Tag: North How Much is Your Love

NORTHHOWMUCHISYOURLOVE, Chapter 8 part 2

“Hop on.”

“Already showing attitude the moment you arrive. Where’s the helmet? Safety first, wear a helmet.” “I don’t have one for you. Fall off and die for all I care.”

“What did I do to deserve that kind of resentment?” I said, chuckling, before Tiger reluctantly handed me a helmet. I took it and put it on.

“You’re lucky I don’t let just anyone ride with my beloved bike.” Tiger said while I was struggling to get on. Why does this scene feel so familiar?

“I’ve seen Nao riding with you all the time.”

“Nao doesn’t count. He’s the only one I meant to let ride with me. See this helmet? I bought it for Nao.”

“Got a thing for my friend, huh? Well, yeah, this helmet does suit Nao, being orange and all.” Nao likes oranges. Once I managed to get on the bike, the rider started the engine, and the beautiful big bike moved out. I’ve said it before, I don’t know much about bikes, just whether they look good or not. And Tiger’s bike is indeed very nice, though different from Phii Johan’s model.

After a while, we arrived at the faculty. It was good that he didn’t drive as fast as Phii Joe did this morning. Otherwise, I’d have been chanting prayers again for sure.

“So, how was getting kicked this morning?” I asked, handing back the helmet.

“Ohhh, it was…so good.”

“Hold on.” I interjected, “It felt good?”

“It felt like being slapped by a cat’s paw, man. Soft and everything, like going to heaven, my heart was like…Nao, kick me again, kick me more.”

Um…

   How should I respond to that?

   Tiger, damn…and look at his face, stop using that handsome face for stuff like this, it’s ruining everything. I want to take a photo and post it on a page for everyone to see, his face looks like hell, is this the face of the engineering faculty at our university…

   “Crazy bastard.” “Huh.”

“You might be the only person in the world who gets beaten up and feels happy, now you’ve turned into a sadomasochist or something?”

“Damn it, but seriously, Nao’s kicks are super heavy, when he steps down, I feel like my guts are about to burst. But what can I do? Can’t fight back, can’t even block with my arms.” Tiger said as we were walking towards the parking lot.

“Why can’t you block with your arms?” I furrowed my brows in confusion, “Can’t you just lift your arm to block?”

“Nao…he says it’s annoying to hit my hands, tells me to put my hands down.”

“Wow, brave househusband.” I remarked.

“Yeah, trained by kicks.”

We stopped in front of the cafeteria where there’s a coffee shop with an incredibly long line. Why is coffee selling so well today? Usually, there are people buying it, but I’ve never seen it this crowded, the cafeteria almost looks like it’s going to burst. Oh, that’s right, the page said the engineering faculty’s coffee was selling well because they saw Phii Johan bothered to drive all the way here to buy it. Well, that’s quite the celebrity status.

“Damn, so many people. Is there nowhere else to eat?” Tiger muttered softly, “You might not get your green tea now.”

“No, I will stay here.” I insisted.

“Check out the line first, by the time you get your food, class will be over.”

“You’re exaggerating, let’s go queue up.” I said, almost giving an order. Ever since I found out about Nao, Tiger’s been like someone who can’t fight back against me.

They call it knowing someone’s weakness…

And only a few people know about this, just Tiger’s friends and me…As for how I found out…I overheard it by chance. “Wow. Why does someone like you have to know this? You use it against me.” Tiger complained, sounding annoyed, “Alright. Just green tea, right? Just getting green tea will satisfy you, right?”

“Yeah, special green tea, less sweet, can you add whipped cream?”

“I guess.”

“Hmm, but no, it doesn’t really go together.”

“Annoy me”

“Get me a sandwich too, with ham, make it two.”

“Agreed on just green tea then?”

“I’m starving here, haven’t had breakfast yet, bring some other snacks too, I’m super hungry, bring a lot, you’re treating.”

“Asshole, the nickname ‘the asshole of the electric department’ isn’t just for show, I got it today.” Tiger said before walking to join the line. I then walked over to sit and wait in that line, feeling a bit sorry for him seeing how long the queue was.

And while I was scrolling through my Facebook…

MaPrang: North, 555

   MaPrang: What did you do to Johan?

   North♣: Yes?

   North♣: I didn’t do anything, Phii.

   North♣: Why?

   MaPrang: He deducted your debt three times.

   MaPrang: So I was just curious what you did.

   North♣: Huh!!

   North♣: Three times?

   MaPrang: Yes, he just told me.

   MaPrang: So that’s 240,405 baht in total.

   MaPrang: I’ll subtract 405 baht for now.

   MaPrang: That’s 240,000 even, right?

   North♣: Nooo

   North♣: sends sticker

   MaPrang: What do you mean? Don’t need to subtract?

   North♣: Nooo, I mean. Don’t deduct, nooo.

   North♣: sends a sticker

   MaPrang: Funny sticker, haha

   MaPrang: I’m working now, just stopped by to say.

   MaPrang: If you’re going to transfer money, let me know first, okay?

   And then Phii Prang went offline…

What’s with giving me three thousand and then deducting a thousand? What kind of heart is made of? And what’s this about? What else have I done? Plus, he deducted three times, T^T

I decided to message Phii Johan, although I didn’t really want to disturb him during class, but this was a big deal, it’s a thousand baht!

North♣: Phii

    North♣: Why…

   North♣: How can you do this, T^T

   (Read)

   Here, read but no reply.

Before I could think or complain more by myself, all these snacks and green tea were placed on the table. I looked up to see Tiger raising his eyebrows at me, then he sat down on the opposite side.

“Why so fast?” I raised my eyebrows, the line was so long, how did he get it so quickly?

“I cut the queue.”

“…” “You are really bad.”

“Am I a bad boy?” Tiger asked.

“Nao doesn’t like bad boys.”

“Oh, then I’ll take it back.”

“Asshole. No need, but how did you get it so fast?”

“Well, when they saw me in line, they were like…you can go first, many people said that until I ended up at the front of the line.”

“Wow, the power of the faculty.”

“Ordinary, it should be because I am this handsome, but I have a wife named Duennao, you know?”

“…”

“Sigh”

“Friend, if he is comfortable, I’m okay. You’re talking nonsense, aren’t you?” I said with a sigh. What’s with everyone around me? Thank goodness I’m still normal. Then I proceeded to drink green tea and eat snacks without a care, and Tiger was eating too, he had just woken up and hadn’t had breakfast either.

“Yeah, was about to say.” Tiger suddenly said with his mouth full of snacks, “Nice shirt.”

“This shirt?” I repeated, looking down at the shirt I was wearing. It was Phii Joe’s shirt, quite nice actually. Didn’t even notice. And it’s comfortable too.

“I like it. If I’m not mistaken, this is a limited edition.” He said, reaching out to touch the sleeve to feel the fabric, “Yeah. I couldn’t get one back then, my dad wouldn’t let me go buy it, school was in the way, couldn’t order it either, it was too limited.”

“Just because of school you couldn’t buy it?” I asked, puzzled. Couldn’t you go after school?

“It was only sold in England, limited edition.” Wow, that extreme? So I’m wearing a shirt bought from England, a limited edition one at that.

“Are you selling it? I really want it, I like it.” He asked with shining eyes. Tiger is one of those guys who’s crazy about nice shoes, clothes, and even cars.

“Ten thousand.” I jokingly said, making his eyes widen.

“Seriously? I’ll buy it, give me your account number.”

“Huh? You’re ready to transfer right now?” I raised my eyebrows in surprise. It was a joke, and I even exaggerated the price.

“I’m ready, but is it cheap enough for a fake?” He raised an eyebrow, looking suspicious, then pulled the shirt to check again, “It’s real though.”

“Is that cheap, ten thousand?”

“Yeah, I can’t remember the exact price, but it’s not less than twenty thousand. So, are you selling?”

“I’m not selling, I was joking. It’s not mine.” I said, shaking my head. I knew it was expensive, but not that much, right? Now I want to take it off and fold it back.

“Oh, it’s your husband’s then, the one you said you borrowed to cover your shirt?”

“Here’s another one, what’s with your husband?” I said, making a face at him.

“Will you boast about your rich husband?”

“Enough, let’s stop talking.” I said to cut him off.

“The eyebrows I’ve been raising.”

“Hmm, put them aside.”

“Okay, then I’ll delete Nao’s picture.” I said while pulling out my phone. Being the only one in the group who knows about this, he often has me take pictures of Nao, but I don’t understand why since they’re in the same room.

“No, no, leave the thanks aside, just send Nao’s picture through LINE.” “Here you go.” I sent the picture of Nao secretly napping during yesterday’s class.

“Huuh, so cute. I can’t take it anymore, where’s the bathroom!!”

“Hold on, calm down first.” I quickly stopped him, whether it’s joking or serious. It’s still scary, “Stay calm, take a deep breath, damn, will Nao ever know he has a stalker who likes him this much?”

“Stalker? Whatever, huuh, this guy is just so cute, yeah, I’m going up to class now, what about you?”

“I’m staying around here, I have class in the afternoon.”

“Oh, and what will you do until then?”

“Just play on my phone, I’ll manage somehow.”

“Thinking I care, huh? How brave.”

“From the heart, do you hate me or what?”

“Glad you know, but you can come up to class with me, the teacher won’t mind.”

“Nah, sitting here playing on my phone or going to class, which one is better for my life, answer me.”

“Yeah, keep playing, you’ll run out of battery.”

“I’ve got a power bank, and mosquito repellent too.”

“…Why would you carry mosquito repellent?”

 

09:03 AM

   North♣: Are you really going to read and not reply?

   North♣: I didn’t mean to bother you.

   North♣: But could you explain about the money deduction, T^T

   (Read)

   09:42 AM

   North♣: What about the three thousand baht? North♣: You gave it to me but then deducted it again??

   North♣: Can I have my money back, LOL?

   (Read)

   10:23 AM

   North♣: Just kidding, Phii. Who would do that, LOL?

   (Read)

   I’m sitting alone under the Engineering Faculty, surrounded by people passing by, super bored, I’ve been texting everyone and no one’s replying, honestly, Phii Johan shouldn’t have brought me to the university this early. I have classes in the afternoon, making me wait like this is killing me.

And why does he read my messages and not reply? If he’s not free, shouldn’t he just not read the messages? Does this mean he’s ignoring my chat, T^T?

12:04 PM

   Johan: ?

   Johan: Why are you spamming messages?

   Johan: Are you that free?

   Oh, he replied. Right at noon, must mean he’s just on lunch break.

North♣: Yes, I’m free.

   North♣: Very free.

   Johan: Oh.

   Johan: Then go do something useful.

   North♣: Oh my gosh! -, ;

   North♣: I have a lot of questions I want to ask.

   North♣: You’ve docked my money…

   North♣: How, why, why did you do this, T^T. And three times at that. I still can’t figure out what I did.

   Johan: Not surprising. North♣: Not surprising about what?

   Johan: That you can’t figure it out.

   Oh my gosh, will there ever be a day when I don’t get scolded? And I never get answers to my questions!

North♣: Please tell me. So I won’t do it again.

   North♣: So I won’t get docked again T^T

   The chat showed as read but no reply again, making me sigh in frustration. Is he hard to understand, or am I not understanding? When I started to feel hungry, I remembered it was time to eat. But to be honest, I’m scared to use Phii Johan’s money, what if he suddenly demands it back and I can’t return it, that would be tough.

Johan: How did you get here?

   North♣: What?

   Johan: Black Ninja

   Johan: Who?

   Black Ninja?

   Oh…you mean Tiger’s big bike. But how did Phii Joe see that?

   North♣: A friend named Tiger.

   North♣: Why?

   Johan: Your friend?

   North♣: Yes.

   Johan: Oh.

   Johan: Have you eaten yet?

   !!

   North♣: Not yet.

   North♣: Phii. Oh my, my chat with Phii Johan has turned into a normal, everyday conversation. Oh my, why do I feel like crying? Since we’ve known each other, we’ve hardly had a normal conversation like this.

Johan: Why haven’t you eaten?

   North♣: Well…I don’t have money.

   Johan: Not enough?

   Johan: Did you eat an elephant or something?

   North♣: No, Phii. Who would eat an elephant?

   North♣: I don’t dare to spend your money.

   Johan: Why?

   Johan: So you didn’t eat breakfast either?

   North♣: I did eat breakfast, Phii.

   North♣: I had Tiger feed me, LOL.

   (Read)

   Oh, he read it and didn’t reply again. What’s up with him? This has happened several times now, leaving me waiting for a reply for almost five minutes.

MaPrang: North, again?

   Wait! Why is Phii Prang messaging me…just seeing the chat name already makes my heart sink.

North♣: Phii Prang, LOL.

   North♣: You never message me with good news.

   North♣: May I block you?

   MaPrang: Calm down.

   MaPrang: Don’t block me, if you block me, who will tell you about the money?

   MaPrang: Just stopping by to say Joe docked your money again, haha.

   MaPrang: Let’s eat first, I’ll tally it up in the evening. MaPrang: In case he docks more, haha.

   What now, docked again. Always docking money, why are you like this, T^T, but this time I can guess it might be about Tiger treating me to a meal. We were talking about it, and then you disappeared.

North♣: Can’t Tiger treat me to a meal?, T^T

   Johan: Didn’t expect you to know.

   Johan: Actually, you’re quite smart.

   Phii Johan!! being called stupid hurts less than this, has anyone ever told you, you have a sharp tongue. And you love to tease a lot too.

North♣: I didn’t know this. Who would have known you’d be upset about this.

   About what?

Johan: Remember now.

   Johan: What, are you chewing on my money or something?

   North: Are you crazy?

   North♣: Who in the world chews money?

   Johan: Yeah

   Johan: Just use it.

   North♣: Are you seriously letting me use it? Like, for real?

   North♣: Not some kind of trick, right?

   Johan: Trick?

   Johan: With someone like you?

   Okay…

Fine, I give up. I won’t argue anymore, just stop this harsh talking, my heart is totally bruised.

North♣: Okay…

   North♣: I’ll use it then. I’ll go eat first. (Read)

   I got up from my usual table and headed through the crowd to the cafeteria. The chat, the only normal conversation we’ve had, lasted less than five minutes, then it went back to me getting scolded like usual. Seriously. At first, I thought he was being kind, actually giving me money.

Ah…But in the end, I still haven’t gotten an answer as to why he deducted my money three times.

16:23 PM

   I’m sitting at the back of the class with my arms folded. Next to me is Duennao, who is resting his chin on his hand and yawning. I glance over to see Kyukyu scribbling something or maybe not, next to Kett. Classes from the afternoon till 5:30 PM with no break, this subject is just too harsh. It’s super hard, and I don’t get any of it.

Today I have to work at Phii Ya’s shop with Ter starting at six, will I even have time to eat before then? Damn it, I forgot to check the schedule for this semester.

“North.” Nao called out to me.

“What?”

“Lend me your shirt.”

“Why?” I asked.

“I’m Nao.”

“Yeah, I know that. I’m North, nice to meet you.” [1] This is a play on the word Nao which means cold so saying I am Nao can also mean I am cold.

   “That old gag should disappear.”

“You used it yesterday.”

“Whatever, just take off your shirt.”

“Can you even force someone to do that?” I questioned, puzzled. Can you really force someone to take off their shirt like this? “To cover us together, like a dog, Nao. Seeing Skater asleep makes me think we’re in a room full of dead souls.”

“You said it too.” I said, chuckling. If Skater heard that, he’d definitely retort, but he’s out cold.

“You know this class is blown by AC, why didn’t you bring a sweater?”

“Forget it, come on, let me borrow some warmth from your shirt. No way, it’s your husband’s shirt.”

“Nah, I won’t take it off because of that.” I said, making a face. What husband’s shirt are you talking about? It’s been like this since morning, are you trying to be intense now?

“Not borrowing from Tiger, he’s right in front.” I said, pointing at Tiger who was studying at the front of the classroom. Even though we’re not in the same major, we share some classes, “No, he’s too far.”

“Text him and tell him.”

“I feel bad about it.”

Acting all considerate. If you’d ask, he’d take his clothes off for you until he’s down to his underwear, just because you’d tell him you’re cold.

“I’ll tell him for you.” I said, pulling out my phone. I sent a message to Tiger asking to borrow his shirt, saying Duennao said it’s cold so he needed it. I saw Tiger, who was sitting at the front, picked up his phone to read the message and immediately took off his sweater, sending it over.

“The person in front sent this, said it’s for someone named Duennao.” The girl in front turned around and handed over Tiger’s large shirt to us.

“Thanks.” Duennao said, taking the shirt, “You ass.” before turning to scold me.

“Oh. Isn’t it good? You said you wanted it.”

“It’s like I robbed him of his shirt, isn’t it cold?” “No, he likes the cold.”

“Is the air cold?”

“Uh…yeah.”

Good that it was sent, but the issue is, I’m too scared to wear it, T^T

“I don’t like his shirt.” Nao said before spreading out the shirt to cover himself.

“Oh. You won’t wear it?”

“I said I don’t like his shirt. I don’t like anything about him. Even though he’s willing to lend it to me.”

“Why?”

“It’s expensive, I’m afraid I’ll ruin it. Last time I scuffed his shoes and was stressed out, nearly died, he loves his stuff.”

“Oh. You don’t like wearing expensive things.” I said.

“Wow, this shirt must cost several thousands, if not almost ten thousand. Do you dare to wear it?” The person next to me raised an eyebrow and asked, which really threw me off…

Damn, now I want to take off the shirt I’m wearing and use it like Nao did, T^T

Ding!

Who’s messaging me now?

Johan: Where are you?

   He’s asking the same old question…

North♣: At the faculty.

   North♣: Still in class, TT.

   Johan: What time do you finish?

   North♣: Half past five.

   Johan: Where are you going after?

   I stared wide-eyed at the chat screen…shit, is it going to rain or something? Phii Johan is asking me where I’m going beforehand. Not like before where he would just tell me where to go. Oh my, tears might start flowing, the world must remember this moment!

North♣: Probably to eat.

   North♣: Then to work.

   I told the truth since today I’m working at the Japanese restaurant with Ter. I can tell Phii Johan about that, but about working at the bar, absolutely not.

Johan: With Ter?

   North♣: Yes.

   North♣: Phii Hill comes to pick us up.

   Johan: Tell Hill to take a detour to pick you up.

   North♣: Yes…usually Phii Hill picks us up when I go to work.

   Johan: And then you go eat with him?

   North♣: Yes…why?

   Johan: You’re a burden.

   North♣: Come on, T^T

   “North, what are you talking about with whom?” Nao leaned over to sneak a peek at my chat since who knows when, and then he teased. I didn’t hide my phone, letting him continue reading, “Wow, talking to your husband, huh?”

“Screw that, you’re just making things up. He’s scolding me here.”

“He’s got some guts.”

“It’s not guts anymore, it feels like a punch in the heart.” I said, making a face like I was about to cry at Nao, “Phii Hill says I’m a burden.”

“Well, he’s right.”

“Come-onnn.” I dragged out my voice, “We’re friends. Won’t you take my side at all?”

“It’s true though, don’t you realize?” “I know it’s true, but Ter said it’s okay.” I said, making a sullen face. Initially, I didn’t want to be the third wheel, but Ter told me it was fine to come along.

“You believe Ter, but what about Phii Hill’s car? If it were you, would you want to have dinner with your couple or bring along a third wheel?”

“Nao, don’t call me a third wheel.” I dragged out my voice again, why are you so harsh, T^T

“You wouldn’t want to sit in the middle of a pink atmosphere, right?”

“Honestly, no, it’s like torture for me, the bright world turns to hell, just the two of them being all lovey-dovey, the scent of love filling the air.” I answered, thinking about the times when I went out with those two, experiencing the single person’s torment of watching a couple in love.

“So you are Phii Hill’s burden.”

“You didn’t have to say it so bluntly.”

North♣: So what should I do then?

   North♣: I don’t have a car, how am I supposed to get to work?

   North♣: I really don’t want to bother Phii Hill, honestly.

   5:28 PM

   Johan: Huh?

   Johan: Then come with me.

   Johan: I’m at your faculty already.

   NORTH HOW MUCH IS YOUR LOVE CHAPTERS HOME

NORTHHOWMUCHISYOURLOVE, Chapter 8 part 1

Chapter 8: Last Night & Ice Green Tea

   Last Night

   22:37 PM

   I threw my phone onto the table in frustration after seeing the chat marked as read but with no reply. The music, the atmosphere of the place, people talking, everything was quite familiar, yet it was unusual for me to come here feeling like this.

“Have you ordered yet?” Arthit’s voice rang out before he sat down opposite me, followed by Hill who walked around the table to sit beside him.

“Not yet, order now.”

“How long have you been here?”

“Just arrived.”

“Why did you call us here?” Hill asked.

“I’m bored.” I replied, because I didn’t know how to handle this feeling, so I decided to call them to come hang out at the cafe with me. Only Tonfah is missing; he’s probably buried in his books by now.

“Do you really think we’d believe that?” Hill raised an eyebrow.

“I thought I could trick you.”

“Trick us, huh?”

“You ask too many questions right after arriving, want to order something to eat first?” I said, reaching for the menu and waving for a waiter, “Arthit, you order.” And I handed the menu to the person sitting opposite me.

“What do you guys want to eat?”

“Whatever you want, Hill, you order too.” I turned to tell the person next to him, who seemed uninterested in my words.

“Anything is fine, up to you.” “Okay, sure.” Then Arthit ordered a variety of dishes. Well, even though I wasn’t really in the mood to eat, just sitting here idly wouldn’t do.

“So, what’s the conclusion?” Hill persisted with the same question, making me have to turn and give him an annoyed look.

“I told you, I’m just bored.”

“Yeah, if you don’t tell me, it’s your business.”

“Yeah, that’s right, it’s my business.” I said.

“What’s going on?” Arthit looked slightly puzzled, but I didn’t reply. I wasn’t in the mood to say anything, so I just looked back at my phone screen.

Johan: Where are you?

   North♣: Outside.

   Johan:?

   North♣: Went out.

   Johan: With whom?

   North♣: With a friend.

   Johan: At 8 PM?

   Johan: Where?

   Johan: Not answering me?

   North♣: Please calm down, T^T

   Johan: So, where are you?

   (Read)

   Sneaked off to work…

Thought I wouldn’t know?

I knew from the moment he said he went outside.

He had thought about sneaking off to do some part-time work. His sour face was a clear sign. At first, it was just a guess, but when I replied I was outside and then went silent, that confirmed it. And the restaurant…does he think it’s hard to find? It’s so obvious with the waiter uniform.

For heaven’s sake…

Why is he this annoying?

“Joe, what’s your problem?”

“What?” I replied, annoyed.

“I’m asking, what the hell is wrong?”

“Nothing. You too, why ask? It’s nothing.” I answered the person sitting opposite me. Why do these two have to ask so many questions?

“Your face looks like you’ve got a problem.”

“What’s wrong with my face?”

“Annoying.” Hill interjected, looking up from his phone at me, “Your face looks annoying.”

“Yeah, what’s got you so irritated, and then you drag us out here?”

“Just to have company.” I furrowed my brows at Arthit, “Is that not okay?”

“If it wasn’t okay, I wouldn’t be here, but what’s got you so irritated? Normally, if you’re in a bad mood, you don’t come to places like this.”

“It’s just frustrating. I don’t know what to do.”

“Really, what’s frustrating you?”

“You want to know that badly?”

“Just asking.”

“I don’t know.” I said before letting out a small sigh, “Do you like people who lie?”

“Who would like that?”

“Hmm.”

“Who lied to you?” Arthit raised his eyebrows in surprise, taking the beer glass the waiter brought and sliding it towards us. I took it and sipped a little. “…”

“Here’s the thing. Is this the first time someone has lied to you? You’ve flirted with so many people. You lie to them, they lie to you, and you always knew. You never seemed to care.”

“Is it like what I thought?” Hill suddenly chimed in.

“Probably. You’re good at guessing.” I said before taking another gulp of my beer.

“Oh, then that’s settled. No need to squeeze anything out of it.”

“Why?”

“That’s all you can do.” Hill turned to tell Arthit, “Let it go, let’s go. He can’t answer anything right now anyway.”

“Yeah, just let me be.” I said, irritated.

“And how did you know he was lying?” Hill continued asking.

“I saw it.”

“Saw?”

“Yeah.”

“How?”

“Passed by in the car.”

“Or did you deliberately take a detour?” Hill said.

“…”

“It’s my business.”

“Always like this when you can’t answer.” Hill said before turning his attention back to chatting with his partner, still talking with his girlfriend even when he’s out with friends, it’s damn annoying.

If you ask me what I dislike about Hill, I’d say one thing: I hate that he knows too much about me, and it seems like he knows more every day.

   “Hill, do you know?” Athit raised his eyebrows in question. “I know everything.” “Know everything, my ass.” I cursed without bothering to look over. “It’s not hard to guess, I already knew a bit.” “Yeah.”

“Are you going to stay silent like this?” After about ten minutes, Arthit was talking to someone who came over, and before that person left, possibly noticing how quiet our table had become, he asked, “Going home, asshole?”

“Just got here.” I said.

“But I want to go back.” Hill said.

“No way.”

“Chasing after your husband?”

“Fuck off.” I retorted, turning to curse. Yeah…that’s another thing I hate about Hill, the way he teases about guys hitting on him. It was fun to tease Hill about this, but right now, I’m not in the mood to listen to this.

“Um…sorry to interrupt.” I turned towards the voice of a woman who was now standing by our table.

“Yes?”

“Like…can I have your LINE ID? My friend likes you.” I couldn’t help but give her a slight smile, and she responded with a shy smile. Honestly, she’s quite cute. And this kind of situation isn’t all that surprising; it happens to me all the time.

“No, you can’t.” Hill quickly responded, causing me to whip my head towards him. Hill shot me a disapproving look before I let out another sigh.

“Uh…no, sorry.” I answered with a smile. She looked slightly disappointed, gave a forced smile, and then walked away.

“You two are acting like a married couple.” Arthit commented with surprise, “Is this what people call jealousy?” “Is that your mouth or something that wants to connect with the heel of my foot?” I snapped back at him.

“And why not? Normally, you’re almost giving your number to girls.” The person across from me still looked perplexed. Fair enough, but I really didn’t feel like explaining.

“The tiger’s about to shed its claws.” Hill said.

“Really…what does that mean?” Arthit raised his eyebrows, “Explain.”

“It’s hard to explain.” I said.

“You make it hard.”

“…”

“Yeah.”

“Annoying.” Hill said with slight irritation. Honestly, recently, things between me and Hill have been like this almost constantly. Even though we’re not exactly fighting, “You never say anything. He must be sitting inside or something.”

“Hill, calm down.” Arthit advised.

“I’m calm.”

“Tell me what’s going on.”

“Do you want me to talk?” Hill asked. I sighed before nodding. Alright, they’re going to find out eventually anyway.

“Oh…so that’s how it is.”

“Surprised?” I raised an eyebrow to ask.

“Yeah, but not shocked. So, it’s the junior who lied, and that’s why you’re irritated with your friends like this?”

“Hmm, something like that.”

“Don’t you realize?”

“Realize what?”

“That you’re super worried about your junior.” “…” “Yeah, tell him, I’m tired of it.” “Do you admit it, Joe?” “…”

“Yeah.”

“And what did the junior lie about?”

“He snuck off to do part-time work.”

“Just that?”

“Just that, why?”

“It’s not a big deal, right? Why don’t you let him go?” Arthit asked, surprised. I couldn’t help but frown at him, “He’s just earning money to pay you back.”

“That’s a bar!”

“Oh, and then what?”

“And then what?” I repeated, not understanding.

“Yeah, so what?”

“Bastard. I won’t talk to you anymore.” I said, cutting him off in irritation.

“Worry, you asshole, worry. It’s hard for you to say you’re worried, you lie to others that you’re worried when you’re not.” Hill chimed in, “Worried or not, you’ve probably had someone watching him already.”

“How did you figure it out?” I turned to ask Hill.

“With a face like yours, I bet you’ve got the whole army watching over your little junior at the Soul Out bar. If anyone tries anything funny, that person you have there will deal with them right away. And switch with someone else to watch over him on different days so it’s not suspicious.”

“You know everything about me.” I said. That’s why…that’s the reason I dislike this about him, he’s good at guessing, knows everything. “Which army? Oh, the underlings of your dad, are you some kind of mafia or what?”

“Do you admit you’re worried?”

“…”

“Yeah, fine.”

“Now tell me why.”

“…”

“Just look at you guys. Remember that time at the bar when there was trouble? What if I hadn’t gone? The junior might have been expelled from university by now.” I said, getting more frustrated as I remembered that night. How could that little person get that drunk? Not being careful at all, thinking I could do whatever I wanted. And the reason was just ridiculous, fighting over an ex-girlfriend, it was utterly pointless.

Thought you could take care of yourself, huh?

   Ha…

   Big talk.

   Imagine if I hadn’t gone to get you. Imagine if it was someone else taking you back. Imagine causing a scene at someone else’s house. Just try and see how much trouble that would cause. The 200,000 debt you think about, that’s not even a quarter of what it could be.

   “Ugh…sigh, our friend’s in deep trouble.” Arthit said after letting out a big sigh, “The symptoms are severe…and the mouth is just as bad, that’s for sure.”

“But what I really want to know is why you are like this with this person.”

“Actually, the reason is quite long.” Hill said, “But I think the reason it’s this serious is because this kid…”

“…”

“…What do you call it, this person is Joe’s kryptonite.” “How so?” “He’s his nemesis.” “More than just his type.” !!

“Hill.” I called out.

“What?”

“You’ve said too much.”

“Yeah.”

“…”

“Because you won’t admit it.”

 

   ♣♣♣

Give me money?

Three thousand!

No, that’s not it…

No. I think it’s not that, there must be something else!!

North♣: Are you really giving it to me?

   North♣: You’re not just joking, right?

   North♣:. It’s not like you’re deducting it from my debt, right?

   (Read)

   Ah…read but no reply.

Damn.

I’m not feeling at ease at all.

I walked from the parking lot and sat on a marble bench nearby in the morning. The air’s nice like this, but soon enough, the sun will be strong. I won’t be able to sit around here for long; I’ll have to call someone to pick me up and drop me off at the faculty. But why would I go to the faculty in the first place? I don’t have classes until the afternoon.

The better question to ask is why I woke up so early.

Forget it, complaining won’t change anything, now that I’m here. I scrolled through my contacts list, Ter can’t help since he doesn’t have a car. Skater and Kyu are out of the question; they can’t know I’m here, or they’ll grill me for information.

In the end, I called Duennao again.

(Morning, bastard) Duennao answered the phone with a groggy, irritable voice, (I just fell asleep at 4 AM, didn’t I?)

“Oh, really? You were up late playing games?”

(Yeah, I have afternoon classes, damn it, my eyes hurt, and why did you call? If you called just to annoy me, you’ll get a kick in the butt.)

   “Why are you so angry? I’m not annoying you, okay, maybe I am, but let me bother you for a moment.”

(No, bye.)

   “Listen first!”

(What?)

   “Come pick me up, I’m alone, I’m lonely.”

(Pick up what? Your husband?)

   “What husband? I’m serious, come pick me up.”

(Pick you up from where? Where are you going?)

   “To the faculty.”

(I told you we have afternoon classes.)

   “I’m at the medical faculty, can’t go anywhere. No car, Phii Joe dropped me off and left.”

(Oh, so you’re just going to stay at the faculty waiting?)

   “Yes.” (Walk there then.)

   “From here to the engineering faculty? You animal, it’s insanely far, like walking to the edge of the Andaman Sea.”

(I’m too lazy, wait, doesn’t Tiger have morning classes?)

   “Oh, good point, ask him if he can swing by and pick me up.”

(That animal!!)

   “What, who are you cursing at? Me?” Suddenly Nao shouted, startling me.

(Just a sec.)

   (Ouch!! Ease up!! Nao, ease up!! That’s enough. I’m hurt, ouch!!) Tiger’s voice came through the line. What’s going on? Why is Tiger yelling like that?

(Here I am) Duennao came back on the line, sounding out of breath, (Had to make me work hard this early in the morning.)

   “What happened, what’s going on with Tiger?” I asked.

(I’m beating him up, that’s what.)

   “Huh, why beat him up?”

(He was hugging me in his sleep, that’s why I felt cramped. The bastard, the damn thing. So I beat him.)

   “Calm down.” I said, laughing a little. Ouch, I kind of felt sorry for him but it was also funny. Poor Tiger, couldn’t even sneak a cuddle.

(Tiger! Get up!!)

   (Just a moment, I’m all choked up here, woke up to a kick, ouch.)

   (What time do you have class?)

   (Nine, why?)

   (Go pick up North, he’s at the medical faculty.)

   (That’s out of the way, it’s a waste of gas.)

   (Talk to him yourself) Nao said before putting Tiger on to talk to me.

“Oh, you unstealthy one.” I teased him a bit. (I’m usually stealthy, ’cause I always wake up before him. You called and woke him up, shit, you ruined my happiness) Tiger complained with a very annoyed tone, making me feel a little guilty for him. If I hadn’t called to wake Nao, he might have continued his sneaky cuddle.

“Come on, I didn’t know. Can you come pick me up? I’m at the front of the medical faculty.”

(Why should I? Do I have to do things for someone who ruins my happiness?)

   “Huh, now you’re being like this, what’s wrong? Tiger.”

(I told you to call me Sua, you can threaten all you want, I’m annoyed. Yeah, I’ll come pick you up. Just wait in front of the faculty.) [1] Sua means Tiger

   “Don’t forget about buying me green tea.” I reminded him of yesterday’s promise.

(Yeah, you damn thing.)

   It ended with me getting scolded by Sua, but I didn’t really mind that much. I scanned around, and it was an unfamiliar place. I don’t come around here often because it’s in a different direction, on the opposite side from my faculty. There’s no one from my faculty studying around here either. So, why are engineering students hanging around the medical faculty?

I didn’t wait long before I saw in his student uniform, riding up on a big bike and stopping in front of me.

Big bike.

Again…

I forgot that Tiger also rides a big bike.

 

   NORTH HOW MUCH IS YOUR LOVE CHAPTERS HOME

NORTHHOWMUCHISYOURLOVE, Chapter 7 part 2

Phii Johan didn’t say anything. He just raised his hand to his temple, sighed, and shook his head. I told you, just scold me, scold me like usual, please. You’re making me feel worse with this silence, T^T.

“Well, you didn’t tell me where we were going.” I said softly, making a slightly pouty face.

“At midnight, I might just take you somewhere.”

“You never know, what if you felt like going somewhere?”

“It wasn’t with you.” That’s harsh, why? What did I do wrong? Why wouldn’t he want to go camping with me, T^T

   “Are you going to work?” I asked while packing my stuff back into the bag, it seemed like Phii Johan wasn’t as irritated anymore, or was he?

“Why?”

“I thought you might want me to keep you company while you work.”

“And then?”

“Huh.” I looked at him, puzzled, “Do you have a blanket for me?” I asked. I didn’t care anymore why he brought me here; whatever he wants me to do, he can tell me later. What I wanted to know now was whether I’d be sleeping cold on the sofa tonight.

“I have one, why?”

“At least give me a blanket, sleeping bare would be too lonely.” I said, standing up, “Where is it, I’ll get it myself.”

“Upstairs.” Phii Johan said, pointing to a large cabinet in the back. So, I walked to where he pointed.

“Is there a chair?” I asked for a chair since the top shelf was too high to reach. Not that I couldn’t reach, just that it was a bit awkward. Phii Johan didn’t reply, just walked over and reached for the blanket to hand it to me.

“Thanks.” I said, taking the blanket. I felt a bit embarrassed, T^T.

“You’re sleeping on the sofa?”

“Yes.” I spread out the blanket, which was thin and had no pattern. If I weren’t so shy, I might have asked for a body pillow too, but then again, Phii Johan having a body pillow would be strange, totally out of character.

“Can you sleep on it?”

“It’s comfortable, your sofa is softer than my bed at home.” I said, moving to sit on the big sofa that was about to become my bed. It was soft, really soft, softer than my bed at home for sure. Saying I sleep on a pig sty would be an exaggeration, but I can sleep anywhere; I’ve fallen asleep on desks before, the floor is no problem.

Phii Johan didn’t say anything, just looked at me with mild surprise, then he walked into the bedroom. So, tonight, I just changed beds, huh? I took out my phone to chat and update Ter. After a while, thinking there was nothing more to do, I went to turn off all the lights except for a small one.

Even though I was super tired from work, I couldn’t sleep…

Because it was strange that

Or perhaps…

Unable to bear the fear any longer, I quickly took out my phone again, scrolling through my contacts on LINE. Ter was out of the question since he was with Phii Hill. I immediately dialed Nao.

(Why are you calling so late?) he scolded as soon as he picked up, and there was a lot of noise in the background, (I’m in the middle of a game, almost died, you know?)

   “I knew you weren’t asleep.”

(Yeah, what’s up?)

   “Why are you so cold, man? I can’t sleep.”

(And how is that my problem?)

   “You’re so grumpy, you must be annoyed by something.”

(No, just trying to concentrate, you call without any sense of time, damn it! Sua, he shot me, Sua. Someone shot me, I’m already hiding.)

   (Where? Right, on the right, bastard, I’ve saved him.)

   (Heal me, heal me!)

   “Oh, you with your boyfriend?” I asked, having heard Tiger’s voice, which Nao calls ‘Sua’. (Pfft. We’re roommates, aren’t we?)

   (Who is it?) Tiger’s voice.

“It’s me.”

(You piece of work, now you know how to use a phone?)

   “Tiger, speak nicely.” I said in a low tone, pretending to threaten.

(Tiger, my name is Tiger.)

   “Annoying bastard.” I cursed with disdain. Tiger doesn’t let anyone but Nao call him Sua. No need to ask why; when you’re stuck in the friend zone for years, it gets like this, especially when Nao doesn’t even realize anything and genuinely thinks of Tiger as just a friend. “Ter was complaining that you’ve called him ‘Tiger’ since kindergarten, but now you suddenly don’t let him.”

(North!!!)

   “Why are you shouting?!” I exclaimed in surprise when suddenly Tiger called out my name, it seems like he got scolded by Nao.

(North, you damn animal, you talk too much.)

   “I just suddenly felt like saying something.” I said teasingly. Tiger seemed quite agitated, probably sneaking Nao’s phone to chat outside. “But if I get a cup of green tea tomorrow, I might not feel like talking anymore.”

(Shit, North. You…yeah, I’ll buy you one tomorrow, okay? Don’t be a dick and say anything more) Tiger whispered softly, (It’s weird, right? Suddenly taking out Nao’s phone, but it’s good he’s playing a game.)

   “Huh, aren’t you playing too?”

(I’m dead.)

   “Why are you so bad?”

(I took a bullet for the wife, so manly, am I not?)

   “Damn, that’s so stupid, since when did he become your wife?”

(He’s about to be. I’m trying to impose the husband role on him every day.) “What the hell?”

(You’re the one who’s hell, knowing my secret, using it to threaten me big time, does it help anything? No, it doesn’t. You’re really something) the voice on the other end said, sounding like he’d been holding back for a while.

“I sent you that photo, didn’t I?”

(Yeah, thanks, Nao is cute, sniff, my heart.)

   “You’re whipped, man, what happened to Tiger, the cool engineering faculty football team captain?”

(You don’t understand the cuteness of Duennao.)

   “Who would? Do you want me to understand his cuteness?” [1] there is a play on words here khao jai means understand but in the literal sense it means get into someone’s heart khao mean enter and jai mean heart…so understand can alos mean infatuation or falling for someone

   (No, no, don’t mess with my Duennao, bastard!!)

   “Bastard, yeah, yeah, you can go back inside now, or your ‘wife’ will get suspicious.”

(Sniff. When you call him my wife, it embarrasses me, damn you. Okay, I’m going back in, don’t dare say anything else.)

   “Got it.” I agreed. Seriously, I wasn’t planning on telling Nao anything, just teasing Tiger, like friends do, and Nao is completely oblivious to it all.

(I’m dead, Tiger you left me) Nao’s whiny voice came through. If Nao keeps whining like this, Tiger’s knees are sure to weaken.

(Sorry, let’s go for another round.)

   (Take a quick break, talk to North first)

   “You finally see my point, huh?”

(Yeah, what’s up? Why can’t you sleep? Normally, you sleep like the dead.) “Well, it’s like…I’m scared, really scared. My eyes are darting all over the place; no matter where I look, I’m afraid something’s lurking on the other side…Do you get it?”

(No, I’m not ‘Ket’, I’m Duennao. If you’re thinking of ‘Ket’, call ‘Ket’.) [1] Ket is Skater (?)

   “Okay, I’ll call him quickly. Spit! Let’s see how things are. My tears, they’re about to fall.” I started to rant, my eyes scanning the surroundings with paranoia. Ter knows best that I am extremely afraid of ghosts. I can’t sleep alone, and I totally forgot that. Plus, it’s in an unfamiliar place.

(Where is Ter?)

   “He’s not with me.”

(What? Why? Did he abandon you? That’s hard to believe.)

   “No, to put it accurately, I abandoned him.”

(How did you manage that? Where are you?)

   “Well…You’ll know, just don’t scold me.”

(You bastard.)

   “Hey, why scold me?”

(You said not to scold when you know, so I scold you before knowing.)

   “Really?” I raised my eyebrows in surprise at the words from the person on the other end. Is that even logical? “Okay, whatever, go ahead and scold me, just don’t…sigh at me.” I think when I recall Phii Johan making that disgusted face and sighing at me just now, being scolded feels better, T^T

(What’s your deal, spit it out, stop playing around.)

   “Ah. Well…” I recounted the whole story to Nao from the beginning. From deciding to take on extra work and Phii Johan coming to pick me up, to me sneaking out for work and then Phii Johan coming to pick me up again.

(Oh…) (Wow…)

   “Why does it sound like I can hear Tiger?”

(I had the speaker on.)

   “Huh, betrayal, I told you not to tell anyone.” I said. This wasn’t supposed to reach Skater and Kyu, so I didn’t call them. Otherwise, they’d tease me to death. Only Nao is somewhat decent about it. Not that he doesn’t tease, he does, just less than the others.

(You’re too late, I had it on speaker from the start. So, did you guys do it?)

   “Het, why would you say something like that?”

(I’m your shadow of spite, so what? I just sent you to change beds, nothing else.)

   “I don’t know. He didn’t say anything, didn’t answer my questions. He’s probably asleep by now.”

(Oh, what’s this about? You’re overthinking. If it were me, I’d have forced an answer out of him) Nao said, (And you’re not worried? What if he does something to you?)

   “It’s fine, I think he won’t do anything to me.”

(You’re too naive) Tiger commented, sounding more like a jab, (Then why did you call if you’re not worried?)

   “Well, I was scared, that’s why I said so.”

(Are you scared of ghosts?)

   “Nao, who tells ghost stories at night?” I dragged out my voice, “I…I’m not brave. I can’t even move.”

(Sigh, I get it. If you’re scared, stop reading or watching those things, and you’ll get used to it, it’ll go away on its own, you won’t be as afraid if you don’t know) Duennao tried to explain. “But I can’t help it.” I replied softly, knowing I’m scared but I like it. I don’t know why.

(I’m telling you, read stories that are far from your reality, not about dorms or stuff like that. Read about forests, beaches, mountains made of cement, or foreign stories.)

   “I’ve been following your advice.”

(Then why be scared? They’re far away.)

   “They might fly over the country to get to me.”

(Animal, your imagination is…)

   “Come on, just talk with me for a bit, I might fall asleep listening to you guys play games.” I said, having called to chat with Duennao and Tiger for a while, before I remembered something else.

“Crap, I totally forgot.”

(What?)

   “My student shirt.”

(Why?)

   “It’s wrinkled. Ter stuffed it into the bag, must have forgotten to fold it.”

(Oh, so what now? You don’t like wearing wrinkled clothes.)

   “Exactly, what should I do?”

(Go ask Phii Johan for a sweater to cover it up.)

   “Would that be okay?”

(It would be fine, just borrow it and wash it later. Otherwise, you’ll keep whining at us all day, like last time when you forgot to iron your shirt.)

   “Why don’t I just borrow an iron from him? Wouldn’t that be easier?” I asked, realizing it might be simpler to borrow an iron than a shirt.

(Does he even have one? Do you think someone like Phii Johan irons his own shirts? Think, North.)

   “Yeah, good point. So what should I do? Should I ask to borrow it tomorrow?”

(If he’s not asleep, ask now, in case you forget tomorrow. Or he might have early classes. We have afternoon classes, remember that.)

   “He probably has early classes.” I said, remembering that before leaving the dorm, Phii Hill mentioned Phii Johan had an 8 AM class the next day, so he should be asleep by now.

(Try knocking first.)

   “Alright then.”

(Try it, knock softly. If there’s no answer, he’s probably asleep.)

   “Okay.” I said before slowly getting up and walking over to stop in front of Phii Johan’s room. I raised my hand and knocked softly as Duennao suggested. After a moment, the door opened…Still not asleep?

No way…

The lights in the room were already off, and he’s still awake after I knocked so softly?

“Uh, like, Phii Johan.”

“What?” His demeanor suggested he was very annoyed, like someone who hadn’t gotten any sleep, “You make noise and then have the nerve to come bother me?”

“Oh…was I too loud? Sorry about that.” I said, feeling guilty. I didn’t realize I was being that loud, don’t tell me he couldn’t sleep because of my loud phone call.

“Yeah, so what’s up?”

“Can I go borrow a shirt from you? My uniform is all wrinkled.”

“Uh”

“Can I?”

“Hmm, I’ll get one for you tomorrow.”

“Thanks.”

“Why haven’t you gone to sleep yet?” “Well…I couldn’t sleep, so I called to chat with a friend.”

“I see. I can’t sleep either.”

“Really?”

“Make me something to eat.” Phii Johan said, reaching to turn on the bedroom light switch, “You can do that, right?”

“Yes, what would you like?” I asked before telling Nao I’d hang up, “You know, I’m pretty good at cooking.” I said proudly, even Ter often compliments me.

“Anything is fine.” Phii Joe replied, then walked into the kitchen. I followed him closely, trying to think about what to cook at 2 AM. Why did I feel a bit happy? Maybe because I wasn’t just here to change beds.

I looked in the fridge for a bit, then glanced at Phii Johan who was sitting with his usual displeased look. If that’s the case, I’ll just decide that he brought me here to make him something to eat when he can’t sleep, and maybe I’ll even get to cook breakfast.

“Do you often not sleep?”

“Hmm.”

“What do you usually do then?”

“Work, and then I get tired and fall asleep.”

“Wow, that’s not good, what about days you don’t work, like today?”

“Then I can’t sleep.”

“I thought you’d have someone calling you or watching over you or something.”

“Like you, huh?”

“Uh, well…Yes, honestly, I’m scared.”

“Scared of what?”

“Like…scared, you know. I’m too afraid to say.” I said, starting to pour water into a pot, planning to warm some milk first then add honey. I’ve heard it helps you sleep better, but I’ve never tried it because I usually fall asleep easily if I’m not scared.

“You…have you ever made any sense?”

Ouch, that’s harsh again, T^T

“Well, everyone has something they’re afraid of, right?” I said, making a sulky face, though I doubted he could see it, “Aren’t you scared of anything?”

“No, I’m studying medicine, remember?”

“Oh, right, you’re studying to be a doctor.” I always forget that Phii Johan is studying medicine. He doesn’t act like it at all, “I was going to ask, why study medicine when your family already has so much business?”

“You’re full of questions, aren’t you?”

That’s a polite way of calling someone nosy, T^T

“My mom told me to give it a try, I got in, so I had to study.” Phii Johan said, sounding quite annoyed. He didn’t seem to want to be a doctor to begin with. I had guessed from the start that Phii Joe wasn’t exactly doctor material.

After a while, my warm milk with honey was ready. As I placed it on the table, the person in front of me picked it up without asking.

“It’s honey milk. I heard it helps you sleep better.” I said. Phii Johan didn’t say anything before taking a sip.

“Everything you cook is sweet, isn’t it?”

“…?”

“Really. Me, you know, how do you know that?” I was confused by his statement. Phii Johan didn’t answer until he finished the milk in the glass. Me, always cooking things sweet? How did Phii Joe know that? I just once made him coffee, and that coffee didn’t even have sugar.

The other person placed the empty glass back on the table. I took it and placed it in the sink, then when I turned around, I saw Phii Johan walking out of the kitchen. “Goodnight, then.” I said, stepping towards the sofa, but my wrist was grabbed first. Phii Johan pulled me into the bedroom where the lights were off, and the cool air from the air conditioner hit me.

“Phii?” I called out in confusion before Phii Johan let go of my hand and sat on the bed. Now it was completely dark, I could barely see the bed.

“You can sleep now.”

“You want me to sleep here?”

“Hmm.”

“Actually, I can sleep on the sofa.” I said, feeling apologetic. Even if he dragged me here, sharing a bed seemed a bit much.

“Aren’t you scared? Plus, if you sleep outside, you’ll just talk loudly again.”

“Oh…okay.” I cautiously felt around in the darkness until I found the bed and climbed in carefully. Oh boy, I really wanted to ask Phii Johan a lot more, but the sleepiness combined with the cool air conditioning made me dismiss it for now.

The only sound in the room was the soft hum of the air conditioner. Initially, I couldn’t sleep because I was scared, but with someone beside me, I felt much more at ease. It didn’t take long for me to fall asleep easily due to exhaustion and sleepiness.

“Wake up!” Someone’s voice along with the force of the blanket being pulled away made me jump awake. The bright sunlight forced me to squint my eyes automatically.

“Uhh…” I rubbed my eyes hard, what’s this, so sleepy, it must be very early. I reached for my phone, “Seven forty, go back to sleep.” I mumbled sleepily, trying to fall back asleep.

“Get up, I’m going to be late.” Phii Johan said irritably, quickly running his hand through his hair before rushing off somewhere else.

“But I have classes in the afternoon.” “Make coffee.”

“Huh?”

“Make coffee.” Phii Johan repeated. I got up in a daze and walked to the kitchen. He woke me up to make coffee? “After that, change your clothes.”

“Change clothes? The uniform?”

“Yes.”

“But I have classes in the afternoon.”

“That’s your problem.”

Come on! Why do I, someone with classes in the afternoon, have to go to university in the morning, T^T

Phii Johan seemed to be in a hurry; one hand was buttoning his shirt while the other was packing things up. Honestly, I like his style. Even when he’s in a rush, he still looks good without needing to fuss over his appearance. His hair and clothing are just effortlessly cool. He doesn’t need to do much to look good. He looks really good.

I prepared the coffee the way I usually do for him. Phii Johan asked me to use a plastic cup instead, one with a lid like those from typical coffee shops, because we were short on time. Once done, I quickly took a shower much like last night, changed into my student uniform, and came out.

“Hey, Phii, the shirt I borrowed from you.” I mentioned when I saw my own student shirt was extremely wrinkled.

“Hanging in front of the closet.” Phii Johan said. I turned to see the shirt hanging there. I had forgotten how expensive Phii Johan’s things are. Even though I’m usually too scared to wear them, right now I couldn’t be too picky because he was in a hurry.

The shirt was way too big, so I had to roll up the sleeves.

I was startled when Phii Johan suddenly tossed a black helmet at me. Wait…

Don’t tell me…

Like I thought…

Big bike…

“Why bring this bike out?” I asked as we stopped in front of a beautiful black big bike. Even though I don’t know much about bikes, I could tell it was stunning, really cool, but that wasn’t the point. The point is, Phii Johan drives like a maniac…and now with a big bike. Will I even survive until we reach university?

“I’m in a hurry, I hate traffic.”

“…”

“Get on quickly.”

Phii Johan seemed slightly annoyed because I hesitated to get on the bike. But what could I do? I’ve never ridden on such a big bike before. I carefully lifted my leg over.

“Will I fall off, Phii?” I asked nervously even though I was already on. The person in front of me started the bike immediately.

“Hold onto me.”

Ohhh, I’m going to have a heart attack!!

   The beautiful big bike stopped in front of the Faculty of Medicine. I let go of the waist of the person in front of me, which I didn’t remember when I had clung onto him, and wondered if I had let go at all. It was rush hour, and watching Phii Johan drive, we made it to the faculty in less than ten minutes. That was deadly. I’m the one who nearly died!! Please, Phii, no more. Just riding in your car is enough to kill me, T^T

   “That scared?” Phii Johan asked before taking off his helmet and running his hand through his hair slightly. Wow, why does he look so good? Why is there such a difference from when I take off my helmet, T^T “I was scared, Phii, my hands are still shaking.” I complained a bit, “Good thing the coffee is still okay.” I said, then took out the coffee cup from the bag and handed it to him. Since he was in a rush, I had to put it in a cup, so I sealed it well and brought it in my bag. He took the coffee cup.

“So what am I supposed to do? I have classes in the afternoon.”

“Just stay around here.”

“Huh? What am I supposed to do around here?”

“Do you want to come up and study with me?” His question made me turn to look at him instantly, and it didn’t seem like he was joking.

“Are you crazy? How could I do that? I’ll just ask a friend to pick me up.” I said, hoping someone would bring their car today. I’d try calling them later.

“Hmm.” Phii Johan only responded with that before walking into the building. As soon as he left, I noticed that quite a few people were watching us. This is bad. T^T, I better find somewhere else to go, or I might get cornered by his fans.

I quickly searched for my phone to call a friend.

:What’s in this shirt pocket?

   Money…?

And it’s

three gray banknotes

I messaged the owner of the jacket to see if he forgot it there. Who would forget three thousand baht in a jacket pocket?

North♣: Phii

   North♣:. I found three thousand baht in the shirt pocket.

   North♣: Should I bring it to you?

   Johan: No need

   Johan: Keep it

   Johan: You forgot your wallet, didn’t you?

  

   NORTH HOW MUCH IS YOUR LOVE CHAPTERS HOME

NORTHHOWMUCHISYOURLOVE, Chapter 7 part 1

Chapter 7: Warm Milk With Honey

   I stared at my phone screen, re-reading the messages over and over to make sure I wasn’t seeing things.

Johan: At your dorm

   Johan: Come down

   Johan: Didn’t I tell you not to go anywhere?

   This is serious!!

“Ter!!” I shouted loudly even though the person in question was right nearby, causing him to jump in surprise.

“What!?, You scared me!”

“Phii Joe said he’s at the dorm.” I said, showing him my phone. Ter’s eyes scanned the screen, his face showing equal shock. “Seriously!?” I nodded, still puzzled, “How did this happen, did you guys make plans?”

“No plans, he just suddenly messaged me like this.”

North♣: Huh??

   North♣: Are you at my dorm?

   Johan: Told you.

   North♣: Wait, what’s this about?

   North♣: Are you here to pick me up?

   Johan: Yeah

   North♣: Where are we going?

   Johan: Hurry up.

   Johan: You have five minutes.

   North♣: Wait, wait.

   North♣: Tell me where we’re going first.

   “He doesn’t even read or reply, he seems like he’s here to pick me up, but he doesn’t say where we’re going.”

“Do you need to stay overnight?” Ter raised his eyebrows in question.

“I don’t know.” I shook my head, “I’m confused, what’s going on? Everything feels so rushed.” I raised my hand to scratch my head in confusion. I just got back from work, hadn’t even had time to shower, and now he tells me to come down to the front of the dorm. What’s with him? Why is Phii Johan always like this?

“So, what are you going to do?”

“Exactly, I feel unsafe.”

“But just now, when I asked, Phii Hill said it would be fine.”

“Really? It’s definitely okay?” I was still hesitant, almost forgetting that Phii Johan had given me only five minutes, “What should I do? Can I refuse?” “Have you ever been able to?” Ter’s question struck a chord, making me clutch my chest. Never. I’ve never been able to refuse Phii Johan. He never even asks for my opinion or listens to me, T^T

Ding!!

Johan: Don’t make me come up there.

   Oh dear, T^T, talking with Ter, I completely forgot Phii Johan is in a hurry.

North♣: Bro, just a moment, let me shower first.

   Johan: Ten more minutes. Otherwise, I’m coming up.

   “Damn, Ter, help me pack some stuff, put them in this bag.” I asked Ter for help with packing before dashing to take a quick shower. Ter looked a bit confused before agreeing to help, not knowing what exactly, but if Phii Johan came up to the room, it wouldn’t be good, especially with just this much time. I’m not the Flash, T^T.

“What do you want me to pack?” I heard Ter shout while I was hurriedly soaping up.

“Uh, what else, my school uniform that’s hanging in the closet, and my shoes too.”

“Where are your socks?”

“In the bottom drawer.”

“I don’t see any.”

“I might have forgotten to wash them, can I borrow some of yours?”

“How many pairs of my socks have you taken now, return some, will you?” I heard Ter mumble before he went silent, probably arranging my stuff. After a while, I finished showering, put on a t-shirt and basketball shorts. Alright, this outfit will do. No matter where Phii Joe is taking me, I’ll go in this! I’ll even sleep in this!

“Textbooks?” Ter asked. “Got them.” I said while roughly checking the bag contents. “Anything else?” “Power bank.” “Yeah, can’t forget that.” And I went to grab the power bank from the desk and put it in my bag. I think I’ve got everything.

“Do you want mosquito repellent?” Ter asked while handing me a bottle of mosquito repellent. I looked at it with a surprised expression, “Hey, in case Phii Johan takes you camping.”

“Are you crazy? Is he taking me camping?”

“Who knows? He hasn’t said where you’re going yet; it could be for stargazing on a mountain, just take it.” Ter concluded like that and stuffed the mosquito repellent into my bag.

“Why so prepared? Even got mosquito repellent.” I grumbled while making a face. Ter stroked his chin, thinking again, “This prepared, we should probably have a flashlight and a water bottle too.”

“Sunscreen?”

“Why would I need that?”

“In case you wake up tomorrow and find yourself at the beach.”

“That’s too much, do I even have classes? I even took my school uniform just in case.” I said.

“What else do you have? You don’t have any regular medication, and you can buy anything else you need.”

“I think that’s about it.”

“You think he’ll really take you to a mountain or the beach?”

“Just in case, you know, just in case. You said yourself that anything can happen if it’s Phii Johan.” Why does Ter always think of every possibility? Is that his good trait? But I agree with the last sentence. Suddenly, my phone notification went off again. Johan: Hurry up.

   North♣: I’m rushing, Phii, just finished showering.

   North♣: Almost slipped and cracked my head, man.

   Why do people always rush like this? If he had told me earlier, I wouldn’t need to be rushed, right? T^T

“Then I’ll go first, hey, then you’ll be alone.” I said, realizing I’ve never left Ter to sleep alone in the room, “Can you manage on your own?”

“I can’t be alone.” Ter shook his head, “But if I were to ask you to stay…you couldn’t either.”

“Why make it so dramatic?”

“I’ve never let you sleep alone. No matter how busy I am, if you have to sleep in the room, I will come back to be with you, and now…now you’re just leaving me like this.”

“Ter, calm down, you’re making me feel guilty.” I said softly, knowing well that Ter was just pretending, but I was a bit concerned too, “Maybe ask Phii Hill to come over.”

“Wow, it’s late. It’s fine, really.”

“Now what do we do?” I stopped looking for my shoes immediately, turned to look at Ter who was putting on a sad face, clearly just for show, “Hold on, I’ll check with Phii Joe. I don’t want to leave you alone.”

North♣: What about Ter?

   North♣:. I don’t want to leave Ter alone.

   Johan: Bring Ter down too.

   North♣: Are we taking him along?

   Johan: Hill is here too.

   Johan: Hurry up and come down.

   Team? What’s with these two guys… I waited for Ter to pack up before we both headed downstairs from the dorm. “Strange.” I said as we were walking down the stairs.

“Why?”

“Normally, you’d be happy, when I said what about your ship.”

“Oh, so I’m the one who isn’t shipped, huh? That’s for sure.”

“Bastard. I shouldn’t have asked.” I said, shaking my head slightly. Just curious, that’s all.

“Seriously, it’s not that big a deal for me.”

“Really!” I looked at him with wide eyes, disbelieving, “That’s not a big deal?”

“Really. You’re funny when I tease you, but honestly, I do feel a bit chipped.”

“Well, ‘a bit’ isn’t the word I’d use.”

“But right now, I’m more worried about you. If anything goes wrong, call me, okay?”

“Yeah, of course. If anything happens, I’ll definitely call you.” I said.

Walking downstairs, I saw a Benz and an Audi parked in front of the dorm. If it were daytime, they’d definitely draw a crowd. Phii Hill and Phii Johan were leaning against their cars, chatting. Even though they were just talking, there was something about it that felt…like they had an aura. You could snap a photo and put it in a magazine or on a page, it’s like they’re models posing with their cars.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” Ter walked straight to Phii Hill. Phii Hill smiled and ruffled the hair of the person approaching him, why does it look so tender, seriously, it feels like the world has been toned down with pastel colors, T^T

Contrastingly, Phii Johan stood there, not looking too pleased, it felt like the atmosphere was completely different.

“What time did you come here?” “Since Joe said he was coming here.” Phii Hill answered. I walked over slowly, “Keeps getting strange, I got back to the condo less than five minutes before the text started, I think.”

“Slow.” Phii Johan turned to scold me.

“Come on, Phii, this was as fast as I could.” I said, somewhat exasperated.

“Joe.”

“What?” He turned to the one calling his name.

“Don’t forget what we talked about earlier.”

“I know already.”

“Finally, I’m tired of dealing with your stuff.” Phii Hill said, looking bored. Phii Johan didn’t look much different.

“Yeah, send me the latest work.”

“I don’t have it.”

“Oh, then who did it?”

“Fah did it.”

“Again, now everything is left to Fah. Got a boyfriend and now slacking off?”

“You, who never does anything, shouldn’t talk.”

Phii Hill frowned. I’ve never seen Phii Johan talk to his friends like this. It seems normal, so why is he always so harsh with me? “You have no work left at the company, right?”

“Uh, yeah, everything’s cleared out for now. Taking a break. Just for this once.”

“That’s good, I’m tired of picking up your slack.” He said before turning to Ter, “Are you hungry? Want to stop somewhere?”

“I’m fine, thanks. Actually, I’m starting to get sleepy.”

“Let’s go then. Oh, and remember, class tomorrow at eight.” Phii Hill turned to tell Phii Joe just as he was about to open the car door, “Don’t be late.”

“Why eight in the morning?” “Teacher’s appointment.” “Man, alright, see you.” “Yep.” and then the white luxury Benz slowly pulled away, leaving me standing there confused with Phii Johan.

“Get in the car.” Phii Johan commanded before opening the driver’s door and getting in. I walked over, opened the passenger door, and sat next to Phii Joe without a word before he started the engine, reached over to adjust my seat, then turned to check the back before backing out with one hand on the wheel. Wow, if he had done that move with a girl, she’d probably have melted by now.

!!!

I felt like I was pushed back into the seat as the car accelerated, completely forgetting how terrifying Phii Johan can be when driving. I barely had time to fasten my seatbelt. And then there was Phii Hill’s driving earlier, so smooth. Oh, I miss Phii Hill’s car, could it come back and pick me up please? Can’t take this anymore.

“Phii…”

“…”

“Um, Phii…”

“What?”

“Can you drive a bit slower, please? I’m so tense my legs are numb.” I said. The person next to me didn’t respond immediately but then slowed down to a normal speed. Good grief, it was scary, scarier than last time because the road was empty, “Driving fast at night is dangerous, you know.”

The silence continued throughout the journey until I wanted to put on my headphones and listen to music just to survive, but I didn’t dare. I wanted to ask where he was taking me, if it was to go camping or to the beach like Ter mentioned, but it probably wasn’t, because if I wasn’t mistaken, this road led to Phii Johan’s condo.

If that’s the case, the next question is…why did he bring me here?

Suddenly, I heard the vibration of a phone. I checked mine but there was nothing; it must have been Phii Johan’s.

“Should I answer it for you?” I offered, noticing the phone lying beside him while he was driving and couldn’t pick up. After a moment, he nodded in agreement.

‘Incoming Call: May’

   May?

“Who is it?”

“It’s someone named May.”

“You don’t have to pick up.”

“It’s okay, I’ll tell them.” I said, pressing [answer] without waiting for a reply from the phone’s owner.

(Joe, why aren’t you answering my chats?)

   “Phii Johan is busy, he’s driving.” I spoke into the phone. There was a pause from the other end before a response.

(Driving? At midnight? And who are you?)

   “Uh, yeah…” I paused, would she even know who I am if I told her my name? “I don’t think you know me.”

(Where are you guys going?)

   “Back…we’re heading back, I guess.” I replied hesitantly, turning to look at the driver, “We are heading back, right?” But Phii Johan just kept staring at the road ahead, ignoring my question.

(Back to the condo, huh?)

   “Yes, I suppose so.” (Can you put it on speaker? I want to talk to Joe.)

   “You can talk to me first, Phii Joe is driving.” I said. Hearing this, Phii Johan immediately looked at me with a surprised expression. I raised an eyebrow at him without saying anything more.

(Is that how it is?) the person on the other end of the line said, laughing, (Ask Johan why he didn’t reply to the chat.)

   “Phii Johan, why didn’t you reply to the chat?”

“You didn’t reply to my chat either.”

Oh…

But that’s true, T^T.

Then why the irritation?

“No, not me, I mean, she asked why you didn’t reply to her chat.” This time, Phii Johan didn’t respond. He just shook his head slightly as an answer.

What does shaking your head mean? Not free?

“He said he wasn’t free.”

(Not free? Working? But I saw him at the store.) Oh, then why? Seems like there’s more to it, (And why did he take a photo with Pong?)

   “…”

“And why did you take a photo with Pong?” I asked as per what May said, suspecting it might be, yes, that’s a senior, because calling him just Joe indicates it’s my senior.

“…?” The person next to me didn’t respond again, just turned to look at me with a puzzled expression before turning back to the road. Is he really not going to answer? I’ve tried to convey the tone according to what May said.

“He didn’t reply, Phii.”

(Always, he’s always like this. We agreed not to interfere in each other’s affairs, but still, sigh.)

   “May.”

(Huh, what?)

   “You better stop talking to Phii Johan.”

(…?)

   “And talk to me instead.”

“I’m single too, by the way.”

!!!

Hearing that, Phii Johan immediately turned to look at me, then let go of the steering wheel, reached for his phone, ended the call, and threw it onto the console in frustration. He made a sharp turn into the condo, so fast it startled me, and as soon as the car stopped, he got out without waiting.

I quickly got out of the car and followed the other person. Why does he seem even grumpier now?

“Are you jealous?”

“Jealous of May? I was just joking. I didn’t mean to tease you.”

“Hmm.”

That was all Phii Johan said before he tapped the key card to enter the room. I followed him in, still not understanding why I was here, and now I wasn’t even trying to start a conversation or say anything. Once the homeowner plopped down on the sofa, I quietly sat on the smaller one.

“Where have you been?” He asked in a stern voice, which sent a shiver down my spine. Why is he so scary! T^T. He was normal when talking with Phii Hill.

“Just…out.” I answered, just like I did in the chat. Honestly, I didn’t know what to say; I should’ve prepared an answer beforehand.

“Where?”

“A restaurant in town.”

“With whom?” “Uh, with friends, you wouldn’t know them.”

“Who?”

Oh man, this is so pressuring, seriously, T^T. Someone help me!

“Nao, Skater, Kyu.” I mentioned every friend I could think of.

“…”

“…” Phii Joe didn’t say anything, just let out a small sigh, “What did I tell you?”

“You told me not to go anywhere.” I mumbled, looking down, remembering because that’s what he said in the chat. Even though I didn’t understand why he was so angry, when Phii Johan gets mad, it’s really scary.

“Why didn’t you reply to my message?”

“…”

“Sorry.” How could I tell him I was working?

“What time did you leave?”

“Left…around evening, I guess.”

“Hmm.” Phii Johan simply replied, running his fingers through his hair in frustration, then silence enveloped us again. I couldn’t understand why, but I felt like Phii Johan didn’t quite believe what I had said. That made me feel even more guilty for lying, but I was just going to work, T^T.

“Uh…Phii.”

“What?”

“Oh, never mind.” Initially, I was going to ask if he wasn’t going to deduct money from me, but on second thought, it was better not to ask. It’s good if he doesn’t. No need to bring it up. Then, suddenly, he got up and left without me even getting a chance to ask anything.

Phii Johan walked into what I guessed was his bedroom. Uh…now what am I supposed to do? He dragged me to the condo, for what? What am I supposed to do here? Where am I supposed to sleep? And how am I going to get to class tomorrow? While I had nothing else to do, I took out my phone to kill time, just as I was about to message Ter.

“Hey!” I exclaimed in surprise as I suddenly remembered something, hastily dumping the contents of my bag out. Whenever I’m in a hurry to find something, I just empty the bag like this; it’s convenient. Now, my stuff was spread all over the coffee table in front of the sofa.

“What are you doing?” Phii Johan’s voice came from behind. I turned towards the sound; he looked surprised by what I was doing.

“Uh…looking for my wallet.” After emptying everything, I started going through my belongings. Phii Johan, who seemed to have changed clothes, sat back down on the sofa. “Crap, I forgot to bring my wallet.”

“You forgot your wallet, but you brought mosquito repellent?”

Please, Phii, don’t look at me with that disgusted face. I’d rather you just scold me, T^T.

Ter. You, how could you remember the mosquito repellent before the wallet? We spent so long thinking about what we might have missed.

“And why bring the mosquito repellent?” Phii Johan asked.

“Well…just in case you wanted to take me camping or something.”

“…”

   NORTH HOW MUCH IS YOUR LOVE CHAPTERS HOME

NORTHHOWMUCHISYOURLOVE, Chapter 6 part 2

 

00:22 AM

   I returned to the dorm, feeling quite exhausted. It was tiring, but manageable. If I did this every day, there’d be no way I could wake up for classes. I made the right decision to work only on some days.

“You came back late.” Ter remarked.

“The bar closes at midnight, and by the time I rode back, it was even later. The ride back was so spooky, I was scared someone might have hitched a ride without me knowing.” I said as I flopped onto the bed. Seriously, it was really creepy.

“You’ve got a bad mouth, you know that?”

“Yeah, but it’s true.”

“Hey, look at this, Phii Johan went out too.” Ter showed me his phone with a picture of Johan sitting with his chin on his hand, looking away with a sullen face, and next to him, Hill was playing on his phone. The background looked like some cozy lounge somewhere.

“Where?”

“Some place, but not where you work, trust me. If Phii Johan sees you working there, the place would go wild.”

“That’s good.” I said with a relieved sigh, “And did Phii Hill go with him?” “Yes, they went to hang out. There were three of them, including Phii Arthit, I heard Phii Johan dragged them along.”

“And you let him go? Why are you such a good boyfriend? Aren’t you worried someone might flirt with Phii Hill?” I asked.

“Nah, I trust him.” I nodded in understanding. If Ter’s Phii Hill isn’t trustworthy, then no one in this world is. Who could love Ter as much as Phii Hill does? “Plus, I want him to spend time with friends too, and to keep an eye on Phii Johan so he doesn’t bring back a girl.”

“Why would Phii Joe bring back a girl?” I tilted my head in confusion, and then got a light tap on the head from Ter, “Hey, why did you hit me?”

“The ship between Johan and you will sink. No way.”

Oh…speaking of Phii Johan, I haven’t replied to Phii Joe’s text yet, damn…

It’s probably fine, he must be out having fun, he probably won’t even think about being mad at me.

“But it’s strange that Phii Johan invited Phii Hill to a bar around midnight when work had finished long ago. Plus, Phii Hill said that when they were at the bar, Phii Johan looked pretty down.”

Seems like he really was down. Looking at the picture, this one was posted by Phii Arthit on his Instagram story, “So, there weren’t many people following them to the bar?” I raised an eyebrow and handed the phone back to Ter.

“There were a lot, Phii Hill said it was annoying, but the one in trouble must be Phii Joe.”

“Why?”

“Trains crashing into each other, I guess.”

“Ohhh.” I said in a long drawl, “And then what happened?”

“Dunno, but Phii Hill said it’s normal for Phii Joe, and they didn’t talk much, just waited for Phii Hill to drive back to the condo.” “They just got back?”

“Yep. Oh, and I checked out Phii Johan’s Instagram.” Ter said, scrolling through something on his phone, “Someone tagged him too, a person named Pang or something, the one Phii Tharn mentioned.” He spoke while handing the phone back to me for another look.

‘@Jao.pangg, about an hour ago’

  

It was a picture of Phii Pang with Johan at the same restaurant, probably at the same table too. Phii Johan was sitting in the same way, except he glanced at the camera that Phii Pang was using, but he didn’t smile at the camera. He made a sullen face as if he didn’t really want to be photographed, with a caption that read, ‘Guy like you 😉 miss you soooo bad, happened to meet.’

   “I don’t like this at all, I feel jealous.”

“Jealous of Phii Joe?” I raised my eyebrows, feigning surprise at Ter’s words, “I’m definitely going to tell Hill.”

“No, no, it’s more like, I’m shipping you, my captain. Phii Joe should be with you, not like this. You don’t have to talk to Johan at all, let him feel it.”

“You…” Honestly, I hadn’t been talking to Phii Johan anyway. I haven’t replied since 4 PM.

“Shh, I told you I’d row the boat myself, you ballast.”

“So, is it my fault?”

“Oh, Phii Hill is calling.” Ter quickly answered the call and put it on speaker. But why did he do that? “Phii Hill, have you arrived?”

(Yes.)

   “How was it? Was it fun?”

(Not really.)

   “Oh, why’s that?” (The person who invited me just kept making a sullen face, like I was just there to switch places to play on the phone.)

   “That’s true, I saw Phii Arthit’s photo where Johan looked totally bored with life.” Ter said into the phone. I whispered if he could turn off the speaker, but he refused, seemingly wanting me to listen in on their conversation, even though he usually uses headphones when talking to Hill.

“I don’t want to know what you talk about with your boyfriend.” I whispered quietly.

“Yeah, and I didn’t want you to know, but let’s ask about Joe first.” Ter whispered back.

“I don’t really want to know that either.” I whispered again, but it seemed Ter didn’t care anymore.

(So what are you doing now?) Hill asked. See, that’s how you should ask, what are you doing. Not just where are you like Joe, T^T.

“Just hanging out.”

(And what about North?) I widened my eyes immediately when the question about me came from the other end of the line.

“I’m here, why do you ask?”

(No reason, just curious about something.)

   “What is it?”

(I’ll tell you later.)

   “Oh…Okay. And what happened when Phii Johan’s trains collided?”

(Hmm? Why do you want to know?)

   “Just curious, tell me.”

(It’s just the usual for Joe, he encounters them while walking around the university.)

   “That often? And then what happens?” (Joe doesn’t really do anything, it’s very chaotic, he just says it’s over. Some of them, he might not even remember. Like today, he didn’t care much, he dragged me along to sit with him and still didn’t pay much attention to me.)

   “Oh, that’s how it is, is this normal for Phii Joe?”

(Yes, it depends on his mood, today he must have had something on his mind. He gets like this when he’s not feeling well.)

   “Ohh, does Phii Hill know who Pang is, the one talking to Phii Joe?”

(No.)

   “You’re not worried at all?”

(I don’t bother remembering the names of Joe’s flings, it’s a waste of time. And why are you asking about this?)

   “Just a bit. I was curious, gathering information.”

(You want to ship Joe with North, huh?)

   “Uh, yeah, that’s right.”

(Okay. What time do you have classes tomorrow?)

   “Half past nine.”

(I’ll pick you up.)

“Okay.”

(Then you can go to sleep now, it’s late.)

   “Not sleepy at all.”

…It turns out I have to listen to this couple chatter away. Now, the conversation has veered off-topic. It seems Phii Hill is annoyed about talking about, well, whatever it is about Phii Joe, like he’d rather chat with Ter.

It stinks, man, the love is just filling up the room. I’m about to suffocate, what should I do, T^T

“Ter.” I whisper, which makes Ter jump as if he just remembered something. “I was going to ask about Phii Pang…but Phii Hill just keeps changing the subject.” Ter says into the phone.

(Oh, right, I should ask which ‘Pang’ first.)

   “The one who took a photo with Phii Joe today, I saw Phii Joe tagged in Instagram.”

(Not just one person asked to take a photo with Joe, and I wasn’t even interested.) But, Phii Johan doesn’t care about Phii Hill, and Phii Hill doesn’t care about Phii Joe, so what’s the deal, friends?

“Did anyone ask to take a photo with you, Phii Hill too?”

(Some did, but I turned them down. I already have a partner.)

   “Uhh…”

“Oh, crap!” I exclaim when Ter slaps my arm, embarrassed, and takes it out on someone else. Not only do I have to endure the stench of love, but now I’m getting hurt too, T^T

“Was anyone sitting with Phii Joe today, or did they just come to take photos?”

(Yeah, some did, but they left after a while.)

   “Huh, why’s that?”

(Maybe Joe isn’t very engaging.)

   “Oh, and what about Arthit?”

(You’re asking a lot, Ter, I’m starting to get jealous.)

   “No, no, it’s not like that. I’m just asking, don’t get mad.” Ter says in a soft voice. Good grief, Phii Hill is quite the jealous type.

(Oh…Arthit was just normal, got some LINE messages maybe.)

   “So, today, Phii Johan pretty much ignored everyone, just sat there looking bored, took photos with people but it seemed like he was just going through the motions…that right?”

(Yeah, something like that.)

   After Phii Hill said that, Ter turned to me, raised his eyebrows, and immediately put his earphones back in.

“You see, I told you. I’m an outstanding crew member. No one could give you more than me.” Ter said with a big smug grin on his face. “Now, you don’t need to be mad at him anymore, Phii Johan didn’t flirt with anyone, and there’s nothing about taking photos. Plus, he wasn’t interested in the train collision either.”

“Oh, and when did I get mad?” Thought Ter, wondering if I’d even think about such things, before he got up to chat with Phii Hill on the balcony, all smiles, big and small. Oh, why do people in love look so radiant, T^T

Then it hit me again; I hadn’t replied to Phii Johan’s chat. So, I pulled out my phone to check. No messages from him, but it showed there were about three missed calls instead.

   Is he not mad, or is he so mad that he doesn’t want to talk?

   I decided to ask Phii Prang for some advice.

   North♣: Hey, Phii Prang, are you still up?

   MaPrang: Yep, what’s up?

   North♣: Did Phii Joe deduct money from me today?

   MaPrang:. No. I haven’t seen any indication of that.

   MaPrang: Did you do something to him? Haha

   North♣: No. I just didn’t reply to his chat.

   MaPrang:. You didn’t reply? Really?

   MaPrang: Don’t overthink it. It’s just a chat, it’s nothing.

   North♣: But last time he deducted money because I didn’t reply to his chat, T^T

   MaPrang: Oh, that’s true.

   MaPrang: I once didn’t reply for a whole day, and he didn’t seem to mind.

   MaPrang:. If it’s urgent, he’ll call.

   MaPrang: But it’s strange, no matter how urgent, he only called once.

   MaPrang: I once forgot a major event, and even then, he only called once instead of multiple times. He never did, he just said he was too lazy.

   Wait, why did Phii Johan call me three times…Is there something really urgent?

As I was contemplating whether to call back, Ter dashed in with an excited look on his face and shoved his phone screen in front of me.

“Look, look, look.”

J.han, five minutes ago

   Image description: A hand holding a cup, edited to black and white.

   Caption: ‘anxious’

   Johan: At your dorm

   Johan: Come down

   Johan: Didn’t I tell you not to go anywhere?

   !!!

   NORTH HOW MUCH IS YOUR LOVE CHAPTERS HOME

NORTHHOWMUCHISYOURLOVE, Chapter 6 part 1

Chapter 6: Anxious

   In the end, I found myself back at the dorm, utterly confused.

Despite initially planning to go to work and even getting ordered not to by Phii Johan, I tried to argue, tried to negotiate! But when he threatened me with the money issue…

Well…I guess I’m not going, T^T

I don’t know why he doesn’t want me to work that badly. Is he messing with me? For what reason? If I don’t work, where will I get the money to pay off my debts? Wouldn’t it be better for me to work and pay off my debts quickly?

I sighed as I trudged upstairs to my room, feeling downcast. Who could possibly understand Johan? Once in my room, I dropped my bag on a chair and switched on the computer to play something to lift my spirits.

I was mindlessly scrolling through Facebook until I came across yet another post by a page that had shared a picture of Johan.

Cute Boy & Girl – MU – posted a new photo about an hour ago

   Here we go again today, it must be fate. Plus, today I’ve been thinking about Dr. Joe all day. How lucky was I to spot him around the medical faculty parking lot, (actually, someone secretly sent this photo to me, haha) he looked like he was in a hurry to go somewhere. And Joe’s Audi is just so gorgeous, super luxurious and looks expensive, truly befitting my Johan, both the car and the man are perfect, sigh, I wish I could get a ride in that car too. Honestly, this photo isn’t that clear, but I wanted to show off the car, to show off my husband’s wealth, oops! I accidentally called him my husband, now everyone knows about us, what should I do @JohanCt.

   The picture was a side view of Johan about to get into the car, the same one he drove to pick me up. I’m not sure if this was before or after he came for me, but the car is beautiful, I admit. The page mentioned it’s an Audi. I wouldn’t know since I’m not into cars, but it’s definitely good-looking, it’s like a blessing to ride in such an expensive car, T^T.

: The car is so beautiful! I really want to ride in it. Usually, he doesn’t bring the Audi, right? I thought it was a Benz. Ah, or is that Benz Hill’s car?

   : This angle is great, man. His profile is so sharp. If you stroke his face, would it cut your hand, haha? The man and the car match perfectly, I bow to his wealth.

   : I saw him today too, near the medical building, his husbandly aura was blinding, everyone with him was just so handsome, I’m practically melting on the road.

   : The car looks familiar, like I saw it for a split second because it was going so fast. If I were to ride in it, I’d probably have a heart attack, lol.

   : Sigh, he’s so cool, the real bad boy husband, Johan. Please don’t get a real girlfriend too soon, stay as our university’s treasure for a while.

   : They say this car was seen around the Engineering Faculty, picking someone up.

   : @Comment above, elaborate, don’t leave us hanging like that!!!

   : Really? What was he doing at the Engineering Faculty? And who was he picking up?

   : Does Phii Johan have a new person at the Engineering Faculty?

   : Picking up someone with initials O, a third-year engineering student?

   : Johan has stopped talking to that person, right? I’ve heard that.

   : Oh, does he have someone new? How did I miss this? Waaaah, I knew but still lost to his brutal handsomeness, I surrender, do whatever you want to me, I give up!

   : Please step on me. I’m used to the pain, Johan, do what you will with me. I’ve already lost to you. Please step on me again. I sat reading the comments, chuckling to myself. Why are the comments under Phii Johan’s photo so heated? Are people really this smitten with his bad boy charm? But Phii Johan is genuinely fierce. I’ve never met anyone as fierce as him. Just look at how he treats me, T^T

Oh, Phii Hill commented too.

HillRatchakit: Is the coffee at the faculty not good? Do you have to go all the way to the Engineering Faculty for coffee? @JohanCt.

   Phii Hill’s comment, with the tag to Phii Johan, feels like dropping a bombshell. Everyone’s reactions are quite dramatic.

: @HillRatchakit, Oh no, Phii Hill is here too. Let me go hug Phii Hill for a bit. Phii Johan is so mean, I’m going to report him, why can’t he be gentle like Phii Hill?

   : My doctor Hill, I miss you so much, lately the page has only been posting Phii Johan, I’m upset with the admin.

   : It feels like a husband coming to take his wife home, but I’ve fallen for the bad boy Johan. What should I do now?

   : So, Phii Johan went to the Engineering Faculty just to buy coffee? Is it that far just for coffee? Is it really that good? I guess I’ll have to try it next time.

   : The Engineering Faculty’s coffee is definitely going to sell well now that Johan likes it. I’ll stop by next time for sure.

   PowarutTf.: @JohanCt. Did you rush to buy coffee? Were you afraid it would run out? You even forgot about the work you left with me.

   This seems to be Phii Tonfah, who’s friends with Phii Hill and Phii Johan. I heard they’re a group of four, including Phii Arthit.

PowarutTf.: @HillRatchakit. You too, where are you?

   HillRatchakit: @PowarutTf. Eating now, will come later. ArthitSw: @HillRatchakit, @JohanCt. Hurry up, Fah is angry. You guys left work.

   : Oh my, everyone’s here now, who should I scream for first >///< Phii Fah don’t get mad at your junior yet.

   : Did Dr. Hill and Dr. Johan leave work? Should we go do it instead? >w<

   : I saw Fah and Arthit sitting under the medical building, waiting for Hill and Johan.

   : Can I help with anything? / Offering a little.

   HillRatchakit: @Arthit Sw, Yeah, about to leave now, taking Ter back to the dorm first.

   ArthitSw: @HillRatchakit. I understand you went to eat with your boyfriend, but I don’t get the other one. You went to buy coffee? @JohanCt.

   ArthitSw: Rushing like the house is on fire. They don’t sell out that fast, and where did you go for so long?

   ArthitSw: @JohanCt. Fah asked if you rushed out to buy coffee or pick someone up.

   HillRatchakit: @JohanCt. Yeah, what’s up with you, went to pick him up.

   Wait a minute…

I think Hill already knows that Johan came to pick me up, so why did Hill say that? Don’t tell me Ter whispered something to him to help pair me with Johan again! T^T

JohanCt.: @HillRatchakit, What do you hate about me?

   JohanCt.: @PowarutTf. Almost at the university. Stuck at a red light.

   PowarutTf: Anyone, please stop by and buy something, I’m hungry, get a lot.

   JohanCt.: What do you want?

   PowarutTf.: Anything. You pay. HillRatchakit: Joe. Did you stop already? Then I won’t stop.

   JohanCt.: No, Hill, turn the car back, help me choose something.

   ArthitSw: @HillRatchakit, @JohanCt. Oh, you’re together?

   HillRatchakit: @ArthitSw, Yeah, happened to meet him when I was taking Ter back to the dorm.

   JohanCt.: Hill, turn the car around!!

   HillRatchakit: Cool down, man!!

   ArthitSw: @JohanCt. What were you doing near your friend’s girlfriend’s dorm?

   : SCREAMING! Phii Johan is calling Phii Hill to come! >w<…Anyone on the #HillFanboat with me? Let’s hear you!!

   JohanCt: You don’t have to come then.

   HillRatchakit: Hmm, okay, I’ll go then.

   ♣♣♣

Crack!

Ter opened the door with a smug grin on the corner of his mouth, looking at me until he closed the door.

“You can smile so wickedly.” I said, but it seemed like he wasn’t fazed, putting down his bag and plopping down next to me, “It’s nothing.”

“I haven’t even asked anything yet!”

“Your voice is so high-pitched it’s terrifying.”

“So what? Tell me. Earlier you told me Phii Tharn would pick you up.” Yes…this morning when Phii Tharn said he would pick me up, I texted to tell Ter. Ter complained a lot, saying he’d rather have Phii Johan pick me up.

   “Wait…you didn’t go and tell Phii Joe to pick me up, did you?”

“Are you crazy? Was I joking? Just out of the blue tell him to go pick you up?” Ter said, shaking his head vigorously, “But seriously, when I found out Phii Johan picked you up, I was like…yay, my ship!”

I sighed slightly at his reaction, feeling like no matter how many times I sighed at Ter, it wouldn’t change anything, and then I recounted everything that happened to Ter.

   “Aww…You, I’m glad you chose my captain.” Ter said, tugging at my sleeve to hide his embarrassment. Why do people get embarrassed and take it out on others? “Even though you complain, in the end, you chose Phii Johan.”

“Maybe it’s more accurate to say I didn’t have a choice.” I said with exasperation, “And you told Phii Hill about this too, didn’t you?”

“Correct! A good crew member is useful, right? But why didn’t Phii Johan let you go to work?”

“That’s what I want to know.”

“You didn’t ask?”

“I did ask. But got no answer.”

“And you’re not going?”

“What can I do? But I do want to go. Or should I sneak out? I’ve been thinking, I’m starting to feel bad about the bar owner, we had a good talk, and then suddenly I’m not going.” I said, following my thoughts. Johan didn’t even explain why I shouldn’t go.

“Sneak out? If Phii Johan finds out, he’ll be furious.”

“Maybe not. I’m just going to work on my own. There’s no good reason for him to stop me, really.”

“There is, he might be worried about you.” Ter said after pondering for a moment, “He must be worried about you working so hard, afraid you’ll come back late, what if you meet bad people, Joe must be so worried he can’t even sleep.” “Wow, you’re really pushing it.” I said, shaking my head slightly at him. As for Johan, if you meet him, you’ll see, from my perspective, the word ‘worried’ seems far too distant.

“Oh, I’m just a crew member, rowing alone in the vast sea, on a small boat with a captain like you who not only doesn’t row but also kicks up water.”

“Skater said he’d join your ship too, for heaven’s sake, what are you guys playing at?”

“Oh yeah, I forgot, Tharn also messaged me, asking about you, he said you didn’t reply to his Line.” Ter said, reminding me. I hadn’t replied to Tharn yet, “He said he’s worried about you, and noticed you were replying to him strangely.”

“Replying to what?” I furrowed my brows in confusion, the last time I replied to Tharn was before I got into Johan’s car.

Ah…or could it be

North♣: Don’t be nosy

   T-Than: …

   T-Than: North?

   Oh no…

Phii Johan

But Phii Joe said he didn’t know PhiiTharn before, so why would he insult Phii Tharn like that? And the point is, it was my chat.

T-Than: Is this North typing again?

   T-Than: Or is it Johan?

   T-Than: This isn’t North typing, right? It’s not nice to use someone else’s phone.

   T-Than: Where’s North?

   T-Than: North, please reply. I’m worried here.

   T-Than: Where are you?

   T-Than: You’ve vanished.

   T-Than: Let me know when you’re back, okay?

   Sigh, is Phii Johan doing this on purpose to tease me?

North♣: I’m back.

   T-Than: Is this North?

   North♣: Yes.

   T-Than: And what was that message about?

   North♣: Oh…

   North♣: I accidentally typed it in the wrong chat.

   North♣: Sorry about that, Phii.

   I decided to lie and say I typed in the wrong chat. If I said Phii Johan was the one typing, things would get complicated, potentially causing more trouble.

T-Than: Oh, okay then. So where are you?

   North♣: At the dorm.

   T-Than: Then I’ll come pick you up for work.

   North♣: I probably won’t be going to work today, Phii…T^T

   North♣: I’ll call Phii Chain to apologize again.

   T-Than: Why not?

   T-Than: Did something happen?

   North♣: No.

   …

“What did Phii Tharn say?” Ter asked after peeking at my phone screen, “And why do you look like that?”

“I’m annoyed, I want to work.” I replied, making a slightly sullen face.

While I was thinking this over, the bar owner, Phii Chain, called me and asked me to come to work because they were really short handed. Since I was already eager to go to work, I finally agreed. “Ter…”

“What?”

“Ter…”

“No…don’t look at me like that.” The person whose name was called shook his head rapidly as if he knew what I was about to say, “I won’t conspire with you.”

“I’m not asking you to conspire. Just don’t tell anyone I went to work, that’s all.”

“Are you serious?” Ter asked to confirm while I was packing my bag to get ready for work, “Really, Johan must have had a reason for telling you not to go. I’m kind of worried about you, man. It’s a bar after all.”

“I can take care of myself.” I said confidently.

“Alright, if you say so. Is Tharn coming to pick you up?”

“No, I’ll go on my own. I feel bad making him wait for me until I finish.”

“Okay, okay. Ride carefully and let me know when you get there.”

“OK, bye.”

…

@Soul Out!

   Even though they call it a bar, it wasn’t quite what I expected. It wasn’t really a place for heavy drinking but more of a venue where people come to enjoy the atmosphere. It’s an open-air spot with fairy lights strung between trees, live music, and a steady stream of customers. What surprised me was why such a nice place was so short-staffed.

“Just take it easy. It’s not much, just serve and clear the tables.” Phii Chain said as he gave my shoulder a light pat. Phii Chain, the bar owner, is a bit on the heavier side, probably in his thirties. I nodded, “If you have any questions, ask Phii Pan. She’s at the cash register.”

After saying this, Phii Chain walked off, and I approached Phii Pan who was playing on her phone.

“Oh, the new guy, huh?”

I greeted her with a bow, and she smiled back. During our chat, I found out that the reason they were short-staffed was because the profits weren’t great, and the old employees had all quit due to not being paid well. Phii Pan mentioned this has been the case since Phii Chain took over the shop, suggesting Phii Chain might not be the best at management.

Well, now I wonder if I’ll even get paid…

“Things might get better, I hope. I’ve been putting up with it. Not much money coming in.”

“Wow, that sounds tough. Will I get paid?”

“You will, but if the shop gets a new owner, things would be much better. They use the money for who knows what. Oh, I shouldn’t have said that out loud.” Phii Pan said, quickly covering her mouth. I couldn’t help but chuckle a little at her reaction.

 

10:04 PM

   “Tired? There were a lot of people tonight.” Phii Pan asked after I sat down to rest on a chair near the counter, “First day on the job and it’s already this busy. But why did you decide to take on a part-time job? Isn’t studying hard enough?”

“I just wanted to do it. I’m already working part-time.”

“And what are you studying?”

“Engineering Faculty.”

“Oh, that’s hot.”

“Not really.” I said honestly. Who said engineering students are popular with girls? I’m as dry as can be.

“Really? No girlfriend?”

“No.” “You’re too picky, aren’t you?”

“Wow, if someone were interested, I wouldn’t be picky at all.” I said jokingly.

Ding!

The notification sound from my phone startled me. The reason I kept the volume high is because there’s someone who gets irritated if I reply late.

I opened my phone, praying it wasn’t from someone whose name I’d rather not see while I’m at work.

God must really hate me! T^T

Johan: Where are you?

   I’ve started to notice that Phii Johan often texts me with the question, “Where are you?” which seems like he’s not interested in what I’m doing. Like this evening, when he asked where I was, and after I answered that I was at the faculty, he just told me to go buy coffee without even asking if I was free.

But now, I can’t say I’m at the dorm. What if he calls me to check up on my work? I’d be in trouble with the noise level in this place.

North♣: I’m outside.

   Johan: ?

   North♣: Went out.

   Johan: With who?

   Damn…what should I do?

North♣: With a friend.

   Johan: At 4 PM?

   Johan: Where are you?

   Johan: Not answering me?

   North♣: Calm down, T^T.

   Johan: So where are you?

   Johan’s messages came through rapidly, it seemed like he was angry. No, he must be angry now. Why can’t I just go out with a friend? T^T

“Serve this to table six, and clear table eight too, customers are here.” another voice rang out, causing me and another server to jump up to work almost immediately. I put my phone away and continued working, while amidst the chaos, my phone notification sound went off again, and I had to mute it because I got scolded.

 

   NORTH HOW MUCH IS YOUR LOVE CHAPTERS HOME

NORTHHOWMUCHISYOURLOVE, Chapter 5 part 2

Cute Boy & Girl – MU – Posted a new photo 15 minutes ago Hello everyone, the second day of the new semester! I’m so happy because now I’ll get to see my beloved more often, ><. Today, I want to introduce you to someone great from the Faculty of Medicine, Johan, second-year medical student. I’ve been posting a lot of his pictures lately because I’m totally smitten with this bad boy. And here’s the photo you asked for…How to take photos in Thailand that look like they’re from Korea, How to wear a student uniform in a way that looks like it’s a brand name. I can’t take it anymore, I’m about to faint, Johan, please step on me @JohanCt.

   It’s a picture of Phii Johan wearing a not-so-tidy student shirt, with one side of the shirt out of his trousers, one hand holding the lab coat over his shoulder, the other hand in his pants pocket, his hair styled messily as if he’s just woken up, with an expression that seems to say he’s bored with the world.

“Caption is scary, please step on me.” Skater said. I nodded in agreement. Why step on me, because he’s so full of himself? Lately, the cute boy cute girl page has been posting pictures of Phii Johan a lot because the admin is heartbroken that Phii Hill already has a partner.

“The comments are terrifying too.” Skater said, scrolling through the comments for me to see.

: Oh my God, why is he so dangerously handsome? I fainted at the pose with the shirt over the shoulder.

   : Phii Johan, I love you. If I were rich, I would buy you to live with me!

   : Admin. You didn’t take a photo when he styled his hair too. At that time, I couldn’t handle it, I would have fallen over!

   : Let’s campaign to keep Phii Joe single, to protect the faculty’s treasure with our lives. Just Phii Hill having a partner already broke my heart. : How can someone be so handsome with his shirt out of his pants? If it’s not Phii Joe, it can’t be done! Looks like he just woke up but still so handsome, I give in.

   : I like it, I want it, attaches a picture of a thousand baht bill

   :. We probably can’t pay for Phii Joe because he’s richer than us, so instead, we’ll have Phii Joe pay for us, the wildest imagination in the world, LOL.

   : Actually, that day Phii Johan was hanging out with me, sorry everyone, LOL.

   :. At first, I wanted to complain about the unstyled hair, but looking at it again, it’s super handsome. I won’t complain anymore, I still love you though.

   : Wow, nicely shot, the lighting is beautiful, and the model is also very goodlooking.

   “Each person, I think many people want to be in debt to him instead of you.” Said Skater.

“Wait, who would want to be in debt? You’re crazy.” I said, shaking my head lightly, “They need to experience what it’s like when he uses his sharp tongue on them like he does with me, then they’d want to take back every compliment they’ve ever given.”

“Not necessarily, he’s got that charm.”

“Really? With that attitude, girls would still like him?”

“You need to be handsome too.”

“End of story.” I cut Skater off, summing up that being handsome ends all arguments, no need for any other reason.

Before I turned my attention back to the board.

 

4:08 PM I finished my last class. Everyone was filing out of the classroom just now when Phii Tharn sent a chat saying to wait in front of the faculty building; he was coming to pick me up. I’m not sure if I’m imagining it, but it seems like Phii Tharn is really making an effort to come for me. He’s been asking if I’m done yet, saying he didn’t want me to wait long.

“Is Phii Tharn picking you up?” Kyu asked.

“Yeah.” I nodded in response.

“If he does anything weird, call me.” Skater said with a hint of jest, causing me to tap his head once. He always talks nonsense like this, “Alright, we’ll head back first, don’t work too hard.”

“Yeah, yeah, see you tomorrow.” I waved goodbye to my three friends before we went our separate ways, and I went to sit on the marble table near the gear square.

Ding!

T-Than: Just finishing with a professor, I’m heading out now.

   T-Than: Where are you?

   North♣: I’m at the front of the faculty, near the gear square.

   T-Than: Oh, really? That’s disappointing, I was going to be the one waiting for you, North.

   North♣: Why wait? Haha

   T-Than: Want to score some points, haha.

   T-Than: Just kidding.

   T-Than: I don’t like making others wait.

   North♣: I can wait, I just finished.

   T-Than: Okay, okay, I’m on my way, just wait a bit.

   North♣: Sure.

   North♣: Sends sticker Heh, tell me I’m not overthinking this, T^T. He said he was joking. Yeah, he was joking. Try not to think too much about it, or else it’ll just feel awkward.

Dong!

What now? We just talked, didn’t we?

Johan: Where are you?

   Oh…It’s Phii Johan texting me. When it’s this name in the chat, it doesn’t feel good at all. He’s not going to ask me to do something for him again, right? T^T

North♣: At the faculty.

   Johan: Go buy coffee at the engineering faculty.

   North♣: ?

   North♣: The coffee at my faculty?

   Johan: Yes.

   North♣: Okay, and don’t tell me you want me to deliver it?

   Johan: No.

   Johan: I’ll come pick it up.

   Pick it up…

What’s this all about now?

North♣: Pick it up for what?

   North♣: I mean…I’m not free.

   North♣: But I’ll buy the coffee for you.

   Johan: Why?

   North♣: Someone is already coming to pick me up.

   Johan: Who?

   Johan: Fuck it.

   Johan: But if I go, I have to meet you.

   North♣: Oh, Phii-

   Johan: Go buy the coffee, I’m leaving now. It’s like I’m talking to a wall!

What should I do now? Phii Tharn is already out, and Phii Joe is about to come out too, but it looks like Tharn will get here first since the medical faculty is on the other side. What should I do? I can’t split myself to go with both of them.

And can I choose anything? T^T

But right now, I need to go buy coffee first.

I walked into the area under the building, where there’s a coffee shop in the engineering faculty. They have a recommended menu called “Engineering Coffee.” not sure if it’s some special recipe or not. I ordered one cup.

While waiting for the coffee, I had to quickly tell Tharn that I couldn’t go with him. I had to choose the creditor first; that’s a big deal if I upset him. As for Phii Tharn, I guess we can talk it out.

And Phii Johan is the most self-centered creature in the world!

North♣: Tharn, sorry, but I can’t go with you anymore.

   I decided to type out the chat and send it; calling wouldn’t work because he’s driving.

North♣: I have some business to attend to.

   T-Than: Oh, how come?

   T-Than: We already agreed, didn’t we?

   T-Than: I’m just one traffic light away.

   North♣: Really can’t this time, can we do it next time?

   T-Than: Sigh, I rushed over because I didn’t want you to wait long.

   North♣: I’m sorry, TT^TT

   North♣: Sends sticker

   T-Than: Alright, alright, next time let’s go eat together.

   T-Than: Okay?

   North♣: Sure. T-Than: And how will you get to the shop?

   North♣: I can go on my own today.

   T-Than: Really? I could still give you a ride.

   North♣: It’s okay, no trouble at all.

   Before I could even finish talking with Phii Tharn, I heard the sound of tires screeching on the road, so loud it was painful to the ears, and then a luxurious sports car pulled up in front of the gear area. This is within the university, for God’s sake! Why the need to drift burn?

Johan: Get in.

   Huh?! Don’t tell me this is Phii Joe’s car. Hey! That was too fast. Isn’t the medical faculty on the other side? Did he get here even before Phii Tharn, or could it be Phii Joe studies in another faculty building? No, that can’t be, all the medical students study over there.

I put my phone in my pocket and walked towards the luxury car that had just parked amidst the gazes of everyone at the faculty. Bringing such a fancy car because he likes it, and now he’s the center of attention, wow, such a fancy car.

I didn’t dare to touch it.

I opened the passenger door and got in as instructed.

“Here’s the coffee.” I said, handing over the coffee cup. Phii Johan took it and placed it next to the steering wheel, “Uh…where are we going?”

“Who was supposed to pick you up at first?”

“Phii Tharn, you probably don’t know him.” I answered truthfully. The phone in my pocket vibrated strongly; Phii Tharn must have sent another message.

“Hmm. Don’t know him.” Phii Johan said, his eyes glanced at the side mirror, started the car, turned the steering wheel, and the car moved off faster than I expected, startling me.

Oh my God, holy shit, the driving is terrifyingly bad!! “And where were you going with him?” Phii Johan asked, his eyes still fixed on the road. I, sitting next to him, was starting to tense up, feeling like I might step on the brakes myself. I had heard Ter complain that Phii Johan drives terribly, and now I understand why.

“Just…going to eat.”

“…”

Phii Johan didn’t respond. I didn’t say anything either because I was too busy praying silently. Oh God, please help. I’m done, let me out, I suddenly thought of Phii Hill. Phii Hill drives very smoothly, smooth enough to fall asleep, but try falling asleep in Phii Joe’s car, and you’d surely fly out the window.

I didn’t even get a chance to look at the route, and the car stopped in front of a restaurant. Phii Johan turned off the engine and got out of the car. I had to follow, even though my legs were still shaking from fear.

“Are you going to eat?” I asked softly.

“Hmm. You said you were going to eat with Tharn.”

…?

Oh, he’s talking about when I said I was going to eat with Phii Tharn. I followed him into the restaurant, which was more ordinary than I expected. When I think of Phii Joe, I imagine an upscale restaurant, but this is fine, it’s much more relaxing.

“Isn’t the coffee at the medical faculty good?” I asked curiously when I saw the person in front of me drinking the coffee I bought.

“Hmm.”

“Usually, Hill takes me to eat like this. I didn’t think you’d like this kind of place too.” I said. Ter and I agreed that these ordinary places are better, mainly out of consideration.

“What has Phii Hill treated you to?” “Just the usual stuff, a simple place like this, but he likes to stop for sweets too, only Ter bought them.”

“And you didn’t buy anything?”

“No. I felt bad about it.”

“That explains why the money in the card lasts longer.”

Huh?

What does that mean…

The money in the card lasts longer?

“Give me your phone.” Johan suddenly said. I tilted my head slightly in confusion.

“Sorry?”

“Your phone.”

“Yeah, what for?” Even though I asked that, I still had to hand my phone over to him. What could I possibly do to resist? T^T. Johan took it and started scrolling through my phone for a while.

But wait a minute, how can he use my phone with his fingerprint? When did he register his fingerprint?

“Where are you going?”

“Sorry?”

“He said he would drop you off.” Phii Johan handed me his phone to see a message from Phii Tharn stating he would drop me off at the shop.

“Oh…I’m going to my part-time job.”

“…” I felt awkward when suddenly Phii Johan seemed displeased. Sitting across from each other like this, with him being so quiet, made me even more uncomfortable. I was starting to get scared. Why was he so irritated?

“I’ve got a new part-time job. Phii Tharn is related to the shop owner, so he offered to drop me off.” “And who is this Phii Tharn?”

“He’s the owner of the coffee shop where I work, sir.”

“Where’s this new place?”

“It’s called ‘Sold Out,’“ I answered softly, wondering why Phii Johan was questioning me so harshly.

“A bar?”

“Yes, do you know it?”

“Just a bit.” Phii Johan said before standing up from the table, paying the bill to the staff, and leaving without waiting for his change. When I followed him out, the staff handed the change to me instead.

“Are we going back now?” I asked after getting into the car. But why didn’t Phii Johan give back my phone yet?

“I’ll drop you off.”

“Drop me off? At the shop?”

“Back to the dorm.”

“You don’t need to go anywhere, you.”

T-Than: Are you going with Johan? Why didn’t you tell me? Did he threaten you or something? Where are you going?

   T-Than: North, I can really drop you off at the bar. Don’t feel shy.

   T-Than: I can also pick you up afterward; I’ve cleared my schedule.

   T-Than: Let me know if anything happens.

   T-Than: I’m waiting for you; I’m worried.

   North♣: No need to worry.

   T-Than: …

   T-Than: North?

  

   NORTH HOW MUCH IS YOUR LOVE CHAPTERS HOME

NORTHHOWMUCHISYOURLOVE, Chapter 5 part 1

Chapter 5: Who is he?

   “Did you go all the way to Chiang Rai to deliver coffee?” That was the first thing Ter said when I opened the door to the shop. I gave him a frustrated look before slumping into the chair next to the counter where Ter was practicing making coffee as instructed by Tharn.

Can we stop with the coffee making for now…

It’s Phii Johan, he doesn’t know what, but he kept telling me to make it again. I’ve made so much coffee I’m now drunk on the smell of it, and finally, after what felt like forever, it was good enough for him, that’s why I was allowed to come back.

“You were gone for so long, it’s like you skived off, can I dock your pay?” Phii Tharn turned to me with a teasing tone.

“Oh come on, Phii, don’t do this to me.” I said with the most pleading look I could muster. What’s this? When I come back here to work, Phii Johan wants to dock me, and when I’m over there, Phii Tharn wants to dock my salary…

Can I choose something else, please?

   “Come make coffee with me, it’s fun.” Ter said with enthusiasm, which was in stark contrast to me who was already dizzy from the smell of coffee. T^T “No, maybe another day.” “Oh, North, I’ve asked my relatives about it.” Phii Tharn suddenly said as if he just remembered, and he handed me a small piece of paper with a phone number, “This is Phii Chain’s number, my relative who owns the shop. I asked, and Phii Chain said it’s okay, try contacting him first.”

“Oh, thank you, why are you so kind?” I said with a heartfelt tone before taking the piece of paper.

“When you’re going to work, just tell me, and I’ll drop you off.”

“Thank you, but you don’t have to trouble yourself, I can go by myself.” I said, feeling awkward.

“And what about Ter, will he go too?” Phii Tharn turned to ask Ter, who immediately shook his head.

“I’m not going, Phii Hill definitely won’t let me…just here, it’s already hard to get permission…”

“That’s typical of people with connections.”

“And can you handle it alone?” Phii Tharn turned to me with a slightly concerned look, “Should I pick you up and drop you off at first, since the place closes late?”

“Oh…it’s a bar, right?” I asked to confirm. I’ve never worked at a bar, “Like, an alcohol shop or something, Phii?”

“Not that kind of bar, it’s more laid-back, but let me drop you off, at least at first, you’re not familiar with the route yet.” Phii Tharn offered again. So I agreed, it’s also Tharn’s relative’s shop, so I wouldn’t feel too out of place.

“Alright then. I’ll call you when I’ve spoken with brother Shane.” I said, and he gave me a kind smile while ruffling my hair. I could only give a wry smile in return, why does he like to ruffle my hair so much? I’m not a dog! Ter looked at me with a similar blank expression, as if he found Phii Tharn’s head-rubbing gesture odd.

Ding!

Someone else has texted…

Please don’t tell me it’s Phii Johan again. Don’t tell me he’s going to make me do something else. I’m done with that. I’m exhausted from making coffee today, T^T

Oh. It’s not Phii Joe but Phii Hill. Phii Hill rarely texts me. No, let’s say he never has before, how could he? I’ve never had anything to talk about with Phii Hill.

HillRatchakit: Don’t do this again, please.

   ?

What’s that?

“Ter, what’s this?” I turned the phone screen to show Ter, who looked at it in surprise.

“What is it?”

“I don’t know, your boyfriend just sent it.” I said, confused.

“What did you talk about with my boyfriend? Are you trying to flirt with him?” Ter said, glaring at me suspiciously, making me give him a confused look before he burst out laughing, “What did you do?”

“What did I do?” I asked myself while trying to remember, “Maybe Phii Hill sent the message to the wrong person, he might have been talking to his flirt before sending it to me by mistake.” I said. Right after, Ter gave me a light smack on the head.

“You liar, always trying to make trouble in other people’s relationships.”

“Shh.” I shushed Ter, then turned to see Tharn smiling slightly at our playful argument.

“Cute.” “Huh?” “I mean the two of you, it’s cute how you play around.” “Cute what? If we’re in the same room, we’d kill each other. North is such a pain.” Ter complained before turning to wipe glasses grumpily.

“You’re slandering me.” I said, sticking out my tongue.

“Slander what? I have proof.”

“Let me see it then.”

“Bring out your car key.” Ter said. I laughed when I successfully annoyed him, then took out my car key as he instructed.

“What’s this?” Phii Tharn asked after I placed my car key on Ter’s counter, and Ter took out his as well, “Are they a matching set?” The keychains. Both mine and Ter’s were figurines of little boys, but they’re not really matching.

“No, they’re not.” Ter said, “This North, what a bastard, always trying to meddle in other people’s affairs.”

“Yeah, so what? I went to the mountains and bought these keychains. What’s wrong with that?”

“The problem is you did it on purpose.”

“What’s going on?” PhiiTharn asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

“Well, Ter uses this keychain as a pair with Hill, right? When I went to the mountains and saw these keychains, I bought some too, and it just so happened that the last one matched mine, so I ended up using it as a pair as well.”

“You bastard.”

“Oh, so what if I use it too? It’s not like they only made two of them.”

“Because you did it on purpose, I wanted to use it as a pair with my boyfriend, and now I have to use it as a pair with you.”

“Just think of me as another boyfriend.”

“North, you bastard…I’m not surprised that Skater saved your number as ‘the bastard’. But really, why did Skater do that?” I don’t understand why he did that. Was he upset because I ate the snack he intended to give to a girl from agriculture? It was just a little bite. The agriculture girl didn’t mind anyway.

“Oh, I just found out that North you are this kind of troublemaker.” Phii Tharn said with a face that looked like he didn’t want to believe it.

“Hey…why am I suddenly getting ganged up on?”

“Serves you right, you always ask why people curse you out. It’s because of things like this.” Ter said before sticking out his tongue at me, “Change your keychain too.”

“Wouldn’t it be easier if you change yours? Get one that’s just for two people, custom-made or something.”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“You have to change, I won’t.”

“See, you just want to win against me.”

“Ha, just wait until you get a girlfriend, you’ll see me, I’ll even wear matching outfits, I swear.”

“You’re so petty.”

And our pointless argument began again, until we realized how much energy we were wasting and stopped. Phii Tharn said that Ter and I are the most chaotic roommates in the world, which might be true. By ten in the evening, we finished work. The first day went well because I hardly did anything, just drained Ter’s energy.

“Drive safely, and let me know how it goes with you, North.” Phii Tharn said before driving off, leaving me and Ter at the parking lot in front of the shop, getting ready to head back to the dorm.

“Hey.” Ter called out while I was about to get on his motorbike as a passenger. “What?” “I…um…” “What is it?”

“Phii Tharn, he…what do you think, like…”

“Are you gossiping about the shop owner?”

“No! I was just wondering, sharing stories, like…he likes to ruffle your hair, so I thought…”

“Thought what?”

“That you look like his dog or something.”

“Bastard.” I sighed in frustration before starting the motorbike. Riding back to the dorm, “So, you’ve been talking all this time just to insult me?”

“No, no, seriously, it’s just weird that he ruffles your hair so much, he’s always ruffling your hair.” Ter said, “And he also said he’d pick you up and drop you off at work.”

“So, what are you trying to say?”

“He definitely likes you.”

“Pfft!”

“Hey, I’m serious. When you went to see Phii Joe, Phii Tharn didn’t seem too pleased, especially when you said you’d be late, he looked even more displeased.”

“Well, I am his employee, anyone would be mad if I skipped work.”

“Really…If it were me, I might not have been mad, admit it, you’ve thought about it when I say it like that.”

“…”

“Doesn’t it seem a bit self-centered?” It didn’t take long to get back to the dorm. We talked about this all the way until we got to the room, “It’s just…we’ve only just met. I don’t think so, and there’s nothing about me for him to like.”

“He might like assholes.” “You’re insulting me again.” “But he does say ‘cute’ a lot when he’s around you, you know that, right?” “I kind of know, but…it’s nothing, right?” I sighed slightly, why is Ter so intent on discussing this?

“Seriously. You know. You just don’t want to admit it.”

“Yeah. Don’t think like that, or it’ll just make things awkward for everyone, we still have to work together.” I said with another sigh. It’s not that I haven’t thought about it, but let’s say I’ve been trying not to think about it. I don’t know if Phii Tharn likes me the way Ter says. I also feel a bit odd about both his words and actions.

But I chose not to care, one reason being that he might not actually like me. Ter and I might have just imagined it. Second, I don’t like him either, and I think it can’t be anything more than a sibling relationship. I felt that way.

   “So, you didn’t choose Phii Tharn, right?”

“Well…aren’t we like senior-junior?” I said, very puzzled by Ter’s reaction. Why is he acting so weird?

“Wow, Phii zone.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“That means my ship isn’t going to sink, my Johan-North ship.”

“Spit, I’ll launch torpedoes at your ship.” I said, annoyed, now understanding his exaggerated reactions. He was trying to pair me up with Phii Joe!

“Don’t, captain, or I’ll drown. I can’t swim.”

“Annoying. If you knew what Phii Johan did to me, you wouldn’t say that.”

“What, what? So, what exactly did you do at his place for so long?” Ter asked eagerly. What’s with him? So, I told Ter everything. From delivering the coffee, Phii Johan making me watch him work, me accidentally falling asleep, until I had to make coffee until I was dizzy. “You suddenly feel dizzy, huh?” Ter said, furrowing his brows. “What’s wrong?” “Seasick, I guess the ship was sailing too fast today.”

“Sigh…If you’re happy, then I’m okay.”

 

Start of the semester

   Just a few days had passed since then. I haven’t talked to my creditor again; Phii Johan didn’t message me, and I didn’t see the point in messaging him either. Only Phii Prang, Phii Johan’s secretary, added me on LINE, saying she would handle the accounting of my debt. If I wanted to pay back, I should tell her, or if Johan deducted my money again, she would keep a record because Johan is too lazy to remember.

Phii Prang was complaining a lot about being used, but there was nothing she could do because of the words ‘salary’ and ‘bonus’ hanging over her head.

Not much different from me, huh…T^T

MaPrang: Last time Joe deducted twice, six hundred and sixty-two baht, so that makes a total of one hundred ninety-nine thousand four hundred twelve baht and fifty satang.

   MaPrang: It’s a lot, the numbers are scary. Don’t let it reach two hundred thousand, North.

   North♣: Wait, how can you break it twice? I only remember once.

   MaPrang: I don’t know, I’m going back to work. Study hard, I heard the second term has started. Good luck!

   North♣: Yes, Phii~, TT

   I told my three friends everything. They seemed troubled too, saying they wanted to help but I refused, and they teased me about my new phone. At first, they thought I had stolen it or found it and didn’t return it to its owner. But when I told them Phii Johan had thrown away my old phone and bought me a new one, they were all stunned.

“Our North’s friend has someone paying for him.”

“Should we call him ‘Daddy’ then? I feel like crawling to him on my knees, oh my.” I hate Skater’s teasing, can I throw him away?

“How mad does someone have to be to throw away someone else’s phone? And then buy a new one, that’s beyond words, especially when he threw away mine.” Said Duennao.

“I think there must be something…ever since he picked up North.”

“Enough with the teasing. No need to brew coffee for that animal.”

“Can’t not brew it now, your Ter is on your North-Johan boat, right? We’re here too, we’ll help row the boat.”

“You bastards, I’m about to fall off the boat.” I said before shaking my head slightly.

“Oh, so you admit there’s a boat now?”

“You guys!” Before I could complain any further, my phone rang.

Phii Tharn is calling…

   “What’s up, Phii?”

(Today’s your first day at work, right?)

   “Oh, yes, how did you know?”

(I asked Phii Chain, what time do you finish class today?)

   “Around four o’clock.”

(Then I’ll pick you up, you study at the engineering building, right?)

   “Yes, but the shop opens at six-thirty.”

(I could pick you up for dinner, is that okay?)

   “Hmm? Yeah, that’s fine.” (Study hard, and see you later.) “Yes, you too.” “Who was that?” Skater asked immediately after I hung up, his curiosity was piqued completely.

“Phii Tharn.”

“Which Phii Tharn?”

“The third-year business faculty student, he owns the cafe where I do part-time work.” I replied, “He’s going to pick me up and drop me off at my new workplace. He’s related to the shop owner.”

“Why would he pick you up? Normally, he doesn’t do that.”

“I don’t know, he said he would.” I said, pulling a slightly annoyed face.

“So how will you get back to the dorm? Will he wait until you finish work and then take you back?”

“Yeah, that’s what he said. If he doesn’t take me back, how else will I get back?”

“Is Phii Tharn hitting on my friend or what?” Skater said, “Choose between a second-year med student and a third-year business student, North.” and he held a pen to my mouth like he was conducting an interview.

“…”

I didn’t respond, just gave him an annoyed look. It felt familiar, like Ter had interrogated me like this before.

“North, look at this.” Skater whispered beside me while I was trying to study. Studying doesn’t last long anyway, just during the first week of the semester. Skater was always sneaking looks at his phone. I turned to look at the screen he was showing me.

“What?”

“Look at this.”

 

   NORTH HOW MUCH IS YOUR LOVE CHAPTERS HOME

NORTHHOWMUCHISYOURLOVE, Chapter 4 part 2

“Are you crazy…” I started to protest. Even if he’s my creditor, he can’t do this to me. I’ll lose work time, lose money, and then how am I supposed to pay him back?

“…”

“Wait, you’re not going to deduct this from my debt, right?” I protested after seeing Phii Johan take out his phone and start typing.

“Almost.” The other side gave a slight smirk.

“Oh, come on, how can you do this?” I said with a straight face, secretly sighing once before deciding to message Phii Tharn.

North♣: Phii Tharn, sorry, but I might be late getting back.

   T-Than: Why?

   T-Than: Something wrong?

   T-Than: Did he do something to you, North?

   North♣: No, sir.

   North♣: Just have some errands to run.

   T-Than: He’s not making you do anything weird, right?

   North♣: No, no, I’ll be back soon, sir.

   T-Than: Alright, don’t be too long, we’ll have more customers soon.

   North♣: Yes, sir.

   After letting Phii Tharn know, I slouched down onto the sofa, stealing a glance at Phii Johan who was busy with a pile of documents on the table. Ah, so why am I here? To watch him work again? “Still not done with work, sir?” I asked. “Do you have eyes?” His tone was as sarcastic as yesterday, ugh.

“So, I have to sit here quietly again, right?”

“Uh-huh.”

Here I am, just sitting here again. Wasting work time, just like last night when I lost sleep time. After sitting quietly for a while, I started to get bored and took out my phone to play with. As I played on, I unwittingly leaned back and fell asleep without realizing it.

And because of the exhaustion from not sleeping enough last night,

I ended up dozing off without realizing it.

“Umm…” I rubbed my eyes slightly as I groggily woke up. Oh no, did I fall asleep in Phii Johan’s room? What time is it now? Where’s my phone…where did my phone go?

“Looking for this?” Phii Johan asked, handing it over.

Why did he take my phone?

   I was a bit startled when I turned to see a woman sitting on a smaller sofa nearby, smiling at me. Even though I was still confused, I smiled back.

   Don’t tell me she’s his girlfriend?

   She’s been sitting quietly here, waiting for Phii Joe to work? And why didn’t they wake me up? T^T

   “Are you done?” The woman looked up and asked, to which Phii Johan nodded in response, “Have you been overworking lately? The work isn’t that urgent.”

“I just wanted to clear it up before the semester starts.” Phii Johan said before sitting down on the sofa next to me. The Americano I had brought had completely dissolved. If he wasn’t going to drink it, why order it?

“And what about what I asked for, did you get it?” “Yeah, I did.” “Yay! That’s how it should be!” “You can go back now, go.” Phii Johan said with a slightly annoyed tone, and the woman’s face immediately soured.

“What? I’ve been waiting for so long, and now that you’re done with work, you’re sending me away…hey, where are you going?” She asked when she saw the person beside me stand up and walk away.

“Shower.” Phii Johan replied before disappearing into another corner.

Leaving just the two of us…

This is awkward.

“Uh…you’re Nong North, right?” I nodded when asked, “I’m Prang.”

“Ah, okay.”

“I came to see Joe and saw a friend sleeping there. Plus, Joe was working, which made me too scared to move, afraid of making any noise.” Phii Prang said, thinking maybe it was too comfortable…Maybe too much at ease. Normally, when people are dating, seeing someone else in their partner’s room wouldn’t make them so casual.

“Stop it already, you thought we were dating, right?”

“Yes.” I replied as per my thought, which made the other person chuckle a bit.

“Sorry, I’m just an assistant…or you could say a secretary. I’m just here to listen and help with work, as Joe’s father asked me to. And I have a kid too, look, cute, right? I left my child at home just to follow up on work.” Phii Prang said before showing her phone screen with a lock screen photo of a baby.

“Your child, Phii Prang?” I raised my eyebrows and asked, “So cute.”

“Right? But lots of people misunderstand that me and Johan are dating, it’s so annoying.”

“Oh.” I nodded to acknowledge her point, “And how long have you been here?” “Not long, I just got here and saw you asleep. I was quite surprised. Wondered who was sleeping on the sofa like that.”

“Haha, you could have woken me up.” I said while scratching my head in embarrassment.

“Joe said not to wake you.” Phii Prang said before standing up and walking towards Johan’s desk, “Wow, all the work is actually done, that was quick.”

“Uh, but…why were you sleeping on the sofa?”

“I was just delivering coffee, Johan ordered it.” I answered truthfully.

“So you ended up sleeping on the sofa?”

“Joe didn’t let me leave, for some reason. So I just sat there and accidentally fell asleep.”

“Oh, right…Are you the one who owes Joe money?” Phii Prang suddenly remembered. I nodded and sighed, “Ah, I remember now. I went to Joe’s house, but you weren’t there. He said you went back to your condo. Your matter is still a hot topic among the house staff.”

“Really?” I sighed heavily again, oh dear…T^T

“Yeah, heard it was quite a mess, the chairman was pretty upset.”

“What!?” I widened my eyes and turned sharply to her, “Phii Joe’s father?”

“It was about the wine, you know, it was for a client welcome party. It was premium wine, but the whole cabinet got destroyed. Johan got an earful for it.”

“Oh, really?” I felt guilty, remembering Ter saying I knocked over the wine display, but I still don’t understand how I could have done that, T^T, “And why was Phii Johan the one being scolded, not me?”

“Joe said he made it himself, you know. And I have to go find wine to replace it too. Some of the bottles are really hard to find, so it’s not going to be easy.”

“Oh, that’s bad.” I said in a weak voice…guilt creeping up on me until I felt completely deflated…But looking at the price of the wine I have to pay, it’s not that expensive, I mean, not outrageously expensive, right? That’s what Phii Johan said about it being generous to keep just that much.

“Okay, all done…finally sorted out. Hey…have you known Joe for a long time? Why haven’t I seen him before?” Phii Prang asked while stuffing documents into her bag.

“No, we don’t know each other, I met him for the first time when I was drunk.”

“Oh.” Upon hearing my answer, she furrowed her brows in extreme surprise, “You’re not dating, right?”

“No.” I shook my head firmly.

“Oh, now I’m totally confused.”

“Aren’t you going back yet?” Phii Johan, who seemed to have just finished showering, walked out and said, “You can go back now.”

“I haven’t cleared things up with him yet.” Phii Prang said.

“No need to talk, go back.”

“Oh, so strict, see you later then.” Phii Prang said before she grabbed her document bag and left. I waved goodbye, still not having had a proper conversation with her. I turned to Phii Johan, who no longer looked as worn out after his shower.

It’s truly miraculous.

“Sorry, I fell asleep.” I spoke to break the silence, “The work is done, right?”

“Yeah, finally done.” Phii Johan said as he slumped onto the sofa next to me, leaning back tiredly.

“Should I go to bed? I’m about to leave.” I’ve been away from work for a while. Ter and Phii Tharn will definitely complain like hell.

“Who said you could leave? I haven’t had my Americano yet.”

“Oh. Here it is. You didn’t drink it yourself, it’s all melted.” I pointed at the coffee cup on the table. “You didn’t make it yourself.” Phii Johan said, a hint of annoyance in his eyes. “I told you I haven’t trained yet.” I repeated, “I’ve never tried making it myself, not even once.”

“Go make some, the coffee machine is in the kitchen.” The person next to me said. Was he ordering me to make coffee? And if he has a coffee machine, why did he make me go out in the sun and wind to bring one here?

I sighed quietly to myself, complaining that it wouldn’t help, so I decided to get up and head to the kitchen corner, spotting the coffee machine on the lower shelf. I picked it up and put it on the counter.

 

I let out a small sigh, just complaining to myself, then decided to get up and walk towards the kitchen corner. I saw the coffee machine sitting on the lower shelf. I picked it up and placed it on the counter.

How do you use this thing?

Johan had followed me in at some point. He reached out and helped by pressing various buttons.

You act like you’re not going to do it yourself!

“Will my room explode?”

“Oh come on, at worst, it’ll just not taste good.”

“Probably.” I muttered the word ‘probably’ quietly. I’ve seen Phii Tharn use it often, but it’s a different model with lots of stuff I don’t know about. And do you have to pour the coffee beans first or what, you’re supposed to be a barista, right? T^T

   “Uh, can I ask something?” I said while fiddling with the coffee machine, without turning to see what the other person was doing.

“No.” “Uh, about the wine cabinet, did you tell your dad that you did it?” I asked, “If you didn’t say it was me, you got scolded instead.”

“Saying you did it would have made things more complicated.”

“…”

“Uh, thanks, I guess.” I thanked him again, for, uh…can we call it protecting me? And for being kind enough not to ask for more money for the wine.

“…”

Johan didn’t reply.

“But are you going to drink more coffee? I thought you’d rest since you said the work was done.”

“Hmm. Not exactly, there’s some faculty work.”

“Oh, so the work you said was yours, but Phii Hill is doing it for you?”

“How do you know?” One espresso shot was ready. I carefully placed it on the nearby table before turning to look at him. Phii Johan stood there, arms crossed, leaning against the table, looking at me.

“Well, Ter told me, he said if you’re busy…Phii Hill has to do the faculty work for you.”

“Ah.”

“Should I just add water, or do you want milk?”

“Add water.” Phii Johan said before turning to sit on a chair instead. I proceeded to fill the machine with water to make an Americano as instructed. I like coffee too…but I’d prefer it with some milk.

I placed the first Americano I’d ever made onto the table, and Phii Johan looked at it with a slight suspicion before picking it up for a sip.

“How is it?”

“Do you really work at a coffee shop?”

“Yes, I do.” “Where do you work?” “Marry Me, why?”

“I’m going to buy that shop.”

“…”

“And then fire you.”

That’s harsh!!

“Why? Is it that bad?” I asked while inadvertently making a grumpy face.

“Uh-huh.”

“Like this, do you think I’d let you make coffee for others?”

“Oh, come on, Phii.” I muttered under my breath, really wanting to shout out why Phii Joe wasn’t gentle with me at all! It was really disheartening.

“If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t believe it, that you’re friends with Phii Hill.” I said with a sigh. Phii Johan took another sip of the coffee, furrowed his brows, and looked at me.

“Why?”

“Well…your personalities are so different. You don’t share any of Phii Hill’s gentleness.” I said, “Phii Hill, he’s incredibly warm.”

“What game are you playing?”

“Huh?” I raised my eyebrows in surprise at the question from the person in front of me. What does ‘what game are you playing’ mean? “Last time, Hill called to yell at me about Ter.”

“Huh?”

 

“Ter complimented me to Hill, and then Hill got mad.”

“Oh…I see, and then what?”

“And then here you are.” “Huh?, Oh…where are you going?” I didn’t even finish my sentence before Johan put down his coffee cup and walked out to the balcony. Then I saw him take out his phone and call someone.

(What’s up, is the work done?)

   “Hill, you bastard.”

(What?)

   “I’m annoyed.”

(With whom?)

   “With you, of course.”

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NORTHHOWMUCHISYOURLOVE, Chapter 4 part 1

   Chapter 4: Hot Americano

   08:27 AM

   “Is it too early?” I yawned and grumbled while swaying back and forth like I might collapse any moment. It wasn’t really early, but it was far too early for someone like me who didn’t get much sleep, and the reason for that lack of sleep was Phii Johan himself. I ended up accidentally falling asleep on the table. And, man, sleeping like that for a long time really makes you sore.

“This job is killing me.” Ter complained as he was mopping the floor. We were now at the coffee shop where we were about to start work. The shop opens at nine, but we had to come early to set up.

“Just a moment, still feeling groggy.”

“Why are you so sleepy anyway?” Tharn, the shop owner who was wiping glasses, turned to ask.

“Oh, he was on a call with someone, who knows who, tsk, annoying.” Ter said with an openly annoyed expression, which made Tharn look at him in surprise.

“Oh? Got a new someone to talk to already? Last time, you were still pining over your ex.”

“No, it’s not like that…” I denied before letting out a small sigh, “It’s nothing, really.”

“Why the long face then? You can tell me if there’s something, I can give you some advice.” Phiii Tharn put down the glass and turned his attention to me, his concerned voice making me want to open up. Really, it wasn’t something that needed to be hidden. Phii Tharn is in his third year at the same university as me. He’s here to help run the shop in place of his sister, who’s busy. We’ve known each other since we started working here, and I consider him one of the trustworthy seniors.

I gave Phii Tharn a brief rundown, skipping the small details. The core of the matter wasn’t much.

“Oh…Johan, huh? I kind of know him.” Tharn said, pondering.

“We’re at the same university. It would be weird if you didn’t know him, he’s that famous.”

“It’s tough, getting into debt like that out of the blue.” “Yeah, it’s going to be even tougher because the creditor…he’s so damn bossy.” I grumbled, thinking back to last night. What an autocratic bastard. Not allowing sleep, not wanting to talk, couldn’t make noise, and got scolded for anything I said. Honestly, I got scolded so much last night, I was worn out.

“Let me know if there’s anything I can help with.” Tharn offered.

“Then how about a raise? I’m really in need of money.” I said, making a pleading face.

“I don’t think that’s possible.”

“Oh, didn’t you say I was to tell you if I needed help?” I sulked while making a disappointed face, and Phii Tharn smiled slightly at my demeanor.

“You’ve always said you’re frugal, how come you treated your friends to drinks?” Phii Tharn asked.

“I won the lottery. If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have treated them. But now I’m starting to think, maybe I shouldn’t have bought the ticket in the first place.” I sighed. If I hadn’t bought the ticket, I wouldn’t have won, wouldn’t have drunk, and wouldn’t be in debt, “And you don’t have any savings? You’ve been telling me you’ve been working part-time for a while.”

“I do have some.” I nodded, “But I’d rather keep that for emergencies, for anything unexpected at home.” I explained, the main reason I work is to lighten the burden at home, especially since my father passed away. Now it’s just my mom and my aunt. Even if we’re not in dire need, helping out would be good.

“Then I might be able to recommend something. A relative of mine has a shop; they’re looking for more staff.” The other person’s words made my eyes widen, “But it’s more of a bar scene, you might have to work late.”

“I can manage, definitely.” I answered without thinking, only to be stopped by Ter first.

“Can you really? You’re already working at two places.” “I can handle it, Phii Ya’s place isn’t every day anyway.” I said without much thought, “And which days would I work? If I can alternate with my current place, that’s okay with me.”

“It won’t be every day either, I’ll ask for you.”

“Yay, thank you, Phii Tharn you are the best.” I said happily.

“Of course.” Phii Tharn said, looking at me with affection, then reached out to gently ruffle my hair, “You’re so small but so capable.”

“Oh, Phii Tharn, what do you mean by ‘small’? That’s rude.” I said, looking slightly annoyed.

Ah…and should I message Phii Johan? I haven’t checked the messages since last night.

   I forgot, I have to check messages constantly, or I’ll get in trouble for slow replies, not just annoyed but fined too!

   02:40 AM

   ‘End of call: 3 hours, 20 minutes’

   Johan: I told you not to sleep.

   Johan: Go lie down properly on your bed.

   03:15 AM

   Johan: message cancelled

   There were two messages that Phii Joe left last night, and one other message that was canceled. Canceled what, and why cancel it? I’m so curious, but if I ask, I’d probably just get scolded again.

“Oh, a new phone?” Phii Tharn remarked when he saw me take out my new phone.

“Uh…yes, sir.”

“Wow, the latest model, I was saving up to buy that. You really didn’t have money, huh?” “Show off a bit, North, since someone bought it for you.” Ter teased while still holding the mop. I gave him an annoyed look. What’s the point of teasing?

“Really, I bet someone paid for it?”

“Yes, Phii Tharn, and he’s pretty generous too, bought it without thinking twice. I’m still wondering why he bought it for me.”

“You sure make a strong brew.” I said, giving him a side-eye. Ter has been teasing me about my connection with Phii Joe since last night. I don’t know what he’s up to, teasing like that. He was told to keep quiet but wouldn’t listen.

“Good crew members are like that. As the captain, don’t abandon ship often.” Ter said. I only understood these terms when Ter explained them to me. The term ‘captain of the ship’ was something he heard from other girls.

“I’m doing my best to stay aboard Johan’s ship, you know.” He said and then chuckled softly, seeing my annoyed expression.

“Oh, so Johan bought it for you?”

“Uh…yes, sir. He broke my old phone, so he bought me a new one.”

“Wow, he must be rich. If I were him, I’d just pay for the repair.”

“Exactly, right? Normally, people would just cover the repair costs. Who would buy a new one? And an expensive new model at that.” Ter teased again. I was getting quite annoyed; it’s like he’s getting back at me for all the times I’ve teased him. Teasing others is fun, but when you’re the one being teased, it’s not, T^T.

“Ter really loves to tease.” Phii Tharn said with a slight smile, “But you know, it’s good to be cautious. I’m not saying Johan is a bad person or anything. He’s friends with Ter’s boyfriend, but he’s known for being a bit of a playboy, right?”

“Yes, sir.” I nodded, “Hey, you think me and him are like what Ter is joking about? That’s funny, sir. No way.” I shook my head vigorously, understanding what he was implying. “That’s good then. Look at this.” Phii Tharn said before taking out his phone, swiping through it, and then handing it over to me.

It was an Instagram story from someone named Jao.pangg. The screenshot showed an outgoing call, but it was busy on another line, with a message next to it that read:

“Maybe he is stuck on a call with someone, but one thing’s for sure, I really want to talk to him.” : (

   Upon closer inspection…

The person Pang is calling…isn’t it Phii Johan?

Oh no, that’s a disaster…

Suddenly, I feel a bit unsafe, why on earth…

“Jaopang?” I double-checked the name I saw.

“Her real name is just Pang, she’s a third-year in the management faculty. She’s been talking with Johan, don’t know if they’re dating or what, but I’ve seen Johan in Pang’s Instagram stories.”

“And this one too.”

Tharn scrolled through his phone again to show me.

This time, it was an Instagram post of food with the caption, “Someone kind treated me to this, thank you, let’s do it again next time 😉 #myJ”

   “Jay?”

“That’s Johan, he’s another one Johan has been talking (flirting) to, but…it seems like Johan might have dumped her.”

“Wow, so many.” I exclaimed, and each one was so stunning, wow, what a cheater, does he think being handsome and rich means he can talk to anyone? “And like this, doesn’t it cause any trouble? They all seem to be posting and flaunting it.” I said, normally when you talk to multiple people, you try not to get caught.

“He’s an openly flirtatious playboy, even you know about it.” Said Ter. “Whatever, whether he’s a playboy or not isn’t my business, but using me as his dog guard isn’t okay. I didn’t think someone would actually call Phii Joe. If Flour finds out, won’t she come after me?” I complained.

“North, just don’t call him then.” Phii Tharn said with a disapproving look, “If you refuse and actually listen, it would be better.” I sighed. Soon, it was time to open the shop, and since it was a holiday, it was particularly crowded. We brought our work to the coffee shop early in the morning. Phii Tharn was in charge of making drinks since neither Ter nor I knew how yet, but once we learned, it would be our job.

We work here only on weekends. Someone else works on weekdays, and they study on weekends, so it’s like a switch-off. I didn’t even know there were special programs where you only study on weekends. Tharn comes to check on the place on some days, or so I’ve heard.

“North”

“What?” I responded to Ter’s call while I was busy washing cups.

“I’m really interested in this, you know?”

“Huh?”

“We’re in the same boat now. I’ll row the boat myself, trust me, Captain.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Well, Phii Joe is friends with Phii Hill.”

“So you’re shipping me with your boyfriend’s friend?”

“Yeah, partly, but I like talking to him, he’s kind of cute, I ship it.”

“That’s messed up, he’s crazy when we talk, just scolds me.”

“Normally, Phii Johan isn’t that harsh.”

“Try getting scolded by him, then you’ll see how Phii Hill scolds you.” I said, sighing at Ter again. What’s wrong with him? I’m not usually this headacheinducing, “Wait…how did you hear that? I remember I had my headphones on last night.”

“Oops!”

“Your shocked face is so fake.” I said, annoyed, having to see Ter’s fake shocked expression. He’s such a good liar. “Eavesdropping?” Ter is good at eavesdropping, and he’s probably quite proud of this skill. But is this kind of skill really necessary?

   “Crazy, he heard it himself.”

“Come on, tell the truth.”

“Alright. I didn’t hear the conversation, but I heard you muttering to yourself all the time, complaining about how you’re going to curse out Phii Johan, why he hates you so much, why a doctor has such a foul mouth, and how Ter should remove the dog from his mouth or whatever.”

“I was ranting that much? I didn’t even realize.”

“Yeah, and he wouldn’t have heard it?”

“No, I had the sound off.”

“Oh, I thought you were sure, secretly badmouthing him.”

“Who would dare scold him to his face?”

The notification sound from my phone made me check it immediately, and there it was, the name of the very person we were just gossiping about.

Why is it so hard to refuse!

Johan: Where are you?

   North♣: At the shop.

   Johan: ?

   North♣: The coffee shop I told you I work at.

   Johan: One Americano.

   Johan: sends location

   Wait a second… What the heck is this!!

North♣: The shop doesn’t deliver…

   Johan: But you do.

   North♣: I don’t.

   Johan: In 30 minutes.

   Hey! What’s this!! Listen to reason, please!

“Dammit.” I cursed, causing Ter, who was wiping glasses, to jump slightly.

“Hey, why are you cursing at me?”

“Not you, I want to curse someone else…but that hundred thousand debt is hanging over my head.”

“Huh? Phii Joe? Alright, go, go.”

“He’s crazy, and where did Phii Tharn go? He’s been gone since a while ago.” I asked, wanting to ask Phii Tharn to make the Americano.

“He went to the bathroom, why?”

“It’s your dear Phii Joe, he wants an Americano, wants me to deliver it…this is a coffee shop, not a pizza place, since when does a coffee shop deliver?”

“Well, some do.” Said Ter before he started thinking, “Wouldn’t be that strange.”

“Fucking beast!”

“Are you scolding Phii Joe?”

“I’m scolding you, why are you siding with the other side?” I said, irritated. Damn it. From the location Phii Tharn shared, it wasn’t that far, but I didn’t want to go, too lazy.

“Come on, people get angry and then it passes.” Phii Tharn came back after a while. I told him about Phii Johan ordering coffee.

“Our shop doesn’t do deliveries.” Phii Tharn said, frowning in surprise.

“What can we do…I’ll deliver it myself.” I sighed, “It’s hot outside, sitting in the cool air conditioning is nice anyway.” “Should I deliver it for you then?” “No, it’s fine. I’ll do it.” I insisted, and Phii Tharn sighed slightly before letting me go alone to deliver the coffee. The place really wasn’t far from the shop. I got a bit lost before arriving.

North♣: I’m here.

   I messaged the other party while standing bewildered in front of the condo, still wearing my shop’s apron. What a luxurious condo, how many floors does it have anyway?

Johan: 12th floor.

   North♣: Which room?

   Johan: Come up.

   Not telling me the room number, how am I supposed to know? Whatever…I’ll ask when I get there, better than standing here in the heat. I walked into the condo, feeling a bit tense, and pressed for the 12th floor.

Wait, this is…

Why is it so open?

And here…why is there only one door?

Don’t tell me…

He owns the entire floor? Oh my, I give up. Accepting his wealth, forget about my debt of a hundred thousand or so.

I stood there dumbfounded in front of the door again; should I knock or is there an intercom…Ah, where’s the intercom?

While I was still puzzled,

Click, the door opened, and the room’s owner appeared in a just-awakened state…

But still looking better than me, who’s been up for a while.

T^T “Uh…I’ve brought your Americano.” I suddenly felt out of place standing in front of him, even though we were just talking last night. Phii Johan is about as tall as Phii Hill, around 180 centimeters. He had just tousled his hair without styling it, yet he looked good in an indescribable way. His thick eyebrows were slightly furrowed, indicating he wasn’t in the best mood.

“Just woken up?” I asked, but Phii Johan didn’t reply before turning around and walking back into the room, “Oh, the coffee?”

“Leave it there.” Hearing that, I took the liberty to step inside…can you even call this a room? It’s so spacious because it’s a whole floor of a condo, complete with a kitchen area, a living room with all amenities. If there could be a shrine room, there probably would be one. Wait…is there one?

I placed the Americano on the table in front of the sofa, feeling oddly out of place having come here just to deliver one cup of instant coffee.

“Did you make it yourself?” He asked as he slumped down on the sofa, taking a sip of the Americano.

“No, the shop owner made it.”

“You said you’d make it for me to try.”

“I haven’t started training yet.” I replied, inadvertently looking away from his gaze. Why am I starting to feel scared? T^T, Is he mad at me because of the instant coffee? That’s not my fault, blame the weather for spoiling it.

   “Then I’ll head back now.” I began to excuse myself, feeling so uncomfortable. Why isn’t he saying anything? It’s like he’s angry he should at least say something like yesterday, that would’ve been better.

“You’re not allowed to leave.” I halted immediately upon hearing that, then saw Phii Johan get up and move to his work desk instead.

“Sit down.” “But I have to hurry back.” “Why?” “I have work.”

“Quit.”

That’s easy for you to say!

T^T

 

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