EASTTAGYOUREMINE, Special Chapter (2)

   “Take this to table three.” I quickly picked up the freshly prepared dish and served it to table three as instructed. I’ve been working part-time with North for a while now. Of course, I haven’t told Phii Hill. If Phii Hill finds out…I can’t even imagine how much of a scolding I’d get.

The work here is quite demanding, but it’s a good thing because it means our restaurant is doing well, especially in the early evening when it gets really crowded. I only work here, but North says he’s going to take on another part-time job elsewhere. I’d like to do that too, I’m still considering it.

North is really hard working, which I admire a lot. He said he doesn’t want to burden his family, so he’s been doing part-time jobs to earn extra money for a long time now.

“It’s time for a break.” North complained before flopping down, exhausted. The rush hour had just passed.

“Exactly, it was really busy today.” I said as I sat down next to him.

“Nong Ter, come here for a moment.” Phii Ya, the restaurant owner, called out to me. Phii Ya is a very tough transwoman who, besides owning this restaurant, runs several other small businesses.

“Yes.” I walked over to where she called.

“Someone’s here to see you, waiting outside the front of the restaurant. He’s super handsome, everyone, both customers and staff, are staring. Who is it, your boyfriend?” Phii Ya asked, her eyes sparkling.

“Huh!?” I stood there with my mouth open, chills running down my spine at the compliment, as it gave away who it might be. I hurried to take off my apron with the restaurant’s logo and rushed outside.

As expected…

Phii Hill!

Phii Hill was standing outside, still drawing attention from inside the restaurant. I approached him hesitantly, and as soon as Phii Hill spotted me, he gave me a stern look.

“Um…Phii” I didn’t dare address him fully, just made a weak smile, wondering how he knew I had a part-time job here, T^T.

“Come with me.” said the person in front of me in a firm tone before grabbing my wrist and pulling me along. Phii Hill led me to a parking lot nearby.

“Why did you start working part-time without telling me?” I made a sad face like a scolded child, and indeed, I was being scolded, so much so that I didn’t dare look up.

“Uh…well, I…was afraid of being scolded.” I stammered, genuinely afraid of getting scolded, and now I was, T^T.

“See, you knew I’d be angry.”

“…” Oh no, I’m really scared now.

“B…but I didn’t want to trouble my family.”

“Or trouble me.” I added, certain that Phii Hill would say he’d take care of all the expenses himself, but because I felt guilty, I chose to work on my own.

“Sigh.” The person in front of me sighed softly, and I looked up to see he indeed seemed quite angry, “It’s dangerous, you know, coming back this late.”

“Yes, but I come back with North.”    “It’s still dangerous.”

“It’s not that bad.” I said, but Phii Hill didn’t seem to ease up, which means I’d definitely be forced to quit, “Let me do this, please. I want to do things on my own.” I tried to plead.

“How long have you been doing this?”

“Not long, just three or four days.”

“And how’s the job at the restaurant?”

“It’s good, the owner is very kind, and everyone seems nice too.” My answer and stubborn demeanor made Phii Hill sigh again. I understood his concern; not only was it late when I finished work, but there was also the risk of dealing with bad customers or unsavory people. He must be worried about everything, but I didn’t want to just sit around and depend on him.

“You’re working with Nong North, right?”

“Yes.”

Phii Hill seemed to be thinking about something before he took out his phone and made a call.    (What’s up?)

   “Jo, are you free?”

(Not free)

   “I have something to talk about.”

(I’m working, we’ll talk later)

   “It’s about Nong North”

(I am listening…) 

   -THE END-

 EASTTAGYOUREMINE CHAPTERS HOME 

 

EASTTAGYOUREMINE, Special Chapter (1)

   Today, Phii Hill said he would take me to visit his grandmother at her house since her condition had improved significantly, and she was allowed to go home.

Moreover, she expressed a desire to meet her grandson’s boyfriend. I had changed clothes multiple times since morning, trying to pick the most decent outfit. I must say, I was super nervous and excited.

“Don’t be so tense.” Phii Hill said as we were climbing the stairs of the large wooden house, truly befitting his grandfather, a grand and expansive Thai-style wooden house.

“How can I not be tense? I have to meet your grandfather too.” I replied with a slight frown, already fearing the grandfather ever since Phii Hill told me about him. Even though Phii Hill said it was okay, I was still afraid his grandfather might not accept me.

“It’s fine, I’ll be with you.”

“Uh, okay.” I nodded to show I understood, but I was still worried. When we arrived, we met a woman sitting on the bed with a kind smile, who must be his grandmother; she seemed very nice. His grandfather was sitting in a chair next to Phii Hill’s mother.

“Hello.” I greeted, raising my hands in a wai to show respect.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve seen each other, hasn’t it, son?” His mother came up to me, taking my hand with joy, “Even though you’re a scholarship student sponsored by me, I’ve never actually met you.”

“Huh, a scholarship student?” I echoed, confused, and turned to Phii Hill for an explanation.

“It’s about your scholarship.”

Oh…right, probably talking about Her Ladyship’s scholarship, huh? I thought it was just some coincidence, how could I have guessed that the person paying my tuition was his mother, T^T.

“Thank you.” I said.

“No need to thank me. Actually, if I knew you were Hill’s partner, I would have paid it for free.” His mother said half-jokingly. I didn’t know how to respond, so I just gave an embarrassed smile.

“Is this Hill’s partner? Come closer to grandma, dear.” The grandmother called out, so I moved closer to the hospital bed. “What’s your name?”

“Easter, but you can just call me Ter.” I introduced myself. This phrase has become quite a habit.

“Nong Ter…hmm, I’ve heard Hill mention you a few times. So, you’ve successfully captured his heart?” The grandmother looked at Phii Hill, who nodded in confirmation. “Well, I was rooting for you two. At first, you were, uh…what year was he in school again?”

“About fourth year.”

“Yes, fourth year, that’s right. Hill told me he liked a younger student. He was too shy to talk or approach, and came to ask me for advice. It took a lot of practice to get to this point.”

“Really?” I asked, raising an eyebrow at him.

“Yes, dear, so shy, so shy. He found you so cute that he didn’t know what to do. Whether you spoke, ate, laughed, he thought you were adorable, and that made him too shy to approach. It really wore my ears out.”

Grandma’s words made me blush. Did Phii Hill really describe me to her like that? Wow, hearing it this way is super embarrassing.

   “Congratulations on being together. Stay together for a long time, okay?”

“Thank you.” I said, “And how is grandma’s health?”

“It’s better now, but I can’t walk much anymore, so I have to use a wheelchair.” grandma said, noticing my worried look, she added, “It’s okay. I’ve told grandpa to retire and take care of me more, right?”

“I’ve been retired for a long time now.” grandpa said with a stern expression. “Good. Working hard is stressful, and you might start to take it out on the kids and grandkids. Hill would have had a hard time because of you.” Grandma said, though her tone wasn’t really angry.

“You should stop digging into things, all this digging, what’s it got to do with you, woman. I won’t do it anymore.” It seemed like Grandpa was pretending to be annoyed, perhaps because he was embarrassed by Grandma’s reprimand in front of the grandchildren but had no comeback.

Just like my own parents, huh.

“Hmph. When I came to my senses, I knew everything you did to our grandson. The more I think about it, the angrier I get, locking him in a room and forcing him to study for months! I’m really angry about that.” Grandma said, causing Grandpa to just sigh heavily and turn his face away.

“So that’s why you two had misunderstandings, huh? I apologize on behalf of

Grandpa.” Grandma added.

“Uh…It’s okay, no need to apologize.” I stammered, feeling awkward when an elder apologized.

“Now, everything’s better. Sigh, what a relief. I’m old now, I just want to see my only grandson happy. Hill isn’t like other kids growing up. As long as Hill doesn’t go back to how he was before, that’s all I ask for.” Grandma spoke with a warm look in her eyes. It reminded me of my late grandmother, who always said that at the end of life, all one needs is happiness, not too much, just enough. Having the people we love, a family, children and grandchildren all together, and everyone being happy is plenty.

“And Grandpa, he’s understood now. After several scoldings from me, he’s quieted down, pacified.” Grandma said with a smile and a soft laugh from her seat on the bed, which made everyone else smile except for Grandpa, who remained with a grumpy face.

It’s so good, both my family and Phii Hill’s, everyone understands now. Sigh, what a relief, everything really has improved.

   “Hill, come here to Grandma.”    “Yes.”

“Ah, this is from me.” Grandma pulled out a silver necklace and handed it over. Phii Hill took it, looking puzzled. It was a delicate silver necklace with a moon and star pendant.

“Isn’t this Mom’s necklace?” Phii Hill asked in surprise.

“It’s the necklace Grandpa gave to me, and I gave it to your father to give to the person he loves. Now it should be yours.” Grandma explained.

Phii Hill didn’t say anything, just stared at the necklace in his hand, thinking,

“You mean…”

“Yes, this necklace isn’t just any trinket to be given away lightly, once given, it won’t be taken back. Plus, it’s been passed down through two generations now.” Grandma explained, but before she could finish her sentence, Phii Hill had already put the necklace on me.

“?” I raised my eyebrows, looking at him in confusion. Why did he put it on me without asking anything?

“I definitely won’t return this one.” Phii Hill said before taking my hand and gently kissing the back of it, leaving everyone, including me, stunned.    “It suits you perfectly.”

“Thank you.” I thanked him, feeling shy, and slightly lowered my head to hide my blushing face.

“Really sweet, just like you were when you were young.” grandma teased before we left the room to let her rest. Meanwhile, his mother had some errands to run.    “Take Ter for a walk. Or maybe go make something to eat, I’ll be right back after my errand.”

“Yes.” Phii Hill agreed. I looked around the large house; there were hardly any people, just the housekeeper. Phii Hill took me to explore the house, knowing I liked to check out new places.

“Is this your room?”

“Yes.”

I took the liberty to walk into the room, which was as luxurious as his condo. Books were stacked everywhere, indicating that Phii Hill must have spent nearly a month in this room studying, as grandpa had mentioned.

“Actually, I don’t really like this room.” Phii Hill said as he followed me in. I nodded in understanding; if I were locked in a room for months, I’d probably hate it too, like it holds bad memories.

“But having you here, it suddenly feels much more livable.” He said, which made me smile.

“If I were here with you back then, it would have been better. You wouldn’t have had such a hard time.” I said. At least I could have been there to encourage him, to be by his side. Being alone in a room, studying for so long, anyone would feel stressed.

“It’s fine.”

“Meeting now makes up for all the longing we’ve had.”

“But if we had to be apart again this time, I really wouldn’t be able to bear it.” Phii Hill said, pulling me into a tight hug from behind and gently pressing his nose against my cheek.

“I feel the same. You’re not allowed to go anywhere anymore.” I said.

“Agreed.”

“Promise.”

🙂

 

Special EASTTAGYOUREMINE CHAPTERS HOME

EASTTAGYOUREMINE, Chapter 26: Hill

   “The person with the highest score is Ratchakit, getting a perfect sixty points.

Everyone, give him a round of applause.” The voice of the math teacher rang out in the classroom, followed by applause.

   “Wow, he’s super smart, how did he do that, he got a perfect score, our class barely passed half.”

   “That’s impressive, indeed.”

   The chatter in the classroom rose for a moment before the teacher called for silence and continued announcing the exam scores of the other students.

   “Ratchakit, come here for a moment.”

“Yes.” I turned towards the voice.

   “You did very well, you’re the only one who got a perfect score in class. This exam was really tough. Keep up the good work.” The teacher gave me a slight smile, but I didn’t smile back.

   I can’t remember when the last time was…

   “Have you thought about what you want to study in high school? What program are you planning to enter?”

   “Science-Math.”

   “That’s right. You’re already doing well, and you’ll continue here, right?”    “Yes.”

   “Great, keep pushing. I’ll send your scores to your grandfather, have the other teachers sent theirs?”

   “They have.”

   “Then I’ll send mine promptly, and have a safe journey home.”

   This school is the largest private school in the province, with high standards which is why my grandfather sent me here. I’m currently in the third year of middle school, about to take entrance exams for high school, and I’ll probably continue here anyway. My grandfather is friends with the principal and a major shareholder. He’s instructed all my teachers to report on my behavior and academic performance.

   “You must be above everyone else. No need to pay attention to those who are inferior.” My grandfather’s words are deeply ingrained in my mind. He’s very strict and stubborn. Because my father and grandfather have different views, my father wants me to do things like any other child, which often leads to arguments at home.

   “If I do what you say, will Dad and you stop fighting?” I, at six years old, witnessed a heated argument between my father and grandfather at the dining table, with my mother and grandmother trying to intervene. I asked this question when I saw my father sitting alone, looking stressed, at the back of the house.    Before this, my parents had just started a new business, and it seemed to be going well, which meant they had less time for me. As a result, I spent more time with my grandfather, who made me do exercises and practice beyond what other children were expected to. I barely had time to play with friends.

   Because of this, I had almost no friends during my childhood, and it affects me even now. I have significant problems with socializing. I’m too shy to even talk to others. My grandfather told me not to bother, friends aren’t necessary, they might just weigh me down.

   “No, not like that, my child. I don’t want you to be like how I was when I was young. I want you to enjoy and play like an ordinary kid.” Dad said with warm eyes and gently patted my head with affection.

   “It’s okay.”

   This was my own decision.

   When I was in grade 9.

   Even now, I still don’t have friends, because of my grandfather’s influence and our family’s reputation, rumors spread all over the school, so hardly anyone talks to me, which is fine. Because I don’t know how to act when I’m in front of others.    At school, it’s okay, I’m used to it. But at cram school, facing strangers makes me nervous. I wear a mask. If anyone asks why, I’ll say I’m sick.

   “Today, we’ll close half an hour earlier than usual.” announced the tutor in charge, causing the students to start leaving one by one. Normally, I book lessons until 10 PM and tell the driver to pick me up at 10 PM every day, but now it’s only 9:30 PM, leaving me with half an hour to kill. What should I do? I don’t have a phone because Grandpa doesn’t allow it, saying it would distract me from my studies.

I walked along the path, an area I’ve never been to before. Usually, I only go as far as the cram school, so I’ll have to find somewhere to wait.

   “Little one, why are you walking alone this late? Are you waiting for your parents to pick you up?” asked an auntie in an apron who was clearing dishes. This must be a restaurant, offering drinks and desserts too. Is this her home turned into a restaurant?

   I nodded.

   “Why don’t you come inside and wait in my shop? It’s dark around here, it could be dangerous.”

   I hesitated for a moment before deciding to step into the shop. Sitting here to wait is indeed better.

   “Would you like something to eat? I have desserts too.” she said, handing me a menu. I wasn’t really hungry at the moment, but sitting here without ordering anything might look odd, so I decided to order something sweet to take home.

   “How about coconut cake? Not sure if we have any left though.” she pondered for a moment, “Ter! Check if we have any coconut cake left in the fridge!” she shouted to someone, probably her son.

   “We have one, just one left actually.” said a boy about my age, entering from the back door with a tray of cake.

   “How many pieces do you want, dear?” the auntie turned to ask me.

   “One piece, please, to take home.” I replied softly.

   The boy then packed the cake in a box and brought it over to me.

   “Here you go.” The cheerful voice and innocent, wide smile made me pause for a moment before I took out the money to pay for the cake.

   “This kid is waiting for his parents, could you keep him company for a bit? You two are probably around the same age. I’ll be back after handling some errands.” The aunt said before taking off her apron and heading out the back of the shop.

Ter sat down across from me.

   “Hey, hello.”    Now what…

   This is the situation I dislike the most.

   I’ve said it before, I get awkward when strangers try to talk to me.

   “…Um.” I replied softly, sigh, this is terrible, can’t my uncle come pick me up soon?

   “What’s your name?”

   “…”

   “Um, my name is Easter, you can just call me Ter.”    Why does he smile so well…

   “I’m in middle school year two, what about you?”    “…” So, he’s my junior by a year?

   “…?” Ter must have noticed I wasn’t responding, so he looked surprised.

   “Are you not feeling well? That’s why you have your mouth covered?”    I nodded.

   “Oh, does your throat hurt so you can’t speak?”    I nodded again.

   He’ll probably stop trying to talk to me soon. No one wants to keep talking to someone who doesn’t respond. That’s fine…because right now, I’m feeling incredibly awkward.

   “Then can you write it down? I’ll go get some paper for you.” Before he even finished his sentence, he stood up and ran off. After a while, he came back with paper and a pencil.

   Is he serious?

   “What school do you go to?” he asked with a wide smile, his eyes always bright and full of life. It seemed like he was really determined to talk to me.

I wrote down the name of my school.

   “Wow, the most expensive private school, that’s amazing. I just go to the school near my house. I heard your school has a swimming pool, right?”    I nodded.

   “That’s nice. I’ve only swum in a pool a few times. But your handwriting is so beautiful, how do you write like that? My handwriting is terrible, even though I can’t read it sometimes.”

   And how should I respond to that?

   Or maybe I don’t need to respond. He just wants to talk, doesn’t he?

   And how is that any different from talking to oneself? How strange…

   “And why are you getting home so late?”    I wrote down on the piece of paper:

   ‘Extra classes’

   “Oh, at the tutoring center nearby? You’re so diligent. My parents force me to go, but I still refuse, even though our house is so close, hahaha.”

   “Do you like coconut cake?”

   “No, it’s for someone at home.”

   “Oh, then do you want to try the cocoa I made? I’ll treat you. My mom doesn’t let me serve it to the customers, but I’ve practiced a lot. It’s definitely delicious, you’ll be the first to try it.” With that, he got up and went to the counter.

   It feels like I’m a test subject…

   It didn’t take long for the cocoa, which Ter made for me as the first taster, to be placed in front of me.

   I have no choice…

   I slightly adjusted the mask over my mouth to drink more comfortably.

It’s not good…

“So, how is it? Is it delicious?” Ter asked with an excited look, “Oh right, I’m sorry, I forgot you have a sore throat, you don’t have to drink it if you don’t want to.”

   “It’s not good anyway, isn’t it?” he said, clearly making a disappointed face.

   Um…

   “But…”

   “…”

   “Maybe it would be better if you added more milk.”

   “Really? Then I’ll try that next time. Come back as the taste-tester…I mean, come back to taste it again, after your throat gets better.”

   “Ter, your dad’s calling you.” The aunt said as she returned.

   “Yes.” Ter acknowledged before standing up, “I’ll be right back.”

   After a while, a familiar car pulled up across the street from the shop. A middleaged woman with neatly tied-up hair, wearing a suit and high heels, whose sweet face broke into a smile upon seeing me, hurried into the shop.

   “Hill, here you are. I went to the cram school, saw it was closed, but I didn’t see you there.” my mom came in and hugged me lightly, clearly very happy, “Luckily, I had some free time today, so I decided to pick you up myself.”    “Are you his mother?” the auntie asked.

   “Yes, hello.” my mom greeted with a respectful nod, which the auntie returned with a smile, “Did my son cause any trouble?”

   “No, he was just waiting for his guardian and ordered a piece of cake.” The auntie said.

   “Really? Let’s see, wow, coconut cake? I just found out my son likes cake.” my mom said, slightly surprised after looking at the cake box.

“I bought it to take home for you.” I replied.

“Oh, thank you.” my mom said, then turned to thank the auntie, “Thank you so much, we’ll be heading back now.”

   “Sure, come by again, you can just sit and hang out.” The auntie invited.

   “Yes.” I nodded, though I wasn’t sure if I would come again.

   “What’s your name, dear? I haven’t asked yet.” The auntie asked.

   I didn’t answer, at least I didn’t want the boy to know. If Ter found out and heard the rumors about me at school, he might not want to talk to me anymore.

   “His name is Hill.” seeing that I was silent, my mom answered for me, “We’ll be going now.” she said, excusing us again before leading me by the hand back to the car.

   “Next time, you can wait here, it’s better than waiting alone in front of the cram school, it could be dangerous, I’ll let the driver know.” my mom suggested.

   “…”

   “Mom.”

   “Yes?”

   “There was a boy earlier, the shop owner’s son.”

   “…Did he say anything bad to you?”

   My mom is the only one who knows about the gossip and how I have no one to talk to at school because she’s the one who attends every parent-teacher meeting. She’s very worried about me not having friends, but I’ve told her I’m okay, though she’s not convinced at all.

   “No.”

   “And how was he?”

   “He talked to me a lot even though I didn’t respond much. He’s a bit of an odd one, but in a good way.”

“He seems like a nice person, cheerful, and he smiles a lot.”

Small, fair-skinned, with big eyes that looked more cute than anything spectacular, and many aspects of him were quite ordinary.

   But that smile…

   It’s like it’s slowly breaking down the walls of my personal world.    With a smile so bright as if it genuinely reflected what he felt inside, never thinking ill of anyone, always ready to share his positive energy.

   “I’m not sure.”

   Even though I never smiled, looking at him made me feel like smiling back.    “Hill…how long has it been since I last saw you smile like that?” Mom said as she turned to look at me from the driver’s seat. I only then realized that I was smiling. Even though it wasn’t a big smile, it was probably the most genuine one in years.

   “You…my son is quite handsome, aren’t ya? Anyone can see it clearly without the mask.” Mom said proudly. I had taken off my mask right after getting into the car.    “I am happy, that kid might be your first real friend. Next time before you go home, why don’t you stop by that shop again? Grandpa definitely won’t know.”    “…Would that be okay?”

   “It’s fine, you can wait for your driver there. Next time, Mom will bring some snacks for you to give him, okay?”

   “Yes.”

   “By the way, what’s his name?”

   “Easter, but he said you can just call him Ter.”

   “Easter, huh? Cute name. I really want to meet him, what kind of kid is he that makes my son smile?”

   …

   “Oh, did he leave already?” I asked Mom when we went back to the shop and didn’t see anyone. I had just gone to see Dad for a moment.

“He’s gone. His mom came to pick him up.”

   “Oh, really? I didn’t even get to say goodbye.” I said, disappointed. The person from just now was somehow strange; his eyes were very cold, like he didn’t want to talk to anyone in the world, but deep down there was a sense of loneliness. I couldn’t describe it either.

   I usually talk a lot. Even if he didn’t respond, he didn’t seem too annoyed. He looked uncomfortable, probably doesn’t like talking to strangers, which is why I wanted to talk, to get to know him better, maybe to fill some void he might have.    But what is that void? I don’t really know either, maybe it’s someone who could take away the deep-seated loneliness.

   I’m just guessing here. My habit of worrying about others is really something that can’t be changed.

   “His mother is so beautiful. At first, I thought she was his sister, how old could she be? Why does she look so young?” My mom grumbled while cleaning up at the counter. It was almost time to close the shop.

   “Mom, if you weren’t always complaining, you’d look even younger.” I teased.

   “Enough, come help me clear the tables.”

   “Yes, yes. Mom, will he come back?”

   “I don’t know, but I told him to come again, and he agreed.”

   “Really? That’s strange, I didn’t even get a good look at his face, and don’t know his name. He seems mysterious.” I said as I straightened out the chairs in the shop.

   “Oh, but I know his name now. His mom told me earlier.”

   “Really? What’s his name?”

   “Er…”

   “…?”

   “If I heard correctly…”

   “It’s Newt, I guess.”

After that, Newt dropped by the shop quite often, about once every two or three times. Every time he came, he still wore the mask, sometimes adding glasses. I concluded by myself that he probably had some chronic condition, so I never asked or pried. Even though I’ve never seen his full face.

   I noticed we talked more, as if Newt was slowly opening up to me bit by bit, until I assumed we were getting close. I saw him smiling more often. Even if I only saw his eyes, the sadness or loneliness I had noticed when we first met was slowly fading away.

   Newt is truly an all-around talented person, especially when it comes to academics. Even in games he’s never played before, I only had to teach him once, and he could beat me. If I ever got sulky about losing, he wouldn’t let me win in the next game.

   Aside from this, I don’t know much about Newt’s other affairs, and it seems he doesn’t want to share either. The person who picks him up every day is an old driver. Therefore, I never got a chance to meet Newt’s parents. The driver thanked me for being friends with Newt, and I’m thankful as well because Newt is one of my good friends.

   We’ve known each other for over a month when one day I had to work late and stayed over at a friend’s house. The next morning when I returned home, my mom told me…

   “Newt has gone to Singapore, my dear.” she said with a slightly troubled look on her face, probably because she didn’t really want to tell me about it.    “What!?” I exclaimed in shock, “Singapore!?”

   “Yes, dear.” she continued, “Yesterday, Newt and his mother came to say goodbye. It’s a pity you weren’t here. He said it was very sudden, so he couldn’t tell you beforehand. His mother has some urgent business there, and they’ll be staying for a while.”

“Oh…” I sighed disappointedly, regretting not being able to say goodbye or wish him well. I hoped he would find good friends there, that everything would go smoothly, and that he wouldn’t forget about me, even if we only knew each other for a month.

   …

“Why didn’t you correct me that your name isn’t Newt?” I complained when Phii Hill finished the story. He gave a slight smile and handed me a freshly brewed cup of coffee. It was now morning after we…uh, became a couple last night. Phii Hill promised to tell me everything in the morning, which is now.

The early morning brought a slight chill due to the rain almost all night, with soft sunlight streaming through the window. I like this atmosphere, but I thought it was too early for Arthit’s day. Why wake up so early, I wondered.

“Well, I didn’t know how to bring it up then.” Phii Hill said, giving me a faint smile before sitting down beside me on the sofa.

“Oh, it’s been a misunderstanding for so long, no wonder. Who would remember?” I muttered to myself with a disappointed look. At first, I was wracking my brain trying to figure out where I might have met Phii Hill before, but now…it turns out he’s the friend I thought had moved to Singapore.     “And when you said you were going to Singapore…” I asked.

“I studied there for a year, then I asked to come back to Thailand for high school.” Phii Hill explained calmly while sipping his aromatic coffee, unlike me who was quite shocked by what I had just heard.

I thought…I understand now why Phii Hill is so different from Newt, perhaps because he spent a year abroad, away from his grandfather. With no one to control him, and being with his mother, who probably didn’t want Phii Hill to stay a quiet kid.

“At first, when you said you were there and didn’t contact anyone, I thought you might have forgotten about me.” I said, lifting ovaltine to sip from it. Why do you drink coffee while you offer me ovaltine? I want coffee too, especially when I’m sleepy. After finishing, I placed the cup back on the table.

“I didn’t forget.” The person next to me said softly.

“I always missed you, Ter.”

“Just that I wanted to come back to Thailand quickly.”

“Uh…okay.” I felt like hiding my face in the ovaltine cup from embarrassment. Oh, I told you not to look at me like that, sigh, are we going to have another killing moment, T^T?

“So, that’s why you came back to study at the same school as me?”

“Yes.” Phii Hill gave me a sweet, endearing smile and gently patted my head.

When did I start liking it when he pats my head? Why does it feel so warm, I don’t know.

“Alright then…” Phii Hill put his coffee cup down and moved closer to me. His handsome face gradually got closer until I forgot to breathe.

“Wait…what…what is it?” I asked in a trembling voice, feeling a rush of heat on my face and ears, making him chuckle slightly at my reaction.

“Why are your cheeks so red?” Phii Hill teased, seemingly enjoying my embarrassment. I quickly looked away, unable to maintain eye contact. T^T

“Well…”

“…”

“Why did you suddenly move closer?” I asked, my voice stuttering.

“Do you remember last night?”

“Huh?” I raised an eyebrow in confusion.

“Well…” He paused. I turned back to look, noticing Phii Hill was staring at my lips, which made my face even redder. What…what’s this?

“Wait…” Why are you looking? I instinctively put both hands on his chest to push him away, but it was ineffective. Phii Hill slowly moved closer…

Too close…

I closed my eyes tightly and clenched my teeth as if I realized it was too close. My chest felt a sudden warmth as if my heart was about to escape, my hands and body trembling all over.

Soon, I felt the warm breath of the person in front of me, followed by a gentle, soft touch on my lips, my hands subconsciously gripping tightly. I didn’t dare to breathe or even open my eyes, the touch lasted only a fleeting moment…just that, really, as if my heart had melted and drifted away.

Phii Hill pulled his lips away. I slowly opened my eyes to see him smiling contentedly. I took a deep breath because my heart was racing no less than his, feeling a flush of warmth spread across my chest, to my face, and my ears. I could only guess how red my face must have turned.

“What…what was that?” I asked, frowning in surprise, like…at least ask first. Or give some warning!

“It’s a morning kiss.” Phii Hill said casually, but his smile indicated he was pleased with what he had just done, showing no signs of concern, unlike me who was almost fainting from the shock.

“What…what do you mean, all of a sudden…” I muttered, feeling annoyed…no, embarrassed…very embarrassed. It counts as…uh, a kiss, right? It’s true that I’ve kissed Phii Hill before, but that time we were drunk…and there were unexpected events too, so this would be our first intentional kiss.

“Ter , you gave permission last night.”    “What!?” I exclaimed loudly.

“Yes.”

I tried to remember last night…what happened? I recall going to bed early because Phii Hill had work, um…nothing happened, right?

   Or did it?

   “Can I kiss you goodnight?” …I didn’t reply because I was very sleepy, it seemed like I heard a voice…oh, Phii Hill’s voice, right? I was so sleepy, don’t try to talk to me.

   “Why…” I asked without thinking.

   “So you can have sweet dreams, and it gives me encouragement for work too.”    “Understand?”

   “Uh.” I let out a sound from my throat, then felt a gentle touch on my lips again. At that moment, my mind was completely blank.

   “Sweet dreams.”

   “Uh…”

   “Can I have a morning kiss tomorrow?”

   “Uh…”

   This isn’t a dream, is it!!!

But…I remember last night I had such a good dream, like dreaming something really nice but I can’t remember it now.

“Cheater. I was so sleepy back then, ask me when I’m awake!” I protested.    “Consider this as permission granted. From now on, I’ll ask again, okay? It really boosts my work motivation.” Phii Hill said with a playful tone, smiling until his eyes crinkled, then turned his attention back to the stack of documents on the table.

“You harass someone and then say something like that.” I mumbled to myself, loud enough for him to hear, with a slight sulky tone.

“I tried my best.” Phii Hill said playfully as before.

“ …?” I furrowed my brows, looking puzzled.

“Tried not to do anything more to you, Ter.” He said before letting out a small laugh. Seeing my genuinely sulky face, he exclaimed, “Oh, teasing you is so fun!” Sigh, here we go, North, clearly a den of lions, how could you say it was safe!

“If you don’t stop making that cute face, I’ll really kiss you.” He said in a normal tone, but why did it feel like a threat to me! Not just an empty threat, he leaned closer, “Hey, this isn’t just a threat anymore. You’re going to do it for real, aren’t you!” My eyes widened in surprise.

Oh my. I can’t take it anymore, don’t come so close like that, there’s no way I can ever get used to this, sigh, I told you to spare my heart, didn’t I?!

   “Got it, got it. Move back then.” I said before avoiding his gaze, this person is such a tease. Doesn’t he know I’m already embarrassed to the point of breaking! Heh, so annoying! Phii Hill gave a sly smile before scooting back.

“Are you hungry yet?” Phii Hill asked without taking his eyes off the papers in his hand. I peeked and saw it was study sheets, how hardworking can he be, can I have half of that motivation? T^T

“Not yet.” I replied, thinking it was too early for breakfast, “What’s this?” I asked curiously, pointing at an image on the sheet. It looked odd. Very unfamiliar.

Will I get to learn something like this?

Phii Hill then gave me a brief explanation. It sounded like what I would be learning was completely different from medicine, but he said he could probably skim over it for me without much change since he’d been tutoring me since I was in middle school, through high school, and even university. Thinking about it, I’ve relied on Phii Hill a lot, huh.

I found myself staring at the person explaining the content I had asked about, feeling incredibly lucky, like I was living a dream being with Phii Hill like this.

“Anything else?” Phii Hill asked when he noticed I was staring instead of paying attention.

“Uh…no.” I looked away to hide my embarrassment, giving him a dry smile,

“Just that…it feels like a dream.”

“Being in a relationship like this.” I said softly while scratching my cheek because I didn’t know where else to put my hands, Phii Hill let out a small laugh and gently patted my head.

“I feel the same, I thought I was dreaming.” He said.

“Maybe we both dreamed it.” I chuckled.

“That’s it, then…Can I choose not to wake up?”

“Then…me too.” I gave Phii Hill a wide smile, something I didn’t usually dare to do because I was shy, but for some reason, I felt like I could keep smiling like this forever.

“Oh…right, can I have your phone for a second?” Phii Hill asked as if he just remembered something. I handed him my phone, a bit confused.

“What are you going to do with it?” I asked.

“Update our relationship status on my Facebook.”

“…”

“So nobody bothers you anymore.”

“…”

“You are my boyfriend…”

“…”

“I have to be protective, right?”

Oh, my…Phii Hill has always been like this…

   

   EASTTAGYOUREMINE CHAPTERS HOME

EASTTAGYOUREMINE, Chapter 25: Freshie Cheer Spirit

   “What time does the event start?” Foam asked me while fanning himself vigorously with a fan. Today is the Freshie Cheer Spirit event, where first-year students from each faculty showcase their cheering, there are various performances to welcome the new freshmen, and it ends with a concert by an artist invited by the university, plus the star and moon fashion show is one of the main attractions.    The seniors from our faculty gathered us and led us to the venue, which was the university’s large sports field, capable of holding crowds from all faculties, though it was quite cramped. My faculty was positioned to the left of the stage, next to

Political Science, with Business in front, meaning we could barely see the stage.

There’s a tale that something always happens with rain every year on this day. No matter how the date is shifted, rain still falls on that day. So, the seniors prepared anti-rain shirts for everyone, expecting rain indeed. Now, it was starting to get humid and hot, making it very sticky. As it got darker, the light from the lamps illuminated the entire field.

“What are you fanning so hard for, Foam? It’s cool out here, man.” Phoon said. Right now, we were standing on the grass field, with other faculties also waiting.

“It’s hot as hell, I’m all sticky.”

“What’s got you so worked up? Not hanging out with the science girls, huh?”    “Not at all, once the event starts, I’ll sneak out. The science girls are on the other side.”    Really far

“Distance proves love, man.” said Foam, raising one eyebrow at us. Ugh, so irritating.

“Proves you’re the one who left his friends behind, that’s what.” Phoon retorted, making a face back at him.

“Ter is also the one who left his friends behind.”

“Wonder if this gown is warm at all.”

“…Don’t know, man. Don’t even tease.” I’ve had to endure all these taunts and teases from these good-for-nothings for days, along with numerous questions from friends and seniors in various departments. Even when I went to study in another building, people asked if I was Easter, if I was really dating Dr. Hill, and to top it off, my inbox on Facebook was flooded with friend requests from who knows who…Sigh.

“So, are you guys dating now?”

“No.” I answered truthfully. Only Foam keeps asking every day if we’re dating yet. The truth is, Phii Hill and I haven’t even talked about dating. Honestly, we haven’t talked much at all because Phii Hill is busy with cheer spirit activities, and his studies are heavy too, so we hardly get to see or talk to each other.

And it’s not like I mind, really. Med students have it tough, and I’m no slouch myself; studying veterinary isn’t exactly a walk in the park, T^T.

“When will you be together?”

“Don’t know, man.”

“Are you playing hard to get again, Ter?” Foam asked, looking as annoyed as ever.

“Not playing hard to get, we just haven’t talked about it.”

“Isn’t the doctor too busy?”

“Yeah, probably studying hard.”

“Aren’t you upset?”

“Nah.” I said, secretly sighing, “I get it, no one can be free all the time.”

“Wow, my friend is really growing up.”

After a while, the event started. Two hosts, a man and a woman, dressed in Lanna traditional attire, took the stage. I couldn’t see clearly because the stage was too far and people were blocking my view. Why is everyone so tall, T^T, imagine thousands of freshmen from all departments gathered in one place, how could it not be chaotic?

   Luckily, there were speakers set up around the field, so at least I could hear what was going on.

   “Freshmen, please sit down, sit down.” ordered the senior from our faculty. So we sat down on the grass field, and other faculties started sitting down as well.    “Alright, the cheer spirit event is about to begin. Starting with the Faculty of

Nursing, our dear nurses.” announced the host, followed by thunderous applause across the field. The entire Nursing Faculty stood up, drawing all eyes towards them. They were on the opposite side of the field, quite far from where my faculty was. Then the cheer song of the Nursing Faculty started playing. Each faculty had a different cheer song, different dance moves, and cheers. It seemed like the faculty that sang the loudest and danced in the most synchronized manner would show the greatest unity and spirit.

As the event progressed to our faculty and finished the cheer spirit part, various performances were about to start. Chaos ensued as everyone rushed towards the stage to watch the shows.

“Damn, it’s chaotic as hell.” Phoon complained while we were just standing there, being pushed from behind.

“Let’s move to the side.” I said, pulling Phoon to the side to get away from the crowd. “Hey, Foam?” I turned around only to find that Foam, our dear friend, had disappeared. Don’t tell me he got swept away by the crowd, T^T

“He’s gone to find that science girl. Just let him be.”    “Yeah…” I sighed.

“I also want to watch the show.” Phoon said, resigned. “They say the Faculty of

Fine Arts’ show is beautiful.”

“Then should we try to squeeze through?” I suggested.

“Will that work?”

“We have to try.”

Our attempt was only half successful. Although we got closer to the stage, we were still pretty far. Well, at least it was better; at least we could see something.

“It’s hot and cramped, too many people.” Phoon complained.

“Yeah, true. It’s hard to breathe.” I added, noting that we could barely hear each other. I noticed that the standing positions of each faculty didn’t change much, as they were grouped by faculty. The only movement was inward. If someone wanted to go flirt with students from other faculties, they could, like our Foam who had already left with that science girl.

“Please don’t crowd too close to the stage, or it might collapse. Our first show today is from the university’s Star and Moon pageant team.” The host continued with applause and screams filling the air. “Let me tell you a bit, our university is known for having the best-looking Star and Moon, almost like they were selected based on looks. Here are the second-year Stars and Moons from each faculty. We invite all first-year students to join the Star and Moon competition in large numbers. Come and showcase your talents here.”

“And without further ado, let’s meet our second-year Stars and Moons. Let’s see if they’re as good-looking as rumored.” And with that, the screams grew louder as the music started, so much so that I had to cover my ears because it really hurt. It was the same song we practiced with.    “First up…introducing the medical faculty!”

“Second-year medical student…Dr. Hill!”

Phii Hill walked out to the rhythm of the music. Even though he was in a regular student uniform, the stage lights and the beat of the music added to his aura, with just a slight hair styling. No need for much else. Just seeing him walk out was enough to elicit massive screams.

He’s as cool as during rehearsals. No, wait…he’s even cooler now. Why is he so cool, man? I give up. T^T, Ohhh…

   The screams and shouts were so loud it was hard to make out anything; all I could see were several girls screaming so much they almost passed out.

   I felt like I was about to faint as well…T^T

   “The one every girl unanimously says they want to have, to have Dr. Hill as their own, everyone melting at the sight of his heart-stealing smile, truly the ‘national crush’, and now there’s a movement to reclaim Dr. Hill.” said the host.

“I heard he already has someone he likes. Though it’s sad, we’ll continue to be his imaginary girlfriend.” another host added.

“Oh, the one who has his heart.” Phoon elbowed me hard with a shy, cringey expression.

Why did you have to elbow me? I’m feeling embarrassed too, man. T^T    Then the fashion show continued, with the highlight being the final couple walk where Phii Hill had to walk arm-in-arm with Phii Thanmild, posing closely together.

   It’s just a fashion show walk, nothing more…T^T

   “And that’s the end of the fashion show for our second-year stars, don’t forget to sign up in large numbers, there are lots of fun things to do, don’t miss out, now let’s see the next performance from the Faculty of Fine Arts!”

“Here comes what you wanted to see.” I told Phoon. The screams and applause rose again as the Faculty of Fine Arts began their performance. It was now past 9 PM; I heard the concert by the artists would start at 11 PM, and the event would end at 1 AM.

“Yeah, I didn’t dare bring my camera, afraid it would get lost with all these people.” Phoon lamented.

“Do you take pictures of anything besides the sky?”

“Nah, I was thinking that taking pictures of the night sky with the concert lights below would be pretty beautiful.”

“Uh-huh, well.” I said, but when I looked up at the sky, it was full of heavy clouds. And the air was getting colder, even though it was dark, you could still see the heavy clouds if you looked carefully, especially if rain was about to fall.

“Do you think rain will fall?” I asked.

“Probably, it happens every year, but when rain falls, it’ll be fun in a different way.”

“Oh yeah, we’ve got the anti-rain shirts now.” I said while focusing on the next performance. As for today’s concert, I had prepared well by learning to sing the songs from this band in advance, because the seniors had told us to practice. If you come to the concert and can’t sing along to their songs, it definitely wouldn’t be as fun.

“Squeal, Dr. Hill, can we take a photo with you?”

“Oh my, Doctor, you were so cool just now, can I take a photo with you please?”

“Wow, Phii Hill, look this way for a moment!”    The chaotic noise from behind made me turn to look…

Phii Hill…

   Was making his way through the crowd towards me, followed by many fans, and people he passed by were trying to stop him for photos as well.

   Wow…the screams were so loud that everyone around here turned to look.

“Excuse me, please make way.” Phii Hill said with a polite smile, and many people slowly moved aside. Some were sneakily taking photos of Phii Hill, and others were trying to hold him back for a photo.

He’s coming this way…

   “How’s it going?” Phii Hill asked with an affectionate smile.

Did he come looking for me?

“Uh…it’s fun. But how did you find me?” I asked, puzzled. With so many people and such a vast space, how could he find me?

“From up on the stage, I could see down here clearly.” said Phii Hill.    Don’t tell me…

While he was walking on the stage during the show…he was also looking for me?

Wow, stop being so heart-stopping, please, T^T

Phii Hill had changed from the student uniform he wore for the fashion show to a medical faculty shirt and dark jeans instead. For this event, each faculty wore shirts designed by themselves to show unity and make it easy to spot which faculty was where.

The fans were still screaming, but when they saw me, they started whispering among themselves. I thought it might be best not to pay attention. Phoon raised his hand in greeting to Phii Hill.

“Earlier on stage, Ter was staring at you like he was in a daze.” Phoon said with a laugh, but I wasn’t laughing, so I lightly hit his arm. I wasn’t staring at Phii Hill that much!

“Yes, I saw you.” Phii Hill said, sending a small smile my way.

“I wasn’t staring that much.” I replied, making a grumpy face.

“Just not looking at anyone else but me is enough.” The person in front of me said, leaving me at a loss for words, ohhh, don’t look at me with such serious eyes, T^T

“I’m gonna go find North.” Phoon suddenly whispered to me.

“Huh? Why go now?”

“Ugh. I don’t want to be the third wheel, and who knows where Foam is, better to go find North, I’ll be off.” Phoon said, stepping away immediately, but not before telling Phii Hill, “Take care of Ter for me.”

“Hey, wait, don’t go yet, Phoon!” I shouted, but it was too late. Phoon had vanished into the crowd. It’s not that I’m worried, but Phoon wandering off alone…amidst thousands, it’s the epitome of concern, he could get lost, disoriented, does he even know where the Faculty of Engineering is?

I quickly grabbed my phone to send a message to North, with all this noise, calling would be pointless, I hope he checks his messages.

Easter Panupong: North, Phoon is heading to find you. If you don’t see him in twenty minutes, I think we should go look for him.

   “Want to find a better spot to watch? We can’t see the stage well from here.” Phii Hill asked. I nodded immediately. If there’s a place with a better view, let’s go.

After agreeing, Phii Hill took my hand and led me around to a different area.

But this place…

   Is it really the medical faculty’s area?

   I’m not going to argue that it’s close to the stage and we can see clearly. But isn’t it full of Phii Hill’s friends? Ohhh, I’m nervous for some reason, now I have to meet Phii Hill’s friends.

   “Wow. Look at our friend, who’s he brought with him.”

“Wow, cuter than in the photos on Facebook, hmm, bringing him out to introduce, huh?”

“Our faculty’s star really isn’t ordinary. Guys, come see our friend’s boyfriend,

Hill’s boyfriend.”

“Let me see, I want to see, so cute, but the junior here didn’t accept my friend request, TT.”

“If Hill doesn’t treat you right, you can come find me, you know.”

“You jerk, don’t hit on your friend’s boyfriend.”

And then there were plenty of playful teases from the second-year medical students, identifiable because they were all wearing the same staff shirts. It seemed like everyone, both male and female, was very interested in what was happening over here.

I could only give a faint smile because I didn’t know what to do. As for Phii Hill, he just sighed in exasperation. I glanced behind and saw Phii Thanmild, also in a medical staff shirt, looking our way with a not-so-friendly gaze. I couldn’t quite tell what her issue was. We made eye contact for a moment before Phii Thanmild walked away.

Phii Hill came to sit with me on the cheering stand because the medical faculty was close to the stage and right next to the cheering stands, where the medical staff had placed some items.

“Water?” Phii Hill offered me a cup of sweet water. I accepted it, not forgetting to say thank you. The person next to me smiled affectionately and gently patted my head. I didn’t shake it off or move away like I usually would, just let that warm hand stroke my hair softly.

Honestly, I kind of like it…it’s warm and comforting.

And I’ve missed it, since we haven’t seen each other much lately.

“Wow, bringing him all the way here is like stepping on someone’s face. Mild, how is she supposed to feel?” someone said loudly from a group of people nearby, perhaps not noticing me and Phii Hill or just not caring.

“Well, it’s for the best. Let her come back to her senses. When the real one arrives, the fake one must step aside.”

“Yeah, holding hands, patting heads. With that level of care, what can anyone compete with?”

“I hope she doesn’t throw a fit again; I’ve got a headache just thinking about her.”    I decided to ignore those conversations, thinking that knowing about them would just complicate things unnecessarily. Instead, I turned my attention to the performance ahead, though from our distance, it wasn’t very clear.

“Do you want to go watch the show?” Phii Hill asked.

“I’m fine here, maybe we can go during the concert.” I said, giving him a wide smile. Now, I could talk to Phii Hill normally like before. Previously, I was always scared and shy for some reason. Not that I’m not shy now, but…well, I guess I’ve started to accept my feelings.

The person sitting next to me didn’t say anything, just kept looking at me without looking away…how could I not get embarrassed with that!    “Wha…what are you looking at?” I asked, my voice stuttering.

“Nothing, I was just thinking…”

“Thinking…?”

“Must be something that…”

“…”

“I’d give up everything to not lose it.”

“Enough…that’s enough. Do not look anymore.” I couldn’t bear to look into his eyes any longer and quickly turned away, ohhhh. I’ve never lasted five seconds, I guess, T^T, Ohhh. This isn’t good for my heart, now I can feel the heat reaching even my ears.

:

“It’s okay.” Phii Hill asked with concern in his voice. What, after making me so embarrassed I almost had a heart attack, he’s still worried, ohhh, T^T.

“Yeah…it’s fine.” I replied without turning to look at him.    “Did your faculty give out raincoats?” Phii Hill asked.

“They did.” I answered confidently.    Wait…

But hold on.

Today I didn’t bring my bag.

So I left the raincoat with Phoon.

Phoonnnnnnn!!

“Um…but I forgot it with Phoon.” I answered with a sheepish smile, like a little kid afraid of getting scolded. Phii Hill didn’t look surprised, as if he had expected this from me, ohhh, don’t look at me like that, T^T.

“Our faculty’s raincoats are all given out, there are only umbrellas left.”    “Can we watch the concert with an umbrella?” Phii Hill asked.

“Yeah. We don’t have to be too close. I just want to listen to the music.”    Yes, my aim was just to hear the artists sing live, that’s good enough for me.

“Does rain fall every year?” I asked.

“That’s what I’ve heard, yes. In my year, it fell around 11 PM.”

“Oh…it’s only 10 PM now.” I glanced at my wristwatch, which was the same one from back then. No money to buy a new one, and I’m not used to not wearing it either.

“It seems like the schedule might be earlier this year because they think rain will fall heavily today.”

“Oh, really?” This made me wonder whether to be happy for an early concert or sad that the event ended sooner. We kept chatting, with people coming over to tease, ask questions, and call me Phii Hill’s boyfriend, which Phii Hill didn’t seem to object to…but we haven’t actually agreed on that, have we?

And being called Phii Hill’s boyfriend…

It’s super embarrassing.

Just hearing it nearly made me faint…

Oh my gosh, am I this serious? T^T

Pat

Pat

Before we knew it, rain started to fall, about halfway through the concert. At first, it was just a light drizzle, but then it got heavier, and the wind picked up. Was this a storm or what?

Phii Hill pulled me into his arms when the wind got strong. Everyone was in a panic with both the wind and rain. At first, the concert was supposed to continue as it had in previous years with rain falling, but as it got worse, everyone had to scatter for cover.

“I apologize. Due to the strong winds and heavy rain, there could be danger, so all students are asked to leave the sports field to find shelter. The Freshy event for today will be postponed.” The host announced. Everyone who was enjoying the event was cursing the weather.

“Students, please leave calmly, don’t push each other. Watch your step to avoid tripping, the grass can be slippery.” Because the rush caused chaos, many professors had to step in to help.

Everyone started leaving around past nine, with heavy rain and strong winds.

Damn, why does the Freshy event of my year have to be so unlucky? T^T

“Let’s head to the parking lot first.” Phii Hill said, as we made our way through the rain to the parking area. Even with umbrellas or anti-rain gear, it was barely helping at this point.

Once we were in the car, we faced the additional problem of traffic jams. Every car was trying to get out. Suddenly, I remembered Phoon, he hadn’t checked back to me if he had met up with North yet. If not, that would be a real disaster. Had he flown away with the wind or what?

North Natchanan: I’ve found Phoon. He was standing dazed near the Education Faculty. How did he get lost? We’re on different paths, this guy.

Almost died trying to call each other.

   North Natchanan: Rain is really falling. I’m all sticky, by the way. Are you coming back with me?

   These were all the messages left by North.

Easter Panupong: North, where are you? Have you left yet? And what about Phoon?

   After about ten minutes, just when Phii Hill had managed to drive through the university traffic.

North Natchanan: Reached the dorm. Me and Phoon look like drowned puppies, what about you?

   Easter Panupong: I’m in the car with Phii Hill, heading back to the dorm soon.

   North Natchanan: Are you coming back?

   Easter Panupong: Well, it’s my dorm.

   North Natchanan: I told you I’m with Phoon, how are we supposed to sleep, three of us? Go sleep with the doctor.

   Easter Panupong: Are you crazy!!

   North Natchanan: Not crazy, three people can’t sleep together. Are you gonna make Phoon sleep on the floor? And I’m not going to walk Phoon back to his dorm, it’s pouring out there.

   Easter Panupong: Wait a minute.

   Easter Panupong: I’ve been kicked out of my own dorm.

   North Natchanan: Come on, just sleep with the doctor, tomorrow’s weekend. You don’t have to go to class anyway.

   Easter Panupong: Is this even acceptable? Don’t you guys care about me!?    North Natchanan: What’s there to worry about? You’re safest in the world with him. That’s it, I’m done chatting, I’m soaked and need a shower.

   Easter Panupong: North, wait, let’s talk about this first.

   And then North disappeared from the chat. What should I do? Do I really have to sleep with Phii Hill? What if he doesn’t allow it? Will I have to sleep on the street? T^T And if I do get to sleep, who knows what might happen. It’s like I’m walking into a lion’s den. No, wait, those two pushed me in there. Sure, the bed is small, but I could sleep on the floor.

   Wait, but I’m the room owner, it should be Phoon sleeping on the floor.

   But I don’t want my friend to suffer by sleeping on the floor either, T^T.

   “Phii Hill.”

“Yes?”

“Um…it’s just…”

“What is it?”

“It’s…could I possibly bother you for something?”

“Alright, is there something?”

“…Phoon has to stay in my room tonight.”

“…”

“Because of rain falling, North couldn’t drop Phoon off at the dorm.”

“So I…uh, got kicked out.”

“So you’re going to stay with me?” Phii Hill asked, but with that sly smile, what was that about? T^T, ugh.    “Uh, sorry to bother you.”

“Sure.”

I changed my mind.

I might as well go back to sleep on my own floor.

That was my thought, wondering what percentage chance there was that the room owner would let me go back now. The answer is zero…or negative. At first, I thought since we haven’t been seeing each other much, I wanted to spend some time with him, but not in his room, just the two of us, and then rain started falling, seriously?

I was sitting on the sofa, snacking and playing with my phone. I had already taken a shower. Of course, I was wearing Phii Hill’s shirt. Even though it’s a bit big, it’s fine for now. The room owner was currently showering, and inside here, it’s much warmer than outside.

TeerapatTyphoon: I need to borrow your pajamas.

   Easter Panupong: Sure, why not from that asshole North?

   TeerapatTyphoon: He said he’s too lazy to wash them.

   Easter Panupong: Hmm, did you get soaked by rain?

   TeerapatTyphoon: Yeah, I rode through the rain on a motorbike. The antirain gear is totally useless.

   Easter Panupong: Be careful not to catch a cold, especially since you’re already weak. Tell North to dry your hair before sleep.

   TeerapatTyphoon: Got it. You too.

   Easter Panupong: Okay.

   “Talking to someone?” Phii Hill leaned down to sit next to me and pulled me into a hug from behind, just like he did before. Wait a minute, can we at least ask first before doing anything? T^T

“Phoon.” I answered.

“Right.” He rested his forehead on my shoulder and tightened his embrace. “I’ve missed you so much.”

“Uh, yeah…” I hesitated, wondering if I should say it back, “I missed you too.” Eventually, I held my breath and said it. Phii Hill chuckled softly, then nuzzled his nose against my neck like he used to.

“That tickles.” I protested, feeling the warmth of his breath spread across my chest, ohhh. Don’t tease me like this, “You said you wouldn’t do anything, remember?” I reminded him of what he said before we entered the room.

“I said I would try to not.” He whispered softly in my ear, making me jump slightly. Ohhhh, don’t get this close, where’s the safety North was talking about?

This is the most dangerous situation, T^T.

I let Phii Hill hold me like that for a while. After some time, it felt like I was starting to relax a bit. The warmth in my heart replaced the nervousness, his subtle scent, the gentle touch. I didn’t understand why I felt so happy, I just didn’t want to think about anything else right now, I wanted time to slow down like this.

Ah…Rain has stopped raining.

“Rain has stopped.” I said. Phii Hill lifted his head, resting his chin on my shoulder.

“It seems so, want to check?”

“Yeah.” Phii Hill loosened his hug, and I got up to walk to the balcony behind the room with Phii Hill following. The balcony was wide and not too wet because there was an overhang above. It wasn’t that the rain had completely stopped, more like it had subsided. There were still some light drizzles, and the cool air mixed with the fresh scent of earth. I loved the atmosphere after rain, just like this.

“When the clouds clear, the stars are so beautiful.” I said, looking up at the twinkling stars filling the sky, and from here, the view was already beautiful.

“Indeed.” Phii Hill stood by my side as we leaned on the balcony rail to gaze at the stars.

I love this time so much, I love the stars, the sky, the gentle rain, the pleasant scent, the cool air, and having Phii Hill by my side right now.

   As long as he’s with me…I could love anywhere.

   “Ter.” Phii Hill called my name. I turned towards the sound.

“Yes?”

“I love you.”

“…”

“Uh.”

“I love you too.”

“Having you here with me now, it feels like a dream.”

“…”

“I often looked out at the sky from here, wondering how you were doing over there, if someone was taking care of you, if you’d come to hate me, I wanted to apologize. Even though we look at the same sky, in reality…we were too far apart for the world to bring us back together.”

“…”

“I thought, if one day you could be here beside me, if I had the chance to meet you again…”

“…”

“Just once more would be enough…”

“…”

“I would be willing to do anything…”

Before his strong hand gently grasped mine, those eyes remained steadfast and serious, never changing, making me feel as if I were falling into them, feeling like my heart was about to float away. The warm touch of his hand, it felt like the world and time had momentarily stopped.

“Ter…”

“…”

“Give me the chance to take care of you again.”

“…”

“Be my boyfriend.”

“…”

“Okay.”

🙂

 

EASTTAGYOUREMINE CHAPTERS HOME

EASTTAGYOUREMINE, Chapter 24: Under the Light

   I looked out through the car window to see a place bustling with people, bright with lights all around. It was nearly dark now, and the lights made the scene even more beautiful.

“Is that the market?” I asked the person in the driver’s seat.

“Yes, the walking street market.” Phii Hill answered, his eyes still fixed on the road ahead, where traffic was slightly congested because of the nearby walking street. “Do you want to stop by?”

“Ah, uh, sure.” I agreed immediately. I remembered North mentioning he wanted to take me there, boasting about how delicious the food was and how many things there were to buy, probably even some exotic items I’d never seen before. That’s why there were so many people strolling around.

The luxurious car turned into the parking area. It seemed like my plan to eat ramen would have to be put on hold. Phii Hill took off his blazer and placed it on the back seat before reaching out to hold my hand and leading me out.

“Do we have to hold hands?” I asked with a slightly worried look. Holding his hand in such a crowded place felt somehow embarrassing.

“Otherwise, you might get lost.” Phii Hill said, before gently guiding me across the street to the market side.

“Don’t you want others to see?” the person next to me asked softly.

“No…not at all.” I replied hesitantly. I wasn’t too concerned about what others at the university would think since they probably knew already, thanks to North’s clear statements about Phii Hill. I thought I should be more clear and courageous myself, especially since many people already knew.

Now that it was getting dark, the lights from the surrounding decorations lit up, creating a beautiful atmosphere. It was a pity I didn’t bring my camera. When I looked at the person whose hand was holding mine, I wasn’t sure if it was the soft light reflecting off him or something else, but the sight of him now was so captivating that I could hardly look away.

After that, we wandered around, looking at various items, buying some food and some household items. Phii Hill paid for everything, which made me feel a bit awkward.

“Let’s split the cost.” I suggested as he was pulling out money to pay for the snacks we had just picked.

“It’s okay.” Phii Hill said, taking the items to carry them.

“I feel bad about this.”

“If so…can I ask for something else in return?”

“What is it?” I asked back, hoping it wasn’t something impossible.

“I’ll tell you later, do you want to buy anything else?”

“Uh…” I fell silent, thinking while looking around. Even though the market was large, we had been walking for a while and bought quite a lot already. “No, I’m good.”

“Then, let’s find a place to sit and rest.” Phii Hill suggested, leading me in another direction. Not far from there, we found a spacious area set up with tables for people to sit, and there was even a small stage where a band was playing northern Thai music. I didn’t understand much, but the melody was beautiful, and it felt romantic, matching perfectly with the surrounding ambiance.

This area isn’t just decorated with lights; there are lanterns placed around the tables, and even small candles. Observing, there are hardly any light bulbs here, which is exactly what I love about the atmosphere of the northern towns.    Luckily, there was still an empty table. We chose to sit at the furthest one. After placing everything down, I immediately started dealing with the food. Sigh, I had been starving for so long.

“Is it good?” the person next to me asked when he saw me putting a meatball into my mouth.

“Yeah, aren’t you going to eat?” I asked.

“Of course, I will.”

“Feed me then.” Phii Hill raised his hand to touch his chin and turned to look at me.

“Uh…no, there are too many people watching.” I said, feeling embarrassed with so many people around.

“Come on.”

Eventually, I had to feed him. I couldn’t resist that deep, soft voice, I swear, my ears might melt, T^T.

   “It smells nice.” I mentioned when suddenly a pleasant scent wafted up to my nose, like a faint floral fragrance. I like it; this kind of scent really relaxes you.

“That’s the scented candle.”

Oh…right. I just noticed that the candles on the table were scented. Not only do they provide a nice atmosphere, but they also smell good, huh? They might even help keep mosquitoes away, maybe…does that really work?

   “With light this beautiful…I don’t want to look away.” Phii Hill said, his face lit up with his usual gentle smile, and those beautiful eyes that often looked at me…

Just that…

   My heart felt all warm…

   I myself…didn’t want to look away either.

   But I could only meet his gaze for a few moments before, as usual, I was the one to look away first…otherwise, my heart might melt like the scented candle in front of us.

   “Tell me about it.”

“Tell you what?” I asked, still chewing my snack.

“About when you first liked me.”

“…”

“Asking so directly like this…who would dare to answer?” I said. I was so shocked just now that I nearly choked on my snack. Why suddenly bring up this topic? T^T

“Tell me, please.”

“Why would you want to know?”

“Hmm…when someone you like likes you back, wouldn’t anyone want to know who that person is?” Well, he himself hasn’t even told me, insisting I become his partner first, or whatever.

“Consider it as your way of paying me back for treating you, how about that?” Phii Hill proposed. I let out a soft sigh, oh well, I guess I’ll have to tell him.    “…But wait, you said you’ve liked me since five years ago, right?” I asked to confirm, remembering suddenly.

“Yes.”

“So, you’ve liked me since I was in high school?”

“Yes, why?”

“…”

“Really? So, you’ve known me from the start then.”

“Yes.” Phii Hill confirmed, raising an eyebrow in surprise, probably not understanding why I was asking. But thinking about it, while many girls at school had crushes on Phii Hill, he was liking me. Phii Hill, whom my female friends often talked about as being so good in this way or that, excelling at everything, and yet turning down everyone who approached him.

The one everyone said was out of reach…

But actually…

He liked me…

!!!

“I had no idea.” I said, my face showing genuine surprise, “Did you start liking me when I returned your notebook?”

“Yes.”

Hey! Back then, I had no clue at all. The teacher just asked me to return the notebook, and I did just that, T^T

“Even during the sports day?”

“Yes, even then.”

Even though Phii Hill is on the sports committee, he helped out with the parade too. Was it because he was looking after me?

   “So when you said…someone had to look after me during that time, you meant me, right?”

“Yes.”

Oh my God, how come I didn’t know any of this? Was Phii Hill’s liking for me that subtle!! At that time, I just thought he was one of the caring senior staff members.

   “Why didn’t I know any of this?” I asked while making a sulky face at him.

“Hmm…it’s not strange. We didn’t really know each other back then.” Phii Hill said casually, contrasting with my fluster as if I was on fire.

“You never showed it or even talked to me.” I stated the truth. Back then, we were really in different worlds. I didn’t think Phii Hill even noticed me.    “Hmm?”

“Seeing this, I guess you can get embarrassed too.” Phii Hill said with a slight chuckle.

He’s embarrassed?

That’s cute…

   Oh my, this isn’t good for my heart again, sigh. How can someone be so perfect in every aspect?

   “And what about you, Ter?”

“Well…from the very beginning.”

“The beginning?”

“Yes, when we first met.”

“Ter, you remember that too?” The person next to me raised his eyebrows in surprise.

“When you helped me in front of the school.” I replied, puzzled. Who could forget something so significant? Before that, I just admired him casually, but after that day, I really started liking Phii Hill.

“Hmm…I don’t think so.”    What’s that?

“Oh, not that?” Oh…the five years that Phii Hill mentioned. I really don’t remember, no matter how hard I try to recall, could it be possible that I met him before and forgot?

   “You liked me since then?” I asked, my eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“Uh…yeah.”

…

On an ordinary day for a high school student like me, in my fifth year. After school, I was heading home as usual, but since it was my library duty day, I ended up leaving later than everyone else. When the pedestrian crossing light turned green, I quickly stepped off the sidewalk to cross the road.

   Rrrrrrrrr

   Who’s calling now? I pulled out my phone to check the screen.

   Prinnnnn!! Prinnnnn!!

   “Watch out!!” I heard someone shout, before feeling a strong pull on my arm that made me stumble backward with the force. Just before that, I thought I saw a motorcycle cut in front of me.

   Wait…a moment…

   My shoelace came undone.

   Oh no!

“Ouch!” I couldn’t help but yelp when I fell onto the road, sigh, my butt, T^T, huh…but it didn’t hurt that much.

   “Are you okay?” I quickly turned around.

   Phii Hill!!

   I looked around in confusion, guessing that I had walked out too fast earlier. Plus, I was looking at my phone and didn’t see the car that ran the red light. Phii Hill had pulled me back to avoid being hit by the car.

   But then I stepped on my own shoelace, causing both of us to fall.

   It didn’t hurt because I fell onto him, right? T^T

   “Sorry, sorry.” I immediately got up when I realized I was on top of him. Phii Hill made a slight pained face before slowly getting up. People around us were crowding to look.

   “Don’t stand in the middle of the road, it’s dangerous. Hurry up and cross!” one of the teachers shouted, making everyone move back, “Are you hurt? Injured?”    Both of us shook our heads.

   “We’re fine.”

   “Yes.” Phii Hill answered.

   “Okay, make sure you go home safely, I’ll deal with the motorbike from earlier. They drive recklessly around the school area, even with the pedestrian crossing lights on. Be careful on your way home.” The teacher reiterated before walking off.

   “Thank you, and I’m sorry, are you okay?” I asked worriedly, sigh, it was entirely my fault. I shouldn’t have been careless; made others suffer because of it.    “I’m fine, what about you?”    “I’m fine too.” I replied.

“Your hand is bleeding.” Phii Hill said, pointing at my left hand. True enough, seeing the wound made it start to hurt immediately. I must have grazed it on a stone when I fell.

   “Oh, it’s nothing, just a little.” I looked at him, considering. Phii Hill seemed fine, but I was worried that maybe his bones were hurt. Especially since I’m not light, T^T, and I got his school uniform dirty too, sigh, Ter, oh Ter.

   “Should we wash the wound first?”

   “Yes, I’ll wash it myself at the—” Before I could finish my sentence, the other person grabbed my hand and led me directly to the nurse’s office. Why doesn’t he listen to me?

   I let him take my hand and wash the wound at the sink. Right now, there was no one else around except the nurse’s daughter.

   “Mommy went to buy snacks for me.”

   That’s what she said, so we took the liberty to wash the wound first.

   I felt somehow embarrassed as someone was holding my hand and washing my wound. Even though it stung, I had to make sure all the dirt was cleaned out of the wound.

   “You can sit and wait, I’ll go get some saline to clean the wound.” Phii Hill said. I followed his instructions easily, settling down into a chair, and not only had I troubled him, but now he had to dress my wound too, sigh, why is he so kind? I was already very impressed with him from the sports day, T^T.

   He returned with a large bottle of saline, sat down on the chair opposite me, and immediately started cleaning my wound.

   I should probably start a conversation. After all, he’s helped me this much.    “Uh…it’s Hill, right?” I asked, even though I already knew the answer. I just felt like asking, he probably doesn’t know me.

“Yes.” He replied without looking up.

“Do you remember me?” As soon as I finished my question, Phii Hill looked up, furrowing his brows in confusion. “I was the one holding the sign during the sports day, when you helped me carry it.”    “Oh…yes, you’re…?”

   “My name is Easter, you can just call me Ter.” I said, sending him a friendly smile. Phii Hill smiled back before continuing to dress my wound.    “Be more careful next time.”

   “Uh, yes. Next time I’ll be careful, sorry about that.” I apologized again, feeling quite guilty, “Thank you for your help.” and I accidentally thanked him again.

   “No problem, are you heading home now?”

   “Yes.”

   “Why are you going back so late?”

   “I was on library duty. And what about you?”    “I had a little tutoring session with friends.”

   “Wow…that’s nice. I’ve never had a study session with friends.” I said. Not studying wasn’t because I was already good at it, but because studying often didn’t help much, T^T.

   “And what class are you in?” he asked.

   “I’m in M.5/7.”

   “Class seven…that’s science major, right?”

   “Yes.”

   “Is it tough?”

   “Some subjects are hard, especially the ones I’m not good at, those are really tough.” I said with a dry smile, scratching my head in embarrassment.

   “Which subjects are you not good at?”

   “Well…” I paused to think, “Physics, Chemistry, Math, I’m okay with Biology.”

“Hmm…aren’t those the main subjects for the science stream?”

Oh yeah…

   Can I still switch streams, T^T?

   “What about you?” I asked back. When I talk about studies with someone smart, it always feels strange like this. I don’t know why. It’s the same when I talk with the smart kids in my class.

   “Me? Well…nothing in particular.” Phii Hill replied.

   Wow. Nothing in particular because he’s good at all subjects, sigh, I wish I could have a moment to answer like that at least once in my life.

   “And how’s M.6? Is it tough?”

   “It’s more about preparing for exams than the actual learning.”

   “That sounds tough, so what faculty are you planning to apply for?” This is a classic question I believe every M.6 student gets asked at least ten times, but I still wanted to ask. I was curious to know what someone as smart as Phii Hill wants to study.

   “I haven’t decided yet.”

   “Oh, really?”

   “Yes, Nong Ter, do you have any faculty to recommend for me?” he asked, perhaps because he genuinely didn’t know what to study and was now asking for my opinion, someone he just met.

   “Well…I don’t know, it depends on what you’re good at.”

   But the problem with him is that he’s good at everything…

   “Maybe a doctor, I think you’d be suitable for that.” I suggested, recalling how well Phii Hill would fit the role of a doctor, especially seeing him dress my wound now.

   “Hmm…” Phii Hill looked up to meet my eyes, then seemed to ponder for a moment.

“If I get patients like you every day…”

“I’d like to be a doctor too, : )”    Thump! Thump!

   Thump! Thump!

   :

   Why all of a sudden…

   Do I feel like my heart is melting like this…

   “I was impressed because you’re kind, you’ve helped me since the sports day.” I said, accidentally holding my breath, sigh, it’s embarrassing, why do I have to tell him all this, T^T

   “And…you also saved me from getting hit by a car, and you dressed my wound…so…that’s why”

   “Do you like me?”

   !!!!

   “…Uh!”

   I lowered my head, not daring to meet his gaze, Phii Hill seemed really pleased that I had told him.

   “I’m so glad. If I had known you liked me from back then, that would have been great.”

   “You don’t have to say it…” I said in a softer tone, then slowly looked up, and grabbed some snacks to hide my embarrassment. So it turns out we liked each other, but no one said anything for a year? How comically tragic is this?    “Then, can we start over?” the person beside me asked, reaching out to hold my hand.

   “I love you, Ter.”

   Phii Hill gently kissed my hand, as if the scene in front of me was reflected in the soft glow of candlelight, accompanied by the gentle music I was hearing, everything here seemed to stand still…

PhiiHill gently pressed his lips against my hand, as if the scene before us was a reflection of the gentle glow of candlelight, accompanied by the soft melody I heard. Everything in this moment seemed to freeze…

   To let me…

   Remember this touch forever…

   “I love you too.”

   This was the first time…

   I dared to express my feelings…

   “Your face is so red!” North immediately remarked as I entered the room. I wasn’t here to deal with the cold air conditioning alone, sigh. Well, maybe it would help cool me down a bit, T^T.

“How was the eggplant?” he teased, referring to the incident at lunchtime. My embarrassment now seemed trivial compared to what just happened.

“Stop teasing already,” I sighed, flopping onto the bed.

“Why’s your face so red? Did the doctor confess his love to you?”

“Oh shit!” North exclaimed when I threw a pillow at him with force.    Is that something you should even say? I couldn’t take it anymore, the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to explode. After I confessed my love, Phii Hill made me repeat it several times.

   What kind of person is that? Doesn’t he think about others’ feelings? Oh, but then again, he’s never been gentle with my feelings anyway, T^T.

   “Really?” the guy messing with his computer turned to ask me.

“…Yeah,” I answered quietly.

“Tell me more.”

“Well…we confessed our love to each other,” I stammered, my voice shaking,

“Why are my lips trembling now?”

“Seriously, wow, you’re blushing, so are you guys dating now?”

“No.”

“What? Why?” North asked, looking frustrated.

“Well…he didn’t mention anything about being in a relationship,” I said.

Honestly, I was too embarrassed at the time to even think about that part.

“You confessed to each other, but you’re not dating? Is he going to ask later or what?”

“I don’t know, I really don’t know!” I exclaimed, pulling the blanket over me and rolling around on the bed, “Sigh, North, I feel like my heart is going to burst!”    “Good for you, man. You should be clear about your feelings, so the doctor knows you love him too.”

“Ugh, that’s why I told him, clear like you said.” I mumbled from under the blanket, but then someone yanked the blanket off me.

“You did well, I’m happy for the doctor, he must be thrilled, I’m telling you.”    “Really?”

“Seriously, he’s been the only one confessing for so long.”

“Ah, uh…”

“Keep it up, soon everyone at school will know.”

“Is that so…” I asked absentmindedly, my mind replaying the scene over and over as if my brain had captured it on a loop, that moment when Phii Hill kissed my hand…sigh.

“Yeah, someone must have seen you with him, it’ll spread online for sure, trust me, everyone at school will know it’s you.”

“…Hmm, I guess so.” I sighed softly.

“Are you ready to go public?”

“What can I do?”

“See, no reason to hide anymore.”

“Uh-huh.”

Ding!

The notification sound from my phone made me quickly check it. Has Phii Hill reached his condo already? Why so fast?

Oh…it’s not Phii Hill.

Who is it?

Night Natthagorn – tagged you in a photo.

   Oh…it’s the dentist who asked to take a photo with me. It’s a picture of me in an eggplant devil costume standing next to Night and smiling at the camera, with the caption, “The eggplant devil, danced so cutely : )”

   How did Night get my face? I don’t remember adding him or accepting his friend request.

   Uh…well,

   I’m in trouble now.

   Will Phii Hill be mad?

   Would it be rude to remove the tag?

   “Ter, Ter, look at this!” While I was still contemplating whether to remove the tag, part of me was worried about being rude, but I didn’t want Phii Hill to be angry more than anything, and just as I was about to click on the tag to remove it…

“What’s up?” I got up to look at North’s computer screen.

“Here, I think it’s not even a minute since it was posted.”

Cute Boy & Girl – MU – has added a new photo – 1 minute ago

   Scream!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was crying and rolling on the floor. This is a photo our paparazzi sneakily took; the incident happened at today’s walking street market. Our paparazzi said they saw our Dr. Hill holding hands with someone, so they followed until…as you all can see in the picture. This shot had to be taken for real, it’s so scream-worthy, so heart-meltingly good, the doctor is so handsome, everything is perfect from the lighting, the colors, the background, the timing of the shot, oh my God, so romantic. Should we be happy to know who the doctor’s person is?

   Or should we mourn the loss of another school husband? T_T @Hill,

Ratchakit

   The photo shows Phii Hill leaning down to kiss my hand, taken from behind so our faces aren’t very clear, but you could guess who it was. The lighting from the lanterns and candles made the picture look warm, with a small stage in the background where a northern Thai band was playing.

Sigh, they took a photo like this!

   “Ter, Ter! What does Emmy mean, why didn’t you tell me he kissed your hand too, so romantic!” North was yelling and shaking me vigorously. I was also stunned. I didn’t think anyone would take this photo.

As for the comments and shares, no need to mention, the social media went wilder than during an interview.

Ding!

Another notification?

Cute Boy & Girl – MU – has mentioned you in a comment    Huh!!!?

@Easter Panupong, may I tag you, because we investigated who the person in the photo is, and now we know who the culprit is…I mean, Hill’s soon-to-be partner. Just want to say I’m super jealous, wish you both a long-lasting love, you’ve won him, be lucky. I’ll excuse myself to go cry and come to terms with it, T____T. P.S. The doctor has allowed us to tag you, but with the condition that absolutely no one is allowed to say anything bad about or to you, which I agree with. Let’s all be gentle, give them some respect, okay?

   They tagged me again, for real!!!

Luckily, Phii Hill stopped it in time. Otherwise, I might have been overwhelmed by Phii Hill’s fans, T^T

“Wow, the launch was epic, so many shares, just posted too, the angle’s great, the lighting is beautiful, why is the market so stunning?” North exclaimed loudly with excitement.

“Hey, Ter, still got your senses, huh?” North shook my arm hard again, seeing I wasn’t responding. At that moment, my senses were just starting to come back. I thought everyone would find out, but I never imagined the page would post the picture like this, T^T

Cute Boy &  Girl – MU, –. Just moments ago

   Everyone, please don’t fuss, my computer’s completely frozen, there are so many questions about what’s going on, if it’s really him, and who he is. It’s better if he answers himself, right @Hill, Ratchakit?

   Hill Ratchakit: It’s really me, he’s mine. Please, if you know, kindly remove the picture, 🙂

   

   EASTTAGYOUREMINE CHAPTERS HOME

EASTTAGYOUREMINE, Chapter 23: Easter

   When I was in my fourth year of high school:

   During a physics class, our teacher instructed us to finish our old assignments and submit them before the period ended. We would sit in randomly assigned groups. There were two guys, me and Mick, and the other three were girls who were having a great time gossiping.

“Hey, it looks like he’s practicing soccer again today.”

“Really? I won’t miss that. I even got some great shots from the other day. Look!” She then pulled out her phone to show her friends, “He took his shirt out of his pants, it’s super bad.”

“Exactly, it’s nice when he’s in his PE kit, but I like it when he’s in his school uniform, especially when he’s all sweaty. Oh my, the school shirt is so thin.”    “While you all are chatting away, some of us are trying to work. It’s distracting.” Mick, sitting next to me, complained, which made the three girls turn to glare at him.

“Don’t talk so much, Mick. You’re copying my work, and you still have the nerve to say you’re distracted.”

“Please, let me copy some math too.”

“Do some work yourself. Look at Easter, he always finishes his work first, right, Ter?” Eve said, turning to look at me.

“Ter’s level.” Mick said, “He finished copying at home.”

“Yeah, I always, uh, finish my work at home, never having to rush at school.” I said proudly, though I’m not sure why finishing copying early is something to be proud of.

“Well, if you’re done with your work, join the gossip. Here, look at this.” She then handed me her phone, showing a picture of someone in a high school uniform, mid-kick on the field, his hair slightly messy and sweat all over, indicating how hard he had been playing. It made him look cool and very attractive, no wonder the girls liked him.

“I’ve seen this picture three times already. Tubtim showed it to me this morning.” I said, sounding bored.

“Oh, really? Then, Mick, look at this. This is my boyfriend, Phii Hill, from 5/12, isn’t he hot?” Eve continued to show off the picture to Mick, who let out a heavy sigh, probably having seen the picture no less than three times like me.

“I’m sick of seeing it, and tired of hearing about how hot Phii Hill is. It’s all the girls in our class talk about all day.” Mick complained again before bending down to continue copying work.

“Well, he’s handsome, and he’s really cool too. Plus, with the sports day coming up, he’s been practicing a lot. We’re practically camping out at the field every evening.”

“He’s also smart, and I heard his family is rich.” one of the girls added.

“Women can be so imaginative.” Mick said to me, “I’ve never met him in person.

Have you, Ter?”

“I think I’ve seen him a few times.” I replied, recalling Phii Hill, who was always the talk among the girls. He’s in M5/12, the top class for the Math-Science program, which in our high school goes from Room 7 to Room 12. Room 12 is the ‘King’ class. I’m in M4/7, just a regular Math-Science class, which is fine by me. I don’t want to study hard. I already have to copy assignments until my hand hurts.    Last year, when I was in M3, there was talk about a new transfer student in M4 named Phii Hill, from a famous elite school. Not sure why he transferred here. He’s super good-looking, smart, in the King class, and good at sports, making him the center of attention in school. Back then, I didn’t see him much because the high school and middle school sections are separate, but I heard his name often.    When I finally saw him, I understood why the girls were screaming so much. Now, as I’ve moved up to high school, I see him more often—around the cafeteria, passing by, at the gym, or most commonly at the library, where I work as a librarian. He borrows books a lot; he must love reading, which explains his good grades. And since he doesn’t have a girlfriend, he’s even more popular, though there are many rumors linking him with others.

“How was it when you met him in person?”

“Why are you asking me this?” I asked, puzzled, furrowing my brows.

“Well, I want to know what guys think about my crush.”

Oh my, she called him ‘my crush’ so confidently. Does Phii Hill know he has imaginary admirers all over school?

“Nothing much, really.” I answered honestly.

“How can there be nothing? Isn’t he handsome?”

“Yeah, he’s good-looking.”

“How good-looking?”

“What do you mean ‘how’? He’s just good-looking.” I said, still confused. Do girls usually ask such weird questions? Is there more than one way to be handsome?

“Like, cute handsome, cool handsome, rugged handsome, stuff like that.” Eve explained. I turned to Mick for his opinion, but he just shook his head, feigning ignorance.

“He’s pretty cool, like an athlete.” I said, just to move past the question.

“See, athletes are cool. But when I saw him studying, I thought he’d make a good doctor.”

“Dr. Hill, huh? That sounds awesome. It would be great if he actually became a doctor.”

“Seriously, with so many people liking him, why hasn’t he settled down?” Mick asked.

“Oh, Mick, don’t kill my dreams. I know he’s popular, but what can you do? He’s one of the reasons I even want to come to school, sigh. Deep down, I know there’s no way I’d ever really date him, someone of his caliber.”

“Well, being a fan is good enough. Heard that Nut from Class Four confessed to

Phii Hill yesterday.”

“Really, and what happened?”

“Rejected, of course. You can ask. Even the pretty seniors got rejected plenty of times.”

And so, the girls’ gossip continued amidst me and Mick’s boredom. Honestly, we were sick of hearing about him every day. It’s only through the girls’ gossip that we got to know him.

   As it was nearing six in the evening, when everyone should have gone home, I, being the librarian, had to tidy up the books, compile a list of borrowed books, and check for any missing volumes.

   “Panupong, come here for a moment.” called the library teacher.

“Yes, sir.”

“Help me out here.” The teacher then bent down to do something before handing me a notebook, “Someone left this notebook here for several days. I’ve waited a long time, but no one has come looking for it. Please return it to its owner.”    “Yes, sir.” I agreed and took the notebook.

“You can return it tomorrow morning. You can go home now, I’ll have someone else finish the rest.”

“Yes. If that’s the case, I’ll be going then. Goodbye.” I said, giving a slight bow before going to grab my school bag. But whose notebook is this? I don’t really know many people, will I be able to find the owner?

Name: Ratchakit Pacharakittithorn

   Nickname: Hill

   Class: M.5/12

   Oh…Hill from M.5/12 [1] So in Thailand if you see something written with matthayom or M it means secondary school which is a six years thing. And if you see something like M.5/12 it means that student is secondary school grade 5 class 12

Ah…that Phii Hill, the one I hear about every day…

This might work out well. I could take it to the girls in the class; they’ll definitely scream and fight over this notebook. I sneakily opened it to see, curious about what the notebook of someone who’s so good at studying would look like. Wow, such beautiful handwriting and organized notes. Even though it’s not very colorful, it’s very suitable for a guy, quite readable actually. Or maybe I should keep this notebook for myself, just in case.

When I get to M5, I’ll have the answers to look at.

That wouldn’t be good…doing something like that might be too much.

As I walked past the football field, I noticed quite a few people, especially girls, sitting by the field and watching the players intently. Eve had mentioned this morning that Phii Hill would be practicing football today. So, I might as well drop by. It wouldn’t be safe to keep it with me. If it doesn’t go away, I’ll just tear it up.    I made my way over to where the athletes were sitting for a break. There were about three or four guys resting and drinking water. I approached them cautiously.

“Uh, excuse me, seniors.”

“Yes?” They all turned to look at me in unison.

“Is Phii Hill here?” I asked.

“Hm? Oh, he is. Are you looking for him?”

“Yes, I need to return a notebook—”

“Hill!! Someone’s looking for you!!” One of the guys shouted out before I could finish my sentence, calling out to Phii Hill who was warming up in the middle of the field. Since it wasn’t far, Phii Hill heard and turned to look with a puzzled expression.

“A junior is looking for you!!” The same guy shouted again, and Phii Hill nodded in understanding before jogging over.

This was the first time I had seen Phii Hill up close like this, or maybe I had seen him before but never really noticed. Up close, he was…really as handsome as everyone claimed. His slightly sweaty appearance made him even more attractive.

Phii Hill looked at me, puzzled.

“I’m returning your notebook. Is this yours?” I said, handing the notebook over to him.

“Oh, yes, it’s mine…Where did you find it?”

“At the library.”

“Thanks.” He said, taking the notebook.

“You’re welcome.” I nodded, and Phii Hill gave me a sweet smile. I smiled back out of politeness before turning to leave.

“Uh…junior?” I turned back because I heard Phii Hill call out. He seemed to be contemplating something.

“Yes?”

“Never mind. It’s nothing.” Hearing that, I turned back around. What was that about? He called me and then didn’t say anything.

   “Ter, we saw you yesterday. What did you talk to Phii Hill about?”

“Yeah, it looked like you called Phii Hill over.” In the morning of the next day, the girls in my class were pressing me hard because everyone had witnessed me returning the notebook.

“I was just returning his notebook. He left it at the library.”

“Really? Why did you rush to give it back instead of bringing it to us first? We wanted to be the ones returning the notebook to Phii Hill.”

“Yeah, we wanted to see his handwriting. If it were me, I would have kept a page.”

“And did you peek inside his notebook?”

“I took a little look, his handwriting is nice.” I said.

“Then why didn’t you take a picture? Ter, I’m upset with you. Remember that.”    “Don’t be upset. What did I do wrong?” I said softly, “He comes to the library often. If you want to meet him, just come to the library.”

“I went last time. Didn’t see him at all.”

“Really? But I’m on library duty. I see him almost all the time. He likes to read on the upper floor with his friends.” I said truthfully because the librarian duties are scheduled by day. I’m on duty on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and in the evening when I’m at the library, I almost always see Phii Hill, except for some days like yesterday when he must have been practicing soccer.

“I guess our stars just aren’t aligned with his. Sigh, but seeing him practice yesterday did make me happy. Too bad he didn’t take his shirt off. All his friends did. Why didn’t he do the same?”

“I’ve never seen Phii Hill take his shirt off either. I’d love to see that.”

“But what about the sports festival? Did Phii Hill end up being our color’s drum major?”

“I heard our seniors say so. They said if it wasn’t Phii Hill, they wouldn’t agree to it, but it seems Phii Hill isn’t that keen on it. He’d rather focus solely on sports.”    “He’s our star player for soccer. I’d love for him to do both, but it must be exhausting for him.”

“And why are you all talking about him at my desk?” I asked. Somehow, I became the consultation point for sports festival matters right at my desk, leaving me with no space to work.

“Well, it’s normal to get excited as the sports festival approaches.”

At my school, the 5th graders are in charge of organizing the sports festival. Each color group consists of two or three classes, and they decide which class does what, like who builds the stands, who choreographs the parade, who manages the sports events. My class, M.4/7, is part of the red team, and so is Phii Hill’s class.    In M4, there aren’t any special duties, except for some who get selected to lead or march in processions, which I didn’t do. In simple terms, I was free; I wasn’t even participating in the sports, so I was just there to join the event.    3:25 AM

   It should be bedtime. Yes, even the chickens aren’t awake yet. Is it really the time to be doing this, Ter? I was yawning on the cold floor, using my bag as a pillow and my jacket as a blanket. It’s 3:25 AM, and I only fell asleep at midnight. Why do people have to torment themselves like this?

Mick, who was in the same predicament, was leaning against the wall, trying to doze off like me, along with many others who were now looking wilted like vegetables. The bright lights were blinding, and the noise made it even harder to sleep.

Yes, this is the place where the red team is supposed to get ready for the sports day parade. Man, I thought I’d be off the hook and wouldn’t have to do anything.

But due to a shortage of people, I ended up having to march too.

Marching, I don’t mind much, but having to meet at 3 AM is crazy…because the parade starts at 7 AM, and many need to get made up, so we had to come early or we’d be late. I can still remember my dad grumbling when he had to drop me off.    I understand my dad because I was grumbling a lot too. Not letting a sleepy person sleep is a sin. My dad’s a police officer, and he had to rush out last night because of an accident. By the time he got back, it was 3 AM, and he found me waiting outside the house.

“Hey, Ter, why are you sleeping here?” I heard Eve’s voice and opened my eyes to see her in regular gym clothes, but her face was already fully made up. Eve was also in the parade, and she will be carrying a sign along with me.

“I’m sleepy, let me sleep, please.” I pleaded in a groggy voice before closing my eyes again.

“C’mon, get a little excited, it’s sports day!”

“I am excited, but I’m also sleepy.”

“Do guys need to put on makeup too?”

“Apparently, we need to put on foundation. We wait for the girls to finish first. If they call for the guys to get their makeup done, wake me up, Eve.”

“Alright, and Mick too. Come on, let’s sit together, our classmates are hardly here for the parade.”

“Uh, good luck, Eve.” I mumbled, not really sure what I was saying, feeling all dazed. Knowing someone would wake me up, I easily slipped back into sleep.

“Ter, wake up, wake up!” I jolted awake after Eve shook me vigorously.

“Huh, what? Are they calling us for makeup now?”

“No, no, but look, Phii Hill is here. Oh, how delightful to see him this early in the morning.” I peeked in the direction she pointed, and sure enough, it looked like…uh, Phii Hill, but the image was so blurry.

“What time is it now?” I asked.

“3:50.”

“Eve, I’ve only slept for twenty minutes.”

“That’s enough. They’ll soon call for the boys to get their makeup done.”

“But that’s still a while. Just one minute now feels like a lifetime for me.” I said, dropping my head onto my bag and trying to sleep some more.

“Phii Hill isn’t the drum major, right? He’s not marching, is he just overseeing the parade?”

“Probably.” I answered, still half-asleep.

“Oh my God, he just looked over here for a second. Did he look at us? He must have looked at us, oh my God, let me fantasize for now, right Ter? He looked at us, right? Squeal!” Eve squealed softly, but how would I know? I had my eyes closed.

“Yes, he looked at you Eve. He must like Eve for sure.”

“Ter! Crazy, what are you saying!!” And then Eve hit me hard on the arm, making me jump, “Ouch, for goodness’ sake, why do I have to deal with this when

I’m so sleepy?”

“Boys can start getting their makeup done now.”

“Ter, they are calling for us.”

“Ugh, let someone else go first.”

“Mick, wake up, they’re calling for makeup now.” Eve turned to wake up Mick too.

“Ter, get up.”

“You get up too, limit.”

“Excuse me.”

Huh…who’s calling? The voice isn’t familiar.

   “Excuse me, you can wake up now.”

Is it time for makeup again? Ugh, I want to sleep more, can I have another five minutes?

   “Another five minutes.”

“It’s getting late now.”

“Mm-hmm, I know. You can go ahead.”

“If you don’t wake up, I’ll carry you to the car to sleep.”

“Alright, alright, I’m awake.” I said in a groggy voice, slowly pushing myself up from the floor, rubbing my eyes to get them to open. Who woke me up? And where did Eve go? “Where’s Eve?”

“The girls have gone to get dressed.”

“Oh, right.” I mumbled, trying to open my eyes again.    This person looks familiar…

   Oh…

   It’s Phii Hill…

   Why is he the one waking me up?

   And what was that about carrying me? Is he going to throw me downstairs or something? That’s harsh.

   “Just wait here for your makeup.” He said, “Can you stand up?” Phii Hill asked, extending his hand as if to help me up. I, lacking strength and full of sleepiness, reached out to grasp his hand, and he gently pulled me to my feet.

“Thanks.” I thanked him, then staggered over to sit next to Mick, who was getting his makeup done. His face looked just as freshly woken as mine.

“Why didn’t you wake me up?” I asked.

“I was almost out cold myself, senior, could you pinch my leg?” Mick said. The senior who was applying his makeup pinched him as requested, making Mick yelp and wake up fully.

“It’s not too hot, right?” Eve, now in full Thai costume holding a sign next to me, commented, even though I was already being made up. But I still felt like my mind wasn’t fully back. Plus, this sign was incredibly heavy; it was a carved wooden sign representing the school’s identity.

“It’s barely past seven, Eve. How could it be hot?”

“You’re annoying. So, Phii Hill, he’s here to supervise the parade?”

“Seems like it.”

“That’s a pity. Why didn’t he go parading as the drum major instead?”

“I don’t know.” I said, not paying much attention. Right now, my mind is set only on sleep. Mick was the same, his eyelids half-closed.

“But having him supervise the parade is good. We get to be close to him, it feels like he’s protecting us.” Eve said.

The parade supervisors, as their name suggests, ensure that no one in the parade steps out of line. Since we’re walking down an entire lane of the road, they also need to watch out for cars in the other lane trying to cut in. They also handle other duties like serving water and wiping sweat.

Last year, a girl twisted her ankle because of high heels, and the parade supervisor had to carry her shoes all the way. But honestly, who came up with the idea of walking this far? They must not have considered people like us, who are not fully awake, haven’t eaten much, yet are expected to walk this far. Don’t they have any sympathy?

Phii Hill, in his red staff shirt, clearly showing which color he was representing, with jeans and nice sneakers. Just that was enough for all the girls in the parade to look his way, especially my girlfriend here, who’s crazy about him, no need to mention how chill she’s acting.

The parade had been moving for a while. In front of me, there was a palanquin carrying a senior girl in an extravagant Thai costume, probably namedPhii Thanmild, also known as one of Phii Hill’s rumored love interests. I know this purely from Eve’s gossip, to be honest, T^T.

Somehow, I really feel sorry for the guy carrying the palanquin.

“Can you manage?” Phii Hill, who had somehow ended up next to me, asked.

When he walked beside me like this, I suddenly felt short.

“Yes.” I nodded in response.

“But you look very pale.” He said. I’m not sure if I imagined it, but his voice carried concern. He’s really a good senior, looking after the juniors well.

“I’m fine.” I smiled, but right now, the sign I was carrying felt extremely heavy, my arms were exhausted. I glanced at Eve, and she was in a similar condition, her hands trembling; this sign should be carried by at least four people.

“Is it heavy? Here, let me take it.” Phii Hill said as he took the sign from me, “Ice, come help carry this for the junior, she’s struggling.” Phii Hill called out to another staff member nearby to help with Eve’s side of the sign.

How is it that when the seniors take over, the sign feels so light? Just a moment ago, Eve and I were practically dragging it on the ground. Now, with nothing to carry, we could move to the middle, more like showing off our outfits than anything else. When I looked back, I saw Mick had his arms sagging too. Even with other staff helping out, we were all in this together, T^T.

“Wow, look at his arm muscles, the veins too, oh my, so manly.” Eve whispered, making it hard for me not to notice too. Many girls like men with visible veins on their arms. I get it, it looks cool. It shows strength. I only just realized Phii Hill has muscles too, but honestly, I don’t know much about him.

“Oh, Hill. Not being the drum major, and now you’re carrying signs instead?” another staff member teased as he approached, but Phii Hill just shrugged without responding, “But aren’t you supposed to be in the sports section? Why help with the parade? Aren’t you going to be tired out before the soccer match?”

“…”

“Someone has to be looked after.”

“Who?”

“Not telling.”

“Fine. Anyway, the parade management isn’t very good, huh? Not enough breakfast for the juniors, calling us in too early for no reason. Look, there’s a junior girl almost fainting up ahead.”

“Oh, that’s bad.”

“And how about football? Today’s the final against the green team. Do you think the captain will win?”

Hm? Phii Hill is our team’s football captain too? That’s cool.

   “Probably will win.”

“You’ve got good support today.”

“Oh, you’re talking subtly now, aren’t you? Who is it? Thanmild, oh, she’s super beautiful today, sitting like a lady on that bench, that Thai dress really suits her.” The guy whispered to Phii Hill, but I, being close by, overheard it anyway, causing me to look at Phii Thanmild sitting in front. I could only see her back, but even from the back, she looked beautiful, her skin as white as milk.

“It’s not that impressive.”

“Oh, come on, you who she chases every day can say that, but just looking at her makes me happy.” He said, making a face of exasperation.

“Could you get some water for me?” The person next to me made a slightly annoyed gesture, and the other went to fetch a small glass of water from another staff member.

“Here.”

“Give it to the junior.” Phii Hill said.

“Sure, sure.” and then he handed the glass to me. I didn’t forget to say thank you before taking it, and I passed another glass to Eve.

When we reached near the school entrance, we had to carry the signs ourselves. It wouldn’t look good if the staff held them for us. I guess we can manage. It’s just around the school lawn; the ground is quite muddy, though. Just the other day,

Fon fell here, T^T

   “It’s fine, I’m okay. If it’s too much, let me know, okay?” Phii Hill spoke with concern again. I nodded to show I understood, and then Phii Hill moved to join the other staff members, but not too far from me.

“He really cares, doesn’t he?” Eve said.

“Yeah.”

“Now he’s even more adorable. Sigh, I’ll remember this moment when he carried the sign for us until the day I die, it’s so sweet.” I sighed softly at Eve’s infatuation with Phii Hill, thinking one day I might get used to it.

“Who said he was ordinary? The red team captain, what a beautiful goal, and it’s in! One goal!!” The soccer commentary blared from speakers all around. Mick and I were at our color’s stand to watch the competition, sneakily eating sweets and snacks brought by juniors.

I swear, we only ate a little. We didn’t eat much, seriously, or else the juniors would have nothing to eat.

As soon as Phii Hill scored the first goal, the cheers erupted, especially loud from our stand where everyone was cheering with all their heart. The squeals from his fans were no ordinary thing; you could tell that after this match, he’d have even more fans. The sheer coolness of it all. But I didn’t see it, I was busy looking for snacks in the bag. Mick said Phii Hill’s goal was beautiful.

“Try to cheer a bit more.” Mick said, making me stop looking for food for the moment.

“Alright, alright, do you want some chicken leg snacks?”

“Sure.”

“And here comes another one for red, number eleven has the ball, passing it to number four. Now, can the red team captain score again consecutively?”

“Scream!!!! Hill, go for it!! That’s so cool, it really gets my heart racing.” one of the stand supervisors cheered loudly, “If you win, I’ll be your wife!!”

“Wait, stop it, if Hill hears this, he might be too scared to continue running.”

“Then come be my husband, I’m begging you.”

“Me too, I want a husband who’s the red team captain.”

I somehow felt that the seniors’ cheering was a bit scary. Does hearing such cheers actually boost the players’ energy? I’ve never competed in anything, so I wouldn’t know, but when you’re cheering with all your might, it really is fun, otherwise, why would cheering be so intense?

   “Oh my, if you’re going to be that handsome, you don’t even have to win, I’d still give in, Hill, take off your shirt, I want to see those abs.”

“Right, right, take your shirt off, just a moment, we’re here to cheer for the match, not to cheer for shirt-taking-off!”

“Number nine is pretty good, huh? Why are football players so impressive?”    Phii Hill is really focused on the game. You can tell, unlike some who just play without much effort, get tired and don’t want to run, it’s hot, the sun’s strong, all that stuff, but Phii Hill is truly dedicated and also very skilled, oh wow, he’s super cool. If someone has all these qualities, what more could you ask for in the world?    Whistling sound from the referee’s whistle signals the end of the first half. All the athletes disperse to rest at their respective team’s bench, the red team also heads this way. Phii Hill is drenched in sweat, his face flushed from exercise and exposure to the sun.

“Ohhh, wow, that last shot was a real killer.” probably referring to the moment Phii Hill wiped his face with his shirt, revealing his abs, making everyone hold their breath unintentionally.

“Hill played well. Keep an eye on number twelve, he almost scored several times.” The coach advised.

“Yes, sir.” Phii Hill responded, clearly exhausted, his eyebrows furrowed, showing he was quite serious.    “Pipe, don’t go too far upfront.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Grab some water for the players, will you?” One of the seniors ordered me during the strategy meeting. I was confused why I had to do it, but then I realized I was the closest to the water cooler since I had sneaked away for a sweet drink. Mike and I grabbed water bottles from the ice bucket and handed them out to the football players.

“Here’s water.” I handed one to Phii Hill.

“Thank you.” He turned and gave me a gentle smile as he took the water. I could sense his kindness; he had even helped me carry the banner earlier today. I had heard rumors that Phii Hill was rather cold and didn’t care much for others, but that doesn’t seem to be true.

Soon, it was time for the second half. At least we were leading by one goal, which Phii Hill had scored. If nothing went wrong, we were likely to win.    “Hey, cheer louder!” one of the leaders on the stands shouted, causing the red stands to cheer so loudly it drowned out the green, our opponents. Wow, that’s impressive; even when I was in middle school, the cheering wasn’t this loud.

Maybe it depends on who’s playing.

Suddenly, everyone gasped as Phii Hill was tripped by an opponent and fell. The referee blew the whistle immediately. Everyone rushed over to check on him, and when they did, they found he wasn’t injured and could continue playing, but the player who tripped him received a yellow card.

“Oh come on, they can’t compete so they cheat. That’s not manly at all.”

“He might not have meant to.”

“Meant what? If something happens to my husband, how will you take responsibility?”

I shifted to a spot where I could see clearly and found that Phii Hill really seemed to be fine.

Sigh, thank goodness he’s not hurt.

But his shirt was covered in mud. As I mentioned earlier, the ground was very slippery today because it had rained the day before. The grass in the middle of the sports field had dried out quite a bit. But where Phii Hill fell was a wet area.

“Give him a spare shirt.” The advisor shouted, indicating that a shirt change was necessary. Playing like this wouldn’t do, and it was the moment everyone had been waiting for.

That is…

Phii Hill took off his shirt…

“Scream!!!! Oh my God, those abs, those six-packs, oh my, why does he have such a good body, I give up, I totally give up, sigh, he’s stolen my heart.”    “Why is he so white? Did he swallow a light bulb or something? Oh, he looks delicious, that body is so tempting.”

“The abs are so beautiful, I want to touch them.”

“Six-packs are the best. Don’t put the shirt back on. Just play without it!”    It was just a fleeting moment when Phii Hill changed his shirt, but it caused a stir among everyone who saw, especially the girls who couldn’t believe such a white complexion could belong to an athlete who is always under the sun. The abs were not overly defined, just right for a high school student who exercises.

   Honestly…

   My heart is beating so hard right now…

   

   EASTTAGYOUREMINE CHAPTERS HOME

EASTTAGYOUREMINE, Chapter 22: The First Time I Saw You

   “Can you tell me how Ter came to like me?” Phii Hill lifted his hand to prop up his chin, staring at me intently as if wanting to extract the answer. North, sitting next to me, was laughing with great satisfaction. Just wait until it’s my turn, North, remember that.

“I’m not telling.” I said while scooping rice into my mouth to hide my embarrassment, “You haven’t told me yet.”    “Told you what?”

“The story about those five years.” I replied.

“Do you want to know now?”

“…” I stayed silent for a moment, recalling how the last time Phii Hill was about to tell me, I had said I wasn’t ready to know. But now things have changed for the better. I was now curious about how Phii Hill could have liked me for five years.

“Uh.” I nodded to indicate my answer.

“Sure, I’ll tell you then.” Phii Hill said, “but after Ter agrees to be my boyfriend.

Is that okay?”

“Cheater.” I muttered, frowning slightly. Is Phii Hill planning to ask me to be his boyfriend every day or what? T^T

“North, do you know why Ter won’t agree to be my boyfriend?” Phii Hill turned to ask North. The one being asked quickly swallowed his food to answer, why is he so eager to expose me?

“At first, he said he wasn’t sure about you, but after some time, I’ve seen that you’re pretty straightforward. I don’t know why he’s still playing hard to get.” North said before looking at me intently, “Stop playing hard to get already.” “You’re speaking as if you’re the expert.” I retorted, feeling genuinely annoyed at him. It’s not that I want to play hard to get, I just think we should take some time to get to know each other better. Even North himself once told me to take my time.    Then, during our meal, we had some conversation. Most of it was North enthusiastically telling stories about me. I wanted to scold him so badly, but out of respect for Phii Hill, I held back. He was spilling everything right from the start, and it seemed like Phii Hill enjoyed hearing about all the stories I had shared with North, especially pleased to learn how much I’ve been thinking about these matters.

Just look at him…grinning so broadly it’s almost annoying.

After we finished eating, Phii Hill drove us back to the dorm.

“Thank you so much for the meal.” North said, giving a respectful wai, which Phii Hill acknowledged with a smile.

Wow, why do they seem to get along so well like a pair of flutes?

“Thank you.” I also expressed my gratitude.

“Alright, see you later.” Phii Hill replied with a kind smile, and then the luxury car pulled away.

“Who said Phii Hill was cold? He’s quite warm and friendly.” North remarked as we were heading back to our room.

“Ugh, you told him everything about me. You’re such a traitor. Just wait till it’s my turn to spill your secrets.” I said with a mix of irritation and a glare, which made North chuckle at my expression.

“Ha ha, don’t be mad.” North said while unlocking the door, “There’s no reason to hide anything from Dr. Hill.”

“From a ghost, you mean. Don’t you think I might be embarrassed?”

“Why be embarrassed? You’re the one playing hard to get here. He’s been clear about his feelings. Maybe it’s time for you to be clear about yours too.” North said. “You said yourself that we should take our time to observe.”

“Yeah, that’s right. But at first, I thought maybe he wasn’t really serious about you. But from what I’ve seen, he’s very serious about you. If you really love him too, there’s no reason to wait anymore.”

“Why wait any longer? You and Dr. Hill have waited long enough. Time has proven that Phii Hill isn’t going to change, no matter what happens…That was quite the sharp comment from me, huh? Maybe it’s because today I had good food, ha ha ha.” North said, laughing with pride at his own words. I made a face at him but when I thought about what he said, he was right, I couldn’t argue with that.

“You’re really good at giving advice, huh?” I said.

“I’m only good at advising others.” North replied with a sigh. I figured he must be hurting over something. Better not to ask; he probably doesn’t want to talk about it anyway.

“So, what are you going to do? Dr. Hill asks you to be his boyfriend every day.

Aren’t you going to soften up a bit?”

“You…I don’t know either. I am softening up, I’m just so weak-hearted.”

“If you keep being slow and Hill can’t wait, you’ll be shocked to death.”

“Shocked to death?”

“What if he proposes to you in front of the whole school, then you can’t refuse, man.”

“Huh!?” I furrowed my brows at my roommate’s words, “Propose to me in front of the whole school? No way.”

“No way, what? We’re talking about Dr. Hill here. What do you think is impossible for him to do?” North’s words were right again; Phii Hill had once declared to the stars, “Ter is mine.” and even told thousands of people on a live stream that he would take care of me. Oh dear.

“I don’t think I can handle that, honestly, I’ve been feeling overwhelmed.” I sighed.

“But he doesn’t know you like him, right? I thought he knew.” He said.    “No, he doesn’t know, but I think he might know now, Phii Hill is good at reading people.”

“Because you’ve never told him outright that you like him.” North said, “If you told him, he’d be really happy.”

“I’m not brave enough, North. If I had half of Phii Hill’s courage, that would be something.”

“At first, he said he wasn’t brave, didn’t he? But because he didn’t want to lose you again, he found the courage. You don’t want to lose him again, right? So be a bit braver.”

“…” I paused for a moment to reflect on North’s words, “Yeah, you’re right.”    (The sound of a tuk-tuk, coal trucks, cars going up and down the bridge, cars turning left and right, jerking movements)

The atmosphere of welcoming new students was really lively. My seniors had arranged for us to gather in the cheerleading room, where there were lots of activities like teaching cheerleading songs for Sports Day, dance routines, and revealing the senior codes.

“It’s really tiring, but now it’s time to reveal the codes. Anyone who knows their senior code can go find them. Those who haven’t found their seniors will definitely be punished.” and then all the freshmen stood up and started looking for their second-year seniors in chaos.

As for me…

“Have you found your senior code?” Foam asked me.

“Not yet.” I replied with frustration, wondering where I would find the time to look for them.

“Me neither.” Phoon answered.

“Same here.”

So, the three of us hadn’t found our senior codes yet.

“Those who haven’t found their senior have to be punished, come stand in front.”    Oh no, how embarrassing it is to stand here upfront. Even with nearly thirty people sharing the same fate.

“There are more of you than I thought. Come on, let’s see the faces of those who haven’t paid attention to the senior codes.” said the senior holding the megaphone, starting to question each of us about why we hadn’t met our seniors.    “I’ve warned you, those who haven’t found their seniors will face the most humiliating punishment. Phiis from the entertainment committee, please bring out the equipment.”

Several seniors brought out a variety of costumes. I started to feel uneasy. What’s that? T^T, there were animal costumes, fruit costumes, women’s nightgowns, traditional Thai sarongs, and many more. Don’t tell me we have to wear those!

Noooooo!

And my hopes were dashed; God wasn’t on my side today. We had to draw lots to decide who would wear which costume. At least, I prayed not to get the spaghetti strap top or the sarong, please.

“Ha ha ha ha, Foam, little lady, going to bathe at which water hole?” I teased Foam after he was picked to wear the sarong, and to make matters worse, he had to wear a shower cap too, thankfully they didn’t make him take off his shirt.

“Damn it, all my dignity as a man is gone.” Foam muttered, looking annoyed.    “Come on, don’t think too much about it. Look at Prem, he’s got the spaghetti strap top. He’s more stressed than you.” Phoon pointed out, indicating the unluckiest person of the day. Imagine a guy having to wear a tiny spaghetti strap top, especially over his student shirt, must feel so cramped.

“But at least you’re better off, Phoon, you got the pajamas.” Phoon was given striped pajamas, his hair tied into two buns, and his face made up with circles of red lipstick on his cheeks and black marks all over his face, like he’d been pranked by friends while asleep, but everyone was made up similarly.

“What the heck are you supposed to be, Ter, an eggplant demon?” Foam asked. I let out a heavy sigh as I looked down at myself. Yes, I had turned into an eggplant demon, forced to wear an eggplant costume. And I didn’t know if they ran out of budget or what, but I was covered in real eggplants hanging all over, making it quite heavy. At least being a cute strawberry costume would have been better.    “Yeah, I’m stuck because of this leaf, but at least I’ve got my banana demon friend here, right Film?” I turned to hug my friend in the banana costume, poor Film, who was hung with bananas all over his body, “How much for a bunch of bananas?”

“A hundred baht per bunch, hey, quit it, don’t pull my bananas.” Film protested when Foam tugged a banana from him and started to eat it.

“Here, you won’t go hungry, bananas are still edible. But Ter, you’re stuck with useless eggplants, they’re not even tasty to eat.” Foam said.

“I’m full of nutrients, you know.” I argued back, feeling the tightness from the bun hairstyle they made me wear, and the stickiness on my face from the makeup, which included red lip circles on my cheeks and cat-like whiskers drawn in black.

“Everyone, line up. We’re going out to show off our outfits.” I almost swallowed my saliva when I heard we had to go outside, “Those who aren’t dressed up, come along too, to support your friends.”

“We’ll start dancing in front of our faculty, then we’ll go around the faculties on this side.” which meant all the health-related faculties like Medicine, Pharmacy, and many others, “Actually, I’d like us to go around the whole university, but it might be too tiring. Last year, my batch went around the entire university, though.” “Sigh, I’m stressed.” Phoon sighed.

“I shouldn’t have forgotten to find my senior code.”

“Ter, stay close to me, okay?” said the banana devil. I nodded, sticking with the same group was the best.

Because of the loud drums in front of our faculty, people nearby came to watch, take pictures, and some even filmed Jo. Should I be happy for bringing joy to everyone? T^T

And then, it was time for the show…

Sound of a heron standing in a rice field, looking at the shrimps, crabs, and fish, and then…

“Dance more energetically, the strawberry junior dances well, come on, one more time.” I felt increasingly embarrassed as more people came to watch, and passersby started to pay attention too.

“The one in the bear costume is so cute, and has a nice waist, screammmmm!”

“That junior in the robe is doing great!”

“Dance more!”

We heard comments from the audience as we moved to the courtyard in front of the Medical Faculty. Oh no, please don’t let Phii Hill be there. I’m so embarrassed.    “Can I take a photo with you?” a voice came from behind me; turning around, I saw a small girl with a phone asking for a picture.

“Me?”

“Yes, the eggplant junior.”

“Uh…sure.” I gave a broad smile for the photo. I couldn’t believe someone actually asked for a picture, but being called ‘eggplant junior’ wasn’t the best thing.

“All freshmen, repeat after me.” one of the cheerleading leaders announced through the megaphone when we stopped in front of the Medical Faculty, “Shiny white doctors.”

“Doctorrrrrrrrs.” and everyone shouted back, especially the girls. I’ll just say it quietly then.

“Was your class hard today, ladies and gentlemen?”

“Was your class hard today, ladies and gentlemen?”

“If your class was hard, come watch us dance to relieve your stress!”    “If your class was hard, come watch us dance to relieve your stress!” They shouted so loudly that it echoed through the entire medical faculty building.    Oh no, this is bad luck. Don’t call the doctors like that. What if they actually come down to watch, what then? T^T. Not long after, many people started to gather, either leaning over the balcony from the upper floors or coming down to watch from below.

“Hey, the vet students are dancing again this year, and the outfits are even more spectacular than last year!”

The drums started to play, signaling the beginning of the performance. Ugh, I’m exhausted, the costume is heavy, and each dance move is so embarrassing.

“Your doctor is here.” Phoon whispered, making me whip around to look immediately.

Phii Hill!

How did he get here so fast? I didn’t see him before. He was standing there with other doctors, identifiable by their white lab coats. Phii Hill gave me a slight smile before he started to chuckle when the music began, signaling us to start dancing.    Oh no, don’t look, don’t let him see me as the eggplant demon, please no, T^T, ughhhhhh.

“Hey, the doctors are coming down to watch, so we’ve got to show off a bit, right?” The voice boomed through the megaphone along with the drum beats. It was probably just playful banter between faculties. At the orientation, there was also a lot of teasing back and forth.

But it didn’t have to be right now! T^T

“Repeat after me. Even if you’re a vet doc, you can still heal my heart, right?” This seemed to make the girls quite shy, unlike the guys who were all stiff and reluctant to speak.

Right, who would dare to say that, T^T.

“Guys, you say it too.”

“Say it and dance. I’m watching your lips. Right now, only guys speak, and do it loudly.”

“Even if you’re a vet doc, you can heal my heart, right?”

“Even if you’re a vet doc, you can heal my heart, right?”

Why do I have to say this in front of Phii Hill? T^T. I sneakily glanced over. It looks like Phii Hill is having a great time, even pulling out his phone to record me, nooooo, ugh, this is really the most embarrassing punishment, isn’t it?

“Damn, why do I have to do this? Just now, someone called me ‘sarong junior’.” Foam said, almost in tears, while trying to dance to the beat, which seemed quite challenging.

“I understand, I was just called ‘eggplant junior’.” I said sympathetically.

“Oh dear, Hill’s eggplant junior.” Phoon teased.

“Please, you in your pajamas don’t even talk, want to swap outfits?”    “No way, seeing you in it would stress me out, watch out for your eggplant falling off, Ter, there’s a ball on your shoulder.”

“Shit.” I couldn’t help but curse, then I stopped dancing to tie the eggplant back with the straw rope. If it fell off, it would be even more embarrassing.

“Why did you stop dancing, eggplant junior?”

Shit…

“Come to the front.”    Shit, I’m doomed…

Nooooo. I tried resisting as hard as I could when my evil friends dragged me forward.

“Ter, they told you to go to the front, let’s go.”

“Phoon, you beast! Don’t pull me, nooo.” I protested, why did it have to be me, just for stopping for a moment, boo hoo.

“What’s your name? Let’s see your name tag.” and despite all my efforts, I was eventually pushed to the front, “Nong Easter, code 034, the eggplant junior who couldn’t find his senior code and even tried to slack off by not dancing.”    “Why didn’t you dance?” And then the senior handed me the megaphone to answer, oh my God, I was so embarrassed, in front of so many people, why in this outfit, and now being called out? T^T

“Uh…” I took a deep breath. I didn’t know what to say; why did I feel like I was being ganged up on? T^T

“Okay, okay, we won’t tease you anymore, let’s head to the Dental Faculty next, thank you to the doctors for watching us.” I didn’t look at Phii Hill because I was too embarrassed, and I quickly walked towards the next faculty.

“That was exhausting.” Foam complained after the seniors’ punishment session was over, and we finally returned to our faculty to change. It was almost evening by the time we finished, “And how do I take off this sarong? Why did they tie it so tightly?”

“There’s a safety pin at the back.” I pointed out, also wanting to get out of this outfit as soon as possible, but let’s wait till we reach the changing room.

“Uh…junior.” a voice called from behind, making me turn around. There were three senior guys, and one of them was the one who asked me, “Can I take a picture with you?”

“Me?” I pointed to myself, not expecting a guy to ask for a photo.

“Yes, the eggplant junior.”

Oh no, so I’ve officially become the eggplant junior, T^T. The senior gave a wide, kind smile.

“Sure.” I said, dragging my eggplant-laden self over to stand beside him for the photo, while his friend took the picture.    “Thank you, your name is Nong Easter, right?”

“Yes.” I nodded in confirmation, “You know me?”

“I heard your name mentioned at the medical faculty’s courtyard.” He said, “I’m

Knight, from the dental faculty.”

“Oh, nice to meet you.” I didn’t know what else to say, so I just left it at that.

Why would this dentist want to take a picture with me and even introduce himself?    “I wanted to take a picture when you were dancing in front of our faculty, but I was too late. You looked cute.”

“Thank you.” I gave a somewhat awkward smile, unsure how to react to compliments.

“Uh, I have to head back now. See you around, I’ll tag you on the photo on Facebook.” And with that, he hurried off. I didn’t even get a chance to ask how he knew my Facebook profile; he was quick.

“Who was that, Ter?” Phoon and Foam, who were waiting for me, asked.

“He just wanted to take a picture.”

“Oh, since you’re wearing that costume, everyone wants to take photos like never before. Is it that strange?” Foam questioned.

“This costume is super cursed.” Phoon remarked.

“It’s terrible, it’s hurting my soul.”

And so, we, the bunch of oddballs, finally made it to the changing room at the faculty. Those who didn’t have to change had already left. It was just us and the seniors packing up the equipment.

“Hey, hey, look at this.” someone’s voice called out, drawing everyone’s attention in the room, and they all turned to look. I, who was in the middle of changing, couldn’t move.

“What is it?” another senior asked.

“Why is it so hard to take off?” Phoon complained while helping Foam to remove the eggplants from me, “They’re all tangled together. Can we just cut through the straw strings?”

“No, he said to take it off carefully, so they can reuse the costume.”

“Madman, how are you going to reuse it? The eggplant will have wilted by then.”

“I don’t know, but he said not to cut it.” I said with a sigh, glancing at the banana devil…who was struggling just as much.

“Isn’t that Dr. Hill, the one coming this way?”

Huh! I turned around abruptly when I heard that name, is Phii Hill coming…?    “Yes, yes, still wearing his lab coat. Probably just came from the lab, but why is he here at our faculty now?”

“Or maybe…”

“That doctor who said in an interview he’s wooing someone in the vet faculty, screammm, he must be here to find that person.” a woman from the equipment section squealed, causing everyone in the room to get excited.

“Hey, are we about to find out who it is? Should we follow him sneakily? Is there anyone else still at our faculty?”

“I don’t know, but there are some people studying upstairs.”

“He’s here, shall we go say hi?”

“Let’s do it, let’s go say hi.”

“Dr. Hilllll, are you looking for someone?” That woman walked out and called out to Phii Hill. I couldn’t see what happened because I was still stuck here.

“I’m here to see Professor Kesarin, is she in?” I heard Phii Hill’s voice from near the doorway.

“I think she’s still here, she takes forever to go home.” and then I saw Phii Hill and that woman stop in front of the room, with Phii Hill wearing his lab coat and holding a thick stack of documents.

“Uh, thank you.” Phii Hill said before scanning the room, his eyes met mine for a brief moment with a slight smile, then he walked away. I doubt anyone else noticed that smile just now.

“You’re so lucky, what’s with standing that close to Dr. Hill?”    “Just a bit, he even thanked me just now, did you hear that? Ugh, I’m embarrassed.”

“You’re imagining it. He was just being polite.”

“But being close to him felt so nice. I wonder what cologne he uses to smell so good all the time.”

“Stop it. He’s got someone special already. Move on, you all.”

“I just want to be his imaginary girlfriend, that’s all. But he wasn’t here for that person, what a letdown. I was gonna sneak a peek.”

“Exactly, I’m really curious to know who you are in our faculty.”

The seniors’ conversation made Foam and Phoon exchange a big teasing look.

“Isn’t it really you? Aren’t you jealous? With such a hot boyfriend.” Phoon whispered teasingly.

“We’re not even dating yet. Focus on getting these eggplants off me.” I said quietly, worried about others hearing.

“He said your boyfriend smells nice too, if it were me, I’d be insanely jealous.” Foam added.

Oh, come on, what’s with you guys, always teasing. Sigh, but as far as I know, Phii Hill doesn’t wear cologne. I haven’t seen a single bottle in his room.    “Seriously, aren’t you jealous?” Foam pressed on, making me frown at him. If you ask if I’m jealous, maybe a little, knowing that the doctor is liked by many. But I trust him too.

“How about this, if the doctor comes down again, shall we ask him about that person?” the same girl continued, seemingly making a big deal out of Phii Hill’s recent walk-by.

“Would the doctor even tell?”

“If he doesn’t, it’s fine. We’ll just chat with him anyway. Just being able to talk to him makes us happy.”

“Uh-huh. You mean you like him without expecting anything in return.”    “Yes. Just go ask him yourself. It’s not wrong, right? Just being near her is enough for me, so, for now, I’ll be her imaginary boyfriend.”

“You never know, it might be me. I’m in the same vet faculty after all, maybe the doctor secretly likes me but is too shy to say it.”

“You’re imagining too much. Nothing in the doctor’s interview matched you at all.”

And finally, the eggplant costume was successfully removed, thanks to the kind help of Foam and Phoon. Even though the costume was off, I was still itchy from the leaves.

“Did you hear that, Ter? You should do something, you know.” Foam said. Why does everyone say that? Ever since North, what am I supposed to do, T^T.

   “What do you want me to do?”

“Anything. The doctor has been clear about his feelings for you.”

“I don’t know what to do, should I just walk up and say that person is me? That’s crazy.”

“Sigh, you’re hopeless.” Foam sighed heavily. Phoon looked at me with sympathy, and for some reason, I felt annoyed by his gaze.

“Alright, how about you pretend to push me when the doctor walks by?” the same girl suggested.

“You’re crazy, that joke’s so old.”

“Oh, can’t I? Hey, your boyfriend’s here, let me mentally prepare for a moment.” The woman said, then let out a big sigh.

So, when she said ‘boyfriend,’ she meant Phii Hill, right?

“Doctor, how’s it going? Was the professor there?”

“She was.” I, who was still packing up, turned to see the same scene as before. That woman was talking to Phii Hill at the doorway, with the other girls secretly standing behind the wall for support.

   “Ter, are you going to give in?” Foam asked. I glanced at him once before going back to packing my things.

“That’s good. It would’ve been bad if she wasn’t there, and what documents did you bring for the professor?”    “It’s the first-year lab documents.”

“Wow, the doctor helps with the first-year labs too? That’s impressive, I thought the second years did that. We’d like to do labs with the doctor.”

I don’t know why that woman is so good at starting conversations, they must have known each other before, I guess.

“I let someone else handle the second-year ones.”

“Oh, that’s too bad, and are you heading back now?”

“Yeah, I’m about to leave.”

“Right, right, you live at the condo near the big roundabout, right? Can I catch a ride back with you? I can get off halfway, my friend isn’t available to drop me off today.”

“What a shameless, bold-faced person, how can she be so daring?” one of the friends hiding by the wall whispered in irritation, which I overheard because we were also about to leave.

“She’s got the guts, man, chances to talk like this with Jo don’t come by easily.”    “Hey!” I exclaimed in surprise when suddenly Foam pushed me towards Phii Hill and, uh…someone probably named Fai. I stumbled and almost bumped into Phii Hill.

“…” Phii Hill looked at me, confused. I was at a loss for what to do, oh my God, Foam, could you please coordinate with me first?

“Uh…Nong Ter, is there something you need?” Fai asked. I thought I heard a soft whisper from those two suggesting I should just speak up.    Now, what am I supposed to say? Boo hoo, T^T

“I mean…” I turned to look at Phii Hill.

“I’m hungry.”

I was just stating the facts…yes, indeed. Right now, I’m starving, how was I supposed to know what Emmy was referring to when she said to speak up? Meanwhile, PiiFai looked utterly confused, and the two guys behind me sighed loudly as if they were deeply disappointed in me.

   “Sure, I’ll take you to get something to eat.” Phii Hill said in a soft, deep voice, reaching out to gently take my hand and leading me away from there immediately, amidst Phii Fai’s bewilderment. When I turned back, I saw Foam and Phoon walking off in another direction. I guess they must be heading back.

“Anything special you’d like to eat?” The person holding my hand asked.

“Uh…ramen.”

“Okay.” The tall figure turned to smile sweetly at me, before leading me towards the medical faculty area.

“You look especially cute today, like an eggplant.”

“Stop teasing me.” I said, my voice slightly sulky.

“I’m not teasing, I’m stating the truth.”

“Did you take a picture? Delete it.” I said, feeling embarrassed. Why would you take a picture?

“No way.”

“And here…” Phii Hill stopped walking and turned to look at me, “You’ve got a rash all over.” His large hand gently touched my neck where it was itchy from the eggplant leaves. I didn’t even realize I had a rash.

“Let’s put some ointment on it first.” The tall figure in the gown said as he led me into the medical building and then into the nurse’s room. There’s a nurse’s room here too? And Phii Hill even has the key, “Wait here a moment.” Being in the nurse’s room with Phii Hill in his doctor gown, it really felt like I was with a real doctor.

But Phii Hill is a real doctor…

I sat down on the chair with ease, thinking it would be good to get some ointment before I end up scratching my skin off.

“Don’t scratch, okay?” Phii Hill lightly tapped my hand that was scratching my neck, “It’ll get worse.”

Phii Hill sat down on the chair, dipped a cotton swab in ointment, and gently applied it to the rash on my neck. Watching him put on the ointment, it reminded me of the first time we met.

   The very first time we met…

   I fell for him so hard…

   

   EASTTAGYOUREMINE CHAPTERS HOME

EASTTAGYOUREMINE, Chapter 21: Painting Club

   “Ter, calm down, don’t let your soul escape, hey.” North shook me and was making a fuss next to me, and I heard everything, but my consciousness seemed to have truly drifted away.

“I’ll take the best care of him. :)”

Ohhhhh, what can I say to someone like this, how can I argue back when I never win. There’s no embarrassment in saying something like that in front of thousands, huuuh. Even if he doesn’t say who it is, he could at least think about the listeners’ feelings, others must be stunned, but I’m the one who feels like I’ve died, T^T.    Ohhhh, that doctor is insane, did he really mean to give me a heart attack? I can’t take it anymore, it’s just too much. Can I really be with someone like that, ohhhh.

   A warm feeling spread across my chest. I don’t know what it is, but it’s both warm and feels like it’s burning my heart, making me afraid that one day I might really melt. Why does it have to deal so much damage, T^T.

   “Man, I’m embarrassed for you, what’s with this crazy doctor?” North said, turning to look at the screen where the live stream was playing. Both Emmy and Phii Napdao were screaming so loudly they didn’t care about the viewers, and the comments were coming in so fast I could barely keep up. I was somewhat relieved to be watching through a screen.

I can’t even imagine how I’d react if Phii Hill said this to my face.

But the problem is there are thousands of people watching.

“Screaming, I’ve screamed so much my throat hurts, doctor, if you’re going to torture my heart like this, are you planning to become a surgeon in the future? Could you please operate on my heart too, it’s just too much for me, I’m jealous. To the one who has Hill’s heart, did you borrow your luck from a past life? How did you get so much good karma?”

“Oh, the comments are coming too fast, I can’t keep up. Take it easy, let’s talk slowly, see, people are really dying from the doctor’s words. If anyone dies, what will you do to take responsibility?”

Emmy asked playfully, but Phii Hill just smiled without saying anything.    “Just now you said it was the last question, but it’s like…we can’t just leave it at that, can we ask just one more thing, okay? Can we delay the rehearsal just a little?” Emmy turned to ask Phii Napdao.

“Just a tiny bit more.” Phii Napdao said.

“Okay, just a quick chat then, please bear with us a little longer.”

I was starting to feel uneasy. At first, I thought it would end there, but then there’s this additional interview. Part of me wants to close the stream, but another part is dying to see more.

: Yeah, good, keep talking, I’ll just watch the doctor’s face, it’ll help with my longing.

   : Secretly sad, but I’ll support the doctor. Even though it hurts us, I hope she’s happy with him, ohhhh.

   : I wish to have Hill as my own, can I take Hill home with me? Where would you find another perfect and loyal person like him?

   : The doctor is my little junior’s boyfriend. I’m imagining myself as the owner of the doctor’s heart. I’m thrilled, rolling around three times, ><.    I must have really borrowed my luck from a past life to be this fortunate in this one, I’ll go do some good deeds for a bit.

: I’ll take Dr. Fah too, Phii Hill probably won’t be single anymore. Ohh, all hope is lost, isn’t it?

“All the comments are full of lamentations. Oh dear, you little monkey. I’m as heartbroken as they are, you know, I’ve had my eye on Doctor Hill since that freshman orientation.”

Suddenly, North’s hand slapped my shoulder so hard that I jolted and quickly turned to look at him, raising an eyebrow in question.

“Did you really save up from your past lives for this?” North asked.

“Are you crazy? How would I know that?”

“Then why are you so lucky? What did you do to make the doctor like you so much?”

“Are you interviewing me now? I don’t know, I can’t remember what he said for about five years, I didn’t even know Phii Hill back then.” I said, and North’s face turned sour.

“Wow, how come? But you’re really enviable to someone like me who’s heartbroken. Seeing you in love like this, it really hurts. I’ll leave it here for now, Ter.”

“What? Don’t make that gloomy face, you’ll find someone too, trust me.” I said, trying to console the person sitting next to me, understanding how it feels to be hurt in love, because when I was, I was annoyed by every couple I saw.

“You don’t have to console me, how do you know I will?”

“I can feel that in past lives, you must have accumulated enough good karma alongside me.” I said playfully, making North chuckle a little, his sad expression fading.

“Wow, so you and I have been close for many lifetimes, huh?” North said, laughing while giving my shoulder a hearty slap.

“Anyway, let’s ask the grumpy doctor for fun.” Emmy’s voice redirected our attention back to the screen, “You said you liked him for five years, and has he known for long or just found out?”

“I think he just found out.”

“Five years, did you know each other before?”

“Yes.”

“And why didn’t you tell him? Why keep it for so long?”

“Well…” Emmy’s question made Phii Hill go silent for a moment, looking pensive. Yeah…if I had known from the start, things might have been better…no, wait, that might not have been good either, yes…because back then, Christy still liked Phii Hill.

“Back then, nothing was settled, including me not having enough courage.” Phii Hill said.

“Ah, I understand. When you like someone a lot, you fear disappointment even more. Sometimes, just watching over them is good enough, right?” Emmy said,

“So why do you have the courage now?”

“I just thought…I don’t want to lose him again…that’s all.”

Gasp! Damn it. If he hadn’t looked at me with such serious eyes, the damage wouldn’t have been this severe, right? Ohhh.

   “Aye! The more I ask, the more my heart feels like it’s thinning out, no different from tissue paper now. It’s like every question just confirms that I have no chance with you, doctor. Why are you so committed in love?”

“Because you said you’ll take the best care, so we don’t need to ask how it would be if we were dating, right? Can you help me ask something, Joke?” Emmy turned to ask Joke who was sitting on the other side.

“Well, hey. You’re the representative of the page interviewing, what should I ask?”

Joke already knows it’s me, T^T, everyone in the Star Moon contest crew knows.

Plus, with so many hints, it won’t be long before everyone finds out.

“Then let’s have the doctor talk about the latest photo he posted, the one with the caption, ‘Not smiling at the camera, but smiling for the photographer.’ What’s the meaning behind that, Emmy? I heard you don’t like taking photos much, right?” Emmy turned to ask Phii Hill again, whose face showed signs of being tired from work now turning into slight annoyance, as far as I could tell.

“It depends on who’s taking the photo.” Phii Hill answered, making both the interviewer and us listeners, like me and North, drop our jaws at the same time.

Wait, did he just imply…

“Screaming, Doctor! Are you saying that if it’s not your junior taking the photo, you don’t want to take pictures? Ohhh, so you’re not going to care about anyone else’s camera? You hardly post any photos on the page as it is, who will dare to take your photo now?” Emmy said while twisting in her seat.

“Then we’ll have to bother that junior to send us photos of you, otherwise, our page won’t have any pictures of Dr. Hill.” Emmy added, more in jest than anything.

: Ohhh, the doctor is just too much, T^T, we know you don’t like photos, ohhh, but to specify the photographer like that is too much.

   So, we’ll have to sneak photos then. It’s okay, we usually sneak photos anyway, LOL.

   : Doctor, what’s this feeling of being left out?

   “Nothing more to ask then. Plus, we’ve bothered the doctor enough, let him rest now. Just one last thing. If the doctor stops being single, half of our university girls will be devastated, but thankfully, there are still three other good doctors. Camera, pan over there.” Emmy ordered, and the camera turned towards Phii Johan, Phii Tonfa, and Phii Arthit, who were sitting at another table.

“We still have some eye and heart candy, I’m sure you all know them already. Next time, we’ll try to talk to these three. There are still comments asking for more with Dr. Hill, but our time’s almost up. Thank you, doctor, and sorry for taking so much of your time.” Emmy thanked Dr. Hill, who also thanked her back, then gave a brief closing remark before ending the interview.

Watching the interview with Phii Hill was just a few minutes long, but those few minutes were enough to ‘kill’ me, sigh. I let out a heavy sigh.

“That was quite a sigh.” North said before getting up from the table, stretching lazily, and then flopping back onto the bed.

“What if everyone finds out it’s me?” I asked, with a slightly worried look.

“Why does it matter? You don’t have to do anything about it.” The person on the bed responded with a tone of disinterest.

“…”

“…” I didn’t reply because I didn’t know what to say. Indeed…why should I do anything? If everyone knew it was me, there wouldn’t be anything wrong with that.

I had already told myself not to overthink about what others think.    Then, my laptop screen, which was still on the Facebook page, showed a notification that someone had sent a message.

Hill Ratchakit: Did you watch earlier?

   Easter Panupong: Watched.

   Easter Panupong: Who told you to say that in front of so many people?

   I started to complain to Phii Hill via chat. After all, how could one not complain?

He just spoke without considering the listeners’ feelings.

Hill Ratchakit: Are you embarrassed?

   Easter Panupong: Not embarrassed at all!

   Hill Ratchakit: Really? But I bet you must be blushing right now.

   Hill Ratchakit: I really want to see.

   Easter Panupong: Not blushing.

   Easter Panupong: sends angry sticker

   I sent an angry sticker too. Does he have some kind of clairvoyant vision to know I’m blushing? Even though I really am blushing…

Hill Ratchakit: Even though I’ve said it already, let me say it again.

   Easter Panupong: Say what?

   Hill Ratchakit: I miss you. 🙂

   Ohhhh, he doesn’t spare me even in chat, huh? And now how am I supposed to reply to this, T^T

Easter Panupong: Uh…yeah

   Easter Panupong: Not rehearsing?

   Hill Ratchakit: About to start rehearsing, have you eaten yet?

   Easter Panupong: Not yet.

   Hill Ratchakit: Make sure to eat something.

   Easter Panupong: Same to you.

   Hill Ratchakit: Okay.

   Hill Ratchakit: Sorry, I’m not very free today.

   Easter Panupong: It’s okay.

   Really, you don’t have to apologize, Phii Hill is already studying hard and being the president of the club, plus with the term starting, I guess you’ll be very busy. I understand, it’s no big deal.

   Hill Ratchakit: I’ll go rehearse now.

   Hill Ratchakit: See you tomorrow.

   Easter Panupong: Okay.

   Easter Panupong: Sends a sticker

   Even though I replied like that, I didn’t understand what Emmy meant by “see you tomorrow.” It’s not like he’s going to surprise me by picking me up at my dorm or waiting for me at the faculty, right?

THE NEXT DAY

   I finally understood what Emmy meant by “see you tomorrow.” Today is the day for first-year students to sign up for clubs, for which North had already preregistered. It’s like reserving a spot, but you still need to come and confirm your registration to show you’re really joining. If you don’t show up today, your name will be removed, and you’ll have to find another club later.

Whether it’s for unity or chaos, the university decided to have all faculties sign up at the same location. Even though the times are different, it’s still crowded.

Today, in the afternoon, it’s my faculty and about three or four others.

Luckily, North’s engineering faculty is also there, so we came together.

“Listen up, all freshmen.” The voice of one of the professors came over the speakers, “Now you have to choose your clubs. I’m giving you time until exactly 3:00 PM. If your friends haven’t arrived yet, please chase them down. At 3:00 PM sharp, we will stop accepting applications. If you miss this, you’ll have to come later to sign up, but once you’re at the university, you need to take responsibility for being on time.”

“You need to choose one sports club and at least one non-sports club. I say ‘at least’ which means you can choose more than one non-sports club if you wish, understand?”

“Here in this area, there will be booths set up by various clubs from your seniors. If you’re interested in any, go and ask for information. If you want to join, queue up and sign up in an orderly fashion, and remember, each club has a limited number of members they can accept.”

When the teacher finished explaining, everyone dispersed. It was now two in the afternoon, which meant we had one hour to claim spots in the clubs we wanted to join before they filled up, and with so many people, it got chaotic. Everyone was checking out the different booths, but the area was spacious enough to avoid too much crowding. The seniors were loudly advertising their clubs as if they were selling goods.

“Come on, Ter, let’s go, the football club might take a lot of people, but it fills up fast.” North said, pulling me into the crowd.

“But we’ve already pre-registered, right? They should at least reserve our spots.” I asked.

“They do reserve, but if you’re not there within half an hour, they’ll remove your name and take new people.” He explained.

“Oh.” I nodded in understanding. I was about to ask why the rush since we still had half an hour, but looking around…we really did need to hurry because the lines were long.

“And what about the Art Club?” I asked, unsure if we’d have time to sign up there after finishing here.

“We should make it, I’ve checked, it’s not likely to have many sign-ups.”

“Let’s hope so.” I said, thinking of Phoon. He had said he wanted to join the same club, so I called to tell him to hurry up. Soon enough, Phoon arrived, and as expected, Foam, who had abandoned us, was nowhere to be seen. The three of us then lined up together to sign up.

When we got near the front of the line, I learned that Phii Arthit was the head of the football club, as third and fourth years generally don’t get too involved in university activities due to projects and internships, so second years like him manage the freshmen.

“Hey, you’re here to join football, right?” Phii Arthit greeted me cheerfully as I filled out the long application form. Even though there were several tables for filling out forms at the same time, it still took a while.

“Yeah.” I said with a smile.

“Do you like football?”

Uhh, is this like an interview question?

   “Oh, yes.” I wanted to say I didn’t know what else to play, but I figured I couldn’t say that.

“I thought you might go for basketball with Hill.”

“Uh…no, thank you.” I gave a strained smile and continued filling out the application form. Why does this application have so many questions? It’s like an exam or something, T^T.

“Sigh, how annoying. Now I’ll have to see him loitering around the club often.”    “Loitering?” I repeated what Phii Arthit said.

“With someone as possessive as Hill every year. If anyone bothers you, he’s definitely in for trouble.” His words left me speechless. Would Hill come to watch over me at the club? No, please, T^T. Then who’s going to have fun?

“And what club are Phii Jo and Phii Fah in?” I asked.

“Jo is in the basketball club with Hill. Jo doesn’t care about anything, so it’s easy for him to just stick with Hill. As for Fah, he’s in tennis…speak of the devil, here he comes.”

I turned to look where Phii Arthit pointed. There was a crowd, but if you looked closely, you’d see the brother we were just talking about walking this way, attracting attention from everyone around, their eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Hey, look, it’s Hill, the doctor!” said a girl from the volleyball club nearby.

“Where?”

“There, the one walking towards us.”

“Oh, I see him now. Wow, even from far away, you can see how handsome he is.”

“Too bad he’s taken, but it’s okay, Phii Johan walking with him is also super hot.

I call dibs.”

“But I like Phii Fah, he’s so cool.”

Then the girls started screaming. I wonder if the brothers are used to this. I don’t know if Phii Arthit could hear them, but I certainly did, being right next to them.

Wow, they’re really popular.

“Ter…your boyfriend’s here.” Phoon, who was filling out his application next to me, whispered, causing me to shoot him a glare. What are you talking about?

They’re going to hear you!

   “I’d be happy if I was just half as handsome as him.” North said.

“Yeah, I wish I was that tall.” Phoon turned to North. North looked back, as if they both understood the silent agreement of short guys.

I, being about the same height as those two, understood completely, but that wasn’t the issue at hand. The issue was Hill was coming, and I was here filling out a football club application. Ugh, I’m so confused, especially since Hill just told me last night that he missed me.

Uh…More importantly, every word he said yesterday still echoes in my ears, T^T    “Are you guys all set?” Phii Arthit seemed to greet three friends who stopped standing next to me while I was looking down, not raising my head to look up.

“Umm, we’re full.”

“Really, why did the basketball club fill up so quickly?”

“With Dr. Hill’s level. Especially the girls’ basketball, it was full within the first five minutes.” said Phii Johan.

“Great, our football club only accepts boys, it would be annoying, what about tennis?”

“Also full. Your football club does take in a lot of people though.”

“Yeah, and Hill-”

“Ter, are you signing up for the football club?” Phii Hill’s voice made me have to look up to see who was speaking.

“I’ll take good care of you, :)”

It was the same voice from yesterday that said he would take good care of me. I don’t know why this sentence keeps repeating in my head like that.

“Uh…Yes.” I answered, stuttering.

“Hey, he just asked you, you don’t need to blush.” said North, making me turn around to glare at him again. Is this the time to tease?

“I’m starting to want to switch to the football club, Joe, Fah, want to join?” Phii Hill asked with a slight sly smile to his two friends.

“Sure/ sure.”

Phii Tonfa and Phii Johan answered in unison. I furrowed my brows, puzzled at the conversation, but then I remembered there were still many people waiting in line behind me, so I quickly finished writing and soon handed the application to Phii Arthit. He took it and then reached out for the applications from Phoon and North.

“Have you signed up for any other clubs?” Phii Hill asked me. We moved behind the registration table to not block the queue.

“Not yet.” I replied.

“Have you thought about which club you want to join?”

“Uh, the art club.” I answered, believing Phii Hill must be surprised since he knows I’m not good at drawing at all, and as expected, he seemed surprised when he heard that.

“Are you going to join the art club?” Phii Hill paused for a moment. “Jo, do you know the adviser of the art club?”

“Oh, Professor Patmavarn, why do you ask? Don’t tell me you’re thinking of joining the art club.” Phii Johan raised his eyebrows in surprise.

“Uh-huh.” Phii Hill nodded in response.

“Who came up with that idea?” Phii Johan asked.

“North.” I answered, pointing at North. He shot me a slight glare when I implicated him. Upon hearing it was North’s idea, Phii Johan immediately put his hand to his forehead, looking stressed.    “Sigh, don’t do it, nong, I’m telling you.”

“Why not?” I asked.

“Well, it’s just that…oh, never mind.” Phii Johan brushed it off, which only made us more curious about what he meant. If you’re going to say something, just say it all.

“It’s fine, I’ll take you there.” Phii Hill said. I wanted to ask Phii Johan more, but I had to keep my questions to myself and walked towards the back of the booth where there weren’t as many people.

“Why do you need to escort me?” I turned to ask Phii Hill, who was walking beside me. It’s just nearby, he didn’t need to come with me.

“I said I’d take care of you the best I can.” The tall figure turned and said with a gentle smile, the kind he always gives. His words made me catch my breath for a

moment.

Wow, I can hardly breathe, that’s more damaging than watching a live stream.    “Didn’t you say if we were dating, it wouldn’t be like this? We’re not even dating yet.” I said, remembering that Emmie asked if we would be dating.    “Then, Ter, why don’t you be my boyfriend?”

“…!!!”

“Your face is red again.” The tall figure said while gently pinching my cheek.    “Stop it…” I said with a slight pout. Phii Hill smiled indulgently and slowly let go of my face. “Who made me like this, always saying things out of the blue.”

“Hmm…I’m courting you, Ter. It’s not strange at all.”    Oh man, saying that so nonchalantly again.

When I turned to look behind, I caught North and Phoon giving me disapproving looks intermittently, even waving their hands in front of their noses as if to say,

‘Love is in the air and it stinks.’

“Can I hold your hand?” Phii Hill asked.

“Are you crazy? There are so many people around. People are already staring enough as it is.” I said. So, he really meant to keep it a secret from others, huh?

T^T

“That would be even better.”

“Better how?”

“If there’s anyone still eyeing you like this.” Phii Hill leaned down to whisper softly, “it would be quite annoying.” His cold tone gave me goosebumps.    “Who?” I furrowed my brows, wondering if someone was actually eyeing me.

“Nothing, never mind.”

I gave a pouty face to the person walking beside me, but before I could ask more, we had arrived at the art club booth. It seemed there were far fewer people compared to other clubs.

“Joining the art club?” A guy sitting in front of the registration table asked with a cheerful smile. He looked more like a freshman.

We nodded in response and immediately filled out the application forms.    “Thanks for joining our club. We meet every Friday at the old arts building, starting at four, and we finish by six at the latest.” The guy explained in a clear voice.

“Can you introduce yourself? We’re going to be club mates after all. My name’s

‘Daotok’, a first-year in the science faculty.” He said, revealing a broad smile.

“I’m North, a first-year in engineering.” North introduced himself. The name ‘Daotok’ sounds quite feminine for a boy. I guessed it must be because his parents wished for a child from a shooting star; otherwise, they wouldn’t have chosen such a name.

“I’m Easter, you can just call me Ter, from the veterinary faculty.” I said.

“I’m Phoon, nice to meet you, from the vet faculty too.”

After some time, as we were about to leave, Daotok spoke up to Phii Hill. “Uh…Hill, the doctor, right? Would you like to join the art club too?” Daotok invited, which seemed odd since someone like Phii Hill joining the art club was unusual. I had never seen him draw even once.

“Sure.” Phii Hill accepted, which stunned me. He then proceeded to fill out his name on the application form, “Can I write the names for my friends too?”

“Oh, sure.” Hearing that, Phii Hill went ahead and wrote down three more names. No need to guess, they were definitely Phii Johan, Phii Tonfa, and Phii Arthit.

“Thank you. If Dr. Hill joins our club, there will definitely be a lot more interest in it.” Daotok said with delight. Phii Hill accepted the thanks with a smile.    Once all the business was done, Phoon excused himself as he had other matters to attend to. I was supposed to go back with North, but it seems someone didn’t want me to go back just yet.

“Shall we grab something to eat before heading back?” Phii Hill asked, though it sounded more like an order than a question. “Nong North, would you like to come with us?”

“Huh…uh, better not. I don’t want to intrude.” North, who usually loves free stuff, suddenly turned polite.

“It’s no trouble.” Phii Hill said, so North had no choice but to tag along. Before that, we stopped by to meet Phii Arthit and the others. It looked like the football club’s booth was still up, unlike the other clubs which had already started packing up.

“Are you guys leaving already?” Phii Johan asked while sorting through some documents, looking rather annoyed. He was complaining about how Phii Arthit made him sort out the papers.

“Yeah, are you guys heading back too?”

“Yeah, let’s go back. But Arthit is using me like a slave, sorting out some documents. You do it instead.” Phii Johan grumbled.

“Don’t use Hill for that. You have to do it because you didn’t do your group work.” Phii Tonfa said. “Hill, you can go back, but don’t forget to do your work.”    “Got it, Dr. Tonfa.”

“Hill.” Phii Johan called out, “Call me later, okay?” And Phii Hill agreed.    Then the three of us got into the same fancy car. North seemed very excited about the ride. I felt somewhat reassured with North there; at least, Phii Hill might not flirt too much with me.

Reassured with a ghost!

These two are getting along a bit too well!!

“Hmm…Really?” Phii Hill asked North with interest, not even looking at the food the waiter was bringing over.

“Really. At first, Ter came to me for advice, Phii. He seemed so worried when you said you were going to pursue him. He said he felt troubled, but his face was as red as a tomato.”

“North!” I felt like strangling my mischievous roommate. You talk too much, don’t you think I might feel embarrassed? You jerk, T^T.

“And he also said…that he’s actually had a crush on you since high school.”

“…”

Upon hearing that, the tall figure sitting across from me revealed a wide smile before turning to look at me with a delighted expression.

“I just found out.”

“…”

“That Ter had a crush on me since high school.”

!!!

   Oh my God, North, you traitor!!!

   

   EASTTAGYOUREMINE CHAPTERS HOME

EASTTAGYOUREMINE, Chapter 20: Interview

   “Are you…going to tell others?” I asked while Phii Hill was flipping through TV channels to find something to watch. He turned to look at me with a concerned expression.

“Are you worried?”

“Uh…yeah.” I admitted with a slight nod, a bit worried because it seems everyone is very curious about who it is. Part of me is secretly scared. What will happen if everyone finds out?

“A little bit.” I answered.

“There’s nothing you need to worry about, trust me.” Phii Hill said with a firm tone while reaching out to gently pat my head.

“I won’t tell others.”

“…”

“Not until I’ve won you over.”

Ohhh, here we go. He still hasn’t stopped flirting! How can someone make others so flustered?

“Phii, you weren’t this annoying before.” I murmured to myself. Phii Hill seemed to hear it but just gave a soft chuckle without saying anything.

I looked out the window to see the sky darkening again, indicating that it might rain tonight, which reminded me of North. I should head back.

“Are you leaving already?” When I said I had to go, Phii Hill asked with a slightly displeased look, sigh, don’t make that face.

“Yeah, it’ll rain soon.”

“Won’t you stay over?” Phii Hill asked seriously.

“Uh…no way, I’m worried about North.” I said, genuinely concerned. He called saying he can’t live alone.

“Alright then. Let’s eat together first.” Phii Hill turned off the TV. That sentence was clearly an order, then he stood up and extended his hand to me.

I took Phii Hill’s outstretched hand and pulled myself up.

I could’ve stood up by myself…

Still, Phii Hill always pays attention to these little things that always make me feel warm inside.

He didn’t let go of my hand even as we went down the elevator to the ground floor and walked past several people, some of whom turned to look at us. I felt a bit embarrassed, but I didn’t want to pull my hand away like I usually would.    We went to eat at a restaurant under the condo, probably made for the residents here.

“Let’s order takeout for one more person.” Phii Hill told the staff after we had ordered our food. I raised my eyebrows in curiosity about why he was ordering more.

“For Nong North, I’m treating him.” Phii Hill said, giving a sweet smile with kindness. Huuuh, why is he so nice?

“Thank you on behalf of North.” I nodded, giving a dry smile. I wasn’t sure how to smile about that. If it’s free food, North would love it, especially since he’s been complaining about being broke lately. And now, the tired look on his face was gone. He was back to the usual Phii Hill, did he sneak in a nap or something?

Soon the food was served, including a takeout box for our busy roommate.

“What time is your first class tomorrow?”

“Um…” I went silent to think, I think I checked my schedule, “Nine-thirty, I guess.”

“How are you getting to class?”

“Well…not sure, maybe a friend will pick me up. Or I might go by myself.” I said. I hadn’t even thought about how I’d get to class, might get lost for all I know. I’ll ask Foam and Phoon where it is, and if North is free, I might hitch a ride on his motorbike.

“Okay.” Phii Hill nodded, “If you can’t make it, call me.”

“You won’t miss class?”

“I will.”

“But I can come get you.”

Another heart-stopping moment!

I didn’t ask. I didn’t say anything, or else I’d die another round, I should be a bit concerned about my own heart health. After eating, I had to rush to pay because I heard thunder again!

“I’ll pay for my part.” I said, feeling guilty that he always has to treat me. So, I quickly took out my wallet.

“It’s okay.” Phii Hill said, “We’ll split the bill once we’re officially dating, you know?” And he gave a gentle smile, sighhh. I made a sour face and stuffed my wallet back, so annoying.

The waiter gave Phii Hill a sweet smile, looking like they were about to say something, but when Phii Hill took my hand and led me out of the restaurant, the waiter was left speechless.

Then we got into the same luxurious car. As we slowly moved out of the parking lot, Phii Hill drove much smoother than Phii Johan, by about ten million times. My dad used to say that how someone drives can reflect their personality, which might be true. That means Phii Johan must be quite impulsive.    “Is it okay if I greet you when I see you at the university?”

“Huh?” I raised my eyebrows in confusion, why ask such a thing? “Of course, you can greet me, why wouldn’t you?”

“I thought you might not want others to know.”

“Just greet me normally.”

“Oh…okay.” He then turned his attention back to the road ahead. If it’s just a normal greeting, there’s no problem, but absolutely no flirting like in those beauty pageants. Absolutely not…

The car came to a gentle stop in front of my dorm. I opened the door to get out, not forgetting to thank him for the ride.

“Thanks for the ride, be careful, it looks like it’s going to rain.” I said. If it rains, the roads will be slippery and dangerous for both motorcycles and cars. Phii Hill smiled.

“See you later.” He said. I smiled back, closed the car door properly, and headed straight to my room.

“I’m back.” I shouted as I opened my door, seeing North playing on his phone on the bed, “I brought food too.” Hearing that, the person on the bed quickly jumped up with shining eyes.

“Really? I’m starving.”

“Here.” I handed it over, and North took it happily.

“Thanks, man, how much was it? I’ll pay you back.”

“It’s fine, Phii Hill paid for it.”

“What!?” North exclaimed so loudly that I flinched in surprise, “The doctor treated me? Woah, he’s really pulling out all the stops, is he trying to score points through friends or what? That’s a high-level strategy.”

“Uh, I was just talking randomly.”

Phii Hill probably isn’t trying to score points, I think, because he genuinely cares about everyone around me. North quickly opened the food container and started eating with enjoyment.

“It’s raining.” North said while looking out the window, “Ter, go close the window, or rain will get in.” Being told so, I had to go close the window, and part of me was worried about the person who just drove back to the condo.

“It’s so cold, with the cold weather and the rain. Will it be like this tomorrow?” I asked.

“I think it’ll be like this for several days, better take an umbrella and a jacket.” North replied.

Sigh, the weather is being harsh. And on the first day of the term too.    “Oh, Ter, remember you said you wanted to do part-time work with me? Well, it’s arranged for you, you will be serving at a Japanese restaurant. From six in the evening to midnight.”    “Until midnight, huh?”

“Yeah, people around there stay out late, but it’s good, you won’t have to work every day after class. If you want a day off, you can swap with someone else, but you can’t take Friday off because it’s busy, and we start this Friday, but…”    “But?” I echoed the question.

“Friday, we have to go to the club.”

“Oh right, I saw the announcement, haven’t decided which club to join yet.” I said, thinking about it, because I’m not much into activities.

“First years have to join one sports club and another club of any kind. I’ve looked into it, most clubs end late, only a few end early so we can go to work after.”

“Really, I have to join two clubs, huh.”

“Yeah, and people like us who want something easy and quick are plenty. So most clubs are full.”

“Oh, then what do we do?”

“There’s one club that doesn’t have many members…the Art Club.”

“Huh!?” I furrowed my brows in surprise, the Art Club?? Usually, clubs like that have a decent number of members, right?

“I read the reviews, they said the club advisor is super strict, so not many people sign up. Plus, they don’t allow people already studying art or from the art faculty to join, saying they have enough drawing assignments anyway. They want people to try something new.”

“And I’ve already signed us up for the art club.”

“Hey, North, ask me first, I can’t draw at all!” I protested, oh my, drawing is something I’m absolutely not good at.

“But I had to sign up quickly before it got full.”

“Sigh, my life is over. The teacher is super tough. I bet every Friday will be my personal hell.” I said, letting out a big sigh.

“What about the sports club? What did you sign up for?” I asked.

“Football. Don’t know what else to join, I can’t play anything else.” North said. I agreed with that, since I can’t play other sports either, football.

But I think Phii Hill is in the basketball club.

Uh, football is good then. Joining a club with him would just be risking my heart for no reason.

Ding!

A notification from Messenger.

I immediately checked my phone.

Hill, Ratchakit: Arrived at the condo 🙂

   Ohhhh, sigh. They say when someone goes somewhere, does something, or arrives, they should let others know…That’s kind of cute. I think it’s true.

Nghhhhhhhhhh

Easter Panupong: sends sticker

   I didn’t know what to reply, so I just sent back a smiling sticker.

“You are smiling so much, lovebirds are so annoying.” North teased, then turned his attention back to his boxed meal, “Oh, by the way, thank him for me for the meal.”

“Okay.” I agreed.

Easter Panupong: North says thank you for the food.

   Hill, Ratchakit: No problem.

   Hill, Ratchakit: Was it good?

   “Phii Hill asked if it was good.” I asked North, who nodded in response with his mouth full of rice.

Easter Panupong: He says it’s delicious.

   Hill Ratchakit: That’s good then. If I feed the freshmen something bad, I might get reprimanded.

   Easter Panupong: Who would?

   Hill Ratchakit: No one.

   What’s up with Phii Hill now? Things have been weird since this morning. Could it…be related to Phii Johan?

   “North”

“Hmm?”

“Do you know Phii Johan, the one who came this morning?”

“No idea, isn’t he?”

“You really don’t know him? He’s pretty famous.” I said.

“I’ve seen him around, but that was the first time seeing him in person.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yeah, why would I lie to you?”

“And what do you think?”

“Think about what?”

“Like, what’s he like?”

“Well…he definitely doesn’t look like he should be studying medicine, with his piercings, tattoos, and rough look.”

“Yeah, you’re right.” What North said was spot on, he’s definitely not your typical doctor, more like a rogue Phii Johan.

Hill Ratchakit: I’m going to prepare for the lab now. Don’t stay up late.

   Easter Panupong: Yes, good luck.

   Hill Ratchakit: See you tomorrow 🙂 

   Easter Panupong: sends sticker

   In the end, we wrapped up with a goodnight sticker from me. That’s probably why doctors study so hard; they have to work through the night like this. I hope my faculty isn’t as grueling.

Next Day

   – START OF THE SEMESTER-

   “You’re late, you animal!” North’s voice boomed out at eight in the morning, making me wake up annoyed, seeing the source of the irritating noise already getting dressed.

“What? You have an eight o’clock class?”

“No, nine o’clock.”

“Asshole! Then why are you making a fuss at eight, let me sleep!” I shot back at him before lying down again, only to feel a tug on my arm.

“Wake up, Ter, or you’ll be late.”

“Late for what? I start at half past nine.”

“Just trust me, go shower.” In the end, my good roommate dragged me out of bed. So I quickly showered, got dressed as North urged, and left the dorm.

“Which building are you in?”

“Me? Probably at the faculty building.” I answered.

“Okay, I’ll drop you off first, your faculty is closer.” Then North started up his motorcycle. I almost wanted to bow in thanks for him taking the time to drop me off.

Now I understand why North said we’d be late; the university was packed with traffic, more crowded than I’ve ever seen, both with people rushing on foot and vehicles jammed up.

“Should I wake up at five next time?” I jokingly asked North.

“If you can, that’d be great.”

We arrived at my faculty just before eight forty. North had to ride off to his own faculty building, which I heard was on the opposite side of the university. I stepped into my faculty, already feeling tired. I didn’t know why, but seeing North’s hurried yet futile attempt to speed through the traffic made me feel exhausted on his behalf.

“Hey, Ter, why are you standing there looking confused?” Phoon called out to me, walking over by himself, which was odd because I thought he’d be with Foam.

“Hey, where’s Foam?”

“He’s a traitor, who went to drop off some girl from the Science faculty instead of picking me up.” Phoon said with a sulk. From what I gathered, Foam met a girl from the same dorm and decided to drop her off at class instead of coming for Phoon. Wow…now that’s what you call ditching a friend. It’s not me and Phoon this time.

“And how did you get here?”

“Come alone, it’s good our university has shuttles, but it was crowded so it took me a while to get here, I’ve been waiting since eight.” Phoon complained, “Come on, let’s find our classroom.”

“Where are you going? Our faculty building is this way.” I corrected him, noticing he was heading the wrong way.

“Huh? Did you even check the schedule? The first class is a lab at the medical faculty building.” Phoon said.

Oh no…looks like the first day of the term is already tough.

When we got to the area in front of the medical faculty building, there were quite a few people around, probably because some foundational health science classes are held here, making the building huge. I could confidently say here that Phoon and I were definitely lost.

Yes, me and Phoon, because no one trusts either of us with directions.    “Oh right, I wanted to ask about the clubs. Have you joined any?” Phoon asked me.

“Yeah, the Art Club, with North.”

“That’s great, put my name down too, but not Foam, he’s gone with a girl from the science faculty.”

“You want to join the Art Club with us?”

“Yeah, sign me up too.”

“Alright, I’ll tell North, and for the sports club, I’m thinking of joining football.”    “I’ll join too, I can’t play anything else anyway.” So, it’s me, North, and Phoon, all in the same club. As for Foam, he’s chasing girls, what a pity, he’s the first to abandon his friends.

My first day of classes was filled with struggles. Foam made his entrance by being almost ten minutes late to the first class, luckily the teacher didn’t say anything. I haven’t even seen Phii Hill today. Plus, I didn’t dare to send him any messages because I was afraid he’d be in class. It seems like he’s busy too.

Even though we finished at 4 PM, just like in high school, the level of tiredness was significantly different. I nearly became a vegetable. Initially, I was attentive, but some subjects were really tough to handle.

And then there’s the dissection lab…

No, not the little frogs in formaldehyde.

Since North finishes around the same time, I asked him to swing by and pick me up. North also complained that engineering was just as brutal, just passing is enough for him, no more aspirations for honors.

Well, to have our dreams crushed on the first day like this.

So, is the person who got first place in the medical faculty still human?    I returned to the dorm in such a dilapidated state that I could barely climb the stairs with North. It must be because I’m not used to university life yet. All I could manage was to open the door and collapse onto the bed.

Immediately.

“Hey, hey Ter, look at this, Cute Boy Live is on.” North shoved his phone at me. I raised an eyebrow and looked, and indeed, the page was live-streaming something.

“Hello everyone, this is Emmy, one of the admins of Cute Boy Cute Girl. I’m here to interview Dr. Hill as promised. Here’s thirty thousand baht, count the stars.” and then Emmy pulled out a wad of thousand-baht notes and handed them to Phii Napdao. The comments were all about how this fan page really pampers their idols.

“Don’t spend it on buying followers, okay, Phii Dao? Let’s go see Dr. Hill.”    “I wonder if Dr. Hill will agree to the interview. He seems to be in a bad mood today.”

“Why is that?”

“Dr. Hill is like this when he hasn’t slept. Probably pulled an all-nighter with work last night.” Phii Napdao explained. I got up to turn on my computer thinking it would be more comfortable to watch from there. The viewership was climbing, almost a thousand people now.

: Screaming, Here he comes, Orange, Doctor please, Ohhh, Missed the doctor so much, didn’t get to sneak a peek during the break.

   : Looks grumpy, Still handsome though, I’ve seen him like this before, How?, Want to see more.

   Go for the interview, we’ve been waiting for ages. We’ve donated so much.    “Uh. Looks like everyone’s demanding an interview. Let’s go, hope the doctor doesn’t kill me.” Emmy said, and they headed into the rehearsal area which was in full swing.

A bit further away,

“We’ll start rehearsing in thirty minutes, so ask your questions quickly.”    “Oh no, Dr. Mild is here too. Should we do the interview another day?” Emmy looked slightly worried, turning the camera to show Phii Thanmild sitting with the group of stars.

I, for one, wasn’t feeling very good about this.

Have Phii Baifern and Phii Fon given up? No one’s talking about them anymore.    : Maybe they’ve moved on, Doctor Hill made it pretty clear, but we don’t know about Doctor Mild yet.

   Will there be an interview another day, or is it too much to interview in front of Phii Mild, our queen?

   : Waited so long, do we have to postpone because of Mild? That’s ridiculous.    “What should we do, E-Dao, I’m not going to be free often, I’ve come all the way here.” Emmy turned to speak to Phii Napdao, who looked thoughtful for a moment.

“Let’s just go ahead, Emmy, Doctor Mild will see it eventually, it’ll be on your page anyway, right?”

“Yeah, okay, then let’s go find Doctor Hill.” The two of them walked on until they found four people sitting at a marble table not far from the Star Moon competition venue, it was Phii Hill and Phii Johan. They seemed to be deeply engrossed in their work.

Phii Hill looked up with slightly messy hair and an extremely irritated look like I had never seen before, his eyes were fierce. If it were me, I wouldn’t dare get too close.

“Oh my, huuuh, E-Dao, the doctor’s glaring at me, I’m scared, huuuh, but he’s still so hot, he’s making my heart race.” Emmy said, making a weak gesture before slumping into a nearby chair.

:

   : Wow, that’s intense, my heart’s fluttering, Doctor, don’t make that face.    My heart’s confused, huuuh, Doctor, just take a knife and cut me open, right through my heart.

   Doesn’t Phii Tonfa care about the camera at all? LOL

   Isn’t Phii Johan going to flirt with the girls today? Surprised to see him working with friends, LOL

   : I watched Phii Arthit in the last football match, so cool.

   : I’m melting away, help me!

   “We are here for an interview, Doctor. Do you have some free time?”

“Yes.” Phii Hill replied with a small smile to the camera, setting down the pen he was writing with, but his eyes still showed irritation. What they say about Phii Hill being irritable when he hasn’t slept much seems to be true.    “Don’t make that fierce face, Doctor, it’s not good for my heart.”

“That’s how it is, he has been irritated since morning, too much work, he hasn’t even talked to…his prospective partner.” Phii Johan teased, what prospective partner?

“Sure.” Phii Hill said with a slight smile to the camera, putting down the pen he was using to write something earlier, but his eyes still showed irritation. The idea that Phii Hill would be irritable if he didn’t get enough sleep was indeed true.

“Don’t look so fierce, doctor, it’s a bit off-putting.”

“That’s just how it is, irritable since morning, too much work to even talk to my…prospective partner.” Phii Johan teased, what’s this prospective partner?

“Oh, really? That’s tough, having a doctor as a partner.” The viewership increased again. The comments were full of hearts, with a few sad faces mixed in.

Not sure what they were sad about.

“Is the homework done yet?” Phii Napdao asked as well.

“Almost, but we can take a break first.” Phii Johan said, turning to ask someone else. Phii Arthit didn’t seem too interested in the camera. Meanwhile, Phii Tonfa kept his head down, continuing to write.

“Just kidding, should we move to another table then, so we don’t bother Dr. Fah?” Phii Hill nodded in agreement, and they moved to sit at another table a couple away.

“Then let’s start, how many minutes do we have left?”

“Fifteen.” Phii Napdao answered.

“Then let’s hurry. What do the comments want us to ask first?”

“Ask if it’s true that you like someone, straightforward.” Emmy read from the comments and turned to ask Phii Hill, who nodded in response. Wow, going straight to the point might be too much, right?

I was watching the live intently on my computer screen when after a while, North came to sit with me. Honestly, I was quite excited about what they would ask and how Phii Hill would respond, hoping it wouldn’t be too direct.    “About the prospective partner, you’re currently getting to know each other, right?”

“I’m just courting him casually.” He said, revealing a faint smile to the camera, which caused the comments to flood in so much that Emmy had to scold them, saying the live might crash.

“Can you tell us why it has to be this person? Before this, you didn’t seem interested in anyone despite many people liking you.”

“…”

“Why does it have to be this person…”

“It’s been this person from the start.”

“…”

“And…it’s never changed to someone else.”

Even though we’re not together! Just watching the live, I felt like I could die. This person’s damage is insane, oh my…North laughed awkwardly before nudging my arm.

“You’re crazy, man, your doctor is something else, I’m embarrassed for you.”

“Yeah, I feel like I’m dying too.” I said and turned back to watch the live stream. Phii Hill’s words just now made Emmy scream so loud, and the comment section was also in an uproar.

: Ohhh, I’m dead, I’m so dead, my heart, I’m so jealous.

   : I’m melting, what kind of doctor is this, I’ve turned into liquid.    “Okay, I’m going to end the interview here because my heart can’t take it anymore. Oh, can’t I? Oh well, they’ve donated thirty thousand, so I can ask one more thing, right?”

“So you’re saying, Doctor, you liked this person from the start?”

“Yes.”

“Ohhh, it hurts, so everyone who likes you loses right from the start.”

“Something like that.”

“Scream! Who is that freshman, you cheater! How did you win the doctor’s heart from the beginning? We lost even before we started, huuuh.” Emmy protested, making me chuckle a bit.

“Do you think that person is watching the live stream?”

“Um…probably.”

“Then do you want to leave a message for that person? You said you haven’t talked today.”

Emmy’s words made Phii Hill turn to look seriously at the camera as if he really wanted to say something to me.

“I miss you.”

Huuuh, I’m dead in every possible way, the look in his eyes was just like when Phii Hill looks at me for real, gentle yet serious.

   “Ohhh, what was that look just now, Doctor, are you trying to melt the whole university? I give up, I admit it, okay, let’s continue. So, Doctor, you came out with this now because that person just started studying here, right? So it’s a first-year junior?”    “Yes.”

“Oh, cradle robber, which faculty are they from? Can you give us a hint?”

“It’s better if you guess. Guess five faculties.”

“Oh, well, if someone guesses my faculty, what should I do?” T^T

“Then, Nursing.”

“No.”

“Business Administration?”

“No.”

“Ohhh, I’ve guessed wrong twice now. What do you all think?” Emmy read the comments, where there were numerous guesses about the faculty, making it hard to choose.

“Engineering?”

“No.”

: Hey, you idiot, how could it be engineering, guess another faculty.

   : Only two left, what should we do, I thought it was Pharmacy.

   “Okay, then Pharmacy?”    “No.”

“Ohhh, can’t guess right at all.” I was watching and getting anxious, hoping my faculty wouldn’t come up.

“Alright, last guess, let’s just go wild.”

“Veterinary Medicine?”

“Yes.”

Hey, how did they manage to guess my faculty on the last try, and when Emmy guessed correctly, she let out another loud scream, and the comments kept flowing.

“Screaming, Veterinary faculty, Veterinary Medicine. You guys are confused. We’ve got an important clue now, the vet faculty isn’t that big, we’ll definitely find out soon. We’ll finally know who has been monopolizing our Dr. Hill.”    Ohhh, for heaven’s sake, mentioning the faculty like this is just awful, T^T

“Just kidding, so when will you reveal the freshman identity?”

“When he’s ready.”

“Wow, what’s he not ready for? If you were to court me, I’d announce it to the whole country, I would be super proud.”

Phii Hill just gave a small smile as a response.

“And you’ve known each other for a long time, right? Was he a junior from your old school?”

“Yes.”

“I heard they’re from the countryside, is that right? Did you both plan to study here?”

“No, it was more of a coincidence.”

“Oh, fate then, really strong. So, what kind of person is he to you, Doctor?”

“Well…he’s cute, a bit whiny and pouts easily. Sometimes he’s stubborn too.”

“He pouts a lot? Isn’t that troublesome?”

“It’s okay, I’ll always find a way to appease him.”

Huuuh, here we go again, T^T, doesn’t he feel embarrassed saying these things? Look at North, he’s curled up like a shrimp.

   “Right. Lucky him, what did he do in his past life to deserve this? If I knew who it was, I’d really squeeze it out of him, wanting to know the secret to making the doctor love and adore like this.”

“Uh, continue, can you tell us where you met, how you started liking him, and how long you’ve liked him?”

“I can’t tell that, but I’ve liked him for five years.”

“Oh.”

“Doctor Hill, the steadfast in love, has never even dated anyone for a year, right? You just like him, not dating, you’ve liked him for five years, all my hopes are dashed, we’re all defeated, I surrender, Doctor, huuuh.”

“Okay, we’re almost out of time. The doctor needs to get back to work and practice for the Star Moon event. Let me ask one more thing. If you were to become his boyfriend, what would you say to him?”

“I’ll take the best care of him. :)”

 

EASTTAGYOUREMINE CHAPTERS HOME

EASTTAGYOUREMINE, Chapter  19: Your Photographer

   “…”

“Your face is red.”

I thought I had looked away from the person standing there in time, but I was too late, he caught me. Because Phii Hill spoke up after seeing me tense on the sofa, pretending to take a sip of water and set it down on the table, I knew my face must be red, it was red from the moment I was at the door. The sight just now…

Huuuh, it’s too much, really too much.

It made me think of some old photos of Phii Hill I’ve scrolled through on the page. There was one from some sports event where Phii Hill jumped to dunk a basketball, and his sports shirt lifted, revealing his abs. That photo probably got the most shares on the page. I couldn’t imagine how loud the screams were. And it wasn’t even for the team scoring, it was for Phii Hill’s six-pack. After that, fans started demanding that Doctor Hill show off his six-pack regularly, but Phii Hill never complied with these fan requests.

That was just a glimpse.

Imagine seeing it up close like I did.

Anyone would die, right?

I’m one of those people now, not quite sure if I’m still alive.

Wait…

What are you doing?

I scooted to the edge of the sofa when Phii Hill sat down and slowly moved closer to me.

“You’re too close.” I said, lifting my hands to cover my face, ohhh, should humans have a self-destruct button? I can’t take it, huuuh, the faint scent of shampoo wafted to my nose, it’s too close.

“You were staring, I thought you wanted a closer look.” His deep, playful voice teased. Close, very close, maybe not as close as in those TV drama scenes where they’re about to kiss, but it was very close for me.

They said studying medicine would wear you down. Not true at all, this guy is proof that you can be a doctor and still look amazing. The workload is heavy, he stays up late studying, and doesn’t have time to rest. I wonder where Dr. Hill got this level of devastating handsomeness from.

I scooted back until I was almost falling off the sofa. Phii Hill then stopped teasing and backed off. Oh no, is my heart still in one piece? Seeing me embarrassed made him smile even wider, as if he was delighted by teasing me.    Phii Hill, what else do you want? You’re handsome, rich, smart, fit; oh, all the good qualities in the world have gathered here. And I wanted to ask why he wasn’t wearing a shirt, but it seems he’s waiting for his hair to dry before putting one on.

Phii Hill with his damp hair…

Another heart-stopping moment.

“Should I dry your hair for you?” I offered. Although his hair isn’t very long, in this cold weather, it’s better to dry it quickly. Otherwise, he might catch a cold. Hearing this, Phii Hill turned to look at me with surprise, like he heard something unexpected.

I just want to take care of him in return…sigh.

“Where’s the hairdryer?”

“It’s in the drawer under the vanity table.”

I stood up without waiting for him to get it, plugged in the hairdryer, and turned it on. In fact, I think I’m quite skilled at drying hair, ever since I started living with North. Because this good roommate of mine likes to wash his hair and then go to sleep, can people really sleep with wet hair? My hair isn’t long, so I find it bothersome. So, I end up drying his hair almost every day. Not for any particular reason, just to avoid mold growing on the pillow.

Phii Hill sat still and let me dry his hair with ease. His hair is so soft. The jetblack color indicated he’s never dyed it, of course, Phii Hill isn’t one to fuss over hair color.

And he smells good too, what shampoo does he use?

Ah, done. See, it didn’t take long. I don’t know why North is so lazy about it. I put the hairdryer back in its place.

“Put on a shirt.” I said. It might be his room, but with a guest around, he should put one on, right? It helps to keep the guest’s heart in check. Phii Hill chuckled once after I spoke, but he compliantly went to put on a shirt in the inner room.    It’s not like I’ve never seen Phii Hill without a shirt. I saw him during the school sports day. Back then, we didn’t know each other. Phii Hill was playing several sports, but he seemed to stick mostly to football. His shirt got muddy when he fell because someone tripped him, which drew shouts and jeers from everyone, but then the cheers turned into screams again when the coach told him to change his shirt.

Back then, I didn’t like Phii Hill. I’ll admit he was handsome, very handsome, but I was indifferent. I heard stories from my female friends in the chat group almost every day about how smart, rich, and full of virtues he was, but I didn’t care because someone at that level wouldn’t look at someone like me anyway. Plus, I wasn’t that interested in romance at the time. Though I must admit, that moment when he changed his shirt on the basketball court did make my heart flutter a bit.

As for when I really started to like Phii Hill…

Well, that’s a story for later…

He came out wearing the same gray t-shirt and long pants, his hair slightly messy since he hadn’t styled it, which gave him a naturally handsome look.

And don’t you dare run your hand through your hair like that!!

Ohhh, why does just running his hand through his hair hit my heart this hard!

Phii Hill sat back down on the sofa next to me.

“Oh, there are snacks in the cupboard. Shall I get them for you?” he said as if he just remembered something.

“Nah, it’s okay, I’ll get them myself.” The fridge is right here. No need to bother someone else to get them. I pushed myself up from the sofa to head towards the fridge in the kitchen.

I stood up,

And then I was pulled back…almost falling,    But someone’s arms were already there to catch me.

Was this a trap to make me stand up?

So I ended up sitting on Phii Hill’s lap. When I tried to get up, it was too late because his arms were tightly around me. Before I knew it, Phii Hill shifted, stretching his legs along the length of the sofa, making my back lean against his chest.

“What are you doing!” I protested.

“I want to hug.”

“Couldn’t you have said something first?”

“If I had, would you have let me hug you?”

“No!”

“That’s why I didn’t say anything.” Phii Hill whispered, then leaned down to press his nose lightly against my neck, making me tense up, and he started to nuzzle my neck again like before.

“I missed you so much.” Phii Hill said in a whisper-like tone, but because he was so close, it wasn’t hard to hear.

“I…I see.” I said, asking him to stop messing with my neck. It’s not a joke. It’s really not a joke, sigh, T^T.

“I don’t need a stethoscope to hear your heartbeat, it’s so loud.” He teased, then chuckled a little in an endearing way, “You won’t have a heart attack, will you?”    “And whose fault would it be if I did?!” I couldn’t help but retort. He’s the one causing this and still has the nerve to tease, huh, sigh, spare me.

“Are you blushing? That’s cute.”

“…” I didn’t reply because I thought arguing would just make things worse for me. I had to breathe slowly, or else my blood pressure might spike. Stay calm, Ter.    “I won’t do anything, okay? Your heart is beating so strongly, I’m worried about you.”

“What can I do about it?”

“It’s okay.” His deep, soft voice reassured as he gently patted my head in comfort, and it actually worked. I don’t know why, but it made me relax, “I promise I won’t do anything inappropriate.”    “Then let me go.”

“Just another ten minutes.” He said, then rested his head on my shoulder and loosened his embrace a bit for me to be more comfortable, “This is nice, I wanted to see you, and now I have.”

Yeah, it’s really nice, as I said, I could wait until tomorrow to see him, but I really didn’t want to wait that long. If possible, I wanted to see him right now, I really need to thank Phii Johan.

“So, how have you been?” I asked a question I should have asked from the start.

“I missed you, Ter.” He said, lowering his head which made his voice softer, oh, not answering my question at all.    “No, I mean, how have you been?”

“Well…not that great, but there are some good things too.”

“Good things?” I furrowed my brows in curiosity, wondering what good could have happened while he was taken by Grandpa.

“Yes, very good.”

“What are they?”

“Grandma came back.”

“Back?” I echoed his words in confusion.

“This morning, the doctor said Grandma’s arm started to show signs of movement after nearly a year of being in a coma. Although he’s not fully conscious yet, it seems like he’s close.”

“So everything is okay now…all of it.”

I was slightly stunned by Phii Hill’s words. Phii Johan had mentioned that Grandma was hit by a car, not dead but in a coma. And now she’s starting to regain consciousness.

“That’s great, really great, congratulations.” I said happily, it was wonderful news that someone we were waiting for was finally coming back.

“Jo told you about Grandma being hit by a car, right?”

“…Huh?”

“Since you didn’t ask anything, I assumed you already knew.”

“Ah, uh.” Oops, Phii Johan told me not to let Phii Hill know it was he who told me, but it doesn’t seem like Phii Hill is angry about it. I’m not sure, though. I can’t see his face since I’m being hugged like this.

“The whole story is like this: After the day I promised I would contact you, I wasn’t lying, I didn’t plan to be irresponsible. No one knew about Grandma until Grandpa came to find me at our house in Rayong. When Grandpa found out about us, he got even angrier, and I was dragged here. Every day was filled with longing, guilt, and sadness.”

“…”

“Every day, for a full month, I was confined to my room studying. Grandpa’s goal was for me to be first in medical school, it’s not easy, you know.” “Harsh…” I accidentally said what I was thinking, “You didn’t go out at all?”

“No.”

“So you couldn’t contact me, right?”

“Yes, I’m sorry.” His voice filled with guilt made me even more worried, it wasn’t his fault at all.

“No, no. It’s okay, I thought I was really abandoned back then.” I said.

“After I passed the exams, I moved out, but why did you change your number?”

“Oh…well, I had a fight at home. Plus, there was lots of bad news on my feed, so I decided to change my number and took a long break from social media. I didn’t think you’d contact me after another month.”

“Was the fight bad?” Phii Hill asked, clearly concerned.

“It was tough, Dad was really angry, but I talked to Christy the other day, and she said Dad has calmed down.”

“That’s great.” Phii Hill said, tightening his embrace.

I didn’t expect it to turn out this way; between us, it felt like time was out of sync, filled with all sorts of chaos, but it all worked out in the end. Plus, Grandma has come back to her senses.

So, I hope Phii Hill’s family can be warm again. If there’s a chance, I should visit Grandma to thank her for the sweets she sent that day.

“Does that mean we understand each other now?” Phii Hill asked while still holding me.

“…”

“Then, I’ll keep courting you.”

“It’s been more than ten minutes…let go now.”

Ohhhhh, can we stop flirting for an hour, please!! What kind of doctor flirts at every moment we’re together!

And Phii Hill finally let go within the agreed ten minutes. I quickly got up to sit on the smaller sofa, my waist still feeling warm, my back too, but nothing was as hot as my face and ears now, sigh. Once the skin touched the cold air, I remembered how chilly it was today. When he was hugging me, it was so warm I forgot…

Ohhh, what are you thinking, Ter?

“You can walk around and explore if you want, I don’t mind.” Phii Hill suddenly said while he went to search for something in the fridge.

“Why do I need to explore?” I asked.

“Ter, you always like to explore new places, right? I saw you looking around the room earlier.”

He knows, huh. I’m the curious type. Well, if the room owner allows it, I’ll explore as I please. I opened the velvet curtains to a cloudy sky outside; it might rain…with the air this cold, will it rain even more? That might not be good; it could get too cold sometimes. But being this high up, the view of the sky is breathtaking, making me want to show Phoon how beautiful the sky looks from here, even if it’s just clouds.

   “The sky when it’s about to rain has its own charm.” That’s what Phoon once said.

   There’s no sky that isn’t beautiful for someone named Phoon.

   This room is luxurious, clean, and spacious, very livable. North, who loves cleanliness, would be thrilled. The bathroom is…lavish, with a bathtub too. I’m jealous, I’ve only bathed in a tub a few times in my life.

   I walked into the bedroom to peek inside. It’s simple, without much decoration, with a bed that looks soft and inviting, neatly folded blankets, and a tidy study desk, but it’s too bare for me. If it were me, I’d put lots of plushies or something around; this emptiness would keep me awake…out of fear.

   I turned to look at the drawer on top of the dresser…

   An ashtray?

   Does Phii Hill smoke?

   I don’t mind, really. I just didn’t think he smoked.

   “Do you smoke too?” I went outside to ask the person who was just standing there, Phii Hill turned at the sound of my voice.

“Oh…you can just throw that away.”

“Why?” I tilted my head, puzzled. Why would he want to throw it away?

“I forgot to get rid of it.”

“Oh…you’ve quit.”

“Since I knew someone would be staying here with me.”

“…”

“Who does that mean?” I tilted my head, asking curiously again. Who is that someone supposed to be? Me? No way. I’m staying here? I didn’t even realize it.

My question made Phii Hill let out a small chuckle.

“It’s nothing.”

“What do you mean nothing?” I made a pouty face and walked back into the bedroom, placing the ashtray back where it was. I’ll throw it away later. Not sure if others feel the same, but seeing thick books lined up like that makes me uncomfortable, it’s an indescribable feeling. So I left the bookshelf as it was, not touching it at all.

What’s more important is the desk that seemed almost magical. I really wanted to know the secret to being the top of the medical class, but there didn’t seem to be anything special. After satisfying my curiosity by looking around, I went back outside.

I saw Phii Hill sitting on the same sofa, looking at his phone and secretly smiling to himself.

“What are you doing?” I asked before sitting down on the smaller sofa. What’s with the grinning all by himself?

“I won’t tell.”

“Come on, tell me.”

“Move over here.” Phii Hill said. Driven by curiosity, I had to scoot over and sit next to him. Then Phii Hill held up his phone screen for me to see.

“…”

This is my message, isn’t it!

Even though we aren’t friends on Facebook, we can still send messages, right? During those two days when Phii Hill was gone, I tried to add him as a friend, but he didn’t accept. So, I sent messages instead.

And out of concern, mixed with a little bit of feeling slighted, I ended up…

Easter Panupong: Hey, accept my friend request.

   Easter Panupong: Why can’t I reach you by phone?

   Easter Panupong: Are you okay? I can’t get through to Phii Jo either.

   Easter Panupong: At least you should let someone know something.

   Easter Panupong: Do you know that Phii Jo, Phii Arthit, they’re worried?

   Easter Panupong: Me too.

   Easter Panupong: It’s okay to be worried.

   Easter Panupong: I’m going to get mad if you don’t reply within two hours.    Easter Panupong: Joking, I’m mad now, don’t even think about making up with me.

   Easter Panupong: Here, I’ve called so much my fingers are cramping.

   Easter Panupong: Are you not there? When are you coming back?

   Easter Panupong: Are you still alive?

   Easter Panupong: Phii Jo said he went to your condo and couldn’t find you, did you sneak off on a trip?

   Easter Panupong: If you did sneak off, I won’t forgive you.

   Easter Panupong: When you get back, I’ll make you spill everything, just watch.

   Easter Panupong: And I’ll force you to buy me sweets.

   Easter Panupong: What did Grandpa say?

   Easter Panupong: Next time, take me to meet Grandpa, okay?

   And many more messages that I’m too embarrassed to read further, ohhhh. At that time, I was just worried, you know, T^T, so I went a bit crazy with my messages. Sigh, looking back at them now, I feel so embarrassed for some reason.

Aha! No wonder he was grinning so much.

“Oh, don’t read that!” I said, trying to snatch the phone, but I was too late. If I had gotten it, I would’ve deleted all the messages, huh.

“I’ve accepted the friend request.” Phii Hill said, chuckling in an endearing way, was he doing this on purpose to tease me?!

“What are you accepting now, I’ll unfriend you right away, just watch.” I said, making a grumpy face.

“You were the one who told me to accept it at first.” He said in that annoyingly sweet voice!

“That was then, this is now.”

“Why’s that, hmm?” Phii Hill asked before pulling me into another hug, whispering softly, “At first, you were worried, and now you’re not worried anymore?”

!

Heyyy!!

This is what’s really annoying, and why am I being hugged again!

Didn’t you say you needed ten minutes just a moment ago!

“You said ten minutes, you’re cheating!” I protested while trying to pry his arms off, but as usual, it didn’t work.

“I just felt like hugging, seeing how you missed me.”

“Wh…what miss! Don’t make things up!” I said, feeling the heat rise to my face and ears. What’s with all this teasing?

“You sent so many messages, and what about squeezing out stories for me to tell?”

“I…I don’t know! What else is there to tell?”

“Still haven’t squeezed it out of you yet. I won’t tell.”

“…” I went quiet, not responding. What does he want me to squeeze out? Back then, I just typed without thinking much, huh, now Phii Hill seems to be getting too bold.

“Hmm, what do you say?” he asked, tightening his embrace and whispering even closer to my ear, making my heart beat even faster! T^T, this is definitely molestation.

“I have nothing to say, just let go.”

“And if I say I am going to treat you to snacks then?” his deep, soft voice spoke again. Even though my heart was already in disarray. No mercy at all!

Sighhhhhh. I didn’t mean to force anything, Y^Y.

“Huh. If you don’t let go, I’ll make you spend all your money buying me things!” My words made the person behind me chuckle a bit.

“Then I could support your spending habits for another ten years.” Phii Hill said.    “Are you planning to be with me for only another ten years?”    Arghhhhh!!

Does the medical faculty teach flirting too? How can he be so good at it?!    I didn’t know what to argue back with because whatever I said, he’d flirt back until my heart nearly stopped!! So I could only sit there quietly, looking down, while Phii Hill still wouldn’t let go of his embrace. I don’t know why he likes to hug me so much.

Rrrrrrrr

My phone rang, and when the other person realized there was an incoming call, he finally loosened his hug a little so I could pick up my phone.

It was North calling…

I answered.

“What’s up, North?”

(Ter. Where are you?)

   “Uh…” I was embarrassed to say I was with him somehow, “Why?”

(Are you coming back to the dorm today?)

   “Yeah, I’ll be back.”

(Oh, good, I was worried you wouldn’t come back, I can’t stay alone, you know.)

   “I told you not to watch horror movies, why watch if you’re gonna be scared?”    (But it’s fun, come back soon, I’m freaked out, Fah’s even creepier in the dark.)

   “Okay, okay.”

And then I hung up.

“Was that your roommate?” Phii Hill asked immediately after I ended the call.

“Uh, yeah.”

“How is it living together, is it okay?”

“Yeah, it’s manageable.”

“And how about the room condition?” He must be asking about the living conditions, right? Honestly, it’s not bad, but I feel it’s bad when I come to his room. His room is so spacious and airy, but mine is cramped and doesn’t get much air flow because it’s in the middle of the building.

“It’s not bad, I can live in it, it’s comfortable.” I said, thinking that it’s only been less than a month, so my stuff isn’t that much, but after half a year, both my books and North’s things would probably overflow the room. We’ll see about that later.

“After a while, the room might get full, you know.” Phii Hill said, “Interested in moving in together?”

“Huh, what? Move in?” I raised my eyebrows in confusion, “With you?”    “Yes.”

“Are you crazy? No way.” I quickly refused. That’s insane, how could I do that?

“Why not?”

Would it be strange to say I’m too scared to live with him?

   “I don’t have money to pay for the room.” I came up with another excuse, which was true, there were dozens of reasons I couldn’t move in, but the main one was I’m too scared to live there.

“It’s okay, I’ve already bought it.”

“Live for free?”

“Yes.”

“No way, that’s too much.” Even though living for free would be great for a broke student like me, it’s just not right, I feel bad about it.

“It’s not a big deal.”

“Everyone wants to take care of the one they love the best, right?”    One heart attack down…

   Ohhhhh, huuuuuu, he really knows how to hit every mark, poor Ter is going to die!!

   “No…no way, how can I leave North behind, he can’t live alone.” I said, finding a reason to tell him. I could sense that even with my refusal, if my reasons weren’t strong enough, my belongings would definitely disappear from my room by tomorrow.

And he’s going to move here.

Why are you so dictatorial?! T^T

“Is it Nong North?” Phii Hill repeated the question, “I’ll take care of it myself.” He said in his usual nonchalant tone.

“Take care of what? Wait, what are you going to do to North? Hey, if you really make him angry…” I quickly said, worried that Phii Hill’s “take care of” might mean something drastic like kidnapping or worse, oh no, don’t do anything to North, T^T.

“I won’t do anything bad, do I seem that cruel?”    Well, yeah!

“Soon, Nong North will probably have to move somewhere else anyway.”

“How do you know that?”

“Hmm?” Phii Hill fell silent as if he was thinking for a moment, “Just a guess.”    A guess? Like, just assuming? You can assume that North has to move? I was still puzzled by his words, but once I realized, I hurried to tell him to let me go already; it had been too long. And Phii Hill finally complied, probably because he saw I was getting tired. So, I scooted away a bit and took another bite of the desert. When you’re feeling down, sweets are the best, right?

   But out of the corner of my eye, I felt like I was being secretly photographed.    “Don’t take photos!” I immediately covered my face with my hands, what are you playing at!! Why take a picture when I’m eating, why do people always want to capture my embarrassing moments? It’s been like this since Foam and Phoon!

“It’s cute.” Phii Hill showed me a photo of me with my cheeks puffed out while chewing, ugh, where’s the cuteness in that, it’s unbearable to look at, and he still dares to laugh about it!

“Delete it.” I snatched his phone, which Phii Hill let me do without resistance, and quickly deleted the photo.

He still has that calm face, just wait, I’ll get my revenge.

I grabbed a cookie and stuffed it in the mouth of the person sitting next to me, then took a photo back. Phii Hill didn’t protest.

Instead of getting a candid shot…

I ended up with a picture that looks incredibly good!!

The picture of Phii Hill was very clear, focusing only on his handsome face holding a cookie, as if inviting someone to eat snacks together. I was both annoyed and jealous that I didn’t take a photo like that. So I handed the phone back to him resignedly.

But I still get heart palpitations when I take his photo.

Sighhhhh, good thing my hands weren’t shaking too much earlier. Otherwise, I would’ve been caught for sure! T^T, I need to take a break for an hour this time.

Ever since he hugged me, I moved to sit on the smaller sofa.

“You took a great photo, can I post it?” Phii Hill asked. I nodded in response without much thought. It’s his photo, why wouldn’t he be able to post it, especially since I’m not even in the picture, come on, unlike last time when he didn’t ask when my photo got included.

Soon after Phii Hill posted the picture, I checked to see how people were reacting to the photo I took.

Hill Ratchakit has added a new photo – 5 minutes ago

   Not smiling at the camera, but smiling at the photographer:)    Ohhhhh!! I’m going to die from this caption, huuuuh, smiling at the photographer, what’s that supposed to mean!! I sneakily looked at the caption’s author who was now comfortably watching TV. He has no mercy on my heart at all, T^T

   And before long, the page shared this photo too, very prompt indeed.

Cute Boy & Girl – MU has shared Hill Ratchakit’s photo

   Wondering if the person who took this photo is still alive?

   To respond…I don’t even know if I’m alive myself anymore, …

   As I scrolled through the comments on the page:

: Ohhh, smiling at the photographer, come on, I’ve never seen him smile like this before.

   : Kill me now, the photo was taken at the condo too, don’t tell me they’re living together, SCREAMING!!!

   : How sweet can this get? Someone answer me why hasn’t the page interviewed him yet, I’ve donated thousands already!

   I’m going to faint, like a hundred times, I’ve been dead since the watch incident.

   : Doctor, enough already, my heart can’t take it, waiii //waving a white flag and smiling while playing a song of congratulations

   : I’ll donate another two thousand, can you interview the doctor tomorrow, I’m sooo curious!

   : But the more I see them close, the more I can’t handle it, huuu, he’s my doctor, waiii

   : Can I be a mistress, I’ll take even a piece of his heart //gets slapped    : But isn’t he said to be in a relationship? There’s a chance, super biased towards myself, LOL

   : Living in the same condo, so jealous, why are you so fortunate? Please share what kind of merit you did, #I surrender I want a doctor like Hill as my husband

   : Super jealous, I want to be the photographer too

   And many more comments that I’m getting too lazy to read through, there are both good and bad comments, the bad ones criticizing and judging. I’ve been quite concerned about Phii Hill’s fans, not to mention the fans of the seniors who also like him.

   But it seems Phii Hill himself doesn’t care about that at all.

   

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