry.”
“No need to apologize, can you tell me what you’re thinking?”
“I won’t drink alcohol again!”
“Why not? You’re cute when you’re drunk.”
“Cute? More like embarrassing, huh, Phii Fah, don’t tease me again, or I’ll run and bang my head against the pillar,” I said, frowning seriously. By pillar, I meant the one in the lobby of our condo.
“No need to threaten to bang your head on a pillar, you haven’t recovered from hitting the fridge last night.”
“…”
“Should we change the fridge? It’s picking fights with you.”
“Phii Fah!!”
“Yes, why call me so often?”
“Huh!”
“Okay, okay. I won’t tease anymore,” Phii Fah said, smiling affectionately. I kept a grumpy face because I was both embarrassed and annoyed by the teasing so early in the morning. We walked out to the parking lot, Phii Fah opened the car door for me to get in before he circled around to the driver’s seat, and then the luxury car moved out. “What’s up with you, Phoon? You come in all red-faced, did Phii
Fah tease you again?” Ter asked immediately as I sat down on the coffee shop sofa. Today was another day off when the doctors had to go to class, so naturally, we had nothing to do and didn’t want to be alone in our rooms, so we decided to hang out at Phii Gibb’s coffee shop.
“What! Tease what!”
“You’re getting all worked up,” North teased. Today, it was just North, Ter, and me, three of us, since we didn’t have plans to go out anywhere. We were just waiting for the doctors, that’s all.
“…You guys.”
“You said there was nothing, but you’re talking so softly.” “What happened last night, did you do anything strange while drunk?” As soon as I asked, both of them widened their eyes and looked at me, “You all seem nervous, like you’re hiding something.”
“No…nothing! There’s nothing, why are you asking!” Ter responded awkwardly.
“Damn, you’re not even keeping it together.”
“What’s with you, North?”
“Hey, why the hostility, not over your hangover yet?”
“I am over it!”
“Why are you over it?” North teased, making Ter’s face turn red as he threw a nearby stuffed toy at North, “Ouch! When embarrassed, he gets violent.”
“And why are you asking, Phoon?”
“Well, last night seemed normal, but after I took a shower, suddenly, all these memories came back,” I started to explain, “I remember everything, damn it, from when I started getting drunk to waking up and causing a ruckus in the middle of the night.” I recounted while rubbing my face, still embarrassed thinking about it, what did you say, Phoon, T^T.
I don’t like it, I only want to take photos of you Phii Fah…
Why did you have to grow up to be so handsome…
Why do so many people like you…
I have loved you for so long…
I’m so grateful that I can still blame it on being drunk, because all those things are what I think but would never tell Phii Fah, TT.
“What did you do?” Ter asked.
“I’m not telling!” I snapped back.
“Come on, tell us, so we can share your embarrassment.”
“No teasing, right?”
“Yeah, no teasing.”
“I don’t believe you, then you have to tell your story too.” “Alright then. There’s nothing to it,” Ter said.
“Oh really, he loves Phii Hill the most in the world— ouch! Ter, you’re hurting me again!”
“Don’t slander me!”
“Slander what? The whole table was your witness, it went silent at that moment,” North said, which made me feel a bit embarrassed; I still remembered the scene when Ter, drunk, said that.
“Hey!”
“What do you think, Phoon, roughly?” North asked.
“Well, seriously thinking, it’s about kids. Have you guys ever talked about having kids?”
“We have, yeah/yeah,” Ter and North answered simultaneously.
“What did you say?”
“I asked,” North said, “but Phii Jo said he doesn’t like kids, so I thought it probably wouldn’t happen.”
“Oh, but I talked to Phii Hill about it; I’d rather adopt,” Ter said. “Yeah, same here, I want to adopt,” I said, before picking up the glass of water in front of me, “Doesn’t it seem like we’re thinking too far ahead? I don’t know, really, I’m just a freshman, and Phii Fah is a senior about to be in his fourth year.”
“In another couple of years, you’ll be done. It doesn’t hurt to just talk about it,” North said, “So, what did Phii Fah say when you talked about this?”
“Well…he…”
“He?”
“He said he would be a good father.”
“Shit…Phii Fah~, that’s very Phii Fah of him, warm like a microwave,” North started teasing a bit, “That’s good then.” “And last night, when I was drunk, I said I’d run away with the kid from Phii Fah,” my words made Ter and North burst out laughing.
“Why would you run away?”
“Because Phii Fah was scolding me for not wanting to sleep when I was drunk, so I said if he scolds me, I’d run away with the kid.” “Poor Phii Fah, how should he feel about being run away from with his own child?” North said with a laugh.
“Damn, thinking about it makes me so embarrassed,” I said while rubbing my face, “How could I say that, and I even told Phii Fah to focus on his studies.”
“Shit,” Ter and North laughed even harder, “You told Phii Fah to study hard?”
“Yeah.”
“Is there anyone in this world who studies harder than Phii Fah?”
“Shouldn’t have gotten drunk, damn it.”
“Phoon, that’s what happens when you’re drunk,” Ter patted my shoulder lightly in a comforting manner, though he was still laughing,
“If you think you’re embarrassing when drunk, just look at North.” “Yeah, I vomited all over Phii Jo the first time I got drunk, that’s pretty embarrassing.”
“Stop, don’t bring that up again,” North raised his hand to stop the conversation, “Don’t shift the focus from Phoon to me. And Phii Fah, being a doctor, won’t have much time, right?”
“No, no, Phii Fah said he’ll be a doctor at first to gain experience, then he’ll take over from his father.” “Phii Fah’s father, who is the dean?”
“Uh, he also owns a private hospital.”
“Really?” North looked surprised as if he didn’t know, then he seemed to remember something, “Why didn’t I know that? Oh, oh, oh, I remember, the private hospital with many branches, right?” “Yeah, so it’s quite pressuring for him. I’m worried, but I don’t know how to help, I can only try my best to take care of him,” I said, unconsciously shrugging my shoulders. It’s not just Phii Fah who feels the pressure; there are people around him like his uncle, aunt, or anyone involved in the hospital business.
“That’s how it is, the pressure is always there,” North said with a frown.
“Phii Jo is the same, right?”
“Uh, it’s inevitable, like a test you have to pass. It’s not easy to manage a renowned private hospital like that.” “Uh, I understand,” I nodded slightly.
“You’re doing your best to support him, that’s good,” Ter said, “But the owner of a hospital with so many branches, damn, they must be rich, studying medicine to become a hospital owner, that’s quite fitting, isn’t it?”
“Isn’t it true that they’re together because of their looks and status? I’m starting to wonder,” North said, “Phii Hill is going to take over his father’s company, right? And Phii Hill’s father and Phii Jo’s are friends too.”
“Uh-huh,” Ter nodded, “But you’re only starting to suspect now? Shouldn’t you have realized this a long time ago?”
“I had my suspicions from the beginning. I mean, people who are similar are attracted to each other, like me and you guys, rain makes the earthworms come out.”
“I feel weird about that analogy somehow,” Ter said, frowning.
“But you guys are good.”
“Us?” I repeated the word.
“Yeah, being with you guys is like being in a field of fragrant flowers. Not that it’s a perfect world, but you guys are genuinely good people. Not like my engineering friends, damn, they’re like hell on earth.”
“Is it that bad?” Ter asked, sounding somewhat skeptical, “They seemed normal when we talked. They even looked kind.”
“Have they ever spoken rudely to you?”
“No.”
“Yeah. They say they can’t bring themselves to speak rudely to Ter, but look at how they talk to me,” North said, looking somewhat displeased.
“Alright, you guys,” I spoke up, remembering I had brought my camera in my bag. I didn’t intend to take photos, but it was more out of habit; I like carrying my camera around, though not to class, “The light is good today. It’s not too hot either.”
“Oh, huh,” North said, “And why?”
“I want this kind of light.”
“…This isn’t good,” Ter whispered to North, frowning with concern,
“I have a bad feeling about this.”
“Why?”
“You guys go for a walk,” I suggested.
“Shit, there it is,” Ter sighed, “When you say the light is beautiful and we have free time like this, it’s bound to lead to going out for a walk and taking photos.”
“There’s not much sun, can you handle it?” I asked because Ter is sensitive to sunlight; if his skin is exposed to the sun for too long, he gets rashes or something, but today there isn’t much sun, it’s quite cloudy, perfect for a walk!
“Uh, yeah, I can manage, but I’ve brought a long-sleeve shirt. It’ll be fine.”
“Great! Let’s go to the zoo then?”
“Why go to the zoo?” North raised an eyebrow.
“I want to take photos, come on, come on.”
“Ugh, can’t we just stay here, I’m too lazy for this,” North said. “Come on, please, North, can’t we? I really want to go, want to go with you guys, please, take me out, if I go alone, I’ll definitely get lost and be eaten by a lion, don’t you care if something happens to me?”
“Do you have to make such a big deal out of it?”
“I won the drinking contest against you yesterday, the loser has to do what the winner says.”
“Did we agree to that?”
“Yeah, otherwise, why would we compete?”
“Alright, alright, I give in, let’s go.” In the end, North agreed to go. As for Ter, he was going anyway. So, the three of us decided to go to the zoo together, “I need to tell Phii Jo first.” “Me too,” Ter said.
“Why are you telling Phii Jo like I am, are you hitting on my guy?
Isn’t that going too far, Ter, aren’t you satisfied with Phii Hill?” “…I mean, I need to tell Phii Hill too, why are you making such a fuss?”
“Oh, then let’s go,” North said. Before we left, I took out my phone to message Phii Fah that I was going to the zoo with Ter and North, thinking I’d leave a message since he was probably in class and couldn’t reply.
Typhoon: Phii Fah
Typhoon: I am going to the zoo with North and Ter.
Typhoon: Going to take a lot of photos.
Typhoon: I’ll be careful, don’t worry, hehe.
Typhoon: I’ll bring back some photos for you.
It wasn’t long before it showed he had read the message, and then Phii Fah called. I answered, confused, noticing that North and Ter also looked puzzled because they had incoming calls as well. (Is it the Suan Sathorn Park?)
“Oh, yes, can we go there?”
(Yes, please be careful.)
“I already said I would be careful.”
(Can’t I just remind you?)
“Yes, you can.”
(Okay, don’t overdo the walking, better take the car so you’re not in the sun, and watch out for valuable items too. Stay with
North and Ter so you don’t get lost, and if you do get lost or anything happens, call me immediately, got it?)
“Yes!”
(Good, what time will you be back?)
“I don’t know yet, what time does Phii Fah finish class?”
(Three in the afternoon.)
“Then Phii Fah can pick up Phoon from Suan Sathorn after class, how does that sound?” (Okay.)
“Yes, study hard.”
(You told me that last night, didn’t you?)
“See, you’re still teasing.”
(Hehe, just kidding. See you later.)
“Yes, see you.”
Then I hung up the phone, turning to see that North and Ter had also just hung up almost at the same time.
“What did they say?” I asked.
“Just told me to be careful,” Ter replied, then turned to ask North,
“How about you?”
“Phii Jo asked what made me think of going to Suan Sathorn, it’s so hot today. Then he told me to take care of myself, something like that.”
“Okay, let’s go then!” I said happily before quickly getting up and walking out of the shop, turning around to see that North and Ter weren’t very enthusiastic, which made me complain, “Be a bit more lively, don’t just drag your feet.”
“Yeah, yeah, let’s go!” Ter raised both hands to show he was being lively before taking out his phone.
“What?”
“Haha, Phoon, Phii Fah told me to hold your hand when we walk.”
“Huh?”
“He’s worried you might get lost, told me to keep an eye on you, even hold your hand.”
“Yeah, Phii Fah told me the same thing,” North said, “Said to make sure Phoon doesn’t get lost.”
“Make sure I don’t get lost? What does Phii Fah think I am? Not a little kid,” I frowned.
“But you do need to be watched carefully, really, because if you suddenly get lost, it would be a disaster,” North said, “Don’t wander off far from us. I don’t want to have to look for you all over the zoo.” “I know! I won’t get lost from you guys, I’m twenty-one, not seven or eight to get lost in a zoo.”
“Yeah, yeah, let’s go, Typhoon, twenty-one,” Ter teased me a bit before we all walked to hail a cab to go to the zoo.
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